Ruth died this morning around 4am in Tallahassee Memorial Hospital as a result of injuries suffered in the accident on the Saturday morning of the Watermelon Festival in Monticello. She was 84.
She will be missed by many people.
Her daughter, Susan Simmons is still hospitalized in TMH. She is recovering from 2 surgeries to repair 7 breaks in her pelvis. Yesterday they were able to get Susan into a wheelchair and take her to visit her mother for the first (and last) time.
This is all very tragic.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Ice cream and spiders and turkeys, oh my!
Well, I'm in the process of trying to shed one habit and replace it with another! Still am not smoking, but have eaten an entire pint of Breyers ice cream in 2 days! Finished it off this morning for breakfast!...and just spent almost an hour searching the web for ice cream coupons! Gotta watch this!
I'm having trouble going into the kitchen for coffee. There is a very large wolf spider lurking behind the coffee pot. Whenever I lift the pot he jumps out...he's a good 2 inches long and very intimidating. Not sure what I'm gonna do...don't want to kill him and don't want him in the kitchen/house! Help!
Yesterday I was standing at the kitchen sink (no, I wasn't eating!) just looking out the window and daydreaming. Must have been standing there for several minutes when I thought, "what in the world is that big stump doing inside the fence?"...then I came to and realized that it couldn't be a stump 'cause first you have to have a tree! So I went out the French doors to the stoop and as I did, the stump turned around, spread it's wings and took a running lift off toward the fence. He cleared the fence, but just barely! His wing span was very large, at least 5 feet, maybe more. He was a wild TURKEY! In my fenced area! And it's not even Thanksgiving! I watched him go through the wooded hedge between my yard and the neighbor's yard and I could see him through the trees for a while. He flew off headed north...there's a pond about a block away, guess he was headed there. Now isn't that something!
We've gone 2 days with the temperature under 100 degrees! It's amazing how much cooler 94 feels after a couple of days of 104+ (and 7 straight days of over 100)! I'm still needing rain. Haven't had a drop in about a week. There has been rain in the area for the past couple of days, sure wish it would come here!
The hay-bale garden is suffering. The herbs don't look like they'll make it, nor do the yellow squash...zucchini looks okay and the tomatoes are hanging in there. Need rain.
I'm having trouble going into the kitchen for coffee. There is a very large wolf spider lurking behind the coffee pot. Whenever I lift the pot he jumps out...he's a good 2 inches long and very intimidating. Not sure what I'm gonna do...don't want to kill him and don't want him in the kitchen/house! Help!
Yesterday I was standing at the kitchen sink (no, I wasn't eating!) just looking out the window and daydreaming. Must have been standing there for several minutes when I thought, "what in the world is that big stump doing inside the fence?"...then I came to and realized that it couldn't be a stump 'cause first you have to have a tree! So I went out the French doors to the stoop and as I did, the stump turned around, spread it's wings and took a running lift off toward the fence. He cleared the fence, but just barely! His wing span was very large, at least 5 feet, maybe more. He was a wild TURKEY! In my fenced area! And it's not even Thanksgiving! I watched him go through the wooded hedge between my yard and the neighbor's yard and I could see him through the trees for a while. He flew off headed north...there's a pond about a block away, guess he was headed there. Now isn't that something!
We've gone 2 days with the temperature under 100 degrees! It's amazing how much cooler 94 feels after a couple of days of 104+ (and 7 straight days of over 100)! I'm still needing rain. Haven't had a drop in about a week. There has been rain in the area for the past couple of days, sure wish it would come here!
The hay-bale garden is suffering. The herbs don't look like they'll make it, nor do the yellow squash...zucchini looks okay and the tomatoes are hanging in there. Need rain.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
We're out of the woods!
Yesterday we didn't hit 100 degrees (we hit 99!) for the first time in 8 days! I know it sounds weird, but the high 90s were okay! Today "they" are predicting low to mid 90s! Should be right balmy!!! However, we are awfully dry...sure do need rain!
