Sorry I haven't posted all the goodies from Vacation Bible School and the church homecoming. After all that pulling, tugging and toting I finally crashed with a sore back and bad knees. I have barely been able to get out of the bed for more than a few hours a day for several weeks so I am way behind but I will get them up soon.
The bad news, there are still a few mice in the house but I am slowly killing them off with new traps set every few days.
The good news - I have a new friend in the yard. I was sitting on the lounger outside and talking on the phone when a movement caught my eye. There was a long black snake slithering by the Ab Lounger and he went to the woodpile. (No I don't have the pump house built yet.) He slowly worked his way in and about 2 minutes later one of the mice came scurrying out. I hope he is stuffing himself. He is welcome in my yard anytime - just not inside LOL.
I had noticed that when I went out on the porch in the mornings I wasn't seeing so many mice running about in the garden and across the yard. Also I was seeing mouse poo in the dog dish less often. I think he has been around for a week or so. I have been keeping my camera handy the last few days and am hoping to get a pic soon.
Later
Linda B:)
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Photos in Flickr
It is so hard to see the photos that I have also uploaded them to Flickr. You can see them here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8309344@N05/
Enjoy,
Linda B:)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8309344@N05/
Enjoy,
Linda B:)
My "New" Home
I have to tell you all about the group that came to work on my trailer. If you have been following my progress over the past few years you know what has been going on. No running water, no heat, things falling apart and me falling apart. I finally accepted that I could not repair all of this and applied to an organization locally that helps people do repairs on their homes.
Sunset Gap Community Center
http://sunsetgap.org/
http://sunsetgap.org/
Sometimes it is as simple as building a ramp or installing a handicapped bathroom for someone with the need. Other times it is as major as building a complete new home. They help about 200 families each year just with the building projects. Church groups come from all over the country to spend time in our area and help out. They spend the year gathering donations to pay for the trip, supplies for the repairs and $190 per person per night to stay in the camp at the Gap.
My group came from Delta Presbyterian Church in Lansing MI:
The group was made up of 15 men and women. They were all wonderful, friendly and determined to make my life easier and more comfortable. They arrived early every morning and worked until late afternoon. Everything was done to spec and they made sure no detail was overlooked.
They repaired holes in the roof and covered it in vinyl. There is a wonderful ramp to my front door so no more falling out the door on those concrete blocks. I can even roll my groceries right up and into the beautiful new front door.
They fixed my falling in floors and painted my old lawn furniture. I was able to get a pump for the well but all the pipes were busted. They replaced them all plus repaired the leaking pipes inside and replaced the old faucets in the bathroom and kitchen. They even replaced the old leaking toilet with a high one (a Jacuzzi brand LOL) and replaced that old cracked plastic bathroom sink with a beautiful ceramic one. After eighteen months I finally have running water again. HOT running water!!!!
They patched the leaking roof and gave it several coats of vinyl sealant. They put up snug stainless steel skirting around the bottom of the mobile home (which the mice are already working on tunneling under) and they gave the entire outside several coats of primer and paint. I no longer have to ask which direction people are coming from before telling them the color of the trailer LOL.
They fixed my falling in floors and painted my old lawn furniture. I was able to get a pump for the well but all the pipes were busted. They replaced them all plus repaired the leaking pipes inside and replaced the old faucets in the bathroom and kitchen. They even replaced the old leaking toilet with a high one (a Jacuzzi brand LOL) and replaced that old cracked plastic bathroom sink with a beautiful ceramic one. After eighteen months I finally have running water again. HOT running water!!!!
They patched the leaking roof and gave it several coats of vinyl sealant. They put up snug stainless steel skirting around the bottom of the mobile home (which the mice are already working on tunneling under) and they gave the entire outside several coats of primer and paint. I no longer have to ask which direction people are coming from before telling them the color of the trailer LOL.
There was also lots of cleaning and trash to haul away. It has been over a year since I fell and couldn't drive anymore. I had washed a lot of cans and plastic stuff and put it in boxes under the trailer to either reuse or haul off later. I had used up a lot of the cardboard boxes between the rows of my garden but there were still quite a few left that got stuffed under the edge of the trailer.
Then there was all that extra furniture I have been trying to give away or get hauled off. My son's 7 foot couch, the dryer that doesn't run, those display racks from my craft show/shop days and more. We even tackled my van. It was loaded with yard sale junk that everyone had given me. The mice had taken over the place and it reeked but the ladies gamely held open bags as I filled them up and we got it done.
And there were lots of little things, too many to even remember them all. They bought me a lovely stand for the umbrella on the deck and made a stand for the old umbrella at the oasis. They hung my ladybug welcome sign and did much, much more.
I can't say enough about how wonderful this group was plus the people from the Gap who helped coordinate the work, bring supplies and pick up trash and just keep the projects on track. Everyone was full of smiles and love. Each day I left to go teach the crafts at our Vacation Bible School. When I returned home a few hours later it was like Christmas with new projects done and more surprises.
Before - yellow, rust and green slime:
After - lovely greens that blend with the mountains:
Each day Bo, the big dog, was moved down by the creek so the group could work. Miss Bubbles would sit in the glider with me - you can barely see her gray head popping up here. Also someone is cutting the no slip covering for one of my ramps. The small green umbrella in the distance is in the garden. I don't handle the sun well so I sit under it when I am working out there.
In the background you can see the gray trailer the group brought with them. It was filled with equipment. Each morning they spread out everything and got to work.
Now that they are gone it is so quiet. Bo is sitting under the umbrella and looks lost without all the people to keep him company :)
I just realized I didn't get any pics of the front ramp and the new door. I will try to do that tomorrow.
Keep Sunset Gap and Delta Presbyterian Church in your prayers. God blessed me one hundredfold by sending them my way. They far exceeded anything I expected or would have asked for.
Now I am off to elevate my swollen legs and rest so I can tackle the rest of that carpet tomorrow.
Hugs,
Linda B:)
Then there was all that extra furniture I have been trying to give away or get hauled off. My son's 7 foot couch, the dryer that doesn't run, those display racks from my craft show/shop days and more. We even tackled my van. It was loaded with yard sale junk that everyone had given me. The mice had taken over the place and it reeked but the ladies gamely held open bags as I filled them up and we got it done.
And there were lots of little things, too many to even remember them all. They bought me a lovely stand for the umbrella on the deck and made a stand for the old umbrella at the oasis. They hung my ladybug welcome sign and did much, much more.
I can't say enough about how wonderful this group was plus the people from the Gap who helped coordinate the work, bring supplies and pick up trash and just keep the projects on track. Everyone was full of smiles and love. Each day I left to go teach the crafts at our Vacation Bible School. When I returned home a few hours later it was like Christmas with new projects done and more surprises.
