I Won't Have Time to Be Lonely Anymore...

I'm so mad that I even considered that I might get lonely. I think I jinxed myself.

I just discovered that I have pantry moths.

They are about a half inch long. I called the exterminator. They said I have to throw away all the food. Then I went online and found this: How to Get Rid of Pantry Moths: 14 Steps with pictures. OMGosh!!! Are you kidding me??? I've only read to step 3 and I'm already exhausted. You don't understand. I don't just have a pantry. I have a Pantry! I have dishes, casseroles---all kinds of things besides just food. And then there's the Christmas decorations...so much stuff.

I'm sick and exhausted before I've even started. I don't even know how to start. And Butch isn't here to help me. I just want to be Scarlet---think about it tomorrow. Yeah, that's what I'm going to do.

I guess after being married for 43 years,  Butch and I have that esp thing going. He just called. I immediately broke down in tears. He calmed me down. I feel bad for doing that to him because Mindy did it to him today too! She received a letter from the IRS saying she owes some ungodly amount in back taxes. It just can't be so---the amount is so ridiculous. Anyway, this is about me and I'm crying.

I've put a distress call out to Morgan. I told her the job would pay BIG!! I need the help. I just can't fathom the size of this job.

I'll deal with it tomorrow. I'm a morning person. Things will look better then.

Yeah. Right.

What's Happenin'!

Apologizing in advance. I have no idea why the font is so tiny. I tried to fix it, but it wouldn't! You'll have to make it bigger on your end!

Thinking: how young people today can do such amazing things with technology. Jordan had to make this video for one of her classes. It took several hours and 100's of photos. I'm so impressed. I hope this video works so you can view it. She got a 100%. It's pretty creative---but then, that's her---artsy and creative!

Thankful for: family and friends at this time of year--well all the time, but especially this time of year!

Cooking: Connie and I are getting together this morning to make mushroom crustades. We haven't made them in years. They are quite involved. Mindy requested them. Doing them with Connie makes it more fun. I'll share the recipe soon.

Wearing: As of right now, I'm still in my robe. I haven't figured out what to wear today. I usually only like to get dressed once. But I think I'll wear "work" clothes until later today when it's time for the ornament exchange at Stephanie's.

Hoping: and praying that my brother makes a painless exit. I visited him this weekend. It's just so sad. He has terminal brain cancer. He's decided not to take any treatment but rather enjoy life as it is now---still pain-free. We all agree with his decision, but it's still so hard. 

Working: Not working quite yet, but just as soon as Christmas is over, we have to empty the kitchen and pantry to get ready for the remodel. It's going to be a job. I'm hiring Morgan and Jordan. They need the money and I need the help! I'm really going to clean out. Anything on those top shelves---goes. I can't reach them and haven't used the stuff up there. Obviously I don't need it! 

 There are a lot of cabinets.

My plan for this desk area is to have cabinets all across the bottom. I wanted to remove the junk collector/mail slots, but they are a permanent part of the cabinetry, so they'll probably have to stay. The cabinets above will all be glass fronts. I'm planning to put shiplap on the wall. I'm gong to paint the whole thing a color to make it appear to be more like a piece of furniture. I have a vision---I just hope it works out that way!

The pantry---oh my gosh---the pantry. It's a huge walk in. Of course, I love the space. But emptying the whole thing out isn't going to be fun---reminiscent of those darn pantry moths!

We're having the floor refinished and everything painted. I'm keeping all the cabinets and pantry white. I just love the clean, crispness of white. When I look at these pictures, I think, "gosh, it doesn't look like it needs painting"---but it definitely does! It's been 12 years! 

It's going to be a big job, but I'm going to love the results! 

Reading: I've recently finished two really good books: Ready Player One (sci-fi taking place in 2045. It is so good---about how interaction amongst humans is almost nil--all via computer---each person has their own avatar. Really good---you will like it even if you don't like sci fi.) 

It's definitely a sign of the times! Sandy said that when she had Elizabeth's party, everyone was on their phones taking pictures and posting. They said it was a great party! Things are definitely different! I'm glad we're a game playing family as that really keeps the interaction alive!

