Thanksgiving Poem

On the kitchen table was a turkey fat and round;
But when we went to cook it, it was nowhere to be found.
We looked all through the kitchen, in the pantry, in the well.
We asked Jim if he'd seen it, and Kate and Annabell.
And even little Mary. We asked her if she knew.
She looked at us a bit surprised and said, "Of course I do."
"Poor turkey wasn't feeling well because he lost his head.
So I put him in my nightgown, and I tucked him into bed."
---Unknown

I learned this poem in 2nd or 3rd grade. I think I still have the picture I drew to go with the writing assignment. It's now a family tradition to recite this every Thanksgiving.....

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!

It's The Little Things

Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday of the year. There is really nothing quite like gorging on fabulous food with the people you love the most!!! Almost everyone in the family will attest to the fact that grandma's stuffing is the best on the planet, by the way.

We all know there's more to Thanksgiving than eating until we're sick and watching football. It's about being thankful. And I am. I could go on and on about my dear family, friends, having a roof over my head and my relative comfort. But, I think we all tend to forget about the little things that add that extra zing to our lives. So, here's my list of ten things that I don't recognize nearly often enough.

1. Cranberries -- I made some whole cranberry sauce the other day, and I realized how much I love those little red berries. They are beautiful, for one thing. There is nothing like cranberry red. They are awfully tart, but add a little sugar and they become a flavor explosion. And, of all things, they are good for you.
2. Space Heaters -- What would I do without my space heaters? Hmm, maybe shrivel up and die? I don't use one at home, but I would surely freeze to death at work without one (yes, both jobs). I have even been known to run one in the summer when the air conditioning is set on "Planet Hoth." I love that little powerhouse of heat that makes my life at work much more pleasant.
3. Trees -- Have you ever hugged a tree? No, I mean REALLY hugged a tree. I have! In fact, on those rare occasions when I get up into the hills for a hike, I make a point of hugging at least one tree. Trees are beautiful, strong, resilient -- all characteristics I would like to emulate. I have had people sneeringly call me a "tree hugger" as if it were the worst insult ever. I just smile and say, "Why, thank you!" Did you know there are some trees that, at the end of a warm day, actually smell like cookies baking in the oven? Strange, but true. There is much we could learn from trees, but that's a blog for another day.
4. Libraries -- I love the library. Since I love to read, but cannot afford to purchase books, the library is a treasure to me. Some of my earliest memories include trips to the old Chapman Branch in Salt Lake and the books I checked out and read. (In fact one of those books of my youth is, in large, responsible for my insane desire to go to Northern Ireland.) In this day and age of E-books and budget shortfalls, one worries about the future of libraries. But there is something about actually holding a book in your hands. There's something downright exciting about wandering the quiet aisles filled with so many different ideas. I have no desire to sit in front of a computer screen to read a book. I spend enough time in front of that screen every day.
5. A Boss That Makes Me Go Home -- I have changed jobs in recent months, and I have gotten into the habit of not leaving when I should. I do tend to be a bit of a workaholic. I go in early, often work through lunch, and leave late nearly every day. It has become a bit of a contest to see who gets there first in the morning. He rarely wins. But at the end of the day, he has been known to say: "If you're not out of here in 15 minutes, you're fired!" Yes sir! Right away sir!! Sometimes I don't know when to say when, so he says it for me.
6. Flannel Sheets -- About a month ago, I noticed that I had a hard time getting warm once I got into bed, especially if I was a little bit cold before I crawled in. My sheets were COLD! My thermostat drops into the mid-60's at night, and I just wasn't staying warm enough. Out came the flannel sheets, and what a difference it made. I can actually roll over or move my feet without feeling like I've been thrown onto the floor of a meat locker. Just don't try to wear flannel pajamas. It's like wearing Velcro to bed.
7. Alternate Routes -- I take a pretty convoluted route to work in the morning. I have tried the major roads, but traffic is hideous. So I have created a route on less frequently used roads, and I really enjoy it. The speed limit is lower, but I still get there more quickly because I'm not jousting for a position in a turning lane, nor sitting through three green lights. I've gotten a kick out of watching the evolution of a large pumpkin field--from lush green vines, to just pumpkins laying in the field waiting to be selected by excited children, and finally to the plowed-under remains of orange flesh speckling the field. I've watched the colors in the river bottoms change, as well as mist coming up from the river on cold days. It's SO much better than watching the bumper of the car in front of you. I find my route to be a microcosm of my life. My life has definitely not been the straight path I had once envisioned. It has been full of crazy twists and turns. But they have added a beauty to my life that I would not have experienced if I had not chosen to take the alternate route.
8. Bill Pay -- I love the online bill pay feature offered by my banking institution. Katie tried to get me "hooked up" for a couple of years before I took the plunge. Why did I wait so long? It's so easy, quick and worry-free. I've paid hundreds of bills this way now, but I still haven't won the $5,000 sweepstakes they dangle in front of my nose. What's up with that?
9. Talent of Others -- Since I have yet to discover any great talent in myself, I greatly appreciate the talent of others. I love listening to music that others create. I am awed, and often inspired, by beautiful paintings and photographs. I love going to a movie and watching this thing that someone else has put together that takes me out of my own life for a few minutes. We enjoy the fruits of the imagination of others every minute of the day in all of the conveniences we enjoy, like cars, appliances, electronics, etc. The diversity of talent in this world makes it a place of wonder.
10. Retreats -- Isn't it great to be able to step back and retreat from the world for a time? This retreat can be for a few days or even a few hours. There's nothing I love more than traveling. I try to always have a retreat of some sort in the making. Even if I don't have reservations, just the thought gives me something to look forward to. Of course, finances do not allow an awful lot of travel, so I have to find other ways to retreat. A drive in the mountains will do, as will a walk along the river, going to the gym and swimming in a nearly empty pool, watching the sunset at Antelope Island, or even closing the doors to my bedroom and getting lost in the pages of a good book. As busy as life is, it's important to step back for a few minutes and replenish.

