My Sunday Meme

Here's a list I stole from a fellow blogger, Saintly Nick. Some days I'm just out of "blogfodder."

What do you think of the last person you liked? Still like that person.
I’m listening to ? Nothing
Maybe I should? Clean my house
I want a? Glass of wine
I don’t understand: Algebra and geometry
I have lost my respect for: politicians
I last ate? Country Post’s biscuits and gravy
The meaning of my display name is? To complicated to explain
Is your hair wet? No
Is your cell phone right beside you? No, not sure where it is right now.
Do you miss someone? Yes, my daughter
Are you tired? No, only been up 3 hours.
Are you wearing pajamas? No, I don’t own any.
Are you mad? Nope
Are you upset? Nope
Why? Having a good day, no reason to be.
Recently done anything you regret? Yep
Ever lied? Maybe a little white one!
Ever kicked someone? Probably, but I don’t remember doing it.
Ever tripped over your own feet? Yep
Ever cursed? Oh, hell yes!
Gotten mad at someone? Who hasn’t?
Who? I don’t remember, but students rile me once in a while.
Cried in the last week? Yep
Is there anyone special on your mind right now? Nope
Do you have siblings? Yep 1 brother
Do/Did you want children? Yep, wanted 6, have two. More grandchildren, please!
Do you smile often? Try to.
Do you untie your shoes every time you take them off? Nope
Do you like your handwriting? Yep
What color shirt are you wearing? Sorta pastel green
What were you doing at 7 pm yesterday? Driving my van.
What are you doing tomorrow? Laundry, and working 2-4 pm.
When did you cry last? Last night over a sentimental song
Are you a friendly person? I try to be
Do you have pets? Nope
Would you ever date any of your ex’s? I can think of one possibility!
Ever cried on a friend’s shoulder? Yep
Do you really like someone? Yep, my family (except MIL, the witch)

Books Read Recently

Crying Wind: This is an autobiography. Wonderful read about a Native American's struggle growing up.

Wolf Pass by Steve Thayer. Exciting read for mystery and action lovers.

The Cottage by Danielle Steele. Her usual clap-trap about the rich and famous.

The 5th Horseman by James Patterson. Great read and makes we hunting the 6th in the series.

Dry Ice by Stephen White. A real page-turner. Read it until the wee hours, and didn't want to put it down even then.

When Day Breaks by Mary Jane Clark. Uuuhhh! It was okay, but not especially a grabber. Lots of hype when it came out, but I didn't think it was Clark's best work.

Right now I am wading into Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. Wow! This is heavy reading, but very good and well written. Let you know what I thought when I finish it. It's my first Picoult book.

Pardon Me While I Unload!

Once in a while, I get the urge to just write about my feeling about life in general. I sit and try to figure just what I want to say and how to say it. Sometimes making a list of my thoughts and feelings helps. Here's my list:

• I am not political, but I don't like any of the presidential candidates.
• I think our country has become a nation where only the wealthy can survive comfortably.
• I think educating our young people should take priority over anything else. How else will we remain the strongest nation in the world?
• The price of gas is ridiculous, but what can we as individuals do about it.
• Living alone is not so bad. Being lonely sucks ass!
• Family is the most important thing in the world. Without them, I am nothing.
• I have got the greatest friends a man could ever ask for.
• Buying groceries is a drudge.
• Cleaning house is a drudge.
• Mowing grass is a drudge.
• TV this summer is a laugh! Not the humorous kind, either!
• I love to read. That's why my house is dirty and my lawn needs mowing.
• There is not a rainbow behind every cloud no matter what Hallmark cards say
• Doing laundry is a necessary evil. And another drudge.
• I don't like the feeling of being homesick.
• I still love to sing.

There are some days when I should just not sit down at the computer. But, I have to get some of this shit off my chest somehow!

Peace and Hope

JE

Reading

Did you ever pick up a book and even though you really didn't like it very much, you just kept reading because you were just curious? Well, I just finished Now You See Him by Eli Gottlieb. It was the strangest novel I have read in a long time. And, I sure didn't see the end coming. Usually I am brighter than that, but this one really threw me.
I didn't especially like the writer's style. He wrote in first person, but his literary style was to "highbrow" for me, for lack of a better term. But I told myself to just persevere and finish the book.
I wouldn't recommend that you rush out and buy this book, and I am glad I just checked it out of the local library, but if you run accross it in a used book store, and can pick it up for 50 cents, read it and see how you feel about it.
I have several other possibilities in my book bag, so I am looking forward to reading something more exciting and interesting. This made my 5th novel since school was out. Do I need to get a life or what!
Peace and Hope
JE

Say Cheese!

Well, I did it. I joined the ranks of millions of other people and purchased a digital camera. I'm not sure what I have to take pictures of, but having a new granddaughter to photograph in a few months was an incentive. By the time she arrives, I should be pretty good at snapping those candid shots. At least, I will have learned what all the buttons are for.
I had 2 rolls of film developed the other day. I didn't get prints made, I simply had the pictures put on a disc so I could download them to my computer. At the price they charged to do that, it wouldn't take long to pay for this camera. I didn't get a super expensive one, but when I get really good, I can upgrade! Yeah, right!
Anyway, now I can keep my photo blog more up to date, and have a fun time doing it.
Peace and Hope!
JE

My New Look

Not only am I redecorating my home, How do you like my new "bloglook?" Thanks to the creative skills of Professor, I have a whole new design. And it is so totally "me." Ask anyone who knows me and they will agree, I'm sure. Thanks Prof!

Peace and Hope,

JE

A Tribute to Country Music???????

I just watched a special on PBS hosted by Roy Clark. Egads! There is a reason for retirement. Come on people. Glen Campbell singing some of the songs he made famous, was nauseating. What happened to his voice? Also, he suddenly looks so old. Do I? Maybe so, but I ain't gettin' up in front of millions of people and making an ass of myself. Patty Page sang "Tennessee Waltz." Now there's a song. But, maybe it should now be sung my Martina McBride. Of course, Chrystal Gayle sang, "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue." Other than the now un-becoming hair do, or lack thereof, she still looks pretty damn good, and sounds good, too. She graduated just a couple of years behind my late wife, Tilly. We knew her when she was still Brenda Webb.

Roy Clark looks pretty rough. Especially with the bad hair piece, and his eyes glued to the cue cards.

By now you are probably asking why I didn't just turn it off. Well, I like country music and I just kept hoping the show would get better. It didn't!

Peace and Hope!

JE

A visit to the "Baby Dr."

New experience #(I wouldn't even venture a guess): a visit to an OB-GYN! Yes you read right. I accompanied my son and daughter-in-law to the "baby dr." today. You are probably asking yourselves "what the hell for?" Well, let me explain. I have never heard a baby's heartbeat. My kids wanted me to hear my grandaughter's heartbeat, so they asked me to go along with them. (*NOTE: When Tilly and I were having babies over 32 years ago, dads weren't included in the process, past conception. No office visits, no delivery room, no nothing.)
We enter the office. We're the first one's there. Lil Bro introduces me to the nurse. She said "welcome Grandpa." All goes well until this lady about my age comes in. She looks at me like I am a alien from Mars. I know she wondered why I was there. Of course, I could about guess why she was there. She was there for the GYN part of the office, certainly not the OB part.
We get called back to the exam room, and the Dr. comes in. He looks like he's about 15 years old, but seems to know what he is doing. After measuring Sistah's tummy with a tape measure, he smears this gel on her tummy, picks up what looks like a small radio with a microphone attached and starts rubbing the mike on her tummy in the gel. Like the miracle that it is, suddenly I could honestly hear my new-to-be granddaughter's heart beat, loud and clear. WOW! I couldn't help but stand there in awe with this stupid (I'm sure) looking smile on my face. "That's my granddaughter," was all I could think. Wow! Then in few seconds of melancholy, I thought how cool it would have been if Grandma could have been there, too. My eyes misted over, not so much from the sadness of that thought, but from the marvel of it all. Science has come so far since my children were born.
It's been over 3 hours since then, but I am still on cloud #100+, and reeling from the experience.
I know I can't be in the birthing room, but believe me, I will be as close as possible when my little granddaughter arrives.

I Remember These

Recently I listened to an old song by the Statler Brothers called,"Do You Remember These." Here are some of the things I do remember from 'way back then."

