Monday was a busy day; typical errands and also a trip to the vet to get flea stuff for Penny. I found one flea on her Sunday. The reason I went looking was because I have an severe allergy to fleas and was showing symptoms of that allergy, that being bites on my ankles and feet! Gross.. gross.. gross.. not to mention ITCHY. So come Monday morning, I was on the phone first thing with the vet to get Advantage for Penny. I bought a Hartz flea spray at the store and started spraying things Monday evening into the night. I don’t think sprays are as harmful to humans as years ago because we had to vacate each room for only an hour.
Turns out that while I found a flea on Penny, there was little other evidence of them. Her white fur and skin had absolutely no dark spots of flea poop. The blanket where she usually lays had 4 dark spots of what I would label flea poop, but it could have been regular dirt. Nonetheless, my ankles and lower legs were looking like a dozen mosquitoes had attacked me so I deflead with a vengeance, including moving and spraying the shelters we have set up for the feral cats and spraying the slate outside the back door.
It took me two days to figure out that what fleas might be in the house came not from us bringing them in from the ferals but from rental apartment #2, recently vacated by the tenant who had to be evicted for non-payment of rent. She was a dirty slob and her dog was infested with fleas, which both Ron and I “picked up” when we went to the apartment (twice!). I think Ron kind of pooh-poohed my opinion of where the fleas came from until today when tenant in apartment #3 called to say that fleas were coming out from under the door and into the hallway and she and her friend became covered with them when they came downstairs to the common hallway. GROSS!!!
I didn’t freak, but immediately called Ron and told him under no circumstances was he to go to the apartment house and then come home, unless he was willing to take off his clothes outside and leave them there for me to spray!.... maybe spray him too. LOL
So today – Wednesday – I again cleaned thoroughly, spraying, vacuuming, washing in hot water all our blankets and bed linens, just in case, as well as the throws in the TV room. I assume Ron thinks I’m going overboard, but let HIM itch like crazy as I have, and then he’ll understand. Thankfully Penny has no fleas on her. Poor kitty gets checked hourly by me. LOL
Yesterday was an Ember day. Got there and Michele said we have to take Em to the doctor. Em had been sick over the weekend. It was thought she had a UTI. On doc’s instructions, Tony and Michele took Em to the ER Friday evening because she was running a high fever, could not urinate and was complaining that her “potty” hurt, while clutching herself between her legs.
The bastards in the ER tried for 30 minutes to put a catheter in Ember, while Michele and Tony held her down. Em was sobbing hysterically the entire time. Michele finally directed them to stop and figure out another way to have Em pee. She was sent home with a catch cup pasted over her genitalia, but it took 11 hours before she peed in such a way that the urine went into the cup rather than her diapers. Though the UTI test takes two days for results, Em was put on an antibiotic anyway.
Long story short is by Tuesday, she no longer had a fever and was peeing in her diapers just fine, but she had a rash all over her body; hence the trip to the doctor. The final diagnosis is that Em did not have a UTI (and was taken off the antibiotic) but probably had had a virus of some sort which caused the fever and the rash. The doctor didn’t think it had anything to do with her peeing problem. After the doc appt., Em and I drove Michele into work in downtown Albany and then came home for lunch.
It had been a busy morning, but not so busy that Em didn’t protest napping. Too bad. Grandma needed her to nap and she finally slept for 2 hours.
I’m pissed at Ron. I spent hours cleaning this morning. First a good vacuum and dusting was needed but I also did an extra good job to suck up any flea eggs and larva that might be in the rugs. Granted, I probably went overboard, but that’s better than not caring at all. Ron wouldn’t care if I cleaned once a day or once a month, but his lack of care doesn’t mean he should ignore or disrespect my efforts to keep this never-looks-clean-anyway old house clean, and that’s what he did today. I was so pissed that I walked away without lunch and came upstairs to write about it! LOL Damn good thing he’s got to work at Elks tonight because I wouldn’t be cooking for him anyway.
Exercise: I’ve been doing the Leslie Sansone DVDs about every 2nd day.
Gas prices: They are down in Greenville, finally, to about $4.099.
Today’s weather: All weekend long it rained up and off, leading up to big thunderstorms Sunday. Here in Greenville we got real bad winds, but just south of us in Cairo, winds up to 110 MPH went through knocking down trees and causing a lot of damage. Yesterday and today it’s been lovely. Sun, bright blue sky and low humidity with high temps.
Life changes: The more things change, the more they stay the same. I think hell will freeze over before men will appreciate and acknowledge the importance of the work that it takes to keep a household running. I'm not happy, and when momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy where I live!!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
It's Friday
It was a gorgeous day today. The sun was out. The sky was blue. The temps went the low 80s and the humidity was decent. It’s July 25 already, but we’ve still got a week left in the month and the entire month of August and, with any luck, at least half of September before thoughts turn seriously to winter. Yeahhhhh!!
Yesterday with Ember was exhausting for me. She did take nap for almost 2 hours, which gave me a much-needed break. Em wasn’t difficult or “bad.” She was actually easy-going and pretty much agreeable. Nonetheless, it is extremely tiring to be constantly up as is necessary when with a 2+ year old. The activity, the chatter – God, the constant chatter – is so wearing.
