IT'S DONE!!!

I left home about 8 this morning, Had the Escape worked on, and was home by noon! They also fixed a "recall" item on it while it was there. It all went smoother than I had expected! I HAD to 'try it out' and went down to Memphis Mo. and bought Molly and Gerald a glass of Tea at Kieth's. Heard again what a great guy Gerald thinks Mike is! ( I agree )

Back Again!

After a 6 month and 2 day absence I decided maybe I should post something! Along with the excessive rain, heat, and humidity, It seems like about all I accomplished this summer has been mow grass whenever it was dry enough! I've been to visit Mike and Cindi (in Chicago) several times. We had a very nice vacation in May. We visited Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota. I saw several sights I never thought I'd probably ever see!
I saw my neighbor at the "Goodyear Store" recently and she ask if I'd 'blogged' lately. I didn't realize it had been SO long . . . Facebook has kinda occupied my time, Short messages, and quick "checks" to see what everyone has posted seems a lot more practical.
May 5th I traded Linda's, Ford Focus in and bought a Ford Escape. I LOVE IT However to my dissappointment - I have to take it back tomarrow to get it worked on (covered by warranty) but it sort of 'shakes your confidence! Hopefully it won't be TOO long getting the repairs made! I'll try to keep this blog going a little better and keep everyone posted!

A New Appreciation

After attending Tristen's birthday party in Fairfield today, I crossed the highway to the Hy Vee store where Caleb works. He's been working there part-time for a while now. He was working bagging grocerys. I had never really given it much thought (everyone just takes it for granted) but while I was standing there talking to him I realized how busy he actually was! There was no time that there wasn't someone being "checked out" and he was hustling all the time keeping up with the items being slid down to him. All the while being courteous to the customers and of coarse asking the routine "paper or plastic?" of each customer. I learned (or relearned) that some of those 'easy' jobs aren't always that easy!
GREAT JOB CALEB!!!

A GREAT WEEK-END

The weekend started with a call thursday evening from Cindi telling me they were coming to Mt. Pleasant after work friday. I went over friday evening and picked up Caleb and he spent the night with us (Mike and Cindi arrived about 10:30 friday evening). Regretfully, Caleb had to work saturday, so I took him home sat. morning. Then Cindi, Mike and I went to Burlington and updated out cell phones. We then went to Mike and Linda's and had a great time visiting and playing various games with them and Mallory. Saturday night Mike and Cindi left the Parker's and I to go to the casino. I stayed and visited with Mike, Linda and Mallory for a while. I came home and watched a little of SNL then went to bed. Before falling asleep I heard (with my yapping dogs who could help it?) Mike and Cindi get home. They had lost their "alloted" amount of money.
Sunday we got up and they packed up to return to Chicago. We left and agreed to meet in Moline at Bishop's Buffet for lunch. They was stopping in Burlington, and me in New London. I drove to Illinois to find, with the warm temps. and rain that I-280 was closed for a 3mile stretch due to an Ice Jam that had flooded it. I detoured around and arrived about 10 minutes ahead of Mike and Cindi. We had a nice lunch and visit, then came the hard part - parting - It was Wonderful having them here I just wish it could last longer. But hopefully, I can get to Chicago sometime soon. They both have birthdays in March (one week apart) and usually the weather is good enough to venture that far by then - in Jan. and Feb. I don't trust the weather to stay good long enough to make the trip.
The weather was (other than sloppy gravel roads)FANTASTIC. Sunday night with the warm temps and rain, the snow was nearly gone. Then this morning when I awoke it was snowing and we already had approximately an inch on the ground. I thought "yeah, things are getting back to normal"!

Good Neighbors

It's great having good neighbors. Recently my neighbor, Adam Raub, came over on a 4 wheeler with a blade and plowed the snow off my driveway, and often does without being ask! Today I noticed I have a snowman in my yard (built by Tyler Raub {age 5} ) down near their driveway. Evidently, returning from school he decided I needed one. He had to work diligently building it, it's nearly as tall as he is.
I always enjoy talking to Tyler, he's always very serious, polite, and just a "little adult". Kind of reminds me of Lucinda at that age.