• gas was 18 cents a gallon when I got my license in 1961
• my brother and I walked a mile on Sat. mornings in summer to the nearest neighbors who had a TV to watch cartoons. We had a standing invitation.
• Penny candy really was a penny, sometimes two for a penny.
• A pack of Winstons was a quarter.
• Pepsi, Coke, R C Cola and grape Nehi all came in glass bottles, and if you took them back where you bought them, they gave you 2 cents for the returned bottle.
• I mowed the neighbor's lawn for a buck
• We went places as a family
• My best friend in the whole wide world died at age 14 of a strange disease called "nephritis." Today, she would have had dialysis and a kidney transplant. Never heard of then.
• Our neighbors to the east of us build a bomb shelter into the side of a hill. I can only imagine the world repopulated by that snooty guy and his bleached blonde trophy wife.
• Our local theater showed the movie continuously all day starting at 10 AM and you could stay for as many showings as you wanted. Cost 25 cents to get in and a box of popcorn was a dime.
• We all went to church on Sunday morning, came home and had a nice dinner around the table, then went either to visit friends, or to grandparents for the afternoon.
• Our parents demanded that they knew where we were, who we were with, and called other parents to make sure it was okay with them.
• My girlfriend actually had morals and a curfew.
• James Dean movies were too "racy" and my parents said NO to going to them.
• We played outside no matter what the weather was. No video games!!
• I actually learned to type on a manual typewriter and thought "eraseable bond" paper was a great invention.
• We had actual chores. Carrying in wood, cleaning out the fireplaces, mowing an acre of yard, shoveling snow just so we could get out to the road, taking care of the dog, and sometimes the neighbor's cats.
• We helped out when other kids in the neighborhood had chores, so they could get done faster so we could go swimming.
• Everyone got along
• We had both parents in the home
• We treated our parents with respect and were loved and we knew it

This list could go on and on. You get the idea, though. I'm not saying that those were the "good old days." Today's life is good. But as I look back, I don't think I would trade.

Peace and Hope

JE

Another School Year Down!!!!!

Whooppee! School is finally out. I love my job, I really do, but, BOY! was I ready for school to be out. I need a break. As a "special ed" teaching assistant, I work with he kids with the learning problems, obviously, but I also work with the kids with emotional problems, and the ones that are mildly, mentally handicapped. Usually this vast group of kids are where most dicipline problems stem from. So, as the only man in the "sp. ed" department, I get to deal with the guys.
I pull guys out and discuss why they shouldn't wear their pants so low that we can see their "crack problem." I also get to discuss personal hygiene and suggest that they shower more often, and put on clean clothes from the skin out daily. I also pass out deodarant to some of the guys, as well as toothpaste and tic-tacs. So you see that my job is not just helping educate these students, but being a surrogate parent to them for 7 1/2 hours a day 5 days a week.

On top of that, I have to read tests aloud to most of my students. They have several learning-skill levels, so I have to read slow enough that the slower kids can keep up. When giving a math test, I often have to talk an individual student thru a problem, reminding him/her of the process used and then give them time to complete each problem. I repeat questions for those students who missed one or needs to think time.

Daily, I am responsible for maintaining order and control chaos two periods a day in a "guided study hall" situation. Bear in mind that students come and go at the classroom teacher's discretion, from 6th,7th, and 8th grades. They can come for help with any subject. So all of the teaching assistants need to be well versed in all subjects for all 3 grades. I don't have a problem with most things, but pre-algebra gives me fits. I just don't understand all the formulas, theroms (or is that geometry?) and stuff. I took one math class in college, and that was a methods class for elementary teachers! Most teachers are very understanding, but some of the ones who are new, will not give us teacher's manuals or answer keys. They are "afraid" we might give a kid an answer. WHAT??? Do they think I don't know how to do my job.

The last few days of school, it was decided that the "Resource Room" as our study hall area is called, needed to be moved into a different classroom next school year. So, we had to pack up everything in boxes, mark it to be moved, mark our desks and supplies, all furniture that goes with us so the janitors can make the move this summer. Of course, we are considered hourly employees who only get paid for the hours that the students are in the building, so we had do all this while trying to stay on "finals" schedule. While the teachers get an extra day paid to do this, we do not.

So, all this being said, I need a break. But come August, will I be ready to go back and face the "troops?" You bet. After spending over 30 years in the business world, and taking this job late in my life as a second career, I feel like I am making a difference in kid's lives. Friday night I watched students walk across the stage and graduate. These were students that I started out with when they were in the 6th grade. I have watched them grow into fine young people. They still come to my room and chat, and to share their lives with me. After the graduation ceremony, the handshakes and hugs I received made the job I do, and sometimes complain about, all worthwhile. I feel that in some small way I may have made a difference in someone's life. If so, my life is full, and I know that I am where I belong.

Favorite Lyric Day

I declare today as "National Favorite Lyrics Day." As such, I am posting the lyrics to a few of my favs.

Turn Me On

Like a flower waiting to bloom

Like a lightbulb in a dark room

I'm just sitting here waiting for you

To come home and turn me on

Like the desert waiting for the rain

Like a school kid waiting for the spring

I'm just sitting here waiting for you

To come on home and turn me on

My poor heart, it's been so dark

since you been gone

After all, you're the one who turns me off

You're the only one who can turn me back on

My hi-fi's waiting for a new tune

The glass is waiting for some fresh ice cubes

I'm just sitting here waiting for you

To come on home and turn me on

Turn me on

-----------

One Flight Down

One flight down

There's a song on low

And you mind just picked up on the sound

Now you know you're wrong

Because it drifts like smoke

And it's been there playing all along

Now you know

Now you know.

The reeds and brass have been weaving

Leading into a single note

In this place

Where your arms unfold

Here at last you see your ancient face

Now you know

Now you know

The cadence rolls in broken

Plays it over and then goes

One flight down

There's a song on low

And it's been there playing all along

Now you know

Now you know

------

The Long Day Is Over

Feeling tired

By the fire

The long day is over

The wind is gone

Asleep at dawn

The embers burn on

With no reprise

The sun will rise

The long day is over

Peace and Hope!

JE

Another List

1. What curse word do you use the most?Shit! Self explanatory.
2. Do you own an iPod?No, but I have a MP3 player, red, with great tunes on it.
3. Who on your MySpace “Top 8” do you talk to the most?I don't MySpace
4. What time is your alarm clock set for?6:30 am for one more week!
5. What color is your room? White, ugly and I am changing it to gold with a red ceiling this summer.
6. Flip flops or sneakers?Love me some sandals, but "heart" my ol' sneaks.
7. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?Take it.
8. What was the last movie you watched?Juno.
9. Do any of your friends have children? Most do. And even grandchildren.
10. Has anyone ever called you lazy?Probably, but they better not.
11. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster?Yes, 2 tylenol pm's most nights.
12. What CD is currently in your CD player?"Tapestry" by Carole King.
13. Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk?I'm not a milk fan at all but if forced I drink chocolate
14. Has anyone told you a secret this week? Yes, but it wouldn't be a secret if I told.
15. Have you ever given someone a hickey?YES, a long,long time ago.
16. Who was the last person to call you?Lil Bro.
17. Do you think people talk about you behind your back?Oh,I hope so. While they are talking about me, they are leaving someone else alone.
18. Did you watch cartoons as a child?Yes, my brother and I walked a mile to the nearest neighbor who had T.V.
19. How many siblings do you have?1 bro (and a sister in law)
20. Are you shy around the opposite sex?Actually.... yes. Believe it or not, unitl we get acquainted, then of course they aren't strangers.
21. What movie do you know every line to?Dances With Wolves, except the Lakota.
22. Do you own any band t-shirts?NO
23. What is your favorite salad dressing?Bleu Cheese
24. Do you read for fun?Oh hella YES!
25. Do you cry a lot?Too much!
26. Who was the last person to text message you? I don't text.
27. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?I have a borrowed desktop "piece of SHIT" which I plan on replacing SOON!
28. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoo?Sometimes I think I would like a tat, but am I too old?
29. What is the weather like?Right now, 80 and sunny, expecting rain tonite.
30. Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos? NO
31. Is sex before marriage wrong?Is this a trick question? I now say "maybe not."
32. When was the last time you slept on the floor?The other night I stretched out in front of my space heater to watch TV and fell asleep. It was 40 degrees outside. Woke up hardly able to move.
33. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?I can get by with 4 or 5, but I really need 7 or 8 hours... otherwise I am crabby and say "shit" a lot more.
34. Are you in love or lust?Again, is this a trick question? Neither, dammit!
35. Are your days full and fast-paced?Full , and fast-paced enough for a guy of 63.
36. Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages?YEP
37. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?Just turned 63 last week.
38. Are you picky about spelling and grammar?Yes, and people think I am way over the top when I blog or email.
39. Have you ever been to Six Flags?Drove past it a couple of time. Does that count?
40. Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex?These days, in my dotage...both
41. Do you like cottage cheese?YUK!
42. Do you sleep on your side, tummy, or back?Usually on my side.
43. Have you ever bid for something on eBay?no
44. Do you enjoy giving hugs?yes
45. What song did you last sing out loud?"I'll Be Seeing You."
46. What is your favorite TV show?Numb3rs
47. Which celebrity, dead or alive, would you want to have lunch with?John F. Kennedy
48. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?Coming home from Texas on Amtrak.
49. What one thing do you wish you had?Money
50. Favorite lyrics?"Turn Me On" by Norah Jones. (Well, you asked!)

Things I Have Learned Recently

Through trial and error I learned some very helpful and interesting things lately.

• No matter how it is cooked, a TV dinner still tastes like wallpaper paste.
• Any kind of cheap wine goes with said TV dinner. Doesn't make it taste better, but less painful going down.
• I am no longer a good date for a 44 year old. Enough said!
• I still hate doing laundry.
• My favorite wine goes well with Fig Newtons.
• Vanilla Bean ice cream is the best.
• I really like Asian Cusine.
• One never has enough money. This month it's trying to decide whether to buy food or gas.
• 11 hours of work in one day is too much for someone my age.
• Walmart Super Stores are a thing to be avoided. I see too many things I want.
• Grocery shopping when I am hungry is a no-no.
• I really am enjoying working in my yard.
• I am really tired of rain.
• One can never have enough clean underwear.
• I need to watch closer how much toilet paper I have in stock.
• Sheets stay cleaner if I shower at night.
• Chocolate is still one of the five basic food groups.
• There is a big difference in being alone and being lonely.

