NEVER...EVER...GIVE UP HOPE : addiction

The addiction surprised me. I'm a city girl who has lived in a rural community for the past 50 years. However, I love the rush of the city and the opportunities it presents. But, during this time of crisis for our world, I am thrilled to be living in a small town.

So when several people recommended I start watching "Heartland" I laughed. I couldn't imagine enjoying a Canadian drama television series featuring life on a ranch. Yet.....here I am. Just finished season three and I dread the day when I finish watching season 13. Will there be a Season 14? A devoted addict.

Anyone else addicted to a series?

Are you concerned?

How to block hackers and spys

On your Facebook account you can find and block all spybot and fact checkers from accessing your account. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I blocked over 150 of them and will continue to do it regularly. Give it a try - you will probably be shocked how many there are.

Brie loves modeling her new dresses

Banilla, anyone?

I was thrilled to spend a full week with the grands. Considering that I had seen them a month ago made it every more thrilling.

"What kind of ice cream do you want, Brie?"

"Banilla and Rainbow Herbert, please." I asked her to repeat it only because it sounded so cute.

Closet Organizers not required

Brie is four years old but since she was two, she has been very specific (an understatement!) about the clothes she chooses for the day. She has her closet organized and nothing is out of order in her room. When she gets ready for the day, she does not want any input from anyone else. She will make the decisions.

This gramma was especially impressed that no matter what she tried on, if it didn't 'work' she would carefully hang it back up -- in the proper order in her closet. Everything must match, including shoes and bag. Wonder where she gets that from?

Still getting lost in parking lots

During my visit, the temperatures soared. Summer is my least favorite time of year. The heat must have affected my brain because I suggested that Brie and I go for a walk - in that heat. She wanted to go to the trails which were a few blocks away.

The trails were shaded but after we walked about one-half mile the heat was taking its toll. Unfortunately, this crazy person didn't bring her phone on the walk (too sticky to carry) and neither one of us knew where we were.

We got off the trails and stopped the first human we encountered. "Would you be able to tell me how to get downtown?"

I ignored the weird look he gave me but I was too hot and tired to admit my ignorance. When he told me how far it was I almost cried. I didn't think either one of us could make it back home in the intense heat. But we did. Brie was so sweet trying to console her gramma.

"Don't worry, Gramma. We'll figure it out. We'll be home and get cooled down soon."

Oh my, was it that obvious that a four-year old detected my ~~panic~~ concern?

Two and a half hours later, we crawled into the house. My daughter shook her head and reminded me that she never allowed me to go alone to a mall. I would either lose my car or never find my way back to where we agreed to meet up.

My hubby always told me that if he ever wanted a divorce, he would drop me off at the woods and probably never see me again.

What a Gong Show

After spending FOUR AND A HALF hours on the phone the bank representative said,

"Sorry, we have no idea what is going on. There is nothing more we can do.

"Well, what do you suggest that I do?"

"No idea. Sorry."

I wasted a full day sitting on hold and talking to people who couldn't help me. That morning when I tried to access my bank account on line, it would not open. After several attempts and then being locked out of my account, I started the phone calls.

They told me the only way to access my account was to call the bank and do any transactions with an agent by telephone.

Frustrated, I decided to try again on Monday.

Daddy got them new toys - What FUN

In the meantime.....

While I was on the phone, my friend popped in to say "Hi." While there, her dog thought carpet was a good place to throw up. TWICE. And Mister is a big dog - need I say more?

While talking to the bank, I had no idea what my friend was doing in my living room for 30 minutes. During one of my minutes on hold, I found her on her knees, shampooing my carpet and attempting to get the stain out.

At the same time, the new yard man showed up to mow the lawn. I heard the commotion outside, and asked the agent to hold a minute while I checked it out.

"There is no way I can bring that lawn mower up those stairs to your yard."

My friend started arguing with him that every other lawn guy has done it.

"But their machines probably didn't weigh 200 pounds."

Before the lawn guy could continue to protest, my friend started to maneuver the lawn mower by herself. Between the two of them, they lifted it up the three steps.

Now......what happens next week? Hopefully, he will bring a smaller one.

FINALLY....resolution - kinda

Monday morning I called the bank. Their technical department had figured it out. There had been malicious and suspicious activity between my internet provider and my bank. All clients using that provider were locked out of their bank accounts.

That was a week ago. Still no resolution. At least they know what is going on - want to bet on how long it will take to resolve?

Patience is a virtue -- taking time to watch the clouds move in the sky with your grand daughter puts everything into perspective