Gigi's Woe

Bless little Gigi. Her person, I-Needa, has been housebound with the ice and snow. Poor little Gigi has missed her walks and play dates with other pooches in the neighborhood. Just look at her. Isn't that pathetic?

So, what is a pooch to do when cabin fever strikes? She doesn't read, or sew, or paint, or scrapbook. She does watch TV and sleep. Those are about the only options. Perhaps an extra treat from I-Needa would be nice. It would last a few seconds at least.

Yes, I too know about cabin fever. It can be depressing and make one feel a little forlorn. At least, as a human, I have more options than just watching TV, sleeping, or eating. Oops... I do believe I've just listed what I've been doing. Hummm. Perhaps I should select something more creative. At least I have a variety of options that I can do without getting me into trouble. I don't have to chew a shoe or anything like that to keep me entertained. I have choices. I choose to not get cabin fever. I choose not to look like this poor pooch.

I think the big question on Gigi's mind, and perhaps on mine as well... and yours... is 'When is spring coming?' Let me out of here!!

Driving Instructions

I stepped outside this morning (actually written on Friday) and snapped a picture from my porch. I am pleased to note that this snow is not deep snow yet. Our state is being hit by a major winter storm. The gloom and doom machines from the weather stations have been on major coverage. There are areas that had lots of ice and sleet before the snow started. Areas have lost power. I feel rather fortunate that we didn't have the ice.

I live on a hill. That has always been a small, or large, issue for me depending on the road conditions in winter. It was a major relief when I retired and didn't have to worry about sliding down the hill on ice to get to work... if they didn't call school off. I just felt freed not to have to worry about that at all... I mean AT ALL.

So... This morning I fixed Mr. a nice big hot nourishing breakfast as he is headed out to feed the cattle. He had finished his two egg, many ingredient, mouth watering good omelet and had started on his hot bowl of oatmeal with craisins, cinnamon, and honey.... when.... he shifted into his serious mode. I recognize the mode now. He straightens his shoulders, sits a little taller, and gets this focused look. I knew I was in for something I wouldn't like. I'd have bet on it.

Sure enough, he tells me that he is going to share some information and that I was to listen closely... pay attention...because... it might be very important.

I really don't like conversations that start like this. I know.. absolutely know... that I'm in for it, so to speak. So, being only on my second cup of coffee and not at all ready for serious, I tried to focus and do the best I could to listen.

It was about how to put the vehicle he would leave here into four wheel drive so I could drive to a remote pasture and rescue him if he gets stuck. Oh... gussie!! I'm not liking that thought at all. Being a through man, I get the full lecture as to how four wheel drive is different from my regular vehicle. I'm telling you... I get full instructions just in case I need to go for application. I guess I should be grateful, but I don't even like to think about having to get out.

It is at moments like this that my previous state of being single looks like a green pasture I left behind. What was I thinking??! I never had to worry about what was going to be required of me in terms of stepping out of my comfort zone. Snow... stay home. Ice... stay home. Sleet... stay home. I didn't worry about four wheel drive or rutted pastures. I didn't care about cattle getting fed. The only thing I needed to do was open the back door and shove Pumpkin's food onto the porch. Pumpkin, my cat, seems to like that about me. He comes to the door. I open it and put out the food. It is a regular happening, and I don't even have to leave the comfort of my house. I certainly don't have to worry about getting stuck.

After a good ten minute explanation of the mechanics of four wheel driving, I looked pleadingly up at Mr. and told him I had to leave the table... I felt nausious. I really did. I refilled my cup of coffee and headed for the living room for awhile to meditate on how I'd let myself get into this fix.

Oh... I did have the presence of mind to remind Mr. that he has a cell phone full of names of male friends who would probably love the drive in the snow. I suggested they might love to come rescue him if the need arises. He just looked at me... it was the look of pity bestowed on one who isn't quite bright, or one who has lots of training ahead. Personally, I'm going to go get on my knees and pray that Mr. doesn't get stuck and that I can stay home.

I guess I should share that Mr. has announced that when he gets back today we will go driving. Correction... I will drive. He wants me to get use to driving with four wheel drive. Isn't that just super of Mr.? Oh... gussie!