That's about it. I will probably learn more as I wonder farther into this strange world.

Peace!

JE

What Was I Thinking???

I probably should not share this, but what was I thinking? Last night about 8 I decided to build a fire in my new outdoor fireplace. I built a nice little fire, grabbed a lawn chair and sat. I decided to smoke a cigar. Not something I do very often, but once in a while one is satisfying. I went into the house to get said cigar and decided to have a beer. Should have stopped there. But, being the not-so-wise semi adult that I am, I had another and then another . What started out as a peaceful evening of firewatching, turned into a total sloshing on "firewater." I started the evening with several beers in the fridge, now I only have one.
Today I paid the price. Cotton mouth, feeling like I could puke, headache, and all the rest of the stuff that goes along with a hangover. Boy was that a stupid move. (I contemplated staying home, but went to school as a punishment for my stupidity.)
I do remember yelling at the neighbor's dogs to "shut the f--k up at the top of my lungs. Didn't help. They just kept yapping. Maybe it was my mindless singing that was upsetting them.
Oh well, I learned a valuable lesson. I cannot handle much beer any more. I looked this evening and cannot find all the empty bottles. Not sure where I tossed them. I think I'm too old for this shit.

Lest you were wondering

I think I announced earlier that son Lil Bro and his lovely wife Sistah are expecting a baby, thus going to make me a grandfather again. (My only other grandchild is Kiddo, Prof's son who is now 15.) This is very exciting news, especially since according to the latest ultrasound photos, I am going to have a granddaughter! The kids informed me that her name is Kinsey Faye, and we are referring to her as Kinsey already. Up until now we have called her "Bump" or "Little Bit."
Now that everything seems more real, I am ready to get the cradle that Lil Bro had as a child down from the garage attic, dust it off, and get it into the living room. I told the kids that if they want to go out in the evening, I am the man who can babysit, and will make that my first priority.
A new life coming into this world. How wonderful! My only regret is that Tilly didn't live long enough to see this little one. But I know she is watching out for Sistah and the baby from somewhere out there. I have to believe that this is God's way of telling us all that things will be okay for us all in the future. After the year we have had, we can look forward to this exciting time, and know that God is good, all the time!

Ridin' the Rails

I have just returned from a trip to Texas on Amtrak. Though it was a very long journey, let me say, that if you have the chance to ride the rails, and are not in a hurry, do it. At least once!

I departed from a small station in northern Indiana, and railed into Union Station in Chicago. I didn't know anything about train travel. (The last time I rode on the train was a long time ago. I was maybe 10.) I stepped off the train in Chicago and immediately had to walk what seemed miles to the terminal for Amtrak. I did not have a bag on wheels, so I toted this heavy duffle over one shoulder while carrying a cooler and a carry-on bag in my hands.(the first purchase I made in Texas was a new piece of luggage with wheels!)
One nice thing about traveling by train, and being over 62, I got to board first. I found a good aisle seat, stashed my bags and got comfy and also acquainted with the people around me. Riding the rails was fun. The crew on the way to Texas was a good crew, very congenial, and fun to be around. The guy running the bar in the lounge car was a riot. I met several friendly people, and yes, I actually talked, and in some cases, even struck up conversations around me. It is easy to get a conversation started when you are traveling, because you have that in common with the people around you. Prof and Lil Bro both told me to not be shy and at least talk to people.

We were very late getting into Dallas, my destination, but we found out a few things about Amtrak that none of us knew. Amtrak leases the railroad space from Union Pacific Railroads. Part of the leasing agreement is that Amtrak has to give right-of-way to all freight trains. This means that we had to pull 0ver on sidings and let freight trains pass, or if there was double tracks, we slowed way down because of the closeness of the railcars and the sway of them. We could actually bump, but we were the ones always slowing or stopping. Which made us late. Then only 12 miles out of Dallas, we sat for almost 2 hours because Union Pacific was doing track work. But, all in all the trip down there was fun. I had motion sickness the second day out, so I didn't eat, which probably made it worse rather than better. I got some drammine for the trip home, and that stuff really works.
The trip home was even longer. I was disappointed in the train I was on. It wasn't very clean and the crew was fussier. Our car attendant, Morgana, was a real witch. She acted like she didn't like her job, didn't want to be there, and that everything she did for us was a real effort. She was not helpful at all, and when someone complained that it was too cold in the car, she did something to the heaters, and it got up over 90 in there. Finally after complaining to her about it without results, one of the passengers went to the conductor, complained about Morgana and her attitude and the heat, and he made it right.
We were over 6 hours late getting into Chicago on the return trip, making scads of people miss their connections. Amtrak offered to put us up in motels, pay us cash for meals and cab fares and get us going the next day. I just wanted to go home. Fortunately, there is a train that leaves Chicago at 10 PM nightly heading for NYC, and it stops at my station where Lil Bro was to pick me up. The nice lady at the Amtrak info center got me on it. Yeah rah! You go girl!
Not being a seasoned traveler like so many, I was nervous. I have not traveled anywhere for a long time, so I was lost when it came to finding out what I needed to know. The nicest thing was that the young man in the seat next to mine sensed how nervous I was, so when we got into the station, he took it upon himself to make sure I found someone to help me, then helped me find my gate and even found my train and departure time. Then he shook my hand, wished me well and disappeared to go his own way. I didn't even get his name, but I will never forget him. A young person helping an older, confused, tired adult. Living proof that there really are angels walking among us.
I arrived at my little Indiana station at the same time Lil Bro did. Perfect timing. I had a good time while I was gone, fodder for another blog, but was glad to get home. My shower and bed felt really good!

Another Movie

Tonight I watched "American Gangster" starring my very favorite Densel Washington, and Russell Crowe. It was okay. It was nice to see Crowe play a nice guy for a change. I hated his guts in "3:10 to Yuma." I don't like seeing Washington playing a thug. It's just out of character for him. The role of his mom was played by veteran actress Ruby Dee. What a gal. Still has that spark. This movie is worth watching, but allow lots of time. I didn't look at the jacket info to see how long it was, but it seemed VERY long. Might be good entertainment for a rainy Sunday afternoon.
JE

You Must See It!!!!

I just finished watching "August Rush!" It has to be the very best movie I have seen in a very long time. I usually don't review or even past judgement on a movie, but this one is "the best." Watch it!
JE

Recording, and recording, and recording.....

Today, my mixed quartet had their first ever recording sesson. We have been asked to perform for a very large group of professional educations from all around Area 52. We have to submit a demo recording to the committee who plan this event, so today was our first attempt at making a CD.
Now, our quartet has been together for seven year. We have performed all over the northern part of our state, and are pretty well known. But, we have never recorded.
So, we gathered, and each had our own mike, like ususal. Only this time we weren't singing to an audience. The first time through, I was so loud, I drowned out the rest of the group. My mike was too hot, I held it too close to my mouth, the sound man was puzzled with the play back, so we attempted it again. This time through, the bass was too loud, and so was the alto. So, we decided to switch to different miking system. So, Wednesday night at 9:00, we are having another go at it. This was not a professional studio, but we did have professional equipment and a semi pro running it for us. We were recording in our church's multipurpose activity center. It is new, has wonder acoustics, and a great sound system. It was an interesting experience. I have a new respect for singers who spend hours recording, and now know why sometimes it takes months to get a record(CD) out of the production room.
Fortunately, our bass knows two people on the committee for this group, so I guess we're in, even if our recording isn't too wonderful. I think they just want proof that we're not some "fly-by-night group.
Between now and Wednesday, I have to learn the words and music to four songs. Guess I'd better get busy.
JE

This and That

• For those of you who live in warmer climates....goodie for you. It's still colder than blue blazes here in Area 52.
• My diet was going great, but my scales seem to be stuck on 212 for some reason.
• I have my tickets purchased to head for Texas to visit my bro over spring break. I am going by Amtrak this time...not Grayhound. I think I would stay home if that was the only choice I had.
• I still don't have all my Christmas decorations put away. They are gathered by the back door, but the weather hasn't been good enough for me to want to spend the time trapsing back and forth to the garage to put them away.
• We only have about 12 weeks of school left.
• One of my former students, a guy who finally quit school at 16, ended up in reform school for a while, stopped by and shoveled me out the other day.
• My new grandbaby inutero is progressing nicely and is beginning to round out his mommie's tummy.
• My son finally gave up his second job. He has complained about it for years. I'm proud of him.
• Prof and Kiddo seem to be surviving out there in the middleofnowheremontana. Glad it's them and not me in those "way negative" wind chills.
• It's been 5 months and counting since losing Tilly, and I am still surviving. Damn I miss her!

Peace and love...

