Birthday Weekend, Day Two

I'm home.  Plenty pooped!

Nathan took the children with him to church this morning while Meg and I tackled some cleaning.  I did dishes and swept the floors.  She started on the Toy Roundup.  When Nate and the kids got home, he and I left again with them for lunch, then took them to the Muncie Children's Museum for a couple of hours so Meg could continue with her effort unimpeded. 

Meg and Nate have a year's membership to the museum--I think as a gift from Nate's folks.  It provides activity for the kids--especially during the winter when there isn't the Great Outdoors for them to blow off steam.  Because the museum is somewhat small, the children know it pretty well by now, but they still seem to enjoy it.  Ryan, of course, wasn't ready to leave when Daddy and Grandma decided it was time...

In the past couple of days, Ryan has figured out how to climb out of his crib.  This poses a problem: what to do to keep him safe if he gets out during the night.  So, tonight will be his first night of sleeping in the bed with the side rail gone.  Not sure how that is going to work out since he is pretty adventurous.  (The last time I talked to Meg, she had temporarily "locked" his bedroom door to keep him in there, but he had already pulled the changing table over on himself in an effort to turn on the light.  Not good!  Meanwhile, Robin was bubbling about how proud she was of Ryan because he is a "big boy" now.  She's a hoot!  (Heh heh...as I was leaving for home, I wasn't very successful in getting good-bye hugs and kisses from either of the grandkids.  Ryan went outside with us to the car.  He finally relented to give me a good-bye embrace, and announced that he had given me a "good hug".  Whew!  Task over!)

Anyway, when we all got home from the museum, I fixed dinner for us, did the dishes, and headed for home.  My little bungalow sure is quiet!!  I think Meg is pleased with how much she got done, although it is hard to tell right away when one is tearing into things...  Been there; done that! 

Countdown to Spring Break:  5 days!

Happy Birthday, Dear Daughter!

I came to Muncie Friday evening to be with my daughter and family for Meg's birthday weekend.  Big plans for today!

 

Meg and Robin and I left before the "men" were up.  We stopped at a place called Mac's just down the street for breakfast before leaving for the Indy area to Beef and Boards to watch a children's musical presentation of Cinderella.  Robin ordered pancakes, and the very first thing that happened was that she managed to rip the foil top off the syrup cup and spilled sticky syrup all over her pants.  I managed to get the booth cleaned up some, and we ate our breakfast...but we had to return to the house to get her a clean pair of pants.  We still made it to our performance on time. Robin was really good and the performance was, mercifully, only an hour. It was special!

 

After that, the three of us stopped at a McDonald's up on 116th Street in Fishers (on the way home) that has a Play Place, and let Robin run for a bit.  We also drove by Nathan's new golf course.  (Not as elite as the last one, but not bad, either!) 

 

When we got home, we asked about what went on here while we were gone.  Meg asked what time Nate and Ryan got up.  Nate said, "I got up at 11:30.  I'm not sure what time Ryan got up."  Well!  Just in the last couple of days, Ryan has figured out how to get out of his crib.  When we left this morning, Nathan claims that someone shut the bedroom door so he couldn't hear Ry.  Ryan got himself up and was playing who knows how long in the house without supervision!!!  (It could have been bad.  We had left some risky cabinets unlocked, etc., expecting Daddy to be in control.  Right!)

 

Robin and I decorated Megan's birthday cake while Ryan took a nap in the afternoon...then this evening was a parents' event at their church.  It was a pot-luck supper with young families with children, just to get together and share.  Babysitting is provided.  Someone remembered that it was Meg's birthday, so there were TWO little professionally decorated cakes and a balloon for her.  (When I saw the cakes, I hid the one we had brought!  (Although my cake was superior in taste to the others, the decorations were...shall we say...pretty bad!)   It was a pleasant evening, in any case.

