Sunday, December 30, 2007
New Toys
I'm playing with my new laptop. All is well, but the "w" sticks. So if you see me mispelling simple ords try putting a W on them. Also, I learned something interesting. You should not set your new cell phone beside your new laptop. About the third time I grabbed it as if it were my mouse, and moved it around the table, Toby took it away from me. And yes, he was laughing.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
High-tech Granny
The two Nell's - Happy Birthday!
Yesterday was a busy day. We had lots to do around here - part of it is getting ready for Scotland and part of it is birthdays and family. We went to WF to run some errands and have lunch with the both my mom and Toby's mom. We took GBN1 with us. She was thrilled to have two Great-Grans to entertain. We had lots to do in WF, and although GBN1 is lots of fun, she is a handful. All three of us were worn out by the time we made it home.
We went to see my good friend Dawn the other day. She had called to say that she wanted to loan me her laptop to take to Scotland. She said she didn't want to be out of touch. I was just pretty excited. She is definitely getting a new painting to go along with her other one. We had a great visit with Dawn and her husband, who also works for Halliburton and travels every three weeks. Dawn and I have a lot in common besides our traveling hubby's. Dawn's birthday is the day before mine (but she is two years younger), and our sons were born the same day, the same year (they are good friends too). I feel like Dawn is a sister or some person I knew in another lifetime. Maybe it is like-spirits.
Then while we were in WF, we stopped by a used-computer store. Toby decided it would be a good idea if I had my own laptop in order to download photos and such. I hadn't really thought about that, but it is a necessity, and it would certainly be more convenient. We ended up buying a used laptop. I really appreciate Dawn's generosity, but I am happy that Toby bought me a laptop of my own so that I do not have to take someone else's. Look out Starbuck's - here I come.
I also got a new cell phone because mine was about dead. Dropped calls were beginning to be the norm. Between playing with the settings on my new cell phone and playing with my new laptop, I feel like a regular high-tech granny. We are having some problems with memory. Toby and I cannot remember our password for our wireless connection. We're working on it.
Today was my mom's birthday. My brother and his fiance came up from Austin. My sister and her husband came from Amarillo. Bo and Sara came with the Grand Babies - all to my house for lunch and a romping around the ranch. It was great fun, but once again, I am worn out. Tomorrow is GBN2's first birthday. There will be a big party for her. I am looking forward to New Year's because I am ready for all the parties and family gatherings to be over. We leave for Scotland on Jan. 6th (January 7th is Toby's B-day). After three weeks in the UK, I will be lonely and ready for family again. I'm such a push-over.
Yesterday was a busy day. We had lots to do around here - part of it is getting ready for Scotland and part of it is birthdays and family. We went to WF to run some errands and have lunch with the both my mom and Toby's mom. We took GBN1 with us. She was thrilled to have two Great-Grans to entertain. We had lots to do in WF, and although GBN1 is lots of fun, she is a handful. All three of us were worn out by the time we made it home.
We went to see my good friend Dawn the other day. She had called to say that she wanted to loan me her laptop to take to Scotland. She said she didn't want to be out of touch. I was just pretty excited. She is definitely getting a new painting to go along with her other one. We had a great visit with Dawn and her husband, who also works for Halliburton and travels every three weeks. Dawn and I have a lot in common besides our traveling hubby's. Dawn's birthday is the day before mine (but she is two years younger), and our sons were born the same day, the same year (they are good friends too). I feel like Dawn is a sister or some person I knew in another lifetime. Maybe it is like-spirits.
Then while we were in WF, we stopped by a used-computer store. Toby decided it would be a good idea if I had my own laptop in order to download photos and such. I hadn't really thought about that, but it is a necessity, and it would certainly be more convenient. We ended up buying a used laptop. I really appreciate Dawn's generosity, but I am happy that Toby bought me a laptop of my own so that I do not have to take someone else's. Look out Starbuck's - here I come.
I also got a new cell phone because mine was about dead. Dropped calls were beginning to be the norm. Between playing with the settings on my new cell phone and playing with my new laptop, I feel like a regular high-tech granny. We are having some problems with memory. Toby and I cannot remember our password for our wireless connection. We're working on it.
Today was my mom's birthday. My brother and his fiance came up from Austin. My sister and her husband came from Amarillo. Bo and Sara came with the Grand Babies - all to my house for lunch and a romping around the ranch. It was great fun, but once again, I am worn out. Tomorrow is GBN2's first birthday. There will be a big party for her. I am looking forward to New Year's because I am ready for all the parties and family gatherings to be over. We leave for Scotland on Jan. 6th (January 7th is Toby's B-day). After three weeks in the UK, I will be lonely and ready for family again. I'm such a push-over.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Simple Life
If life were only about the weather and the food, things would be so much simpler. Unfortunately, you can have good weather and good food and still have a bad day. In fact, you can have good weather, good food, and good fun, but the day can still go downhill fast.
Attacks do not usually come at you head on. No, that would be easily dealt with. Most people are very subtle when they hurt you. Sometimes they are so subtle and sly, you are not sure if you have been hurt or not. You may know you have been hurt, but you are wondering if it was purposeful or just ignorance. After years of subtle attacks, you become much more aware, but can still be blindsided. Sometimes attacks are not so purposeful, but just selfishness being played out at your expense. Hurts like these can come in all shapes and forms, and they can be very complicated. Most of the time, if family is involved, you forgive easily. You put it behind you quickly knowing that you will have to continue to deal with the family member unlike the stranger who yelled at you while walking in NYC or you can avoid them like a coworker in another cubicle . Sometimes with family hurts, you make excuses for the person hoping, wishing that no one could really be such a mean person. Sometimes, you put on your armor or rubber suit knowing that you are going to have to deal with the family member at some function. And sometimes, you get to a point where you say, "Why the heck am I doing this to myself?" If these people are "loved ones," I can do without that kind of love.
Three babes a dancin'...
Attacks do not usually come at you head on. No, that would be easily dealt with. Most people are very subtle when they hurt you. Sometimes they are so subtle and sly, you are not sure if you have been hurt or not. You may know you have been hurt, but you are wondering if it was purposeful or just ignorance. After years of subtle attacks, you become much more aware, but can still be blindsided. Sometimes attacks are not so purposeful, but just selfishness being played out at your expense. Hurts like these can come in all shapes and forms, and they can be very complicated. Most of the time, if family is involved, you forgive easily. You put it behind you quickly knowing that you will have to continue to deal with the family member unlike the stranger who yelled at you while walking in NYC or you can avoid them like a coworker in another cubicle . Sometimes with family hurts, you make excuses for the person hoping, wishing that no one could really be such a mean person. Sometimes, you put on your armor or rubber suit knowing that you are going to have to deal with the family member at some function. And sometimes, you get to a point where you say, "Why the heck am I doing this to myself?" If these people are "loved ones," I can do without that kind of love.
Three babes a dancin'...
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Never Let 'em See You Cry
Jesse went skiing (the rat) while Toby and I went to WF to spend Christmas Eve with Mom and to Electra for Christmas Day with Toby's family. We arrived in WF Monday afternoon to find Mom trying to dig a hole to bury her cat, which had died. This was not just any cat, but Miss Jonesy who was probably 14 years old. if not older. I remember years ago when my baby sister called me and asked me why Dad always let me have cats, but would not let her have one. My answer, "I did not ask Dad if I could have cats; I just brought them home." (come to think of it, I did that with Toby too.) And so, my sister brought Miss. Jonsey home where my dad took over the care of the cat and spoiled her rotten. Miss. J was probably the fattest cat I have ever seen and the meanest. We had been expecting her to die for years, but she managed to keep her overweight self going for a long time - she was a heck of a cat. My brother, Pete, was there with Mom being very practical about the cat's death. Still, it was sad - in a funny sort of way. She very conveniently died on an old rug. So I folded the rug around her and carried her to the dumpster - crying as I went. It must be my hormones.
The weather Christmas Day was beautiful, and Toby's family is always fun. His sisters are excellent cooks and provide a wonderful meal. His nephew and brother-in-law cook tenderloin on the grill - yummy! The kitchen sink backed up, and we all took a turn on the plunger to no avail. A plumber was called in. When he arrived, he turned on the disposal and had his turn on the plunger as if we were all idiots and had not tried that yet. When he crawled under the sink, we all got a nice view of the crack of his...bottom. He left the kitchen in a mess and did not fix the sink. Another plumber drove over from WF, but did not bring his tools and had to go back and get them - is that odd? At least the second guy fixed the sink and all of the dishes could be done.
