Sunday, February 07, 2010
Time Has Passed
Sunday evening
and I’m wondering “How did the weekend pass so fast?”
It doesn’t seem as if I kept so very busy
Helping to shovel out from under 3” of snow
Time with Husband, who seems a bit more relaxed somehow, but I cain’t really pinpoint any exact cause. Maybe because the house is behaving itself, after all the updates we have been dealing with. Although a new water heater is expected soon. He says he got some “needed for the job” studying done while I was at church.
a few loads of laundry, feed the cats, swept a corner of the kitchen floor
crochet a couple bookmarks for sympathy cards
and knitted a couple baby hats to carry to the hospital
I left folding towels, and ironing, for later
On Monday, I will attend a memorial service for a really nice lady, a “pillar in our church congregation”. I was already off the job because of a meeting, which was cancelled so we might attend the funeral. Events have a way of getting sorted out in my little planner book.
Here’s hoping your week begins with your best foot forward.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
One Hour of my Day
Today’s TA Sub job meant duty as a Supervisor over Noon hour. That particular school does not hire anybody extra to help the way some others do. It just expects the TAs to work awhile away from the classroom. I suppose it saves money for Payroll. On the other hand, the laminating press seems to be in constant use, so there’s a balance.
The notes from the office did not tell me where I would be, so I had to ask the Assistant Principal. Turned out to be Recess, which I like so much better than Cafeteria. In the Cafeteria, there’s spills and waste and crazy tattle-tales.
Even though Free Play was indoors in the gym because outside was 16oF, I was just fine with it.
We pulled out some equipment for the kids to play with. Basketballs and hula hoops. One kid asked for jump ropes, but the lead teacher nixed that request. Too many people in the space.
However, I began to time a couple of the kids working the hula hoops. I called out each 10 seconds, one minute ten, one minute 40 and so on. Next thing I know, a competition of sorts started up. I had to take my watch off my wrist to be able to see it better and longer. And 9 kids were wiggling like crazy.
During first period, one girl made it to 4 minutes 18 seconds.
After the change, I challenged the next group to try to beat that record. They had already had lunch, so a bit more subdued.
It became clear that 2 girls would be very good at hula hoops. They both passed 3 minutes. But then, a basketball rolled into one girl’s ankle and she lost her rhythm. Kinda sad, but later she told me she was getting tired anyway.
The last girl kept going. The lead teacher blew the whistle for the line up, but I waved him off, and told her to keep going.
At 4 minutes 30 seconds, all the other students were quiet and watching her. Teachers came in to collect their class; realized what was happening. We all waited, but she was now feeling awkward at being the center of attention.
And getting tired.
I called out the time 5 minutes.
Seven seconds later she let the hula hoop drop.
My oh my, such a nice show. I began a spontaneous applause.
The whole room clapped for her.
She put the hula hoop on the storage hook, then took her place in line with her classmates.
the boy behind her patted her shoulder
the teacher said she should get a drink of water at the fountain
a different girl waved me over and asked if I am going to be at that school again very soon?
she liked having the time for hula hoops
A boy spoke up saying he has a watch with a second hand, so he can do it next time there is Indoor Recess.
Teaching kids how to add some fun while moving.
There are times when I just love the job I do.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, February 01, 2010
Bookmarks and Baby Hats
my most recent craft pile got started for the Mennonite Relief Sale, but several other events have come up, such as need for sympathy card tuck-ins, and a birthday.
I noticed last year that knit hats don’t sell very well in the Spring, so I’m not making so many right now. my best exception is the little hats for a baby or doll, which I have learned to peg loom knit nice and fast
these will go to newborns at the hospital
All these, and more not in pictures, are projects completed in the last week. I’m also trying to crochet some tote bags from a big bag of donated rug/craft yarn. The first one was admired at my Yarn Group, so I will likely go on to do more. As I mentioned, warm hats are more welcome at a different season of year.
And now that I have acknowledged that my blog is still here, I’ll get going on household chores and mebbe see what’s happening at FaceBook.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
It’s Here! the new dryer doing fine
Life tends to just happen with me. I’m not a real adventurous person, but when something lands in my lap, I deal with it as best I can. And I am married to a sweet guy who puts up with me and tries to arrange surroundings so that I don’t have deal with too much of the worst of it 
In the last week, we had to call the furnace shop, which ended up with a new thermostat, paying for part and labor.
