Memorial Day Weekend

Hope everyone had a good Memorial Day weekend. Mine was very quiet so therefore I don't have much to report.

I went to the cemetery where my folks are buried on Friday afternoon. It was a beautiful day and up on the hill was very pretty! Lots of flowers and boxes on the graves. My parents certainly decided on a peaceful setting to leave their remains.

Did some exploring on my trip north. Noticed a sign for a bed & breakfast & bridle so stopped in and got some information. Basically all they gave me was a brochure with a website address on it, but I checked out the website and wouldn't mind spending a night or two at their place. The house overlooks the Mississippi and has a fantastic view! Dream on!

Took a quick tour of Paradise Valley (a camp ground) and also stopped off at Pike's Peak. I haven't been up there since high school (or shortly thereafter). I was wishing I had brought my camera along and took some pictures but guess the Mississippi will be there the next time through. It certainly was a beautiful view.

Stopped off at the boat for a hour or two. Actually won a little money for once.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday I basically spent at home. I got a lot of cleaning done and made a couple decisions about my living arrangements. I've decided to stay where I'm at for the time being. If the landlady is going to paint my place now . . . I haven't a clue. She's upping the rent so think she can also do the painting. I'd even be willing to do the painting but she'll have to provide the paint and pay me for the labor. I have a couple of friends that said they would help paint and my sister and daughter (I think) will also help. Actually we might have a good time doing it! I just hate the thought of moving all that furniture!!! Think maybe it's time for me to seriously look for another place on the ground floor. But I'm so particular as to where I live and what the place has. I definitely have to have a garage! I would also like a place with a washer/dryer or a hook-up for one. Best get the papers and start looking. Driving around town doesn't hurt either! Another adventure begins . . . .

I didn't realize how long I made this until I just checked back on it. Sorry about that. Hope I haven't bored you all to tears!

Talked to Barb on Saturday and she told me that Mandy's grandmother had a very serious operation last week. Mandy, I hope all is well with her. She's in my prayers.

Talk at all of you later . . . .

COLORADO!

Isn't it beautiful? I love mountains, lakes, waterfalls so it's a good thing I'm heading to Colorado for my vacation this year. This is Bear Lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. That's Twin Sisters in the background. It's an absolutely beautiful area to visit. The colors are much brighter when you're there but you get the picture from this one! We spent some time at this lake when we were there in 2000. It was my first vacation . . . ever in my life and I enjoyed it tremendously!!! I took many pictures of mountains, lakes, waterfalls, wildlife, etc., and am hoping to take some of the same in July when we go out there, but also include a lot more pictures of people.

I spent today (Sunday) with my sister, my girlfriend, Marilyn and her friend Darlene doing some planning for our trip in July. If all goes well we plan on leaving on Friday, June 30 for our week's stay in Estes Park, Colorado. My sister has been back to this particular place many times so had lots of things to share with us about places to go and things to do.

One of the places we'll definitely go to is the Alpine Center, top of the mountain. This is a shot we took as we were going back down the mountain! Believe there are a lot of steps getting and going back down!! Had it not been for my daughter I doubt that I would have made it up there back in 2000 and doubt that I'll attempt to do it this time around. I know I definitely want to travel on the Falls River Road and stop at the Alpine Center but don't think this old body can make it to the top 'one more time!'

My daughter and her girlfriend will be at the cabin in Estes Park the first week in June. She promised to check out a couple of places that we've talked about going to. We'll get all the latest news from them when they get back. I'm really getting excited about going. I know we'll have a great time.

I looked at a different apartment this morning. One of the downstairs ones is coming open in July and I mentioned to Kathy (the gal who's moving out) that I might be interested. My landlady called Saturday night and asked me to look at it and make a decision before she puts up any sign for rent. It's basically like the one I'm in (much cleaner walls, etc.). The kitchen is smaller and you come into the apartment through the kitchen. The living room has a different set-up with a huge storage closet off of it. It doesn't have the coat closet in the kitchen like I have here and does not have a linen closet in the hallway. I have mini-blinds on all the windows here and would definitely like that again along with the vertical blinds on the patio door. The patio would be nice as it's shaded. I could actually grow flowers and probably get a firepit for the patio itself. It's something to think about. At least that's where I'm at right now. Rent is going up. If I move I'll have to paint the walls, and if I stay the walls and ceilings need to be done here. My landlady will provide the paint and we haven't talked about the labor costs yet. I'll let you all know when I make the decision.

I spent some of the weekend scrapbooking. I'm slowly but surely getting there with my children's pictures from birth to 5 years old. I keep thinking about all the possibilities of the Colorado trip. We talked about going into Denver, Colorado Springs and Black Hawk. The last time my sister was out they explored outside of the park and into Golden to the brewery. There's also a brewery in Estes Park that has great pizza to go with the beer! That's one place on the schedule we plan on going!! LIke I said -- I'm starting to get excited about it.

I have a grant due June 2nd. Definitely have to be working on that this week. We have a Poverty Simulation for the Western Dubuque teaching staff on Friday and a long weekend. Guess I better get that grant done this week, if possible. My monthly agency newsletter is due as is the employee one this week. I think I'll keep busy!! The agency newsletter is just about finished. I brought it home with me and worked on it over the weekend. Have some final touches to do and then it's ready to be printed. The fun begins after that when we put it together. We have a folding machine, but you fold each sheet separately and then have to compile the whole thing and get it on it's way! Glad I don't have to do the whole thing by myself!

