Last night we defrosted the freezer – which was a little past due – as part of the Big Empty. We don’t want to try defrosting it on the wood floor in the living room! And the ice chests in which we put the food while working on the freezer are going to be put somewhere out of the way for the duration. We are running out of places to put things, but not so quickly out of things to put. Teresa and Benjamin are doing wonders. Brother DLC wants to start Thursday – tomorrow!! – I think ‘we’ can be ready. ?
His plan is:
Thursday & Friday - demolition and prep
Monday - get materials
Tuesday - Friday: rough work and installation.
Monday - Tuesday: Finish.
Wednesday: Clean Up
This is interesting. I am on call for Jury Duty starting Monday - the day Brother DLC wants to get materials. Hopefully, they won't need me Monday!
Brother DLC is Mr. Mom to their baby girl while his wife teaches. I think that he will be bringing her with him and that Teresa will care for her.
Add to the fun – today Benjamin starts dog-sitting Tuffy (an Australian Shepherd who was one of my Anna's first friends) for 3 weeks. Demolition – dogs – baby – the kitchen stuff all over the house. Aren’t you sorry you are missing this?!
I was talking to one of the supervisors about needing time off to go out with Brother DLC and get materials – told her about the Church helping me – and the gal by whose cubicle we were talking got all interested. She has mentioned to me before that she used to have some affiliation with the Church. So today she told me that 10 years ago when she was going through a divorce and hard times the Church helped her. She told me she used to help work with Emergency Preparedness. She started to remember some good feelings about the church and said she might want to go back and visit but doesn’t even know what ward she is in. I said, “Oh, that’s easy!” and directed her to Mormon.org. She was putting in her address when her phone rang and she had to actually work. I went back to my cube, but,I am hoping that little seeds are trying to sprout and seek the light. (does that count as a missionary experience? I hope so!)
I am glad you came by to visit. I would enjoy hearing from you.
"Guardian of the Sea" by Nicky Boehme
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Big Empty
I came home after work last night to find the dining room had become a staging area. The table was folded up against the wall, the chairs folded in the front room. Miscellaneous kitchen goods stacked along the dining room wall. A portion of the family room has become a temporary pantry.
Yesterday morning, a couple of brethren from the church came over to look at the kitchen. They expressed surprise that it had not been emptied out! My daughter-in-law was surprised that they were surprised and told them that we had no idea of a time-line. She spent the rest of the day working on the Big Empty. As soon as the kitchen is empty, we call Brother De La Cruz and he starts tearing out the floor!
We plan to move the stove around the corner from the kitchen to the dining room on the opposite side of the wall. David is trying to figure out where we can plug in the freezer and the fridge without overloading the circuits – probably one in the front room next to the fireplace where the bird/aquarium used to be and one in the dining room. We think we are going to be using disposable plates, eating more sandwiches, foil dinners (fewer dirty pots!), BBQ (yum) and cold cereal for awhile. We will likely set up our dish washing station for the unavoidables on a folding table on the patio.
I am so glad that David and Teresa are here to help. Help?! Teresa and Benjamin are basically doing all the getting ready. David helps me figure out stuff and will help with the actual work.
It is going to be ‘interesting’ for a while. But, oh, not to have a rotten floor and rotten cabinets!
It isn’t easy picking flooring, counter tops, etc. I am not a natural designer. I am not really good at imaging the possibilities. And I certainly have not had not much practice!
Even the sink - I think I want a double size sink. What you see on display is mostly double sinks making me think that they are more popular. I think if I have one big sink, but I want two smaller sinks, I use dishpans. What do you do if you have two sinks, but want one big one? Like when I am doing a turkey?
I want flooring, etc that looks and ‘feels’ clean when it is clean. Too many things that supposedly hide dirt, never seem clean. There is no joy in cleaning them.
