Sunday Update

Well we went to Lebeda and bought Ashley a new 'Sweet Dreams' mattress and Chloe a new 'Queen Regal' bed (mattress, foundation and frame). They will be delivered on Tuesday. I hope they like them. We are not happy with the mattress for ourselves that we are finding in our price range, so we have decided to wait. Instead we bought a dream puff down alternative mattress pad and two dream puff pillows. I slept very well last night.

Saturday Update

We ordered the new couches yesterday. They should be delivered sometime the second week in April. I'm so excited. They are soft and cozy, and they really look nice. Here is a picture of the couch. This picture doesn't really do much justice. Today we are going to do some more mattress shopping. There are so many decisions to make. We are also very excited because early next week we will have a new 22" flat screen monitor. Yeah!!!!

Friday Update

So I went to June's retirement party at the Chrome Horse last night. I would say about half of our already small group of co-workers came to the party. Actually, probably not even that many. At least half a dozen people who showed up were ex-co-workers. And at least four of them were from years back. The table I sat at and the table next to me pretty much consisted of the people I go to lunch with at work. Although a few of the ex-co-workers sat down to chat at our table for a while. I also met June's husband and son.

A least the party was in a separate room from the rest of the bar. It still got very noisy and very smokey. I drank two glasses of mountain dew and two slices of supreme pizza while I was there. They do make a very good thin crust pizza. It was fun, but I really couldn't wait to get away from the smoke, it really dried my eyes out. When I left around 7 I smelled so much like smoke that I couldn't hardly stand to be with myself in the van. I rolled the windows down to try and air it out while I drove. Shortly after I got home I showered to get rid of the smell. Well isn't this an exciting blog post. I think I am done now. Have a good Friday and a great weekend.

Thursday Update

I don't have much today. Yesterday, in celebration of the first day of Spring, Doug grilled brats, turkey burgers and chicken outside. It was a yummy supper. Doug has been doing some measuring for when we get new furniture. If we get the couches that we really like, they may not fit through the door. I hope they will, if we get them that is. Why can't we have wider doors.

Today after work I have to go to June's retirement party at the Chrome Horse. I'm not looking forward to it. I feel really uncomfortable going into bars. Especially one that seems like it is a biker bar. Who would know a little old lady likes to hang out in biker bars. I guess it is because her son is one of the owners. Wish me luck.

Wednesday Update

Yesterday when I got to work they had a sign on the door that our Outlook email was down. That kind of slows down our day since a lot of our work comes from our email. We still were able to keep pretty busy until they got the problem fixed. We had lots of yummy treats for June's birthday. There was my cheese and crackers, a Coffee Cake and brownies from Panera, a cinnamin bundt cake and a veggie pizza from Hy-Vee. When I went to lunch I saw something sitting on the give-away table. I went over to look and it was a Palm V. I made sure it was supposed to be given away and then I took it. Doug is now very happy with his new Palm.

Tuesday Update

Yesterday was wierd at work. They are moving more of our servers and things were not working correctly. Outlook kept shutting down or not letting us send or read our emails. When we did receive our email it was about three hours late. Some of our reports were unavailable or not updating and Oracle was not figuring sales tax and running super slow.

When I got home yesterday Diedre was visiting. She chatted with us for a while and I sent some of Lauren's French Onion Soup home with her. After Diedre left we went furniture shopping again. We saw a couch that we really like at McGregors. The covering is made of microfiber and looks like the leather on a bomber jacket. It is realy soft and comfortable. One of our top contenders. We still haven't made any final decisions on couches or mattresses.

Today is my co-work June's birthday. We are all bringing in treats (yet another food day). I am bringing in cheese and crackers. Well, that's all I have for today.

Sunday Update

Not much to update about today. Let's see, yesterday Ashley stopped by after she got off work at 1. Then I went grocery shopping and came home. Went to the new Furniture Row by Menards and got overwhelmed with all the beautiful furniture. Then went to Slumberland to get overwhelmed again. For supper we had corned beef and cabbage; one of Thomas' favorites (sorry). I went to bed before 11 and then woke up this morning just before 8. Wow, I actually slept in for a change.

Saturday Update

I am so glad the weekend is here. Last night we couldn't figure out what to do for supper. So, since it was just Doug and I, we decided to go to Culvers. When we got to Culvers we thought about it a minute and then decided Pizza Ranch sounded better. We paid for the buffet, got our table and we were going for our drinks, when Doug said he saw Dawn. So we talked to Dawn for a while and then we ate. She was with her youngest daughter and her daughter's friend. The chicken and pizza is very good. They also have a nice selection at the salad bar. I wasn't impressed with the fish and I did not try the soup. The soup was clam chowder and I'm not real crazy about clams. They also have good ice cream. Needless to say we were very stuffed.

Today we plan to go shopping for mattresses and maybe a couch. Ashley's bed needs a new mattress, Chloe needs a complete new bed, Doug and I need a complete new bed and we plan to give our old bed to Thomas, again. Don't worry Thomas, our newer old bed is better than the other old bed we gave you.

Friday Update

It's Friday, yeah!!!! It has been a long freakin week at work. It has been fairly busy, just dragging though. Just two more weeks before most of the people at our site are gone for good. I think most of them are excited about it. They are just a bit nervous about finding a new job. Next Thursday after work I am going to June's retirement party at The Chrome Horse. Not sure how I feel about going to a party at a bar. I know I will leave when my co-workers start to get uncomfortably drunk. That probably won't take too long for most of them. Some are already obnoxiuos without even drinking. Speaking of drinking, I hope everyone stays away from the green beer this weekend, it is an unnatural color to see in the toilet.