Well, I have 4 friends in TMH. Step-brother-in-law, Mark: heart attack, in ICU; Ruth: accident, very broken up and in ICU; Susan: Ruth's daughter: broken pelvic, surgery today; Mary: friend, broken hip! Gracious, you just never know! Do you think the weather did it?
Still find myself reaching for a cigarette...not smoking...wanting. Didn't realize there would be such awful physical symptoms: headache, stomach churning, various aches and pains, cravings (not just for cigarettes, but foods, too!), antsy, shaky and quite irritable. I can just see myself ballooning up to a million pounds, of course, that's not a very good reason to smoke, but if I'm not careful I'm sure I could use that as a reason to talk myself into having that occasional smoke...and you know what would happen then! I wonder how long it'll take to get the smoke from my lungs...I can still smell smoke on my breath.
They mowed my yard yesterday. The grass and weeds were so high that they left huge piles of cut grass piled up against the fence and everything else that it could pile against. I'll try to get out there early tomorrow and rake it up...it looks horrible now.
One of the nursery sons got back yesterday from a 10 day tour of the orient...China, Viet Nam, etc. I heard him talking to some of the guys about how much Americans are hated in Viet Nam and how one of the folks in his party was spat on! I didn't know this! Sad.
TGIW!!!!
Well, I have 4 friends in TMH. Step-brother-in-law, Mark: heart attack, in ICU; Ruth: accident, very broken up and in ICU; Susan: Ruth's daughter: broken pelvic, surgery today; Mary: friend, broken hip! Gracious, you just never know! Do you think the weather did it?
Still find myself reaching for a cigarette...not smoking...wanting. Didn't realize there would be such awful physical symptoms: headache, stomach churning, various aches and pains, cravings (not just for cigarettes, but foods, too!), antsy, shaky and quite irritable. I can just see myself ballooning up to a million pounds, of course, that's not a very good reason to smoke, but if I'm not careful I'm sure I could use that as a reason to talk myself into having that occasional smoke...and you know what would happen then! I wonder how long it'll take to get the smoke from my lungs...I can still smell smoke on my breath.
They mowed my yard yesterday. The grass and weeds were so high that they left huge piles of cut grass piled up against the fence and everything else that it could pile against. I'll try to get out there early tomorrow and rake it up...it looks horrible now.
One of the nursery sons got back yesterday from a 10 day tour of the orient...China, Viet Nam, etc. I heard him talking to some of the guys about how much Americans are hated in Viet Nam and how one of the folks in his party was spat on! I didn't know this! Sad.
TGIW!!!!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
To smoke or not to smoke, that is the question~
Okay, I'm working on 48 hrs. of not smoking. I've gathered up the ashtrays and have put them in the dishwasher. I'm not saying I've quit, just that at the moment I'm not smoking.
My sister came over early Saturday and we went to the Watermelon Festival Breakfast. As usual, it was very good. Bennett didn't join us...got an e-mail from her saying it was too damn hot! She was right, it WAS too damn hot! Ann was serving (she works for the bank and was named employee of the year for 2008!) food, but we got hugged anyway!
After breakfast sister and I went to Norma's house and we each picked lots of blueberries. Then we came back to my house and sat on the front porch, drank coffee, fanned and watched traffic. It was a nice day.
Then at 3pm a young fellow came over to give me an estimate on doing some insurance things on the exterior of the house. We had to change insurance companies and this new one wants railings on stairs (3 sets) and a piece of roofing trim put back up before they'll insure the house.
Just finished breakfast and reached for my pack of cigarettes which isn't there!
On Saturday right after the parade there was a terrible wreck in town. My old (84) friend Ruth and her daughter were parked in the SUV when an 18 yr old sped through town 60+mph, rear ended an ambulance, then hit Ruth's SUV, flipped it and spun it around. Ruth was ejected and her daughter who had gotten out and gone around to help Ruth into her wheelchair was terribly injured. The daughter had a broken pelvis...word has it that it's broken in 7-8 places. I'm not sure what Ruth's injuries are, but rumor has it that she may come home today. You just never know, you know?