Towel Animals

Cruising seems to be filled with surprises. Since I'd never had the opportunity to travel to by ship, I was in for a few surprises that I'm sure the seasoned traveler knows all about.

I was certainly surprised when we returned to the cabin on our first night aboard and found a cute animal sitting on our turned down bed. It was made of two towels. I quickly took a picture and set it aside to enjoy for awhile.

The next night, we returned to our cabin, and there was another animal. I guess I'm not much of a super sleuth, but I decided at that point that I might just expect something different on night three.
Sure enough, each night the towel animals appeared and I took a picture. I began to wonder how on earth the towel animal fairy had time to scurry around the cabins each night leaving towel critters. Of course I know there is no towel animal fairy!!!


At any rate, I thought I needed to share these delightful critters with you.



How do you like the little elephant?? Cute!!





Keep scrolling... more coming.







What about this guy?? Isn't he/she cute. I have no idea how to tell gender in a towel animal. I'm not going to spend any time worrying about that either.



Keep scrolling.



Come on... there is more


Toward the end of the week, a class was held on folding these critters. Of course... a towel folding instruction book was available for purchase. Of course.

Although I thought these were dandy additions to the bed each night, I really couldn't picture myself making these for guests. Therefore, I kept the pictures I'd taken and passed up the class and towel folding book. I hope I don't ever need to do that.
My favorite is coming!


Isn't this one a hoot?!
Life is good and sometimes just a little towel folding is better than throwing in the towel.

Death of An Ironing Board

Many, many, many.... many... years ago, I gave up ironing. I decided that all things permanent press was the way to go. I got rid of my then husband and the ironing at the same time. I was F R E E!

I have friends who continue to iron. Actually one friend irons everything.. napkins (mine are paper)... hubby's shirts, etc. I'm not too sure that she doesn't have handkerchiefs. Surely not! I'm probably stretching it at that point.

I've kidded her through the years about all the ironing she does, and she is patient enough to explain that men's shirts look better if pressed. I have to admit that I agree on that point.

When I said 'I do', I guess I also took up ironing by default. I hadn't thought about it at the time, but ironing seems to come with men's laundry. So, I became the dutiful wife and took out the ironing board and iron. I've tried to hum or think little happy thoughts as I iron those shirts. Perhaps I should say 'press', not 'iron', as getting shirts to look good now isn't at all what it once was. The fabric lends itself to less wrinkles and a better speedier press.

I was happily (liar, liar) pressing away on Mr.'s shirts yesterday when the ironing board collapsed under me. Seriously. Thankfully I had the iron in hand, so didn't have to worry about it falling to the floor. I couldn't believe that my trusty ironing board had taken to keeling over during work. What was wrong with it?

I turned it over and found a mangled twisted and separated crossbeam (That's what I'll call it... I don't know what it's really called). It had flat dab given up and died on me. There is no fixing it. It just quit. So... I lovingly placed the remaining ironing where I can find it again this year, and have taken to grieving for my loyal trusty ironing board. Seriously... I'll just have to go get a new one. I wonder if they make ironing boards now days. I guess I'll find out. Hi ho, hi ho, a shopping I will go... for a trusty ironing board.... hi ho, hi ho. In the meantime... I CAN'T iron. So sad.

Fall Tree Color

The weathermen have gotten out their doom and gloom machines and are talking all kinds of ugly coming our way. I hope they are wrong, and I'm going to try to ignore it for as long as possible. In all this cold and dreary stuff going on at the present, I decided to think back on the colors of fall. I must have a red warm color thing going on in my mind as was in this same mode yesterday with a red sky.

When fall comes around, I feel driven to get out and run around town to snap tree pictures. There are some wonderful displays of God's paintings around at that time. I guess I should run back and take a picture of this tree right now. It doesn't look like this, but would have a different kind of artistry.

I offer this for your enjoyment. Don't think ice, freezing drizzle, snow or cold winds. Relax and think about the warm hues of fall... reds, oranges, and yellows, and somehow I hope you feel warmer inside. If it helps, go for a cup of hot chocolate too.