JE

Winter Blues or Blahs

God, it's cold. It has snowed off and on all the live long day. A while ago I looked out across the parking lot and it was snowing to beat the band. Now, the evening sun is out, and the snowfall looks all shades of blue. And everything looks so clean and pristine. But, it's still cold. I used to love winter, but I have come to loathe it now. I can't seem to get warm and stay warm. The only time I am truly warm is under my electric blanket turned up on 4 or 5. I get home from work, fix myself some supper and I just don't want to get back out and do anything else.
I am so looking forward to spring. I have a kazillion things I want to do outside. I am going to tear out some bushes, cut down two trees and strip the lattice off my porch. I want new flowers, and am going to move some of my perinnials into different locations. I plan all of this, but probably won't do it all. I do this every year when I get blue and the winter doldrums set in.
My students are tired of winter. They're tired of being cooped up inside and want for warmer weather, too. I think all of our minds are effected by the weather. The people I teach with are tired of the snow, slush, and cold, too.
As the days lengthen, I am encouraged that winter can't last much longer, and that spring has to be just around the corner. I am ready. I even heard the song of a cardinal the other day. I couldn't spot him, but I could hear him. I am hopeful. 2008 has to be a good year.
Peace...
JE

Lists! Lists! Lists! Will they ever stop?

Here's another list. They are fun and make it easier to get to know fellow bloggers. Some of this stuff you probably already know, but you might learn one new thing about me. Here goes!

Favorite Disney Movie:the original “Parent Trap” or “Swiss Family Robinson.

”Favorite smoothie flavor:I only make my own: Mango juice, frozen mixed fruit, Exotic Fruit sangria.

Favorite work of art:Diego Valezquez’s style is fantastic. Remmington’s western paintings are wonderful. I visited an art museum in Ft. Worth that had many of his original works. They are a sight to behold.

Dream Vacation:I would like to be able to spend as much time as I wanted in Key West walking on the warm sand and watching the sunsets. Also, I want to see the upper Rockie Mts. Sometime. Maybe possible this summer. Key West is only a dream!

Favorite historical character:Robin Hood…He was my kind of guy. Robbing from the rich was wrong, but because he helped out the poor, I can forgive him for that. He got the good looking woman in the end, too.

Favorite food:Steak, sweet potatoes, Peg’s “belly stickers.”

Favorite pie:Wick's Sugar Cream Pie, or dutch apple

Favorite flower:Just plain old lilacs

Left or right?write righty, do everything else lefty.

Bottom or top?If this means sex, I’ll take either, depends on the mood. I LOVE both, if memory serves me correctly.

Biggest frustrations:Lack of money when things are tight and not being able to help my kids out when they need it the most.

Any happy moment(s):Not lately, but I did chuckle watching “Will and Grace” the other night. I love a good joke, and hearing my kids at school actually learning something is sheer joy. Oh, and you should see my daughter-in-law since she found out she is expecting. Radiant!

Do you take vitamins?Yes, when I remember to do so.

Most frustrating technical equipment:The damn remote that goes with my new vcr/dvd player. I have better luck just doing it by hand. I sometimes trip the breaker when I use my electric skillet and the microwave at the same time. Of course, there’s always this damn computer which is a POS.

Where do you put spare change?I have an antique “Whitman’s Sampler” tin that is way old, and I don’t know where it came from, about half full of pennies. The rest is spent right out of my pocket.

Favorite song right now:I still love “Just to feel your love” by Garth Brooks from the “Hope Floats” soundtrack. And probably my all time fav is “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Especially the version from “Mr. Holland’s Opus.”

Last stupid thing you did:Well, I went out for dinner with three good looking, much younger, women, two of them single, let them talk me into too much to drink, and probably said stuff that made me look like an old man trying to be young. What the “F__K” was I thinking!


Who/ What is on your wall calendar?In the laundry room I have a scenic calander from my friend Lynn’s insurance office. At school I have whatever calander Pepsi Cola gave each room.


What are you doing this weekend?Today we have no school, due to “midwinter break” so I am having lunch with my friend Cheryl. Tonight I am going out to dinner with my friends Lynn and Karen. Tomorrow I plan a trip to Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Starbuck’s and a stop at either Steve and Barrys, or Old Navy (whoever has the best sales.) Sunday, I will go to church, and the rest of the day I had better do the household crap that accumulates while I am out having fun. No school on Monday either, so I forsee sleeping in and doing whatever comes along.


Most unusual gift?A hand carved diamond willow walking stick in the carving style of the Absarokee tribe. I love it and use it often during this crappy weather we have been having. This was a Christmas gift from Prof who wanted me to have something typical of Montana. Little did she know how much I would use it.


Alcoholic beverage:Like Prof, the best one is a free one, but I especially like Sam Adams Dark Lager, Coors Silver Bullet, Cutty Sark on the rocks with a lemon twist, and a good margarita on the rocks, with salted rim.


Favorite blog to read:Of course, my fav is Babble from Babbler, that goes without saying, but I like many. I miss Redneck Nerdboy and his humor. All in favor of him starting to write again, raise their hands!


Favorite article of clothing:Oh wow! Do I even have a favorite. Well, yeah, and I guess it’s a long sleeved navy blue tee shirt from WalMart. It has been worn and washed so many times that the neck band is frayed and it isn’t navy anymore but sort of a mottled blueish yuck color…but it goes good on a day off teamed with my favorite old faded baggy jeans from Dollar General. Yes, I do have nicer jeans, these are just my favorites. Isn’t that what the header said “favorite”.


Song you're listening to right now:No music on, no noise on, just the clatter of my PC keyboard and the sound of heat rushing through the furnace ducts. Maybe the fridge is running, too.


Interesting thing that happened to you today:Not a damn thing. Only been up an hour or so. Oh I did take a shower and put on clean clothes.


Speeding ticket?Never…knock on wood.

Guilty pleasure:Chocolate. I should cut back on the intake…going to be very hard, but did you know chocolate has masses of caffeine? I did, but I didn’t care.


What's one thing you wish you could do (talent/ hobby) that you can't?Play a sport. I have always been so very non-jock. I always envied my brother the classic “could play every sport, and did” athlete. I can play pool fairly well, or used to be able to.


Last movie watched in a theater:Charlie Wilson's War or National Treasure 2... Prof and I saw these at Christmas but I cannot remember the order we watched...

Last email received:From my cousin Rita who works for the FBI.

Last kiss:It involved 5 Hershey thingys given to me by my boss, Bev, at transit.


Who did you see in concert last:Way,way back, Tilly and I went to see the “Oakridge Boys.”

Favorite Color:RED

Cell phone:Yes- a trackphone, which reminds me, I am about out of minutes. Gotta stop at Walgreen’s and buy a 60 minute card.

Coffee:HELL YES! I have switched to DeCaf after the first cup of regular, but I still love the taste. I am searching for the perfect DeCaf beans to use in my grinder. This doesn’t mean that I am going to order DeCaf when I go to Starbucks. None of that “sissy” shit there. I want the real thing.

Just a Quick Ramdon Thought!

Ya know, you know you are getting up there when your "favorites" list contains the web sites to both local funeral homes. And you check them regularly. OMG! I've got to get out more!
Peace...
JE

And are you all as tired of Hilary and Obama as I am? Good grief, Charlie Brown. Enough is enough!

Very Sir Lord James the Assiduous of Tempting St Mary

Yep! This is my Royal title, according to the whomever! Right now, I don't think even St. Mary would be very tempted, however, she did marry a much older gent if memory serves me correctly. So maybe there is still hope for me.
Peace.....
JE

Weather, whether we like it or not!

After a few days respite from the deep freeze, with temps in the 40's, it's getting cold again. When I left my second job at 6 pm tonight, it was 42 degrees. And it was sprinkling kind of a half-assed rain. I went immediately to my church for a meeting. At 7:30, it was 36F and raining, thunder, lightening and the whole bit. Now, at 10:22 pm it is 20 degrees and snowing it's ass off out there. I can feel the house cooling down. The wind speed is about 50 mph and the temp is expected to drop even more until a +9F is reached by morning.
Professor called and was lamenting that it is VERY cold in Montana with temps not even reaching 0F today. How do those people stand -43F or lower? I cannot imagine it. I hate it when it's this cold. I cannot even think about living like that. Yet they do it everyday and don't think a thing about it. Tomorrow morning, we will probably have at least a 2 hour delay at school. Montanians don't ever miss school because of the cold. They did send the bus riding kids home early today because the diesel fuel on the busses gels when it gets that cold.
On the other hand, I talked to my brother in TX last night. Their weather is like my spring. In the 50's and 60's. My sister in law and her cousin went skiing in Colorado. I asked my brother why he didn't go along. His answer: "It's too effing cold." I invited him here to Area 52...same response.
You know, the older I get and the closer to retirement age I get, the better living in Fort Worth, TX sounds. I loved that town. I could live there in a heartbeat.
What was the point of this blog? Just a point made about weather, whether we like it or not, it's a way of life no matter where we live.
Peace...
JE

Another Confound List!

Say The First Thing(s) That Comes To Mind When You Hear:

..snow?:shovel

..rain?:leaks in the roof

.tornado?:wind

..summer love?:Jennifer ONeill

..Jon?:Elton

..Mike?:erphone

..Shea?:butter

..banana?:splits

..dizzy?:circles

..Laura?:Ingalls Wilder

..Juan?:Valdez

...car?:I wanna new one

..white?:Christmas

..peppermint?:Starbucks White Peppermint Mocha

..New Found Glory?:Retirement???

