Our Kids are going to Hate Us!

I'm perfectly honest here. I've been saying it for quite awhile. The bottomline is: Our kids don't want our stuff!  If we don't start doing something about it, they are going to hate us. I know a few people who say, "let them deal with it when I'm gone." Seriously, I don't want my kids to hate me. I've told the girls, that when the time comes, go room by room and take what they want and hire an auctioneer to do an estate sale. Even that is questionable. Young people don't want "old" stuff. They don't think in terms of family heirlooms---it's just stuff they don't care about or have room for.

I just recently read an article from the New York Times talking about this dilemma. Young people, especially millennials, have grown up without attachments to stuff. Everything is disposable. As the article states, they don't buy for permanence. They are Target shoppers and everything is temporary. Heirloom furniture is not a "thing" for them.

Young people don't want china, silver and crystal. To prove the point, a friend of mine who recently moved, had to downsize her belongings. She had fine antiques of silver and crystal. And when I say "fine," I mean really old and valuable---like 18th and 19th century old. To young people, it's just old stuff. They don't have the time or want to take the time to polish silver. They simply don't care about it. She listed much of her stuff with an online auction house. She got pennies on the dollar of what the stuff was worth.

Heck, I got rid of most of my own silver years ago. I only had silver-plate, but still, it had to be polished. I didn't want it. My mom had tons of silver. My siblings and I didn't want it either. We each took some to give to our own daughters---who most likely didn't want it, but kept it because it belonged to their grandma. When Stephanie moved, I was helping her unpack. I came across two pieces of black that I thought was silver. I asked her if she wanted to keep it. She said that she thought she had to because it was grandma's. I set her free! I told her that mom got most of that silver from garage sales anyway! She kept one thing, we polished it up and she has it on her china cabinet. Fine. Easy.

The most expensive thing my mother owned was her sterling silver flatware. Still, when we were disassembling her estate, no one wanted it. My siblings said, "Barb, you take it---you entertain a lot!" Well, 1. I don't entertain much anymore and 2. I actually prefer my own silver-plate better. I took it home. Jordan and Morgan helped me polish it up. We used it in honor of mom on Thanksgiving. That was 2010 and that was the last time it's been used. I'm not sure what to do with it.

On to china. I had many Lenox vases that I decided to put on eBay. OMGosh! What a waste of time. They sold for just a few bucks---less than the shipping and handling. It was more of a hassle than anything. That's when I decided that eBay was not the way to go. I figured I would go to the Replacements, Inc. company when I decided to get rid of something  else. I don't think they are doing very well either. They might even be going out of business as I got an email from them a few weeks ago about having a huge inventory sale---it looked like a garage sale since it was outside. A couple weeks prior to that email, my sister-in-law, was telling me about wanting to get rid of her china. Her girls didn't want it. She tried selling it on Craig's list. She checked with Replacements--they didn't want it. Her china was beautiful! Noritake---full set with lots of accessories. Anyway, she GAVE it away. All I could think of was thousands of dollars down the drain.

I have my mom's everyday dishes. No one else wanted them.

They have value too. I'm saving them for Jordan, my oldest granddaughter. She seems to be sort of sentimental and her favorite color is pink. I'm hoping she'll want them since they belonged to her great grandma.

Heck, I'm pretty sure Mindy doesn't want anything. We still have a closet full of her stuff---and wedding gifts stacked in the library that she and Justin have no room for in their condo. She's not really the sentimental type. I do have a Lenox spice set in one of my kitchen cabinets that she says she wants. We'll see if she ever takes it.

Back to my own stuff. I have a lot.

  I don't think the girls or granddaughters are going to want most of this stuff. What to do with it???

The "little" girls all seem to want my Lenox princesses. When they were little, I promised them that I'd let them each pick a set when they were 21. Victoria reminded me of that when we were celebrating Jordan's 21st birthday. Jordan wants Cinderella. She really doesn't have room for it now--she's still a college kid. I just hope she'll want it later. We'll see.

And then, there's this---my great grandmother's punch bowl. I used it at Easter and Mindy made a comment that she would "take" this. I guess that means she likes it and wants it. It might be the only thing of interest to any of the girls. I'll have to ask them. That's another thing. I want to get most of it sorted out and settled. I don't want any hurt feelings later.

 I love my Christmas china. I'm sure someone will want that for sure.

 These are full of stuff too! My Waterford crystal, Fitz and Floyd collection and assorted other things.

I think the next time everyone is together, we'll discuss some of this stuff. I can at least start making a list.

Then there's the scrapbooks. Who the heck is going to want all of them? That's why I scrapbook about life today. I figure if they wind up in antique shops down the road, someone else will be interested in how we lived. At least I hope so.

And don't forget my needlepoint. Luckily for me, the girls all like that so most will be spoken for. My friends and I have an agreement. When our children are having a garage sale with all of our stuff, we're going to rescue the needlepoint!

The article talked about us "boomers" as being accumulators. I guess that's the truth! At least for me and my friends. We all have a lot of stuff. We need to do something about it NOW or our kids are going to hate us!

