the BIG birthday

the birthday boy with some of his presents and the traditional birthday cupcake with candle.

he got a forklift, several t-shirts, jammies, vintage bottle opener, truck poster and several other neat stuff.

a brief visit to his doctor in which he re-wrapped his foot dressing, picked up meds at walgreens, cheeseburgers for the dog at wendy's, and kfc for hubby, then returned home.

tomorrow, he gets a birthday trip to boise, idaho so he can pick up auto parts. i suppose isabelle and i will have to go along with him.

we will stop in missoula, montana to look for cameras at the costco there.

And so it goes...

Greg continued sitting around the house, with his nurse (me) attending to his every want and desire.

Finally arising from the recliner on Saturday morning, he ventured forth to play with his friends down at the shop; Wow. A break. I finally got a rest period for a while. Actually, his friends made him rest in the recliner they have installed in the shop while they worked on their own projects.

So I puttered around the house on Saturday doing a little cleaning. With looking after him for so long, the house tended to get a little messy.

On Sunday, we took garbage to the dump, got lattes, went to Farragut Park to pick up new park passes, and stopped in Bayview to view all the new construction.

*My Canon Powershot S2 decided to bite the dust over the weekend. This is a problem as I have learned from searching the www. Obviously, after 2 years, the darn things just quit working. It had not been taking really great pics on the Euro trip, but I thought that was just me. It wasn't. It was the camera that was dying.

So now off to Costco to find what cameras they have so I can get a brand new one. The only bad thing is that I fear this is the curse of the appliances. First the camera, what next? The TV or the Washer/Dryer?

Nurse

Run ragged. Will have to fall into bed in a while. Have to dope up the hubby first, make sure that he gets to bed tonight-- after helping him to the potty, then cover him up, collect dishes, ice packs, elevate his foot, start laundry, tidy up livingroom.

I hate being a nurse. Sick patients are SO demanding.

Ugh.

"More water, more milk, more painkillers, more food, cover me up, i'm sleepy, need another pillow, need more ice, need more painkillers, need to go potty, help me, answer the phone, talk to the doctor, get me a drink, i'm cold, turn up the heat, turn down the heat, open a window, more pillows, less pillows, less ice, more ice"

F-Surgery Today

F=FOOT

Greg is going in for surgery today. Instead of the crack of dawn, we are to be there at 11:00. Hopefully, this final surgery will take care of his problem. Wish us luck. It sounds like the surgery will be more intense and last longer this time; and I will get to sit there the entire time waiting for him.

Maybe the dog and I will run over to Wendy's for a cheeseburger. Depending on time.

It is another dreary, dark, cold day out today. Last night it snowed again. I think that summer might just pass us by this year.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + +

A blinding snow storm plagued us as we drove to the Speciality Hospital; hubby was starving and shaky as he had not had a thing to eat since midnight. We got there about 11:00 and he was immediately ushered back for surgery-prep. At 12:00 and 1:00, I took Isabelle for a walk. While reading a book and hoping that time would pass quickly - the electricity in the center went out suddenly! Several of us were waiting for patients and we all expressed concern. The staff assured us that they had emergency back-up generators for such a situation. After a tense 30 minutes, the power was finally restored.

Greg was finally released to Recovery about 3:00P. I went back to wait for him to be released. As his toe was bleeding into the bandages quite profusely, the nurse wanted to wait for a while to release him. We sat waiting for another hour.

After leaving the hospital we stopped at Quizno's to pick up CheeseSteak sandwiches - then at Wendy's for cheeseburgers for baby Isabelle. Getting home around 4:30~we were both exhausted. I got Greg set up in the recliner with an ice pack.

Quite a day.

Paris

paper & mask-misty cato

stamps-carol abram

postal tags-designing on the edge

Isabelle is FOUR!

Happy Birthday Isabelle.