Well, I have laundry to fold before I call it a day so best get at it. Hope you all had a good weekend. I'm looking forward to Memorial Day and the long weekend. Nothing special planned just some extra time to do things here at home.

Have a great one!

Rain, rain go away!

Rain, rain go away! Remember that one? It rained here all weekend. Not constantly, but enough to make it icky outside. It wasn't the best weekend in the world. From what the weatherman said on the news this morning it sounds like it will keep on until Friday. Maybe the sun will peek through once in a while each day!

I had a very quiet weekend. I lived through the community action commission being at work. Went in early on Friday and got my fruit trays, juices and bagels all set up before any of them got there. I had a lot of help cleaning up after everyone left. I'm still eating strawberries! I bought some for myself when I bought for the agency last week. They sure taste good!! Left work around noon on Friday and had a nice long weekend.

It was Mother's Day (not a very sunny one). Barbie sent me flowers at work. What a sweetie! Those came home with me on Friday. They are now sitting on top of my china hutch in the living room. Don't know how long they'll last but for right now they look pretty good yet! Both of my children were busy for the weekend, but both managed to call home and give some warm greetings. Thanks guys!

I did my usual scrapbooking. I actually got a lot done not only on my scrapbooking but a lot of cleaning too. Since Mandy has taught me how to upload my photos correctly I couldn't resist putting this one in with Jim, Mike and Nick. Boy, did you guys ever grow up!! But they sure were cute little buggers!!!

In my cleaning I also found a bunch of old pictures that were my Mom's. What a kick going through them. Some of them I already have but the majority of them were 'new' to me. A lot of my baby pictures. Share them at a later date!!

I guess I shouldn't complain about the rain when I see what's happening on the East Coast. I'll take my hilltops and the good old Mississippi River any day. All kinds of festivials begin this weekend in Dubuque. There's always something going on in this town if you just go out and look for it. Lots of food at all of them.

The clock says it's 7:15 a.m. and have to grab something for breakfast before I take off for work. Gotta put gas in the car this morning so should probably get going!

Have a good week!

Busy week

It's been a busy week here in Dubuque. And a rainy one! I know we need the rain but it can quit for a little bit. Hope the weekend is nice. Doesn't have to be in the 70's, just a nice warm weekend.

We have a board of directors meeting tomorrow night and the state commission of community action agencies is meeting at our place on Friday. We've been busy all week cleaning! Threw out some old furniture, got some new/used furniture, have been doing a lot of dusting, mopping, and just plain putting things away and straightening up.

The meeting will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Friday. My boss decided that for the break they have secheduled we should offer them food. Guess who's in charge of that??? You got it! ME! Decided to serve donut holes, bagels and cream cheese and a fruit tray (strawberries, melons, grapes, pineapple). Going to also have apple juice, orange juice and cranberry cocktail for drinks. I also have rounded up some plates, cups, napkins, silverware and the appropriate containers for all the food and drink. I'm going to make up the trays myself as it's much cheaper. That way I'll have some strawberries leftover to eat for myself!!! Always thinking, you know. I must remember to stop at Staples tomorrow morning and pick up name badge holders. We've been requested by the boss to wear our ID badges and a number of employees have commented that they broke their badge or have lost it. Tomorrow and Friday morning could be busy!! At the present time I plan on taking the afternoon off!!!

I don't have anything special planned for the weekend but the usual cleaning and I'm sure I'll take the time to do some scrapbooking! I'm working on the early years of my children right now. Wanna see a couple pictures of them? Aren't they the cutest kids you've ever seen? Barbie was a year and Jim was 7 months old.

These are two of my favorite pictures of the kids. A copy of Barb's hung at the photographer for quite some time. I think he was pleased with how it turned out too!

Need to thank Mandy again for the help in figuring out how to post my older pictures. I had to change them into a jpeg or they wouldn't scan. She's helped me so much with this little project. Thanks again Mandy!

I'm hoping my children are able to get home one of these weekends. Have a job for Barbie. My spare bedroom needs a change. She's already given me a new quilt and sheets for the bed, but now I need to get out and find some window toppers, a bedside table and another piece of furniture to hold my TV in here. And if she's really ambitious she can help me re-arrange the furniture that I already have in here. She'll read this and decide she's never coming home!!!

Enjoy your weekend!

Expensive Tuesday

Tuesday must not be my day! I can, however, report that it is an expensive day! This past Tuesday I had to go to traffic court. Let me explain . . . about a month and a half ago I passed a stopped school bus at a stop sign -- I thought the bus was stopping at the stop sign (that's what you do isn't it? stop at a stop sign). Well, it was, but it was also leaving a child off. It's a rotten corner and at an odd angle. Like I told the police officer that came to the door, I honestly didn't realize the lights were flashing until I had committed myself to making the turn. By that time I had cars coming toward me as well as a bunch behind me. The bus driver apparently got my license plate and turned it in. Having never gone to court before it was a new experience. The officer told me I should write down everything I had told him when he gave me the ticket and tell the judge the same. Well, lucky me, I was the first called (there was a group of us in the courtroom). I did tell the judge that, he agreed with me that it was a bad corner and then said the fine is $162.00!!!! Can you afford to pay the full amount today? That was my day in court. The officer told me he felt that I would get charged court costs only but the judge didn't see it that way. There ends my sad but true story of an expensive Tuesday!

