Help !! I've fallen { behind reading my daily newspaper }
and I can't get { caught } up.
.
Yes, I am behind in more than one thing, this bluggy blog being one. I couldn't think of a "B" word for one. bluggy blog being bone - see that doesn't really make it. Add the "B" and it changes the meaning altogether. But, we move on.
.
While falling behind for sure, I have been a busy bee (more of those B words).
.
Yesterday, a Friday, as an example, it was hot. For those not living around here in Texas, hot means hot. I think it got up around 109 or so yesterday in the shade "and there was no shade." We had originally planned to go to First Monday Trade Days in Canton yesterday. On Thursday when the TV weather man on channel 5 predicted a high of 105 degrees, a change was in order.
.
Friends of ours: Jerry and Brenda Ballew live in Teague about 30 - 40 miles south of us. Jerry is the "Boss" business manager of the Corsicana Swing Orchestra of which I have written more than once - and Brenda is the band's singer and Jerry's boss, I assume. My wife bosses me - should work that way in most houses. Both are retired now primarily working on their home and other civic projects. Well sir we HAD made plans to go to Canton with them.
.
We called Thursday afternoon. Right off hand we learned that Jerry was not home; he had gone to the auto parts store - a rather nice adventure I am sure. Almost the first thing out of her mouth was Jerry coming in from outside talking about the heat. That led us right into our conformation of the same news.
.
Let me stop here and point out that conformation is normally spelled confirmation. However, I felt in this case, we were confirming her information - thus a combination of the two words seemed to be Presidential. Which brings me to...
.
We decided that we would drive to Teague and pick them up, then, drive on to College Station to visit the George HW Bush (#31) Presidential Library. We had never seen this library and thought it would be a good excursion. The big drawback of course is College Station, the home of A & M. I try to avoid anything Texas Aggie in nature. We did that. Out of here before 9 a.m., picked them up about 10, Brenda B gave my Brenda M the grand tour of their home built in the 1920s, and in College Station before noon. We found a nice Cracker Barrel and ate lunch. Don't you just love to walk around their gift shop area. We found 4 different 16 month Duck Dynasty calendars to buy - didn't.
.
Now, folks, if you have not been to that Bush's Library, lemme tell you, bring your reading glasses. There is a lot to read, and I finished little of it. Of course, of course, we were scanned and prodded and searched and seen by security at the front door. Only one machine really; we kept our shoes on... Often wondered if they check George and Barbara when they visit or if it is merely us gangsta types. The big exhibits include a full sized fighter airplane, a 195? red Studebaker, and his Cigarette boat. You add in many beautiful gifts they receive in office and special displays about their family and Barbara Bush - it was a busy afternoon...a busy afternoon of looking and reading. They have had quite a family history.
.
I figured ( planning ahead & based upon visiting the LBJ Library in Austin ) that it would take about 2 hours tops. They ran us out at 5. I barely had time to browse the gift shop. I would explain more about the Library, but you need to go see. Libraries have a way of glorifying the residing President, as they should. So if you have a Bush hangup, this may not be for you.
.
The trip home on I-45 at 75 mph was truly an adventure. The Labor Day holiday traffic was beginning to pick up. All in all, really enjoyed the day - the wife did too - we talked a bunch about the museum later - and it was fun spending the day with the Ballew clan. If you know us, you know we are not quality social animals. We have never socialized much. I always used my band directing job as an excuse, and she let me.
.
So getting out like this was fun. We have postponed our trip to Canton till October if all goes well. I love to just walk around Canton and see the people and stuff. The puppies are fun too.
.
This brings me to a slow close here. I have several other projects to recite that have happened over the past couple of weeks. My thought is to stretch those out over several days instead of writing a book right here.
so y'all take care.
and think of George HW and Barbara in your prayers.
m3
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Saturday, August 31, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
Facebook and the C & B seen thingy
Trying the Verdana font today. Looks bold enough to these weary eyes.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
The wife and I are moving up in society. The Corsicana Educational Foundation has sent us an official invitation to attend the (get this) C & B Seen Gala. Say it out loud. Nevermind. I'll help. See and Be Seen. Now isn't that cute? Wish I had thought of it when I was fund raising.
