What Are You Addicted to and Who is Spying on You?

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

This has been a Fly on the Wall monthly post. Check out my fellow bloggers posts to see what they have been up to and enjoy the humor.

Baking In A Tornado                  https://www.BakingInATornado.com

Never Ever Give Up Hope             https://batteredhope.blogspot.com

Menopausal Mother                   http://www.menopausalmom.com/

 

How to Know When It Is Time to Say Good-bye

November is my birthday month but celebrating it has never been a priority. My mom was very ill my entire childhood and spent most of her life in bed fighting a debilitating disease. Birthday parties were out of the question. I often hoped my mom would forget my birthday so she would not have to feel guilty if she was not well enough to bake a cake or buy me a present.

Consequently, I often forget my birthday if I am busy or forget to check the calendar. Yet, I love birthday celebrations and try not to forget those special days for family and friends. And even if I may forget... my family always remembers.

I often wondered:  Why don't we celebrate our mothers on our birthdays?  After all, they did all the work!

Fall is here

What Do You Think of When You Think of Family?

Family.  This is a word that stirs up a variety of emotions.  I am grateful for the relationship I have with my siblings and speak with them or email them regularly.  Unfortunately, due to the distance between us, it is too rare that we can physically be together.  The last time was 13 years ago for one of my grand niece's wedding.  When another grand-niece announced her wedding date, I determined to make the trip a priority and it happened.  

Looking at the picture, can you believe my brother is 81 years old?  He is still blonde and acts like a big kid.  It was two weeks of family time and lots of travel.  The first leg of the trip to Wisconsin took 30 hours but I was thrilled to finally see my sister after so many years.  After a day of rest (and shopping), we traveled to Michigan for the wedding.  Another 13 hours of sitting in a car!

Have You Considered a Cruise to the Bahamas?

Two days before heading to the Bahamas, the ferries leaving our coast were canceled due to bad weather.  It was our only means to get to the airport and I was definitely concerned.  The next day there was a window of escape, and we rushed to the mainland to spend the night at the airport.  

If you have ever been to a conference of any description, you usually have great anticipations of gaining knowledge and having fun.  I have been to a few writers' conferences and thought I knew what to expect.  I was elated when the Seymour Agency's Winter Escape Cruise far exceeded my expectations.  The editors, film producers, publishers, and other representatives promised to make this cruise a significant one.  It did not disappoint.

It was my first cruise and considering I don't tolerate temperatures above 70 degrees very well, I was concerned.  It was confirmed many times that I would need a sweater to handle the AC in the meeting rooms.  What a waste of suitcase space.  I was uncomfortably hot from the moment I landed in Miami until I got home. 

How Can Such A Wonderful Season Wreck Havoc

Summer is winding down -- none too quick for me.  Never liked summer.  Like it even less since it has been exceptionally dry and hot the past few years.  There is no outside watering allowed - of any kind - this year.  The car wash is closed.  Kids can't ride their dirt bikes or any type of vehicle that could render a spark.  Watering of gardens is prohibited.

The Pacific North West is not supposed to get the extreme temperatures like we have endured the past few years.  Few businesses and almost no homes have air conditioning even though the temperatures have been in the 80s and 90s for weeks.

But the saddest part is the wild fires that are out of control destroying everything in their paths.  Towns being evacuated, homes burning down, people losing their lives.

The smoke is so thick in the air that you can't see the forest or the mountains.  In fact, it is like driving through a fog.  The air quality level is over 10; off the charts.  When I walk my dogs every morning my feet get covered in black soot.  Anyone with lung or breathing issues is having great difficulty.  We need rain.  We are praying for rain.  We need relief.

Moving Day is Fun - Said No One Ever

I GET IT!  I really do.  "Why don't you hire someone to pack for your move?" they said.  "I can do it myself like I always have!" said I.  What I did not take into account was in the 12 years since our last move, we have collected more and as hard as it is to believe, we are now 12 years older.  So......although I understand why people hire help I don't know if I could.  Too many decisions to make along the way.