To make matters worse my Wednesday wasn't wonderful either! I have no clue what I did but sometime within the morning hours at work I disabled my printer from my computer. No matter what we did we couldn't bring it back. I finally gave up and went home for lunch with a promise from Ron that Ken would be there later in the afternoon to take care of it. When I came back from lunch Ken was there. He tried a lot of things too, called Chuck to consult on a few things and finally gave me the verdict. The best thing to do was to take the hard drive with him, create ghost files, blow everything away on my hard drive and rebuild it. That's what he did! It works! I had Wednesday off and when I got back into the office this morning my machine was there and ready to work! I lost some of my favorite screensavers, etc., but they can be replaced so I'm back in business.

Maybe both days were a bit expensive . . . one cost me personally, the other cost the agency the time for the computer geek to fix my problem!!! Thanks Ken!!

Who is that child?

Who is that child? Do you know her? You've probably guessed I've been scrapbooking this weekend. When my Mom died I inherited a lot of old pictures -- this was one of them. I'm sure the majority of you already know who it is -- it's ME! Wasn't I just the cutest baby girl? I think I was about 3, but I'm not sure.

I've been going to put this and other pictures in my blog forever but wasn't able to upload some of them. Jim and Mandy were here for the weekend and as usual, with Mandy's help, the problem was solved! Now I have others I want to share with everyone. You never know when you might see your picture within this blog. Thanks Mandy! It works great when you know what you're doing!

Jim and Mandy came Friday night and left this afternoon for a wedding they were attending in Farley. Unfortunately Brad and Kelly didn't get a very nice day for their wedding but with all their friends and family with them it probably won't matter. It was great having the kids here again. The visits are short but mean so much to me. I love having them around. They're spending tonight (Saturday) at their dad's and Linda. If all went well, Harry was able to come home from the hospital today. Here's hoping all went well and he's home.

Found another picture to share! Aren't we cute? Wow, look at Glee's hair. She was a blonde!!! I can remember my dress -- it was red, white and blue. Mark's shirt was a mint green, but I'll be darned if I can remember what color Glee had on. Wow! that's been a long time ago! See my memory isn't going at bad as you all thought!

What a rainy day! It started here around 11:30 and continues. We need rain. The grass will certainly be a bright green the next time the sun comes out! I think that's scheduled for Monday!! (After the weekend!) Weekends like this are great for scrapbooking, reading, sleeping and watching movies! And, if you're a NASCAR fan, watching the race on Sunday afternoon. Go DJ!!!

Spent the afternoon with a friend. We went out for lunch (or late breakfast). I brought part of mine home so I'll definitely have something to eat for tomorrow! I had meatloaf. It was very good. We did a little gambling and were back home by 8:00 p.m. It was a nice afternoon. Hope everyone is having a nice weekend.

Back to scrapbooking . . . you never know who you'll see on my blog!!!

All is well . . .

I received news from my son yesterday afternoon that his dad came through his operation "okay." My ex-husband had bypass surgery on Tuesday morning. I waited around all morning waiting to hear from my children, and Jim called me around 2:30 p.m. to let me know that all went well. Thank God for that. I said a few prayers that all would be okay. I can still remember when my mother had bypass surgery and how long the time was waiting to be sure that all was okay. It makes for a long morning/afternoon! Now we have to pray for a good recovery and that all will be smooth sailing in the future. Say a couple prayers for him. Not being married to him anymore doesn't mean I don't care. I'm so glad my children were able to be with him and his wife during this time. Sounds like my son and his girlfriend will be able to spend some time with them this weekend too. They have a wedding they're attending on Saturday in the area.

Today is Administrative Professionals Day. I'm taking 3 of our gals to lunch. It's a luncheon sponosred by a number of groups here in Dubuque with a speaker. Her name is Pat McGill and she is fabulous! I've heard her a number of times and would love to get her to come to our annual fall agency in-service. Maybe I'll get a chance to talk to her today after the presentation. Hopefully the girls are looking forward to it. There was a time when we were able to let them have the afternoon off as part of the day but haven't been able to do that as of late. I'm sure we'll all enjoy ourselves anyway.

I have meetings in Des Moines tomorrow. Actually we're meeting in Urbandale. Means a very early morning for me to get on the road by 6:00 a.m. If all goes well I can stop some place for breakfast and a little break before getting started on my day! I'm looking forward to a long weekend as I will probably take part of Friday afternoon off and head home. if I take off early I can get an early start on some weekend cleaning. Sounds like rain so . . . a great weekend to curl up with a couple of books, movies or just do some scrapbooking! Or we could go out for supper Saturday night! Whatever, it's the weekend!!!

We're working on plans for our vacation. Four of us are going to Colorado for a week in Estes Park. That's such a beautiful part of the country. I love the mountains. The color of the sky is so beautiful and the mountains are so BIG! I was out there in 2000 and have been wanting to go back for some time so now I have the chance. Think of all the pictures I can take and all the scrapbooking I can do. The shops in Estes Park are great too. Been putting money away for the occasion and starting to get excited about going!