Ron had been in Albany around lunchtime for blood work and drove up to have lunch with Em and me. He is constantly amazed at her ever expanding vocabulary and complicated sentences. She lived up to her nickname of Motor Mouth, but it’s said with pride because she does speak at a level equal to a child of 3 years old. Other kids her age are typically using 3, 4 and 5-word sentences, composed of simple words. Em is saying/asking things like, “Why is the air conditioner (conditioner is rather garbled) making so much noise, Gramma?” And she will listen to the answer that it’s the motor inside the air conditioner making a lot of noise. Which prompts her to ask. “Whassa motor?”
She can count to 20+ now. She’s been counting to 15 for months, but there are numbers beyond. Last week I introduced 15 on up to 20. Quickly learned, she then applied the principle and went on to say 21, 22, 23, 24. She’s also grasping the concept that counting tracks how many of something she has. She’ll count her hot wheel cars, correctly separating 4 cars from the rest. Above 4 of anything, though, she just grabs a bunch and says, “Now I’ve got 5!”
She loves to write and draw. Right now her favorite thing to draw is a whale. “I made a whale, Gramma,” which is pretty neat and sorta looks like one, but what is seriously significant is she’ll put an eye and a mouth on it. Facial features is not something a child her age does.
I love it all…it makes me oh so tired some days.
The ad for the hotrod hit the printed edition of Want Ad Digest yesterday, and last night we got a call about it. The man came today to look at it. He said he’d call Ron if interested, but I got the feeling that his interest isn’t that great. Oh well.
It’s been a slow day today. A fun day. Did laundry; stripped/remade bed; ran a couple of errands; watched some TV of DVR-saved shows. Made a simple casserole of ziti and beef for supper plus a salad and had all wash-by-hand dishes done before we sat down to eat.
Exercise – Did a 2-mile Leslie Sansone DVD. I’m achy but feeling good.
Gas prices – Cumberland in Greenville is down to $4.179. Not that great considering 22 miles away, Cumberland in Glenmont is $4.059.
Today’s weather – Beautiful day today. Sunny, warm, low humidity.
Life lessons – A life lesson that took me years to learn, but is now instilled, is not to get my hopes up. This lesson was put to good use when the hotrod didn’t sell today. Though the potential buyer said he’d think about it and get back to Ron, it means nothing.
Yesterday with Ember was exhausting for me. She did take nap for almost 2 hours, which gave me a much-needed break. Em wasn’t difficult or “bad.” She was actually easy-going and pretty much agreeable. Nonetheless, it is extremely tiring to be constantly up as is necessary when with a 2+ year old. The activity, the chatter – God, the constant chatter – is so wearing.
Ron had been in Albany around lunchtime for blood work and drove up to have lunch with Em and me. He is constantly amazed at her ever expanding vocabulary and complicated sentences. She lived up to her nickname of Motor Mouth, but it’s said with pride because she does speak at a level equal to a child of 3 years old. Other kids her age are typically using 3, 4 and 5-word sentences, composed of simple words. Em is saying/asking things like, “Why is the air conditioner (conditioner is rather garbled) making so much noise, Gramma?” And she will listen to the answer that it’s the motor inside the air conditioner making a lot of noise. Which prompts her to ask. “Whassa motor?”
She can count to 20+ now. She’s been counting to 15 for months, but there are numbers beyond. Last week I introduced 15 on up to 20. Quickly learned, she then applied the principle and went on to say 21, 22, 23, 24. She’s also grasping the concept that counting tracks how many of something she has. She’ll count her hot wheel cars, correctly separating 4 cars from the rest. Above 4 of anything, though, she just grabs a bunch and says, “Now I’ve got 5!”
She loves to write and draw. Right now her favorite thing to draw is a whale. “I made a whale, Gramma,” which is pretty neat and sorta looks like one, but what is seriously significant is she’ll put an eye and a mouth on it. Facial features is not something a child her age does.
I love it all…it makes me oh so tired some days.
The ad for the hotrod hit the printed edition of Want Ad Digest yesterday, and last night we got a call about it. The man came today to look at it. He said he’d call Ron if interested, but I got the feeling that his interest isn’t that great. Oh well.
It’s been a slow day today. A fun day. Did laundry; stripped/remade bed; ran a couple of errands; watched some TV of DVR-saved shows. Made a simple casserole of ziti and beef for supper plus a salad and had all wash-by-hand dishes done before we sat down to eat.
Exercise – Did a 2-mile Leslie Sansone DVD. I’m achy but feeling good.
Gas prices – Cumberland in Greenville is down to $4.179. Not that great considering 22 miles away, Cumberland in Glenmont is $4.059.
Today’s weather – Beautiful day today. Sunny, warm, low humidity.
Life lessons – A life lesson that took me years to learn, but is now instilled, is not to get my hopes up. This lesson was put to good use when the hotrod didn’t sell today. Though the potential buyer said he’d think about it and get back to Ron, it means nothing.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Rainy Day
We’ve had rain on and off the past couple of days, with last night and today being totally on. It’s OK. Actually, it’s very welcome. The rain has been sorely needed, and it’s been sunny for so long, that it’s nice having an overcast day for a change. It changes my whole mood and often prompts me to clean and sort through things, which is what I’ve been doing this morning.