Before - yellow, rust and green slime:
After - lovely greens that blend with the mountains:
Each day Bo, the big dog, was moved down by the creek so the group could work. Miss Bubbles would sit in the glider with me - you can barely see her gray head popping up here. Also someone is cutting the no slip covering for one of my ramps. The small green umbrella in the distance is in the garden. I don't handle the sun well so I sit under it when I am working out there.
In the background you can see the gray trailer the group brought with them. It was filled with equipment. Each morning they spread out everything and got to work.
Now that they are gone it is so quiet. Bo is sitting under the umbrella and looks lost without all the people to keep him company :)
I just realized I didn't get any pics of the front ramp and the new door. I will try to do that tomorrow.
Keep Sunset Gap and Delta Presbyterian Church in your prayers. God blessed me one hundredfold by sending them my way. They far exceeded anything I expected or would have asked for.
Now I am off to elevate my swollen legs and rest so I can tackle the rest of that carpet tomorrow.
Hugs,
Linda B:)
Busy, Busy, Busy
There has been so much going on I don’t even know where to start. I had Vacation Bible School, the work crew who fixed so many of my problems around the trailer, our church’s annual homecoming and more all going on at practically the same time. There is so much to tell and lots of pics so I plan to write a separate blog on each.
Right now I am rushing about trying to get the house cleaned up. After all that repair work I figured that I could get it done in a week. When everyone was talking about coming by to view the repairs I invited them all for next Monday, sort of an unofficial “open house”. Of course I blew out my knees again last Monday and have been barely able to stand much less walk so I am way behind. Are we surprised? LOL
The only major project is the living room and moving the computer. I managed to start cleaning the carpet this evening. I needed my rolling chair but I am almost halfway done. Ever the optimist I am sure I can finish it by Sat. Isn’t that what I said about the cleaning spree two weeks ago? Hmmmm, seems I never learn – or have a very short memory. :)
Hugs,
Linda B:)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
I'm Melting
We finally got a break in the rain with even steamier, hot days. The humidity has been awful. I spend the afternoon spread out on my bed with a window fan at my feet and a ceiling fan above me but it is still so hot I am in my bathing suit. I think of all sorts of things to write in my blogs but don't have the energy to get up and tackle it. So I pop in a movie and lay there and drift off to sleep. I am still here just don't have the energy to sit up much these days LOL.
When things cool down at night I cook, clean and spend every morning giving dogs baths and spraying the house down again and again. I am using every remedy possible but the fleas keep multiplying. Bleach in the bath water for all of us, bleach water sprayed on the ground all around the trailer and areas the dogs go in, lots of garlic in our food, washing the dogs down in pinesol, and on and on. Still we are all eat up with them.
I don't know what is going on. Every year there has been a small outbreak at the beginning of spring turning into summer. However an increase of garlic in our food usually nips it in the bud within a week or so. This bout has gone on for about 6 weeks.
Bo stopped eating for a week and was turning into skin and bone. A dog trainer friend told me to pour raw eggs down his throat. I did that morning and night for about 4 days and he started eating again. I increased his food a little each day for another 3 or 4 days and now he is almost back to normal. However I am still giving him a couple of raw eggs with garlic powder stirred in first then he gets his dry food. He loves the eggs and is lapping them up.
The mouse problem is down inside. I am still catching about 5 or 6 per week but that is not much compared to before. At the same time they are everywhere in the yard and garden. I have poured the fox/bobcat urine and borax all over the yard but they are everywhere out there. If I get up early in the morning I can stand on the deck and watch them running everywhere. When I go out to water the garden in the evening, they dash out from in between the plants.
I am also in the process of getting rid of lots of excess "junk". I am going through my kitchen cabinets and dumping those piles of extra lids, pots, pitchers and other junk I really have no use for. Every cabinet is covered in mouse poop so it is really a mess. I also found two more holes chewed into the walls inside the cabinets.
Actually this is what made me decide I had way too much stuff. I refused to use anything out of the cabinets. I have been using the same two pots and handful of silverware for months. I just wash it off and put it all in the fridge - the one place I know the little buggers can't get. I have two insulated mugs that I trade out each time I go for water or tea. Same with my iced tea pitchers. I have two and keep them in the fridge. When one gets half empty I make another gallon and put it in the back. Yes, I drink about a gallon of tea, a gallon of water and one or two sodas each day in this heat.
Well it is 1am and has finally cooled down. I am riding the ETHRA (East TN Human Resources Assistance) van tomorrow for the first time. It costs $3 to town and $3 home. No more having to sit around for 2 or 3 months waiting on people to take me to town to get groceries or losing my food stamps because I can't make the appointments. I will tell you all about it next time. Right now I need to get everything packed up and ready for the ride tomorrow. They are picking me up at 9am so I need to get to bed soon.
NiteNite
Linda B:)
When things cool down at night I cook, clean and spend every morning giving dogs baths and spraying the house down again and again. I am using every remedy possible but the fleas keep multiplying. Bleach in the bath water for all of us, bleach water sprayed on the ground all around the trailer and areas the dogs go in, lots of garlic in our food, washing the dogs down in pinesol, and on and on. Still we are all eat up with them.
I don't know what is going on. Every year there has been a small outbreak at the beginning of spring turning into summer. However an increase of garlic in our food usually nips it in the bud within a week or so. This bout has gone on for about 6 weeks.
Bo stopped eating for a week and was turning into skin and bone. A dog trainer friend told me to pour raw eggs down his throat. I did that morning and night for about 4 days and he started eating again. I increased his food a little each day for another 3 or 4 days and now he is almost back to normal. However I am still giving him a couple of raw eggs with garlic powder stirred in first then he gets his dry food. He loves the eggs and is lapping them up.
The mouse problem is down inside. I am still catching about 5 or 6 per week but that is not much compared to before. At the same time they are everywhere in the yard and garden. I have poured the fox/bobcat urine and borax all over the yard but they are everywhere out there. If I get up early in the morning I can stand on the deck and watch them running everywhere. When I go out to water the garden in the evening, they dash out from in between the plants.
I am also in the process of getting rid of lots of excess "junk". I am going through my kitchen cabinets and dumping those piles of extra lids, pots, pitchers and other junk I really have no use for. Every cabinet is covered in mouse poop so it is really a mess. I also found two more holes chewed into the walls inside the cabinets.
Actually this is what made me decide I had way too much stuff. I refused to use anything out of the cabinets. I have been using the same two pots and handful of silverware for months. I just wash it off and put it all in the fridge - the one place I know the little buggers can't get. I have two insulated mugs that I trade out each time I go for water or tea. Same with my iced tea pitchers. I have two and keep them in the fridge. When one gets half empty I make another gallon and put it in the back. Yes, I drink about a gallon of tea, a gallon of water and one or two sodas each day in this heat.