I read back on some of my writings and wonder if anyone even reads it. It makes for a good way to keep track of what I've been doing. Read in one of my scrapbook magazines that a blog is a good way to keep track of what you've done and come back to for reference when scrapbooking. Have to remember that. Except I haven't done anything that I took pictures of since I start this. Or much of anything else that is exciting! Duh!!!

Just Visiting!

What a beautiful weekend! No rain . . . looks like the old adage about raining on Easter Sunday will not be true this year. Today was great. Nice breeze, sunshine, just right in temperature!

Nothing too exciting happening in my life of late. I guess I need to go out there and do something in order for something exciting to happen.

I received a call from my daughter earlier in the week with some upseting news. Her dad (my ex) is having some heart problems. He's scheduled for bypass surgery on Tuesday of this next week. My thoughts and prayers are with him during this time. I hope that all goes well for him. He's always been a fairly healthy person so this came as quite a surprise to me. When I had my surgery last year I didn't have time to think about it as it was an emergency. I remember the day I spent in the hospital before the surgery (at least most of it as I was sedated quite heavily) but can't imagine knowing that you have one coming up. I'd have worried myself to death!! Say a pray or two for him that all goes well.

The kids will be coming in on Monday night to stay with Harry and Linda and then staying over on Tuesday night to make sure that all goes well. Jim is due back here for the weekend as he has a wedding to attend. Hopefully by the weekend Harry will be home and the visit from his son and girlfriend will be welcomed. I'm looking forward to having them here for the weekend.

My sister came for a visit today. It's always fun having her around. We didn't do anything exciting. She wanted to do a little shopping, and as usual, I'm the one that bought the most stuff. The westend of town is growing by leaps and bounds so we headed out that way. Made a stop at Kohl's, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Dress Barn and Michael's. I had a gift card from Bed, Bath & Beyond so used that today. I also had a gift card at Michael's so picked up some stickers I've been looking for and another companion book of scrapbook paper. Glee did buy a couple of things at JoAnn's. She's into quilts! Can't wait to see what this one looks like when it's done. I love the colors she put together for it! Quilting is something I've always thought I wanted to do but have never gotten around to it. I have a couple of books laying around here that have some beautiful patterns in them. Told Glee today I don't think I even remember how to thread a bobbin in my sewing machine anymore. I used to sew alot but haven't done anything of much lately except maybe fix clothing! Might be time to look into a different machine! One of those small compact jobs!!

We spent some time looking at old pictures. I have some of our children in a park in Guttenburg, but for the life of me can't remember why we were there! She can't either but our kids were certainly little at the time! We think Beth was about 2 so it's been a few years. It's always fun looking through old pictures and remembering!! My hope is to have the first 5 years of my two kids lives finished by Christmas for one of their gifts! Last year I did a wedding album for my niece and also one for her mother. They both seemed to like that idea. I certainly had a great time putting it together. Although I must admit that when I was finished with both of their books I put the wedding pictures, stickers, paper, etc. away as I was tired of weddings. It's about time to get them out again and put a book together for myself and my children!! If you've never done scrapbooking and have lots of pictures laying around -- try it! It's a great hobby.

Sounds like the week ahead will be busy. I have a meeting on Monday night, the kids will be in and out on Tuesday and Wednesday. I don't know if I'll get a chance to see them but I'm sure they'll let me know how everything goes for Harry. Wednesday is Professional Assistants day and I'm taking some of the girls from work out for lunch. We're going to a luncheon with a speaker. Her topic is "Have a Seat!" I've heard this woman before and enjoy her very much. Hope they all do. Thursday I'm on my way to Des Moines for a Planners Meeting. By Friday I'll be ready for a short work week and a long weekend. I'll probably go into work until noon on Friday and then split and start my weekend early. Have nothing special planned but if the kids are here for part of it that'll keep me busy! Have to get my cleaning done. Wouldn't want to embarrass my son!!

The clock says it's after midnight so I best think about going to bed. Hope you all have a great week. Keep in touch!!

Shopping

I love shopping! Only thing I always end up pooped! Today was no different. My daughter, Barb, and I decided to spend our Easter shopping. I met her this morning in Williamsburg and the adventure began . . . we had a very successful day. I bought some really cool things. They're all laying all over my bed at the moment. I've lost some weight and am in bad need of some new things. Barb is a great person to take with you when you want to shop! She has great color sense and style. I'm real happy with my new purchases. Can't wait to wear them! I'll have a hard time deciding which outfit to wear on Monday. I even bought myself some new nite-shirts! They're pretty cool too!!!

I volunteer with a group that feeds the needy in town. Today was a free food distribution. At first I wasn't going to work but when Barb and I decided to meet at 11:00 I decided I could give the group a couple of hours this morning. We open the doors already at 7:30 and distribute food until we're out or 10:00 a.m. comes! I left around 9:00 and they were still coming through the doors! I usually work on new applications for the food cards, but today worked one of tables in the warehouse part of the building and distributed English walnuts and buttermilk buscuits! There are so many people in our area that need help. My guess would be that we served 350 families. We usually give a nice box of food away. The last couple of giveaways we've given deer meat. One of the lockers in the area has donated this meat. Some people won't take it but the majority do. I really enjoy working with this group. The majority of them aare retired individuals and sometimes the conversations get very interesting. I love sitting and listening to some of the guys talk aboaut "the good old days!" The group does a lot of good in the community.

