STILL HERE...

Hey, Hey...

So, I'm sitting here wondering where the year went. It went fast, I know that! Lots happened, some good, some bad. But, overall, everyone I care about are healthy and content. I guess you couldn't ask for anything better.:)

My back problems are a thing of the past. I've gone to a Chiropractor for almost two months and it's made a world of difference. Yay! I can finally live life again. :)

The man I'm taking care of has the hots for me, but what's new? LOL.

I hope all had a good Christmas, and if not... Hugs..

12:17 AM - 12/30/2009 - Postcomment {17}

Bits and pieces..

We just got back from our annual camping trip to the High Sierras. It's so beautiful there and so peaceful, you really get to "recharge"

This camping trip seemed hectic though for some reason. Lots of going back and forth to the campsites with family members and it seemed to me way too much cooking! Things will have to be different next time, I almost felt like I wasn't on vacation, lol.

I've adjusted to everyone moving back in and I'm more at peace with it. It is really nice to have my family all together for once. :Now if I could just get use to the clutter!

The heat has been almost unbearable here. It's been humid and that's unusual for CA weather. I can't stand that sticky feeling, ugg. I wonder if the fires has anything to do with it?

Work has been great. I'm taking care of a 94 year old man. He is the sweetest person. He is confused as heck though, which is why he needs the help. I cook him his meals, otherwise all he eats is bananas, and drink wine, lol. I do his laundry and "gently" convince him to get in the shower and put on fresh clothes. He doesn't think any of that is necessary, so this is no easy feat. I hope when I get to that age,

I have the resources to pay a company like mine to come in and help. People live so much longer when they can stay in their own home instead of a nursing home or an assisted living facility.

On a sad note... My 14 year old dog still has lots of energy, but lately has been falling. His back legs just give out on him. It's so sad to watch, but he doesn't seem to be bothered by it, he gets right up again:) Sigh, it's going to be hard to see him go. I wonder what the lifespan of a Golden Retriever is? I think I'll try and google it.

2:09 PM - 9/10/2009 - Postcomment {12}

It's been so long...

It seems that everyone's left here and gone on to other places, blogs, life, etc.

That's OK. I miss many, but such is the life of online friends. I need to get use to that. It's hard though! You make friends, become close to them and wham, they're gone, for whatever reason.

It's been a roller coaster life for me for the past few months. My son and his wife moved back in until he passes his Doctor boards. My younger son moved out, but is moving back in within the next week. He just can't afford to live on his own in CA. It's almost $1800 a month for an apt. here.

I've had Grand Jury duty for 4 months. I haven't been able to work, so it's been very stressful. It ends next week, so hopefully I can start working full time again.

One by one our cars have broken down. Mine is in the shop right now and hopefully I'll have it by Tuesday. Hopefully it won't cost too much, my husband is footing all the bills right now until Jury duty is over.

We had termites. We had to tent the house and move things out. They told us we only had to remove the food, it's supposedly a gas that doesn't stick to anything. Well, I don't believe that. How often have the "EXPERTS" been wrong. Way to many times. So, we basically boxed up and moved anything personal. Clothes, lotions, food, personal body and face items. Basically the entire house, haha.

I am still unpacking and putting things back together. Sheesh...

My mother-in-law called me today and asked me to come over and look at a spot in her computer room. I asked why and she told me she thought it might be termite dust. WTF?? No way, God wouldn't do this to me,

I went to their house today and there it was. The disgusting little pile of termite dust. I just know they will depend on us to help them with this since we are the closest relative and we stayed at their house during our tenting.

I'm still putting my house back together. It's been frustrating and exhausting. I can't imagine doing this again!

*sigh* Oh well, such is life. You do what you have to do. And that's all she wrote.

10:38 PM - 7/25/2009 - Postcomment {13}

The "60's"

Some of the artists of the 60's are revising their hits with new lyrics to accommodate aging baby boomers.


They include:

Bobby Darin ---
Splish, Splash, I Was Havin' a Flash.


Herman's Hermits ---
Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Walker .


Ringo Starr ---
I Get By With a Little Help From Depends.