That was a bit long-winded. Guess I'm back in the blogosphere with a vengeance. I would love to hear about some of the little, not-often-noted, things in your life that bring comfort, happiness, and laughter. Please share...............

COMPLAINT FREE WEDNESDAY

Yes, I realize that today is not Wednesday, but I wanted to post this early so you'd have time to think it over. I was listening to the radio yesterday, and there was a report about a bill that Missouri's Congressman, Emanuel Cleaver, is sponsoring (House Concurrent Resolution 155). It designates the day before Thanksgiving as official "Complaint Free Wednesday." The radio program was Wait, Wait -- Don't Tell Me, which I enjoy immensely. They were, of course, making light of the bill, just as they do every other topic they tackle.

The resolution states: "From time to time, we all experience anxiety, frustration, stress, and regret. And often, we respond to these feelings with a criticism or a complaint. Regrettably, complaining keeps people stuck on current problems, inhibiting them from thinking constructively to find solutions. Research has also shown that complaining can be harmful to one's emotional and physical health, relationships, and can limit professional career success."

WOW! I didn't know there had been studies, but it makes complete sense to me.

The bill continues: "In the spirit of hope, optimism, and positivity, and in honor of its efforts to encourage people to look forward, not backward, the group A Complaint Free World is to be recognized. A Complaint Free World's goal in fact, is to motivate 1% of the global population (about 60 million people) to become complaint free." This bill is revenue neutral (meaning it won't cost anything). It mentions that setting aside the day before Thanksgiving as Complaint Free Wednesday would, indeed, help us prepare for a day of gratitude.

This report piqued my interest, so I did an internet search. Every site I visited was overwhelmingly negative. Readers' posts were filled with resentment, hatred and negativity. It was almost frightening. It seems that these "bloggers" can see nothing but the political problems this country is experiencing, and they hurl their blame like poison darts. They can't seem to see past their anger for even just--one--day. Carrying around that kind of anger cannot be healthy. It would be good for everyone to take a rest from it for one day.

