angelbleu's Search For A New Life

CATCH UP TIME AND ANOTHER TURNING POINT

2006-05-22T09:20:00.000-04:00

Thursday there was a dance but it was in the afternoon and I had too much work to do so I had to pass...also Dorothy and Theresa had catching up to do at their homes so they declined. Maurice and Reba did go by themselves. They had a great time...Reba squared danced 3 times!! This is the same lady that when we started going out a couple of months ago was depending a lot on her cane because of the knee surgery she had. After the dance Maurice took her home and made her supper and then they went to her house and visited for a while...romance is coming a long nicely.. :). I stayed home and worked and in the evening I watched the finish of Amazing Race that I had recorded earlier. I was happy the "hippies" won.

Friday I had a usual day and worked on my books. Had to stop a little early as I was invited to Dorothy's for supper. We were all going to be there. She had stuffed cabbage, deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, tossed salad and a scrumtious cake!! Everything was delicious! I had to leave right after dinner as I needed to finish some work that Mike needed for the next day. When I got home I accomplished that and then watched tv for a little while and then off to bed.

Saturday was very rainy...there was talk of going to a dance that night even though Dorothy was a way at her grandsons. Theresa had been fighting a cold and she said she would call me to let me know in the morning...when I didn't hear by noon I called her. Turns out she was in bed sick and Reba was suppose to call and tell me that the plans were off. Theresa and I talked for a few minutes and she asked me to call her later in the day. After I hung up Reba called... she was going to invite Maurice for supper instead of going to the dance. I had lots of work to do and some rest to catch up on so it was okay with me. Later that day I called Theresa to see who she was doing and she seemed a little better.

I noticed that at the dance the other night Theresa was asking me to go outside with her when she would go for a smoke. She had never done that before...she usually went by herself. Then her asking me to call her later in the day Saturday...I was getting the feeling she was reaching out to me to make closer a closer friend. When I last spoke to her on Saturday I told her I would call her again Sunday to see how she was doing.

Sunday after some rest in the morning I finished up some more work for Mike. He came over in the afternoon to go over it...trying to get some billing out. After he left it was around 3:00 so I called Theresa to see how she was. She sounded a whole lot better and she said she had put a pork roast in the crock pot. That sounded good cause the day before she hardly ate anything. We chatted for a while and then she said why don't you come over at 5:00 for dinner with me. Ahhh! A turning point in my life. You see one of the goals this year was to make new friend(s). I didn't want my life tied up with just one friend like I have always had before. I wanted several. My going to dinner with just Theresa meant that I had made ANOTHER friend besides Dorothy. We weren't all going out together because I was a friend of Dorothy...it was because I was a friend to all 3 of them! And we could do things separately and apart from each other.

I had a lovely delicious meal and we had a nice chat afterwards. I stayed till about 7:30 and came home to rest and watch some TV. Dorothy called while I was at Theresa's so she is home safe and sound. I went to bed usual time, read and lights out.

I hope everyone has a great day!!

MONDAY - TUESDAY - WEDNESDAY - Work and Play

2006-05-18T20:54:00.000-04:00

Monday I did my grocery shopping since I had to some banking for one of my clients. I couldn't believe how much my groceries added up to since it was mostly vegetables and fruit. I went to KMart and bought some more black paint and also some barn red for my wishing well and entrance way. In KMart I found a cute top and another jean shirt...I love those. When I got home I did some bookwork also... After supper I rested a little but then I had to go to the Community Center. There was an informational town meeting about a town water system they want us to vote in... when I got home 2 hours later the evening was my usual watching TV, reading at bedtime and lights out.

Tuesday I spent working on the books...payday for Mike's crew and had to get some billing out for both clients..lots of posting and daily reports to write up. I play poker while I am writing up the daily reports because it is a rather mindless chore. Makes it go faster. I painted a little bit of the wishing well to see if I liked the color..just in case I had to return it the next day. I was anxiously awaiting American Idol. Taylor was just great with his 3 songs...Kat blew me away with Somewhere Under the Rainbow...gave me goose bumps. I still want Taylor to win..but I know that no matter what happens he will have a great career now that he has had all this exposure. He is a STAR and a great Performer! I watched some taped shows, read in bed and lights out.

Wednesday I had to go to the bank for one of my clients so while I was in town I went to KMart and bought an iron for my new clothes. I only had an old non steam iron for doing up my doilies when I use to make them....it's full of starch. Wow! The new ones are non-stick and the one I got (Black & Decker) shuts off if unattended for 10 minutes. I like that feature. I ran a couple of other errands while I was at it. One was to return some red raspberries I had bought that had no taste... I paid 2.99 a container for them and had got 4 of them...blah yech!! I took the money and bought a small bag of cherries...the bag cost 10.00...they are selling here for 6.99 a lb....isn't that awful!!! It is expensive to be dieting...I could be popping chips in my mouth a lot cheaper LOL.

I couldn't spend too much time in town as I had to get home and get ready to go out. Theresa and the girls were picking me up at 3:30 or so. I got home and changed ...did my nails and it was time to go. We drove to Maurice's and got in his car to go the rest of the way. The dance is about 20 mins from my house. On the way we saw a farm/ranch that is raising buffalo. Saw some babies too. The next farm had a few Elk. We arrived at the Adult Center and I was amazed to see it. It looked like it was especially built to be an adult center...all the ones we have gone to have been in a building that was converted for that use. I found out later that a very rich resident gave the money for it and the Senior housing that is next door to be built. It borders the water... It was so nice inside.

When we went in I saw a lot of familiar faces. The groupies were there...LOL We were going to have dinner and the dance would follow. Do you remember my telling you about the man that came over to talk to me at one of the dances...the one that his wife has arthritis and doesn't dance but encourages him to dance with other women? Remember he was going to ask me to dance but we left too early. Well he was there with his wife. I think he lives in this town because he was helping clear the tables with the other volunteers...either that or he is just a very helpful person. He made several trips to our table but never made eye contact with me.

During the dance he asked maybe 4 or 5 different ladies to dance. He never danced more than two with them..and that was only a couple of the ladies. A blond lady arrived during the dance and she sat near him and his wife and he had a lot of dances with her...when he danced with her the dances were more intricate. He is truly a wonderful dancer. I was so hoping he would ask me but then again I was afraid if he did I wouldn't be able to keep up with him. My first dance was with Theresa and I was very stiff...if didn't help that she was too. As the evening wore on and I had danced more I was loosening up and wasn't so afraid of him asking but he still never made eye contact with me. I also noticed that he didn't talk to the women he danced with..but he was a gentleman and escorted them back to their seats.

Towards the end of the evening it was my turn to square dance with Maurice. We needed another couple to make our set and no one was coming forth. I know that the dancer had talked to me during a square dance and he mentioned that he didn't care to do that particular dance....but since no one was coming to join our set he and the blond volunteered. It worked out that he was standing next to me...not once through the whole dance did he show any indication that we had talked before..again there was no eye contact on his part.

Of course us girls had been talking all evening and they knew that I wanted to dance with him...a couple of times he had come in my direction only to veer off to another table to ask someone else to dance. The dance was to end at 9:00...just before 8:45 the blond left. I was hoping this was my chance. I was waiting for the next slow dance and then I saw him get up and headed towards me...inside my head I was saying "ask me...ask me...ask me" and he came right over to me and he asked me!! LOL By this time I was very loosened up and not nervous at all and off we went....it was heavenly!! To finally dance with someone who could really dance.

He is tall and a nice looking man for his age. I told him that I had been watching him dance all evening and that I thought he was a wonderful dancer... He thanked me and said that meant a lot as he hadn't started to dance until after he was 50..and he was self taught. He had bought some tapes and learned from that...he talked about how this throughout the whole dance.. remember he never talked to the other women. I told him that it had been 25 years since I had danced. At the end of the dance he said "well you certainly had no trouble following me." He walked me to my seat and asked me if I followed the band and would I be attending more dances. I said yes...He asked me if I would be going to the one in Parishville...I said maybe. He said then I hope we shall be able to dance again.. It made my night. Remember Dorothy didn't want to go to that dance as it's too far out...I told her she is going!! She laughed!! Now I really have something to look forward to...a chance to dance with a wonderful dancer and maybe he will teach me some of the fancy stuff he does...He does the most wonderful waltz... I don't think he attends the dances in my area though.

We had a safe trip home and I got to watch American Idol to see who was going home. I really wasn't that surprised it was Elliott but I was amazed at how close the votes were for all three of them. The Amazing Race was 2 hours so I had to save that for the next night..I watched Bones instead....reading at bedtime and then lights out.

Hope you all have a great day!

NEIGHBORHOOD DUCKS

2006-05-15T10:31:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged in a while because nothing very interesting has been going on the last few days. All my days, even the week-end have been filled with my regular routine. I did have a nice Mother's Day as on Saturday I received two Mother's Day cards...one from my daughter and one from a lady who is like a daughter to me. Sunday my daughter called and we visited on the phone for a couple of hours...and I enjoyed that very much.

Now to tell you about the neighborhood ducks. It all started when the two men on the street that have large ponds got some ducks. Ray up the street had a lot of ducks so when Roy down the street lost his ducks to some wild animal Ray gave him some of these. Those ducks never forgot the pond up the street and they would travel back and forth up and down the street hanging out at both ponds. It was really cute when they had baby ducks....you would see a mother duck walking on the street with a line of baby ducks behind her.

Ray did not want his pond over run with ducks so he would give the males away and just keep the females. Well there were also wild ducks landing on these ponds and when their mates where sitting on eggs the drakes were happy to have some extra females to keep them happy.... LOL This year Ray found himself loaded with ducks...now his black and white ducks have green heads... LOL also they could fly!! There was no catching them to give a way. These ducks have taken over the neighborhood. They don't just walk up and down the road between the two ponds...they stop and hang out at everybody's yard. They are building nests there too. I hear quacking and look out and there are ducks right outside my window...today there are some nestled on my lawn. Cars are constantly slowing down or honking horns for them...so far only one fatality that I know of. They even go further up the street then Ray's pond...something the other ducks never did. The baby ducks have not hatched out yet... this should be an interesting summer duckwise....LOL

Hope everyone has a great day!!

WEDNESDAY - Local Adult Center Day

2006-05-12T16:39:00.000-04:00

I love how they call the Senior Centers "ADULT CENTERS" now...somehow we don't feel so "old" saying that. Anyway, today is the day to go to my local Adult Center for Potluck Dinner and Bingo. I had to do some cooking. I made a Macaroni Bake to take and did get some book work done too. I drove over at 5:30. It is just around the block from my house. Dorothy, Theresa, Reba and Maurice were already there.

I forgot to mention that the night of the dance I had brought some jewelry with me. I had been going through my jewelry box and found some pins. I never was really big on pins and now I don't wear them at all. The girls love to wear pins on their jackets. I let them choose which ones they would like...my goodness they were so happy about them...I got hugs and kisses from the 3 of them. Well at this event they were all wearing one of my pins...I thought that was so cute. We had a great meal. The President was not there due to illness so there was no formal meeting. We went right from the meal to playing bingo. Theresa said she didn't like bingo because she never won...and Maurice said he didn't like bingo but I later found out it was because he couldn't hear very well. Theresa won twice...and Reba helped Maurice play his cards so they both had fun that night! I won once and Reba won twice. Almost all the games were won at our table...LOL A few others we were sitting with won too. I think there was only one or two winnings at the other two tables.

We got done about 8:30. Dorothy invited me over to her place for coffee with them but I declined. I wanted to get home and watch American Idol and see who was leaving. Well I was all set for Katherine to go and was shocked like the rest of the world when Chris was sent packing. My jaw fell to the ground. I was sure it was going to be him and Taylor at the end. Chris doesn't realize it but it was the best thing that could have happened to him I think. An American Idol contract for a rocker is not really a good thing... Bo Bice pointed that out last year. I watched some things I had recorded and headed to bed to read and lights out.

MONDAY & TUESDAY - Very Full Days

2006-05-10T11:20:00.000-04:00

Monday got up the usual time and put in a hard day on the books. I also went out and did some work in the yard. I have the two big planters painted and cut the grass around them where the mower didn't get. Watched TV in the evening and the usual routine...reading and lights out.

Tuesday I had to do payroll for Mike and as much book work as I could before it was time to get dressed. Dorothy was picking me up around 4:00. Supper starts at 5:00 but when we arrived the parking lot was already filling up. Maurice beat us there so he saved us seats. Theresa and Reba didn't get there till 5:00 because Reba got detained at the dentist. We had a nice roast beef dinner and banana cream pie. You can't beat it for $2.00. Then we gave another $2.00 for the dance. I forgot to mention Saturday about the 50-50 draw. They always have one at the Seniors to help raise money. Saturday Reba won it...it was $39.00 and she gave it to her nephew to help defray his expenses for his trip here to see his dieing mil. Reba won it again last night for $60.00!!! Everyone said she won it again because she gave it away the first time.

There was a real nice turn out for the dance. It was warm though and our new water bottles sure came in handy. I did lots of dancing. What was cool is that other women (other then our clique) were coming to ask me to dance. I danced with Theresa and I hadn't danced with her in a few weeks and she said boy have you gotten better!! I did a square dance and only messed up at the end ...I had gotten dizzy from one of the parts...LOL It ended at 9:00.

I watched American Idol that I had taped when I got home. Taylor is still my boy!! *smiles* I watched a CSI I had taped and then headed to bed to read. Lights out after a chapter.

Hope you all have a great day!!

