Monday, April 9, 2018

Monday Musings

Greetings from the Chairman's wife!  How are you all?  I'm doing good!  But I've felt really cold.

You see we were just down to the desert southwest.  The weather was in the upper 80's for part of the time.  We soaked up sunshine and soaked our t-shirts with perspiration.  Well, I didn't.  Women glisten, right? 

We met up with friends of ours from here (can't get away from people you know), and we spent a couple days in Phoenix relaxing and hiking Camelback.  It was really really fun. 

The Chairman was sick the first 15 hours we were there.  I tend to not be a very sympathetic or caring nursemaid, but for some reason I really really wanted him better.  And thankfully, he did recover quickly. 

We then went on up to Sedona.  All I can say is WOW.  I LOVED Sedona.  The climbing.  The views.  The food.  We met up with yet some more of our friends from here who happened to be there at the same time.  (can't get away from people you know).  I posted a couple pictures on IG and FB in case you wanted to see.  I'm too lazy to add them tonight. 

Then we went to Sin City for 24 hours.  I'm glad it wasn't 25.  The accommodations the Chairman booked for us were quite honestly - the nicest I've ever stayed in.  But I'd much rather be crawling around on red rocks than walking around the midst of a mass of people who are gambling, watching shows, or wearing not enough clothes.  Thanks but no thanks.  I didn't even put a quarter in a slot machine. 

Anyway!  No one appreciates trips as much as the ones that went so that's enough recap of that. 

We were away from daughter #1 since her spring break was different than the other two.  She said it felt like a vacation to come home to a quiet house.  Well fine... be that way!  I missed her severely.  Thank goodness for Snapchat, text, FaceTime, and most every other form of technology we used.  I'm glad she can be with us for the next time away.

So it feels colder here now that we've enjoyed some warmth.  Why do we spend much on warm-weather clothes here in Dairyland when it is fall in five short months?  I think I'll invest more in sweaters and wool socks and just have a couple t-shirts. 

I don't do well eating out for several days.  My stomach knots up and I just yearn for home cooking again.  I loved getting back into the kitchen once we got home and have been cooking up a storm again.  I guess you could say I enjoy that. 

There's a new IKEA being built in our area.  I saw some pictures and was wondering just who is putting together all that furniture?  I wish they'd call me as that's one of my favorite hobbies.  I honestly would love to work there but I'd get fat on the Swedish meatballs.  Plus it's 45 minutes away from our house.

I feel like this is cheating by not posting any pictures... maybe next time? 

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Tuesday talk about post 1300

Wow.  Thirteen-hundred posts!  And I'll type up another one since all the members of the Chairman and co. are presently occupied with various things and no one is calling out my name.  Lets see how long it lasts. 

Have you ever bought glasses online?  We have used eyebuydirect.com twice now for two of the MYP.  They had a current prescription.  Glasses in one store were quoted at close to $400.  We don't have that kind of bills laying around to burn so we checked into on-line sources.  Both of the MYP bought TWO pairs of glasses that were delivered to the door that fit and looked great.  None of them even needed slight adjustments.  And it cost around $30 for both pairs.  This is not a paid endorsement but I like my friends to save money. 

I walk our neighborhood area daily.  I was secretly wishing they'd each open their doors and I could walk in and look around and see what the interior looked like in decor, cleanliness, and floor plan.  No one has really offered so I'll just keep walking by.  Some people keep all their blinds closed night and day.  Maybe it's because they know I'm nosy. 

The Chairman and our oldest took off for NYC last week on her spring break.  I was invited but declined the invite when I heard the itinerary.  I really was glad I declined when their outbound flight was cancelled and they grabbed a rental and drove 15 hours.  They had a splendid time, made lots of memories, and she even came home with a couple pairs of shoes.  So if you know her, you would know it was successful!  I missed them both by the second day.  Thank goodness for Facetime and text messaging!

My family likes food more and more spicy.  And if I make cookies, cinnamon rolls, muffins, you name it, after the first day no one will hardly touch them.  So frustrating!  If anyone wants a day-old lemon poppyseed muffin, stop on by!  I can't eat them all or I'll surely have a muffin top (and bottom).

I've had some ulcer-like stomach pains again.  Thank goodness for medicine that was prescribed last year.  However, the medicine says to take on an empty stomach four times a day.  The guidelines to make this ulcer go away says to eat five small meals a day.  You do the math and tell me when I can and cannot eat.  I figure there's a five minute window a couple times a day where it would work. 

We have a special week coming up again!  Several opportunities to be with some special people.  A special meeting.  Special feelings.  Spring is a special time around here.