..placebo?:Coors Light longneck and dark chocolate

..orange juice?:heartburn

..candid camera?:my daughter-in-law and her new camera

..sister?:don’t have one, but a fine sister-in-law comes to mind

..brother?:great guy

..hate?:I'm having to deal with this right now!

..school?:job

..President?:Can we ever find a worthy candidate?

..football?:Colts and Packers forever!

..rap?:worst music (noise) ever

..pop?:corn

..rock?: and roll forever

..punk?:a few of my students

..sex?:whatiszat?

..death?: rather not even think about it right now!

..baby?: I'm gonna be a grandpa again

..duuude?:an expression I even use once in a while

..the end?:of what?

Household Chores

Since living alone, I have discovered that there are a few household chores that I HATE. They are as follows:

• Folding laundry. What a waste of time. I don't mind hanging the stuff that needs to be hung on hangers, but I hate folding towels and underclothes. Why not leave them in the baskets and just use out of there. What a novel idea. From now on, no folded skivvies for me.
• Buying groceries. I hate this job. I don't know one brand from another, so I buy what ever is on sale. I hate putting them away when I get them home. But I like to cook and eat, so I guess buying the raw materials is necessary.
• Emptying the dishwasher. This rates right up there with root canals. Again, what a waste. Why put the dishes back in the cupboard when I am just going to remove them and use them again. So, I usually use out of it, and stack the dirty dishes until I get a sink full, then I empty what is left in the dishwasher, and fill it. Works for me.

Today I actually got out the iron and ironing board and pressed 3 shirts. I also got out the sewing machine and am going to attempt to shorten a pair of pants. Don't know how that will go, but surely, with the instruction book in hand and a good pair of scissors, it hadn't ought to be too difficult.

I am learning. It is possible to teach an "old dog new tricks."

JE

Reading

With all the flap by fellow bloggers about what they are reading, I decided to share what I am reading. I am not going to start a literary blog, but I will just tell ya all what I have just read and what I thought about it.



Since January 1, I have read two novels.

#1. Patriot Acts by Greg Rucka. This is a "series" noel about Atticus Kodiak. Atticus is usually a robust, active jock-type character who is a bodyguard. In this novel, I detected a lot of whining and sniveling by Atticus. Now, this is just my opinion, but I have read better Rucka novels. Once in a while, an author writes because he needs cash. I wonder if this was the case. The storyline was boring, and slow moving. I read it, but I didn't especially like it. But, I am a Rucka fan, so I persisted.



#2. Shoot Him If He Runs by Stuart Woods. This was an excellent read. Again, it was a "series" novel. Stone Barrington, one of my favorite characters, was sent to a remote island, run by a Prime Minister, who was more like a dictator, to find a murderer. It was loaded with action, political overtones, and excitment. The political overtones, turned into the main action, going all the way to the White House. It ended well. I look forward to another visit with Stone in the near future.



JE

NFL

I am not particularly a fan of the NFL, but today with our COLTS playing the CHARGERS, I am watching. I have only one thing to say:

Go COLTS!

Peace...
JE

In My Room

The words to this old Beach Boys song keep coming back to me, echoing how I feel at this very moment.

There's a world
where I can go and
tell my secrets to
In my room, in my room

In this world
I lock out all my
worries and my fears
In my room, in my room

Do my dreaming
and my scheming
Lie awake and pray
Do my crying
and my sighing
Laugh at yesterday

Now its dark
and I'm alone
But I won't be afraid
In my room, in my room
In my room, in my room
In my room, in my room.

Why is it that, even though I now have the entire house to myself, I am the most comfortable in "my room." It's small, very nondescript, has only two windows, neither of which have any kind of a view, has rather ugly carpet on the floor, and needs paint on the walls. Still, when I am in there, I feel like I can hide away from all the ugliness in my life. I can bury myself in sorrow, and no one can hear me, I can immerse myself in a good book, stretched out on my bed, or I can sleep. I do a lot of sleeping! Probably too much. But when the world seems to be closing in on me, and becomes more than I think I can handle, I want to be in my room. There, I am away from the things that frighten me the most. There I feel safe.
Peace...
JE

Random Thoughts of a Ranting Mind

A good friend sent this to me today:

Birds of a feather flock together and crap on your car.

When I'm feeling down, I like to whistle. It makes the neighbor's dog run to the end of his chain and gag himself.

A penny saved is a government oversight.

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at theright time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.

The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.

He who hesitates is probably right.

Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are ' XL.'

If you think there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody.

If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.

The sole purpose of a child's middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.

There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it.For example I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.

Did you ever notice: When you put the 2 words 'The' and 'IRS' together it spells 'Theirs.'

Peace

JE

Hey, I Can Cook

Tonight I was hungry. I could either go out and eat alone, or stay home and cook something and ...eat alone. I pulled a chicken breast out of the freezer and put it to thaw. When I was ready to cook, I got out the old faux G Foreman grill we have had for years. I plopped that chicken breast on it, set the timer for 15 minutes and slammed the lid down.
While that was cooking, I cut up a sweet onion and set it to sauteing in EVOO, added a little salt, a touch of garlic, and some cinnamon. When the onion started to turn transparent, I added a splash of chicken broth and a quarter cup of Mike's Hard Berry Wine cooler. I also added a handful of raisins and some dried cranberrys. I turned down the heat and let this cook down.
When the chicken breast was done, I poured the onion mixture over the top.
For dessert, I cut up a banana, added some pineapple tidbits, topped it all off with cinnamon/sugar mix. I finished off the rest of the bottle of Mike's Hard Berry with the meal.
This was good. Just had to share. Try it...you might like it.
Peace...
JE

The New Part-Time Job

Okay, Okay, Okay! I must be nuckin' futs! I cannot do this. This is so different from anything I have ever done, so far removed from the classroom and I felt like a total dumbass! I have never seen so many Excel screens in one place with so many numbers and names on them. The guy training me was super understanding, but negotiated around the different screens like a pro. Of course he is a pro, and he wrote the program I am using. He did all of this while answering two lines on a telephone, taking calls, setting up appointments, and dispatching drivers all over the place. Wow!
Now, one good thing I did find out is that I will answer very few phone calls, and do little if any dispatching. My job will be to prep the route sheets for tomorrow's drivers, make sure they have all the information they need, and have them printed out and in order of "appearance."
It was a lot to learn and absorb in one day. Tomorrow my trainer wants me to work the phones some, and book appointments, and still do all the Excel stuff. He said he would stand right there if I need him. I probably won't sleep a wink tonight!!!
When the day was over, Trainer Bob said "you did an excellent job today. I knew you would, or I wouldn't have recommended you for the job." So I guess all was not lost!
I am tired, hungry and sleepy.
Peace...
JE

In With the New

In prep for starting my new second job tomorrow, I took down the Christmas tree today. Had a Dr. appointment, did some shopping and went to church this evening. I am wandering into a land of Computers in this new part time job. It will be a challenge for someone who is so computer illiterate. But I am up for the task. I just realized that tomorrow and Friday I have to be up by 6:15 am at the latest to be to work by 7:00. This sucks. On my full time job, I don't have to be in the school until 7:35. But my new PT boss wants me to work 7-4 tomorrow and Friday for the ojt training. Then on Monday, I will start at 4 and work until 6-6:30 each evening. Shouldn't be too bad once I learn the ropes. I will be in an office by myself each evening, so it should be relatively quiet. Anything to help pay the bills right now.



Wish me luck!



Peace...