A Brief Add-on

Tony is doing well from his surgery, they had him walking a little today. He is having a little trouble keeping food down. (I think that may be due to being spoiled by Sandy's cooking and now being subjected to 'Hospital food')
Driving to Iowa City, I didn't think the highway was that bad, but between Mt.Pleasant and Iowa City (approx. 50 miles) I counted 11 vehicles either in the ditches or the median! The wind is getting stronger and the gravel roads are getting some fair drifts now. Kind glad I don't have
to get out tomarrow. Just kinda burrow in!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I began the year by going to Mike and Cindi's (via AmTrac) and was taken to Outback for a birthday dinner. As is about normal - AmTrac (California Zepher eastbound) arrived aprox. 3 hours late. The eastbound originates in California and by the time it gets to Mt.Pleasant it is almost always late. The westbound starts in Chicago so it is nearly always 'on time'
I had a very nice visit and returned to Mt. Pleasant Monday evening. I had some new experiences while I was in Chicago that I won't go into detail about in the blog but to say I enjoyed my entire visit.
I was invited to Mike and Linda's for a superb dinner tuesday evening, and of coarse stayed to watch the IOWA HAWKEYES whup Georgia Tech. in the Orange Bowl! (sorry 'bout that Robin) but I was really proud of how well the Hawks played!
Joe T. (my brother) entered Iowa City Hospital tuesday to have a hip replacement. As one person commented "Your whole family's fallin' apart". Molly had one done last spring, now Tony, (no I'm not having any problems YET). I haven't heard anything from Sandy or any of the family yet. Weather permitting, which is questionable, I am going to try to get up there and check on his condition.
Susie: I don't really have any new "Lyric stories" I saw her for a short time sunday but she was too occupied for us to get to "visit" much.
One more thing: I did make 2 new year resolutions. If someone will remind me next year I'll let you know if I was able to keep them. (both are questionable)

A PARTIAL UPDATE

I've been running up and down the roads again. Last friday I drove to Chicago and visited Mike and Cindi. I delivered some candy I had picked up at Maxwell's Market to them and also some I had picked up for Lyric. And, of coarse, enjoyed Lyric's 'sampling' each kind. After a very nice visit, I returned home on Sunday. Tuesday I called Molly and visited with her for a while, then Gerald took the phone and ask if I would haul a set of 'dozer rails to Hannibal for him. I said I would (He totaled out his 'big' pickup recently, so he only has his car and that old ranger I gave him) I went down wednesday to find the person that was going to load them was temporarily unavailable. We did get them loaded about 2:30, a little too late to try to get to Altorfer's in Hannibal before they closed for the day. Thursday, we met in Wayland, and went on down and got them delivered. I knew they were heavy, but measuring the bumper height with them on and again after they was unloaded. The rear bumper was 9 inches higher after the rails were unloaded!
Oh, anyone that doesn't know, Rails are the 'links' of the tracks. Gerald bought a new set and we took them down to have new 'pads' put on them. Eventually, when they're done and put on, his 'dozer will be "well shod".
Today, I only went to Mt.Pleasant, became distracted, and only done about 1/2 of what I had intended to do. (getting forgetful in my old age) I'm going to have to start making a list! ! !
In case I don't post again before then: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Back on the "Net"

I've been fighting this "thing" for the last two days. I finally got my camera working right, and tryed to 'file' some pictures. I don't know what I done wrong, but I got into something I couldn't get out of. I couldn't even shut the thing off! I managed to get out of it a little while ago. I was getting ready to call Caleb and let him figure it out. I get SO disgusted with this "$1000 nintendo" at times I could scream - however I don't think the neighbors would appreciate what I'd be screaming! :)
I'm not looking forward to the next few days. Ch. 6 is forecasting 6 to 10 inches of snow with 40 to 50 mph winds! then it's s'posed to get colder than . . . well, use your imagination! The phrases that come to my mind I won't post!

Oscar likes Doritos

I found out today Oscar Mayer (One of my Dachshund boys) likes Doritos. I had a few left in the bag (left over from Caleb's visit). Oscar tore the bag open (without spilling a single one) and cleaned out the bag. He made no commotion that would draw the attention of the other dogs, he obviously didn't want to share! I wasn't about to stop him he was sneaky to keep it from the other dogs i was chuckling too much!

A RECORD YEAR (for me)

2009 is the ONLY year that I have Bar-be-qued at least once every month! I didn't know whether I'd get one in during December, but today was so nice I had to complete my record! I seriously doubt that there will be another day the rest of the year that will be nice enough. For a record setting cool, damp summer that is amazing that I found at least one day nice enough to fire up the grill. The last forecast I heard it is supposed to really cool off for the next week or so.

THE LAST FEW DAYS . . .

I've been running up and down the roads lately - Friday I went to Chicago and spent the night with Mike and Cindi and spent a DELIGHTFUL day with Lyric, Cindi, and Mike saturday. If anyone doesn't know - I love that little girl dearly! She is the sweetest little girl, I've run across in a LONG time! I arrived home about 1:20 Sunday morning, Checked my Emails and had one from my cousin's husband, updating me on Faith's progress (she recently had breast cancer surgery). I printed that out and went to Molly and Gerald's sunday to keep Molly updated. I learned that Gerald was to go to Columbia today to have a cardiac cath. done ( he's been having some angina pain lately) He had a 5 way bypass a few years ago. Today, Heatilator had their 'Holiday Dinner' for employees and retirees. I went to that, more to visit with the people than for the dinner (it wasn't bad either) but I spent about 4 hours wandering around the plant visiting with people. This evening I took the new puppy to Mike and Linda's to have it's picture taken and Emailed to Lyric's Mother (possible future owner) The puppy has a little blue in each eye but they are primarily brown. She is black and tan! When I left Friday she didn't have her eyes open yet when got home Sunday both eyes were open.
That's about as much as I know (or even suspect) for now. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

ANYONE OUT THERE ? ? ?