Last week I was alone with daughter #1 and we had been shopping.  As we got into the car I looked over at her and her eyes were welled up with tears.  I suddenly felt really worried and my mind came up with about 13 reasons she was sad - from college to friends to sickness to emotional trauma to... you name it.  I'm calm like that.  Anyway, I said, "what's wrong?".  She then looked at me and said, "I'm just so glad you adopted me.  I see other adoptive families out there when I'm working or whatever and some of the parents look really weird.  I'm really glad you both are my parents."  Well my eyes welled with tears too.  I hugged her and we talked a little bit about how miraculous the match was that took place nearly 18 years ago on the other side of the world.  We're thankful that it wasn't just authorities involved but a much higher power. 

Well this is enough for post #1300.  There may be a break from regular programming next week as I won't be by the computer.  I won't forget you though! 



Monday, March 19, 2018

Monday Musings

Post #1299.  Kind of impressed aren't you?  Or not.   That's ok.  I still love you.

What's new with you?  Wish I could hear you.

We've had water in the basement.  I think this is the fifth time.  I try to practice what I preach and keep a nice attitude about me, but I nearly was ready to really give our plumber a piece of my mind after our issue was "fixed" and I went downstairs to water the very next day.  Luckily he finally fixed it.  Luckily he was kind as a little lamb.  And luckily he offered all his services without pay which I didn't allow happen lest I need him again.  So far, my socks have stayed dry since then.

Do you play Words with Friends?  Remember that Scrabble-like game?  Well I only play with my big sister and I noticed I've played 803 games so far.  I must need a life.  The MYP make fun of me but I can handle it because I have a lot of wordy-combacks to their sass. 

Ever since I can remember, every box of garbage bags say "now even stronger!!!".  I wonder how strong they really need to be?  What are people throwing into these bags that need such heft?  Anvils?  Cement blocks? 

I went to the dermatologist last week to have her look at some sketchy black moles.  I've been to the medical doctor for physicals but the dermatologist examination was way more invasive than my normal physical.  She left no skin unchecked!  Good thing I'm not the most private person out there.  And by the way, my moles are not scary ones.

I saw a mom out walking with a little one that looked about two years old.  She was on her phone talking and talking while the kid just sat there riding along in the stroller.  I shouldn't be judgmental but I sure wish she'd be telling her little one about the duckys in the pond or talking about the cars going by instead of blathering on and on with a friend about nonsense.  I was nearby long enough to know that's what it sounded like.

The other night I dreamt the Chairman sold his car for a giraffe.  He came home and showed me this enormous giraffe and said they were going off for a walk.  And because he didn't put this ginormous giraffe on a leash it walked out on a partially frozen pond and was going to drown.  I overheard the Chairman say that he was going to go to jail for animal cruelty.  I think I need to lay off spicy food too late in the day. 

I have a created a bracket for the March Madness basketball hoopla going on.  I notice a inverse correlation between how well my bracket does to how much I'm interested in it.  I'm not doing so well so I'm pretending I don't care. 

So this week is graduation picnic planning #2.  I feel like I just went through this.  Maybe it's because our first two are only 11 months apart.  I'm smart like that! 

Well this is probably enough for today.  Always nice to chat!  😊

Monday, March 12, 2018

Monday Musings

Here I am again!  Back in the drivers seat ready to Muse.  Lets see where this goes.

I feel like a contrarian this morning.  You know come September you see everything pumpkin spice?  Well it is nearly spring and I have had a hankering for pumpkin bundt cake.  One is currently baking in the oven.  Pumpkin spice... in the spring.  I feel so risque.  Maybe I'll do up some lemon bars in October.

So how's the time change going for you?  I enjoy the longer evenings but I certainly don't like walking around the house changing all the clocks - much less feeling like a truck hit me.  And I'm a morning person.  I remember it being brutal when we had babies and the time change was the night before our special meeting.  It's still brutal with teenagers.  On a Monday morning.

We've had water issues in the basement again.  Some 'float valve' isn't working.  In spite of that frustration, I'm very thankful we know a plumber that lives nearby.  As the water level was rising at 8:30 Saturday night I texted him a picture of the alarm going off and he immediately called with a temporary fix.  Because of the water issue, I can't do laundry until he comes.  I am enjoying the day off of folding socks.  But if he doesn't come over in the next day or so, I might be heading to the store to buy underwear for some family members since they tend to have a low inventory.  Heh.

As most of you know, our MYP came in rapid fire.  We return from China with child #1.  Two months later we welcome newborn #2.  Two years later newborn #3 is born to us.  Since #3 never liked being a baby and walked and talked before the age of one, we practically treated our MYP as triplets.

