The past couple of weeks have been very busy with Christmas decorating, shopping, parties & wrapping. In the midst of all this busy-ness, I've discovered that there is another way I take after my big sister, Barb. Boxes!!!! My name is Jean Miller and I'm a hoarder. I save boxes of every shape and size. There's really no reason so I guess you'd say it's an addiction. While wrapping presents recently, I went to the cabinet to pick out a few boxes and when I opened the cabinet door a flood of boxes fell onto the floor. As I was picking through for the perfect size, I muttered to myself, "God, I'm obsessed!" Jim happened to be walking by and asked what I said and when I told him he said, "Yeah, I know." Some of the boxes I have saved are from gifts I received from Officers at JCI over the years. Now, in my defense, they are not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill boxes. They are very fancy smancy boxes. How could I possibly throw them away? I thought this is the perfect time to use some of these boxes up and free some space for the ones I'm sure to receive at our January Board meeting when our new 2009 Board of Directors come to town. So I used a silk-lined, leather-look box to wrap Angie's music video. I used a golden, swede look to wrap Johnny's I-Pod Touch. I used a wooden beauty to wrap gloves for Brian. See what I mean? You wouldn't throw these exquisite boxes away either!
Last night I was looking for a box to wrap some slippers for Meagan and when I found a dark blue, crinkled box with a brass clasp I knew it would be perfect. I brought it to my wrap station (the family room ottoman) and opened it up to put the slippers inside and found a bunch of smaller boxes inside. It was too much trouble to take them out so I just stuck the slippers in a gift bag. I really don't know what I'll use the teeny, tiny boxes for, but if anyone needs some, I have plenty.
I also have the regular shirt boxes in 3 sizes that I keep in another cabinet. So far I've used 2 of them. And I can't forget the shoe boxes, copy paper boxes (with nice lids) and regular cardboard boxes that I have in the garage just in case I need them for something. Last weekend, I happened to notice that there were a few boxes on top of the freezer in the garage that I didn't recognize. When I asked Jim what they were he told me he saved them in case we might need them. So there! I'm not the only one!
The problem is that since we will be opening gifts here on Christmas Eve, I'll probably inherit most of the boxes back.....
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Pictures from India
We've been having problems with our computer at home (go figure) so I couldn't post the pictures. These will give you an idea of what India looks like.
Street scene in Delhi - they live here.
Scooting down the street - I gave him money.
Scene from a village on the way to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.
Snake charmers.
Another street scene on way to the Taj.
Street where we stopped for shopping. Arrey was concerned that the elephant's skin was dried out so he gave the guy money and told him to put water on the elephant.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Back in the Good Old USA!
To expand on my experience in India, let me tell you that there is no way in hell I’d ever go back to that poverty-stricken, trash-strewn, polluted country. As I said in my earlier blog, New Delhi has a population of 15 million and I learned that 5% are homeless which is a whopping 750,000 people living on the streets. Our Congress was in the “government enclave” area of New Delhi which is the equivalent of the Washington, DC area. I saw people living in tents, lean-tos, and any shack they could construct. I saw people sleeping right out in the open in parks and on sidewalks, sometimes laying directly on the ground and other times on a piece of cardboard. When I go camping I live in better conditions. I saw barefoot, filthy children performing acrobatics and contortionist moves on the streets with their mother sitting on the curb, hands held out for money. I saw an old man with his sandals on his hands moving down the street on his butt as he couldn’t stand up.
Just when I thought I had seen the lowest of the low, we started our journey to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. We drove through numerous villages where the conditions were even worse. There was trash everywhere with people & animals rummaging through it and standing water that was horribly contaminated and the cows & dogs were drinking from it. Every village we passed seemed to be crumbling and there were tons of people everywhere. I guess this is what you see when a country has a population of over one billion people. Our tour guide was quite open and we asked many questions and found out that India still practices the caste system. When I asked him if he felt sorry for the poor people, I was glad to hear him say yes. I have seen poor Mayan people in Mexico but I have never seen poverty in this magnitude. There were some children in school uniforms that looked happy but for the most part, the poor people would stare at our bus and they looked anything but happy. I told my co-workers that I’d probably have nightmares with their pathetic, staring eyes in it. If the bus stopped for any reason, we were rushed by hawkers trying to sell their wares. They were smothering and quite scary at times.
As we passed through these villages the traffic was horrendous. There were tons of cars, buses, bicycles, rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and bull-, horse-, camel- or donkey-drawn carts hauling unrecognizable loads. There were goats and even elephants walking in the street! I saw buses filled to the brim with people and then more people riding on top. At one point as we passed through a village about a mile or two further down the road was a huge, beautiful mall. I wondered who the heck shops there-maybe the tourists on their way to Agra. We stopped at what would be the equivalent of a truck stop to use the restroom and get a drink when we came upon a snake charmer. We took several pictures before realizing we’d have to pay so we bargained and the charmer wasn’t very happy with the result.
It was getting dark by the time we got to the Jaypee Hotel in Agra and we passed villages with no electricity. Some of the vendors had oil lanterns to light up their wares. We decided to get to the Taj Mahal at dawn in order to see the sun rising and reflecting off the Taj. It’s supposed to be a beautiful sight as the sun reflects through the white marble. Unfortunately, the fog & smog were so bad when we arrived that we couldn’t even see the Taj until we got right up on it. It was very impressive and we were able to get half-way decent pictures after being there for over an hour. I can’t say it’s the most beautiful historical site I’ve seen because I saw spectacular mosques, temples and palaces in Istanbul last year but it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. . On our way back from seeing the Taj Mahal we stopped at MacDonald’s out in the middle of nowhere. Let me assure you, they didn’t sell Big Macs or Quarter Pounders because you can’t find beef anywhere in India. They sold veggie burgers, chicken nuggets and fish. I had a fish & fries and they tasted great which made me wish I had ordered more.
There were several people who got sick during Congress, including our President who ended up in the hospital. I don’t think there was ever a diagnosis but he said the hospital was very clean, inexpensive and the doctors very good. He had a consultation with a specialist and it only cost 5 Euros. He said there is free medical care for all the citizens. I’ve been sick since I got back which is unusual for me because besides a cold, I hardly ever get sick. At the Presidential Gala which is the closing of Congress there were mosquitoes in the hall and I was bitten. Materne, our Area Director for Africa and the Middle East who lives in Togo told me I should get a malaria shot when I got home. When I mentioned this to Arrey who is another co-worker from Cameroon and quite familiar with malaria, he said that he has some pills I can take if I come down with it.
Just when I thought I had seen the lowest of the low, we started our journey to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. We drove through numerous villages where the conditions were even worse. There was trash everywhere with people & animals rummaging through it and standing water that was horribly contaminated and the cows & dogs were drinking from it. Every village we passed seemed to be crumbling and there were tons of people everywhere. I guess this is what you see when a country has a population of over one billion people. Our tour guide was quite open and we asked many questions and found out that India still practices the caste system. When I asked him if he felt sorry for the poor people, I was glad to hear him say yes. I have seen poor Mayan people in Mexico but I have never seen poverty in this magnitude. There were some children in school uniforms that looked happy but for the most part, the poor people would stare at our bus and they looked anything but happy. I told my co-workers that I’d probably have nightmares with their pathetic, staring eyes in it. If the bus stopped for any reason, we were rushed by hawkers trying to sell their wares. They were smothering and quite scary at times.
As we passed through these villages the traffic was horrendous. There were tons of cars, buses, bicycles, rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and bull-, horse-, camel- or donkey-drawn carts hauling unrecognizable loads. There were goats and even elephants walking in the street! I saw buses filled to the brim with people and then more people riding on top. At one point as we passed through a village about a mile or two further down the road was a huge, beautiful mall. I wondered who the heck shops there-maybe the tourists on their way to Agra. We stopped at what would be the equivalent of a truck stop to use the restroom and get a drink when we came upon a snake charmer. We took several pictures before realizing we’d have to pay so we bargained and the charmer wasn’t very happy with the result.
It was getting dark by the time we got to the Jaypee Hotel in Agra and we passed villages with no electricity. Some of the vendors had oil lanterns to light up their wares. We decided to get to the Taj Mahal at dawn in order to see the sun rising and reflecting off the Taj. It’s supposed to be a beautiful sight as the sun reflects through the white marble. Unfortunately, the fog & smog were so bad when we arrived that we couldn’t even see the Taj until we got right up on it. It was very impressive and we were able to get half-way decent pictures after being there for over an hour. I can’t say it’s the most beautiful historical site I’ve seen because I saw spectacular mosques, temples and palaces in Istanbul last year but it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. . On our way back from seeing the Taj Mahal we stopped at MacDonald’s out in the middle of nowhere. Let me assure you, they didn’t sell Big Macs or Quarter Pounders because you can’t find beef anywhere in India. They sold veggie burgers, chicken nuggets and fish. I had a fish & fries and they tasted great which made me wish I had ordered more.
There were several people who got sick during Congress, including our President who ended up in the hospital. I don’t think there was ever a diagnosis but he said the hospital was very clean, inexpensive and the doctors very good. He had a consultation with a specialist and it only cost 5 Euros. He said there is free medical care for all the citizens. I’ve been sick since I got back which is unusual for me because besides a cold, I hardly ever get sick. At the Presidential Gala which is the closing of Congress there were mosquitoes in the hall and I was bitten. Materne, our Area Director for Africa and the Middle East who lives in Togo told me I should get a malaria shot when I got home. When I mentioned this to Arrey who is another co-worker from Cameroon and quite familiar with malaria, he said that he has some pills I can take if I come down with it.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Welcome to Incredible India!
Incredible is right! Incredibly polluted, littered, crowded, stinky, traffic-jammed, horn-honking, ugly city (at lease New Delhi) that I’ve ever seen. There are over a billion people in India with 15 million in the New Delhi area and incompetence is the norm that I’ve witnessed. Needless to say, the JCI 63rd World Congress in Incredible India is not going well. We at JCI Headquarters knew beforehand that our work was cut out for us but we never imagined how difficult it would be to get simple cooperation from the JCI India Congress Organizing Committee (COC) who had pledged to put on the most magnificent Congress ever since they won the bid 2 years ago. There has been one problem after another causing JCI HQ team unbelievable stress because although it is being hosted by JCI India who is supposed to provide all the logistics, transportation, meals, etc., when things go wrong, we take the flak.
When I arrived after almost 24 hours of travel time and walked out of the airport to catch our van, the first thing that hit me was the smog. At first I thought it was fog and I didn’t realize what it was because I have never experienced anything like it before. Now I truly understand the meaning of the word acrid because that’s the only way to describe it. India used to be a British territory so they drive very fast on the opposite side of the road in three lanes weaving in out of traffic and honk and weave and honk and weave. It’s really very scary but I experienced this type of driving last year in Istanbul. We got here at night and since I find it difficult to sleep on airplanes, I was tired enough to go to bed. There is an 11-1/2 hour time difference so I thought I could just go to sleep and nip the jet lag in the bud. We checked into the Parkland Safdarjung Hotel and I was exhausted so I just about collapsed in the hard bed ready to sleep for the night. I was asleep within minutes and awakened soon after by a loud clang that seemed to be coming through the ceiling. As I was trying to get back to sleep I heard all the traffic & horn-honking. The periodic clang & horns continued throughout the night which made for a miserable night’s rest for me. When the same clanging happened the next night, I called the desk & demanded it stop so the guy came to my room to figure out what the noise was and come to find it was the boiler. I’m not sure I even know what the heck a boiler is. At the least, I though they were something out of the distant past!