I want light, bright and airy. I had thought I would like to have the look/feel of being by a stream, but I don’t have any idea how I would do that. I am probably going with light tan/cream color floor – similar in color to the bathroom. In fact, I am quite pleased with the bathroom and may also use the same blue or in the kitchen. What color the cabinets? No idea yet. Medium/light wood? White? Cream?
What is available and not very expensive and what my benefactors want will be big factors, but I am paying for probably most of the materials and they do want me to like it. I need to go out shopping with them soon.
I am so excited at the idea of having a decent kitchen!
Yesterday morning, a couple of brethren from the church came over to look at the kitchen. They expressed surprise that it had not been emptied out! My daughter-in-law was surprised that they were surprised and told them that we had no idea of a time-line. She spent the rest of the day working on the Big Empty. As soon as the kitchen is empty, we call Brother De La Cruz and he starts tearing out the floor!
We plan to move the stove around the corner from the kitchen to the dining room on the opposite side of the wall. David is trying to figure out where we can plug in the freezer and the fridge without overloading the circuits – probably one in the front room next to the fireplace where the bird/aquarium used to be and one in the dining room. We think we are going to be using disposable plates, eating more sandwiches, foil dinners (fewer dirty pots!), BBQ (yum) and cold cereal for awhile. We will likely set up our dish washing station for the unavoidables on a folding table on the patio.
I am so glad that David and Teresa are here to help. Help?! Teresa and Benjamin are basically doing all the getting ready. David helps me figure out stuff and will help with the actual work.
It is going to be ‘interesting’ for a while. But, oh, not to have a rotten floor and rotten cabinets!
It isn’t easy picking flooring, counter tops, etc. I am not a natural designer. I am not really good at imaging the possibilities. And I certainly have not had not much practice!
Even the sink - I think I want a double size sink. What you see on display is mostly double sinks making me think that they are more popular. I think if I have one big sink, but I want two smaller sinks, I use dishpans. What do you do if you have two sinks, but want one big one? Like when I am doing a turkey?
I want flooring, etc that looks and ‘feels’ clean when it is clean. Too many things that supposedly hide dirt, never seem clean. There is no joy in cleaning them.
I want light, bright and airy. I had thought I would like to have the look/feel of being by a stream, but I don’t have any idea how I would do that. I am probably going with light tan/cream color floor – similar in color to the bathroom. In fact, I am quite pleased with the bathroom and may also use the same blue or in the kitchen. What color the cabinets? No idea yet. Medium/light wood? White? Cream?
What is available and not very expensive and what my benefactors want will be big factors, but I am paying for probably most of the materials and they do want me to like it. I need to go out shopping with them soon.
I am so excited at the idea of having a decent kitchen!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
some kind of Kook
Sometimes when I think about all the bad things happening the world – and there are PLENTY – I feel so overwhelmingly sad. And helpless. And frustrated. I am convinced that most of our problems, including natural disasters, would be greatly reduced by people accepting and living the gospel of Jesus Christ. Say THAT out loud and you are considered some kind of ignorant, bigoted, severely out-of-date, religiously fanatical KOOK. Modern, scientific, intelligent, educated people would never believe such a thing. Which leaves me with little hope that things are going to get better any time soon. In the meantime, so many innocent suffer. Oh, for the day when the Prince of Peace reigns in righteousness and the earth can be at ease!
Another thing that I have trouble with is separation of church and state. Particularly my desire to be a witness of Christ at all times, and in all things, and in all places. A couple problems there - One (the big one which make number two harder), an acute awareness of my weaknesses which make me a poor example. People are not knocking each other over to ask me the secret of life. Two, evangelizing is frowned upon on the job. It is certainly no secret that I am a Mormon, or member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but I cannot go around asking the Golden Questions or (as I tried once during the Christmas season, but got reproved) have Pass-Along cards on the front desk (where I then sat). and as I said no one is beating a path to my cube (if I only I didn't have problem number one!). Across the walkway from me, is the cube of a Free Will Baptist Minister. We recognize and appreciate each other’s Christianity. He often proclaims himself as a minister. People do come to him. He does minister at work. I feel jealous and inadequate. “Oh,” I think, “he is offering you some of the good fruit of the gospel, but he doesn’t have the whole meal.” I am glad for the good work he does, touching hearts and counseling, but I rather wish I could give him a little competition. That’s not really what I mean, but maybe you understand. I wish that I could share the blessings of the restored gospel. I cannot very well interject myself and tell them, "Hey you are missing some really important things here." It would not be well taken.
