Replaced by a -Dog?!

Let me see - from "I'd be lost without you" to being replaced by a dog. Well that's interesting to say the least.Who would have thought a wife of more than 20 years could be replaced so easily and with a dog! Of course dogs don't ask many questions, right girls? Yeah just keep wagging those tails. Yes, I still love you So, there's a new dog in town, Rowdy is his name. Hey Lady and Daisy, how do you feel now? Yeah just like me. We've all been replaced by a dog. Amanda got Rowdy for her daddy. Sorry girls, I know you thought that no-one could take your place. So did I. But that's life. You know those guys got to stick together. Yes,Lady you and I got old, some other dog took our places, even you Daisy.What's that? Do I think Rowdy smells your scent on the chair? Probably. Just wait till he has to go out in the rain! That'll show 'em!. Well pups, I guess it's just us girls now. Who needs those guys anyway, right?

Come on dogs. It's not that bad. How do you think I feel? I get dumped, he gets a dog. Where is the justice in that? I get one room, he gets an entire townhouse. I remember when we all thought we'd be together forever. But there is an old saying."absence makes the heart grow fonder...of someone else". Right now you have a nice back yard to play in, remember? And I know you would not want to have to make him choose between Rowdy and us. That wouldn't be fair.

I guess this is the last nail in the coffin of a marriage. Out with the old and in with the new. Even if it is (close your ears Lady and Daisy), just a dog. Guess there is no room left for me or Lady and Daisy. Word of advice Rowdy - don't make him mad. He might dump you too, but hopeful not until he gets a new wife to take your place.

The First Thing We do, Let's Kill All The Lawyers

Shakespeare wrote that in "Henry VI" actually as a tribute to lawyers. Huh? Me, I just want to kill one of those debt collection lawyers.I had been collecting child support from my first ex-husband via a Texas collector. Well, as my luck runs, he stopped paying in March. About the same time I get a notice from this agency that they will no longer handle my case because of financial problems. They referred all cases to a debt collector lawyer group in New Hampshire. Oh, joy. No, make that, Shit! Somebody else I have to fight with. Grrr.

As soon as I learn who now has control of this I sent them an e-mail and asking the usual questions. They promptly responded with the usual and thanked me for my information (including my new address). I nearly choked at their letterhead, part of which read "your satisfaction is our priority". In their correspondence they told me I would be receiving a packet in 7-10 days. I should read the information, sign and return some papers. My thoughts are that I don't really want to sign a contract with them. I'd rather have the Texas AG office handle it. So then I have to contact them. The AG child support office says we need your 8 digit case number and the 10 digit customer number. Steam starts to blow from my ears. That stuff is in the bottom of a tightly packed box in the garage. I didn't think I'd need it. So either I dig through boxes or maybe the AG's office can find my case by my social security number. I have not heard back from them yet. They won't given information verbally. They have to send it through the mail. Steam.

So imagine my surprise this afternoon when I get an IM from my current almost ex-husband telling me there is a Fed Ex envelope for me at the old address. What? Uh...So I give him the address here. He says he'll send it on. Oh, joy. So then he said that would be something for me to write about on my blog. Yeah, buddy, here it is. Of course I had to tweet my irritation, too. Put something in print in black and white and these idiots still can't get it right! Now you know why I said..."kill all the lawyers"... I communicate to them, what part did they not understand? Jeez!

And then this afternoon, Traci discovers the AC is not cooling. Oh, joy. Someone should be out here in a couple of hours... heard that one before, too.

The only saving grace will be if the Astros beat the Pirates. The way they have been playing, that will be a big if. Come on guys, give me something to smile about today!

The Class of 2021

Today was Aryn's kindergarten graduation. Traci, Cheyanne and I went to watch the program. The high school gym was the place. I watched as the stands filled with siblings, parents, grandparents and other family members gathered to see all these little ones prepare to graduate. Who knew that 6 year old kids could be that clean and neat. The girls all wore pretty dresses and had nicely done hair, some with bows, others with ponytails. I wondered how long it took for the mothers to do that. It seemed like all the girls had learned the "Miss America" wave. The boys were all scrubbed up. I even saw a couple dressed in little suits and dress shoes. They were the ones who occasionaly slipped down on the gym floor. Almost all the boys seemed to have their hands in their pockets as they walked. Of course then the teachers would have to remind them to take their hands out of their pockets.