SUNDAY - Yard Work

2006-05-08T10:36:00.000-04:00

I slept in a little again...love the week-end. Took my time getting dressed. Made brunch around noon like I did yesterday. While I was cooking I could here commotion outside and it was the guy who mows my lawn. I wanted to give him a $5. raise because of the price of gas and he hasn't gone up on my price in years. I know he charges other people $20 - $30 and he only charges me $10. I took a $20. out to him and asked him to give me back $5. He said NO!! I said YES! the price of gas has gone up. He said $10. is just fine and handed me back a $10. I thanked him and told him to let me know when he needs more. He mows about a 2 acre lawn for heavens sake.

After brunch I decided to paint my fences. I had bought some spray cans of paint at KMart for $1.49. I bought out all they had which was about 25 cans. The fence has to be painted every year no matter if I buy expensive paint or cheap paint so I go for the cheap naturally. Last year I didn't have the desire or energy to do it so it really needs it this year. This year I am in pretty good shape. I didn't get tired painting...but my trigger finger did. I took one break after the long fence was half done. Came back and finished that fence...the black flies were getting bad and I forgot to spray myself. I have about 8 cans left. I hope to get more done today.

I spent the rest of the day watching stuff I had recorded...still trying to catch up. A lot of programs will be ending their season so that shouldn't be a problem next month...will be lots of reruns.

I made that vegetable dish for dinner. Was very good. I have enough left for a meal tomorrow.

Went to bed the usual time and read. The kitties have been ready for bed at the same time since they have been on the porch...all that fresh air seems to tire them out LOL. Lights out after a chapter or so.

Hope you all have a great day.

SATURDAY - A Looooooooong Day

2006-05-07T23:05:00.000-04:00

I slept in as long as I could because I knew it was going to be a very full day. The morning went quickly. I did a little bookkeeping work...stopped about 2:00 to get ready. The girls were picking me up at 3:30 to go to Mass. They were a little late as they were coming from a Wedding Shower.

I again enjoyed the Mass.. I will be talking to the priest soon and joining the parish. We left there and went to Dorothy's for some coffee and home made donuts as we waited for the time to leave to go to the dance in the next town. We invited Maurice to join us. I was told on the way to Dorothy's that Reba and Maurice had their first date the night before. They had dinner at the local restaurant. Remember I was there yesterday too but I was there a lot earlier. Reba is just glowing! Theresa returned my pants that she shortened for me. She is going to see if she can fix the headbands that I bought that are too tight for me.

We went to the dance and we were plenty early so we got good seats. It was so much fun to be welcomed by all the people...I am really beginning to feel like part of the group. There were very few people at this dance that I had not seen or met before. It was a good size group too. Theresa was surprised when her son walked in. He is here from N. C. because his wife's mother is dieing of cancer. They came to spend some time with her. He came with his father-in-law who had been called in to "call" the square dances. The usual member of the band that does that was at a family wedding and couldn't be there.

This man has a different repertoire of calls and he is faster than the other caller so it was great fun to watch. I did the last square dance of the evening and that was a ton of fun. I danced quite a bit with Maurice and the women. I am getting more confident on the floor now. We stayed till the end which was 10:30. I got home around 11:00.

Watched a CSI I had recorded to unwind and headed for bed. We are suppose to have a busy week this week. Tues: dinner and dance at one of the Adult Centers Wed: Potluck dinner and Bingo at our local Senior Citizens and Wed: dinner for the 5 of us at Dorothy's. I read a while and then it was lights out. Good thing I can sleep in.

Hope everyone had a great day!

FRIDAY - My Shopping Day

2006-05-07T18:34:00.000-04:00

I got up knowing that today I needed to go to town to do some shopping. The morning was spent doing my usual chores plus getting the trash out. I left the house after noon and headed for Fashion Bug. I bought a new top and a couple of jacket like tops that will go over several of my tops. I found some neat head bands to match some outfits I have and some jewelry.

My next stop was KMart. I needed a new handbag. I found one that has a carrying case for my cell phone attached. Now I shouldn't be leaving the house without it as I will see the case is empty when I grab my purse. It was on sale so I made out very well. I needed a few other things, purchased those and headed for the grocery store.

I stocked up on veggies and fruit. I can make my own fruit cup. They were having a great sale on berries...buy one and get one free. I took advantage of that. I bought the veggies also that I would need to make a new vegetable dish that Lisa gave me the recipe for. She had let me try it and it was very good. It's called Provential Baked vegetables. Here is the recipe in case you are interested in trying it.

1 Onion, Sliced (a sweet onion...Vadalias are recommended)
1 medium-sized eggplant, sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced
1 medium-sized zucchini, sliced
salt and pepper to taste
4 cloves garlic, chopped (I used garlic powder calif. style)
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
1 cup mozzarella, grated
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
3 tbsp. Oil

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease an oven-proof dish and place slices of onion, eggplant, tomatoes and zucchini alternately in the dish. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic, basil, oregano, mozzarella and Parmesan. Drizzle the oil over top and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and browned and the vegetables have softened. Serves four.

When I got home I was tired and didn't feel like cooking so I headed over to the restaurant to eat. It was only 4:15 so it wasn't very crowded yet. They had beer battered fish for the special so you know I ordered that. yum yum It seems to have become a hit at the restaurant...not only by me.

I spent the evening watching TV and resting because I knew the next day was going to be a long one.

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY - Average Days

2006-05-05T09:27:00.000-04:00

Those 3 days were average working days for me. I have been feeling real good so I have been accomplishing a lot...but I still can't seem to get caught up. I may have to work some on the week-ends to do that.

Spring is really here. The weather is warming up and the leaves are sprouting on the trees. I am pretty sure that Donnie, my lawnmower guy will be here this week-end to mow the grass for the first time this season. I had my last fill up for the season too...2.75 for kerosene!!!...I heat with Monitors. Also twice I have looked out my back windows and have seen an animal that I believe is a beaver. I know that they have made dams further up the brook.

I will have to update you on the budding romance between Reba and Maurice. I talked to Dorothy her sister last night and it seems that Maurice stopped in to visit her this week. Now Reba's home is below the road level...something to do with the work they did once on the road. You park the car at road level and then walk down some steps and then a long walk way to the house. The reason I am telling you this is because Reba spotted his car in the parking spot and she didn't have her wig on. Her hair is still growing out from chemotherapy. She ran and bolted the door and then bolted for her wig...hehehehe She grabbed it and headed for the door only to realize she had it on backwards... LOL. When she finally got it straight she let him in. She gave him a tour of the house...and she was telling him about a new dress she had bought for a family wedding coming up. She was in her bedroom showing it to him when her granddaughter popped in....LOL She of course got all embarrassed. He invited her out to dinner but the two nights he mentioned she had other plans but he said he wasn't going to give up... awwwwww STAY TUNED LOL!

I was over at Mike's picking up work and Lisa's Mom Sally was there having her hair done. Lisa has a beauty salon attached to her house. Sally lived there when I first moved here so I know her very well. Anyway the minute I walked into the salon she said boy it sure is showing now how much weight you have lost. That sure made my day. I can see the difference now too and that makes me feel better. Still having trouble getting the scale to move though.

Guess that is all the news for now.

Hope everyone has a great day!!

MONDAY - Work Work Work

2006-05-02T11:53:00.000-04:00

I got up the regular time at the urging of my alarmfurbabies. I knew I had a lot of bookkeeping to do for both clients. Today there quarterly payroll taxes had to be in the mail. I had Mike's all signed and ready to go but I needed Tim's. I received a e-mail from him that he was taking the day off and would stop by my house to sign them and some blank checks for me. Well that got me motivated to straighten up the house and wash dishes. LOL I also had billing to do for both of them so I worked on that all day.

Tim stopped around 3:30. He got held up waiting for someone to make a delivery of wood to his house. He burns wood. I was getting nervous as the taxes had to get to the P.O. by 4:45. We also had a nice chat and he took the taxes to be mailed as the P.O. is just up the street. I continued working and stopped around 6:00. I have been very diligent about taking my potassium pill every day and I had so much energy..it was incredible. Apparently it is very important that I keep on a regular schedule with that pill. The doctor told me when my potassium is low that it will make me tired and cause aches in my legs and she is so right.

I was watching TV when the phone rang. It was 6:45 and Mike wanted to know if he could come over. He wanted to make some changes to the billing I had done..add stuff, delete stuff etc. So I said sure. Well we ended up working till 8:00. We were both tired by then.

I spent the rest of the evening watching TV...no embroiderying. I was too tired. Nothing much on so I watched some things I had recorded...I am still way behind on my viewing and keep having to delete stuff. Hopefully I can catch up this week. Went to bed the usual time and the kitties were tired too. Must be all that fresh air they are getting on the porch. They lined up, 3 in a row down my right side and cuddled up and went to sleep while I was reading. Lights out after a chapter.

Hope you all have a great day!!

SUNDAY - A Day of Much Needed Rest

2006-05-02T11:43:00.000-04:00

I got to sleep in and really enjoyed that. I decided not to stay in jammies so I just threw on some sweats. I spent the whole day relaxing, embroidering and watching stuff I had recorded. In the evening I watched TV and embroidered some more. Oh I almost forgot. I did go out and work in my flower bed...got it all cleaned out. The dancing and losing weight must be getting me in shape because I was able to do it all at one time. Last year I had to do it in sections and rest in between. I wasn't even that tired when I finished. Wow!! What an improvement. My next project outside is to sweep out the porch and entry way and wash down all the plastic furniture. Need a nice warm day for that.

Went to bed the usual time and read and then lights out.

SATURDAY - Best and Worst Dancer

2006-04-30T14:40:00.000-04:00

I tried to sleep in a little as I knew I had a long day ahead of me. After I got dressed I went over to Mike's to see if he had any daily reports for me and to find out what he needed me to get done that had to be finished on the week-end. Went back home to work on that. Made me some brunch and did a little house work.

The day was short as I had to drive over to Dorothy's for 3:30...that meant I had to stop working about 2:00 so I could shower and get ready. Everyone was ready to leave for church when I got to Dorothy's so I parked my car in her driveway and got in Theresa's for the ride to church. I again enjoyed the Mass and felt a sort of peace...I haven't received Communion yet. After church we headed to Theresa's for dinner. She had made a dinner which included sliders. This was my first time having them. In case you don't know what they are here is a definition.

An old French Canadian recipe which originated during the depression. It consists of tender pieces of chicken or beef and homemade noodles swimming in a delicious gravy.

She had mashed potatoes, broccoli, relishes, tossed salad, rolls, and slices of beef to go with it. She had cherry cheesecake for dessert. We were stuffed when we finished and weren't sure how we were going to dance. BTW, Maurice had joined us at church and also for dinner. He had followed us in his car. During the meal we discussed us taking turns on Saturday night hosting a meal. After dinner Theresa brought out her old wedding album. As she is married to (but legally separated from) Dorothy and Reba's brother, it was fun seeing how all three of them looked at the wedding 50 years ago. They were in her wedding party. After helping clear the table Maurice said he would head over to his house with Reba and we could meet there. Theresa was going to leave her car at his house and he was going to drive us the rest of the way. I wanted to stay and help clean up but I was told to go with them. I think they wanted me to chaperone Maurice and Reba hahahaha! We went in for a few minutes at Maurice's while we waited for the others. When they arrived we were off for the next leg of the night.

The route we were taking was the same as the other night he drove us but we were going another 7 miles out. We saw wild turkeys in the fields...and passed a couple of Amish farms. Those Amish people that were out waved to us. We saw one Amish farmer leading two beautiful work horses. We saw the farm with the Emus and the Llamas and then we had to brake as 4 white tail deer crossed the road in front of us...they are beautiful but scary how they come out of nowhere and sprint in front of you. We made a note to be careful going home on that road at night. We also passed another farm with some animals which I am not sure what they were. I think they were some sort of sheep I had never seen before. I commented that it felt like we were going through a zoo.

When we arrived we discovered that the dance was being held in the town's Town Hall. Wow, this was the biggest and nicest set up I had seen. We did have to climb a flight of stairs to get their though. The usual crowd was there with a few new faces. After greeting those we knew we found 5 seats together..we got there just as the band was playing the first song. Okay..the title talks about the best and the worst dancer. We were soon to see the worst dancer. Her and her husband were seated on our side of the room at the end...and here they came...all our mouths fell open. Where they learned to dance I will never know! The steps instead of being flowing were done with force and stomping. We could feel the vibration in the floor as they went by. Then came the step dance which he didn't do..she did it with other women and I never saw anything like it...she was kicking up her leg and everything was moving...square dancing was the same thing...everyone had to get out of the way of her kick...and when there was swinging she didn't let the man lead..she just about knocked them off their feet...we were just dieing laughing. I said there is no way she is going to keep up this tempo all night...everyone agreed...but you know what...SHE DID!!! Right to the very end. We were laughing at her but not in a mean way...I mean the woman (I'd say they were in their 50's or 60's) was just enjoying herself and you could tell she thought she was a great dancer...she was having fun!! and that's what it was all about...but it was fun to watch too LOL.

We were there about an hour when I saw a young couple show up. I would say they were in their early 20's. Now this we had never seen at one of these functions. They started dancing the minute they got their and we saw that she was the dancer and she was teaching him to dance. They were doing a fancy fox trot...or trying to...he had no rhythm whatsoever but he was trying. You could see she had done a lot of dancing...she moved beautifully on the floor. She had a animal skin themed skirt on and long long legs. Well then came what they call step dancing but I have looked it up and it is actually clog dancing. For those of you that don't know what that is think River Dance. Here is a definition I found on a web site.