I had a full day. Shopping with Barb topped it off. We had a nice supper before she went back to Des Moines and I headed east to Dubuque.

Bad storms in our area the other night. I watched the local channel from Waterloo and the whole evening was weather related. Nothing drastic in Dubuque but I noticed some damage near Anomosa this morning and again this afternoon when I went through. Lots of damage to trees (they were burning both the a.m. and p.m.) and one building looked like it was destroyed, while a couple of homes looked hit hard. One had patches all over it and the other looked like someone had thrown rocks or something big that had damaged the siding. Imagine it was more than just siding that was damaged!! Iowa City was hit very hard. More wet stuff on the way for tonight and Easter Sunday. You know what that means . . . rainy Easter Sunday -- 6 more weekends of rain! I saw lots of fields that were worked up and some farmers out seeding oats. Early spring! The air smells so good when you pass a field where they're out working up the ground. I love that smell. Fresh, turned earth. That and freshly cut hay! What a sweet smell!

I hope everyone has a nice Easter. With or without rain, Easter is a beautiful holiday!

Bats!

If any of you have read Jim & Mandy's blog you know that they had some problems with bats!! I repeated the story to some of my co-workers yesterday at work! It was funny (and a little scary) if you were Mandy! I really didn't think much of anything about it, but last night I went to bed around 12:30 (I was pretty tired) and fell right to sleep. I woke up around 2:30 and decided I better go to the bathroom. The weather has been so beautiful that I have windows open all day and night so when I crawled back into bed I pulled my down comforter up to my chin. I have a tendency, at times, to move my legs around before I get comfortable and get back to sleep. Wellllll . . . that's when I felt something in the lower part of my bed. I immediately stopped moving around. Tried to think what it could be. I knew it wasn't a bat (it didn't scream or even move) but it was still there in my bed under the bottom sheet. I had told the bat story to a friend of mine last night and it came back to me immediately! I didn't panic like Mandy and go running out of the room or outdoors or anything, but I did move to the other side of the bed and laid there for quite some time trying not to think about what it might be or that there was even something there! I finally fell asleep. This morning I got up and took my shower and got ready to go to Waterloo to help pick out and pick up a load of food for a food distribution the group I volunteer with is having on Saturday. I never thought to check the bed. I didn't have time to make it before it was time to leave so . . . whatever was in my bed, was still in my bed!! Well, I'm here to tell you that when I got back this afternoon I decided I best make my bed -- and find out what the lump or bump or whatever that was on my side of the bed! I pulled the covers off and felt around (on top of the sheets, not under) to see if I could still find a bump. We've been having hornets in the building I live in and last fall I had one living with me for about 10 days before I finally helped it leave this world! I'm scared to death of bees, hornets, wasps, etc. Anything that may sting me or cause me pain!!!! My thought was that it just might be a hornet that had gotten into the laundry and when I made the bed stuck to the sheets. Being the brave person I am (hope my family doesn't fall down laughing at that remark), I carefully pulled back the comforter, then the top sheet and sure enough -- there was a lump or bump still there. It hadn't moved! It was either dead or . . . I have no idea what else I thought it could be! I finally got enough nerve to pull the bottom sheet back and find out -- well is my face red. I certainly have a vivid imagine. It was a piece of silcon caulk that we used to weatherize the windows in my place that I had pulled off last week. Obviously a small (and it was fairly small) piece of it had stuck to the mattress pad and I didn't find it before I made the bed! Was I happy to see that little piece of silcon!! My very vivid imagine started working overtime after reading Mandy's bat story and talking to Jim about it on the phone!!!

It's an absolutely beautiful day. The trees outside my bedroom windows are starting to bud out. The grass is all a very pretty green and spring (or maybe I should say summer) is definitely in the air! When we came home this afternoon the bank temperature read 78 degrees. I could live with this kind of weather all year round (except maybe at Christmas, have to have some cold and snow for that to be a perfect holiday). I have the rest of the week off and hope to spend some of that time outdoors. They're working on the street past my place so to get to the mall and the west end I have to take the long way around! I'm working on scrapbooking (as usual) and have a gift certificate from Michael's just burning a hole in my pocket! Sounds like some wet weather may be in store for us, but without rain we won't have crops, etc. so I guess I'll be thankful for warm, wet weather. I can do, however, without storms. I'm not exactly scared of storms, they just make me nervous. I hate not being able to see what is happening and they always seem to come at night!!

I think I've taken up enough of your time. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Enjoy your Easter holiday! God Bless.

A beautiful weekend!

What a beautiful day! The sun was shining, it was warm and the grass is getting greener and greener every day!

I had a friend contact me and tell me she couldn't read my blog very good because of the color I chose so here goes a different color. Hope it's more readable this way.

I survived the presentation I had to give on Friday to a group of union counselors for a state-wide conference held in Dubuque. Actually they were all nice people. I was only a bit nervous. I guess I should try and do more public speaking and then maybe the jitters wouldn't bother me so much.

Barb came through town on Friday and we had lunch together. We had a nice leisurely lunch together at the Grand Harbor. Food was pretty good and lots of it! She was on her way to Galena (Eagle Ridge) for her annual get together with her grad school friends! They ended up having a nice weekend for their visit. Friday was extremely windy and cold, so anything would have been an improvement.