.
For those who don't know, an Educational Foundation is an organization established to get extra local money to school districts. I could have this wrong ( I don't ). When the great State of Texas began the Robin Hood financial mess to equalize funding from rich schools to poor schools, Foundations were born. Certain businesses were able to donate funds to Foundations and their tax liabilities went down - there were probably other formulas mixed into the scheme too.
.
So Company A owes $1 million in taxes. The rich district will have to give away $500,000 to poorer school districts. Company A gives a $400,000 donation to the local Foundation. The school district revises Company A's tax obligation to $500,000 cause they gave that $400,000 to the foundation. The $400K is funneled back to the local school through grants, and the schools don't have to give as much to poorer schools. A win- win as some might say.
.
O H S U R E, I may have the formulas all wrong and some other basic details, but, still, Foundations were created to manage local wealth and keep it at home. That's immaterial right now. More importantly, we have been invited to the C&B Seen - Royal Blue and Black & White Gala. For this honor we get to buy tickets for only $75 a person to attend. A fund raiser. Yes, it is.
.
We're not going. 1st of all, we don't even live in the Corsicana school district. We live in the Mildred ISD. Mildred is a nice little school set out here in the country. Maybe they will have a Gala too (that we won't attend either). 2nd-ly. We don't know these people. They don't know us. I can tell you: the official invitation was really a nice piece of art. Probably should frame it, and put it up in the hallway. Maybe if we went, we might get to know the folks. Yep, will think on it.
.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Money Money Money Money Money Money Makes the World Go Round The World Go Round The World Go Round Money Money Money Money
Etc. with apologies to the musical Cabaret.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
.
TITLE THIS NEXT PART: FACEBOOK
Our phones are set to ring 3 times and go to recording. We don't know how it was set up, but it is. If we two are out-of-pocket when the phone goes off, we might not pick up in 3 rings - thus, the premise, leave a message. There are so many bad calls coming in here; we don't answer unless we know the folks.
.
So, Saturday night I was indisposed, and my wife was sitting in her luxury chair knitting. The phone is across the room; and, it rang. There was no way for her to throw down the knitting and make the phone. Let us review: I was indisposed. Upon my arrival in the L.R., I checked the phone to see who called. I won't give his name here, but it was another retired band man who I admire a great deal. He and his wife were excellent directors and had fine programs. No, I don't think he reads this bluggy.
.
I called him back. He asked me if I had just been I M -ing him on facebook. I M = Instant Messaging I have my IM turned off so I don't have to answer questions like, "Hi, how RU doing?" If they want to know they can call me. Anyways, I explained that I rarely go to facebook etc. He starts explaining that he has been talking to me for quite a while on his IM. I rolled my eyes. Sounds like a problem to me.
.
I asked him how much money I had asked him for. He explained it was the other way - me wanting to get him money. Right away that should have been a warning sign. Not wanting to be rude to me, he had a short conversation in which an email address was given to him .... i paraphrase here .... it seems that a govt. program had given me $150,000 and, while I was signing for the money, I saw his name on the government list.
.
I do want the $150,000 from the government. Honestly, I don't think the Nigerian govt. is really going to fulfill this dream. . . maybe it was Ghana, who knows?
.
I started the process of changing my facebook password - it was "Chowderhead" - now I changed it to "Turkeyface." Then, I wrote maybe 4 different messages on Facebook giving details. Different people wrote back immediately telling me their story of me contacting them. Same ole story. I got my money. Have you gotten yours? What I found interesting is that none of my family, close friends, or ex-students bought into the IM. It seems they could recognize immediately that I was not the writer.
.
They seemed to play along and lead the person on wild journeys. One talked to the guy about the good times we use to have in Altus, Okla. I have never been in Altus longer than an hour or so. Others did other things asking questions. I am proud of these folks.
.