Well it is 1am and has finally cooled down. I am riding the ETHRA (East TN Human Resources Assistance) van tomorrow for the first time. It costs $3 to town and $3 home. No more having to sit around for 2 or 3 months waiting on people to take me to town to get groceries or losing my food stamps because I can't make the appointments. I will tell you all about it next time. Right now I need to get everything packed up and ready for the ride tomorrow. They are picking me up at 9am so I need to get to bed soon.
NiteNite
Linda B:)
Friday, June 19, 2009
The Puppy Has a Name
The new owners are still adoring him and love how he makes everyone chase him. They have named him Flash which is perfect for him:)
In the meantime I have spent weeks trying to put in my garden and battle daily with an infestation of mice and fleas. It has rained almost daily for weeks. Massive thunderstorms have been crashing through. I am very lucky here in my little secluded cove between the mountains. I have missed all these high winds.
The dogs have been covered in fleas for several weeks. I spend every day spraying the furniture, floor and fuzzy butts plus baths for them every other day but we are not winning this battle. On a breeders advice I added a half cup of bleach to a gallon of water plus Dawn and bathed them. I also put 2 cups of bleach in a gallon of water and sprayed the ground all around where the dogs hang out and the walk to the house. It seems to help for about 24 to 36 hours and then they are back. Possibly because the rain washes it all away.
Had another fun fall a few days ago. I spent about 3 hours between washing the big dog, spraying the ground with bug killer and bleach and then I decided to spray some more weeds. The longer I work the more I am in pain and the less my brain works. I was using a bucket with a lid for a seat as I moved around the yard. At one point the handle stuck in the upright position and I didn't notice. Of course when I went to plop my big butt down I hit it, tried to stand and fell. The right leg is still useless and the left over compensated so I went over sideways and slammed down on my left elbow plus my neck snapped and my head felt like I had hit a wall with it. I had a headache for several hours. Everything seems alright now except the left elbow lost about 3 inches of skin in the gravel and the left shoulder is stiff.
The mouse situation is finally calming down. I killed about 30 and then it dwindled down to one a day for awhile. The last week or two it has been about 4 per week and only one this week. I found the hole they chewed in my wall too. I was going to give away that giant 3 piece couch. Some friends came over and said they would be back the next day to get it. I decided to vacuum it and pull the parts out and put them by the door.
Behind the couch was a giant hole in the wall the size of a softball. Ironically, 4 inches from it was a 2" diameter hole that you can look through and see the ground where the previous owner had run wiring for a heavy duty window a/c unit. They couldn't use that. NOOOOO! They had to chew a big hole in my paneling. GRRRRRR
The people called back and decided the couch was too big for their living room and now I have decided to keep it for awhile longer. I rearranged it into a small love seat and am using the middle section as an armless chair. It is working for now.
Well, nearly bedtime so I am off to walk the babies and head for bed,
Linda B:)
In the meantime I have spent weeks trying to put in my garden and battle daily with an infestation of mice and fleas. It has rained almost daily for weeks. Massive thunderstorms have been crashing through. I am very lucky here in my little secluded cove between the mountains. I have missed all these high winds.
The dogs have been covered in fleas for several weeks. I spend every day spraying the furniture, floor and fuzzy butts plus baths for them every other day but we are not winning this battle. On a breeders advice I added a half cup of bleach to a gallon of water plus Dawn and bathed them. I also put 2 cups of bleach in a gallon of water and sprayed the ground all around where the dogs hang out and the walk to the house. It seems to help for about 24 to 36 hours and then they are back. Possibly because the rain washes it all away.
Had another fun fall a few days ago. I spent about 3 hours between washing the big dog, spraying the ground with bug killer and bleach and then I decided to spray some more weeds. The longer I work the more I am in pain and the less my brain works. I was using a bucket with a lid for a seat as I moved around the yard. At one point the handle stuck in the upright position and I didn't notice. Of course when I went to plop my big butt down I hit it, tried to stand and fell. The right leg is still useless and the left over compensated so I went over sideways and slammed down on my left elbow plus my neck snapped and my head felt like I had hit a wall with it. I had a headache for several hours. Everything seems alright now except the left elbow lost about 3 inches of skin in the gravel and the left shoulder is stiff.
The mouse situation is finally calming down. I killed about 30 and then it dwindled down to one a day for awhile. The last week or two it has been about 4 per week and only one this week. I found the hole they chewed in my wall too. I was going to give away that giant 3 piece couch. Some friends came over and said they would be back the next day to get it. I decided to vacuum it and pull the parts out and put them by the door.
Behind the couch was a giant hole in the wall the size of a softball. Ironically, 4 inches from it was a 2" diameter hole that you can look through and see the ground where the previous owner had run wiring for a heavy duty window a/c unit. They couldn't use that. NOOOOO! They had to chew a big hole in my paneling. GRRRRRR
The people called back and decided the couch was too big for their living room and now I have decided to keep it for awhile longer. I rearranged it into a small love seat and am using the middle section as an armless chair. It is working for now.
Well, nearly bedtime so I am off to walk the babies and head for bed,
Linda B:)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Well, Back to Work
Between the cold and rain, I had already put off work in my garden. This past week we had more days of rain, rain and more rain so I did a little bit of housecleaning and made a mega shopping trip but most of the week was spent following the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent. I was rooting for Susan Boyle to win with Diversity and Shaun Smith as the runners up. Susan lost and I am sad for her but Diversity was a great dance group so I won't pout too much:)
Wed my friend Diane took me to town. Everyone has been so busy or sick lately that I hadn't been in 6 weeks so I was out of everything. Bless her heart, Diane does so much and she is so full of energy. I walked the outside rows grabbing meat, produce and dairy while she ran up and down the aisles and all across the store on various missions. I needed a sun hat, a battery for the phone, a level - she zipped around, found the best deals and was back in what seemed like minutes with each item.
It took us over 3 hours but I am well stocked plus was able to pick up the plants I needed for the garden. I still need a few odd items but Diane is going to pick them up in another week or so. It took me several days to finish putting everything away and now I am laying about with all my aches and pains. I have about 30 plants to put out and will tackle them Monday.
Good news, the new puppy owners still love him and find him cute. He grabs her shoes and runs all over the house with them. He thinks it is a game and makes her chase him. They also have a small toddler grandson and he and the dog seem to have their own keep away games going and are having a great time.
Well I am off to send out the Sunday inspirations and catch some sleep.
Have a great Sunday
Linda B:)
Wed my friend Diane took me to town. Everyone has been so busy or sick lately that I hadn't been in 6 weeks so I was out of everything. Bless her heart, Diane does so much and she is so full of energy. I walked the outside rows grabbing meat, produce and dairy while she ran up and down the aisles and all across the store on various missions. I needed a sun hat, a battery for the phone, a level - she zipped around, found the best deals and was back in what seemed like minutes with each item.