I actually got quite a bit done this weekend. I did a lot of washing and the usual dusting and vacuuming. I've been also spending some time with my scrapbooking. I got some page protectors so was able to put a bunch of pictures into the proper books. I'm working on birthdays right now. It's a wonderful hobby, but can get expensive if you decide to try and copy some of the pages seen in scrapbooking magazines! I have enough money invested in what I have and I think I make most of my pages look pretty good.

Did my Iowa taxes this evening. I should have done them right after I got my W2's as I get a refund but I always seem to wait until the last minute with a lot of things. Federal will definitely wait until next weekend as I have to pay! Not a lot, but a check does have to be included in the return! Darn!

Sounds like nice weather coming up. The robins are out and about and singing. Spring must really be here! No more snow!!! Except in pictures for scrapbooking.

My sister sent a darling picture of their new puppy (Bill) to me today. What a cute dog! He looks like he's ready to run right off the picture and have fun. Can't wait to see him in person.

Well, it's time to put some food in my tummy. I'm hungry. Sloppy joe sounds good so I best get at making up a batch. I'll have enough for the majority of my lunches for the week. We have Friday off as a holiday so I'm looking forward to a long weekend of being lazy. Barb and I are getting together on Saturday and doing some shopping and hopefully finding a place to have a nice meal. I'm meeting her in Williamsburg on Saturday morning. Should be a nice day together!

You all have a great week. Catch you later . . . .

The Lion King!

Awesome! Fantastic! Wonderful! Those are just a few words to describe "The Lion King." What a fantastic show! When we got to the theater last night they told us we would have to use an alternative door to get to our seats (which were fantastic also -- the gal told us there was an elephanet in the doorway we were to go through! And there was!!! The opening of the show has animals coming up on the stage from all over the audience. We happened to be in a row where they came within 4 people from us. It was great! We were in the middle section of the theater and row 11! Like I said they were great seats!

I drove to Des Moines yesterday afternoon. Left work around 12:30 and packed a bag quick and was on my way!! It was a beautiful day for driving also. Beautiful and breezy. Can't say the same for coming home. It was windy, cloudly, rainy and foggy! But it was warm out. Sounds like stormy weather for tonight.

I got to Barb's just as she was getting home from work. I followed her right into her driveway. We changed clothes and went to Chips to get a table for our group. Chips is a very nice restaurant in Ankeny. Katie and Mary, Jim and Mandy and Nickii met us there. Nickii is a friend of Barb and Katie's and had supper with us and met her husband at the theater. Jim and Mandy were able to join us for supper and will be attending the performance on Saturday night.

Mandy had some great news to share. She's been accepted into grad school at ISU for this coming fall. She'll be in the journalism and communication program. We're so proud of her!! I feel another graduation party coming up. . .couple years down the road!!! Way to go Mandy!

The show was fabulous! Beautiful colors, wonderful music and of course the story is great also. I watched the cartoon just last weekend. Jim told us not to tell him the ending since he was going Saturday night! Crazy kid!!!

Barb had copies of graduation pictures (Jim's) and Christmas(2005). I stopped at Michael's this afternoon and picked up some page protectors. I have a number of sets of pictures completed but ran out of protectors. I can spend alot of time and alot of money at that store. Also made a stop at Hartig's (a local drugstore)and had some prints made of a bunch of pictures in my camera. Ohyeah--we had Mandy take a picture of Barb, Jim and myself. Barb said she didn't have any of just the 3 of us so it was perfect timing for that. The picture turned out quite well. Barb will get me a copy as soon as she develops hers. I'll share it with all of you then.

Weekend coming. Do you have any specia lplans? Barb and her grad school friends are over in Galena for the weekend so she's hoping to stop here Friday on her way over. I have to make a presentation to a group on Friday afternoon and hopefully can work out the times so that we can have lunch together. I've been trying to get a hold of the gentleman to get a time pinned down. It's here in town, but any time between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. I really would like a definite time . . . left messages and phone numbers all over the place so hope to hear from him soon. If I don't hear before morning I guess Barb and I will have to figure out another way to get to each other. She always has her cell phone with her so we can probably make something work

Making plans for Easter. Mandy and Jim are going to her family but I think Barb and I are going to try and get together on Saturday and do some shopping and have a nice meal together. I have a food giveaway scheduled but I'm sure they can get along without me. Guess we'll see, won't we???

My kitchen is calling . . . the dishes need to be taken out of the dishwasher and more put in it. I best go answer the call.

You all have a great weekend! Congrats again Mandy!

The weekend

I survived the 'medical' week. Not without some scars but I did survive. The dentist was a little more expensive than I anticipated but that's what insurance and flex spending accounts are for. The swelling and soreness in my mouth are much better and I can now eat on the right side of my jaw again!!

My medical appointment went well. My diabetes numbers are all fine. Now my blood pressure could use a little help so I am now on some blood pressure medication. Hey, if it helps I'll take it! A little less stress in my life was also suggested. I asked the doctor if he would like my job?? I didn't get a taker on that one. I lost 6 more pounds since I was last checked so am doing well in that department. One of these days I'll have to go out and buy some new clothes. A trip to Des Moines and Jordon Creek sounds like a plan!!