JE

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

To all (or should I say,"both" ) of my readers: HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What a way to end a visit! Yesterday morning, Prof and Kiddo were reacing the clock to get everything packed and ready to go. On a whim, Prof picked up the phone and called the Chicago Metra System to make sure we had the times right for catching the Southshore commuter from Northern Area 52 to Chicago. Guess what??? We had been looking at the wrong schedule!!! Oh shit! We had missed the first train. Recall, it is 86 miles from our house to the Southshore depot. We had been looking at the weekend/holiday schedule, BUT, Chi/Metra wasn't running that schedule on New Years Eve. It was running it's regular schedule. So, we had missed the first train, and the next one would put Prof and Kiddo into Chicago an hour after their Amtrak train had left Union Station. (Damn the time difference!)
So, Prof called Amtrak to see if she could change her tickets. Bear in mind here, that she had changed tickets on the way here, and it had cost her a bundle, no thanks to a ticket agent who misquoted her $25.00 change fee instead of the real $127.50 fee. She had to borrow the difference from her friend there in the station who had brought them there. So, did we really want to trust this new agent yesterday who said she could change tickets and go today for $26.00? Prof didn't have the money to change them if we got there and they had made another mistake, and neither did I. So our other option was to make a rush trip to Chicago. I have never driven to Chicago. In fact, it has been at least 44 years since I have even been to Chicago. (College field trip during a Historical Geology class), but I was brave enough to try it, if Little Bro and Sistah were up for the ride, so I would have company coming back. They agreed.
We piled all luggage, and people into my ol' minivan and away we went, googled directions in hand. It was a beautiful sunny day in Area 52. Spirits were high, and all was well. The closer we got to Chitown, the foggier it got, but it was still okay. Prof sat in front and navigated with the printed directions. We stopped for a "rest" stop before entering the Toll Road, and I bought a Chicagoland map. We consulted it frequently, and lo and behold in a while, I was pulling up in front of Union Station without a blip or a dent. I think Prof was a little frazzled by my abrupt lane changes, but I used my signal properly and just went with the flow of traffic, even if we were all driving 70 in a 55 mph zone. (But I digress)
Parking in downtown Chicago, in front of Union Station is at a premium or non-existent, so we swung into a no parking zone for a few minutes, unloaded all stuff, kissed, cried, laughed, and said our goodbyes. It was quick and that was probably good for us all. Lil Bro, Sistah, and I then got back into ye ol" mini and took off, this time with Sistah in front to navigate. Ten minutes later we were heading back out of Chitown, retracing out route in reverse. Prof called on her cell and wanted to let us know that they had found their train, it was running on time, and wondered how Dad's nerves were holding out. I did Good! Yeah, rah , Me! Sistah had only visited Chicago once, and was enjoying taking pics out the car window of everything we saw. It was cool. When we hit the Toll Road again, we decided to go back across the top of our state to South Bend. Seem that Lil Bro and Sistah had found some shops on the internet that they wanted to visit. So we did. We found these shops, they did some shopping, and then we started home. When we got out of the city, we decided to stop at a Mickey D's and get a sandwich. Do you know that sometimes a greasy old burger from MacDonalds tastes pretty good. After a filling, unhealthy, supper we loaded back into the vehicle and trekked home.
I was invited to friends for a New Year's party, so I quickly showered, shaved and dressed and took off again. I spent the entire rest of the evening with good friends, ate again, and generally had a blast. I was home and in bed by 1:00 am.
It is now 1:00 pm, I am still in my sweats, coffee in hand, and am sitting here typing this blog, watching it blow and snow! It is a bittersweet time, but I am full of hope. I just know that 2008 will bring great things to me and mine.
I know this how? Because Lil Bro and Sistah are going to HAVE A BABY!!!!!
Ahhhhhh! Life just might be good after all.

Peace to all...
JE

Onward and Upward

Golly! Time has sped by. I have to take Prof and Kiddo to the train station tomorrow morning. We have had a blast while they were here. I so hate to see them leave, but I know that they have to go back to MT. It will be a long stretch until I travel there. Probably in June. But thanks to email and Ma Bell, we will keep in touch.
We've laughed, cried, watch numerous movies both on TV and in the theater, and have eaten until I don't think I can hold any more.
2008 has to be better. I am looking forward to some good times with friends, Lil Bro and Sistah, doing some traveling, and of course singing. Because of the innumerable bills left by Tilly's death, I am being forced to take a second job to makes ends meet, but I will survive that, too. Besides, it will give me something to do to shorten the evenings. That will be good. Too much time alone is NOT a good thing for me.
Happy New Year to all of you!
Peace and joy...
JE

Under the guise of Honesty

Some people feel that they have to say what is on their minds, no matter what. People like this really piss me off. My former mother-in-law is one of these people. She has always been the type of person that says what she thinks, under the guise of " I'm just being honest." Well, on Christmas she went too far. She attacked one of my children. She really lambasted said child for being rude. First of all, said child is a mature adult. Secondly, said child was not being rude. Well, I came "unglued" lost my cool and told my former, and I mean former, MIL off. She was being hurtful, and typically a real bitch. Then I left. I said that I did not need to be there, and left. I WILL NOT go back. If she shows up at my door, which is typical of the woman, I will either not answer the door, or I will tell her she can come in , only if she keeps her snide remarks and hurtful comments to herself. If she cannot agree to this compromise, she can go to hell! She treated her only child like shit for 59 years, and she got by with it, but she will not hurt me anymore. I have had enough hurt this year.
Gee, I feel better!

Peace!

JE

Hurrying

OMG!

Prof and Kiddo called and are arriving two days earlier than I expected. I am excited. I have a kazillion things that I need to do, one of which certainly isn't wasting time blogging, but "what can I say!" I planned on cleaning and readying the house so Prof wouldn't think either #1. Dad can't take care of himself, or #2. Dad is a slob! So, I am hustling my buns off to get some things done. They are arriving tomorrow evening and I can hardly wait. I still have to buy groceries, and Prof warned me that Kiddo is a "hearty" eater, so I guess a supply of food is in order. None, no wait, I have one present wrapped. Oh, gosh! Well, shit, I guess everything will work out. Gotta run!



Peace and Joy,

JE

Deck the Halls

Only two more days and school will be out!!!!! I know I shouldn't be so excited, but the thought of having two weeks off and not having to deal with prepubescent teenager's attitudes sounds glorious to me right now. So much so, that I even went out tonight and bought some more lights. Really, WalMart had a sale, so I stocked up for next year. I came home and when I pulled in the garage I spied another tree up on a shelf. I decided that I knew just where it would look the nicest, so I took it in the house, put a string of my new lights on it and fit it into just the right place.
I put a grapevine tree on my porch that I made years ago and has been in the cellar for years. The other night I noticed that it wasn't burning, the perimeter lights were out and the ceiling fan, which I keep running 24/7/365 to keep the porch dry, wasn't running. I reset the breaker, but about 10 minutes later, out again. So I started unplugging stuff and discovered that the plug on the fan was shot and kept tripping the breaker. So, now the fan is off and everything else is staying on.
I decided tonight that I was done Christmas shopping. Everyone I buy for has enough except Lil Bro. I have bought him some neat stuff, but all necessary. I want to get him something cool that he wouldn't expect. But I don't know what. He buys everything he needs/wants and hasn't given me a list. So, either cash or a gift card seems like a good idea.
I have stuff to stuff socks with. I have gift wrap, ribbon tape and scissors. I hate to wrap, but I like to see the finished product, so I will get at it later on in the week. Tomorrow night I have been invited to dine at the local Elks Lodge, and stay for their Christmas Party. A group I used to sing with is entertaining, and they want me to come back and sing with them just for this gig. The assured me that we would be singing stuff I already knew, so I agreed. I know they want me to rejoin the group, but I am just not ready to do that yet.
Today, I was sorta offered a part-time job working from 4 to 6 every afternoon Mon thru Fri. No weekends. With the glut of bills from Tilly's illness and so on, I could use the extra cash. I will know more in a couple of weeks. It wouldn't start until after the first of the year. Might be good to have that to do. We'll see.
So, I am about ready. The halls are decked. I will probably not quit decking until the very last minute. Prof said she was going to cook me some good stuff while she was home.. and I have a couple of recipes that I am going to try out while she and Kiddo are here. We plan to meet friends, eat, drink and be merry. I have another Christmas party to go to after Christmas. So it looks like things will be busy around here.

Peace and joy!

Jim

Christmas will be Different This Year

It wasn't possible for the gang to gather to decorate for Christmas this year. With Prof and Kiddo 1300 miles away, Lil Bro and Sistah working, and of course a dear one missing, it just wasn't in the cards. So, I did what needed to be done. Sorta!

I did put up a tree. It wasn't the huge family tree with all the memories and nostalgia attached. My heart just wasn't there. But I did put up the 7 ft. chrystal and white tree. It is beautiful. I also put out some of the nativity collection, the Father Christmas collection, and some of the water globes. I have carolers on the piano, wreaths on the doors and some greenery swagged around my front door.

As a special tribute to Tilly, I did put up her favorite tree. It is a 3 ft. blue spruce that goes in our bedroom. It has pink lights on it, and is decorated in its entirity in a music motif. It's beautiful. It seems even more beautiful this year. It seems to have an aura! I wonder why! One interesting thing about this tree this year is that Friday afternoon when I got home from school, I went into the bedroom to change out of the sweater into a sweatshirt and plugged in the "music tree." Later that evening, when I got ready for bed, I noticed that it wasn't on. I checked the lights, they wouldn't come back on, I switched them to another plug-in. Still nothing. So, on Saturday, I searched for new pink lights. I found a string, took them home, took every decoration off the tree, restrung the new lights on, and redecorated the entire tree again. It has a new aura. I think it is even more beautiful than before.

As far as cooking, I don't know how to make all the kid's favorite dishes that their mum used to make. I don't know how to make the fancy hot dogs in pineapple, the sour cream coffee cake, the bacon and egg cassarole, or the mulled cider. So Christmas will be different.

Prof and Kiddo are coming home. But, they won't arrive until about 9:30 Christmas Eve. That is the night we always go to Tilly's parents, so that will have to be rescheduled. But that's okay. If I had my way, I would not go there. Too painful memory wise this year. But they want the grands there, and are gracious enough to include me, so we will go sometime. We will just have to decide when.

Little Bro has to work until 6 pm on Christmas Day, so if everything goes as planned, Prof Kiddo and I are going to the movies that afternoon. If Sistah doesn't have plans, she will go along, I hope. After all, I don't want to interfer with her plans with her side of the family.