Long Story Short ( too late ). It seems to have ended. Several friends have unfriended me - with my blessing, and I have de-friended several of them - with their blessing. What a drag. The only good that has come out of this is that many of my "friends" know that I am still alive and well. I had well over 50 messages directly to me and personal emails to me. I have reconnected with some folks that I thought had died.
.
Yes this clown impersonating me is a Moron. He cannot write a clear thought and his spelling lacks Americanization. He is a moron. Surely nobody in the entire World buys into this type of thing. Surely. I mean, c'mon, would you - with my prodding - go to a website and give them your bank information? If you are that gullible, would you mind just sending me some cash right now - wrap it up - parcel it out - cause you ain't gonna have it much longer any hooooo.
.
enough of that. I could go on for some time. I saved many of the comments from friends. Perhaps I should publish a few in the future.
Y'all take care now. Go to Facebook and up your security settings. And remember, get yourself a good password. Apparently "Chowderhead" is just too common.
m3
p.s. throughout this writing, the word "facebook" was written in lower case. This is to show lack of respect.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
The wife and I are moving up in society. The Corsicana Educational Foundation has sent us an official invitation to attend the (get this) C & B Seen Gala. Say it out loud. Nevermind. I'll help. See and Be Seen. Now isn't that cute? Wish I had thought of it when I was fund raising.
.
For those who don't know, an Educational Foundation is an organization established to get extra local money to school districts. I could have this wrong ( I don't ). When the great State of Texas began the Robin Hood financial mess to equalize funding from rich schools to poor schools, Foundations were born. Certain businesses were able to donate funds to Foundations and their tax liabilities went down - there were probably other formulas mixed into the scheme too.
.
So Company A owes $1 million in taxes. The rich district will have to give away $500,000 to poorer school districts. Company A gives a $400,000 donation to the local Foundation. The school district revises Company A's tax obligation to $500,000 cause they gave that $400,000 to the foundation. The $400K is funneled back to the local school through grants, and the schools don't have to give as much to poorer schools. A win- win as some might say.
.
O H S U R E, I may have the formulas all wrong and some other basic details, but, still, Foundations were created to manage local wealth and keep it at home. That's immaterial right now. More importantly, we have been invited to the C&B Seen - Royal Blue and Black & White Gala. For this honor we get to buy tickets for only $75 a person to attend. A fund raiser. Yes, it is.
.
We're not going. 1st of all, we don't even live in the Corsicana school district. We live in the Mildred ISD. Mildred is a nice little school set out here in the country. Maybe they will have a Gala too (that we won't attend either). 2nd-ly. We don't know these people. They don't know us. I can tell you: the official invitation was really a nice piece of art. Probably should frame it, and put it up in the hallway. Maybe if we went, we might get to know the folks. Yep, will think on it.
.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Money Money Money Money Money Money Makes the World Go Round The World Go Round The World Go Round Money Money Money Money
Etc. with apologies to the musical Cabaret.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
.
TITLE THIS NEXT PART: FACEBOOK
Our phones are set to ring 3 times and go to recording. We don't know how it was set up, but it is. If we two are out-of-pocket when the phone goes off, we might not pick up in 3 rings - thus, the premise, leave a message. There are so many bad calls coming in here; we don't answer unless we know the folks.
.
So, Saturday night I was indisposed, and my wife was sitting in her luxury chair knitting. The phone is across the room; and, it rang. There was no way for her to throw down the knitting and make the phone. Let us review: I was indisposed. Upon my arrival in the L.R., I checked the phone to see who called. I won't give his name here, but it was another retired band man who I admire a great deal. He and his wife were excellent directors and had fine programs. No, I don't think he reads this bluggy.
.
I called him back. He asked me if I had just been I M -ing him on facebook. I M = Instant Messaging I have my IM turned off so I don't have to answer questions like, "Hi, how RU doing?" If they want to know they can call me. Anyways, I explained that I rarely go to facebook etc. He starts explaining that he has been talking to me for quite a while on his IM. I rolled my eyes. Sounds like a problem to me.
