I'm just not feeling a "title" today.

Sorry. Nothing, clever this morning. But no one has ever accused me of being on my game early in the a.m., that's for sure!
Grants' Birthday party yielded no invitees. I will never understand for the life of me why people do not comprehend the point you are trying to convey when you put your NAME and PHONE NUMBER on the line where it says-R.S.V.P.? It's not Greek, people---In fact, it is technically french. R'espondez s'il vous plait means quite simply "please respond". It's not hard and it is definitely good manners and very appreciated. Why do people find it so hard to follow simple rules of propriety? I was out yesterday, window shopping mostly, with my sister. I unexpectedly and gratefully found a book I had been looking for. It was on manners for gentlemen and considering I am not of that persuasion, I had been hoping to find just that sort of reference for Connor & the boys. My Great-grandmother on my mothers side was very proper. She taught me a lot on manners/table settings/etiquette/posture that by today's standards are probably antiquated. I have never forgot them or her. I still use them in my everyday life though and I'm sure people consider me to be a funny duck at times. But if that's a burden I have to bear and that's what it is for, I suppose I can live that! There are worse things than bad manners.....A lot worse.....
Speaking of people-I had this conversation with my sister when I was out bumming with her yesterday. Have you ever wondered, "Is it just you, or do some people just seem to want to be mean, ugly, hurtful, and snide? I swear it is an epidemic. Now, I know not everyone is mentally stable in the world or having a "good day" everyday but Geez' Louise people-is it really necessary to take out your anger/apathy on unsuspecting people? Now that I have been on all sides of before non-medicated/during medicated/after non-medicated for depression, I can say I have a upfront view with all the good and the bad days. So, here it is in a nutshell-
Even if you feel like crap-You DON'T have to be nasty and take it out on everyone else. Simple.
End of story.
Going to work on Connors' furniture today. I have been needing to get going on it but this week started off with a bang and to be honest last week about wiped me out. Went down to Sargent to spend the day & we also took lunch/dessert for my mother-in-law on Mother's Day. Pete and Connor did some Honey-Do List work. I actually got contracted spending the day being the lifeguard at the pool at my sister-in-laws house watching the kids. She was there the whole time yakking away so I'm not sure why I had to be subjected to her and the kids. She and I don't particularly see eye to eye. The past 2 weekends she's finagled a way to get us to watch her kids. Which is something I do not appreciate at all. I never ask anyone to watch my kids unless it is absolutely necessary. My kids know better than to even ask if they can stay over at someone else's house but not hers! And she'll just let them go anywhere, with anyone for any length of time. She doesn't seem to care. I can't stand her!!! What a DINGBAT! Anywho, I would have much rather spent the day with my mother-in-law. I, at least, like her most of the time.

No I haven't fell off the face of the earth---

I just WISH I could! I am now planning Grant's long, long awaited birthday party and it has to be "Super A-W-E-S-O-M-E!" to quote a small furry critter called, "Rhino" in this particular case. The theme is pirate/parrot/luau/tiki and anything else he thought he could squeeze in there. That always makes it more interesting for me when I have to make sense out of it all and decorate. The invitations were really cute though. They looked like a treasure map in a bottle with an eyepatch, a few jewels, etc. to wet their appetites as to all the fun that will ensue on the party day. I figured I had to go big because the day before Mother's Day isn't really the best time to have one of these. No matter; this was our only weekend available. I'll call in reinforcements if necessary, I suppose. There will be a parrot pinata, swimming, a pirate scavenger hunt, pirate-themed party games, hamburgers & hotdogs, cake & ice cream. If that doesn't wear them out in four hours time, hopefully the Jump-O-Lene will! My goal is to put on Grant's first really great birthday party. He still remembers Seans' Big birthday party from years ago and it is amazing the things kids never let you live down or forget! Damn, It's HELL to good (or humble, for that matter!) There are worse things in life I suppose......
Connor was accepted to TX Governor's School. At first he was real nonchalant about getting in but he's starting to get a little more excited I think. He seems a little more talkative and keeps kidding me about losing my mind and crying when I have to leave him up there for THREE WHOLE WEEKS! I think he's more worried about the prospect of not having a computer or video games for that length of time. I'm sure he'll be busy making friends and goofing around most of the time when not "learning" something. They made sure they have as much built in play as classes. Dances, swimming, baseball games, etc. Yeah, It's gonna be hard life for him!
So I'm supposed to be cleaning house and folding clothes. Which, of course you can tell, I'm not. I will have it done before the partygoers and parents get here. I have to get it done too because that scavenger hunt will have everyone all over my house. Luckily, Everyones rooms are back in order for the most part. Painting is done, beds are painted and in place, the desks are in and computers are setup. The kids toys are back in and downsized-once again. It would help if they got crappy toys that broke and I could throw them away but that never seems to happen. The TV and video game systems aren't yet set up but that actually doesn't hurt my feelings any; only Sean's. They seem to have a little more floor space with this layout so I hope it works well enough until Connor's on his own. That won't be too long......How the years have flown!
As soon as this party is over the work begins though-
Happy Mother's Day 2009 to me! Rest of the house RE-MODEL, Y'all!
"Hallelujah, Hallelujah, HAL-LE-LUU-AAAHHH!!!"