I am going to Des Moines -- Wednesday evening. Barb and I have tickets to see "The Lion King," I'm really looking forward to going. I hear it's great. I'll let you all know what I thought of it later in the week. It's my early Mother's Day gift. What a thoughtful daughter! Thanks Barbie! I love you. Included in the evening is a supper invitation. Sounds like my son Jim will be able to join us for that too. Great! I love spending time with my kids. We're going to the performance with Katie and Mary (Katie is a friend of Barb's and Mary is her mother). Sounds like a fun evening! Unfortunately I have to come back Thursday and work!! Poor me!

I had a quiet weekend. We had a lot of rain. No storms! Just some good rain showers! A few thunder boomers once in a while but all-in-all pretty quiet. We need the rain. Gotta help those flowers

Did some spring cleaning type stuff. Took the weatherization off my windows so I can get some fresh air into my place. Jim put some of that silicon weatherization stuff on the windows last fall. It's really slick. You just use a caulk gun and away you go. Comes off great too. Just peel it away from the window and pull! Lot less work than the plastic and you can see out the windows all winter. Defnitely using that again next fall. Thanks Bun for all the help.

Were you all surprised at the outcomes of the basketball games? George Mason just didn't have enough to make it to the big, big show! Should be a good game this evening. Who's your favorite? Did you have a good pool or give up like I did after the second round?

I did my usual scrapbooking over the weekend. Was going to put a couple pictures in of my children when they were younger but can't find the one I want for today so will do that at a later date. I think it's time to go scrapbook shopping. I need some more stickers to round out my supply. I've learned to buy seasonal stickers during the season. Don't work on Christmas in July as you won't find a big variety to chose from in the stores. I have a tendency to 'stock up' on that type of thing. One of these days Barb will get home and help me organize my spare bedroom. She's pretty good at stuff like that.

Here's hoping for sunshine for the majority of our week. I could use a good dose of sunshine! The grass is getting green and the trees outside of my bedroom window are starting to bud. Sunny weather ahead!!

You all have a great week!

Dentists!!!!

I think spring has finally arrived! What a pretty day. Well, kinda. It was overcast the majority of the day but nice and warm! Cool. About time.

This is my doctor week. I gave blood yesterday for lab work. I hate needles but lived through it. We had to do both arms before they found a vein that would produce enough for a vial. I have some nice bruises today!

Today I went to the dentist (one of my most least favorite people). I like Steve as a person. He's a very nice man, I just don't like what he does for a living! I broke part of a tooth off last week one day and they were able to get me in this morning. I ended up spending a little more money than I wanted to but hopefully will not have to have anything more done. They did an onlay procelain crown deal. Speaking of hating needles . . . they used enough on me today. My jaw is very sore tonight, as are my gums. He used a laser on the gums when he fitted the crown. A few more asprins and I'll feel much better!! Whatever, I can't get my mouth open very far this evening so soup sounds like supper for me. I ended up with a sore throat too. Hopefully by tomorrow morning I'll feel much better. Enough of dentists for a while.

I go back to my medical doctor tomorrow for the results of my blood work. I'm hoping all goes well. I've been working real hard at keeping my blood sugar down. Lost a little more weight (find out for sure tomorrow). I have a couple of other minor problems I need to talk to him about, but think they are just associated with the diabetes. Guess we'll see.

Time to take the weatherization off my windows. Will be great to have the windows open and fresh air in the house. Guess I'll have to break down and get my windows on the outside cleaned professionally. They haven't been cleaned since I moved into this place. The inside gets cleaned but definitely not the outside.

Enough. Hope your week is going along well.

Friday nights!

Today turned out to be very nice. A little on the cold side but nice, fresh air. I work in a building with no windows and of late, it's been very stuffy. It feels so good when you come outdoors and can take a nice deep breath of fresh, clean air. The majority of the snow is gone already. I did drive in a snow shower tonight but doubt that anything stuck to the ground.

Went out for supper with a friend. We drove up north to Elkader and went to Johnson's for supper. It's a small place with a great salad bar. Tonight they had a fish buffet as well. It was very good. I'm learning to appreciate shrimp. Tonight's was very good. Maybe the cocktail sauce had something to do with it. When my Mom was alive we used to go there quite often. The building has changed some but the salad bar is the same as is the food. The one thing I remember always being on the salad bar is wedges of swiss cheese -- it's still there! If you're ever in that part of the state check the place out. Like I said, the food is great!

Winter just doesn't want to let go. I hope it's halfway decent tomorrow as I would like to open some windows and get some fresh air in my place. Cleaning bedrooms is on the agenda for the morning. I need to do some major dusting and vaccuming. I'm planning on washing curtains, dresser scarves, bed ruffles, etc. Hope my ambition doesn't run out before the work does!!

Have a good weekend!

Spring???

I thought spring was here! We have snow on the ground . . . . again! The streets and highways are wet and I didn't find any slippery spots but yes, it's snowing!! I could have swore the weatherman said in the high 40's tomorrow. One good thing about March snow -- it disappears fast! And it is kinda pretty. Have to remember to take my camera with me in the morning and catch a couple pictures of the trees in back of the building. They always look so pretty after a snow dusting!!

Went out for tacos tonight. I'm not a real big fan of Mexican food but do like hard-shelled tacos, with a mild sauce. There's a place in Platteville that has taco night on Thursday. As many as you can eat for 50 cent a piece! I had two of them this evening. They really tasted good. I know Jim and Mandy make taco salad all the time. I guess I'll have to try and make tacos here some evening!