Besides, Eli is, truth be told, both more educated and more self-assured. I would not do well.
Any words of wisdom or advice?
Oh, I know, you are going to tell me to rely on the Spirit. Either I am hard of hearing (too often too true) or He hasn't had much to say to me about this lately.
Another thing that I have trouble with is separation of church and state. Particularly my desire to be a witness of Christ at all times, and in all things, and in all places. A couple problems there - One (the big one which make number two harder), an acute awareness of my weaknesses which make me a poor example. People are not knocking each other over to ask me the secret of life. Two, evangelizing is frowned upon on the job. It is certainly no secret that I am a Mormon, or member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but I cannot go around asking the Golden Questions or (as I tried once during the Christmas season, but got reproved) have Pass-Along cards on the front desk (where I then sat). and as I said no one is beating a path to my cube (if I only I didn't have problem number one!). Across the walkway from me, is the cube of a Free Will Baptist Minister. We recognize and appreciate each other’s Christianity. He often proclaims himself as a minister. People do come to him. He does minister at work. I feel jealous and inadequate. “Oh,” I think, “he is offering you some of the good fruit of the gospel, but he doesn’t have the whole meal.” I am glad for the good work he does, touching hearts and counseling, but I rather wish I could give him a little competition. That’s not really what I mean, but maybe you understand. I wish that I could share the blessings of the restored gospel. I cannot very well interject myself and tell them, "Hey you are missing some really important things here." It would not be well taken.
Besides, Eli is, truth be told, both more educated and more self-assured. I would not do well.
Any words of wisdom or advice?
Oh, I know, you are going to tell me to rely on the Spirit. Either I am hard of hearing (too often too true) or He hasn't had much to say to me about this lately.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Timmmmmberrrrr!
Saturday, July 31, was not a particularly good day for me. I felt so overwhelmed with all the things I should do that I was simply paralyzed hardly able to do anything (isn’t that helpful) and burst into tears repeatedly for no good reason. That distressed Benjamin and concerned Teresa. I personally did not accomplish much. I was going to mow the lawn, but the battery had not charged. While I was out there, a friend of neighbor Gene (Duch’s old house) offered to cut down the tree and cut it into firewood for $100. It is down now and a lot of it is cut up. Pretty much all over the front yard. More needs to be cut up and the branches that are too small for firewood need to be cut down small enough for city pick-up. I was gone when they left. Benjamin paid him. He said he will come back today. If he doesn’t, we can probably handle it and I still got a pretty good deal. But I do hope he takes care of those branches in the street! Of course, now we cannot mow because there are tree parts all over the yard. In fact, it was bit interesting get the bike out. I had to carry it. Joseph always carries his because he doesn’t want to get dog doo on his wheels.
– Wednesday we moved the pieces small enough to burn in the fireplace to the backyard along the fence and the pieces that need to be split or cut down to the supposed to be garden area along the fence next to Mrs. Fabiano’s drive way. I think Bro. Brown has a splitter I can ask to borrow. I need to buy or borrow a chain saw.
There was a huge pile of branches from the tree in front of Mrs F’s house. The tree guy and Gene across the street from Mrs. F said the city will pick it up, but that's not what the city people told me. The city has extra street pick up 8 times a year – during leaf season or something – with size limits. Nothing scheduled until October. Other than that one can call for special pick up – for a a charge. If the pile was only 3x3x6, it would cost me $60, with the price going up sharply. It is more like 10 feet high, more than 3 feet wide for sure, and pretty much the length of her yard. If you ask the city to send out someone to give a cost estimate, they will give you a deadline to get rid of it if you don’t agree to pay the fee. The gal I talked to thought it might be 24-48 hours. Great. I was worried about what we could do. I thought I could maybe drag it all on to my drive way – that would take some time!!! - and take a year filling my yard can every week – if I had a way to cut it up.