As "Pomp and Circumstance" played over and over and other, the little ones marched with their classes to their seats on the gym floor. Leading the way for the new graduates were really big kids dressed in graduation robes. At first I thought these kids are way too old. Then I realized they were some of the kids who are in a mentor group which pairs kids from kindergarten to 5th grade with a high school student. They are "pals". I think that is a nice idea. Tonight there were 12 of these students helping with the ceremony. From what I understand a lot of the high school kids do this, even some of the football players. The high school kids mentor and become buddies through out the school year with the little kids. I think that should be something more schools should do.

Of course we waited and waited for Aryn's class. As she walked in she looked around and around for us. As she got to her seat she discovered where we were and waved and waved. Every time we saw her she was looking around for us. Then I guess she was no different than any of the other kids. One thing I was not to sure about was why these little squirming kids had to sing nine songs. How do you keep those kids still? I was a little disappointed because I could not really hear what they were trying to sing. Let's face it. High school gyms are not known for their good acoustics. But when all the people were asked to join in to sing the China Spring alma mater, that was a bit louder, followed by what I guess was the fight song. I guess this because the audience and the Big high school pals were doing the Cougar gestures. At least, I think that is what they were doing.

Then we had to wade through the crowds to go get our newest graduate and head home. One sobering thought I had during this presentation. This will be the Class of 2021. Hope I'll still be around.

Was That a Firefly?

Bobby and I were sitting on the back porch last night talking about life. As I looked out toward the back of the yard I could see little flashes of light. They seemed to be everywhere. I can't remember when I last saw fireflies. I found myself drawn to their winged ballet.At times it seemed that they lit up the whole yard. It was a clear night and they seemed to be everywhere. I remember chasing them when I was a kid. I even managed to capture a few in a jar once. I could not take my eyes off them as the signaled to each other.

In Houston it is hard to find any fireflies. I guess that is one reason I enjoyed watching them last night. I don't really know why people in Houston don't see them anymore. Maybe it is because of all the lights around the city. Maybe when they have to spray for mosquitoes in the summer it kills fireflies. I don't know. Spraying doesn't seem to cut down on the mosquito population very well. Maybe harms the fireflies? Or maybe the fireants destroy the fireflies before the hatch out of their grub state?

I'm just going to have to sit outside more often so I can watch those guys. The male firefly is the one who has the "fire" so he can signal females. That is some pickup line. "hey baby, what's your sign?" Flash, flash... What can we learn from a firefly? Maybe, just enjoy them? Maybe something else? I guess it is all in your point of view. I enjoyed my "point of view" from the porch last night.

Hello Miss Diva, Remember Me?

There are sometimes when I wonder, "why do I do this?" Living with a diva is rough. Some days I think I live with two divas. It just depends on their mood, I guess. Although Lady rarely cares one way or the other about what happens, she must voice her opinion to the annoyance of everyone else. When the kids come home from school there are frequent knocks on the door. Usually it is one or more of the little kids wanting to play. Sometimes someone will want Cheyanne for something. Sometimes it is a little like Grand Central Station with people going in or out. Lately the Grand Dame, Lady has taken up residence on the couch under or on whatever blanket is available.So, while she is on her "throne" she makes sure to notify all, that with every knock at the door, she is annoyed. She sits there barking one single bark at a time until someone (that would be me) has to come speak directly to her to tell her to stop. Only then will she stop her opinionated barks which apparently are because her peace has been breached. Shush, dog! Yes you are a dog!

And of course we must not forget the Big Dog of Divas. Daisy. For a short little dog, she really assumes that she is in charge of all she surveys. Eveyone from kids to adults who happen to venture outside while Daisy is outside must immediately come thither and bow to her. Yes, kids are easy to order around. Adults, not so much. And yet she persists. Now that a house it being built directly across the street, it is very hard to get her to concentrait on the mundane things in life like doing her business. After all, everyone should notice her as she wags her tail in that come hither way. She simply can not understand why those guys don't notice her. Even walking down the street has it's hazzards. The sounds of some other "dog" (she is a Diva remember) barking from a back yard is cause for her to be alert. I, her obediant servant must make sure that her duties get done so that she is relieved of such mundane tasks. And don't even ask her to do anything in grass that might be just a little high or wet! With the recent rain, the back yard is no longer to her liking especially in the morning. After all grass must not touch the belly of the Diva nor should she have wet feet! She is not amused, so she seems to say.

Sometimes it is just not that easy with a dogs for pets. And to think they are supposed to be good for your heart and blood pressure. Uhuh, sure. Well I guess it is better than being a "yes,dear" to a man. Or is it?