Clog dancing is a type of dancing of which the three main characteristics are:
1. boisterous, fast footwork with steel plates or taps on the shoes
2. a fairly rigid torso
3. an up and down knee motion that differs from most other dance forms

The places we go do not allow steel plates or taps on shoes but everything else fits the description. Now you know why I can't do it...it is completely foreign to me. She tried dancing it with him but he was hopeless and she was amazing. Well we found out later that she was there with her mother and father..they were the seniors...and her mother taught clog dancing. They did a dance together but the daughter was the better of the two....maybe the mother was when she was that age but the daughter was totally awesome that night.

She had never square danced but she wanted to learn... She caught on real quick and it was wonderful to watch her do what they call "right and left hand family". Now Miss Worse Dancer and her husband were in this same group so it was something to watch.

I didn't dance as much as usual because I didn't feel like it. I was weighed down with that heavy meal and was kinda tired but I had a blast watching the dancers. There were some others there last night I had never seen before and they were good dancers and it was fun to watch them too. I did square dance once and everyone said I had improved. I mentioned to the group that this was only my second time and told them where I got mixed up and the man to my right said he would make sure I was headed in the right direction and he kept his word! He had a hold on me and made sure I was where I was suppose to be LOL. He said he had been square dancing since he was 8 years old.

Another thing we were watching was this nice looking man who was sporting a very bright new wedding band dancing with a lot of different women. I had overheard someone ask him if he had just gotten married but I was walking by and didn't hear the answer. We were trying to figure out who he was with. He was sitting near this heavy set woman but he never danced with her. Almost always a different woman..rarely the same one twice. He was a very good dancer too. During the last square dance I see him cross the floor coming directly at me. He had been sitting directly across from me. I said to myself he can't be coming to talk to me...but he came and sat down next to me. He introduced himself and said that he was married and pointed out the heavy set lady. He said that she had arthritis real bad and couldn't dance but didn't mind him dancing with other women. He asked me if I danced and I said yes. He wanted to know if he asked me to dance would I reject him and I said no. He thanked me and left. I thought that was very gentlemanly of him to approach me that way. I don't remember seeing him have conversations with the women he danced with previously....unless he had these conversations at prior dances..or I just missed it. Well they played another couple of dances and he didn't ask me and I was kinda glad because they were fast ones. It was getting close to the end of the dance...10:45 and we wanted to get out before the crowd. Reba is still using a cane and there were stairs she had to handle. We waved good-bye to everyone and they waved to us...we had to pass this man who was resting and he said "I didn't get my dance with you". I told him I was sorry but I was outnumbered on the decision to leave...maybe next time. *smiles*

On the way home, on that same road we had the deer cross we saw the eyes of 5 deer on the side of the road at different intervals...that was a bit scary. Oh I have to update you on Reba and Maurice. I found out later that he held her hand all the way home and he asked her if she would go out to lunch with him this week. They are just soooo darn cute!! We changed cars at Maurice's and then I got in my car at Dorothy's and headed home...I got in at 11:45 That was a long day. I was still wound up from the dance so I watched a CSI I had recorded earlier and then headed to bed. Read for a short period of time and then lights out.

Hope you all have a great day!

FRIDAY - Shopping Day

2006-04-30T14:25:00.000-04:00

The morning was busy as I had to get trash out and finish up some paperwork I wanted to take to town to have Tim sign. I e-mailed him to see if he was going to be in the office in the afternoon but got no reply. I gave up waiting for a response and went anyway planning on taking a chance that he had just been out to lunch. I took my cell phone with me. I was glad I did as the office was locked up tight. I didn't have my key with me and I didn't want to leave the things I had anyway as I wanted to make sure that they made it to the mail box on time and the signed blank checks would do me no good if they were still at the office.

I went ahead and did my shopping stopping after every leg to give the office a call on my cell phone. Still no answer so I figured he and Bernie were at a meeting or had taken the afternoon off. I knew that Colleen was taking a vacation day. I went to the bank and Price Chopper for groceries. I headed to Joann Fabrics to get some more greenery to do another pot and I gave up on my cactus garden. I have filled it 3 times and it keeps dieing...not enough sun. So I am going to put some silk ivy plants in it and forget about it. I then headed to Radio Shack for my monthly pick up of ink cartridges. Off to KMart for some cat food and a knife sharpener for the new knives I bought a while back. I browsed a bit and picked up some cosmetic items...gosh the price of lipstick is unreal.

My next stop was Aldi's. I ran into one of the ladies I see at Senior Citizens when we go dancing. She had never acknowledged me there but she said hi and we had a nice chat in the check out line. We talked about the upcoming dance.

When I got home I was too tired to cook so I called the local restaurant, and to my delight they were having beer battered fish as a special so I got an order to go. I spent the rest of the evening relaxing watching TV.

MONDAY - TUESDAY - WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY - I'm So Behind

2006-04-28T11:30:00.000-04:00

I am not going to bore you with my Monday and Tuesday as they were just typical working days and the evening I watched TV. I enjoyed American Idol and I am still cheering Taylor on. I must say though Chris was very good. Nashville Star was also great. I still want Chris to win but boy was Casey good...he really did a super job on that song. Only one more week and the winner will be named.

Wednesday was a typical work day but I had to get ready to go to the Moose Club where our local Senior Citizens was having our Easter Dinner. I drove over to Dorothy's and picked her up. I was doing the driving for a change. I figured it would still be light when the dinner was over as we wouldn't be playing Bingo. They had us set up in a nice section which included a fire place. Tables of 6 where set up for us. I think 23 or 24 people attended. The dinner was very good. We sat at a table that had a couple that lives up the street from me and we had a nice time chatting. I handed out my recipe for the Broccoli Casserole to those that wanted it and there were many. After the dinner some of the other people came over to chat with us. The President of the Club told me that he was trying to work something out where he would share my booth at Market Barn with me. Again I felt a part of the group... We left and when I got to Dorothy's she invited me in to play a game of cards. I did and left around 9:00.

Thursday was another typical work day but I had to stop early and get ready for Theresa and the girls to pick me up at 4:00. We went to the Senior Citizens in a nearby town. We were going for supper and the dance. So different walking into these now as so many people are now familiar faces and are greeting me with a smile and hello. Maurice joined us at our table and we had a lovely pork chop supper. After the meal came the dance. During the evening a wife of one of the muscians came over to talk to me. She said that ever since she was introduced to me she has been trying to place me. She knew she had met me before. What a memory she has. It seems that we were set up together at some craft shows and that was way back when my husband use to set up for our business. She remembered him and how he use to wear bib overalls and a straw cowboy hat...she thought he was real cute hahahaha. She is a real nice person and so is her husband so that was nice that we had that chat. I did a lot of dancing but no square dancing...I was kinda tired. Barbara said that she was happy I had joined them and that it was like a big family and that is a good way to describe the feeling you get at these dances. Like a bunch of relatives come together for a party (without the fighting LOL). I mentioned before how the married men even dance with other women ...friends of the wife. Well as we were leaving one said goodnight to me and he said I'm dancing with you next time... So I guess I am being accepted in the group. *smiles*

Have a busy week-end ahead. Saturday night I am going to church with the girls then we are going to Theresa's house for supper..then driving to Maurice's and he will drive us to a dance 20 miles away. Sunday we are going to the AMVETS for supper. I need some rest... LOL

Hope you all have a great day!

SUNDAY - A Much Needed Day of Rest

2006-04-24T10:24:00.000-04:00

My furbabies let me sleep in. The morning was spent on the computer and then I made a nice brunch of egg beaters and turkey bacon. In the afternoon I spent most of the day embroidering and watching programs on the TV that I had recorded. Made me a nice supper of steak and tomatoes and spent the evening doing more embroidering and watching TV.

I had trouble finding my place on the chart so I sent away for a magnetic board with markers and that came in this week. What a difference. Now it is much more enjoyable again.

Went to bed the usual time...read and then lights out. I guess my boys have missed me going out so much...they were curled tightly against me... LOL

Hope you all have a great day!

SATURDAY - 8 Hours Out and About

2006-04-23T13:25:00.000-04:00

I spent the morning doing some housework and since I slept in a bit the morning went rather quickly. I didn't have breakfast and I really didn't feel for eggs and bacon for a brunch...I decided to satisfy a craving I was having for BLTs. I use low calorie bread and turkey bacon so it didn't hurt my diet....was delicious!!

Dorothy called and told me that Mass was at 4:00 and since they like to go early and get good seats they would be picking me up at 3:30. Well that makes for a short afternoon as I needed to shower and get dressed and put a face on. I wore the outfit that Dorothy's sister Reba's daughter gave me. Boy did that make Reba happy.

They picked me up for Mass and I was a bit scared. I have not been to Mass in over 30 years. As we were going in, I saw a lot of people I knew...the church is in my little town of 800 people. The looks of surprise to see me were pretty funny. I entered the church...blessed myself with holy water and then just about everything after that was different then what I remembered. I have to say though that I like all the changes. I liked Mass being in English...and they provide a book for you to follow along. I like how we parishioners participate in the Mass. I liked the priest...he was very friendly and down to earth. Again I felt that feeling of belonging...something I have never really experienced in church before. When we got to the car the ladies asked how I liked it..and I told them I was pleasantly surprised over the whole experience. They said great...now you can come with us every week. There was that feeling of belonging again.. LOL

We headed over to Maurice's house for Pizza. It seems he had won this huge home made pizza at the Adults Center and he had it in his freezer because it was too big for just him. It was just right for the 5 of us...it was huge and so delicious. He showed us around his beautiful home while the pizza was cooking. He is a clock maker and does other woodworking projects like cabinets and shelving. After the pizza we had Monkey Cake that Theresa made and we had to sample Maurice's cookies so we were pretty stuffed. He showed us pictures of him and his wife and then he brought out a Christmas present a relative had given him. Krissy you wuld have loved it. It was made up of printed copies of scrapbooking pages of photographs of his family....like a family tree in picture form...everything dated and everyone named. It was truly wonderful...something every family should have.

Now it was time for the ride to the dance. It was raining but that didn't dampen our spirits. We climbed into Maurice's car and we were off. He had a tape of beautiful instrumental dance music. Really set the mood. On the way we stopped for a minute and from the car we saw a farm that has Emus and Llamas. Maurice called them Ostriches but I am pretty sure they were Emus.

When we arrived at the dance the band was set up and many people were already there. Again a lot of familiar faces...I said to our group...I don't know why we don't get a bus and all go together LOL. As the place filled up though I did see many people I didn't know...we were 13 miles from home and I am sure they were people from that area but they were very friendly and everyone intermingled nicely. We thought since it was Senior Citizens the dance was going to be from 7:00 to 9:00 or 10:00 but it turned out it was 7:00 to 11:00. It started off a bit boring as there didn't seem to be any women dancing together and we didn't want to start it. There were a lot of men at this dance but they were all paired off. They did dance with other women but it was women in their little group..kinda exchanged partners. After about an hour or so we did see one woman dance with another woman and that's all it took...other women started to dance together too.

I noticed a big difference in my legs. When we first started dancing my legs felt weak and rubbery but last night they felt strong. On one of the dances I had with Maurice he asked me why I wouldn't square dance. I told him because I didn't know how and I didn't want to mess other people up. He said well that is the only way you are going to learn and they won't mind. He asked me if I would do the next square dance with him.. I said I would like to try. When we entered the group he told them I was new at it and they were just wonderful about it. I made some goofs and it got us all laughing...it was so much fun!!

We heard the story about Maurice. His wife died about 2 years ago and he had to go into counseling as he couldn't stop crying. His therapist advised him to join Senior Citizens and he did that about a year ago and it changed his life. It looks like he is smitten with Dorothy's sister Reba who also lost her spouse 2 years ago. She has had a rough 2 years..lost her husband, lost her foster daughter (disabled), recovering from cancer, had to have a total hysterectomy, and then not long ago had knee surgery. She walks with a cane and you should see how he takes such good care of her...it is so sweet. She is adamant about not having another man in her life in one breath and then in the next she says to me...he is such a nice man isn't he?? LOL

I had another evening of feeling like I belonged. I am getting more comfortable with the ladies and Maurice. More comfortable with the people at the dance who are now talking to me...they include me in their welcome when we arrive and their good byes when they or we leave. I think that I am moving along better than I expected in my Search for a New Life.

We had a wonderful time dancing and we stayed till almost the end...left at 10:45. Maurice drove us safely to his house and we said our thank yous and goodbyes and climbed into Theresa's car for the ride home. I got in at 11:30. Watched one CSI program to unwind and headed to bed. Read a chapter and then lights out.

Hope you all have a great day!

FRIDAY - Visiting Day

2006-04-22T10:59:00.000-04:00

Got up my usual time and had my usual routine in the morning. I then went to Lisa's to pick up the work Mike had left me. Lisa asked me how my evening went and that was the beginning of a long visit. We had a great chat about our mothers, our children, our husbands, our friends, our lives in the past, now and in the future. LOL I think we covered everything. Needless to say when I got home my morning was gone.

In the entrance way was a huge box that UPS had dropped off. It was the Indian pieces to finish off my mantle. I was so excited. It was too heavy for me to bring in the house so I had to open it there. I was amazed at the quality of the merchandise for the prices I paid. I got them at Collections Etc. I didn't want to pay a whole lot for what I put up there because Garfield might get up there and knock them down. He already broke a beautiful Milk Glass vase I use to have there. I think what I got was just perfect and I love it. Wanna see?

The detail on the Indian doll is incredible. If you go to the site you can see a close up of the items...think they are listed under Southwestern or Western.

There was also an e-mail waiting from Tim asking if I could some banking for him this afternoon. I said sure right after I had a bite to eat. Well that meant I had to "put on a face" ...can't be scaring the towns folks...LOL I had to make this deposit because I had the tax coupon needed to go with it...when I got there Tim pulled in at the same time to deposit some money in the business and home accounts. As he was filling out the deposit slips in the bank we got into a nice chat so I spent more time there than I had planned. What a visiting day...I wasn't getting much done.

