OK OK I'm here...

I had a mean comment that got to me. I shouldn't have let it, but, it did...
Anyway, it's gone now and I'm over it.
I'll be back...

count your blessings...
SherryBee

WINDY and RAINY!

This is the sweet chocolate cake I made for hubby's birthday on the 5th...believe me, it tastes better than it looked! HA! I've been making this cake for his birthday for about 30 years...not each year, tho. Lots of memories of this cake! HA! 'old hippie days' ....'nuff said!

Wow! What a day we've had! I woke to rain just COMING DOWN!!! The kind that is so hard it comes straight down. It's been rainy off and on all day...so unusual...and when it does rain, it's that same, persisent downpour! WooHoo!When it's not raining, it's WINDY!!!! The weather man said 70-80mpg, but, I think it's gusting more to about 50 or so. We have more wind around here, than anything...and, I HATE it!
I think I'm too tired to be getting too excited about the trip yet. I've busted my butt all day long today. I'm wondering if I'm just a terrible housewife... I think I just try to do it all in one day! UGH. I'll have to try and work on that when I get home. Avon is taking such a big chunk of my time, but, I make some decent money with it, so, I'll just have to evaluate things and get a plan.
I am going to pick mom up tomorrow, so, I think the excitement will start to build once we get together! I wish I had someone else to go get her, tho. I could think of a ton of things to go with that 4 hours...like starting to pack! LOL I have 'piles' tho, so, it won't take too long once, I get started with it.
I better get off here and get my shower, I want to watch a movie on HBO at 8...Atonement. Hope I don't go to sleep.
count your blessings...
SherryBee

UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERINGS

1. Insight :: Future


2. Irksome :: Aggravating


3. Maybe :: Ummmmm


4. Confirmation :: 5th grade


5. Bib :: Drool


6. Stop! :: Look


7. Lobster :: Butter


8. Boys :: Underwear *HA! Top that! First thought---


9. Fire away :: Shoot


10. Give up :: Quit

count your blessings... SherryBee

Is it Fall??

Well, I've been on the GO GO GO again! So, here's an update.
Wednesday, I had an Avon meeting in Show Low, 50 miles west of here, at 10 a.m. On my drive over I saw something that makes me wonder if it will become a sign of these rough economic times.....I saw 3 hitchhikers (all heading east)on that lil bit of a drive! The second bearded, rough-looking guy gave me a peace sign--HA! When is the last time someone threw you a peace sign??? LOL I loved it and prayed for him!
After the meeting, I met my new friend, Ruthie, for lunch at a restaurant that I'd never been before. It was fun! I had a Monte Crisco sandwich--never heard of it, but, Ruthie had one before, so, I tried it. It was pretty good, but, I kept thinking how I would NEVER shrink my belly before the trip to Iowa this way! It's a sandwich with ham and turkey or chicken, then dipped in egg and fried like French toast and served with blueberry sauce for a dip. Yummy! After our nice, relaxing lunch, we went to a new scrapbook store called Embellish. It was a neat store, decorated very old, victorian and they had alot of things I've never seen before. I grabbed the last Paper Purses and Totes pad of punch-out items! I LOVE IT! I also got a cute set of purse embellishments. I LOVE to give little gifts, so, these will be PERFECT!
Ruthie and I parted and I went on to do my shopping....had to hit BIG LOTS for a little bit of yarn! LOL, you never have enough, right? Went on to Penney's and found some shoes and pants and FIVE great new tops...all on sale PLUS 15% off. Actually, I should have just shopped in my closet! Oh well...
I didn't get home until 7:30 that night! WHEW! AND, I had a lil bowl of cereal for supper! hehehee
Thursday, I had to be to the lil rent house at 9 for the carpet guy to come in. We know each other, and have mutual friends from back in my hubby's rodeo days, so, we talked and reminisced for 1/2 an hour then, while he cleaned the carpet, I tackled more of the kitchen cupboards and part of the stove--for 2 hours. The carpet turned out great! I was surprised, actually. MIL was so incontinent, I had my doubts.
Friday, hubby worked 8 hours of overtime, so, I just delivered a bit of AVON and did errands and odd jobs around the house. #1 son is home again, kinda-sorta, and I just couldn't focus too well on my daily stuff. Plus, the fact that I had been so undecided about going to Willcox for Rex Allen Days. I REALLY wanted to go this year, because they were having a sort of a school reunion. *I hate it when I can't make up my mind* I knew if I did go, it would cause me to be so behind and overwhelmed when I got home with all the things I'd need to do to get ready for or train trip and being gone for 2 1/2 weeks. I put a turkey breast in the oven for supper and it was so yummy...comfort food...I also made a great little lemon dessert.
Saturday, it was a dreary, overcast sort of day...not typical around here, so, in the mood I was already in, it was a 'weird' day. I spent way too much time on the puter, messing with my music playlist. Hubby spent most of his 'day off' over at the lil house weed-eating the weeds (they were almost 3 feet tall) in the back yard and hauling them off in the truck. He also cleaned the windows where they roll open...I teased him about that! I left them, figuring if they bothered the renter she could clean them, but, hubby is so anal, he wouldn't have been able to sleep knowing they were like that! HA! Since Sunday is hubby's birthday, we went out for supper at the steakhouse. (The lights went out as we were getting ready...but, not on that side of town, thank goodness!) We THOUGHT we would have a nice steak dinner, but, their prices were a bit over-the-top for our budget, so, he had a big burger and I was very adventurous! (Usually, I always order something I've had before, because I'm so picky/finicky about what I eat in a restaurant.) I had the nightly special of Pecan-crusted Trout, with baked potato, a lil loaf of bread--wheat on one end, white on the other, and a cup of green chile stew. I was pretty proud of myself! Two different restaurant meals in one week! WooHoo, how's that for stepping outta-my-box!? When we got home, hubby went to bed, since his workweek starts on Sundays for the time being, so, I did my usual blog-hopping....I LOVE THAT!
I found The Vintage Housewife in my hopping...I had a great time there. Go visit her.