Birthday Party Day

Went to my nephews b-day party today at the local park. It was a nice time. Not too hot and there was this sweet little Boston Terrier that a friend of my ex-sister-law brought. Quite the little entertainer. She never quit playing soccer with the older kids. I still have my mind made up that we need to get one. They are such good natured pets and so good with children. She just ran and ran and ran and ran some more! I'll just bet she's worn plum out though tonite. Such fun! Anywho-I've just always wanted one. Maybe Mr. Man will let me when the kids are gone. I took gifts for my other niece and other nephew working upon the idea that I never know if and when I'm going to see them on their birthdays. Presumptuous, I know, but I'd feel worse if I missed them altogether. I think everyone liked what they got so it was a good day for them all. Later I took Sean out to Pizza Hut for his birthday dinner. We had never got around to it last month. That turned out to be an expensive trip. $51 dollars to be exact. Seems that everyone "needed" something different. So, Breadsticks, Wings, 2 Sandwiches, and 1 Large Stuffed Crust Pizza later it tallied up to $51 bucks w/ a tip. Pete will probably lose his mind when he gets that bill. Thanks goodness we don't do that often!
Still working on Connor's letters for TXGovSchool. He is not taking it seriously at all. I ought to be wringing his neck over it but I guess I'll do like every other parent and help him out in a clinch. As it is, we'll be postmarking it by the very last date possible. Maybe I ought to just say the hell with it all, eh? Well, we all know parenting is an ungrateful job.....I doubt it is gonna change overnight. I'll just deal like always....
Went to the Dr. yesterday-Found out that "No" I was not supposed to be completely off my happy pills but now that I am I could just stay off of them and see how it goes. I told him it wasn't "going very well" but we would see. He did up the dose on my Topamax. He seems to think that it is helping me lose weight (I lost 9 pounds & I had no clue) and that it will calm my nerves and that, of course, it does help with my headaches-greatly. So-If it manages to do all that-I will officially declare it a miracle drug. We'll see. I told him I've been eating like a horse. Lot's of good stuff though-Just a whole LOT of it. He didn't seem concerned. He said because I must be eating better that its canceling out the amount. Plus, Lord knows we have been busy! Still busy painting furniture. I just thought I had a game plan. Every time "The Man" gets off work he has an agenda that somehow is ALWAYS more important & takes precedence over anything anyone else could possibly have had planned. If he could ever see what an egomaniacal control freak he is-I just wonder if it would make any difference to his personality? On his days off this time we did manage to get the garden tilled and planted. I did paint some more primer but I'm still not quite finished. He painted Connor's bed and it looks very nice. The headboard needs another coat for touch-up. Hopefully-by tomorrow I'll have all the primer DONE! Then I have touch-up on crown moulding and wall paint. Also, I'm sure I'll have to fit in helping Connor on his 3 letters for the TGSchool. So, tomorrow another busy, enlightening, and fulfilling day of being a parent once again.....So, Anybody wanna trade lives? PLEASE?

Higher ED-JA-MA-Kation.....