I know that we live in very difficult times. Many people are out of work and are suffering terrible financial setbacks. It seems that the majority of us are struggling to make ends meet. The economic climate is frightening. I, too, worry about the future. But I would look forward to one day when I make a concerted effort not to worry about these things. I would love just one day to concentrate on the many good things of the world and focus my energy in that direction.

I must agree that this bill is really nothing but feel-good "fluff." But wouldn't it feel good to feel good for just one day? I don't think the bill has a chance of passing. I'm sure there are not enough members of Congress that want to waste their time on such things. But I don't need this day to be "officially" declared. I can recognize it on my own, and I fully intend to do so. WHO WANTS TO JOIN ME??

So, if any of you catch me complaining on Wednesday, will you please send a reminder my way? You never know, I might like not complaining so much that I'll decide not to complain on Thursday, or Friday, or Saturday..............

Is it time yet?

It has been many busy months since I posted anything on this blog. I'm trying to decide if it's time to jump back on the wagon. Has everyone given up on me?

The Ravages of Age and David Garcia (?)

I am sure you must be wondering what in the world the ravages of age have to do with David.... um.........Garcia! (?) Well, I have no doubt that you've guessed that there is a story to be told......

A week or so ago, I went to grab a sandwich at Arby's with my two sons. Those two boys are extremely entertaining, to say the least. I'm not quite sure where they came from--they quite outdo their mother in the "wit" department. As we sat munching away in the restaurant, they were poking fun at the piped in music. They didn't much care for it. Just as we were finishing up, I heard a song that I recognized from current radio play. I said, "Hey, this is that song by that Utah kid that almost won American Idol last year. David........... um........... David............... oh, you know. What is it? David.............. is it Garcia????"

Seriously folks, I couldn't remember his last name. Now I am not an American Idol fan, and I never watch the show. But I would have had to be living in a cave in Africa to not hear about David. I know his name as well as I know my own. You heard about him on the local news every single day for six months. But do you think I could remember???? Well, that's all it took for my sons to launch into the merciless teasing of their mother. "No mom. It's not Garcia; it's Gonzales." I KNEW it wasn't Gonzales. They proceeded to say it was every Latin name they could think of. But nothing had the right ring.

When we got into the car, I had the bright idea of calling my daughter. I knew she would know. So I got Katie on the phone and posed the question. The boys were yelling as loud as they could, "Don't tell her, don't tell her!" Katie, being the sweetheart that she is, said: "Mom, I can't believe you don't remember. It's David Enchilada!" Well, that did it. I dissolved into tears of uncontrollable laughter. I was also just slightly perturbed that she wouldn't give me the answer.

After we got home, I decided to call my mother. I knew that she would know, as well. I was very sneaky about it, because I didn't want the boys yelling at their grandmother to keep me in the dark. Sure enough, mom had the answer. "Why, it's David Archuleta!" OH, OF COURSE!!! How could I possibly forget that!!! (I'm sorry, David.) Later in the evening, I received a text message from Katie that said, "Do you remember the name of the people that live across the street from grandma and grandpa?" I couldn't figure out why she would ask such a question. But then I realized, "Their name is Archuleta." Katie really thought the word "enchilada" would trigger my memory. She tried to help me without incurring the wrath of her brothers. But, alas, her hint was wasted on me.

I'm noticing that memory lapses such as this happen a little more often than they did when I was younger. Should I worry? Probably not, according to the experts. They say when you forget your own name, or where you live, or other fundamentals of your everyday life; then you should worry. So worry about it? No, I won't. But laugh about it? YES! ABSOLUTELY! For years and years to come. And I know three other people who will NEVER let me forget it!

And you know what? I will never think of Mr. Archuleta as anything but David Enchilada for as long as I live.......

