Merry Christmas Everyone!!

This posting is long overdue, sorry about that. I've decided to postpone Christmas until summer! It is wicked cold and dangerous driving out there! Had to cancel Christmas with my daughter due to travel conditions, then turned down another dinner with a granddaughter who lives much closer. Just don't want to even go out in this weather. My poor dog, Dusty runs out to go to the bathroom, makes a complete run around the whole yard, then is at the door, ready to come in. It is 7 out there right now and with the wind factor, -2!
It is around 4:am and I can't sleep again, so I sit here with this computer and a cup of coffee.
Health-wise I'm doing pretty good. Just have to convince the Drs. of this.
I will be hearing from all the kids today, they will be calling to wish us a Merry Christmas. We didn't put a tree up this year, we thought we would be going to one of the girls' houses for the holiday, but now we sit here like hermits all bundled up.
Will try to keep up with this journal and post a little more often.
Think I will surprise my husband and make banana bread for his breakfast.
Hope everyone is fine and has a very good Christmas.

A summer that really zipped by. Didn't get half of what I wanted to get done. Too hot! Nights are starting to cool off and it sure feels good. Better for sleeping.
Played "Gotcha!" with Japanese beetles for a couple of months, thought for sure my roses were gone. They still look as if something is eating holes in the new leafs. Gonna kill those bugs tomorrow!!! I think they have gotten my lilac bush!
My neighbor across the street has a very bare tree in his front yard. Leaves are completely gone!
Well, I guess it is bedtime, I hope everyone else had a great summer. It will soon be fall. Good night all!

I will take all I can get! I'm finally feeling a little warmer. It actually hit 52 out there and the sun just felt so good. Had a hard time getting the dog to come back in.
Well, I have my hearing aids! We went to Rockford Monday and got them then. Everything sounds so loud. I never realized how much noise goes on in a house. The faucet running, the furnace turning itself on, the sound of the dog running across the floor and so much more! Just the crinkling sound of paper surprised me.
Sue, my youngest, says it takes about a week to get used to it all. I can even put them in the correct way now. I go back in 2 wks to have the audiologist check them out, but I don't think I will want any changes.
I started knitting again, not much, a couple of rows, but it is a beginning. I have to go unload and put away the dishes, but I wanted to let you all know we are fine and hope everyone else is also.

I have been sitting here kind of brain dead and yet I would like to keep up with posting.
Have taxes yet to do along with other home owner, and rental forms and just dread it. But, it is a job that I am going to do TODAY and get it out of my hair!
Now that I have that off my chest, I can think a little clearer. It is a nice sunny day, a little cool (21) but still the sunshine speaks. I can't wait to be able to go out and trim the dead branches from the roses. I am also wondering how many of the russian sage bushes survived the transplanting and winter. I don't plant much so if something survives I feel quite proud.
I do miss smelling and seeing the wild roses along the coastline of Maine. Guess it must be about time to go back for a visit. I would never move back there though. There is too much that has changed.
Where we are now, this farm country slowly grows on you. Such a difference from a factory town.
The land is so flat and the sky so huge! It is just wide open and I love it. Kind of like being at the beach in an open way.
This is where Delmonte grows its crops. My grandson has extra land that Delmonte pays him to plant every year. Good extra income. In August they have a corn festival. They set up a large pool, fill it with water, use a train engine to heat the water, then fill the pool with home grown fresh corn! People line up with paper plates and have all the corn they want. "Free".
The day is filled with parades and carnival rides for the young. Our town has a population of 5,600 and each town around is similar. They each have their own type of friendship days and all the towns participate. Winters are hibernating and reading or craft time. It is a quiet life and we like it.
Time to get busy! Don't forget March 9th, daylight savings time begins according to the calender.

I think I am going to start writing up a schedule prioritizing what needs to be done on a daily basis! And put it up on the fridge, visible to all.
The day goes by and I seem to have to push my chores aside to help others get theirs done. Then I am too tired to keep up with mine.
I did good yesterday, but still had things left undone.
This retirement is for the birds! All the knitting I want to do is still sitting there. With 4 new great granddaughters, since August, I want to get a move on some of it.
Believe me, old people don't just sit around! If they do, it is because they are not living, just waiting around to die. Dang if I will do that.
Too much is waiting to be done. And I need to get started! So, I will shower, then get moving.
Hope you all have a good day.
Clouds only hide the sun. It is still up there!