Sunday I helped Ron fill holes in the driveway with gravel. It was freakin’ hot, but since I wasn’t doing much work inside the house I thought I’d give him a hand. I often wonder why he has so many toys, but the backhoe certainly came in handy for lugging around loads of gravel. We’ve got a very long driveway, winding around back to the woods. The job was made much easier with Ron being able to load the front of the backhoe with gravel and then us shoveling it out at each stop. Now we no longer go galump when turning off the road into the driveway. The big hole is gone!
Sunday afternoon Ron drove the bucket truck to the farm to help Michael do something on the barn he’s building. Unfortunately an air hose broke. Without air, the brakes don’t come off. They were able to jerry rig the problem, but Ron didn’t want to drive it home until it was repaired permanently. Good thing I had driven my car up later.
Monday… what DID I do Monday? Nothing other than laundry, getting cobwebs and dusting. It was sooooo hot.
Yesterday with Em was not the best day in the world. She had a total meltdown as we were leaving Target. This is very unusual for her; the first time with me. I decided she was thirsty and had low blood sugar. She had eaten very little breakfast. In the car in the parking lot, she drank two juice boxes of a mix of apple and white grape juices and within 10 minutes, her entire mood had changed.
It’s been decided to potty train Em. ::sigh:: I’m told that Monday of this week each time she had to pee she told her other grandma. I have my doubts. I’m game for most anything, though, so once we were back from our morning jaunt to Target and the park, and after her nap (ha! Nap? She never did sleep.), I put her in underpants. The child could care less. She was uninterested and unimpressed by any of the kid-patterned underwear. She didn’t care they might be more comfy than Pull-ups. And to prove her disinterest in peeing on the potty, she peed not once but twice within 40 minutes of each other, requiring a clean-up of her and where she peed as well as rinsing out the clothes. To give her credit, the first time she peed, she started yelling, “Gramma, I pee,” and held some of it back until I rushed her to the potty, where she finished. But I’m telling the entire world here that this little girl is not at all interested. She is physically ready, usually peeing only 2 or 3 times during the day, but mentally and emotionally she is into learning, playing and just being a 2-1/3 year old toddler.
Tomorrow is another day. Maybe she’ll be up to it.
Exercise – I’ve been walking to the Leslie Sansone DVDs. I’ve done her exercise program for years as a substitute for walking outside. I think they give a better workout anyway than just walking.
Gas prices – They’re DOWN!!!!! Of course Greenville is less down than others, but the Cumberland in Glenmont had gas for $4.099 yesterday.
Weather – It’s been hot and humid for days. We’ve had late afternoon showers and t-storms the past few days, with yesterday (Tuesday) being the worst. Lots of wind and rain. We woke up to rain this morning. It was a refreshing change, despite the fact that it’s left the air clammy feeling.
Life changes - This one's for Ember. She's all happy in her pull-ups. Hell, she doesn't know she should strive to pee anywhere but where she's done it her entire life. Then the adults in her life decide, "It's time," and she's got to pee in something. What a drag.
Sunday I helped Ron fill holes in the driveway with gravel. It was freakin’ hot, but since I wasn’t doing much work inside the house I thought I’d give him a hand. I often wonder why he has so many toys, but the backhoe certainly came in handy for lugging around loads of gravel. We’ve got a very long driveway, winding around back to the woods. The job was made much easier with Ron being able to load the front of the backhoe with gravel and then us shoveling it out at each stop. Now we no longer go galump when turning off the road into the driveway. The big hole is gone!
Sunday afternoon Ron drove the bucket truck to the farm to help Michael do something on the barn he’s building. Unfortunately an air hose broke. Without air, the brakes don’t come off. They were able to jerry rig the problem, but Ron didn’t want to drive it home until it was repaired permanently. Good thing I had driven my car up later.
Monday… what DID I do Monday? Nothing other than laundry, getting cobwebs and dusting. It was sooooo hot.
Yesterday with Em was not the best day in the world. She had a total meltdown as we were leaving Target. This is very unusual for her; the first time with me. I decided she was thirsty and had low blood sugar. She had eaten very little breakfast. In the car in the parking lot, she drank two juice boxes of a mix of apple and white grape juices and within 10 minutes, her entire mood had changed.
It’s been decided to potty train Em. ::sigh:: I’m told that Monday of this week each time she had to pee she told her other grandma. I have my doubts. I’m game for most anything, though, so once we were back from our morning jaunt to Target and the park, and after her nap (ha! Nap? She never did sleep.), I put her in underpants. The child could care less. She was uninterested and unimpressed by any of the kid-patterned underwear. She didn’t care they might be more comfy than Pull-ups. And to prove her disinterest in peeing on the potty, she peed not once but twice within 40 minutes of each other, requiring a clean-up of her and where she peed as well as rinsing out the clothes. To give her credit, the first time she peed, she started yelling, “Gramma, I pee,” and held some of it back until I rushed her to the potty, where she finished. But I’m telling the entire world here that this little girl is not at all interested. She is physically ready, usually peeing only 2 or 3 times during the day, but mentally and emotionally she is into learning, playing and just being a 2-1/3 year old toddler.
Tomorrow is another day. Maybe she’ll be up to it.
Exercise – I’ve been walking to the Leslie Sansone DVDs. I’ve done her exercise program for years as a substitute for walking outside. I think they give a better workout anyway than just walking.
Gas prices – They’re DOWN!!!!! Of course Greenville is less down than others, but the Cumberland in Glenmont had gas for $4.099 yesterday.