What are you doing about your stuff?

What I Learned Growing Up in a Big Family

1. You own nothing. You might think you do, but you don't, really. Your siblings are always taking your stuff. Even your money--if you had change sitting on your dresser, they would replace quarters with nickels, dimes with pennies. Luckily, mom marked our clothes. I had red "x's". I could force the twins to take off their shoes and show me their socks. Even when you think something is indisputably yours---like your First Communion prayer book that your grandmother wrote your name in her beautiful script so there could be no doubt---your sister will write her name in the front with a red crayon! Even when you get a brand new bike for Christmas, but can't ride it because of a broken arm---you siblings get it first!

2. What little you do have, you take care of. You can't afford replacements--no matter who breaks it or messes it up. Your siblings don't have any money either---unless they were the one who swapped out your coins. No way to know for sure.

3. You learn to share. You can't afford to be selfish. You might have something really cool (game, record, clothing) but if you don't share, you don't have access to your siblings stuff. As I've said, you don't really own anything anyway, so you might as well share what you do have. Less fights that way. And less chance that your stuff will be vandalized "accidentally on purpose!"

4. There is always someone who will go along with your schemes---sneaking cookies out of the freezer or eating cherries or pickles until they are gone. You have to have someone so you can't be snitched upon! On the other hand, there is always someone willing to play whatever you want. You might have to go down the line and be stuck with a littler kid, but still there was someone to play with.

5. It's never quiet. You learn to read while blocking out crazy background noise. Watching tv was just about impossible unless it was Leave it to Beaver or The Flintstones. The noise and fighting would get to our mom. She was always yelling, "You kids are driving me to the nut house!"

6. If you forget to call "place back" you're relegated to the floor. We never had seating for nine in our living room. Many fights over that---"you didn't call placeback!" "Yes I did too call placeback!" And on and on.

7. There's really nothing wrong with fighting and we did a lot of that. You learn what hurts and what doesn't. The twins had tender heads where as it didn't hurt to pull my hair. I pretended like it did while I yanked theirs out!!! They thought they were killing me---my fake screams were among the best. I say "they" because since "they" were twins, they fought in pairs.  Inside, I just laughed, because pulling my hair didn't really hurt. Now, gouging me with their fingernails--in the face---was another story! You survive.

8. You have a lot more sins to tell in confession. "Bless me Father for I have sinned, it's been one week since my last confession. I hit my brothers and sisters 12 times. I lied 3 times. I stole cookies twice." It was important to tell what you stole because stealing cookies from home or candy from a sibling was a "venial sin" while stealing from a store or another person outside your family was a "mortal sin" which meant you'd go directly to hell when you died. There's a difference.

9. Washing dishes alone is terrible and takes 3 hours. We were supposed to work together: set the table, clear the table, put the leftovers away, wash, dry, put away, take out the garbage, wipe everything. We fought so much that my parents made us each take one week and do everything by ourselves. It was bad when it was your turn, but then you had two weeks off. Somehow, those two weeks flew by. It always felt like I was doing dishes. Dishwashers were a God-send. It wasn't until after I married and moved out that the family got one. Of course by then Butch and I lived in a cheap apartment, then on to a rental house, another apartment in West Virginia. I didn't get to stop washing dishes by hand until 1978. Assuming I had to start washing dishes at 5, I hand washed dishes for 21 years.

10. We didn't have much at Christmas, but we never knew it. We got a lot of practical things: socks, underwear, tshirts, pajamas, new crayons (which were broken within two days---see #1 above), and always a big life saver book (In those days, you got 12 packs of lifesavers inside. Now-a-days you only get 8---bummer). We got a few toys and books (always my favorite). But here's the thing, mom wrapped EVERYTHING! With so many in the family, it was amazing to see dozens of presents under the tree. That's why I wrap everything too. You can spread out the gifts to fill the room and make it look like a wonderland! It definitely was at our house!

11. You missed out on the pickles if you weren't around when someone opened the jar. See #4 above. Mom had shelves in the basement where she stored extra food. Beware if you were the one sent down there to get pickles or cherries or crackers. You'd come up with nothing but a jar full of juice or an empty box. Even though we were all in on it, whoever had to reveal the crime got it the worst!

12. If you make a pact with your siblings to confess to our parents all the "wrongs" we'd done (crossing the street, sneaking cookies, saying bad words, playing doctor (the worst) or breaking something)---you better be sure to go first. Too many times as soon as the first one unloaded and we saw the trouble they got in, the rest of us chickened out! Bad for us because the "goodie two shoes" confessor now had all kinds of stuff on us. That's how Ronnie got my Mickey Mouse pencil box I got for my 8th birthday. Blackmail always works in a big family.

13. Your sibling will NOT stick up for you!! If you found yourself in trouble, you were on your own. If you were being blamed for something you didn't do, no one will step up on your behalf. They just stand on the sidelines---happy it's not them in the crosshairs and praying they won't be! On the other hand, if someone outside the family messes with you, the others will jump in.

