Sox :hug:. What a tragedy. :( Your friend and her family are in my prayers.

I slept in until 10:30 AM today! Been up for a while......DS stopped by to get some things he didn't take when he moved out. He was telling me that he's been offered a position at another police agency and he's considering it. It's more money but he'd have to start over (seniority wise). He's been at the agency he's currently at for almost seven years. He knows the Sergeant over the Special Operations section of this other agency and thinks it may be a better position for him. Whatever he decides to do I just want him to be safe.

We're supposed to get rain tonight, all day tomorrow and possibly some sleet and snow. The grocery stores will be a madhouse today. Just the mention of the "S" word throws people into a panic. Gotta get bread and milk! Those are the first two items to go. I tell you what.....if I'm stuck indoors for any length of time I'm going to want something else....not bread and milk!

I need to get busy doing something productive. Ya'll have a nice afternoon! :grouphug:

Barb have a safe and wonderful trip!!

Sox, sorry for the family you know... this is always a hard time of year (no time is best but) hard time to lose someone... prayers for the family and her cancer.


hugss to all, made some cut out cookie dough today between holiday kid shows... and about to head to ones basketball game... day off too full!!

well wishing you all wonderful days till the Baby Christ's Birthday! love you all, sarah

Good afternoon, all.
Sox,:hug::hug: such heartbreaking news about both people...you know prayers are being sent.

Kelly, you sure have had your share of precipitation...guess your prayers are being overanswered from the drought you all had...stay dry!

Got my CPAP machine this afternoon. The nurse explained all of the ins and outs of it, but after he left, darn if I couldn't remember how to turn the darn thing off...should I leave it unplugged, or is there a magic button to push to stop it? :confused: I have to go over the pamphlets later before bedtime. Great memory at the top of my spine:rolleyes:

Hope all of you have a wonderful Thursday evening!!

Hey all! Just got home from taking mom to the doctor. He's referring her to a neuro and assured her they will make sure she's taken care of. She was nervous about her meds but he told her not to be. He wouldn't give her any "nerve" pills. hahaha He looked my way and I shook my head no. He agreed and told her they could interact with her Dilantin anyway. He said to talk with the neuro and he is the best person to prescribe them if she needs them. I agreed because I don't think her old docs were looking at any interactions. :rolleyes:

Anyway, we also shopped at Walmart and let's just say we got out of there with no one getting hurt. lmao

Sox, HUGE :hug: I am sooooo sorry. :hug:

Hey gang! :hug:

I been napping a lot these days. I can't seem to keep from overdoing and end up crashing about 4pm everyday. I'm trying to declutter and clean. I had a dentist appt on Wednesday and followed that up with shopping since I was out. Today I had a couple of small errands to do... come 4pm I had to find a place to lay down.

Barb, have a safe trip!

Sox, sorry about your friend ... my prayers going out for her and her daughter.

Sandy, I have to smile... you sound just like my sis-in-law in dealing with her mom, except they are dealing with Alzheimers. Med mix ups are the biggest struggle they have. It is so hard for them to give up independence and admit they need to be cared for. Sis-in-law has been creative in giving her power over somethings and keeping her in the dark over others....mainly in taking the car keys away and protecting her finances.

Debbie, I hope the CPAP works great for you! :hug:

hugs to all! :hug:

Hey! Where is everyone this morning? :confused::D

Sandy - Glad you made it through the store without any 2-year old temper tantrums. LOL I am NOT a shopper; never have been. I am glad the dr is going to work with your mom on her meds, referrals, etc. Maybe she will get better quality of care now that she is with you.:hug:

Debbie - How did you sleep last night? Do you feel more rested after doing the CPAP? I know a few people who use them and rave about how well they felt after the 1st night or so of using it. I truly hope the same is true for you.:hug:

Barb - Hope you have a great trip!

Kitty - Were you thinking chocolate? LOL Hope the "S" doesn't hit you and the weather people are wrong.

Hi everyone else! Thinking of you too and hoping you all are well.

I am meeting up with a friend of mine this morning. Just looked at the time and I really need to get going. :eek:

Have a great day everyone!:hug::grouphug:

Hi all...
Well, I am kind of confused about this CPAP thing...during the night, water built up in the mask, and the machine was gurgling as it pushed the air into the mask. So DH reached over and stretched out the hose so that the moisture could go back into the water chamber.
Still can't get the thing to turn off by switch...:confused: so I have to dig down and pull the plug. And turns out there are no instructions for the machine, only for the mask. I'll be making the call to the company today...