Weather – It’s been hot and humid for days. We’ve had late afternoon showers and t-storms the past few days, with yesterday (Tuesday) being the worst. Lots of wind and rain. We woke up to rain this morning. It was a refreshing change, despite the fact that it’s left the air clammy feeling.
Life changes - This one's for Ember. She's all happy in her pull-ups. Hell, she doesn't know she should strive to pee anywhere but where she's done it her entire life. Then the adults in her life decide, "It's time," and she's got to pee in something. What a drag.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Where did the week go? Had Em Thursday. Right after b’fast we drove to Troy to place the ad for Ron’s hotrod in the Want Ad Digest, then we went to the park in Green Island. It was only shortly after 9 AM, but I wanted Ember to get her play in before it got too hot.
Come naptime she wasn’t tired, so after 45 minutes of fooling around, I packed her up and we went to her house where Tony lives. She was VERY proud to show me all around. “This is my bedroom. This is my bafroom.” Apparently Thursday was not going to be a nap day because she didn’t sleep at her Cohoes home either. Eventually we went for a short walk around the neighborhood and then settled down with Play-Doh. That child loves Play-Doh.
Friday… hmm… Friday.. that was just yesterday. What DID I do? Oh, Penny had a trip to the vet for her rabies vaccination and a look see at her ears and the small patch on her head where hair is missing. Ears are fine; patch on head is nothing. I also did some laundry, got mail and went to the library.
Today – Saturday – I was a slug and loved it. Ron helped out cleaning up garbage at a trout stream in Columbia County. I stayed in bed until shortly after 9 and when I did get up, I slowly did a few chores: cleaning bathroom, ironing, emptying dishwasher. I spent the rest of the day reading and watching TV in the A/C. The only time I was outside was when I fed the feral cats.
Gas prices – They’re going down.. another 2 cents.
Exercise – It’s not happening.
Today’s weather – Hot hot hot. Storms all around us but nothing here.
Life lesson – It’s good to take a day off and just relax without feeling obligated to do anything.
Come naptime she wasn’t tired, so after 45 minutes of fooling around, I packed her up and we went to her house where Tony lives. She was VERY proud to show me all around. “This is my bedroom. This is my bafroom.” Apparently Thursday was not going to be a nap day because she didn’t sleep at her Cohoes home either. Eventually we went for a short walk around the neighborhood and then settled down with Play-Doh. That child loves Play-Doh.
Friday… hmm… Friday.. that was just yesterday. What DID I do? Oh, Penny had a trip to the vet for her rabies vaccination and a look see at her ears and the small patch on her head where hair is missing. Ears are fine; patch on head is nothing. I also did some laundry, got mail and went to the library.
Today – Saturday – I was a slug and loved it. Ron helped out cleaning up garbage at a trout stream in Columbia County. I stayed in bed until shortly after 9 and when I did get up, I slowly did a few chores: cleaning bathroom, ironing, emptying dishwasher. I spent the rest of the day reading and watching TV in the A/C. The only time I was outside was when I fed the feral cats.
Gas prices – They’re going down.. another 2 cents.
Exercise – It’s not happening.
Today’s weather – Hot hot hot. Storms all around us but nothing here.
Life lesson – It’s good to take a day off and just relax without feeling obligated to do anything.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Just Another Wednesday
Em spent her first night at Daddy's and Em's house last night. We're all making a point of not just saying, "Daddy's house," or "Mommy's house." Words do count, and if both parents' homes are referred to as just Mommy’s or Daddy’s, then where is Em in all of it? So each house is called Daddy and Em's or Mommy and Em's. We're making somewhat of a big deal out Em now having two GREAT places to sleep and play and live. Michele wrote that Em had no problem sleeping in her new bed at Tony’s place last night, which actually doesn’t surprise any of us because she does adjust very well.
Yesterday I had Em. We went to Jeannie’s and got some stuff for Tony and then Judy, Jeannie, Em and I went to lunch at Wayne B’s new place on Route 9, just south of Round Lake. We ate on the patio out back. It’s cute and comfortable and we had a good time. Em, though, ran away .. through the patio, out onto the lawn and toward the woods! She stops for nobody. Good thing I can still run faster than her. I gave her padded behind one quick wallop and marched her to a chair for a time out. She cried and pouted and then got very angry at me. All these emotions were all over her face. When she settled down, I let her sit on my lap and she said she was sorry and we kissed and hugged. Thing is, I know she’d do it again. Very frustrating as well as scary.
Below are a few pics of Em I took yesterday.
Today I had an appt with my gastro doc. Just a follow up to the lymphocytic colitis. The med is helping, even down to one a day from three. On September 1, I stop it entirely and see what happens.
After doc, ran a couple of errands with Ron and then to lunch at TGIF.
Today was a day I just wanted to go to the doctor and come home. I figured I’d be home by 11… 11:15 at the latest. We didn’t get home until 2:30.
Gas prices: They’re dropping in the Albany/Clifton Park area – down to $4.139 at some stations. Down here in Greenville, still at $4.259 or $4.239.
Today’s weather – Hot and sunny. Nice day.