14. You were on your own when it came to schoolwork. No one would help you. In fact they'd more likely laugh and make fun if you had homework and they didn't! They'd make a point of doing fun stuff without you.

15. You mostly hate your siblings. Sometimes you sorta liked them, but mostly you hated them. Some more than others. Nobody hates the baby. But when you grow up, you love them all! And that's the truth!

Growing up in a big family---I wouldn't have traded it for the world!

Grandparent Rules

Since more of my siblings and friends are having their first grandchild, I thought I would post a list of grandparent rules they might find helpful:

1. Don't bother putting anything away at your house. If your precious grandchild breaks it (and he/she will), it was just "stuff" anyway. Besides, you've never had anything nice since before your own kids were little.

2. If the darlings spill something---and they will, just smile and say, "Oh well, that was just the brand new carpet, sofa, chair, etc. We can always get a new one." Then start saving your money.

3. When the little imps pour tiny alcohol bottles from the airlines all over the pool table, thus "eating" the felt, throw a Waterford vase out of a window, make "soup" with toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and any other bath items they can get ahold of, or flush an entire roll of bathroom cups down the toilet---all at once---requiring a call to Roto-Rooter on a Sunday to the tune of the outrageous weekend rates (yep, my darlings did all of this and more), don't get mad at them. It's really not their fault. It was the fault of the person who was supposed to be watching them. Be mad at them.

4. "Time-out"is for the birds. But you can't hit your grandkids. They're smart these days and know how to dial 911. Instead, use the stupid "time-out," but forget the stupid---1 minute for each year---recommendation. Put those little suckers in time out for as long as it takes for you to get your sanity back. I've been know to use it for up to 3 days.

5. Feed them anything you want or they want. You don't have to pay any doctor or dentist bills.

6. Whenever your grandchildren call for anything just say yes right away. Whatever they want, you'll do it or buy it or take them somewhere---you just can't turn them down. And don't forget your wallet.

7. When they call asking to spend the night, you'll want to say yes. But think for just a minute---were they put up to it because their parents want a night out? Giving up your Friday or Saturday nights is a serious thing. Especially if you still have a social life. If your social life revolves just around your grandkids, then you're already doomed! If you don't have anything going on, then go ahead and babysit. They'll be gone before you know it----remember how that happened with your own kids? It happens even faster with the grandkids.

8. When they ask you to their ball games, dance lessons, gymnastics, soccer, cross country---anything that is ongoing, don't do it! Set the precedence right away that you will go to one of everything they do. Otherwise, they'll expect you to come to everything, thus giving up your Friday and Saturdays and therefore your social life. If you have nothing better to do than go to all of the little darling's games, then you're already doomed.

9. If they ever say the words, "You are not the boss of me"---give them back and never take them again unless you end up inheriting them. Remember rule #4---they know how to use the phone.

10. This is probably the most important rule: When with family and friends, only tell one "cute" story for each kid (which, when it comes to grandkids, is a relative term---you are the only one that thinks your grandkids are the funniest and cutest. Everyone else thinks their own grandkids are. And they would be right. No one loves your grandkids more than you).

Our Kids are Going to Hate Us!

I've been saying this for a long time. They don't want our stuff and we're leaving them a crap load to deal with. They are going to hate us!

After our mom died, we decided on a Saturday when we would all get together to clean out her 2 bedroom apartment. Mom was not all that sentimental, so she didn't really have a lot of stuff---except she did! It took about 12 of us 9 hours to haul it all away. We went about it in a very organized way. First off, I had already dealt with all of the clothing and food. I dispersed her jewelry the day of her wake. I had already sent mom's files home with Butch after the funeral---I was the executor of her estate. So we were just dealing with furniture and all the other stuff that makes up a life. 

We started going through and asking "who wants this?" If more than one person wanted something, we put names in a hat. It all went smoothly. Matt took much of the stuff no one wanted---home with him and put it in his garage. It was hard---we felt like we were throwing away her life.  He just couldn't dump it all at Good Will. 

Probably mom's most single valuable possession was her sterling silverware. At one point she said it was worth $18,000. No one really wanted it---the polishing and all. My siblings insisted that I take it since I did do a lot of entertaining. I got my granddaughters to help me polish it up. We used it that year for Thanksgiving in honor of mom. I don't think I've used it since. It's now just one more thing for me to figure how to deal with.

Young people don't want silver---too much trouble. They don't register for stuff like that anymore before they get married. Most don't want china either. I took mom's "desert rose" dishes.

I didn't really want them, but no one else did either. I thought Mindy might want them since she didn't have any dishes except her cheapies from college. She didn't want them. She's not a flower person. Even sentimentality could not over-ride that. I'm saving them for my oldest granddaughter, Jordan. First of all, she loves pink. Secondly, I "think" (I really will need to find out) that she will be happy to have something from her great-grandmother. I could be wrong.

Anyway, all of this to say---you better clean out your own crap, because we are leaving our kids with a major burden. Considering our families are much smaller than mine was, it's going to take forever. A friend of mine told me that it took her and her 5 siblings a full year of getting together EVERY Saturday to clean out their childhood home after their parents were gone. Another friend said they moved everything in to storage and still had to deal with it later. 

