Arizona Abigail ~ The Down on the Pharm Chick

The Mysterious Stink

2012-02-17T14:06:00.000-05:00

So Nick and I have been getting a whiff of funk every once in a while in our house for the last couple weeks. We thought maybe it was the cat litter so we were ultra cleaning it. We thought maybe it was the hall bathroom. Kept cleaning it. Maybe the trash. Kept taking it out. Maybe a cat pooped somewhere hidden. Looked everywhere. We'd spray Febreze and the smell would disapate. Well the last 2 days I could smell it almost constantly and I usually can't smell much of anything. So I knew it must be bad. Nick's super nose totally agreed. SO we changed the litter, took out the trash and I scrubbed down the toilet in Mama's bathroom. Still stunk. We are at a loss. Well at 11:45 last night I went on one last kitty poop hunt. I opened the closet in Mama's den. Phew!!! That's where it was coming from. So I woke Ma up and had her help me empty the closet. We sniffed everything but it all smelled fine. So I sniffed the carpet, maybe someone peed in there. Carpet smelled like...carpet. Then I sniffed the wall. UGH! So I went to get Nick who had just had a nice relaxing evening in the hottub and was now in bed. He wasn't happy but he knew I was making a stink about the stink it had to be bad. So he narrowed the stench down to the bottom of the closet wall. So all 3 of us are in the den and Nick decided the drywall had to come out to see if we could find the cause of the stink. Now her den closet wall has her bathroom behind it. So he thought maybe the vent stack. So he cut there first, nothing there. So then moved over on the wall to the toilet, smell worse but still nothing, then over to the tub.......OH MAN!!!!!!!!! So by now the smell is overwhelming. Sure enough there it is, there's a little plastic lined pit where the plumbing for the tub is and apparantly the tub has been leaking. There was sawdust in the cavity probably from when the house was built and tub installed. It was soaked and rotten, there were tons of dead bugs in it and probably goo from my recent oatmeal bath. A few inches deep and DISGUSTING!!
So Nick goes out to get the shopvac. Its not there. So I called Holly at her trailer and woke her up. (By now its 1 am) She says its over at the house they're liquidating. So I called and woke up Paul and Mike who are staying at that house for the sale this AM. Paul said it was there and that he'd open the garage and wait for me. So I run over...thank goodness its so close...and bring it back.
Well when we started vaccing its shot the smell into the air and of course revealed the bottom of the pit and even MORE smell. By now the entire HOUSE STINKS! We had all the windows open and fans on.
So Nick and I were toting the glop out to the back lot and dumping it. Nick said it felt like we were sneaking out to dump a dead body... I said that's what it smelled like. So he cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. We threw a whole gambit of stuff at it to make it smell better, finally ending in bleach water. We left the window open and the fan on in there. This morning....MUCH better. Phew!
So by the time we were done it was 4 am.
The END!

Oasis and Oatman

2012-02-03T10:59:00.001-05:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Kickoff Meeting For Lake Havasu City Kingdom Hall Rebuild

2012-01-28T20:30:00.000-05:00

Just got home from Kickoff Meeting. Mama, Holly and I were there from Noon to 5:45pm. I am SO tired. Nick left around 9 am and came home same time. He is toast. Had association, lunch, then several speakers spoke on different themes, especially safety. It was in English and Spanish. We ALL got badges. Most watched the safety video. The kingdom hall was FULL and about 250 to 300 hundred sat outside. There were 410 in attendance. The brothers made arrangments for parking at a nearby school and shuttles to truck back and forth. Nick provided the sound for the parking lot. It was SO encouraging and exciting. You can really see Jehovah's hand and Holy Spirit at work.

Ohio House

2012-01-24T23:23:00.001-05:00

The Ohio house is officially sold. The End.
:) :( :)

Copy of newsletter to mail with cards.

2012-01-06T01:44:00.002-05:00

1/5/11

Dear Friends,

There are so many of you that I would like to write to you all personally but there aren't enough hours to the day! So I am writing a newsletter of sorts and hoping no one is offended! Because I love you all!

The last 6 months have been a whirlwind. This move has been just wonderful for us. But there are some days when I feel like we've been here forever and I miss everyone and other days when it feels like we just got here.

So far the weather has been awesome! Other than 1/ 2 of June, all of July and August and 1/2 of September, when it averaged 105 F! LOL Which even wasn't all that bad. You just have to take it easy and stay in the AC. This was an unusually HOT summer from what I was told. There were about 5 days when it hit 120-125! But right about Sept 20th it started dropping and has hung around 50-80 during the day. The coldest we got was one night in the mid 30's. This past week has been just gorgeous! 70 and sunny. You don't hear me complainin!

Nick and I just gave our first talks here tonight. Went ok. We were both nervous, but hey its been almost a year since we've given a talk! He gave the # 3 and I had #2.

We have been spending a lot of time outdoors since we've been here. Its just so nice you can't help but want to be outside. We have a hottub now and spend a lot of evenings sitting in it watching the stars. Or we sit out on the back patio. We have seen a TON of shooting stars. A couple of planets are visible and we can even see some star clusters. And the sunsets!!! They are gorgeous!

We discovered a neat spot on the island across the London Bridge that's great for swimming. I can't wait to swim again! The weather is warm enough but the water is too cold. Its Colorado River water!

We also enjoy off roading. There are a couple elders and other brothers and their wives who are the leaders of the pack and as long as no giant boulders are concerned we can keep up with the Jeep Rubicon's fairly well with our Liberty. Its is now trail rated and has the 'desert pinstripes' to prove it! Right now it is just covered with dust. Must take it for a bath this weekend!

We have seen a lot of wildlife. Of course my favorite, the quail, also road runners and bunnies. We have a lizard living under the hot tub. And I saw a sun spider! I almost leapt onto the grill when I saw that! But he left me alone. We also saw a small coyote the other day. Still haven't seen any snakes, thank goodness! The guys thought they saw a bobcat the other day.

We have a cute little house. It IS little, at least compared to what we had before. But its snug and comfy.

Mama has 2 bedrooms on one side of the house. She uses one for sleeping and the other for her office/den. And she has a full bathroom between her rooms. We have the master bedroom and bathroom. There is a tiny laundry room. And in the middle of the house a big open great room. A little divider sections off the kitchen from the dining room and living room. We have a high ceiling in there and its SO bright!

The cats think living here is great. All 6 get along with each other fine. Of course occasionally someone steps on someone elses toes. Usually my young Bella picks on Mama's old Chelsie. But for for the most part they behave. I think Puddy misses having steps to hurl himself up and down though!

The congregation here is wonderful. We have made so many new friends and some are already so dear, as if we've known them forever. But isn't that the wonderful thing about Jehovah's organization? We WILL know everyone forever!

We had our special assembly day in Dec and it was so nice! We only have to go 5 minutes away to get there. But our convention is in St George Utah! YIKES. Like 5 hours away! So for the first time since I was a little kid we have to use the lodging list. Wow! But it'll be exciting.

Of course Mike and Holly are here for the winter and are living in a little trailer next to our house. Its workign out pretty well. Its a cute little trailer!

Nick and I are enjoying our jobs...well enjoy is a bit of an exaggeration...but we are glad to have jobs that give us enough to make ends meet and allow us to make meetings, and are in our fields. So its ok. I'm still with CVS and he's with Staples now.

In the next month we will be starting our Kingdom Hall rebuild project. That should be interesting! We'll be having 1 meeting a week at the Aquatic center, the same place we have the assembly, for WT, TMS, SM, and CBS. WOW! And we're getting a WHOLE new KH.

I can't wait to be involved. I hope I can manage to get a couple weekends off.

I am planning on Auxiliary Pioneering in March when we have the reduced hours. I'm going to take a week off work and I think I can make it.

Oh so much has happened but I can't think of it all. So I'll close for now!

Please know you are thought of often and missed terribly, but kept close in heart.

With Love Always,

Abby and Nick

Brenda

Chelsie, Jassi, Brammy, Fidget, Bella and Puddin

November in Lake Havasu

2011-11-19T00:57:00.000-05:00

We are having the nicest winter! Mid October Mike and Holly joined us here in Lake Havasu. They are living in the little trailer Mike bought in June that's parked next to the house. So they're "roughing" it. Not bad though. Paul and Sandra his neice came out for a visit last week or so. But the real excitement happened this weekend. Sunday we went out to the Desert Bar...the back way! IN OUR JEEP!!! We survived and so did the Jeep...although we did get a small hole in the exhaust. Small price to pay for the experience...and the view!

My Jeep earned this today!

So we made it to the Desert Bar.

Here is Holly, Marv, Kelly, and Al.

And here is Nick, Mike, Marsha, and Sid.

Sid, Marsha, and Holly showing off the view from the bathroom.

The Bathroom sinks.

The toilet stalls!

Holly found an Abba-Zaba bar!

Today Nick and I went out to the island by ourselves and drove down the hill to the beach and played like a couple of kids, wading in the water and then sat at the edge with our feet in the water, playing with the rocks and shells and comparing the neat ones we each found. A little bird kept us company. It was a perfect day!

A pretty bush that's blooming here in NOVEMBER! I LOVE living here!

So that's the excitement here.

Despite grueling work schedules we're taking the time to enjoy life and enjoy Jehovah's creation. We miss y'all back in Ohio but we are carving out a life here and are more content and happier than we have been for a long time. I thank Jehovah everyday for this.

Love to all!

Parker

2011-08-08T02:59:00.000-04:00

Mama and I took a drive to Parker today. What a gorgeous day! We had a great time. Just drove out just past Parker and then had lunch there adn then drove back. Got ice cream and took a nap.

Sorry

2011-07-22T02:01:00.000-04:00

So probably the pic links aren't working for my last post. Sigh! I'll try to post some later

Life in Havasu!

