One's Man's Treasure...

This weekend was the BIG Garage Sale. Friday was not too nice but Sat. and Sun. were warm and sunny. Friday started out with a huge scare. A man in a big white van was driving around the neighborhood at 7:00 a.m. trying to supposedly ask kids about the sale. But, he went about it all wrong. Someone called the cops on him because he tried to call her daughter to the van. Duh, you just can't do that in this day and age. I still say he was a perv and just using the garage sale for an excuse. The cops pulled him over right in front of our house!
Sales were slow on Friday because of the weather. Saturday was really the best day. We made a couple hundred bucks altogether. It's funny what people pass up and then all of a sudden someone will buy. There was this halloween decoration that's been in several sales. I finally marked it down to 25 cents and a lady finally bought it on Sunday. I sat out in the sun too long and got a pretty wicked sunburn. Tried to sell Hot Dogs and chips on Saturday. It was kind of a bust. I probably only broke even. Oh well. I guess I bought too much.

Catchin' Up!

Ok, ok so it's been a while. I guess I'll have to catch you up on the latest. I'm still waiting to become a "Big" sister. Getting impatient though. I've been calling my case worker weekly. We're trying to sell the boat. See photo. Big subdivision garage sale this weekend. Hoping it stops raining in time for the big crowds.
I am working from home this afternoon, which is very nice on a rainy day. I made a pot of coffee (mini) and have some yummy carmel cream. (or shall I say "yummylicious" as is the Henderson way.) We don't have any computers in our office yet, so if I have a lot of typing to do.

Health Wise: hmmmm, let's see. Here are the latest issues:
1. My Thalecemia (sp?) is kicking in again (a weird type of anemia) so I am taking iron
2. I now have carpel tunnel - very painful! I will be wearing those funny wrist support things.
3. My sugar is a little high so the good Dr. is changing my meds. Some new med I never heard of. In fact neither has the pharmacist.
4. I have a small nodule on my [left] ovary so I am going to a specialist for further consideration. It may be endometriosis or whaterever else, who knows at this point.
Wow getting old is rough!

Mystery Pain Diagnosed

Well, this morning I got up early to head off to Genesis Hosp. for an EMG test. If you're thinking that doesn't sound fun, you're right! At 8:15 I was having major electrical impulses jolting through both my arms. (one at a time) And if that wasn't enough after that I had (ummmm let's see what did the good Dr. call them) electrodes or something [I call them needles] inserted into the muscles in my arms and hands. Ouch, I still have puncture wounds! I was however able to receive immediate results. I have Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. Didn't Mom have that? I remember her wearing wrist braces on and off for a while. I will probably have to see the Dr. again to find out what torture I mean treatment will be needed. I may have to lay off the computer typing for a while. I don't think it helps. Maybe I'll get a "voice" activated computer. Is there such a thing? I hope it doesn't affect my newly found hobby of scrap-booking...

For the Birds

This weather is for the birds! No not even them. I mean come on, really. I'm trying to count my blessings and all, but..............
This is my spring break. I was planning on sitting out in the sun, playing outside with the neighbor kids, flying my remote control airplane, washing my car.
Instead I will be playing computer games, scrap booking, sleeping in, watching daytime tv, trying new recipes... Ok, maybe I can salvage the vaca. somewhat.

Good Friday (God's Friday)

I was thinking today that I wonder why today is called "Good Friday." When it seemed to me that perhaps "Bad Friday" would be a more fitting day. Since after all it is the day that Jesus died. So I decided to look it up. Wikipedia shows the following:
It is likely that the name "Good Friday" came from the earlier English name, "Godes Friday," meaning "God's Friday." In much the same way as "God be with ye" was shortened to "goodbye," so did "Godes Friday" become "Good Friday."

According to the Word of God, Good Friday is the day Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross to die for the sins of the world, taking on the punishment each and every man deserved, and thus becoming a bridge between man and God. Jesus' most desparate moment was the instant when the sins of the world came upon Him, and God, His Father, had to turn His face away from Him.

Well, that explains it. Man in all his wisdom "shortened" or altered the word thus altering the meaning. Now at least when you think of "Good Friday" you will remember "God's Friday." Wouldn't it be something if even for 1 hour during the day the world would stop rushing, bustling, etc. and stop and remember what Jesus did.

