Judicious January

[treegirl]

x-post Lav! Thx for the link, I'll check it out...

[dill]

Cyn, I do hope you got your water problems solved today. It is so difficult to get thru the day with the water turned off. Also, I hope girl dog is doing better. My gd is coming back tomorrow. There is a little girl across the road from us who is turning 3 and gd is invited to the party. So is gson but I'm thinking he will want to sit this one out as there are no other kids his age there. I told my son I would keep both the kids over night if he would like an evening off, so I may be pretty busy tomorrow. Mr. D is still coughing, but he is much better and has more energy. Unfortunately the antibiotics are tearing up his gut. He's going to have to get some probiotics tomorrow when we go shopping.

Lav, I haven't seen the news yet today. Did the nor'easter hit today as anticipated? Our weather here was cold and gray, but no wind or rain. We're in for it tomorrow, according to the weather man.

Papmom, how far is the actual walk to work? Is it 5 minutes, 10 minutes or more? Have your dogs been loving it? I'm sure your responsibilities will increase as time goes by. There may come a time when you'll miss this relative peace!

Star, when I was younger I actually looked at ranch houses with disdain if you can imagine. I was all about older homes and houses with more character. But I was a fool! Of course, we were younger then and didn't mind the extra work and maintenance of the house with character. We were both workiing and could afford more, too. But now I look longingly at a low maintenance 3 bedroom brick ranch with an attached garage. I tell you I just about flipped when you told me about the extra room! I'm a little green, my friend!

Nice quiet day here in southern Ohio. I went to the library and to the coffee shop in town. I also went to the tiny bakery and bought a loaf of oatmeal bread. MMMmmm! I am grateful to live in a small, rural town even if it does mean having an extra drive to get necessities. I am grateful to be able to enjoy simple mornings at the local coffee shop without the baggage of a hangover, remorse, regret and shame. Have a peaceful AF evening.

[Lavande]

We are back home with granddaughter here, ready for whatever the storm brings.
Just starting a bit of frozen rain now at 8 pm so we shall see what happens overnight!

Cyn, I dread going without water more than going without lights, phone & all that
Hope the problem is not too big & can be fixed quickly. We never had to deal with a septic system until we moved here so all these things are still kind of new to us.
hope your doggie is better too - geez!

Dill, we built a three bedroom rancher with attached garage & it's just right, for now. I can see the day coming when i'll want a two bedroom condo, ha ha!!! I hope you enjoy your grandkid time this weekend.

We went through our daughter's new house again today. It's going to need a LOT of work but I have faith they will be OK
I couldn't go through all that again, I just couldn't.

Have a nice night one & all.

[SnoopyC]

Good morning ladies...

Cyn, my daughter has a septic system and it needs to be replaced, so from day one they have had problems. Most people that have them don't have problems, though, so hopefully, yours can get a quick fix!!! I feel so badlly for your sweet dog. Hope he gets better soon. You certainly have a lot to deal with.

Lav, the nor'easter looks like a pain in the neck. I know you will stay safe and warm. I have never wanted a fixer upper. I like to buy a house ready to move in, and over the years, make it mine with paint, new carpet, flooring, whatever. After having lived in a newer house, I will always look for that. I just like modern. Big closets, nice bathrooms, bright and airy. Plus, lower utilities. But, lots of people love older houses too and that is a good thing. It is what makes life interesting.

Dill, the closing went smoothly, then we went to our new home and looked around, brought a few things. It is so hard to wait a week to move, but those are our plans. Afterwards, we went out for a nice dinner to celebrate. I have always liked ranches, never lived in a house with a second floor. So, living in this apartment on the second floor is my first experience with stairs. I don't mind them too much, but it makes it difficult to transport things up and down. For instance, we could have moved alot of things on our own, but are afraid of falling down the stairs. I tripped with a light bundle of stuff, so realized it would not be worth it to fall. At. all. Just getting to old to take chances. When my husband fell last week, he was in pain for days, and it was bad. So, we are being really careful. I am leaving early today for the utility people to turn on whatever they have to do. Bringing a book and my phone.

Have a great day all.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends!

The nor'easter was nothing but a small nuisance here dropping rain, snow & sleet, little to no wind. Now I hear Monday morning there will be another snowstorm, ho hum.
My granddaughter slept nearly 9 hours & that OK with me

I hope the utility folks don't keep you waiting too long today Star. Pick up a good cup of coffee on the way

Greetings to Dill, Papmom & Cyn!
Cyn, I hope your doggie is feeling better today.