When the time comes, I told my girls to go through the house and take whatever they want. Then, just hire one of those companies to come in and do an auction, then haul the rest away.

I'm determined to get through my house and get rid of a lot of "stuff." As I see it, the only other option is to be sure to tell some of the stories behind key items that you love. Hopefully, that alone might stir a little sentimentality! Otherwise, it's all junk to them.

Here'a the problem I'm running in to now with trying to clean out. I have things of value---at least from a monetary standpoint. When my girls had no interest in my collection of Lenox vases---costing $40-$100 each when I bought them years ago, I decided to sell them on Ebay. As it turns out NO ONE wants this stuff! Each vase sold for less than the shipping. It wasn't worth the hassle to mess with. I just hope my granddaughters will want my Waterford crystal! Luckily, I have 4 granddaughters. Perhaps if I tell them the story of my Waterford chandelier, they will want it. It's all worth far too much to just put in Good Will.

One thing I know for sure: they are going to hate us, I tell you. Hate us! Heck, I can't say I'll blame them.

Me on Monday

Well, it's official and quite a shock to me. I'm old! I never would have believed it, but things are happening lately that make me realize that maybe I need to accept it. I never thought I would--or could. But here we are, I'm old.

Here's the indisputable evidence.

#1. I have to admit defeat before the month is even out. We cannot live on $50.00 a week for groceries. At this time--only the 19th of the month--I've already spent $261.55. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've spent more than I normally would because I was watching those darn BOGO's and buying the deals. I was a fool to think we could live on the amount I spent on groceries in 1976 with two kids. 

It reminds me of when my friends talk about how expensive restaurants are and I tell them---they are old and just not willing to accept reality! I long ago accepted that restaurant prices are crazy--especially if you add on $18.00 cocktails--which is the going price, it all adds up. But here I am, in the same boat when it comes to groceries. I haven't paid attention to what groceries cost in years. I buy what I want when I want. I had no idea that eggs were $4.00 a dozen or ground beef is around $7.00 a pound. Holy Smokes! I had no idea. (So there, Analise, you can stop worrying about whether we can afford groceries! I'll be buying the name brands again!)

#2. I have to be careful with my footwear. I have to pay attention to the "slipability" factor" I cannot take any chances. I realized it when I was in St. Louis after Thanksgiving. It was snowing and I wanted to go out with my sister-in-law, Sharon. We left the house after carefully navigating their icy, downhill drive. I am not at all afraid to drive in the snow. Heck, I grew up doing that. We weren't out too long before I realized that I would have to worry at any place we stopped about making my way to the stores. I got to thinking that I did not want to risk a fall. I've always said that even though I don't feel old, I have to recognize the number. A fall could be serious, so we turned around and went back home.

#3. I find myself trying to prove that I'm still young:

That's not really true. I just act the way I act and think I still act sort of young. This particular stunt, egged on by my sister, Jeanne, I did solely for my grands. I'm always about the memories. All. The. Time. If I wasn't old, I probably wouldn't think like that.

#4. I have to remind myself to move slower as I can tell I'm not as steady as I used to be. I lose my balance pretty easily. When I stand up, I have to wait a few seconds and let everything fall in to place before I take off. That's old-age for sure. 

#5. Okay, this is the real reason that pushed me over the edge of "old-age-ed-ness." It's what got me thinking about all of this. It's how I now have proof positive that I am old!! Here's the story:

So, two years ago, I took an online photo class--all about organizing photos and editing photos. It was such a good class. I loved it and learned a lot. Now this year, the same teacher, Stacy Julian is teaching "Rock Your Scroll II"--a follow-up to the first class. 

Prior to the class, she sent out a survey. On the first day of class, she showed pie charts with the results. One of the questions was: Where do you plan to primarily work with your photos? A. Phone; B. iPad; C. Computer.

Well, you know my answer---my computer, of course. 

OMGosh---89% of the respondents said A. Phone. Next was iPad with under 10% and LAST was C. Computer with only 1.8%. Do you know what that means? If we assume only 100 people signed up for the class, it means that I am the ONLY person out of 100 planning to use my computer (because you can't have 8/10ths of a person)!! 

Talk about old! I know that young people ALL use only their phone. In fact, most young people don't even have a computer--outside of work that is. I don't think any of my girls or grands use computers anymore. They all use their phones. 

I JUST CAN'T DO IT! I use my phone as an actual phone to talk to people. Yes, I will text, but I don't like it--I'm too slow. Oh, and my phone is now my camera. 

Another thing I thought was interesting. Stacy said to stop trying to get your  old, print photos organized if they aren't already. Our kids don't want them!!! Hmmm! Where have I heard that before? I knew they didn't want our stuff, but I never thought about the pictures. I guess that stands to reason since I'm sure they don't want my gallery wall either:

I know every person in all of those pictures. They don't and they don't care. Times they are a'changin'! Actually they already have! 