Yesterday I had Em. We went to Jeannie’s and got some stuff for Tony and then Judy, Jeannie, Em and I went to lunch at Wayne B’s new place on Route 9, just south of Round Lake. We ate on the patio out back. It’s cute and comfortable and we had a good time. Em, though, ran away .. through the patio, out onto the lawn and toward the woods! She stops for nobody. Good thing I can still run faster than her. I gave her padded behind one quick wallop and marched her to a chair for a time out. She cried and pouted and then got very angry at me. All these emotions were all over her face. When she settled down, I let her sit on my lap and she said she was sorry and we kissed and hugged. Thing is, I know she’d do it again. Very frustrating as well as scary.
Below are a few pics of Em I took yesterday.
Today I had an appt with my gastro doc. Just a follow up to the lymphocytic colitis. The med is helping, even down to one a day from three. On September 1, I stop it entirely and see what happens.
After doc, ran a couple of errands with Ron and then to lunch at TGIF.
Today was a day I just wanted to go to the doctor and come home. I figured I’d be home by 11… 11:15 at the latest. We didn’t get home until 2:30.
Gas prices: They’re dropping in the Albany/Clifton Park area – down to $4.139 at some stations. Down here in Greenville, still at $4.259 or $4.239.
Today’s weather – Hot and sunny. Nice day.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Overcast Sunday
Long hot day yesterday. Ron and I helped Tony & Michele move Tony into his new apartment. T&M did most of the heavy work. I carried kitchen chairs and bags from the store. Ron did very little heavy work, spending time in the truck bed arranging furniture for maximum fit.
Tony’s new place is nice. I’d live there except it’s on the 2nd floor. The neighborhood is quiet and nice. The houses are small but well maintained with lots of flowers and manicured lawns. Tony’s apartment is smallish but the rooms are good size, with Em’s bedroom being the smallest. Her full size bed, with the box spring and mattress put on the floor in case she falls out of bed, and dresser fit easily with room left over for a small toy box and walking. There’s an enclosed grassy backyard Em can play in when with daddy. Tony’s landlord is also his boss so it should be interesting. LOL
It is what it is. I’m less upset now that I’ve seen the new apartment.
It appears I’ll do most of Ember care at Michele’s place. The mornings after Em has been with Tony, he'll drop her off at Michele's for the grandmas to care for. That’s fine. It’s closer by 10 or 12 minutes to getting home.
As the pictures below tell, Em had a good time here in Greenville on Thursday into Friday. The $3.00 I spent on the bug catching equipment and cage were well worth it because she had a ball catching bugs. Actually, grandma did most of the work of catching, but Em was a big help in saying, “There’s one, gramma. Get it!” LOL The pics show her intense interest in watching them as they roamed the cage floor.
She’s such a darling child. As cute as she is, she’s that much smarter. I suspect the most worry we’ll have when she reaches school is her being bored. Time will tell.
Today – Sunday – kind of a lazy day, with me doing household chores not done the past three days because of Em’s visit and helping to move Tony. I’m not at all enthusiastic about cleaning anything but I’ve done some and in my book, that counts!
Tonight dinner at Elsie’s. I’m torn about going. I’d like some alone/down time. I’ll see how I feel in a couple of hours.
Gas prices – Greenville prices remains the same: $4.259 or $4.239, depending on the station. North a little bit by 25 to 35 miles, gas prices are as low as $4.149.
Today’s weather – Thursday, Friday & Saturday were nice days. Saturday was VERY hot and humid. Today it’s humid; about 75 degrees; and overcast. Showers are predicted.
Life changes – Separation is a big change. It affects not only the couple separating, but all the family and friends who are part of their lives. I hope that Ember remains unscathed.
Tony’s new place is nice. I’d live there except it’s on the 2nd floor. The neighborhood is quiet and nice. The houses are small but well maintained with lots of flowers and manicured lawns. Tony’s apartment is smallish but the rooms are good size, with Em’s bedroom being the smallest. Her full size bed, with the box spring and mattress put on the floor in case she falls out of bed, and dresser fit easily with room left over for a small toy box and walking. There’s an enclosed grassy backyard Em can play in when with daddy. Tony’s landlord is also his boss so it should be interesting. LOL
It is what it is. I’m less upset now that I’ve seen the new apartment.
It appears I’ll do most of Ember care at Michele’s place. The mornings after Em has been with Tony, he'll drop her off at Michele's for the grandmas to care for. That’s fine. It’s closer by 10 or 12 minutes to getting home.
As the pictures below tell, Em had a good time here in Greenville on Thursday into Friday. The $3.00 I spent on the bug catching equipment and cage were well worth it because she had a ball catching bugs. Actually, grandma did most of the work of catching, but Em was a big help in saying, “There’s one, gramma. Get it!” LOL The pics show her intense interest in watching them as they roamed the cage floor.
She’s such a darling child. As cute as she is, she’s that much smarter. I suspect the most worry we’ll have when she reaches school is her being bored. Time will tell.
Today – Sunday – kind of a lazy day, with me doing household chores not done the past three days because of Em’s visit and helping to move Tony. I’m not at all enthusiastic about cleaning anything but I’ve done some and in my book, that counts!
Tonight dinner at Elsie’s. I’m torn about going. I’d like some alone/down time. I’ll see how I feel in a couple of hours.
Gas prices – Greenville prices remains the same: $4.259 or $4.239, depending on the station. North a little bit by 25 to 35 miles, gas prices are as low as $4.149.