April Fool's Day - Russell's favorite day

Whoever invented that I wonder? But as a child it was a favorite day. With 5 brothers and sisters there was always some kind of prank going on. My brother Mark who was a prankster by nature was always sure to pull a few. Did he ever put water on the top of the door? I seem to remember something like that. How about rubber snakes in the bed? Or short sheeting? I bet my sisters have some stories to share. Is it my imagination or has April Fool's day fallen by the wayside,like so many other traditions from back in the day?
Ok, well let's hear your stories about April 1st.

"Free" Fish

So, yesterday we picked up the "free" fish and fishtank from one of the "Repo" houses that Sarah had to lock up. Actually, the company even paid $50 to have the stuff removed. So, now we are the proud owners of a 110 gallon tank complete with barbs, platys, placto and even an eel. (ewwww) No one likes that one. Today we took a trip to the pet store to get a few items. Hmmmmmmmm. Left the store with some $60 of "stuff". Plants for the fishies to hide in. A new filter pack. A net, vacuum but no new fishies. The girl suggested waiting a week because we had to change the yucky water.
It is kind of peaceful to sit here computing and listen to the water gurgle. If we get sick of it we can always sell it in the BIG spring garage sale.

P.S. I just heard they found the scout that was missing in the woods in N.C. What in the world was he thinking? Well I'm glad they found him!

Daylight Savings Time

Daylight savings time was a good idea. Starting it 3 weeks early was an even better idea. It's 7:45 p.m. and the street lights haven't even come on yet. It just makes me feel better. You get the feeling that you have more hours of sunlight. I guess maybe it's that you do actually have more sunlight during your "waking" hours.

I have a movie review. Go see WILD HOGS! It's a little silly, but it is a feel good just laugh your head off movie. I laughed so hard, out loud right in the theatre. Every one in the theatre was laughing which I think just made everyone laugh even harder. And, if you're worried that you've gained a little weight lately, don't worry because John Travolta and Tim Allen have both put on a lot of weight. Well, that's my 2 cents!

Nearly 50...

The temperature that is! What a great day. Slept in. (because of the time change of course!) Got up and cleaned up the house a bit. Then went outside to do the first chores of spring.
pick up the dog poop in the front yard
sweep the garage
take down the Christmas lights
clean up inside the car

The best part was playing outside with the neighbors. We blew bubbles, played ball, even sat in the sun for a bit.
All in all as I said it was a GREAT day!

P.S. Should have grilled dinner...

New Recipe - Chicken Carbonara Deluxe

I'm always trying new recipes. This one I got from Betty Crocker online. It was delicious and very easy to make. Try it you'll like it. I added mushrooms which were a yummy touch! I also, made it less fattening by using turkey bacon. It was a hit! The recipe is below.


1 package (7 ounces) spaghetti
8 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 cups cut-up cooked chicken
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup whipping (heavy) cream


1. Cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package.
2. While spaghetti is cooking, cook bacon in 3-quart saucepan over low heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until crisp. Remove bacon from saucepan with slotted spoon; drain. Drain fat from saucepan, reserving 1 tablespoon in saucepan.
3. Cook onion and garlic in bacon fat over medium heat about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until onion is tender. Stir in spaghetti, chicken, cheese and whipping cream. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Toss with bacon.

My Selection for the Oscar, "Cutest Baby"

Here she is my great-neice Maddie. Isn't she adorable? I think she should get this year's Oscar for "Cutiest Baby, 2007." I saw her for the first time on Friday. (By the way Marlene & Karen the Chicken pizza was fab!)
I enjoyed getting to know her--she didn't even cry when I held her! I'm glad I went to see her, otherwise I probably wouldn't get a chance to see her until she is one year old.
New Topic.......... It's starting........... the snow. It rained all morning and now a kind of icy snow is pinging against my window. Well, at least the major snow has missed us this time. I think it landed mostly north of us. Will we have enough precip. for ANOTHER snow day? Stay tuned!

Winter Blah's

Yes, I think I have definitely come down with a case of the winter blah's. Symptoms: dreaming at work about hot chocolate, a blazing fire and just going home to my nice warm bed. I got home from work, and took a 1 hour nap. Then I watched the news for an hour. I finally roused myself up to eat a bowl of cereal. I'm surprised that I'm actually writing this. Well, I'm just waiting for Survivor Fiji to come on!
New subject - Now I don't know if you're an American Idol fan or not. I watch sporadically. But there is a Flint native (no pun intended) named LaKisha Jones who is in the running and is quite an amazing singer. She went to Flint Northern which is one of the schools that I'm assigned to. Anyway, check her out.
All for now.....