.
I asked him how much money I had asked him for. He explained it was the other way - me wanting to get him money. Right away that should have been a warning sign. Not wanting to be rude to me, he had a short conversation in which an email address was given to him .... i paraphrase here .... it seems that a govt. program had given me $150,000 and, while I was signing for the money, I saw his name on the government list.
.
I do want the $150,000 from the government. Honestly, I don't think the Nigerian govt. is really going to fulfill this dream. . . maybe it was Ghana, who knows?
.
I started the process of changing my facebook password - it was "Chowderhead" - now I changed it to "Turkeyface." Then, I wrote maybe 4 different messages on Facebook giving details. Different people wrote back immediately telling me their story of me contacting them. Same ole story. I got my money. Have you gotten yours? What I found interesting is that none of my family, close friends, or ex-students bought into the IM. It seems they could recognize immediately that I was not the writer.
.
They seemed to play along and lead the person on wild journeys. One talked to the guy about the good times we use to have in Altus, Okla. I have never been in Altus longer than an hour or so. Others did other things asking questions. I am proud of these folks.
.
Long Story Short ( too late ). It seems to have ended. Several friends have unfriended me - with my blessing, and I have de-friended several of them - with their blessing. What a drag. The only good that has come out of this is that many of my "friends" know that I am still alive and well. I had well over 50 messages directly to me and personal emails to me. I have reconnected with some folks that I thought had died.
.
Yes this clown impersonating me is a Moron. He cannot write a clear thought and his spelling lacks Americanization. He is a moron. Surely nobody in the entire World buys into this type of thing. Surely. I mean, c'mon, would you - with my prodding - go to a website and give them your bank information? If you are that gullible, would you mind just sending me some cash right now - wrap it up - parcel it out - cause you ain't gonna have it much longer any hooooo.
.
enough of that. I could go on for some time. I saved many of the comments from friends. Perhaps I should publish a few in the future.
Y'all take care now. Go to Facebook and up your security settings. And remember, get yourself a good password. Apparently "Chowderhead" is just too common.
m3
p.s. throughout this writing, the word "facebook" was written in lower case. This is to show lack of respect.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
overeater's paradise
aol news again. This is a slide show with their top 20 picks for
biggest food challenges. Y'know, like an 87 ounce hamburger plus sides - and so
forth.
.
BUCKET LIST: I want to go to each of these sites (plus see Amarillo below). Pay for the food up front and then start eating their special challenge. There is not one simple prayer that I can finish even one of them - thus, pay up front. I eat for about 5 minutes, then invite anyone with me to help finish it off. Don't you think that would be a great Bucket List item? And, hey, you get to travel and see the good ole USA.
.
I know that if my wife is with me, she will eat maybe 6 ounces of food
total -maybe. So I would need other help. With this diabetes thing, I am allowed about "x" amount of carbs per meal. Each one of these, if finished, would probably put me into a hospital - maybe
not the bacon wrapped one....
.
I had to copy/paste the address to make it work.
.
They left off my favorite overeating paradise....that steak house east of
Amarillo where you eat a 64 oz steak plus the fixins. It is 64 oz isn't it? I
cannot remember the name of that steak house. If you know, put it in the
comment section at the bottom of my blug page.
.
nuff,
later,
m
p.s. as soon as I get my attitude back, I have a stone about someone stealing my facebook identity. It drove me crazy last night. Thanks to all of those who were patient with my problem.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
today and a chicken stone
Grammy Camp is over. I have sent an invitation out to the granddaughters to write an entry in this blug. If they do, they do. If they don't, they don't. I hope they do.
.
So what has been happening since they left for home? You asked?
.
little.
.
Yesterday I went to town and got a haircut...It was about a month overdue.
.
Next, I went by an insurance office to get prices on my stuff. I have been mad at State Farm since May. I wrote a blog about how they lied to me. I have till next May to find a new insurance company - so I went by my next door neighbor's agency. She greeted me with open arms (as all good salespeople should). Sometime today I will get insurance prices on my stuff and make the decisions. Meanwhile I am negotiating with her to take over brother Jim's insurance needs too. If he can save a buck, why not? Hey, guys, I can give her your name too if you'd like. Just let me know.