The pipe valves behind the washer, and the washer’s intake hoses got replaced by resident handyman.
Melting snow caused water seeping into the basement again, which got toweled up by the guy trying to get some work done on his computer. We have a fleet of 3 mop buckets, all brite yellow, with one going away again when son Christopher’s belongings find a new home.
Saturday evening, our almost 19-year-old dryer died. Also written about at Decrepit Old Fool. We went shopping Sunday afternoon, blowing the dust off the SEARS charge card to do so. And then, Sunday evening, while I watched a dvd and crocheted potholders, Husband pulled the old dryer away from the wall and cleared the output hose of old lint build-up. He knows alot, and works hard.
This morning, I got ready for delivery, clearing a path from front door to basement spot. This meant all the stuff from entryway, moving kitchen table and cat’s shelf, all the items on the steps. Then washing down the wall and floor before the new dryer gets moved into its new home.
I don’t want delivery guys tripping or stepping on something. Nothing should hinder the task at hand.
The guy told me they have 14 appliances to drive to and set up today. They sure are good at it! they put straps over their shoulders, balancing the dryer on the loop between them. No cart nor dolly at all. He asked if I have ever seen a dryer “float” before. He says they can do that with a dryer cuz it’s fairly light. A refrigerator is handled differently.
Now I have a new G E dryer. It smells new.
But I hope to have it until it gets old, just like the last one.
From the pile at the bottom of the laundry chute, it looks like 4 loads should be sorted and put through the routine. Then there’s the ironing left from last week, which I did not do Sunday afternoon because we were at the appliance store.
Keeping busy. Not as busy as my spouse.
Then again, nobody can keep up with him when he sets his mind to it.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Necessary Appliance
our dryer died Saturday evening
Sunday afternoon, went shopping
new dryer arriving Monday morning
the United States of America
A Great Place to Live
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Sad News about Actress Jean Simmons
Online info tells me that the actress Jean Simmons has passed away on today’s date. I really hope she meets my dad in heaven because he sure had a “crush” on her back in the day. She was a beauty, oh yeah.
My first memory of her in the movie The Big Country was at a drive-in theater, with Dad behind the steering wheel telling Mom to turn up the music from the little box hanging on the passenger side window.
The sound track for that film was lovely, the acting by all quite believable (Burl Ives = outstanding).
I’ve rented the video a couple times, just to get perspective as an adult, and I’ll allow that the movie stands fine by itself, even when clouded by my childlike wonder.
I thought she did a great performance as a Judge on Star Trek the Next Generation.
When Captain Jean Luc Picard tells her to get off his ship, her service was no longer needed, well, that was a woman put in her place, acting ability or not.
A nice thing when somebody famous dies is all the films they made in their lifetime, so we can buy a video and watch over again.
the rest of us leave a few pages in a family photo album
Rest in Peace, Dear Lady.
our world is better for having you in it
~~love and Huggs, Diane
haven’t coded in a link to anywhere because it seems when I do, the trash ads come so much more often to my In-box. I get enough of those already whenever I go to a Crafts site
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A little note
The cat is upset that I have not left the computer to fix his bedtime snack, so this is gonna be short.
I’m a bit busy with yarn and thread projects, with the Mennonite Relief Sale only two months away.
Also plan to crochet a few bookmarks to tuck into cards, and my daughter-in-law’s birthday is coming soon.
Even when I’m not here, you know I’m in the middle of sumthin
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, January 18, 2010
Complaints being taken care of
Our kitchen is wanting all kinds of attention today.
It must have known we would have a holiday off.
My plan of putting our bedclothes through the laundry has been set aside because the water to the whole house is shut off.
The reason for doing so is that Husband is replacing the kitchen sink and plumbing. My morning routine and shower had to be all accomplished early, plus we filled a couple containers for drinks and rinse if needed.
He’s taking pictures, so if he puts them on the Web somewhere, I’ll fix a link.
The other What’s the Matter? is the refrigerator.
It’s been tired for awhile now, making an odd clicking noise on the Defrost cycle. When son Chris mentioned that the orange juice was not quite cold enough, I went investigating and found a bag of frozen peas shoved up against a place where there is supposed to be a gap.
The whole back wall of the freezer was covered with an inch of ice.
We cleared out EVERYTHING from both sections, carrying 2 full trash bags to the curb (thank goodness it was Pick-up Day) then putting what we wanted to keep in coolers and boxes in the unheated garage. Outside is 31o so I hope all will be fine.