2011-07-20T14:20:00.000-04:00

So much has happened since we got here I don't know where to even start! I got my job with CVS, able to transfer. Tuesday 6/14/11 we all converged on Lookout and Parkview. So many friends showed up to help pack up the truck. They started at Mama's and got her stuff then came to our house. Kenny B. did a LOT of the truck packing to make sure that there would be enough room for our stuff later!
After much deliberating and cantankerating and arguing and trying to be patient we got mostly everything in. We had an AWESOME pasta dinner at Mike and Holly's. Let's see, there was, Roger W., Jonathon C., Paul and Kristine M. and Vickie. Jennifer and Justin V., Brent S., Joe A., both Grammas, the OTHER Paul M., Alexia Y., the Zacharias Family, and Shelly S.
All of Mama's cats peed themselves on the way to Lookout. So they all got baths immediately. I was surprised at how well they all did for never having had baths before! Even Jassi, though she took out her anger on Mama the next morning by stabbing her in the legs and arms! Bad girl!
So we left Ohio Wednesday 6/15/2011, I had to be at new CVS Wednesday 6/22/2011! Roger W. and Jonathon C. drove the moving truck and hauled Mama's car behind them and Nick and Mike drove the van with all the elctronics. Mama and I drove the Jeep and had all SIX cats with us.
Mike and Nick drove all if Wednesday thru the night and most of Thursday. Roger and Jonathon and us all stopped 2 nights. We found that La Quinta hotels are VERY pet friendly, (THANK JEHOVAH), and so we (Mama and I), made it to Tulsa, OK the first day. Twenty hours out on the road, about 16 actual hours driving. The cats were a bit cranky for the first couple hours but they slowly resigned to the fact that this was how things were gonna be. So they settled in. Bella and Brammy had the biggest crate because Brammy is my achy boy and Bella is fat. LOL. Chelsie and Fidget had a medium crate and they did fairly well other than a couple grumbles early on each day. Puddy had the picnic basket style carrier and Jassi had the small crate. Jassi was UNHAPPY!!
That first night I was SO tired I was about fit to be tied. We got a room with a recliner for Mama to sleep in and that was fine but the cats hadn't been out all day and poor Fidget climbed up next to her and relaxed and peed right behind her in the chair. SIGH! So we hurried and got a chucks pad and sopped it up and cleaned it best as we could and put another chucks pad down under Mama upside down so she could sleep there. Got everyone as settled as possible and just died. Next morning we got showers and checked in with the guys. Mike and Nick were WAY ahead and Roger and Jonathon were just a bit ahead. We got everyone packed back into the Jeep, but only after I had to extract Jassi from behind the bed and about lost a hand. I was already exhausted but we made it to Albuequerque that day! Sometime that day the trailer on the van blew a tire so the guys had to change it. Thankfully we weren't far behind so we came up and had our blinkers on for them so they could work safely. Then later the fuel pump acted up. That night we had a HUGE room but a crappy recliner. I slept like a rock but Mama hardly slept. I papered the floor corners with disposable chucks pads in case any cats thought the corners would be good places to pee. The next morning we ate leisurely. I was too tired to hurry.
ALL the guys had stopped that night but Nick and Mike had started out at like 4AM. Roger and Jon left about 6 or 7 AM. We didn't leave till almost 11AM. Up till then we did really well keeping up in spite of the fact that I was the only driver and THEY all had someone to spell them. So we didn't roll into Havasu till almost 10 PM. We were all exhausted. They helped me carry all the babies in and their heavy litter box. We stayed in a rental house for 2 weeks.
Then started the getting the carpet out of OUR house. And trying to get some kitchen stuff put in so we could eat. Nick was here for a few days and he helped us choose paint. Roger and Jonathon helped as much as they could. We did have fun though. We all went swimming.
Then Roger's daughter Rachel and her boyfriend and baby came up from Maricopa to visit. I have missed her!! We swam again!
I started my new job. Whew! Nick and Jonathon and Roger went home that second Friday 6/24/11. Nick still didn't know what we was gonna do about a job. He started on getting the house ready to sell.
Mike and Mama and I moved into our house 7/4/11. There was still no carpet because we hadn't found anything cheap enough that was GOOD carpet. So we camped out on concrete. I made a bed for me out of 2 memory foam mattress toppers and 4 comforters. Mike and Mama used 2 of the recliners. I dug out the TV and tried to hook up the DVD player, but it only played in black and white. Turns out I had it hooked up wrong. DUH! We didn't have cable or internet yet. So we watched Burn Notice in black and white till I figured out what I did wrong, then we watched somemore in color.
I got cable and internet later that week and we had ordered carpet from Lowe's. But it wouldn't be here for a couple weeks. Sigh.
Saturday 7/16/11 we took a "Funday" and we went to Oatman and Laughlin and some places in between! We got some cool pictures!
I still keep on working. I like it fairly well here but we do anywhere from 200 to 700 RX's a day! We were only doing 100 - 130 a day in Akron! Nick heard from Best Buy, HE got the Covert Ops position. So he can work from home!! But he had to train first. So....

Two days ago Nick started the training for the job. And today 7/20/11 we are getting carpet! Finally after today, we can unpack! A month here and we can finally start settling. The carpet guys are here right now which is why I have enough time to sit and think and write like this. I am so tired and SO MUCH has happened in the last month. We missed the convention this year. It was last weekend. But Nick will go to the one in Ohio this weekend. At least one of us will get it! So I am signing off for now because I have to work this afternoon/evening and I need a nap. Which I think I'll take while these guys work. Then I can get ready for work. Whoohoo.
Poor Puddy. He's crying. They are all unhappy. All 6 are locked up in the laundry room. :( Poor kitties.

OH and BTW! I got my hair cut! Its short! Not as short as I've had before, but short.

Here's some pics!!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150225660647198.317765.751617197

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150225928837198.317907.751617197

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150244885092198.324670.751617197&type=1

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150244759722198.324623.751617197&type=1

Productive day.

2011-05-27T22:42:00.000-04:00

Tried to be productive today...did pretty well. I got bank accounts closed at old bank and all deposited in new. Picked up last batch of AVON books. Then started the re-shuffle up stairs. Trying to get all keep stuff on one side of living room and all get rid of stuff on the other side. Getting there.

Dinner at a greasy spoon tonight with Mike and Holly and Nick. All u can eat fish. YUMMM. Then out to Hartville to meet up with Marilyn and Eric at swap meet set up. Then ended up at Steak and Shake for milkshakes. All in all a good day.

Yawn.

Rambling Ruthie

2011-05-27T00:02:00.000-04:00

Feeling very out of sorts...dunno if it has anything to do with the fact that half of my belongings are in boxes and the other half still need help climbing into boxes. My kitchen is a disaster, I have a ton of laundry that needs done and packed, I have no idea where some things are. And I am parting with stuff I have sentimental attachment to...not to mention leaving behind all the people I've known in my short 29 years. There's so much stuff I dunno what to even DO with...that is if I even know what in the world it IS! (Mostly Nick's stuff.) The bathroom upstairs still needs done. AND last but certainly not least I still dunno if we have jobs. Sigh. Bella just came in and said, "Mumph" and is doing her FEED ME dance. Silly thing is if I go downstairs and feed them she'll eat 2 bites and then wander off. Fat lil piglet. I love that kitty, she is so soft. She feels like rabbit fur. And she allows me to rub her polka-dotty rubber toes and stretch them all out long. I can mess with her ears and rub her belly and pound on the back and she just adores all of it. She usually has a running commentary of "Mumphs" and "Ack-ack-acks" and Eh-eh-eh-eh-ehs" though all of a sudden she has added the occasional tiny "Mew". Where did THAT come from? This little kitty doesn't speak Cattish!!!
Brammy has now graced me with HIS presence. He is teetering on the arm of the computer chair and christening me with hair all over my back and shoulders. I seriously think that they do not understand why I am not covered with fur and so shed extra so that I can wear it too!
I have NO idea where Puddy is. Though he may have decided to go curl up with Daddy. He LOVES Nick. When Nick is home Puddy is usually GLUED to him! He always looks at him SO adoringly.
I really am inerested to see how the dynamic changes when all 6 cats live together! Whee! This should be interesting!

Recent stuff.

2011-05-24T00:48:00.000-04:00

This is from Brooke and Shain's going away party. Nick, Brent, Joe and Justin...My sweetie and brothers!

I am gonna miss those guys!!!

While I was TRYING to pack the other day Puddy decided to "help" by packing himself.

We had our sale the other day to try to get rid of some stuff and the neighbors cam over and brought their pet dwarf bunny name Oreo,

and a baby CHIPMUNK!

OMG I have always wanted to hold, or at least pet, a chipmunk. What an adorable baby!

The other day Nick came home from work to find two bums, Bella and Puddy.

Last night Brammy was bein sweet doin his lil headbutt with me.

Our New House

2011-05-13T19:01:00.000-04:00

Hungry!!!

2011-04-27T02:20:00.001-04:00

Its 2 am...I am awake...I am hungry. I cannot sleep if I am hungry. Well I suppose I cannot sleep if I am awake and on the computer either. I really need to go to sleep soon though because I have a lot to do tomorrow. I am trying to pack and get things organized but I have so much to do I don't exactly know where to start. I really wish some days we were independantly wealthy because then we wouldn't have to worry about time lines so much as well as bills, jobs etc. Sigh.

Today was a nice day despite Nick's and my grumbling at each other. He still is hurting from his fall and so is grumpy. But I digress...we both had today off work and so we decided to get a bunch of things done. We went to the bank to deposit a check and get all our papers for the house notarized and then off to the BMV to get Nick's plates renewed. Then off to Office Max to use their fedex service to mail the notarized papers. Then across the street to Best Buy to get Gramma Lo's refund for the TV she bought last week, she got sale price discount. And to pay a little on our bill for the washer and dryer we bought awhile back. Then to Home Depot to get a wire for Gramma's TV. Then LUNCH!!! Sheetz chicken nuggets are actually quite good! Then took a nap while watching Law and Order reruns on DVR. Then with Nick, Mike and Holly and Paul for chicken dinner in Barberton and picked up Holly and Mike's new washer....their's croaked. Then after stuffing ourselves we popped over to Gramma's to Nick could install the thingie he needed to. Then back to the house where I conked out again while watching Law and Order on DVR. Musta been boring episodes.
The last couple nights Nick and I watched all 3 Back to the Future Movies. He got it on BluRay and I forgot how good they are!! Yay!!!
Well off to find a munchie and hit the hay.
Tomorrow is gonna be packing, washing dishes, catching up on laundry, and studying for Oral Review on Thursday.

Gnite!

Wonderful Day

2011-04-17T02:14:00.001-04:00

Had a very nice evening with Jen and Justin V., Joe and Michelle A., Melissa and Carlo M., Shelly Saylor and Brent Spaulding. We had tacos, watched some tv and bits of movies. Then before anyone left we sang about a dozen Kingdom Songs. I believe every time we do that I cry but it is SO nice to have REAL frineds that are not afraid to show their love for Jehovah by singing outside the Kingdom Hall. Its also nice to know that if we are ever seperated from our congregation and have any access to our bros and sis we can at least pick up whatever we can get our hands on for spiritual food and maybe at least remember a few songs amongst us to keep our spirituality bolstered. Its also nice to feel comfortable, truly comfortable with some people. I thank Jehovah everyday for our true friends. I appreciate the positivity that we have been surrounded by.
So on this all important day of the Memorial of Jesus Christ's Death remember the sacrifice Jehovah and Jesus gave for us and thank Jehovah for the gift of the spiritual Paradise we have. How grateful I am for this gift.
I hope everyone has a great Memorial and that maybe some will be able to begin to teach others about the ransom and the love it shows for mankind.
Agape to all! And thanks Jen and Justin for your hospitality as usual! Love YOU!!

