As Time Goes By

Halloween Fun

2008-11-01T10:30:00.008-04:00

I guess everyone had a good time, including me. I didn't get any candy though. The kids sure did!

Tile and green hair

2008-10-12T09:33:00.009-04:00

Here are some before and after pictures of the kitchen floor that Leigh tiled. It looks great. Brightens the kitchen so much. It's really a big change from the floor that has been there since 1958. Thank you Leigh, you did a great job. The other pictures are of RyLee and Payton's hair painted green for the Myers Park football game they went to on Friday night.

Reunion #41

2008-09-28T12:38:00.009-04:00

A group of us had a mini reunion before the Big 41st one last night. We met for lunch at Firebirds. Mr. Mims, our Orchestra teacher at Myers Park was there. Also, Ben Douglas, Anne Cooper, Diane Ward, Roy Higgins, Robert Allen and naturally, me. heheheheh It was so much fun talking with everyone......and about everyone.

Last night we had another reunion at The Double Door. One of my classmates owes that so he closed it to the public so it was just MPHS'67 there. I didn't take too many pictures since I was running my mouth the whole time. I think we all had a good time. Carol and I left sometime after 11:00 pm..........way after my bedtime. I was TIRED!

Busy Saturday!

2008-09-27T10:17:00.009-04:00

Busy Saturday today. Leigh left here around 9:00am to go walk in the Breast Cancer Walk starting at South Park. She will call me when she gets to Manning Road. I'll take the kids down to the corner and wait on her. Then the kids will finish the walk with her. They wouldn't have made the whole walk. Last year Leigh pulled them the whole way in the wagon. Now they're going to walk part of the way. Anyway, that's what is happening this morning.

Later, I meet some people from high school for lunch. My Orchestra teacher from high school will be there also. He has got to be in his 80's I would think. That should be lots of fun seeing them.

Then tonight my high school classmates will get together for a small 41st Reunion at The Double Door Inn. The owner graduated with us. I'm not sure how many people will be there, but I'll have my camera ready. Remember last September we had our 40Th reunion. I can't believe it's been a whole year since then.

Leigh picking up RyLee from school

Last Friday night we went to The Festival in the Park at Freedom Park. That was fun, but boy, was I tired. Standing on my feet all day, then walking around the 'lake' twice was very tiring. Lots of people there. The food was good though. hahahahaah Here are a few pictures:

Old cellphone pictures

2008-09-01T10:20:00.006-04:00

I found these pictures on my cellphone. Tyler, Roland, Cindy, Gerhard and Lynne acting like me.

Hot Hot Hot AGAIN!

2008-09-01T09:55:00.003-04:00

It's been hot here again. We went to Matthew's Alive yesterday and it was so hot there. We had a good time, but, did I mention, it was hot there? The kids got to ride some things and I got to eat some things. heheheheheh We all drank since it was so hot. hahahahaha AND then I had to go and get bitten by a red ant. I guess they just love me since I'm so sweet! There I was minding my own business, watching a clown make balloons things for RyLee and Payton, when all of a sudden something started stinging me. I looked down and there he was, just bitting me over and over. Just talking about it, makes me itch.

Today is Labor Day so I don't have to go to work. I did work on Saturday though. Someone called in sick so they called me in. It will be nice not to have to work today. Don't really know what I'll do. Maybe........Leigh moved my bedroom furniture around on Thursday. The only thing is I have to go through some things to throw away or put somewhere else. Why is it I have a hard time throwing anything away? This has been going on all my life, never throwing anything away. I think, maybe I'll need it someday or it might be worth something one day. Who knows, maybe I'm a millionaire now and don't know it. hehehehee

2008-08-25T17:50:00.006-04:00

Made it to the beach and back

2008-08-25T17:19:00.002-04:00

Leigh and the kids and I made it to the beach last weekend. We left in the rain on Sunday and it rained the whole way to the beach and after we got there. We figured it would be raining the whole time Monday and Tuesday, but it was just beautiful those days. Sunday night we ate at the best pizza place there at Topsail Beach. Right after you go across the bridge, it is on your left. It's called Max's Pizza. (I think). GREAT PIZZA! I loved every bite! We were getting ready for bed that night, when Leigh jumps up to get her ear plugs in. She didn't think she'd be able to sleep in the same room with me while I was snoring. hehehehehe Sometime during the night I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep so I get up and got something to drink and my M&M's and something to read and sat in the bathroom with the door shut so I wouldn't wake up the others. I'm so thoughtful. Anyway, we stayed on the beach Monday just about all day. We came in to go to the pool for a while, but then back to the beach. Naturally I got burnt, but everyone else was fine. Monday night after eating, Leigh wanted to drive to the end of the island on the sound side. I had already gotten ready for bed but I went anyway with my night shirt and shorts on. hehehehehehe I don't think anyone noticed or even cared since it was about 8:30 and getting a little dark. One Tuesday I figured I wouldn't get out in the sun much since I was burnt from Monday. They went down to the beach and played then came to the pool. At 10:00 I walked to the bookstore and bought some books. I love that bookstore. It's called Quartermoon Bookstore. Great little place. We clocked out at 11:00 on Tuesday and called for a pizza takeout as we were getting into the car. By the time we got to the pizza place, it was ready to go. Did I mention that it was GREAT pizza? So, here we are, in the car, we all had something to drink, now it was time to eat. hahahahahaah It was so gooooood! Maybe that's why, after leaving Topsail Island, we got onto Hwy 17 and head to Wilmington. Can someone really get lost doing that? I guess so. Leigh did. ahhahaahah Of course, she was just following my instructions. Sorry Leigh. We went about 60 miles out of the way. We had been in the car an hour and haven't even left the beach yet. Don't ask me where we were. hahahahah Leigh stopped and asked directions on how to get on #74. We finally made it home around 3:30 or 4:00 Sunday afternoon. Long trip. Lynn, if you're reading this, don't laugh. I want to apologize that I didn't stop in to see you. Maybe I can get down that way again soon. Topsail is a great beach and GREAT pizza. Hopefully, I can get some pictures on here too.

I got home from work today, and my TV is broken. I couldn't believe it. We don't know what's wrong with it. It will probably be cheaper in the long run to buy a new TV. Well, it won't happen anytime soon.

jrlighthouse

2008-08-14T18:15:00.001-04:00

View my page on Pearson Family Tree

Hot! Hot! Hot! Summer

2008-08-09T16:52:00.015-04:00

It sure has been hot here in Charlotte, NC. Yesterday was the first "not so hot" day. It felt so much better yesterday that we got something to eat and took it to the Airport Park to watch the planes take off and land. It was getting a little dark when we got there so the lights on the runway had come on. We brought chairs this time so we all had a chair to sit on instead of the back of Leigh's car. Leave it to me to start eating my sub from Fire House when something started biting me on the foot. Yes, it was a red ant, such a little red ant at that. It sure hunt. Leigh came over to look and she got it off. Then a couple of others started biting me. I finally moved the chair to right beside the car, in the parking lot. Leave it to me to have ants climbing on me. Anyway, we watched the planes take off. We started counting the planes getting ready to land. At one time, nine up there coming our way. It was pretty watching all the lights on the planes. I'll try to place some pictues here for you.

This morning, Leigh got up and walked down to an attice sale at the corner of the street. She came back saying that I needed to go too. So I got dressed and walked down there with Payton and RyLee. I found a book by Julie Andrews and one book about General Robert E Lee's daughters. It really looked interesting. We bought a couple of things for the kids for Christmas. Some nice books that looked brand new. Alot cheaper than buying them in a store. But, PLEASE, don't tell them. heheheeheheh We also went to an Estate Sale. This one wasn't as good as we have been to, but ok. We didn't buy much at that one. I guess that was a good thing since I didn't even take my pocketbook (didn't have any money anyway).

I finally got high speed internet service this month. I'll send out my new email address as soon as I cancel AOL. I love how fast pictures are downloaded on here. Just a matter of seconds. And now I can watch the video's people have sent me in their emails. With the dial-up, that was something I never could do. I've been going back to some of the emails and watching the ones that I could never see. I can believe that it took me this long to get high speed. Well, yes I can too. I just couldn't afford it. Then AOL keep going up I found I was paying the same if not more. Then that storm we had that blew my modem so I couldn't use the dial up on this computer. I just love it!

Last Tuesday we went to Montclair neighborhood to a Nationwide Crime Watch. We went last year and had lots of fun we decided to go this year. Giant Genie donated hand-fans since last year it was so very hot, I told them we could have used the fans. Plus, it would have been great advertising for them. Everyone I saw that night had them. There were lots for the kids to do, a band, FREE food too. Hotdogs, cotton candy, ice cream, watermellon, lemonade. So good! ehheheeheheh

The Taylors, nextdoor, asked us if we wanted that Pine tree in the front yard cut down. They were having two trees cut down at the same time. The pine tree was really on the property line but they said they would pay for it. Some of the pictures are on here so you can see.