Hope you have a great day!
count your blessings...
SherryBee

Frugal Tips, please....

I would appreciate any readers to leave me a comment. I would like to know any frugal tips that you might share for these uncertain times. One of the things I am doing is hanging my clothes on the line, on a regular basis....it's therapy for me, really, tho.
I also try to reuse things as much as possible.
count your blessings...

Tuesday...

I gotta get my butt pried off this computer chair! LOL
I need to get over to MIL's house again today and do some more cleaning...ugh.
I spent another 3 1/2 hours there Monday...I got the utility room almost done *except the floor, need to have hubby help me pull out the washer and dryer to scrub under there*
I got the stovetop done and will do the oven today...UGH!
I also got part of the cupboards cleaned and wiped down with the dark scratch cover oil.
Oh, and I washed a load of rags for the rest of the cleaning with. Lots of little spiders that freak me out! It's such a cute little house, tho! I told hubby when we get old, we can move into it, when we can't take care of our yard and stuff anymore......happy thought, huh? wahhhhh!
The carpet cleaner guy will be there Thursday. I pity him.... I don't look forward to becoming *MORE* incontinent...dang water pills I take are giving me a taste of that! What we have to look forward to....aging. MIL refused to wear pads or protective panties....she was sooo stubborn about alot of stuff!

I can't believe our weather...it's hard to believe it's going to be October! I'm lovin' it tho! We still haven't had a freeze, so the flowers, trees and grass look beautiful!
count your blessings...
SherryBee

UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERINGS

1. Hearing :: Test


2. Aggression :: Anger


3. Charged :: Battery


4. Traveler :: Sore Butt


5. Hydrate :: Water


6. Detox :: Patches


7. Qualify :: For a Loan (!)


8. Prison :: Escape


9. Frontal :: Lobe


10. Pep talk :: Cheerleader

Have a great week!
count your blessings...

HOLY CRAP!!! I'm beat!

I wish I would have taken pictures of all the antique/furniture items that we did sell. I also have a few more pictures, but, I'm not sure how blogger does with the amount of space they give you for pictures in one post. Keep in mind, these antiques are the 'tail-end' of what she had at one time. She gave some away to family and 'gave' some away, by selling them WAY TOO CHEAP! She once sold a pickup load of antiques to a man for $800..including an original OLD spinning wheel and a most amazing secretary/dresser with glasses windows in the cupboard that had wood carved to look like rope......he kept wanting to know if she had more stuff to sell...grrrrr! Her boys were VERY unhappy with her about that. She thought if she paid $20 for something back in the day, that if she doubled her money, she was doing good....
These first 3 are things, that didn't sell.


















This beauty was the first thing to sell...I really wanted to keep it, but, decided it just wouldn't fit in and we really don't have the room.




















Isn't this AWESOME! It didn't sell....we are NOT going to 'give' this one away. It needs some work, but, it's gorgeous! We think it may be filled with horse hair.
















We had a great day Friday and got rid of ALOT of stuff! The weather was great for the sale, too. It was bittersweet, tho, seeing memories go out the door.... I need to find a quiet place to get these tears out...their building more every day.
We got home about 8 that night....beat! What a long day. We also have an older couple, here working on the power plant construction, for the same company as hubby, that are going to rent the house! What a blessing! They have their 5th wheel parked in the trailer park,directly behind her house. They don't want to winter in the trailer this year.
Saturday, we were right back at it. It was much slower, and we did end up with a few sprinkles and some wind. We ended up selling almost $1600. We left at 7, and went to the Steakhouse for a juicy hamburger. Another long day! Poor hubby was so tired! He thought about calling in sick today, but, he is such a trooper. He did go in and said it was pretty laid back..thank goodness!
Was I tired and sore when I got up this morning! I hung out two loads of laundry and then, went over to the house to clean. Dang! I was there for 4 1/2 hours and I worked on the bathroom.....icky-poo!...and the entire refrigerator. I felt so horrible about all of this. I just tried to think that if she had been like I really remembered her, that she wouldn't have let any of these things get like they were. All I can say is 'bless her heart'....
I pray when I am an old lady, that someone with a tender heart gets the job of going through my stuff..........wahhhhhhh, so sad!
I will head over again tomorrow and tackle the utility room, fold all the sheets that didn't sell *a HUGE pile of them...you have to see it to believe it* and maybe get started on the kitchen cupboards and stuff.