Snickety Lemon Fish

2011-04-01T19:31:00.000-04:00

1 lb of salmon fillet in 4 pieces
1 TBSP butter
1 TBSP extra virgin oil
1 tsp greek seasoning
1 TBSP lemon pepper
dash each of salt and pepper
2 fresh lemons or 1/2 bottled lemon juice (fresh is better)

melt butter, olive oil, and seasonings together
place foil in the bottom of a shallow baking pan and place fillets in pan
cut 4 slices from one of the lemons and place 1 slice on each fillet then squeeze remaining juice from both lemons all over the fish
pour butter, oil and seasonings over the fish and
bake at 450 for 15 minutes or until fish is flaky
serve with long grain and wild rice.
Can feed 4 but we ate it all in one sitting!

The Truth

2011-03-30T22:29:00.002-04:00

I know this is a usual thing but I still am amazed how aften it happens! I have been studying with a gal named Regina who has been associated with the truth a long time but she is really trying to get her life in order...it is SUCH a joy to study with her. But I digress. Its funny how what we have been studying, (Death, Hades, Sheol, Gehanna), has had a lot about Job in it and the Day's Text has had a LOT about Job the last few weeks. Then some of what was at the Special Assembly Day tied right in with all of it! And the WT lesson too. I love how the truth just fits so well. The last year or so the truth has just seemed more real and more understandable. I have made more of an effort, trying to make it more my own and the efforts have paid off. I am enjoying it so much more now. And now studying with Gina has made it even better. So anyway just thought I'd share.

Stuff for Sale

2011-03-20T23:14:00.001-04:00

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=281791&id=751617197&saved#!/album.php?fbid=10150119946897198&id=751617197&aid=281791

Midnite Meanderings

2011-03-16T23:41:00.000-04:00

I'm hungry.
I hafta pee, and I still need to take my pills. But I don't wanna get up. The bed is warm. I have 2 snuggly kitties. But I hafta pee! And I really should eat something so when I take my pills THEY won't eat my stomach. Sigh.

Here I go. Goodnite!

March 2011 Newsletter

2011-03-02T00:28:00.000-05:00

News

3/1/11

So much happening, so little time. We went on vacation to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, January 31st thru February 21st. Nick got to go to an abandoned mine with Dad, Paul and Mike Missell. We went out to eat several times and we got to pick lemons and oranges right from the trees. Holly and I did a retail therapy day and I got some new shirts! We helped out at the Potpourri sale the first week there and a sister's estate sale the second week. Met, made and re-established friendships. The friends there are excited we are planning to move there! We fell in love with a house there and have put a bid on it since we got home!! Mama is in the process of selling her house. And Nick and I are putting our house up for sale. We have a few things to work on. So I have started the fun packing process! At least for sure getting the stuff to sell out, and stuff to pitch out, and the stuff to give away out. Whew! So much junk!!!

I am going to miss a lot of people very deeply. But I look forward to a simpler life with my 2 favorite people and ready to try to do better spiritually. And I am ready for some warmth!!!!

Work has been fairly smooth since coming home. So that's a plus.

I missed my kitties SO bad while we were gone. They spent the 3 weeks with Jen and Justin in their little attic apartment. So the kitties had their own place for a bit! Well Bella and Puddy did. Brammy stayed at Mama's. Missy in Holly and Mike's basement in Shelly's care. I guess Missy'll go with M and H to AZ next year. So the kitties are all settled back in but I think Bram knows something is up. He "MRow's" all the time!!! At least right now he is quiet. Bella is settled on my feet. Puddy is sitting on the floor having a bath.

In other news Del Zacharias passed away in January. Very sad.

Good Grammer

So it really gets on my nerves when I notice the misuse of the English language in written form. So this column is to give some pointers on correct use and spelling of certain words.

This time we are going to look at some words that sound the same but are spelled differently and mean different things.

Their, there and they're. Their, is a possessive word. As in, "Don't take Mom and Dad's TV, it's theirs." There, tells you where something is. "Bella's hat is over there." They're tells you what someone is doing. It is a contraction of the 2 words they and are. "They're going to the store later."

Its and it's, is another one. I have a hard time with this one so I looked it up to be sure. Its is possessive. "The momma cat cleans its kittens." It's is the contraction of 'it is'. "It's gonna be a lot of fun at the fair."

Idea and Ideal. Ok this one drives me NUTS!!! Idea is a thought of something creative. "Hey! I have an idea! Lets all go to the movies on Friday!" Ideal means - Perfect for what you need. Ideal is almost like saying "perfect" or "thats exactly what I need." That is the ideal shirt for the trip next month."

OK folks lets start using English right!!!

Salutations

Well everyone it's late and I am tired. Sleep well and let me know what's going on with you!

Lots of Love!

Abby

What We Did on Wednesday

2011-02-17T01:49:00.001-05:00

So the guys went to McCracken Mine today. Nick and his dad went down into the mineshaft and got some cool pix and vids. Holly and I went to Laughlin and shopped. I think he got off with the better deal as far as coming back with something cool. I spent money! His souveniers were free. I got a new pair of jeans and 2 dressy tops. And some smelly stuff at Bath and Body Works. LOL 2 perfumes, a hand sanitizer and a lotion. Only 6 bucks. At B&B anyway. Other stuff around 40. Eek. But I need to be ruthless with my clothes. So much just needs pitched or rag bagged.

Anyway sleeptime.

One of Sister Grace Denning's Paintings

2011-02-17T01:41:00.000-05:00

We did an estate sale for a sister while we were in AZ and I fell in love with her art. I don't want to share without her permission but I thought I'd share this one since it did have her name in the corner. I wish I could do this!!!

Vacation in AZ!!

2011-02-15T00:58:00.000-05:00

Well we are on our last week in Lake Havasu! We have worked most of it! LOL. Potpourri Sale was almost all of first week, but the first week was chilly and windy. A bit chillier than usual here this time of year. Last week we helped do an estate sale for a sister. So this week is just chillin out. Today we vegged and tomorrow is service. Wed. Nick, Mike and Paul are going to McCracken mine with Mike Missel...ooooh say that 5 times fast!...and Holly and I are going to Laughlin for some retail therapy. Thurs is meeting of course and friday a Jeep trip. The Sat is come home time. I can't wait to see my kitties, and Mama, and Jen and Justin, and Shelly.
So tired...we have been trying to find a house and looking for jobs. Nothing really so far. Sigh.
Feeling very bittersweet right now.

Got Nick's Cold

2011-01-16T14:05:00.000-05:00

Pleck. Made yummy soup yesterday!

Abby's Chicken Veggie Soup

2 Boneless Skinless Chicken breasts
1 and 1/2 cans Chicken Broth
1 can Cream of Celery Soup
1 can Tomato soup
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cans sliced potatoes
1 can corn
1 bag frozen carrots
1 handful chopped onions
2 tbsp dried celery flakes
1 can white beans
1/2 can mexican seasoned black beans
some salt and pepper to taste
a "blub" of milk and 1 cup water
cook for 4 hours on low

YUM!

Enjoying Life Tonight

2011-01-09T19:25:00.000-05:00

Its dinner time at the Vince's. Yum...Beef Veggie Soup and crackers. Maybe ice cream later.
Us, and Jen and Justin obviously and Brent. The guys are playing a board game and us gals are watching a movie. Gonna watch Spaceballs.
So gonna go! LOL
Bye!!

Good day!

2010-12-22T22:52:00.000-05:00

Had a great evening. Only 45 minutes but it made my whole week. I have a new Bible student and tonight was to be her first study with me. But she had a mini emergency with fam so we almost didn't have a study however we ended up having a phone study. She had a major ah-ha moment. Yay. I cannot tell you how great I feel...I am doing my REAL job again! Also Jehovah plunked her in my lap 2 days after I prayed hard about having a productive study again. And apparantly I was an answer to her prayers too.
Its amazing how Jehovah gives us what we need when we need it!

Oops!...I Did It Again!

2010-12-09T19:59:00.000-05:00

So I haven't written since October. Sheesh! So THE BIG news is that Benjamin got married November 20th. He and Tasha made a beautiful couple! Gorgeous wedding and reception and SO much fun. The cousins and Aunt Judy and Uncle Clinton looked so nice. Food was delish. I have pics I'll post sometime.

Also I am FREEZING! I hate winter. Only part of me warm is the part where Bella is sitting on my leg.

We have our Circuit Assembly this weekend. Looking forward to it. Can't wait to see who is getting baptised. I must got looking for my notebook and my WT and Bible and songbook. Also need to figure out what to eat.
So other news is I had an ultra sound and CT scan of my abdomen. Apparantly I have a fatty liver so I need to start really watching what I eat. Try to cut back on bad things. Eat lots more veggies and drink more water and tea instead of pop or sweet drinks. Been doing good with that.

I think I may go take a hot bath since I can't get warm.

Nite all.

Little Me

2010-10-11T22:38:00.000-04:00

Conversations

2010-10-10T00:54:00.000-04:00

In Talking with Jen tonite I was reminded of something I keep forgetting to write about. My late night conversations with Nick. He talks quite plainly...in his sleep. The other night while snuggled under the covers blissfully reading my latest novel, trying to keep the booklight from shining in Nick's face while he snored, he rolled over and squinting into the light he looked straight at me and said quite clearly,
"Its a good buy." At which point I'm thinking he's dreaming about work. So being fairly awake I decide to play.
"What is?" I inquire.
"This." He informs me, poking my pillow and blinking. He blocks his eyes with his other hand.
"Really?" I say, "Why?"
"Its $7.00, you should buy it." At this point I can barely breathe from trying so hard to keep a straight face and not laugh. He pokes my pillow again and blinks. I say,
"OK I think I will."
"You should buy it." Punctuated with another poke. I am DYING!!! He continues a couple more times till I can hardly stand it at which point I say barely without a snort.
"OK...(giggle)...I promise...(heehee)...I'll buy it...but you have to go back to sleep first."
"OK." He rolls over and begins to snore. I lay on my back holding my ribs with one hand and plaster the other over my mouth and hoot into it! The next morning I asked if he thought we should get new pillows and if he thought $7 was a good price. He shrugged so I explained. He smirked and then laughed and said "Maybe so I dunno." He has talked in his sleep his WHOLE life. His mom used to here him on the other side of the house yelling, "I told you NO!" She'd go check on him and he'd be telling someone off that wasn't there. He now chats a lot about computer things. Usually though his conversations are real wordsd mixed with a lot of...qiwhfiuegiehgognmg werfhjwo eqorthj[whgow eoighjeoign. Things I can't pronounce or understand. Though one night he sat straight up on the edge of the bed and says,
"It this big and its purple." Holding his hands out as if to measure about 2 to 3 feet long. I was pretty much asleep, but I sat up.
"What is?" He said a few unintelligible things and then laid back down and went right back to snoring.
Another time he had set his alarm especially early for work because he wanted to eat and take his time that morning. At 6 am the alarm goes off and he rolls over...
"Why did I set that so early?" he says turns off the alarm and goes back to sleep. I figure he realised he'd still have plenty of time, reset my alarm for 15 minutes later and dozed. When my alarm went off he say bolt upright and asked why his alarm didn't go off?? I answered,
"But it did! You turned it off! YOU SAID why did I set this so early and turned it off!"
"I did??"
Now I make sure he is UPRIGHT and heading for the bathroom before I go back to sleep in the morning!!
Now mind you this is not complaining because you know what? I talk in my sleep too!!!! Though apparantly Nick has never caught it. He has heard me grunt in my sleep. I'll be dreaming and grunt audibly when I am thinking about speech in my dream. But my friend Jess got it once!! I sat bolt upright in bed and shouted,
"Those are my muffins!" And went back to sleep.
I am beginning to wonder if the reason we don't really argue is because we hash everything out while we sleep! What an awesome arrangement!