We woke her up this morning, with the traditional cupcake & candle. Singing happy birthday to her as she yawned and stretched on her bed. Then put her "birthday pants" on and off to the latte stand where Debbie made cute baby noises and told her she was a good dog-congratulating her on the birthday & giving lots of cookies. When we returned home, she got a birthday BATH because she was such a stinky dog.


The day started out warm & sunny on Sunday, but as it got later it started to get colder, cloudy & snow! Ugh.

Yesterday we went to the lumber yard in town - Lowe's to pick up stuff to complete the basement remodel for the kids. Closets, carpet, bed, bedding, shower, etc. So much to do, so little time left!

Greg & Kevie-poo will go pick up the new FORKLIFT! Hubby is so excited to be getting a new toy to play with.

He also had a "free" clock to send for with his purchase of a whole bunch of car air fresheners. This FREE clock only costs $5 shipping & handling with the purchase of a bagillion air fresheners. Now we have about 20 air fresheners in every car we own. (let me tell you - that's a LOT!)

I also got the Syntax - Meccano Mind CD in the mail today. Yummy - These guys ROCK! Love the sound.

Happy Krappy

All it does is snow around here. I think I remember a movie about where it blew dust on the prairie so much one year that a mother literally went insane and killed her whole family.

Not that I'm at THAT point yet. But I can identify with that temporary insanity.

Will it ever quit snowing. Will it ever quit being winter?

This is almost May! Our area had better have one hell of a good summer after all this horrible winter!

-credits-k hadfield, sande krieger, font gf halda

Yesterday, when we ran up to Priest River with the kids' Cougar on the trailer to get it Titled & Registered, Greg was filling out his paperwork to title another vehicle. He signed & dated the paperwork and proceeded to hand it back to the agent. She noticed that right away that the date was incorrect - he had written down MAY! I laughed and told her that he has early Alzheimer's and it is getting worse every day. She had him change it and he then wrote down M.A.Y. to M.A.H. so that nobody would notice it-when I asked him why change it to an H, he looked at me blandly. I told him that abbreviation for March is M.A.R. and he could have added just an R. over the Y which would have been very simple.

His hearing is going, too. When we were getting ready to leave, I asked him where the dog was? He answered "Yeah, the tie-downs are all secure. We can go now!"

If I didn't laugh about it all, I'd probably cry.

Blogging For Dollars

There was a tv channel shown locally in the area where I grew up; it was usually on in the late afternoons after I got home from school - and it was called "Dialing For Dollars". They would dial the phone numbers in the telephone book, and if you happened to be watching and could tell them on the phone how much money was in the jackpot at that exact moment, you would win the jackpot. Of course, you had to be watching at the approximate moment they called and it could be at anytime during the commercial breaks of the whole movie. They never called our home phone number, tho. But it was exciting to watch.

Took the boy-toy into the doctor yesterday and it appears (as I predicted - gee! doesn't take much to make a diagnosis - should I have been a doctor?) that he will have to have surgery AGAIN on his toe. Of course, the doctor took the pin out way too early (but he won' t admit it) and now the boy's toe has curved all the way to the opposite side. It is still black & blue & purple and swollen. I asked if the doctor was going to take out the piece of steel rod that had broken off in the toe. Doc just gave me a dirty look and said "We'll have to see..." Gosh! Is that the Royal "we" or does he think that he and the turd in his pocket are going to be operating. Did it mean that he wants me to confer at that moment in the surgery? What does "WE" mean?

Anyway, the details are much too disgusting to outline here on my blog - much cutting & carving & blood & guts.

Wednesday, April 23 is the S-Day.

After visiting said quack (oh sorry- i mean doc) we stopped at Chad Is Bad's house to visit with them. They recently had a baby boy. Amy is such a sweetheart. She came jogging in with the baby after we had been there for a few minutes. I got to toss the baby (hold the baby) around for a while. Greggy Weggy also picked it up and held it for about 3 minutes! The baby looks EXACTLY like a carbon copy of Chad - even down to the eyebrows, cheeks, ears, and hairline!