*** Anyone Up For A Little Test? ***

Its quite simple. Just place the states where they belong.

Wednesday Update

Yesterdays weather was beautiful. I hope everyone had a chance to go out and enjoy it a little bit. When I got home from work I went out to the front yard and picked up some of the larger branches and sticks that were left in the yard after the ice storm. Now I need to go out with a rake and get up all of the smaller stuff. And there is a lot of smaller stuff! While Mark, Wanda and Matt are in Florida, we will be plant sitting for three of thier plants. Mark brought them over last night. There is a hyacinth (with lots of babys), a flowering shamrock and another one with flowers (I don't remember what it is called). They are all very nice, I hope I don't kill them.

Tuesday Update

I like that it is staying light longer in the day. It makes me feel more like having a life after work. I don't really do anything differently, it just feels better. Althought, yesterday would have felt better if I wouldn't have had a headache from the time I woke up to the time I went to sleep.

Wow! Electronic filing is great! We filed my taxes last week and I already got my state return.

Chloe got a mood ring in the mail, she was very excited.

What the Mood Ring Colors Mean

• violet blue - happy, romantic
• blue - calm, relaxed
• green - average, not much going on with you
• yellow/amber - tense, excited
• brown/gray - nervous, anxious
• black - cold temperature or damaged ring

Monday Update

Weekends go way too fast. Yesterday we only had Mark and Wanda over for supper. Now we have a whole lot of soup to eat. I put some in the freezer and Ashley said she will take some back to school. That still leaves us with quite a bit of soup. Oh well, they are both delicious and I have food for lunch all week.

I don't have much else to say. I didn't do much this weekend. A little grocery shopping on Saturday. I baked brownies Sunday morning and then cleaned the house. Thomas is back at school and Ashley spent the night last night. Have a good Monday everyone.

Other cats named Chairman Mao.

Chairman Mao likes bubblewrap... he also likes mice.

---

Mao flies over the Eiffel Tower

Mao visits the pyramids at Giza

Boy, I can *really* whiz on the clean laundry before she has a chance to put it away now!

CHAIRMAN MAO

Chairman Mao:
Chairman of the Bored
*RIP 8/25/05

Chairman Miaow: Mao is the Chinese word for cat.

Mao-Mao, his nickname is Chairman Mao.

Saturday Update

It is Saturday morning and everyone else is sleeping, including Mao. It looks like Chloe got back from the concert in Des Moines all right. She went to see The Plain White Tees. They sing Hey There Delilah, which is one of my favorite songs. I don't have much planned this weekend. Probably a little grocery shopping today and the usual laundry and cleaning. It is still better than working. Unfortunately, Thomas has to work this weekend, so he will be in Waterloo most of today and tomorrow and then he starts school again on Monday. I'm not sure what Chloe's work schedule is this weekend. Ashley works on Sunday until 8 PM. This weekend starts Daylight Savings Time. Don't forget to set your clocks tonight when you go to bed.

Friday Update

I am sad, Doug is very sick and I can't do anything about it. He has a sinus drip which is making his throat sore. It also makes him cough which makes his TMJ flair up. He is wheezing and has a hard time staying asleep. Chloe is also sick, but I don't think she is as bad as Doug. Speaking of Chloe, she had her hair dyed PINK yesterday. Sorry Thomas, I stole this picture from your blog.

Yesterday I got an overhead projector for Thomas from work for $0.00. He was pretty excited and now Diedre wants to know where hers is. I hope they have another one to give away. If not, I will have to try and find something else good for Diedre. The picture below is not the exact model, but it looks pretty much the same.



Today they are having a job fair at work for those people who are being let go. I might try and find time to wander around myself. Who knows, maybe I will find something that I would rather be doing.

Wednesday Update

Yeah!! The computer doesn't hate me anymore. Yesterday morning I wasn't able to connect to the internet. And I am terrible at fixing it. Anyhoo, I'm just glad that I can do my regular routine this morning. That is, check all of the blogs, update my blog, check my email, sign up for freebies and play Mahjongg if there is time.

Thomas will be returning home from Cedar Falls sometime today. Mao and I are happy that he will be back for a few more days. Last night, after Chloe came home from class, she shut off the front light and Mao looked very sad. He knows that means no one else will be coming in the door. Doug and Chloe both have a sore throat, I hope I don't get one too. I already have kind of a sinus thing. Have a wonderful day everyone!!!

Monday Update

It's Monday again already! We had a very good Soup Sunday yesterday. Both soups were delicious! Jamie and Lauren brought Guitar Hero and it was fun to watch the kids "rock out". Chloe made it back from Chicago. She had a really good time, even though Zach had bombed out on her plans. Today Thomas is driving up to Cedar Falls to spend the night. He has to work on Tuesday until 10PM, so he will be staying until Wednesday morning. Not much happening weather wise today. That's good. Have a wonderful day everyone.

Sunday Update

Yesterday was a wonderful day. We went to Ting's Red Lantern for Ashley's birthday lunch. It was yummy and I have some leftovers for lunch today. After lunch, Thomas took Ashley to Target and bought her gift. She got a nice jacket and the funny thing is it had pumice stones in the pocket. I think it is a message from the sweat shop in Indonesia where it was made. After they got back home we had Ashley's birthday Grasshopper Pie. It was delicious. Chloe left for Chicago around 12:30 yesterday, so unfortunately she did not go to lunch with us. It sounds like she go lost on the way to the show and was a little late for it. She said she had fun though. I hope she has a safe trip back home today.

Today we are celebrating three birthdays. Ashley (3rd), Wanda (5th) and Johnny (7th). Doug is making Fish Chower and Lauren is making Full On Chicken and Vegetable Soup. Thomas is here on break, Ashley work until 4 and hopefully Chloe will be back from Chicago. It should be a really fun time. Jamie and Lauren are bringing Guitar Hero I & II.