I had decided that the next time I went to town I was going to the jewelers and splurge on a white gold chain for the diamond heart my husband had given me years and years ago. It would look so nice with the outfits I have been wearing. I quit buying chains years ago because I kept breaking them and I was afraid I would lose the heart. I heard that they make better chains now and they are guaranteed. I had to wait around as the jeweler was the only one in the store and he had two customers ahead of me. As I was looking around I saw several diamond hearts in various sizes. There was one that was almost a duplicate of the one I have. I bought the chain and it looks lovely. It cost more than I wanted to spend but what good is that beautiful piece doing sitting in my jewelry box eh? Plus it brings back such lovely memories of the day he gave it to me.

When I got home I realized when I saw Lisa and Mike's empty trash barrels that I had forgot to put out the trash. Oh well...he will get twice as much next week LOL.

I did some book work till supper time. I called the restaurant to see what the special was...guess since Lent is over they don't have fish on Friday anymore...darn! So I just made me a frozen dinner and watched TV the rest of the evening. I went to bed early as I was tired and need to catch up on my rest. I finished my book and was sad it ended...when you read 3 books with the same characters you get attached LOL. I started a new one and it should be a fun read. It is another Nora Roberts. Two books in one about a Time Traveler and I just love to read about Time Travelers.

Hope you all have a great day.

THURSDAY - A Turning Point

2006-04-21T15:23:00.000-04:00

The day was a typical working day for me except that I did get up an hour early because I knew I had a lot of bookkeeping to do and I was going out that night. Dorothy called and said she decided to do all the driving and would pick me up first and then pick up the others. She said she was picking me up at 5:00 so I had to boogie so I could get my work done and get ready to go out.

We were going to a town 13 miles from home to a dance being held at the Fire Station. The band that we follow was playing there. I guess we are Groupies ... LOL They were serving finger foods so I didn't bother with supper.

Our first stop was at Dorothy's SIL. I discovered she didn't live that far from me. I went in for a second as Dorothy had something to drop off and Theresa wanted to show us a quilt she made. She has a lovely home... Now we were on our way to pick up Dorothy's sister Reba and her friend Gladys that lives across from Reba. Reba came to the car with a set she thought I would like...it didn't fit her daughter any more. It is a color I have never worn...sort of a reddish plum and it consisted of a sleeveless top and a matching long sleeve jacket made of the same material.

The 5 of us headed to the Fire Department. Cars were already there and the music was playing when we arrived. Maurice got a table for all of us to sit together. It was a small group and I recognized most of them as fellow Groupies.. LOL I wasn't thinking the evening was going to be that special but we were doing a lot of talking and laughing. When it was my turn to dance with Maurice he picked kind of a fast slow dance... and then towards the end he started to twirl me to the music...you know where the man separates from the woman and twirls her around..sort of like in a jitterbug fashion only slower. I had never seen him do that before nor did he do it the rest of the evening...it was neat though...brought me back to my old CYO dance days. I danced most of the night ..either with him or one of the ladies I was with. I even got up and tried a step dance. I felt so awkard but it was fun too.

When the band announced that they were going to be playing at a town 20 miles from us Saturday night Maurice asked if we were going. We said no too far. He said you ladies come with me. Well they started to make plans about going to church and then he said come to my house for Pizza after church and then we'll leave from there. I said can you pick me up after church. Dorothy said sure but why don't you come with us. I said no for a while and they said come on...come with us. So Saturday I am going to church. I haven't been in years...and it was probably for a wedding or a family funeral. Also they mention that a store at the mall, Bon Ton's was having a one day 20% sale for Seniors Wednesday and wanted me to go with them to see about getting some "dancing" clothes. I think I can manage that.. Also I noticed the other people that were a bit stand offish before were smiling at me and saying hello when I passed them. I had this great feeling of belonging. It was so neat. A real Turning Point in my life.

Around 9:00 the dance ended and we headed home. When only Theresa was left in the car I mentioned I had bought some pants last year but I couldn't wear them because they are too long. Theresa said I will shorten them for you. Pin them where you want them and bring them Saturday. That was so nice of her.. (I don't sew) After Dorothy dropped everyone off at their homes she got me home about 10:00. I was plenty tired but happy. I had a wonderful night. I went in the house with a smile on my face.

Watched the Cooking Show I had recorded and headed to bed for some heavy snoring.

Hope everyone had a great day.

WEDNESDAY - Another Average Day

2006-04-20T10:55:00.000-04:00

When I was dressing this morning I was looking for a light sweat shirt as the house is still chilly...the warmth from outside hasn't penetrated yet. I found one I hadn't worn in a couple of years. Tried it on and it FIT!! That started off my day in a good vein. I weighed in this morning and saw that I had lost 1/2 lb...very happy about that because of all the eating out and Easter... I have been cheating. I have been more active though so that is probably helping.

Spent the day working on books except for the quick trip to town I had to make. Mike needed me to do some banking and so I stopped at Aldi's and picked up a few things I needed. That should do me for this week...I'll stay home and save some money.. LOL Speaking of saving money...when I got the mail today there was a bill from my accountant. My first thought was how much did he go up this year?? To my utter amazement it was $75.00 less. I guess it's because I am finally single now and not jointly. That was a pleasant surprise...like found money!

In the evening I watched TV....Amazing Race first..I was taping Bones so I couldn't tape the Cooking show..but I heard it was also on Bravo so I found it and it was on later in the evening so I taped it to see later. Next was American Idol final...anyone else surprised (shocked) to see Chris in the bottom 3...that will take a little wind out of his sails. I watched Bones that I had taped and then headed to bed. I wanted to get up early the next day as I have a lot to do before I can go out for the evening.

Hope everyone has a great day!

TUESDAY - Busy Day

2006-04-19T11:02:00.000-04:00

My day started with being awoken by the phone. It was Dorothy calling me from her sisters canceling out our plans for the evening. Since I didn't know we had plans for the evening I wasn't very disappointed. LOL I got up and started my day when soon the phone was ringing again. It was Mike and he needed me to find an insurance paper and fax it to his client as without it the job was being held up. Something about a piece of equipment he needed to use and they wouldn't let him until he showed them proof of insurance...something we already did previously but I guess they misplaced it. All of that screwed up the rhythm of my day but then I was back on schedule by noon. I missed brekky so I just had a big salad for lunch.

I worked on the Mike and Tim's books all afternoon. When I saw Mike come home I went to see him so he could sign some paper work that I needed to get in the mail and then I quit for the evening.

I made me a couple of turkeyburgers on wheat Kaiser rolls. I added a nice slice of white onion and they were really tasty. Filled me up good as I only had one pudding for dessert during the evening.

I was totally looking forward to TV as American Idol and Nashville Star was on. I recorded the Cooking Show to be watched in between the two. American Idol was so good last night. I thought they all did a super job except Kellie...even though I am a Country fan ..I am not a fan of hers. Taylor was wonderful...I smiled through the whole performance...he is just the sweetest guy. I thought Kathleen was wonderful. I have mentioned that on Nashville Star my favorite is Chris but last night Casey gave him a run for his money. It was a good show also.

Yesterday I sent for a magnetic board and markers for my counted cross stitch. I am having a hard time finding my place when I am working on it. I also sent for a new wolf one that just came out. It is a small picture of a wolves head. I have a perfect spot for it.

I went to bed the usual time...fell asleep reading so lights out for another day.

Hope you all have a great day.

MONDAY - A Quiet Day

2006-04-18T14:27:00.000-04:00

I decided even though my clients were working the day after Easter, I was not. I was going to have a 3 day week-end. I didn't do much except relax. I embroidered while I watched TV...I played games at Pogo.com...I had a new addition to my Sims2 Game...the Family Fun Stuff Add On. I played with that for a couple of hours.

I had a couple of turkey bacon on reduced calorie toast sandwiches for brunch and steak and tomatoes for supper. In the evening I had some sugar free butterscotch pudding.

I had a very quiet day and enjoyed it with my furbabies. Oh I forgot...I did make up some time sheets for Mike to look at but that was all the work I did all day.

Hope everyone has a great day.

SUNDAY - Easter

2006-04-17T14:21:00.000-04:00

Since it was a holiday I chose to sleep in a little. I took my time drinking my coffee and catching up on the internet. I watched some things I had recorded while I ate my brunch.

Spent the afternoon relaxing and watching more of what I recorded. Around 4:00 I went to Lisa's. I noticed the grandmothers had arrived around 2:00 but I was told dinner would be around 5:00.. I just missed the h'orderves which was a good thing. I really didn't want to overeat too much. We sat around the living room watching videos of the kids in school plays. Lisa's children go to Parochial School and they do the Stations of the Cross. Her son played Jesus. He has long auburn hair.

Around 5'ish we sat down to eat. Everything was delicious. She had a spiral ham, yams cooked with nutmeg - cinnamon - and marshmallows (was wonderful), bean casserole, and mashed potatoes with gravy. I didn't over eat so I had room for dessert. There were 4 different ones....no one could make up their mind which to have so we all had a sliver of each topped with real whipped cream. By the time we finished it was close to 8:00 so we cleaned up the kitchen area and headed home.

I watched TV and then headed to bed to read. My furbabies must have missed me because they came right to bed too. After two years I have finally been able to dispense with the body pillow to sleep. The furbabies like that as it gives them more room and when they want they can sleep curled up closer to me... *smiles*

Hope everyone has a great day!

SATURDAY - Some Rest and the Mantle

2006-04-16T15:28:00.000-04:00

I slept in about 30 mins and I got going because I had to make out checks and send in Mike's extension for his personal taxes. I drove them to the P.O. because I wanted to make sure they were postmarked and on their way. Around noon I made brunch of turkey bacon and egg beater eggs on my new griddle. The only item I needed this week from Aldi's was turkey bacon so I decided to spend a little more and get it at Price Chopper to save me time. It was made by Oscar Meyer so I was expecting it to be better than the one I get at Aldi's. Well the texture is more like real bacon but there is no taste. I think I will make sure that I get a few pkgs at Aldi's and throw some in the freezer to make sure I don't run out again and have to get it at Price Chopper.

After I ate the phone rang. I didn't recognize the name on my Caller ID so I thought it was either about ceramics or a wrong number. Turned out to be one of the ladies from Senior Citizens in town. She wanted to know if I could give her the recipe for my Broccoli Casserole because she wanted to make it for her family for Easter. I was so flattered and said sure. We also chatted a bit. I have made a new friend I think. Boy that recipe sure broke a lot of ice at the club.

In the afternoon I rested a little...watched some recorded TV but then I decided it was time to tackle my mantle. I have always had Milk Glass pieces up there and since I am changing my decor to western I had packed it up at Christmas time and put it away. I still had some holly and winter stuff on the mantle. A couple of years ago I had bought some garlands of different kinds of silk flower ivy when they were on sale. I had been looking for baskets to put them in but what I found was too expensive or just not right. This past week Jo-Ann Fabric had their baskets on sale for 50% off and I found what I had been looking for. I made up the arrangements in each basket. I had bought a couple of western looking pots with a silk plant in them a couple of weeks ago. Two of them didn't look right on the mantle but one in the center did. I also on one of my trips into Jo-Ann's, bought some pottery pots in earth tones. This week I found some bouquets of what looked like spring wild flowers to put in them. The clusters were a bit long so I had to cut them and what a job that was. I couldn't find my husband's wire cutters but I did find a tool that helped and perseverance paid off and I got them shortened. My mantle is very high up so I had to make many trips up and down a step ladder to get everything in it's proper place...spaced out correctly. I am including a picture but it doesn't really do it justice...does give you an idea of how it looks. I am not done yet. I have picked out a couple of Indian pieces that I am going to send a way for to fill in.

I had a baked potato I brought home from the restaurant Friday night for supper with some stuffed Cod Fish. Yum Yum. The rest of the evening I relaxed and watched TV....mostly stuff I had recorded...trying to clean out my DVR for the new week. I did a little embroidery also.

Off to bed at the usual time as I was tired. I read a chapter and had lights out but for some reason I couldn't fall asleep..lights back on and read a little more before I finally was able to call it a night.

Hope everyone has a great day and HAPPY EASTER!

FRIDAY - Shopping and Dining

2006-04-15T12:46:00.000-04:00

Friday mornings are always a busy morning. One of the main things I have to do is get the trash out. Tim was in his office e-mailing me all morning so I was working on things for him in between my usual morning chores and getting the trash out. I did take time to call the restaurant and see what the special was for tonight ...I asked if they were having beer battered fish and she said no... broiled haddock. I was so disappointed.

The afternoon was spent shopping and running errands. One of the errands was picking up my taxes. I was so scared as this is my first time filing completely on my own and my income is different now with the bookkeeping business. I was holding my breath but it turned out that it is something I can handle. WHEW!!! When I got home there was a message from Dorothy to call her. She wanted to know if I wanted to go to local restaurant for supper. I was so tired I sure didn't feel like making anything so I said sure. She said she would pick me up at 5:00 which gave me time to put groceries away and catch my breath a minute.

The restaurant was pretty crowded when we got there but we found a table. Dorothy asked what the special was and the waitress said 4 different kinds of fish and she started to name them. I couldn't believe my ears when she said beer battered fish. We were both happy to hear that. It was just as delicious as the last time...even better cause it was unexpected! We had a nice visit and I was hoping she wouldn't invite me to her house to play cards as I was really tired and wanted to head home and get in my jammies. Well she had been working in her yard all day so she felt the same way so she dropped me off home.