I'm not sure how this class is going to work out this time. I'm already feeling, well, a little behind. I can learn and I'll catch up, but I'm unsure of my first assignment--"delete EVERYTHING from my home page on my phone!" Yikes! That scares the heck out of me!! Honestly, I'm not sure I'm going to do it. 

Yep, I'm definitely old with a capital O-L-D!

Tuesday Thoughts About...

...The Scrap Gals! (For family and friends who are not scrapbookers, you might want to skip this one).

First off, Happy 4th of July!!! I hope you all are staying cool and doing something fun today.

Now let's get on with it.

Let me introduce you to Tracie and Tiffany. They are the Scrap Gals. I met Tracie years ago at a scrapbook store in Hermitage--Scrap It! She worked and taught classes there. This was the only local store where I never taught any classes. I just wanted to go, meet new people, and take the classes that interested me. I made quite a few friends there---but I don't think any of them are still scrapbooking. 

As for Tiffany, I never met her. But, I feel like I know her well. Let me explain.

Y'all know how much I love podcasts. Well, these girls have a good one---for memory-keepers and storytellers. I used to follow Tracy's blog, but with the podcast, she quit blogging years ago. Still, I was in her Facebook group. Little by little, I was intrigued to try their podcast. I put it off because I cannot keep up with all the others I follow. Plus, this one costs. Big time. Five bucks a month. Yep, you heard that right--five bucks. Less than a Starbucks drink. Totally worth it. 

Okay, let me get to the point of this post. About two weeks ago, someone in the Facebook group asked a question about scrapbooking travel photos. Tracy mentioned it on the podcast. I responded in the Facebook group. Tracy contacted me and asked if I'd like to be a guest on the podcast. Would I ever! I can talk scrapbooking with anyone, anywhere, anytime, forever!! 

I was on the show last week. I was getting read to say something---and forewarned everyone that they would gasp. And boy, did they!!! It caused quite a stir in the FB group. There were over 100 comments! Here's what caused all the hullaballoo (hmm, I don't think I've ever used that word in my life!): Tracy asked me what I did with all of the 100+ photos that do not make it into my scrapbook. I said that I delete them! Yep, delete, delete, delete! One of the comments referred to it as "the great deletion." I'm keeping it!

People went crazy! One even said I was insane! So, I responded on the FB group saying that I did forewarn them that they would gasp. I do not need 200+ trip pictures. When I'm finished scrapbooking that trip, I get rid of them. If they didn't make the cut to be included in the layout, why would I keep them? I only keep my very favorites on my computer. I'm actually pretty ruthless about it. I've never regretted it or missed a photo that I deleted. Once they are gone, I don't think about them again. Remember all my preaching about how your kids don't want your stuff? That includes your photos. 

Anyway, it was a lot of fun. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

If you are looking for a fun podcast, check it out. To be clear, I am not being paid for this rave review! You know me. When I get excited about something, I want to share it!!

Me on Monday

So, on Thursday afternoon, I had my little friend over for tea. I do mean little!!

Meet Ryan--age 9 (she's in 4th grade, so I think that's 9). She is the granddaughter of my friend, Karolyn. I don't get to see Ryan very often--usually in the summer when she's here for the pool. Anyway, I invited them for tea. 

I wanted to teach her how to make a "proper" tea. I let her measure the tea in to the pot. I poured the boiling water--the kettle was a little too heavy for her.

I taught her one of the most important things about making tea: putting the lid on the pot correctly. That's important. If you don't do it just right, your lid will pop off and break--most likely your teacup too.

I let her do the serving--teaching her about placing the strainer over the teacup. Little kids like doing stuff like that. It's a win for me too as I get to just be a guest in my own house!

We had lemon poppyseed muffins, cranberry orange scones with "clotted cream", chicken salad and pimento cheese tea sandwiches, grapes and chocolate covered cherries. 

Her biggest surprise was that I wrapped a teapot from my collection. I also let her keep the teacup and saucer that she used for her tea. As I keep saying, "our kids don't want our stuff." That includes my teapots. I have about 6.

We had a very nice conversation. Ryan proved to me (and her grandmother) That we are NOT smarter than a 4th grader! She was telling us about biomes and using other words I never heard of before. Then, I really thought she was pulling my leg, so I challenged her. I thought she was just making stuff up. I never heard of a taiga. And I read a lot! A. Lot! Those words just don't come up.

She grabbed "Amie's" phone and pulled up biomes and started quizzing ME! What? Yes, I know what a savanna is. "Well, what is it she asks?" 

I started breaking out in a cold sweat. I wasn't even sure where a savanna was except for the one in southern Georgia. She asked me to describe it. I mentioned the grass. She said, "what else." She had me there. Then she proceeded to tell me all about it. I got the grass part right, but there are also trees and drought like conditions and other stuff I've already forgotten.

Time for me to change the subject. I decided I was going to teach that little girl a thing or two. I turned to books. This big girl knows books! What was I thinking? My grands are adults. I am not familiar with popular children's books these days. 

I finally gave up. I soon realized that not only am I not smarter than a 4th grader, but she IS!! It was time for her to go. The next time I invite her, I'm going to tell her that she needs to dumb it down a little for me!!