Wishing everyone a wonderful AF Saturday!

Lav

[treegirl]

Hi all -

Well, we got everything you didn't get, Lav, and it's still coming. 6+ inches so far. I love the snow - the problem is that there is ice everywhere underneath it - even on the grassy areas. The propane man came to deliver - he has to go through the back yard - and fell 3 times trying to get to the tanks. Dangerous! I'm not sure where to have the dogs go out and do their business - it all seems treacherous right now. More snow on the way - at least it's beautiful.

Girl dog slowly got better yesterday. I'm making her more chicken bone broth - this time with a little garlic and I just threw a handful of parsley in at the last. Hoping that all those nutrients help - I've got to bump up her immune system as much as possible, especially since her cells are already battling the cancer. We'll see how it goes.

Posting here a pic of the truck belonging to the first septic guy I dealt with yesterday. Pretty funny. Not so funny that a major pipe may be frozen, which would mean that it would stay that way until the spring. He pumped out the tank while he was here. $$$. Then had a different guy come (in the dark!) who said no, it's not frozen, go ahead and use the water so that we can see if the float is really broken. But with a pump that's on but not pumping anything? How is that supposed to work and not burn out the pump? Honestly, it drives me crazy to have to make decisions about stuff that I don't completely understand. This is a brand-new system that was put in by the previous owners (in a hurry) because it failed the septic test when we were buying the house. I've always been kind of suspicious - they totally wrecked the back yard putting this thing in, and I've been annoyed on that level...but, deep breath, we'll see what happens. In the
meantime I guess I'll do a laundry just in case - it could be the last one here at the house until the spring! (Unless I get a wash-tub and a mangle - which is looking better and better - )

Anyway, all is basically OK here in the country. Star - So glad that you had a nice celebration dinner! Hope the utility guys come quickly today. Lav and Dill - enjoy the granddaughters and any other kids that show up! Pap - hope you are OK; I think the snow may be missing you.

Cheers all for a great Saturday.
[PS will attach the pic later...having trouble]

[treegirl]

Septic guy's truck logo:
Doo.jpg

Boy dog comforts girl dog:
comfy dogs.jpg

[papmom3]

Pics are awesome Cyn!! Your pups are very sweet looking- Weimaraners? Hope girl dog feels better and that the septic problems resolve themselves quickly.
Unfortunately the storm didn't miss us-about 6" and now sleet and ice. I'm not moving until tomorrow!

Dill-my walk to and from work is exactly 10 min each way. Not bad eh? How is your son feeling? Has the clot resolved?

Star-how did the wait for the utility people go? I can't tell you how excited I am for you! I hope this next week doesn't drag out to long! Unbelievable that just 2 months ago we were saying "just relax-no sense looking at houses in the middle of the winter and so soon after moving into the aparment" LOL!! The Universe sure moves in mysterious ways!

Lav-you are very lucky the storm missed you! Hope Monday's does as well. How's is going with GD this weekend? DId you get the microwave cleaned up?

Da boyz and I are just hanging loose in the house. I've been out shoveling a potty path for them 2 times. Took it very easy but it felt good and not at all taxing. I had to remind myself to breathe tho! My sweet neighbor took care of the drive and walks bless him! I think we'll be fine for our trip out west tomorrow for nephew's hockey game and an early lobster dinner.

The rest of the week at work went very well. I feel very comfy with the new system and all of you are right-things change in the blink of an eye! I found out yesterday that my boss, the other Assoc Registrar and an admin staffer are all retiring in 18 months!! This should be interesting!! And you are also right that with my wonderful commute and ability to go home mid day, I can weather anything that happens in the office!! What I might now be able to weather are torrential downpours unless I find a long slicker soon! I've already tried to find snowshoes on craigslist to no avail. Probably don't really need them as the roads and walk ways will almost always be cleared and if the school is closed, it's closed. No going in and no working from home (so I've heard). I'm impressed so far with how the school treats new employees-a reception in Feb and a year long series of departmental introductory workshops. Everyone in my office seems very nice and welcoming. I dug a little and found out that there is no problem children-no time and attendance problems and everyone works well together (apparently). They've all been here many years working under my boss. There is one new person-the one who supervises the admin staff. She is super nice as well and I'll learn a lot from her. I don't think I'll be bored at all! Everyone is expected to be cross trained and pitch in when necessary. Not the environment in my old job, that's for sure! Also, there is no "spying" from the IT department-radio streaming is allowed, as are internet use not related to work. The expectation is that you will do your job first. Cell phones aren't banned but neither are they abused as far as I can tell. Bottom line-everyone is treated like adults unless they act like children I guess. I'm hoping this optimistic feeling I have will continue for a long time!! Oh, and I felt so good about everything that as soon as I heard the other Assoc Reg had called in due to a family emergency, I immediately volunteered to stay until 7 so there would be a professional (and another person) in the office with the admin for the extended hours. I don't get overtime like the admin does but I definitely earned brownie points with my boss! It was so wonderful not to have to dread a 45 min commute home after working the extra 2.5 hours!
Ack, just looked out the window-its snowing again! Guess I'll be shoveling a potty path for the 3rd time today!!