I immediately went upstairs and washed up and got in my jammies and spent the rest of the evening watching TV...I had a lot of CSI's I had recorded to see. They run several of them a day on the Spike Channel...reruns and since I didn't use to watch them.... many I have not seen.

I was in bed at usual time and read one chapter and I was off to sleep.

Hope you all have a nice day...and HAPPY EASTER!!

THURSDAY - Normal Quiet Day

2006-04-14T10:41:00.000-04:00

This post will not take long. I had just a usual day...working on the books and some housework. I left word for Dorothy to call me when she returned home from her test at the hospital. She did and all is well... the doctor has decided that most of her problem is she hasn't been eating right since her husband died. She has promised to do better.

In the evening I watched TV. My DVR was full so I had to do some cleaning out...good thing some of my favorite programs were reruns so now it's only about 70% full..LOL

I love shopping on the internet. This week I received my make up and a wonderful grill/griddle for my stove. I had a big grill once but gave it away when I got my Corning Top...was not good to use it on that. This one is non-stick and such a nice size...it fits on my two burners the long way and stores in my oven draw nicely...came with a bacon press and 4 rings to make pancakes and/or eggs perfect every time. I was looking through their catalog they sent with it and saw another item which was just what I was looking for. I have 3 cats laying on my bed so you can imagine what that does to my comforter. I have a brand new set..comforter, matching sheets, sham and skirt to put on my bed but I have been hesitant to do so. I wanted something cheap I could throw over the comforter for them to lie on. This catalog had just the thing. A fleece machine washable pet blanket....the pattern on it is paw prints. It was only about 12.00 so I ordered two so I can wash one while the other is on the bed. That came this week also.

Maybe today is a good time to show you my progress on the embroidery piece I am working on.

I think I have done well since I haven't been home much at night lately or I have been to tired to work on it.

Hope you all have a good day.

WEDNESDAY - Pot Luck and Bingo

2006-04-13T12:42:00.000-04:00

I won't bore you with my day....it was a typical one. One change was I had to cook something to take to Pot Luck Dinner at our local Senior Citizens. I decided to make one of my specialties.. Broccoli Casserole At 5:30 I left the house and headed up the street to the Community Center.

I thought I might be too early because it starts at 6:00 but there were already cars in the parking lot. This was my first time going alone. I don't do alone very well so I was proud of myself for attempting this. No one ever gets a vibe from me that I am bashful and shy but I am. *smiles* I am sort of an introvert. Anyway I went in and I was warmly welcomed. I sat with the two elderly sisters that we sat across from the last two times we went. They still amaze me..especially the one that is 84. She is having 24 people for Easter and she is doing all the cooking...insists upon it!

When we were eating I was happy to hear people commenting on my dish and asking who made it. During the time after the meal and waiting for the meeting to start one lady who hadn't spoke to me before asked how I made the topping. I told the ingredients and I said I would bring her the recipe to the next dinner. All the ladies piped up said they would like it also. I then had a nice conversation with this lady. I think in one way it was a good thing for Dorothy not to be there as it gave me a chance to get to know the other ladies. I talked with a couple more during the evening. We played Bingo and I won two games so I ended up a dollar richer when I left.. LOL I really had a nice time and glad I went.

Since everyone wanted the recipe I will share it with you also.

BROCCOLI CASSEROLE

2 PKGS CHOPPED BROCCOLI OR BABY BROCCOLI FLOWERETTES
1 CUP MAYO
2 EGGS BEATEN
1 SMALL ONION CHOPPED
1 CAN CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP (OR ANY CREAM SOUP)
1 CUP GRATED CHEESE OF YOUR CHOICE
RITZ CRACKERS, REG. CRACKERS, OR BREAD CRUMBS

Cook broccoli according to pkg and set aside.
Mix everything except broccoli and cheese together.
In greased casserole put a layer of broccoli using all broccoli.
Spoon mixture over this.
Sprinkle grated cheese all over the top.
Crumble Crackers or Crumbs all over the top.
In globs, put approximately 2 tsp of butter or margarine on top.

Cook in preheated 350 degree oven for 45 mins.

Note: you can change the flavor by changing what kind of soup, cheese or crackers you use. If you are dieting you can use non fat item substitutes...and it will still be delicious.

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

TUESDAY - Dinner and a Dance

2006-04-12T15:53:00.000-04:00

Well today was pretty usual in the morning, catching up on my email and forums...writing my blog. In the afternoon I had to get some bookwork done and then Dorothy called and said she would be picking me up at 4:00 to go to Senior Citizens for supper. It starts at 5:00 but apparently everyone gets there early to get seats to sit with their friends. When we arrived that proved to be true...the parking lot was loaded. That news left me with not much time to work and get changed to go but I managed to be ready when she picked me up.

This was my first time going to this particular Senior Citizen facility...at least to stay...I had picked something up once from there when we collecting can tabs..they donated to the cause. They had volunteers in pink aprons waiting on the tables. For 2.00 we had a pork dinner with dessert and we were waited on hand and foot. We only had to clear our table. I met some more new people that Dorothy and her sister introduced me to. There were also a lot of familiar faces. I am beginning to feel more comfortable at these functions.

After dinner the tables where folded and put away and the band set up and we paid another 2.00 for the dance. The same band, Old Timers were playing. Some of the people left...those that had come just for the meal...but the majority stayed. The band started playing at 6:00. It was a small crowd...I only danced twice. Once with Dorothy and once with Maurice. He was spread pretty thin amongst the women... LOL.

Dorothy wasn't having a great time either so she said if I didn't mind we would leave at 8:00 instead of 9:00 when it ended and I was agreeable to that. Don't get me wrong..we had a nice time but we were a bit tired.

When I got home I saw I had a message on my answering machine. It seemed Lloyd had stopped by during the day and I hadn't answered the door so he was worried about me...wanted me to call him when I got in. I have a battery operated door bell on the outside of the entry way. When the cats are on the porch, I lock that door. It doesn't always work so I didn't hear him. He said he had been in my town because he had gone to the chiropractor up the street. He is having some horrific back pain. He has to do a lot of ice pack treatment and see him again next Tuesday so Lloyd will stop by then to see me. I told him where I had been. I hadn't told him about my going out dancing yet. I mentioned that if he danced he might enjoy that. *We need another man to share LOL!!!*

After his call, I watched American Idol. Oh it was good to see Taylor back to himself. He is still my favorite. I just love him. I then watched Nashville Star and Chris is still my favorite on that show and he did a super job. Last night they had to sing an original song.

I was ready for bedtime and headed up to read. I didn't read long before it was lights out.

Hope everyone has a great day.

MONDAY - Start of a Full Week

2006-04-11T11:19:00.000-04:00

Well my furbabies alarm clocks were back in working condition and got me up on time. I spent the morning doing some housework and on the computer. I went to Mike's to get my work for the day and had a nice chat with Lisa. She invited me to Easter dinner. She is a great cook so I am looking forward to that. I went last year too. She invites her mother and mother-in-law so that makes it nice as I have women around my age to talk to.

After lunch I got to work. Monday is the day I work on time sheets and I had daily reports to write up and invoices to post. Had to start a round of billing for Tim so I was busy all afternoon.

For supper I decided to try something new. I had bought a package of seasoning to make Chinese Broccoli and Beef...one of my favorite Chinese dishes. I had all the ingredients so decided tonight was the night to make it. Came out pretty good if I say so myself...not as good as the restaurants but not bad. As I was relaxing watching TV and embroidering Dorothy called. Her sister had given her a Blazer and top that was too big for her and her sister wanted me to try it on...she asked if I could come over... I said sure. When I got there I tried the jacket and it seemed to fit...I asked her if I could take the top home and try that on there and she said sure. She said her friend Elaine was coming to play a game of cards and would I like to stay and play a game. I said okay but just one game. We had a lot of good laughs and I left before 9:00. This is the card game we play. Phase 10

When I got home I watched Deal or No Deal and a CSI program and then got ready for bed. I decided to retry the jacket and as nice as it is it just isn't my style. I tried the top and was disappointed as it was too tight. I loved the color...sort of a lime green...loved the neckline but it did nothing for me so I will return both tomorrow with my regrets.

I am picking up Dorothy tomorrow at 4:30 to go to SC for dinner and dancing.

I read some and then it was lights out.

Hope you all have a great day!

SUNDAY - Rested Sorta! :)

2006-04-10T11:19:00.000-04:00

Saturday night when I went to bed, I shut off my alarm for Sunday (had a chat with my 3 furbabies and asked them to let me sleep in). They were very understanding and I did get to sleep to 10:00 A. M. The downside to that is the morning goes by real fast when you do get up. It was a jammie day for me so that was relaxing.

Around noon I made brunch....turkey sausage and eggbeaters with chopped up onion and veggie cheese. Had some low cal Italian toast. Spent the afternoon alternating between working on clients books and watching TV recordings and embroidering. This week I am going to supper and dancing at the Senior Citizens in the next town East of me. Not sure I am going to supper and bingo at the Senior Citizens in my town. The beauty part of working at home as I can do it when I want to. Certain things like payroll of course have to be done at a set time...but everything else I can do to suit me.

In the evening I watched Extreme Makeover: Home Edition....I shed some tears. I watched CSI..can't remember if it was one I had recorded or it was on LOL. I did some more embroidery..it is coming along nicely...almost time to show you my progress.

Went to bed usual time and started 3rd book of the Flower Trilogy written by Nora Roberts..lights out after chapter one.

Hope everyone has a great day.

SATURDAY - A Night Out

2006-04-09T10:54:00.000-04:00

I wasn't able to sleep in this Saturday as I had to bring my cookies to KMart for the Senior Citizens Bake Sale. I was suppose to be there at 9:00 but no way was I going to be able to make it. I got up at 8:00 but was slow moving. I figured that an hour or so later wasn't going to make that much difference. If they were selling good they would welcome new supplies at that time. :) As I was getting dressed, Dorothy called me and told me she had been out there and they were loaded with baked goods and no room on the table for any more...so my plan was working out. LOL I also had to go to Jo-Ann Fabrics and exchange the can of silk flower cleaner I had bought as it wasn't spraying right.

I got to KMart some time after 10:00 and it worked out great. There was now some room on the table for my cookies and I saw two other ladies bring in their baked goods also...so I was not the only one late. I heard later that the Bake Sale brought in close to $300.00.. Everyone was pleased. I was successful exchanging the plant cleaner and headed home.

I spent the day working and taking breaks watching TV and embroidering. I did clean all my silk flower plants but was disappointed. It didn't do the nice job that a brand I had used before did...wish I could remember what it was. I am going to try another brand Jo-Ann Fabric has. Next time I am in the store I will pick some up. They do look brighter and cleaner from a distance but up close not so good.

Dorothy called me to tell me the "girls" were picking me up about 6:20 to go to the Moose Club. The Old Timers Band was playing there. To tell you the truth I was not really looking forward to it this time. I said last week I had a good time and I did but when I had those few dances I felt that I was stiff and awkward. As I said before I haven't danced in 25 years so it was a bit scary. I was afraid that this week it would be the same and I would stumble and get embarrassed. Since I am determined to have a new life though I am not going to give up and stay home. The "girls" picked me up and they were all excited about an evening out dancing and I was trying to show some enthusiasm.

We arrived and the parking lot was loaded with cars...not like the night we came and a different band was playing. The gentleman we danced with last week, Maurice was there and he was waiting for us. We sat together at the same table. We ordered our drinks...I had a wine cooler and hoped that would help loosen me up. It wasn't too long when Maurice asked me to dance. We were all taking turns again. LOL But WoW!! I was dancing...I was really dancing! It was a slow number but it was a fast slow number if you know what I mean and I was keeping up...and I could see that Maurice was pleased...the other 3 "girls" are good dancers...they have danced all their lives. I ended up dancing with Maurice 4 times... I danced with Dorothy twice...and when I was left at the table by myself I got up and asked a lady I knew to dance...as long as she could lead. LOL I was so proud of myself for that. It was fun to walk in and have people know me now and be greeted and the same when we left. There was some new people there that I knew and they told me they were happy to see me out having fun. And you know what...I was having fun!!! This is great exercise. I ended up having 3 wine coolers during the evening. Hope all the dancing I did didn't come out of the bottles. That will be put to the test Tuesday as the band is playing at the Senior Citizens in Malone. We will be going to that and I think the dinner before the dance starts too. I was kidding with Dorothy and told her since there is no drinking at the Senior Citizens dances I will have to bring a flask in my purse... ROFL!!

I didn't get home till have 11:00 and had to unwind a little so it was kinda late when I got to bed...Thank goodness I can sleep in Sunday and I will!

Hope you all have a great day!

FRIDAY - TGIF!!

2006-04-08T11:55:00.000-04:00

The day was a typical Friday. Lots of things to do. I had my breakfast and got caught up on the computer reading email and forums and then I remembered what day it was. Time to get the trash together and put out. The weather has turned nasty again...pretty chilly out there. Oh I must tell you I was in a great mood because I had weighed myself and I had lost a lb this week. That brings the total to 16 1/2 lbs since I started. I had changed my snacks at night to sugar free pudding and grapes and I think that helped...night it my worse time.

When I had finished that it was time for lunch so I made a nice salad. I worked all afternoon on the books expecting to hear from Dorothy about going to supper at the local restaurant. When I didn't hear from her by 5:00 I called the restaurant. I was planning on getting an order of beer battered fish to go but it turned out they weren't having it last night so I decided to cook. Before I did that Dorothy called apologizing that she had gone shopping with her Sister and they had just got home. While they were out they had eaten. She had forgotten about us talking about going to the restaurant tonight. I told her no problem as they didn't have the fish anyways. She wanted me to go with her to bring her sister home and stop and visit her daughter who just got back from FL but since I hadn't eaten yet I declined.