.
It hasn't rained in a few weeks so we are starting to sprinkle the yard. Surely this effort is appreciated by the grass and trees. Oscar doesn't like it because I am moving hoses instead of throwing his ball. I hope our water bill doesn't go sky high.
.
Part I -- Chicken Story: Related to Fritz Stones. If you have been reading at all, you know my boy Fritz got sick - really sick. He stayed in the doggy hospital for about 5 days. When he came out, he was as spry as ever and on a roll to get outta dat place. The Vet gave us 12 cans of I/D food to help bring him back to normal. Gave is the wrong word - we paid $$$$ for those cans.
Dry food was to be reintroduced at the end of a couple of weeks. We did that. We did. The cans were a chicken and rice mixture ... a doggy delight I understand. We had heard that Fritz might end up on a 100% chicken and rice diet - so we had a cooked chicken we used as doggy treats for him. This was greatly appreciated by the starving boy. Fritz is always starving. Just ask him.
.
Part II -- A few months back we bought an oven bowl for cooking chicken with beer. You have surely all seen the beer can stuffed up a chicken as it is grilled. Well, we never use beer, but that's their sell. In this cooking bowl, you set the chicken up on a protrusion filled with your most flavorable liquid and pop the chick into the oven to cook. The chicken comes out tasty and tender. My wife bought a chicken to be cooked for today's lunch at HEB - whole chicken from the farm of Pilgrim's Pride.
.
Part II -- I went out front to change the water. When I re-entered our kitchen, I was hit with a smell that was - no way to say it differently - rotten meat. My spouse had the whole chicken in the sink washing it for the baking. The smell almost gagged me. We had a long talk about that chicken - actually, if the talk lasted 15 seconds, I'd be surprised. Pilgrim's Pride has not upped their reputation in my house today.
.
Part III -- No way we were going to eat that bird. Fritz on the other hand has much lower standards. We decided to throw the critter in a large pot, cover with water, and boil it till cooked... it was already ripe. Then Fritz and the others would have a chicken feast over several days. The process began. It was bad, really bad. The boiling water - the fumes - the steam - the aroma. That rotten meat smell permeated not only the kitchen but every nook and cranny of this lovely establishment. I hurried through the house turning on exhaust fans and opening windows - a feat which is unwelcomed in most 90+ weather.
.
Part IV -- Fritz or no. Other dogs or no. This chicken has to go. Hey, that was a rhyme.
.
The word "other" hampers the quality of that rhyme. Needs work.
.
The uncooked chicken was dumped unceremoniously into the sink and covered with cold water. Back into the pan. I carried all to the garage and placed it carefully on a trailer attached to the back of the John Deere. I didn't want to drop any of that animal anywhar. Roar. Start that Tractor. Down the hill I flew, chicken bringing up the rear- so to speak - "rear" is a good word for that chicken.
.
Part V -- Wind blowing through my newly cut mane, I made it to the edge of our drying, waterless lake bed. The chicken was thrown out into a small clearing along with the remaining cooking water. Our carrion-loving birds will have a wonderful time if their noses lead them properly. In the words of my wife Brenda:
.
So what has been happening since they left for home? You asked?
.
little.
.
Yesterday I went to town and got a haircut...It was about a month overdue.
.
Next, I went by an insurance office to get prices on my stuff. I have been mad at State Farm since May. I wrote a blog about how they lied to me. I have till next May to find a new insurance company - so I went by my next door neighbor's agency. She greeted me with open arms (as all good salespeople should). Sometime today I will get insurance prices on my stuff and make the decisions. Meanwhile I am negotiating with her to take over brother Jim's insurance needs too. If he can save a buck, why not? Hey, guys, I can give her your name too if you'd like. Just let me know.
.
