Party is over-it started to sprinkle just as the party ended, so that was good. We had a good turnout–the enitre Varsity squad and all but the 3 girls of the JV squads were there. Coach was a bit late, but that was ok. Met some nice moms, have food left over (doughnut anyone?), and the kids (mine) helped clean up. Still, my feet hurt, so I’m off to laze around, horizontally. Later today is major yardwork.
Lovely cool day.
Alrighty then, I’m fully caffienated. I’ve read the paper, done the crosswords, and checked out the real estate section.
No, I’m not looking to buy, but I always read the real estate section to see what the housing market looks like and because I like looking at some of the houses and properties listed. Looks like the market is glutted and prices are definitely down in certain areas. On the other hand, there are some properties and homes that have asking prices that are just too high.
In about a half hour or so, I’ll start operation clean-up in earnest. I’ve done some picking up, but I need to wash the kitchen floor and clean up the counters some more. I need to vacuum the entry way and stairs too. I hate vacuuming the stairs.
I need to scrub the powder room too.
The great room is clean, so that’s a plus.
After all that, I need to head to the grocery store and pick up some soda and probably some sort of munchies. Oh, and beer too. Not Miller, though. Sorry Swampy.
Glad the party went well, rigs.
Hi Cuervo! Did I tell you I met your cousin a few weeks ago? On that garden tour I went to? They had a friendly orange cat who reminded me of you, only smaller. Have a skritch. No drool, thanks.
I’ve been surfing Chicago-related sites and have started my first Chicago thread, inviting everyone to join us for dinner. If you’re anywhere near Chicago, you should join us!!! I’ll be starting an IMHO thread for suggestions; the rest of my time is going to be spent with FarAway Best Friend and her group of German high school students. I’ve also been to the library, where I borrowed 8 travel books, most of which will go back early next week.
Really need to run some errands and get some cleaning and gardening done, although I’m still tired. Maybe I’ll take a nap first.
GT
Drive-by post, 'cuz I’m on the bad computer. Ambulance duty tonight, and I think I’ll be busy because the day has been quiet.
Eeeek.
So. There’s a school a few towns over, where we used to live, that’s named for my dad. He was a major player in the school district there for many years - essentially was one of the founders of the district, and was board pres. for years.
This summer, there was a major renovation done to the school, and they’re re-dedicating it. Mom, and Sister expressed interest in coming from all points across the country. It got scheduled for 9/25, which is Tuesday, causing Sis to grumble, kids in school, blah blah…
Mom was going to come. But then, my cousin (on my dad’s side) announced a family reunion/party for the 14th. Mom said "gee, the re-dedication is on a Tuesday, will probably be no big deal, I’ll come out on the 12th, go to the reunion, then leave on the 16th.
Cool.
THEN, the school’s principal says “gee, we’d like you all to be there if you can make it”.
So, Mom calls the airline and says it’ll be BIG bucks for her to change the trip to the next week, but no bucks to just change the return date.
AND, Sister is coming in for a day on the 25th.
So, to recap. Mom will be here, STAYING WITH US from the 12th until the 26th. And my sister will be in town for a day, being Queen of the World. Don’t get me wrong, I love my mom. In relatively small doses, and not puttering around my house for TWO WEEKS while I work, because mid-September is too early in the school year for me to bop off and play host.
The two biggest causes of stress in my little world will be here all at once.
Oy.
We didn’t go sailing. **FCD ** had a lot of pain in his neck, and that’s not conducive to a day of pleasure on the water. So he’s snoring on the couch, and I’m thinking of taking a nap myself.
I managed to stay up till around 1:30. I awoke about 5:30, took the dogs out, fed them, then went back to sleep till almost 9. We lazed around a bit, then went to have a late breakfast and do some pricing/shopping. We’re planning a deck (since the workshop ain’t gonna happen any time soon) and since it’s a simple design (a rectangle) we needed to compile a materials list and get prices. We intend to use composite deck boards and vinyl railings, so the bottom line will be about $2700, including permits. So that’ll be a project for next spring.
We also ran by Staples for new printer cartridges ($60+ - choke!!) then stopped at WalMart for some melatonin to help me sleep this week. Last stop was McKays for some milk and bananas. And now we’re home.
