Conversation with Students

I had a small group of 5th grade girls hanging out in the library last week. One of the girls said she she could not believe she had not read one of the books until she was 10 years old - then she said "Can you believe that?"

My answer was "Yes, I can believe that because I didn't read it until I was 50 something."

The next thing, I see the girls in a huddle whispering. I hear one of the girls saying something about me being "that old". So, I speak up and say "Is there a problem girls?"

Rachael, the spokeswoman says "No offense, but we did not think you were that old - we thought you were like 45 or something much younger....."

Hmmm, what would she say if I didn't cover all this grey hair?

Weekend Ramblings

I had a rather pleasant, non-eventful day. Nice chat with Leanne, shopping at a little gift shop in Lakeside where I bought gifts for my Zaar L & M swap partner. Everything I purchased began with the letter L or M. Enjoyed a late lunch at the Subway in Lakeside. When I arrived home I found a box from Jacqueline and a book I ordered from bookswap.com. I packed Jacqueline's box and and opened the box from her. When her 2nd box arrives, I'll post photos here.

I took Duke for a walk tonight. The first block was rather rough - he wants to be the alpha dog. If I let him get his way, one of my arms will be pulled out of the socket. I don't need that grief. I convinced him I was incharge and the next three blocks were terrific. We passed our street and he started pulling again. I should have gone back home but decided to give him a chance. Oh boy! He sure is stubborn.

Coffee was ready when I got home. I added a little Baileys, Kahlua & Frangelica to my first cup. I'm going to sleep good tonight. Time to do some reading & more relaxing.

Hmmm, didn't do any housework at all today - darn. Better do some laundry tomorrow and get some groceries after church.

I wonder when I will hear from Stephanie - hopefully soon.....

An End of an Era...

I saw the foot doctor today. I have finally been released from his care!!! His words to me "I don't ever want to see you again....at least not for this foot." Hey! I thought I was his favorite patient. He claims I am personally responsible for the grey hair in his eyebrows! I really like this doctor but I have to admit, I'm glad this day has finally arrived. Fifteen years of constant foot pain is finally behind me. Yeah!

Zaar Yellow Swap

My Yellow Swap Partner - Coffee lover was very generous. The first picture shows a beautiful yellow table runner. I brought it to school one day to put on top of the book shelf.












Picture number two: two felt "baskets" and a can with soil and sunflower seeds.










Picture Number three: adorable stacking cookie cutter



















Picture four
- cute little bumble bees and butterflies
















Picture Five -
Assorted towels, note pads and spatulas














Thank you Coffee lover!!!

My latest reads....

I finally finished reading the recent Jodi Picoult book, Handle with Care. It was a rather difficult read for me. Don't get me wrong, it was a very good book and in true Picoult style, the story was told from many characters points of view. The oldest daughter suffered with several afflictions that hit pretty close to this home. Again, true Picoult style, the end of the book left me with my mouth open - kind of in shock. My heart goes out to any family that has to handle any one problem covered in this book but for Picoult to tie everything together and make such a fantastic storyline is truly amazing.

Nationwide is on my side.....

There are always signs that warm weather is around the corner.....

A crocus poking its head out of the ground, spotting the first robin, garden centers opening, ice cream shops are open, the drive in theater is showing movies and taking the hardcover off the Jeep and installing the soft top. Well, the garden centers, ice cream shops and drive in theater are all open! Last Saturday was the day. It was beautiful out. We drove over to the garage to swap the tops. We removed the bolts from the hard cover and was just getting ready to unhook the top when the soft top was pulled off the storage shelf.

Apparently a herd of mice threw a party and my Jeep soft top was the scene of the crime. The top has three holes chewed through it and heavy damage caused by mice feces and urine - bottom line the top is ruined!

Monday morning I started making phone calls to my insurance company. I received my answer Tuesday morning...Fortunately, Nationwide (my insurance company) IS on my side. The damage is covered under my comprehensive insurance policy. I am so grateful. Now, I need to come up with a better plan for storing the soft top next winter. Well, I have four months to think about this.....

The Bible In 90 Days

Monday morning I will be embarking on a new journey. I would like to share that journey here. Many of the people at the church I am attending are joining together to read the bible in 90 days. Yes, that is right, the bible - cover to cover - in 90 days. A special bible has been printed for this adventure; the bible has rather large print and does not have the extra commentary included in many other bibles. The goal is to read 12 pages a day. Each week we will meet with our "small" group for discussion and watch a video tape together. This will be quite an adventure and I hope and pray I (along with everyone else) will be successful. Please keep us in your prayers.

Recipezaar Green Swap

I've made many friends on Recipezaar. One of the things I enjoy is participating in the many swaps. The past month we've swapped cookbooks, items that begin with the letter J & K and items that are green. I'll post more pictures later but these are photos of the gifts from Pneuma, my green swap partner.

No, the cats weren't part of the package but the blanket was. The blanket is so soft, the cat's instantly claimed it.

Thank you Pneuma

Finally received letters from Stephanie yesterday. She says she has been told it's not official but she should start to mentally prepare for a move to Port Vila. Not too much other news - at least nothing worth posting here :)

Holy Moly Guacamole!!! My packages from Hokies Lady arrived. We are swapping salt & pepper shakers this month. I received the most awesome gifts from her. Check them out

When Steph was home last month we went to a store in the mall called "Your Plate or Mine" and painted mugs. She made this one for me - poking a little fun at a serious illness that turned out ok for me.

Hmmmm

It was pointed out to me this week that it's been one month since I posted to this blog. I guess my life has finally become boring. Truly, not much has been happening. Stephanie was home for a visit, it was good to see her. Her sister was in town too but we did not see her - so sad. Life is too short to hold grudges. Please keep her in your prayers.

I'm excited about Stephanie's new project. She raised enough money to purchase the equipment to install solar lighting in the mama's house in her village. I hope everything goes according to plan as they install it. Stephanie has also reported she signed up for another year of service with the Peace Corp. She will be home for a visit in August and then her term of service will end in June 2010 - unless she signs for another year again. Who knows with that girl.

I am certainly tired of winter weather. Perhaps next winter I'll go visit Stephanie where the weather is rainy but warm. In the mean time, spring should be here soon. Ground hogs days is next week, we will see what the furry creature has to say...