Today’s weather – Thursday, Friday & Saturday were nice days. Saturday was VERY hot and humid. Today it’s humid; about 75 degrees; and overcast. Showers are predicted.
Life changes – Separation is a big change. It affects not only the couple separating, but all the family and friends who are part of their lives. I hope that Ember remains unscathed.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Em on July 4th
Walking down the street looking oh so confident.
Having fun at maternal grandma's house.
Happy happy Ember!!
Tony moves into his new place on Saturday, and Ron and I are helping. My heart is still breaking, but I’m getting over it. It is what it is, and all I can do is love all of them – Tony, Michele and Em – as I always have. Who knows how long this will last as it is… with me doing Ember care at Michele’s house. After all, I’m the mother of her estranged husband, and the only certainty is change. I do hope that Michele and I can continue the friendly relationship we have because it is the best thing for Ember.
I shopped this afternoon at two dollar stores buying things for Tony’s new place. I got a lot of things but money really doesn’t go far, even in dollar stores, and he needs a lot more. He’s going to be totally surprised when he starts stocking his house.
Tonight is court night to get the eviction for the tenant who is over two months behind in rent. Ron has put up with this since September of last year but finally realizes that enough is enough, especially since she is not only behind in rent, she is trashing the place. He’ll have a lot of work to do to get it in rentable condition.
I’m bringing Em down tomorrow to spend the night. I’ve got a couple of busy days ahead, and she’ll get a workout, that’s for sure. I also plan on introducing her to cleaning! Her mom and dad are bad housekeepers. At Em’s age, it’s time to let her dust a few things and vacuum the floors. Kids this age love to help and everything is a lesson learned. We’ll have fun too. I hope to take her up to Elsie’s to see the horses and cows. I’ve also got the sprinkler ready to go and there’s the sand box, the swing and other outdoor toys.
Belden’s called and my wedding band is back. Yeahhhh. I’ll pick it up tomorrow on my way down from Em’s.
Today’s weather – It’s hot and humid. Storms are predicted but haven’t seen any yet.
Life changes – Em’s life is going to change this weekend in a way she’ll never understand. Daddy won’t be coming home any more. Gotta be upbeat about it and tell her the good things about the new living arrangement.
I shopped this afternoon at two dollar stores buying things for Tony’s new place. I got a lot of things but money really doesn’t go far, even in dollar stores, and he needs a lot more. He’s going to be totally surprised when he starts stocking his house.
Tonight is court night to get the eviction for the tenant who is over two months behind in rent. Ron has put up with this since September of last year but finally realizes that enough is enough, especially since she is not only behind in rent, she is trashing the place. He’ll have a lot of work to do to get it in rentable condition.
I’m bringing Em down tomorrow to spend the night. I’ve got a couple of busy days ahead, and she’ll get a workout, that’s for sure. I also plan on introducing her to cleaning! Her mom and dad are bad housekeepers. At Em’s age, it’s time to let her dust a few things and vacuum the floors. Kids this age love to help and everything is a lesson learned. We’ll have fun too. I hope to take her up to Elsie’s to see the horses and cows. I’ve also got the sprinkler ready to go and there’s the sand box, the swing and other outdoor toys.
Belden’s called and my wedding band is back. Yeahhhh. I’ll pick it up tomorrow on my way down from Em’s.
Today’s weather – It’s hot and humid. Storms are predicted but haven’t seen any yet.
Life changes – Em’s life is going to change this weekend in a way she’ll never understand. Daddy won’t be coming home any more. Gotta be upbeat about it and tell her the good things about the new living arrangement.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Weekend is Over
Monday came much too quickly.
We had a great time at Barbara & Gary’s Saturday afternoon. The men get along well and of course Barbara and I are long-time friends. Since Ron and I don’t BBQ – we don’t even own a grill – it’s always a treat to have dinner at someone who does. Gary BBQ’d steaks and Barbara had made food accompanying the steak. I brought desserts. Brownies are always good – difficult to mess them up – and my homemade cheesecake was very good also. We stayed late, getting home about 9:30.
Sunday we slept in, me later than Ron. I didn’t get up Sunday until 10 AM. It was lovely. About the only thing I did Sunday was wash my car. Sunday evening we went to Elsie’s for supper.
Just about all day Sunday I was in a quiet, withdrawn mood. If I could have spent the day alone, it would have suited me. Being alone almost never happens so I just withdraw more. Ron gets confused I know. Oh well. It’s one of the way I cope, when coping is necessary, with living in Greenville without any people in my life who are like me. Sometimes it is glaringly apparent to me how much I accommodate myself to Ron’s life. I swore a few years ago that I’d never do that for a man. Thankfully my feeling of “I want out!!” occurs very seldom, but when they do, I take care of them and me by doing what heals.
Today I started cleaning Ron’s clock room. It is a mess. As much of a mess as the computer room was when I first came down here. Unlike the computer room, though, it will never be entirely free of stuff until either Ron’s gone or I’m gone. Nonetheless, there is now a path one can walk through without tripping or stepping over things, and I’ve got quite a few items to go into Elsie’s garage sale coming up this weekend. Ron bundled up dozens and dozens of old magazines to take to recycling.
One of the hottest, if not the hottest, days of the year and I’m roasting a chicken in the oven. Ron says we gotta eat, and he does like real meals. It smells good. Hope Ron, whose over in the cemetery doing cemetery work, is back in time for dinner.