My sister came over early Saturday and we went to the Watermelon Festival Breakfast. As usual, it was very good. Bennett didn't join us...got an e-mail from her saying it was too damn hot! She was right, it WAS too damn hot! Ann was serving (she works for the bank and was named employee of the year for 2008!) food, but we got hugged anyway!
After breakfast sister and I went to Norma's house and we each picked lots of blueberries. Then we came back to my house and sat on the front porch, drank coffee, fanned and watched traffic. It was a nice day.
Then at 3pm a young fellow came over to give me an estimate on doing some insurance things on the exterior of the house. We had to change insurance companies and this new one wants railings on stairs (3 sets) and a piece of roofing trim put back up before they'll insure the house.
Just finished breakfast and reached for my pack of cigarettes which isn't there!
On Saturday right after the parade there was a terrible wreck in town. My old (84) friend Ruth and her daughter were parked in the SUV when an 18 yr old sped through town 60+mph, rear ended an ambulance, then hit Ruth's SUV, flipped it and spun it around. Ruth was ejected and her daughter who had gotten out and gone around to help Ruth into her wheelchair was terribly injured. The daughter had a broken pelvis...word has it that it's broken in 7-8 places. I'm not sure what Ruth's injuries are, but rumor has it that she may come home today. You just never know, you know?
Friday, June 19, 2009
Hot, hot, hot!!!
Well, today is the day of our party at work. It will be outside...250+ people and it's HOT! This is our 4th day of temps in the 100s! I'm dressing cool, shorts and a loose top and flip flops (platform ones!), but I'm thinking that this may not help. We do have giant old oak trees that we'll set up under, so that may make it bearable. Here's hoping so! I really need to think about doing my hair and face as it's 11am now and the party starts at 12!
I just made a wonderful discovery! The swiffer pads that you dust furniture with do a much better job on pet hair and dust on floors than the flat floor pads! I may be on to something here!
Norma called last night and invited me over to pick more blueberries (I am starting to run out), but I told her I'd have to wait until the weather down shifts a bit...the berries may be out of season then!
Talked with RM for a couple of hours last night. Can you believe she turned 44 yesterday? Wow! Where does time go?
I googled "girl scout camp songs" a while ago. Bunches of sites came up. I didn't know some of the songs, after all, it's been almost 50 years since I went to Camp Juliette Low, but some of the old standbys were there. Brought back some wonderful memories!
Tomorrow morning is the Watermelon Festival breakfast at the bank. I get hungry just thinking about it. Funny how much I look forward to it! My life is rather bland, of course that is by choice, but something different on occasion is nice! Both my sister and my high school friend, Betty will be there and Norma said she may go also. Sounds like a party to me!
The only thing I've noticed that's loving this weather is my yard. We've had just enough rain (about every 3 days) and the heat seems to be greenhousing the grass, shrubs and weeds. It's all growing like wild! And, the daylilies I put out earlier this spring have begun blooming...so far, it's only one or two here and there, but I'm hoping that by next year they'll get their acts together and really give me a show! The ones that have bloomed are quite different and awfully pretty! Sure am enjoying them!
Say a prayer for daughter #2...they didn't get all of the cancer on her eyelid and she facing some rather invasive surgery this next week that may involve skin grafts and sewing the eye shut for the summer.
Also, my step brother-in-law isn't doing too well. He had a heart attack Sunday and now is fighting pneumonia. He's in intensive care at TMH. He's too young for all this, just a couple of years older than I am.
And, that's the way the world turns.
I just made a wonderful discovery! The swiffer pads that you dust furniture with do a much better job on pet hair and dust on floors than the flat floor pads! I may be on to something here!
Norma called last night and invited me over to pick more blueberries (I am starting to run out), but I told her I'd have to wait until the weather down shifts a bit...the berries may be out of season then!
Talked with RM for a couple of hours last night. Can you believe she turned 44 yesterday? Wow! Where does time go?