Every year, we play the dirty Santa game with Toby's family. Every year, I say that I am not going to to that again. I don't think I can explain the hurt that it causes. It is deep and complicated. So, I laughed and joked and acted like all was well when I actually felt like crying (those darn hormones again). 
The Grand Babies were the highlight of Christmas keeping everyone entertained. It was good to see everyone, but I'm so glad Christmas only happens once a year.
The weather Christmas Day was beautiful, and Toby's family is always fun. His sisters are excellent cooks and provide a wonderful meal. His nephew and brother-in-law cook tenderloin on the grill - yummy! The kitchen sink backed up, and we all took a turn on the plunger to no avail. A plumber was called in. When he arrived, he turned on the disposal and had his turn on the plunger as if we were all idiots and had not tried that yet. When he crawled under the sink, we all got a nice view of the crack of his...bottom. He left the kitchen in a mess and did not fix the sink. Another plumber drove over from WF, but did not bring his tools and had to go back and get them - is that odd? At least the second guy fixed the sink and all of the dishes could be done.
Every year, we play the dirty Santa game with Toby's family. Every year, I say that I am not going to to that again. I don't think I can explain the hurt that it causes. It is deep and complicated. So, I laughed and joked and acted like all was well when I actually felt like crying (those darn hormones again). 
The Grand Babies were the highlight of Christmas keeping everyone entertained. It was good to see everyone, but I'm so glad Christmas only happens once a year.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Wish
Christmas always bring out a certain amount of nostalgia, sentiment, memories, etc. People get plum mushy this time of year. They also get their backs up if someone tries to be politically correct and use Happy Holidays or Season's Greetings rather than Merry Christmas. People will go out and spend lots of money buying gifts for folks they would not normally buy for. They will buy their children toys that they don't really need. They will attend some sort of Christian candle-light service when they may never enter a church any other time of the year. They will make a big to do about Santa, having pictures made with some strange man holding their children. There is just something about Christmas...I know it and understand it and love it and have a certain freedom from it.
Maybe it is because I spent most of my Christmases in a resort town where everyone worked their buns off making the holidays special for the tourist, but not much time for yourself and family, but to me, family and memories are what are important here. Maybe the reason that I like Thanksgiving so much is it, too, is about family and memories, but it does not have all the distractions that Christmas has. Let's be honest here. Christmas is suppose to celebrate the birth of Christ, anything else is a distraction. Santa, the tree, and the gifts are lots of fun, but they distract terribly from the true purpose. It seems most of our so called "Christian holidays" are so mixed with pagan celebrations, the real meanings are lost. So with each holiday, keep in mind the real reason for the season, and ask yourself, "Where is it mandated that Christians celebrate this (or any) holiday on a certain day of the year?" It is not. I think that is because we are suppose to celebrate the birth and death of Christ everyday of the year. How do you do that? I think we are suppose to love one another. And that is my wish for everyone this season.
Maybe it is because I spent most of my Christmases in a resort town where everyone worked their buns off making the holidays special for the tourist, but not much time for yourself and family, but to me, family and memories are what are important here. Maybe the reason that I like Thanksgiving so much is it, too, is about family and memories, but it does not have all the distractions that Christmas has. Let's be honest here. Christmas is suppose to celebrate the birth of Christ, anything else is a distraction. Santa, the tree, and the gifts are lots of fun, but they distract terribly from the true purpose. It seems most of our so called "Christian holidays" are so mixed with pagan celebrations, the real meanings are lost. So with each holiday, keep in mind the real reason for the season, and ask yourself, "Where is it mandated that Christians celebrate this (or any) holiday on a certain day of the year?" It is not. I think that is because we are suppose to celebrate the birth and death of Christ everyday of the year. How do you do that? I think we are suppose to love one another. And that is my wish for everyone this season.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Toby's Home
Toby got home last night without any travel problems. He did look rather haggard (yes that is the word I used when I saw him) from his long day of travel. As he walked toward me from the airline gate, I thought, "Who is that man?" He had that stale smell, and his clothes were rumpled. He was seriously dragging. After a shower and dinner, he became more his old self. I could see the Toby in him. In the movie "Hook" one of the lost boys takes Robin William's face in his little hands and looks at him closely moving his face all around. Finally the lost boy says, "There you are, Peter!" That is how I felt after Toby showered and recovered from the long journey. "There you are, Toby!"
We did some shopping today before we left OK City. Toby's family always has a dirty Santa game. This year we are suppose to give books (if I get a donkey mask again, I'll be some upset). Toby and I stopped at a Borders bookstore. We had a great time picking out books for the dirty Santa game, and some for ourselves as well. While looking at children's books for the Grand Babies, Toby said, "Does this remind you of anything?" It certainly did. It reminded me of the times we took Bo and Jesse to Albuquerque for the weekend back in our NM days. We would take them to a fancy restaurant and then to Page One bookstore. They would each pick out several books and thought it was such a treat. They did not know that most kids would rather be going to the movies. Those were the days - great times with my kids. GBN1 already thinks going to the library and getting books is just the cat's pajamas.
Toby is probably glad that I am on the computer and not following him around talking non-stop.
We did some shopping today before we left OK City. Toby's family always has a dirty Santa game. This year we are suppose to give books (if I get a donkey mask again, I'll be some upset). Toby and I stopped at a Borders bookstore. We had a great time picking out books for the dirty Santa game, and some for ourselves as well. While looking at children's books for the Grand Babies, Toby said, "Does this remind you of anything?" It certainly did. It reminded me of the times we took Bo and Jesse to Albuquerque for the weekend back in our NM days. We would take them to a fancy restaurant and then to Page One bookstore. They would each pick out several books and thought it was such a treat. They did not know that most kids would rather be going to the movies. Those were the days - great times with my kids. GBN1 already thinks going to the library and getting books is just the cat's pajamas.
Toby is probably glad that I am on the computer and not following him around talking non-stop.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Painting of the Week
Another Donkey Mask
Another year, another Art Guild Christmas party - why do I do this to myself? In the past I have ranted on how irritated I get with the people at the Art Guild, but I keep thinking they will get better. This year, it looked like the AG might die a peaceful death when no one wanted to run for office (I‘m not the only one who hates working with those people). At the last minute some sucker volunteered, and no it was not me. - so the AG will continue on. Usually, the Christmas parties are not so bad, but don’t ask Toby because he refuses to go after one AG party about five years ago. I have my hand-full of friends that make things fun, but this Christmas, they did not show at all. Jesse did attend and livened things up some what. The two of us set in the back and giggled at our own jokes, which were very funny.
The AG plays a dirty Santa game every year at the Christmas party. This year we were told to bring a gift worth no more than $20.00 (usually art supplies) or a small painting. Now that sounded good. In past years small paintings were very popular and the supplies were useful. Although, I have never gotten anything great, Jesse has. So, I wrapped up a small painting and a gesso board as my gift. There were about 20 people participating in the dirty Santa game. I drew number 19. Being one of the last people, I thought that I should be able to get a good gift because I could see what everyone else got first and steal. You’d think!
Have you ever been around someone who acts like a kindergarten teacher - you know, one of those ladies who talks to everyone as if she is talking to a five year old. They bother the heck out of me. The AG has one of those ladies. Not only does she talk animated as if reading from a first grade reader, she is a stickler for the rules - or making up rules that are stupid. Then she is the one who squeals if someone does not go exactly by those said rules. She also does not laugh at any jokes, yet she always seems happy - probably because she has the mentality of a five year old and just does not get any sarcastic, witty conversation. In fact, most of the members of the AG are the most anal retentive, self absorbed, dull witted people I have ever met, and that is why I dislike the AG so much. Now you are probably thinking, “Get off the fence, Bag Blog, and tell us how you really feel.”
Anyway, this anal kindergarten teacher decides that a gift can only be stolen three times; then it is dead (can’t be stolen). This is a great rule (unless you drew number 19 and are planning on stealing the best gift). So the first gift gets picked, then it got stolen twice. Then the anal kindergarten teacher jumps up and squeals, “That gift is dead!” Well, now technically, it was only stolen twice; the first guy picked it - he did not steal it. I wanted to argue with her, but what would be the point. It would be like picking on a kid. Jesse stole a great painting, but it was stolen from her. I wanted to steal it back for her, but according to the AKT, that was a no-no. In the end, there was nothing worth stealing, so I took my chances and picked an unopened gift. Would you believe it was a cheap paint by numbers set - something you could pick up at Wal-Mart for under two bucks? I’d say that was a lot less than $20.00. I thought, “Darn, another donkey mask.” Jesse kept me from kicking it across the room by remarking on how great it was - truly unique. She made me laugh, and act like a lady. Thanks Jes, saved your ol’ Mom again.