I really don't feel my 'age', whatever that means.  And in the normal course of events, I don't feel any older.  But carrying over 100 boxes up a long flight of stairs has a way of making you feel those aging joints.  After a couple weeks of packing and purging, I realized I had built muscles.  That felt great.  Considering I will now be walking up and down stairs several times a day and also carrying the dogs (their legs are too short and they are too old to make it up by themselves) I will hopefully maintain some of those newly built muscles. 

It took two weeks to pack and three to unpack.  There were six or seven trips to the dump and a few to the thrift store.  Saying goodbye to things I had not used for many years was a good feeling - even though there was a twinge of sadness once in a while.  It was difficult putting things in storage that my son had given me.  But I no longer needed the daily reminder that he is no longer in my life.  Not having things in my vision on a regular basis will help ease the pain in the long run.

My business was put on hold.  Actually, my life was!  I certainly tried to stay on top of the daily routine of emails, phone calls and my zillion jobs - basically, it was still put on hold.

I am extremely glad that I stayed in the 'old' house to clean while the movers unloaded at the new one.  Although the moving company had terrific reviews, I later found out that the owners had recently gone through some heavy personal and emotional issues and turned to alcohol.  They arrived hung over and too tired to move.  We have heavy furniture.  A piano.  Oak bedroom furniture.  A cedar cabinet that is six feet high.  I held my breath and didn't watch.

Later, I wondered how my large plants got crushed as they were standing up in the van.  Apparently, the movers thought the plants were a good place to put sofa cushions on top!

 

When they arrived at the new residence, my husband was sergeant major.  He kept yelling for them to wipe their feet because the driveway is not complete yet.  It was raining.  The mud, gravel, and sand were everywhere. 

The house was not quite ready for residency which meant that on MOVING DAY there were 13 construction workers doing finishing touches, three guys from the moving company, hubby, and friends.  It was like a moving party except it was not fun.











Our first guests were daughter Rochelle and kiddos.  What a delight to have them come for a visit.  Rochelle asked me several times if she could help with the move for a few days.  But I kept insisting that when she came for a visit I wanted her to be able to relax, not work.  It was nice to have everything done when they were here and what fun we had - especially with all the new places to play hide and seek!

 




















Two-year-old Brie is a force to be reckoned with.  Like most toddlers, she has boundless energy.  As in the past, my greatest delight is to watch her six-year-old brother interact with her.  He is so responsible and caring.  Brie will tease him, even throw the occasional toy at him to see what he will do.  He 'corrects' her gently and explains that this is not acceptable behavior.  What six-year-old does that!  

Brie is fearless.  She got up on the quad and started it.  Fortunately, her legs were not long enough to reach the pedals but she figured out how to start it just by observation.   
















 


They loved the new bathtub and with it being deep the splashing stayed IN the tub.










Even though most of the work is done, I wonder how long it takes to actually feeling settled.  I wander around my kitchen aimlessly looking for stuff.  As organized as I think I am, when friends helped me organize the kitchen, it may take months before I find what I am looking for.  Wouldn't have it any other way.  What an adventure!  

This is a Fly on the Wall post where bloggers share their adventures monthly.  Have a buzz around and be a fly on the wall at these awesome blogger's homes:

Baking In A Tornado
Menopausal Mother
Bookworm in the Kitchen
Spatulas on Parade
The Bergham Chronicles

                                                                                                                  

Is It Easy For You to Let Go?

Two men in a big truck took away 50 years of memories today.  Only one tear found its way down my cheek but my heart grieved in a way that was foreign to me.  I had not experienced it before.   A variety of memories were in that truck that will no longer be tangible.  Some had been kept for no reason.  Others were kept hoping it would stop the pain of loss.  But tangible memories often make the pain worse, especially if you look at them every day.

I no longer needed to know what grade I received in third-grade arithmetic.  I suck at math now but got straight A's in Advanced Math in high school.  I noted my D in Health class which made me laugh.  I remember that D.  It was because I forgot my notebook too many times. For the past 35 years, I have been a Certified Health Coach and it is one subject I am passionate about.

I didn't need to keep the hundreds of photographs from umpteen years that I will never look at again.  The ones wanted are in albums, which I kept.

I didn't need the boxes of dishes or small kitchen appliances I never use and someone else might enjoy.