AVON Stuff I have On Hand that I need to sell!

2010-10-09T02:59:00.000-04:00

1.7 oz "Soft Pink" Bubble Bath $0.75

1.5 oz Vita Moist Hand Cream $0.75

1.7 oz "Naturals" Cucumber Melon Hand and Body Lotion $0.75

3.4 oz Skin So Soft "Soft and Sensual" scent Replenishing Hand Cream $3.00

1.5 oz Moisture Therapy Intensive Treatment Hand Cream $2.00

56.7 oz Skin So Soft "Original Scent" Gelled Body Oil $3.00

Assorted Lip Balms $0.75 each

Left to Right as shown: "Dipped in Chocolate", Sweet Vanilla", "Sugar Cookie", "Candy Cane", "Wintermint", "Gingerbread" and "Dew Kiss-Lip Dew"

Wire Gift Basket Goldtone with Cello Bag, 2 White tissue papers, plastic ribbon and instructions $8.00

Assorted "Glazewear" Lip glosses $4.00 each

From left to right: Clear, Darling Pink, Cherry Liqueur, Crimson

Oops! Puddy NOT for sale!!! He was "helpin"

Hand Sanitizers $3.00 each

Vanilla, Cucumber Melon, and Peach

Eternal Magic Gift Set ONLY!! $24.00

Worth $50 Includes Free Lavender Gift Bag, 6.7 oz Body Lotion, 1.7 EDT Spray, and 6.7 oz Shower Gel

8.4 oz Red Rose and Peach "Naturals" Hand and Body Lotion $2.00

Fair Pics 2010

2010-10-09T00:51:00.000-04:00

Morning Glories and Puddy

2010-10-09T00:18:00.000-04:00

Up too late again. Should go to bed but don't want to. Desiring a lot of 'me' time lately where I just want to be alone and quiet and read or write or something. But so much to do and so little time is getting very old. I know and understand this is natural in this old world but I hate having to go to work to serve people who just don't appreciate what you do while my home and wants and needs go un-cared for. I know this is real life in this world, I know it won't be better till the new world but somedays....And there are people who say they have to work cuz they would be bored otherwise. Shoot...find something creative to DO!!! I want to start my days when I want and take care of necessary things as I want and do some fun things too...when I want then go to bed happy, tired, and fulfilled. And still pay the bills. I wish I could get paid for being whatever it is I wanna be.

Sorry just a tad bit dicouraged and more than a little tired. So maybe I'll go to bed and maybe tomorrow will be happier.

Isn't he handsome!!!

My favorite flower!!! And it did so well this year!

Sometimes...

2010-10-06T01:11:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you have a time when you can talk to a friend and can really say what's in your mind and not worry about what they think. I just had one of those conversations. I think I needed it as much as she did. What a RELIEF!!

We have been in the grip of some snotty weather the last few days. It's as if the heavens have a cold and they are just miserable and drippy, and chilly. And not caring a titch what you think about it. Brrr. I am ready for a little sun!! Though today was a good day! Went in service with Holly, Mary and Lynda. We met at the hall and Henry led and we got to see the bros. working on the drywall. Two much needed hours in service. No rushing, feeling hurried. How pleasant. Laundry still needing done, dishes too, but I feel more at ease about things now. Amazing how a day of working for the best 'boss' ever, even if only 2 hours, makes you easy feeling.
I got Mama on Sunday really early and brought her over to the hall and we were there for breakfast and got to see the safety video and received our safety handbooks. So I am certified to work! LOL. Probably still be in food tent though! I like it there cuz I am not a safety hazard for anyone there. I am after all a KLUTZ!!
But it was nice to be there and spending time among our bros and sis.
Mom and Dad will be heading west in a week. Bittersweet time. I like being on our own some but I shall miss them too. Plus I know that winter is coming. And poor Missy is moving in here for 6 months too. Poor kitty! She does NOT like that. But at least each year that passesgets easier for her.
The lst few nights we have seen a Mama deer and her 2 babies in the park. When they see us they head for the woods. But I SO enjoy seeing them. I miss that back home. As well and the 'peepers' in the spring. I wonder what sounds I'll fall in love with in Arizona when we move? My heart is torn over this decision. I really want to move, I really look forward to it, but I will miss all I know and love here.
What a big change. I mean I know people do this all the time, I know it'll be fun and fine. But still...apprehension. I guess its an adventure and at least I have the advantage of knowing what its like. The people who tamed the west did it with know previous knowledge and left EVERYTHING behind. We have internet and cell phones and e-mail etc. And airplanes. Its different...I guess.
My brain is so full and I just need some me time at length but tomorrow is work..and for the next 3 days after too. So I need to go sleep. So goodnight all who care. And Sheri if you read this I'm thinking of you and my prayers are with you! Hugs always!
Goodnight all.

Cough

2010-09-19T12:06:00.001-04:00

Been sick. No fun. I am so behind on AVON its not even funny.

I need to get to the bank, and everything is exhausting. I have so much to do. And I am so tired.
I wish I could wiggle my nose and have it done!

Gonna listen to the Kenmore meeting today. So at least I'll get some spiritual food.
Sigh.

The kitties have been especially sweet and cuddly the past few days. So cute!!

Off to re-read my long story and maybe I'll work some on it. I got some input from Mama and it got me thinking. So we'll see.

Change

2010-09-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

Do you fear change the way I do?
Well I know just what you're going through.
I the blink of an eye your life takes a path,
That a moment before it might never have.

Wanna read more?
http://arloswords.blogspot.com/2010/09/change-92010.html

Fair!

2010-09-07T22:54:00.000-04:00

Fair pics on my Facebook profile I'll put some here as soon as I can but it takes awhile to load!
Abbs

So tired...

2010-08-28T16:54:00.000-04:00

Chronic fatigue flaring. So very tired. Watching end Season 3 on LOST. Being a bum. After gonna take a nap.

Yadda yadda yadda

2010-08-25T10:27:00.001-04:00

Nothing very exciting going on...ha yeah right. We're soon going to be getting a new Kingdom Hall! Well sort of. Its gonna be remodeled. A lot of problems to be cared for. This week the parking lot was getting repaired. Then soon the remediation and then remodel!!

This past week I got my eyes checked. New rx for my contacts and in the next few days I'll have my new glasses. I got rose red wire frames. I hope I like em better than the pair I have now. I like this pair looks wise but they sit right on my face and they make me sweaty! Yugh!

I have been enjoying this morning. Sitting here with my kitties and just easing into the day. Although now its gonna be a long day cuz I work till 7. Oh well. I think I'll have some banana bread for breakfast! Yum!!!

Sad news...We found out yesterday 2 dear sisters passed away. They both are resting now in the "sleeper car" in Jehovah's memory awaiting the day that Jehovah will bring them back. My heart hurts for all their families and close friends. May Jehovah give them peace and endurance.

Well I have to go start my day.

Catchup and Clear Out!!!

2010-08-15T22:56:00.000-04:00

I feel like I am drowning in stuff. I am such a clutterbug, collector etc. And all of a sudden I don't wanna deal with any of it. Problem is I HAVE to deal with it to get rid of it!!! LOL Oh dear! Look out Mike you're about to get a bunch of crap to part with for me. Well maybe. Maybe some of it'll go to Goodwill. In any case it has to go OUT!
It is SO sticky right now. I HATE humidity. I feel bad for Mama out there in the heat, no air conditioning, and a still owwy head.
The kitties have been SO cute today. Puddy was doing his daddy snuggle this morning while we did our WT study. He just kept scootching closer and closer to Nick and kissing his chin. He is just TOO adorable when he does that. Then Bella has been a real chatterbox lately. She tells me all kinds of things. I think she's telling on her brothers truth be told. She is so funny. Bram is his usual cuddly silly self, but only with me.
I am still on my LOST rampage. Still in Season 3. Had to back off a bit though because I was getting WAY to addicted. I stopped for our Convention and CO visit. So now I am trying to keep up with my study schedule and only watch LOST when I'm done. Sigh. I wish I did't have to work! LOL
Anyhu. We had a lovely Co visit. Very encouraging but pointed at times. Like the Convention! I had to work Saturday...phooey...so I didn't get out with the group but I did get to talk to someone the other day informally so...not completely miss out.
So I am off to sleep now!

LOST

2010-08-01T23:16:00.001-04:00

So I am almost done with Season 2 of LOST. Yagh!! So much craziness. I need my head examined. Whoever came up with this show is nuts, but in a brilliant way! It is all kinds of fun, I am constantly surprised by it. And how all the people are conected somehow.....Anyhu. I need a life!
So today I made Cashew Chicken by Wanchai Ferry. Yummy. Should have made the squash too. I'll maybe do that tomorrow. I have 4 little yellow squashies. Mmmm-mmmm!
Work tomorrow 10-6 I think I'll check it when I go upstairs.
Got the gas-line tarred alright last week. Kennady and Carsynn B. helped me, and Jeff G. They all did a great job. Might try to go to chiropractor this Tues. Ma and I both need it I am sure. This coming week is the District Convention. So I gotta figure out what's for lunches. I can't wait to see the new release. I hope I get thru it/them this time.
I really need to set up my study schedule again. So I hope I hope....
Anyway. I'm off for now. Love to all...

