Chris' Place

Long time.......

2005-10-23T05:14:00.000-07:00

Apparently, my resolution to post once a week wasn't very strong. I just don't seem to get on to write like I intend. So much I want to do, so little time to actually accomplish anything. So, here is what has been happening............

Lots of yard work - I have a large lot with lots of trees, silver maples to be exact, which shed tons of leaves. I am wading in leaves about a foot deep; they look pretty right now and are fun to walk in and crunch, but I know they will become a sodden mess soon with rain and snow.

Work inside the house - I am trying a plaster texturing technique that I think will look pretty cool when I actually get it done. Since I have trouble getting pictures to post here, try going to my geocities site to take a look. http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cchuff2000/album?.dir=3bbb&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos The room I'm working in right now is the one with all the chicken wallpaper; the wallpaper has been gone for a while but now I am actually beginning to decorate. I've been here six months and still don't have anything on the wall because I didn't want to hang things just to take them down to paint, etc.

Tons of family stuff - We've had birthdays and a trip to an orchard to play and pick pumpkins. Carter, my oldest grandson, is 4 (already) and Brenna, the youngest of my grands, is 1 on Wednesday. Unbelievable how fast they are growing and how much love a heart can hold.

I also spend a lot of time with my brothers and their families. We are very close again and have a common dream that we are developing. We are very excited, and I will explain more as the dream begins to become a reality.

Next weekend, I am taking a class on Reike Massage - I hope I spelled that right. It is a Eastern technique for relaxation and healing. I've always had an interest in this type of thing; at one point, I wanted to be a physical therapist and seem to have a natural knack for massage. I also believe in the mind/body connection and the body's natural ability to heal itself if given the chance. I think this will be a very interesting and I'm looking forward to the experience.

So, my life is full and I am a happy and content person.

Another busy weekend....

2005-09-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

This was fall cleanup at my house. Trees were trimmed and all the trimmings from those and the bushes I had pruned the last couple of weeks were all shredded, cut into sizes for my outdoor fireplace and/or burned.

My brother and nephews also put in an addition to my sidewalk that widens the walk to the same width as the porch steps so that I won't kill myself this winter. Now, other than the final lawn trimming and mulching leaves and cleaning up garden debris, I am ready for winter. (Not really but the lawn is.)

Now, I will begin some inside insulation and sealing up windows to keep the house a little warmer and hopefully, cut down winter utility bills. My youngest son put in the new thermostat; no need to keep the house at 78 while I'm at work. I want to get a motion sensor light on the porch yet, but that won't take long and hopefully will be done in the next couple of weeks.

I am tired; I have done very little today other than clean up. We grilled for lunch and supper and I fed about 20 people. Ribs, pork loin, hamburgers, along with salads and stuff. We work hard and get a lot accomplished in a relatively short period of time.

Enough of my exciting life but hadn't contributed for a while and was past due.

Take care,

Random Thoughts

2005-09-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

Lots of things bother me but recently Katrina and the ACLU are my biggest peeves so today I am venting.

The ACLU does not represent the majority of people in any matter they choose to persue. Why then are they afforded so much voice in our country?

Here is something my mother sent me that pretty much says it all:

The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from Alabama. Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama. The judge's poem sums it up quite well.

America the Beautiful, or so you used to be.

Land of the Pilgrims' pride; I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters, Abortion on demand,

Oh, sweet land of liberty; your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly poisoned by cocaine,

Choosing to indulge their lusts, when God has said abstain.

From sea to shining sea, our Nation turns away

From the teaching of God's love and a need to always pray.

We've kept God in our temples, how callous we have grown.

When earth is but His footstool, and Heaven is His throne.

We've voted in a government that's rotting at the core,

Appointing Godless Judges who throw reason out the door,

Too soft to place a killer in a well deserved tomb,

But brave enough to kill a baby before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not angry, that our land's a moral slum?

How much longer will He wait before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God, fom Whom we cannot hide?

What then is left for us to do, bt stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children, will humbly turn and pray;

Seek His holy face and mend our evil way:

Then God will hear from Heaven and forgive us of our sins,

He'll heal our sickly land and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful, if you don't - then you will see,

A sad but Holy God withdraw His hand from Thee.