The Bee Gees -- -
How Can You Mend a Broken =2 0Hip..


Roberta Flack---
The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face.


Johnny Nash ---
I Can't See Clearly Now.



Paul Simon---
Fifty Ways to Lose Your Liver



The Commodores ---
Once, Twice, Three Times to the Bathroom.

Marvin Gaye ---
Heard It Through the Grape Nuts.

Procol Harem---
A Whiter Shade of Hair.



Leo Sayer ---
You Make Me Feel Like Napping.



The Temptations ---
Papa's Got a Kidney Stone.


Abba---
Denture Queen.


Tony Orlando ---
Knock 3 Times On The Ceiling If You Hear Me Fall.


Helen Reddy ---
I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore.


Leslie Gore---
It's My Procedure, and I'll Cry If I Want To.


And Last but NOT least:
Willie Nelson --- On the Commode Again

9:49 PM - 6/12/2009 - Postcomment {7}

This Movie looks so good!

2:18 PM - 5/30/2009 - Postcomment {13}

This and That...

Sheesh, this place is a ghost town! How sad...:(

Oh well, I'm still posting even though no one will read it, haha.

I'm still waiting for my American Idol tickets. Last year they assigned them to me at at the last minute, so I'm hoping that happens this year too. I keep checking everyday because I really want to go! Last year was awesome and this year will be even better with hopefully Adam and Chris as the last two standing. I'm keeping my fingers crossed..

Jury duty sucks...royally...

Yesterday, I sat through 20 drug cases. BORING! I can't believe I have to do this for another 3 months. The good news is that the courtroom is on the fourth floor, so with all the breaks and lunch, I've been going up and down the stairs. I'll do about 4 trips during lunch and three during my breaks. Great aerobics and great for the legs! I think the other jurors that are taking the elevator think I'm a little nutty, haha. I don't care, just sitting for all those hours is crazy..

This August is our annual High Sierra camping trip. We missed it last year, so I'm looking forward to it this year. I've already started planning and somewhat packing for it.

This year, for the first time in almost 10 years, both my boys are going with us! That is sooooo exciting! My mom and my brother and his family will stay in a cabin by the lake and we'll stay in her motor home at the campground. The boys both want to stay in tents on our campsite site. So, we'll all be together, but Paul and I will still have a little privacy having the motor home to ourselves. Unless, of course the bears are back. In that case both boys might be joining us in the motor home, haha.

It's been warm one day here and the next cool. I wish the weather would make up it's mind... Sheesh..

2:33 PM - 5/12/2009 - Postcomment {21}

Just great...

I've been called for Jury duty every year since I turned 21. I've never been picked, never even had my name called. I've always wanted to serve, just to see what it's like. Most everyone I know only served one or two days, so I thought that would be fine with me.


I called my employer and told her I had Jury duty today the 21st, so if she had any clients after that, call me because I really need to work again. She is anxious for me to work also.

I got there and the first name called was mine! I couldn't believe it, that never happens! So, I go up to court room 24 along with 54 others. They gave us a form to read. On the form it states that we are not being picked for a jury trial, but for "The Grand Jury" Huh?? To make a long story short, the Grand Jury serves for 4 months, two days a week or more if they need you to.

What???

Well, I can't do that! I can't go that long without working and I certainly don't want to have to drive that distance every Monday and Friday and I don't want to have to commit to that for 4 months..:(

I tried to tell the Judge that , but he was pissed. About 98% of the people there were trying to get out of it, they were shocked they were called for The Grand Jury also, they all thought they'd serve one day at the most if their name was called.

I tried to claim financial hardship. He asked me if i was working at the moment. I told him no, the lady I was taking care of needed 24/7 care and I couldn't do that anymore, but I was waiting for another client to come along. He said, "But, right at this moment you aren't bringing in an income, right? So, it doesn't make any difference financially whether you serve or not." I said, "But if something comes along, I need to be able to say yes."

"Not good enough, If your husband is paying the bills now, he can pay them for another 4 months. Request is denied."

Wow...

I called my husband during the break to tell him. He was so pissed! He told me when they ask the questions, give them some stupid answers, and they won't pick me. Hmm, ok, that sounds like a plan!