[SnoopyC]

Good morning all...

I did not have to wait for the utility people, I received an email telling me it was not necessary. I had a B#### from the utility company, I questioned her, and I guess when she checked later, found out I did not have to be there. Good grief!

Pap, yes, things change quickly around here, and for you too! I am starting to stress, and I decided I am going to not stress. It will all get moved, no point in ruining this week. So happy the people you work for are respectful and decent. Me too, and it makes all the difference in the world.

Cyn, your dogs are just plain beautiful! Sorry about the septic, what a nightmare. New England does get the snow, ice and cold. It is beautiful, but exhausting after a time. Keep warm and safe.

Lav, what a nice time you had with your granddaughter! Enjoy.

Hello to Dill.

I am going to the new house, again, after stopping at the storage unit and emptying it a bit. I want to move NOW, but have to be patient. I did not sleep well last night and know it is because of all the changes, again. Soon, I'll be settled and will have a new normal. Have a good one.

[dill]

Pap, your job sound really great, like you are surrounded by mentally healthy, productive people. There must be some good eggs at the top. I find leadership to be key to any environment, don't you? Ten minutes is perfect. I'm going to take that to mean you have a mile walk round trip, approximately which means you will walk 2 miles a day if you continue to go home for lunch. That's a built in health regimen! My son's leg pain has abated and he is on medication long term. The medication is supposed to dissolve the clot he says and he will be monitored closely for the duration. Take care of yourself and the boys in that awful storm!

Star, I don't blame you for your impatience! I would want to move ASAP too, but it sounds like you have a plan in place and it will unfold as it should. In the meantime you can certainly spend time there perhaps doing some small things? I'm sorry you didn't sleep well last night. I didn't either. My problem was my gd. She woke up every two hours crying and saying her leg hurt. She wouldn't drink milk, she wouldn't take a children's aspirin. It was really frustrating. Plus it was cold and the space heaters in each of the children's rooms were on which threw a breaker, twice. So it was up and down for me all night. She is sleeping well right now, thankfully. I have a theory that she was hungry and that was the true problem. Due to the excitement of the birthday party, she didn't eat much at lunch. She ate nothing at the party but cake, and she wouldn't eat afterward either. So at bed time she was running on empty. That's likely what disturbed her sleep, but we shall see how she acts when she gets up this morning.

Cyn, I can certainly see why you are so in love with your dogs! They are gorgeous! I also hope you get your water problems resolved very soon. What a pain. Thanks for sharing the pics. That septic guy must be a real character!

Lav, still no weather here to speak of. Hopefully we dodged the bullet too.

I am definitely too old for three year old birthday parties. Yesterday's was so frenetic. I didn't even know how to enjoy myself. No time for adult conversations because the children needed constant sorting out. In addition, the host and hostess speak romanian primarily. Most everyone at the party was an imigrant of some sort, so only a few spoke english. The rest were speaking spanish, romanian and I don't know what else. There was one other woman there that I was sure spoke english only, but she was "older" as overwhelmed as I was so neither one of us had energy for conversation. LOL! I was exhausted after two hours! Oh, one last thing: they keep their house so warm that I was sweating. I couldn't wait to get out of there and breath. And I mean breath on the physical and the metaphysical levels.

Grandkids are going to be here most of the day, so another busy day for me. Keep warm everyone and keep centered. It's key to staying af.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends,

Craziness abounds here as well
We picked up EB yesterday so Lily would have someone to entertain her & give me a little time off. Of course he wanted to stay overnight too! My house is a disaster, ha ha!
My daughter & SIL are getting moved into their house this weekend in between snow/rain/sleet events.

