My new blog

[jcribb16]

Kim,
Goodness girl, you have tons of energy to be doing all you're doing over the next few days!!!  Great workouts, for sure!  I know you are enjoying that pressurewasher - you're definitely getting your value's worth!

I hope you and your son like the school.  That's a big step for him.  I'm really glad you and your daughter get to have some quality time together, from work to pampering yourselves!  I know you'll email when you can - you are busy and that's perfectly understandable. 

Have a super weekend!  "See" you later!

Julie 

[golotomer]

Hello world. 

It rained big time here last night.  There must be 5 inches of rain on top of the tarp that is covering the pool.  I pressure washed the deck yesterday and my son and I put a half ton of river rocks around the rock garden and built a second one.   We also cleaned out the car port and cut a bunch of some type of creeping willow away from the carport and trees.  I need to burn but the earth is drench and everything on the burn pile will need days to dry. 

Today, weather willing, we are going to get some more flat rocks from local creeks to line the rock garden edges and I'm going to focus on getting the house in order.  I've also had a request to bake some cookies so I'll be putting on my apron.  A mom's got to do what a mom's got to do. 

[jcribb16]

It rained and stormed all day yesterday.  We needed it though.  I hope it helped a lot of the fires going on in the Okefenokee Forest about an hour away from us.  It's in our state (GA) and has now moved into FL.  Today is beautiful, breezy, and in the upper 70s.

Our youngest granddaughter had her 3 year old birthday party yesterday.  The rain moved the party from outside to inside but she had a grand time!  It's hard to believe she and her sister (6 yrs. old) are growing so fast!

You got a lot accomplished.  I imagine your place is going to look very nice with everything you are doing.  You'll have to post some pictures on FB!

Cookies sound great!  It sure makes a mom feel good when she is requested to bake cookies, cake, brownies, etc. - they know what they like!!! 

   

[golotomer]

Julie,

It is still raining here so far today and it's not real warm.  I'm hoping it improves as I bought a bunch more plants yesterday and want to get them in the ground/pots today. 

I never did get the cookies baked as we decided to go shopping and spent the day finding bargains.  We found an odd little store where I bought Suddenly Salad for 50 cents a box and all kinds of breath mints 10 for 1 dollar and some OTC meds for a quarter a box.     I love bargains!   

I'm glad that the bad weather didn't dampen the joy of your grand-daughters 3rd birthday party.  Aren't three year olds a lot of fun?  I know kids grow way too fast. 

[jcribb16]

I love bargains, too!  Sometimes it's surprising just what you can get for way less!

Our granddaughter had a super time, as well as the adults.  It was fun watching her open her gifts.  Then when she blew the 3 yr. old candle out, her mom let her lick the icing off and instead she took a big bite out of it, lol.  Almost everyone called out right about the time she spit it out and said "ucky."  It rained the whole day, but it was still fun.

This week is only in the 70s to lower 80s with a breeze.  It's not usually cool like this during May here.  We are thoroughly enjoying it!  We have the windows open, too.  It's amazing how many birds we still hear at night.

Talk to you later! 

[golotomer]

I'm glad you are able to open the windows at night.  We were doing that last week but it's gotten so cold I had to turn the heat on last night.  Ouch!  There is another five days of rain in the weather forecast but it looks like it might warm up a little. 

I'm going to my daughters today and we have appointments to get our hair cut.  I'm so in need of a makeover.  I would love to have my hair longer but as I age it's getting drier and frizzy in spots that it never was before.  It's so thick and grows toward my face so it looks like I'm wearing a helmet.  I hope the hairdresser can come up with something that looks nice but isn't hard to take care of. 

I'll probably stay the night too.  It's only about an hour drive but we haven't had much time to talk other than on the phone so we have some catching up to do. 

That's funny about the grand-daughter taking a bite out of her birthday candle.  Hopefully someone caught the shot with their camera. 

Kim

[jcribb16]

Have fun with your daughter.  I always like my hair a little long so I can have enough hair to put it up in a pony tail.  The problem is I can't stand the heaviness of the hair on my neck, especially when it's the least too warm.  So I'm trying to handle a little shorter hair, for my neck's sake, lol, but have to use a couple of clips to catch the excess that won't fit in the band.  From your pics I've seen on FB you and your hair always look nice!

The weather is still so nice here, but with the heavier breeze, it's almost too cool with the windows open.  But, it will warm up later in the day, plus we're trying to take every advantage we can to enjoy this cool front.  So, if it means a little blanket on the feet or socks on or a light sweater, it's worth it! 