Now to Katrina: Katrina's worst damage was not in New Orleans; the damage from the storm itself was worse in Biloxi. It was the levee breaking that caused the havoc we see now. No one could have predicted that would happen. But when you choose to live in an area below sea level protected by sand dikes on one side and a large lake with a levee on the other, are you not tempting the fates? New Orleans floods with several inches of rain; they expect that and their storm sewers pump the water out into Lake Ponchetrain. Duh!?!?!?!

As far as getting aid there - People were asked to evacuate and those who stayed knew they were at risk. Where is their responsiblity in this? When something occurs on this large of scale and is unanticipated, it takes time to get supplies and help there. I think the National Guard, Coast Guard, Army, Carnival Cruise Lines and everyone else who has had any part at all in helping with this problem deserves a great deal of thanks.

And to the politicians who say our President didn't act quickly enough: If you had put as much energy into finding out what you could do to help instead of saying no one was doing enough and working with agencies that provide of against them, wouldn't we all be better off?

Now to another tangent: Why do ineffective, money grubbers like so many of our politicians are get re-elected? They don't represent the people; they are mostly lawyers who write laws that no one understands and they get paid for the rest of their lives for screwing things up.

It's time for all people who love this country to wake up!

As time goes by........

2005-08-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

The weekend passed, as usual, at the speed of lightning. I worked three hours Friday then was off for the remainder of the day. However, I'm not sure that warrants any celebration. I took 8 hours of vacation and still managed to work almost 40 hours for the week.

The Moose Fall convention was in town. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Moose, it is a fraternal organization and supports Moosehart, a children's home/school near Chicago in the
Fox River Valley and Moose Haven, a retirement community in Florida. Anyway, a group of nice people and fun to spend some time with. My brother is a member, my sister-in-law is a member of the women's affiliate, and through them, I got involved. Anyway, spent the remainder of Friday with them, then joined both my brothers and family, at Ankeny for a family evening and too many margaritas. I really do know better.

Saturday morning was NOT special; I really didn't feel terrific, but I did survive and went with my brother to the farm. My parents still live there; this year was their 56th wedding anniversary - pretty special in this day and age of disposable spouses. We also discussed some family business so an afternoon well spent.

I got back in time to go to my daughter's house to babysit while they went to a birthday party. Carter, almost 4, and Ethan, 2 1/2, kept me well entertained. I went home Sunday morning and guess what?

I went outside and gardened! I burned one big pile of brush and started another. Since the former owner didn't seem to know anything about pruning, I have a lot of clean up this fall. We are planning a tree trimming party/barbeque on the 24th.

I lead such an exciting life! Pretty simple and uncomplicated. It could be much worse - I could live in New Orleans - what a mess!

My Addiction

2005-08-24T17:38:00.000-07:00

As far as addictions go, I guess mine is pretty harmless and actually beneficial healthwise. But, it can put a dent in the bank account.

I made the mistake today of stopping at Harvey's Greenhouse, where I get a lot of the things I plant. Reasonably priced, grown locally, and lots of variety. I stopped for pansies; I walked out with 2 ornamental grasses, 3 different types of sage and a couple of other herbs and ornamental plants. Add those to the 5 already setting in pots in my yard waiting to be planted.

Realize now that I have almost half an acre and half of that is heavily landscaped and ask me what the h@#$%^&$ I'm thinking buying more to plant. I DON'T KNOW! But there are never too many flowers and not enough beauty in this world.

So I will feed my addiction and continue to beautiful my little corner of the world, split my plants with friends and family and try to play it forward.

Weekend again!

2005-08-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

I have decided that I am going to blog once a week on Saturday because setting it into a routine seems to be the only way I can get it done on a regular basis.

Went to the fair last night and listened to Papa DoRunRun; play surfer music like the Beach Boys; very good. Went with my brother and his wife, lost a denim shirt somewhere (was wearing it over a skimpy top until I got too hot dancing) so no, I wasn't being wild. Darn it!! Anyway, had fun, got back to their house about 1 and stayed instead of driving home. I lead such an exciting life.

Got home, ate, reconciled checking account, paid bills, too much month left at the end of the money, but guess that's the way of the world. I can't complain too much: I have a nice home, bills are paid, just not much left over to play with.

Anyway, going out to play in the yard, rain and all. Just picking up, then will come inside and sort out a couple of boxes of books.

Love to all!

I can't believe it's August!

2005-08-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

Not only that, it's bearing down on mid-August very quickly. Families with youngsters are talking about school starting, the fair starts Thursday and then Labor Day! I haven't accomplished nearly what I had intended.