Computer problems

2008-07-20T07:21:00.002-04:00

We had a bad storm, what's new, one night a couple of weeks ago. The lightning hit a power line or something around the house. Leigh's TV in her room was knocked out. AND my computer modem was knocked out. Since I'm still on dial-up, I need a modem. We didn't have either one turned on either, but they were still plugged in. So a lesson to learn the hard way, unplug every thing if there is a really bad storm. That probably means everyday for me, since it storms here everyday during the summer.

When I got my 'new' computer back in 2005, I gave Leigh the old one. She still had it, so we plugged that one in so I could at least check my emails at home instead of work. This computer is so slow, I had forgotten about it. It also still has Windows98 on here. Even my AOL is not the current one. I can download any pictures. Leigh can't even send out her resumes for jobs, since it's all on the other computer. So please be patient with us for any updates on here.

Thanks Roland and Tyler for updating your blog. I got the pictures today. Tyler, you are getting so big, riding that bike. I sure wish Leigh, RyLee and Payton could see you. Maybe one day we can all go over there for a visit. That would be so much fun seeing you playing with them.

Teo is getting so big too. He isn't the same little baby I left over there in June. He looks a lot like Tyler did at that age. I guess so, since the mothers are sisters and the fathers are brothers. They couldn't help be look a like somewhat.

Friday evening we went to Fire Station Subs and got something to eat and took it to the airport to watch the planes take off and land. It was so windy, the planes taking off were having a hard time staying level. We had a good time though.

Yesterday, Dave from work had an attic sale so we got up early and went to that. He lives in Matthews so it took us about 30 minutes to get there. That was fun. Trisha had brought some things to sell too. You know me, I had to buy something there. And Leigh had to buy something for the kids too. We went to some others on the way home. There were quite a bunch too. We stopped at a BIG sale and bought a lot. Some one's grandmother had died and they were selling everything in the house. I guess it would be like when I die, my kids will just open the house up and say 'make us an offer'. hahahahaha Hey, wait a minute, that's isn't funny. Sorry. They had a lot of books, nice books too, for .25-50 each. Cindy, I got some cookbooks. I think of you when I see them since you love to cook. The next time you come, you can look at them and take what you want. They were selling VHS tapes too for .25. I got lots of those. Leigh said if I continued to buy those tapes, I needed to buy the VHS players too. You don't see too many of those in the stores anymore. Once mine stops playing, I'll be stuck with all the tapes. So she is right about that. Another thing I saw when we first got there was a smokeless grill. Cindy, remember the one that got broken when you were here once? Yes, it was that one and I got it for $2. I have been looking for one like that ever since it got broken, but never could fine one.

At that sale, we heard about the one at Prichard Memorial Baptist. We went to it last year but we hadn't heard that it was this weekend. So we flew to that sale. I bought two sets of flannel sheets for my bed this winter, a few books, and some jewelry. I saw several people I know there so it was good seeing them. After all that, we had seen a sign about a HUGH sale, so we followed the signs. There was really nothing left so we didn't buy anything there. So on the way home, we stopped at Park Road Shopping Center to get some hot dogs, Polish sausage and Brat they were cooking in front of BlackHawk Hardware. We took them home to eat since it was so hot outside. All in all we had a nice day.

Maybe it will be a nice day today too. Hope everyone has a great Sunday and great next week. I love all of you!

Bad Storm on Sunday7/06/08

2008-07-08T07:00:00.003-04:00

We had a terrible storm at the house on Sunday. First the wind, then the rain and then......... HAIL! I have never seen hail like that. It came down and covered the ground. Leigh was washing dishes and didn't realize it was hailing until I told her. We went out the back door and looked. It was kind of spooky. I noticed Leigh was running out in it toward her car, then I noticed Jim from next door at her car too. He had gone out there to try and cover her car with a tarp so it wouldn't get damaged. The hail got the best of them though. Leigh said she would probably have bruises where the hail hit her. I did notice though that they didn't cover my car. hahahhaahahaha Here are a few pictures of what it looked like.

HAPPY JULY 4th

2008-07-04T17:09:00.009-04:00

Hope everyone has a safe July 4th weekend. Thank goodness I didn't have to work today. Last night we walked up to South Park to listen to the music and watch the fireworks. I'm going to try to put some pictures from last night on here. Everyone had fun and there were LOTS of people there. We couldn't even get to the place where we usually sit. But we could hear the music so much better than the other years.

Leigh and I were talking about other July 4th's watching the fireworks. She didn't remember watching them at Freedom Park one year, probably around 1978 or 1979. I was dating someone with a pickup truck so all the kids were in the back of the truck. When we left the park that night it started raining and the kids got wet. That was fun. Remember also, when Doug and Wesley went with us downtown for the fireworks. We had climbed a hill of dirt (where they were planning I-277 I guess) and just layed there on the ground. We were right under the fireworks. Neat! And I remember the July 4th I spent in Germany, 2001. At the American Army Base over there, they had a Rodeo. We went there to watch the fireworks, but they had rides, food and flea market type thing. That was really fun too. There have been lots of 4th's and hope there are many more.

Today, I actually got in the pool with RyLee and Payton. hahahahahaha Leigh took some pictures of that too. Payback with be coming soon, I can promise you that. Yes, I just took some pictures of her in the pool. hahahaahahaha

We cut a watermellon earlier this afternoon. It was so good. A seedless one too. And I like salt and pepper on mine.

Leigh just called me outside. BJ is sitting in the old pool that isn't even inflated anymore. He looks so funny in there. I took his picture too.

Leigh made some ice cream too. It was really good. When it got dark outside, she took some over to the Taylor's next door. They had bought some sparklers and things for the 4th so Leigh and the kids went over there. I didn't go, I was worn out for playing in the pool. Or should I say trying to get in AND out of the pool. hahahahahha That ground was hard. hahahahahah

I'll let you know if we do anything else exciting. hahahaha Happy 4th to everyone!

June 18, 2008 - Just a little over a month

2008-06-18T16:45:00.003-04:00

Where do I begin this one? Hope all the mothers out there had a nice Mother's Day this year. Hey, and ALL the Fathers out there.......Happy Father's Day! Now everything in between those dates. Leigh, my oldest daughter, turned 39 on May 25th. Tyler Koch, my Grandson turned 3 years old on May 27th, the day I arrived in Germany for two weeks. Then Gerhard and Roland Koch, my sons-in-law turned 37 on June 1st. THEN Teodor Samuel Koch, my brand new Grandson was born June 3rd. Last, and certainly not the least, hehehehehehhe, my birthday was June 10th, the day I traveled back to the states.

As I said above, I went to Germany for two weeks. I had a great time. Gerhard and Cindy's baby was born while I was there. We were all hoping that he'd be born while I was over there and he was! Cindy was supposed to stay in the hospital for about a week, but she came home after two days. They all did great taking care of little Teo. Gerhard and Cindy were both getting up during the night with feeding and changing diapers. I noticed neither one was getting enough sleep. I told them to take turns, which was working out, but Gerhard was just too excited to sleep. He got up too. As for me, I don't hear a thing. hahahahah In fact, my snoring probably woke the baby up. hahahahaha Gerhard took me shopping for some candy to bring back to the states. I hated Cindy and Teo couldn't come, but believe me I understood. Next time I go over for a visit, I'm sure we'll be going lots of places together. Thank you Cindy and Gerhard for letting me be a part of the excitement with Teo. And staying at your house. Ya'll have done so much work on it. It's just beautiful. The yard is so big too. Tyler loves it for sure. He can't wait to show Teo everything in it. I would have loved to cut the grass while I was there. Tyler and I cut and pulled some weeds growing around the bushes though. We had fun, and he was so proud of what he had done.

Roland was so good to me while I was there. He made sure I got to be with Tyler a lot y, he even fixed me lunch several days too. He can really cook! I really felt bad for him because one night it pored down rain, his basement flooded. That's where his office is located. Thank goodness his computer was fine and wasn't damaged. But the carpet was soaked. Then another day, it rained and another room started flooding. I don't believe anything in there was damaged either, but it was just a shame that it happened to him. He's been working hard trying to take care of Tyler and working at his job, then something like that happened. Roland, don't let it get you down. I know Gerhard and Cindy will help you anytime you need them. Roland has a blog too, so be sure and check out Tyler's new haircut.

The weather was cool there. Not like Charlotte. I dreaded coming back here since I heard it was 101 degrees here. That's HOT!

I left on June 10th, two weeks isn't enough time to visit with family. Hopefully, I'll be able to see them again before Tyler and Teo go off to college. hehehhehehe Teo is the sweetest little thing. I think he has my brother Ricky's little grin. AND I still think Tyler, Roland and Christie's son looks like my brother Tom in some of his pictures. I'll try to download some here one day so you can see.