Wednesday evening Teresa, David and Joseph smashed down the stuff in the yard containers for our house, Mrs F and Gene and added more tree trimmings. There was still a very big pile and we figured we would be filling yard containers again immediately after pick up. I just hoped that the city wouldn't come after me before we were able to work it down.
Well, we don't know what happened, because I did NOT ask for a pick up nor for an estimate, but said we were going towork something else out. However, Thursday morning a city truck and claw team came and took the street pile. Now I await to see if I get billed for it.
Friday, July 30, 2010
progress, sometimes slow, but progress
As of my commute home tonight, I will have 280 bicycle miles for July.
Speaking of my head hurting. I have been having a little headache and nausea since my bike crash Monday, I think. Teresa asked me how I was doing this morning as I was running behind getting ready for work and acting mildly stressed. I felt fine! No headache, no nausea. My purple-y bruised thumb base on my hand is looking better. My knee (just below the knee, actually) is scabbed nicely. I am on the mend.
Sister S (Scout Committee Chair) has approved Benjamin’s project proposal on-line, so he just needs to get it to her to sign on paper. Then he needs to get signatures from Effie Yeaw Nature Center
Also, between now and then, the Priests have their Super Activity – going to Yosemite for most of a week. They are going to climb Half Dome. Benjamin can let us know what to expect. ; ) They are also going to do service for the park and general guys in the wilderness stuff.
My Bishop is looking into having the ward help me with my condemnable wreck of a kitchen! Makes me cry. That would be so wonderful!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Weather Watch
I was a little anxious going into the weekend.
I knew that there was change in the wind and I was unsure how much of a storm there might be. Like so many others, my son, David, and his wife, Teresa, have been unable to find work since graduating from Cal Poly. My daughter, Debi, who has her own home offered to let them stay for a bit while they get on their feet. Unfortunately, in the month they have been there, she found that the loss of privacy and added stress of extra people (no matter how much she loves them) aggravated personal health issues she has been fighting. I knew she was going to tell them they cannot stay any longer and I was not sure how hurt or upset they might be. To the credit of all involved, they had a calm conversation with understanding, caring, and mutual respect all around - from all reports I have gotten.
David and Teresa will be staying in my family room - or maybe - the cluttered office/craft room for a couple of weeks while they sort out other options. I wish they could stay with the boys and I for the duration, but I am not their best option. Sadly for me, it is quite likely that they will be staying in her father's spare room down in LA. He is as excited about having them close as I was and as I am disappointed to see them go so far so soon. But I am glad that it is PROBABLY not going to be farther. Texas is also being considered.
I am proud of how my kids handled a potentially difficult and sensitive situation. Good people.
I knew that there was change in the wind and I was unsure how much of a storm there might be. Like so many others, my son, David, and his wife, Teresa, have been unable to find work since graduating from Cal Poly. My daughter, Debi, who has her own home offered to let them stay for a bit while they get on their feet. Unfortunately, in the month they have been there, she found that the loss of privacy and added stress of extra people (no matter how much she loves them) aggravated personal health issues she has been fighting. I knew she was going to tell them they cannot stay any longer and I was not sure how hurt or upset they might be. To the credit of all involved, they had a calm conversation with understanding, caring, and mutual respect all around - from all reports I have gotten.
David and Teresa will be staying in my family room - or maybe - the cluttered office/craft room for a couple of weeks while they sort out other options. I wish they could stay with the boys and I for the duration, but I am not their best option. Sadly for me, it is quite likely that they will be staying in her father's spare room down in LA. He is as excited about having them close as I was and as I am disappointed to see them go so far so soon. But I am glad that it is PROBABLY not going to be farther. Texas is also being considered.