Ghost of Vacations Past

Last week when Katie was showing me how to load pictures onto my blog, we ran across this photograph. At first we were confused by it, then fascinated, then highly amused. This was taken in environs outside of Ensenada, Mexico. We took a bus to the famous Blow Hole (can't think of the name right off). I took the picture through (or at) the window of the bus. Yes, that is my disembodied hand you see holding the camera that is taking the picture. It's like something you'd see on those documentaries about paranormal events.

Isn't it odd?

I wonder if I could pass it off as a ghost or something and sell it on E-Bay for hundreds of dollars?

Just Learning..............

I'm just learning a lot about Blogspot. I've learned now that if you save a blog for later publication, and it is dated before your most recent published blog, it will not show up at the top of your list.

So everybody needs to check out the second one after this one. It's called JOEY'S IN LOVE............

Now how's that for a teaser. Hurry up--go check it out.

Daniel - The Man of the Hour

As you can see, we had a very important event in our family this week. On Friday, Daniel walked in his graduation ceremony at the University of Utah. He actually finished school in December of last year, but he decided to savor his victory and participate in the "big march." The University invited author, David McCullough, to address the graduates. I had been looking forward to hearing him speak, but I have to admit that I started to nod off in the middle of it. Boy, was I relieved when Daniel told me he had the same problem! The student speaker was very impressive, but nothing impressed me as much as my son marching into the Huntsman Center, a college graduate. He's worked very hard, and I couldn't be any more proud! (By the way, I wanted the picture of just him at the top, but I have yet to completely figure out how to get pictures in the order you want them. Hrmmmph!)
From the time he was a small child, I always knew that he was destined for great things. Any 2-year-old that can say to you, "Was that really necessary?" to his mother when she burps aloud is going places. I'm very sure he will do great things with his life. You can see from the top picture that he's anxious to get on his way to wherever he's going. The day was made even better due to the fact that his best friend, K.C. Marett, graduated with him. Those two have been best buddies since 4th grade. After the ceremony, we were able to meet up with Grandma and Grandpa for a celebratory lunch. It's a day to be remembered for years to come.
And what could make the day any better than hanging out with my very favorite peeps on the planet. They can even make a trip on public transportation entertaining.

I don't think there's a luckier mom on the planet than me!

Joey's In Love

OK, before anybody gets all excited, let me explain. Yes, it's true. I'm in love, but not in the traditional way. Nope, I'm simply in love with my garden. After allowing them to wallow in dormancy for several years, I decided that I wanted to revive my Square Foot Gardens this year. It has rejuvenated my winter-shrouded soul.
Anyone who really knows me will tell you that I love to play in the dirt. I don't know what it is (perhaps genetics), but it definitely works for me. I simply cannot be angry, sad, upset or disturbed when I'm working in my garden, getting dirty.
I really enjoy things that are orderly and compartmentalized, so you can see that this is the PERFECT gardening method for me. Every type of plant is neatly boxed in it's own little space. There was a bit of work getting them up and running, but nothing major. The boxes were already built, so I just dug about 7 inches down in each box (at least Dylan did). Then I made the soil mix in a wheelbarrow (8 batches for the two boxes I worked on). Before pouring the dirt in, I laid down some weed barrier fabric. Then all I had to do is make the grid out of some wood strips, and I was ready to plant. I started planting in mid-March, and things are beginning to take off.
This spring and summer, we will be enjoying radishes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, onions, garlic, shallots, kohlrabi, peppers, tomatos, cucumbers, peas, squash, chives, beans and parsley. I can hardly wait. There is just something so gratifying about planting and seed and watching it pop out of the dirt. I can hardly wait to get home from work to see what's coming up, or what has grown. I do believe I'll have some radishes ready to eat within a couple of weeks.

For anyone who is curious about Square Foot Gardening, let me just say that it makes growing vegetables FUN. There is little-to-no weeding. The soil mix is so workable, all you need is your fingers to pull an occasional weed or plant a seed. You hardly even get your hands dirty. Stay posted in the coming weeks for more pictures of what's growing. If you want more information about this method, just type Square Foot Gardening into your browser.