The Trouble with Tribbles

Last night I decided to watch some old tv. So since I loved the original "Star Trek" tv show I decided to see if I could find the episode which has always been one of my favorites - The Trouble with Tribbles. So grandson,
Brad and I sat down to watch how the little furry creatures ran amok in the story. Brad was not really familiar with the original show that ran from 1966 - 1969. So I had a bit of explaining to do abuot who was who and what they were doing. He was wowed by how the Enterprise could just zip through space as it did ala old tv. Then I explained about the Klingons and how we had to be careful with them cause the were often the "bad guys". Brad was also interested in Mr. Spock's ears. He thought they were weird. So we had a little talk about Spock's heritage and how he works with Capt. Kirk. Then he saw the first tribble.

He asked my all about tribbles and where they came from, why are there so many, and why you can't tell which end is which. As the scenes changes and more and more tribbles showed up Brad laughed and giggled more and more. He thought it was funny when Capt. Kirk sat on one. Brad really liked the scene where Kirk ends up chest deep in tribbles and says "Somebody close that door". Then I told Brad to watch what happens later when the tribbles disappeared. Afterall Scotty did send them to the Klingons where they'll be "no tribble at all".

Brad wanted to watch another episode but, school tomorrow, his mother told him. Maybe we have a future Trekkie?

Free to Good Home

The ad reads:

Free to good home. One used wife.High mileage but still runs well. Cooks well, cleans frequently. Leaves no dishes in the sink. Good personality, doesn't argue much. Knows how to find bargains when shopping. Good with children and nosy neighbors. Loves to watch Houston Astros baseball and Houston Texans football. Also like college football, especially Texas and Alabama. Not a gossip, but knows how to keep a secret. Behaves well at a movie theater, doesn't throw popcorn.

Needs love, TLC and a little inspiration. Occasional flowers would be nice,too. Will make wonderful companion for the right man. E-Mail for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Right Now Quiet

It has been years since I have been in a new residential subdivision. This area has been developing for a couple of years now. It has a nice country feel to it, nice and quiet. Traci and Bobby like it, except when the construction is right on top of them. Then it gets to be chaos. Traci told me about the times the school bus could not get down the street because of all the construction trucks blocking the street and driveways. Since I've been here the last couple of months have been quiet. I could here the houses going up on a couple of other streets. But the nail gun noise was just far enough away not to be too bothersome.

Well, all our quiet is now changing again. There soon will be two houses built. One is going in near the end of the street. Right now that house is just about done with the basics. I saw a concrete truck go there this morning so I guess it won't be long before the framing starts. Then the other day the dump trucks dropped off five loads of dirt in the newly started house form directly across the street. I hope that house will be a two story cause the form seems very small. But what do I know. Then bright and early this morning the fun continued with more dirt and more noise.

Right now, it is again quiet. I can only assume that in a little while there will be more trucks disturbing the peace here. Daisy has already decided to try to tell them they are disturbing her peace by barking out the window at them. Somehow I don't think they even notice. For now, I'll just enjoy that quiet...

DVD? Take Your Pick...

It has occurred to me recently that I have been severely deprived. Yes, poor me. Traci and Bobby often ask if I have seen this movie or that movie. The answer is always "no". It would seem that I have missed quite a few movies. I remember seeing ads for different movies on tv. Some looked good, some not so much. Some I actually thought it would be nice to see in a theater. But since it was nearly impossible to pry Jimmy away from his poker games, we never went to a real movie. Oh sure we'd see movies on tv. Take a note, Ted, it may be time to get some new "classic" movies. I really think I have seem almost all of yours. But going to a real movie theater? Until Traci, Annie and I went to see Dwayne Johnson in the "Witch Mountain" movie, I had not been to a theater in years. As a matter of fact, the last movie I saw in a real theater was Bram Stoker's "Dracula". How long ago was that?

So I have some catching up to do. Luckily Traci has quite a collection of recent movies on DVD. Recently I saw "Transformers", one of Brad's favorites. He and Traci had to update me on what they were. They both are waiting for the new one to come out. Last night we watched "Ironman". I thought it was an interesting movie. Then we watched my hero, Harrison Ford's latest Indiana Jones movie. Ah yes, a fine man Mr. Ford is...

Now I am starting to think I need to do some real catch up work on movies. But at least there are a lot of good movies here on DVD. Ah, so many movies, so little time. Maybe I should make note of them and add them to my "bucket list"?

Identifying a Flower by IM

This morning my daughter, Annie, IMed me with a message that she was furious at her younger son, Michael. It seems that while she was out of the room, he decided to pull the flowers off a little gift plant that her older son, Skylar, had brought home from school. This was a Mother's Day present so you can imagine how mad she was.