I no longer have a VCR or cassette deck but held onto dozens of tapes.  Why?

As I put each crystal ornament my son had given me into a box I wanted to scream "Stop, bring them back!"  But I bit my tongue and cried silently.  I will never forget the moments when he gave them to me.  He was so proud that he had found the perfect one for each occasion to give his mommy.  I cherished them and always will.  They went into a box labeled "retired" and I hope to bring them out to show his children...... when he returns to us.

After he left us six years ago, I have run through the gamut of emotions a zillion times. I no longer need to see those tangibles to remind me of how much I love him.  How much he once loved us.  

This does not mean that I choose to forget him or that I have given up hope.  Not for one second.  It only means I will not have the stabbing pain in my heart when I see those trinkets in my bathroom or bedroom.


As the men closed the door of the truck and drove away and I pivoted on my heel to go into the house, my heart pivoted as well.  It is a new day.  A new era.  New memories will be made.  I have the pictures my grandbabies recently painted for me.  Those I will hang on the refrigerator and smile every time I see them.  It is a new day.   A new era.  

Gramma Time 

Speaking of the grands...they were here for a couple days this month. Were my kids this much fun?  YES!  What is different is that I don't have to discipline if it is needed.  Mom is there to handle that department and it makes me look like the good guy.  All. The. Time.

Is Moving As Much Fun as They Claim?

We haven't moved in 12 years and as organized as my home is, I was surprised at how much stuff I am disposing of.   I keep my closets and drawers free of clutter and purge regularly.  BUT it is the stuff I have kept forever stored in boxes that I took the time to sort through and toss.  I was able to convert more than a dozen large boxes to two small ones.  What a feeling of accomplishment.

A lot of people pack their breakables in newspapers but I pack them in paper towels which can be reused in my new kitchen.  Then nothing has to be cleaned when I arrive.  

With this move, I have learned not to ask my husband if he wants to keep clothes he has not worn in decades.  His answer is always a resounding "YES" so THIS time, I am not asking!  Will I be sorry?  Maybe.  Am I worried?  What do you think?

One Woman - Fearless

This weekend I am traveling to an award ceremony in another city where I am the recipient of an award I did not even know existed before.  Someone anonymously nominated me for the award which I will treasure forever.  It is the global One Woman - Fearless award given to women who let go of their fears to live their dreams; those who overcame much and never quit.  My daughter will be with me and I am sure it is a day that will be ingrained in my heart forever.  

This is my monthly Fly on the Wall post and I hope you can take time to enjoy the other blogger's posts in this challenge

Baking In A Tornado

Menopausal Mother 

Bookworm in the Kitchen

Spatulas on Parade 

Go Mama O   

                                                                                                     

What Do You Do if a Power Surge Blows Up Your Computer?

What would your response be to this statement?  "I have all my Christmas shopping and wrapping done."  When I told my daughter, she smiled and said, "Of course you do, Mom."

I enjoy buying throughout the year when there is a sale of the item I need.  Even more fun is wrapping everything as soon as I bring it home.  I keep a hidden list so I know what I bought and how much I spent but, then I forget the majority of it.  When the gifts are opened I get excited all over again.  I know, I know, it's a small pleasure but I love it!

Mostly excited about gifts wrapped from the grands

What Not to Do if Caught in a Dog Fight

I thoroughly enjoy each month's Fly on the Wall posts written by fellow bloggers who share what went on in their lives the past month.

One week, I was house and dog sitting for someone who has five dogs and a cat. Everything went well until the last day.  Two of the large male dogs live outside and around 4:30 one afternoon I heard a slight yelp.  I looked outside and saw them fighting.  It looked vicious.  In no way, was this anticipated nor was I prepared to deal with a fight.  I fully expected them to quit by the time I got outside but that did not happen.

I started screaming, grabbed a heavy plastic shovel in an attempt to separate their mouths.  They were ripping each other's face and ears off -- YES, literally.  I started kicking one of the males in the groin. It never occurred to me that they could turn their anger on me as I only wanted them to stop -- and be friends again.

I knew it would help if there was a hose to turn the water on them but couldn't find it.  I was crying, screaming and absolutely terrified.  One was bigger (Husky/wolf cross) and dominant but the mutt who was on his back actually caused more damage - serious damage.