The really ironic thing was that the anal kindergarten teacher was number 20, and she got a sorry gift too - serves her right. Later as we were leaving , Marty Childers, who is the most renown artist in our guild, had me walk him to his car where he gave me one of his paintings. He is a sweetheart for taking pity on me. Now the painting is hanging on Jesse’s bedroom wall.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Christmas Tag
This will probably be the most disappointing tag ever, but I will do it. I've been tagged by Kris to give you my Christmas Meme:
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? - Whatever is handy. My mother says that I am like my grandmother in that you are lucky if the present is wrapped at all.
2. Real or artificial tree? - I have a small artificial tree. Although I love the smell of a real tree (I have lived where you can chop your own in the forest) basically trees are a pain in the butt. Now, I refused to pay good money for a real tree someone else chopped. It was the hiking in the snow that was fun and made memories (some of our best fights). I bought a fake tree so I could display my ornaments - memory makers.
3. When do you put up your tree? - Hmm, I have not put up a tree in at least three years - no room.
4. When do you take the tree down? If I put a tree up, it will come down soon after new years.
5. Do you like eggnog? only with VO.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? - I loved dolls and got a redheaded Barbie when I was nine years old. When I was 16, I got my birthstone ring right before I left to spend Christmas in RR without my family. Then about 20 years ago Toby gave me his mother‘s wedding rings on Christmas - the best gift
7. Do you have a nativity scene? - No.
8. Worst Christ gift you've ever received? - My in-laws play a dirty Santa game every year. Last year I got a donkey mask, but I did not kick it across the room.
9. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards? - Mail - my paintings of the week.
10. Favorite Christmas movie? - "White Christmas" with Danny Kay and Frank Sinatra. A more recent favorite is "The Family Stone".
11. When do you start shopping for Christmas? - Shopping? Maybe next week…
12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? - Toby’s sisters do the most wonderful dinner (makes up for the donkey mask) and grill tenderloin.
13. Clear or colored lights on the tree? - Probably colored is better, but if it comes already on the tree, then whatever will do.
14. Favorite Christmas song? - Silent Night .
So the deal with this Christmas Meme is that you are supposed to tag 3 people - and leave them comments to let them know they've been tagged.. I tag the following:
TFNP
Becky
Dawn
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? - Whatever is handy. My mother says that I am like my grandmother in that you are lucky if the present is wrapped at all.
2. Real or artificial tree? - I have a small artificial tree. Although I love the smell of a real tree (I have lived where you can chop your own in the forest) basically trees are a pain in the butt. Now, I refused to pay good money for a real tree someone else chopped. It was the hiking in the snow that was fun and made memories (some of our best fights). I bought a fake tree so I could display my ornaments - memory makers.
3. When do you put up your tree? - Hmm, I have not put up a tree in at least three years - no room.
4. When do you take the tree down? If I put a tree up, it will come down soon after new years.
5. Do you like eggnog? only with VO.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? - I loved dolls and got a redheaded Barbie when I was nine years old. When I was 16, I got my birthstone ring right before I left to spend Christmas in RR without my family. Then about 20 years ago Toby gave me his mother‘s wedding rings on Christmas - the best gift
7. Do you have a nativity scene? - No.
8. Worst Christ gift you've ever received? - My in-laws play a dirty Santa game every year. Last year I got a donkey mask, but I did not kick it across the room.
9. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards? - Mail - my paintings of the week.
10. Favorite Christmas movie? - "White Christmas" with Danny Kay and Frank Sinatra. A more recent favorite is "The Family Stone".
11. When do you start shopping for Christmas? - Shopping? Maybe next week…
12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? - Toby’s sisters do the most wonderful dinner (makes up for the donkey mask) and grill tenderloin.
13. Clear or colored lights on the tree? - Probably colored is better, but if it comes already on the tree, then whatever will do.
14. Favorite Christmas song? - Silent Night .
So the deal with this Christmas Meme is that you are supposed to tag 3 people - and leave them comments to let them know they've been tagged.. I tag the following:
TFNP
Becky
Dawn
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Cheap Rant
All morning I have been mulling over what to post today. Nothing comes to mind - nothing of significance anyway. But there is something that I have been meaning to rant about. Maybe today would be a good day to share it. I detest cheap toilet paper. It is not that it is rough, because it is. It is that is disintegrates upon use. Is that some sort of green thing. You know, where they make toilet paper that is biodegradable as not to clog our septic tanks and landfills - save the trees. Well I have news for you, it biodegrades before it gets to the septic tank or sewer. It is worthless and annoying. Anyone who buys this stuff and keeps the green people in business should be shot. If you are one of those people who buy the cheap stuff for your guest bathroom while saving the good stuff for yourself - a pox on you. Doesn't everyone deserve good toilet paper? Should anyone have to use the ruff stuff? 'Nuff said.
Christmas Song
I found this video over at Becky's, but I do not know much about making it work on my blog. So, I will just copy and paste the link. You should be able to see it by clicking on "video" or going to Becky's blog, but it is well worth the view or listen. In the meantime, I need a lesson in using Youtube.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Look-a-likes
My son sent me this link on celebrity lookalikes. He and Jesse got a kick out of seeing whom they most resembled, but I though it was rather silly and not very accurate. Then Buck mentioned that Jesse reminded him of a Miss America from years ago, but he could not remember her name. It made me wonder if he meant Phyllis George. Being a Texas girl and only in jr. high when PG became Miss America, I remember her well. I thought she was just the most beautiful Miss America ever. I saw her interviewed once, and she said she had a scar on her knee from playing some sport. To me, she seemed like an all-American Girl. When she became a sportscaster on NFL Today, my hero worship sored. She was one of the first women sportscasters that I can remember - every young Texas girl's dream. I remember PG trying to interview some block-headed football player who could hardly speak - he was just so dazzled by her. I guess she made some mistakes in her career as an interviewer according to Wiki, but I don't remember them because I was just a kid. I just thought she was great - the one and only Miss America that even comes to mind.
Does she look like Jesse? Well, there is a slight resemblance - more so than anyone else on that silly link Bo sent. 
Missin' My Man
Toby will be home on Friday, and I’m ready for him to be here. Last week I wanted to cook out on the grill which is something we do often even in bad weather. I could not find the channel locks to open the propane tank on the grill. I usually keep one set of channel lock pliers here at the house for things like the propane tank on the grill and removing the shower head when it needs to soak in the CLR. I searched all over the house and carport. Searching for things that were not put back in place is a pet peeve with me. I’m not a neat-freak by any means, but I have my own screwdriver, hammer, needle-nosed pliers and channel locks - and yes, I know the difference between channel locks and a crescent wrench. When I want a tool, I want to be able to find it with little to no searching. Because my tools are so handy, they often get used and moved to some odd place by some other member of my family. I used to have my own leather tool belt with hammer, rafter square, tape measure, etc all ready for me anytime I needed my tools. Now, I might could find the belt, but I doubt any of the tools are in it anymore. It was just too handy when someone needed a tool. So there I was searching for the channel locks to no avail. When I realized that they were probably in the barn and I would have to make the trek out there in the cold and muck, I got so frustrated, I almost cried. Did the frustration come from the searching or was it something deeper. I was so mad, and there was no one to help me. There was no one to chew on - no one to blame. I think that I just wanted Toby to be here. The channel locks were just a side problem.
Feeding the horses in the winter is not my favorite thing, but it is not so bad either. It is the thought of going out in the cold and muck that bothers me. Once I am out there, I don’t really mind - I like seeing the horses and petting on them. It is buying the feed, loading it in to the truck, unloading it at the barn, picking up the heavy sacks to fill the buckets, etc that really bothers me. I just don’t seem to be as strong as I once was. Or maybe I am so out of shape and the heavy lifting is a reminder of how old and fat I am. I need my man.
Today, I am headed to Lawton to have the oil changed in Jesse’s Scion and stop at Hobby Lobby to make the trip worthwhile.
Feeding the horses in the winter is not my favorite thing, but it is not so bad either. It is the thought of going out in the cold and muck that bothers me. Once I am out there, I don’t really mind - I like seeing the horses and petting on them. It is buying the feed, loading it in to the truck, unloading it at the barn, picking up the heavy sacks to fill the buckets, etc that really bothers me. I just don’t seem to be as strong as I once was. Or maybe I am so out of shape and the heavy lifting is a reminder of how old and fat I am. I need my man.
Today, I am headed to Lawton to have the oil changed in Jesse’s Scion and stop at Hobby Lobby to make the trip worthwhile.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Romantic Weekend
The wedding went off with only one hitch and that was the hitching of the bride and the groom. The weather cooperated. It was very cold, but the snow missed us. The purple dress was fine. 