Hey Cindy, we watched the movie, Enchanted, the other night. It was pretty funny. It stared Patrick Dempsey. Just thought you'd like to know. heheheeheh

Did I actually write something on the blog? Wow! Surprise surprise surprise. I better take the time to reread it ...........maybe.........if not, forgive me if there are mistakes in it. Everyone have a Great weekend.

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-10T19:45:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is Mother Day's May 11, 2008. Cindy, I'm counting you as a MOTHER this year even though the baby's due date is later. And being such a loving Aunt to Tyler while his mother is away. And not to forget all you do for Payton and RyLee here in Charlotte. Thank you! AND to you Leigh, for taking care of Payton and RyLee everyday and every night. Even those days when it seems you're going to lose you mind. hehehehehehe Or did you do that already? hehehehe Just kidding. AND to you Christie. You have always been so thoughtful of your niece and nephew, and even for the nephew not born yet. Sorry you aren't with Tyler for Mother's Day this year. SO EVERYONE............ PLEASE HAVE A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

We went to Riverview Fish Camp tonight. Haven't been there in years and years. Naturally, I ate too much. But it was so good. I had some catfish too. Payton and RyLee wanted to touch the bones. Payton asked if it was fun. hahahahaha Strange kid. After that, we went to watch the planes land and take off from the airport. Every time a BIG plane would take off, RyLee wanted to know if that was my plane. I'd tell him yes, that was the plane I was on when I went to Germany.

So now, I'm tired and ready to go to sleep. hahhahaahah

Talk to you later.

Hair cut!

2008-05-07T06:57:00.002-04:00

I finally got my hair cut yesterday. My car is the strangest car. It always heads for home in the afternoon after work, no matter where I need to go. I fooled it this time. I left work at 12:30 and surprised the car. It let me steer it all the way to the beauty shop. hehehehehe That was funny...........but true. hehhehehehe Anyway, my hair is short and a little lighter than before. I haven't dried it yet this morning, so I'm not sure what it will look like. I'll try to take a picture and put it on here this afternoon.

Hope everyone has a good week. Can't wait to see my family in Germany soon.

Trip coming up soon

2008-05-05T16:54:00.003-04:00

RyLee had a birthday party on April 16. He was 5 years old. I'll try to put a few pictures on here. It was at the pizza place again, like Payton's party back in January. There was a clown there that night so all the kids had their faces painted. Since the theme of the party was Spiderman, naturally RyLee wanted his face like that. The clown really did a great job. Leigh baked the cake which was really cupcakes put together and decorated like Spiderman. She always does a great job with her cakes. Everyone had plenty to eat and had lots of fun. Of course, I was ready to get home. hahhaahahahah

Last Thursday, I went out to eat with people I went to high school with. We had such a good time. I'm just so glad they invited me. We laughed and laughed with each story that was told. It's really been exciting for me to spend time with these people. I've learned that we ALL have gotten older, gain some extra weight (me, I have gained another whole person), graying hair(me, I've colored mine), but you know what I mean. We're all in the same boat! hahahahaha So if you have the opportunity to go to your reunion, please go. You won't regret it. And don't wait until someone speaks to you. Go talk to them first. You'd be surprised!

This past Saturday we all went to a church that was having a Spring Fling type thing. They had a little petting zoo for the kids. There were rabbits and ponies and a donkey and goats and a few others. Payton really had fun running to each one trying to pet them. I was scared the ponies would start jumping with her running and yelling, but they must be use to kids. They didn't move. They had cotton candy, slushies, and BBQ, which was all free. There were lots of games for the kids plus face painting. Now the one thing I did, besides eat everything, was to give a $1 for the cake walk.........oh, did I say $1.00? It was more like $5 or $6, trying to win a cake. No luck. The last thing to win was a Pecan Pie. I thought surely I would win that. But no luck again. Oh well, it was for a good cause.

Sunday afternoon, Leigh fixed hot dogs and we ate outside. That was fun. After eating she went inside and brought dessert out. Mine was a little Pecan Pie. She bought it at Food Lion since I didn't win it on Saturday. She is so sweet.

I finally made reservations to Germany for May 26th through June 10th. Tyler's 3rd birthday is the 27th, the day I arrive over there. Then Gerhard and Roland's birthday's are June 1st. Then Cindy and Gerhard's baby is due June 2nd. Then my birthday is the 10th, the day I leave. Goodness, I'm already feeling sad. About my birthday, I'll be 59 this year. Goodness, I never thought I'd be that old. Ok, everyone reading this, especially my children, one day you will think the same thing. Where do the years go? I remember when I had all my girls, I really thought they would be young forever. But they grew up with children of their own. I just hope each one appreciate their children through their growing up years AS TIME GOES BY!

April now! Sorry, I'm getting bad at this!

2008-04-13T09:32:00.002-04:00

Work......come home..........go to bed........get up............go to work..........come home.........go to bed........get up...........go to work. That's just about it, through February, March and so far in April.

I was sick again in March, but did go to the doctor's. So it wasn't a two-weeker, it just lasted a week. Hope all that is over now. Since I see lots of 'sick' people at work during the day, I will probably get something again.

The temp here has been really funny. Thursday and Friday here were very warm, almost 80 degrees. Today, Sunday, the high will be about 60. I just packed up all my warmer clothes about two weeks ago too. Of course, I don't have too many clothes anyway. During the week I wear my Giant Genie shirts, so that helps on regular clothes. But there again, when I do go somewhere, I never have anything to wear. That brings me to last Wednesday, April 9Th.

I took the day off work so I could meet The Girls of 67 for lunch. You probably wonder, what on earth is that? hahahahahah Well, 'Girls' I went to high school with, meet for lunch once a month. And since we graduated in 1967, we're the Girls of 67! There were six of us on Wednesday and we all had a good time. We laughed and talked about our lives now......... I guess that would be funny. At least, my life. ha ha ha We met at about 11:45 and didn't leave until almost 3:00. It was so nice to talk to some that I don't think I ever spoke to in high school. I was so shy back then, I didn't talk to many people. I enjoyed it so much that I've already asked off on May 13Th, which is the next lunch date. So I have a life once a month. ha ha ha That's what people at work have said to me anyway.

Hey, I just thought of something that happened last Monday. We, in Charlotte, have problems with the canker worms every year. You know, the little green inch worms? Well, every spring they eat the young leaves coming out on the big trees. You can see the damage they are doing to the trees in my back yard. Anyway, Monday and Tuesday, Charlotte had little planes going all over the city with a spray to kill the little things. I got home from work Monday and Leigh and the kids were sitting in the back yard looking at the plane. No, it was on top of us, but you could see it probably over South Park. And loud? Wow! It was like in the old WWI movies of all those little planes shooting. It was funny. The planes would go North to South then South to North. Since we live close to the Pineville end of Charlotte, it didn't take too long for the plane to turn around and fly back North. But we had a long time to wait for it to turn around to come back South. It was a little yellow plane, so cute. Well, it didn't get to our house that day. But they were back out there early on Tuesday morning when I went to work. Leigh said they did our house that morning. Sorry I missed it, I wanted to hear how loud it would be going over the house. And believe me, the plane was very low!

While we waited on the plane to turn back South, I was teaching the kids I use to play when I was young. Do you remember this one? You hold hands with someone and start out walking slowly in a circle. You say, MOTOR BOAT, MOTOR BOAT, GO SO SLOW. Then walking a little faster you say, MOTOR BOAT, MOTOR BOAT, GO SO FAST! Then as you say MOTOR BOAT, MOTOR BOAT, STEP ON THE GAS! you really go fast in a circle, until someone just falls down. I did it with RyLee and go so dizzy, I couldn't do it again with Payton. Leigh had to do Payton, but then RyLee wanted to go again. Then Payton. Then RyLee. I'm glad Leigh was there because I sure wouldn't have been able to do it again. Then Leigh says, let's do the legs. So RyLee was the first ..........he was on his back and Leigh picked up his legs to swing him. I have never laughed so hard! hahahahahaahahahahahaha He was so funny looking. Picture this, Leigh has RyLee's feet and swinging him in a circle, his little arms bent at the elbows but away from his body. It looked like Leigh had a chicken by his legs and his little wings just a flapping around. Leigh started laughing so hard, she had to stop turning him. Then Payton wanted to do it that way. Same thing............. hahahahahahahahah her little 'wings' just flapping. ahhahaahahahahah It was really funny, but I guess you had to be there.

Ok, is this enough for the month of April? Yes!!!!!!

February is half over! Wow!