I talked to my cousin that lives in Albuquerque and she offered her house for mom and I to stay at when we hit ALBQ going and coming! AWESOME! She lives within 5 minutes of her mom, my aunt, too. PLUS, her youngest daughter is getting married the weekend before we get there, so, there will still be a few cousins there, plus, her dad, my mom's brother! Oh, this is going to be a wonderful trip for mom---and me! *wink*
k, I'm off of here and going to BED!
count your blessings!

...drats!

Well, it doesn't surprise me, but, it just makes me sad....they 'laid me off' at the scrapbook store. Dang, I'm gonna miss that fun lil job. I hope things pick up and they'll need me again. I was so bummed out yesterday when she told me...

I spent most of yesterday, and a bit today, delivering Avon and running around. I NEED to spend more days at home. I have several MAJOR cleaning projects I need to get done before it gets too cold. I want to really clean my sofa and loveseat and have the carpet professionally cleaned. I need to have my curtains dry cleaned and wash the sheers and clean those nasty mini blinds. *which is one of my MOST dreaded jobs....I would rather clean toilets than clean mini blinds*
It's been a bit breezy around here the past few days, but, it's still warm during the day, and no freeze yet. I hate the first day you see your beautiful outdoor flowers BLACK and dead!

I made ho-made *teehee* pizza for supper tonight. I've been doing SO much blog-hopping the past few nights, but, I stumbled on The Frugal Mom Blog and found this great recipe for pizza dough. I have a recipe for pizza dough that I've used for years *it's also great to make yeast rolls with*, but, my family never really cared for it as the pizza dough. The Frugal Mom Blogs dough recipe is GREAT!!! Try it!

Hubby and I are doing the "Estate Sale" at my MIL's house tomorrow and Saturday. I'll be so glad to get it over with! It sucks the life out of me when I go over there and deal with all of her 'stuff'...how sad...it overwhelms me. I found this cute lil doily in some of her things. I have it in a little vignette, with a pair of her old glasses, 2 of her thimbles and a really old metal pin cushion she used. I don't know if she crocheted this or not, but, I'd like to think she did... I brought home 2 boxes of crochet thread the other day...it sure made me feel better about MY stash. Then, I thought...hmmmm, maybe someone gave some of it to her, like I've gotten some of mine. Made me feel better about my stash...for a minute or two! LOL
Well, it's off to shower and to bed for me...I think it's gonna be a long day tomorrow.
count your blessings...*and pray for the USA*

SherryBee

...a day late

Well, I had intended to post yesterday, but, got SO stinkin' busy, that I never had time. Hubby works Sunday through Thursday, and #1 son was home, so, I tried to be 'Susie Homemaker' all afternoon. WHY do I do that??? I wear myself out!
I left the house about 1:30 to get a few things from the store for supper. When I got back I tore into #1 son's laundry for him *I think he knows mom will do it, but, that's OK* and got started in the kitchen! I made:
Chocolate Chunk Cookies *double batch with a bit of Peanut Butter added*
Apple Pie










Tamale Pie and jalapeno poppers










Yummy!

I know the apple pie wasn't really an appropriate dessert to follow Mexican food, but, I had to use up the apples.
Dang, I was BEAT by the time I got OUT of that kitchen at almost 8, after I made hubby's lunch and got the coffee pot ready.
Today, I've got lots of cleaning to get done. I also need to get out there and try to sell some of my AVON extras, for some spending money on the trip!
I'd like to share my Tamale Pie recipe with you, in case you'd like to try it. If you do, please let me know how you like it. This was a yahoo group share by Cathy, a military mom, that I've since lost contact with...
TAMALE PIE
---TIP: Read the instructions through FIRST! LOL---
Filling
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (I think I end up using more)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
16 oz Enchilada Sauce (I use the 29 oz can of Old El Paso)
1 can whole kernel corn
1 cup sliced ripe olives
1 t. salt
Cook beef, onion and garlic in large pan until beef is browned, drain any extra grease, if needed. (I use a 5 qt, just so I have plenty of room)
Stir in enchilada sauce, corn, olives and salt. Set aside and let simmer while you make the crust part.

Crust
2 1/4 C. yellow corn meal
2 C. water
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 t. salt
1 can (4 oz.) diced green chiles (I use more)
---topping---
1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese
sliced jalepenos (optional)

Preheat oven to 425F, grease 9 x 13 baking dish

Combine corn meal, water, evaporated milk and salt into medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes or until thickened up. Stir in chiles. Spread a little more than half into your prepared baking pan/dish. Go up the sides a bit with it, also. Cover the remaining crust, so, it won't dry out while you add the filling. (I've found out that mine dries out anyway, so, I just add a little water/milk to get it a little more runny, so, I can spread it over the top.)