This is my very favorite time of year--and this spring is turning out to be one of the best yet for me. I hope you're enjoying yours, too.

Farewell, Dear Friend

The world is a little less bright today. It lost one of it's sweetest occupants yesterday. My dear friend, Arlean, passed away after a lengthy illness. I was able to visit with her one last time about 24 hours before her death, and I am so glad I got to see her one more time. Although she could not really speak to me, I just wanted her to know how how much I love her and appreciate all of the kindness and love she has shown me, and my family, over the years. It was so good to look into those pretty blue eyes and touch those long slender fingers. Although age had ravaged her body, she never lost her beauty in my eyes.

Arlean's daughter, Trisha, was my very best friend from the time we were old enough to cross the street. We were pretty much "joined at the hip" until our early 20's. Then life happened. Although we don't communicate very often anymore, she will always be that best friend!!!! I spent hours and hours with Trisha and her family. Her brothers became MY brothers. Arlean and Bill were so good to me. They took me on family camping trips, jaunts to the Hill Air Force Base swimming pool in the summer, shopping and included me in many family activities. I even got to know their cousins. Arlean called me JoNanny--the only person that has ever done so. Even after I married and left the nest, Arlean NEVER forgot to send me a birthday card. She has been a wonderful friend and neighbor to my parents, as well. They will surely miss her.

After her husband, Bill, passed away over 20 years ago, we were all very concerned about her. But she fooled us all! She got a job as a "foodie" (passing out samples in stores) and became a Jazz fanatic. I believe she had season tickets, and she never missed other events involving the team. I heard stories about her taking her grandson, Benjamin, to those games with her.

I didn't get to see her very often, but every now and then I'd run into her at a store handing out samples. She always had a big hug and words of love to share with me. She was just one of those people that always made you feel like a million bucks.

So farewell, dear friend. I hope you know how much your family and many friends love and miss you.

A Day of Accomplishments

I haven't washed my car for months and months. What's the point? I've been parking it in the driveway, or on the street, for about 10 or 11 months now. I'm happy to report that my car will soon know the luxury of having a bath, for it now has a place to sleep at night.

After PM left, I moved all of the belongings he left behind into "my half" of the garage or in the storage unit. I thought it would be a matter of days, or maybe weeks, until he came to retrieve his things. Boy, was I wrong!!! In the few conversations I had with him shortly after he left, I asked, begged and demanded that he come get them. I guess he had other ideas....

Spring turned into summer, summer turned into fall, and fall into winter, and my car was still on the street. It was almost a relief not having to back up the hill after it snowed, but I sure got sick of scraping windows. In December, I had PM served with an eviction notice, but to no avail. So after the 30 days was up, I started getting his things out of the garage. I then emptied the storage unit into the vacated space. I was finally able to find a home for most of the furniture, but there was still enough left that I could still not get my car into the garage.

Well today it all changed. I took the day off and the boys helped me rearrange things in the garage (and also encouraged me to get rid of more junk) so I can actually pull into the garage. It was a lot of hard work, but there were a few lighter moments. There were two large cabinets I asked them to move into the basement. My house is full of funny angles, and the entry from the garage into the house is one of those places. They ended up having to take the cabinets past the water heater and over the top of the washer to get it into the proper room. I didn't realize I had such talented contortionists living under my roof. When they lifted the second cabinet up off of the garage floor, Daniel had the honor of disturbing the skeleton of a mouse (he called it a rat, although I was convinced it was a small dinosaur). He was NOT pleased. We spent several hours moving things, sweeping, vacuuming and rearranging. I put a couple of old bikes out on the street with a "FREE" sign. A little girl just came to the door and asked if she and her sisters could have them. Hallelujah! And this afternoon, I have a nice place of repose for my car. I'm doing a happy dance, I'll tell you what!!!! So, tomorrow after work, I believe I'll head for the carwash! It's about time.