Well, I go back in the courtroom and what does the Judge say? Lawyers don't question you to see if they want you or not for The Grand Jury. It is done by a random drawing. They bring out this box and proceed to pull out the first name. Oh boy I thought, the odds of my name being pulled twice today has to be pretty slim. WRONG!

My name was the first one. :rolleyes:

*sigh*

The first case is Thursday. And these are criminal felony cases, Homicide, etc. I don't think I'm going to have the stomach for this.

I need some pistachio ice cream.:)

5:30 PM - 4/21/2009 - Postcomment {16}

Lost and Found....

Well, Easter was something else this year. My Aunt in Maine died suddenly, so the last two days were not very joyous. I spent it helping my mother find a florist shop in Maine and others helped her book a flight out Tuesday to go back for the funeral. Why does this always happen close to the holidays?

I went to my mother-in-laws house for Easter. She's been depressed, so I offered to bring most of the dinner over. We ate an hour late because nothing was going right, sheesh! The dinner turned out fine after all and I of course stuffed myself, haha.

My husband got called into work three times today to do an MRI. I don't understand why doctors order those on Holidays and Sundays. He missed dinner, and really most of the family get-together.

After dinner, everyone left and I stayed to talk with my mother-in-law. She was depressed and didn't want me to leave yet. While we were talking, my father-in-law wanted to take their dog for a walk. He has Alzheimer's and even though he's not in a bad stage, I didn't think it was a good idea. But, my mother-in-law told him to go ahead.

Well, 30 minutes later, I said.."Um, where does he go for his walks? He's been gone awhile"

She freaked, she didn't realize how long he'd been gone because we were talking. We went out looking for him. Nothing! I drove my car around the neighborhood...Nothing! On a hunch,I went back out in my car and drove to the park about 1/2 mile away. They usually go there one day a week with their dog.

There he was... sitting on this brick wall, looking confused. I walked up to him and said..."Hi John, what's going on?"

"Oh, hi. What brings you around these parts?"

"I was at the house (he'd forgotten) and we were just worried because you were gone so long, so I thought I'd come look for you."

" Well, I'm glad you did.. I couldn't figure out what I was suppose to do once I got here. Was Darlene meeting me here?"

"No, you were going for a walk around the block. But, that's alright, it's a nice night, you just wanted to walk a little further. Why don't you ride back with me in the car?"

Whew...

That was the most confused I'd ever seen him. He obviously can't be trusted to go for a walk by himself anymore.

What bothers me is that when I brought him home, his wife screamed at him..."What's wrong with you? Why would you go to the park and scare us half to death? Why can't I trust you anymore? Why do you do things like this, I'm so sick of it all!"

He looked at her and shrugged his shoulders. I felt so sorry for him. SHE is the one who should have known better. It's like she sets him up to fail.

I understand this is frustrating for her, I understand this has changed her whole life. I do understand and feel sorry for her. But, dang! It's not his fault.

Grrr... Enough of that. I'm just glad he was found, safe.

The good news?

I've got two awesome sons. I thank God everyday for them..:)

10:23 PM - 4/12/2009 - Postcomment {8}

Three days of hell..

And I mean it..

Last Thursday, we picked up our Motor Home (1976, an oldie) from my Mothers house and brought it to our house to check it out and work on any repairs. Since storing her Motor Home at our house, we've had to leave ours at her house, we simply don't have room for both. Her Motor home doesn't fit in her driveway, but it fits in our side yard. Because of that, we don't have the opportunity to look after our Motor home like we did when it was stored here.

The nightmare began as soon as we opened the door to go inside. We've know it has needed a new roof for a couple of years, but my husband painted the top with this special paint, that's like rubber. All professionals told us this would solve the problem without putting out the money to redo the roof.

Not so, with all the rain this past few months, and because the Motor Home wasn't within our reach so we could check on it, there was mold all over the back paneling and table next to it. The wall had come apart from the ceiling in the bathroom and there was mold on the rug in there, plus you can see where water had saturated the ceiling and separated from the walls. Plus there were spider webs everywhere!