I was pretty impressed with the first meal I had because it was really quite tasty. Famous last words. I’m so sick of Indian food that I’ve skipped several meals and you all know that is very unusual for me! We were able to get someone to bring us KFC into the office one night and you would’ve thought we all died and gone to heaven. Even all my foreign co-workers were in ecstasy! There was one day when Zsolt, who is our employee in Budapest told me the club sandwich & French fries at our hotel were very good and I was quite skeptical because this is the same guy who ate raw octopus with the tentacles hanging out of his mouth when we were in Japan. But I trusted him & ordered it and was happy that it was excellent – maybe the best club sandwich I’ve ever had.
I’ve been working long hours, getting little sleep and it finally caught up with me the other day when I was really emotional and on the verge of tears all day long. I was working registration and you’d think there was a big sign in front of my spot marked “Complaint Department” because a lot of members were bitching about one thing or another. I don’t know why they come to me because there is a help desk right across from me & others around but it may be that since I don’t look Indian they think I might be able to do something for them. Either that or they recognize me from year-to-year but I’m not sure why they choose me. Finally, when I closed registration and went back up to the office, our Audit Committee Chairman, Jun Takahashi was there to count & sign off on the cash. He said I looked like I needed a hug and that’s all it took – I was in tears. After I complained about the complainers I calmed down and was able to laugh about it. Jun suggested that next year we have a “Complaint Counter” and man it with a deaf person.
I’m writing this blog a little each day as registration slows down but it could be pages and pages so I will cut it off. The only fun thing I’ve done in the week that I’ve been here is to ride an elephant. We are all going to take a bus trip to the Taj Mahal on Monday which will be a good way to end this horrendous Congress. I can’t wait to get home to my soft bed, quiet house, clean air, and, of course, Jim.
P.S. The Congress site is voted on two years before the actual date and last year in Turkey, Tunisia and Quebec were the contenders. Unfortunately, there are politics in JCI and “the family” instructed their National Organizations how to vote so next year it will be in Tunisia which is destined to be worse. Needless to say, I was rooting for Quebec….
When I arrived after almost 24 hours of travel time and walked out of the airport to catch our van, the first thing that hit me was the smog. At first I thought it was fog and I didn’t realize what it was because I have never experienced anything like it before. Now I truly understand the meaning of the word acrid because that’s the only way to describe it. India used to be a British territory so they drive very fast on the opposite side of the road in three lanes weaving in out of traffic and honk and weave and honk and weave. It’s really very scary but I experienced this type of driving last year in Istanbul. We got here at night and since I find it difficult to sleep on airplanes, I was tired enough to go to bed. There is an 11-1/2 hour time difference so I thought I could just go to sleep and nip the jet lag in the bud. We checked into the Parkland Safdarjung Hotel and I was exhausted so I just about collapsed in the hard bed ready to sleep for the night. I was asleep within minutes and awakened soon after by a loud clang that seemed to be coming through the ceiling. As I was trying to get back to sleep I heard all the traffic & horn-honking. The periodic clang & horns continued throughout the night which made for a miserable night’s rest for me. When the same clanging happened the next night, I called the desk & demanded it stop so the guy came to my room to figure out what the noise was and come to find it was the boiler. I’m not sure I even know what the heck a boiler is. At the least, I though they were something out of the distant past!
I was pretty impressed with the first meal I had because it was really quite tasty. Famous last words. I’m so sick of Indian food that I’ve skipped several meals and you all know that is very unusual for me! We were able to get someone to bring us KFC into the office one night and you would’ve thought we all died and gone to heaven. Even all my foreign co-workers were in ecstasy! There was one day when Zsolt, who is our employee in Budapest told me the club sandwich & French fries at our hotel were very good and I was quite skeptical because this is the same guy who ate raw octopus with the tentacles hanging out of his mouth when we were in Japan. But I trusted him & ordered it and was happy that it was excellent – maybe the best club sandwich I’ve ever had.
I’ve been working long hours, getting little sleep and it finally caught up with me the other day when I was really emotional and on the verge of tears all day long. I was working registration and you’d think there was a big sign in front of my spot marked “Complaint Department” because a lot of members were bitching about one thing or another. I don’t know why they come to me because there is a help desk right across from me & others around but it may be that since I don’t look Indian they think I might be able to do something for them. Either that or they recognize me from year-to-year but I’m not sure why they choose me. Finally, when I closed registration and went back up to the office, our Audit Committee Chairman, Jun Takahashi was there to count & sign off on the cash. He said I looked like I needed a hug and that’s all it took – I was in tears. After I complained about the complainers I calmed down and was able to laugh about it. Jun suggested that next year we have a “Complaint Counter” and man it with a deaf person.
I’m writing this blog a little each day as registration slows down but it could be pages and pages so I will cut it off. The only fun thing I’ve done in the week that I’ve been here is to ride an elephant. We are all going to take a bus trip to the Taj Mahal on Monday which will be a good way to end this horrendous Congress. I can’t wait to get home to my soft bed, quiet house, clean air, and, of course, Jim.
P.S. The Congress site is voted on two years before the actual date and last year in Turkey, Tunisia and Quebec were the contenders. Unfortunately, there are politics in JCI and “the family” instructed their National Organizations how to vote so next year it will be in Tunisia which is destined to be worse. Needless to say, I was rooting for Quebec….
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Pictures
Grandpa Preli's trunk he brought from Italy with my beautiful new scrapbook (thanks again, Barb) and " My History of Concerts" album on top. 
Jim lined the trunk with cedar for me.
I planted morning glory seeds in early spring and babied the little plants along and this is what I got! I had to chop the hell out of it before the washers tournament because you couldn't even walk under it. I got many compliments on my yard & plants which made me very proud.
The Washers Tournament
Jim & I hosted our annual washers tournament yesterday and the weather was great compared to last year when it got up to 90 degrees. We decided to have it a week later this year because I was very disappointed last year when we weren't able to have a bonfire because it was too darn hot! Unfortunately, Ron & Janet couldn't come because it was the weekend of her family get-together at Sam A. Baker Park. Ron is usually the scorekeeper and keeps the losers & winners brackets straight for us so when Jim found out he wouldn't be here, he took charge. He did a pretty good job but was harassed continuously by one person or another. I made a big pot of chile which I proceeded to burn (and I'm boiling soapy water in it trying to get the gunk off the bottom as I write this blog) when I tried to get it hot too fast. Pretty much of it got eaten and I told everyone not to scrape the bottom when they served themselves. Everyone brought a dish so we had lots of good food. Jessica & Mike stopped by with little Max and he is so cute and so tiny. I made sure to hold him before I got too many beers in me!
Gene & Mary are holding the trophy backwards & I didn't realize it when I took the picture!
Although the invitation said to come over at 1:00 for practice and the tournament would be starting at 2:00 sharp, we didn't get started until well after 3:00. Jim put a new spin on the game this year by making everyone (or shall I say the guys) draw for a female partner. When he first told me his idea I wasn't too keen on it but said it might work. It ended up working very well and it was alot of fun mixing it up a little. Matt drew my name and we did pretty good. About an hour after we started, we heard the big machinery from the farmer down on the bottoms and Jim & I thought it was only a matter of time before there would be a big cloud of dust & alergens descending on us as we experienced the first year we held the tournament in our new house. I don't know why, but it never happened and the games went on. There were 7 teams and it ended up me & Matt played against Gene & Mary for the grand prize. It was a close match and it was pretty dark when we finally finished with an overtime score of 24-22 but Gene & Mary took the money. Mary was a first-timer so I was glad she won although I wouldn't have minded winning myself!
Jim lit the bonfire and we sat around talking & laughing and had a great time. I think the temperature had only gotten into the low 70's so it cooled down alot and the party was a success.
Gene & Mary are holding the trophy backwards & I didn't realize it when I took the picture!Monday, October 6, 2008
The Trunk
When Barb was in town back in July we had the opportunity to go through Mom’s trunk and discovered some pretty good stuff on which we based our Zimmermann competition. A month or so afterwards when I was at Mom’s one evening, she asked me to help her clean the rest of her paperwork out of the trunk. As we were working, she mentioned that the trunk had belonged to Grandpa Preli and that he had brought it with him when he came over from Italy. You would’ve never guessed it was that old the way mom had painted it bright orange and lined it with orange-flowered shelf paper. But when she asked me if I wanted it I jumped at the chance (you got the punch bowl Barb!) to have something over 100 years old that had belonged to my Grandfather and held up not only on the voyage all the way from Italy but for years and years afterward. I was very excited and told mom I would cherish it.
I brought it home and my mind was reeling at how I would get rid of the orange. I thought about sanding it but knew it would be a huge job and I’m not that motivated. I decided to paint it and I knew I wanted it to look old so I went to Home Depot and bought some spray paint that had a finish that wasn’t shiny. Well, I placed the trunk on top of one of Jim’s infamous rugs in the garage, pulled it out onto the driveway and proceeded to spray and within about 4-1/2 minutes, the can was empty, my finger hurt really bad and the trunk wasn’t nearly covered. So, needless to say, I was very discouraged and pulled it back into the garage where it sat for a few weeks while I racked my brain on a new strategy. I didn’t want to spray it anymore because not only would it take 20 cans but I didn’t think my finger could take the pressure!
In the meantime, I asked Jim to line it with cedar, we bought some planks, he did a good job and there it sat just waiting for me to ‘git er done’. I finally figured out what I wanted to do so Jim & I made another trip to Home Depot. As we were standing there looking at the paint selection, I told Jim that I also wanted to get some new handles for the sides of the trunk as I wanted some that were bigger & more antique looking than the ones Mom had put on it. Jim proceeded to tell me that I couldn’t switch the handles as he’d glued the cedar into the trunk and it would be impossible to get to them. I couldn’t believe it; I was very upset and pretty pissed off. I told him that I had tried to get the handles off but couldn’t and that was the only reason they were still on there. Blah, blah blah – didn’t do me any good so I steamed. I ended up buying a quart of Ralph Lauren’s suede paint along with some supplies.
This past weekend I got all set up & ready to paint but when I opened the can, the paint was white. I read the label and it said base for tinting so I went back to Home Depot and had the guy tint it tan for me. I came back home and painted the trunk, trying to follow the instructions on the can. When Jim came home a little later, he exclaimed how great the trunk looked. Now, I’m not sure if he was over-doing it because he knew I was upset about the handles but whatever his motive, he made me feel good about it. I told him that I needed to get some paint for the latches, locks & hinges and, of course, he disagreed. He said I shouldn’t mess with it anymore and it looked great the way it was. Needless to say, we went to Michael’s later on and I bought a little tube of metallic paint and painted the latches, locks, hinges & the metal things on the corners.