It took us over 3 hours but I am well stocked plus was able to pick up the plants I needed for the garden. I still need a few odd items but Diane is going to pick them up in another week or so. It took me several days to finish putting everything away and now I am laying about with all my aches and pains. I have about 30 plants to put out and will tackle them Monday.
Good news, the new puppy owners still love him and find him cute. He grabs her shoes and runs all over the house with them. He thinks it is a game and makes her chase him. They also have a small toddler grandson and he and the dog seem to have their own keep away games going and are having a great time.
Well I am off to send out the Sunday inspirations and catch some sleep.
Have a great Sunday
Linda B:)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Blackberry Winter is Here
It poured rain from Wed evening until late Sunday and then the temps dropped like a rocket. We have been in the 40's and now have a freeze warning out. I am cold, cold, cold. Just think I spent last week washing and packing up my winter sweats and sweaters. Luckily I kept out some flannel pants and a couple of sweaters for "just in case". My warm flannel pj's were on the clotheslines when the bottom fell out Sun night so I slept in my pants and sweater.
Of course, I still can't shake this mild bronchitis and now have ear infections. The sun came out for a few hours this afternoon and the dogs and I ran outside and sat in it just to warm up LOL.
The puppy left with his new owners Fri evening. They brought their grandson and left with him sitting in the middle and holding the pup. Everyone seemed very happy. It was very quiet without those clomping feet following me around but I am so glad he has a good home. The other dogs and I have mostly slept since Fri evening. I think we are all exhausted LOL.
I was going to spend today and Tuesday washing my blankets and comforters but it is too cold. I need them. I guess I will tackle it later in the week.
Have a great day,
Linda B:)
Of course, I still can't shake this mild bronchitis and now have ear infections. The sun came out for a few hours this afternoon and the dogs and I ran outside and sat in it just to warm up LOL.
The puppy left with his new owners Fri evening. They brought their grandson and left with him sitting in the middle and holding the pup. Everyone seemed very happy. It was very quiet without those clomping feet following me around but I am so glad he has a good home. The other dogs and I have mostly slept since Fri evening. I think we are all exhausted LOL.
I was going to spend today and Tuesday washing my blankets and comforters but it is too cold. I need them. I guess I will tackle it later in the week.
Have a great day,
Linda B:)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
WOOHOO!! Puppy has a home
I talked with a very nice woman in Knoxville tonight and she wants my puppy. She has kids and cats that will play with the puppy plus her husband is disabled and will be home with him during the day and they live in the country. They are perfect for this active boy and I am sure he will have a happy home. Vicky is coming to pick him up Fri. Part of me will miss him snuggling up on the pillow beside me. However part of me will welcome going back to our routine of two trips outside each day. The little fellow has definitely kept me running LOL. Also I think my old babies will be relieved for the rest. They are just too old for all the energy of a young pup.
Can you believe it? We got some sunshine today!!!! I washed all my sweaters and hung them out. They smell wonderful. Never fear the rain returns tomorrow evening. I am going to try to get another load of clothes washed tomorrow morning and do a bit of work in the garden before it returns.
All this dampness and mold means I am still fighting sinus and ear infections and feeling pretty run down. I missed church the last two weeks. I always feel like something is missing when I don't make it to church. I seem to get a little energy around Wed, overdo it working on the garden and housework then find myself stuck in bed too sore and sick to move until the next Mon or Tues. Somehow I need to readjust my schedule.
I need to get to the store to get dog food, plants and some other goodies. I have heard that I can call the ETHRA van and they will take me so I may make some phone calls tomorrow. It has been a month since I have been to town but I know everyone is busy putting in gardens and cleaning up their yards so I am hoping I can find a way without having to bother anyone.
Have a great day
Linda B:)
Can you believe it? We got some sunshine today!!!! I washed all my sweaters and hung them out. They smell wonderful. Never fear the rain returns tomorrow evening. I am going to try to get another load of clothes washed tomorrow morning and do a bit of work in the garden before it returns.
All this dampness and mold means I am still fighting sinus and ear infections and feeling pretty run down. I missed church the last two weeks. I always feel like something is missing when I don't make it to church. I seem to get a little energy around Wed, overdo it working on the garden and housework then find myself stuck in bed too sore and sick to move until the next Mon or Tues. Somehow I need to readjust my schedule.
I need to get to the store to get dog food, plants and some other goodies. I have heard that I can call the ETHRA van and they will take me so I may make some phone calls tomorrow. It has been a month since I have been to town but I know everyone is busy putting in gardens and cleaning up their yards so I am hoping I can find a way without having to bother anyone.
Have a great day
Linda B:)
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Not Feeling the Puppy Love Tonight
It has rained almost continuously since last Wed or Thur and I have had a nasty sinus headache most of those days. I feel sore and achy all over and haven't done much for days except stay in bed. I was feeling just a little better this evening and made a good dinner and decided to clean up the kitchen. All three dogs usually join me there and lie around waiting for a crumb to hit the floor.
I guess since I was washing dishes and not paying attention the puppy got bored. I was feeling a great sense of accomplishment and a bit full of myself when I turned around and spotted what he had been up to. He had ripped open a bag of trash. I had given Miss Bubbles a hair cut and there was her hair and shredded paper towel bits all over the living room floor. GRRRRRRR I will tackle it in the morning. In the meantime - ANYONE WANT A PUPPY???? LOL
I have no idea when the rain will die down. Sunday night they said it would move out Mon around noon and stay gone until Wed. Well we got about one hour of sunshine at 1030am Mon. I was so inspired I washed a bucket of sheets. However the rain was back by noon so now I am trying to figure out where to hang them.
Hugs from a grumpy and moldy
Linda B:)
I guess since I was washing dishes and not paying attention the puppy got bored. I was feeling a great sense of accomplishment and a bit full of myself when I turned around and spotted what he had been up to. He had ripped open a bag of trash. I had given Miss Bubbles a hair cut and there was her hair and shredded paper towel bits all over the living room floor. GRRRRRRR I will tackle it in the morning. In the meantime - ANYONE WANT A PUPPY???? LOL
I have no idea when the rain will die down. Sunday night they said it would move out Mon around noon and stay gone until Wed. Well we got about one hour of sunshine at 1030am Mon. I was so inspired I washed a bucket of sheets. However the rain was back by noon so now I am trying to figure out where to hang them.
Hugs from a grumpy and moldy
Linda B:)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Anybody Need a Beagle Puppy?
He is a cutie and mostly housebroken but I simply don't have the strength to keep up with him. I thought about keeping him but I don't think it is fair to him. This is a vibrant puppy full of energy that needs someone much younger, preferably a few kids, to romp and play with him. My health is not great now and gets worse each year. I don't think I have the right to take on a 12-15 year commitment when I am not sure I will be able to take care of him a year from now.