2008-02-16T19:09:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day on the 14th. I managed to surprise the 'gang' here when they got home. I fixed RyLee's favorite, roasted red potatoes. I ordered Leigh some Chicken Fried Rice and egg rolls from the restaurant. Payton and I ate hotdogs. hahahahahaa I put a red tablecloth on the table and the table set when they got home. It was right pretty. We all enjoyed it. Another thing, Ben bought me a dozen red roses for Valentine's. Wasn't that sweet of him to do. I couldn't believe it. In fact, I thought he was joking. But he really did bring them to me. He's such a scholar and a gentleman. He likes it when someone says that about him. heheheheheh

So today was Saturday, the 16th. I got my hair cut and colored. AND my nails done. Do you know I haven't had my hair cut since November 16th. You can just image how long it was. I've just been so tired after work, I never can make it to get my hair done. I just want to go home everyday. Well, that's done now.

We went to Target this afternoon. Leigh and I both started feeling bad. I sure hope it isn't the flu that everyone is getting. My throat is sore and my muscles are getting sore. Sounds like the flu, doesn't it? I feel like curling up in the bed and sleeping for a few days. Maybe it's just a 24 hour thing. I'll keep you posted.

Nothing else has happened that I can think of. You know what kind of exciting life I have. heheehehheheheh

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2008-02-14T07:19:00.001-05:00

February 14, 2008.................VALENTINE'S DAY! Hope everyone gets a valentine. If not............. Will YOU be my Valentine? hehehehheheh

FEBRUARY 2008??? REALLY????

2008-02-04T18:28:00.000-05:00

Goodness! Has it really been this long since I posted anything? I guess so. Roland said something about it Sunday on the phone...... I just didn't thing that it had been THIS long. Ok, what has happened since December 31st? NOTHING! I really don't have too many exciting days. So I'll think back......I did have car problems. After one of our coldest nights here, the car wouldn't start. Leigh would take me to work and someone from work would take me home. I finally had the car towed to a garage to have someone look at it. To make a long story short, I have the car back now. And it's running good now. Got it inspected too. AND got the door fixed. Everybody at work thought that was funny, me having to slide across the front seat to get in and out of the car. When I got to work this morning, I parked beside Dave's car. Dave was already inside work. Anyway, when I turn the car off, I heard a beep.......beep.......beep. Had NO idea where that was coming from! I kept turning my head, listening............then happened to look at Dave's car and there HE was standing there pushing his car remote making it beep. He thought that was funny too. He was doing it just to watch me looking for the beep. Ha Ha Ha!

The weather here has been on the warm side. It's supposed to be close to 70 tomorrow. Spring weather! Around here though, we will probably get snow in March. The weather changes so much, we never know. I would like to see a pretty snow fall this year, since it really didn't snow much last year.

Ok, Roland. I've updated my blog! Oh, by the way, where's YOURS? heheheheheeh

Almost Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T22:34:00.000-05:00

Here it is........10:35pm on Dec. 31st.......and I'm SLEEPY! I really was going to try to stay awake til midnight, but it's getting doubtful. Let's see, what can I talk about?

Hope everyone had a nice relaxing Christmas. I did. On Christmas Eve, we went to my brother Tom's house. It's terrible to say but that's the only time we all get together. My brother Rick and wife Betty were there also. There just isn't time to really catch up in those few hours. We all had a good time though. I couldn't help but think about all the Christmas Eve's we spent together and apart. We all miss our Mother since she always worried who would call and cancel at the last minute. No one ever did, we were always there. I guess next year the 'get together' will be at my house. Should I just leave the Christmas decorations up this year? At least the house would be decorated.......maybe a little dusty.......but decorated. Just kidding about leaving them up for a whole year. I would like to put all my decorations out one year. Maybe we can start right after Halloween, that should be enough time, don't you think?

We did have a nice Christmas this year. In fact, we had to open some presents on the 26Th after getting home from work. It just took longer to get everything opened this year. The kids were getting tired but wouldn't take a nap. They finally went to bed at 7:00 without any problem. I felt like all I did was eat. I munched on this and munched on that all day really dreading the fact I needed to go to work the next day. But we made it through the week.........

On second thought.........Payton had to have tubes put in her ears on Friday morning at 6:15 a.m. Poor thing wasn't feeling good afterwards. Leigh stopped by the pharmacy to get her medicine and she was out of it. She did throw up in the parking lot before leaving for home. She had a rough night and rough Saturday, but Sunday she started feeling her old self again. Since Leigh had to be at the hospital that early, I took RyLee to daycare Friday morning. He was so excited about riding in my car too. If you know anything about my car, you would wonder why on earth he'd want to ride in my car. But he WAS excited. After work, I picked him up and we went to the shopping center. We had a nice time.

OK, It's 11:00 p.m. now. Where's the popcorn and beer? Just kidding....the Diet Coke! Well, everyone.............HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas......

2007-12-23T06:51:00.000-05:00

It better look alot like Christmas, the is December 23rd! Hahahaha Why is it, we all know that Christmas is December 25th each year, but it always gets here too fast. I never get a package mailed to Germany. Not to say there weren't packages mail to Germany. I'm talking about some that I personally shipped over. I remember doing it one year, but it cost more to get it there before Christmas than the gifts were actually worth. That's terrible, isn't it? The last few years I've tried to put money onto their Amazon accounts and let them pick out whatever they wanted. That seemed to work out better. Except this year....... money is a little short for me...... so I can't get that done. I know the kids understand, but I don't. It greives me when I can't do this one little thing for my children. Don't get me wrong, I'm blessed in so many ways, but I do like to 'give' much more than 'receiving'. So, this is for Leigh and Cindy and Gerhard and Christie and Roland............... Merry Christmas to you all. I thank God for giving His only Son to us so we belong to one family. I love each of you. Let us never take Christ out of CHRISTmas. He gave His life for us! Maybe one year we will be able to spend December 25th all together. We haven't done that in a very long time.

I will be off work the 24th and the 25th this year. We will be going to Tom and Jan's house for Christmas Eve. It always goes by so fast too. We will need to get back here so the kids can get into bed......dreaming of sugarplums dancing in their heads. Hey, isn't that a song? Hahahahah Just kidding. Then Leigh will have to do everything else, while I go to bed. hahhaahaha I was going to cook breakfast on Christmas morning since she cooks all the time. We had started that years ago, with the kids cooking my breakfast on Christmas morning, before any presents were openned. Well, maybe the stocking boxes were looked into. And yes, we always have so many stocking stuffers, it all went into boxes instead of stockings. Well, back to breakfast...... Since nobody likes my eggs, I won't cook. Maybe I'll just take over Christie's job and butter the bread for toast. hahahahahah I'm just kidding Christie....... don't cry about it. Of course, this kids were alot older when we started doing that. So, getting RyLee and Payton to sit through breakfast might not happen. hahahahaha

We did start another traditon when my kids got older. We took turns opening presents. One at a time too. Someone gave out all the presents to each other. Then one of us would start with one present and open it and show everyone. Then the next person would open one and show everybody, we'd go around in the circle doing that. A couple of years, it took all day long to open presents. But it seemed to make the day last longer and we all enjoyed it. That was so much fun. Remember ya'll?

Well, I need to get some things done here.....like fix me another cup of coffee. So I'll leave you with this.............

To everyone reading this blog:

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S!

Happy Birthday Cindy!

2007-11-29T15:51:00.001-05:00

Today is Cindy's birthday! I sure hope she had a great day and everyone wished her well.

By the way, my Thanksgiving turkey was GREAT! I cooked him in a roasting pan that I bought at an attic sale this summer. It was the same kind of pan Harris Teeter was giving away a year or so ago. Very nice pan with the rack inside and a nice lid. I had never had a turkey so moist before. Yes, it was done! And it browned so nice too. Just picture perfect! Now the Sweet Potato Pudding that I fix wasn't so lucky. I fixed it and Leigh put the marshmellows on top and put it in the oven to brown. It wasn't very long I started smelling the marshmellows 'cooking'. Leigh looked at it..... hahahahahaha ......and all the marshmellows were black AND it had flames shooting out. hahahahahahaha Here's me, can't figure out how to turn the oven off.....I'm just staring at all the buttons......... I looked at Leigh and she's bent over blowing out the flames. hhahahahahahah Now that was funny! Where the camera when you need one. hahahhahaha
Anyway, everything was very nice. Payton loved the turkey. Guess what RyLee ate? Bologna of all things. He just doesn't like turkey. But it sure was good.

Leigh and the kids had gone to the parade before we ate. I didn't go since my legs were hurting. They made it back home before the parade was over. So they got to see some of it on TV.

Last night, Leigh went out to eat with people from her work. She asked me if I could watch the kids.........she said she'd got to McDonald's for me if I did. Well, you know they have the McRib back for a while.......how could I say no to such a deal? hahahahah So after we ate, we all got out pajamas on and watch a movie on DVD. The 12 Dogs of Christmas. Yes, I said dogs. It was a cute movie. One the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...........7 Boxer puppies. hahahaahah Very cute.

OK, I'm getting off here now. Talk to everyone again before my Germany trip.