I guess, with all the changes, I am just glad that we will all be together. It will be wonderful to see Prof and Kiddo. It will be wonderful having all my "chicks" come home to roost. I know the time will go fast. I know it will be strange, but we will keep it light, not too sentimental, and we will survive.

Stole this from Professor.
110. My middle name is: It's either Richard or Alfred. I get called both. I'll never tell!
109. I was born: in a barn in Area 52, Indiana, or at least that what my dad always thought.
108. I am really: a young guy in an old body.
107. My phone is: ablack, Durabrand with huge numerals and large print caller ID.
106. My eye color : green
105. My favorite colors are: red and black
104. My ring size is: 10
103. My height is: 5 foot 9
102. I am allergic to: Some medicines,milk, and hard work.
101. I was born on: Mother's Day, 1945!
100. I am annoyed by: Almost everything teenagers say and do, today. Not everyday.
99. Last book you read?Patriot Acts by Greg Rucka
98. My bed is: A brand new Serta Perfect Sleeper Twin Size. I love it!
97. One thing you hate about yourself: Low self-esteem.
96. My favorite holiday is: Used to be Christmas, but now I'm not sure.
95. The perfect kiss is: Non-existant.
94. The last CD I bought was: Building a Bridge by Signature Sound
93. Are you living at home? Yepper, but thinking of selling out.
92. Are your parents divorced? No they were married happily for over 27 years when Dad died.
91. What did you do yesterday? Went to work, attended a Special Ed. meeting, went to two cemeteries to decorate graves for Christmas, ate out, came home and watched "Must Love Dogs." Went to bed.
Do you believe in…
90. Love at first sight?Yepper. It happened to me.
89. Luck? Nope. Mine has been all bad, so I don't believe in it anymore.
88. Fate? Nope: Fate is a cruel taskmaster.
87. Yourself?Not any more. I've let too many people down.
86. Aliens?Maybe.
85. Heaven? Yep
84. Hell? Yes, and I believe that we make our own hell on earth with our actions.
83. Ghosts?Nope.
82. Horoscopes? Oh come on. Do people really believe that shit?
81. Soulmates?Phooey!
Which is Better?
80. Hugs or Kisses?Hugs.
79. Drunk or High? Drunk
78. Phone or Online?online
77. Red heads or Black hair?Black
76. Blondes or Brunettes?brunettes
75. Hot or cold?cold
74. Summer or winter?winter
73. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate, hands down.
72. Night or Day?Day, nights are too long and lonely!
71. Oranges or Apples?Apples made into pie.
70. Curly or Straight hair?Bald
Here’s What I Think About…
69. Abortion: I am pro-choice, but I don't think it should be used as a form of birth control.
68. Backstabbers: I often wonder why they are what they are.
67. Parents: I miss mine. It's the hardest and most rewarding job a person ever has.
When did you last…
66. Hug someone? Sunday at church
65. Kiss someone? Been too damn long!
64. See someone? See someone? I see people all day long.

63. Cry in front of someone? Today

Miscellaneous:
62. Who is the ditsiest person you know? Twin girls that I had as students. They are seniors now. HELP!
61. Who makes you laugh the most?: I don't laugh much right now. But probably Lauri G.
60. The last movie you saw in theaters?Damn, I really don’t remember.
59. What I don’t understand is: why bad things happen to good people.

58. The most unsatisfactory answer I’ve ever received is: I ain't doin' this shit! ( Student meant homework)
57. Something I really miss about my home: The lake our house was build on.
56. The thing that I’m looking forward to the most: Christmas break.
55. The thing that I’m not looking forward to is: Spending a lot of time alone.
54. Tomorrow: I will get up and face another day.
53. Today:I have choir and quartet practice.
52. Next Summer:I might take a trip to Montana to visit Prof and Kiddo.
51. This Weekend:…a chance to visit old friends.
50. People call me: to check up on my state of being!
49. The most difficult thing to do is…exist from day to day right now.
48. I have gotten a speeding ticket…not yet!
47. The first person I talked to today was…Red, at work
46. First time I had a crush: Rita who taught me to rollerskate. She was 12, I was 11.
45. The one person from whom I can’t hide things: Noone, I am too transparent.
44. Last time someone said what you were thinking:Yesterday in the Special Ed meeting.
43. Right now I am talking to: this infernal computer I have on loan from a friend.
42. What is your dream job?Teaching English to a bunch of students who actually "get it."
41. First job? Mower of yards.
40. I want most: security
39. I wish: I could relive part of my life over again.
38. The worst sound in the world is: sometimes, no sound at all.
37. The person that makes me cry the most: myself.
36. Best sound in the world: Sincere laughter
35. Person[s] who makes you happy: Prof, Kiddo, Lil Bro, Sistah, GBQ
34. Cats or dogs? Neither, but if someone offered me a free, spayed, housebroken Kees, I would probably cave.
33. Didn’t want to be…Alone this early in life.
32. Which Golden Girl would you be?Dorothy: I'm a classic smartass at heart.
31. MySpace or Facebook:Just give me a book.
30. Mexican food or Chinese?Mexican
29. My favorite piece of clothing: An old, black National Wildlife Federation sweatshirt with a wolf on it.
28. My favorite color(s): Didn’t I already answer this? They’re still red and black..
27. Last time I cried: Did this one already too!
26. My friends are…precious gifts that I cherish.
25. My computer is…a piece of shit!
24. Last person at whom I got mad:I don't get mad. It wastes to much time and energy. I do get peeved sometimes.
23. Person on whom I secretly crush: Angie Harmon
22. Favorite Song:Right now? "What a Savior" by Signature Sound
21. Paper or plastic?Paper
20. The all-time best movie(s) I’ve seen? Dances With Wolves, An American President, Murphy's Romance, When Harry Met Sally.
19. The all-time best feeling in the world: A chocolate high boosted with Killian's Red.
18. Favorite scent: New mown hay, and/or cinnamon candles.
17. What color is your hairbrush? I'm bald, what the hell do I need with a hairbrush.
16. Favorite shoes: newest brown loafers.
15. I lose all respect for: people who…don’t try
14. Color of your room?white, but I just bought new "sand beige" paint for it.
13. TV channels you watch: CBS, TLC, Food Network, and(ouch!) QVC
12. Best feature: my smile
11. Worst habit: whistling under my breath.
10. The worst pain I was ever in was: heartbreaking, gut-wrenching sorrow.
9. Best memory: Our vacations to Ludington, MI
8. Favorite TV show: Jeopardy and/or Numb3rs.
7. My favorite celebrity couple is: Liz and Dick. Now there was a "celebrity couple."
6. Favorite stuffed animal: My old brown saw dust stuffed teddy bear. I was a post WW2 baby. That's all they had.
5. My weakness is: Sweaters
4. What I like about the opposite sex is: Just about everything (esp. Boobs and Butts, sorry kids).
3. Who broke your heart? my 1st grade teacher, when she married someone else.
2. One thing that makes me feel great is: being able to get up in the morning.
1. One person that you wish you could see right now? All of my children.

My "A" List

After a previous blog, and in my own defense from you "readaholics," I decided that I needed to make an "A" list of my favorite books. When I sat down and tried to create that list, I see that I have really weird taste in reading material. I like all kinds. Remember that when you read this list, that as a former English teacher, (short lived as that career choice was) and an Language Arts scholar and literature lover, that my list may not be up to the standards of some of you more choosy readers. This list is different from a former list of "meaningful" books in a earlier blog. A book doesn't have to be a favorite to be meaningful. At least not to me





1. The Last of the Breed by Louis L'Amour

2. Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel

3. The Mammoth Hunters by Jean Auel

4. The Valley of the Horses by Jean Auel

5. The Shelters of Stone by Jean Auel

6. Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks

7. Fine Things by Danielle Steele

8. Christy by Katherine Marshall

9. A Stranger is Watching by Mary Higgins Clark

10. The Complete Works of Robert Frost

Additionally:

Everything written by James Patterson

The Alphabet series by Sue Grafton A thru S

The "Bennie Harper" series by Earlene Fowler

The "Spencer" and "Jesse Stone" series by Robert Parker

Stuart Woods is a terrific author but has a real "holier than thou" attitude. But I read his stuff anyway!

The "Caulder" series by Janet Dailey

The "J.P. Beaumont" and "Joanna Brady" series by J.A. Jance


Most of John Grisham's stuff. Some is just to graphic for me.


I could go on and on. Face it, I just like to read. When I graduated from college, I vowed that I didn't want to read for knowledge any more. I still read educational material and some scientific journals, tho not very often since I am out of the labs of industry now. I try to keep up on current events and what is going on in the education field, but I especially like to read for fun.