I had another nice surprise--well nice for me, anyway. My dear daughter called to ask advice about her cold and how she could help herself feel better. She had been to the doctor because she has a trip coming up and she doesn't want to be sick when she goes. As it turns out, she did not have anything that's treatable with antibiotics. He did give her a prescription for codeine (even though she's not coughing???????). I'm still shaking my head over that one. I made a few suggestions, one of which was rest. She was dreading going home for several reasons, so I suggested she come out here and rest. I made her hot honey and lemon, and we spent a couple of hours watching a movie together. She was actually feeling a little better by the time she left. I never seem to get enough Katie time.....so I was glad she came--sick or not.

So, I used a day of precious vacation time doing something a little less than relaxing. But what a relief to have it done and to be able to park in my garage for the first time in nearly a year. Definitely a day of accomplishments, thanks to my fabulous sons!

Take This Job And.......Love It!

The current downturn in the economy seems to be touching nearly everyone. I have not been immune. Although nothing has happened yet (and maybe nothing will), I am looking at the possibility of having my hours reduced at both of my jobs. I suppose there's a possibility I could even be RIF'd. I don't believe it will come to that. But contemplating these things has made me a little more appreciative of my jobs. I'm going to list some reasons I love my jobs:

1. I live in very close proximity to both jobs, especially my primary job at the prison. It takes me 5 to 10 minutes to get to work. I can run home and do a load of laundry on my lunch hour if I like. I'm so glad I'm not a commuter.

2. I love my schedule. I work four 10-hour days at the prison. That gives me a three-day weekend every week. Of course, being the workaholic I am, I use the weekend to work the second loved job. However, someday I would love to be able to keep those weekends to myself, accomplishing large projects at home, or perhaps taking little trips. Gotta' keep that hope alive!

3. I love my fellow employees in both locations. I have made some enduring friendships in both locations. Many of them have become almost like family. I actually even socialize with some of them. I go to movies, dinner and lunch with Jodie and Tamara. Nadia and I go to water aerobics together. We've created a group called "Bored of Education" (yes I know it's ironic that this grammatically incorrect title was created by educators). We get together every couple of months and go to dinner. Anyway, you see what I mean. My life would be a little less full without these friends.

4. My job at the prison is interesting and different every day. I never lack for stories to tell. I interview inmates every day. Some of them are a bit frustrating to deal with, but most are respectful and cooperative. They come from all over the country, and even the world. This is a very diverse population, and it's interesting to hear their stories, their accents, their EXCUSES, their whining, and their appreciation for what you do for them. Yesterday, a potential student came in and sat down. He started to talk before I looked up. I thought for sure that when I raised my eyes, I would see a man with a worn plaid flannel shirt, a coonskin cap and a huntin' rifle in his hands. His hillbilly accent was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. But he was so very courteous. On the other hand, a student came to my office last week and wanted me to do something I could not do. I told him to go back to his teacher. He argued with me a bit, but I stood my ground. Well, I learned later that he thinks I'm "grumpy." Ya, I'll bet that's what he called me! haha This job has really opened my eyes to a side of life I hardly knew existed 10 years ago. It certainly makes you appreciate your own problems.

5. I love the fact that I really feel invested in what I do. I believe in what I'm doing. I think it's important to educate this segment of the population, if we want to hope that they will ever become productive members of our society. It's too bad our funding is being cut year after year. There are some out there that feel they don't deserve a second chance. What a shame!

6. I have a lot of fun chatting with people at my "other" job at the recreation center. It's amazing what a smile and hello will do. People who would otherwise blaze right past you, stop and chat. I have shared a lot of laughter, and even some tears, with these folks. I especially enjoy the elderly folks that come in. I so admire their dedication to maintaining their strength as they age.

7. I love the fact that I am self-sufficient. These jobs make that possible, of course. There have been times in my life when I really didn't have any confidence in myself, nor my abilities. But both of these jobs have pushed me into my "discomfort" zone and helped me develop skills that I would not otherwise have. I have learned to really enjoy people--all sorts of people. I have become less judgmental of those who make mistakes. "But for the grace of God, there go I......." I try to remember that every day. I've learned to have empathy without having sympathy.