The book I just finished last night is Seeing Red (a suspenseful book with several twists. I really like it when I don't see the twists coming!) I just started The Ladies Room. So far, I'm loving it---highly entertaining.

Needing: to plan out all the food for the upcoming holidays and getting my grocery list together.

Watching: I've been watching the Ken Burns PBS Vietnam series. It's really awesome. If you don't understand what the heck happened during that time, this documentary is for you. I was a teenager and didn't really know much. If we think we're living in a time of unrest, well, it's just as then. Confusing times.

Creating: I'm working on my 3D needlepoint santa. Mostly loving it. I'm having a lot of fun with it. Plus, it's a good excuse to watch tv!

Taking: Or I should say NOT taking---my cholesterol medicine. My doctor said my numbers were so good that she was taking me off of it (for 3 months anyway). I thought once you were on that, you would never get off of it. Officially I do not have any prescription drugs---well, except for my monthly xolair treatment.

Hearing: I have Christmas music playing, but am not paying much attention. Butch and I discussed that we're pretty sick of Christmas music--after 66 years! It's just a hand full of songs done over and over by different artists. 

Appreciating: My morning view.

Dreading: the Christmas "take-down." I always start to dread it as I'm putting it up!

Weekending: We're heading to Charlotte for Christmas with Sandy and family. Jordan and Morgan are going with us. I love that they want to spend their limited, school break time with their cousins. I hope it stays like that when they have families of their own. 

A # of Things

Mindy's bridal portrait shoot was a couple of weeks ago. #1. We went back to her old alma mater where we had taken her First Communion photos. #2. St. Cecilia Academy (SCA) has been the butt of jokes for many years because of those fearsome scarabs. #3. They've finally decided to embrace them! #4. If you look close you can see the little line of ladybugs walking on the sign.

I went to Atlanta last week with Stephanie---well just because I hadn't been anywhere in at least a couple of weeks! #1. Ya' gotta love a hotel that provides outlets on their bedside lamps. #2.  Thanks Hampton Inn!

Picked up the "preserved" wedding dress. #1. Where the heck are we going to keep this? #2. How do we know if the dress is really in there? #3. Wedding expenses continue...

I really don't understand scented candles. #1. Yankee Candles have been my favorites. #2. Recently, I've tried Bath and Body Works candles. #3. Some smell throughout the house and others just don't. #4. This one from BBW smells so good all through the house (well, most of it), but is really too strong in the kitchen where it's burning. #5. Others smell good just where they are burning. #6. You really don't know what you're going to get until you buy them.

 Butch gave me a Groupon for Christmas to Music City Tea. #1. I didn't know we had a tea company. #2. I went after stopping at Hobby Lobby which looked to be right across the street. After driving around for 15 minutes, I discovered it's in the same shopping center as HL! #3. Who knew?

 OMGosh! #1. Remember those pesky pantry moths? #2. It's been nearly two years since it began---August 2014. #3. I've had the traps out ever since. #4. I've gone months with no moths. #5. Just like that, one moth two months in a row. #6. I'll be using these traps forever!

 Last Saturday, the girls and I went to the Southern Women's Show. #1. Met the channel 2 morning crew---Justin and Dawn. #2. Huge show. #3. Crowded. #4. Still a lot of fun!

 Mindy wanted us to go for this reason. #1. Neil---morning anchor on the left introducing Val Chermovsky. #2. Dancing with the Stars.

#1. I have another bronchial thing going on. Since the cough lingered so long from the last one I might go to the doctor this time. Maybe.
#2. Butch left for the beach this morning. Protecting the investments.
#3. Getting everything organized for our latest stitching class. Fiber purchases on the agenda.
#4. Finishing up the closet today. Swimsuit try ons---UGH!
#5. Looking forward to playing in my scrapbook room! Can't wait! Fun AFTER the work!

How are your  numbers shaping up?

A Few Things Making me Happy!

1. Will and Grace are coming back! I never watched the show when it aired, but Mindy had the boxed set. I watched them all and couldn't believe I'd missed it when it was on the air! I hope the re-make is just as good---you know what they say about "you can't go back?" I hope they are wrong this time.