So when she messaged me she asked what to do. Would that kill the plant? Would it still grow without the flowers? Of course I had to ask what kind of plant it was. Well, she didn't know, but she had seen some at the WalMart garden center. Ok, so that was a start.

I haven't been to a WalMart in about 2 months. It's been even longer since I have been in the garden center there. So since Annie was worried about the flower, I had to do some detective work.Remember, this was all by IM. I asked what color were the flowers - pink. Ok. Then I asked about the leaves. Were they long and slender? No, more rounded. Were they thick? No. How many petals did the flower have? She said it had four. I could not remember any flowers that had four petals. I tried to envision what WalMart would have as flowers. Pansy, begonia? Neither

She even showed me a web-cam of the plant, sans the flower. It did not register with my mind. And I love plants. I kept drawing a blank. I looked a pictures of likely flowers. Nothing. Of course Annie was still worried because she did want to try to keep it. She admits that she has little luck growing plants.

So we kept IMing back and forth. I suggested that she ask the teacher this afternoon when she went to pick up Skylar from school. From what I could see of the picture, I told her that I thought the plant itself would grow ok. But the fact that I could not think of what plant it could be continued to bug me. I searched through pictures of spring flowers over and over. Then it hit me! Impatiens! "That's it", she said with a big WOOT!

Whew! Well, now that I figured out what it was, no problem. So I gave her some suggestions on how to keep it growing. As far as Michael - well I guess he is in the dog house now.

Never thought I would see the day that I would be identifying a plant by IM. Will wonders never cease. Maybe I should try CSI. Yeah, right.

Oops,Proofread the Typing

Sometimes Jay Leno has a segment where he shows spelling or print errors in ads. How often do we see them in the church bulletin? Apparently more often than we think. For example:

- The Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

- Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.

- The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The Congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

- Thursday night Potluck Supper. Prayer and medication to follow.

- A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

- At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

Think about this the next time you read your church bulletin.

When All Else Fails, Go to the Zoo

Yesterday one of Bobby's old friends came into town for a visit. He brought along his two young daughters. While visiting he decided ,let's all go. I was eager for the diversion. So were Brad and Aryn. So Bobby and I got in his car and led the way while Pat (not my son Pat) piled the kids all in his car and off we went.

I have to say that I was impressed with the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco. It is not the biggest I have seen but it is very nice. We got there just as it opened so there were not that many people to that point in time.It was pretty quiet and the weather was cool which made the walk around pleasant.The zoo has a good assortment of the usual animals, lions, tigers, bears, rhinos, elephants, and bird, We found it funny that some birds were captive while we could look up and see others of the same type outside the net. Wonder what those birds thought? Of course the colorful jungle birds were pretty, but so were the two bald eagles.

Aryn really liked the giraffes but was disappointed that we did not see any zebras. The black bears were hiding apparently too as were the playful otters. I thought the meerkats were cute. The male lion was taking his usual nap. Then the kids found the button. The zoo "lion's roar" sound effect that kids just love.

A lot of the exhibits featured Texas and local area wildlife. A lot of fish and snakes were part of this. I don't even remember how many different rattlesnakes we saw. Not my favorites, wonder why?

I was intrigued at how well the zoo was incorporated into the natural flora and fauna of the Waco area. The kids raced all over the place. Me, I found the walk around the grounds actually very peaceful. The grounds were well kept and filled with local wild flowers and plants. Several spots along the walk around the zoo had waterfalls. I'm a sucker for the sounds of waterfalls. Everything just seemed to be so natural there.

I have to say that I think Waco's zoo is a very nice place to visit.Now if we could just get the bears and otters to co-operate... I don't know about Aryn though, she still wants to see the zebras. Well at least she wasn't followed around by a turkey like I was. Honest buddy, I really don't need you to follow me from one end of your enclosure to the other. Really.

The Contest

One day a group of Darwinian scientists got together and decided that man had come a long way and no longer needed God. So they picked one Darwinian to go and tell Him that they were done with Him.

The Darwinian walked up to God and said, "God, we've decided that we no longer need you. We're to the point that we can clone people and do many miraculous things, so why don't you just go on and get lost."

God listened very patiently and kindly to the man. After the Darwinian was done talking, God said, "Very well, how about this? Let's say we have a man-making contest." To which the Darwinian happily agreed.

God added, "Now, we're going to do this just like I did back in the old days with Adam."

The Darwinian said, "Sure, no problem," and bent down and grabbed himself a handful of dirt.

God looked at him and said, "No, no, no. You go get your own dirt!"