Tonight, I’m going to try to stay up till 3 or so. I’ve got lots of laundry to do, and I’m going to iron everything I can just to stay busy and awake. The longer I stay up, the longer (in theory)I’ll be able to sleep, so leaving for work at 9 tomorrow night won’t be to horrid. In theory. <sigh>
Yep, a nap is sounding mighty good about now…
Yuck for work hour changes FCM!
Yay for the good news Herbs!
Speakin’ of work hour changes, I am goin’ to first shift (7-3) on Monday. Seems there’s some stuff for me to learn and first shift is the best time to learn it. Whatever. Ima miss second though. I was likin’ it.
We had biiiiiiiiiiiig thunderboomers last night/early this mornin’. That’s why I didn’t post last night/early this mornin’. Today I cleaned off and washed down the back porch cause it was filthy. Then we hung at the pool for about three hours. Some friends are comin’ over in a while for dindin and probably some hangin’ at the pool. Thus, da bear needs to get better on the food preparation.
Oh, the MMP will be up by around fiveish my time Monday. Since I’m switchin’ shifts I’m havin’ to readjust my sleep schedule just like Moooooom is doin’.
Later Y’all!
Admit it, swampy! You just didn’t want to be working the same shift as FCM, cuz people might talk. Right? 
Sorry about the upcoming stress festival, MBG. I can very closely relate. Two weeks of my Mom at my house while I was working would be…well, I can’t really imagine it.
I took a nap and feel somewhat refreshed. Off to Target to return a couple of items and to Barnes and Noble to look at more Chicago travel books.
Back later.
GT
MBG–why, that sounds almost as much fun as root canal without anesthesia… Enjoy?
I just got a jury duty summons–and it’s not even for a day I work! :mad: Don’t they know by now that the only reason for jury duty is to get you out of work? It’s a Friday (NOT the 7th). Downtown. What a PIA.
Took a quasi-nap. I say quasi because the windows are open due to the coolness of the day and there is a yapyap dog around the corner. I swear the dog must be deaf–he barks constantly. Most annoying and one of the top 5 reasons I don’t own a dog. IMO, pets should not also be noise nuisances. Make it so.
Well, pooh. I went in to try to nap, and I was doing fine till the loud music of the gladiator movie woke me up. So I dozed for maybe 30 minutes. Oh well…
I agree with you, rigs, pets should be cuddly, purry things that can fit on your shoulder, and only meow when they want something
yeah, I’m not a big fan of dogs in general, they’re okay, but only if they’re at least 10 lbs - wtf is up with teacup pomms? my friend’s sister-in-law has one that weighs less than one pound. Less than 16 ounces! that’s not a dog, that’s a hamster!
eta: ooo! first on 8! twice this mmp! woo AND hoo
rosie, has your package arrived yet? It left here on Weds via Priority Mail - you should have gotten it by today. Guess I shoulda taken the tracking option so’s I’d know were it is…
yes, it arrived last night, thank you! 
When I sit down to pay bills tomorrow, I’ll send you the postage
Glad you got it! I wasn’t nagging about the postage - just wanted to know that it got to you. I’m just paranoid enough to think that if I don’t get the insurance or the tracking option, they’re going to toss my package in the big-cart-o’chance and it may or may not go where I want it.
Yeah, I know, real logical… :rolleyes: It’s just one of the quirks that makes me so adorable.
Dammit.
We had very barky dogs for a while two doors down. Very annoying. Large AND loud. They quieted down some after living here for about two years. Gotta say I don’t miss them.
Returned stuff to Target. Remembered to get candy and party decorations for the office. (We’re celebrating a graduation on Monday.)
Bought the Rough Guide to Chicago.
Still tired. Thinking about dinner.
GT
We just finished dinner - mahi mahi and broccoli and crinkle-cut fries. Ice cream later. Lots of laundry later still.
The temp has dropped to 71 - it’s lovely outside. Good sleeping tonight, except I won’t be sleeping. Oh well…
There is no such thing as a teacup anybreed. What they are is either runts with eventual health problems, or smallest (breed) bred to another smallest (breed) in order to produce tiny, unhealthy pets which usually cost an obscene price, all for the “pride” in saying “Mine is the tiniest”.