I'm not sure I feel the same way about Rosanne. It's coming back too. I'll give it a try for "old time's sake" and because I did like what's his name---the guy who played Dan. He's from Arnold, MO! We liked Rosanne for a few years, but got tired of it and quit watching long before they took it off the air.

2. I'm happy that Butch managed to "catch" the lone mouse in the kitchen. I was skeptical as there has to be more than one mouse---you know there must be dozens. Anyway, I guess only one figured out how to get in. There's only one thing worse than mice---PANTRY MOTHS! I'll take mice any day!

3. I'm loving my new car. My favorite feature would have to be the phone app to start my car! When I go to Charlotte in October, I'm going to see if I can start it from there. And then from Europe! I can't see a time I'd ever really need to start my car from that far away, I just want to know if it can be done! Of course, I'll have to make sure Butch is there, otherwise how would I know if it worked? He'll probably think I'm crazy!

4. I've had my first fire of the season! It went down in to the 40's last night. The house was definitely chilly when I got up. This is not really good news, considering I was planning an "end of the season" pool party for Friday. I've already cancelled that---the water is way too cold now. Plus the temperatures in the day are only the low 70's this week. This is all really early for Nashville. I'm pretty sure we'll have more hot days to come. Still, not enough to warm the pool back up. "Sayanora floating days! See ya next year!"

5. Celebrity sightings. It's not unusual to see celebrities in Nashville. In fact, Mindy has a few living in her building. Most recently, Carrie Underwood was at the "eclipse" party at their pool. Mindy and Justin arrived right after she left! So, that's not exactly a sighting, but still... She did see Steven Tyler in her condo lobby several months ago. She/we think some record company owns the penthouse that they loan out. She also has some sports figures that live there, but since those names mean nothing to me, I don't even remember them.

Butch saw Luke Bryan and Kix Brooks on the golf course at Richland last week. He didn't really talk to them, but said "hi" when Kix walked by. I was shocked that he snapped this photo. That's so unlike him. He knew Sandy would love it! And so did I!

6. When we were at Ellis Island, I bought this Passport to National Parks. I thought it was a great idea and way to remember our trips.

 It looks sort of like a passport and is about the same size.

 At each park, you can stamp your book. I just wish we'd started it sooner.

You can also buy these stamps for the book. I ordered quite a few from previous trips. I had Butch help me with dates. I sort of saw this as a little travel scrapbook. I thought I would add tickets stubs and little notes about our trips. Unfortunately, there's not enough room for that. There isn't even enough room to visit ALL the parks---which has become a "bucket list" item for us. Hmm, that's given me an idea. I should just start another little book just for trips. Yeah, I'm going to do that.

7. OMGosh! After 46 years of marriage, Butch made the bed for the very first time! We had a repairman coming, so I guess he was embarrassed?

 Notice anything? Hey, I'm not complaining! I don't even put the decorative pillows on EVERY day!

8. This made me smile when I pulled in to the bank. It's PINK! What's not to love?

 Actually, I'm a little surprised. Pink doesn't exactly shout "business!"

9 These girls! They always make me happy---especially when they get to be together!

I just love this picture. I don't get very many of just the three of them.

Well, that's all I've got. Surely I cannot end with just 9! Okay, here's the tenth.

10. Thinking, thinking, thinking. Gosh, I can't think of anything. Oh wait, I'm so happy to finally have station 350 on my Sirius radio in the new Jeep. It's called "Red, White and Booze!" Sandy is the one who turned me on to it, but I didn't have it before now. At least I'll have the premium package for a year! That does make me happy!

Monday Mystery

Well, now we think there's something funny about this house. I was away scrapbooking this week. Butch was home alone. One day, after coming home from a meeting, he found this in the middle of the family room floor:

It's a tiny black raven---part of my Halloween decorations. But here's the thing. Between my pantry moths and our remodeling, I decided NOT to put out the Halloween decorations. So, I didn't. Where in the world did this little guy come from?

Now I'm beginning to think someone is either playing tricks on us, or trying to drive us mad. Hmmm, maybe that's it. If we're committed, then our kids get our money----right? But wait a minute. I don't think they need to stoop so low. They are sharing enough right now!!!

Wassup?

Outside my window: It's really early---I'm not even sayin' how early. It's insane. Let's just say it's going to be dark for about 4 more hours.