It hasn't rained in a few weeks so we are starting to sprinkle the yard. Surely this effort is appreciated by the grass and trees. Oscar doesn't like it because I am moving hoses instead of throwing his ball. I hope our water bill doesn't go sky high.
.
Part I -- Chicken Story: Related to Fritz Stones. If you have been reading at all, you know my boy Fritz got sick - really sick. He stayed in the doggy hospital for about 5 days. When he came out, he was as spry as ever and on a roll to get outta dat place. The Vet gave us 12 cans of I/D food to help bring him back to normal. Gave is the wrong word - we paid $$$$ for those cans.
Dry food was to be reintroduced at the end of a couple of weeks. We did that. We did. The cans were a chicken and rice mixture ... a doggy delight I understand. We had heard that Fritz might end up on a 100% chicken and rice diet - so we had a cooked chicken we used as doggy treats for him. This was greatly appreciated by the starving boy. Fritz is always starving. Just ask him.
.
Part II -- A few months back we bought an oven bowl for cooking chicken with beer. You have surely all seen the beer can stuffed up a chicken as it is grilled. Well, we never use beer, but that's their sell. In this cooking bowl, you set the chicken up on a protrusion filled with your most flavorable liquid and pop the chick into the oven to cook. The chicken comes out tasty and tender. My wife bought a chicken to be cooked for today's lunch at HEB - whole chicken from the farm of Pilgrim's Pride.
.
Part II -- I went out front to change the water. When I re-entered our kitchen, I was hit with a smell that was - no way to say it differently - rotten meat. My spouse had the whole chicken in the sink washing it for the baking. The smell almost gagged me. We had a long talk about that chicken - actually, if the talk lasted 15 seconds, I'd be surprised. Pilgrim's Pride has not upped their reputation in my house today.
.
Part III -- No way we were going to eat that bird. Fritz on the other hand has much lower standards. We decided to throw the critter in a large pot, cover with water, and boil it till cooked... it was already ripe. Then Fritz and the others would have a chicken feast over several days. The process began. It was bad, really bad. The boiling water - the fumes - the steam - the aroma. That rotten meat smell permeated not only the kitchen but every nook and cranny of this lovely establishment. I hurried through the house turning on exhaust fans and opening windows - a feat which is unwelcomed in most 90+ weather.
.
Part IV -- Fritz or no. Other dogs or no. This chicken has to go. Hey, that was a rhyme.
.
Fritz or No
Other Dogs or No
This Chicken
Has to Go
.The word "other" hampers the quality of that rhyme. Needs work.
.
The uncooked chicken was dumped unceremoniously into the sink and covered with cold water. Back into the pan. I carried all to the garage and placed it carefully on a trailer attached to the back of the John Deere. I didn't want to drop any of that animal anywhar. Roar. Start that Tractor. Down the hill I flew, chicken bringing up the rear- so to speak - "rear" is a good word for that chicken.
.
Part V -- Wind blowing through my newly cut mane, I made it to the edge of our drying, waterless lake bed. The chicken was thrown out into a small clearing along with the remaining cooking water. Our carrion-loving birds will have a wonderful time if their noses lead them properly. In the words of my wife Brenda:
"Buzzards have to eat too."
y'all take care now
keep those exhaust fans blowing
and your windows wide open
y'never know when you will meet a spoiled chicken.
Mtz
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Grammy Camp is over
Grammy Camp is over.
The g-girls have returned to Lubbock.
This morning I was able to move around the house without bumping into sleepy children.
My dogs (mainly Bruno) were able to sleep through the night without barking at bumps in the
night.
I slept semi-late this morning.
I took a nap in the afternoon.
The wife picked up the house, washed sheets, put the trundle bed away, took the dining room table
leaf out, and general fixed the house for 2 old people to live.
The dogs were able to eat without worrying about their cousin dogs "looking at me!"
I watched no children's / middle school humor / teenage shows on TV.
We had a good week.
They say Smurf 2
They went swimming twice.
We drove to Athens (TX) to the Tx parks & wildlife fish hatchery. A great place to take kids.