Cyn, you have your hands full, goodness! Love your pics
I hope all is well with your doggie & your back yard as well. Is there any sort of warranty on the septic system since it's relatively new?

Papmom, glad to hear your new job is going well!
Sounds like a keeper to me
Hope you have clear roads for driving today. I hear more snow is in our forecast for tonight & tomorrow, ugh.

Star, lots of deep breaths right?
I'm so grateful to have learned to stop trying to force things. That habit created mucho, unnecessary stress in my life. You are so close, don't stress out, OK? Your original wish to be closer to your daughter & family has come true!

Dill, I feel fortunate that the kids slept last night, sorry you had a rough night.
I have gotten into the habit of giving the kids some peanut butter crackers just before bedtime - I swear it fills them enough to help them sleep, ha ha! Glad your son's phlebitis has resolved.

OK, I need to go feed the crowd. Have a great AF Sunday everyone!

Lav

[treegirl]

Morning all -

Dill, I'm exhausted just reading your post! Whew! I think you are right - your gd probably was having a blood sugar issue - glad that sorted out. Good luck today; hope you ate your Wheaties!

Pap - what great news about your job. And walking 2 miles a day, wow. You will be in great shape in no time. RE: rain. Before our Cornwall walk, I picked up one of those cheap rain ponchos and rain pants from the local store. They worked great! Like being in a little magical cocoon - the rain doesn't touch you. Do you have gaiters for your pants, or boots you can walk in? I tried to shovel a path for the pups, but it was too dangerous for me, and for them! They are making their way on the front lawn...a little confused, but when nature calls...

Star - right, just when you make plans, everything changes! I'm so glad that you have this week to move some things in yourself and get ready for the big move, that's wonderful. Good idea to decide not to stress!

Lav - hope all is going well for you, and that the girls are happy. I think of you now whenever I use eggs! I have a lovely farm nearby where I get my eggs. $$, but worth it.

Well, it sounds like another big storm is on the way, so we'll be doing the 'country-prep' for a potential 20 inches. So today will be cleaning and laundry, septic or not. In case we lose power, at least the house will be clean and we will have clean undies. Tomorrow, gas up the cars, charge everything up, upload movies onto the ipad (for HB distraction), buy another head-lamp (for HB), fill the bathtub, cook ahead. Bring it on! Funny, if the power goes out, the septic is a non-issue...

Good advice to breathe - thanks for that -- happy Sunday all ---

[treegirl]

X-post Lav! Happy breakfast cooking...

[papmom3]

Wonderful day today. The hockey game was fun to watch-it was their 4th in less than 24 hrs!! They are young, bless them! They have improved so much over the past year. Lobster and fish chowda were awesome-what a treat!

Almost ready for our "epic" blizzard tomorrow night into Tuesday. A few more errands to do after work tomorrow (or maybe I'll go at lunch) and I should be good to go. Hoping we won't lose power but if we do, I'll have a couple of jugs of water, my flashlights, lanterns and oil lamps. I plan to let the boyz potty on pee pads for many days as there is no way I'm shoveling 2 ft of snow for them (although I might attempt a small area on the deck). I highly doubt I'll have to go into work on Tuesday. Our quilting holiday party has already been postponed until feb 3rd.
Lav-looks like its heading your way already! Hope you're battened down and ready to hibernate for a few day! Also hope you daughter and family will be OK in the new house. Sure will be a good first test!
Star-deep breaths. You can do little things this week and then friday will be here before you know it!! Good news about not having to wait for the utility company!!
Time to feed the pups and get ready for tomorrow-will try to get to bed early tonite and do some reading before I turn in.

[Lavande]

I am ready for whatever we get from this storm.
I also still have my granddaughter here so this should be interesting! The original plan was to return her today but it didn't happen. Wish I had a snowsuit for her but I don't, oh well. We'll figure it out.

Cyn, sounds like you are in good shape & I sure hope the power stay on!!
I need to increase the egg price, barely breaking even these days. I'm just happy providing fresh, healthy eggs to as many folks as I can. Good luck getting the doggies out in the snow - it can be a big pain!

Glad you had a good day Papmom. Sounds like you'll be getting a day or two off due to the storm. Enjoy & forget about shoveling, ugh!

I have plenty of peanut butter crackers on hand to assure a good night's sleep for everyone here