Big Sister - Little Sister

I grew up only having big sisters. Maybe I will write about that another time. I have never had a little sister. However, that is all about to change. I have applied to become a BIG (that's what they call it) through the Big Brothers-Big Sisters organization. The case worker came over to the house yesterday and had quite a lengthy list of questions. Many of the questions were about making and keeping friendships and how do I maintain them, etc. Well, of course I immediately thought of my old (not in age) friend Laura. It was easy to talk about how we became friends and maintained our friendship after all these years! Laura now has her first grandchild, so I guess that makes her a grandma! She is back in Michigan, so one of these days I'm going to visit her and her son Ken and her new grandchild whose name I think is Rose. Imagine that! Anyway, I'm looking forward to being the Big Sister for once and can't wait to meet my Little Sister.

Nothing to Complain About

Today I was put to shame by one of my new mentors. Let me back up. I was late getting to work. I didn't have time to eat breakfast. It was freezing cold outside. My coffee was cold. I had to rush. I think you get the picture. At 9:30 I packed my stuff and myself back into my car and headed toward the school where I was to meet my new mentor Mrs. Ham. The parking lot was crowded, I had to park what felt like football fields away from the front door. There was a brisk wind whipping my coat and purse. By the time I got into the school my nose was running and my eyes had watered and spotted up my glasses. I won't even get into what the wind did to my hair. The principal was reprimanding a student and the mentor was late.
A few minutes later, a stooped over little old woman shuffled into to the office. I thought surely this could not be Mrs. Ham. The secretary greeted her, "good morning Mrs. Ham." I thought to myself, "are you kidding me?" We were introduced and chatted for a few minutes. She had on a huge fur coat (not a fur collar like the one my grandma wore with the face still attached!) but a full length coat. She pulled off her scarf revealing her long, but thinning white hair. This time just like grandma's. I thought wow she's old. I carefully slipped her file of info. out of my briefcase to sneak a look at her application. Her birth date was ##, ## 17. "What?" I almost shouted 17, are you kidding me? It took me a few minutes to do the math (not my best subject) and shortly realized she was 90 years old. Here she was, freezing sub-zero weather, coming to a meeting where she would begin to mentor an elementary student from the hood. As we began the process the principal, Ms. James, asked her, "what have you been doing lately Mrs. Ham?" She replied, "Well I'm taking a college course, online!" I almost fell out of my chair--literally. I left that meeting with a promise to myself that next time I feel a whine coming on I had better remember Mrs. Ham!
P.S. She left the building a little before me, but got way ahead of me. I was going to drive up to her and offer a ride home, because i thought surely she walked over, but she soon got into a little tan car that started right up. I didn't stick around to wait for our paths to cross on the roads though.....

Top 10 Reasons Not to Attend the Camper/RV Show

1. The warm sugary cinnamon nuts cost $6.00
2. It' too cold to walk from the parking lot to the show.
3. You have to pay with cash.
4. If you don't have cash you have to walk outside again, get in your car and go to the atm.
5. It's too cold to walk from the parking lot to the show, again! (see #4)
6. You have to go up and down the steps to get into each RV.
7. You wish it was summer and you could go camping.
8. You might run into the neighbor you don't like.
9. You get tempted to sell your house and buy the $80,00 fifth wheel to save money.
10. You walk out with a sales agreement to the new $5000 pop-up you just bought.

Upon further reflection, It was cool to go up into the expensive campers and dream. Also, the pop-up camper will not be bought and we decided to borrow the neighbors cabin tent instead. Made reservations to go camping at Higgins Lake in June!

Second Attempt

Ok, so this is my second attempt at blogging. Will i stick to it this time? I don't know. It seems I never know what to say. Is my life that boring? My sisters seem to be able to make their every day activites somehow seem interesting.
So it's Saturday and I have paid the bills, cleaned the kitchen, taken my shower, fed the dogs and la la la. I am going to the camper show later. Whoopie! Maybe I will have more to say about that tomorrow!

First Blog

I decided to try this blog stuff, mostly so I could reply to my sister's blog site. Don't know if I'll like it or not. I'm a very private person and I can't imagine people reading my stuff. However it is kind of cool to have a record of your thoughts. I just finished a book where the main character did a historical background of her ancestors and she had diaries from her great-grandmother. Today is July 15th- nothing much significant about that. We do something at our house when we all eat dinner together that is called "high/low." I think I will include that in my blogs. So for today:
High - I recieved a call from a potential job, I will be having an interview next week!
Low - I had to have a colonoscopy today. (bet you really didn't need to know that.)