I haven't given him a name but I have threatened to call him Hushpuppy. When he was hiding in the tree he would start howling and crying off and on every few hours night and day. I would go to the back door and say "Hush puppy, hush. It's OK." over and over and he would be quiet for a few more hours.
My old dogs don't like the puppy. The two little dogs are about the same size as the pup and he treats them like equals. They do not appreciate it and snap and snarl at him. On the other hand he treats Bo, the big dog, like the alpha dog and they get along. Bo growls at him now and then and the puppy falls on his back and waits for Bo to sniff and walk away then he is up and following him again.
I have sent out an email to all my local friends hoping they might find someone they know or work with that might want him. The lady at the Humane Society said he could be taken to a no kill shelter up North. They are begging for puppies and small dogs and she is sure he would find a home quickly but I would prefer to try to find someone myself.
The rain continued through Tuesday. Wed & Thurs brought intermittent rain showers and Fri we went from mid 30's to 89 degrees by mid-afternoon!!!! I was in 2 sweaters in the morning and dying from heat stroke in shorts and a tee that evening. I worked off and on in the garden each day. Sunday I fell in the bed after church and nursed clogged sinuses again.
Well today was another hot and sunny day. I managed to get outside early and worked for several hours so I am sore and tired and heading off to rest. I want to sleep in tomorrow but we are due for another cool spell and more rain Wed-Sun so I better try to get a few more things done.
Nite Nite
Linda B:)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Wrapping Up Another Wild Week
WOW Monday began with being able to archive files on Yahoo Groups. I am dropping all my misc blogs on recipes, jokes, crafts and inspirational goodies. These will now all go in my group, Linda's Little Village:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LindaLV/
The group is open to anyone to read. From now on I am sending all my videos, recipes, links for music and books, etc there.
Wednesday the truck from Lowe's arrived at 10 am with 3 pallets of goodies for the fence and garden. I was so excited but I told one friend that half of me was jumping up and down and the other half was
wanting to go hide under the covers because I know all of this means lots of aches, pains and hard work. I unloaded part of it and was pretty much done in until Friday.
Friday I attacked the garden and spent the day out there. I tried to do more Sat but I was moving at a snail's pace - work for 10 minutes, rest for 30. I finally gave in about 4pm and headed in.
Early Thursday morning I heard a dog howling over in the woods. Sooooo, we seem
to have a new puppy. He looks like a beagle with the brown floppy ears, black on his back and white belly. I couldn't find him until late Thurs because he was hiding in the base of a tree. I tried to get close to him but he growled so I tossed some food over and set a bowl of water about 20 feet away.
Late Fri evening he ventured over and sniffed my hand. After that I had a fast friend. Everywhere I went, he was right behind me. Near dark I put him on the porch and made a basket with one of my dirty sweaters because he would howl and carry on when I got out of his site. He immediately crawled in the basket and slept for 9 hours. He must be housebroken because he didn't have any accidents on the deck. I put him outside about 10am and he immediately did his business.
I've put up "found puppy" signs out front and will call the shelter today to see if anyone has reported a missing dog. I sure don't need another dog, especially another male. The two I have try to fight all the time so not a good idea. The puppy tries to follow Pickwick everywhere. I can't figure out if Pickwick is playing when he takes off running or trying to get away.
Finally, let's talk legs LOL. It has been almost a year since I fell and ruptured my right Achilles tendon. The first
few months the leg was totally limp. I couldn't make it do anything. Little by little I have developed massive muscles in both thighs and my left calf from dragging the right leg around. I didn't realize this until I went out in shorts this week. Fat leg, skinny leg, what a site ROFLOL.
Now I am also noticing that my right arm is more muscular because I use a walking stick around the yard and use it to pull myself up and down the hilly terrain here. I still can't drive, the leg still won't respond when I try to lift it up to apply the brakes. Also I still have a lot of numbness in the foot so I don't think I could get very far trying to hold the gas pedal down. Oh well, eventually.
Off to get some more rest. I am still very sore but tomorrow is bringing more nonstop rain. I am going to curl up with my gardening books and do some more planning. I am sure I will be ready to tackle the garden again Wed or Thurs when this front moves out.
Hugs
Linda B:)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LindaLV/
The group is open to anyone to read. From now on I am sending all my videos, recipes, links for music and books, etc there.
Wednesday the truck from Lowe's arrived at 10 am with 3 pallets of goodies for the fence and garden. I was so excited but I told one friend that half of me was jumping up and down and the other half was
wanting to go hide under the covers because I know all of this means lots of aches, pains and hard work. I unloaded part of it and was pretty much done in until Friday.Friday I attacked the garden and spent the day out there. I tried to do more Sat but I was moving at a snail's pace - work for 10 minutes, rest for 30. I finally gave in about 4pm and headed in.
Early Thursday morning I heard a dog howling over in the woods. Sooooo, we seem
to have a new puppy. He looks like a beagle with the brown floppy ears, black on his back and white belly. I couldn't find him until late Thurs because he was hiding in the base of a tree. I tried to get close to him but he growled so I tossed some food over and set a bowl of water about 20 feet away.Late Fri evening he ventured over and sniffed my hand. After that I had a fast friend. Everywhere I went, he was right behind me. Near dark I put him on the porch and made a basket with one of my dirty sweaters because he would howl and carry on when I got out of his site. He immediately crawled in the basket and slept for 9 hours. He must be housebroken because he didn't have any accidents on the deck. I put him outside about 10am and he immediately did his business.
I've put up "found puppy" signs out front and will call the shelter today to see if anyone has reported a missing dog. I sure don't need another dog, especially another male. The two I have try to fight all the time so not a good idea. The puppy tries to follow Pickwick everywhere. I can't figure out if Pickwick is playing when he takes off running or trying to get away.
Finally, let's talk legs LOL. It has been almost a year since I fell and ruptured my right Achilles tendon. The first
few months the leg was totally limp. I couldn't make it do anything. Little by little I have developed massive muscles in both thighs and my left calf from dragging the right leg around. I didn't realize this until I went out in shorts this week. Fat leg, skinny leg, what a site ROFLOL.Now I am also noticing that my right arm is more muscular because I use a walking stick around the yard and use it to pull myself up and down the hilly terrain here. I still can't drive, the leg still won't respond when I try to lift it up to apply the brakes. Also I still have a lot of numbness in the foot so I don't think I could get very far trying to hold the gas pedal down. Oh well, eventually.
Off to get some more rest. I am still very sore but tomorrow is bringing more nonstop rain. I am going to curl up with my gardening books and do some more planning. I am sure I will be ready to tackle the garden again Wed or Thurs when this front moves out.