Our Crazy Week or Two

2010-07-18T22:18:00.002-04:00

So we've been working on our Kingdom Hall roof. We're getting a brand new roof. Started about 2 weeks ago and it almost done. Soon then we'll be getting the inside remodeled too. So last Saturday I didn't work and wen't up to the hall and helped serve breakfast and lunch. And kept the water and Gatorade cold and ready for anyone who needed it. Then this week on Friday I went up and helped serve breakfast after scrambling 3 dozen eggs. Then had to run to work right away! Saturday I did errands and bummed around. Then last night we did guard duty from 7-11 pm. Keeping the vagrants from stealing the ladders and etc. Today there was no meeting at our hall so we flaked out and went to Gramma H's to install the wall bracket for her new tv.
Then stopped by the hall and ran into Shelly B from Wadsworth so she came home with us and we all went to lupper with Holly, Gramma H. and Tootie and Margie. We went to Plaza Maya. Yummy!!!
When we got home I watched some of Lost with Shelly B and Nick got te old dryer unhooked.
After Shel left we dragged the new dryer into the laundry room and the old one out to the front room. So I washed a few things and when its done I'll try out my new dryer!!!
Right now I am hanging out with Holly and Nick is down in their basement with Mike.
Work from 10-6 I think tomorrow...JOY!
Wrote the poem below because all the roof work at the hall just brings back all kinds of memories about Papa and I am really missing him. Just when you think you're stable emotionally something else comes out and bites you.
Oh BTW I found a great Scripture recently. Luke 12:26

So that's the news for now.
Love to all!

Papa

2010-07-18T22:04:00.000-04:00

Papa was a simple man, who cared for others all his life
He found a sweet and simple gal who soon became his wife
They took him off to prison because he wouldn't fight
But the trials that he faced there did not destroy his light

Wanna read more??
http://arloswords.blogspot.com/2010/07/papa.html

Chirp, chirp, chirp

2010-06-24T23:57:00.002-04:00

What a LONG day. I was menstrual and cranky and exhausted today. I felt like someone pulled the plug on my energy. Whew! I HATE that. Anyhu it was a long 8 hour day starting at 8 am. Then home and a bitty nap then meeting and now sitting here needing to put laundry in the dryer and then off to bed. Gotta give Bamboozle (Brammy) his antibiotic. He's doin much better. My contacts feel like they're glued to my eyeballs. Yurgh. Need to get so much done and have NO time to do any of it. I really need to finish my office ceiling. It would be so nice to use that little room. Anyhu...I am off to bed for now. Love to anyone who cares.

Treebreathers (Poem, Short Story)

2010-06-21T23:16:00.001-04:00

Deep within the forest green
There lives a race unheard unseen
They live their lives among the trees
Because without them they would cease
Their bodies have a faulty gene

Wanna read more?

http://arloswords.blogspot.com/2010/06/treebreathers.html

Bad day!

2010-06-03T22:39:00.001-04:00

So apparantly no one thought my adventure at the flea market was amusing. Harumph. Oh well. WE had fun. Bad day today. Fibromyalgia kicked up. Feet were killing me as well as the rest of my body. Stayed home tonight, shouldn't have. But did. Jeep's radiator cracked AGAIN. Sigh.

Adventure at the Flea Market!

2010-05-31T13:52:00.003-04:00

I went to work at the flea market in Hartville with Mike and Holly. All went well, made a bit of moolah.....So we start packing up the books and getting ready to leave the Flea Market and the wind starts getting fierce! We were booking it...um pun intended I guess...literally. Got all packed up and since there was stuff in the front of the cab, me and Mom (Holly) climbed in the bed of the truck. And Dad starts trying to get out of there. He was going to drop us off at the car which was parked by the entrance and we were going nowhere! Then the thunder and lightning started and then big fat huge raindrops! We got soaked immediately. So Holly and I ripped a huge empty cardboard box to put over us to keep the rain out of our eyes. Then after awhile it started disintegrating. Then it started a lighter steady rain. Wasn't too bad. So I came out from under the box and stuck a flap of cardboard inside a little wicker basket which I stuck on my head and tucked the handle under my chin! People were hootin and laughing at us. We each had a cup and were offering to "sell" glasses of water to passersby. Or asking "Alms for the poor?" Then we were singing "I am the 'Girl' of Constant Sorrow" by the Soggy Bottom "Girls". LOL. To keep my cell phone dry I stuffed it in my bra. All in all a fun day, way more fun than CVS!

Silly Sleepy Sunday!

2010-05-31T01:57:00.002-04:00

Well long Sunday I think I got nothing out of the WT study. Sigh. Then nice lunch at Mike and Holly's for hospitality. Then home and napped from 6 to 9. Up for a drink and a munch. Ended up watching a movie. Have huge headache and s'posed to be up early and ready to leave at 7.

Long Saturday

2010-05-30T01:45:00.002-04:00

Should have gone in service today. Had a restless nite, weird dreams and body temp all over the charts. Overslept and so did dishes and laundry and planted my morning-glory seeds and went with Shelly to Petsmart to get litter and food for all the monsters. Boy was THAT a run-on sentence! Anyhu now I am in an Ativan induced stupor ready to crash and realising I should write "on-drugs" more often! LOL JK!!! I only take 1 0.5mg dose when i am desparate for a good nights sleep. So on that note! Goodnite!!!

Mid-week news...

2010-05-19T22:09:00.002-04:00

Well not an exciting day. Work from 8 to 2. Weren't too busy. Then went to pick up my Campaign 12 books from Shari and then the post office for stamps. Did Day's Text with Mama on phone. Then home. Mike went to dentist to get tooth pulled! OUCH!!! Nick and I did yard work. He mowed while I picked up sticks and did some weeding. Then went to Auto Zone to dump old pil and get a couple things. Then back home again. Mike came home and he ended up with major oral 'surgery' to get the tooth out and so off Holly and I went to CVS for RX's so he won't be writhing in pain tonight or get an infection. While we were gone Mike and Paul helped Nick change my oil. Then soup with Holly and cheesy potatoes. Now Nick and I have been playing Little Big Planet. Or rather he's playing and I am watching. You can smack other Sack-people with a lil frying pan! LOL Its hysterical. Soon bed and sleep to get up at 7 and do the work part all over again except till 4 tomorrow, then meeting tomorrow night.

Hope all are well!

Well We Survived

2010-05-09T22:50:00.002-04:00

We survived the insane wedding Nick was in yesterday. Whew! Well it was very pretty and reception was fun. Yummy food!!! Fun dancing. Did the electric slide in my L.E.D. shoes Nick modified for me! Yay!
Today had dinner with Mom and Dad and Shelly and Brittany and Jake. That was fun!
Really need to re-read my story and see where I need to go next. I haven't touched it in ages.
Work 8 hours tomorrow. Maybe we both have Tues so hopefully service.
Well off to bed. And must feed the kitties. Love to all.

Friday

2010-04-30T19:58:00.004-04:00

Sitting here since I got home, tired and wanna nap but gotta do laundry instead. And make a cake for Paul and Kristine's wedding tomorrow. Plus the cats all needs baths cuz they're shedding SO bad!!! I think I'll do Bella first then Bram cuz they shed the worst. The gotta try to bathe Puddy! Yikes! I've only ever given him one bath and he was a LOT smaller then! LOL. Anyway... Getting over an bad respiratory thing. Coughing like a seal and sick and tired of it!!! I also have had some crappy AVON campaigns so PLEASE if you're thinking of buying and know you want something do it NOW!!! LOL.

Well off to do something constructive.

PS never did try to bathe puddy!

Work

2010-04-05T23:36:00.002-04:00

Long day today. Not bad, just long!!! Never got the queue cleaned out, it was busy, day after the holiday and we were closed yesterday. So whew!

Service in the morning and a work on the limo afternoon.

Nity nite!

Sick

2010-03-22T17:59:00.002-04:00

So I can't breathe... Someone gave me a cold. Laying here not being able to breathe and trying to get my Avon orders together. Ugh. Must go down soon and make some tomato soup and a grilled cheese. MMM.

2010-03-14T23:23:00.001-04:00

Too cold to type on laptop. /reat day w/ Ma & Sullivan's. Dont wanna work 2morrow. Want to write but no time or inspiration. Sigh

Fabulous Fun Friday with my Friend

2010-03-12T18:06:00.003-05:00

Hello. Today was GORGEOUS! Spring is starting to come! I am happy. Though we'll probably have ice at least 3 to 4 more times.
Today Shelly took me to KSU to see the Fashion Museum. Very cool. Clothing and textiles from 1800's on. Awesome fashions. There will be a Katherine Hepburn exhibit in October! I want to go! It'll be awesome.
Went to Cracker Barrel for lunch. Though we had breakfast foods for lunch. Yummy!
Then we went to an antique mall. Saw all kinds of crap and all kinds of cool stuff.
Now home. Nick washed my car and fixed my radiator. I opened a window upstairs and the cats were all wigging out enjoying being in the window and smelling outside air. Too cute! Now I'm vegging on the couch with Missy on my lap. Nick and I are watching Holmes on Homes, and being bums. I wanna watch a movie on Netflix!
We'll see.

AVON

2010-03-06T23:09:00.003-05:00

OK really trying to get sales in Campaign 7. You want anything from AVON come and get it!!
www.youravon.com/alocascio

My feet are frozen. Went out to eat tonight at Azteca. Moved stuff around upstairs today. Got some stuff organized.
Nothing exciting today.

First Day Back to Life in the State of Confusion

2010-02-25T22:01:00.006-05:00

I is Froze! Nick wasn't feeling well tonight still and I could not get warm. So we missed meeting. But listened in to meeting because Brother Ruch is visiting. How nice! What a fabulous talk. "Can a Sheep Become a Goat?" Do not drift, draw, turn, or fall away from the truth. Also do not give or throw away our privleges.

Today was our first day back at work. Sigh. No fun. We both needed vacation, but coming home seemed bittersweet. I am glad to be home, I missed my kitties, but not glad to be back in winter and work.

Anyway here's some more pics. I'm not here long I need to go get a hot shower so I can get warm!

Flower Art at the Bellagio.

Glass art by Chihuly

Bronze of Elvis. There is an Elvis Cirque de Soliel!

Friday...AGAIN?????

2010-02-19T16:06:00.002-05:00

Boy February flew by. Its almost time to head home. I cought the cold everyone else had Phooey!!! But not feeling too horrid, just really stuffy and sleepy. Though I HAVE been up since six!!! I woke up stuffed up, with a scratchy throat and I had to pee. Then I never went BACK to sleep. Oh well.

Had some troubling news from Mama about her health. But will wait to post anything else till I have more info.

Having an at home day today. Mike and Holly are at a sale all day with Paul so its just Nick and me here which is nice and even Nick is in the garage working on my Jeep so I have some me time. I am hanging out in the backyard enjoying the sun and breeze and the windchimes.

I gotta go check on my laundry I have in I think I may hang my comforter out here so it smells fresh tonight!

Someone is cutting wood somewhere nearby I hear the power saw and smell the saw dust smell thru my stuffies...mmmmm!