Jesse looked beautiful as did the other bridesmaids and the bride. 
Lindsay was very elegant with her hair done up and ruffles on her dress. Sarah Ann is always elegant. The bride happens to be the youngest child in her family with three handsome big brothers. 
They all dressed in zoot suits and were quite fun. They lifted their baby sister up and over their heads for this great wedding shot. They explained that they had been doing this to her all her life. 
I got this picture of Jesse dancing with the flower girl. It was a good wedding - very romantic.
Jesse looked beautiful as did the other bridesmaids and the bride. 
Lindsay was very elegant with her hair done up and ruffles on her dress. Sarah Ann is always elegant. The bride happens to be the youngest child in her family with three handsome big brothers. 
They all dressed in zoot suits and were quite fun. They lifted their baby sister up and over their heads for this great wedding shot. They explained that they had been doing this to her all her life. 
I got this picture of Jesse dancing with the flower girl. It was a good wedding - very romantic.After the wedding, Jesse went off to some Christmas parties. Janice (Lindsay's mom) and I went to the movie to see "August Rush". It was a modern Oliver Twist type story complete with Robin Williams as a Fagin character. The movie was good with a bit of romance thrown in, and totally fantasy. It made for a romantic weekend. I'm ready for my man to come home.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Wedding Dress Stress
Ruth and Alan's wedding is today, and Jesse is stressed. She was told to just buy a purple dress - the bride just wants to be married and the wedding is just something you have to do for everyone else. The color and style was not important to the bride, but the bridesmaids were trying to match somewhat. Jesse ordered a dress, and it is quite lovely on her. Then she found another dress online at Target that would probably match the other girl's dresses better. So she ordered it and put a two day shipping on it. It was suppose to arrive on the 13th, but it has not arrived yet. Jesse has been on the phone trying to find the dress. One person said it would be here on Monday. Another person said it was at the post office in Duncan although it was shipped DHL. At one point, Jesse had been put on hold, while someone searched for the dress. Jesse looked up at me and said, " Gee you would think we lived in the Outback of Australia!" Then she went into her best Aussie accent, "I think a crock must have eaten it..."
All will be fine. She can wear the first purple dress. The bridesmaids will be beautiful. The couple will get married.
All will be fine. She can wear the first purple dress. The bridesmaids will be beautiful. The couple will get married.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Painting of the Week
Here are two paintings done this week. One is a watercolor of NYC. The other is from a painting/photo of a place in France called "Mont Mart" I believe. Friends traveled there this fall and took the photo of the place and a photo of a painting that based my painting on.
Jesse and Lindsay celebrated the end of their semester and finals last night. They were very silly and entertaining. This weekend they both will be in a wedding as bridesmaids. Lord help us. The bride knows them and loves them, but I worry about the unsuspecting parents of the couple. With the bad weather that is coming in this weekend, the wedding should be a highlight. I will take pictures and report back. Just a funny story about Jesse's Spanish final last night. We went out to eat at one of our favorite restaurants where a young friend from Mexico works. I told him that Jesse had just made and A on her Spanish final. I made Jesse say something in Spanish, and she did. With a very straight face, Omar said, "I think you wasted your money."
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Genes and Stuff
Toby will be home on the 21st. He will be here for a couple of weeks and then has to go back to Scotland on Jan. 6th until Feb 1st. This time, I am invited to go with him. I think he has been lonely without me (I nod sagely with an I-told-you-so look on my face). He has told me that I will be on my own much of the time if I come back to Scotland with him (not a problem - I‘m on my own here at home). He has also told me that the food is terrible there. Then he told me that if I come, I will need to bring lots of books and diet, because it is too expensive for me to eat. I asked him if I was suppose to eat the books or read them. I told him that all I needed was a laptop and internet. He replied, “Laptop, huh.” I might need a few new art supplies too (eyebrows wiggle up and down).
Last night Jesse got out the left over tuna casserole (something we love, but Toby hates) and finished all but a small portion. I noticed the food on the table, but forgot about it when we went to church. When we came home, Ranger, the rat terrier, slunk out the door as if he were in trouble. Sure enough, he had pushed back a chair, climbed up on the table, and finished off the tuna casserole. He does not ever get on the table, so this was new, but it had to have been him, because the cat was not in the house. Jesse thought he needed some doggie discipline, but then, who left out the tuna in the first place? Later when I went to bed, Ranger snuggled up close to me as if to make everything okay. This morning I could not find him; he was buried under the covers with his head on Toby’s pillow. Yes, he is a rat, but I love him. It brings to mind something my dad used to say: When I die I want to come back as one of Lou’s animals.
Bragging rights:
Jesse and Lindsay decided to do something different with their lives last summer and take some fall classes at Cameron U. Although both girls have good jobs (Jesse as a drafter and Lindsay as a computer tech), they thought they needed more. With all the busy-ness in their lives, I thought they were rather silly, but hey, education is good. In the meantime, a man came into Lindsay’s life, she droped her math class, and was still having trouble juggling her time. Jesse was also struggling (possibly with jealousy- over the dropped class, of course). She suddenly had to share Lindsay, she had no man in her life, and calculus was eating her lunch. She wanted to drop the calc class, but her dad talked her into sticking it out. A funny thing about home schooled kids - they have no sense of themselves compared to other students. Anyway, Jesse made an A in calc. Tonight is her final in Spanish which she has an A in also (she said it was ridiculously easy, yet others were failing the class). My son, Bo, was taking a couple of accounting classes - he made A’s also. I’m sure it was the Baggett genes that helped them pass their math classes. It was the Barker genes that made them look so good while being so smart.
Last night Jesse got out the left over tuna casserole (something we love, but Toby hates) and finished all but a small portion. I noticed the food on the table, but forgot about it when we went to church. When we came home, Ranger, the rat terrier, slunk out the door as if he were in trouble. Sure enough, he had pushed back a chair, climbed up on the table, and finished off the tuna casserole. He does not ever get on the table, so this was new, but it had to have been him, because the cat was not in the house. Jesse thought he needed some doggie discipline, but then, who left out the tuna in the first place? Later when I went to bed, Ranger snuggled up close to me as if to make everything okay. This morning I could not find him; he was buried under the covers with his head on Toby’s pillow. Yes, he is a rat, but I love him. It brings to mind something my dad used to say: When I die I want to come back as one of Lou’s animals.
Bragging rights:
Jesse and Lindsay decided to do something different with their lives last summer and take some fall classes at Cameron U. Although both girls have good jobs (Jesse as a drafter and Lindsay as a computer tech), they thought they needed more. With all the busy-ness in their lives, I thought they were rather silly, but hey, education is good. In the meantime, a man came into Lindsay’s life, she droped her math class, and was still having trouble juggling her time. Jesse was also struggling (possibly with jealousy- over the dropped class, of course). She suddenly had to share Lindsay, she had no man in her life, and calculus was eating her lunch. She wanted to drop the calc class, but her dad talked her into sticking it out. A funny thing about home schooled kids - they have no sense of themselves compared to other students. Anyway, Jesse made an A in calc. Tonight is her final in Spanish which she has an A in also (she said it was ridiculously easy, yet others were failing the class). My son, Bo, was taking a couple of accounting classes - he made A’s also. I’m sure it was the Baggett genes that helped them pass their math classes. It was the Barker genes that made them look so good while being so smart.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Blog Addiction
During some downtime on Thanksgiving Day at my mom’s, I decided to check my blog for comments. At least two people (siblings) walked by, saw what I was doing, and accused me of being "addicted". What! Me? Well, maybe. I do love it. I recently received an email from a total stranger from Cape Cod,who said she reads my blog - how cool is that! This last week I have received two emails from old friends that I have not seen in about 20 + years, but through other friends they have found my blog and are reading it! Although I am always amazed that anyone reads my blog, I love hearing and being in touch with old friends. Most of them do not comment, but if they did, they would find a reunion of mutual friends. I love it. It makes me feel so connected in a way that without my blog, I would not have. Yet, sometimes I feel a little pressure to write “interesting stuff” but don’t count on it. My life is what it is.
In the past couple of days, my site meter has shown that I have had about 60 hit’s a day. While this is not anything big to the big bloggers out there, this is double my usual amount of readers. Of course, some people are just passing through looking for something else - sometimes very odd things. Sometimes they find people or info they can use. I have had people email me and say things like, “I went to school with …can you put me in touch with him/her?” By the way, I am always very careful of giving out email addresses to strangers. Sometimes I get a good laugh at what people google and find on my blog. I’m sure they are disappointed, but it makes me smile.