There is a piece of art that I think of so often when I start thinking of things that have gone on in my life. There is a beautiful red rose on a black velvet background with these words below it.
"ROSES ARE MEMORIES FOR DECEMBER".
Some memories can be roses for December, just as mine are. I sure took the time to enjoy my children. Sewing, Knitting and teaching them were my greatest pleasure. They taught me as well. With these thoughts I am going to bed!

I just feel so great knowing that tomorrow is the 1st of March. This has just been the longest winter ever. But, we have kept busy. My husband Bob has put new flooring in throughout the house. It looks so nice and is easy to clean, much better than carpeting. New kitchen cabinets, sink and flooring also. We still have the molding and the finishing touches yet to do, but feel we have accomplished quite a bit. It is like hardwood flooring, but is easier to care for.
It actually hit 39 degrees out there today and when I put our little mini schnauzer, Dusty, out he just stood there and must have gloried in the fact that his breath didn't freeze.
Well, this will be cut short as I still have clothes to fold and put away, dishes to unload from the dishwasher and put away also. Still have to get to my e-mails.
Darn, I wish time would slow down just a bit. It goes too fast.
Good night all, Enjoy tomorrow!

I sure hope I can post this to my journal!! It has been a long time since I have done so. I see my pic is still there.
There is so much for me to learn and so many things stopping me from doing so. I have windows vista and I am slowly getting acquainted with it, but still am not doing all I would like to do with it. I have bought the book for vista dummies, all I have to do is read it!
Well in about 2 weeks I will have hearing aids and people won't get so anoyed with me, I hope.
I will also be getting foot braces for foot drop from the cmt that we have. It seams that I have sprained both heel muscles and was falling too much. The doc. said this should really help.

Now, Rachel, May the Good Lord give you the strenth and courage that you need now and in the future. I am so proud of you. The kids sound great! If you are happy, they will be also. Believe me, as tiring as they can get you, it will be them that will help you stay strong. You will enjoy life with them so much more. It shows already in what you have put in your journal.
Just when you think you have the bulls by the horn, life throws you a new curve. Interesting isn't it?!? Don't ever let anyone insult your intelligence, however I think that wo uld be hard for them to do, 'cause you are smart enough to see through people that might try to do that.
I'm getting tired and too preachy! Gonna go to bed! Darn good to know you are back on!! Now yo u don't seem so far away! Good night till next time.

I once was told that exhaustion is woman's worse illness. Well, today i sure do believe it. We have completely removed the rug in the computer room! Under the two desks, wires streaming all over and t v trays holding all that filing junk. D:) redid his whole desk and in the process dropped all his CD'S all over the place! I just walked out of the room. He dropped it, he can pick it up! That was the motto with the kids and it did save me a little time for other things I needed to do.
Well one more great grandaughter and 2 more in the pocket. I am praying they are all healthy! I will have to sit down with a worksheet to figure how many children I have added to society! Think I'll get a medal??? Doubt it. Am working on Cati's sweater and it seems to be a little stiff. Had to use smaller needles to get the right size, which makes the knitting tighter so that may be why it feels stiff to work on. I like soft yarn to work with.
I wish so much that life would be a little easier for my children, but for that I would need to win the biggest lotto ever.
Dusty did a cutie today! He is always wanting out, mainly for the dog cookie he gets for coming in when he is called. So every 10 mins he wants out. I got fed up and put him out cause you never know if he just might want to go to the bathroom, right?
Brought him in and walked in the laundry room instead of the kitchen where the cookies are. He went for the kitchen and I could hear his nails on the oven door handle, which is what he generally does while waiting for the treat! Naturally I had to go and see this. He was standing on his back legs, one paw on the door handle and watching me as if to say,"Where is my cookie". Guess you know I got his cookie for him. I wonder if he will ever say thank you LOL.
I am going to bed! Good night all! Wonder what tomorrow will bring!

Okay, I am still alive! I have a Gem of a dog, but whenever I sit at the computer he, naturally wants to go out and lets me know by putting his paw on my typing hand and moans. A bit on the spoilt side, I think. I don't much care for this time of the year, depressing and just out of whack! It's taken me four days to do a measly 4 ins. on 66 sts of plain knitting. Of course, not sleeping at night has its effects also. During the day I feel like a walking zombie and at night I am wide awake. I hate insomnia, I think it runs in the family.
I hope if anyone reads this they don't die of shock! I have a new computer with windows vista and it takes a little getting used to.
With this new monitor that I have, I think my trifocals will need a magnifier!! I bought the book, windows vist for dummies and that helps.
I will write again, the dog is now laying there looking at me with sad eyes and making me feel guilty. Guess I had better put him out.
He loves romping through the leaves.
We are all fine and so isn't the dog!
Till next time.