Still, it was a fun afternoon. I just might do that with the granddaughters of my other friends. Can you think of a better way to unload your stuff! And the bonus of it is that they are actually excited! 

PS I wish that I'd have gotten a picture with all of us. Karolyn was taking pictures. I didn't even think of it.

Travel Tuesday

A little more Route 66---this time the segment to Springfield, MO. We were with Walter and Chris on our way to Big Cedar Lodge. I absolutely love breaking up long car rides with little stops along the way. Butch is an expert planner for sure!!

 It's exciting to me that many of the little places along Route 66 are still in existence.

 Although this wasn't exactly on Route 66, we decided to make the detour to see this old jail.

 Many of the motels along the way are still in business---hence the large motel sign---which can be seen from the highway.

 All that's left of the cafe is the sign. Still, I'm glad they left it! This old stuff is so interesting to me.

"Get your kicks on Route 66!" This slogan has been around since I was a little girl. It's unbelievable to me that some people near my age have never heard of Route 66. I really don't know how that's possible. One is from Boston and the other is from Pittsburgh. I get that Route 66 was not near where they grew up, but it just seems to me that it was common knowledge. Apparently not.

This market is still owned by the original family that opened it in the 1940's. We stopped in and bought a couple candy bars. Butch got a Route 66 baseball cap to add to his collection---a collection that he actually wears. It's a really cool, old-fashioned store. The women manning it were cute and friendly. (women manning---seems like an oxymoron!)

 Our last stop was the local library. Inside was the Route 66 museum. It was really cool.

 There were three "rooms" set up to replicate a diner with ALL original stuff.

 A motel unit---exact size.

 And a view to the inside of the room.

After the museum, we stopped in the gift shop. I didn't buy anything, but I did get a couple Christmas ideas.

This fall quilt was hanging on the door. I love all the colors and the combination, but I have no use for it.

I've gotten to be very particular about my purchases. Chris made a comment about it as she spent close to a thousand dollars over the weekend. Basically, I keep three things in mind when it comes to shopping these days: 1. I don't---shop, that is. I'm too much of an impulse buyer. If I want it, I buy it and "I don't care what it costs!" (inside joke with my friends). 2. I don't need anything--I'm trying to get rid of stuff! Because, 3. Our kids don't want our stuff! I keep saying it, and I wholeheartedly believe it! Except, of course, my needlepoint. I'm still happy that my girls and grands DO want that!

So that's it for Route 66 for this year. I was actually to accomplish my goal of doing part of it while I'm 66. We had two little road trips and that was perfect! Next up, the leg from St. Louis to Chicago and St. Louis, itself. We'll do that in the coming year. After that, we will have done the entire segment from Chicago to Oklahoma City. In 2020, our plan is to meet Walter and Chris in Oklahoma City, rent a van and then drive the segment to New Mexico. We'll fly home from there.

Little by little, we'll get it done! Sure it might have been more fun to do the whole thing at one time-- but since I want to stop at anything left along the way, that would take way too long. Plus, I think it would become boring. This way, it's always exciting!

Cleo the Cat

Today I've decided to tell you the story of our cat Cleo that was the victim of the pet food poisoning a few years ago.

Everyone knows that I am in no way an animal lover. That dates back to losing our beloved boxer, Shadow, when we were kids. Maybe that's the story I should tell. Here goes---all of us kids loved Shadow. She was a good and gentle dog. I took her to Camp Hawk and entered her in the dog show. She came in 3rd for the "obedience" division.  I came home proudly with the ribbon. Dad was excited too. He asked, "how many dogs were entered?" I replied, "3",  he got a kick out of that, but I didn't really get it until I was a little older.

One Sunday, when we had some sort of family gathering---most likely someone's first Communion---Shadow was eating. Her "clipped" tail never stopped wagging. Our little cousin, Jon was trying to hold Shadow's tail when she turned around and snapped at him. He started howling---even though he hadn't been bitten. My Uncle Jules got pretty worked up. I guess it was the next day or so that dad told us we had to get rid of Shadow. He said that with so many kids in our house (there were 6 of us then) he could not take the chance that Shadow might bite one of us.

He thought that he had the perfect solution. We had a grandmotherly type babysitter (Mrs. Turco) who loved Shadow. She took her. The problem was that she lived in a subdivision. We lived in a neighborhood with an empty lot across the street. This is where Shadow was trained to "take care of business." As a result she would not "go" in the Turco's yard. It wasn't long that their neighbors started to complain. They tried tying her up behind the garage, but she just wouldn't "go." After several days, they took her down to the river where she swam, "let it loose" and ran around. When it was time to leave, they called to her, but she took off running---never to be seen again. At least this is the story that we kids were told. Who knows what really happened to our beloved Shadow. All I know is that I cried for a couple of weeks. But even at 10 years old, I remember telling myself, "this is ridiculous, it's just an animal." I think that is when I hardened my heart to animals.