Thanksgiving Day

2007-11-22T11:18:00.000-05:00

Hope EVERYONE has a very nice Thanksgiving Day!

The turkey has about 1 more hour to go. The potato salad is made. The sweet potato pudding is just waiting for the marshmallow on top. I've done my part of the cooking. hahahha Leigh and Payton went shopping. Can you believe Leigh didn't think the stores were going to be opened today? I told her the other night about a few things that were going to be on sale early today. She just didn't think about it. Anyway, they went shopping. RyLee has been sitting on the sofa watching cartoons. (HELP ME!) hehehhehhehe I want to watch the parades. Waaaaaa! Waaaaaa! I think Leigh will be taking the kids to the parade downtown today. It starts at 1:00. I don't really know when we'll get to eat. I could start eating the potato salad RIGHT NOW! Anyway, that's it for now. Happy Thanksgiving to those in Germany! It won't be long until we are together again. I love you!!!!!!!!!

Going to Germany!

2007-11-18T12:19:00.000-05:00

Wow! I'm going to Germany again this year. Will be leaving on 12/5 for a week. It was snowing there the other day already. Hopefully I'll see some snow while I'm there. I'll get to visit some Christmas Markets too. I really loved doing that when I was over there one Christmas. Germany looks like a post card picture during Christmas time. Especially with snow on the ground. It's like I stepped into another time. Just beautiful.

Ok, here are a few pictures from the party Friday night. The top picture is Robby, with my hat on. Doesn't he look funny? Then the next is Dave, then Tricia and me.

Giant Genie Party Night! 11/16/07

2007-11-17T00:33:00.000-05:00

Yes, we all met at The Speedway Club for our Christmas party at 7:30pm. We had so much fun and the food was really great too. And you know me, I have to eat too much. Goodness, I'm sleepy. It's past my bedtime, but I told Ben that I would write something on here so he could read it. This is Ben and his sister along with his Mom, Tricia who works at Giant Genie too.

HELP! I've fallen and can't get up!

2007-11-08T07:02:00.000-05:00

I did fall, but managed to get up by myself. After voting on Tuesday, November 6th, I went home. As I was coming up the back steps after opening the screen door, my shoe caught on the mat and just plain stopped me.....or should I say, the bottom half was stopped, but the top half kept going. I landed directly onto my right knee, then my left knee, then my right elbow, then my left elbow. I believe I shut my eyes as I kept falling. Basically, I was flat on my stomach there on the back porch. CRYING! I just knew something, mostly my knee caps were broken. I was scared to move so I just kept crying. Hey, I did manage to hold onto my drink. No, it wasn't a beer. It was a Root-beer though. Ha ha ha ha Kit-kat had come onto the porch before me so she was meowing rubbing up against me wondering why on earth I was on the floor. She wanted me to open the back door so she could come inside to eat. I managed to get back on my knees so I could pull myself up with the help of a chair. Thank goodness I got up and could walk. I thought I would be real sore the next day, but wasn't. My knees are a little sore, but I can still bend them without a problem. After all that, I couldn't help but laugh about it. How on earth did I fall like that? If only there was a picture of me just laying like that on the porch.......crying. ha ha ha ha ha ha The things I do to make people laugh!

This is the rest of the story

2007-11-04T07:14:00.000-05:00

I read Cindy's blog and had to tell the whole story of The Pirate - The Bee - The Loot. On Wednesday, 10/31/07, I worked until 6:40. I ordered PIZZA and picked it up before going home. I called Leigh to find out if they had left the house yet. Yes, they were already at the end of the street. So, I got home and made sure the pumpkins were lit and the outside lights were on before I started eating the PIZZA! First one I've had in 6 weeks. I could hardly wait. Anyway, I had a few kids, along with their parents, stop by the house. After each time getting up, I hurried back to take another bite of PIZZA. Not long, I heard some kids at the door and then the doorbell rang. It was The Pirate and The Bee, along with Leigh. I was thinking, wow, they didn't stay out very long. OK, here's the rest of the story....... It seems that every time The Pirate and The Bee went to some one's door, The Bee thought she was supposed to stop everything and eat the candy. Yes, at EVERY door. Leigh kept telling her NO, you have to wait until you get home. Well, The Bee, you know, the one with the red hair and temper, just screamed and screamed. So Leigh just brought her back to me, Grandma. So The Pirate went back out to find more Loot, along with his mother, of course. The Bee screamed for another two minutes but stopped after I told her that she could scream if she wanted to, but she was going to be screaming in her bedroom so I wouldn't hear it. Poor Bee! She just wasn't sure what to do. I guess the sucker I gave her helped her make up her mind. Ha! Then she ate some PIZZA. And she helped give out candy to the kids that came to the door. She liked to do that. Finally, The Pirate came home with all his Loot. I was just sad that I didn't get any Loot. Ha ha ha ha ha! So now you know the rest of the story!

Ok, Ok I'll write something!

2007-10-23T17:51:00.001-04:00

Where do I begin this time? On September 29th, I went to my 40th class reunion. I did have a great time too. Carol and Ron picked me up that night and got there around 7:10. We stood outside the place for a while and talked to different people from our class. I did seem to get brave and actually spoke to people before they spoke to me. So many people really haven't changed that much. Of course, we are all older and some of us have put on extra weight, but still the same people. The difference between this reunion and the 20th, I think we all realize that we sure aren't getting any younger. We are all just people and everyone seemed to really be interested in other people. Not too many were in their little 'groups'. I took lots of pictures with my camera. That got me going up to people and talking to them. Sometimes I feel a little sad though. Those people were such a big part of my life from the 1st grade through the 12th grade. Back then we all got along with each other. Then 7th-9th grades we went for different groups. I never felt I was a part of any group during those 3 years. Then off to HIGH school. Somehow, there were more groups but with fewer people. I still wasn't a part of any group. So I always seemed so left out of things. But this 40th reunion was really nice. People actually seemed good to see me as I them. I remember talking to the person whose picture was always beside mine. In fact, we sat next to each other during graduation. I probably never even spoke to him during school. But I talked to him that night and he remembered me. Anyhow, it was a nice evening.

About 2 weeks ago, I had some kind of flu. It started with a few days of just a really dry throat, not sore, just dry. By the end of the week, I was running a fever with it getting up to 103.5. I couldn't even go to work on that Monday because of it. I started feeling much better by Wed/Thurs. Not really sure what it was either.

Oh yes, I did get a new refrigerator. It's really neat too. I can get crushed ice, water, ice cubes on the outside of the freezer door. I've never had one like that so it is such a treat. I'll try and put a picture of it on here so you can see it.

Let's see, what else is going on? I guess nothing, so I'll close for this month. hahahhahahaha

Another month GONE!

2007-09-29T07:59:00.000-04:00

Like I have said......Time goes by fast!

Let me see.......last year I had to buy a new stove. This year I had to get the a/c fixed, a new dryer and now..........the refrigerator has to be replaced. Do I dare say....WHAT NEXT? hhahahaa And yes, I can still laugh. ha ha ha

We went last night to look at refrigerators and price them. Well, we might just settle for an ice chest. No, not really, but they sure are expensive. We will go today to get one and have them deliver it Sunday. I don't know how much longer the one we have will kept things cold. The things in the freezer are still frozen, so that's the main thing right now. There isn't too much in the bottom since we haven't been to the store this week. Thank goodness! My diet Cokes are still cold though. hahahahaahh

Tonight is my 40th high school reunion. I've gained so much weight since I quit smoking, I'm having a hard time deciding what to wear. Nothing I put on looks right. One of these days hopefully I will lose some weight. As far as the reunion, I'm excited about going. Don't know why really since I was so shy in high school I never talked to anyone. So many of my classmates come into the store, so I've talked to more now than 40 years ago. I'll let you know how it goes.

Leigh and the kids walked to South Park this morning for a walk-a-thon for Breast Cancer. Well, Leigh walked and she pulled the kids in the wagon. I hope Leigh makes it ok, pulling that wagon. She hasn't felt too good this week. Last weekend she was changing the dryer cord (forgetting to unplug it first) and she got shocked. So her right shoulder and down her back have been bothering her this week. That's very scary, isn't it? ALWAYS unplug things if you messing with a cord on something.

As far as the dryer, we found one at an attic sale last Saturday for $50. It's like brand new too. But the cord didn't fit the socket here, so we had to buy a new one. After that, the fuse blew in the breaker box. We just got new fuses last night, but haven't had a chance to put them in yet. Hopefully nothing else will go wrong, for awhile anyway.