I did however, finally finish painting the living room; looks pretty darned good. I had a lot of plaster work to do to repair/even out bad texturing but I have very nice walls and ceiling now. Jody came out to pick up Toby and we experimented with furniture arrangements. Still not sure but it will get there. Nothing on walls yet, but that's okay too.

The dining room and talking room get to wait until a little later. I want to try Venetian Plastering and I want to build a small pong/waterfall in my yard yet. Plenty of pruning and trimming yet to do as well. Burned a huge pile of what I have already done. That is one good thing about very small towns; you can still burn yard refuse.

My brother and his family came out for a bbq and I made an old recipe that we made a lot when we got home from school. There were none left over, so for those of you who like raisins, here it is:

Frosted Raisin Squares
Simmer together: (about 5 minutes in the microwave does it.)
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cup water
1 cup raisins

Let cool. (If it's too hot, the flour turns to glue)

Combine :
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup walnuts if desired.

Stir together liquid and flour mixture. Bake in a 9x13 pan at 350 for 5-20 minutes.

Frosting:
Approx 1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
Enough milk to make it spreadable
(I also add a dash of cinnamon to the frosting)

Enjoy!

Time flies

2005-07-26T16:01:00.000-07:00

And then just completely disappears! I have no idea where the time goes; I'm busy all the time and time just flees in the blink of an eye.

Here's what I've been up to:

Finally got the rest of the paper off of the living room walls Friday night then patched plaster. I'm all ready to finish the painting in there as soon as the part Jen ordered (because I was an idiot and threw part of my paint stick away.) Then I can actually finish some decorating in that room. Yeah!!!
Worked HOURS in the yard Saturday and Sunday. Yes, in this heat! It just really doesn't bother me that much unless I'm sitting still or trying to sleep.
And finally, back to work again. Time is going just as quickly there; we are opening 5 new stores in the St Louis area on Thursday.

I tried a new thing with pork loin this weekend. When we were in KC a couple of weeks ago, Jarod had grilled chops and professed them excellent. All the waiter would tell us is that they had been marinated for 72 hours in a secret marinade which included olive oil and citrus juice. So I had to give it a try. I used pineapple juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, ginger and a shot of teriyaki. Very tender and tasty.

Getting ready to try out a new recipe tonight. Chocolate Banana Bread; will let you know the results.

Have a terrific evening! Until next time...........

Drinking from my saucer

2005-07-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

This is a little corny, but very sweet and that's why I'm passing it on.

I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow
And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough
But I've got loving ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again.
So Lord, help me not to gripe, about the tough rows I have hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage, When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.

When I think of how many people in this world have it worse than I do,
I realize just how BLESSED WE really are.

Don't be too busy today...Share this inspiring message with friends and family.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures

Goodnest and Marcy

2005-07-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

My daughter sent me this and since I have her two boys for the weekend, I'm taking the lazy way out. This is pretty cute.

Mrs. Goodnest
A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school.He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe. So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor, Mrs. Goodnest, if she would please follow himto school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probablywouldn't notice her.

Mrs. Goodnest said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.The next school day, Mrs. Goodnest and her little girl, Marcy, setout following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighborboy he knew.

She did this for the whole week. As the boys walkedand chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's little friend noticedthe same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.

Finally he said to Timmy, "Have you noticed that lady following us toschool all week? Do you know her?"Timmy nonchalantly replied, "Yeah, I know who she is."

The friend said, "Well, who is she?"

"That's just Shirley Goodnest" Timmy replied, "and her daughter Marcy."

"Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us?"

"Well", Timmy explained, "every night my Mom makes me say the 23rdPsalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in thePsalm, it says 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the daysof my life,' so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!"

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

May "Shirley Goodnest" and "Marcy" be with you today, and always.

Love and Blessings!

Friday Chuckle

2005-07-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

Sex in the Dark

There was this couple that had been married for 20 years. Every time they made love the husband always insisted on shutting off the light.

Well, after 20 years the wife felt this was ridiculous. She figured she would break him out of this crazy habit. So one night, while they were in the middle of a wild, screaming, romantic session, she turned on the lights.

She looked down. and saw her husband was holding a battery-operated leisure device... a vibrator! Soft, wonderful and larger than a real one.

She went completely ballistic. "You impotent bastard," She screamed at him, "how could you be
lying to me all of these years? You better explain yourself!"

The husband looks her straight in the eyes and says calmly: "I'll explain the toy . . . you explain the kids."

It never ends!