We ran the household with a military-precision schedule for a few years for my own sanity.  I sometimes wish I wouldn't have been so intense those days.  Soon school.  And lanky legs and crooked teeth and broken lamps.  Then a son that towers over me.  A fashionable daughter.  A graduation.  Another looming in a couple months.  Three drivers.

I was reading an article about the 20 truths of teenagers.  Yes, they will make mistakes.  Yes, they may dent your car.  Yes, they leave humongous shoes and backpacks strewn all over the house.  Yes they go to bed too late.  Yes, they have a sometimes-snarky comeback to a soft suggestion.  It's kind of like riding a roller coaster you can't get off.  Whooo-eee! 

So the days go on, I feel myself wanting to once again freeze time.   Some of the time they have their friends here.  This weekend we had one come for one night and two the next.  All different teens.  They are often gone - sometimes for entire weekends.  But I love, love to have the bedrooms full and them all home again.  I love our nearly adult conversations with them.  I love that we not only love them, but we like them.  They haven't left but I miss them already.

Well if you will excuse me, I've got a delicious cake coming out of the oven.  It smells like fall in here.  Heh


Thursday, March 8, 2018

Thursday Thoughts

Did you miss me?  Or maybe I should say, is anyone still stopping by?  Did you think the earth was flat and I fell off the edge?  Or maybe you thought that something was dreadfully wrong here at the Chairman and co.

The answer is simply I didn't take the time to sit down and type anything.  Maybe it was winter doldrums.  Maybe I'm as lazy as I appear sometimes.  Anyway!  I've been thinking of you all and missed writing so will just pen some thoughts.

We are feeling the empty nest already and the birds haven't fledged.  It comes gradually.  College classes, jobs, and extra-curriculars cause the MYP to come and go more and more.  I counted up and one of the MYP was only with us for the evening meal twice last week.  And for some reason, they all are calling it "dinner" not "supper".  It's frustrating but there's bigger things to worry about.

I purposely buy candy the MYP don't like.  That way it doesn't disappear so quickly.  I'm thoughtful like that.

We all took the five love languages test.  I recommend it to any family.  The Chairman's love language is touch.  Mine is acts of service.  In case you were interested.  So if I keep rubbing his head will he empty the dishwasher?  That would be an interesting sight.

Did you know if you get a steam stain on wood you are to fix it with running an iron over it?  That seems so counter-intuitive it makes my head spin.  But it does work.

Some think crocus or daffodils blooming are the first signs of spring.  For me it has been and always will be the first robin I see.  For some reason it just makes me feel all happy inside to see them back.

Today's news said that we live in the 2nd drunkest state in the union.  North Dakota beat us.  I like people from North Dakota and I don't think I've met a drunk one.

I quit sorting my clothes.  I just dump them all in one load and haven't had an issue.  Is that weird?  I do wash towels and sheets separately though.

I was at Goodwill today and saw a skirt that looked like something I would like.  I paused to look and realized it was one of the ones I donated a couple weeks ago.  I must still like the same style.  heh.

I currently have family in Hawaii.  They are sending beautiful pictures of beaches and sunsets and even a huge bale of turtles (I looked that word up).   See?  You can learn things if you read the Chairman and co.!  I digress.  Anyway!  I think they are subliminally bragging with those pictures.  And yes, I have some envy.

I read the 20 things you can do wrong while you shower.  I do 11 of them so I wonder if I don't smell good?  Let me know if something is amiss.

Do any of you have three teenagers in your home right now?  You may know how if feels like.  One day you feel like it is rainbows and sunshine and all that is good and they are only going to bring joy and do great things in the future.  And the next day it feels like they all may end up in prison.  Not really that... but I'm so incredibly glad the Chairman and I are a team navigating these uncharted waters of life.

Today is International Women's Day!  Hooray!  Yay!  Let's celebrate!  Or not.  I'm a stay-at-home mother these days.  I kinda run the gamut around here - operational wise and to the masses I probably am not contributing enough to society.  That's ok because I'm very, very thankful for what I get to do.  I just wonder what day will be International Men's Day because I think they deserve the same recognition.  Now excuse me while I fall off my soap box.

I was with someone recently that hasn't had the easiest road lately.  But she is continually thinking and doing for others.  And I left with the feeling that really the secret to true joy is thinking about others more than yourself.  It's basic but still so incredible to think about.

Well this is enough for today!  I may return to regular programming...!  And maybe even throw in some pictures for fun.


Thursday, January 4, 2018

It's been a month

Sorry I haven't blogged!  I either didn't feel like it, was too busy, or I was sick.  I'll try to bullet some thoughts as condensed as my fingers will allow.

I've been sick.  Nothing serious.  A head cold that decided to race down to my chest and vocal chords almost immediately.  I've had little or no voice for a week.  I sound like I have liked a lot of Marlboro's in the past.