Above is a pic Nick took while we were out Jeepin' I had fun with editing!

Monday Mayhem

2010-02-15T14:03:00.003-05:00

So something in Arizona makes me itch. My poor hands are all itchy on the backs. Today we're working on doing bedding laundry. Well, Holly is. I took 2 Advil Pm last night to sleep and cut down the itching but the itch is still here and now I am zonked! Phooey. Tomorrow we go to Vegas for 2 days. Nick's sick but still has been working on the Jeep.
Gonna go shower and dress and try to look somewhat alive.
Adios!

Saturday in the Sun!!!

2010-02-13T11:58:00.003-05:00

Well Mike, Holly and Paul went out to Parker to work today. Then at 1 we're gonna meet them and have lunch at the Desert Bar. Burgers and beer!! Then maybe Rockabilly Fest. And the fireworks tonite!

Yesterday we did the sale at the Hueniks. Played with Corky the Yorky! Awww!

And there is a Mama Hummingbird nesting in one of their faux trees! Baby eggs are the size of a pea. Too cute.

Thursday in Lake Havasu!

2010-02-11T12:00:00.005-05:00

Boy oh boy! Am I ever behind on writing on here. So we're having a great time in Lake Havasu. Nick, Mike and Paul have been out garage saleing since 7 am today! Its 10am now. Holly's getting ready to study for the meeting. I'm bummin on here. I need to do the studying too. Here's some pics from our Jeep trip yesterday!!
My Jeep in its element!!

Mom and Dad's Tracker and the big rock that scared us!! Paul and Mike at the oasis!

Sunday Stuff

2009-11-15T21:30:00.002-05:00

Went to meeting today as a usual Sunday. Bro Richards gave a good talk. Got my pie from Robin Foster. Yummo!!! Cost me $8 but was worth it to give him the money and its SO good. Then lunch at House of Hunan with Nick and Shelly. Nap once home. Have niggly headache. Now sitting and watching the premier of The Prisoner on AMC. Hope its good.
Yesterday we went in service for 2 hours and Nick worked on my car. I had a tiny fissure in my radiator, and it was leaking coolant. So niw I have new hoses and he patched the fissure with plastic weld. Thank goodness. So anyway. It should be all fixed now. Also we raked leaves like crazy to get them in the street in time for the collectors to get them.
My right eye is irritated to know end. My allergies and contacts are just too much. I need to get a new re-wetting solution, I lost my other one.
Friday I went and helped Mama out and then brought her back with me and we did all my dishes and some laundry. Had dinner together and then took her home.
So was an agreeable weekend in all!
So now I gotta get thru yet another week at work. Joy! Hopefully the majority of Outreach is done and all I'll have to do is tie up loose ends.

Nitey nite!

2009-11-10T00:07:00.003-05:00

Well about to crash but I thought I'd say a quick Hello to everyone. Been a nice couple of weeks. Have been spending time with a lot of different friends. So VERY busy...but nice.

Bryan and Chanita had a nice dinner for the majority of those in the wedding and planning it. Had a nice time hanging out with that crew and then fun with the Vince's and the Wooster /Wadsworth crowd. Games and etc.

Right now I have a kitty hanging out on my back. The purr gives him away...its Brammy. He's a happy cat as long as he is hanging out with me.

Well here's a couple pics to chuckle at.

I'm off to bed.

Hi

2009-10-07T20:22:00.002-04:00

So I got my hair cut the other day. Not real short but shorter and nicer! I like it!
Gotta head for bed and watch Mythbusters. Joy!
Night!

The first of October

2009-10-01T23:16:00.002-04:00

My feet are cold! Watching more NCIS. Snuggled in with Nick and Brammy.
Had a good day today. My depression wasn't bad. Went with Shelly to a really nice Marc's store did some nice shopping. Then to West Pointe Market. Got a new wine to try, its called Sweet Walter. We'll see!
Then off to The Exchange got a CD and 2 DVD's for $5.00. Then lunch at Panera's...yummy black bean soup, and ciabatta bread and tomato and cheese sandwich. Oooh and hazelnut coffee. Good brain-break day.
Then Shelly helped me get my downstairs in shape! She did dishes for like 1 or 2 hours and I vaccuumed like a mad woman. Then dusted and straightened up. Whew busy but awesome day!
Then meeting and now here I am!
Have a great day all!!
Abbs

Saturday!

2009-09-26T22:38:00.002-04:00

Hello all. So I'm feeling way better than I was this week. Went to the last fish fry of the year. A lot of fun but very damp and sorta chilly. Thank goodness I'm now nice and snuggled in with socks on my feet and in comfy cotton. Time to say goodbye to summer I guess. Though I didn't enjoy summer very much cause I sweated thru it all. Sigh...
Watching more NCIS. Catching up on all the old shows.
Sleepy and almost ready to crash.
Goodnight all!!

Abbster

Random Rambling

2009-09-25T01:00:00.003-04:00

I just realised I am no longer funny. I used to be funny I think... Though now I'm not quite sure. How does one know one is funny? Sometimes people say you are funny, but are they telling you the truth? Or just trying to make you feel good...or maybe their idea of what is funny isn't really funny at all...maybe they are just warped! Maybe they would laugh at something that makes the rest of us squirm in discomfort...but then I probably wouldn't because I'm funny to them and so thus must be funny to myself...in which case I'm warped...but then we all knew THAT! But I digress. When did I stop being funny? Course then again I might still be funny. Lord knows I LOOK funny, I might even smell funny....in which case I AM funny! But I don't think I'm funny. I think I'm a bore. Not borish...I hope. I don't want to be rude. But I AM rude! I interupt people...I don't always listen...I'm always off in La-La Land...THat's really where I'm from, not Ohio, USA, Earth, but La-La Land. That's why I speak Garble-De-Gook so fluently. Its the native language there! Anyway after spending the last 6 days mostly in my own company, I'm beginning to lose it slightly in which case the return to the Phunny Pharm on the Morrow is possibly a good thing. Lets hope I don't keel over and pass out my first day back!
Oh dear. Do you know how many people say, "You work in a pharmacy, how can you be sick? You have everything you'd ever need right here!"
Sheesh, most of it's prescription only, the majority of which is way more expensive than I can afford on my meager pittance, and last but not least I WORK IN A PHARMACY !! HOW CAN I NOT BE SICK?! I catch every durn germ that customers are kind enough to sneeze, cough or rub on the money they hand my way! Not that I ever see any of that money. I make less than the nearest McDonald's manager. You want fries with your Prozac? Shoot. If I was independantly wealthy I'd quit. But I'm not...quitting...or independantly wealthy.

Well I'm off to bed. So I can make it thru my day tomorrow!

Thursday

2009-09-03T23:49:00.003-04:00

Poison ivy itches are finally going away. Two Weeks of this itching is cruel and unusual punishment. But now I'm getting a cold. Always something. Family day is this weekend. So we're busy. Gonna have a Luau. Sort of. Hope we're all feeling better. Nick started the cold now me and Holly have it. So we'll see. Maybe everything will be great. Anyway I'm off to sleep it seems I'm usually ending my day by the time I get around to writing. I think I write best in a sleepy state, unfortunatly then I fall asleep and never get very far. Goodnight All.

HI!

2009-08-26T01:34:00.002-04:00

Just about ready to crash for the day and start over in the morning! Whee! Getting my invoices printed for my Avon customers andmy meeting stuff for Thursday printed. So obviously I'm sitting at the big computer today. I'm just about beat. Anyhu how's everyone out there??
Take care!
Abbs

My weekend!

2009-08-23T22:45:00.005-04:00

Well we had a long but fun weekend. Friday night Bryan's lil girl (my neice) Liya (pronounced Leah) came over and they stayed over friday night and Saturday night. It was fun.
Sat late morning we all finally came to. Liya and I played puzzles and games and read. We played with Puddy and had Reeses's cereal together. Then Sat afternoon and night we went to a picnic at Shelly B.'s house. Just about got blown away!!! It was SO chilly! Liya was sleepy so she and I curled up under Shelly's blanket and she took a bit of a nap. She kept me warm! But then they made a nice fire and we had hot dogs and lots of other picnic food. And Liya got to jump on the trampoline and Nick and Bryan made new friends with Brent S. and Ray McD. They all played football and horsed around. We got to see Mama and old and new friends. Then today we all went to meeting, Chanita brought her kids down. So we got to see Chanita and Deveonte and Brniya too. After meeting they all went up to Cleveland.
I love my new family a lot!
Since Liya isn't smiling in pic below I included this one! This was drom the convention.

The happy couple. Bryan and Chanita

Deveonte

Poor baby Liya was SO sleepy! Too much went on this weekend!

My Brniya was a happy girl though. She likes her Auntie Abbs.

Monday, Monday...can't trust that day...Monday, Monday, sometimes it just works out that wa-a-ay.

2009-08-17T11:06:00.005-04:00

Hey all. Its gonna be a hot one like 7 inches from the mid-day sun....
Yeah, even work in the air conditioned store is gonna be sticky. I run a fan the whole time I'm there. Regardless! So anyhu...
What's up with everyone? I'm bumming today until time for work. I gotta go in at 1. Right now I'm at Holly's chillin with her. So I'm gonna head hom and shower and chill until time to get ready.
Had fun last night with Bryan and Chanita, and Deveonte. Even Shelly and Charmagne came for a bit.
Love to all!
Abbs

Pics of Ciera and other stuff!

2009-08-15T22:57:00.004-04:00

Check out these cute pics of my little friend Ciera!

Well piffle I just can't seem to get my act together. Today I TRIED to be productive! I did some laundry and dishes but I'm even close to being done! I also painted my finger nails Sunshine Yellow! LOL But I already chipped it. That's what I get for doing my nails and THEN doing dishes. Silly silly me.

I really wanna get back in a groove with everything but I just can't seem to get it.

Brammy wants his supper, he just came running in here and..."Mrow!!!" he says. "SUPPER??" I ask. "MMAAROOOWWWW!" I'll take that as a yes. I gotta run down and put some stuff in the dryer so then they will all get their supper. Then its time for a shower and some study time with my fave mag the WT. :) Tomorrow is more laundry and dishes. and dusting!!!!

All my babies are SO cute. All 3 were keeping me company all day. Bella helped me straighten my closet, Puddy helped me sort and fold clothes. Bram kept me company while I made dinner and all climbed up for a snooze after dinner. I feel like I'm coming down with a cold. Maybe that's why they've been so clingy.