That said, out of five litters total I had two tiny pups, different litters. I had offers to buy, I kid you not, in the thousands, which I refused. I have a friend who is wonderful with Pomeranians, and I gave (not sold) both of them to her. They are living a great life, and so far haven’t experienced any health troubles other than a tendancy to go hypoglycemic. Gizwick topped out at three pounds as an adult, and Griphon is two pounds.
I hate hate hate breeders who produce poor quality animals and then prey on uneducated people’s…what, emotions, one-up-manship, avarice, whatever, and bilk them for an unhealthy pet who will not live out a normal lifespan, and will probably have costly health problems in the future.
It’s just one of the reasons that I haven’t bred a litter in four years. When a 4 - 7 pound Pomeranian (AKC and PCA standard) is considered too large, it’s just wrong.
Howdy Y’all again!
Dinner was, if’n I say so myself, yummerific! We had grilled chicken, grilled N.O.T. with bell peppers and onions, marinated veggies, garlic bread and for dessert, brownies which I made myself. Then it was pool time for a bit. Guests have left (yeah, it’s early but threatenin’ storms in a little while) and we’re veggin’ like plant life that’s been marinated.
I agree that those itty, bitty “toy” dogs are just wrong kai. If’n I wanted a small dog there are plenty of 4-10 pound breeds out there for the askin’. Heck, JoeDawg weighs all of about five-six pounds and he was the runt of a chee-hoo-ah-hoo-ah litter. Speakin’ of which, I ain’t seen the critter in almost two weeks. Methinks I shall have to go pay his daddy a little visit tomorrow so’s I can get me some JoeDawg lovin’. He loves me. Well, he’s never bitten me, which translates into love for the cantankerous ol’ thing. He’ll be lucky thirteen on Hallowe’en! JoeDawg is a “TrickorTreat” baby.
Oh, I was gonna go on about the grilled N.O.T. with bell peppers and onions. I think I’ve mentioned 'em before but can’t remember. It’s N.O.T. peeled and diced plus some chopped up bell pepper and onion. Make a foil packet and cut up a stick of butter all over everything. Add a little salt and pepper if you wish. Give ‘em about 20-25 minutes on the grill. Steams up all nice and tender and smells just soooooooo incredible whilst cookin’! Put a big glop of sour cream on 'em and eat. YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUM!!!
Ok, off to do other things for a while and wait for the storm which should be here in a bit.
Later Y’all!
So not biting = love for JoeDawg? :dubious: Silly thing, he should know better than to bite people – but at least he knows better than to bite Unca Swampy!
I have intensely disliked toy dogs ever since my kids’ grandfather’s second wife (nobody ever claimed her as part of the family, she was a nasty bitch (hereafter referred to as N.B.) who thank heaven finally dumped his ass and moved on) brought her dog to see us when we were at my parents’ place outside Chicago, in spite of being told NOT to bring the stupid thing, which she referred to lovingly as “Poopie.” They promptly got trapped at my parents’ house by a nasty snowstorm. snowbunny was a toddler, and when Poopie growled at her, I warned N.B. that the dog better not do that again. She assured me that, “Oh, he doesn’t mean anything by it!” :dubious: Next thing you know, the little hairy rat snapped in snowbunny’s face! Poopie spent the rest of their visit locked in the basement. So needless to say, I’ve not been a great fan of toy dogs since.
N.B. also, after snowbunny’s father’s funeral, was whining about how she’d gained all this weight. In an effort to be polite, I said, “None of us are as thin as we used to be, N.B.” At which she looked me over and said in a seriously snotty voice, “I can tell!”
Yeah, we all loved her.
We had yummy marinated chicken boobs, rice, and fresh steamed aspergrass for dinner. Yum, I love fresh steamed aspergrass! And then I had ice cream for dessert, but Papa Tigs didn’t cause he’s diabetic and has that strange thing called self-control. More fool he.
Self-control? Please explain.
NB sounds like someone we’re all better off without meeting.
How are things going SCL?
Hi kai! How’s little Mattea doing?
I’ve been kinda grazing all day. Lunch was vegetarian paté on crackers. And carrots. And chocolate mousse.
GT