I finished up Sunday evening and it is now in my hearth room for all to see. I think it looks pretty good but I’m anxious to get other opinions.
I brought it home and my mind was reeling at how I would get rid of the orange. I thought about sanding it but knew it would be a huge job and I’m not that motivated. I decided to paint it and I knew I wanted it to look old so I went to Home Depot and bought some spray paint that had a finish that wasn’t shiny. Well, I placed the trunk on top of one of Jim’s infamous rugs in the garage, pulled it out onto the driveway and proceeded to spray and within about 4-1/2 minutes, the can was empty, my finger hurt really bad and the trunk wasn’t nearly covered. So, needless to say, I was very discouraged and pulled it back into the garage where it sat for a few weeks while I racked my brain on a new strategy. I didn’t want to spray it anymore because not only would it take 20 cans but I didn’t think my finger could take the pressure!
In the meantime, I asked Jim to line it with cedar, we bought some planks, he did a good job and there it sat just waiting for me to ‘git er done’. I finally figured out what I wanted to do so Jim & I made another trip to Home Depot. As we were standing there looking at the paint selection, I told Jim that I also wanted to get some new handles for the sides of the trunk as I wanted some that were bigger & more antique looking than the ones Mom had put on it. Jim proceeded to tell me that I couldn’t switch the handles as he’d glued the cedar into the trunk and it would be impossible to get to them. I couldn’t believe it; I was very upset and pretty pissed off. I told him that I had tried to get the handles off but couldn’t and that was the only reason they were still on there. Blah, blah blah – didn’t do me any good so I steamed. I ended up buying a quart of Ralph Lauren’s suede paint along with some supplies.
This past weekend I got all set up & ready to paint but when I opened the can, the paint was white. I read the label and it said base for tinting so I went back to Home Depot and had the guy tint it tan for me. I came back home and painted the trunk, trying to follow the instructions on the can. When Jim came home a little later, he exclaimed how great the trunk looked. Now, I’m not sure if he was over-doing it because he knew I was upset about the handles but whatever his motive, he made me feel good about it. I told him that I needed to get some paint for the latches, locks & hinges and, of course, he disagreed. He said I shouldn’t mess with it anymore and it looked great the way it was. Needless to say, we went to Michael’s later on and I bought a little tube of metallic paint and painted the latches, locks, hinges & the metal things on the corners.
I finished up Sunday evening and it is now in my hearth room for all to see. I think it looks pretty good but I’m anxious to get other opinions.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Mushroom Caper
Last Sunday me, Jim, Debbie & Mike were supposed to go boating but the weather didn't cooperate so we went 4-wheeling instead. We decided to go to the Steelville area where Mike owns some property with a small cabin. When we pulled up to the cabin there was a truck with a trailer and a Jeep parked in the yard. Mike said they were probably owned by his step-sister's husband who lives in Cuba, MO (a real country boy). While we were waiting for Jim to get the 4-wheelers started, Debbie & I did some target practice with her little 22 revolver. As we were wasting time, Mike's step-brother-in-law, Rick pulled up on a four wheeler and we did introductions. He said he had come back for a bag because they had found a huge patch of elk horn mushrooms. Debbie & I asked a few questions before he took off again. Jim got the 4-wheelers going and we proceeded to go up & down logging roads & paths through the woods. We got pretty muddy and only got stuck once or twice. It was fun but getting late so we went back to the cabin to barbecue some dinner before driving 2 hours back home.
When we got back to the cabin I noticed some mushrooms on Rick's trailer and stopped to take a look. They didn't look like any mushroom I'd ever seen. I remembered the morels we used to eat when I was a kid and I expected the same but these weren't even close. As the barbecue was cooking I went over to inspect the mushrooms again and noticed a big trash bag next to them and when I looked in I couldn't believe it was cram-packed with more mushrooms! Some of them were huge! They looked like coral you'd find on the bottom of the sea.
When Rick & his gang got back to the cabin, I proceeded to quiz him on the mushrooms; how he cooked them, what they tasted like, etc. He told us there were some growing close to the cabin so Debbie & I went mushroom hunting. We didn't get nearly as many as them but we got a gallon ziplock bag of them to bring home and try. We agreed we'd get together Tuesday night to make dinner & try our elk horn mushrooms.
I checked the internet for elk horn mushrooms and couldn't find anything. When I got to Debbie's last night she had the mushroom pulled up on the screen of her computer. Come to find out they're called CORAL FUNGI. Talk about gross! I didn't have my camera but took pictures with my cell phone. I don't know how to get them on the blog and I've tried to post a picture off the internet but it won't paste onto the page. This is the link if you'd like to take a look http://www.backyardnature.net/f/coralfng.htm. We made sure to soak them in water overnight because they grow through all kinds of leaves & stuff & Jim was afraid of what animal might've peed on them! We cleaned them up real good & cut the stems off just as Rick told us. We egged & floured them and pan fried them. I am a huge mushroom lover but I didn't know if I could eat the coral fungi mushrooms, not only because of the way they looked but also because of their name. Fungi! Yuck! And I had read they could have a laxative effect on some people. I certainly don't need that!
Well, we ate them and they weren't too bad. Not a whole lot of taste but pretty good. We didn't get diarrhea and they didn't have any effect on our minds.
Too bad....
When we got back to the cabin I noticed some mushrooms on Rick's trailer and stopped to take a look. They didn't look like any mushroom I'd ever seen. I remembered the morels we used to eat when I was a kid and I expected the same but these weren't even close. As the barbecue was cooking I went over to inspect the mushrooms again and noticed a big trash bag next to them and when I looked in I couldn't believe it was cram-packed with more mushrooms! Some of them were huge! They looked like coral you'd find on the bottom of the sea.
When Rick & his gang got back to the cabin, I proceeded to quiz him on the mushrooms; how he cooked them, what they tasted like, etc. He told us there were some growing close to the cabin so Debbie & I went mushroom hunting. We didn't get nearly as many as them but we got a gallon ziplock bag of them to bring home and try. We agreed we'd get together Tuesday night to make dinner & try our elk horn mushrooms.
I checked the internet for elk horn mushrooms and couldn't find anything. When I got to Debbie's last night she had the mushroom pulled up on the screen of her computer. Come to find out they're called CORAL FUNGI. Talk about gross! I didn't have my camera but took pictures with my cell phone. I don't know how to get them on the blog and I've tried to post a picture off the internet but it won't paste onto the page. This is the link if you'd like to take a look http://www.backyardnature.net/f/coralfng.htm. We made sure to soak them in water overnight because they grow through all kinds of leaves & stuff & Jim was afraid of what animal might've peed on them! We cleaned them up real good & cut the stems off just as Rick told us. We egged & floured them and pan fried them. I am a huge mushroom lover but I didn't know if I could eat the coral fungi mushrooms, not only because of the way they looked but also because of their name. Fungi! Yuck! And I had read they could have a laxative effect on some people. I certainly don't need that!
Well, we ate them and they weren't too bad. Not a whole lot of taste but pretty good. We didn't get diarrhea and they didn't have any effect on our minds.
Too bad....
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The Party Crashers
A week ago last Sunday I went to a 50th birthday party for Lester and was talking to Laura when she told me she had run into Steve Hoffmeyer, an old Laker. She said he was going to be having a party the following Saturday, the 13th. I called Matt over and told her to tell him. His immediate reaction was that we were going to crash Steve’s party. You see, there was an article in the newspaper (maybe the Journal) last year about Steve and the house he built on a barge that floats on the Mississippi River. Matt called to tell me to read the article and he sent it to a few family members. He started to harass Jim – trying to talk him into taking the boat on the river to Steve’s house because he wanted to see it. Well, needless to say, his harassment didn’t work and the issue was forgotten. Until, that is, Laura told him about the party.
So Matt and I agreed that we’d crash the party and that I would call Ron & Janet to see if they wanted to be crashers, too. Jim wasn’t too thrilled with the idea as he doesn’t know the Hoffmeyers and he felt kinda funny crashing a party where he didn’t know anyone. Well, Jim ended up going & Ron and Janet ended up wimping out.
Matt & Sharon came over to pick us up and we went out to dinner at a place on the way to the river. We were kind of winging it with the directions Laura gave us but when we drove down a farm road towards the river and I saw a huge bonfire, I knew we were at the right place. Anybody who knows the Hoffmeyer boys, knows that they don’t have a little campfire – it’s always huge tree trunks burning at least 10 feet into the sky. As soon as we parked I saw Steve so I went up to him and told him I hoped he didn’t mind us Zimmermanns crashing his party. Well, he didn’t mind at all and while I was talking to him, Joe Hoffmeyer, Danny Schultz and Mel Clore walked up. It was good seeing all of the old friends
We asked Steve to give us the grand tour so we walked on a bridge/gangplank over the water and onto the deck walkway that went around the whole house. The river was brown. The bugs were massive. The house was cool.
Steve told us he had a friend that floated the barge down from somewhere by Hall Street and it took him 4 years to build. It’s a 2-story with 4 bedrooms and Steve did a great job. The woodwork is beautiful and even though the water was brown, it was pretty neat standing out on the deck with the river flowing all around. He said he had to power wash the house at least once a month or there’d be bugs plastered all over it and if he left a light on outside, there’d be a huge pile of dead bugs on the deck the next morning. There was a tall post that Steve had marked when the St. Louis/St. Charles area was flooded earlier in the summer. His mark was about 10 feet above where we stood and he said that was where his deck floor was at the time. He said he’d take his john boat to get to his car that he had parked on higher ground when he went out. When we asked about taxes he said he’s battling the State and/or? the City of St. Charles now because they want to charge him but he says he’s on a national waterway so they have no right.
Matt asked about fishing and Steve said he caught big ones & he ate them. Matt was grossed out and Steve said he just cuts the brown/black? stuff off!
At one point when Sharon & I looked into the bathroom, the toilet water was brown and we thought someone had done a job and forgot to flush. As we were trying to skat outta there, Steve came in to show us the bathroom and the toilet didn't phase him. I realized a little later when I had to use it that it was river water. I just prayed the sink was clear & it was. After much thought, I'm pretty sure his " jobs" are going into the river. When I talked to Matt about this later, he said it's "the circle of life" Jeanne! All's I can say is "Steve is one rugged guy"! And all's Jim can say is "River Rats"!
We didn’t stay long because the mosquitoes were horrendous. It was fun popping in unexpectedly and knowing that being old “Lakers” made us welcome anytime.
So Matt and I agreed that we’d crash the party and that I would call Ron & Janet to see if they wanted to be crashers, too. Jim wasn’t too thrilled with the idea as he doesn’t know the Hoffmeyers and he felt kinda funny crashing a party where he didn’t know anyone. Well, Jim ended up going & Ron and Janet ended up wimping out.