Those are just a few of the reasons I love my jobs and hope to hang onto them for a long time. Yes, I have bad days in both places, but they are far and few between. And I feel lucky to really like what I do...................

Happy weekend, ya'll.

Spring is the TRUE Season of Joy

It's the beginning of a new season. And we're quickly approaching my very favorite time of year. Not only does the earth wake up--so do I! Seeing the sun does so much for my physical, mental and emotional state! Anyone who knows me knows how much I detest the cold, dark winter. There's something inherently evil about waking up and going to work in the dark, working in a windowless building all day, and leaving work as the sun is going down. Now it's nearly over, and I am SO excited. I LOVE Daylight Savings Time!

I actually spent some time outside working in my poor, ugly yard today. I pruned a few rose bushes, then Dylan helped me dig some dirt out of a couple of my Square Foot Garden boxes. I'm determined to try my hand at growing vegetables this year. It's been many years since I've attempted this, so I hope I remember how. I need to make some new soil mix and was all ready to buy the supplies and get started, but the place that sells the vermiculite I need was closed today. Oh well, I just pruned rose bushes instead.

To me, there is nothing more gratifying than working the soil, planting seeds, watching them grow and then enjoying the results for dinner (or lunch, breakfast or snacks). I feel this special connection with the dirt, for some reason. I think it might be genetic? I feel the most centered and peaceful there. I wish I could feel that connection with field bindweed, whitetop and lawn mowing! But alas, there is a definite difference. So, Monday I will try to procure the supplies I need and be ready to plant a few seeds by next weekend. We are supposed to have some nice weather in the coming days (except for tomorrow's expected rain/snow).

My other goal in coming weeks is to put more memory on this computer, start taking more pictures, having Katie teach me how to put them on my blog and Facebook, and maybe sharing my successes or failures in said garden........

Happy Spring to one and all. I hope it makes you as happy as it makes me!

"Wouldja Make Up Your Mind?"

I left for work this morning absolutely puzzled! And I haven't become less puzzled as the day has passed. So maybe someone can help me understand this.

You will all recall the eternal presidential campaign we have all just suffered through. How could we possibly forget? There was so much news coverage--we had a constant IV drip of it. I, for one, was so relieved when it was over. We then had a relatively peaceful couple of months. Then President-elect Obama became a little more press-shy during this time period. Sarah Palin faded into the background and John McCain seemed to disappear. It was pretty nice!

Well, I remember news pundits complaining that the president-elect had become less forthcoming. He sort of backed away from the bright lights. He almost shunned the press on more than one occasion. I remember him basically telling them to back off, that he was not going to share with them. His grass-roots supporters seemed to be hungry for him to tell them what to do next, but not much was said.

All of that changed with the inauguration. There was such fanfare and days-and-days of news coverage. The press was in hog-heaven! I actually enjoyed every minute of it. There was a feeling of elation. Since the inauguration, President Obama has rolled up his sleeves and has gone to work. He is trying very hard to produce the changes he promised during the campaign. You see him constantly on the news. CNN talks of nothing else. He's been interviewed by a myriad of big-name "interviewers" -- Anderson Cooper, Charlie Gibson, Katie Couric, etc. etc. etc. He really wants the American public to understand what he's trying to do and how he wants to do it. He wants the workings of Washington to be transparent and understandable. I actually heard him say he made a mistake in choosing the wrong candidates for positions (i.e. Daschle). Imagine that! I don't recall anything like it in all the years I've been aware of politics. I find it refreshing.

So this is why I'm puzzled. NOW, the news pundits are complaining that he is too much "out there." They think he's too much in the public eye. I heard one newswoman say that he was destroying the "mystique" of the presidency. She said that President Obama should NEVER apologize or admit he was wrong. HUH????? I thought we were tired of secrecy. I thought we were tired of not understanding what was going on or why? I thought we were interested in what is being done to solve the dire problems this country is facing. I thought we were invested. Apparently, the press doesn't think we're smart enough to handle it all. Maybe the President speaking directly to us makes them less valuable?