 

Nathan and Ryan left for home after the dinner.  Meg and Robin and I stopped at Wal-Mart to return some clothing I had bought for Meg.  Robin and I let Mommy find what she wanted while we went elsewhere in the store.  I ended up buying a Strawberry Shortcake video and some (minor) clothing for Robin.  (She has outgrown all of her 4T stuff...and doesn't have much in the 5T range.)  We were leaving the store and I thought, "Rats!  I didn't buy anything for Ryan!"  The Ry-Guy is only two, but he is beginning to keep score.  Note to self:  Do for one; do for the other!  Fortunately, he enjoyed the Strawberry Shortcake video every bit as much as Robbie.  He didn't notice...this time!

 

I think Meg had a nice birthday.  I tried to make it a little special.  Her major request was for a day without children in order to tackle a toy "roundup"--getting rid of things that are now too young for the children, finding all the parts of each toy, and rotating toys so that the children don't have too much to deal with at any given time.  Pretty ambitious!  I must admit that I don't think the results--if they can occur in one day--will last very long...but that is what Meg has been itching to do for months.  SOOOoooo...Nathan and I are removing the children from the house tomorrow so she can do her thing.  You go, Girl!  And good luck!

 

We went through every kind of weather imaginable today--rain, sleet, snow, sunshine.  The weather map was pocked with the stuff, everywhere.  I will return home, exhausted, tomorrow afternoon.  One more week until spring break.  I am ready!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

God is good!

After enduring the blow that my son-in-law would be unemployed, with no warning, due to the sale of the golf course where he works, Nathan is now re-employed as superintendent of another course nearby!  He got the word of his termination at the old course last Wednesday.  He interviewed at the new course on Monday.  They offered him the job, and he accepted today.  Hallelujah!!

The whole thing is somewhat bitter/sweet.  The kids were so delighted that Nate was employed at a really nice course near Muncie.  They bought a house and sat back to enjoy their first opportunity as young folks to enjoy the American Dream.  A scant year later, they were back to Square One, but only for a very short time!  The former superintendent of the "new" golf course died in a house fire last fall, and although the course interviewed people for the position, they apparently didn't like the applicants because the position has remained unfilled all winter...until now.  What are the odds??  The new workplace is about the same distance from their house, but in a different direction.  Whew!

Do I believe for a moment that all of this is coincidence?  Not on your life!  Everything is somewhat up in the air, but my children won't lose their house and my grandchildren won't starve.  I repeat:  God is good!

Snow Day!

Yesterday, I got an unexpected break from routine when school was called off due to snow.  (That is one protection that comes from teaching school:  if the weather is too bad, I don't have to brave the elements to get to work.  In that regard, I chose my profession well!)  Of course, the missed day has to be made up in April...

Another unexpected pleasure was that my family was here.  My son-in-law's mother is retiring from her nursing career at Methodist Hospital, and her retirement tea was yesterday.  In order to miss the worst of the snow storm, the kids came down Monday evening.  Meg and Robin stayed overnight with me while Nathan and Ryan stayed at Nate's folks'.  (They live in Plainfield, too.)  Robin, who loves what she calls "sleepovers", walked in the door, threw up her arms and announced, "Your kids are here!"  Yes, they were!

Nathan had a job interview today.  He thinks he will be offered a position, but it is unknown, at this point, if the offer will be acceptable.  I am praying like crazy!!  The Bath King deserves better than what he has been dealt in this recent deal.  It isn't right, and it isn't fair!

On that note, I will retire for the night.  The dog says it is time to hit the sack...

The War

Apparently, a comment I made in my last post offended a Veteran reader.  (Heck, I am tickled pink to know anyone reads my mind blatherings at all!)  I am, at the very least, flattered to think someone bothered to post a reply, even if he objects to what I wrote.

My daugher responded that Indyboxer2 missed the point.  He replied that he didn't.  I wish to clarify...and then the matter is closed, as far as I am concerned.