Hugs
Linda B:)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Rain, Rain, Rain and Cold
Another rainy, dreary day. The sun would pop out for a few minutes and everything would warm up then it was back to more rain and low temps. I am so over all of this but I keep reminding myself it is so much better than the drought of the past two years. Savor your blessings and be glad in them - big grin.
Barb took me to Walmart to pick up dog food and a few more goodies. I had to return the headset. I tried it out and noone could hear me on the phone at full volume. I have tried for 3 years to buy various headsets locally so I could talk hands free. I guess I am going to have to give up and pay a little extra to get a good one from Radio Shack.
We stopped by to see Frances and Eugene. Their horse had a new baby a few weeks ago and she is adorable. I keep forgetting to take my camera so I can get pictures. Sugar is grayish with bits of dark gray and black. I promise to post pics as soon as I get them.
Frances makes awesome lotion and Barb and her husband love it. We had stopped just to pick some up but, of course, we had to sit and gab for a few hours so it was great fun.
I am heading off to bed in a few minutes. Tomorrow morning Lowes is delivering a ton of goodies - bags of dirt, cow manure and compost, tons of fencing materials and more stuff for the garden. I called the order in last week and set it up for delivery. I had been worrying about having to ask someone to help me haul all of that stuff home and unload it. Now I can let Lowes do the work.
Night,
Linda B:)
Monday, April 13, 2009
What a Week
Last Sunday we had temps in the mid 70's, by Monday evening it was snowing and I had 3 inches on my deck Tuesday morning. I made snow cream with blackberries for dinner.
The snow was gone by Wednesday and Thursday afternoon the sun came out again. Friday & Saturday we were back to cold temps and dreary rain. Today began in the 30's but the sun came out early and we had a gorgeous Easter. And so it has been for several weeks, ahhhh Spring:)
Our church had an Easter breakfast after the morning service. It was wonderful with egg casseroles, sausage and ham biscuits, homemade jams, doughnuts, breakfast burritos and more. A few of the ladies put together a small egg hunt for the kids after the service. The church had been decorated with beautiful colors of white, yellow and gold and the altar was lined with tall white lilies. Everything was so beautiful and enhanced by the bright sunlight shining in from all directions. Everything and everyone glowed and we had a wonderful morning celebrating Christ's resurrection and Christian fellowship.
I hope your Easter was as blessed and wonderful,
Hugs,
Linda B:)
The snow was gone by Wednesday and Thursday afternoon the sun came out again. Friday & Saturday we were back to cold temps and dreary rain. Today began in the 30's but the sun came out early and we had a gorgeous Easter. And so it has been for several weeks, ahhhh Spring:)
Our church had an Easter breakfast after the morning service. It was wonderful with egg casseroles, sausage and ham biscuits, homemade jams, doughnuts, breakfast burritos and more. A few of the ladies put together a small egg hunt for the kids after the service. The church had been decorated with beautiful colors of white, yellow and gold and the altar was lined with tall white lilies. Everything was so beautiful and enhanced by the bright sunlight shining in from all directions. Everything and everyone glowed and we had a wonderful morning celebrating Christ's resurrection and Christian fellowship.
I hope your Easter was as blessed and wonderful,
Hugs,
Linda B:)
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Dancing With The Stars
I am a sporadic fan of this show. It is on ABC and except for Pushing Daisies, I haven't found anything worth watching there for about 10 years.
I got hooked on Pushing Daisies because of commercials I saw on DWTS but ABC has already dumped it. It was funny, bright, intelligent and different from anything on TV. I loved the narration and the bright colors that gave the feel of enjoying a collection of fairy tales. I admit the new Castle looks promising but they will probably dump that too so not really bothering.
I frequently only remember DWTS when the season is about half over. I usually catch the last few although I have missed a couple complete seasons. Last season I was hooked because of Cloris Leachman. She was funny and entertaining. I have always been a big fan of her work with Mel Brooks and she kept me in stitches. The DWTS people treated her terribly. Instead of learning from the votes that many people wanted more entertainment, the judges were mad because the viewers were voting off their choices and keeping Cloris.
I forget that they actually think they are a dancing show!!!!! The judges are arrogant jerks who are full of themselves. If I want real dancing I get it on the Ballroom Competitions on PBS. I tune in to DWTS to see celebs, a little fun dancing and some silly entertainment. Sheesh, this is the channel of Wife Swap and The Bachelor and the witches of The View. Can we take a reality check? You would have to duct tape me to a chair to make me watch those shows. ABC is the home of soap operas (Lost, Desperate Housewives) and reality drivel.
The new season of DWTS started about 4 weeks ago. I watched the opening show and was immediately put off by the judges snide remarks about some of the new contestants being as bad as Cloris. Considering she was 25 to 60 years older than the ones they were evaluating, that alone was pretty snarky. She knew she would be limited in what she could do so she used her humor and talent as a comic to substitute comedy and the fans loved it but they just don't get it.
There is a definite lack of talent this year, 80% of the contestants were really bad. I haven't bothered to set my VCR this time around. I did catch the last half hour tonight because the basketball finals knocked out Two and a Half Men. Gilles is still the best dancer there and well worth watching (hubba hubba).
Note: Being a Charlie Sheen fan I was tickled to hear that Denise Richards was dumped on the second show. I would have tossed her first.
Yes, I will probably watch the last few shows this year but I am definitely not enjoying it like before. *Sigh*
Linda B:)
I got hooked on Pushing Daisies because of commercials I saw on DWTS but ABC has already dumped it. It was funny, bright, intelligent and different from anything on TV. I loved the narration and the bright colors that gave the feel of enjoying a collection of fairy tales. I admit the new Castle looks promising but they will probably dump that too so not really bothering.
I frequently only remember DWTS when the season is about half over. I usually catch the last few although I have missed a couple complete seasons. Last season I was hooked because of Cloris Leachman. She was funny and entertaining. I have always been a big fan of her work with Mel Brooks and she kept me in stitches. The DWTS people treated her terribly. Instead of learning from the votes that many people wanted more entertainment, the judges were mad because the viewers were voting off their choices and keeping Cloris.
I forget that they actually think they are a dancing show!!!!! The judges are arrogant jerks who are full of themselves. If I want real dancing I get it on the Ballroom Competitions on PBS. I tune in to DWTS to see celebs, a little fun dancing and some silly entertainment. Sheesh, this is the channel of Wife Swap and The Bachelor and the witches of The View. Can we take a reality check? You would have to duct tape me to a chair to make me watch those shows. ABC is the home of soap operas (Lost, Desperate Housewives) and reality drivel.
The new season of DWTS started about 4 weeks ago. I watched the opening show and was immediately put off by the judges snide remarks about some of the new contestants being as bad as Cloris. Considering she was 25 to 60 years older than the ones they were evaluating, that alone was pretty snarky. She knew she would be limited in what she could do so she used her humor and talent as a comic to substitute comedy and the fans loved it but they just don't get it.