Hello Everyone,

We are still kicking! The hot dog days have arrived and my dog got a good short clip! What a dog he is becoming. He jumps up on the bed and wakes me up with a dry kiss (no tongue) on the face, then sits back to see what mood I will be in. Smart dog! We can leave him alone in the house anytime and come back to no messs what-so-ever.
The only problem we have with him is the fact that he tries to insist on having his way. Barks and growls when he doesn't. I don't want to have him grow mean, but if anyone knows a way to break him of this - Help!! I can't make the bed whith him in the same room. He jumps on the bed real quickly and grabs the sheet or blanket that I am trying to straighten and tries to undo what I've done.
I have to close the bedroom door in order to make my bed! He sure is a pleasure to have around, though. I've had him since Feb or March and he has never gone to the bathroom in the house at all, not even when we are away from the place.
I tried to upload a picture of him to insert here, but I did it wrong so will have to wait till I can figure it out, or my grandaughter has the time to help me. Sorry for the lengthy delay in posting, but I am having a good and active summer. Will try to update a little more often, but not too much changes around here except for the seasons LOL!

Your personality type is disciplined, realistic, predictable, and honest.

About 14% of all people have your personality, including 9% of all women and 17% of all men
You are Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging.

Hello All! I hope whoever reads this has a very Happy Mother's Day.

It was just beautiful out today, not so hot. We have the whole yard fenced in the right way and Dusty just loves it. It is so funny watching him walk the fenceline! It looks as though he is searching for a spot that is opened just enough for him to slip through.

Ashley and Ty were here this morning and stayed for lunch. Ty is a sweetie and ignored Dusty completely, which was good. Dusty wasn't too bad, but I watched every move he made. You never know, he has never been around 1 yr. olds. I think Ashley fell in love with him,(Dusty).
She said he was just perfect and liked the haircut that I've given him.
Well, I have to quit before I get a headache and I can feel one coming on.
Good night to all.

Good grief! It's been almost a month since my last posting! Dusty is just like having a baby! We just love him! I tried cutting his hair today and I left a couple of bald spots on him, and this is with scissors. Oh well, it'll grow out. Bob is fencing in the bottom of the already cyclone fencing with garden fence so he can't go under or through where the big holes are. Then we can turn him loose and he'll have the whole yard for himself. He doesn't like to be alone, and where-ever we are, there he is. When we go to the bathroom, he lays in the hall by the door and waits for us to come out.
Right now, his ball is way under the file cabinet and Bob is down on all fours trying to get it out for him, Meanwhile his head is right there waiting. They got it!
Well, Rachel, isn't it time for pics of the three musketeers? I know they must have grown so much. Please post some for all of us. I do hope you get to read this. I know how busy you must be. I also hope Howard didn't come down with the flu.
It has been really nice out and we've been outside most of the day. I need to plant some flowers, my yard looks bare. But everything takes money!
All of you, take care of yourselves and yours. Enjoy every day you get to be together. All of mine are so far away. I have to enjoy this dog instead. Love you all so much.

Happy Easter Everyone!

Hope all the little ones have a beautiful Easter Basket from the Easter Bunny!
Darlene called and wished us a Happy Easter, & Wendy sent us a nice card!
It is another sunless, cold, dreary day outside. My few crocuses and lilies gave up on this weather and up and died! Oh well, maybe next year!
The neighbors have hidden Easter eggs all over the place and now there are kids looking all over. I love it! I wonder if mine remember their Easters. I do, anyhow.
When I was a kid, Easter was getting up before the sun rose so that we could go to the running brook (for the running water) and get a bucket of water before the sun came up. My mother believed that if Delores had this special water to drink it would make her well. But I guess it didn't work, she still had epileptic spells and passed away when she was 18. She was such a neat person! I wish my kids had known her. She was quite a storyteller, Gloria and I used to have her tell us a story every night when we went to bed. One story would never be enough. We always wanted more. And they were always made up.
She used to clean house for this Dr. that knew us well and with her paycheck buy dozens of hankies. I slept with her and she would have me stay up all night to crochet lace around them so that she could give them as gifts. I was around 7 and she was so proud of what I could do.
Sometimes she would decide to clean her room in the middle of the night and I would stay up to help her.
Enough of memories for one day, on to tomorrow!
Happy Easter!