Okay.. tomorrow I'm going to have to get away from the color theme and come up with something more entertaining. I will, I promise... Tah Dah

Red Sky in Morning

Before you get scared, I DID NOT take this picture this morning. It was a few months ago, but I really think it is pretty. I remember that old saying about 'Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky in morning, sailor take warning.' This was morning. I figured it was going to be a fright of a day. My memory doesn't serve me well as to what actually happened, but I just had to run outside as the sun was coming up and snap the sky. I loved the texture and color range.

I did send this photo to a local TV station for their weather pics. It was shown after some time, and wouldn't you know.... I missed it. I'd rather hoped they would have told me they were going to show it, but no such luck. I guess that is what I get for missing a broadcast. It was the first pic I'd ever sent in to a station. Anyway... I'll share with you now. Isn't that pretty??? What do you think?

A Present for Right Back

I-Needa took up painting last summer. She had seen one of the teaching programs on PBS by Jerry Yarnell and loved his work. I found out that he had a workshop fairly close by, so off I-Needa went for a two day workshop. She loved it.

After that, it was paint, paint, paint. We put our hints in for Christmas presents and good old I-Needa picked up on it and painted like crazy. Each of us received a lovely gift of her time and talent. Here is Right Back appreciating his Christmas present.

I-Needa is still working through the Jerry Yarnell learning series and having great fun with it. I believe she will go to another workshop this next summer.

Personally, I think she has talent. I'm really encouraging her to keep up the good work and develop her talent. We need to put our hints in early if we want another round of paintings for this next Christmas. Paint, I-Needa, paint!!

I decided to add another picture of the picture.... a little more up close for your examination. I love this picture! So does Right Back! (Click on the picture and see it bigger!)

Christmas Gift From My Hubby

Mr. and I agreed this year that we wouldn't get each other anything for Christmas. We'd just had a wedding and were leaving shortly on a Caribbean cruise. That seemed enough. We agreed.

Of course, I couldn't stand it, so had picked out some little something for him... Jelly Bellies... a fairly good size box as had seen him buying them once upon a time. I figured that would be okay and he would like them.

He didn't seem to hold with the agreement either as there was a package from him to me under the tree. I wondered what my new husband had picked out for me. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside to know that he'd done a little shopping for me too.

The moment of truth came when the wrapping came off to reveal a lovely new fencing tool. That's right.. a fencing tool. He was so proud. Uh-huh. Proud. He quickly told me what a wonderful tool it was, and that it really was a good one. Impressed? Well... I'm thinking one of us has a lot to learn. Never had I expected a pair of pliers designed to help in assisting my new husband with fences. He is such a thoughtful guy.

I've learned since then that the value of the gift depends on perspective. I have mentioned this gift to others. Men seem to think it is a wonderful gift and that I should really be impressed with it. My women friends just laugh. Me? Well... I'm not so sure. I'm really trying to appreciate the fact that at least it is an excellent quality tool. Have I used it yet? Are you kidding? Am I going to use it? We will see. I'm not betting on that one way or the other yet.

I have had the presence of mind to show Mr. a little respect about this whole gift giving thing. I don't want to inhibit his need to share with me. I tried to give back as was given and have told him that he is really going to like his new kitchen mixer when it comes. Enough said! Tah Dah!

On Closer Inspection

I’ve discovered that Mr. isn’t as concerned with lovely scents as I am. I don’t mean that he doesn’t like things to smell nice, but I don’t think he is at all impressed with my selection of soaps, etc.

I realized the soap pump in the bathroom was running low, but was leaving it there to get the last little bit out of it. Mr. came out with pump in hand asking how to put more soap in it. I explained that he was to throw that one away and select one on the top shelf in the cabinet under the sink.

I listened intently wondering if I’d pushed the pumps back behind other things. That would involve Mr. having to sort and move things. I really didn’t like the thought of that. I heard a few small noises coming from the area. I’d really tried to keep my mouth quiet and assume that Mr. was capable of securing and opening a new soap dispenser. However, my anxious moments and not hearing any success report coming from Mr., I couldn’t stand it another minute. I asked.

Me: ‘Say, have you found anything?’

Mr.: ‘Yes.’

Me: (Wanting a little more information) ‘What flavor did you choose?’

Mr.: ( Making a few comments to himself... like ‘phew... phew...’ The door opens and Mr. emerges to have a face to face with me in answering my question.)