Saturday stuff

2009-07-26T01:31:00.003-04:00

So today was Dave S. memorial service. Very nice, Ron did a good job with the talk. The fellowship afterward with all and a meal. Long day. Service in morning then nap, then memorial, then nap, then cleaned all downstairs! Now its 1:35 am and I'm ready for bed. Good thing for those naps. LOL.
Will do Watchtower in morning. Then Bryan and Chanita and Deveonte and Brniya are coming over tomorrow too, and we're gonna go to the Italian festival. Fun.
Well I gotta finish up here because my battery is starting to die.
Love to all.
(Ps, feeling a bit better today!)

Hey ALL! I'm still here! Really!

2009-07-24T13:35:00.003-04:00

I've been needing to write for a long time, I'm going thru a deep depression and I'm not sure what triggered it if anything at all. All I want to do is sleep.
We had our convention a couple weeks ago. It was wonderful. JUst the shot in the arm we needed. I want to hear it again.
Uncle Larry passed away about 4 weeks ago, and then about 3 days ago a dear family friend as well. I'm tired of this old world.
Work is wearing me out I NEED to cut back but we need the funds so its not gonna happen for a bit. Christa is leaving us which SUCKS rocks. I'm NOT happy about that at all. I'm trying very hard to be kind and understanding to all around me but I want to lash out. Which I really don't WANT to do but it's the auto response when I feel like this. I really AM ok so none of you worry needlessly, I recognize the signs of when this is happening and its all mental and emotional, but I can't FIX the problem I just need to ride it out as Shelly reminded me. This too shall pass. So many are dealing with problems far worse and I think about and pray for those.
May Jehovah be with all of us as we deal with the pressures and strains all around us in this world. May he help us to get thru this because it's just gonna get harder.

Anyhu I'm off to put some clothes away and then its off to the EVIL work again! LOL

Love to all so sorry its been so long!!!

Zoo Smilebox

2009-06-16T11:04:00.001-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Dinner on Monday

2009-06-02T00:12:00.005-04:00

Made a very yummy dinner tonight. Pesto Chicken with Mozzarella. MMMMMM! Holly brought over mushrooms sauteed with Vidalia onions. And I made rice with butter and Italian seasoning. Turned out really good. Tomorrow is Lite and Lazy Lasagna. Off to bed didn't sleep well last night.

Last Stuff of Today

2009-05-31T02:08:00.002-04:00

Looking up recipes for the week. Listening to Adam Lambert sing Mad World. Mmmm. Relaxes my stress somehow. Sleep overdue. Meeting and stuff tomorrow.

Did more yard work today and sorta cleaned out the side porch. Can sit out there and drink my coffee and read newspaper now. Mmmm. Ok off I go.

Normal Day

2009-05-30T00:55:00.003-04:00

Long day again... Work is so tiring, but then it wouldn't being considered work if it wasn't huh?? Tomorrow is service and then cleaning... Sunday Meeting, Lavell's study, and then more cleaning and then lots of rest. 'Cause Monday its back to work AGAIN!!!! I really don't mind except my feet HURT SO BAD all the time. I've been sitting here with my feet up and they feel better but not good.

I'm sleepy and I guess I should go to bed. Which I will soon. Especially since my computer is running out of juice! So I'll share a pretty picture and then off I go!

Anniversaries, good and bad.

2009-05-27T21:46:00.003-04:00

What a day.
Today would be MY Mama and Papa's Anniversary. Tomorrow is Mike and Holly's.
Today is also the 1 year anniversary of Sean Matos passing away. Our thoughts, prayers, and love is with the family.
Tomorrow is also my 7 year anniversary with CVS. Whoopee to me!
Then tonight Angie T. was in a car accident. What is is about these days???
She's ok, for the most part, will post more as I know more.
Love to all who are missing loved ones, concerned about loved ones, or spending time with loved ones.
May Jehovah be with us all.

Before and After!!

2009-05-25T19:54:00.002-04:00

Before After
Before

After

Odds and ends from the last week.

2009-05-25T19:19:00.008-04:00

A few days ago a pair of crazy lazy sqirrels decided the peak of our roof would be an awesome place to take a snooze. Cute eh??

Anyway!!!

Whew! I'm bushed. Lol. Punny since I removed 3 bushes from my side flower bed. It was SO ugly. The 3 flat evergreen bushes, weeds everywhere. No flowers, no mulch. Very plecky. Only thing I didn't change is my 2 Yucca plants, those stayed PUT! I am very proud of myself I did it all by myself except for the mulch, Shelly helped me put it down and spread it around. I have some sunburn. Oh well.

Yesterday Mama and I went on our Annual Around Their Anniversary "Get Lost" Drive. Nick went with us. We went down to Mohican area and found some very "off the beaten trail"... well, trails. When we were done we programmed the GPS and off we went.

We found the Landoll Castle which ironicly enough the Schultz's just stayed at and I heard about YESTERDAY morning for the first time. I wasn't even looking for it!!! http://landollsmohicancastle.com/ What a cool place!! I think we shall go stay there sometime. Its fairly reasonable too.
We took a side trip to Lodi on our way South to see the cemetary and the gorgeous Rhododenrons. Every year they bloom its awe inspiring and breath taking.

Some new pics of the Puddin!

Well that's it for now!

VERY FULL SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-17T00:14:00.003-04:00

What a day!

Benjamin and Colin and Clinton and Jeff came to Mama's house to tote off all the old tires she's had hanging around for a long time. Shelly came with me and Leah C. got dropped off and we cleaned out the dog pen in the barn and then Leah and I climbed on the barn roof which is flat and covered by sheet aluminum. We repounded the nails and sealed all the nails and seams with tar in a tube. Then the 3 of us 'tackled' Shani and gave her a bit of a bath, she's been needing it. Then we had a fabulous lunch at Mama's with her awesome Potato Salad! YUM!!!!!

Then Shelly and I took Leah home, then headed home ourselves.

We chilled awhile and met up at 5:30pm and headed to a great burger joint called, "Five Guys" YUMMO!!!!

Then Mustard Seed Market, OMG!!! What a cool place! They have a ton of organic stuff and yummo!

Then Chipotle to grap dinner for Nick then back to Shelly's. Danced with Jangles. Bailey was SPAZZING out. Shelly bought Catnip! LOL

Then HOME! Put Chipotle in the oven to keep warm. Did 2 loads of laundry and vacuumed the family room. Played on Facebook and here we are!

WHEW!!!!

I'm So pooped but I feel really good!

Well off to sleep.

At Worlds End

2009-05-12T22:44:00.001-04:00

The world ended when Papa died
the screaming of my soul... echoed in my voice.
Suddenly the security I had always known...gone.
My small, safe world now huge and frightening.

Wanna read more???

http://arloswords.blogspot.com/2009/05/at-worlds-end.html

Puddin and other piffle.

2009-05-11T23:15:00.005-04:00

So I know... I've been a BUM about writing on here!! Just have a had a bad time of things emotionally and mentally. I think things were too stressful between thinking about Uncle Larry and his family... his daughters and wife, and my Momma. Then work was SO crazy! And I was just a bit burnt out. Feeling a bit better now thank goodness!!!

I just had a nice conversation with Amanda R. I haven't talked to her in a long time. So nice!!! I'm putting some Puddy pics on here for ya Amanda!!!

My hands are freezing! I don't know why. This house isn't THAT cold. Its May for goodness sakes!

My kitties have been full of beans the last few days!! The crazy loons!

We'll be taking our annual "Get Lost" trip. (me and Mama) Nick's coming too this year cuz we're doing it on a Sunday. We're gonna go down to Medina for the meeting and then head south and get lost in the Jeep for the afternoon. We'll take th GPS to come home with though this will be the first year for that!

Well off to bed for now.

News about Larry

2009-05-01T14:13:00.000-04:00

Hi, this is just a note to let you know how Larry is doing.
Jan writes,
He said to tell you all hello and he is thinking of you all.

We had our 19th wedding anniversary on April 21st. One of my pioneer pals suggested that we have a party for him. So we planned a party sent out invites and got the room ready for a party. I was surprised that we had so many that came. We had about 50 or so people show up to help us celebrate the day. It was busy and Larry had a ball. We had a wonderful surprise that Katie and Heather were going to be able to make it for the weekend so that made the party that much more special. We received a bunch of cards in the mail and several from the party. It was Larry's job to open all of them. It took him a long time to get them all opened and read. He enjoyed that job a lot.
C
The girls were a tremendous help while they were here they moved some things that Larry wanted moved and did some odds and ends that needed to be done. They went shopping for Larry and bought him all kinds of goodies. He is still beaming.

We changed hospices that we originally had when he got out of the hospital. Unfortunately the original hospice weren't doing the job. We have Vitas now and they are working out beautifully.

Larry over did on Sunday and was in a great deal of pain on Monday. So Vitas sent out a care team that is sitting with him until he can get his pain under control or managable. He will get his pain meds as needed and also medication for break through pain (pain that is unmangable between regular medication doses). He has round the clock sitters and nurses at night to make sure that he can get pain medication when he needs it. This will be until they can get his pain managed. It is a temporary arrangement until he gets things under control.

He is loving the attention and having someone there all the time to visit with. He is getting some witnessing in and he is proud of that. He is talking their ear off about ham radio and different things. It has been a different person each day so it is new territory for him. I can tell by his voice that he is enjoying himself. I call several times a day until I can get out there.

That is about all that is happening right now. Larry is being well cared for and he is upbeat about his condition. He is making the most of every day and thanks Jehovah for what he has.

I appreciate all the care and concern that you all show and the support.

I'll keep you advised as the days go along.

Take care,
Jan

Frpm the Phone

2009-04-24T00:54:00.001-04:00

What a gorgeous day. Yay. Trying to post this from my phone. We'll see!

Uncle Larry

2009-04-21T00:30:00.004-04:00

So I've been waiting to write about this for a week or so... We got bad news. Mama's older brother, my uncle Larry aka Uncle Daddy, has a rare from of cancer. Its terminal.
This is the latest from my Aunt Jan.