I had not taken my camera, otherwise I would have taken a pic to show you. Will have to remember to put my little camera in my D&B purse. Argh. Hubby-bubby said I should buy a camera to put in every vehicle.

On Wednesday, the latte lady at the stand put raspberry flavoring in one latte; and dark chocolate in another latte when I had ordered one PLAIN latte; and one Tiger-Tail latte. She is getting ditzy-er all the time. So for a while, we are going to the competition in town. Maybe if she realizes we aren't buying 2-3 lattes per day at her place, she will get her head out of her ass!

Instead of paying attention, she has a tendency to talk WAY too much.

Hmm. In other news, today we are taking Matt's car to the licensing department to have them inspect it as it came from AZ and have them issue a title & reg in this state. I'll have to send the kids the bill.

When we went over to Spoky-Joe on Wednesday, and hubster stopped at Harbor Freight to pick up more tool stuff - I went into Hastings to look at books *and buy a b-day card for hubster! As I was making my purchase at the checkout, the employee - Leslie asked me if this was a good author. Great small talk!!! I told her that "I don't know, I have never read this author before". Wouldn't a better bit of comment have been for Leslie to have shared- "Ummmm. I have never read this author before. I wonder if she is good?" or "Have you ever read this author before...and if so, do you recommend her books?" I believe that we have lost the art of small talk.

And even though it was high 60F yesterday around here, it is now snowing...again. And it is supposed to snow throughout the weekend.

I will leave you with a picture of Izzy on her bed in her room, soaking up the sun that was actually shining the other day!

*credits-dictionary page - terry maruca, polaroid- gunhild storeide

Garlic Chicken and other Delites

Hubby-bubby stopped at Papa Murphy's today to pick up a take-n-bake pizza. He also brought home a Cheesy Bread & a Cinnamon Wheel - yum. Lots of leftovers to eat this coming week!

I was in the mood for a gourmet Chicken Garlic - creamy garlic sauce topped with almost a full pound of cheese on every pizza. Grilled chicken, roma tomatoes, green onions, and an herb-cheese blend!

Finished with our taxes today-yeah. I know. I know. I'm one of those procrastinators who waits until the last possible second to file taxes. But it was fun. That hell is over for another 365 days!

It snowed last night/early morning. We woke up today with over 2 inches of snow on the deck. Even though it melted off pretty well, the day was still dark & dreary. About 3:00 flurries started blowing around again. Greg had run into CDA and said that it was hailing there.

After having the high temperatures on Sunday of 70F, it is truly depressing to have this winter linger on so long.

So Many Places...

So little time. Yeah. I would like to visit Anita in Oz; Vicky in Denmark, Paula in Netherlands, and Theresa in San Diego. But there is just so little time. And so many other responsibilities-life intrudes. As soon as we retire, I would love to travel, and travel, and travel.

I signed up for Belly Dancing classes today that will take place in July. Have always wanted to learn how to belly dance! And Calligraphy classes in May. I envy people with beautiful handwriting.

Um. Smashed the bee-jezus out of my left index finger tonight when I accidentally slammed the screen door on it. It is a bloody pulp. All swollen and black. G-ross! Won't put a picture in here of it. Thank goodness you are saved from that! Think about this. Does anybody PURPOSELY smash a door on their finger. Hmm. I suppose only if they are into pain! LOL~!

Today we filled the dog's waterbed; replaced the bedding so that she has entirely new bed! Changed the water in the fish tank; Washed the dog; Went to get a few groceries in Spirit Lake; and washed a tank load of laundry. It was 72 degrees here today, but not much snow disappeared. Tomorrow the weather forecast is for 42 and rain. :(

Closer...Closer

As his birthday nears closer, the gifts I have ordered come trickling in; when we arrived home yesterday from a brief trip to Sandpoint, (picked up building door material) there were about 4 boxes from UPS on our deck. His denim shirt arrived; his Ford emblem pyjama pants arrived; and the journal is the only thing I am still awaiting upon.