I am thinking: That I'm happy I made such head-way with some cleaning out and organizing in my scrapbook room, but I have a long way to go---and it's not even January! That's when I usually get in this mode.

This cart holds all materials I use for class kits. Besides this, I have 3 other containers and a shelf full of card stock and patterned paper. I got ALL of it organized. I'm totally ready for my 2015 classes!! I can't wait to unveil our new topic for the year.

I am thankful for: Cars that run! We've rotated cars through the dealer this week. What a pain.

From the kitchen: This week, it's been a comfort food sort of week---tomato soup and grilled cheese and meatloaf.

I am wearing: Still in my jammies.

I am hoping: To get all of the plants that are going inside, moved and all of the cushions, umbrellas, floats and pillows inside, those that will fit will go in the washing machine, the others will wait until next year and a power wash outside.

I am reading: The Boys in the Boat. Stephanie picked it for our family book club at Thanksgiving. So far, it's not floating my boat.

I'm watching: While working in my scrapbook room, I'm still watching Little Dorrit. I've also just started watching American Horror Story this season. I've never watched it before. It's dark and creepy and I'm not sure I really like it. It sort of feels like Stephen King and for that matter, I'm giving it another couple of episodes. I totally love him and his genius mind.

I am busy creating: I haven't created anything this week, but I plan to do my AYM layout this weekend. I'm really looking forward to that.

I'm bummed: That I invited Jordan for a date with me on Saturday. She accepted right away. Then I found out that the "thing" I was planning to take her to was last weekend!! I saw a commercial for an exotic pet show on tv---that kept saying "this weekend." When I went to the website to see about times, I found out it was already over. Dang!! I guess I should have gotten the details before inviting her. Next year for sure. Jordan would be all over that!

I am hearing: Showtunes on Pandora. The only time I listen to our "purchased" music is when I'm working in my office. I painstakingly put ALL of our hundreds of CD's on my computer a few summers ago. I think we have about 25,000 songs. But now, with the ease of Pandora and my created playlists, I hardly ever listen to them.

Around the house: It looks like I finally have these darn pantry moths under control. We haven't seen one in nearly 3 weeks now. What a nightmare. I still have work to do to put everything back. As a result, I couldn't bring myself to decorate for Halloween. Besides, we're going to be out-of-town on Halloween this year anyway.

In other news: We've had our first fire of the season.

The wood is not yet seasoned. We're lucky we have a gas firestarter. I love a fire. In fact, I'm sitting in front of our gas fireplace in the living room as I type this.

 One of my favorite things right now: No question here.

Sandy sent me a "thank you" package for staying with the kids while she and Greg celebrated their 20th anniversary. It was such a nice surprise. There were also plates, napkins, another candle I've already burned, and a Halloween wine glass for my eclectic collection. The candles smell amazing---pecan waffles and salted caramel corn. 

Last Friday, when Mindy got her for happy hour, she asked about these. I told her Sandy had sent me a package. She said, "Gosh, Sandy is making me look bad." Then I explained it was a thank you gift. Steph arrived a few minutes later and said THE EXACT SAME THING! Did I ever say this family is competitive? That's okay. Everyone knows Sandy is our favorite!!! 

 I appreciate: That our family has such a good sense of humor---which allows me to say things like "Sandy is our favorite" when really, Mindy is our favorite---except when Stephanie is our favorite!

I regret: that I just can't seem to get off this prednisone. I'm not giving up---but Christmas will be a full year. I did manage 3 weeks off this summer, but in the scheme of a year, that hardly counts. 

How the weekend is shaping up: We're going to the wedding of a family friend tonight. Other than that, we have no other plans. I'm going to spend some time with Stephanie and Nicky in their yard. I've re-designed their landscaping and they are ready to start implementing the plan. This weekend it's "tear out and amend the soil." 

So, wassup with you? I hope you have a great weekend too!

A Major Mishap

You might have noticed that I missed "Monday Memos, Mail and Me." Well, I have really good excuse---or actually, a really BAD excuse!

First of all, I didn't really get anything worth noting in the mail last week. But the biggest reason I didn't post yesterday was because I was cleaning out the friggin' freezer! SOMEONE---and I have to admit, I think it was me---left the door open. OMGosh! The stench of rotting meat!