I had the privilege of babysitting our little near-six month old friend recently for two days.  He's sugar-coated honey bombs.  Swoon.

We hear often of the bad moms of Walmart that scream at their kids for a no-good reason.  Well I witnessed several really good moms at Costco.  Quiet discipline.  Healthy snacks.  Happy children. 

My Bosch (bread machine) was in for repairs since I wore out its transmission.  Who knew mixers have transmissions?  I do now.  And for $177 (including shipping) it is back and working its magic.  I was embarrassingly happy when it returned.

I follow some sites of sick or injured children on Facebook.  It's fascinating and heartbreaking to see what these parents go through for their children. 

It's been super-de-duper cold here.  But the map says we're not alone.  The wood stove pumps out warmth and cozy vibes.  And another cord of wood will be delivered tomorrow morning to ensure we don't die of hypothermia.

I know many creatures big and small hibernate in the winter.  I think our cat has too.  He basically sleeps 22 hours a day and complains the other two hours he's awake.  He does go outside but not for long.

We had many loved ones in and out of our home and we were at other's homes for almost a week straight.  Some were friends.  Some were family.  Both loved the same.  It was so so nice.  And such a balm after losing my dear dad this year.  Yes, life moves on but it is nice to be surrounded by people that loved him just like you do. 

You know it was a very positive experience with family when the last day you are together of many days and you are talking where/when to make it happen in another year.

I don't know the future of the blog.  I seem to be posting more on Instagram and sometimes Facebook and maybe that fills my social media quota which makes me want to post less.  I don't know.  I still like writing though so we'll see what develops.

Happy 2018!







Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Words this Wednesday

I'll try to make my words few.  I don't think anyone likes reading too much these days. 

The other day I was wishing I had a new hairdo.  Most of my friends also have long hair and I was thinking it would be fun to spend a few hours together sometime and each of us help the other come up with a new hairdo or two.  Definitely lunch would be included.  I might just ask a few trusted friends to see if I'm still on my rocker with that idea.  Some do spa days.  We could just bring a dish to pass and some hair pins! 

I am OCD in case you were interested.  I have such a love/hate relationship with puzzles.  We started a 500-piece one the other day.  I was getting so close to getting it complete and went to bed.  Woke up at 3'ish with some heavy things on my mind and wandered out to the living room to finish it.  Only took until 4:30 and I was also able to mentally sort out some of the heavy things and went to bed.  I have another one ready to start.  I'm scared to because I will once again work until it's done. 

However!  I did just put a Rubik's cube back to it's colorful order!  Youtube is amazing.

Have I told you about the Instant Pot?  Oh I have?  Can I gush again about how much I love it?  Venison roast is fork tender.  Homemade macaroni and cheese is creamy, delicious, and done in just minutes.  Soups?  No matter the kind, they are delicious.  Honey sesame chicken?  Oh my!  And I just steamed up nearly a dozen farm-fresh eggs and the shells slipped off with ease for a big bowl of egg salad after just a few minutes.  You'd think my house would be spotless for all the time I'm saving.

Speaking of food.  I kind of like to bait and switch on Facebook just to get a giggle out of some comments.  I sliced up some liver yesterday for our dinnertime meal.  It came from a convention meat day and I knew the quality would be good.  Well my Facebook friends are quite passionate about liver in a really, really bad way.  But what's not to love?  There's first bacon fried.  Everything is good with bacon!  Then some onions done in the bacon grease.  Then you add the lightly dredged liver.  It was actually almost good.  I eat it because my iron levels struggle to be in the normal range.  And the flavor takes me back to my growing-up years when we would sit around the table and watch my dad eat it down like it was delicacies for a king.  There is one caveat.  I ate some of the leftovers this noon and it wasn't quite as appealing.

Our son just ordered eyeglasses off the internet for literally a fraction of the cost of ones you can buy at an eyeglass store.  If you see him running into walls, that probably means they sent the wrong prescription.

Yesterday our dear Lisi celebrated her 70th birthday.  Or tenth if you count it in people years.  She's aging before our eyes.  She groans even with joint medicine.  She sometimes doesn't want to hardly go on our daily walks.  She's already outlived Lincoln - our first golden - by four months,  I hope we still have a year or two with her.  Yet it is hard to see our sweet golden girl show signs of aging.  She probably is thinking the same thing about me.

I've been made aware of late about someone that passed away.  Someone that is struggling with a new diagnosis.  Some that are struggling with their marriage.  Some that have added a new baby to their family which brings joy as well as exhaustion.  I so wish I could "fix" or "help" the issues others are facing.  But all we can do is tend our own garden.  And hope our branches go over the wall. 

Chat with you later.