There is a definite lack of talent this year, 80% of the contestants were really bad. I haven't bothered to set my VCR this time around. I did catch the last half hour tonight because the basketball finals knocked out Two and a Half Men. Gilles is still the best dancer there and well worth watching (hubba hubba).
Note: Being a Charlie Sheen fan I was tickled to hear that Denise Richards was dumped on the second show. I would have tossed her first.
Yes, I will probably watch the last few shows this year but I am definitely not enjoying it like before. *Sigh*
Linda B:)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
A Day at Wally World
I spent the day at Wally World and more of that leftover water pump money. My friend Barb had an appointment in town for about an hour or more and offered to drop me off to pick up "just a few things". She was worried that I would be waiting outside for a long time. ROFLOL she still hasn't learned that I shop the store from one end to the other. She nearly fell over when it took two carts to haul everything to the car.
I started at the garden shop with hoses for the newly installed water pump plus fitting, adapters, nozzles, etc. While I was there I just had to grab some bulbs, fertilizer and other garden goodies. They had some great deals on shade plants for my "hill of doom" plus I decided to grab more of those .20 packs of seeds. Heck if I don't get them planted I won't be out that much.
After 8 years with my son I didn't have a single tool left except a pile of bent flat head screwdrivers. I stopped off in tools with the intention of buying a small jigsaw to cut holes in my hydroponic tubes. Well heck I needed a Dremel to cut the center holes, Of course who could pass up a $20 sander for the metal porch glider that needs repainting and, while I was at it I might as well get a small drill LOL.
In electronics I couldn't find the battery for my phone so I bought another headset for my cordless phone and a new cord for the hardline. A stop off in the stationary area yielded a write on wipe off board and cork squares - yeah, like I am really going to get organized LOL. I finally rolled into the grocery section with a full cart and was only halfway through my "short" list LOL.
After 8 years with my son I didn't have a single tool left except a pile of bent flat head screwdrivers. I stopped off in tools with the intention of buying a small jigsaw to cut holes in my hydroponic tubes. Well heck I needed a Dremel to cut the center holes, Of course who could pass up a $20 sander for the metal porch glider that needs repainting and, while I was at it I might as well get a small drill LOL.
In electronics I couldn't find the battery for my phone so I bought another headset for my cordless phone and a new cord for the hardline. A stop off in the stationary area yielded a write on wipe off board and cork squares - yeah, like I am really going to get organized LOL. I finally rolled into the grocery section with a full cart and was only halfway through my "short" list LOL.
Oh well, a trip to Lowes to get the rest of my fencing and garden supplies and I will be broke again. I will probably not be able to buy a thing for years but it has been fun finally restocking these items I have been without for so many years.
The bad part - now I really do have to get my butt in gear and get some things done around here. No more sink piled with dishes or overflowing laundry basket because of no water. No more unfinished repair projects because I have no tools. Sheesh, I am beginning to think this high class living may be too much work. I am longing for the days on the mountain in my camper trailer hauling water and reading by camp lanterns and kerosene lamps. Well, may not, I would miss my internet :)
The bad part - now I really do have to get my butt in gear and get some things done around here. No more sink piled with dishes or overflowing laundry basket because of no water. No more unfinished repair projects because I have no tools. Sheesh, I am beginning to think this high class living may be too much work. I am longing for the days on the mountain in my camper trailer hauling water and reading by camp lanterns and kerosene lamps. Well, may not, I would miss my internet :)
Hugs
Linda B:)
Saturday, March 28, 2009
WOOHOO!!!! Running Water
I am doing the Happy Dance today.
I HAVE RUNNING WATER AGAIN!!!
I HAVE RUNNING WATER AGAIN!!!
Well, almost. They put in my new water pump today. After being down for 14 months and below zero temps this past winter, I have leaks - lots of them.
He repaired the pipe at the well so it is on and running. I can attach a hose to the spigot there and run it up to the deck. I have a couple of old near rotten hoses that I am hoping will hold together until I can get to the store and buy some new ones.
The bad news, I can't find my hose nozzles. Most of them have fallen apart so I am not even sure I still have one that works. Anyway as soon as I can work all this out I will at least have water to the deck and can fill up buckets and jugs as I need them. The entire thing was only $650 - much better than the $1400 to $3500 I had been quoted so far.
The other good news - I got all my garden seeds and plants ordered. I have been trying to add more fruit in my diet so I ordered patio fig trees and 
blueberries. I am already getting the cold veggies potted and several kinds of lettuce and onions started. Can't wait until planting :)
I also splurged and bought a bench for my deck. It folds into a picnic table and even has a hole for my umbrella. I saw it on QVC and several older people gave it high ratings saying it was easy to flip back and forth.
I love to sit outside in the morning and read the paper, do the Sudoku and my Bible study. I also usually carry some fruit, yogurt or a granola bar to have for breakfast. The table function will be perfect for this.
In the evening I like to just sit back and watch the birds or gaze at the stars after dark. The bench function will work great for that.
In the heat of the afternoon I like to stretch out for a nap in my glider. It is too big to fit on the deck and also too hot there so I want to move it under the dogwood tree so the critters and I can have a place to cool off on those steamy summer afternoons.
blueberries. I am already getting the cold veggies potted and several kinds of lettuce and onions started. Can't wait until planting :)I also splurged and bought a bench for my deck. It folds into a picnic table and even has a hole for my umbrella. I saw it on QVC and several older people gave it high ratings saying it was easy to flip back and forth.
I love to sit outside in the morning and read the paper, do the Sudoku and my Bible study. I also usually carry some fruit, yogurt or a granola bar to have for breakfast. The table function will be perfect for this.
In the evening I like to just sit back and watch the birds or gaze at the stars after dark. The bench function will work great for that.
In the heat of the afternoon I like to stretch out for a nap in my glider. It is too big to fit on the deck and also too hot there so I want to move it under the dogwood tree so the critters and I can have a place to cool off on those steamy summer afternoons.
I was going to save up to put one of those Sunsetter roll-up awnings on the deck because I don't want a roof. The front edge of the deck gets the most sun in the entire yard and is where I will be putting my tomatoes, peppers and other sun lovering plants. Anyway I can use the umbrella with the table/bench and not block the sun to my veggies and flowers.Well I am off to waste some water:)
Linda B:)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Finally - '08 WrapUp
I am a procrastinator - if I can't do something perfectly I put it off until it
doesn't need doing anymore or I feel so guilty about putting it off that I throw my
hands up and finally wade in. At that point, whatever happens - happens, so here are my latest ramblings.
I had intended to do better on blogging this year and was going to start the year
with a wrap up of 2008 and yet, here it is almost April and my first blog of the year is finally arriving. I would like to say it was lost in the mail but it was definitely lost in my brain somewhere.