I heard Duke got beat tonight in their game. Bet that really loused up some basketball pools. How are you all doing? I did so bad the first round I didn't even keep track after that. I really thought that Iowa would do better than they did. In fact, I still believe that if they had gotten by the first round they would have gone far! Oh well, maybe next year.

Glee and I and my friend Marilyn are planning a trip to Colorado this July. I'm starting to get excited about going. Haven't had a true vacation since 2000. We rented a cabin in Estes Park. It's a beautiful area and is right outside of one of the entrances to the park! Wonder how many pictures I can take this time??? I'm sure I"ll be sharing some of them with all of you later this fall.

I finished some more scrapbooking pages this morning. Couldn't sleep so got up and worked on a couple of pages. Going to have to get to Michael's one of these days soon and pick up some more page protectors and albums. Plans are to work on some more this weekend.

You all stay warm and dry. Have a great weekend!

Mondays

Here it is the beginning of a new week. Last week wasn't one of my best so I decided to start out early this morning and meet the day head on! We'll see how long that lasts! Busy week ahead. I have orientation with some new employees scheduled for today. Hopefully all the paperwork will be waiting for me when I get to the office. Have some meetings scheduled throughout the week also. Our agency newsletter is on a disk in my purse ready to be ran off after doing some quick editing. I think I can probably keep busy this week!

Sounds like no snow or rain for us for a few days. Just cool weather! Spring is here sometime today! Bring on the sunshine!!

Time to go , , have a great week!

Scrapbooking!!

The four of us Christmas 2005.

I'm so excited! I got a picture to work on my blog! I've been trying for days to put one in of Jim, Mike and Nick when they were real little but I keep getting error messages, so decided to try a newer picture! It worked! Mandy, it worked!

I had to call Jim and Mandy and get some expert help on what to do. Mandy walked me through the graduation picture that was posted just before this one, but this picture I did all by myself. This is exciting!!!

I'm really into scrapbooking and spend a lot of weekends working on my different books. Either that or out spending my money on new paper, stickers or whatever catches my eye when shopping. Michael's and Hobby Lobby have become one of my favorite stores! Right now I'm working on Barb's 11th birthday and Jim's 6th. Since we always celebrated them together they share a lot of pictures! I stopped at Dollar Tree on Saturday and found some really cute paper (cheap). I subscribe to a couple of scrapbook magazine and enjoy reading them from cover-to-cover. I can't afford to do my pictures up like they show but it still gives me some good ideas!!

Hope you like the picture. It was taken at Barb's new townhouse in Ankeny in front of her 'little' tree. Family joke! We gave her a pretty rough time about her 'big' tree during the holidays. Don't know if we talked her into buying a bigger one for next year or not. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Catch ya all later . . . .

Graduation

This is my first attempt at putting a picture into my blog, with the help of Mandy on the phone! Thanks Mandy! It turned out great.

Here we are, on the floor of Hilton in December. Don't we all look happy? It was a great day for all of us. I'm so proud of Jim. He worked so hard the past few years to get to this time in his life. We had a very nice weekend together. His dad and Linda, and his aunt and uncle (Duaine and Linda) were able to join Barb, myself and Mandy in celebrating this special day in his life. This is definitley a picture of a very proud Mom and sister!

Way to go Jim!!

Snowy Days!

Is spring coming? According to the calendar it's Monday but you can't tell by checking outdoors today! When I got up this morning it was drizzling, then it turned to snow and by the time I left for work it was raining! I used my umbrella!!! At noon when I left for lunch it was SNOWING! I mean those huge snowflakes. They looked just like feathers! I think the angels were having a pillow fight! That lasted for a couple of hours. I don't know how much we have on the ground but they're talking about in the 40's tomorrow! I think the weatherman needs a vacation!

I've been trying all day to add a picture to my blog but haven't had much luck. I keep getting error messages so must be doing something wrong. I even contacted Mandy and asked her for her help. I thought I had it figured out but I got another error message and the post wouldn't publish so will tackle that at another date.

I'm looking forward to the weekend. Going out with friends tomorrow night. Probably do supper someplace and may do a little gambling! It's payday so I guess I can afford it!!! I want to do some scrapbooking. I finally got Christmas 2004 finished. I keep a memory book for myself but also put pages of the different events we've taken pictures of in books for my kids! I really enjoy it and hope to soon have the first 5 years of their lives complete and able to give them it for their birthdays or Christmas. Last year I did up a book for Beth and Karsten of their wedding. I enjoyed putting that together very much. I like working with the 12x12 format but did do an 8 1/2 x 11 for my sister. Now I have to tackle the same pictures for myself! I finally put them away after working on that particular project for 4-5 months! I'm really picky about how a page goes together, but think when I was finished with Beth's wedding album it turned out quite well. Anyway, it's a really cool hobby and I work on it whenever I have the time!!

Tomorrow I'm finally going to get my hair cut and permed! It needs it so bad. I'll definitely be ready to go out tomorrow night with a new "do"!!! One of these weekends I'm going to get brave enough to try coloring it! Hopefully I won't screw it up too bad and can show my face (or should I say head) at work on Monday!!

Well, you all have a great weekend!!