Grabbing his collar I knew he could turn his attack on me

I was exhausted after 20 minutes and the blood was spurting wildly.  In terror, I called my husband and after I assured him I did everything I could do, he said all I could do was to let one of them kill the other if it went that far.  Then.....it was over.  The damage was extensive.  I called a neighbor who arrived in a few minutes and amazed that either one survived.  He cleaned them up as best he could knowing that the owner would be home that night to make any necessary decisions regarding veterinary care.

I chose not to post any pictures as they are too graphic.  When the owner returned home, she was thankful I was alive and well.  I felt terrible but there was nothing else I could have done.  Both of these dogs are gentle and loving -- who knows what triggered this fight?

I was away from home almost the entire month but had the opportunity to visit with my grandkids for a few days and will share in pictures here.

Ever wonder what a cow kiss felt like?

At what age do kids learn how to whistle?

One evening I kept hearing someone whistling and couldn't figure out where it was coming from as I was alone with the kids and my daughter.  Rochelle started laughing when she told me that Aubrie had been whistling since she was about six months old.

She would walk around the house, whistling a tune and it sounded like an old man.  When I asked Aubrie to whistle she started loud and clear.  I googled 'whistling' to find out what age most kids start and it is between five and seven years old.

When we went out for dinner, Aubrie loved sucking on lemons 

Hard to believe Brie Brie is ONE already

Every party needs dancing!

And then......there's cake

She was spellbound by the fish in the aquarium

If you had been in the middle of that dog fight, what would you have done?

I know you will enjoy these Fly on the Wall bloggers stories from their past month:

Baking In A Tornado

Menopausal Mother

Searching for Sanity

Eileen's Perpetually Busy

Go Mama O

Spatulas on Parade

Bookworm in the Kitchen

When I Grow Up

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Do You Want Your Kids To Follow Your Example?

Whether we like it or not, our lives are mirrors to our children. Often their actions are a direct reflection of the example they see in us.  When they say or do something that makes us smile inside, we know the message we have tried to instill in them has taken root.

Thomas' first day of school.  I was surprised that four-year-olds now went to school for the WHOLE day.

Daughter Rochelle was at the bank with 4-year-old Thomas and baby Aubrie.  As he does in every public place, Thomas introduced himself to the bank teller, who was a woman of color.  In the small town where they live, Thomas rarely sees anyone with a different color of skin.

"Hi, my name is Thomas.  What's yours?"  Smiling the teller replied and Thomas proceeded to introduce the rest of his family....which he does every time.

"This is my mommy and my little sister, Brie."  Then with an intent look at the teller, he continued.  "Brie likes all people."

Anyone within hearing distance smiled and nodded.

Made My Month!

My 4-year-old Grandson has Questions about His Recent Marriage

When you live a crazy life, you should expect crazy things to happen.  When you keep doing the same thing over and over and expect different results, you are the crazy one.  I constantly look to the future when life will get easier, slow down a bit and then laugh out loud when I realize that may never happen.

To explain:  I have a lot of jobs, often wearing three or four hats at the same time on any given day.  This is normal for a Type A personality who is a perfectionist and believes that relaxing or sleeping is a complete waste of time.  Don't give me any lectures -- I've heard them all.  Most important thing:  I am NOT complaining. I love being busy.  

Consequently, the thought of doing this month's Fly on the Wall post seemed a bit overwhelming because so much happened in the past two months and it would be a really
l o n g post to share it all.  

View from my room

One highlight I will share with you is that I attended the Advanced Writers and Speakers Conference in Cincinnati and look forward to going back next year.  I learned so much in the workshops, made some incredible connections, made, even more, friends and got to see what it is like to live in 97-degree heat with high humidity.  

Our days were filled from early morning to late evening without time to shop or have any 'me' time -- loved it.  I certainly was not bored for one second.

I left the hotel each day to get to the closest restaurant - that was enough heat to last me until next year.  How do people live, work or BREATHE in that?

Sooooooooo........rather than bore you with all the incredible things that happened the last two months, I decided to do some snippets of the grandkids and their antics.

4-year-old grandson gets married