I am proud of how my kids handled a potentially difficult and sensitive situation. Good people.
Lights, Sirens, Fire Trucks
Safely back at my desk after an emergency evacuation. It was real, but pretty much a false alarm. Two rumors right now 1) burnt popcorn on the 11th floor (I am on 10) or 2) something a construction worker did.
First we had to go to the 5th floor, which I dislike. I do not feel necessarily safer on a different floor and it upsets the 5th floor workers who have not been evacuated. It is uncomfortable standing around in the hall.
Happily (or unhappily because it meant they were really serious), they soon sent us out to the park on top of the GS (?) building across the street. Much more pleasant! We had fire trucks.
Happily (or unhappily because it meant they were really serious), they soon sent us out to the park on top of the GS (?) building across the street. Much more pleasant! We had fire trucks.
Like I said, I am safely back now and about to go check my lunch which I had just put in the microwave (No, that is not what caused the evacuation)
The important thing is, that these things always remind me of 9/11, how much I love my family and want you to know it. So, let me tell you again. I really do love my family and my many very good friends.
<3
First Crash (and hopefully the last)
Good bike in this morning - up to a point. I left a little later than I like, but had good biking in - hit the lights right, got a good rhythm going, and made great time. Until just about to my building where I cross the light rail tracks. I was looking towards the crossing I would take next, watching for peds, light poles, the back of the light rail train and adjusting my angle toward a good open space - forgetting I was just crossing the tracks. Hit at considerably less than perpendicular, the track grabbed my tire, and I went down! Hard. With my foot stuck between the pedal and the tire. Fortunately, I mainly hit on the very narrow grass strip between the tracks and walkway. Fortunately, kind people were immediately there helping me. A nice man wearing a Cal Fire shirt got my foot free. A nice lady picked up my scattered things. My bike appears undamaged. My right knee is skinned, but my left hand and right elbow which were also main impact points, although sore, did not break skin. So while mildly embarrassed and a little shaken and anticipating some bruises and residual soreness , I am not greatly worse for wear.
Note to self and other bikers: always cross tracks completely perpendicular!
First crash commuting to work, not my first crash ever. My dog crashed me last time I tried biking and running her. The running part went fine. Stopping was an issue. I did, she didn't.
Note to self and other bikers: always cross tracks completely perpendicular!
First crash commuting to work, not my first crash ever. My dog crashed me last time I tried biking and running her. The running part went fine. Stopping was an issue. I did, she didn't.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
A Lean and Hungry Look
Benjamin made me breakfast this morning. ; )
I mowed the lawn, did some errands.
Including going to Michaels for black cardstock and for some black and white paper to make notecards to give my boss. I had better get going on that little project! Yesterday (?) I dug out several stamp sets I might use. Today I got cardstock. So far, it all just sits on the "dining" room table, somewhat to Benjamin's frustration. Tomorrow is D day.
Looking at the craft supplies at Michaels made me miss Stampin'Up. I like Stampin'Up's stuff and the prices are very competitive (especially as I got a 'mother' discount!) Ruth isn't officially off the books yet, but it is only because so many of us did our last order when she announced she was quitting that it made her quota to stay in another quarter. We cannot keep doing that. (Drat!)
Benjamin and Joseph went with their Dad to see The Hubble at IMax and go to the State Fair. When I first heard about that, I planned to go with Anna to the coast for the late afternoon and evening.
That was before Naomi!