'08 was one of those rough, roll with the punches kind of years - still out of work and trying to get my disability, I seemed more down than up at times. The credit cards sputtered to a halt one payment short of covering the January bills. I got a call about that time telling me I had been hired as a substitute teacher. A couple of catches - I could only work a couple of days a week and my first check would not arrive for almost two months.
Oh well, I had a job again so I immediately tried to hustle more money but was turned down everywhere. I had $160 a month in food stamps but things went right into the crapper and I broke down crying because I didn't even have money to buy toilet paper (no pun intended :).
Praise God for my wonderful friends and church members. Some of them decided they would care for my animals and buy their food. People would show up with bags of dog food, packages of light bulbs and toilet paper and misc groceries. When I caught the creeping crud from the kids at school they even brought me cough drops and Kleenex. I was given clothes for Christmas so I would have something to wear to school and others tucked $20 bills into my pocket now and then so I could buy gas to get to the schools. When my van broke down they all told me their schedules so I could call and get rides. Can you believe it? People got out of bed at the drop of a hat to rush me to whichever school called. It was amazing and reminded of how truly blessed my life has been and is.
In May I went before a Judge and was approved for my disability based on my medical records. The checks began the end of July but my $700 a month meant I was making "big" money so I lost my food stamps *sigh*.
In June I fell and ruptured my Achilles tendon which has left me near crippled and
unable to drive (and a bit cranky about it - you may remember the blogs whining about it LOL). The end of Aug I received my back pay and began the long road of negotiating payoffs for my credit cards.
I saved a small amount of the money to get my car and well fixed. I have been without
water since Feb 08 and have been quoted prices from $1200 plus to $3500. I simply did
not have that much so I have held out. I talked to a man this week who is going to replace the pump this Friday for a flat fee of $600.
Hallelujah, I can't believe it!!!! I will finally have running water. Dang, now I have to start doing the dishes again. Being unable to drive I have had to depend on the wonderful people from my church to fill milk jugs for me each week so I could have water for me and the dogs. My garden did terrible during the drought last year because there was no rain water to keep it going and barely enough in the water jugs to keep me and the fuzzy butts going. It was the perfect excuse to put off laundry and dishes:)
'09 started off good and bad. I finally negotiated the payment for the last credit card but a few days later I got a notice that I have to start paying $96.80 a month for Medicare beginning next month. That leaves me with $200 a month for groceries and misc spending so I am working hard to get in a good garden this year. The leg is still partially numb and still has barely any calf muscle but I am getting around better these days. Also, having my well working, I will be able to
keep everything watered so I am optimistic.
I had plans to get some scrapbooking, sewing and knitting done this past winter. Single digit temps changed that. With the furnace out and just a small electric heater with a bad thermostat, I spent most of the winter buried under a pile of covers and wearing 4 to 5 layers of clothes. I did catch up on some old movies and a few books :)
Well, we are basically caught up. Aren't you glad that's over? LOL Right now I am trying to get everything ordered for the garden and some lettuce and onions started. Also I need to find out what kind of hot water heater I have so I can buy new elements for it. It took a powder about a week before the water pump. I will be so happy when I can finally have a long hot shower again.
Have a great day,
Linda B:)
doesn't need doing anymore or I feel so guilty about putting it off that I throw my
hands up and finally wade in. At that point, whatever happens - happens, so here are my latest ramblings.
I had intended to do better on blogging this year and was going to start the year
with a wrap up of 2008 and yet, here it is almost April and my first blog of the year is finally arriving. I would like to say it was lost in the mail but it was definitely lost in my brain somewhere.
'08 was one of those rough, roll with the punches kind of years - still out of work and trying to get my disability, I seemed more down than up at times. The credit cards sputtered to a halt one payment short of covering the January bills. I got a call about that time telling me I had been hired as a substitute teacher. A couple of catches - I could only work a couple of days a week and my first check would not arrive for almost two months.
Oh well, I had a job again so I immediately tried to hustle more money but was turned down everywhere. I had $160 a month in food stamps but things went right into the crapper and I broke down crying because I didn't even have money to buy toilet paper (no pun intended :).
Praise God for my wonderful friends and church members. Some of them decided they would care for my animals and buy their food. People would show up with bags of dog food, packages of light bulbs and toilet paper and misc groceries. When I caught the creeping crud from the kids at school they even brought me cough drops and Kleenex. I was given clothes for Christmas so I would have something to wear to school and others tucked $20 bills into my pocket now and then so I could buy gas to get to the schools. When my van broke down they all told me their schedules so I could call and get rides. Can you believe it? People got out of bed at the drop of a hat to rush me to whichever school called. It was amazing and reminded of how truly blessed my life has been and is.
In May I went before a Judge and was approved for my disability based on my medical records. The checks began the end of July but my $700 a month meant I was making "big" money so I lost my food stamps *sigh*.
In June I fell and ruptured my Achilles tendon which has left me near crippled and
unable to drive (and a bit cranky about it - you may remember the blogs whining about it LOL). The end of Aug I received my back pay and began the long road of negotiating payoffs for my credit cards.
I saved a small amount of the money to get my car and well fixed. I have been without
water since Feb 08 and have been quoted prices from $1200 plus to $3500. I simply did
not have that much so I have held out. I talked to a man this week who is going to replace the pump this Friday for a flat fee of $600.
Hallelujah, I can't believe it!!!! I will finally have running water. Dang, now I have to start doing the dishes again. Being unable to drive I have had to depend on the wonderful people from my church to fill milk jugs for me each week so I could have water for me and the dogs. My garden did terrible during the drought last year because there was no rain water to keep it going and barely enough in the water jugs to keep me and the fuzzy butts going. It was the perfect excuse to put off laundry and dishes:)
'09 started off good and bad. I finally negotiated the payment for the last credit card but a few days later I got a notice that I have to start paying $96.80 a month for Medicare beginning next month. That leaves me with $200 a month for groceries and misc spending so I am working hard to get in a good garden this year. The leg is still partially numb and still has barely any calf muscle but I am getting around better these days. Also, having my well working, I will be able to
keep everything watered so I am optimistic.
I had plans to get some scrapbooking, sewing and knitting done this past winter. Single digit temps changed that. With the furnace out and just a small electric heater with a bad thermostat, I spent most of the winter buried under a pile of covers and wearing 4 to 5 layers of clothes. I did catch up on some old movies and a few books :)
Well, we are basically caught up. Aren't you glad that's over? LOL Right now I am trying to get everything ordered for the garden and some lettuce and onions started. Also I need to find out what kind of hot water heater I have so I can buy new elements for it. It took a powder about a week before the water pump. I will be so happy when I can finally have a long hot shower again.
Have a great day,
Linda B:)
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