April 13th
Howdy,
I just wanted to let you know that Larry is feeling some better. He hopes to get out of the hospital today if he doesn't have any nausea.
We met with the oncologist and the internist on Saturday to discuss his condition. He has a rare type of cancer that the oncologist has only seen 3 times in his career as an oncologist. Larry is in end stage. The guesstimate of how much time was 3 months to a year. We will be getting hospice in for him once he leaves the hospital.
This cancer oozes a type of gelatinous fluid in the abdomen stretching it out. They went in and took out 8 liters of fluid to help him breath better and it helped with his pain. Unfortunately by the next day he had filled up with fluid again to about the same proportions.
Larry's spirits are up but, he is absorbing the news like the rest of us. He did tell me that he is not scared yet. So I am relieved that he is not terrified of the news. He knows that there are no options for this type of cancer. This really tests your faith in the resurrection and faith in Jehovah.
I am personally blown away. We went to the ER because of a nausea problem and come out with a diagnosis of this inoperable cancer. Jehovah has been a constant source of help at the right time just like when he was in the coma and not expected to live.
We have gotten good support from the congregation and are grateful for this. Jehovah is so good to us.
As things change if I have time I will keep you updated on his health.
Prayers are always welcome!
Philia,
Jan

April 16th
I just wanted to update you on Larry.
We have a hospice in place and they seem to be doing a very good job. They are very responsive to Larry's pain. When he was in a lot of pain on Tuesday they provided a pain relief patch that will give a low dose of medication to keep the pain under control. He will still get the hydrocodone on a regular basis, the patch is just a way to keep the pain from getting unmanagable.
The hospice also gave me a list of funeral homes in the Dallas area to start calling and getting pricing on creamation. I thought that was very kind as I really didn't have a place to start. I will be doing this today and gettting a price. I found out that you cannot do a pre need for creamation because of all the permits that have to be signed. I was surprised.
It really upset me to have to be making arrangements. This is still so new and very hard to do. But I would rather have all the paperwork completed and not have that to do at a more stressful time. At least we have a little time.
Since our 19th wedding anniversary is on April 21 one of the sisters suggested that we have a party and invite everyone from both congregations to it so he could see everyone and they could see him while he feels relatively good. So on the 26th we are going to have a cake and punch party at the assisted living. It will be after the meeting on Sunday so it won't interfere with meetings at either Hall.
This will be very encouraging for Larry and several have mentioned that they want to get out and see Larry soon. This will be a perfect way to do both. Happier time.
For right now Larry is doing well. He is getting a lot of attention and his needs are being met. The Assisted living people were a little less than friendly because of Larry being a Witness and some of his comments about the holidays. He has been rather blunt in the past. It seems they have put that aside and are catering to him. He is soaking that up and enjoying that.
As things change I will keep you updated.
Thanks,
Jan

April 19th
Just received this from Jan. Please, she needs your prayers and thoughts as much as Larry does.
For those that don't know about the cards, I'll include the last letter. Brenda
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
He will enjoy opening them at the party. I think he is a little excited to see the friends. I told him about the party and he was all smiles. I just pray that he is in good enough health to stand being out of the room and up for that long.
He has been having a lot of pain these last few days. I thought I was going to have to take him to the ER last night to get a shot for pain. But the Hospice had a 'comfort pack' with some meds you stick under the tongue. This is a as needed pain reliever. It finally worked and Larry went to sleep.
This morning he is still in a little pain. But they have the meds to give him to get him easy. That is my fear is that he will be in pain.
The girls are coming down May 2-5. I am so glad. I want them to see him while he is relatively in good health. He has been refusing food here the last few days due to the pain and vomiting. That was a sign of him getting sicker. It terrifies me. I have never had to watch someone with cancer deteriorate. I don't like what I'm seeing now and I know I will hate it as we go along. Larry is very positive still though. He said he wants all the glory to go to Jehovah if something good happens. I think that is what is keeping him positive. That makes it a little easier to be with him. Thanks for the thought of the anniversary cards. That was very thoughtful to do. I have got to get ready for the meeting so I'll close for now. I'll keep you updated as I can.

Jan

Back story to this Uncle Larry for the past 10 years or so has been dealing with a multitude of health problems associated with a work related injury. He was a cable guy and fell 35 feet onto his head on concrete. He had brain damage (still has genius IQ), tons of hairline fractures, got a staph infection that stays in his system and kept a wound open for years. He wound up needing a hip replacement but because of the infection it had to be removed and he has lived with no hip for a long time. All in all through it all my Aunt Jan has bravely been his advocate and Larry has kept reliance on Jehovah and glory to Jehovah first. Jan has been able to pioneer, along with many other spiritual blessings.

Now they are facing this. Please keep them in thoughts and prayers.

Work and complaints

2009-04-20T13:30:00.002-04:00

Well I don't wanna go to work today. I have laundry in drying and am watching a movie. And am playing on here and I'm pretty comfy. I just don't wanna go to work. LOL Isn't that terrible. So many don't have jobs and have so many problems and I'm complaining about work. Oh well. Off I go.

News etc.

2009-04-11T13:09:00.002-04:00

Dear Loved Ones, Family, and/or Friends,
Well, leave it to me to get sick in the busiest month, for us! Nick started it last week and got sick before the Special Assembly Day on Apr, 4th. Which he had to miss. Then I came down with it on Wednesday. I had to call of Thursday and Friday. My boss said it was awful. I hated doing that but I didn't have much choice. I just sorted a bit of laundry (Sat.) and I feel like I ran a marathon! Sheesh! Anyway...
I missed the Memorial, the first I've ever missed. No service for me today, so I thought I'd write a few letters. Also got bad news on Wednesday about my uncle. Just a whammy of a week.
Next week is the C.O. Visit. Last one with Bro. Pfeiffer. We'll miss him. Then the Special Talk is the 26th.
On the Special Day program, Nick's Grandma was on the “Young and Old” part. (Beverly Heacock)
Also if you saw the part with Amber Schlott, it was my boss she was talking about! That was cool.
My old store boss lives in Seville. His wife drives bus for Cloverleaf School District. Dean and Pam.
Amber and her little brother, Keaton, ride Pam's bus. Keaton knew that Pam and Dean went out of state because of Dean's mom. He though she had passed away. Well she hadn't she was just terminally ill. So Keaton told Amber and Sis. Schlott, this so Amber wrote a sympathy letter to Pam and Dean and sent the When Someone You Love Dies brochure. Well Dean came to me a few days later and asked me if I was a 'Jehovah Witness'. When I said 'Yes' he told me about the letter and how much they appreciated it, even though his mom was still alive, because his dad had passed away a few months earlier. He said they really thought it was great that these young kids were sending such well written letters. It touched their hearts. So I asked the kids names he told me and mispronounced it so I wasn't sure who they were so at next assembly I figured out who it was and told them what Dean had told me. The kids were excited that their letters touched hearts but embarrassed that Dean's mom hadn't passed away. They got it all straight and now after Dean has moved on to another job, here's Amber on the stage at the assembly giving this experience! So cool! You never know what connections there are in your witnessing.
Mike and Holly (Nick's parents) are back from Arizona for the summer months. We're glad, but haven't been able to do much with them because of talking turns being sick. But its nice to have them back.
My kitties are all well. All three of them haven't hardly left my side the last few days. They are such pals. Brammy is getting old but is doing great. Bella has but absolutely SWEET, and Puddin is adorable. I can barely roll over without squashing one of them.
Well, I'm about ready for another nap.

Thursday April 9th 2009 The Memorial of Jesus Christ's Death

2009-04-09T15:47:00.004-04:00

I'm sick. YUCK!!! I called in sick today, I haven't done that in ages. I can't function with a sore throat. I slept a long time and now I'm watchin' a movie and playin' on the computer. Once the movie is done I'll sleep some more. I hope to make it to Memorial tonight.
Thanks to Jehovah and Jesus for their sacrifice for our lives.

Ok Day

2009-04-02T21:28:00.002-04:00

Had a fairly decent day today. Not wonderful....decent. Poor Monika was so sick and we sent her home today. So just 2 of us all day...joy! No meeting at our hall tonight so we listened to Medina's meeting.
Mom and Dad are on their way home. They're in Amarillo tonight.
No significance to the pic above, just felt like sharing some Schimmel!
Have a good night.

New pics of Ambree and Alayna! YAY!!

2009-03-31T23:52:00.001-04:00

Thanks Mommie Heather! Aunt Abby is drooling over new pics!

Hugs to all!

The Barber of Seville!

2009-03-30T22:22:00.005-04:00

The Barber if Seville was a hit. Cast got a standing Ovation! Yay. What fun! We had a blast. Very first opera thanks to Shelly. Then dinner at Macaroni Grill. YUMMO!!!

Gotta go Nick has dinner downstairs.

HUNGRY!!!

Hezekiah's Pics!

2009-03-21T21:44:00.003-04:00

"Thanks for getting me dressed, Dad. Now if I can just find those bright purple socks I'll be set."

Writing In Bed

2009-03-21T01:07:00.001-04:00

I snuggle deep into my bed,
as words float round and round my head.
Much needed sleep away has fled
and so its this I write instead.

Wanna read more??
http://arloswords.blogspot.com/2009/03/weiting-in-bed.html

What day is This Anyway???

2009-03-21T00:39:00.003-04:00

This week is so messed up man! Our meeting was Wed. this week instead of Thursday. And i work tomorrow (Sat.), so I'm all discumbobulated. I have 2 cats sleeping on my legs, there's a perfectly good extra pillow above my head for them but no they'd rather sleep all wonky on my legs instead. Goofy cats.

I'm in the middle of a poem but I'm stuck, I gotta pull it up again and see what I can do with it, I also need to write my talk for next Thurs. Kennady B. is my householder.

Shelly and Lynda made it home in one piece but now Lynda is sick!! Poor thing.

Kathy R. headed home, I hope you made it safely Kathy! I miss you already.

Well I'm off for now.

TTFN and GN

Silent Sleep

2009-03-17T16:12:00.000-04:00

You nestle deep into my chest,
my heart finds some peace and rest,
in our private little nest,
as you sleep on in silence.

Wanna read more??
http://arloswords.blogspot.com/2009/03/silent-sleep.html

Saturday yet again.

2009-03-14T22:21:00.005-04:00

The weeks zoom by and I can barely keep up. We had a decent week this week. Not too horribly busy at work. Yay! Actually got a little caught up.
So excited.
An old friend got in touch with me last week, that was nice to hear from them.
Shelly and Lynda H. went to Arizona for 5 days to visit Mike and Holly. Hope they're havin fun.
So I'm caring for her kitties.
My student Nancy's daughter is here from Fla. Her name is Kathy and she's a witness! She's actually staying in Mike and Holly's basement. Its funny how small the world is.
I'm sitting here and laughing my butt off listening to Jeff Dunham. The ventriloquist. I love him.
Blue PRIUS!!! LOL
Gonna go watch.

Boy have I been a bum!

2009-03-08T00:32:00.003-05:00

Well as far as getting on here anyway!

We came home from AZ Wed. Feb. 25th. Went back to work Thurs. and hit the ground running! Sheesh!

Had some time today to just be lazy though I should have done laundry. Pleh.

I'm in a writing mood but dunno what I wanna write. Have lots I want to do but then I'm not motivated.

Oh well.

Off to bed, sllep then meeting in morning and study with Lavell after that.

Sunday summary.

2009-02-15T19:22:00.008-05:00

Went to the Desrt Bar yesterday and then out to watch the Fireworks convention.

Then today we listened to the meeting at home and snoozed. Then later out to the little carnival and Rockabilly concert. Cool cars.

Now we're waiting on pizza to finish cooking. Yum.