This is my last week at this job.  Thank goodness I don't have to much to pack up with only being there for a year.  I can take a few things each day when I leave and be done with it.  I since found out there are two more teachers not coming back either, for similar reasons.

Have a super mother/daughter visit!! 

[golotomer]

Julie,

I guess I didn't realize school was still in session for you.  I was thinking everyone was out since I'm on spring break.  I know you must have mixed emotions about this being the last days on the job.  Losing the job is tough but it's probably a new lease on life at the same time.  Maybe even a little welcome break.  You'll find something I'm sure.  Things are still tough but I'm thinking the economy will start to recover soon. 

Still raining here.  It was colder again yesterday but its supposed to warm up more the next few days.  I'm still at my daughters.  Got my hair cut...nothing fancy but it sure cleaned up some of the dry ends.  Not all that much shorter but she did take all the necessary dead hair off.  Wish she could have cut more of the gray out though. 

We are going to take my daughter's grandmother, my X husbands mother, who is 93 years old, to the doctor and then out to lunch today then I'll head home.  I've been divorced from my X for over 30 years but still get along with his mom and siblings so it will be nice to see her again.  She is going blind but still manages to stay in her own apartment. 

Leaving Saturday to meet Bob in SouthBend, IN where he is working a race.  We'll stay there until Monday morning then we're leaving for Michigan to spend a day at the Henry Ford Complex.  This will be my spring break adventure.  From what I can see online it looks like a neat place to visit.  Before you know it I'll be back in school and my nose will be in the books. 

Hoping your weather is better today.  Take it a step at a time packing up your stuff and don't overdo it.  TTYL

[jcribb16]

Kim,

You'll have to post a pic on FB of your new do'!  I bet it looks nice!  Speaking of gray, I can't believe how much starts coming in now!  I'm trying to keep up with it but I have to wonder how long until I give up and let it show!?!?!?

I'm glad your visit with your daughter has turned out nice.  Also, it's not all families who can still get along with their x's family - that's a real plus!!  There's no way that you look as young as you do and yet be divorced from your x for over 30 years!!!  Pass me your secret, lol!!!! 

I hope you enjoy the Henry Ford Complex.  It does sound interesting.  It seems like your spring break is coming to an end way too fast.  But you have gotten a lot accomplished when you think about it!!

The weather is beautiful today. It's still in the 70s with a nice breeze.  However, the lower 90s are heading back in tomorrow.  I guess the windows will be closed and the air turned back on - *sigh*  I'm going to miss the cooler weather!

You must have esp'd your thoughts to me about packing up a step at a time.  That's exactly what I'm doing!  Last Thursday I took home a couple of things.  Then yesterday and today I loaded up the rest of my things.  The only thing left to do is take down all of the bulletin board stuff which I'll do tomorrow.  And that's it for me!  I'm definitely going to sub for a private school and several public schools this fall.  I'm already on the list for the public schools because I subbed all year before this year's job.  I finally have some renter's income coming in from my mom's estate and can budget myself (very) wisely, I hope, for the summer months.  At least I'm in a better spot than a few weeks ago when I found out about this job.

Take care and have fun!  Talk to you soon!

Julie     

[golotomer]

Julie, 

The hairstyle isn't all that much different.  I just had her relayer it and she took some bulk off the top and length off the back.  I'm so camera shy that I run from the camera most of the time so posting a picture on FB isn't real probable.  I asked my daughter if she thought I should cover my gray and she said no she likes it.  The way it has come in it looks like I've paid good money to have streaks around my face.  That's a lucky thing as coloring it was getting to be a real chore and expense. 

I always was somewhat of a hippie and naturalist.  I do shave under my arms and legs and wear a tad bit of makeup but I've always preached natural beauty so try to live it. 

So now that you know you're going to be subbing have you given up the idea of doing the online work? 

It looks like the Michigan trip is off for now.  I can't find anyone that is able to come watch our dogs for three days and can't afford (nor would I want) to put them in a compound.  Cleo is way old and set in her ways and my doggies are such big babies they would fret themselve to death if they were with strangers and not laying on a couch or pillow. 

I'm hoping we can make the trip when I'm on break again over the 4th of July or possibly and weekend.  Weekends are tough though as Bob's races are usually on Saturdays or Sundays.  Ces't la vie. 

You keep plugging with the packing and try to find time in the day just for Julie. 

Later my friend.

[jcribb16]

 Kim,

I'm sorry about the Michigan trip, but I'm the same way about my three kitties.  My oldest, Gracie (the grey and white in my side pic,) is going on 15 yrs. old and is settled in her ways and with her blankets/pillows, etc.  She's very territorial, too.  My friends all tease me about her being a "devil cat" because of the way she hisses, snarls, and even screams if anyone but us try to pick her up or pet her.  To us, though, she is very sweet, loving, and a great companion, lol!!  They don't believe me when I tell them that, lol!