2005-07-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy. Not only did the month end, so there is all the stuff that goes along with that at work, but I had everyone out for a 4th of July picnic. It went very well; lots and lots of food, all my kids with their families, my parents and a couple of extras - loved every minute of it!

So, it's Wednesday already, things are getting done at work, home is back to normal (whatever that is) and we are gearing up for a weekend in KC. Three of my kids and their families are going for a day on the Plaza, eating too much, spending too much, and thoroughly enjoying it!

I am baby-sitting while the kids go out to eat; I got the best part of the deal. Little ones and told them I wanted a hunk of cheesecake when they come back from dinner. Works for me!

Tired - but very happy!

2005-07-01T17:12:00.000-07:00

The youngun's are home! I took half a day off yesterday; Justin, Holly and Koen arrived a little before 1 and we had the cooler stocked, food ready, and ready to help them unload the truck and move back into their house.

Koen wasn't so sure he liked all of us at first, but it didn't take him too long to warm up. (He's the adorable boy with Brenna in Jody's summer post) He was so tired, but very good considering he had sat in a carseat for the past 2 1/2 days. We managed to get his bed put together so he could have a nap and it took all of 10 minutes for him to be out.

By the time everyone started departing at 7, we had beds put together and made, Koen was taking a bath to get ready for bed and I know that while they appreciated all the help, they were all so exhausted that all they wanted were shower and fall into bed.

I told them I was just going to leave them alone unless they needed something; I will see them all Monday for a big barbeque at my house. I was even gracious enough to invite the ex and the stepmonster.

Here's the menu:
Marinated Grilled Pork Loin Chops
Grilled Stuffed Chicken
Considering a little grilled salmon
Of course, hamburgers
Pesto Pasta Salad
Chocolate Raspberry Bundt Cake
Homemade Ice Cream

Everyone else can contribute whatever. I rarely get to cook because it's just me so I get to try out some new recipes here!

To top it all off, the company I work for is growing rapidly and as an accountant, the first day of the month is busy. I reconciled 13 bank accounts today; still have 4 more to finish Tuesday. We have 5 stores opening in St Louis the end of this month, so I spent some time setting up phones and dsl or I might have gotten them all done today.

As it is, I will go in for a couple of hours over the weekend some time to close sales. Trying to print 4 days worth of reports and a fax from each store (30+ and counting) is just too much. I was in at 6:30 today as it was. They don't know just what is going to hit when I leave.

And, I am riding with Jody and Doug tomorrow.

Busy, busy!

I am beat!

2005-06-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

The whole family gathered to do a general cleanup to welcome Justin, Holly and Koen home. We have planted, mowed, pruned outside, wiped down cabinets, cleaned refrigerator, waxed and buffed floors, washed windows, everything that needs to be done so that when the truck pulls in Wednesday evening, we will be able to help them unload the truck and be home.

I tend to get sentimental when I talk about my kids, but even if I were an outsider, I would think "This family gets it." We are very close and for that, I am grateful. We work together, play together and generally like each other.

I have learned that family is everything. Without them, a person has nothing, regardless of material wealth. There are just some things money can't buy.

Family reunion on my mother's side of the family tomorrow. Lots of food and catching up.

More than past due!

2005-06-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

Since I've not posted in so long, no one is probably even going to read this but here goes!

Thought for the day: Some people are like Slinkies; not much use but it makes you smile to watch them fall when you push them down the stairs.

Let's see - what all has happened since I was last here:

7 1/2 inches of rain resulting in 3" in the west side of the basement and knee deep in the east room. What a ton of fun - not! Jarod (of OneBrickShy fame) who is my oldest son and my helper in all times of need, picked up two sump pumps borrowed from his dad, and spent about 5 hours helping me move things and pump out water. I still had boxes, cardboard no less, not yet unpacked from the move. A mess to say the least, but a good way to get rid of clutter I guess.

LOTS of time (and emphasize lots) in my garden. With a half acre and lots of landscaping, it requires a lot of time to keep the weeds out.

LOTS of family time - these are the people who are most important in my life. My kids, parents, brothers and sisters - without them, I would be lost. There are a few times that my kids actually probably saved my life. They were the only thing I had worth living for and keeping on. At the time, I didn't probably realize that but looking back, I know that without a doubt.