Strep-throat at the house

2007-08-31T20:14:00.000-04:00

Leigh went to the Panther's game on Thursday night, 8/30. I watched the kids. They were so very good. No crying or fighting with each other. So very good. When Leigh got home, I went to bed. Friday morning after getting dressed, I went into the den and Leigh and Payton were in there with the TV on. Payton was asleep on the sofa. Anyway, Leigh said Payton woke up around 3:00 am throwing up and running a high fever of 103. Poor Payton. Since I got off work today at 12:30, I came home so Leigh could go to work. Instead Leigh ended up taking her to the doctor's where she found out that Payton had Strep-throat and a stomach virus. They came home and I stayed with Payton while Leigh went to pick up RyLee at daycare. They went to get an RX filled at Giant Genie too. They were gone for a good little while and the whole time Payton slept on my lap. It's about 8:30 now and Payton just got sick again and she's burning up. Hopefully the medicine Leigh gave her earlier will help her get better soon.

Guess that's about it for now. Ya'll have a good weekend and Happy Labor Day Monday.

Very Quite Weekend!

2007-08-26T07:22:00.000-04:00

Goodness! It hasn't been this quite here in a very long time. Leigh and the kids went to Greensboro for the weekend. They left on Friday and will be back sometime today. I hate to say it, but all I've done is get on the computer and watch TV. I did wash clothes yesterday. And did feed the dogs Friday night and last night. I really don't like doing that job. One of them will not go back into the fenced area. Then he usually gets back out again and I have to go fix it so he can't get out during the night. Dogs are just to needy. hahahaha Now cats.......are so independent. Of course, the two we have have use to coming inside. Leigh's cat sits right behind me in the chair at the computer. Kit-Kat, my cat, comes inside to eat and drink, then she wants back outside a few minutes later.

So anyway, it has been really hot here. I've been staying inside. It's just two hot for anything else. We need rain so much too. We got a little rain twice last week. I'm talking very little.....maybe 10 minutes each time. That's all we've had this month I think. With the hot weather, high 90's and into the 100's, and having no rain, things are going to be dying soon.

This past Wednesday, the friend I talked about in the last blog, came by and took me out to eat. It was great seeing him again. I guess it's been over ten years since we saw each other last. Like usual, when we ever get together, we talk about the past. It was fun remembering things like that. He would remind me of something that I had forgotten, then I'd remind him of something he had forgotten. We had a good time. Of course, he had such a good time, that we went to the beach the very next day. hahahahaahah Oh well, we'll talk again in a few years from now, I guess. I'll let you know. hahahahaha

Another person I heard from last week was my manager from where I use to work. Haven't seen him in over a year. He had been transferred to Hilton Head, SC as Manager of Harris Teeter. I finally called him to see how he was doing. He said he was back in Concord, in fact, he moved the day before I called him. Isn't that funny? He's a manager at a store in Huntersville, I think he said. We use to have such a good time together. We'd laugh about the silliest things. No one else thought these things were funny, but we'd just laugh and laugh. We would always meet for church too. We would always sit in the same place so we wouldn't miss each other, then go out to eat breakfast. Special times.

Goodness, too bad I live in the past. But since I don't do anything now in my life, that's the only way I can live, I guess. hahahahahah

Talk to ya'll later. Have a great Sunday!

Another Working Saturday

2007-08-18T07:24:00.000-04:00

This is another Saturday that I have to work. Not bad though, just 6 and a half hours.

The temperature has still been hot everyday, reaching 100+ several days. I don't think I've seen it this hot before. And to say a few words about my old car in this heat........I came home on Thursday, got off work at 12:00, and couldn't unlock my car. I was trapped! in a very hot car!! Wow, I was getting a little panic stricken. I ended up having to get out on the passenger side. At least I didn't have to climb over the seat and get out the back. Now that would have been a sight! Hahaha! I'm not sure what is wrong with it. Leigh seemed to think it was the door handle just wouldn't open the door. I think it's the lock. I tried to unlock it with the key, once I got out of the car, but the key wouldn't unlock it either. Do you think I need to get a NEW car? Yes, so do I!

Someone from the past called on Thursday night. He lives in NJ now, but we met 1978 while he lived in Charlotte. We have always kept in touch through the years, sometimes letting several years go by without talking. Anyway, he is supposed to be coming down here next week for a visit. I told him he won't recognize Charlotte since it's changed so much. In fact, I don't recognize it sometimes either. South Park has really changed. It's like a town by itself over there.

We've just been trying to stay cool this week. Nothing going on here. Maybe something exciting will happen so I will have it to write about on here. HaHa!

Cool! Cool! Cool! Again!

2007-08-12T10:13:00.001-04:00

The house is finally cooled again. The A/C man came and repaired the unit Saturday. It was close to 95 inside the house, that was hotter than outside. With that kind of heat, fans do NO good! I wasn't sure where to go, outside or stay inside. Decisions....decisions! HA! Anyway, it is fixed now, thank goodness. The bad news..........it cost quite a bit.....like $573.00. Any donations gladly accepted. hahahahah just kidding......NOT!

HOT! HOT! and more HOT!

2007-08-11T09:42:00.000-04:00

Can you believe how hot it's been here? 104 on Thursday! Now that's hot. And it's also the day I came home from work......in a car with the a/c broken and windows just roll down maybe 2 inches........to a house with the a/c broken. I didn't notice it at first, but the longer I sat here in front of the computer, the more I started sweating........actually, I was glistening because Southern women don't sweat! hahahaha The house got hot pretty fast too. We all spent a terrible night with fans moving around the hot air in each bedroom. I even took a Tylenol PM just to sleep through it, and that didn't even help. It was just so hot. Friday morning, I noticed that it was cooler outside than inside the house. Same as this morning, I have the door and windows opened to catch a nice breeze blowing. It was already 80 before 7:00 am. Back to the a/c...........I called someone on Thursday thinking I'd never get anyone over to look at it until next week, but they will be here between 3-6 today, Saturday. Be praying that it's a small thing to be fixed and not to replace the whole unit. That would be lots of money, I'm sure.

The dryer broken while I was in Germany, but that hasn't been too bad. We hang clothes out on the line. Remember those days? I've always like how the clothes smelled when dried on the line. So that hasn't brothered us very much. Of course, when the COLD weather, whatever that is, gets here, I don't think I'll like the clothes freezing in my hands and being stiff as I hang them outside. hahahahah

We're going somewhere shortly just to get somewhere a/c. I'll let you know what is wrong with the a/c.

Saturday Morning.....Quite!

2007-07-28T06:52:00.000-04:00

Wow! Did we have a bad storm last night. We heard it thundering for awhile, but not bad. They left to go eat and I stayed home. Awhile later, I had turned the TV on and a weather bulletin came on to turn the channel to 3, so I did. That's when I fell asleep. ahhaahhaahah I didn't hear anything about a storm. It was about 8:30 and my cellphone rang and woke me up. It was Leigh saying they were on the way home, but the clouds looked terrible. She asked me to put the dogs back into their pen. So, here I go outside which was almost dark because it was getting ready to storm. I got some treats for the dogs so they would follow me inside the gate. It started lightning! Now that's when I got scared. I could just picture me touching the fence and getting struck by lightning. With that finished, I went back inside the house. They got home a few minutes later right after it started pouring down. The kids were inside the kitchen talking real loud about the storm. I was wondering where Leigh was..........here she comes with hands full............they had gone to the grocery store and she was carrying everything in at one time. She was drenched! After everything was calming down, RyLee started playing with his toy laptop. Payton told him to turn the 'puter' off because of the storm. hahahaahah Just like Grandma! That was the first thing I did, turn off my 'puter'!

OK, all that was after I got home. Well, after I left work, I went to get my hair cut and colored. Since there was basically 3 different shades on my hair before, he said I needed to get it colored first, then highlighted at a later date. So, I now had BROWN hair again. I haven't seen brown hair is a long time. I am supposed to go back Tuesday after work and get it highlighted. But do you realize, that in 1998, I didn't have very much gray hair..........then in 2000, I was really gray! That's just two years apart. Stress, I guess. But this brown hair is so strange on me now. I'm really thinking of calling work and asking off Monday and Tuesday. hahahahahaah When RyLee saw my hair.........he said, GRANDMA, your hair is so beautiful! Thanks RyLee!

I guess we'll go to some attic sales this morning. It isn't raining now, but it will probably be hot later today. I'll need to wash some clothes this morning too. Right now Sweet Pea is sitting here beside me, she'll go to sleep here too.

OH, I forgot to tell you, I got a pedicure yesterday also. When I got there, my feet hurt so bad, when I left, there wasn't a pain anywhere. That's one thing, I'll have to do at least once a month. I really can't afford it, but it sure helped my feet.

Ok, everyone have a great day today!

Another busy Monday!

2007-07-23T17:27:00.000-04:00

It was busy and my feet hurt! But I'm at home now, so they feel better. heheheheheh

Since nothing really happened at work today, I'll talk tomorrow. See Ya!

2007-07-22T11:00:00.001-04:00

Trying to catch up....