Today was my last day at work.  I went for their Honor's Day (Elem.) and Kindergarten Graduation.  It was special and I enjoyed being there for the kids.  Afterwards, there was a reception.  I tried to slip out unnoticed but one of the teachers saw me and re-routed me with her.  Some of the students and parents gave me gifts/cards, which were really thoughtful and sweet.  It was bittersweet, if you know what I mean.  So many students were leaving half-day so I don't have to teach music this afternoon - so I have the rest of today off.

Take time to enjoy your last few days of spring break!  "See" you soon!

Julie 

[golotomer]

Julie,

I do understand what you mean about the bittersweet of leaving the school and seeing the kids graduate.  You really do get attached to them.  I also had a cat with the same personality you described about your cat.  My Chance cat was mean to everyone but us.  He even had times when he didn't want us bothering him though.  You just had to wait for him to come to you.  He didn't like little kids for sure.  He was whacked my grand-daughter on the head three times so hard you could hear the thumps on her little head from across the room.  He had no claws but he sure learned how to throw a punch. 

We finally got some sun yesterday but it still managed to rain again last night.  I did get two 1 mile walks in though.  It's so bad this direction that we are having landslides and some of the roads are washing out.  It's safer to stay home!  I'm just going to work on some crafty stuff the next couple of days then do a good housecleaning before Bob gets home on Monday morning.  I'll still have another week off once he gets home so I'm hoping we can at least take a day trip somewhere.   We can leave the dogs overnight one night but I don't like to do it two days.  We have to leave Cleo, the chow, outside with food and water but she is our old girl and I don't like to stress her too badly.  She is used to making her trips out to potty then coming in to do take up her job as imitating a rug on what ever cooler floor she can find.  My two little girls are potty pad trained so if they have food and water they are fine but they stress when they are alone very long. 

Enjoy your first day off of work.  Will you have time to take a little vacation during your break?

tata for now.  Kim

[jcribb16]

I know what you mean about the paws thumping on the head.  Gracie has no claws, either.  It's so funny when Veronica (my dtr.) gets down face to face and blows gently at Gracie's face.  Gracie hauls off and pops her in her face about 3 times - playing with her.  You can hear those "thumps" on her head.  She does the same (standing on her bottom feet) to the other 2 cats if they are in her chair or on her pillow.  It's just amusing to watch and to see how the other cats react to her.  One bats back at her, but moves out of her way, while the other one takes off and flees down the hallway to the back room.  We have our own pet entertainment channel!!!

Landslides, goodness!  That's not good.  I hope your weather straightens up quick so you won't have those kind of problems.  Even with all the rain we had here a few days ago, it wasn't near enough to help the fires that are about an hour away.  They are still trying to put them out.

Today was my first day off, but I went out of town (2 hours away) to get my Xolair shots (for my asthma.)  I always feel puny on that night and then on Saturday.  I slept for awhile when I got back home earlier.  I'm glad we have no plans for tomorrow.  I just need to rest and try to do some housework off and on.  Usually by Sunday I'm feeling some better.

I'm glad you have another week off!  For some reason I thought you were going back to school this coming week, so I'm glad I am wrong!  I hope you have a really nice weekend and can do a couple of things for yourself!!!  Talk to you later!

Julie       

[golotomer]

Well today is supposed to be the end of the world so I've decided to put off all the housecleaning until tomorrow....just in case.   

I hadn't heard about the fires Julie.  There has been a lot of news about all of the flooding and to be honest I'm not a big tv watcher.  It's only in the last year that I've started watching any regular night time programming. 

I'm hoping you will feel better sooner than Sunday.  It's perfectly okay to not do much of anything these first few days off.  Just take a "staycation" and chill out. 

We did finally get a little sun yesterday afternoon.  It's supposed to warm up too so here's hoping...!

[jcribb16]

Kim,

I like your term "staycation."  It fits!!  Yes, I'm definitely not up to much of anything today. 

As far as the world ending today, I had a classmate (we went to elem. thru sr. high together) on FB put this on his status and I shared it on my page last night.  I liked what he said (you may have already read it):  That he's thinking about laying his clothes out on the lawn tonight so it looks like the rapture came and went.  Not doing housework is a good one, too.  Why worry, right?

I'm glad you've got some sunny weather and possibly some warmth coming your way - sounds like your area needs it and is more than ready for it!

Have a great weekend - sorry so short, just not up to par for now.  Talk to you later!

Julie