DANG..

We spent the entire day removing everything from the Motor Home. My husband tore out sections of the wall in the back where the mold was. He wouldn't wait for me to go buy a special mask, he was so mad. Since the MH is so old, we couldn't find that thickness or color of wood or paneling anywhere. He had to use actual oak and Micky Mouse it. We scrubbed everything down and bug bombed it.

So, now we have to make a decision on what to do. Do we try and sell it the way it is? Or do we keep it and repair it? Or do we keep it and use it the way it is, until it literally falls apart?

Cost wise, it would take about $5000 to repair it. We certainly don't have that money and even if we did, would we want to use it for a MH that old?

It's sad really, it's been in the family for years, it was my parents and they gave it to us when they got their new one.

Anyhow, the saga continues...

We decided to take it out for a night to see how it ran. It hasn't been use in three years. We got a camping site at Lake Casitas and spent the last two nights there. Fun, fun, fun. First off the battery died. We charged it up before we left, but apparently it didn't take. So, we spent the night in the MH with a flashlight.

The next day, my son and his wife decide to drive up for the day and surprise us. We didn't have any food to offer them because we didn't plan on staying more than one night, so we decide to walk to the camp store.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Little did we know how far the camp store was! It took us an hour and half to walk to the store, and most of that was uphill! And believe it or not, going back was mostly uphill also, how does that freakin happen? So, that was three hours of walking in the sun..:( Uphill..:rolleyes:

My scalp got sunburned because I didn't wear a hat.

I woke up that night with cramping in my legs because of all the steep uphill walking that day.

I woke up again with severe pain on the outside of my right ear. I climbed down the ladder to go to the bathroom to look in the mirror, and fell down the ladder because I missed the last rung. The battery was dead, so I had to search for a flashlight so I could look in the mirror. Finally found one and looked. Yikes! The outside of my ear was all swollen and red and hot.
I forgot the first aid kit because we hadn't planned on taking the MH out, so all I could do was pour cold water over it to relieve the pain.

Went back to bed and after much tossing and turning because my ear was hurting so bad, I finally fell asleep.

I awoke to my husband holding me and telling me it was ok, to wake up, everything is alright. I was having a horrible nightmare and apparently I was screaming out in my sleep. He was hoping the other campers didn't think he was beating me up, because it was in the middle of the night and really quiet and I was really loud, haha.

I'm laughing, but that was the mother of all nightmares. I never went back to sleep, that's how scared I was. I was afraid if I went back to sleep, the nightmare would come right back. Who knew you could actually feel pain in your dreams? Well, let me tell you, you can.:(

When I got up my ear was still swollen and red with a little black dot in the middle of the swollen area. My first thought was "Black Widow" but today the swelling has subsided and it's less red, so it is getting better.

Anyhow, how was your weekend? :rolleyes:

9:58 AM - 4/6/2009 - Postcomment {17}

So... this is sad

Wow...That's all I can say, haha. This happened this morning..

PAUL--I gotta tell you what happened at work yesterday, it was hysterical.

ME--What happened?

PAUL--This guy was in the MRI machine and let out this huge, humongous fart. I mean he let it rip. We all looked at each other and all of a sudden we hear.."oops, sorry" OMG, that was the best laugh of the day..

ME--LOL!

PAUL--Huh?

ME--That's so funny! The poor guy..

PAUL--No, you said LOL.

ME--What? No I didn't.

PAUL--Yeah, you did. You said LOL.

ME--I did? Oh that's sad. Why would I do that?

PAUL--Ah, could it be because you have computer brain death?

ME--Hmm, now would be a good time to be quiet.

PAUL--I can't wait to go to work and tell them what you said. hehehe

ME--Yeah, they'll probably find that extremely funny. They'll also find it extremely funny when I tell them how you hang your underwear on the end of the towel rack. Haha.

Well, that pretty much ended our conversation, but I couldn't believe I actually said the word LOL. That's pathetic.:)

I started to look at past post, comments, etc and noticed I use LOL a lot.
But, to start actually saying it?

I need to go through detox.

11:33 AM - 4/1/2009 - Postcomment {18}