Matt & Sharon came over to pick us up and we went out to dinner at a place on the way to the river. We were kind of winging it with the directions Laura gave us but when we drove down a farm road towards the river and I saw a huge bonfire, I knew we were at the right place. Anybody who knows the Hoffmeyer boys, knows that they don’t have a little campfire – it’s always huge tree trunks burning at least 10 feet into the sky. As soon as we parked I saw Steve so I went up to him and told him I hoped he didn’t mind us Zimmermanns crashing his party. Well, he didn’t mind at all and while I was talking to him, Joe Hoffmeyer, Danny Schultz and Mel Clore walked up. It was good seeing all of the old friends
We asked Steve to give us the grand tour so we walked on a bridge/gangplank over the water and onto the deck walkway that went around the whole house. The river was brown. The bugs were massive. The house was cool.
Steve told us he had a friend that floated the barge down from somewhere by Hall Street and it took him 4 years to build. It’s a 2-story with 4 bedrooms and Steve did a great job. The woodwork is beautiful and even though the water was brown, it was pretty neat standing out on the deck with the river flowing all around. He said he had to power wash the house at least once a month or there’d be bugs plastered all over it and if he left a light on outside, there’d be a huge pile of dead bugs on the deck the next morning. There was a tall post that Steve had marked when the St. Louis/St. Charles area was flooded earlier in the summer. His mark was about 10 feet above where we stood and he said that was where his deck floor was at the time. He said he’d take his john boat to get to his car that he had parked on higher ground when he went out. When we asked about taxes he said he’s battling the State and/or? the City of St. Charles now because they want to charge him but he says he’s on a national waterway so they have no right.
Matt asked about fishing and Steve said he caught big ones & he ate them. Matt was grossed out and Steve said he just cuts the brown/black? stuff off!
At one point when Sharon & I looked into the bathroom, the toilet water was brown and we thought someone had done a job and forgot to flush. As we were trying to skat outta there, Steve came in to show us the bathroom and the toilet didn't phase him. I realized a little later when I had to use it that it was river water. I just prayed the sink was clear & it was. After much thought, I'm pretty sure his " jobs" are going into the river. When I talked to Matt about this later, he said it's "the circle of life" Jeanne! All's I can say is "Steve is one rugged guy"! And all's Jim can say is "River Rats"!
We didn’t stay long because the mosquitoes were horrendous. It was fun popping in unexpectedly and knowing that being old “Lakers” made us welcome anytime.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Baby Shower for Jessica
The "Old" Aunts hosted a baby shower for Jessica yesterday and although they weren't all here, me, Janet & Jennifer did an excellent job and managed to come out looking pretty good. So what if we almost forgot to serve the cake and hand out the attendance prizes as everyone was leaving! We worked together as a team and helped each other remember what we were supposed to be doing. It's been quite a long time since we hosted a shower (probably Jessica's wedding) so don't laugh! It helped that we had a pre-shower meeting at Houlihan's to assign duties.
As you can see from the picture above, we had quite a spread of delectibles! Once again, Janet went over the top and brought some really good stuff. Jennifer also brought an awesome edible fruit arrangement that everyone raved over.
We played a a few games---match the celebrity to the baby names, guess the baby food and guess the chocolate bar in the diapers. Another good competition! Jessica looked as cute as ever and is filling out very well. We're all looking forward to the big day on October 31!
Monday, August 4, 2008
It's the Principle
In early spring I bought a double knock-out rose bush that I’ve been wanting since last year and my big sister Barb said were so great. Jim & I visited a few nurseries until I finally bought one from Koenig’s Nursery because it looked the healthiest and it would have red flowers. I very seldom buy anything but annuals each year because I always split my perennials or get free stuff from other sources so I really splurged and spent almost $40 on this one bush. I was told that it would flower continuously ALL summer. I picked the perfect spot where it would get a lot of sun and would be up-front & center so I could show it off. Six weeks after it was planted it had loads of flowers on it and I was very happy.
When those flowers faded, nothing happened. I did some research to see if I was supposed to deadhead and found out I could but didn’t have to. Thinking it might help, I did. I fertilized it. I watered it. Nothing happened. It was over a month and nothing. The more I tried the more I got pissed off. I finally convinced myself that the nursery sold me a regular rose bush and I got ripped off. Then I was really mad.
So one Saturday morning I dug the bush up, put it in the original pot that I bought it in, searched around to find my receipt and took it back to the nursery. I went inside to voice my complaint to a young guy and he immediately got the manager. She asked if I had it with me and I led her out to my car. I pulled it out of the back seat and plopped it on the ground where she started to inspect it. First, she told me they go through a dormant period. When I protested, she looked closer and said there was new growth on it. When I told her that there were no buds and it had been almost 2 months, she inspected closer until she found a teeny tiny spider web and pointed it out to me. She said it had bugs. She also said it was diseased. I argued that it did not have bugs and was not diseased. She asked if I had the yellow paper that was given to me upon purchase which stated their return policy. We argued a little more and she again asked about the yellow paper with the return policy. When I told her no I didn’t have the yellow paper and what was their return policy she said “WE DON’T TAKE THEM BACK!”
Needless to say, by this time, I was really worked up and very angry. She turned on her heal and was walking back into the nursery when I yelled that I would never come back and I’d tell all my family & friends never to come there. She said fine and walked into the store. I plopped the rose bush back into my car & spun my tires which threw gravel in the parking lot. I was fuming as I called Jim and told him what happened. He said that his brother told him before that Koenig’s were jerks about taking things back but he hadn’t believed him. I went back home, took the damn rose bush and replanted it in the same spot. After I calmed down, I told Jim that it would probably do good now since it had caused me so much grief.
It’s got blooms on it again, but regardless, I will NEVER go back to Koenig’s Nursery again and if you’re my family or friend, you won’t either!
When those flowers faded, nothing happened. I did some research to see if I was supposed to deadhead and found out I could but didn’t have to. Thinking it might help, I did. I fertilized it. I watered it. Nothing happened. It was over a month and nothing. The more I tried the more I got pissed off. I finally convinced myself that the nursery sold me a regular rose bush and I got ripped off. Then I was really mad.
So one Saturday morning I dug the bush up, put it in the original pot that I bought it in, searched around to find my receipt and took it back to the nursery. I went inside to voice my complaint to a young guy and he immediately got the manager. She asked if I had it with me and I led her out to my car. I pulled it out of the back seat and plopped it on the ground where she started to inspect it. First, she told me they go through a dormant period. When I protested, she looked closer and said there was new growth on it. When I told her that there were no buds and it had been almost 2 months, she inspected closer until she found a teeny tiny spider web and pointed it out to me. She said it had bugs. She also said it was diseased. I argued that it did not have bugs and was not diseased. She asked if I had the yellow paper that was given to me upon purchase which stated their return policy. We argued a little more and she again asked about the yellow paper with the return policy. When I told her no I didn’t have the yellow paper and what was their return policy she said “WE DON’T TAKE THEM BACK!”
Needless to say, by this time, I was really worked up and very angry. She turned on her heal and was walking back into the nursery when I yelled that I would never come back and I’d tell all my family & friends never to come there. She said fine and walked into the store. I plopped the rose bush back into my car & spun my tires which threw gravel in the parking lot. I was fuming as I called Jim and told him what happened. He said that his brother told him before that Koenig’s were jerks about taking things back but he hadn’t believed him. I went back home, took the damn rose bush and replanted it in the same spot. After I calmed down, I told Jim that it would probably do good now since it had caused me so much grief.
It’s got blooms on it again, but regardless, I will NEVER go back to Koenig’s Nursery again and if you’re my family or friend, you won’t either!
Monday, July 14, 2008
I'm One Lucky Girl!!!!
Today I returned to work after being on vacation since 2:47 PM July 3.
At approximately 2:18 PM today the power went out at JCI HQ.
Here's a rundown of my vacation time:
We started out Saturday with a poker party when the out-of-towners (Barb, Butch, Janice, Joyce, Scott, Devon & Madison) arrived. It was nice to have the whole family together. Before we started the poker game we had the competition I (and Barb, I guess) finally came up with. As you know, Barb & I found prom pictures of the "original 7" when we were looking in Mom's trunk. I displayed them on a dry-erase board with the categories of best dress, worst dress, best suit, worst suit, best hair (girl), worst hair (girl), best hair (boy) & worst hair (boy). I got in trouble because I included Jim and didn't think to ask the other in-laws for their pictures (sorry Janet, Sharon, Scott, Butch & Parvez). I didn't forget to include a banana sticker on Barb's dress! There were ballots that everyone filled out and Barb & I tallied the votes amidst a tremendously loud audience! I'm not sure who the winners (or should I say losers) were but I'm pretty sure Joyce got all the votes for worst hair! It was loud, chaotic, hilarious & fun - a perfect Zimmermann competition! The poker game started shortly after and Jennifer kept Matt in line with a few punches & chokes!
Sunday me, Jim, Joyce, Scott & the girls went to the Science Center to see Monsters Alive exhibit and Dinosaurs Omnimax. It didn't cost much which is lucky for Devon who felt dizzy & sick in the Omnimax. We went to Ronnie & Janet's afterward for a delicious Italian roast beef Janet prepared along with some excellent potato salad made by Ron. It wouldn't be a family vacation without a few descriptions of the food! Another poker game ensued and I ended up doing pretty good.
Monday morning we (me, Jim, Ron, Janet, Janice, Matt, Sharon, Scarlett, Jessica, Mike, Joyce, Scott, Devon & Madison) left for Lake of the Ozarks for 3 days. We had a great time and didn't even get kicked out! Although Janice went skiing and I went torpedoing nobody got seriously injured. Madison & Devon both got up on skis for the first time and did very well. There are many stories to be told about the trip to the Lake but I won't go into them or this blog would take forever. I'll include the ones I can remember in my travel journal if you'd care to read it sometime.
Thursday morning we checked out of our luxury penthouse suite & Matt & his gang went home while the rest of us went back out on the boat for a few hours. We got home early evening and ordered the pizza that Joyce & the girls had been longing for. Angie & Brian joined us and we had a good time.
Friday we had the Mandel party which turned out to be - you guessed it - LOUD! It was really loud before they got here but it's amazing how Celeste & Laurie can up the decibel by 50%. Another poker game ensued, along with some ping pong, shuffleboard & video games. It was another good time and a late one since I stayed up with Janice because she had a 6AM flight.
Saturday we went to Matt & Sharon's house for a scrumptious dinner of lasagna (Sharon makes it the best!), salad, garlic bread & ice cream cake. It rained for a short time which cooled the temperature down enough for Matt to fire up the pit. We were much more subdued as we sat around the fire pit and the week came to an end.
The Smiths left Sunday morning at 10AM but had to return to claim a couple of forgotten items. The vacation was great but our big sister & twin sister were missed.
I'm lucky to have a family that I enjoy being with (well, most of the time), that I get excited about seeing (well, most of the time) and that can get along (well, most of the time). I'm lucky to have a husband that I have fun with and love, that enjoys being around the family (well, most of the time) and who is a good sport when being teased by the family. But I'm really lucky that the power went out at JCI and I get to ease my way back into the whole office world again.....