Once you have the bottom crust (and up the sides, don't forget!) in, bake that for about 10 minutes. (This is mostly to set it) Remove from the oven and spoon your filling into the corn meal crust. Spread the reserved corn meal mixture over the beef filling.

Bake for 15 - 20 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for an additional 5 - 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

I hope you enjoy this. Be sure to tweak it for your own tastes the next time!
count your blessings...
SherryBee

UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERERINGS

1. Heist :: Bank Job


2. Hack :: Computer Nerd


3. Dane :: Cook


4. Stings :: Bees


5. Monkey :: Zoo


6. Junkie :: Druggie


7. Pumped :: Jazzed


8. Brass :: Knuckles


9. Fight! :: Boxing


10. Vouch :: Stand up For

25 DAYS!!!

TURN my music player off and play this!
Ya gotta LOVE Elvis!

Got the Train Trip booked! WOO HOO!!!! Me, Mom and Aunt Mae are SOOO excited! My cute 80-year-old aunt told me this morning when I called her, that yesterday, she was SO excited to hear the news we would be coming, and she didn't have anyone to tell it to, that she got 'nervous'! hehehe She's already got a ton of things planned to do when we get there! Yep. We'll use up EVERY second of the 2 weeks!

On another note, I'm going to the ScraPink thing down at the scrapbook store from 2-10 tonight..don't know if I'll stay that long, but, my friend, Ruthie, is coming from Show Low...Oh, so exciting!

I'm a happy girl today...I feel like jumping up and down, like my lil Jeffrey would do when he was younger (it was a joke)...he'd jump up and down, clap his hands like a girl and say "cakes and pies, cakes and pies" What a goofball, I miss him! I did get to talk to him yesterday afternoon..he's so busy with classes and reserve stuff. #1 son came home for the weekend too. What a happy time....

count your blessings...

SherryBee

wanted to show off...

I just HAD to do it...then, to bed!
I took these today to send to Jeffrey. The walk to the front door smells just like honey....from the allysum. I just LOVE my yard. I feel sooooo blessed!
count your blessings...

UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERINGS

1. Cut the crap :: Knock it off
2. Scent :: Of a Woman
3. Vanishing :: Act
4. Wetness :: Diaper
5. Cheap :: Date
6. Badges :: Police
7. Puppy :: Breath
8. Problem solver :: costs money heheheh *where did that come from*
9. Gambling :: Vegas
10. Sophia :: Franny's grand-daughter

Holy Crap...I know I should be in bed! I'm headed there --- as soon as this magnet lets me go! I feel like that little boy on the Disney commercial!

"I'm too excited for bed!"

nighters!

count your blessings.....

going backwards....

I know! I know! I'm a TERRIBLE blogger, I admit it....
So, going backwards...

I made some DELICIOUS Chicken Tortilla Soup for supper tonight! Dang, I'm a good cooker! *that's what #1 son used to tell me* I don't have a recipe to post because it was a combination of several, with my own touch, I guess. If you want to try it, go to Old El Paso and type in Chicken Tortilla soup. I can't remember the other one I found...just do some improvising. I didn't even think to take a picture! HA! I told hubby I was so proud of myself for it turning out...seems I almost forgot how to cook these days....he agreed, said he really liked it, too!

I am happy...my mom and I are planning a trip back to Iowa (to see her sister, my Aunt Mae and other family), hopefully, mid October ON A TRAIN!!! Oh my! I was SHOCKED SHOCKED I tell you at the CHEAP fare...less than $500 for both of us to go from Winslow, AZ to Galesburg, Il *about 124 miles from Dubuque where we are going* I will call her back in the morning and see if she's decided for sure! She wanted to go back after all her surgery was over with and OK. She had a DR. appointment Thursday and he was real pleased with it, but, she will need to go back in November/December for a sonogram (?) of her veins. So, she should be able to enjoy the trip and I think she'll do fine on the 28 hour ride....we leave at 6:09 am and get there the following day at 12:10. Great timing! We may rent a car for the 2 weeks, which I'm glad for. There are so many places I want to see. I grew up in Cedar Falls *we moved to AZ in '67 when I was 12*.

Nothing really exciting has went on since my last post...just daily busy-ness. *can that be a new word? hehehe* I'm only working one day a week at the scrapbooking place, it's been so slow, that they went to their winter hours a week early. Martha, here's a couple pics of the store, that you asked me to post.
3 Scrappin Sisters




My mom and brother came up for a weekend a few weeks ago. That was a nice visit and I know mom was glad to get out of town--other than for a DOCTOR visit! LOL

Hubby and I have been doing alot of stuff over at MIL's house *well, it's ours now*. That is so overwhelming. I don't know how to describe it. I know we've let it go for way too long, but, I think it's because it's just so weird going through someone elses stuff...their whole life, actually. As I find things that have so many memories attached to them, it just makes my heart so heavy. I can't find words to describe it. I know hubby didn't really want to go over there much, since she left. I understand. A part of me is happy that I am the one going through her things. Sometimes, I find myself being 'tender' with her belongings, with the hopes that anyone that gets the job of disposing of my 'stuff' will have a tender heart and dear memories...I dunno. MIL and I had a 'bad' relationship, and that plays into this. I see where I was the best choice to get this 'job' and I try to do it the right way. Anyway.....we are to the point of pricing the antique items and we've brought home the things we want or the 'good stuff'. (If I live long enough to get alot of this stuff on eBay, it will be a miracle!) We will hopefully get that house rented soon, so, we don't have to keep making a payment on an empty house. The storage shed (it's pretty big) will have to gone through later on. The renters will not have access to that. We've already had a dozen people asking about renting it.
I come home just exhausted when I've been over there...a mental exhaustion, I guess.
ugh
---
I've thought about posting so many times, and get so darn busy *or tired* that I just keep putting it off. I will TRY to be better at posting.

count your blessings...