I also made THIS for his birthday. The other day, when we were over in Spoky-Jo, he got a super speed Ingersoll-Rand 1/2" Impact Wrench Air Tool. Like a kid on Christmas morning, he went on and on; telling me all about the neat things this little tool could do. As if I really cared. Blah, Blah, Blah - in one ear and out the other. If it's a tool he needs for the shop-who cares. But if it really makes him happy- Let him jizz about it.

The idea struck me on the way home - I would immortalize this tool for him so that he could gaze at it when he wasn't actually touching it.

So, I made a little tool art. Cute, huh? I found an idea on the internet and expanded it. This now hangs on his wall in the laundry room(Greg's office) so that he can stare at it for hours.

He moaned and complained when I presented it to him (I was so anxious - unable to possibly wait until the end of the month!) because he said "you give the best presents-and I always give you such crap!"

I dunno. He gave me a beautiful, wonderful baby on Valentine's Day back in 1985. That was a pretty wonderful gift. Top that!

Greg's BDay

Pretty soon, my husband will be having another birthday. It's a big one.

Will probably get him a chocolate with white frosting cake - it's his favorite!

I have already ordered a couple automotive related t-shirts for him; sent for a cute "Monster" energy drink journal (so he can keep in the truck & write notes) bought him some new white socks; and gotten a cute vintage metal sign for his shop.

He also needs a tubing bender, so he will have to order that. Last night he was also moaning about needing another auto lift in his shop, so he doesn't have to rotate vehicles between just one...so maybe he should get another one. I would have to talk him into it as it is a major expense- - but he would save so gosh darned much time not having to fool around with vehicles all the time. He would be able to spend more time working on them instead.

Isabelle's birthday is on the 21st - Greg's is on the 29th. Have to be thinking about getting Izzy-bell something special, too.

Last night, we watched the pay-per-view movie - Gone Baby, Gone. It was pretty good.

I Don't Remember My Mother's Voice

My mother has only been gone since Fall of 2007; yet I can't remember what her voice sounded like. I can't remember anything specific.

Mother's Day is getting closer and I am devastated that for the first time, ever...I will not have a mother to celebrate it with.

Besides that-my father in law's girlfriend, my friend -Bert passed away today. She went into the hospital almost a month ago due to complications from a twisted intenstine. Due to infection from surgery & hospital care, she deteriorated - the doctor released her to a care home, but she was re-admitted to the hospital again this week as she worsened from lack of proper care.

Marvin called us today to let us know that Bert lost brain activity during the night and they turned off life support today.

Of the two of them, they looked out for each other in Arizona. Both of them had separate homes, but would get together for dates, companionship, and nookie. It wasn't a big love affair, but it was the best they could do at this point in their lives. But I never imagined that Bert would be the first to go - she was in better health than Marv; had unlimited energy; just a little ball of activity. She was the one that ran around with Greg and myself when we visited Oct 2007 in Arizona. We had lots of fun at the Arizona Desert Museum. Bert ran us off our feet- She also cooked dinner at her home one night while we were there. This is a photo of Greg & Bert in front of her home. Marv's home is like a showcase home from Modern Living; Bert had a wonderful, homey, warm & comfortable home.

We were planning to visit Marv when he went to Missouri in the spring and I was looking forward to seeing Bert again.

Greg and I thought about going to see them right after we returned from Iowa; but we didn't know she would worsen, or if she even wanted us to visit at all. Some people don't like others around when it gets that bad. We weren't relatives. And I was forced to wait around for a loved one to die when I was younger. It was AWFUL. I think that has influenced my attitude towards haunting the hospital when people are dying. But now, I wish we had gone down. But I honestly thought that Bert would recover. I never once thought it would come to this.