Trying to get Connor's paperwork together for Texas Governors' School. It's too good of an opportunity to pass on. I think he'll really enjoy himself once he's settled and gets to know some of the other kids. Unfortunately, He's just like the rest of his family. Just not comfortable in stressful first situations and or around new people. It's just something that really doesn't go away. Hopefully, it will get easier for him as time goes by. We also need to get cracking on his Driver's Ed packet. Right now, all we have to do is go take the written test and get the learners permit. You wouldn't think it would be that hard, I know. Every weekend rolls around and we totally forget or we have a ton of things planned so that it doesn't even cross our minds until it is too late. I'm really amazed Connor hasn't pushed harder for us to go get it. He hasn't made a big deal about it at all. He is so-o-o-ooo not your typical teenager! I would have lost my mind if I couldn't have drove at his age! Even if I was only allowed to go down to the convenience store.....Ah, Boy-that was living! Yeah, right!!!
Trying to make good on my promise to Mr. Man-So I painted more primer on the bed frames today. I will be totally finished with primer by tomorrow and I should have at least one coat of color on almost everything by evening. He going to have to spring for dinner or at least pull and cook frozen from the freezer by himself. I guarantee I will be stomped after that much painting!
I should be able to get a second coat Wednesday and that means they can move in by the weekend! Which means the "Man" can start going on his master plan for the rest of the house....."I" am so darn tired but I would be pretty dense to stop him while he is on a roll. Lets just hope I can hold up physically & mentally because we all know this is what I've wanted more than anything else in the whole world. I really should be careful what I ask for because I guess I'm finally gonna get it.....Now if I could just get him to agree to a new Master Bed & Bath?...... Can I get a "Hell, Yeah"? Anybody?
Well, other than that I guess not a whole lot is going on. My doctor is still crazy if he thinks I can manage without my happy drugs. I am not exactly the "beacon of sweetness and light" that I used to be (Ha! Ha!). I'm sure my family would be happy to go and vouch for me! I wonder what the man would do if I brought the the whole menagerie with me? Who am I trying to kid-He'd probably re-prescribe my meds in a heartbeat and quadruple the dosage! A one jump interval for every member of the family! Later, Peeps-

I swear if she moves again !@$%&*!

It's gonna get ugly! It wasn't too bad this time because she, my sister, just moved next door. Almost doesn't seem worth it but I am sure it was. As soon as I saw the inside of the house-well, you could just tell that this one was going to work out for them. For awhile anyway. The job did come bearing "gifts". I received the cutest pics of my perfectly sweet first little niece. The little angel was dressed, of course, in her Easter finery and looked as if she had just been gathered and "hatched" in an Easter basket. She really looks the part of fresh and new, which-of course, she is.....Such a sweetheart. I just can't wait to get my hands on her......Heck, She already has me wrapped around her finger!
Have I ever said how much I love the National Treasure movies? I love the puzzle part of the storyline, but I think it is really the history lessons that intrigue me. I always loved U.S. History more so than any other. Traveling across the country, antique shopping, architecture, at that just gets me going. To see everything in the country going to hell in a hand basket just makes me sick! I don't think I have ever been more disgusted with the general state of the U.S.'s affairs . I have the darnedest time trying to explain the current situation to my teenager. Everyone thinks that people are still prejudiced and have a grudge against having a Negro/Black president. I don't think anyone truly cares who directs this countries affairs as long as they were trustworthy, fair, brave, and do what it for the good of the people. I am so disenchanted right now that I have no idea if any one person could fix our problems! I don't have the answers-BUT I also did not run for a position in the government. Somebody better start showing us the answer/plan! I'm tired of "them" playing games at our expense!!! Maybe it is time we become more united as a nation. Hardwork I am afraid but I'm thinking this is just going to be apocalyptic if we just try to wait it out for things to get better.
SO-I'm done grandstanding for today---HEADS UP People!

Just trying to catch UP!!!