Monday and Tuesday of this week, I volunteered with the Dallas County Extension Service at a day camp for 4th, 5th and 6th graders at a conservation area north of Earlham IA. The theme was Native Americans and at this area, there are burial mounds, some prairie restoration and lots of trees. It's also within a mile or so of the Raccoon River. Imagine trying to keep 9 kids corralled while playing in the river. They were very good and did a fair job, with constant reminders, to stay in the shallows. The Raccoon has a pretty good current, and with the recent rash of drownings this year, we kept close watch. Temperatures were in the 90's; I wish I had been playing in the river too!

One of the kids found a spearhead. We're guessing it's about 30,000 years old. There is a replica of one at the museum that was nearly identical and that was the approximate date on it. Lucas wanted so badly to keep it, but the rule is that what is found there, stays at the museum. However, it will be properly dated with the date found and his name will be included to identify him as finding it. He thought it was pretty cool when the director told him how neat would be to bring his friends out and his name would be included with the display.

As a side note, the weekend following Labor Day, the Prairie Awakening will be held. It is a Native American celebration held at the Kuehn Conservation area north of Earlham, IA. It is open to the public and everyone I have talked with says it is wonderful. Native American dress, dances and music. I will get the particulars published later.

I am just about finished with the Master Conservationist series of classes I have been attending. It entailed 6 weeks of classes totaling about 40 hours. It has been an eye-opening experience in many ways, even though I grew up on a farm. I would encourage anyone to take this opportunity. This is how I got involved in the day camp activities. Cost is very low $45 for the series, and 40 hours of volunteer service. I have another day camp scheduled for July, and am planning to help with seed harvest of prairie wildflowers later this year.

Enough for today and I really am going to try to keep more current - Promise!

TGIF

2005-05-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

I copied this from "thegirlinoklahoma" blog; she is a terrific person and her writing is always insightful. One of these days, I really want to meet this lady face-to-face and talk with her. I feel like I've known her forever.

Sisters, girlfriends, daughters...
A young wife sat on a sofa in on a hot humid day, drinking iced teaand visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage,about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear,sober glance upon her daughter."Don't forget your girlfriends," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older.No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you'll have, you are still going to need girlfriends.Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.And remember that "girlfriends" are not only your friends, but your sisters, your daughters, and other relatives too. You'll need other women.Women always do.

"What a funny piece of advice,' the young woman thought. 'Haven't Ijust gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake, a grown-up, not a young girl who needs girlfriends! Surely my husband and the family we'll start will be all I need tomake my life worthwhile!' But she listened to her Mother; she kept contactwith her girlfriends and made more each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knewwhat she was talking about.

As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon awoman, girlfriends are the mainstays of her life. After 50 years of livingin this world, here is what she learned: Times passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up. Love waxes and wanes. Hearts break. Careers end. Jobs come and go. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Men don't call when they say they will. BUT girlfriends are there, no matter how much time and how many milesare between you. A girlfriend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley, and you have to walk it for yourself, your girlfriends will be on the valley's rim, cheering youon, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, andwaiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even breakthe rules and walk beside you. Or come in and carry you out.All the fabulous, phenomenal women I know, and have known, bless my life! The world wouldn't be the same without them, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other. Every day, we need each other still.

Tomorrow, my mother and two sisters and I are going to go out for lunch, visit tea rooms and gift shops, go to an arboretum and then to Heritage Gardens. We try to do this a couple of times a year. It's nice to be able to consider your mother and sisters as friends as well as family.

I want to start this tradition with my daughters, daughters-in-law, and when Brenna is old enough, my granddaughter.

Have a terrific weekend!

Where did the weekend go?

2005-05-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

I didn't get nearly as much done as I want to accomplish! I'm still trying to get the ceiling evened out with a light layer of plaster to take care of the icky job the previous owner did with texturing. I would like to get that done so the I can finish painting that room and at least make it liveable, put up curtains, etc. Nothing like painting and moving furniture around. I had to order new sanding grids for my floor machine; I've been through 2 already on the living room floor and will probably go through the 4 I ordered before I'm satisfied with the results. Red dust everywhere!

I went to a new friend's house and dug flowers. Just what I need: more flowers to plant! But I love flowers, so off I went. Now it's to blasted cold to be outside. What gives with this wacky weather? It's supposed to by 70 Wednesday - finally. I feel the need to pull out the flannel sheets again!

Check out the following link: I can't take credit for finding it; stole it from another blog.

http://www.cedardalechurch.ca/geese.html

Have a terrific Monday!

Things to ponder

2005-04-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

Since I have nothing amusing to say, here is a list from someone who had way to much time on their hands.