So why am I getting more traffic on my blog? Could it be my excellent writing and great stories - Hah! I doubt it. It could be that I comment on lots of other blogs, people see that, and come to my blog to see who I am. Once again, I wonder what they are thinking when they see my blog. Are they thinking, “What crazy person wrote that…” or “Wow, that was an intelligent comment…”? Then they find the blog of a mother, grandmother, ranch-hand who rarely says anything serious. What do they think? I find it fascinating.
Recently, I have found some more milblogs to read. Chris is a doctor in Iraq and very interesting. Desert Dude and Shawn Beaird are typical soldiers writing about their everyday life. Lt. Nixon can rant like no other. Sgt. Grumpy and This War and Me also give their two cents on serving and living in Iraq. All are worth looking at, but remember they are soldiers and sometimes their language is …interesting. Reading and commenting on their blogs is my way of supporting them - a very small way.
My friend Dawn has started a blog too. I think it is worth a look. I love her family and her friendship. Welcome her to the photosphere. Today, TFNP has a very funny post about his little princes if you want a good laugh.
Yep, I love this blog thang.
In the past couple of days, my site meter has shown that I have had about 60 hit’s a day. While this is not anything big to the big bloggers out there, this is double my usual amount of readers. Of course, some people are just passing through looking for something else - sometimes very odd things. Sometimes they find people or info they can use. I have had people email me and say things like, “I went to school with …can you put me in touch with him/her?” By the way, I am always very careful of giving out email addresses to strangers. Sometimes I get a good laugh at what people google and find on my blog. I’m sure they are disappointed, but it makes me smile.
So why am I getting more traffic on my blog? Could it be my excellent writing and great stories - Hah! I doubt it. It could be that I comment on lots of other blogs, people see that, and come to my blog to see who I am. Once again, I wonder what they are thinking when they see my blog. Are they thinking, “What crazy person wrote that…” or “Wow, that was an intelligent comment…”? Then they find the blog of a mother, grandmother, ranch-hand who rarely says anything serious. What do they think? I find it fascinating.
Recently, I have found some more milblogs to read. Chris is a doctor in Iraq and very interesting. Desert Dude and Shawn Beaird are typical soldiers writing about their everyday life. Lt. Nixon can rant like no other. Sgt. Grumpy and This War and Me also give their two cents on serving and living in Iraq. All are worth looking at, but remember they are soldiers and sometimes their language is …interesting. Reading and commenting on their blogs is my way of supporting them - a very small way.
My friend Dawn has started a blog too. I think it is worth a look. I love her family and her friendship. Welcome her to the photosphere. Today, TFNP has a very funny post about his little princes if you want a good laugh.
Yep, I love this blog thang.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The Weather Outside is Frightful...
Here are pictures of Jesse and her buddies on vacation in CA last summer. I thought you might need warmer photos today.
The national news is reporting some pretty serious weather problems here in OK, but those problems are to the north of us. Our current temps are above freezing. This morning the temp was 37, but it was foggy (Apache fog) with visibility down to a quarter of a mile. It also rained this morning. There is the chance that the temps may get colder later today with more rain, but so far here in southern OK, things are fine. On the other hand, it is cold and wet and pretty miserable out there. Yesterday when I went out to feed the horses, it was a mess. The ice which had covered the truck was melted, but it had been raining off and on making the pasture rather slick. The bucket that I use to feed with was covered in ice as I reached in the bed of the truck to get it. I dropped the bucket on the ground thinking to break the ice off of it. Instead, I splashed yucky, mucky rain water and old feed from the bottom of the bucket all over my face. It was one of those, "that was really stupid - I wish I hadn't done that" moments. The horses were very appreciative of my efforts.
One of the good things about being stuck inside all day, I have been painting (beats the heck out of house-cleaning). I need to work on sending out my paintings as Christmas cards, but only a few of you have sent me your snail-mail addresses. Please send your addresses since I left most of last year's addresses on my old computer. I have lots of little paintings to send.
I am hoping to get out tomorrow and have lunch with GBN1, buy some more horse feed, and do the WalMart thang. Stay warm.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Oprah Worship
This is not a political rant, but it is my thoughts on Oprah and her shenanigans.
Years ago when Toby worked for Allied Waste, we attended a convention in Chicago. One of the other wives at the convention asked me to go to the Oprah show with her. I explained that I did not watch Oprah very often, but the Waste Wife was insistent that I go with her - it would be a lark. You know me, I am game for new experiences and site-seeing. Once at the Oprah studio, the line of ladies were ushered into a large waiting room filled with TV monitors showing different past episodes of the Oprah show. The ladies in the room were oohing and ahhing over the shows exclaiming and squealing when one of their favorite Oprah episodes was shown. My first thought was, “Wow, this is like a cult.” These ladies were over the top on hero worship. You had to wonder if that sort of worship was harmless or not. On most issues, I would think Oprah is pretty harmless, but as she has gained popularity, she has become more and more of a leader - even a spiritual leader and I think that sort of worship is out of line.
In 1996, Oprah was sued by the Texas Beef Council when a show she produced made misleading remarks concerning beef. The price of beef made an immediate nose dive after the show aired. The cattlemen claimed that Oprah’s remarks and misleading information influenced people and cattle prices dropped. Oprah acted as if her show and info and words were nothing - that her show just put out info and she had no influence on how that info or her remarks were taken by the public. The judge sided with Oprah, but the question remains: does Oprah have a huge influence on what people think and do in America? The obvious answer is yes, she has a huge following and yes, she tries to influence people. That is exactly what her show is about - getting people to change - usually for the better, but are Oprah’s views always better? Each one of her shows is geared to changing folks - helping them lose weight, helping them dress better, encouraging them to give more, encouraging them to read certain books, etc. How can she say she has no influence over people. Then she gives away huge, expensive gifts and throws lavish parties - do you think that influences anyone? Well yeah! That is what she is all about!
These are thought I have had concerning Oprah for over ten years. But what really bothers me, is her spirituality and her talk of a “higher being”. Because she is a “good person” and so “helpful” to society, people follow her as if she were an evangelical preacher. She is a religion (did I just cross the line into a full blown rant?).
Okay, so now she has thrown her hat and money into the ring to support Obama. What is up with that? Why not Hillary? She asked people to “follow the dream” - what is up with that? Are we to vote for Obama because he is such a wise man and has a great record or because he is black? She even mentioned "amazing grace" that she was doing this. I really feel like Oprah stepped over the line this time. It always irritates me when some movie star starts talking politics and throwing around his/her money, but I figure they have a right to do so. If Oprah can throw a big shindig for Obama, why can’t the Southern Baptist or the Episcopal Churches or whatever support a candidate? Okay I’m ranting again. I know that Oprah pays taxes and churches don’t.
Bottom line, Oprah may seem like just a nice, rich lady, but I think she is dangerous. If that needs more explanation, just ask. I will answer. Watch Oprah if you want, but be wise.
Years ago when Toby worked for Allied Waste, we attended a convention in Chicago. One of the other wives at the convention asked me to go to the Oprah show with her. I explained that I did not watch Oprah very often, but the Waste Wife was insistent that I go with her - it would be a lark. You know me, I am game for new experiences and site-seeing. Once at the Oprah studio, the line of ladies were ushered into a large waiting room filled with TV monitors showing different past episodes of the Oprah show. The ladies in the room were oohing and ahhing over the shows exclaiming and squealing when one of their favorite Oprah episodes was shown. My first thought was, “Wow, this is like a cult.” These ladies were over the top on hero worship. You had to wonder if that sort of worship was harmless or not. On most issues, I would think Oprah is pretty harmless, but as she has gained popularity, she has become more and more of a leader - even a spiritual leader and I think that sort of worship is out of line.
In 1996, Oprah was sued by the Texas Beef Council when a show she produced made misleading remarks concerning beef. The price of beef made an immediate nose dive after the show aired. The cattlemen claimed that Oprah’s remarks and misleading information influenced people and cattle prices dropped. Oprah acted as if her show and info and words were nothing - that her show just put out info and she had no influence on how that info or her remarks were taken by the public. The judge sided with Oprah, but the question remains: does Oprah have a huge influence on what people think and do in America? The obvious answer is yes, she has a huge following and yes, she tries to influence people. That is exactly what her show is about - getting people to change - usually for the better, but are Oprah’s views always better? Each one of her shows is geared to changing folks - helping them lose weight, helping them dress better, encouraging them to give more, encouraging them to read certain books, etc. How can she say she has no influence over people. Then she gives away huge, expensive gifts and throws lavish parties - do you think that influences anyone? Well yeah! That is what she is all about!