At approximately 2:18 PM today the power went out at JCI HQ.
Here's a rundown of my vacation time:
We started out Saturday with a poker party when the out-of-towners (Barb, Butch, Janice, Joyce, Scott, Devon & Madison) arrived. It was nice to have the whole family together. Before we started the poker game we had the competition I (and Barb, I guess) finally came up with. As you know, Barb & I found prom pictures of the "original 7" when we were looking in Mom's trunk. I displayed them on a dry-erase board with the categories of best dress, worst dress, best suit, worst suit, best hair (girl), worst hair (girl), best hair (boy) & worst hair (boy). I got in trouble because I included Jim and didn't think to ask the other in-laws for their pictures (sorry Janet, Sharon, Scott, Butch & Parvez). I didn't forget to include a banana sticker on Barb's dress! There were ballots that everyone filled out and Barb & I tallied the votes amidst a tremendously loud audience! I'm not sure who the winners (or should I say losers) were but I'm pretty sure Joyce got all the votes for worst hair! It was loud, chaotic, hilarious & fun - a perfect Zimmermann competition! The poker game started shortly after and Jennifer kept Matt in line with a few punches & chokes!
Sunday me, Jim, Joyce, Scott & the girls went to the Science Center to see Monsters Alive exhibit and Dinosaurs Omnimax. It didn't cost much which is lucky for Devon who felt dizzy & sick in the Omnimax. We went to Ronnie & Janet's afterward for a delicious Italian roast beef Janet prepared along with some excellent potato salad made by Ron. It wouldn't be a family vacation without a few descriptions of the food! Another poker game ensued and I ended up doing pretty good.
Monday morning we (me, Jim, Ron, Janet, Janice, Matt, Sharon, Scarlett, Jessica, Mike, Joyce, Scott, Devon & Madison) left for Lake of the Ozarks for 3 days. We had a great time and didn't even get kicked out! Although Janice went skiing and I went torpedoing nobody got seriously injured. Madison & Devon both got up on skis for the first time and did very well. There are many stories to be told about the trip to the Lake but I won't go into them or this blog would take forever. I'll include the ones I can remember in my travel journal if you'd care to read it sometime.
Thursday morning we checked out of our luxury penthouse suite & Matt & his gang went home while the rest of us went back out on the boat for a few hours. We got home early evening and ordered the pizza that Joyce & the girls had been longing for. Angie & Brian joined us and we had a good time.
Friday we had the Mandel party which turned out to be - you guessed it - LOUD! It was really loud before they got here but it's amazing how Celeste & Laurie can up the decibel by 50%. Another poker game ensued, along with some ping pong, shuffleboard & video games. It was another good time and a late one since I stayed up with Janice because she had a 6AM flight.
Saturday we went to Matt & Sharon's house for a scrumptious dinner of lasagna (Sharon makes it the best!), salad, garlic bread & ice cream cake. It rained for a short time which cooled the temperature down enough for Matt to fire up the pit. We were much more subdued as we sat around the fire pit and the week came to an end.
The Smiths left Sunday morning at 10AM but had to return to claim a couple of forgotten items. The vacation was great but our big sister & twin sister were missed.
I'm lucky to have a family that I enjoy being with (well, most of the time), that I get excited about seeing (well, most of the time) and that can get along (well, most of the time). I'm lucky to have a husband that I have fun with and love, that enjoys being around the family (well, most of the time) and who is a good sport when being teased by the family. But I'm really lucky that the power went out at JCI and I get to ease my way back into the whole office world again.....
Monday, June 9, 2008
When will I ever learn.....
This past weekend Jim & I had to go to Meagan's high school graduation ceremony at the St. Charles Convention Center. Everyone knows how boring graduations are and there were 600 seniors graduating! I passed some of the time by practicing my text-messaging skills and sent about 5 or 6 short messages to friends. As hard as I tried, I couldn't figure out where the punctuation marks were! I wanted a few !!!!! and still have no idea where to find them on my phone. I admit I'm a novice when it comes to text messaging and it was quite obvious when I observed the young girl in front of me typing her messages with lightning speed. I bet I could beat her on my computer keyboard though!
Anyway, I was anxious for the ceremony to be over because I had plans to go to Debbie's community pool with her and catch some rays. The only sun I've gotten so far this summer is when I'm outside gardening (which is a lot) and it's hardly noticeable. I finally got out of there and left for Debbie's around 1:00. I even made a sandwich to eat on the road so as not to waste valuable afternoon sun time. When I got to her place I was very impatient and kept telling her to hurry up because she was dawdling.
We got to the pool around 1:45 and it was hot. We found a couple of lounge chairs, spread our towels out and began basking. I decided to use an accelerator on my legs (because they take forever to tan), a sunblock 4 on my upper body & a 45 on my face. We had a very nice, relaxing time just talking and cooling off in the pool periodically. We had to sneak to drink our beers because we messed up and brought bottles and Debbie was paranoid we would get in trouble. We had only brought 4 beers and ran out so we made a quick run back to her place to get more which Debbie poured in plastic containers because she's such a chicken. When we got back (within 5-10 minutes, tops) I noticed I was getting a little red so I started using the 4 sunblock on my legs & 45 on top. We stayed until around 5:00 and I went back to Debbie's to sober up a little before driving home.
After I got home & cleaned up, Jim & I went to a school picnic to meet some friends. While we were sitting there talking I felt my legs begin to catch fire! I suffered until the picnic closed but as soon as we got home I ran a cold bath and laid in there soaking my poor, red legs. It felt so good! Needless to say, I had a miserable night's sleep. I had to sleep on my back (I'm usually a stomach-sleeper) because it was the tops of my legs & hips that were so sore. I woke up a few times and put soothing lotion on before trying to get back to sleep. I'm hoping I won't peel.....
Anyway, I was anxious for the ceremony to be over because I had plans to go to Debbie's community pool with her and catch some rays. The only sun I've gotten so far this summer is when I'm outside gardening (which is a lot) and it's hardly noticeable. I finally got out of there and left for Debbie's around 1:00. I even made a sandwich to eat on the road so as not to waste valuable afternoon sun time. When I got to her place I was very impatient and kept telling her to hurry up because she was dawdling.
We got to the pool around 1:45 and it was hot. We found a couple of lounge chairs, spread our towels out and began basking. I decided to use an accelerator on my legs (because they take forever to tan), a sunblock 4 on my upper body & a 45 on my face. We had a very nice, relaxing time just talking and cooling off in the pool periodically. We had to sneak to drink our beers because we messed up and brought bottles and Debbie was paranoid we would get in trouble. We had only brought 4 beers and ran out so we made a quick run back to her place to get more which Debbie poured in plastic containers because she's such a chicken. When we got back (within 5-10 minutes, tops) I noticed I was getting a little red so I started using the 4 sunblock on my legs & 45 on top. We stayed until around 5:00 and I went back to Debbie's to sober up a little before driving home.
After I got home & cleaned up, Jim & I went to a school picnic to meet some friends. While we were sitting there talking I felt my legs begin to catch fire! I suffered until the picnic closed but as soon as we got home I ran a cold bath and laid in there soaking my poor, red legs. It felt so good! Needless to say, I had a miserable night's sleep. I had to sleep on my back (I'm usually a stomach-sleeper) because it was the tops of my legs & hips that were so sore. I woke up a few times and put soothing lotion on before trying to get back to sleep. I'm hoping I won't peel.....
Monday, May 19, 2008
Compromises, Challenges & Competition
St. Louis finally had beautiful weather last weekend (sorry Steph) which enabled Jim & me to do a lot of yard work & gardening. Last year we (he) labored tremendously to put in a stairway on the side of the house which slopes down to the “gravel pit” which held the previous owner’s swing/play set but is now our washers, Hoosier golf, bonfire and all-around play area. I had shown Jim a few pictures from magazines to give him a good idea of how I wanted the stairs to look. To make a long story short, he worked very hard, it didn’t look like any of the pictures; I was not happy with the end result and have learned to live with it.
Leading off from the stairway are numerous small flat stones that were not very stable. I told Jim a few weeks ago that they looked treacherous and people would be scared to walk on them (as Janet told me last year at the washers tournament) and we should do something about it. A few days ago Jim came up with his solution – he said he was going to cement the stepping stones in so they’d be like a sidewalk. I immediately disagreed and said I wanted it to look natural.
Yesterday we were doing errands and he said he had to stop at Home Depot before we went to World Outdoor Emporium to get a truckload of mulch. I started whining because it seems like we’re always at Home Depot and he said he had to get cement. When I realized what he intended to do with the cement I tried to stay calm and said, “So there’s no discussion? You’re just going to do what you want?” He then reminded me that I got my way about EVERYTHING in the dining room redecoration and this was outside and he should get his way when it comes to the yard. I didn’t remind him about the stairway he did the way he wanted. After more discussion we compromised and decided to buy large stepping stones when we went to buy the mulch. We picked out Tennessee flat rock that are set into the ground and very stable. It looks nice and everyone’s happy.
While Jim was working on the pathway, I potted some flowers & plants and while I was working I came across a pair of ice skates. They reminded me of a friendly competition Barb & I had some years back. The challenge was who could come up with the most unique and original container to plant in. Barb’s old time telephone was very nice but I took the prize (if there was one) with my children’s ice skates. I think Joyce might’ve entered but I can’t remember for sure.
This got me thinking of starting another competition since all of the “original 7” will be in town for the 4th of July weekend and we’ll be getting together for a poker party Saturday. I just thought of it yesterday and haven’t come up with a good idea yet but will continue pondering. So I’m throwing out a challenge. It’s a competition to see who can come up with the best competition for the family competition.
Leading off from the stairway are numerous small flat stones that were not very stable. I told Jim a few weeks ago that they looked treacherous and people would be scared to walk on them (as Janet told me last year at the washers tournament) and we should do something about it. A few days ago Jim came up with his solution – he said he was going to cement the stepping stones in so they’d be like a sidewalk. I immediately disagreed and said I wanted it to look natural.
Yesterday we were doing errands and he said he had to stop at Home Depot before we went to World Outdoor Emporium to get a truckload of mulch. I started whining because it seems like we’re always at Home Depot and he said he had to get cement. When I realized what he intended to do with the cement I tried to stay calm and said, “So there’s no discussion? You’re just going to do what you want?” He then reminded me that I got my way about EVERYTHING in the dining room redecoration and this was outside and he should get his way when it comes to the yard. I didn’t remind him about the stairway he did the way he wanted. After more discussion we compromised and decided to buy large stepping stones when we went to buy the mulch. We picked out Tennessee flat rock that are set into the ground and very stable. It looks nice and everyone’s happy.
While Jim was working on the pathway, I potted some flowers & plants and while I was working I came across a pair of ice skates. They reminded me of a friendly competition Barb & I had some years back. The challenge was who could come up with the most unique and original container to plant in. Barb’s old time telephone was very nice but I took the prize (if there was one) with my children’s ice skates. I think Joyce might’ve entered but I can’t remember for sure.