Geo unplugged the fridge overnight, then we wiped up melted ice/ water this morning. He suggested we go out for breakfast since the kitchen is in such disarray. I was happy to agree.
When we got back home, we set to work, cleaning each of the bins and shelves of the fridge, washing the floor underneath.
for the sink, he had to loosen pipes and connections which have been rusting in place at least 30 years. Like I said, he took pictures.
Right now, the fridge is humming like it is supposed to sound, and the thermometer inside says the temperature is dropping properly.
After checking to be sure the new sink will fit correctly into the hole (Yes, It Does!) he is busy connecting new hoses and drains. From the amount of profanity, I think the plumbing job is moving along good as can be expected.
Wow, is he alot like his DAD!
I’m going to do the ironing, a task which does not need water.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Update Tuesday afternoon: Decrepit Old Fool did write about kitchen woes also has a link to his photo album.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Takin’ It Easy on a Winter Day
Today was a 3-point errand route
Post Office to mail off a birthday package
Credit Union for monthly CASH
McDs for Eats, which I decided to bring home since I was alone with nothing to read
somewhat of a mistake,
the girl cat sat about 10 inches from my elbow and mewed pitifully with wanting some ground beef bits
(yeah, she got last morsel size of a marble)
and now I will play a cd of soft music while I crochet a bookmark
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The Power of a Popular Show
There is hearsay evidence that the State of the Union speech by our US President Obama was re-scheduled because of a conflict with the Season Premiere of the television show LOST.
Must go verify this non-news.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Snow on Snow on Snow
Today was a Snow Day for schools, and the Activity Center where I go for my Needlework Group. Then I got an e-mail saying this evening’s committee meeting also cancelled, so I am one woman who is happy to stay home!!
The flakes stopped falling around Noon, with 3 marks over 8” measured on the front steps. Yes, I’m a teacher at heart, I went out with a ruler.
When I got my driver’s license when I was a teenager, my dad taught me many extra things about the car, such as how to put on chains, where to check for oil. He also said to always clear off the car as soon as possible after a big snow… not to wait until I needed to go out. Ya just never know if something comes up, such as a family member needing something.
Over the years, I try to stick to do that,
get ready for going, even if I have no plans.
So I went out with my shovel and a broom, then cleared off both cars and a little path around each, and the mess at the end of the parking place where the snowplow heaps basketball size lumps. The big spot in the middle is still full of level snow. It looks odd, and that is where son Chris usually parks when he comes by, but I was running out of oompf, yet I still had to shovel off the front walk.
I miss having 3 sons to help with all the work here.
Best job ever, when I was a stay-at-home mother.
The wind is picking up, blowing powdery white stuff against the window. Sounds almost like sand on the glass.
Weather people seem to have the forecast Correct.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
a Year in Review
the 2009 calendar from the door of the fridge is about to be stored up on the high shelf, so I am looking through for the highlights
JANUARY was typical winter weather for the prairie, yet I had TA Sub jobs the first week. Schools and ISU were closed on the 15th because we got 5.4” snow and -11o overnight. On the 20th I told SubFinder that I was Unavailable so I could stay home and watch the President Obama Inauguration. There were several meetings pertaining to Family Fun Nights for church, which I did not sign on as a Volunteer this year. I might do an item donation or two, but not the time and energy of the last couple years.
FEBRUARY I went to a funeral service for our friend Tom Yoder on the first Wednesday. Family Fun Nights preparations kept me and the kitchen committee quite busy. Both cats got their teeth cleaned on Thursday the 12th. We went out to movie theaters 4 times! Geo hooked up the new box so we could receive the different type of television signals.
MARCH sons Lucas and Chris both had birthdays! and their mother did not send cards. There were several days of TA Sub jobs, even with Spring Break began the fourth Monday. Lucas went to California to see his sweetie. Geo’s unicycle arrived in a box on the porch. Many yarny items donated for the Mennonite Relief Sale. I finished a bedspread cotton baby blanket for a friend due in April, and began to crochet granny squares for the Lucas and Milly wedding gift.
APRIL My car went into the shop and came out a week later. I don’t like driving Husband’s car. Goodness, my month was boring. Apparently too much rain, we were mopping water in the basement. I was a volunteer at a Blood Drive at church. Crocheted several granny squares.