Can you cry under water?

How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

If money doesn't grow on trees then why do banks have branches?

Since bread is square, then why is sandwich meat round?

Why do you have to "put your two cents in".. . but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?

Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

What disease did cured ham actually have?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?

If a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

If you drink Pepsi at work in the Coke factory, will they fire you?

Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

How come we choose from just two people for President and fifty for Miss America?

Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.

If a 911 operator has a heart attack, whom does he/she call?

Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?

Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet soup?

Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out!"

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?

When your photo is taken for your driver's license, why do they tell you to smile? If you are stopped by the police and asked for your license, are you going to be smiling?

If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?

Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane?

If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?

Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time, but don't point to their crotch when they ask where the bathroom is?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!

What do you call male ballerinas?

Can blind people see their dreams? Do they dream?

If Wyle E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Is Disney World the only people trap operated by a mouse?

Why do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride; he sticks his head out the window?

Have a terrific day!

Senior Bachelor

2005-04-27T17:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, so how many women in this world watch Oprah and are going to send in a 3 minute tape for this guy?

I have to admit, he's a darn good looking 63 year old and the around-the-world trip sounds great, given that he is going to pay all your bills while this is going on as well, and it would be a once in a lifetime experience.

But, what happens when reality sets in? What if even with all the interviews and the help of his ex-girlfriend and daughter's-in-laws, they just can't tolerate each other and you're stuck half way around the world, no money of your own, no job to go home to, plus hurt and anger.

Or what if she falls in love but he just can't stand the fact that she doesn't wake up looking like she did during her interview? The opposite scenario is that he falls in love, but like the book in the first segment of the show, she just not into him?

Reality check! I guess I'll take my chances with the average guy, although it's been so long since I've been on a real date now that I'm not sure I would know what to do. I've gotten so independent that I don't much care what men think of me anymore; I say what I think and what I feel and if men don't like it, I guess that's their problem.

At the same time, it does get old not having anyone to do things with. It might even be nice to have someone to fight with just so you could make up. Movies are no fun without someone to laugh with and forget going out to dinner alone. Just no fun.

Ah, well; life is an adventure in itself!

Check out this site

2005-04-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

Since I'm not very funny, I thought some of you might enjoy perusing this site:
http://spaces.msn.com/members/agent66/PersonalSpace/

Weekends go too fast!

2005-04-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

Always so much to do and never enough time. I dug plants and took them to Jody on Saturday, then we spent the rest of the day doing family stuff. We celebrated Koen's 1st birthday six weeks late since they were in DC at the time, ate too much good food, and spent a lot of time just talking and playing with the kids.

Then, I made a side trip to my brother's house to spend a little time and visit with them. Betsy's birthday is tomorrow but we try to do our celebrating on weekends so everyone can get rested up and go back to work on Monday. More food; just what I needed!

Sunday, I did manage to stay home, but my sister-in-law came out to dig some plants to take home with her. I had already done Pilates that morning, but decided I would spend an hour or so doing yard work. In reality, I was out there nearly 4 hours digging, moving dirt, weeding, and I am sore today.

Then to top off the day, I did some trim painting in the living room and pulled out my floor sander and started that project. Never a lack of anything to do and I just am not good at sitting still.

By the time I took my bath, I could hardly keep my eyes open. I fell in bed and other than sore muscles waking me up when I tried to roll over during the night, I was asleep in minutes.

My life is so interesting, isn't it? There is comfort in the mundane and security though.

FRIDAY!

2005-04-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

Normally, I don't live for weekends, but this week is great! My youngest son is back for a week on leave. Justin is a Staff Sargeant with the Iowa National Guard and along with him are his wife Holly, and my youngest grandson, Koen. They haven't been home since Christmas and we are so happy to have them here with us.

Justin arrived in Baghdad the day Koen turned a week old. Luckily, his commander pulled strings and he was able to come home and meet his son before he left, and even better, he was only out of country for 4 months. He is fulfilling the rest of his assignment in Washington DC.

Koen is 13 months old, and for a family as close as ours is, it is hard for us not to be together. He is a beautiful little boy, and when all three of the boys are together, we have stairsteps of 3, 2, and 1 years. The boys are having an absolute blast playing together and you can't help but grin at their antics. At 5 1/2 months, Brenna is too little to run and play with them, but she has fun watching. Wait until next year this time; she will give them fits!