2007-07-22T09:58:00.000-04:00

Well, let see, where do I start? I made it to Germany and back home again. Goodness, is that the only thing I have done in the last 2 months? I guess it is. hahahahaa

I did have a great time in Germany. It is such a beautiful country! My favorite thing to do is waking up in the morning and fixing me a cup of coffee and sitting outside. The quite and coolness in the air is such a relief. I would love to be able to do that every morning. Here in Charlotte, I don't care what time of day or night you're outside, it's is hot (during July anyway) and noisy........if nothing else, it's those singing crickets. hahahahaah

Tyler had grown so much since I had seen him in December. He turned two while I was there on May 27th. AND he can speak English and German. I do believe he loves his old Grandma! hahahahahaha

It was great being with both my daughters and sons. Cindy took me to have my hair cut and colored (my new look in the above picture) and we even went to the movies, in English of course, along with Gerhard. The first weekend there, we all went to a petting zoo where you can feed the animals. That was loads of fun, with the BIG animals eating out of my hands. Another thing I enjoy when I go over there is going to grocery stores. I don't know why really, I'm just fascinated with them. Roland and Christie took me to the Ritter Sport museum. Goodness, I spent more money there than anywhere else. hahahahahaa I go crazy in that place!

I forgot to mention that Gerhard has a Wii game. That was fun and funny! We were 'bowling' and it is really like you are bowling! I kept getting gutter balls. hahahahaa

Poor Roland and Christie had to put up with my snoring the whole time. Tyler though it was funny when he heard me. hahahahahaha

But it's sad to say, since I've been back, two months now, I have just gone to work and back home. I do need to get a life, don't I?

Hopefully I'll keep this thing current from now on. Talk later.

Watching the planes land

2007-05-08T06:58:00.000-04:00

One Sunday we all went to watch the planes land and take off from the airport. The airport has a 'park' called Overlook Park to watch planes take off and land. This past Sunday, Leigh took the kids there.......left me at home........hahahahahaha.......but she said it was so wind they could hardly sit there and watch the planes. They got into the back of the car (suv) and still had to shut the bottom because it was so windy. Leigh was surprised that the planes were able to take off.

Cool and rainy Sunday

2007-05-06T07:32:00.000-04:00

It's another cooler day here and cloudy too.

Yesterday and this morning I've let both kitty cats inside......that's Kit-Kat (mine) and Sweet Pea (Leigh's). Kit-Kat just comes inside to eat and maybe drink some water then she wants back outside. Sweet Pea on the other hand wants to be petted over and over again. She doesn't want you to stop. Everything was fine yesterday. She ended up sitting in my chair here at the computer, right behind me. I guess it was warm for her there. Well, this morning, Kit-Kat had already gone outside and Sweet Pea wanted me to pet her. She was on the floor right by my chair and I was petting her. All of a sudden she attached herself to my arm with her claws. Scared me to death. I never had her do that before. Naturally, I put her outside.

Well, the kids are up now. Let the day begin! hahahahahaha

Finally! Time to write

2007-05-05T18:46:00.000-04:00

Wow! Since I haven't written in so long, I forgot my password to sign on here. That is bad, isn't it? hahahahahaha

Let's see, where should I begin?

I finally made reservations for my trip to Germany. I'll be leaving Tuesday, May 15th for a 2 week stay. Do you think they will be able to handle me for that long? I doubt it. ahahahahaha I do need a vacation though. I didn't take any time off last year, so this will be a well deserved vacation. Cindy, start saving the egg cartons. That's what everyone wants me to bring back......those candy eggs.

On April 17th, RyLee had his 4th birthday. Man, they sure grow up fast, don't they? We went to the same pizza place that we went to on Payton's birthday. Hey, in fact, we went there again this afternoon. hahahaahaha We just love that place.

It's raining here today, Saturday, May 5. The weather has been very warm, to the 90's this past week. Friday, it turned cooler, the high was just in the 60's. Strange, isn't it? To be so hot one day, then getting out the flannel pajamas the next. hahaahahah. That's what I have on right now, my flannel PJ's. I've been sleeping with the fan on in the bedroom since I really didn't want to turn the a/c on too early. I bought another fan to turn on in the den, but haven't used it yet since it's too cold. Anything to keep from turning on the a/c. Anyway, I'm nice and cozy now.......flannel PJ's and drinking a cup of coffee. Snug as a bug in a rug. hahahahaahaha I'm crazy!

OK, I'm getting off here. That's about all anyway. Nothing exciting to tell you. Hope your Sunday is nice.

.

Parade

2007-03-25T06:18:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I haven't written anything for a whole week. Let's start with the parade last Saturday.......

It was a lot of fun. Since this was my first time going to a St.Patrick Day Parade, I was very pleased. There were lots of bag pipes playing. There were lots of dogs walking too. They would come up to everyone to be petted. All kinds of dogs. They were advertising Bark in the Park. Just about everyone in the parade gave out beads and candy too. I got 4 strands of beads. The kids were more interested in the candy. The weather was clear but COLD. The wind was blowing very hard so it seemed even colder. To have had 80 degrees during the week, it seemed strange. The whole parade lasted a whole hour and like I said, it was fun.

During this past week, I went for my treatments 3 times. Each time it felt better and better. Yesterday, my back didn't even hurt at all. Of course, I'm doing things I probably shouldn't do either. But since it feels better, I think I can lift things. So I'll have to be careful, won't I?

Yesterday, Saturday, we all got up early and went to a couple of attic sales. The first one was at a church. It had started on Friday all day, so we didn't think they'd have too much left. Boy, was I wrong. They had lots of stuff. But most of it was priced too high, that's why they had so much left. I did get me a pair of earrings for $1.00 and a book. I also bought a pocketbook to carry on the plane when I go to Germany in May. I usually carry a black tote bag thing, but it doesn't close, just stays open. Hopefully I'll be able to carry just as much stuff in it. Anyway, we went to another group sale off Park Road. They had lots of clothes for little girls so Leigh bought some for Payton. Really cute ones too. They also had grocery items, like cake mixes, toothpaste, mustard and other things. I bought a cake mix and baked it when we got home. I also bought 2 puzzles for the kids, 1 for Payton and 1 for RyLee. I would have bought more, but since I hadn't planned on going 'shopping' I didn't have much cash. Leigh didn't either, but found a $20 in her purse later. I guess that was a good thing we didn't buy another persons junk. We have enough of our own. hahahahaha

After we got home, we fixed breakfast and ate outside, it was a beautiful day. After that, I washed the dishes and baked the cake and washed clothes. Then I took a quick nap. The kids were supposed to nap too, but I later learned they didn't. So when I woke up, the kids were eating lunch. So I fixed my sandwich and went outside to eat. Leigh had been working hard in the yard, cutting grass, so she stopped and fixed her a sandwich. I read for a while, then got sleepy again. Hahahahahaha So I took another nap. I woke up at almost 7:30 and Leigh was still working outside and the kids were still playing outside. I decided to fixed them something for supper so they could eat and then take a bath and go to bed. Remember they didn't take a nap. They were just having a great time playing in the warm weather. We ate outside, while Leigh finished up some things in the carport. Next was bath time then bed! About 10:00 I came out of my room to get me a piece of cake, hehehheehe, and saw Payton asleep on the sofa while Leigh was watching TV. Leigh said that Payton fell out of the bed twice. She must have still been playing hard.....in her sleep. I just hope they sleep later this morning than they did on Saturday morning.

OK, that's about all there is right now. I'm sure there will be something else happening today that I can tell you about. Everyone have a great week this week.

Feeling better each day

2007-03-17T07:35:00.000-04:00

I went to the doctor's everyday this past week. Each day my back was lots better. Thursday night I kept waking up, tossing and turning, so that didn't do my back much good. So Friday, I was feeling it. I go there 3 times next week.

Leigh, Payton and RyLee and I are going to the St. Patrick's Day parade in uptown Charlotte. It starts at 11:00 and will be cold outside. It's 32 outside right now at 7:40 am. This weather sure is funny. Just this week we were in the 80's a couple of days, can you believe that?

Everyone have a good weekend and Happy St. Patrick's Day! Be sure to wear green!

Soooooooo much better

2007-03-14T17:36:00.000-04:00

If I could do a cartwheel, I would. That's how much better I'm feeling. After 2 treatments, Tuesday and today, it's like a totally turn around. Last night my back was still hurting, but managed to get out of the bed a lot better than before. Right now, my back just feels a little tired. I know, I know......I still have to take it easy. But it sure is hard to take it easy when the back isn't hurting as much. I go again tomorrow and Friday for treatments too. Hopefully if this keeps up I won't have to go many more times. So far it has been over $600, but since I hurt myself at work, it's covered under Workers Comp. That's about the only good thing about it though. Just wanted to keep you posted on how things were going.

Another painful night!