Sherrybee

...on the road again...

I came to moms Wednesday and we've been on the go again! Thursday, we took off and went to Safford. We picked up one of her OLD friends, Muriel, and then, met with Muriel's daughter, Denise, for lunch. Oh, what fun we had...laughing and carrying on. Denise showed me how to get to the scrapbook store there. What an awesome place! Then, we went to Home Depot to look for woodstoves, etc...too early in their season--lol, yeah, well, maybe cause it was 100 degrees there?!? Looked at carpet, so, mom has a good idea what she wants and how much she'll have to spend. Then, we hit Walmart for a bit. Those two old ladies wore me out! LOL
Mom and I got home right at 6, so, we ate a bite and then, we sat and crocheted while we watched Sweet Home Alabama.
Friday, we were still beat! Trying to catch up from the last day! So, we just went to a couple yard sales--I found a couple neat recipe books! One is a local ladies Emblem Club from 1987; those type of fundraiser cookbooks always have great recipes. The other cookbook is a 1942 American Woman's CookBook in GREAT shape!!! After yardsaling--too hot--we drove around, that's when I spotted those cows! We went to Stout's Cider Mill where they make those 12" high apple pies! WOW! At $22, I passed. Instead, we split an apple cobbler and visited while we ate.
Next, we drove out into the country to visit the Apple Annie's You-Pick-It farm. I am so amazed at the agriculture/industry in my hometown since I left. It always was the BORINGEST place to be, growing up. Now, I find new things to do there each time I visit! HA! We seemed to just have to drag ourselves aroung the rest of the afternoon, so, we stayed in and crocheted, watched the olympics and then, we watched Million Dollar Baby---like the 6th time for me! LOL
Saturday, we went for lunch at the Coronado Vineyards--my FAVORITEST place. It was also their 2nd annual Grape Stomping celebration. What fun!

Of course, I didn't really plan on grape-stomping myself, but, I figured you haven't lived unless you've stomped a few grapes in your life! HA! Amazing how a little wine and champagne gives you that desire! hehehe

You can tell by the look on my face, how weird it felt! LOL We also took the little vineyard tour and learned alot about that part of the industry. I am amazed at how SE Arizona is becoming such a hotspot for winery/vineyards!










We went inside and enjoyed the wine tasting and had such great visits with all the 'strangers/friends' we met. It was a busy day for the vineyard, plus they had a bus tour stop in. I love to talk to people! I bought a few goodies from the gift shop and we left about 5...good thing, too, cause I probably shouldn't have been driving! hehehe I hit the chair and slept for THREE hours straight! I couldn't belive it! Can you say wiped out??? I got up, showered, ate some leftovers and we watched RV--cute movie. I was in bed at 11 and surprised I could sleep the night through, since, I'd had a 3-hour nap!

I'm heading home in a little while. I'll be glad to get back to 'normal'....gotta work Monday. I'm looking forward to that!
count your blessings...

Random Picture...

COWS!!! I remember chasing pigs that looked like this when I was growing up in Iowa! HA! I'll have to ask hubby what kind of cow these are...I'd never seen this particular breed.
count your blessings...

We finally got to go camping....

Here's a slide show of our camping pics.
I'll try to get back here soon to update on things since the last time I posted.
Don't hold your breath, tho! LOL

...count your blessings

gone camping....

Finally, the maiden voyage of the 2008 Jayco JayFlight! We've only had it for one WHOLE year!!!! What a nice yard decoration it is, tho.......hmmpf...
Hope you have a great weekend, wherever you are. Be back Saturday evening.
count your blessings...

sitting in a bar...

I have this song stuck in my head...and THEN, I found this video....
It wakes up in my sleep...I can't explain it...
No explanation--I'm just bad! hehehe

IF YOU WANT TO WATCH THIS, CLICK OFF MY MUSIC PLAYLIST FIRST



Sherry *sick* Bee

checking in...

Whew....bringing it up to speed...
Got here, at mom's Saturday about 4:30. Be BBQ'd and visited the evening away. I tried to help mom get an afghan started so she would have something to occupy her during recovery after the surgery. Sunday, my brother took mom and I out to a champagne brunch at the winery. AWESOME! We had a much better experience than when Jeffrey was with us. We went for an early birthday celebration for mom, her birthday is June 29th. *My dads birthday is the 26th of June. Mom had wanted to try to do something totally different for birthday time this year. Dad and her had celebrated them 'together' for almost SIXTY years!!! Well, I'd say she is celebrating them differently for sure, this year!*
We BBQ'd steaks that evening and just 'tried' to relax.