Grace...
JE

Bitch Session

I had to buy a new hot water heater right before Christmas. I haven't gotten the bill yet, but it will be sizeable, I'm sure. I also had to buy two new tires for my car. Where does it stop. When do I get to have some good luck?
Last night I actually resorted to a 6 pack of Killian's Irish Red. And some "Beer Nuts." That was for supper. By six o'clock I was out on the couch. I missed Jeopardy. There was nothing on TV except watching Marie Osmond and her cheesy smile as she romped around on that dancing show. I won't watch the finale tonight. I don't give a shit.
I woke up at 2:37 AM and couldn't go back to sleep. So I finally got up and messed around on the computer. I played Solitare until my eyes became glazed over.
I spent the day in the company of idiots! I swear that at our school, the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. And then there are the kids. I have a new student who just got out of reform school, is big enough to beat a bear with a switch, and can't find his way out of a paper bag. Today was his second day at our school, and he slept in and made it to 4th period. He is on probation, and also a behavior plan. Scary!
Tonight I did the laundry and ate a peanut butter sandwich. Cooking for one sucks! I hate doing dishes, the dishwasher is full of clean ones that need to be put away, and I also hate doing that.
On a more positive note, (fancy that) I do have my Christmas decorations up, and the house cleaned. Looks damn good! So all is not lost. I had friends in on Sunday evening, and we had such a good time, they said they wanted to come back!
I have received 2 Christmas cards. Both from single females. ("Pa, the pickers are here!") NOT INTERESTED! But I suppose I should be happy that they cared enough to "send the very best."
Okay, so life goes on. I will make it. Quit bitchin' and get on with it! Some days I hate my attitude.

Grace...

JE

Always a lover of reading, I found this to be interesting and somewhat amazing. It's always interesting to see what other people read. I ganked this from Professor who stole it from Tense Teacher. Prof. is probably ashamed to see what her "ol man" reads, or doesn't read!

Bold the ones you've read. Italicize the ones you want to read. Leave blank the ones that you aren't interested in.
1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)-I cannot stand his writing style!
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)-I"ve read all of hers!
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. Bible-well not all of it in order, but most of it.
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela's Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She's Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender's Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid's Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller's Wife (Audrew Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolsoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones's Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)-this was the hardest book I ever tried to read
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte's Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard's First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down(Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

I guess I don't read the "good stuff" according to Tense Teacher. But I like what I read, even if it doesn't make Oprah's book list. I will take reading for enjoyment, be it romance or murder and suspense over some of the above mentioned list. To each his own.

Late Breaking News!

Flash!!! I have to have a new hot water heater. It is being installed as we speak. Drat. Merry Christmas to me.

If you haven't seen "Hairspray" and "Freedom Writers," this weekend is a good time to RUSH to your local video store and rent them. They are both fabulous movies. Be prepared to both laugh your buns off at one and cry through parts of the other.

It snowed last night. The pile of leaves along my tree lawn had a skift of snow on them this morning.

I am crashing today just doing what I feel like doing when I feel like doing it. I have some more decorating that I want to do, but I am not in the mood to tackle it today. I might even take a nap.

Grace...

JE

Thanksgiving

I had an unusual Thanksgiving Day. The first one alone (without Tilly) which made it unususal. Then there is the fact that I jumped in the shower and had only "warm" water. I showered quickly, got dressed in old jeans and a sweat shirt and headed down into the dungeon (better known as the cellar) to check out the hot water heater. The pilot light had gone out. To get to the mechanics of the HWH, one has to climb over the furnace cold air return intake hose, crawl on hands and knees under duct work through cob webs and damp whatever, around a corner, and practically stand on ones head to view the burner and pilot light area. I did all that, which gets harder every time I have to do it. I relit the pilot light. Oh, I forgot to mention that I tromped down the steps in boots and then discovered I had forgotten a flashlight. The "trouble light" I keep down there had a blown bulb, but, being the pioneer I am, I scrounged around through the crap that is down there and found an old lamp which still had a bulb in it. It worked so I was in business. When I finally got the pilot light relit, the HWH wouldn't come on. Upon further inspection, I discovered moisture in the burner. I have no idea how to dry out a gas burner, so I thought "to heck with it" and came back up stairs and called the repair man. I got his wife, who is not a nice person, ask anyone (but her) and I explained my trouble. I also said that I could get by until Friday as I didn't want Phil to have to get out on Thanksgiving. That made her a little happier. I heated a tea kettle (yes I do know how to boil water) and heated enough water to shave. I sliced my bread, put the cheese spread in a pretty bowl, spread the sliced bread around it in an attractive array, covered it with foil and left for the day.
I had a great time visiting with cousins and eating a vast amount of food. I don't think I have ever seen such a vast array of desserts on one table, either. But I did use SOME restraint there. I had a piece of pecan pie and a piece of pumpkin roll. We had the typical dinner, but thank goodness, no green bean cassarole. Yeah rah!! After the dinner, I watched NFL until I fell asleep sitting up in an antique reed bottomed chair. My cousin and I did get a good visit in while others played "Balderdash."
Outside, the wind blew and the snow swirled. The horses in the barnyard frolicked like they were still colts. It was a typical Area 52 Thanksgiving.
I came home close to dark, and decided to put up a Christmas tree. I dug out a small tree, and the decorations to go on it. I was putting on the last of the ornaments when Lil Bro and Sistah stopped by. They stayed for a couple of hours. We visited. When they left, I fell asleep watching a movie on DVD that I had rented, so today I am going to rewatch it. I can't shower until I have hot water. So I am in my flannel pants, oversized sweatshirt and am going to drink coffee and watch the movie and veg out. Then, when I have hot water, I have scads of laundry and some dishes to do.
Ah, life is not so bad!

Everyone have a safe and fun weekend!

Grace...

JE

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

I was in a dither about what I should take to my cousin's house on Thanksgiving Day. I don't do fancy, so I considered baking a pan of brownies from a mix. But Professor said that there would probably be enough sweets, and besides I have severely cut back on sweets, and especially chocolate. She suggested that I take "green bean casarole." my response: BLECH! So after much forethought, I baked a loaf of my world famous beer bread. It is cooling on the baking rack as I speak. I also mixed up a cheese spread to put on it. Now, the big decision is what to serve it on. Tilly had all kinds of fancy stuff like plates and bowls, so I just have to pick one that is appropriate. This getting ready for Thanksgiving is hard work.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Grace...
JE

Having a Brother

Y'know, having a brother like mine is a privilege. For a guy who used to boss me around, torment the hell out of me, straight punch me on the shoulder, and defend me to the end, he turned out to be one hell of a nice guy. Bro was just here for 5 days. When my friends found out he was coming, they asked me what the heck we were going to do, I said,"we're going to scratch where it itches, belch, fart, drink a lot of beer, and watch dirty movies." Well, we did the first four, but NO dirty movies. But we did visit. A lot! We had a chance to really have some good discussions about memories from home. We got out Mom's detailed notebook about the family tree, along with a geneology study by a cousin of ours. We discussed Dad, who has been gone almost 40 years now, and recalled fond memories. Even some not-so-fond memories.
Bro listened to me whine about living alone. He offered some sage advice, (after all he is older than me) and basically was a good listener and a shoulder to cry on. He was amazed by my cooking ability (so was I) and if it was horrible, managed to keep a straight face, and didn't gag!
We laughed a lot. We cried some. We ate a lot, visited old friends, and just spent lots of quality time together. It was wonderful. I hated to see him go home. I can hardly wait until spring break from school, because I plan on going to Texas for a visit. He's going to retire! Amazing! It seems like only yesterday that he was bossing me around, straight punching me in the shoulder. But he is still defending me. He told me he was so proud of me. That made all the difference! I am proud of him, too. He is my rock! You go, big guy!!!
JE

I"ve Come to Realize:

I'm having a hard time blogging every day so I ganked this from Professor again:

I've Come to realize.

1. I've come to realize my late wife was one in a million. I probably didn’t tell her often enough.

2. I've come to realize I talk: to much, about the stupidist stuff, with my hands and my heart.

3. I've come to realize I love: My home.It’s my haven.

4. I've come to realize I have: No appreciable cooking skills. Cooking for one SUCKS!

5. I've come to realize I lost: The best friend I ever had.

6. I've come to realize I hate it when: people pretend to be your friends for 30 years and then suddenly ignore you.

7. I've come to realize marriage: isn't for me, anymore, ever!

8. I've come to realize that, somewhere, someone is thinking: “now why don’t he write!”

9. I've come to realize I'll always be: chubby, bald, older and always refusing to grow up completely.

10. I've come to realize I have a crush on: the person who invented microfibre sheets. Wow!

11. I've come to realize that the last time I truly cried was: Smelling “Wind Song” perfume.

12. I've come to realize my cell phone is a waste of good money. Getting rid of it when the min. run out.

13. I've come to realize that when I wake up in the morning: Oh my God, it’s morning! Thank you.

14. I've come to realize that before I go to sleep at night: I need to sleep more, read less.

15. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking about: How much I have to do before my brother gets here.

16. I've come to realize that babies are: Grandchildren that grow up way too fast.

.17. I've come to realize I get on other people's nerves sometimes.

18. I've come to realize that today: Is the first day of the rest of my life.

19: I've come to realize that tonight: I have a shit load of cleaning and laundry to do.

20. I've come to realize that tomorrow: I will still have a shit load of cleaning and laundry to do.

21. I've come to realize I really want: Prof and Kiddo and Bro and Sistah here for Christmas.

OOOOOOOPPPPPSSSSSS!

OOPS! I was suppose to tag people in my last blog. Since I know that Prof tagged a good deal of people, I will only tag Sistah! If you don't blog anymore, here's a chance to begin anew.

Grace!

JE