The last thing I recall was putting the Honey Baked Ham bone in the freezer on Easter Sunday. I'm pretty sure that was the beginning of the end. We have been somewhat distracted with Stephanie and Nicky's new house. Butch left for the beach on Tuesday to spend time with Sandy, Greg and the girls.  I had a busy week---as usual. On Friday, I started to notice an "odor." The first thing I checked was the trash compactor. Sometimes people other than Butch and I forget that it's a TRASH COMPACTOR---not a GARBAGE DISPOSAL. Well, that wasn't it. I gave up and lit a candle.

On Saturday, I still noticed the odor. It seemed the same--not really worse. I went sniffing down the hallway thinking it was coming from the laundry room. No, not there. I checked out the "cleaning closet" where we store all the cleaning supplies thinking maybe Margarita left some wet rags or something. Nope, that wasn't it either. I couldn't really think of anything else.

Butch was due home Saturday night. Around 6 p.m., I was thinking that I would cook something on Sunday. I decided to get something out of the freezer to thaw. OH MY GOSH! The stench!! It was disgusting! Bloody meat water everywhere! I even wretched a few times. The tile lifted from the floor. I went in to overdrive. I wanted to get the mess cleaned up before Butch got home. I was so happy that he had that time at the beach to relax and unwind. He worked like a mad man for two weeks between our move back in to our closets and Steph and Nicky's move. I really wanted him to be able to relax. There was no way I wanted him to have to deal with this disgusting mess.

I filled 3 trash bags with all of the food from the freezer. They were almost too heavy to carry. The waste! The expense! It was all bad. I only salvaged Mindy's wedding cake and two packs of dinner rolls. I hauled the drippy bags out to the trash. Now this is a really bad confession on my part---and will prove how really spoiled I am. Both bins were empty. I didn't know which one was for trash and which one was for recycle. Butch handles everything recycle/trash related. Unfortunately, as soon as he got home, I had to ask him to dispose of the bags. We couldn't let them sit overnight, or animals would have gotten in to them.

Anyway, back to the clean up. I've always been grateful that we have a pool whenever it came time to defrost the freezer. All of those beach towels come in handy. I never realized I'd use them for this purpose too. I ended up using ALL of the beach towels to sop up the smelly mess. I ended up having to use bath towels too. I walked on the floor to get the fluid to goosh out--yes I made up that word. I think you get the picture.

Here we are 3 days later and the freezer still smells. We put trays of baking soda on the shelves. We've put dryer sheets on the shelves along with the baking soda. So far, no good. Any other ideas that might work?

This is almost as bad as the pantry moths---but not quite. I guess I should be thankful that it's this and not that again!

I'd say this is about the worst excuse for not posting yesterday wouldn't you?

Still Dealing...

All I can say is this is a terrible situation---and it's not over yet. I feel really bad---Butch came home on Tuesday from his trip to the beach. He cut it short due to my and Mindy's "meltdowns." He didn't tell me or I would have encouraged him to stay. But I have to admit, I'm way less creeped out with him home. I'm dreaming about it every night, so I'm glad he's here. He has dealt with the nastiest part of the situation.

We've thrown away round 2 of tons of stuff. When will this end? The life span of these moths is a month. I'm not putting anything back in the pantry until then. We're still working and there's still lots to do. 

No more about this, I promise. I'm just still consumed with it.

Stephanie and I leave tomorrow to take Morgan out to the University of San Diego to get her settled in to her tiny dorm room. I have no idea where she things she's going to fit this much stuff:

This does not include the HUGE pre-order that they've made at Bed Bath and Beyond awaiting pick-up out there. She has no chest of drawers. We have to get by with under the bed storage containers.

Actually, the work involved moving her will be a vacation compared to what we've been dealing with.

What's Happenin'!

Outside my window: I think I covered that yesterday with my garden post. However, I will say, I'm pretty sure that my goldfish are persnickety. This mooring after working out, I stepped outside to get "cool." The goldfish clambered to the top of the pond---obviously wanting food. I sprinkled some goldfish flakes and they turned up their noses---errrr, fins. I guess they've been feasting on mosquito larvae all summer, so the flakes are no longer acceptable. 