Today’s weather – HOT HOT HOT. It’s July, and the weather is what it’s supposed to be.
Life changes – Ron’s life has changed 180 degrees since marrying me, and with the sorting and cleaning of his clock room, it’s going to change more.
We had a great time at Barbara & Gary’s Saturday afternoon. The men get along well and of course Barbara and I are long-time friends. Since Ron and I don’t BBQ – we don’t even own a grill – it’s always a treat to have dinner at someone who does. Gary BBQ’d steaks and Barbara had made food accompanying the steak. I brought desserts. Brownies are always good – difficult to mess them up – and my homemade cheesecake was very good also. We stayed late, getting home about 9:30.
Sunday we slept in, me later than Ron. I didn’t get up Sunday until 10 AM. It was lovely. About the only thing I did Sunday was wash my car. Sunday evening we went to Elsie’s for supper.
Just about all day Sunday I was in a quiet, withdrawn mood. If I could have spent the day alone, it would have suited me. Being alone almost never happens so I just withdraw more. Ron gets confused I know. Oh well. It’s one of the way I cope, when coping is necessary, with living in Greenville without any people in my life who are like me. Sometimes it is glaringly apparent to me how much I accommodate myself to Ron’s life. I swore a few years ago that I’d never do that for a man. Thankfully my feeling of “I want out!!” occurs very seldom, but when they do, I take care of them and me by doing what heals.
Today I started cleaning Ron’s clock room. It is a mess. As much of a mess as the computer room was when I first came down here. Unlike the computer room, though, it will never be entirely free of stuff until either Ron’s gone or I’m gone. Nonetheless, there is now a path one can walk through without tripping or stepping over things, and I’ve got quite a few items to go into Elsie’s garage sale coming up this weekend. Ron bundled up dozens and dozens of old magazines to take to recycling.
One of the hottest, if not the hottest, days of the year and I’m roasting a chicken in the oven. Ron says we gotta eat, and he does like real meals. It smells good. Hope Ron, whose over in the cemetery doing cemetery work, is back in time for dinner.
Today’s weather – HOT HOT HOT. It’s July, and the weather is what it’s supposed to be.
Life changes – Ron’s life has changed 180 degrees since marrying me, and with the sorting and cleaning of his clock room, it’s going to change more.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Catchup
Again, a busy life, as well as nice summer weather, has kept me from blogging.
We got a new cat two weeks ago today. Her name is Penny, and she came from AnimalKind in Hudson, NY, a non-profit, no-kill cat rescue organization (www.animalkind.info). It was the first place I decided to visit, and it turned out to be the last. I bonded with Penny almost immediately, and since there were about 70 cats from which to choose, this was pretty significant. She met my criteria of being a short-hair female about 7 years old. She was also black & white in color, which is my favorite combo for cats.
We both love her. I can’t imagine why she was given up because she is almost the perfect cat. She is a lap cat. She hangs around us whatever room we’re in. She is glad to see us when we get home. She eats the food I buy. She uses the kitty litter appropriately. She only occasionally sleeps with us, which is fine with me because the bed is small enough without sharing it with even a small animal. She very seldom jumps on a counter or the table. It’s as if her curiosity about “what’s up there” was satisfied the day she got here and that was that. Below is a picture of my new girl.
My birthday was July 2 and for part of my present, Judy took Em and me to Red Lobster on the 1st when I was at Em’s. Lunch was very good, and as always, Ember was charming and soooooo cute. She called the waitress “my lady,” and until lunch was served, every time the waitress walked by, Em would say, “My lady, I’m hungwy.”
Wednesday was the first Wednesday of the month and I met the girls for dinner. We went to Applebee’s at my request because I like the food and it’s closer to Greenville than other places. It was fun! Linda makes me laugh. Karen is such a great young woman, and of course Deb and I are long-time friends who are now both retired.
Thursday, the day after my birthday, I took care of Ember, and afterward met Ron at Crossgate’s Mall so he could buy me a birthday present. Much to my disappointment, the store in which I saw a bracelet just two weeks ago that I wanted had closed! I can’t decide what else I want but will continue to think. It was time for the 6-month checkup on my diamond wedding band at Belden’s. One of the stones was loose so I had to leave the ring to be sent away. I feel naked and really miss it.
That evening Ron had the follow up at the sleep clinic. A lot of time was spent fitting him with a CPAP mask that fit properly. He got very little sleep and is not sure he’ll be able to use it when one is finally delivered here. I can’t say as I blame him, but I expect he’ll give it a good try.
I slept badly Thursday night and was up Friday morning at 5:30 cleaning. Ron wasn’t due home from his sleepover until at least 8 AM so I could work without him being in my way. Bathroom, vacuuming, dusting, cobwebbing, laundry. After that I made a cheesecake to bring to Barbara’s today. It had been years and years since I’d made one, but it’s fairly simple to do and it came out perfectly. Hope the final product tastes as good as it did raw.
In late afternoon, we went to Joan’s for a BBQ. As is often the case, everything was started late so we literally ate and ran in order to leave for the fireworks at the Empire State Plaza by 6:30.