Instead I spend a couple of hours at the hospital. Ruth (and Naomi and Tom) have a private room. I think all the maternity rooms at Kaiser South are private now. They have a chair that makes into a cot for the Dad.(Not real comfortable according to Tom) When I arrived, Tom's sister Heidi (who has Esther and Jared until Ruth comes home) was there with the kids and most of her family - spouse and 2 of 3 children (I am pretty sure). Esther was snuggled up against Ruth. Jared was sitting at her feet holding Naomi. After a bit, Tom's folks arrived. For a short while there were 10 visitors there! The official rule is 3, I think, but the nurses are pretty lenient if Mom and baby are doing ok. I think everyone got a turn holding Naomi except Heidi who didn't mind because she got to hold her a long time yesterday. Heidi had brought Esther and Jared to see their baby sister before Hinds let any other visitors come Friday. Jared has great big brother/daddy instincts! He seems to love to hold Naomi and does so very competently. He is amazed by how little she is, but not frightened by it. Esther is less comfortable holding her and seems to need more reassurance about her place in the family. She will be fine. She is a good big sister to Jared. They are great friends.
When it was time for Naomi to eat again, everyone was politely shooed out, but Ruth let me stay. Afterwards I got to hold Naomi for a long time. Like Jared, I am amazed by her tiny perfection. When you think about this little creature being inside another not so large person and getting out without a zipper, she might seem pretty big. But when you look at her as a complete, perfect little person, she is so tiny! She is born already with the eggs with which she will conceive her children! (Plus a million or so) Isn't that amazing?! Babies are miracles. This one is particularly sweet and beautiful.
I had promised Anna some time together. It was a good bit late for a trip to the beach, so we took a short walk along the American River. Lots of people enjoying the river! When we got away from the people and found a place where the trail was right at the bank, I took Anna off lead and let her go down for a quick dip. A few Canadian geese watched warily, but without great concern. Back on the trail, I kept Anna on lead. Good thing, too! Heading back while Anna was excitedly checking out the brush where a hare had disappeared, I noticed another animal out of the corner of my eye. Too big for even a large hare, too small for a deer. What? I moved and looked again. Coyote! Not a terribly healthy looking one. Not that I actually KNOW what healthy coyote looks like, but I think not that. Very, very lean and rough looking. I was not quite sure if it was looking for the rabbit or Anna. As Anna and I moved on, I saw it again, or a second one, going along parallel to the trail in the brush not far from us. A bit further on, I turned around and there it was on the open trail definitely following us and not all that many yards behind us! Not as much as the length of my front yard. Twice I stopped and moved back toward it (threateningly, I hope) and told it "Sorry! not your dinner! Go away!" The second time, it was a bit further back than the first. Each time it only slightly turned away, with a snarly face. I felt both compassion and a little nervous. I am sure that if Anna was loose, despite her being a good bit bigger, Coyote would have decided it was feast time, especially if there were two of them. As it was, it even crossed my mind to wonder how hungry a coyote would have to be to attack a person. Anna only seemed slightly interested showing no inclination to investigate or to flee. I was not "scared" but I was happy to get back to the sounds of happy people frolicking at the water's edge.
10pm No boys back yet. Soon I suppose. Do you think they will have tried any of the exotic foods at the fair like alligator or python or chocolate-bacon what ever it is or deep fried twinkies?? Hopefully not just before going on any rides!
For me it is dreamland, however fitful it may be until my chicks, young cocks really, come home to roost.
I mowed the lawn, did some errands.
Including going to Michaels for black cardstock and for some black and white paper to make notecards to give my boss. I had better get going on that little project! Yesterday (?) I dug out several stamp sets I might use. Today I got cardstock. So far, it all just sits on the "dining" room table, somewhat to Benjamin's frustration. Tomorrow is D day.
Looking at the craft supplies at Michaels made me miss Stampin'Up. I like Stampin'Up's stuff and the prices are very competitive (especially as I got a 'mother' discount!) Ruth isn't officially off the books yet, but it is only because so many of us did our last order when she announced she was quitting that it made her quota to stay in another quarter. We cannot keep doing that. (Drat!)
Benjamin and Joseph went with their Dad to see The Hubble at IMax and go to the State Fair. When I first heard about that, I planned to go with Anna to the coast for the late afternoon and evening.