I am thinking: That I have a pretty fun few days ahead---starting with a meeting tomorrow with my travel agent friend, Mary about our upcoming Costa Rica trip in February. I'm determined to see some animals.

I am thankful for: My friend and hairdresser, Joanie who---event though she's technically retired---has agreed to continue doing my hair. She's easily one third the cost of regular hair dressers.

From the kitchen: Stephanie and Nicky are staying for dinner tomorrow after happy hour. I have a couple of casseroles from freezer club ready to heat. I'll be doing a bit of cooking this weekend to get ready for my scrapbook retreat next week. I prefer to cook ahead rather than take the time away from my scrapbooking when we get there. 

I am wearing: My jammies---and my fitbit. Had to work a little extra to log my 10,000 steps for the day.

I am hoping: That our moth situation is finally under control. It's been 5 days since we've seen one. Still, I'm waiting a solid month before I move anything back in to the pantry. A month is the lifecycle from egg to moth. This has been an ongoing nightmare. I hope it's over---finally.

I am reading: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. She wrote The Husband's Secret which was excellent. I've decided that I'm going to read everything she's written. I love her style.

Also, I just finished reading the 4th installment of the Maggie Hope Mysteries. The first was Mr. Churchill's Secretary. I just whipped through the other 3 in the last two weeks---Princess Elizabeth's Spy, The Prime Minister's Secret Agent, and His Majesty's Hope. The series is by Susan Macneal. The 5th one---Mrs. Roosevelt's Confidante is due out this fall. They were entertaining books and quick reads. 

I'm watching: I'm so happy that all the tv series are starting up again. I'm still watching the Roosevelt mini series on PBS---about 12 hours worth. Very interesting.

I am busy creating: I haven't created anything in quite awhile. I have a lot of ideas, but little time. I've really got to get busy as I have several "crafty" things planned for this fall.

I'm bummed: That I have to spend a full hour and a half of doing something active to get my 10,000 steps. That's also what's eating in to my time.

I am hearing: The gurgling of the aquarium. It's pretty late and the house is quiet.

Around the house: Butch has some ideas to update the rec room. I'm all over it! Since it's his idea, I'm going with it!

In other news: I was at Sam's yesterday and saw the new iPhone 6. It looks pretty awesome. My iPhone 5 is two years old. I'm good with it for another year or two. I'm not the type to have to get the newest phone. Now my Mac computers are another thing. I always want the latest and greatest. Still, for anyone that was wanting an iPhone---be it the 5 or 6, Sam's has a great deal.

This is a great price for the iPhone 6. I didn't think I would like the size, but it's not that much bigger. You do have to sign a two year contract with Verizon. I don't know if the other phone companies have the same deal.

 If you've always wanted an iPhone, then the 5 might just be for you. At $77.00, it's a real bargain. I'll bet you can even get the 4's for free!! 

I really love my phone. Texting---not so much!

One of my favorite things right now: I'm still loving Groovebook---the phone app that prints your pictures in to a book for $2.99 a month. It's awesome. You can find out more about it here:

Groovebook. You can still get your first book free. Instructions are in that post.

 I appreciate: A husband that does this when I'm out-of-town:

He detailed my car! The mats had red clay dirt from geo-caching in Kentucky about a month ago. He said it was really hard to scrub off. I'm sure it wasn't fun getting in all those grooves. Since the Broussards were with us that day, we had that dirt on all 4 mats!

 He cleaned every inch of my car---and believe me, there are a lot of nooks and crannies!

I regret: That pool time is over. It was a heck of a lot easier to exercise in the pool---and way more fun too. I might still try to get in this weekend for one last time.

How the weekend is shaping up: We have quite a busy weekend. Saturday, I'll be running errands in the morning, going to a baby shower in the afternoon and then out to dinner with friends. Butch leaves for the beach on Sunday. I hope he has a better time since he cut his last trip short to come home and rescue me from the moths! I'll be packing for my scrapbook retreat. Soooo looking forward to that. Besides AYM, I have not done any serious scrapbooking since May. That's the thing about my club---it gives all of us "permission" to take the time to do at least one layout a month. 

I hope y'all have a great weekend too!