After supper, (I made fish sandwiches on wheat rolls.. I had some frozen Groton fish) I watched some TV. I watched some CIS's and NCI that I had recorded. Headed to bed to read at the usual time. Got to get my rest as we are going Dancing Saturday night at the Moose Club. :)

Hope everyone has a great day.

THURSDAY - Trip to Town

2006-04-07T11:13:00.000-04:00

Today I have to go to town. I need to run errands and do some grocery shopping. My morning is spent doing the usual and I am ready around 12:30 to leave. My first stop is at the gas station. I have been putting it off but now the tank is past 1/2 so I pull in to get her filled up. Yikes over 30.00.....sickening. On my way again...heading for Tim's Office to pick up the mail. Had a little chat with them and then I headed for Price Chopper to get my groceries. Ran into my ex-girlfriends ex-husband. We just smiled and said hello and I kept walking quickly. Didn't want to have a conversation with him.

When I finished there I headed to the Bank...then to the strip mall. My first stop was at Jo-Ann Fabrics...that picture I am doing sometimes takes 5 strands and it is breaking my needles so I need to buy some more. Also want to get some stuff to spray on my silk plants to clean them. I made a mistake and looked at the silk plants and found two for my mantle. They fit right into my western theme. The Pots have a strip of leather and beads wrapped around them. I'm thinking the mantle but we will see how it looks when I get them home.

I decided not to go to KMart today so I headed to Aldi's...another grocery store..it's one where you bag your own groceries. I needed a couple of items there.

Now I was on my way home. Didn't have that much to do this week. When I got home I put the groceries away and started supper...it was a bit early but since I didn't have lunch I was starved. Just as I was finishing Dorothy called and wanted me to come have supper with her but it was too late. She wanted to know if I wanted to come play cards but I begged off as I was tired.

I did some bookkeeping work and then went to watch TV. I didn't feel like embroidering and I kept dozing off so I don't know what I watched. I finally gave up and went to bed early.... read a chapter and lights out.

Hope you all have a great day.

WEDNESDAY - Making Progress

2006-04-06T11:07:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a typical working day but I am making progress. One of these days I am going to be completely caught up in the book work. It's a balancing act of keeping the daily work done and fitting in some organizational work I need to do for my new system.

Here it is April and I still haven't looked into Volunteer work but I can't do it until I know I can spare a day and that time is not here yet. I am very disappointed.

Talked to Dorothy today. She called to tell me we have to bring the baked goods for the bake sale for Senior Citizens to KMart Saturday morning...wonderful..there goes one of my sleep in mornings. :) She and her Sister and SIL are planning on going to the dance at the Moose Club Saturday night so they will be picking me up that evening.

I spent the evening watching TV and embroidering. I watched Bones, AI Final and a CSI I had recorded. I was kinda surprised to see Mandisa go this early in the competition.

Went to bed usual time and read some before lights out.

Hope you all have a great day.

TUESDAY - More Energetic

2006-04-05T12:06:00.000-04:00

I think I am getting use to the time change. I got up with more energy this morning...did my usual morning routine and then I got my Swiffer cleaning tools out and did the whole downstairs in no time. Love my Swiffer tools and also my Pledge duster. Amazing the cat hair I pick up after just a few days of not sweeping.

In the afternoon I worked on my clients books...getting close to getting them up to date. Lousy weather outside...snow and wind...real heavy snow that is making slush. I had to make two trips to Mike's in it because it's pay day.

In the evening I watched TV and embroidered. I haven't done any embroidery in a few days...didn't feel like it and on this project you have to be in the mood.

I watched American Idol and Taylor is still my favorite. Country Music is what I like but I didn't enjoy the show that much. I watched Nashville Star and that was good. I have chosen Chris as my favorite. It looks like no girl is going to win this time. Only 2 left and the boys out sing them.

Off to bed to read at my usual time and lights out after about 30 mins...back into the old time routine.

Hope everyone has a great day.

MONDAY - Nothing exciting

2006-04-04T11:03:00.000-04:00

Monday was a typical Monday. In the morning I was on the computer catching up with my email and forums. I did some housework...got my work from Mike's. Monday is the day I work on the timesheets getting them ready for his okay. Payday is Tuesday.

In the afternoon I worked on his books...writing up daily reports and posting invoices. I also puttered around...was not feeling very energetic....still suffering from the time change.

Dorothy called in the afternoon. I had asked her to call me after her doctors appointment. She has to take a test Thursday which requires special eating on Wednesday so she will not be going to Senior Citizens. I will probably skip it too. She wants me to ask Lloyd to go with me. We'll see.

At supper I made myself some Salmon Burgers on wheat buns. Spent the evening watching TV. I had a Deal/No Deal I hadn't seen so I ended up watching 3 hours of that program and one CSI show. Off to bed to read and lights out at usual time.

Hope everyone has a great day.

SUNDAY - A Day of Relaxation

2006-04-03T13:07:00.000-04:00

This will not take long to read. LOL I spent the whole day resting and watching TV. I did get on the computer for a little while. I was even too tired to embroider...I watched all the programs that I had recorded so I am all caught up now. Watched Extreme Makeover, Desperate Housewives, and Cold Case last night.

I made myself a nice brunch of turkey sausage, turkey bacon and egg beaters scrambled with veggie cheese and onion. For supper I had a stir fry of 3 different colored peppers, white onion, and turkey Italian Sausage. Wrapped it all up in a low carb wrap. During the evening I had a snack of no sugar banana cream puddying topped with no sugar Cool Whip. As you see I am sticking with my diet.

This time change is raising cain with my body but it was off to bed at my usual time to read. I read longer than usual because of the time change...and then it was lights out. My kitties are confuse by the time change too.

Hope everyone has a great day.

SATURDAY - And I Danced

2006-04-02T15:42:00.000-04:00

The day was very typical of a Saturday. I slept in a little...took my time doing some chores around the house...worked and played on the computer...watched some TV I had recorded...trying to clean it up for the following week.

Dorothy called and told me they would be picking me up around 6:45 to go to the Dance in the next town South of me. It was being held at the Senior Citizens. I am familiar with the place because I use to teach Ceramics there many years ago. The music would start at 7:30 but the place was pretty full when we got there...it's about 15 mins from my house. The cover charge was $3.00.

When we were paying Dorothy looked at the band that was setting up and got upset. It was the Old Timers Band...the one that her husband use to play and sing in. She didn't realize they were the ones playing...she thought she would be seeing them for the first time next week. I told her that maybe this was a good thing as she didn't have a lot of time before hand to agonize how it was going to effect her. She said you are probably right.

We found seats and then Dorothy was introducing me to everyone around us. Also some of the people I knew and some knew me. Because of the Ceramic Shop I ran and my husband's peddling business I am known by people I don't recognize. Dorothy's Sister-In-Law's Cousin (did you follow that) was sitting near us. I know him from the craft circuit...he use to set up where we did selling his clocks and other wooden items he made.

Dorothy went over and talked to the band members and they told her how happy they were to see her there. She feels very guilty about going out when her husband only passed away 5 months ago but everyone that she has seen has said that it is a good thing for her to be getting out and to try and enjoy herself.

It's getting kinda neat now because people I have met previous weeks are now greeting me by name...so I am making new friends and acquaintances. There was no alcohol served and I was thinking oh oh. How am I going to relax enough to get up and dance. I had promised myself that I would dance that night.

Well there were a few people my age there and a lot of men but again most of them were already partnered with some one...but I did see a lot of exchanging partners amongst friends for dancing. Theresa's (Dorothy's SIL) Cousin Maurice loves to dance. He is 84 but in terrific shape. He reminds me of a short version of Wilford Brimley...you know the one that does the Liberty Diabetic Supply commercial. He was taking turns dancing with all of us. Now this music was not like the last dance which was classic country. This was the old time stuff...for fast dancing they did a "Step Dance". I have no clue how to do that. I watched their feet and everyone was doing something different...what was common was that it was a quick step. The fiddle plays heavy in the music. Then there were about 5 or 6 square dance rounds through out the night...I haven't done that since gym in high school...LOL I didn't want any part of that either. So that just left the slow dances. When it was my turn to be Maurice's partner I was scared to death but tried not to show it. I informed him I hadn't dance in 25 years and he looked at me like I was some strange person. LOL I guess everyone he knows dances. BTW he didn't sit out many dances. He didn't do the step dances but he danced every slow dance and the square dances. He was a very good dancer....and he told me I was too. I think he was just being a gentleman... *smiles* I danced with him twice and I danced with Dorothy once....OKAY another first...63 years old and I danced a slow dance with a woman for the first time...always swore I would never do that but I thought I needed some practice LOL. We ran into a couple on the floor that Dorothy was acquainted with and he asked her if I was her daughter... This is the second time someone has asked her that so it's getting to be a big joke.

They do have an intermission and you usually donate $1.00 for a little lunch of sandwiches, soda, and cookies and cake.

I sat between Dorothy and her sister Reba, so I got a chance to chat with her sister and she told me how happy she was that Dorothy and I had become friends. She said it was wonderful that I could be there for Dorothy on those lonely nights when she doesn't want to be alone and someone from the family isn't available. She said that Dorothy really enjoys my company. That was all nice to hear. We are helping each other get through this thing called widowhood. I was looking around the room and saw so many women that I knew who were now widows too. Dorothy had a good time...she danced a lot with old friends. Even her sister put down her cane when I talked her into dancing. She danced 3 dances during the evening. Dorothy's SIL danced a lot...she was her cousins favorite partner. LOL

We left about 10:30, wanted to beat the crowd to the parking lot and I was home about 10:45. I was tired but I had a good time. It's tough keeping up with these old people. ROFL!! Watched a little TV and off to bed to read and lights out.

Hope you have a great day.

FRIDAY - Started Off Boring

2006-04-01T16:53:00.000-05:00

Friday was pretty typical...in the morning I had to get trash out and do the usual things around the house. Went to Mike's and got my work and talked with Lisa for a bit. Came back home and after lunch tried to do some work.. I was so not in the mood. I kept puttering on the computer or finding things to do around the house to put off working...got some done but not much. I was tired so I did take a short nap in my chair.

I was sitting at the computer thinking about what I was going to make for supper when the phone rang. I was Dorothy. She wanted to know if I wanted to go to Mary's (our local restaurant) for supper and go to her house and play some cards. I said sure...just give me time to clean up and put a face on and I will meet you there.

When I got there she had a table for us...the place was really full. The special was beer battered fish. I hadn't had that in ages. We both ordered it. I am thinking one piece of fish...my baked potato and coleslaw. Well the plate came and it was full of fish so I decided to take home the potato...mmmmmm mmmmmmm was it ever delicious. I kept seeing plates of it going to many tables so everyone was getting in on it. I always enjoy Dorothy's company so we enjoyed chatting and laughing during the meal. When we left, people were still filing in keeping the place full.

I followed her to her house and went in to play cards. We had a lot of fun and I got home about 10:00. Watched one program I had recorded previously...CSI and then headed to bed for some reading.

BTW we made plans to go to a dance at the Senior Center in a town West of me tomorrow night...it's turning into a great week-end.

Hope everyone had a great day.

THURSDAY - Heading to Town

2006-03-31T10:36:00.000-05:00

This is the day I am to meet Sally for lunch at the new Chinese Buffet. It is located in one of our Strip Malls...the one that Aldi's is in to be exact. I have heard all good things so I am really looking forward to it. I get on my scale and I actually see it wiggle a bit...oh my ...it is getting ready to MOVE. I can't blow it today at the buffet.

I get washed and knowing it's warmer outside then it's been I look for a top that is lighter than the sweatshirts I have been wearing. I find one that I couldn't wear last year and decide to try it on... IT FITS!!! Well now I am really in a good mood LOL. I do all the things I need to get done and I head out to meet Sally for noon. There is already a lot of cars parked at the restaurant. Sally is out front so we go in and already I am liking it...there is a wall water fountain in the foyer...very pretty and soothing. The atmosphere is very nice inside. We are led to a very comfy booth. The buffet consists of 3 long serving sections. One seems to be not so oriental...kinda american oriental...hot dogs cut up and surrounded with something..maybe it was a corn dog...some egg rolls and different things like that...oh there was some oriental soup also ...but I liked the looks of the next section so I didn't pay much attention to that one ...(that's why I can't really tell you what was on it. The second one had all the traditional dishes found in a Chinese restaurant. I think they cooked chicken about 10 different ways...and I wanted to try all the ways. I have to be careful because of my seafood allergy but there was plenty there that I could fill my plate up with. I tried to be good and stayed away from the heavy calorie items even though they looked scrumptious. I took a little bit of several things...all pretty much yummy. My second plate consisted of the items I especially liked. Then I figured I better quit. The third serving area was all desserts and I didn't get to go there.

Sally and I had a nice chat. I was seeing a lot of acquaintances I knew...a steady stream of people kept coming in all the while we were there. When we left there was also a line. The price was good...4.99 with our Senior Discount. We will certainly be doing that again. We parted and I headed off to do my errands and shopping. I passed a Chinese restaurant that has been in this town since I moved here 30 years ago..one I have never been in because I heard it wasn't that good. There was only one car in the parking lot so I wouldn't be surprised to see them closing up one of these days very soon. There is another Chinese restaurant in the KMart Plaza. It is mostly a take out order place with a few tables if you want to eat it there. No atmosphere at all...I hear they are having a tough time and are running a lot of sales since the new one came to town. I had to go downtown to get a signature from Tim. Darn I should have told him I was coming as the office was locked. My keys were on my other set of keys I don't carry any more. I decided to do some of what I had to do and come back later.