For the low entry fee, there are great displays, and you can actually fish for sun fish or catfish
- poles provided - bait provided...nice fishing pond. It is a catch and and release place. You
can pay $10 extra, you can keep 5 catfish. Photos on the wall indicate that some big fish live
in that pond.
We ate pizza twice - hot dogs once - burgers - and more.
I could go on and on - but won't. Grammy Camp is fun. (today I heard of someone else who is having kids over - they call it Camp Grammy. cute.)
Final: I was going to have each kid write a blog about camp - somehow, we never got to it. So I am writing their father and telling him to let this write something here if they would like. If they do, it will show up as my next blog entries. We will all be surprised.
later,
m
The g-girls have returned to Lubbock.
This morning I was able to move around the house without bumping into sleepy children.
My dogs (mainly Bruno) were able to sleep through the night without barking at bumps in the
night.
I slept semi-late this morning.
I took a nap in the afternoon.
The wife picked up the house, washed sheets, put the trundle bed away, took the dining room table
leaf out, and general fixed the house for 2 old people to live.
The dogs were able to eat without worrying about their cousin dogs "looking at me!"
I watched no children's / middle school humor / teenage shows on TV.
We had a good week.
They say Smurf 2
They went swimming twice.
We drove to Athens (TX) to the Tx parks & wildlife fish hatchery. A great place to take kids.
For the low entry fee, there are great displays, and you can actually fish for sun fish or catfish
- poles provided - bait provided...nice fishing pond. It is a catch and and release place. You
can pay $10 extra, you can keep 5 catfish. Photos on the wall indicate that some big fish live
in that pond.
We ate pizza twice - hot dogs once - burgers - and more.
I could go on and on - but won't. Grammy Camp is fun. (today I heard of someone else who is having kids over - they call it Camp Grammy. cute.)
Final: I was going to have each kid write a blog about camp - somehow, we never got to it. So I am writing their father and telling him to let this write something here if they would like. If they do, it will show up as my next blog entries. We will all be surprised.
later,
m
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Grammy Camp 2013 and .....
Grammy Camp started yesterday afternoon when the grd-girls were left behind as their parents leaped out the door and headed home. We did very little of note yesterday - didn't plan far enough ahead to have an exciting afternoon/evening planned. The girls found some stupid show on TV staring make believe teenagers in make believe life - with a sound track. I'd guess they watched three hours of that show and NOT ONCE went screaming out of the room in disgust. At least the show was not full of junking things .. y'know, the bad language and other events found in PG13 and R movies.
.w
Today was a bit better. We moved them outta da house in time to make it to CiCi's Pizza by 11:30. It was a bit eventful since one of their air conditioners was broken. They had fans everywhere and were moving air out of the back of the building towards the front. I found this next bit funny. They had a swamp cooler by the front door blowing inwardly. A swamp cooler - for those of you who have never lived in the dessert - is a machine that blows air and has water sprinkled on the pads surrounding the fan. It cools the house with this moisture - when you live in a non-humidity area.
.
Our area is not dry. Instead of using water, they had an enormous pan of ice behind the fan so it would be sending cooler air inside. That pan of ice was doing a lot of good.
.
Benevolent - I am. Each girl was given $2 in quarters to play the video games. Can you believe I was that benevolent? --------------- NEXT...
.
WALLYWORLD: We found a delightful parking space and began our visit. Our aim was to find a craft project to entertain - one little project to use this week. So we ended up owning a face painting kit, 2 different velvet painting kits, acrylic paints and a plaque which they plan to decorate and give us, a ring making kit and some type of a bead kit- - - there seems to be something else, but I forget - oh, wait, a kit which will make 4 stepping stones decorated by each girl. Walmart was not expensive at all.
.
Next a short drive through a car wash with the appropriate yelling and screaming. By this time my wife had moved to the back seat between the 2 youngest and the oldest had moved to the front seat. That seemed to stop all the hitting and yelling and "she's touching me" episodes. I was so pleased when she elected to change seats. I am getting too old to handle yelling girls.