Boy, Time sure doesn't stand still for no man, or woman!
Here it is March 30th and if I want to give xmas gifts I had better start working on it now! Everyone here is fine. I just love my dog, but I wish I could name him Sunny. I don't think it would be good to change his name though. He is 9 mos. old and is used to his own name "Dusty". It has been so rainy here that every time he comes in from outside he could use another bath. I've already given him 3 baths and thankfully he doesn't mind them. Now I have to think about clipping his nails. I am just thinking about it at this point. I know if I cut too far down, it will bleed like crazy, so I'm a little leary about doing it. Maybe I will take him to Buck's and let someone there do it. Sue didn't call today, she must have been busy. Gas here is so high, that we will have to win a lotto just to go visit. Wish she lived closer. Wish everyone lived closer. Oh well, you know the old saying - Wish in one hand, and s--- in the other, see which one gets filled the fastest.
Meanwhile- - - -
I just got through speaking with Kaitlin on the phone. It seems like its been forever since I have seen her. I would just love to hug them all! ! Well, time to empty the dishwasher and get our nightly ice cream. I have been so worried about the poison in dog food that I have been feeding Dusty regular food. He had mac, cheese and tuna for supper. I thought he was going to eat the bowl itself when it was all gone. He sure did like it! I gave him about 3/4 of a cup of it and that is all. I know he is a small dog and I don't want to overfeed him.
Gotta go! Love to all!

Well this is my third try, maybe I will get it right this time!
Beautiful day today, in the mid 70's! Hope we get many more of these.
But knowing IL, tomorrow it may be 0 with a blizzard. My garden has crocuses coming up and I can see purple flowers, so they may last.

I finally have a little dog. It is a schnauser! Julie gave it to us because she knew I just loved it and she has been afraid of it getting hit by a car when the boys bring it out. They seem to forget to watch it and it has gone in the road. He is a super good dog, Julie has done a good job of training him. Grampa and I just love him. We have to get him fixed, rabbi shot, licensed and clipped. He doesn't shed and has no bad odor to him. So, that helps!

Rachel, boy do we ever miss you and yours! You seem so far away!
Take care of yourself and enjoy your beautiful family. It helps to know you are happy with your job and doing good. Maybe Howard should work there too and you and he could take turns till all the kids are in school. Maybe that wouldn't work out either, who knows! I'll let you guys figure that out. You both have good brains, I need to go to bed, I just hope I made some sense somewhere. Remember, this is the third time I have done this tonight and I couldn't submit it cause they insisted I had the wrong password! ! I got another one now! Good-night!!Love you all.

Today Bob took 2 naps and I took 1! !
Now isn't that newsworthy? ?
See what happens when you reach that golden age? We woke up to sunshine mixed with snow and cooooooooollllddd winds. So decided to go to the store and get a free facial of cold packs on the cheeks, good job, came home with the rosiest cheeks ever and numb nose. Julie and Kerry went to Cancoun for a wk and have returned. Thought Wendy might come over today, but maybe tomorrow. I want a dog! ! One that we can handle. One to keep us awake. One to keep me company. Well, I have another great grandson, that makes it no. 17.
Grampa is trying to put windows XP back on his computer? It won't go in. He is complaining that nothing will help him!
Guess I will go back in the living room and work some more on the afghan.
Love you all! Bye ! !

Wendy and I arrived in R.I. on the 16th to absolutely no snow. It was warmer temps than IL. Got to see everyone and it was so nice seeing them again.
The plane ride back to IL was so smooth we both fell asleep at one point or another. Chicago was beautiful all lit up at night. It was also great coming home. I don't think it matters where you live, it is always good to get to your own home, bed and schedule. I will send pics as soon as I know how many to send at one time.
Love you all.

Gee last Saturday Buck visited us for awhile, and today Julie, Kerry and boys visited while DH fixed Julie's computer.  We are beginning to feel as if we are in the world of the living again.  Kinda nice!
Julie is coming tomorrow to pick up her comp.  
I am so proud, I am on the fourth panel of a five panel afghan!  Yeeaaay! !
The trouble with that, is that I now ache in my hands and arms.  But I did good, I also vacuumed every room in the house and have no dirty clothes to wash.  Dishes are done, then D. ate again and I have that mess to clean up!  I know, he should do it,  but I found it was easier for me to do then listen to him swear up a storm because he feels that I have insulted his manhood or something.  He still has the "Peter Pan Syndrome"!
And I don't care for the swearing!  I guess my being raised without a father makes me very nervous when that yelling or swearing starts.
We kind of had a quiet house, not even my brothers swore.  Roger still doesn't.
Well, guess I can't put it off any longer, I am going to go in the kitchen, clean up and go to bed and read!
Sorry it took so long for me to post this, but if I am on the computer too long during the day I get a bad headache.  
Good Night all!