Sunday morning. January 31, 2010

Hi, Everyone,
Man has it been cold! Single digits and windchill below zero! Goodness!

Hubby got a cold week before last and I was hoping to avoid getting it but started with it last Monday. It stayed in my head for four days and by Thursday night, it worked its way down to my bronchial area. I had to see the Doctor on Friday for my blood results, and he went ahead and prescribed an antibiotic so I don't get into pneumonia as I have before. I feel better this morning, but still coughing.

I've been really busy with grant writing and meetings. Much to do and take care of.

My computer guy was out here on Sat. and put in a new modem for my computer and cleaned up my hard drive with unnecessary programs on it. It does run better now. Sure wish we could get DSL around here! Dial-up is so slow and inconvenient.

Callie-kitty is so much fun! She and Tigger play all the time when they aren't napping of course. Callie sleeps with us and she curls up under my chin and my arm. She is really developing a personality. When she first arrived here, Tigger would grab a hold of her and pin her down. Now Callie is getting bigger and she is able to get Tigger down! Callie is going into the vets on Tuesday morning to get spayed. Also she is going to have those extra ear flaps removed below her left ear, and a little thing growing on her left lower eye rim. Not sure what that is, but it does fold into her eye. It doesn't seem to bother her, but it could grow and be a problem later on. Might as well get it done while she is under the anesthetic.

Most of the major bookstores I had book signings over the last years have reduced book signings dramatically. So, with my author friend, Joyce Bishop Morris, we are going to the the craft events in the surrounding areas. I did one last year in Massillon, (going back May 1st.), and it was very successful.

I have been blessed of late as I still hear from readers about my books. This always gives me a boost and I am so grateful my books are still being read and passed on to others to read.

Much to do today inside so I better get to it soon. Father-in-law is coming down today as usual. He will be pleased with the soup I made. Vegetable beef barley. Very good. (I made Chicken Noodle soup the a couple weeks ago. I always try to send some home with him.)

One great thing is happening. The days are getting longer and it doesn't get dark now until after 6 p.m. So spring is around the corner! It can't get here soon enough!

Take care, be blessed, stay safe, and thanks so much for stopping by.
Until next time,
Becky :)

Sun. morning, January 17, 2010

Hi, Everyone,

We are having a heat wave (40+ degrees) and all the (14 inches) of snow is melting away. The melting snow at the east end of the house is making a little river into the pond. The pond is overflowing on the south side. The change of water is good and supplies more oxygen to the pond and the fish, but goodness, what a lot of water! I just hope the liner doesn't rise up again because of the meltdown. The fish will be scrambling for space. Then if it freezes again, uh-oh!

Callie-Kitty and Tigger-Digger are having a ball together. They sleep well at night but at 4 a.m., they are wanting their baby food, and dry food, and then it is all out play for a couple hours until it is nap time again. Callie is growing and getting stronger every day. She and Tigger go to the basement each night when hubby makes the fire in the fireplace and play down there too. I will be getting her spayed as soon as she reaches 5 pounds. I have an appointment this week for her third inoculations and if she is 5 pounds or over, I will make arrangements to have her spayed before she comes into heat. The vet will also have to remove the extra two ear flaps growing below her left ear.

I had some women in my WISH Group recently. They were arrested when the hubby called the police. It should not have happened. They are the victims. I hope this gets dismissed for both of them and they can get on with their lives. It is not fair. I wonder at times if the police are really educated in what has taken place and who to really arrest. Do they take the time to listen to the woman and what has happened? Can they not see she is fearful and devastated by what has taken place? Do they not see how anxious and upset she is because either she found out he was cheating on her or she had had it with his constant control of her life and this was just another tactic get back at her or show her who is in control? Then there are the children. The totally innocent ones having to witness all of it. They are so torn apart by it all and don't understand or have a clue what has happened or why.

Enjoy your day. Lift your face to the sun and feel the warmth. Be glad you are alive and count your blessings everyday. Some women in violent and abusive situations don't even have the desire to get out of bed in the morning. They are caught up in a constant state of confusion...an endless emotional roller-coaster ride and cannot see any hope to escape.

Take care,
Thanks for stopping by.
Becky :)

January 4, 2010 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Well, the company left last night and is heading back to Iowa early this morning. Then returning to Nebraska after dropping the kids off in Iowa. Brother-in-law is divorced so he does a lot of driving to see his teenager kids. He is a very loving, caring, and devoted father to them. They have a very good relationship. They are fun kids. They love to try and beat me at pool, and at Euchre! Doesn't happen! I cooked endlessly for the last two weeks with the holidays and return visits of company, but hubby made his delicious spaghetti yesterday and of course it was a hit with everyone.

Callie-Kitty is doing well. She is growing quickly. She and Tigger play at different times of day. Zip, rip, chase, wrestle, hide-and-seek, attack mode, all of it. They even have been napping together on the chair or back of the chair.

I threw my back out three weeks ago on a Saturday and it is slowly getting better. I really aggravated my two herniated discs when I stepped in a hole out by Clara's box. But, yesterday was the better of days since it happened and my Chiropractor has helped me once again tremendously. I am so glad he is close by. I'm going in today at some time and get another adjustment and therapy. Probably after work before I head home.

Heading into work this morning. Lots of snow coming down these last few days and even right now and into the week. Not a lot of accumulation presently, but it all adds up after a while! It has been very cold also. We had 2 degrees above zero yesterday morning. BRR!

Take care, be safe, and I wish for you a very good and healthy 2010.

Becky :)