So, my kids always laugh when they recall something I said randomly this summer. I had read an article about how robots will be infiltrating our world, and it theorized that we may become humanoids.
So,we were sitting around on the patio, and I said, "Someday there will be robots." They all burst out laughing, and now they say it just to get everyone going again...
Anyway, this morning I read an editorial about trends predicted for the next decade. The George Washington Forecast Thinktank predicted that we'll see "smart robots used in homes and factories."
Needless to say I emailed all those smart aleckey kids and showed them what a psychic I am...;)

Have a wonderful Friday, my friends...:)

I'm stressing this morning... The house just down the block from us was broken into yesterday morning. They took electronics and guns. Our small neighborhood gets a lot of traffic on bulk trash days...people looking for castoffs they can use or sell. Whoever did this has been casing the place...they knew exactly when the mom would not be home. :mad:

I've got a doctor appt this afternoon and now I'm worried about leaving home! Guess I'll leave lights on so it will look like someone is home.

:grouphug:

Pam, call your local police department and voice your concerns. Tell them you're afraid to leave your home and ask if they can send extra patrol cars to your area.....especially during the time you're not home.

It's such a shame that people feel like they have to steal what others have worked hard for. :mad:

Sox, prayers being sent :hug::hug:

Pam, I'd be nervous too. Kitty's advice is pretty good. :hug::hug:

Everyone, :grouphug::grouphug:

~~~~

Up late this morn. Had a blast at the poker game last night, and we didn't get home until after 1. We lost more than we paid, but it was a great time with friends. Plus between my hubby and the other players - there are no German chocolate cake cookies left. :)

Take care everyone!

DS26 came over again this morning. It's one of his off days but he had an interview at the other agency for this new position he's thinking about taking. It's a position on the Special Operations Task Force. They concentrate mainly on gang and drug activity. :eek:

I made him some breakfast and we watched Let's Make A Deal. It was nice. It's raining (pouring) here today and there are flood watches out all over the state. I guess areas that are already saturated and have creeks and streams nearby are prone to flood.

I'm not planning to do much of anything today. Too yucky to go out anywhere. Everyone stay warm and dry. :grouphug:

One more thing I forgot......leave your TV on LOUD. If you have an upstairs leave one on up there, too. Any type of noise will scare off intruders.

Debbie,

"Someday there will be robots." :D That is funny!! :D And you didn't mean it be funny either, right? :) Like when I was "running" with my sister and nieces. They were just cracking up so I just kept repeating it. :rolleyes: It will be easy to lift the mood when we're together now. :p

<Wiz runs like lightning into the room> (Theme song from Chariots of Fire begins) ...... And the laughter is deafening.... ;)

Pam ... I agree with everyone ... I always leave a light on (like over the sink - because when someone would try to shut it off, they'd hit the disposal button instead!) ... AND I always have the radio going .. sometimes, I set the radio alarm during a time I'll be gone - so it comes on later.

well, I guess Jenn won't be sharing her winnings or cookies!! :p it's great to hear that a fun-time was had by all (and especially those that won REALLY had a fun-time!!):rolleyes:

UPDATE:
I'm sorry - these last couple of days, I've been in some sort of 'funk' ... that I'm not doing enough .. and then have to deal with having an illness to get the disability approved, so I don't have a lawyer bill if the judge looks at me and decides that I 'look' good enough to get a job ...

had a 'melt-down' and I'm tired of living a double-life - I want to do so much with the quilt outreach, but in a way, my hands are tied because of the waiting for the approval ...

had to learn the hardway who my true/real friends/family are that want me to be around ... apparently, I mentioned something about 'still waiting' for the SSDI at the Christmas round-robin last saturday - that one friend said to another that they feel that I'm pretty down (I have some awesome friends - sometimes TOO good - because they can read past my smiles and laughter).

I'm tired of waiting for answers ... tired of packing .. tired of moving to a place that is nice, but it's not what I'd really like - but because of my situation, I just have to suck it up and deal with it ... (I hate the saying: it is what it is) ..

I don't know how to pull myself up from the bootstraps anymore - pretty much wore them out, and there's nothing left to hang on to ...

apparently, I don't know how to forgive myself ... and I have a ton of regrets that have pounded me this last week ... although I thought I made some good choices, actually turned out that they weren't that good ...

well, no more worries ... guess I won't be moving - the girl just called to tell me that they needed a co-signer for the apartment ... well, that's not going to happen .. so, I won't be moving ...

so sorry for dumping this on you .. thanks for listening ...

:hug: Vonn :hug:

(((Vonn))) Take a deep breath. Sit back and think about all the surprises you have been sending out over the past few weeks. Then think about the recipients and how much they appreciate your thoughtfulness. What you have been doing for others is not only commendable but inspiring and awesome. Lawyers, doctors, SSDI, judges, etc. can't take that away from you or your recipients. You have a beautiful, kind, and giving heart. :hug::hug:

Kitty, thanks for the advice. My older son will be home this afternoon. Unfortunately our county sheriff department is so underfunded and understaffed, that they have cut back on patrols. We have a huge drug/crime/theft problem in this county and it is stretching the local resources to the limit.

:grouphug: VONN :grouphug: Hang in there !! Saw this quote this morning and sounds like it would fit you.....

"If you've got one foot in yesterday and one foot in tomorrow, you're missing today!" - Liza Minnelli



:hug:

Debbie's right! And the kitty quilt you sent me........well, it's underneath two very warm and happy cats right now! :)

thanks ... sorry about all of that ... I'm not very good in the 'patience' department ...

had some cheese now ... I'm okay!! :rm_milk: (there's no cheese emoticons!) LOL

Vonn...don't wait for things to happen. If SSDI isn't fast, then do the quilt thing...
why wait? You only have this VERY moment. What do you want to do with it? Not what do you wish would happen, but what do YOU want to DO with it?

No regrets...the past is gone. Just learn from it with a quiet heart. The universe forgives all transgressions...look what was made from dinosaurs...diamonds!

You are a creative child of the universe. Use your gifts. If it's only a smile and a wave to a neighbor, or looking into the eyes and smiling at a person in a wheelchair as you pass by, then make that your gift. We all have things to share...and if we can get compensated for these gifts by payment, then we deserve it.
I have always been blocked by writing, because I always felt it wasn't good enough to sell. So that becomes my self-fulfilling prophecy. Now I am trying to write just to do it, regardless of whether anyone else will read it. Because this is a gift that I was given, and I need to use it regardless of what becomes of it.
So use your gifts, Vonn. And don't invalidate your worth...we are all shining inside...but the veils of fear and doubt cover it up.
Off of the soap box now...go enjoy the afternoon...take a walk, breathe in the air...oops. Off of the box. Bye.

thanks, Debbie .. and everyone ...

I love making the quilts - something I had to teach myself when the doctors didn't want me returning to the 'work' force .. and all my life I'd get "Vonn!! you can't keep giving stuff away!!" ... so, I figured that having an outreach program - I can give away all I want ...

it's been so awesome to make things and send them off to surprise people - is exciting ...

I've always been in control .. independent .. making it on my own .. stayed (okay- VEERED) away from marriage and having kids .. altho, I love doing this for kids! (btw, everyone is a 'kid' in my book - even if you're 97+!)

now that I packed alot of stuff ... I'm going to re-organize and get rid of more stuff to have room to do what I love to do - quilt, paint, and knit (yes, I have a knitting machine that needs attention to make things!!)