I googled "girl scout camp songs" a while ago. Bunches of sites came up. I didn't know some of the songs, after all, it's been almost 50 years since I went to Camp Juliette Low, but some of the old standbys were there. Brought back some wonderful memories!
Tomorrow morning is the Watermelon Festival breakfast at the bank. I get hungry just thinking about it. Funny how much I look forward to it! My life is rather bland, of course that is by choice, but something different on occasion is nice! Both my sister and my high school friend, Betty will be there and Norma said she may go also. Sounds like a party to me!
The only thing I've noticed that's loving this weather is my yard. We've had just enough rain (about every 3 days) and the heat seems to be greenhousing the grass, shrubs and weeds. It's all growing like wild! And, the daylilies I put out earlier this spring have begun blooming...so far, it's only one or two here and there, but I'm hoping that by next year they'll get their acts together and really give me a show! The ones that have bloomed are quite different and awfully pretty! Sure am enjoying them!
Say a prayer for daughter #2...they didn't get all of the cancer on her eyelid and she facing some rather invasive surgery this next week that may involve skin grafts and sewing the eye shut for the summer.
Also, my step brother-in-law isn't doing too well. He had a heart attack Sunday and now is fighting pneumonia. He's in intensive care at TMH. He's too young for all this, just a couple of years older than I am.
And, that's the way the world turns.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
We're having a party!
This coming Friday is our big party at work. I was charged with getting the caterer and feel fortunate that I was able to get the Seinyard!!! We'll have the "works", fried fish, shrimp, oysters and chicken fingers with cheese grits, slaw and hush puppies! Yum! Sure am looking forward to the food!
Just found out last night that this weekend is the annual Watermelon Festival here in Monticello. It's been going on longer than I can remember (and that's a while!). Need to check with my sister and see if she wants to do the breakfast, we have for the past 2 years and it's great fun.
It was raining when I got ready to leave for work yesterday, so I left the dogs in the house. My bad. One arm of the sofa is almost empty of stuffing. Damn that Jazzy. Today, no matter what the weather is doing, she's OUTSIDE!
Got a letter from the new insurance company that we got to insure the house. It seems I have to have hand rail put on the back steps and a piece of trim that came down 4 years ago put back up. Now this little house is about 80 years old and hasn't had hand railings. Why now? Finding a handyman to do these simple things has turned out to be quite a chore. My sister called friends of hers here in town and they recommended a fellow that had done some work for a family member. I called him and he's not doing any side work now...is working full time for the bank. I'm going to call a couple of folks today and ask at work. Hate this sort of stuff!
Was sitting here at the computer this past weekend and the back of my chair broke. A cheap plastic piece worried through a bolt and it and a heavy spring fell off. Don't know how to fix it.
I'm worried that something's up with my sister...she's quiet.
Just found out last night that this weekend is the annual Watermelon Festival here in Monticello. It's been going on longer than I can remember (and that's a while!). Need to check with my sister and see if she wants to do the breakfast, we have for the past 2 years and it's great fun.
It was raining when I got ready to leave for work yesterday, so I left the dogs in the house. My bad. One arm of the sofa is almost empty of stuffing. Damn that Jazzy. Today, no matter what the weather is doing, she's OUTSIDE!
Got a letter from the new insurance company that we got to insure the house. It seems I have to have hand rail put on the back steps and a piece of trim that came down 4 years ago put back up. Now this little house is about 80 years old and hasn't had hand railings. Why now? Finding a handyman to do these simple things has turned out to be quite a chore. My sister called friends of hers here in town and they recommended a fellow that had done some work for a family member. I called him and he's not doing any side work now...is working full time for the bank. I'm going to call a couple of folks today and ask at work. Hate this sort of stuff!
Was sitting here at the computer this past weekend and the back of my chair broke. A cheap plastic piece worried through a bolt and it and a heavy spring fell off. Don't know how to fix it.