‘Well, I think this is Beef Clementine’.

Me: ‘Beef Clementine?’ ( I knew I’d selected some really nice sounding scents, and for the like of me, I couldn’t imagine a Beef Clementine. Who ever heard of a Beef Clementine scent? I realize he is a cattle rancher, but this is carrying things too far.)

Mr.: (Secures his glasses from the dresser for closer inspection of the label. I think he had his own doubts that anything could be named Beef Clementine.)

‘Oh... it says Deep Cleansing.’

Me: ‘Ha ha ha ha ha ha!’

What more can I say? I think that says it all!

Yep... glasses can be helpful. Tah Dah!

If you feel this is not complete unless you know the true identity of the scent, it was Warm Vanilla Sugar. I doubt anyone every carries a Beef Clementine.

Christmas Vacation

I'm doing a little thinking about this past December. The calendar squares were full of things to do, and the three top items were wedding, Christmas, and cruise.

The dreams of a white Christmas came all too true for our area of the country, and even the Christmas Eve church services had to be canceled due to ice and snow. It was bone chilling cold, and far less romantic that the wistful tune.

However, thanks to that wonderful Mr. of mine, we left in ice and snow and spent the week following Christmas cruising the Caribbean. It almost makes me envious of myself! There was food! Oh, my... the food! It was wonderful and always available. It was warm, mostly. I'd packed both for a little cooler weather and some warmer days. I didn't wear a coat! No coat!

We left from Galveston and visited Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. Of course, I have a ton of pictures and will share. While in port, I finally got far enough away from the ship to get the picture above. What a floating city! It was the first cruise I'd taken, and a very nice experience. (Yes, I got the motion sickness patches and never had a problem.) Coming back to more ice and snow emphasized the nice little respite I'd had from the winter winds and icy chill. I loved it. Bless that Mr.!

What Not to Say When Buying a Wedding Ring

I’ve told this little story in person to some of my friends in the presence of Mr., whom I may refer to here as ‘The Offender’. The results are an instant visible separation drawn firmly along the lines of gender. Read it, and select your own response.

We had traveled to Nearby City to pick up wedding rings. We’d picked them out and left them to be engraved. I have to admit feeling a little strange, and things were even beginning to feel a little final. Having a concrete reminder in my hand that I was really going to say ‘I do’ for the rest of my life was in some aspects a tad overwhelming. However, I collected my thoughts, and decided to focus on this with a romantic eye.

The lady clerk at the jewelry store brought out our rings. I discretely paid for Mr.’s gold band. Then I tried to edge away a bit and let him alone while he paid for mine. I thought that was the thing to do. That is when I heard what he said to the lady as he started to pay his bill.

I distinctly heard him say, (Here is where he turns into The Offender), and I quote, ‘I’m tax exempt.’ With that he retrieved his billfold from his pocket, flipped it open, and nicely presented a card to the lady behind the counter. She smiled and replied, ‘I’m sorry sir, but that isn’t honored here. That’s for agriculture.’

This man, The Offender, smiled and said.... (Are you ready for this.. brace yourself!) ....I really heard him say, ‘Well, she is going to be part of my herd.’

It was at this moment that the very air seemed to be sucked from the jewelry store and the gender line was drawn. A woman in the store came charging over to him and gave him a small piece of her mind. I’m sure she had more that she could have said, but she did make a statement. The Offender called out for the jeweler to come save him, but being smarter than that, the jeweler stayed hidden from sight.

I know The Offender has a sense of humor. He does. I was wondering if this wasn’t stretching it a bit. I wasn’t at all sure I liked this less than romantic theme of being part of a herd. Too bad I’d paid for his ring, I thought. Trust me, he has heard about the herd from me.

Yes, I’ve told this story to friends. The reaction largely depends on gender, and is best told in mixed gender settings. There is the loud instant laugh. Guess which gender laughs. The other is eye rolling and an open mouth. I’ll bet you can guess that too.

I’m not sure if The Offender has secured his place in history with this comment or not. I’m thinking there is something about it that is classic. He may just win an award for it, but I’m not sure exactly what kind of award it would be.

At any rate, I think the votes are in that this isn’t what you should say when buying a wedding ring.