Dropped my taxes off at the accountant...YEA!! and then headed to the bank and then the KMart shopping Plaza. I needed to stop and get a new filter system for my fish tank...it died this week...then to Radio Shack for a new cartridge for my printer. Then to KMart to pick up some odds and ends. Needed some cosmetics and decided to get the 3 Harlequin Intrigues I didn't get last week...Wrong!! They were gone and only had Harlequin Silhouette's and Romances. I picked up a Nora Roberts Book instead. Also found a Weight Watchers Cook Book...their latest one.

Decided to head back to the office before I did my grocery shopping and found Colleen there. Seems Tim was home making Maple Syrup... I explained this had to be put in the mail before 4/1 so she called his wife and she will pick it up at the office and have him sign it and mail it.

Went and got my groceries and headed home. I was sure tired. The evening consisted of watching TV and embroidery.

Hope you all have a great day.

WEDNESDAY - Long Long Day!

2006-03-30T11:26:00.000-05:00

My day started at 5:30, when I woke up to pain in my back... I had an awful time finding a comfortable position to fall back asleep. I finally did so and got up a bit earlier than normal cause my back was hurting so much. It was not in the usual place...lower back..it was up higher around my shoulder blades...I believe it was muscle spasms. I came downstairs and got an ice pack and took some Tylenol Extra Strength. After about 30 minutes I got some relief. I felt pretty good but it hurt to bend over. I made the big decision to NOT bend over!! LOL

Also when I came downstairs I saw that the Monitor was off but it wasn't flashing 8's like usual...there was a E05 printed in the display. I couldn't get rid of it until I pulled the plug and replugged it in. All was fine...then I noticed my computer had rebooted so I knew something had happened to the power. Maintenance that I have done at 1:00 am wasn't done so it happened early in the night. I noticed it effected the DVD Player but not the clock on the stove...nor had it effected my clock upstairs or the electric blanket. Very strange. I went out to the shop and saw that Monitor with the same E05 displayed...pulled the plug and got that one going.

The rest of the morning I spent doing house chores...Swifter Mopped my floors and couldn't believe the cat hair I picked up...CarpetFlicked my rugs too... I went out to the porch and I brought a comb with me. the cats were laying on a table in the sun so I backed combed them and they were loaded with loose fur...must be shedding already. Dora was the worst. Small as she was she had as much loose fur as the two big males. Garfield was the worst of the boys...Creamsicle wasn't bad at all. When I finished I had enough fur to shape into the size of a golf ball.

I went over to pick up work at Mike's and there wasn't anything...I thought great...now I can finish my books. Shortly after I returned home the phone rang and it was Mike on his cell phone. He asked me to prepare some special breakdown sheets for a customer and he needed it done right away...also finalize the billing for that customer. I gave it a shot knowing that it probably wasn't exactly what he wanted... but it would give us something to work with when he got home tonight. This customer is being billed many many thousands of dollars so it needs to be right. I did get to finish my books.

I wasn't too tired at supper time so instead of throwing in a WW frozen dinner I made a stir fry. I was watching for Mike and he came home in the middle of my dinner.. When I was finished I went over and we went over what I had done. I was right it wasn't exactly what he had in mind but it gave him something to look at and change to his liking. We talked for a few and by the time I left there it was 6:45. I went back home and prepared what he wanted and made all new copies and by the time I finished it was 7:45. Brought it back over and left it as he was at a wake.

I watched TV last night but no emboridering... I was too tired. Oh and I noticed when I came back from Mike's the first time the house smelled bad from the stir fry so I sprayed with Febreeze Air Effects that I bought the other day. The second time I came back to the house it smelled wonderful...that stuff really works. (I do a lot of commercials here don't I? LOL) I watched American Idol and they sent the right one home. I watched Bones and a recorded CSI and Deal or No Deal. You can watch a lot of programs when you record them...no commercials...

I was off to bed at the usual time and read a little and then I was gone. My back felt a bit tight but that was all...thank goodness. I suspect it had to do with my riding the bike. I hope not.

Hope you all have a great day.

TUESDAY - Busy Busy Busy

2006-03-29T09:54:00.000-05:00

So nice to get up to a sunny day and the temps are warmer now... starting off in the 40's. After my usual, slowly waking up routine of reading emails and forums while I have my coffee, I went across the street to pick up work at Mike and Lisa's. Had a chat with Lisa and then Lisa, my computer techie and Mike's came downstairs...she had been working on Mike's computer...we had a nice chat too.

After I left I took a little stroll around the yard looking for signs of Spring. Saw the domestic ducks swimming with a pair of wild ducks on the pond next door. Came home and worked on payroll...making out checks from the OK'd timesheets. After I finished that I decided I needed to dewinterize my home. Took down all the poinsiettas and holly and such and bagged everything up. The only thing I didn't get to was the mantle. Will do that tomorrow. I noticed I need to buy some silk plant cleaner as my silk plants are very dusty...that is marvelous stuff and will make them look like new again. During the morning I got on my exercise bike for 5 mins since 10 mins seemed to be too much for me to start off on...my hips hurt like hell after the last time.

After lunch, I got back on the books and typed up and wrote up Mike's Daily Reports. I had invoices to post and copies of invoices and Daily Reports to print out. I finished about 4:00..oh and I did another 5 mins on the bike. I decided to tackle my books and got a lot done. All I have left is inventory, accounts payable and filling out accountants form today. I should/will have them ready to take to the accountant tomorrow.

After supper I relaxed and watch TV while I embroidered. I watched American Idol...didn't think it was a very good night..but I of course enjoyed Taylor. I am going to be behind him all the way....but I am afraid he isn't going to win. I suspect it will be either Chris or Katherine. I then watched Nashville Star and I still can't pick one...I like them all.

Then it was lights out and up to read which didn't last long..I barely made it through the chapter and it was lights out again. My babies were tired too as they were already getting settled on the bed. They usually join me during the night.

Hope you all have a great day!

MONDAY - Goals for the Day Fulfilled

2006-03-28T10:23:00.000-05:00

Morning was spent doing house cleaning thingys.. also reading email and forums...doing some pixel painting...

My goals for the afternoon was to do a billing project for each of my clients and to work on my books...4/15 is looming. I was able to accomplish that. I think another day or two and I can bring the books to the accountant. I am going to town Thursday..would be nice if I had them done by then.

The evening was spent watching TV and embroidering. I watched Deal/No Deal and some CSI's I had recorded.

Here is a progress picture of where I am after one week of embroidering.

Was a pretty average day.

Hope you all have a great day.

SUNDAY - A Day of Liesure??

2006-03-27T10:52:00.000-05:00

My babies let me sleep in so when I got up, I washed up and threw some sweats on and came down to face the day. Again I had big plans for the day and was wondering how much I would be able to accomplish. Spent the rest of the morning on the computer catching up on email and forums...and then decided to make brunch. I am still on my diet...even if the scale refuses to move. I had bought some turkey breakfast sausage and was anxious to try them out with my egg beaters...they weren't bad at all. Nice part is they weren't greasy...

I decided that the major priority of the day was to finish cleaning the living room. I accomplished that and also worked a little on my business books. I got my checkbook posted and all the reconciliations done to date!

The rest of the evening was devoted to watching TV and finish up the DVD's I rented from Netflix. I worked on my embroidery and relaxed.

MY SATURDAY - Quiet Day

2006-03-26T11:55:00.000-05:00

Started off my day by sleeping in a little...extra 30 minutes is nice. I had a lot of things planned for the day. I was going to wash the floor in the living room and do the rug. I was going to work on Mike's work he brought over yesterday and do an invoice for Tim. Biggest part of the day was going to be working on my books...I still need to get them ready for the accountant...have to post the checkbook and cash bills...price out the inventory...and fill out the accountants form.

Okay so I did a wee bit of Mike's work....did the invoice for Tim...and that's it for work. I was tired so the rest of the day I played on the computer a bit...watched some TV and embroidered.

Let's hope I do better today.

Have a nice day everyone.

MY FRIDAY - Shopping Shopping Shopping

2006-03-25T11:24:00.000-05:00

Friday is always a busy day because I have to put the trash out. This is one of the chores that Howard use to do for me so of course I miss him a bit more on Fridays *smiles*. I am still just putting out the basic trash accumulated during the week...when it warms up and I can work in the cooler parts of the house I will start sorting and putting out more trash from those areas. I started it but as Howard was such a pack rat it is going to take years to do. I will just keep plugging at it when I have the time.

In the afternoon I went shopping. My first stop was at the Ford Dealership. Although I have a Lincoln we don't have any Lincoln dealerships here so Ford is where I have to go when I need a dealer. My remote thingy to open doors and the trunk had died on me. I had them check it at Radio Shack thinking it was batteries but they said the batteries were fine. I had ordered it last week and they told me it would take two minutes to program and I would be on my way. Yup right!! I pick it up at Parts and they send me to Service to get someone to do it. Well he tells me he doesn't know how to do my year..and has to read up on it...but he will be out in 2 secs. Five minutes later he finally shows up...I could see him stopping to talk to everyone on the way....grrrrrrrrr. He opens my glove compartment and gets it to drop down so he can get behind it...has to do something to a wire...then he gets all distracted by a carrier that comes in with new vehicles and he has to chat with a couple more people. Finally comes back and admits that he doesn't know what he is doing...earlier he had mentioned that if he couldn't get it done he would make an appointment with a mechanic and he could do it. I informed him that I was told this would take 2 minutes...not a major project!! Well I guess he could see I was not happy so he said I am going get a mechanic to do this. Another I don't know how many minutes goes by and the mechanic shows up... He knows what he is doing and I am out of there in the 2 minutes it should have taken in the first place!!

Now I can get on with my shopping. I went to Fashion Bug to return a couple of tops I had bought. They didn't fit right. I exchanged them for one that cost about the same as the two but I just loved it. Last night I tried it on and it fits great .... I don't have very many nice tops for the summer so I am happy to add this one to my wardrobe. Went to KMart to pick up cat food...they are the only ones that carry the bigger bags of the brand and type my cats have to have. When it gets a bit nicer I will get it at the Vets... I can't believe it but it's cheaper to buy it there....I guess because I can get the real big bag of it. I got into the cleaning supplies because I had a coupon for a Pledge Duster Plus.. It's like the Swifter Duster only there is a little spray bottle of wax that fits in the handle. I am not crazy about Pledge (I use Old English) but for touch ups (cleaning up nasty paw prints) this works great. I discovered that their duster is softer and fuller than Swifter....has a good handle because of the spray bottle...so even without the spray I like this duster better than Swifter's. Oh oh cause I have a lot of the refill dusters to use up...LOL I also picked up a Swifter CarpetFlick. That works wonderful to touch up my rugs quickly...don't have to drag out the vacuum cleaner and drag it all around just to get a couple of problem areas..having 3 cats they leave globs of fur and debris from their toys and scratching posts. This is another major change in my life. For years I had a cleaning lady come once a week to do downstairs. I can't afford that now...so I have to do it myself. With the degenerate discs in my back and the bursitis in my hips it's a real chore. I keep looking for items that will make it faster and easier for me.

I am in my second book of a trilogy by Nora Roberts so I decided to check out the books. I miss my subscription to Harlequin Intrique. I was getting 6 books a month and I couldn't afford that any more so I had cancelled it. I noticed that KMart was selling them for 3.45 each. I picked up 3. That I can work into my budget because it will be a while before I need to buy any more..I only read at bed time.

After picking up some cosmetics I needed I finally got to leave KMart and headed over to Price Chopper to do my grocery shopping. Didn't need much...mostly perishables so that didn't take long. Headed home. The weather was warmer than it has been but it had been spitting rain off and on. I decided since the car is sounding so much better and the weather is warmer I would take the back road home. Very scenic and it avoids all the lights and the big 35 mph stretch.

When I got home I was missing Howard again to help me bring in the groceries and help put them away. I sound like I only miss him for the chores he did but you all know that isn't true...it's just about the things that have changed in my life since his passing. The rest of the evening was quiet. I was starved after I put the groceries away so I made me a big grilled chicken salad. Then I caught up on email and forums on the computer. I spent the rest of the evening watching TV and embroidering. Oh before I went to bed I decided to try out the Pledge Duster and I did my whole living room before I went up... LOL

Oh I have been working on some pixel paintings on breaks...wanna see??

MY THURSDAY - Average Day

2006-03-24T10:40:00.000-05:00

Well this should be a very short post as yesterday was a pretty quiet day. I chatted with Dorothy during the morning as I did my dishes. I have earphones on my phone and just love it. I need them for when I make calls for my clients and I am stuck on HOLD. This way I can keep working. I use them personally too and can get stuff done like dishes and dusting. If Lloyd calls me in the evening I can do needlework while we talk. Yup money was well spent on those....*smiles*

I checked at Mike's and no new work for me..that is the second day he hasn't given me any invoices or daily reports to work on. I was rather happy because that meant I could work on some other stuff that needs doing. I may catch up yet. I spent all day on the books.. Tim emailed me a couple of things he wanted done. I took one break to do 10 mins on my exercise bike. I have to creep into exercising very carefully.

In the evening I worked on my embroidery while watching TV. Watched some daytime shows I had recorded and then got all set to watch NCIS ...also recorded but it was one I had seen. I watched Bones and the special Extreme Makeover - Home Edition had on. Went to bed around 11:00...read and then lights out.

MY WEDNESDAY - St, Patty's Day Dinner

2006-03-23T10:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I spent the day working on clients books. I had to do billing for both of them. The architect's is quite involved so I do a draft first of all his clients adding in the last two weeks time sheets...he looks them over and decides who we can bill. Most of his invoices are what is called Progress Invoices so what I do helps him figure out how much of the job is completed..and what phases. Then he also has me add in reimbursables like mileage and prints. The mason's is quite different. His billing is done with daily job reports. I also have to keep track of materials and this time of year the cost for Heat and Cover. During breaks I worked on pixel painting.