I'm worried that something's up with my sister...she's quiet.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Happenings
Dinner Wednesday night at Leah Jane's was very nice. There were 6 of us and the food and conversation flowed. Was only gone a couple of hours, but had 3 new holes in the sofa when I got home. Damn dog...
Our temperature has been flirting with 100 degrees for the past week. "They" say that today it may not only hit 100, but pass it....ouch!
Yesterday I went to Norma's house about 9:30am. We picked blueberries for about 20 minutes. The temperature was already in the high 80s and the humidity was 98 percent. 20 minutes of picking in the shade was about all either of us could handle. Even so, I picked 1 1/2 quarts of some of the prettiest blueberries I've seen in a while. The bushes are still loaded and Norma invited me to come back and pick more soon. I'm going to freeze the majority, but have been thinking about dehydrating some to see how that'll work. I'm also contemplating refrigerator jam.
I had lunch at Sage with my friend Betty (Bennett as she's called now) from high school. We outlasted everyone there. Did a lot of catching up, after all, high school was 46 years ago! It's so funny how differently life happens to everyone. I also find it interesting that memories of basically the same thing can be so different! The brain is a strange and miraculous thing!
I'm torn today between 2 projects. I need to sew up the holes in the sofa and I want to start beading. Both projects require using these arthritic old hands and I know they won't last through both projects and either one of them will leave me mighty sore tomorrow. Of course, I could just vegetate on the computer and do nothing! We'll see.
Our temperature has been flirting with 100 degrees for the past week. "They" say that today it may not only hit 100, but pass it....ouch!
Yesterday I went to Norma's house about 9:30am. We picked blueberries for about 20 minutes. The temperature was already in the high 80s and the humidity was 98 percent. 20 minutes of picking in the shade was about all either of us could handle. Even so, I picked 1 1/2 quarts of some of the prettiest blueberries I've seen in a while. The bushes are still loaded and Norma invited me to come back and pick more soon. I'm going to freeze the majority, but have been thinking about dehydrating some to see how that'll work. I'm also contemplating refrigerator jam.
I had lunch at Sage with my friend Betty (Bennett as she's called now) from high school. We outlasted everyone there. Did a lot of catching up, after all, high school was 46 years ago! It's so funny how differently life happens to everyone. I also find it interesting that memories of basically the same thing can be so different! The brain is a strange and miraculous thing!
I'm torn today between 2 projects. I need to sew up the holes in the sofa and I want to start beading. Both projects require using these arthritic old hands and I know they won't last through both projects and either one of them will leave me mighty sore tomorrow. Of course, I could just vegetate on the computer and do nothing! We'll see.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
El Nino
Just read an article that said "El Nino is Back"...Not sure just what the impact will be for everyone, but the article said stormier in the deep south and a warmer winter with storms. Drat.
We are very hot and dry now. High 90s during the day and 70s at night. They were just joking about triple digit temps being just around the corner on tv. I don't find that very amusing. I've been keeping the thermostat on 80 during the day, but I do turn in down when I go to bed. The last electric bill was up $20. This next one will be worse.
Yesterday was the meeting at the nursing home. I left here at 8:30 even though the meeting wasn't scheduled until 9:45. I read in the paper Sunday that there would be one land traffic in spots on US 90 and to expect delays. Wouldn't you know it, I got there in 30 minutes! I don't think I've ever made it that quickly...nope, I didn't speed, well, just a little. The meeting was uneventful, except that they told us they had taken Mother off the anti-psychotic drug she's been on for about a year...some kind of regulation that requires they reduce or remove. I hope she behaves! Both Bert and my sister were also there. Bless his heart, Bert is sure beginning to show his 91 1/2 years! He focuses on minutia and trivia. The staff is very patient with him.
When I got home the propane folks had already filled the tank and hung a bill on the back door. I delayed opening it for an hour or so...was afraid. It wasn't so bad, about $158.00, so I wrote a check and put it in the mailbox. I didn't grocery shop in Tallahassee yesterday because I was worrying about how much that bill would be. It's just as well.