This is my favorite Post Secret postcard ever!

Happy Birthday Basher!!!!!

Friday Update

We got some snow overnight and the wind is blowing pretty strong. I didn't bake anything yesterday, But Ashley did. She made a Baked Apple Pie Bread mix that we had in cupboard. I will definately make something today. Yesterday Chloe was gone most of the day. First to class and then to work. Ashley drove in at around 1:30 and we went grocery shopping. Then we went to Target to get her a birthday gift. She wasn't having much luck finding anything. She decided on a nice green polo shirt, undies and a red paper lantern. I hope the road conditions get better this afternoon, Thomas is supposed to drive home. Drive carefully....

Thursday Update

I have today and tomorrow off from work, yeah!!!! I will probably bake something today. I hope most of the nasty weather passes by us. I am sick of Winter and very ready for Spring. The wind was very strong when I woke up about an hour ago. But, now it looks like it has died down a bit. I don't have much to write about today. Oh, we did have some very yummy chicken chow mein and egg foo yung last night.

Wednesday Update

Today is my last day of working this week. I have Thursday and Friday off. I'm not sure what I will do with my days off. Probably read and I plan to take Ashley birthday shopping. Thomas is coming home on Friday for a little break from school. I hope we don't get as bad a storm as the last one so that everyone has safe travel conditions and there are no power outages. That's all I have for today. Have a great day everyone.

Tuesday Update

I have writers block. Hmmm...It must have something to do with my staying up until 10:30 last night. I'm a bit groggy this morning.

Ice Storm 2007

Photo taken 2/24/07 in Riverside, Iowa

2/24/07 Ice Storm

2/24/07 Ice Storm

2/24/07 Ice Storm

2/24/07 Ice Storm

Monday Update

What a weekend. The bad weather started on Friday evening. The rain started to freeze on our front window Saturday morning. This upset Mao because it made it hard to look outside. Then the ice made branches fall from the trees and this upset him and Doug. The branches continued to fall all Saturday and into the night. The branchs were pretty good sized until they hit the ground, then they just shattered like glass. Diedre lost power for a little while on Saturday, but her power came back before evening. At 5:53 PM Saturday we lost power and it stayed off until around noon on Sunday. It never got lower than around 52 degrees in the house and the refrigerators and freezers stayed cold, so we did not lose any food. Mark and Wanda got power back around 11 Saturday night. Johnny got power around 12 AM Sunday. Jacob and Sara got power around 2 AM Sunday. Cornell got power back around 6:30 Sunday evening. As far as I know, Jamie and Lauren still do not have power. Chloe thought it was fun for a while, until she had to go to work on Sunday. She had to rough it because she could not straighten her bang. Oh the horror!

Saturday Update

Packing files at work kicked my arse yesterday. I got off work at around 3 and came home. I laid down around 5 for a nap and woke up around 6:30. We ate supper and watched a documentary about They Might Be Giants and then I fell asleep on the couch until Doug woke me up to say he was going to bed. I think that was between 12 & 12:30.

One of my favorite things they talked about on the documentary was the dial a song. They recorded songs on an answering machine and then posted an add with the band name and a telephone number. You dailed the number and heard a song. Doug said he actually called the number.

Friday Update

I have to go into work early this morning, 6 AM. Our ordering system will be down because they are moving the server location today and over the weekend. We are going to be busy packing up financial records that have to be shipped to our San Francisco office. We decided to come in early and get out early to hopefully beat this winter storm. Have a good day everyone.

Thursday Update

I love it when it is still Winter and the weather turns warm. The snow is almost all melted and it will look all dirty for a while. But just wait, the Spring rains will be here before we know it to wash it all away. Wow I sound pretty corny this morning. I guess I really don't have anything to say.

Wednesday Update

I'm back. Yesterday morning I wasn't able to get an online connection. Doug has told me several times which thingy to unplug and then plug back in. But, I always forget whenever I actually need to do it. Today I get to have lunch at the Blue Strawberry. Yeah for free hour long lunches! Last night the men sang on American Idol, tonight will be the women. Most of the men did not sing as well as they did in the auditions. I can't think of anything else to write. Have a good day everyone.

Wednesday Update

I'm back. Yesterday morning I wasn't able to get an online connection. Doug has told me several times which thingy to unplug and then plug back in. But, I always forget whenever I actually need to do it. Today I get to have lunch at the Blue Strawberry. Yeah for free hour long lunches! Last night the men sang on American Idol, tonight will be the women. Most of the men did not sing as well as they did in the auditions. I can't think of anything else to write. Have a good day everyone.

By Uulargh Of The Prairie

Sunday Update

I was tired, I slept in untl 7:20. I don't have much to write about today. Yesterday I went grocery shopping. When I got home Thomas was here and he helped me carry in the groceries. Then we went to Jiffy Lube to get his oil changed. Next we stopped at the car wash in Marion and got his car washed. The car wash was very excited about his credit being approved, it was also very nervous that we would not wait, as the car wash was in use. We had a good giggle over this. Then we went to get Diedre a birthday gift. Walmart didn't have what I had wanted to get her, so I had to settle for something else. I think she still liked her gift. Shortly after we got home Diedre came over to go to Vino's with Thomas. Doug and I had Rissotto for supper. It was very good. The rest of the night I spend washing dishes and folding laundry. I read a little of Aragon before going to bed. I have about 100 pages left to read. I think I am going to read Darkly Dreaming Dexter next.

You have to watch this video. It is titled Stupidest Woman Ever.