2007-03-13T17:22:00.000-04:00

Last night was worse than the night before. I had a harder time getting out of bed. I just kept sitting there crying......like that would help. Well, it didn't help any. I went to the doctors for my first or many treatments. It really didn't make me feel any better at the time, but right now, my back isn't hurting as much. Of course, I am sitting down. I asked him exactly what was wrong with me. He said it was joint inflammation and the back muscles are very tight. I sure hope that tonight will be better. He told me it's worse at night because everything is relaxing even the inflamed area. So when I try to stand up, everything falls back into that area. You really should have seen me last night. I got off the bed, but bent over at the waist and just couldn't stand up straight. I tried so many times too. Every time I would get to a certain point, my back seems to just go into shock and then I would sit back down to try again later......more than once. I thought about calling for Leigh, but the whole thing was it just hurt to stand straight up. I might sleep in the recliner tonight. That way I won't be lying flat. I need one of the recliners we have a work....the ones that helps people get out of the chair. Anyway, the doctor wants me to have treatments everyday this week, then 3 times a week there after.......for around 15 weeks. Hopefully I'll be better before then.

Yesterday when the kids got home, I was washing some dishes in the kitchen. RyLee comes in and hugs me and says hello. Then Leigh and Payton come inside. Leigh went into the dinning room and Payton said Gamma? I turned to look at her and she was looking up and pointing up at the ceiling right above me. Guess what? It was a SPIDER! Man, I know I probably jumped 3 feet even with a bad back. ha ha ha Leigh got the thing down and into a jar. I have no idea what kind of spider it was, but it was scary looking.

Doctor's visit today

2007-03-12T17:49:00.002-04:00

Yes, I broke down and went to the doctor today about my back. Everyone at work MADE me. I guess they are tired of seeing me in pain. Or maybe just sick of hearing about it. The doctor took x-rays, 7 or 8 total, from the neck to hips. I'm supposed to go back in the morning to look at them. Anyway, he doesn't think it's a pulled muscle, I could have told me that. He thinks the bone shifted just slightly. He said an ice pack would be better for it than something hot. Naturally, my hot shower probably didn't work much like I thought. But I've really had a bad time with it. I know, I know.....quite whining. I'll keep you posted on the outcome of the x-rays tomorrow.

Back still hurts

2007-03-12T06:56:00.000-04:00

Last night was the worst night I've ever had, I think. I could not get comfortable no matter where I was in the bed. Then to make things worse, I had to get up 3 times during the night, 1:00, 2:00 and 4:00. It was just really hard to get out of the bed, my back hurt so bad. I'll have to break down and go to the doctor's. I have an appointment Friday for a bone-density test, hoping I could wait until then, but I don't think I can. It seems to feel better after I've had a hot shower. Like right now, I can stand up easier than last night, but it still hurts.

I better get off here. Didn't realize how late it was since it's still dark outside. Everyone have a good day!

Sickness......everywhere

2007-03-08T17:39:00.000-05:00

Well, it seems someone is always sick around here. Leigh has had a bad cold. RyLee and Payton went to the doctor's yesterday. RyLee has strep throat and Payton has a sinus infection. Now me.....I hurt my back on Monday. I was pushing a tote with my foot at work when something popped in my lower back. So I've been going slow this week. Since I stand all day at work, my upper left leg starts going numb. Since I can sit when I get home from work, my leg feels fine. Even my back doesn't hurt as much. Hopefully it will be better soon. I think everyone else is starting to feel better too.

Since Copeland's closed on Monday, Leigh has really been working hard. She had to go into work early and stay later on Monday, so I took the kids to daycare and picked them up in the afternoon. The daycare called me around 3:15 to say that RyLee wasn't feeling well, so I left work early to go pick them up. He had thrown up on Sunday, but got better that afternoon. Payton had been sick last week with the same stuff. Like I said, sickness was everywhere! On Tuesday, Leigh kept RyLee with her so I went after Payton in the afternoon. I think they like riding in my car. Or scared to death since they never say anything while I'm driving. Maybe Leigh told them not to talk while I'm behind the wheel. So Wednesday came and Leigh took them both to the doctors. She kept RyLee with her again and later she went after Payton. I haven't heard if either one got sick today so hopefully everyone is ok.

I have to work Saturday and haven't had a day off this week, so I left work at 2:30. I go in tomorrow at 1:00 or so and stay until 6:00.

Nothing goes into the nose!

2007-02-24T05:38:00.000-05:00

After work yesterday, Friday, 23rd, I was doing what I normally do, sitting here at the computer. I noticed the daycare called. Since I don't have sound on the computer anymore, I didn't want them to leave a message so I clicked on 'to ignore call' so it would just ring. I knew if it was important, they would call Leigh on her cellphone. A little later, Leigh called. I clicked on 'I'll call you back'. Which I did after I got off the computer, immediately. One of many bad things on using dial-up. Anyway, she asked me if I could get to the daycare right then. She was on her way, but couldn't get there for at least 30 minutes, since she works in the University area. I asked her what was wrong, thinking one of the kids were sick or something. Well, it's the something I would never had thought about. It seems RyLee had stuffed a crayon up his nose and it wouldn't come out. She said they were going to try to get it out with tweezers, but he wouldn't have anything to do with that. Who would? Leigh wanted me there is case he was freaking out or something. And if she had to take him to the hospital, I would take Payton home with me. Since it was 4:30, the traffic was getting heavy, but I finally got there. RyLee was sitting outside while all the other kids were playing. Poor thing. I took him inside where it was quite and talked him into letting me try to get the crayon out with tweezers. I showed him that all it would do is tickle a little bit. I put the tweezers at my nose to show him how I would do it and it did tickle, until I actually pull a hair out my nose. Now that hurt! Which I tried not to let him know how much. Anyway, I tried to get it and he was really good in letting me try, but I just couldn't get it and did not want to push it up any further. So I took a tissue and held the other side of his nose and told him to blow. Out came the crayon. Why couldn't the daycare have done that. They said they did, that's why I didn't try that first. It sure would have been much easier. I called Leigh and told her everything was fine. She was just about there anyway, so I stayed with RyLee to wait on her. So much excitement for a Friday, don't you think? The crayon was about the size of an pencil eraser too. Just a small piece which could have caused big trouble in there. What makes kids want to put things in the nose? Never understood that one.

Babysitting!

2007-02-21T17:33:00.000-05:00

Leigh had to work late on Tuesday, the 20th. I got to babysit. I picked up the kids from daycare after I got off work. They were so glad to see me, I guess since it was early and still light outside. When Leigh usually picks them up, it's dark outside. Leigh had called to say that WBTV was at Copeland's and they got her making a cake. I found a tape so I could tape it for her. We were eating a pizza in the den and watching the news, wasn't sure when Leigh would be on. RyLee kept saying he wanted to watch something else, but finally Leigh was on for about 5 seconds. We started yelling, THERE SHE IS! THERE's MOMMY! Very funny. I wonder if I should sell the tape on ebay. Do you think anyone would want to buy it? Just kidding.

She was tired by the time she got home. They had been really busy all night. It was after 12:00 when she finally got here.

Monday already?

2007-02-19T06:47:00.000-05:00

This is another Monday. Off to work I go. HiHo HiHo. Just a little humor for the day. The daycare is closed today so Leigh is taking the kids to work with her. As for me, I'll be going by myself. HiHo HiHo. She has to work late tomorrow since it's a big day at Copeland's. I'll pick up the kids from daycare when I get off work. Wish me luck. HiHo HiHo. So now I'm getting off the computer to finish getting dressed. Maybe I'll write some more tonight.

Too much for lunch!

2007-02-18T07:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday all of us went to eat at Copeland's. Naturally I had the burger which was so good. And naturally I ate so much I didn't eat any supper. Leigh gets to take the family once a month to eat for free. I sure liked that. We ordered some chicken wings first. Do you know that I have never had those with the hot sauce? Well, this was going to be the first time. I could hardly wait. When the wings were brought to the table, I noticed there wasn't any 'sauce' on them. Leigh had asked that they not have any, thinking the kids would eat some. When she found out that I had never eaten them, she went back to the kitchen and brought me 4 with the hot sauce. Isn't she thoughtful? I will certainly get them again next month, along with my burger.

After lunch, we stopped by the Goodwill store at the university area. Leigh was wanting to get RyLee some jeans. I had Payton in a cart and Leigh had RyLee in another cart. They went toward the clothes and we went toward the 'junk'. You know me, not one for clothes, just junk. Didn't see anything I liked except a Christmas book for 99 cents. Payton got a Cinderella book. Leigh found one pair a jeans for RyLee. So that's about it for day because when we got home, it was a nap for Payton and myself. Afterward though, Leigh took the kids to FoodLion for a few things.

I didn't sleep very good last night. I ended up getting up a 5:00am this morning and on here.

Just starting!

2007-02-18T07:10:00.000-05:00

This is my very first Blog. I have enjoyed reading my daughter's blogs so much, I decided to start one of my own. Hopefully they will enjoy reading mine.