When I got in to work on Monday there was a note on my desk from HWB (former boss) saying to call him that he needed to see me. So I did, asked him what was going on, but he wouldn't say on the phone, wants to talk to me in person. So, I'm going to go see him after work today. Haven't the foggiest idea what's up.
Leah Jane's having a little dinner party tonight and tomorrow I'm going to Norma's to pick blue berries.
Last Thursday I decided to use a hair color that we found in Mother's bathroom when we cleaned out the vanity and linen closet. Well, I guess they expire or something. When I began applying it to my hair the plastic bottle burst wide open splattering hair gunk everywhere. Of course I used what was usable and finished doing my hair. I now have hair the color of Goodness the cat and Jazzy the dog...looks good on them (see photo at top). My sister said yesterday that it's not awful. I'll wear it for a while and then do something else.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Return of the rain
Well, rain's back in our daily forecast...yesterday was day 4 of rain...not just a sprinkle, but major downpours! Each day I dumped more than an inch of rain out of the rain gauge...Friday more than 2 inches!
The hay bale garden is looking pitiful. The rain's leaching everything nutrient-wise out. The squash looks like it may not make it at all...all of the leaves are yellow. I'm thinking of trying a slow release fertilizer. Will go to the garden center tomorrow.
Friday SE Propane called to say they are running a special on propane, $2.90 a gal. The last time I had the tank filled was a year ago this past February and I paid $4.30 a gal. So, even though I didn't run the furnace once this past winter I told them to fill the tank. They'll do it on Tuesday. It doesn't evaporate and if I can afford to have the system checked out I may use it this coming winter...just on a really need to basis.
I guess I'll hold off on Jazzy's makeover since this month propane trumps dog!
I'm gradually getting the house in order. With all of the rainy days it's hard to work outside so the house is reaping the rewards! Yesterday in the midst of the downpour I backed the car in and out of the carport a bunch of times and then squeegeed all of the windows and lights. It looks much better. Next time I may throw a little soap on the body and see how that does. I try not to use tap water for anything other than necessities.
Hurricane season is here. Prepare folks, prepare!
The hay bale garden is looking pitiful. The rain's leaching everything nutrient-wise out. The squash looks like it may not make it at all...all of the leaves are yellow. I'm thinking of trying a slow release fertilizer. Will go to the garden center tomorrow.
Friday SE Propane called to say they are running a special on propane, $2.90 a gal. The last time I had the tank filled was a year ago this past February and I paid $4.30 a gal. So, even though I didn't run the furnace once this past winter I told them to fill the tank. They'll do it on Tuesday. It doesn't evaporate and if I can afford to have the system checked out I may use it this coming winter...just on a really need to basis.
I guess I'll hold off on Jazzy's makeover since this month propane trumps dog!
I'm gradually getting the house in order. With all of the rainy days it's hard to work outside so the house is reaping the rewards! Yesterday in the midst of the downpour I backed the car in and out of the carport a bunch of times and then squeegeed all of the windows and lights. It looks much better. Next time I may throw a little soap on the body and see how that does. I try not to use tap water for anything other than necessities.
Hurricane season is here. Prepare folks, prepare!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
TGIW!! again
It's absolutely amazing to me how long it is from Monday to Wednesday and how short it is from Thursday to Sunday! When Tuesday finally rolls around (my "hump" day) I'm exhausted. Sounds weird, I know, but it's true. When I'm at work I go full steam from the moment I walk in until I leave. That's one reason I'm able to work Monday - Wednesday...I get everything done that would normally take a 5-day work week. It's good for me, but generally Thursday is a wasted day. I do the bare minimum around here and rest up. Then I go full tilt for the remainder of the weekend. What a way to live.
Sunday night at Ann's house was nice. It was so good seeing Kay after 46+ years!
Am thinking about having Jazzy sheared...she could use a make over!
No particular news.
Sunday night at Ann's house was nice. It was so good seeing Kay after 46+ years!
Am thinking about having Jazzy sheared...she could use a make over!
No particular news.
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