Saturday Update

I'm not sure what all I will be doing today. Probably work on menus and a grocery list. And then go shopping. Before all of that, I am sure I will go out and shovel snow. We got a good coating overnight. Thomas and Diedre are coming into town this afternoon. When Thomas gets here, I want him to go birthday shopping for Diedre with me. After that we will make supper and watch TV.

Pictures of a frozen Tidal Wave.

Friday Update

Friday at last!! It is -9 and feels like -23. Brrrrrr!!!!!! It is supposed to gradually warm up next week. I hope so, because Dad and Ilse will finally be on thier way soon. We are supposed to get the keys for thier house from the realtor on the 26th.

Yesterday was Diedre's 22nd birthday. Thomas and Diedre are driving down on Saturday to go out to eat at Vino's. Next week I am invited to have a 1 hour lunch with my old superviser, soon to be my new supervisor, at the Blue Strawberry. She has invited all of the employees that she had asked to stay on with the company for lunch. Of course, only the people who said they would stay on are going out to lunch.

I am also happy that this is Friday because I get to have a 3 day weekend. Monday is Presidents day and a paid holiday for me. Have a good weekend everyone.

Happy Valentines Day !!!!!!!!!

Tuesday Update

It snowed last night. I am very concerned for Chloe. She went to a concert in Des Moines last night and stayed in Des Moines. She has a class at noon today. As of 4:50 this morning Interstate 80 is completely snow covered. Please be safe Bobo! Ashley was let out of work early last night and she made it back to Cornell safely before the snow started to fall. Thomas is supposed to teach today, I am not sure what highway he has to travel on. It looks like the roads near Waverly are mostly snow covered. I hope he stays safe as well. So far Cedar Rapids has a snow emergency and a two hour school delay. Linn-Mar has a two hour school delay. Mt Vernon also has a snow emergency and two hour school delay. Marion has just announce a two hour school delay as well.

Monday Update

The weekend always goes way too fast. It snowed last night, I guess I will need to do a little shoveling before I take out the trash this morning. I really can't think of anything to post about right now. Sorry.

Sunday Update

It is actually 17 above zero this morning! Love that above zero weather.

Yesterday I went grocery shopping by myself. While I was at Hy Vee a got a phone call from Ashley, she was on break and wanted me to join her at the restuarant area. She was eating a blood orange and drinking cappacino. When I got home Doug told me that Chloe had been home for lunch and she had bought me another present. He had me close my eyes and open my hand. The gift was a key chain with 2 gnomes and a penguin. It says "Chillin with the Gnomies". Oh that Chloe!

Saturday Update

Happy Saturday everyone. Yesterday I signed the paper that says I will be staying on with the company. The paper that I signed said "We have determined that your position is necessary to the Company's operations and we would like you to continue employement with the Company after the facility closure. If you continue employment, you will work at a location to be determined."

Last night Chloe came home and immediately said "I've got a present for you, close your eyes!" She gave me a tee shirt that has a gnome on it, with two mushrooms and two hearts. It says "Friends Gnome Matter What." I love it.

Does anyone remember the Disney movie The Gnome-Mobile?



There is also the movie A Gnome Named Gnorm.

Thursday Update

It is currently -6, the ice age has not left Iowa. Last night my Dad called and said everything is going pretty well. He said they got an extension on the house here and they should know if the people buying his house are approved for thier loan by a week from Friday. He said that if all goes well, they will be leaving for Iowa around Feb. 23rd. I am hoping the weather warms up a little by then.

Last night we watched a show about cars of the future, then we watch American Idol and then the first new episode of Lost. It was a good episode, but I really don't like the character 'Ben'. Ashley spent the night here after work. I think it is so much better than driving back to school at night in the cold weather. We don't have to worry about something happening to her or Scout this way.

Apparently this ice silo is outside of Cedar Falls and people who like to be cold and crazy in the winter are climbing it. This was the idea of Don Briggs, a physical education instructor at the University of Northern Iowa. He hoses down the silos on a friends farm at night and the cold weather does the rest.

Monday Update

It is like the Arctic outside and don't want to go out. Oh well, guess I have to. I'm glad that I have a new battery and a new thermostat in the van.

The Colts kicked the Bears in the pouring rain yesterday. I hardly watched any of the game. I find football very boring. I did like watching Prince. He was amazing even though it was raining.

Here is what they are saying at PrinceFams.com.

Prince wowed the audience and the television viewers with a 12 minute long display of genius!
Showing off his guitar playing skills, he played an interesting set where he included a few short tributes to other artists, as well as his own material.
The press had reacted very positively, with some commentators calling it the Best halftime show EVER!

Sunday Update

It is -7 and feels like -21. Very cold!!! But we don't care, Super Bowl XLI party here, tonight!

Yesterday was very busy and very productive for Doug and I. We started shopping around 10:45 AM and got home around 1:30 PM. We went to the Post Office, the bank, Aldi's, Hy-Vee, Fareway and Sam's. Food samples were abundant at Hy-Vee and Sam's, Fareway even had a couple. When we got home we did our usual scanning for ACNielson-Homescan. Then we cleaned out our spice cupboards and the refrigerator in the main kitchen. The refrigerator had more than one science experiment living in it. After supper Doug made Chex Mix and I made blue Jello jigglers in the shape of footballs and helmets. Today will be a very busy day as well.

Saturday update

Right now it is -4 and feels like -11. It will be a rather chilly shopping day. But, the Super Bowl party must go on. Last night Doug made lemon pepper fish. It was very yummy served over mashed potatoes. Ashley and a group of her college friends stopped in last night. They were having a piercing party for Mary's birthday. Mary and Leather got an eyebrow piercing. Grace got her belly button pierced and Ashley got the upper part of her left ear pierced. I can't remember if there were any other piercings. Not much else happened last night. Television was bad and I was cold and tired, so I went to bed at my usual time.