We had 2 other dogs, "Jock" the poodle who puked and peed everywhere and "Butch" a really dumb mutt. Not to be confused with "my" Butch who isn't dumb at all---in fact, he's pretty darn smart. With Butch the dog, all we had to do was attach the rope to his collar (which wasn't tied to anything) and the stupid dog thought he was tied up, so never tried to leave! You can tell that I didn't care much for either of those dogs.

Which brings me to the present. Over the years, we've had our fair share of assorted "little" pets, hamsters, birds and fish. We had many outside cats. That was the best I could do. I just feel like inside pets are so unsanitary. Of course, the cats served a purpose. They kept the mice away. My friend, Nancy once observed, "Barb, even the cats have to work at your house." Yep, that's about the size of it.

Anyway, our last cat, Cleo was acting sort of funny. Of course, Butch was out-of-town. I put her in a box and took her to pet emergency. When I was filling out the medical forms, it was pretty embarrassing. I didn't even know her vet or her immunization records. I just made up stuff. I was never involved in any of that. I simply didn't care about our cats. Or at least I didn't think so. When the doctor came out to talk to me about Cleo, I started to tear up. He told me that she was in extreme kidney failure and was in shock. He started telling me what he could do and how much it would cost. Amidst my tears, I got my wits about me and tearfully said, "just let her go." I was reminded of the time that mom spent $18.00 trying to save Jeanne's guinea pig, Bruno to have him die anyway. 18 bucks back in the 60's was equal to hundreds today.

I paid to have Cleo cremated, but didn't want the ashes. On the way home, I called my friend, Linda, who has a cat. I was sobbing and said, "see, I'm not quite the animal hater everyone thinks I am. Even without interaction, I become attached. I've always said if someone told me I had to have an indoor pet, I'd choose a cat. They don't shed, they don't fart or have bad breath, they don't smell your crotch or hump your leg, or do all the other horrible things that dog owners are always telling stories about.

About a month later, Butch was reading the newspaper and came across the article about the tainted pet food. Bingo---we were feeding Cleo that same pet food. We sent a letter along with the $400 vet bill and requested reimbursement. The company responded and asked for more information. Eventually, they denied our claim. We thought that was the end of it. A couple weeks ago, we got this:

I don't know if you can read it, but we got a check for $207.21. A nice little surprise. Seems we were part of one of those class action suits.

$207. sure goes a long way in easing the pain of losing my cherished cat. Notice how Cleo became mine? It's no wonder I hardened my heart at 10! Losing pets is really painful. We haven't had another cat since. We keep telling ourselves that even an outdoor cat is a hassle. We travel quite a bit and would still have to have someone come by to feed it. But, we might have to give in soon.

The mice are back!!!

Did She or Didn't She?

SHE DID!!! Well, partly. I got started cleaning out my closet. No procrastination this time. I spent 4 hours and am 2/3's of the way done. My back hurt from all that bending, but I feel great to be this far along. I'm going to finish tomorrow morning.

Here are the preliminary results:

 Before

After

 Before

 After

I even have an empty shelf! Of course, since I have 10ft. ceilings, I can't reach it. I'll probably put some tote bags there. I didn't even go to the top shelves because those are needlepoint pillow that I am saving. I didn't make them, but they are pretty cool---old florals. I don't really know why I'm saving them. Our kids aren't going to want them. In fact, our kids don't want any of our stuff. I've known that for awhile, but just recently read an article about how nobody's kids want their stuff!! I have a lot of things I need to turn loose that I've been saving.

 This is my view looking in to the closet now. This makes me so happy. I did do one more section, but have not photoed that yet.

While cleaning out, I made some discoveries.

 This was my favorite sweater last year. I wore the heck out of it. I haven't worn it a single time this year---somehow, it got buried and I forgot about it. I'm keeping it so next fall when I start wearing it, it will seem like new again. That's what I'm telling myself,

 I've never even worn this. Not my color. Don't know why I bought it. Probably cheap.

 Ditto here. I think I've worn it once, but yellow is not my color either. It's going.

 This posed a dilemma. Should I keep this woolen glove purse or get rid of it. I only use it for when we go to Christmas Village. It's the perfect size for a credit card and some cash. You wear it around your neck like a necklace. I keeping it.

This is the only Christmas sweater I kept. I love pink and green at Christmas---especially since pink is my favorite color to wear. Why am I keeping it---since Christmas sweaters seem to be "out"---because someone always needs one for an "ugly sweater" party. I sort of resent that, but figure it's just my age getting in the way.

This sweater? Apparently I liked it so much I bought it twice!! Really, I didn't know that. But, it's a good thing I did. When I "uncovered" the new one, I was so happy. I was able to get rid of the first one. As much as I like it, it catches on everything and had pulls all over it. Now I have a new one that I can try to be a little more careful with---or not wear jewelry with.

 I have no idea what I was thinking here. It's gone.

These are just some of the bags full of clothes I'm getting rid of. Add about 3 more and you have the whole picture.

Boy does it feel good to clean out! Next to my love for family and friends, organization is my favorite! Chrissy, aren't you so proud of me? (I learned it all from my favorite cousin!)