These are thought I have had concerning Oprah for over ten years. But what really bothers me, is her spirituality and her talk of a “higher being”. Because she is a “good person” and so “helpful” to society, people follow her as if she were an evangelical preacher. She is a religion (did I just cross the line into a full blown rant?).
Okay, so now she has thrown her hat and money into the ring to support Obama. What is up with that? Why not Hillary? She asked people to “follow the dream” - what is up with that? Are we to vote for Obama because he is such a wise man and has a great record or because he is black? She even mentioned "amazing grace" that she was doing this. I really feel like Oprah stepped over the line this time. It always irritates me when some movie star starts talking politics and throwing around his/her money, but I figure they have a right to do so. If Oprah can throw a big shindig for Obama, why can’t the Southern Baptist or the Episcopal Churches or whatever support a candidate? Okay I’m ranting again. I know that Oprah pays taxes and churches don’t.
Bottom line, Oprah may seem like just a nice, rich lady, but I think she is dangerous. If that needs more explanation, just ask. I will answer. Watch Oprah if you want, but be wise.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Meloncholy Weekend
This is a repeat picture, but I love it. Notice that Jes and GBN1 both have their legs crossed alike, and they are looking at Popular Mechanics. (click to enlarge)
When I got home from my trip on Thursday night, Jesse was at a play with a coworker, but we got to visit a little before bedtime after she got home. Then I had lunch with her and GBN1 on Friday although Jesse had to leave early for an appointment at the beauty shop. GBN1 kept us entertained (and everyone around us) with her constant chatter. Jesse then went to her office Christmas party Friday night. Saturday morning we had breakfast together before she went to OK City with Lindsay around noon leaving me all alone. They spent the night in The City. It is pretty typical for Jesse to come and go as if we had a revolving door. She has always been a "goin' Jesse." As she has gotten older, I see her making an effort to squeeze some time in for her ol' mom, and I appreciate it. But this weekend has just been so cold and yucky that I was in a rather melancholy mood. It is not so bad to have her gone when Toby is home - we practice being empty-nesters. With him gone too, things were just pretty dull here. GBN1 called a few times (now that her mother has taught her to use speed dial, she calls often - sometimes they are unauthorized calls and she gets in trouble) and kept my spirits up. I love it when I hear, "Booboo, what you doin'? I need to tell you sumpin!" I remember my dad saying he was glad that Kathy (my baby sister) had been born (she was an "accident" when Mom was 39) because he would have been very lonely after I went off to college and got married. He liked having his girls around to pamper and spoil.
Jesse got home around noon today from OK City before the weather got really bad. We watched a movie together. What will I do when she gets married some day? I am very thankful for my grand-girls who already light up my life. Sometimes, though, I wish I had had ten kids.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
NY City Day Two
Everyone has their quirks including the ladies on my NY trip, but they were a fun bunch of girls. They picked on each other and teased which made them very funny. Sometime I felt like the mother instead of being with my mother. They were constantly losing gloves, scarves, earmuffs, etc. I had to zip their coats for them occasionally, but that was mostly because their coats were long and difficult to zip over so much clothing. At one point while we were waiting in line to use the restroom at Radio City Music Hall, Mom turned and handed me all of her stuff - not thinking that I was in line for the restroom also and had my own stuff to deal with. It was the ultimate role reversal. The ladies were much slower walking than I had thought they would be, but that was great for taking pictures and seeing sites. Sometimes, though, their slow walking could almost give me a panic attack - like getting them all on to the subway. But we did great, and I think I would do it again.
Day Two: (Click on the photos to enlarge)
My mother was determined to be on the Today Show early Wednesday morning. After staying up late on Tuesday, I was not so sure that I wanted to get up at the crack of dawn and stand in the cold to be on TV. The other ladies did not want to bother with the Today. Jean and I both gave Mom every opportunity to back out, but her mind was set. We got up at 5:30, dressed, and headed to Rockefeller Plaza. We walked about two blocks to Broadway where I hailed a taxi - that was a treat itself.
The taxi dropped us off, and we were some of the first people lined up (cause only crazy people stand in the cold at 6:30 in the morning). We visited with all of the people around us and had a great time. 
I had made signs for Mom and Jean to hold. One said “Wichita Falls, Texas” and the other said, “Hotter ‘n Hell” which is the big bicycle race in August that WF is famous for. Well, it caught Al Roker’s attention. He opened the 7:30 segment by saying something like “These ladies from Wichita Falls have their own weather forecast…” He asked Mom and Jean their names, and they were on the Today Show. I was standing as close as I could to them and stuck my head in the picture and saw myself on the monitor. We were so excited! Who would have thunk that we could actually get on TV? We immediately left the line-up and went for coffee next door. I called my brother and my son and Jesse. Since the show airs an hour later, they were able to tape the segment. Apparently, I did not make the final cut and no one saw me, but Mom and Jean are celebrities. The WF’s NBC station picked up the segment and ran it several times that day. It may have been the highlight of the trip.
Back at the Wolcott, we met up with the rest of the herd and took off for shopping and site-seeing. We shopped at
FAO Schwartz to shop, 
we used the restroom at the Hyatt Regency, and we had lunch at the 
Trump Building. We saw a light show at 
Grand Central Station. 
We walked by Central Park. W
e went inside Tiffiny’s just to say we did. Most of the time the weather was cold, but okay. It did snow on us occasionally.
After lunch we went to China Town where we bought cheap souviners. And yes, we did buy knock-off purses out of the back of some hidden room. Here is how it went down. Susan approached a man on the street (Jamacian) and talked to him for a minute while we shopped. He eventually took us to a store and through a back panel in the wall to a room lined with purses. He told us that since we were a group of old ladies, he knew we were not undercover policewomen and he said that there were police out everywhere - which made for a good story whether it was true or not.
It was getting dark by the time we took the subway home and made our way back to the Wolcott. Susan and I left the older ladies to rest and eat at a near by Irish pub while Susan took me to Little Italy. We walked and saw some interesting sites without worrying about the herd. We were standing on a street corner waiting to cross, when a yellow school bus full of rabbis pulled up and two rabbis got on. Susan laughed when I said, “That ‘s not something you see in Duncan, OK, everyday.” We ate at a great restaurant which Susan said is quite famous, but I forgot the name. We drank a bottle of wine and had a wonderful meal. Susan and I got to know each other after 30 years of not seeing each other. The young waiter flirted with us. We made friends with the table next to us who were some older Italian/New Yorkers with great accents and very friendly (uncles to the restaurant manager). It was just a perfect setting and perfect NY experience and wonderful way to end my trip. When we got back to the hotel, Susan’s mother had been worried because we stayed out late (about 9:30). I told Susan, “Well, I guess this means I cannot babysit you anymore.”
The next morning we walked to Penn Station pulling our luggage and caught the train back to Penn Station. Then we caught a shuttle to the airport and our plane home. It was a smooth trip home.
Day Two: (Click on the photos to enlarge)
My mother was determined to be on the Today Show early Wednesday morning. After staying up late on Tuesday, I was not so sure that I wanted to get up at the crack of dawn and stand in the cold to be on TV. The other ladies did not want to bother with the Today. Jean and I both gave Mom every opportunity to back out, but her mind was set. We got up at 5:30, dressed, and headed to Rockefeller Plaza. We walked about two blocks to Broadway where I hailed a taxi - that was a treat itself.
The taxi dropped us off, and we were some of the first people lined up (cause only crazy people stand in the cold at 6:30 in the morning). We visited with all of the people around us and had a great time. 
I had made signs for Mom and Jean to hold. One said “Wichita Falls, Texas” and the other said, “Hotter ‘n Hell” which is the big bicycle race in August that WF is famous for. Well, it caught Al Roker’s attention. He opened the 7:30 segment by saying something like “These ladies from Wichita Falls have their own weather forecast…” He asked Mom and Jean their names, and they were on the Today Show. I was standing as close as I could to them and stuck my head in the picture and saw myself on the monitor. We were so excited! Who would have thunk that we could actually get on TV? We immediately left the line-up and went for coffee next door. I called my brother and my son and Jesse. Since the show airs an hour later, they were able to tape the segment. Apparently, I did not make the final cut and no one saw me, but Mom and Jean are celebrities. The WF’s NBC station picked up the segment and ran it several times that day. It may have been the highlight of the trip. Back at the Wolcott, we met up with the rest of the herd and took off for shopping and site-seeing. We shopped at
FAO Schwartz to shop, 
we used the restroom at the Hyatt Regency, and we had lunch at the 
Trump Building. We saw a light show at 
Grand Central Station. 