EARLY SPRING!
The Prognosticator of Prognosticators has spoken! Phil says we'll have an early spring.

Watch the video.

Friday Update

I did not update my blog yesterday because blogger was having issues in the morning. It is friggin cold out right now. It is -1 below and feels like -24 below. I am not looking forward to going out into the Arctic! I am so glad that my Dad's move has been delayed. This would not have been a good time to be moving.

Happy Groundhog Day!

Six more weeks of winter?

If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, it means spring is just around the corner.

Wednesday Update

I got nothing. It's cold!!! 3 below!!!!

They messed up all the paychecks at work. This check was supposed to have Holiday pay for Christmas and New Years. It was missing both. Now they are cutting a new check for the two days for everyone.

I still got nothing! Have a good day everyone.

Tuesday Update

Dang it's cold!!! 3 degrees and it feels like -17. It snowed a little bit yesterday and might flurry a little today. Winter in Iowa, you just can't get away from it. A least it waited awhile this year before it got really cold. After all, it could have been doing this in November or December.

Yesterday was a pretty boring day. I went to work, it was busy so the day went relatively fast. I came home and washed yesterdays dishes. Probably in record time, thanks to Doug. We ate leftovers for supper while watching Antiques Roadshow. Next we watched Heros. It wasn't as good an episode as last week, but it was good. And then I went to bed. Boring.........

Monday Update

Yesterday we had a very good Soup Sunday. Doug made potato soup and creole summer squash over rice. Deb brought bacon wrapped chestnuts and a very nice white wine. Jacob & Sara brought rolls with honey butter. Wanda brought apple pie and white wine. Lauren & Jamie brought cookies, chips and Kahula flavored chocolates. After eating we played Apples to Apples. It was a very fun game and lots of laughs were had by all. Chloe got home from work towards the end of the game and joined in. It is so funny the hear people defend thier card and think they have the winner. Sometimes you have to do a card dump and get suprised by winning with the dumped card. This happened to me last night. It all depends on the judge in the end.

In the middle of the night I felt Mao bouncing all over the bed. He had his new mouse baby on the bed and he was flipping it around. Doug said that when he came into bed, Mao was sleeping up near my waist level and he stayed on the bed even after Doug got in. He doesn't usually do that.

This morning I went to the front part of the house and could tell something was not right. It was quite cold (57 degrees). I felt the heat register and cold air was blasting out. I had to wake Doug because for the second time this week, the pilot light went out on the furnace. We are not sure what is causing this to happen. Thankfully he got it lit and it is now getting warmer in here.

Saturday Update

I don't have much to write about today. We got very busy at work yesterday. We were busy enough for overtime, if only they were allowing overtime. I got home from work and found that Lauren had brought us supper. It was tuna spaghetti, French bread, salad with vinegrete dressing, Provolone cheese with a dip (I can't remember what it was called), strawberries mixed with cucumbers and for dessert an oatmeal sandwich with marshmallow fluff in the middle. I was too full for my dessert, but Doug said it was very good. Doug went to Johnnies yesterday and he brought back some cheesecake. Those of you who aren't here are really missing out. Sorry kids.

Friday Update

It is finally Friday. This seemed like a very long week. I guess it was because of all the time I had off the two previous weeks. Yesterday at work was kind of strange. Everyone was very quiet and about 90% were dressed in black. My supervisor said it looked like we were all going to a funeral. I only saw our visitors for a few minutes. The rest of the day they were in meetings with our supervisors and managers.

Last night we had chicken tortilla soup. Chloe says it is the best soup she has ever had in her life. She has made it a law that we have it at least once a month from now on. I'm all for it.

Thursday Update

Yeah, the van is fixed with new sparkplug wires. Today and Friday at work we have visitors from San Francisco. Some of the visitors will be job shadowing. I hope no one has to sit and watch me work. I dislike it intensely when a company makes you train the people who are taking over your job. The only time I think it is okay is when you have choosen to leave the company.

My Dad called last night with better news. It looks like the financial situation has changed for the better. Nothing is final yet. I wish them luck.

Last night we watched American Idol. I know, I said I wouldn't watch another year, but it is fun to watch the auditions. Last night they were in New York and all of the crazies were out. They just refused to take no for an answer and insisted on begging for a chance even though they basically sucked.

Wednesday Update

It was nice seeing Thomas for a little while last night. He stayed for supper which was very good. We had Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, gravy and corn. Thomas is glad to be connected again with his new phone. This morning we are going to drop off the van to have it looked at. I really hope they get it working correctly this time. It looks like my Dad is going to be delayed in moving here. There is a problem with financing. I hope it all goes well, it sounds like Ilse was really looking forward to moving here and meeting everyone.

Tuesday Update

I don't have much today. Yesterday for supper we ate leftover soup. The corn chowder is superb and the chicken tortilla is the best. Two very easy soups that are sure to satisfy anyone. Thomas is suppose to be getting his new phone today, so we should be seeing him for a little bit tonight. Last night was the new season of Heros. I thought it was a pretty good episode. My Dad and Ilse will be heading for Iowa a week from Wednesday. I hope they have a safe trip. They should arrive right around Ilse's birthday which I think is on the 5th or 6th.

Monday Update

Losts of snow shoveling = sore, tight muscles in the back. We got our first big snow storm of this winter yesterday. I love the look of all the pretty snow. I don't even mind shoveling. I just don't like the way my back feels the next day. If it snowed all of the time I would start to have really good upper body strength.