i'm beginning to wonder if ANYONE is reading this blog - Kelly is the only one that has left any comment on anything I've written for "a month of sundays." Of coarse I can't say too much, I haven't posted for a goodly period of time. Not much happening around here, primarily rain and chilly temps.
All Emails are welcome - this '$1000 nintendo' lost all my "contacts", so till I get some Emails my ability to send any is very limited! I'll learn sometime to write down stuff instead of depending on this 'thing'.
I do have a recent addition to my 'family'. Scarlott presented me with a new puppy the 3rd of November (thank goodness, it was only one) a little black & tan female. If everything goes like I'm planning, that will be the last one! The Vet will be smiling all the way to the bank when I take my "little ladies" to be "fixed".
That's about all I know (or even suspect) If I can post this, that's questionable, I keep getting a message "could not contact Blogger.com" then it comes back "saving" so I don't know if this will post or not!

A LOST EVENING

Yesterday I had a lost evening (in more ways than one) I saw an ad on t.v. for an event at the "Quad Cities Expo Center". I decided to go up there. I had no idea where in the Quad City area it was so I stopped and got directions at 1st a service station, in Davenport, 2nd at a station in Moline. 3rd at Toys R Us in Moline and finally from a couple ladies in a church parking lot. I finally found it! I was beginning to think NO ONE in the Quad Cities knew for sure where it was. When I finally found it, I found I had totally wasted my time going. I did enjoy ride up there and however fustrating getting run all over Moline and Rock Island was I did see a lot of stuff i'd heard of on t.v. and had never seen. (businesses, etc) and was sent down a rather neat cul-de-sac. I was on some streets finding my way back out to I 280 (I knew if I kept going south I would eventually HAVE to come across it and could find my way out) It turned out to be a rather interesting (and amusing) evening. I don't remember being 'lost' since Linda was admitted to Genesis Hospital in Jan 2006 and I got disoriented leaving. That wasn't nearly as amusing as this time was!

An Update

There hasn't been a whole lot to blog about lately - till this week. I went to Chicago wednesday. Cindi had invited me to come there and attend "DCA Theater" with them. They were re-creating 2 radio theater shows. The first was "SUSPENSE On A Country Road" that was originally broadcast November 16, 1950. The second was "Baby Snooks" program that was first broadcast November 1, 1946. It was a really enjoyable evening, It did make me realize how OLD I am! I can remember when we used to listen to Radio theater every evening. I don't remember 'Baby Snooks' but I do remember 'suspense' 'the lone ranger' 'gunsmoke' and 'johney dollar' I wonder how many people even remember radio theater!
We then went to "Carson's" for Dinner (You can't beat Carsons for bar-be-que). I spent the night and Thursday at the Kurczewski's and returned home thursday night getting home at 1:43 A.M. friday morning. I'm working now to get back on a normal sleeping schedule.
WHAT A FLOOD OF MEMORYS of "the good old days" that in retrospect weren't good at all!
I'm gonna sign off - Watching The HAWKEYES vs MICHIGAN and trying to blog isn't working.

What a Week . . .

This last week has been a real depressing time: Tuesday, My good friend, Ron Elmore's wife passed away. Wednesday, My cousin Faith Copeland had surgery for breast cancer. Friday, things finally started looking up a little. The surgery was (or appears to have been) totally successful! I went to Cindi's again to celebrate Lyric's 4th birthday on saturday. She was treated to a haircut and pedicure at Sweet and Sassy salon. The five of us, Sarah, Lyric, Cindi, Mike and I all went to Outback for a fantastic dinner, complete with birthday cake and present opening! She had a wonderful time, as we all did! Hopefully, this week will be a little less stressfull!

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT ! ! !

That last blog - at the point where I quit, This thing redialed the internet - I was sure I had totally lost what I had written. However, I came back to make one more attempt and to my absolute surprise it had posted every word I had typed!
I'm gonna quit while I'm ahead!

2nd attempt

I just tryed to write a blog and lost connection again (or STILL)
I went to Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Reunion for a bit thursday morning: My primary goal I achieved, I picked up a "T" shirt with "Midwest Central Railroad" and a picture of their #6 locomotive (steam - narrow guage) "Mt. Pleasant Iowa" on it for Lyric. I couldn't find out for sure what size she needed so I bought one size bigger than I thought was right. My thought was
if it is too big - she'll grow into it, But if it's too small it would be pretty hard to shrink her!
Then Friday I went to Mike and Cindi's and assisted them in putting their entertainment center together. Sat evening we went to "Carson's" for dinner. (A fantastic b-b-que restraunt) During out dinner Cindi told me how Caleb had loved their sauce and she had intended to get some for him to take home, then during their conversations it had slipped her mind. She picked up a bottle sat. and I got it delivered to him today.

This damn thing won't Stay Connected

I've been trying REAL HARD to post a blog about my 'wwithdrawal symptoms' - last Sat was the season championship races at 34 Raceway- but all this thing would post was the title!
Needless to say I'm not happy with Iowa Telecom right now! ! !