I had to quit a bit early and get ready to go to Senior Citizens for the St. Patty dinner of Corned Beef and Cabbage. I didn't have to bring anything as different ones had volunteered to cook certain portions of it. Never had this type of dinner cooked this way..everything separate..use to everything cooked in one pot so I was looking forward to something different. I had called Lloyd earlier in the day and asked if he would like to attend....and he said he would. He was going to pick me up at 5:45 as the dinner started at 6:00.

I haven't explained who Lloyd is. He is a widower of 4 years. My husband and I use to see him often at the same restaurants we ate at. Being the small town that this is you always acknowledge each other with a greeting. I ran into him a few times after my husband passed away and he was always very concerned with how I was doing and we chatted about our losses. A while back I decided to give him a call and see if he would like to go out as strictly friends...and that is what we do. We go out a couple of times a month. I either invite him to something or he invites me.

Well we arrived and didn't have to wait very long to eat. It was a great buffet and everything was delicious. Dorothy had already arrived and saved seats next to her for us. The same ladies that sat across from us the last time were sitting there again. I had some laughs during the conversations. One was the fact that one lady thought Lloyd was my father... remember I am 63 and Lloyd is 72 or 73... I don't remember. He chuckled and nudged my leg under the table... hehehe. One of the other ladies is starting with Alzheimers. She is 84 and cute as a button. I had the same conversation with her 6 times in a row about what my name was and where I lived...LOL I finally got saved when they started playing Bingo. Oh she also thought Lloyd was my husband even though we had told her our names which of course are different. He was talking about not being a good sleeper and that the other night he got up and baked cookies and Johnny Cake. She looked at me and said aren't you a lucky woman to have him bake for you ....LOL

After the meal we had cake and ice cream for dessert...oh that was real good for the diet..I did choose a small piece though. They held the meeting and we signed up what we are going to make for the bake sale Aug. 6 and he told us he had made arrangements for our Easter dinner to be held at the Moose Club this year. After the meeting we played Bingo. I wasn't as lucky as I was two weeks ago when I won 3 times...I won nothing last night but it was fun.

I should explain about Senior Citizens in my town. Two weeks ago late in the afternoon Dorothy called and asked if I would like to go to a Pot Luck dinner and some Bingo at our Community Center that night. I said sure. I didn't have anything made to bring so she let me pass off her cookies as my own..LOL What I didn't know was it was the Senior Citizens Club putting it on. It is a very small group of about 20...us included. It use to be a lot bigger but people have died or moved away (into Nursing Homes) and they are trying to build it back up again. We were welcomed with open arms. We had a good time but we are both not sure how involved we are going to get with them...giving it a try. For me it is hard because I am the baby of the group..they all seem to be in their 70's and 80's and yup 90's. But it gives someone to accompany Dorothy and as long as she wants to go I will go with her. Heck it's a night out and it helps support them...all good things.

Well at the end of the evening Lloyd drove me home. He came in for a few minutes and I showed him the project I was working on...as he sews he was very impressed with it.. He didn't stay long and I was able to finally relax. It was about 9:30 so I settled in to watch a couple of programs I had recorded. I watched American Idol...so long Chicken Little...YEA!!! Then I watched Amazing Race that I didn't get to see the day before. After that I was ready for bed. I was starting a second book in a trilogy written by Nora Roberts...after about 30 mins. of reading it was lights out.

Today is another day of bookkeeping. Hope you all have a great day.

My Tuesday - Review of American Idol

2006-03-22T10:28:00.000-05:00

Well yesterday nothing exciting happened....that could be a good thing! LOL I worked on the books most of the day. I did take breaks and work on another giggly girl...pixel painting her..there are about 5 or 6 tutorials for them. I think they are so cute. When I was a child two of my favorite things were playing with my paper dolls and coloring so this is just a grown-up version... *smiles* While in Paint Shop Pro, I worked on figuring out how to blow up the chart for my embroidery so I don't have to keep looking at it through a magnifying glass. I finally got it and printed out a section. Last night it went a lot faster.

I watched American Idol while I embroidered. I believe the final 3 are going to be Taylor, Chris and Mandisa. My favorite is Taylor. I wasn't that blown away by his song last night but I enjoyed watching him perform it and he seems to be getting more handsome every week. I also watched Nashville Star and I haven't picked a favorite yet. I am just enjoying the music. I think Wynonna is doing a wonderful job as host. While I was watching that I was recording a couple of other programs to watch later. Ya gotta love the DVR. I will see NCIS and Amazing Race at a more convenient time.

Tonight is the St. Patty's dinner at the local Senior Citizens and I haven't called Lloyd yet. I must do that today. Shame on me for waiting till the last minute.

Hope you all have a great day.

MY MONDAY - Pixel Painting and Counted Cross Stitch

2006-03-21T10:16:00.000-05:00

Spent most of the day working...was trying to post invoices and such for Mike and Tim kept sending me emails to look up stuff for him. On a break I did finish my pixel painting. Excuse the grid but I must protect it. I did this following a tutorial from Angelic Designs. She is my favorite pixel painter.

When I got the mail today I discovered my lighted magnifying glass came in. Now I can start my counted cross stitch project. My home has been Colonial for close to 40 years...and I have been trying to update it. It is all earth tones which are still my favorite so I have chosen Western as my theme. That way I can still keep my earthtones. I need to replace some of my pictures on the walls. Herrsheners came out with a new embroidered piece which I ordered. But I was not paying attention. It is grafted for 18 Aida Cloth and I am use to working with 12 or 14. I could barely see the squares...hence the need for the magnifying glass. This is what it is going to look like. See that green circle..that is how much I did last night. That gives you an idea how long it's going to take me to finish it. LOL

I received a phone call from Dorothy yesterday. It seems she made a mistake on when the Dance is. It's not today but April 4th. LOL Good thing you have to call ahead for reservations. It is something to look forward too. We still have the dinner tomorrow night at the local Senior Citizens. I have asked my friend Lloyd if he wants to go. He said probably so I better call today and firm that up.

Well I have tons to do today so I better get with it. Have to do Mike's payroll and Tim's billing. That should keep me out of trouble. I will take dancing breaks to see if I can build up some stamina. I have bursitis in both hips so I do have to be careful. The spirit is willing but the flesh is screaming like hell!! LOL

Hope you all have a great day!

MY SUNDAY - Working and Relaxing

2006-03-20T09:36:00.001-05:00

Because I am still behind in my bookkeeping for my clients I spent Sunday afternoon working. Did mindless work though...just writing up my Mason Client's Daily reports for the week and getting a head start on time sheets. When I took breaks I danced. Yup you heard right...LOL I put on a Classic Country Station on my TV...DVR has that...and I danced. I thought to myself I can do this in public...ummm maybe...ummm if it's crowded and not everyone is looking at me.. *smiles* I chose the Classic Country because that is what I noticed is being played by the band.

When I finished working it was time for supper. I decided on Steak and Tomatoes...I had a potato in my hand that I was going to bake but then I would want butter and sour cream on it so I decided since I needed to use up some tomatoes I would go that route..as it was cooking the phone rang. It was Mike my neighbor (and Mason Client). He said Lisa was having his mother and her mother over for Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner and she had forgot to call me earlier to ask if I would like to join them. I said sorry it's too late...supper is in the broiler.. I didn't mention I was in my jammies too... LOL He was sorry to hear that and I heard Lisa in the background upset at herself for not calling me earlier.

Also during the afternoon Dorothy called to see if I enjoyed myself at the dance...she was worried that I had been bored. I said not at all...I enjoyed getting out and listening to the music and meeting her friends. She said that her husbands band was playing Tuesday night at the Senior Citizens in the next town over..our biggest town..she wanted to know if I wanted to go and we would go for the meal they have before it. I said sure. Going to be a busy week...the following night we have St. Patty's dinner at our Senior Citizens. Dorothy is doing the potatoes for that and I told her to call me if she wants some help peeling them...

After supper I decided to watch some TV... I had watched everything I had recorded..that was unusual but this past week most of the programs I record during the day had been repeats so I was not behind in viewing them. I finished up a DVD I had started...I belong to Netflix..I had one other to watch but it was a movie I wasn't in the mood to see so I just surfed the channels...waiting for Extreme Makeover-Home Edition to come on. Found a program about rennovating houses and that kept my attention till my program came on. It was a 2 hour one and very heartbreaking so I shed some tears.

When that was over, there was nothing I really wanted to see so I decided to do some pixel painting. I chose a new tutorial and worked on that till bedtime. I will show it to you when I finish. I follow the tutorial but I use my own colors to make it mine. I use these in my Incredimail Letters.

Well I better get dressed and get this day going. I have lots of bookwork to do today. I hate tax season..trying to keep up with the daily work and getting last years books ready for the accountant is rough...my books are behind and I need to get them done. I haven't worked on my third clients books all year. It's Mike's wife Lisa who has a Beauty Salon in her home. You have noticed that two of my clients live across the street..how neat is that. My other client, Tim the architect is in town..that means the big town next to me. We do almost all the work over the computer..I drop into his office to pick up mail now and then...mostly in the summer...other times his draftsman brings it to me...anything I have to see right away they fax me...love today's technology.

I hope everyone has a great day....

MY THREE BABIES

2006-03-19T13:57:00.000-05:00

I Thought I would take this time to introduce you to my 3 babies as I am sure I will be talking about them throughout my blog. They were born in May...the same month as my late husband so it is easy for me to remember. They were also born the year he passed away. I did get them to help fill up this empty house. The boys are orange tabbys named Creamsicle and Garfield...I messed up... Creamsicle is the 20 lb cat and Garfield is the thinner one. Their sister was the runt of the litter and a Tortoiseshell named Dora...she weighs about 7-8 lbs. I didn't originally acquire her...my ex-gf did. She didn't spend a lot of time with her so Dora took out a lot of her frustrations on her and her home. I took her into my home around Christmas of '04 and she has turned into a very sweet cat...who always looks like a big kitten.

This is Creamsicle.

This is Garfield. This is Dora.

THE DANCE

2006-03-19T10:37:00.000-05:00

Well the "girls" picked me up last night to go to the dance. Here in NY it was freezing cold. We were a bit dissappointed when we arrived to see that it was a very small crowd. I must fill you in on Dorothy at this point. Her husband Howard sang and played in a band. It is the most popular band in the area for our generation and it was playing some where else. That is where the crowd was. They played at the Moose Club last week and the place was packed but Dorothy is not yet up to seeing them. Last night was a "get her feet wet" night. The band that played last night consisted of 3 men on steel guitars. They were good and I enjoyed listening to them. The lead singer could sing anything... from Jim Reeves to Charlie Pride. LOL

Last night had a few firsts for me. First time I have attended a dance in about 25 years and first time I have had a wine cooler...or two.. hehehe I hate wine so I wasn't sure I would like it but I did. I am not a beer drinker which seemed to be the drink of the evening so the wine cooler was perfect for me. It made me feel very mellow...unfortunately not enough to get me on the dance floor.

There were no "spare" men last night so the women were dancing together...especially to the fast dances. I have never been able to do that. I enjoyed watching though. I was happy to see that a few times Dorothy did get up and dance. I knew the reason I was there was to get her through the evening. She did shed some tears and I was the only one rubbing her back and saying comforting words. Her sister and SIL didn't pay any attention to her and they are both widows. She did tell someone she introduced me to that she was happy to have me as her friend at this time as we do things together and help her get through the tough lonely days.

Even though I didn't dance I still had a nice time. I got out, met some new people, and I enjoyed being a spectator and was happy I was able to support Dorothy as she works herself through the grieving process and gets on with her life. When she is ready, we will take on her husbands band...but first we have to take little steps.

Today is Sunday but I am going to do some work for my clients since I am still behind...and then see what I will do with the rest of my day off.. I am on WW so I am off to make my brekky of egg beaters and turkey bacon with reduced calorie toast...yum yum LOL (it's really pretty good)

Going Dancing!

2006-03-18T10:31:00.000-05:00

Since I lost my best friend, I needed to reach out and make new ones. About 5 months ago an acquaintance of mine, Dorothy, lost her husband and I called her and offered any help I could give her. We had in common that both our husbands name is the same and that they were both retired military. We also discovered due to some red tape neither of us were getting any of our spouse's military pension. I am young enough to work but she is 78 and it is more of a hardship for her. Anyway I didn't hear much from her for a few months as she has a lot of family here that made sure she was well looked after in the first months.

January she called me and we started to go out together a little....dinner at the local restaurant or the American Legion. One night she called me up to have dinner with her. Another night she invited me over to play cards with her and her sister who also lost her husband 2 years ago. I really enjoy her company as she is a young 78 and is an upbeat person.

I should digress a little. My husband was 20 years older than me...died when he was 82. The last 10 years of his life he was not in the best of health and wanted to stay very close to home. I had a ceramic shop in my home for 18 years....closed it up January '04 and he died March '04. I now just paint and sell at a stall I have in town. So because of this I didn't have a lot of friends to hang with so losing my best friend was quite a blow.

Well tonight there is a St. Patrick's dance at the Moose Club and I am going with Dorothy, her sister, and her sister-in-law. Widow's night out... *smiles* I went yesterday and bought a green top to wear. Buying clothes is so depressing right now. I have put on a lot of weight because during the period of my husbands poor health I ate a lot of comfort food. I have been doing WW and have lost 15 lbs but I am not done yet. The scale is stuck at the moment but I am not giving up.

Well I hope to have more to talk about here in the future... Wish me luck tonight. I hope to have a good time.