Sunday Update

Yesterday was a good day. I went grocery shopping and then Chloe and I went to Target. Chloe bought me a nice blouse and a black cardigan for my birthday. We also saw Wanda and Matt while we were at Target. The funny this is, earlier in the day Doug had talked to Wanda, she had told him she needed to go shopping and he said, "Kathy and Chloe are going shopping too and they might bump into you."

It is snowing quite heavily right now. When I woke up this morning Doug was just coming back into bed. He told me that he had looked out the back door window and it looked like there were ghost kitty tracks in the snow. The tracks came up to the door and just stopped. There were no turn around tracks leading away from the door. There were also no tracks to either side indicating that the cat had jumped away. Very strange.

Saturday Update

It was fun going out for lunch yesterday. The Mediterranean pita sandwich that I had was very good. It was very big for $3.95. I also had Baklava which was a very big piece for only $1.00. Thomas stopped in for a couple of hours last night, Mao was a bit upset when he left. Today I am going to call my Dad to get an update on how things are going for him. I hope he is over his bronchitis. I can't think of much else to write about, maybe more later.

Oh yeah, it is now officially 2 years, 17 hours and 36 minutes before Bush is out of office.

Friday Update

Friday already. It is nice having a two day work week. Today a group of my co-workers and I are going to a place called Falafel for lunch. It is a get together for those whose last day is Jan. 31. I am going to have "The Mediterranean" a Falafel sandwich with Babaganouch and my choice of sauce on a pita.

In case you have not seen the local news lately, police believe a Marion man strangled his mother and then hid her body in the trunk of her own car for three months. Her car was found in a garage at Quinn's Storage. Quinn's Storage is not far from us on 5th Ave. Creepy!!!!

Thursday Update

Back to work today after 8 days off. I am not looking forward to going out in the cold to start the van. It will be kind of nice to get back into an actual routine again. Yesterday I really didn't do much of anything. We did watch American Idol, they showed the usual losers who thought they had the best voice ever. All we could do was scream at the TV saying "Please make them stop!"

Wednesday Update

Not much happening today. Chloe is at school, Mao is sleeping and Doug is trying to sleep. Doug has a problem with his back. I tried to help him by stepping on it and rubbing it, but it is still very sore. We have a bed that just isn't comfortable for him. I hope it gets better soon. Thomas and Diedre are going to come into town on Friday for a little bit. I hope he will be here long enough for me to see him. Thomas reminded me today that my Dad will be here in less than one month. Wow, that is going to be so different and probably very challenging.

Memorial To My Grandmother

Ardith . Gray
September 07, 1912 to January 12, 2007

Surviving are 5 children, 18 Grandchildren, 36 Great-Grandchildren, 15 Great-Great-Grandchildren; 1 sister, Roberta Sievers, Anamosa; and 1 brother, Mitchell (Lois) Winchip, Monticello; a sister-in-law, Alice Winchip, Anamosa. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Don, 2 brothers, Virgil and Arthur, and 2 Grandchildren.

Marietta Ardith Gray was born September 6, 1912 at Olin, Iowa. She was the daughter of Alvin and Belle Mitchell, Winchip. Ardith graduated from the Olin Highs School in 1930. She married Max Burns December 26, 1934 at Olin, Iowa. They farmed in the Olin, Clarence and Stanwood area before moving to the Scotch Grove area. In 1955 they moved to Monticello. The couple divorced in 1958. Don L. Gray and Ardith Winchip Burns were married at the First Presbyterian Church, Monticello on August 18, 1963. The couple farmed near Scotch Grove until 1990 when they moved to Monticello. Don would drive Ardith to area care centers and senior meal sites to play the piano and entertain. She was the Jones County Outstanding Senior Citizen in 1988. Ardith was also a published poet and a correspondent for the Monticello Express. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Rebecca Circle, the Royal Neighbors and the Scotch Grove Oak Drive Club.

Monday Update

It snowed last night, that means I need to go out and clear off the van. It looks as though I will have an extended vacation. My Grandmother passed away on Friday, she was 94. My place of work gives three days paid for bereavement. Grandma's funeral is tomorrow morning in Monticello.

We found Mao's new baby that had been lost for about a week. He is throwing it around and making snorting noises into it right now. Now he found his old baby and brought it to the living room. I rubbed some catnip on it and he is rolling around on the old baby and making the snorting noises. I think Mao is getting stoned.

Saturday Update

I still don't see all that snow everyone is talking about. I think is is just going to go around us like the last time. Yesterday we stopped at the Shortstop for a Big Slam and the clerk said "Did you hear? It's going to snow 6-8 inches. It's going to go into the Arctic freeze!" Last night Jacob stopped in to drop off the lasagna for Sunday. One pan is catered from Olive Garden and the other pan his mother-in-law made. We did our grocery shopping yesterday, so today I should be able to get some of the cleaning done and relax a bit more tomorrow. I have finished reading my book Me Talk Pretty One Day. It is very funny. Next I will read Eragon.

Friday Update

It is already Friday. It seems like time just flies when you are not working and it just stands still when you are working. We did not get the van taken in yesterday, I really hope we do it today. After we did the house inspection yesterday, I called my Dad and Ilsa to let them know more about the colors on the walls in the house. They were very happy with what I had to tell them. Unfortunately, Dad has bronchitis and his doctor says it could turn to pneumonia and put him in the hospital. I hope he listens to the doctor and stays in bed to rest. The weather is turning colder and we are supposed to be getting freezing rain and possibly snow. I want the warm weather back.