Monday, we left at 9 a.m., mom had to fast. Her surgery wasn't until 1:30. An old, old friend was brought here from the next town up, about 45 minutes away, so, she could ride with us to Tucson where she could spend some time with her daughter in Tucson, plus, see mom in the hospital. I went to school with her daughters, so, it was a great catchup visit. They stayed with me til after moms surgery was over at 6:30 p.m. My cousin, Kathy, that lives in Tucson spent the afternoon with us, too. I was grateful for their company, since, I had planned/thought I would be alone.

The surgery went 'well'...now, to see how the rest of it goes. I saw her scars yesterday and was shocked! I didn't think they were going to be as big as they were. She has a 4" scar around her left collarbone, where he went in to put in a stint---crossed through ALL THE SCAR TISSUE in her belly....ugh.... She has 2 6" scars on either side of the lower abdoman, then, a 6"-plus scar along the inner part of her left leg for the bypass. I haven't seen that one yet, because her legs are in some kind of pumping wrap.
!!!!!
She was very alert all day yesterday. All seemed well, but her blood pressure was dropping. They gave her 2 units of blood and she started feeling better. I left for my 1 1/2 hour drive back to her house, where my brother was. He is off for the next 6 days, so, we will head over together today. 105+ in Tucson...ugh! It's cloudy and trying to rain today....the only thing that means is it will be muggy! HA!

I called and talked to mom a few minutes ago. She's sore, but, that is to be expected. They had her up in a chair for 2 hours already. They think one more day of ICU, and then into a regular room. Once she gets on oral pain meds, they will think about letting her go home, since, I'll be here with her.
They did find out yesterday, that she still had her bladder infection. Now, to make sure no blood clots form......she's had issues (MAJOR) with them before.

....oh my! I'm just putting one foot in front of the other, for the next few days.

count your blessings...

UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERINGS

1. Purchase :: Buy


2. Squeaky clean :: A Baby after a bath


3. Blended :: Margarita


4. Wednesday :: Hump Day


5. Function :: Button


6. Look down :: joshin' someone


7. July? :: 4th


8. Raspberry :: Sorbet


9. Assertive :: Bossy


10. Cracker :: Jack

I needed this today...

Click on ::Raised From the Dead::

I do ask for prayers for my moms surgery on Monday, the 23rd...

count your blessings...

...back to normal???

Well, life will be back to 'normal' for a few days. I don't think I know what 'normal' is anymore. Life is so different, these days. But, it will be even MORE different after next week. Here's a rundown since my last post...

I headed to Willcox Wednesday, after I got some AVON delivered and errands done. I had to stop at a garage on my way out of town...low tire. It read 10 pounds when they checked it; it ended up having a nail in it! ack!!! I got to mom's at 6:00 on the nose. We visited awhile and went to Taco Bell for a crunchy taco she'd been craving. We evaluated the whole eating experience, since my parents had owned/operated an El Taco for 20 years--way before there ever was a Taco Bell! Service, cleaniness and foo prep/serving is sucky nowadays....I prefer to buy what I want at the grocery store and cook for my family most of the time. I know I am too picky, but, just take a good look around...it's kinda dangerous to eat out anymore.

My brother's eye surgery went well. Jeffrey's phone was messed up and he missed connections with my brother....but, all was well. My brother has been used to driving and working with one eye for over 6 months, anyway! He went to work for several hours after he got home! WOW! What a guy! We sat up and visited a bit when he got in. We had mom's goulash and I made a strawberry pie (thinking Jeffrey would be there for his favorite pie...too bad for him! *wink*).

Friday, I drove Mom to her 9 a.m. Dr. appointment in Tucson. The Dr. seemed OK--my brother thinks he's very arrogant--he's done surgery on her 2 other times, also. They keep calling it a 'big' surgery and that scares the hell out of me. 15% possiblility of something bad happening, she'll be 77 on her birthday while she's in the hospital, 5-7 hours in surgery and 5-10 days in the hospital. I'm trying not to, but, I'm WORRIED....

We had troubles hooking up with Jeffrey again, so, we went to eat at the TTT Truck Stop and he finally called as we were just about to leave. He had to call his phone service to get things straightened out with his new $400 phone. I couldn't wait around for 4 hours with mom waiting for them to get to Tucson, so, we left for home. We did end up having to go back later that afternoon and met him in Benson about 35 minutes from Mom's. So, we got home about 6 and BBQ'ed steaks and visited the evening away. Saturday, was a lazy day. Mom and I took Jeffrey for lunch at the winery. The service was horrible!!! Even my mom complained---right to the lady. If it had been my first time, I wouldn't have went back, and I told them that. We drank enough wine to put a smile on our face when we left, tho. *GRIN* My brother had to work all weekend, so, we took Jeffrey to his office and visited. After dinner, a friend of Jeffrey's, from home, came to visit him at my moms. We took them out to the CattleRest Bar. They had a dance (what a joke) and the boys played pool all evening. Pretty boring evening, if you'd ask me! HA! I'm so old, I would have rather been at home in bed!