We walked by Central Park. W
e went inside Tiffiny’s just to say we did. Most of the time the weather was cold, but okay. It did snow on us occasionally.
After lunch we went to China Town where we bought cheap souviners. And yes, we did buy knock-off purses out of the back of some hidden room. Here is how it went down. Susan approached a man on the street (Jamacian) and talked to him for a minute while we shopped. He eventually took us to a store and through a back panel in the wall to a room lined with purses. He told us that since we were a group of old ladies, he knew we were not undercover policewomen and he said that there were police out everywhere - which made for a good story whether it was true or not.It was getting dark by the time we took the subway home and made our way back to the Wolcott. Susan and I left the older ladies to rest and eat at a near by Irish pub while Susan took me to Little Italy. We walked and saw some interesting sites without worrying about the herd. We were standing on a street corner waiting to cross, when a yellow school bus full of rabbis pulled up and two rabbis got on. Susan laughed when I said, “That ‘s not something you see in Duncan, OK, everyday.” We ate at a great restaurant which Susan said is quite famous, but I forgot the name. We drank a bottle of wine and had a wonderful meal. Susan and I got to know each other after 30 years of not seeing each other. The young waiter flirted with us. We made friends with the table next to us who were some older Italian/New Yorkers with great accents and very friendly (uncles to the restaurant manager). It was just a perfect setting and perfect NY experience and wonderful way to end my trip. When we got back to the hotel, Susan’s mother had been worried because we stayed out late (about 9:30). I told Susan, “Well, I guess this means I cannot babysit you anymore.”
The next morning we walked to Penn Station pulling our luggage and caught the train back to Penn Station. Then we caught a shuttle to the airport and our plane home. It was a smooth trip home.
Friday, December 07, 2007
NY City - Day One
By now you have realized that I did not have internet access while in NY City, but I am home now and can blog till my heart's content. Before I tell you all about my adventures in NY, let me give you an update on Toby. He is doing fine in Scotland. He has not been impressed with the food, but a good friend/coworker from Scotland showed up and took him to eat Italian food - so I know he is not starving. He sent the following email which I got a kick out of - you will too:
Funny story, I was telling the ladies that the food was less than superior at the hotel and that I might have to buy a pair of suspenders to hold my pants up. They hooted, the ladies cackled. It seems that Scottish folks use the term suspenders to describe the thingys that hold up ladies hose and pants are underwear. They said it gave them a new impression of me.
My last post was from Long Island where we spent our first night after arriving in NY. The next morning as we were catching the train to Penn Station, it began to snow - big fat snowflakes - it was beautiful. By the time we got into the city, the snow had stopped and the sun was shining somewhat, but it was cold and windy. We missed the really serious wind. Susan met us at the station and walked us to our hotel. I need to explain who was on this trip before I continue this story:
Ruth - my mom’s longtime friend whom she taught school with at the vo-tech. Ruth’s husband died not long after my dad died - so she and Mom are big buddies.
Susan - Ruth’s daughter (only child) who is an airline stewardess for Southwest and our travel guide. She is ten years my junior - I used to babysit her. She is married, no children and a type A personality.
Fay - Ruth’s sister, ex-librarian/school teacher, and a real trooper.
Jean - Mom’s running buddy - very much like Mom in personality - lots of fun.
Mom - a dingy blonde on this trip
Me - the border collie and photographer.
The Wolcott Hotel was old and funky. Buddy Holly always stayed there on his trips to NY. The rooms were simple and clean. The bathrooms had obviously been updated, but had old the old-fashioned small black and white tile.
Hotwater was iffy. Here is a photo of the lobby while we were checking in. It is located on 31st St. near Broadway. Most of the time, we caught the subway, but I did get to hail a cab once. The hotel was full of Europeans spending their money since the dollar is down. We met several people from the UK. At one point I got on the elevator with an older man with a Russian-type accent, heavy brows, huge nose, and very talkative. At the front of the elevator was an older oriental woman with her back to the old man. I was standing between them and to the side with a good view of both people. The elevator was having problems and stopping at every floor for no reason. The old man in a disgusted voice said, “Made in China!” The older oriental woman, who had a poker-face to die for, turned and looked at him, and then turned back never saying a word, but it was obvious she was Chinese. It was hard for me to keep a straight face.
The ladies and I hit the town after checking in.
We went to Maxie’s for a huge sandwich before heading to Toys R Us, and the M&M store for some shopping and site seeing. I kept my camera around my neck (like a good tourist) but my position as border collie made me take lots of pictures of the backside of the ladies - the herd in front of me.
Here is Times Square with Mom standing on the sidewalk. We walked around Rockefeller Plaza looking at the tree and ice-skaters. I did get to go into the gift shop of the Met. Museum of Mod. Art. Keep in mind that I was doing what the herd wanted and that was to shop and site-see, and shop some more. 
We moved on to the Rockette’s 75th Anniversary Christmas Spectacular which was spectacular. After the show we went to the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center), 
saw the windows at Saks, and then grabbed a bite to eat before heading back to the hotel.
So ended our first day in NY City. I was much impressed with the city - and very excited to be there and see the sites. Just being on the street with all the people and excitement was enough for me. More tomorrow.
Funny story, I was telling the ladies that the food was less than superior at the hotel and that I might have to buy a pair of suspenders to hold my pants up. They hooted, the ladies cackled. It seems that Scottish folks use the term suspenders to describe the thingys that hold up ladies hose and pants are underwear. They said it gave them a new impression of me.
My last post was from Long Island where we spent our first night after arriving in NY. The next morning as we were catching the train to Penn Station, it began to snow - big fat snowflakes - it was beautiful. By the time we got into the city, the snow had stopped and the sun was shining somewhat, but it was cold and windy. We missed the really serious wind. Susan met us at the station and walked us to our hotel. I need to explain who was on this trip before I continue this story:
Ruth - my mom’s longtime friend whom she taught school with at the vo-tech. Ruth’s husband died not long after my dad died - so she and Mom are big buddies.
Susan - Ruth’s daughter (only child) who is an airline stewardess for Southwest and our travel guide. She is ten years my junior - I used to babysit her. She is married, no children and a type A personality.
Fay - Ruth’s sister, ex-librarian/school teacher, and a real trooper.
Jean - Mom’s running buddy - very much like Mom in personality - lots of fun.
Mom - a dingy blonde on this trip
Me - the border collie and photographer.
The Wolcott Hotel was old and funky. Buddy Holly always stayed there on his trips to NY. The rooms were simple and clean. The bathrooms had obviously been updated, but had old the old-fashioned small black and white tile.
Hotwater was iffy. Here is a photo of the lobby while we were checking in. It is located on 31st St. near Broadway. Most of the time, we caught the subway, but I did get to hail a cab once. The hotel was full of Europeans spending their money since the dollar is down. We met several people from the UK. At one point I got on the elevator with an older man with a Russian-type accent, heavy brows, huge nose, and very talkative. At the front of the elevator was an older oriental woman with her back to the old man. I was standing between them and to the side with a good view of both people. The elevator was having problems and stopping at every floor for no reason. The old man in a disgusted voice said, “Made in China!” The older oriental woman, who had a poker-face to die for, turned and looked at him, and then turned back never saying a word, but it was obvious she was Chinese. It was hard for me to keep a straight face.The ladies and I hit the town after checking in.
We went to Maxie’s for a huge sandwich before heading to Toys R Us, and the M&M store for some shopping and site seeing. I kept my camera around my neck (like a good tourist) but my position as border collie made me take lots of pictures of the backside of the ladies - the herd in front of me.
Here is Times Square with Mom standing on the sidewalk. We walked around Rockefeller Plaza looking at the tree and ice-skaters. I did get to go into the gift shop of the Met. Museum of Mod. Art. Keep in mind that I was doing what the herd wanted and that was to shop and site-see, and shop some more. 
We moved on to the Rockette’s 75th Anniversary Christmas Spectacular which was spectacular. After the show we went to the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center), 
saw the windows at Saks, and then grabbed a bite to eat before heading back to the hotel.So ended our first day in NY City. I was much impressed with the city - and very excited to be there and see the sites. Just being on the street with all the people and excitement was enough for me. More tomorrow.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Day One
So far so good! One of the ladies passed out luggage tags. Everyone's said "I love NY" except for mine. I drew the tag that said, "I'm Lost". We decided that the lost tag should be passed around for the one who does the did the dumbest thing each day. There were a couple of dumb things today, but Mom would probably win for putting her pantyhose on while still wearing her pajama bottoms.