Tomorrow, we are having a family get together and eating. I spent this evening baking a turtle cheesecake. I love to cook but since it's only me, I really don't get the opportunity to cut loose and really cook like I used to; I miss that. I love to experiment and many times, I take the results to work and use them as my guinea pigs on new recipes.

My brother and his wife, and their son and his family will be over tomorrow as well. When we have a bash, we go for broke.

My other brother is having a birthday party at his house as well for his wife's birthday. Will definitely have to make a stop there as well later in the day. Karoke and more food! Will have to have a good workout Sunday to offset all the party food!

That may sound pretty mundane to some people out there, but as far as I'm concerned, family is the whole reason for being.

Blessed be..............

A new form of torture

2005-04-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

I recently joined a group of women who get together for a pilates class twice a week in an effort to meet people and also exercise a little more. I do lots of gardening, walking, etc, but thought an actual class might be a good thing as well.

Anyway, I am SORE today. Some of those positions and exercises are absolute torture!

Walking pushup are HARD! Try getting in the regular pushup position, move one foot out, move hands together, move other foot, pushup, repeat 10 times each direction. Doesn't sound that hard, does it?

Next, wall sits or whatever you choose to call it. Put your back flat against the wall and inch your feet out so that you are positioned like a chair. Hold for 90 seconds; after about 30, your thighs begin to burn, after a minute, they start shaking. If that doesn't happen, you aren't doing it right.

Now, sit down and the floor, raise your legs at about a 90 degree angle, raise your arms to the celing and roll up until you resemble the letter V; BALANCE and STAY there! Then, keep your legs up, point your arms to the ceiling and roll back one vertebra at a time.

Okay, I know you're probably rolling around on the floor trying to picture a bunch of women doing these contortions.

On Sundays, we use big balls (yoga balls) but with this group, mention balls and the conversation goes down hill FAST! One said that her daughter wouldn't even ride in her car because she had a "big ball" in her back seat.

Enough of that, should be working. On what, I'm not sure. Desk is clean; filing is done. A hour to go and I'm outta here!

Link didn't work

2005-04-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

I tried to access after posting and the link doesn't work. Trying again. No guarantees.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cchuff2000/album?.dir=3bbb&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

Hump Day!

2005-04-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

It's mid-week already and the weekend is full! I am taking half a day off tomorrow to play with the grandkids. Jen actually thinks I'm coming to help her babysit but for me, it's play time. I do my best to wear the kids out with walking, going to the park. She is babysitting for her sister, and if Justin and Holly are around, we will have all the grandkids in one place.

I am still struggling to find things to keep me busy at work, asking everyone in the office for whatever needs done so that the day will at least not seem so long, but I just about have all their little things done. The next thing is to go over and sort out the storage unit, but that is going to be a grubby job so I really get to dress down that day because I won't even wear decent jeans to do that!

For those of you who might be interested, I have a yahoo photo album of my house and it shows some of the yard and work I am doing on the interior. I've been replastering, painting and trying to get it presentable. In the process, I pinched a nerve in my back somewhere so I have had to slow down a little working on the ceiling. As a word of warning: when you get on a 6' ladder and do back bends to reach spots directly above your head, you are apt to throw something out of whack! You can view the album at http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cchuff2000 If you have a problem with access, let me know.

The rest of the day: off work at 3:30 (I'm normally at my desk by 7 and usually earlier), do some shopping so I can make a turtle cheesecake (recipe Jody gave me to try) for our family get together Saturday, Pilates tonight and whatever I get done on the house. Yeah!

I found another blog that I really like but haven't figured out how to link it yet. Check out thegirlinoklahoma Jody and Jarod; how do I put a link on?

Normal People Worry Me!

2005-04-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

This was the bumper sticker I saw this morning; how boring it must be to be normal.

Does anyone know what normal is anyway?

11 A.M. and unless someone brings me something

2005-04-14T09:01:00.000-07:00

to do, I am going to go crazy(ier) today. This is so weird! A couple of months ago, I had been so busy at work that I was up to my eyeballs in paper and treading water. Now, caught up and so organized that I am sitting here blogging.

I was actually through all my paperwork by 9 today and asking people in the office for projects. How sick is that!!! When no one had anything, I started cleaning and reorganizing. Now that's done too! What am I going to do until 3:30?

I could be at home trying to make some sense of the chaos there. I still have 3 rooms to paint, after I get the plaster patched in places. I have a huge yard and need to dead-head the daffodils and the lawn probably needs mowed since I am leaving for the weekend. Floors need scrubbed. However, I don't make any money doing that.