We pretty much hung around the house Sunday. Jeffrey's buddy ended up staying until after supper Sunday. They had a great visit. Jeffrey got a text message from him as he was leaving town saying he had a great time and that Jeffrey's family was awesome! LOL Yeah, we had our share of laughs for sure! Got to be sure and wear depends when you are around us! hehehee That night the 4 of us sat out on the patio and laughed all night! I started asking Mom all kinds of questions from earlier life and we were rolling....ahhhhh, what fun!

Jeffrey and I left for home about 11 on Monday. He drove...why oh why didn't I remember to take Valerian Root first??? UGH We got stopped several times for road construction, so, we ended up getting home about 4. We BBQ'ed steaks with Dad that night. yummy! I worked Tuesday afternoon, but, got to visit a bit with Jeffrey before I left. Worked Wednesday morning, then, when hubby got home, we drove an hour away to have supper with #1 son in his work town. It was a nice visit. I like to sit in out the boys conversations....LOL Thursday, I had the day off, but, did have to go in from 6-9, while they had a card-making class. I worked Friday...Jeffrey was suffering a pretty bad hangover (went out and shot pool -- came in 4th -- with his dad and ran into a bunch of old friends). He was trying to recover fast, because he and his dad and the kid that had came to Willcox to visit were going out on the 4-wheelers! HA! Poor kid! I didn't get to say goodbye to him when his dad drove him 1/2 way to Phoenix to meet his buddy from Phoenix that was picking him up. It might be just as well. I don't like goodbyes, plus, being at work....not a good mix, but, still....Hubby got home at 9:30 p.m. I had been running #1 son all over after work, so, he could get all his stuff done for getting his truck running and banking and license stuff.

Today, hubby took #1 son to Show Low for a class he has to take. They were up and out the door at 6:25...so, here I am at the 'puter. I look around the house and you'd never know Jeffrey was here....he didn't forget anything! HA! I miss the brat, tho. I think he did have some good 'down time', and he REALLY needed it. I know he has people from every direction giving him advice and pointers and suggestions about what he should/could do. Hopefully, he'll feel better about having so many options and that things will come to him for the direction to start out in.

I'm working til 5 today. I've got tons of things to get done/organized. Mom found out her surgery will be on the 23. I told her I would make sure she gets to the hospital (has to be there at 10:30/surgery at 1:30) and stay with her. My brothers are working, don't know what they will be planning. The last time I was with her through surgery stuff, I was with her for 5 weeks....that was 5 years ago. The good thing is, I kinda know what to expect...the bad thing is, I kinda know what to expect...
Lord, I need grace to make it...

count your blessings...

UNCONSCIOUS MUTTERINGS

1. Rambling :: Rose
2. Magnetic :: Energy
3. Again! :: Do over!
4. Acoustic :: Guitar
5. Mahogany :: Bed
6. Promises :: Love
7. Ill fitting :: Clothes
8. Sublime :: WHAT???
9. Poop :: Duty
10. Disoriented :: Confused

Your Daily Laugh...

Go to my Music PlayList and hit the button on the left II and it will disable the music...



This is an oldie but, a goodie!
Kids! Gotta love em!

Getting ready to pack it up and move em out!!! Going to see my Air Force son in 28 hours! WooHoo! You may not think that's a big deal, but..... Last October, when Jeffrey was getting ready to come home for his and his brothers birthdays..he said he was anxious to get 'home'. He said 'Do you realize it's been a year since I was home?' I said 'Yes, Jeffrey. And, I know that I've only seen you 23 days since you left for the Air Force!' Now, THAT sucks....you see them everyday of their life practically and then, they walk out the door.....
Motherhood sucks sometimes...

Hope you are having some sunshine today, wherever you are! If not, I've got plenty to spare...I'll just GRIN in your direction! LOL

count your blessings...

I'm so excited!!!