I am 59 years old and female--a Baby Boomer.  I never fought in any wars, but I am a Navy brat.  My father retired from the Navy as a full Commander.  After WWII and Korea, we were allowed to travel with him wherever he was stationed.  I lived in Hawaii when the Arizona was still just a wreck in Pearl Harbor, and lived in Japan just 12 years after the end of World War II.  My father truly was a member of The Greatest Generation, and I am extremely proud of him and what he and my other career-military family members did to defend our country and proudly serve.  My uncle was a Lt. Colonel in the Army, recipient of the Silver Star and a Purple Heart for bravery in the Korean War, finally serving out of D.C.;  my aunt served in the Coast Guard during that same time, and her husband helped to build ships.  My daughter's cousin was a 7-year prisoner of war (James Bryan McKamey) of the Vietnam "Conflict".  My brother was part of the evacuation of Vietnam.  My heart pumps red, white, and blue blood! 

In all of the years I spent with my family--including the POW (who should have been the most bitter)--I NEVER heard any of them spout words of violence toward the "enemy".  Why?  Because they were doing what they were called to do with pride, but were not happy about the killing, even though it was in the line of duty and in defense of our country.  They didn't claim the wars as theirs; rather the wars claimed them.  The other part of the equation is that they came home clear winners.  The veterans of conflicts after that seem to be the most defensive.  No need!

I came of age during the Vietnam Conflict.  We sent 10-15 years' worth of our country's finest young soldiers to fight and die for freedom for a little country that had nothing to do with us.  Heroes all!  Still, it split the country apart far wider than anything that has happened in recent years. 

The point I was making in the post I made about my granddaughter's "paper clip" contribution to my life was not a political statement.  I admit that it does trouble me that the war in Iraq has preempted the quest to find Osama Bin Laden, who was CLEARLY the leader of the attacks on America.  And my comment about the Middle East only hating us more has to do with the fact that these folks have not forgiven the Christian world for the Crusades that occurred in the 1500's.  Obviously, they don't forgive and forget!  I have lived with news of violence in the Middle East my entire life. What we start now will not end with a democratic government in Iraq (which isn't going to happen soon).  It will go on and on, and we can't fix it.  They are religious fanatics that see us as The Great Satan and will not be satisfied until we are all dead.  Since that isn't going to happen, the only option for them is to keep trying...which means more and more violence and fear.  I don't run from it; it is just a fact of life.

Yes, we could win the "war" if we re-engaged the Enola Gay, but that isn't an option in the world community, at this point.  Yes, we could have won the Gulf War the last time it happened, but we didn't finish the job.  And don't EVER say that perhaps I should have stood where the twin towers were in order to get my priorities straight.  I have devoted the last 8 years of my life working in Disaster Services along with those who were there.  (The only thing that kept me away from Ground Zero was my job.  My principal didn't think it was in "our" best interests to provide a sub for me for two weeks.)

I'm sorry, Mr. Indyboxer2, that you have rankled at what you deem to be scorn on my part toward the war in Iraq.  As my Army uncle once said when I asked him what he thought of the Vietnam Conflict:  "It isn't much of a war, but it's the only one we've got." 

My whole purpose in commenting about the war in my "blog" is that it contributes to my mood.  I hate it that our boys are dying in an arena that doesn't have much to do with our 9/11 quest and that it permeates the news.  (It has more to do with Daddy Bush's inability to get Saddam Hussein the first time.)   

God bless you for your service to our country!  I respect you and will mention your (screen) name tomorrow morning when we stand for a moment of silence in honor of "those who serve" and say  the Pledge of Allegiance.  (Yes, it still happens in America's schools, in spite of press that says it doesn't.)

Thank you for posting on my "blog."  I had no idea that anyone ever read this thing!

 

 

 

Paper Clip

There is so little cheer in the world right now.  Gas and energy prices are out of sight.  One can buy meat for meals if one is vigilant and finds good sales.  The war in Iraq seems unnecessary, unwinnable, and only serves to make the Middle East hate us more.  My son-in-law is soon unemployed through no fault of his own. There is a snowstorm on the way.  And my dog still hasn't figured out that the back yard is her bathroom.  Life is fun...