Thursday Update

I am now officially 49 years old. Next year I will be king of the hill. Last night Doug and Mary went to the Paramount Theatre to see a performance of Jesus Christ Superstar. Today will be a busy day. We are taking the van back to the repair shop to see if they can get it to run smoother. Then at noon we have to go to the house my Dad is buying to do the inspection. I am having writers block right now and cannot think of anything else to write about.

It's my birthday and I don't have to work the rest of the week.

Tuesday Update

Today is my last day of work this week. I like taking a few days off around my birthday. This may be the last time for a few years that I will actually be able to do that. I will have to start all over building up vacation time wherever I end up working next.

I am afraid that my Dad is going to drive Doug crazy before this whole moving thing is over. Doug has to go over to the house with a realtor to do an inspection. My Dad was right in choosing Doug though, he is all prepared with check lists on what to look for. The realtor won't know what hit them. I talked to my Dad last night and unfortunately he is fighting off a virus that Ilsa had and has given to him. I hope he gets better before the actual move. That is a long drive for anyone and not a good idea for someone who is old and sick.

The kids all started thier new classes yesterday. I heard mixed reactions from them. Thomas seems to think some of his classes will be tough. He thinks he is really going to like his Iowa history class and gym will be okay. Even the tough classes can't be as bad as his chemistry class last term. Ashley thinks she will like her class. Chloe is not too excited about having two classes that will involve a lot of writing.

I am not sure what I am going to do on my little vacation this week. Maybe just chill and turn another year older.

Monday Update

I am tired this morning and I can't think of anything to write about.

Sunday Update

Thomas left for work about an hour ago. He has to work five hours and then he will head back to school. Doug and Ashley will be picking up one of Ashley's friends at the airport this afternoon and then Ashley will be heading back to school. I am glad that we at least have Chloe here. Today will be my birthday Soup Sunday. My soups are all about the bean. Mark and Mary will be coming over today, it has been quite a while since we have seen them. It should be a fun evening.

Saturday Update

Go figure, I guess I don't know my Dad very well anymore. He and Ilse bought the house on Soutter Ave Ct. It is the one with the hot tub on the deck. They are very excited and have to be out of thier house in Mareno Valley by Feb. 3rd. I hope they have help with packing. My sister's husband Dave will be flying out to help drive one of the cars and handle the dogs. It will be nice to have my Dad around again and the kids are looking forward to having Grandparents near by.

Friday Update

Happy birthday to my Dad, I think he is 74 today. We went house searching again last night and found a couple of possibilities. I really liked the house on Spencer, but it is really far out on the NW side of CR. With gas prices that would not be ideal. The last one we looked at off of Mt Vernon Rd has possiblities, not to mention a hot tub. I just don't see my Dad and Ilsa going for a house with a hot tub. I am leaning more towards the house on Country Club or the one near Noelridge. The only thing with the one by Noelridge is it will need some work and the basement isn't finished like my Dad had wanted.

Wednesday Update

I have a feeling that today is going to be another very long day at work. Yesterday I received some news that I am not able to write about yet. After work Doug, Ashley, my brother Dan and I went to look at houses for my Dad with Ken Nye. As realtors go he doesn't seem too bad. He does have the big stupid vehicle that realtors tend to drive. We looked at 4 houses, I think only 2 were worth considering. My favorite was the one near Noeridge park. Although the one in Marion was nicer inside. We got home around 8 and Doug made us all a nice supper of egg, ham & chesse sandwiches with hash browns. I always love breakfast for supper.

Happy New Year!!!!!!

Sunday Update

It is the last day of 2006. I did not want the year to go by so quickly. But, in a way I am also glad that it is over. With 2006 over, it means that Bush will only be in office a little over two more years. As my counter shows, it is 750 days. I hope everyone has fun in thier own way tonight celebrating in the New Year. In 10 days I will be another year older. Look out, every year makes me just a bit crazier. I'm only kidding (I hope).

Friday Update

It is Friday and I won't have to work for three days. Yeah!! Last night my Dad called and said someone has offered to buy his house, it is going into escrow. He is excited and scared at the same time. He can't wait to get back here, but he is worried he won't find a house in time here. He is mainly worried about what do do with his dogs if he doesn't find a house in time. I'm sure it will all work out for him. The kids only have a little over a week of Winter break left. I wish I would get to see them more when they are at home. But I have to work, they have to work and they prefer to be with friends. Can't say that I blame them. I am pretty boring.

Thursday Update

I can't believe that 2006 is already almost over. The only good thing about the year going by so quickly is that Bush will be out of office that much quicker. I hope the kids are enjoying thier Winter break. I enjoy having them here and wish I could be at home and see them more. I had fun playing Monopoly with Thomas the other night. I hope I get a chance to sit down and play a game or watch a movie with Ashley while she is home. Bobo has gone to have Christmas with her Mom for a few days, I miss her already. I will stop rambling on now. I hope everyone has a fun day.

Wednesday Update

I can't think of much to say today. Yesterday went fairly quickly at work. I hope it does the same today. We are back to a full staff at work, so some of the pressure is off. But it is still month/year/quarter end. We have most of the huge orders entered. The orders that aren't yet entered have issues. It is alway a fun time taking care of the issues, especially when the schools are closed and there is no one to contact. Last night Ashley and I went to Target. She bought some jeans and a few other things. I looked at the Christmas clearance stuff. It was already pretty well picked over. Well this is getting way boring, so that is all for today.

Tuesday Update

Wow, I have been too busy the last two days to even sit down at the computer. We all had a very wonderful Christmas. Except, all Doug asked for was one thing and he didn't get it. I won't be surprised if all Mao does today is sleep. Every time I turned around yesterday, he was playing with his new catnip mouse that Santa brought him. I got a lot of wonderful gifts; clothes, candle holder, big & small crock pots, slippers, a book, sheets for our bed, a bed in a bag, candles and more that I can't remember at 5:30 in the morning. We also had one of the best turkey and ham meals that we have had for Christmas. Oh, I almost forgot, we had our traditional Christmas Eve meal of Chicken Chow Mein and Egg Fo Yong on the eve of the 24th. It was also fantastic!