I found out this morning that my Air Force son will be here TOMORROW morning!!! WOOHOO!! I have to call him back in a few minutes, but, it looks like he'll be in Phoenix in time to ride back with my brother on Thursday. They will go to moms and then, Jeffrey will come home with me. He said he's got 10 days of leave. He needs a break, too. He is trying to decide what to do when he gets out in August. I think he is really agonizing over the whole decision. Hopefully, he'll be able to relax and think straight and maybe come up with a solution. He said he's second guessing all the plans he had..... I'm glad I'm not in his shoes, but, I guess I'll sure feel like it this week! HA!
~~~Just talked with him, his flight lands at 11 a.m.~~~
He exasperates me so....he has very little patience with me, it seems. Guess cause I'm O L D now! hehehe But, it should be a nice visit. He's a great kid!

So, now, I'm busting my buns til the midnight hour. Cleaning, Avon, should get some laundry started, packing....ugh I might be able to accomplish alot if this dang MAGNET would leave me alone! Geesh.....don't tell me I'm the only one that is so darn attached to this little electronic box!

count your blessings...

Unconsious Mutterings...

You say.....and, I think...

1. Gossiping.....Nosey
2. Misplaced.....Confused
3. Spaceship.....UFO
4. Ignore........Mean
5. Bodily........Function
6. Tweezers......Pluck
7. Good Night....Sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite
8. Curls.........Perm
9. Faucet........New
10.Right.........Left

I saw this on Dru's blog and thought I would try it.

Man! I'm beat. For some reason, the days that I 'work' at the scrapbook store, I come home wore out and don't ask me why...it's usually slow. Maybe, it's because I am on my toes for when a customer does come in....I dunno.
I have my Smooth Move tea brewing...yeah, that's what it's for *cheesey grin* and as soon as I finish this post, I'm turning this puter OFF and drink my tea and head to bed.... I didn't get a good sleep last night---AGAIN. Those weird sleepless nights are back. I know part of it was because I'm been worrying about #1 son. But, today was a good day! I heard from BOTH of my boys.
I came home to hubbying mowing the areas that we can't reach with the riding lawnmower. The grass is SO green and lush. I LOVE it!
I made some lettuce wraps for dinner...yummy! I have some strawberries in the fridge, but, I was too lazy to cut them up. We had some homemade chocolate chip cookies from the other day.
K, it's nighters for me. *oh, and check out the SAUCY link*
count your blessings...

I'm SAUCY!

I was blog-hopping at the scrapbook store today....let's just say it was S L O W...
I LOVE to read blogs and see how others lives are. I am so intrigued with other people, maybe I'm a voyeur or something?
Anyway, I found this new blog for putting bloggers with commenters---I guess that's how you'd describe it? I dunno...I'm tired.
Anyway, go check the site out....the link is in the right sidebar------->>
They are having a contest and giving some great prizes!
Join! It might be fun to be SAUCY *do I sound like that girl in SUPERSTAR??? LOL*

Making up for being a blog slacker...

WHEW! How many posts today??? LOL
Here's a picture of what I made for supper tonight. We call them Maid-Rites, you probably call them sloppy joes. HA! My dad used to make these, and that's what they were called. ~~ My dad was a pretty good cook, from what I recall. I can remember him making creamed chipped beef on toast and I used to LOVE Saturday nights, when he made homemade pizza! Now that I am sitting here thinking about this, our family had a routine of food! LOL Fridays was steak night, Saturday was chipped beef on toast at lunch, and pizza for supper, Sunday, Mom made a big roast with mashed potatoes and all. We had those meals ALOT...in that order! LOL I remember eating mom's goulosh, mashed potatoes ALOT, and navy beans with ham over rice! LOL What a weird memory night! Two things I ABSOLUTELY HATED and would NOT eat *and this was back in the day when you cleaned your plate or else*, sauerkraut or oyster stew (looked like eyeballs floating in milk ACK!)...oh, and beets! YUCKY...nasty stuff!!! My mom loved weird stuff, too. I can remember her making radish sandwiches and she LOVES sauerkraut! EWWW. I can remember sitting at the table in the dark, because I was 'supposed' to be finishing sauerkraut! See, I told you.....clean your plate or else! HA! I think I finally finished it and went straight to bed...HA! I tucked it all under the edge of the plate and she didn't know until I was OUTTA there and in my widdle bed! I never made my kids eat something I knew they didn't like. We did try to get them to at least taste something, tho. Hubby eats more 'weird' stuff than me..HA! I think he eats a fresh jalepeno with just about every meal! ICK!!! And, the big joke in our family is when someone has to SMELL their food first! hehehehe.....Our youngest did/does that! He had to smell everything! Hubby tends to do that alot, too... My mom always kidded #2 but, said her older sister--my Aunt Mae, used to do the same thing!
WOW! Now, that was a fun blast from the past! hehehe
Well, I'm glad this day is done. I busted my butt from noon on. I got a case of the 'might-as-wells' when I started cleaning the hall bathroom....I hate it when that happens! LOL I cleaned it from TOP to bottom...I just need to use the brown oil on the sink cupboard. I decided we need to paint in there, too. Not for awhile, tho. That will be a winter job.
It got HOT today....85°. It didn't get 'too' hot in the house, but, if it had gotten much warmer, I would have thought about turning the window AC on. Thank goodness, we get a good breeze going through the house when I have both doors open. The ceiling fans in the living room and dining room are a blessing, too.
After supper, I went out and planted a few more flowers and got my arrangement done that I keep by the front door. I am doing red, white and blue in there. I just need to find some blue lobelia Tuesday. I am only working Monday, so, I'll go to the nursery Tuesday before my Avon gets here and get the rest of what I need to fill in where I need flowers yet. I'm just about done. I hope I get everything planted before I leave to go to moms Wednesday. Since, I am not working this Tuesday, I'll plan on leaving Wednesday and maybe stay til Monday or Tuesday. Depends on if they schedule surgery soon. If her surgery is soon, I'll come home and get things done, so, I can be gone again. I don't know how long I'll be helping her, but, the last time, I was gone almost 5 weeks for the most part...
Time to get my shower and crochet a bit.
count your blessings...