Still, there are bright spots.  I got a card in the mail from my 3-year-old granddaughter Robin.  She sent me a paper clip.  If you are thinking that I received one of those bent-wire things that hold papers together, you aren't thinking like a 3-year-old!  Robin is learning to use scissors.  What she sent me was a little "clip" of paper that she snipped from a larger piece, just for me!  She wanted to share her newfound skill with me, and I will treasure it always!

I spent Saturday morning and early afternoon in Owen County, talking to the Ham Club there about SATERN, by invitation.  Two of the members there are good friends of mine.  Mike N5CEC had promised me a lunch, so I stuck around during VE testing (one candidate who passed) so he could make good on his promise.  It was a beautiful sunshiny day and a lovely hour's drive.  I didn't mind at all!

Decided to drive to Muncie to be with Meg and family late Saturday afternoon until this early evening.  They seem calm in the face of personal disaster.  The children, of course, keep me buoyed.  Last night, I suggested that Robin needed to have a bath.  She said she would get it from the Bath King (her father).  Cracked me up!  She also spelled her name and knew what she had spelled!  Robin is beyond her years in language and vocab...but two-year-old Ryan continues to fascinate me with his vocabulary and language skills.  Last night, we were looking at a book of shapes and colors.  He knew them all:  rectangle, diamond, circle, oval, square, and triangle, plus all of the colors.  (Seventy-five percent of children are able to recognize five shapes by age four!)  He and Robin both also know "red ockagon" (stop sign) when we are out driving around, and what the lights on the stoplights mean.  It's pretty difficult to feel down when the brightest stars in the sky are in mylife!

But now I have to prepare to go back to school for yet another week.  Do I want to?  Noooo... 

Spring is almost here...but there is this snowstorm approaching tomorrow.  We shall see!

Not in the mood...

I try to stay upbeat.  I'm not sure why.

This morning, I found a doggie puddle on the living room carpet, even though there were clean pads down in the kitchen; this afternoon, I discovered that the dog had managed to reach the bag of dog treats on the counter;...and tonight, somehow, the poor undernourished fat dog of the household got a whole dish of green beans down on the floor and was chowing down on them.  What ticks me off about that is that those particular beans were from my sister's garden last summer, picked and snapped personally by me.  Bad dog!

On Friday, it was announced at school that one of "ours" was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer.  Joan and I worked together for a lot of years.  She was one of the people who got me through my divorce.  Now, I don't know what to do to help her through this time...

This morning, Megan IMed me at school to announce that the golf course where Nathan works has been sold and the employees are terminated, as of Friday.  No warning.  The possibility exists that the employees can reapply with the new owner, but the buyer owns another golf course and has relatives in the business.  I don't hold out much hope.  The children are fearful; I am scared to death for them...and for me.

This evening, a dear friend of mine, "Major Pat," called to say that he has been diagnosed with Stage 3 kidney disease.  He just found out two weeks ago that he is also diabetic...so the hits keep on coming.  He, of course, thinks this is the end of the line for him. 

I guess all I am asking anyone who reads this (?) is to pray for my loved ones...and indirectly, for me.  Since my brother's untimely death on New Year's Eve, I have been somewhat measured in my plans for the future.  These recent events don't help!

 

The Big Move

You may congratulate me!  My classroom is (mostly) moved...and I really like my new surroundings.  It was a chaotic week at school, however, and at least the beginning of this next week will be, too. Grades are due.  We have been advised NOT to move our computers to the new environs until our grades are exported to the Guidance Department.  We are to get new computers, too...so the race will be on to get info moved from one to the other.  I sure wish I knew more about how computers work!

On Friday, Meg came down after school to assist with moving my "schtuff."  She left the grandchildren with Grandma Judy while we carted stuff from one room (upstairs) to the new one (downstairs).  Thereafter, we attended an evening event at the Plainfield United Methodist Church--something called Snack and Craft, sponsored by a Sunday School class.  Babysitting is provided while women bring in their craft projects, spread out on the tables, and work on whatever craft projects they have in the fellowship of other "crafty" women.  Sometimes I work on scrapbooking.  Sometimes I grade papers.  That's what I did this time.  Robin, God bless her, spoke of a "sleepover" from the beginning...so we had a sleepover!  Meg and the children stayed overnight.