This got me thinking of starting another competition since all of the “original 7” will be in town for the 4th of July weekend and we’ll be getting together for a poker party Saturday. I just thought of it yesterday and haven’t come up with a good idea yet but will continue pondering. So I’m throwing out a challenge. It’s a competition to see who can come up with the best competition for the family competition.
The Mole Killer
Most days when I come home from work I take a walk around the yard. Friday when I was making my usual round I noticed one of the mole traps looked to be sprung but I wasn’t sure so I didn’t say anything to Jim when I went inside to change. After we ate, we both went outside and when he saw the trap he said it had been sprung but since there’s been other ones sprung in the past, he didn’t get his hopes up. He stabbed the trap in the ground a little then pulled it out and lo & behold we scored ourselves a mole! Hallelujah!!!! It was about 6 inches long and Jim threw it down the bluff in the woods. He questioned whether there were more and I told him I didn't think so because I learned in the Mole Hunter seminar & DVD that they are territorial and don't share their runs with others. They even kick their babies out after a few weeks to go find their own yards to ruin. So I think we've finally gotten rid of the mole. The only problem is that I also learned that other moles will take over abandoned runs....
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Gardens at the Miller home
I was told to post pictures of my garden by " big sister". Here are a few of the front showing the lilacs, azaleas, ajuga & forget-me-nots in bloom. I still have some annuals to plant for color when these perennials stop blooming. Take my advice---don't ever plant monkey grass unless you want to battle it spreading for years to come. It's very tough to pull and has runners that go on forever!
Friday, April 25, 2008
The Concert
While I was on the "girls" road trip at the beginning of the month, I got a message on my cell phone from Jennifer asking if I had seen the e-mail she sent me. Well, since I was on vacation, I hadn't, so when we got to the hotel in Kalamazoo, I borrowed Barb's computer and checked. I figured it had to be important because I very rarely get e-mails from Jennifer. By George I wasn't disappointed! She was writing to tell me that Ranya was going to be playing with Barry Manilow at the new arena on St. Louis University's campus. The first words that came out of my mouth were, "I hate Barry Manilow"! I also wondered if it was a joke since it was April 1. Barry is not really my type but I was impressed that Ranya was invited to play with him (in the band, I mean). Since I missed the Christmas concert when she played with The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Jennifer didn't tell me until afterwards), I felt compelled to go witness my niece and her remarkable talent. Jennifer also informed me that she was buying a ticket for Mom and Janice would be coming up from Texas to attend.
Well, let me tell you that it was quite a memorable experience. Janet & I made the decision to go to "The Hill" for dinner so Janice could have some great Italian food while in town. Unfortunately, I failed to remember that our Mother is quite the connoisseur of Italian food and Rigazzi's wasn't up to par in her opinion. I informed her that my food was fine & the place was packed which is usually an indication of good food. The evening had begun!
We made it to the arena and dropped Mom, Jennifer & Janice off in front right before it started pouring down rain. They had more expensive tickets than Janet & I so we weren't sitting together. We went in search of a parking garage and, unfortunately, Janet listened to me and we went the wrong way. I told her I didn't really care if we were late getting to the concert but we made it in plenty of time. We found our seats which were in the very last row at the very top of the arena. Oh well, we didn't have anyone behind us! So we're waiting for the concert to begin & Angie calls from New York. She had been out with her crew and feeling no pain! When I told her where I was she said, "Oh, that's right, you're seeing Barely Man-enough tonight." We joked a little and hung up.
The band started and I had brought binoculars to see Ranya and she wasn't out yet. I couldn't understand because the guy on stage didn't look like what I remembered Barry to look like. Fast forward 30-45 minutes later and I realized they were a warm-up band and Barry hadn't even taken the stage yet. That's how much I know about Barry Manilow's music! I didn't recognize the first 4-5 songs he played but was thrilled to be able to see Ranya playing her cello. Also, Janice (the liquor store manager) had stuck a little airport-sized bottle of Canadian whiskey in my purse which mixed quite well with my Diet Coke to make the concert more bearable. I wasn't sure if I'd joke & make fun of this concert on my blog because I didn't want to offend Ranya but when Jennifer told me what she said when she found out we were all going, I figured it was okay. She said something to the effect of "why are they wasting their money, tell them to pitch in and get me a GPS for my birthday!"
In the end, it was all worth it because Mom loved the concert! Let me repeat that---Mom loved the concert! She said she liked it much better than the Rat Pack we had seen at the Fox and Jennifer said she was acting like a teenager! It made us all happy that she had such a good time. Unfortunately, getting into the parking garage was a nightmare and took us about 45 minutes. There was one 3' door propped open with a trashcan for everyone to squeeze in to. Very poor design or traffic control (?) - I'll let Butch be the judge. By the time we got out of there some people had to use a restroom. We got out of town and ended up stopping at a Steak 'n Shake and in filed Mom, Jennifer & Janice. Now, I told them they'd be better off going to a convenience/gas station but they insisted. So Janet & I watched as the 3 of them walked all the way through white-bright Steak 'n Shake to the restrooms at the back of the restaurant. Then we watched them come back out one at a time. And I'm not naming names, but one of them left a lingering gift. It really was quite funny! We had planned to go see the new Lumiere Casino downtown but it was late so we decided against it and I ended up getting home at 1 AM.
Saturday afternoon me, Jim, Mom, Janice, Janet, Ronnie, Jackie, John, Angie & her new friend, Brian went over to Jennifer's for food & drink. I had met Brian a couple of times before, but this was the first time he met the "family". We were sitting outside talking about the concert when Johnny spotted a dead vole so Jennifer goes & picks it up with her bare hands. The next thing I know she throws it in the trashcan, goes inside and comes out with a brown paper grocery bag and pulls out this humongous frozen dead hawk!
I had forgotten about it until I saw Angie & Brian at the house when I came home from work yesterday and he brought it up. I made sure to set the record straight on the Barry Manilow concert, telling him Ranya was the reason I went. I didn't want him to think I was weird or anything.
That's what I love - the wonderful first impressions we make on people.....
Well, let me tell you that it was quite a memorable experience. Janet & I made the decision to go to "The Hill" for dinner so Janice could have some great Italian food while in town. Unfortunately, I failed to remember that our Mother is quite the connoisseur of Italian food and Rigazzi's wasn't up to par in her opinion. I informed her that my food was fine & the place was packed which is usually an indication of good food. The evening had begun!
We made it to the arena and dropped Mom, Jennifer & Janice off in front right before it started pouring down rain. They had more expensive tickets than Janet & I so we weren't sitting together. We went in search of a parking garage and, unfortunately, Janet listened to me and we went the wrong way. I told her I didn't really care if we were late getting to the concert but we made it in plenty of time. We found our seats which were in the very last row at the very top of the arena. Oh well, we didn't have anyone behind us! So we're waiting for the concert to begin & Angie calls from New York. She had been out with her crew and feeling no pain! When I told her where I was she said, "Oh, that's right, you're seeing Barely Man-enough tonight." We joked a little and hung up.
The band started and I had brought binoculars to see Ranya and she wasn't out yet. I couldn't understand because the guy on stage didn't look like what I remembered Barry to look like. Fast forward 30-45 minutes later and I realized they were a warm-up band and Barry hadn't even taken the stage yet. That's how much I know about Barry Manilow's music! I didn't recognize the first 4-5 songs he played but was thrilled to be able to see Ranya playing her cello. Also, Janice (the liquor store manager) had stuck a little airport-sized bottle of Canadian whiskey in my purse which mixed quite well with my Diet Coke to make the concert more bearable. I wasn't sure if I'd joke & make fun of this concert on my blog because I didn't want to offend Ranya but when Jennifer told me what she said when she found out we were all going, I figured it was okay. She said something to the effect of "why are they wasting their money, tell them to pitch in and get me a GPS for my birthday!"
In the end, it was all worth it because Mom loved the concert! Let me repeat that---Mom loved the concert! She said she liked it much better than the Rat Pack we had seen at the Fox and Jennifer said she was acting like a teenager! It made us all happy that she had such a good time. Unfortunately, getting into the parking garage was a nightmare and took us about 45 minutes. There was one 3' door propped open with a trashcan for everyone to squeeze in to. Very poor design or traffic control (?) - I'll let Butch be the judge. By the time we got out of there some people had to use a restroom. We got out of town and ended up stopping at a Steak 'n Shake and in filed Mom, Jennifer & Janice. Now, I told them they'd be better off going to a convenience/gas station but they insisted. So Janet & I watched as the 3 of them walked all the way through white-bright Steak 'n Shake to the restrooms at the back of the restaurant. Then we watched them come back out one at a time. And I'm not naming names, but one of them left a lingering gift. It really was quite funny! We had planned to go see the new Lumiere Casino downtown but it was late so we decided against it and I ended up getting home at 1 AM.
Saturday afternoon me, Jim, Mom, Janice, Janet, Ronnie, Jackie, John, Angie & her new friend, Brian went over to Jennifer's for food & drink. I had met Brian a couple of times before, but this was the first time he met the "family". We were sitting outside talking about the concert when Johnny spotted a dead vole so Jennifer goes & picks it up with her bare hands. The next thing I know she throws it in the trashcan, goes inside and comes out with a brown paper grocery bag and pulls out this humongous frozen dead hawk!
I had forgotten about it until I saw Angie & Brian at the house when I came home from work yesterday and he brought it up. I made sure to set the record straight on the Barry Manilow concert, telling him Ranya was the reason I went. I didn't want him to think I was weird or anything.
That's what I love - the wonderful first impressions we make on people.....
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Mole Hunter
Jim & I have been battling moles for the past 2 years. We tried grub control for the lawn because everyone said that moles are attracted to grubs. We bought a bait/poison on the Internet and poked it down into the runs. We set the steel "archaic" looking traps. We stomped down their runs & hills. We didn't try the juicy fruit gum or the gas or the human hair but we've been educating ourselves along the way. There was a 1-hour show on the Nature/History/ National Geographic channel a few weeks ago that we happened to surf to. The show was about the "lawnmower man" battling moles and it was quite comical. Basically, we learned that moles are prehistoric, they've never died off so I don't know if that means they're millions or thousands of year old, and although they have no eyes, they're very smart and they're nearly impossible to kill. Jim's latest attempt at mole extermination was to buy 6 poison worms a couple of weeks ago but he hasn't tried "fooling" the moles with them yet.