MAY Early on, I worked TA Sub jobs 5 days. On May 9, Geo mowed the grass in the morning, we rode our bicycles to an Open House at the bicycle shop, for lunch and so I could buy a helmet.
He mentioned he had a bit of pain, so I pedalled back home and fetched the car. That night, we were in ER, and at dawn my husband had major surgery. The rest of the month is a blur of phone calls, visitors, crocheted items done at his bedside, and drives to Urbana for son Lucas.
I told SubFinder I was Unavailable until the end of the school year. He was discharged on the 18th, yet still needed care, so I cancelled a trip to my high school reunion in Ohio. One fun afternoon event was an adoption party for our Youth Minister’s daughter.
JUNE on the first day, when there were thunderstorm warnings scrolling at the bottom of the television screen, son Lucas went on an airplane to live in California for good, and Husband was re-admitted to the hospital with an infection. He was in 4 days, then home again on strong antibiotics, with a couple follow-up medical appointments. on 15 June, Geo gratefully returned to work on Short Hours/ Light Duty, with his boss being a chauffeur since bicycle riding was out of the question.
I had my mammogram, which I try to make the appointment near my birthday, and a colonoscopy because I’m getting older. I’m told I don’t need to have either one again for years.
There was much watching of dvds in our own living room, and yard work being done by friends.
JULY son Chris went away on an airplane to visit Aunt Stephanie in Washington DC. He came home on the train 10 days later, having had a wonderful time. I had 7 dental appointments in 5 weeks, with one being a root canal. The cats got their birthday check-ups and shots. They are doing fine for being 14 years old. Fastened off last stitch of the Lucas and Milly aphgan on the 29th. (It seems I still need to put its tale on the blog)
AUGUST Being done with a huge pile of granny squares all sewed into a queen-size aphgan, I decided to master the Diagonal Box Stitch crochet pattern, and proceeded to work up 2 baby aphgans, several dishcloths, and a pair of potholders. They all found sweet homes. Geo began riding his bicycle to the job again, and went to the park for practice on the unicycle. Lucas and Emily legally married with signatures on paper in California.
I was a Teacher Sub for the Pre-K Sunday School class, and the church picnic at the water park was a fun time.
Rehearsals began for the play The Women of Lockerbie, which we would perform at Camp Friedenswald during Women’s Retreat. School Started, and I had TA Sub jobs during the very first week.
SEPTEMBER The weather was lovely. I wrote that word 7 mornings in a row, then rain and overcast, then Lovely another 7 mornings. Which was greatly appreciated because we travelled to the eastern shore of Great Lake Michigan, aka Harbor County, state of Michigan, for son Lucas to have a ceremony for everlasting love to Emily Coogan (she’s keeping her name). A wonderful time, getting to know some great people, all of whom I wished lived on our street so we could chat more often.
The next weekend, I was crowded into a van with many supplies for Women’s Retreat, including full suitcase of yarny donations with sale proceeds going directly to Camp. Being on the program committee was an amazing experience when I had to pull up energy and charisma I never realized is in me.
OCTOBER Rain..Rain..Rain. Several TA Sub jobs, much activity in church kitchen, many knitted baby hats for the hospital. Much mopping of water in basement. Our wedding anniversary came and went, then dinner at a new place a week later. Got the news that a childhood friend had died from complications of diabetes. Last day of month I wrote “Lovely Morning!” and we rode our bicycles to breakfast.
NOVEMBER First day of the month also says “Lovely Morning!” and I went to a jewelry party after church. First Monday of the month, I got a root canal, on the tooth next to the one done last summer. Volunteer at church Blood Drive. Few TA Sub jobs, for various reasons. Thanksgiving turkey ordered and picked up, and just 3 of us had a nice feast. I sewed a couple gift bags, having gotten the idea from pals at church. Shopping in craft sales at high schools.
DECEMBER Four dentist appointments in 4 weeks. Holidays upon us. End of College Semester Stress. Programs at church. Newsletter Preparations. House Decorations few but sentimental. Lucas here for a couple days. Snow..Snow..Snow.. Cats bickering. Husband brings bicycle into house to get warm for repairs.
This Week Craft Supplies Box Arrives. School Semester Starts. No Jobs Available. Crochet 3 bookmarks. Knit baby hat. Sweep kitchen floor. Crochet 2 potholders.
Sit in chair nearly 2 hours to read my notes
and Type Year’s Recap.
Why are we still here?