We flew from OK City to Baltimore. The landing at Baltimore was about as bad as I have ever experienced. I thought I might puke, and I don't EVER puke. I got that clammy feeling and broke out in a sweat. I was glad to get on solid ground, find a diet Pepsi and relax. Being the Border Collie (herding old ladies) is tougher than you would think, but so far I am okay. One of the ladies is a germaphobia. She said she would not eat a hot dog from a street vendor because they probably boil the dogs in the same water every day. I said it would be okay as long as they boiled the water. She was worried that they might have dropped them on the sidewalk. I didn't point out that it was still cooked. Oh well, I am a firm believer in the three second rule. If it does not stay on the ground more than three seconds it will be fine.
Tomorrow we take the train in to NY City. I will write again if I can from the Wolcott in NY City!
We flew from OK City to Baltimore. The landing at Baltimore was about as bad as I have ever experienced. I thought I might puke, and I don't EVER puke. I got that clammy feeling and broke out in a sweat. I was glad to get on solid ground, find a diet Pepsi and relax. Being the Border Collie (herding old ladies) is tougher than you would think, but so far I am okay. One of the ladies is a germaphobia. She said she would not eat a hot dog from a street vendor because they probably boil the dogs in the same water every day. I said it would be okay as long as they boiled the water. She was worried that they might have dropped them on the sidewalk. I didn't point out that it was still cooked. Oh well, I am a firm believer in the three second rule. If it does not stay on the ground more than three seconds it will be fine.
Tomorrow we take the train in to NY City. I will write again if I can from the Wolcott in NY City!
Sunday, December 02, 2007
NY City, Here I come!
I'm headed out the door to join my mom and old lady friends on a grand adventure. If I can blog from somewhere, I will, but if not, see you on Friday.
Nicknames
When going through the process of leaving a comment, there is now a place to put your “Nickname”. Maybe it has been there for a while; I don’t know, but it seems new to me. I keep stumbling over it as I scroll down to click the “Publish” button. I am tempted to put in some odd nickname just to see what happens. Thinking about this made me think of the different nicknames that I have had through the years - some I will share, some I will not.
Growing up I was called Lulu, but I did not think of that as a nickname - it was more like my real name. My family will still call me Lulu, and I don’t even notice it. Old friends in Red River often call me Lulu, and I don’t even bat an eye. But let a stranger call me Lulu, and it causes me stop in my tracks and my brows to furrow and I think, “You don’t know me well enough to call me that.”
My dad often called me “Dirty Lil,” and he had a song that he would sing. “Dirty Lil, Dirty Lil, Lives on top of garbage hill, Never wash, Never will (hark and spit) Dirty Lil!” You see, I was a bit of a tomboy keeping up with my brother. My ponytail was often in terrible tangles. I can remember Mom scrubbing my neck, knees, elbows and ankles trying to get the NM dirt off of me. To this day it is hard for me to find a shirt in my drawer that does not have a stain somewhere on it. I have lots of clothes to paint or work in.
My cousin nicknamed me “Super Squirrel” because I was extremely lucky. I often won at things - not because I was the best, but because I was a squirrel - like at foosball when you score by accident rather than by skill. I just always seemed to come out on top, smelling like a rose.
In college my girlfriends started calling me “Loose Lou”. Let me explain that before your minds run amok. One morning my college buddies and I all met to wait in line all day for some tickets to something or other. To pass the time we were all telling about our dates the previous evening. Their dates had all been very normal. I had been to a party with friends from RR (that should tell you something right there because RR is a party town - they do it better than anyone). I met some guy at the party who was currently living in RR and had come with my friends to Lubbock. He was pretty handsome and quite charming and was hitting on me pretty heavy. I conversed with him most of the evening and through our conversation I found out all sorts of interesting things. The things he told me about himself were quite shocking to my college friends as I recounted the conversation to them. I can’t remember all he said, but I do remember that he said he was married, but it was only a common-law marriage so it didn’t count. Drugs, jail time, mental problems, etc - not so odd for a Red River transient. My friends could not believe that I had met such a person much less conversed with him the entire evening - hence the nickname. Don’t worry, I did not leave with him - I’m not stupid. Besides, Tom Brown kept an eye on me the whole evening. If this guy was worse than TB, then you know how bad he really was.
After I married, I picked up the nickname “Blue” while working at Texas Red’s. Toby worked in the kitchen with Rik (the cook) and together they like to torture and tease the waitresses. When the food was ready they would holler the waitresses’ name. They thought it quite funny come up with silly names, and they began to call me "Blue" as if they were calling a pet. Toby still calls me Blue now and then.
That is a few of my nicknames. So what nicknames do you have that you are willing to share?
Growing up I was called Lulu, but I did not think of that as a nickname - it was more like my real name. My family will still call me Lulu, and I don’t even notice it. Old friends in Red River often call me Lulu, and I don’t even bat an eye. But let a stranger call me Lulu, and it causes me stop in my tracks and my brows to furrow and I think, “You don’t know me well enough to call me that.”
My dad often called me “Dirty Lil,” and he had a song that he would sing. “Dirty Lil, Dirty Lil, Lives on top of garbage hill, Never wash, Never will (hark and spit) Dirty Lil!” You see, I was a bit of a tomboy keeping up with my brother. My ponytail was often in terrible tangles. I can remember Mom scrubbing my neck, knees, elbows and ankles trying to get the NM dirt off of me. To this day it is hard for me to find a shirt in my drawer that does not have a stain somewhere on it. I have lots of clothes to paint or work in.
My cousin nicknamed me “Super Squirrel” because I was extremely lucky. I often won at things - not because I was the best, but because I was a squirrel - like at foosball when you score by accident rather than by skill. I just always seemed to come out on top, smelling like a rose.
In college my girlfriends started calling me “Loose Lou”. Let me explain that before your minds run amok. One morning my college buddies and I all met to wait in line all day for some tickets to something or other. To pass the time we were all telling about our dates the previous evening. Their dates had all been very normal. I had been to a party with friends from RR (that should tell you something right there because RR is a party town - they do it better than anyone). I met some guy at the party who was currently living in RR and had come with my friends to Lubbock. He was pretty handsome and quite charming and was hitting on me pretty heavy. I conversed with him most of the evening and through our conversation I found out all sorts of interesting things. The things he told me about himself were quite shocking to my college friends as I recounted the conversation to them. I can’t remember all he said, but I do remember that he said he was married, but it was only a common-law marriage so it didn’t count. Drugs, jail time, mental problems, etc - not so odd for a Red River transient. My friends could not believe that I had met such a person much less conversed with him the entire evening - hence the nickname. Don’t worry, I did not leave with him - I’m not stupid. Besides, Tom Brown kept an eye on me the whole evening. If this guy was worse than TB, then you know how bad he really was.
After I married, I picked up the nickname “Blue” while working at Texas Red’s. Toby worked in the kitchen with Rik (the cook) and together they like to torture and tease the waitresses. When the food was ready they would holler the waitresses’ name. They thought it quite funny come up with silly names, and they began to call me "Blue" as if they were calling a pet. Toby still calls me Blue now and then.
That is a few of my nicknames. So what nicknames do you have that you are willing to share?
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Farm Day
Jesse and I went to a bachelorette party last night. It was probably quite sedate compared to most parties, but on the other hand, it was lots of fun. Jesse, Lindsay, and Sarah Ann had T-shirts with "bridesmaid" on them, while the Bride had "Bride" on hers. It was a cute idea. The three bridesmaids kept everyone entertained with their good-natured squabbling and teasing. We played some pretty competitive games and ate, of course. Jesse and I were both bushed when we got home. The cat woke us up at 6 this morning scratching on the door to be let in (kill the kitty!). We got up and got dressed and drove to town for the Boy Scouts pancake breakfast. My son and family came too. Toby and I have been going to the BSA breakfast for several years now, and we were looking forward to the day when we could take the Grand Babies with us. Toby had already bought tickets anticipating the adventure, but he had to go to Scotland - oh well. The Grand Babies drew lots of attention because they are just so darn cute. We had fun, but it was just not the same without Toby.
When Jesse and I came home, we decided to feed the horses while we were already out in the nasty weather. The horses were wild - bucking and kicking. I guess the change in weather has them "feelin' their oats." I really hate it when they act that way, and I am trying to pour feed. It can be a bit scary. Then the dogs get to barking, and it is a regular rodeo.
Now I plan on taking a nap and then finish packing for the NY trip.
When Jesse and I came home, we decided to feed the horses while we were already out in the nasty weather. The horses were wild - bucking and kicking. I guess the change in weather has them "feelin' their oats." I really hate it when they act that way, and I am trying to pour feed. It can be a bit scary. Then the dogs get to barking, and it is a regular rodeo.
Now I plan on taking a nap and then finish packing for the NY trip.
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