So yesterday there was a home show at the St. Charles Convention Center with free admission and an informative lecture to be given by Jeff Holper, "The Mole Hunter". Naturally, we were there! Along with hundreds of other people! It gave us a secret jubilation that there were so many others with the same problem. Jeff turned out to be quite the entertainer and he dressed the part with a safari-looking outfit and hat. He's been hunting moles for over 20 years and he's got it down-pat. Turns out, he uses the same archaic traps that we do, but he knows where & how to set them to ensure a kill. Also, he uses 6 traps instead of the 2 that we've been working with. During his performance, we discovered that we not only have moles but we also have voles. Voles don't tunnel like moles but they eat the roots of plants which can be even more damaging in this gardener's eyes. We learned about every rodent, snake and insect along with remedies to kill. Or you can hire Jeff. He'll kill the moles for a hefty price of $600 per year plus $79 per mole killed. He can also be hired to hunt & kill any varmit you might be battling. Needless to say, we didn't want to pay the big bucks so we bought an arsenal of supplies. We got 6 mole traps, 1 vole/chipmunk/mouse trap, 5 lbs poison bate, a Becoming a Mole Hunter CD and The Joy and Celebration of Mole Control book (2nd edition) for the basement bargain price of $117. Actually, I think Jeff & his partner are amazing at exterminating nuisance creatures but may be lacking in the math department as I don't think they charged us enough. We didn't realize the CD & book were in the bag until we got home, and we hadn't ordered them. Could be that since it was the last day of the home show they wanted to get rid of stuff instead of having to pack it up or Jeff thought I was cute. Whatever, we got a deal. We're willing to share so if anyone's interested, you can borrow the book or CD anytime!
Even though our weather turned cold again, Jim got outside & set the vole trap as soon as we got home. He's setting the mole traps as I write this blog. I'll let you know if we are successful and in the meantime, I think I'll return the poison worms to Lowe's...
So yesterday there was a home show at the St. Charles Convention Center with free admission and an informative lecture to be given by Jeff Holper, "The Mole Hunter". Naturally, we were there! Along with hundreds of other people! It gave us a secret jubilation that there were so many others with the same problem. Jeff turned out to be quite the entertainer and he dressed the part with a safari-looking outfit and hat. He's been hunting moles for over 20 years and he's got it down-pat. Turns out, he uses the same archaic traps that we do, but he knows where & how to set them to ensure a kill. Also, he uses 6 traps instead of the 2 that we've been working with. During his performance, we discovered that we not only have moles but we also have voles. Voles don't tunnel like moles but they eat the roots of plants which can be even more damaging in this gardener's eyes. We learned about every rodent, snake and insect along with remedies to kill. Or you can hire Jeff. He'll kill the moles for a hefty price of $600 per year plus $79 per mole killed. He can also be hired to hunt & kill any varmit you might be battling. Needless to say, we didn't want to pay the big bucks so we bought an arsenal of supplies. We got 6 mole traps, 1 vole/chipmunk/mouse trap, 5 lbs poison bate, a Becoming a Mole Hunter CD and The Joy and Celebration of Mole Control book (2nd edition) for the basement bargain price of $117. Actually, I think Jeff & his partner are amazing at exterminating nuisance creatures but may be lacking in the math department as I don't think they charged us enough. We didn't realize the CD & book were in the bag until we got home, and we hadn't ordered them. Could be that since it was the last day of the home show they wanted to get rid of stuff instead of having to pack it up or Jeff thought I was cute. Whatever, we got a deal. We're willing to share so if anyone's interested, you can borrow the book or CD anytime!
Even though our weather turned cold again, Jim got outside & set the vole trap as soon as we got home. He's setting the mole traps as I write this blog. I'll let you know if we are successful and in the meantime, I think I'll return the poison worms to Lowe's...
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Dining room redecorating
This entire white space is where the pictures originated and now I don't know how to get rid of it! As you can tell, I am not "blog savvy" yet!! Just keep scrolling down until you see something! There are pictures at the end as I've edited the post about my dining room re-do.
When Jim & I decided to start working on the dining room, it wasn't even 10 minutes and we were pissed off & fighting with each other. Normally, we work real well together but this was a unique situation. If you recall, we had the most hideous flowered wallpaper from floor to ceiling (even the cold-air return was meticulously covered!) in the dining room and we were unsure about whether to strip it or paint over it. I performed the test I learned on HGTV and held a wet rag on a seam for 10 minutes and it didn't buckle so I told Jim that we could paint over it. Well, as we were surveying the room that Saturday morning, I noticed a piece of the wallpaper sticking out by a seam so I pulled it just to see if it would come off easily. I had this unrealistic vision that I would peal the whole 4X8 panel off in one piece. No such luck! So Jim goes balistic and says now I ruined everything and we'd have to strip all the paper. I disagreed and told him that it would take forever and I wanted to get done in 2 weekends. I walked upstairs to change and by the time I got back down, he had ripped off some pieces around the door frame and by the light switch. That's when the real fighting began!
After we calmed down, I went to Home Depot and got some primer to paint over the wallpaper. Jim & I have a system. He uses the paintstick and I do the cutting in. It works real well but we usually have to be on opposite ends of the room so as not to get in each other's way. The primer is very messy as it's oil-based so we needed dropcloths all around. We only had one, so we used an old sheet, an old towel and Jim's old bathrobe (he got a new one for Christmas and heaven forbid if he'd throw anything away!).
My plan was to have Jim put up a chair rail, picture frame molding and some other trimwork so I painted the lower section of the walls aqua breeze and the upper walls rootbeer. I told Jim that I wanted to paint the interior flat part of the tray ceiling so it would stand out against the white crown molding. He disagreed and said he didn't want me to paint it because if I got any paint on the crown molding it would look terrible. So, I took his concerns into consideration and painted it aqua breeze.
The spots where we had pulled the wallpaper kept showing through even though we put a few coats of primer on them, some spackle and we sanded. So I went back to my favorite store to see what could be done. It just so happened that there was a lady giving a demonstration with Ralph Lauren's Bellagio faux paint. I talked to her and decided to use that on the rough wall because it would definitely cover anything. After I finished with the faux painting, I didn't like it. I guess I didn't do it right. So I repainted it over with rootbeer. Of course you could still see the rough spots. After a couple of days I repainted with the faux and it turned out a lot better and you can't see the rough spots. I hope not since that wall has 5 layers of paint now!
After several more trips to my favorite store to buy trim, molding, a nail gun (Jim got a new toy out of the deal!) and trim paint, we finished the project and it looks pretty good if I do have to say so myself. Jim gets big credit for the excellent job he did on the trimwork & molding. The furniture is being delivered and we're happy once again.
Old dining room---ugly paper!New dining room set, chocolate brown upper, aqua mist lower with picture frame moulding. Barb was surprised that Jim could do such a great job! Even and all!Faux painting on the wall that we screwed up with the wallpaper removal!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Cleanliness is next to Godliness?
Don't ask me what that means. All I know is I think Jim is trying his hardest to be clean - or shall I say to keep the house clean. Oh no, not by actually cleaning, but by trying to prevent dirt from getting in! I guess you could call it preventive maintenance.
I'm going to try to get you to envision the number of rugs we have in our garage. First off, the far wall of our garage consists of: 1) Jim's workbench, 2) the freezer, 3) the refrigerator and 4) the door into the laundry room. So in front of Jim's workbench is a 5X7 rug. In front of the freezer and refrigerator is an oval braded rug which overlaps the end of a 3X4 throw rug that are both underneath a 10X5 rug. In front of the door there is 1) a rubber tread-thing on the step, 2) a door mat that was left by the previous owners, 3) another door mat that overlaps the other, 4) a 3X4 throw rug, 5) another 3X4 throw rug overlapping the other. That's a total of 8 rugs!
So I came home from Home Depot yesterday where I had bought some paint & supplies to start working on the dining room (which is a whole 'nother story!) and as the garage door was opening I noticed some big pieces of cardboard (salvaged from the new television) scattered on the floor where I park. I decided not to pull in because I was going to be leaving. So as I'm walking into the garage, Jim starts pushing this big piece of cardboard in front of me and says, "I'm trying to keep the dust from getting in." Do you think it's because maybe he might have to sweep or vacuum? Or maybe he's trying to talk me out of the cleaning lady by showing me how clean the house is. Whatever, he's driving me crazy.
I'm going to try to get you to envision the number of rugs we have in our garage. First off, the far wall of our garage consists of: 1) Jim's workbench, 2) the freezer, 3) the refrigerator and 4) the door into the laundry room. So in front of Jim's workbench is a 5X7 rug. In front of the freezer and refrigerator is an oval braded rug which overlaps the end of a 3X4 throw rug that are both underneath a 10X5 rug. In front of the door there is 1) a rubber tread-thing on the step, 2) a door mat that was left by the previous owners, 3) another door mat that overlaps the other, 4) a 3X4 throw rug, 5) another 3X4 throw rug overlapping the other. That's a total of 8 rugs!
So I came home from Home Depot yesterday where I had bought some paint & supplies to start working on the dining room (which is a whole 'nother story!) and as the garage door was opening I noticed some big pieces of cardboard (salvaged from the new television) scattered on the floor where I park. I decided not to pull in because I was going to be leaving. So as I'm walking into the garage, Jim starts pushing this big piece of cardboard in front of me and says, "I'm trying to keep the dust from getting in." Do you think it's because maybe he might have to sweep or vacuum? Or maybe he's trying to talk me out of the cleaning lady by showing me how clean the house is. Whatever, he's driving me crazy.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Television madness
When Patrick moved out I was able to unload some furniture that I wasn't particularly fond of. It's just a coincidence that it was Jim's sectional and Jim's dining room set. I don't really care what we replace the sectional with since it's in the basement but I've already picked out the dining room set I want. It's beautiful! I told Jim a few weeks ago that I found the set I wanted but he wasn't real eager to go see it. You see, he's been pricing televisions for over 6 months. He decided that we needed a bigger screen. He also decided (even though I very much objected) that we should have the TV installed over the fireplace. I personally think a fireplace mantel should be decorative and if you have a TV over it how can you have candlesticks, plants, clocks, etc. on it? So, here we go again - another battle I was going to lose. Much like the one where he mounted a 20-year old baseboard heater on the wall in the bedroom downstairs! It seems to me that he was much more agreeable and obedient before we got married!
So he went shopping a couple of weeks ago to get the best deal he could - going from one store to another until he felt he got the best bargain. It took him hours and he must've called me 5 times throughout the afternoon to update me on his progress. When he finally came home, he said he got the best deal, he requested to talk to the manager, etc. and got another $100 off. I think he must've taken lessons from Butch! Anyway, he also told me that the bracket to mount the TV on was $150 plus another $500 for installation! Can you believe that? What a rip-off! I continued to protest the inevitible TV over the fireplace and pointed out that the eyeball lights would be useless because we wouldn't be able to have them on with the TV there. I wasn't fighting real hard because Jim can be very stubborn and it's just not worth it.
Well it just so happened that Jim was home sick from work for 2-1/2 days last week so he had plenty of couch time. When I came home from work one night, he told me he decided that he didn't want to put the TV over the fireplace. He grudgingly admitted that I was right and he didn't want to have to move lights nor be unable to use them. Plus he wasn't thrilled with having to run wiring down the wall. So before he could change his mind we immediately went to Best Buy to take the mounting bracket back and cancel the installation. He got an amazing $684 back! I told him that would be more than enough for a TV cabinet that I would pick out! So we went to a few furniture stores, I found the perfect cabinet and everyone's happy now.
I know what's going to happen next. When I'm ready for the dining room set he's going to baulk because we (HE) just bought a new television...