I don't like to let my guard down ... and try not to ... I grew up that showing emotions was not allowed ...

thanks again for listening ...

Every time I put that quilt on my lap, Rocky makes a bee-line for it. :D He likes it fuzzy-side-up though. :D

Vonn,

You're so talented, not to mention generous and adorable!!! :You-Rock: Now you straighten up Missy and don't make me drive up there!

You're our Vonnie and we want you happy, y'here? :hug:

thanks, Wiz ... I know YOU .. YOU would drive up here - you fear NOTHING!! :eek:

hmmm ... what I've heard about all these cats and quilts ... maybe we're on to something here!! :D

please, share nicely!!

Quilts for Cats!:p Now that's an idea! Cat people will do anything for their cats. Dog people will do anything for their dogs. I read somewhere, a long time ago, about the total dollars American's spend on things for the pets. It some huge amount.

What ever you decide Vonn, we are right behind you supporting you and cheering you on.:hug:

What a COOL idea!! I know Napervilllians would buy things like that for their pets...and we have a couple of great art/craft sales here. Have you done those, Vonn?

I love things that people make...I used to crochet simple patterned baby blankets, because my brain can't figure out anything complex. But I loved making them and seeing moms' faces light up when they saw them. So I understand why you do this, Vonn. It's such a joy to create something for someone...what a gift you have!
And Wiz, I'll drive up with ya...

I bought my DH an ultralight fishing pole for Christmas. He has been looking at them, so I walked around, make-believing I knew what I was looking at:rolleyes:
It's pretty, at least. The reel is silver and shiny blue;) That's all I care about!

I also bought him some small thingies to catch crappies with...our neighbors up north go out and their 11 yr. old dd loves to do it, so my DH thought it would be fun.
It's always fun to buy the supplies...that's why I loved starting each school year...all the new pens, pencils, and the crayons that looked so pretty...then you had to use them:mad:

Mine too, Wiz! They both try to lay on it at the same time and they totally cover it up.....you can't even see it underneath their tubby butts!

You could name your business "Crazy Cat Quilts"!! I'd buy another quilt for my babies. People will buy things for their pets before they buy things for themselves.

you guys are actually TOO funny!!!

but, not! I have a BUNCH of leftover fleece (seeing that they like THAT side anyways) and can't just toss it ...

let me see what I can dream up that is versatile for both critters! (then you can reclaim YOUR quilt!! too funny!!) those that I've sent quilts to, have cats - and have told me the SAME story ... and all these people LIVE in TOTALLY different places!!

talk about a new marketing strategy!!

(p.s. yes, Kelly and Debbie and Trish and Wiz ... and others ... banks will LOAN money to people to start a small business for cat/dog clothes than they would loan someone with a gift shop! I know - I didn't get the loan! LOL)

Hugss Vonn, and soon I gotta order a quilt from you, I would love one!!

hugs to all

just listening to Christmas music, Johnny Mathis... (fell in love with his voice thru my mom)

and we are mixing up Peanut butter cookie dough for kiss cookies mmmmmm

back to baking, hugss,sarah

My cat loves fleece blankets! I bought her several baby size ones from the dollar store and she curls up with them. Vonn you might just be on to a new project idea!

All my neighbors are upgrading their alarm systems...adding cameras. Guess we need to get ours monitored. Right now it just sounds here at the house. The neighbor that had her house broken into, is beginning to think someone they knew may have broken into her home. The robber even opened Christmas gifts and tossed aside stuff not wanted. It could have been worse...she realized today her 16 yr old daughter had made a quick run home to pick up some items... she could have walked in on the robber(s).

I have a busy weekend ahead... planning on some baking and cleaning and shopping. At least it will be sunny and cold and not wet and cold!

:grouphug:

We have a shop for dogs called two bostons...people were lined up around the block waiting to get their doggies' pix taken...Napervillians spend loads on their pets...
can you envision a pet quilt salon with matching quilts for their owners?:D
Bet you'd get a loan for that shop:rolleyes:

We have a pet bakery in DeKalb. They cater mostly to dogs, but they have a few cat items as well. :D You can get gourmet biscuits for your puppies. ;)

Hi all I'm rushing as per norm. Its 2.22 am here but wanted to say hi. Hope you are all getting through the holiday rush.:D Vonn I just want to say allthough I haven't been on here long You are a very special person. It shows so much in how you treat others Please take a good long look at yourself as you are pretty fab :D And i don't know about others but I may have to catch a plane to the US and give you a big hugg. :hug::hug: Love to you all Jackie xxxxxxxxxx:grouphug::grouphug::hug::hug:

thanks, Jackie .. and everyone ...

not sure what it is - maybe with getting the rejection about the apartment today .. and then bearing my soul to you ... it's like a release ... and I have 2 weeks to move forward - before my next class starts, and then tax season starts!! .. think Debbie said that ... and let my past go and continue to do good ...

about the animal quilts ... I'll check at the pet shop (or WalMart :D) and see what they have to offer and for how much ... but, from the sounds of it, I know of 5 kit-cats that love the fuzzy side of my quilts .. where were they when I was putting my paper together!!:p

been watching "The Little Princess" and "The Secret Garden" ....

"... all girls are princesses ... that is our right!" :Girl(angel-flying):

please, forgive me ...

it was your wonderful posts of encouragement that helped me to get thru this today ...

it's like a break-through .. although I didn't 'get my way' with moving or the lawyer not returning my phone call today ...

for the first time ... I didn't run away .. I wanted to ski-daddle ..but, realized that maybe this time, by NOT running ... there is something better for me!

thanks again!!

Everyone, say a quick prayer for Barb today. She does a stop mid way through my town, and the snow came earlier and is more than what they predicted on Thursday when she asked me about the weather. Pray for safe travels for her as she goes to see her family.

Vonn, yep. you are one special gal! :hug::hug:

Take care everyone! :grouphug::grouphug:

Barb - Saying prayers for a safe trip for you. Check in when you can.:hug:

Vonn - Glad we were able to cheer you up.:hug:

Pam - How scary! Unfortunately, break-ins around this time of year are common. :(:mad:

Sarah - DD19 loves kiss cookies. I hope you and the kids had fun making them together.

Weave - That is so kind of your boss. Many don't do things like that.

Hi everyone else! Hope everyone is having a good weekend.