I, for one, am so relieved to have a president who is thoughtful, careful, well-spoken, intelligent, and seemingly up-front and honest. I guess time will tell in the end. I appreciate his candor and his desire for people like me to know and understand what's going on, what he believes should be done and why. Even if you don't agree with his policies, you have to appreciate the way he is handling the terribly difficult job he has. He seems to be more "real" than any president I can recall.

OK, so I've gone on way too long. I've been thinking about this all day and had to get it off my chest. There now----I feel much better!

Musical Computers

My head is spinning. Do you remember playing Musical Chairs as a child? I remember it being one of my favorite birthday party games. Well, we seem to be playing a grown-up version around here. We call it Musical Computers.

This all started a few years back when Daniel gifted his old I-Mac to his sister, Katie. He had purchased a new computer. In 2007 when I married Paul, he brought his computer with him. Katie decided she would like my old computer, so I gave it to her. My monitor was an undesirable HUGE monster, so Dylan gave Katie his flat screen monitor when he purchased a new one. When Paul moved out, it left me without a computer, so Katie gave me her I-Mac, which had been given to her by Daniel. Things have settled that way until recently.

Dylan purchased a bigger, better monitor, so he gave Katie his newer old one. Then he decided he did not need his "tower" anymore because he has a laptop. He gave Katie the tower, too. So now, Katie is giving me my old computer back, plus Dylan's original flat screen monitor. I am taking the I-Mac back to Katie so she can retrieve all of her music from it, then it will find its final (maybe) resting spot back with Daniel.

Wow! Got that?

Fever Induced Insanity

I've been quite sick for nearly a week now. I am slowly improving now, but it has been a VERY long few days. Of course, I managed to get sick right when I had time off. I can't decide if that's a good thing or a bad thing. On the plus side, I did not have to miss any work. On the minus side, it totally shot a hole in all of my plans.

It's amazing what a fever will do to you. I haven't had one for so many years, I had forgotten how crazy it makes you. I have had fever and aches--no cold or cough. I've also been extremely tired, due to the fact that I have trouble sleeping. I tried to control the fever and aches with ibuprofen (my miracle drug). I would feel better, but I would sweat absolute buckets. I am not generally a "sweaty" person, so this has been an interesting (and disgusting, I might add) experience.

On Saturday, I felt well enough to go to work for a couple of hours. I had not had any appetite for a number of days (other than a mad craving for oranges). I had to force myself to eat. But while I was at work, I got this uncontrollable hankering for a quarter-pound cheeseburger from McDonalds. STRANGE, but true. So when I left work, I called home to see if anyone there wanted anything. Dan wanted a two-cheeseburger meal.

So, I get to the driveup. I'm half-crazed with hunger. I order the two-cheeseburger meal, and the person on the other end of the speaker says, "We don't have that." I asked him how they could not "have it." He said they'd never had that combo. I said, "You absolutely have had it. I've gotten it 500 times." The argument continued. I was getting really angry (and not in my right mind). I finally told him to put two kids cheesburgers in a bag with some fries and a drink FOR A GROWN-UP. I also ordered my meal.

When I got to the window where they handed me my order, they handed me two kids meals, complete with toys and ice cream. They also gave me what I'd ordered for myself. I told them that it was wrong and asked why they couldn't figure it out. I finally just took the food and left, madder than a wet hen.

When I got home, I set the food on the kitchen table and called for Daniel. He came into the kitchen, looked at the food and said, "Oh, so you went to Wendy's instead, huh?"

It all became glaringly clear....... I was officially losing my mind. I had driven up to Wendy's instead of McDonalds and had been extremely rude and argumentative with the employee. I felt so bad, I started to cry. I am planning to write a letter of apology and take it over.

Did I mention that part of this illness I've had has been an absolute inability to be rational or to control my emotions? Let's hope I get well soon. I've had just about enough of this nonsense....