Easter weekend went along without much incident. Connor and Sean both had a friend overnight at some point in the 4-day break. My sister Gwyn and her husband came to decorate and help hide eggs. We still managed to get in some good amount of work though. Pete was insistent that we had to get going on the beds/desks we had decided to make out of square metal tubing. It turned out to be a good thing because although we had our ducks in a row, it took forever to get everything cleaned and cut. I was glad when we finally started welding but then “stupid” me hurt my eyes. Yes, I know better than to look at someone welding and no, I did not look directly at the work done! BUT I did not realize that even if you close your eyes and look away from the “spark” that it can still and will burn (blister the inside, in my case) your eyes. So-Do NOT Be ANYWHERE Near Welding WITHOUT The Proper Eye Equipment!!! I can vouch that it will mess up a perfectly wonderful day for you and it really H-U-R-T-S!
On another note, I finally broke down and let Connor have an Easter basket so he could hunt for eggs. I honestly thought he had outgrown the holiday but I guess boys just really never grow up. I know I had by that age but I guess it’s time I get it through my thick head that girls and boys just don’t function anywhere near the same. Not that I want them too-I know firsthand what “girls” do and that is just way boring…..So, at least the boys will always keep my life interesting and colorful (even if it’s not in the spectrum of pink, lilac, and other pastels.)
Going to try hard not to disappoint my hubby this week and get the rest of the painting done. The kids really need to get moved in to their rooms before we can start on the rest of the house. Painting is the final holdup and beyond that, I am the problem with the painting…..Vicious circle. In my defense, I will say I do stay busy when Pete is off. We have been doing something everyday. The hot water heater died and needed to be replaced. We went back with an on-demand tankless version. That also required updated electrical wiring when we installed it. It was an upgrade planned for the next remodel but had to come much sooner. It works great and we were able to get an awesome deal on it online & shipped. We, definitely, have no regrets going with this type of water heater. Pete’s power supply in his computer just kicked it-I’m hoping to go and get one at Fry’s tomorrow for him. It will give me an excuse to take Grant to Build-a-Bear Workshop. He received a coupon for a free animal for his birthday and he will be heartbroken if he cannot go get it. They also have an igloo/tent that he wants. It might be a good place to keep his entire cold dwelling menagerie. This time he wants to get the “Good Housekeeping” Seal. It is actually very cute. He sure LOVES his stuffed animals! Sometimes a little too much we all think.
I had my 38th birthday on Wednesday. Hardly anyone forgets my birthday…..it falls on income tax day every year and for some reason, people just seem to remember that day easier that others…..Me-I forget it every year! Oh, I do not try to-I am just busier and more easily distracted I guess with my old age, i.e. forgetful/dementia, etc. Or I guess it is just hell to get old and have your priorities shift. Sometimes, I still wish it were all about me, Me, ME!
Well, Pete goes back to work after 7 days off tonight. It will be time to buckle down and get laundry folded away. I am still trying to get everything dirty-dishes & laundry- caught back up from when we were without hot water. Just got a load of trash taken to the dump this morning-We must have 7 full cans still need to go. I could sure use a “butler” or a “Man Friday” like out of “Robinson Crusoe”. Lot's of "Help Needed" around here, that's for sure! But in the meantime I have a hot bath and a box of Calgon waiting for me.....Right now, that's better than any butler, Man "Friday", or Sancho-the gardener/poolman.

Lockset on bathroom door- $10
New HW heater- $259
Box of Calgon- $2.50

Add it all up-

Worth every dang' penny just to have an hour of luxury to myself! Talk to Y'all later!

To Muff or Not to Muff.....It it REALLY a question?

The Cardinal is out on my front porch again stealing stray dog food. He then flys it over to his mate on the picnic table and she then flys off with it. For their brood? I don't have any idea what they are doing with it but these are the little I see every day in the country. When we first moved here eleven years ago-Nothing. And really nothing for many years after either. It seemed as soon as we started putting in the gardens and the Martin houses they came. So, I guess it's true: Build and they will come.....
On another note. I have been told that another family member shares my love of Muffalettas. So, today I am sharing my recipe for the Olive Mix so he can make his own. Because I know what an addiction those things came become and how irritating it is when you can't get your hands on one at 2AM. It also gets kind of expensive too and it's just so incredibly easy to make your own. So here's the recipe:

OLIVE MIX-
2 Cups (10-oz. jar) chopped Green Olives w/ Pimientos
1 large can sliced Black Olives
1/4 teaspoon Celery Seed
1/2 teaspoon dried Rosemary, chopped
3/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons dried Oregano
1 Tablespoon dried Parsley
1 1/2 Tablespoons White or Red Wine Vinegar
3/4 Cup Olive Oil

Drain Olives & chop up well. Mix together with other ingredients and let marinate in refrigerator for 2-3 days before using.

Original recipe called for 2 T. chopped Celery, 3/4 C. chopped Carrot, 1/2 C. chopped Cauliflower, 1/2 C. chopped Red Bell Pepper. Although, good-I'm sure. All those fresh ingredients surely cut down on the shelf-life of the mix. I'm just guessing. This version still gives you all the flavor and will last almost indefinitely.

As for the rest of the sandwich.....You can pretty much make it any way you like. I'm partial to toasted pita breads with ham/Genoa salami/provolone cheese/warm it up/and add a little "rabbit fodder", i.e. lettuce and tomato. I think Mom used to like it with just turkey breast and provolone on a focaccia-type bread. So, anyhow-the recipe I have says to use-

SANDWICH-
1 loaf round Italian bread
1/4 pound sliced mozzarella
1/4 pound sliced provolone
1/4 pound thin-sliced ham
1/4 pound thin-sliced hard salami
1/4 pound thin-sliced mortadella-or substitute a good-quality bologna

Slice bread loaf in half from side-to-side, pile on meats and cheeses, add the olive mix & enjoy!