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Update:
my spouse wrote about our year at Decrepit Old Fool
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
First Crochet of the Year
Aunt Lydia’s bedspread cotton color is called Monet multi
first bookmarks done with it
Awhile back, I told someone the story of my yarn spindles
that one in the picture is my latest
it’s actually a paper towel holder, but when Husband said I should put it into the cart, I was happy to do so
Does a fine job of holding my ball of thread
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Monday, January 04, 2010
Blank Pages now have Scrawls
My hand has writer’s cramp from filling in all the spaces in my new planner/schedule/ Holy time-keeper.
First was days School is closed, next is days I’m already booked for a TA Sub job, then Child Care Volunteer, then appointments, weekly Yarn Group, monthly meetings, special events.
All caught up until my birthday in June.
Then I came over to the computer to tell SubFinder when I’m Unavailable so the phone doesn’t bother me when.
Yep, the New Year is looking mighty Fine.
~~love and Huggs, Diane
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Got it All for Christmas
A few days ago, someone asked me what was my favorite thing I got for Christmas.
Well, since my own sister tells me that I am “hard to buy for” I will say that I did not get too many THINGS for Christmas.
The way I usually prefer for someone to show they care is to DO something. I tend to be a Giver person, so when someone puts out some effort to get something DONE, DONE SOON, (and DONE the way I like it) then I am quite appreciative.
This happened over and again the last few weeks. Middle Son Lucas came back for a visit from California. There was a taxi and a train and airplanes and shuttle van and a different train, and much communication with relatives.
The newlyweds had Christmas morning apart because Emily is allergic to cats, and we have two of them at our house. But our son was with us, by his own choice and efforts, and we are so glad to have him.
He got to be with his wife’s family for a couple extra days because of flight cancellations due to inclement weather. Good thing he carries a laptop to stay in touch with his job.
Our house Internet connection was being quite uncooperative. Husband delayed other tasks he had planned to accomplish while on Break to do diagnostics, get technical advice, order new parts. It hasn’t been this easy to make a connection since last Summer.
True Love is us staring at our screens.
For several days I was fretting over the family newsletter.
I don’t like writing so much, it tends to feel like an assignment for a class. Then son Chris offered to compose something. He sat down right here in this chair and managed to write enough to fill the front and back of a sheet of paper. The kid has a way with words, just like his dad. All I had to do was push Print. Which I did, so that the printer spit out 70 copies.
This evening I sent out e-mails to a couple folks making sure the street address was up-to-date. One said to just send text by e-mail, the other gave me the new information and says looking forward to receiving the paper. Communication overlaps.
Two of the gifts received took effort and have great joy with final product. The first is several jars of jelly, jam, and chutney from Mary and Jay. I know they work hard to bring forth all those pretty goodies, and we definitely like spreading bread from the bakery with such yumminess.
The other box holds bars of soap. Not just any soap. Cashmere Bouquet, which is the only thing with fragrance I allow near me. Usually, I buy several bars when I travel back to Ohio, but in 2009 there was no energy for my reunion. Husband was in the hospital at the time. When I opened the wrapper on my last bar of soap, I got into a bit of a panic, thinking I would have to try to find something else to use in the shower.
While talking to my sister Darla, who lives in Arizona, I told her of my plight. She said I should ask our youngest sister Danna to send me some from the Valley.
I talked with her a couple days before Thanksgiving, and she said she would try to get some soap for me. She mentioned it to our mom and sister Denise at their dinner. Then Mom went on the hunt. The store I usually buy from when I’m there does not carry Cashmere Bouquet soap now. All three of them were looking in different places, when finally my sister Denise went online and found a site which delivers.
Had TEN bars shipped to me in a box waiting on the porch one afternoon when I got home from work and running errands.
Now that is family Thoughtfulness!
and why did I not think of ordering it myself? maybe
when I use up all that I have now and need to buy more
We also received several dvds, changing hands and viewscreens already. Husband likes to watch a movie while walking the treadmill. I like to watch while sitting on the couch while working with yarn in my hands. Every once in awhile, we sit and watch together, such as the movie UP which was my request of both Husband and Santa, but only one actual case was wrapped under the tree.
The tabletop tree and Nativity Scene will come down in the next couple days before school begins a new semester.
The cats will be so happy to have space again.
and I’ll bet you all are glad
to have the cobwebs swept off my blog
~~love and Huggs, Diane