Know what's wrong with sleepovers?  Away from their normal bedrooms and beds, the children don't sleep!  Robin, my roommate on "sleepovers", will NOT go to sleep until Gwamma gets there.  This time, it was almost 2:00 AM.  <sigh>

I spent part of Saturday helping my friends Harold and Jo Ann get their house packed up to get it ready to put on the market.  The rest of the day, I just enjoyed my solitude (and napped some). 

Today, I went to school to work on my new room some, then went to Wal-Mart to stock up on food.  After rain in the morning, it turned into a really nice day--low 60's in temp.  Of course, the rains returned with threats of more heavy stuff overnight.  We have flooding in parts of the state.  Rain, rain--go away!

Anyone want a dog??

Poor bored little Frodo has taken to lifting facial tissues out of the bathroom trash basket and shredding them all over the house!  She has toys to play with, but I am convinced that there just isn't enough stimulation with our life in the slow lane to keep her happy.  Sunday morning, I woke up to doggie diarrhea all over the kitchen carpet.  Couldn't figure out the cause of that but finally figured it out.  She likes those cornstarch bones that PetSmart sells.  Usually she just obsesses about them, daring anyone to take them away from her...but this time, she ate one, all in one overnight.  I'm going to think long and hard before I let her have one of those again!!

This has been a busy week, and will continue to be until it is over.  Am moving my classroom at school, a bit at a time, and trying to get things done at home...plus tutoring after school two days a week, and BARC (Bulldogs Amateur Radio Club) one afternoon.  Then there is my regular radio club that will have its March meeting on Monday (which will also be our first day in the "new" middle school.  Hope I'll be ready!).  Grades are due Tuesday.  Three-and-a-half more weeks until spring break.  Come on, April!!

Spring break will bring its own complications.  I would love to be able to stay home and dig into projects here at the house, but I will want to see my grandchildren (Robin likes "sleepovers") and I have a semi-date with my newfound niece and family in Berwyn, IL, for a couple of days that week.  While I'm there, I should meet my brother's special friend, if that can be arranged...and maybe should see his roommate to collect some of his things.  (Don't know how that will work out.  It's tricky!)  In any case, if I am able to collect a couple of days free, I will consider myself lucky!

Can't solve any of the world's problems tonight, so I might as well head for the boudoir.  Meanwhile, I'm wondering what the dog has in mind for mischief while I'm sleeping, THIS time...

 

 

Happy Birthday to Me...uh...yesterday

Does this mean I am late to my own birthday? 

One thing that we find out as old folks is that birthdays are just another day on the calendar.  Still, it's nice to be remembered.  Meg and the children came down from Muncie to take me out to dinner yesterday.  What a treat!  We ate (too well) at Olive Garden, and I got the best kisses and hugs from Robin! 

Today, subs were employed for the 8th grade core subject teachers in order to pack up our classrooms for next week's move to the new middle school (adjacent to where we are now).  My sub was Rachel Standeford, wife of John Standeford (Monrovia's contribution to the Indianapolis Colts)--a young lady that I had in school when she was in 5th grade.  (Am I getting old, or what?)  I got a lot done, having borrowed some students each period to help ship things to the new classroom.  Filled one of those huge trash carts on wheels to the brim!  I am far from done, however...but I have some time next week to finish up the job.  The first official day in the new surroundings will be Monday, March 13th, first day of the last grading period.

I listen to people whine and complain about the move, etc...but I am overjoyed about the new digs.  The newly remodeled room is big and has carpet!  All new furniture!  (Everything matches!)  A sink!  Built-in cabinets!  A ceiling mount for an LCD projector!  White boards!  Bulletin boards!  For the first time in my entire teaching career, I will have a place to hang my coat!  I don't know that any of this will change the level of instruction in my classroom, but it certainly does make the teacher happier...and it was long overdue. 

Daughter Megan has outdone herself on genealogy research and web site construction.  More to follow about that!