Saturday Update

They decided not to shut down early at work yesterday. That was a let down, but it didn't stop me from doing some Christmas shopping. After I got home from work, I grabbed a quick bite to eat . Then Ashley and I went shopping. Ashley drove Scout and other than parking, she is a pretty good driver. We went to quite a few stores which I will not name, as I don't want to give away where I bought all of the gifts. On Thursday we received two packages in the mail. We received homemade cookies in one and a Figis gift box in the other. I feel bad for Thomas, he has to work at the Depot until Sunday evening. He will be staying in Cedar Falls all alone. I hope the time goes by quickly for him, but not for me. I have shopping to finish and gift wrapping to do. Not to mention cleaning, laundry and dishes.

Thursday Update

Well, it is just 3 days,18 hours, and 45 minutes until Christmas and I have so much to do! There isn't anyone in this house that I don't have to shop for. I'm still not even sure what to get everyone. Last night was very fun. Thomas and I went to the basketball game in Cedar Falls at the new McLeod Center. UNI won the game, the score was 83-61. The ride there and back would have been better if it hadn't been raining, at least it wasn't cold enough to get slippery. We got back home at about 10, but I didn't get into bed until 10:45. Needless to say I am a bit tired, but I feel ready for the day. Today should go by pretty quickly, time always flies when we are busy at work. Tomorrow we are shutting down at 1, so that will be a quick day as well. Maybe I can do some Christmas shopping Friday afternoon.

Wednesday Update

Today should pass by very quickly at work. We are super busy with month/year end stuff and one person is out the rest of the week. That leaves two people to do all the work. Today after work I am going to Cedar Falls with Thomas to watch a basketball game, UNI vs Wartburg. It should be lots of fun. I have never watched a college basketball game in person. Ashley will return home today to start her winter break. Doug has made himself available to give rides to anyone who needs transportation to the airport from Cornell. Yesterday I received a Christmas gift from my supervisor at work. She gave me a candle that smells like red hots, a tin of assorted Ghirardelli chocolates and a small stuffed snowman decoration.

Click on Santa, then on each deer.

http://joecarr.ca/xmas/graphics/icqxmas.swf

Tuesday Update

Today I will bring my Christmas gifts to work because my supervisor is off work after today and she will be gone until next Tuesday. She said she is bringing in home-made fruitcake today. She doesn't like it, but the rest of her family does. If it looks good I will try it. Yesterday Chloe made cupcakes. I think they should appreciate it a little more when she takes them in to work. But no, they have to complain about how they liked the other kind better and how they really need something to drink with them. I made peanut butter blossom cookies last night. Yummy!! I hope work goes by as fast today as it did yesterday. I am looking forward to this weekend and probably another few days of endless shopping and gift wrapping. It will be so much fun. Have a good day every one and I love you all!!!!!

Recipe of the Day

CROCKPOT PUMPKIN PIE PUDDING:

1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin 
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk 
3/4 cup sugar 
1/2 cup Bisquick 
2 eggs, beaten 
2 tablespoons butter or margarine (melted) 
2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 
2 teaspoons vanilla 
whipped topping (optional) 

In a large bowl mix together the first eight ingredients.
Transfer to crockpot coated with pam.
Cover and cook on low 6-7 hours.
Serve in bowls with whip cream, if desired. 

Sunday Update

It's Sunday already. Yesterday I spent most of the day shopping. Did a little Christmas shopping and some grocery shopping. We went to the mall, Sam's Club, Target, 1/2 Price Books and Pier 1. We went home to drop things off and then I went to Menards, Dollar General and Hy Vee. I was very exhausted last night. The worst thing was I still stayed up until 11 writing Christmas cards and then I couldn't sleep past 5:30 this morning. Well it's only one week until Christmas Eve. We will be having the usual Chicken Chow Mein nad Egg Foo Yong. It's too bad the kids all have to work on Christmas Eve day. I guess that will give me time to do any last minute shopping or gift wrapping that I will most certainly have. This coming Wednesday I will be going to a basketball game in Cedar Falls with Thomas. It should be lots of fun.

Happy Holidays everyone!!!!

Saturday Update

I am glad it is the weekend. I was very tired last night and didn't do much other than dishes and I watched 1 vs 100. Today should be busy with grocery shopping, errands and laundry. With any luck maybe I will be able to do some Christmas shopping. Ashley and friends had a little trouble with a flat tire last night. Doug and Chloe came to the rescue. It seems that Chloe and Ellen did most of the work. I am hoping that Ashley finds time to join her family this Sunday. We don't get too many Sunday gatherings with the entire family here any more.

Friday Update

Yeah, it's Friday and Ol' Tony is back for a brief visit. Thomas and Chloe are finished with thier finals and are hoping for the best on thier grades. Mao is happy to have Thomas back in the house. Although you wouldn't know it because he is still a butt head. I can't think of much else to say becuase it is early and I am tired. One last thing, I do wish everyone else would update thier blogs.

Thursday Update

Today Thomas and Chloe finish thier finals. Mao can't wait to see Thomas tonight. We certainly aren't having Winter weather. It is currently 43 degrees. Tonight is our good night for TV; Earl, The Office, Scrubs and 30 Rock. I think The Office is having a 1 hour Christmas show, so Earl might not be on this week. I gues I don't have any other random thoughts at the moment, so that is all.