Major Changes

You might say that I’ve been away for awhile... around six months. It couldn’t be helped. Well.... perhaps it could have been helped, but life got too busy and things too hectic. I just had to sit back awhile and remain silent. I did get a bit of criticism from friends who didn’t like me leaving on a note of Bad, Bad, Bad. That wasn’t positive at all.

To make a long story short... New Man (Ranch Man) and I continued that dating stuff, and now are married. Yep.... married. I may now just call him 'Mr'. I just couldn’t bring myself to write a continuing saga of dating. However, married life is another thing, and I’ve found new blog fodder in everyday life. Yep... Mr. has rolled his eyes and thinks I should stay away from blogging. I think he suspects that he might be a topic of conversation. Imagine that! I, on the other hand, am seeing things from an entirely different prospective.

Perhaps I need to reintroduce myself since I’ve been away for so long. I’m a gal who has lived a happy fulfilled life in small town America. I love small towns. There is something quaint about them. Togetherness is a given. Everyone knows your business. Seriously... almost everyone. While that may seem restricting to some, it also provides a strong sense of community. People are there, and they care.

I guess I have to admit that I’m a senior citizen. I don’t always admit it, but have been known to whip out my Senior Discount card on Mondays for a 15% discount at Alco, and again on Wednesdays at our local grocery store. The rest of the days I’ll not admit my age. I just like to think of myself as timeless... ageless... just beginning.

The truth is that I retired from teaching in the public school system almost six years ago. It was at the end of 2004. I’d spent thirty-seven years of my life with elementary age children, and I’d enjoyed those years. I’d thought I’d see forty years of teaching, but one day I looked in the mirror and gave myself permission to start another phase of my life: retirement. I must say that I’ve really loved that phase. I have a theory that each phase of life has something unique to offer, and we might as well enjoy each one to the fullest.

I have a daughter, whom I call I-Needa on my blog. Of course, her name isn’t I-Needa. I picked that name up from the fact that we both have a habit of starting conversations with ‘I need a .......’ We laughed about that a number of times and her Internet name was born. I-Needa has followed in her Mother’s footsteps of teaching. She still loves it.

My son, whom I call Right Back, lives in Small Town. He drops in often to see me and often starts some project for me. Then he sails away with the parting words, ‘I’ll be right back.’ Right. I usually don’t see him for awhile as he is busy elsewhere. I’ve seen it as a pattern and am somewhat suspicious of it.

Mr. is my love interest/ new husband. Mr. and I have known each other for years. Actually, we dated way back when we were both young/ single/ never been married. (Ah, how sweet!) Mr. hasn’t retired. (Thankfully!) He is fully involved in his passion, ranching. I like a busy husband as he is off and away during the day and I have my own personal space. Perhaps that doesn’t sound good, but it sure feels good. I think everyone needs some space to do their own thing, and I’ve been doing my own thing for too many years to count. I can’t just give that up and be ready for a husband to be hanging around the house 24/7. That just wouldn’t make my life complete. I’m fairly sure that he wouldn’t like it either.

Ranching is a new thing for me. It is a way of life. That should probably be in capital letters... emphasized... drawn out... W-A-Y O-F L-I-F-E. It is new to me, although I’ve lived in cattle country all my life. So, here is a senior citizen woman suddenly thrust into the W-A-Y O-F L-I-F-E of ranching. It is an understatement to say that I’m receiving more than my share of comments from the People of Small Town about ranching. The men seem most interested in my adaptation. I’m starting to recognize the glint of mischief in their eyes as they formulate some timely advice to give me on my new role as rancher’s wife. Example: While in the grocery store last week (not on a discount day), a local man grinned and told me to be sure to feed the cattle early on Thursday morning so I’d make it to the retired teachers’ meeting on time. ( Chuckle, chuckle.) I ran into him again on aisle 7 with his wife. He chuckled again and told his wife what he’d said to me on aisle 3. Gotta love it. Really...

Somehow turning me from a senior citizen school teacher retired person into an active ranch wife is going to be something of a transformation. I’m not sure how that is going to work, but I think some are going to try.

Wherever this new life takes me, and whatever it brings, it is new. I’m back and enthusiastic. I have new things to say. So....please come back. I'll try to be a better blogger. Really