So....I am writing my blog, surfing the net, generally wasting time and I'm not that good at sitting still when I have nothing to do. Need to keep moving. Heck, I could even go for a nice long walk instead of sitting here. Beautiful day here in Iowa, almost 70 and sunny today and I'm stuck in my office, no windows, wishing I were anywhere else.

I got to sleep at my own house last night!

2005-04-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

Never, ever, trust anyone from AmeriSpec (part of the Service Master corporation)! I had the house I purchased inspected by them before I finalized the offer. I knew it needed a new breaker panel; I planned on that. BUT, when the electrician came to see what we were going to need, he saw that the outside wiring at the mast head were bare and rotting.

So, I called Alliant and asked them to come take a look. Sure enough, bad things happening here. I asked that they to write up their findings. In the letter "while they couldn't force me to do anything, they strongly advised replacing the entire service entrance from where Alliant hooks on, down through the meter box, and so on, and that it presented a fire hazard." What idiot wants to worry about their house burning? Not me!

I called my realtor who in turn called AmeriSpec who sent out a supervisor. His answer to the problem was to take the bare wires and tell me the service was "adequate." I don't curse often, but what the f---!

I do have a home warranty policy and they sent someone out last Friday. Alliant had already been there to remove the meter and take down the wiring from the mast head to the pole (their expense) because the wiring was getting old and the insulation was coming off. I told them what was going on and they told me to have my own electrician do all the work since I already had that arranged.

On Saturday, my ex (who is the electrician) shows up, and my oldest son comes out to help out with the wiring. No electricity whatsoever for drills, lighting to they can see what they are doing, so I went next door and asked my neighbors if I could "borrow" some juice. Very nice elderly couple; like them a lot. No problem, so we string out a heavy electrical cord. $500+ later in just conduit, wiring, and all the necessary stuff (no labor yet!) and late Sunday, everything is connected.

Not only that, but Jarod put up a ceiling fan, pulled out a block that was being forced in on the north basement wall and re-mortared and tuck-pointed it, and patched some cracks in the basement wall. What a guy! He does terrific work, but I won't start telling everyone how magnificent all my kids are; I'll save that for another time.

Alliant shows up Monday to put up the new lead wire, put in the meter, and the meter box blows up. I get a call from the ex telling me what happened and sending me to 3E for a new meter box. Their computer system is down; they can't sell me anything, but send me on a wild goose chase to 12th & Cherry in Valley Junction. Guess what? It doesn't exist, so I stopped at a commercial lighting place and ask them if they know where I am supposed to be going. 12th and Cherry is downtown - rush hour - #%@$&*&#! I get there and they don't sell what I need so they send me to Crescent Electrical, just south of the Courthouse! Made it with 15 minutes to spare!

Monday evening, in the rain, the guys were working in the rain (less than ideal conditions to say the least) but they were there! Pretty terrific people if I do say so myself. With wiring now to the house at least, even if it wasn't hooked into the meter, they were able to hook in and test the circuits. Everything checked out, so here we go again.

Alliant went out Tuesday to put in the meter. Success! Everything works! I lost about $200 in meat and stuff in the freezer and fridge, but at least I got to sleep in my own bed last night.

I am referring this whole mess on the the State Attorney's Consumer Division and the BBB. I paid an inspector just to avoid this type of thing and heads are going to role!

Another try

2005-04-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a number of months since I tried blogging and somehow got the whole thing locked up trying to put on pictures.

Since then, I've moved and have been trying to get everything painted and put away. The woman who previously owned the house had a chicken fetish. Rooster switch plates, rooster light fixture with roosters on the shades no less, chicken curtains, chickens on wallpaper; I could go on but will spare you the details for now. Needless to say, not my taste at all. I think she considered herself a decorator. The only two rooms I like are the master bedroom and bathroom. Everything else needs help.

I've been without electricity all weekend while we rewired and put in a new breaker box. Set me back a healthy price, then today when the electric company went out to hook the meter back up, it blew up. So, another $70 for a new box later today and I guess I get to stay at my daughter's house again tonight.

So, now instead of being 75 minutes each way from work, it's about 15 minutes. I have the best of both worlds; closer to work, very small town, big yard with lots of perennials and a treehouse where I intend to drink margaritas and watch the sun go down this summer. Who knows? The way things are going, I may move to the treehouse!