.
A short 3 minute drive put us in the parking lot of Braums Ice Cream. Of course someone gave permission for all to have a double dip ice cream. The oldest finished hers. The other two maybe made it through the top dip. Blue ice cream = birthday cake ice cream. Lips turn blue with blue ice cream. It did take a while to finish off the ice cream. My wife had a single dip in a cup and I had the diabetic's dram - nothing - just the visual of watching ice cream melt.
.
HEB grocery store came next. Once again, I am getting too old to go to the grocery store with three grandgirls. We survived though.
,
HOME. Laura showed up this afternoon. That was good. As the day died down, Laura took the two youngest riding in the wagon behind the John Deere Mower. That was fun. As she drove she described what they were seeing - much like a tour guide might. here is the flag, here is a tree, over there - a blade of grass. I'm sure it was an exciting tour. At the end, she put g-girl #2 behind the wheel and let her drive the tractor. I betcha that was fun.
.
A little side note as I quit. there is a hole on the side of the house in the dirt by the foundation. Extending out of the hole was a snake skin - molting. That is the 2nd snake skin found this week coming out of a hole around my house. Snakes are still here and the skins are big. Stay tuned as we tried to rid the world of critters.
more tomorrow.
m
.w
Today was a bit better. We moved them outta da house in time to make it to CiCi's Pizza by 11:30. It was a bit eventful since one of their air conditioners was broken. They had fans everywhere and were moving air out of the back of the building towards the front. I found this next bit funny. They had a swamp cooler by the front door blowing inwardly. A swamp cooler - for those of you who have never lived in the dessert - is a machine that blows air and has water sprinkled on the pads surrounding the fan. It cools the house with this moisture - when you live in a non-humidity area.
.
Our area is not dry. Instead of using water, they had an enormous pan of ice behind the fan so it would be sending cooler air inside. That pan of ice was doing a lot of good.
.
Benevolent - I am. Each girl was given $2 in quarters to play the video games. Can you believe I was that benevolent? --------------- NEXT...
.
WALLYWORLD: We found a delightful parking space and began our visit. Our aim was to find a craft project to entertain - one little project to use this week. So we ended up owning a face painting kit, 2 different velvet painting kits, acrylic paints and a plaque which they plan to decorate and give us, a ring making kit and some type of a bead kit- - - there seems to be something else, but I forget - oh, wait, a kit which will make 4 stepping stones decorated by each girl. Walmart was not expensive at all.
.
Next a short drive through a car wash with the appropriate yelling and screaming. By this time my wife had moved to the back seat between the 2 youngest and the oldest had moved to the front seat. That seemed to stop all the hitting and yelling and "she's touching me" episodes. I was so pleased when she elected to change seats. I am getting too old to handle yelling girls.
.
A short 3 minute drive put us in the parking lot of Braums Ice Cream. Of course someone gave permission for all to have a double dip ice cream. The oldest finished hers. The other two maybe made it through the top dip. Blue ice cream = birthday cake ice cream. Lips turn blue with blue ice cream. It did take a while to finish off the ice cream. My wife had a single dip in a cup and I had the diabetic's dram - nothing - just the visual of watching ice cream melt.
.
HEB grocery store came next. Once again, I am getting too old to go to the grocery store with three grandgirls. We survived though.
,
HOME. Laura showed up this afternoon. That was good. As the day died down, Laura took the two youngest riding in the wagon behind the John Deere Mower. That was fun. As she drove she described what they were seeing - much like a tour guide might. here is the flag, here is a tree, over there - a blade of grass. I'm sure it was an exciting tour. At the end, she put g-girl #2 behind the wheel and let her drive the tractor. I betcha that was fun.
.
A little side note as I quit. there is a hole on the side of the house in the dirt by the foundation. Extending out of the hole was a snake skin - molting. That is the 2nd snake skin found this week coming out of a hole around my house. Snakes are still here and the skins are big. Stay tuned as we tried to rid the world of critters.
more tomorrow.
m
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