There's Been Some Talk...

on some of the blogs I follow about eReaders. Many voracious readers---of whom I count myself among---are resistant to give them a try. They really don't know what they are missing. Here's my story:

I was on the fence about the Kindle for a couple of years. I felt like I would miss the tactile experience of a real book---plus I have a huge library at home. Butch gave me a Kindle, a nice surprise for Christmas two years ago and I cannot turn back. I even have the cheapest one---nothing fancy, only black and white and no backlight (my booklight clips on just fine).

There are several features that I absolutely love:
---the built in dictionary (I'm obsessive about looking up words).
---you can create categories for you books just like a library.
---I created a category called "Books Read in 2013"---It's really fun to know how many books I've read in a year (I'm already at 15 for 2013 and half way through book 16).
---And best of all---I have the Kindle app on my iPhone. It syncs both devices. Now, I am NEVER without my book---and am always at the exact place I left off. That's HUGE for me.
---Oh, and did I mention FREE books? There are thousands. It's easy to get carried away. I limit myself to only those that have been rated 4.5 stars or above.
---The books are cheaper--about $10-$12 per book---many are a lot less. Way cheaper than a $25. hard back (my preferred book choice).
---I only have to charge it about once a month (without all the fancy stuff and internet access, it doesn't eat up the battery life).

This gives you an idea of my categories. "Books read in 2012" is a little misleading. I actually read 33 books. 2 of them were trilogies which was cheaper to download together. As a result, the trilogy is contained in one book. Stephanie gave me the French design "skin" to cover my Kindle.

Butch got me this pink cover when he gave me the Kindle. It fits nicely in my purse. It stays on all the time, so, just like opening a book, it's ready to go. You can see the charging cord on the bottom. I takes about an hour to completely recharge it.


Now for the downside:
---I often cannot remember the title or author of the book I'm reading because I don't see it constantly when I pick up the "book."
---Plus, without seeing the cover of the book all the time, I do not have a point of reference for it. If I had my way, when the Kindle's in "sleep" mode, the cover of the book I am reading would be the screensaver rather than some random book that they want you to buy.
---you have to turn them off on airplanes---leaving me without it for about 40 minutes---bummer. Still those are minor inconveniences compared to the upside.

A problem:

A friend from bridge loaned me this book. I didn't ask for it. I didn't want it. She just brought it. She said it's really good and wants to discuss it with me. Okay, so now I have an obligation to read this book. I told her that it would be a while. Actually, I'll go ahead and start it next. I'm tempted to just download it on my Kindle, read it and then give this one back after. She would never know the difference. But what a waste of money. I'll go ahead and read it. This will be the first "real" book I've picked up in 18 months. I guess it will be good to see if I've missed "real" books. But I doubt it. Plus, how do I add another book to my "Books read in 2013?" I'll just have to remember to add one to the count every time I look at that. Now we're talking math. Oh, woe is me.

I gave my brother, Ronnie a Kindle for his 60th birthday. I got him just the basic one like I have because, really, it's perfect. I don't need to read my email or access the internet. I just want to read on it. Plus, it was 60 bucks---sort of the perfect idea for a 60 yr. old's gift. I don't know whether he likes it or not. He's retired now, so he has more time for reading.

I'll never forget the year that I got mine, I found out that 5 of the little nieces and nephews on one side of the family ages ranging from 6-11 got Kindle Fires for Christmas. Here they were, little kids with the fancy schmancy ones. They play games and watch videos on theirs. I wasn't about to mention that I had the cheapie (although it wasn't quite that cheap back then). I just want to read on mine.

So, the bottom line is this:
---if you want to give it a try and your basic motivation is reading, then just get the cheapie. That's really all you need. Plus, if you decide you don't like it, you haven't invested a fortune.

Some Things for Sunday

Just a few things for Sunday!

My sister from Texas is selling this sweet little 1965 Volkswagen. I think it's so cute, but more work than Butch wants to take on. 

Before book club a couple weeks ago, Stephanie and I drove around the old neighborhood. Saw this cute little lending library. I just love coming across these! They are so darn cute too!

My brother sent me this selfie along with his beautiful tomatoes below.

I wish I lived close enough to pick some up! He said that he had 127 tomatoes from 5 plants this year. He keeps track of everything! I'll bet he can tell me how many fish he's caught this year too!

My cousin, Mark sent me this picture of our grandparents house while he was cruising our old neighborhood in north St. Louis. This is the tiniest house. It has 2 little bedrooms that can only hold a double or one twin bed. There's a tiny kitchen and living room--one bath. If I were guessing, it's about 600 sq. ft. Like I said, really small. To put it in perspective for my family, I'd say the entire house could fit in our family room. My grandparents moved here when they retired. They didn't need much space. And there is a basement. Grandpa's garden was bigger than the house!! My sister, Jeanne ended up buying it from them at one point. I don't remember how long she kept it.

Another article about how your kids don't want your stuff and what you can do with it. Kind of sad, but the generations after we "boomers" are living with less. They'd rather spend their money on entertainment. That's okay, of course, but still kind of sad. What's going to happen to all of the family portraits??

I guess that's about it for this week!