That was before Naomi!
Instead I spend a couple of hours at the hospital. Ruth (and Naomi and Tom) have a private room. I think all the maternity rooms at Kaiser South are private now. They have a chair that makes into a cot for the Dad.(Not real comfortable according to Tom) When I arrived, Tom's sister Heidi (who has Esther and Jared until Ruth comes home) was there with the kids and most of her family - spouse and 2 of 3 children (I am pretty sure). Esther was snuggled up against Ruth. Jared was sitting at her feet holding Naomi. After a bit, Tom's folks arrived. For a short while there were 10 visitors there! The official rule is 3, I think, but the nurses are pretty lenient if Mom and baby are doing ok. I think everyone got a turn holding Naomi except Heidi who didn't mind because she got to hold her a long time yesterday. Heidi had brought Esther and Jared to see their baby sister before Hinds let any other visitors come Friday. Jared has great big brother/daddy instincts! He seems to love to hold Naomi and does so very competently. He is amazed by how little she is, but not frightened by it. Esther is less comfortable holding her and seems to need more reassurance about her place in the family. She will be fine. She is a good big sister to Jared. They are great friends.
When it was time for Naomi to eat again, everyone was politely shooed out, but Ruth let me stay. Afterwards I got to hold Naomi for a long time. Like Jared, I am amazed by her tiny perfection. When you think about this little creature being inside another not so large person and getting out without a zipper, she might seem pretty big. But when you look at her as a complete, perfect little person, she is so tiny! She is born already with the eggs with which she will conceive her children! (Plus a million or so) Isn't that amazing?! Babies are miracles. This one is particularly sweet and beautiful.
I had promised Anna some time together. It was a good bit late for a trip to the beach, so we took a short walk along the American River. Lots of people enjoying the river! When we got away from the people and found a place where the trail was right at the bank, I took Anna off lead and let her go down for a quick dip. A few Canadian geese watched warily, but without great concern. Back on the trail, I kept Anna on lead. Good thing, too! Heading back while Anna was excitedly checking out the brush where a hare had disappeared, I noticed another animal out of the corner of my eye. Too big for even a large hare, too small for a deer. What? I moved and looked again. Coyote! Not a terribly healthy looking one. Not that I actually KNOW what healthy coyote looks like, but I think not that. Very, very lean and rough looking. I was not quite sure if it was looking for the rabbit or Anna. As Anna and I moved on, I saw it again, or a second one, going along parallel to the trail in the brush not far from us. A bit further on, I turned around and there it was on the open trail definitely following us and not all that many yards behind us! Not as much as the length of my front yard. Twice I stopped and moved back toward it (threateningly, I hope) and told it "Sorry! not your dinner! Go away!" The second time, it was a bit further back than the first. Each time it only slightly turned away, with a snarly face. I felt both compassion and a little nervous. I am sure that if Anna was loose, despite her being a good bit bigger, Coyote would have decided it was feast time, especially if there were two of them. As it was, it even crossed my mind to wonder how hungry a coyote would have to be to attack a person. Anna only seemed slightly interested showing no inclination to investigate or to flee. I was not "scared" but I was happy to get back to the sounds of happy people frolicking at the water's edge.
10pm No boys back yet. Soon I suppose. Do you think they will have tried any of the exotic foods at the fair like alligator or python or chocolate-bacon what ever it is or deep fried twinkies?? Hopefully not just before going on any rides!
For me it is dreamland, however fitful it may be until my chicks, young cocks really, come home to roost.
A Very Good Day
I expected Friday to be a very difficult and sad day because it was the day we had Liz's good-bye luncheon. Most of us in her unit and a few others wore black or black and white because those are her signature colors. Some of our people were dressed up very nicely. A small tribute.
Lunch was not the emotional affair I expected it to be. There were 20 or so of us, not just Liz's unit. There were several people from the department she was in before she came (back) to our unit and she sat mostly amid them. We were fine with that because we were going back to the office with her. They were more full of happy memories and less full of separation anxiety. No emotional good-bye speech. She would only say, "Thank you for coming."