Abby and the kids came with Ron and me to the Plaza to see the fire works. We get there a couple of hours early and park on the top (uncovered) level of the East Garage facing west toward the Plaza. It’s a perfect spot. We bring snacks, games, books, knitting and reading material to keep us occupied. As usual, the fireworks were wonderful. A full 30 minutes of color and explosions that are beautiful. There was a problem with the garage emptying out to the streets after and we hung around quite a bit longer than usual before getting in line. Once the cars started to move, we were on our way home shortly after 11 PM and driving into Greenville by 11:45. I was exhausted, not having slept well Thursday night, and was like a zombie by the time I climbed into bed. Ron of course had to have his ice cream and stayed up another half hour.
And today is Saturday. We’re leaving soon to go to a BBQ with Barbara and Gary at their house. I’m looking forward to it. We haven’t seen them as a couple since last fall. Barbara got new furniture and I can’t wait to see it.
Phew… caught up on my life. Now when I read this a year from now, I won’t scratch my head and wonder what I did.
Gas prices – They’ve been stable at $4.199 (in Albany and Glenmont) to $4.255 (Sunoco in Greenville).
Exercise – HUH? LOL
Today’s weather – It’s been hot and muggy most of the week. Right now it’s cloudy and it won’t surprise me if it rains. The temp is about 75 degrees.
Life lessons - Life goes by very quickly and no matter how sincerely we believe we'll remember what happens, we just don't. It's good to write things down.
We got a new cat two weeks ago today. Her name is Penny, and she came from AnimalKind in Hudson, NY, a non-profit, no-kill cat rescue organization (www.animalkind.info). It was the first place I decided to visit, and it turned out to be the last. I bonded with Penny almost immediately, and since there were about 70 cats from which to choose, this was pretty significant. She met my criteria of being a short-hair female about 7 years old. She was also black & white in color, which is my favorite combo for cats.
We both love her. I can’t imagine why she was given up because she is almost the perfect cat. She is a lap cat. She hangs around us whatever room we’re in. She is glad to see us when we get home. She eats the food I buy. She uses the kitty litter appropriately. She only occasionally sleeps with us, which is fine with me because the bed is small enough without sharing it with even a small animal. She very seldom jumps on a counter or the table. It’s as if her curiosity about “what’s up there” was satisfied the day she got here and that was that. Below is a picture of my new girl.
My birthday was July 2 and for part of my present, Judy took Em and me to Red Lobster on the 1st when I was at Em’s. Lunch was very good, and as always, Ember was charming and soooooo cute. She called the waitress “my lady,” and until lunch was served, every time the waitress walked by, Em would say, “My lady, I’m hungwy.”
Wednesday was the first Wednesday of the month and I met the girls for dinner. We went to Applebee’s at my request because I like the food and it’s closer to Greenville than other places. It was fun! Linda makes me laugh. Karen is such a great young woman, and of course Deb and I are long-time friends who are now both retired.
Thursday, the day after my birthday, I took care of Ember, and afterward met Ron at Crossgate’s Mall so he could buy me a birthday present. Much to my disappointment, the store in which I saw a bracelet just two weeks ago that I wanted had closed! I can’t decide what else I want but will continue to think. It was time for the 6-month checkup on my diamond wedding band at Belden’s. One of the stones was loose so I had to leave the ring to be sent away. I feel naked and really miss it.
That evening Ron had the follow up at the sleep clinic. A lot of time was spent fitting him with a CPAP mask that fit properly. He got very little sleep and is not sure he’ll be able to use it when one is finally delivered here. I can’t say as I blame him, but I expect he’ll give it a good try.
I slept badly Thursday night and was up Friday morning at 5:30 cleaning. Ron wasn’t due home from his sleepover until at least 8 AM so I could work without him being in my way. Bathroom, vacuuming, dusting, cobwebbing
In late afternoon, we went to Joan’s for a BBQ. As is often the case, everything was started late so we literally ate and ran in order to leave for the fireworks at the Empire State Plaza by 6:30.
Abby and the kids came with Ron and me to the Plaza to see the fire works. We get there a couple of hours early and park on the top (uncovered) level of the East Garage facing west toward the Plaza. It’s a perfect spot. We bring snacks, games, books, knitting and reading material to keep us occupied. As usual, the fireworks were wonderful. A full 30 minutes of color and explosions that are beautiful. There was a problem with the garage emptying out to the streets after and we hung around quite a bit longer than usual before getting in line. Once the cars started to move, we were on our way home shortly after 11 PM and driving into Greenville by 11:45. I was exhausted, not having slept well Thursday night, and was like a zombie by the time I climbed into bed. Ron of course had to have his ice cream and stayed up another half hour.
And today is Saturday. We’re leaving soon to go to a BBQ with Barbara and Gary at their house. I’m looking forward to it. We haven’t seen them as a couple since last fall. Barbara got new furniture and I can’t wait to see it.
Phew… caught up on my life. Now when I read this a year from now, I won’t scratch my head and wonder what I did.
Gas prices – They’ve been stable at $4.199 (in Albany and Glenmont) to $4.255 (Sunoco in Greenville).
Exercise – HUH? LOL
Today’s weather – It’s been hot and muggy most of the week. Right now it’s cloudy and it won’t surprise me if it rains. The temp is about 75 degrees.
Life lessons - Life goes by very quickly and no matter how sincerely we believe we'll remember what happens, we just don't. It's good to write things down.
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