So he went shopping a couple of weeks ago to get the best deal he could - going from one store to another until he felt he got the best bargain. It took him hours and he must've called me 5 times throughout the afternoon to update me on his progress. When he finally came home, he said he got the best deal, he requested to talk to the manager, etc. and got another $100 off. I think he must've taken lessons from Butch! Anyway, he also told me that the bracket to mount the TV on was $150 plus another $500 for installation! Can you believe that? What a rip-off! I continued to protest the inevitible TV over the fireplace and pointed out that the eyeball lights would be useless because we wouldn't be able to have them on with the TV there. I wasn't fighting real hard because Jim can be very stubborn and it's just not worth it.
Well it just so happened that Jim was home sick from work for 2-1/2 days last week so he had plenty of couch time. When I came home from work one night, he told me he decided that he didn't want to put the TV over the fireplace. He grudgingly admitted that I was right and he didn't want to have to move lights nor be unable to use them. Plus he wasn't thrilled with having to run wiring down the wall. So before he could change his mind we immediately went to Best Buy to take the mounting bracket back and cancel the installation. He got an amazing $684 back! I told him that would be more than enough for a TV cabinet that I would pick out! So we went to a few furniture stores, I found the perfect cabinet and everyone's happy now.
I know what's going to happen next. When I'm ready for the dining room set he's going to baulk because we (HE) just bought a new television...
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Super Tuesday Birthday
Every year I brag to Jim about how many birthday cards I get compared to the number he receives on his birthday. I'm not very happy to report that I only received 3 in the mail this year and one was from our financial advisor. I also received 4 with gifts and one from my co-workers.
Here's the outcome of my birthday well-wishers:
Happy Birthday cards = 8
Happy Birthday e-mails = 10
Happy Birthday e-card = 1
Birthday presents = 6
Birthday presents outstanding = 2
Happy Birthday phone calls = 0 (but it's still early!)
Not a bad year, huh?
I guess this proves that although my age may be getting up there, I'm still a big baby.
Here's the outcome of my birthday well-wishers:
Happy Birthday cards = 8
Happy Birthday e-mails = 10
Happy Birthday e-card = 1
Birthday presents = 6
Birthday presents outstanding = 2
Happy Birthday phone calls = 0 (but it's still early!)
Not a bad year, huh?
I guess this proves that although my age may be getting up there, I'm still a big baby.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
One down, MORE to go....
Patrick has moved out! He bought a house about 10 miles away from us in O'Fallon. In the weeks leading up to the closing, I assured Jim that I would help with painting but I refused to do any cleaning. Considering all the times we had to harp on Patrick to clean the bathroom downstairs, there was no way I was going to voluntarily clean anything in his house. As it turned out, I wasn't able to help much because the JCI January Board meeting was taking place and I put in a lot of hours (teambuilding, of course) and wasn't available. I painted one night and planned on helping the next night, but lo & behold, someone died & I had to go to the funeral parlor instead. Then the following morning, I had my carpal tunnel surgery (January 18) and there you go - no more help from me! I would be off work for a week and I had a project I could work on. I bought two 5X7 photo albums and organized all my recipes (most I haven't even made) into the books. Barb, you'd be proud - it took me hours! When Monday morning came around, I confessed to Jim that I was feeling guilty because I really could go to work. I was feeling fine but the problem was that I could only type or use my mouse with my left hand because I had a cast on the right. It didn't take me long to get out of the guilt-ridden mode after I told Jim that although I couldn't paint or lift heavy things, I was more than happy to shop for items Patrick needed. I confronted Patrick to ask if he was planning on decorating or just leaving everything plain and boring. He said he'd probably decorate a little. So, I took over. I assured him that I wouldn't use any flowers or anything that might possibly be misconstrued as "gay". My "Barb" mode kicked in and I was practically in a frenzy going from Aldi's (yes, I got a nice shower curtain with matching rings for $10!) to Old Time Pottery to Target to Home Goods (you'd be surprised how easy it is to drive left-handed!). I also got a great deal on clearance pleated shades from Domestications in which he's getting 9 various size shades for $112! After spending another $300 on decorations & a few necessities, Patrick's house looks like a home. There's still more work for Jim & him to do, but it really is a nice house and I had a great week off.
I went to my hand surgeon last Friday and after he freaked me out by saying that the cast would have to stay on for another 6 weeks, he cut it off. The incision really looks awful and is longer than I imagined, with alot of bruising up my arm. I enjoy showing people & grossing them out!
So I went back to work Monday and told Pedro (JCI IT guy) that I was having problems with my laptop. I had brought it home with me and after only a couple of days the screen went blank. Pedro went right to work on trying to figure out the problem and then the electricity went off. No problem, he used the wireless and continued working on it. Turns out that when I received an e-mail from the IRS and tried to open the attachment, my computer got a virus. In my defense, it looked official with their logo and all and I was freaking out because it said they were going to audit JCI (not that we have anything to hide) and I've never been audited at anyplace I've worked. This is the first time I've gotten a virus on my computer and let me tell you that EVERYONE else at JCI has had at least one in the past. We have the privilege of receiving them from all over the world and passing them around the office! Pedro fixed my computer and then the electricity went out again. Needless to say, it was not a good first-day back!
I'm going back to the doctor to get the stitches out this Friday. I guess I'll have to wait until I'm healed all the way before I can start my next project - the dining room.....
I went to my hand surgeon last Friday and after he freaked me out by saying that the cast would have to stay on for another 6 weeks, he cut it off. The incision really looks awful and is longer than I imagined, with alot of bruising up my arm. I enjoy showing people & grossing them out!
So I went back to work Monday and told Pedro (JCI IT guy) that I was having problems with my laptop. I had brought it home with me and after only a couple of days the screen went blank. Pedro went right to work on trying to figure out the problem and then the electricity went off. No problem, he used the wireless and continued working on it. Turns out that when I received an e-mail from the IRS and tried to open the attachment, my computer got a virus. In my defense, it looked official with their logo and all and I was freaking out because it said they were going to audit JCI (not that we have anything to hide) and I've never been audited at anyplace I've worked. This is the first time I've gotten a virus on my computer and let me tell you that EVERYONE else at JCI has had at least one in the past. We have the privilege of receiving them from all over the world and passing them around the office! Pedro fixed my computer and then the electricity went out again. Needless to say, it was not a good first-day back!
I'm going back to the doctor to get the stitches out this Friday. I guess I'll have to wait until I'm healed all the way before I can start my next project - the dining room.....
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The holidays in a nutshell
It was a great holiday season for us. The Smith Family came in Thursday evening, Dec 20th and the party began!
We started off by playing poker. Ronnie came over since he was off work Friday and Angie & Patrick joined the table. I was sitting next to Ronnie and had to reprimand him a few times for his constant chatter. I know it's hard to believe but he was talking so much that it was annoying. I got so fed up that I had to echo his own words from the past, "Are we playing cards here or what?"
I was off work Friday and we went to the Science Center to see Body Worlds 3. It was pretty neat and somewhat creepy seeing bodies with no skin on them. I had sent the website to Joyce & Scott to make sure they thought it would be appropriate for Devon & Madison and they said okay. I don't think the girls liked it too much but, hey, I pride myself in trying to shock them. We also went to the Hill so Joyce could buy the blocks of provel cheese and salami that she likes to take back to South Bend. That night Ron & Janet came up and we went to see a light display that was synchronized to music in the O'Fallon area. It was really cool but we had to cut it short since Scott had to use the restroom and Ronnie whined about being hungry. Another night of poker rounded out Friday.
Saturday was the only day we planned on staying home but managed to go visit Mom for a couple of hours in the afternoon. The girls got the opportunity to see my & Jim's handiwork as we had decorated Mom's front porch. There was a competition in her complex and Mom wanted to beat the lady who won last year. Imagine that, competitive at age 76! I went over there to take the decorations down the other day and she told me that she won and she's got more ideas for next year. I can't wait!
Sunday we went to Matt & Sharon's house and played more poker.
Monday, Christmas Eve, Jim & I went to his dad's for the Miller celebration. While we were there I got a telephone call from Jennifer as she was supposed to pick up Mom and there was no answer at her door or on her phone. I won't get into the details but suffice it to say that Mom gave us all a scare. It seems she's getting forgetful these days. By the time Jim & I got back to the house, the party was in full swing. We played rob your neighbor and the number game and everyone had a good time. Uncle Tony was absolutely delighted with the GM jacket Matt had contributed and Greg was thrilled with the purse he ended up with. He even posed for pictures! It was a great time with family, food & drink.
Christmas Day we went to Ron & Janet's for an open house. It was fun visiting with her brother, sister-in-law, nephews and Gene & Maggie Schuermann. We played more poker and I ended up winning back what I had lost (sorry Mike) on previous nights.
The Smiths left Wednesday after breakfast. All-in-all, it was a great holiday season but I did miss my big sister & her gang.
We started off by playing poker. Ronnie came over since he was off work Friday and Angie & Patrick joined the table. I was sitting next to Ronnie and had to reprimand him a few times for his constant chatter. I know it's hard to believe but he was talking so much that it was annoying. I got so fed up that I had to echo his own words from the past, "Are we playing cards here or what?"
I was off work Friday and we went to the Science Center to see Body Worlds 3. It was pretty neat and somewhat creepy seeing bodies with no skin on them. I had sent the website to Joyce & Scott to make sure they thought it would be appropriate for Devon & Madison and they said okay. I don't think the girls liked it too much but, hey, I pride myself in trying to shock them. We also went to the Hill so Joyce could buy the blocks of provel cheese and salami that she likes to take back to South Bend. That night Ron & Janet came up and we went to see a light display that was synchronized to music in the O'Fallon area. It was really cool but we had to cut it short since Scott had to use the restroom and Ronnie whined about being hungry. Another night of poker rounded out Friday.
Saturday was the only day we planned on staying home but managed to go visit Mom for a couple of hours in the afternoon. The girls got the opportunity to see my & Jim's handiwork as we had decorated Mom's front porch. There was a competition in her complex and Mom wanted to beat the lady who won last year. Imagine that, competitive at age 76! I went over there to take the decorations down the other day and she told me that she won and she's got more ideas for next year. I can't wait!
Sunday we went to Matt & Sharon's house and played more poker.
Monday, Christmas Eve, Jim & I went to his dad's for the Miller celebration. While we were there I got a telephone call from Jennifer as she was supposed to pick up Mom and there was no answer at her door or on her phone. I won't get into the details but suffice it to say that Mom gave us all a scare. It seems she's getting forgetful these days. By the time Jim & I got back to the house, the party was in full swing. We played rob your neighbor and the number game and everyone had a good time. Uncle Tony was absolutely delighted with the GM jacket Matt had contributed and Greg was thrilled with the purse he ended up with. He even posed for pictures! It was a great time with family, food & drink.
Christmas Day we went to Ron & Janet's for an open house. It was fun visiting with her brother, sister-in-law, nephews and Gene & Maggie Schuermann. We played more poker and I ended up winning back what I had lost (sorry Mike) on previous nights.
The Smiths left Wednesday after breakfast. All-in-all, it was a great holiday season but I did miss my big sister & her gang.
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