Most of the day we kept to business and only lightly touched on our impending doom. When I left, Liz was in conversation with someone who used to be in our unit - mostly joking about the joys and trials of grandparenthood. Not nearly as traumatic as Thursday when I checked out and said "Good-night, Liz" as usual, then went through the office door, closed it, and started crying. Monday we will have potluck treats for Liz's last day. It will be hard to leave Monday.
Except Liz is going to go on Facebook and we will get to be her friends.
3 things made Friday a very good day.
One, the gulf oil spill was capped and the cap appeared to be holding. At last! It isn't the end of the trouble, but it may be the end of it getting worse.
Two, Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Patrick Marlette ruled against state workers being paid minimum wage - at least for now.
Three, the BEST thing that happened Friday was the first thing. At 0015 Naomi Elisabeth Hinds was born. 7 pounds 11 ounces, 20 inches. A beautiful little angel!
Early Thursday Ruth had wondered whether she was feeling 'real' contractions. Shortly before 8:30 in the evening she was admitted in the hospital. Tom texted us when she was admitted, when they broke her water around 11, and not long after Naomi was born. (Thanks, Tom!) Ruth only had to push about 10 minutes.
After work, the boys and I went over to Debi's where David and Teresa were making pizza. We ate some with them, then took some to the hospital for the Hinds.
Each of us got to hold Naomi. So little and sweet. And very pretty. Naomi has dark hair. My first brunette grandchild. At least for now. I wonder if her hair will go light as so many children's do and then go dark again. She was very quiet. Ruth and Tom say she is pretty mellow.
It was already my bedtime or later when we went back to Debi's and watched "The Jensen Project" - well, I watched most of it. I was asleep before it was over. That little nap made me safe to drive home.
Lunch was not the emotional affair I expected it to be. There were 20 or so of us, not just Liz's unit. There were several people from the department she was in before she came (back) to our unit and she sat mostly amid them. We were fine with that because we were going back to the office with her. They were more full of happy memories and less full of separation anxiety. No emotional good-bye speech. She would only say, "Thank you for coming."
Most of the day we kept to business and only lightly touched on our impending doom. When I left, Liz was in conversation with someone who used to be in our unit - mostly joking about the joys and trials of grandparenthood. Not nearly as traumatic as Thursday when I checked out and said "Good-night, Liz" as usual, then went through the office door, closed it, and started crying. Monday we will have potluck treats for Liz's last day. It will be hard to leave Monday.
Except Liz is going to go on Facebook and we will get to be her friends.
3 things made Friday a very good day.
One, the gulf oil spill was capped and the cap appeared to be holding. At last! It isn't the end of the trouble, but it may be the end of it getting worse.
Two, Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Patrick Marlette ruled against state workers being paid minimum wage - at least for now.
Three, the BEST thing that happened Friday was the first thing. At 0015 Naomi Elisabeth Hinds was born. 7 pounds 11 ounces, 20 inches. A beautiful little angel!
Early Thursday Ruth had wondered whether she was feeling 'real' contractions. Shortly before 8:30 in the evening she was admitted in the hospital. Tom texted us when she was admitted, when they broke her water around 11, and not long after Naomi was born. (Thanks, Tom!) Ruth only had to push about 10 minutes.
After work, the boys and I went over to Debi's where David and Teresa were making pizza. We ate some with them, then took some to the hospital for the Hinds.
Each of us got to hold Naomi. So little and sweet. And very pretty. Naomi has dark hair. My first brunette grandchild. At least for now. I wonder if her hair will go light as so many children's do and then go dark again. She was very quiet. Ruth and Tom say she is pretty mellow.
It was already my bedtime or later when we went back to Debi's and watched "The Jensen Project" - well, I watched most of it. I was asleep before it was over. That little nap made me safe to drive home.
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