I had lots in common with Bert. She was a dear, dear woman. I sincerely wish that SHE had been my mother-in-law. She was sweet. Loving. Caring.

There are no words to say how much I will miss her.

I love you Bert. I miss you already.

But I know that as with my mother, I will forget the sound of your voice, too.

New Alpha

Eclectic, heart alpha which would be great to use on Mother's Day layouts.

I have used the alpha here to highlight my kids' photo - they were all dressed up as my son-in-law had gotten a promotion. Way to go, Son!

Pick it up here - ALPHA

Quit Wandering Around

I have absolutely GOT to quit wandering on the info superhighway because there are just way too many retail pitstops along the way.


Just had to share this with you today - while I was at http://recycledcrafts.craftgossip.com/page/2


I saw the cutest glass beer bottle chandelier by http://www.barlite.com/



Then merging into the fast lane of the superhighway, I found I the exit for http://www.etsy.com/; this designer- TheRipeRadish makes button bouquets! Aren't they just adorable? I have a black thumb when it comes to growing plants, but I could really get into these.

How do these people manage to be so creative? These are so beautiful that I want to buy one for all my friends.

And that beer chandelier would make a great early b-day present for a certain son-in-law! Hmmm.

Greg-ster's birthday is coming up on April 29. He will be the big Hawaii 5-0!
So I think I might have to do something special for him. Do you know...that he has lived longer with me than he ever did with his parents? What a milestone. Gosh. I feel so damned old. Wasn't there a Garth Brook song about that? I'm too young to feel this damned old!


And LTCreatesJewelry over at http://www.etsy.com/ designs jewelry made out of vintage SpooNs! So I just had to order a ring!
B-Yoo-T-Ful!



All my birdhouses in the woods are made of plain wood - which I painted to protect them from the elements - but wouldn't your bird just adore his own home made out of recycled license plates? Too cute! OldRedBarn at http://www.etsy.com/.

I have got to get back on the highway and get back to browsing.
V-room, V-room!


Check back later as I am almost finished with some very interesting Alphas I will be giving away!


Oh. Almost forgot. Greg-ster & Joe-Amigo left for the coast yesterday. They got there safely and already went to view auto parts junk at the swap meet. Isabelle & I took a nice long walk yesterday as the temperature was quite warm with the sun out. Today looks to be another great day as the sun is shining brightly!


(ps-all photos from http://www.etsy.com/ - hope the designers don't mind me pumping their products - go buy! go buy!)

SUCKER!

The Rooter Guys came out to suck our septic yesterday at 1PM. Larry was only here for about 15-20 minutes. Our septic won't have to be sucked for at least another 2 years he said!

Talked to Kelsey on IM yesterday for quite a while. She said there are 60 days left until they return to here for a visit! I'm so excited. Have missed the kids so much since we left UK.

My daughter also introduced me to http://www.ebates.com/ which is a buying site where you can earn cash rebates depending upon the stores you shop at through this site. Say, for example that you shop on-line at Target, Wal-Mart, or Victoria's Secret. If you go register at ebates, then shop at these stores through this site, you earn cash rebates. You can also earn a $10 gift certificate just for signing up!

This will be interesting to see if I actually will earn money back!

Our friends - Joanie & Chachi's dog Fargo (these are the people that adopted 3 former racing greyhounds) is having surgery today on an abcess on his right hind thigh. Poor thing is the most timid of all the dogs; but I think that he really likes me when I go over. These dogs are truly beautiful; have no extra fat on their bodies; and do really run like the wind! When they play out in the fenced backyard, they sprint by so fast that you almost can't see them!

Tomorrow, I believe the Greg-ster is leaving with Joe-Amigo & Chachi to go to the Portland Swap Meet. I won't be going (an all-boy's thing; ya know!). But they will be gone for 4 days. What will I do with myself? What WON'T I do with myself? Hmmmmmm. What trouble can I get into? Stay tuned.