Ramble On

Left of Moderate

2012-02-13T20:55:00.000-08:00

I admit it, I am to the left of moderate although I seldom vote a "straight ticket". I voted for Barack Obama last time and it looks like I will do so again. I might actually have been able to vote for Mitt Romney if he voiced the same opinions he did several years ago. I even voted for Ronald Reagan. I guess I would be called an "issues voter".

I have reached the age for Social Security and Medicare, so guess what, I earned them and I need them. I support a woman's right to choose although my personal choice is to birth a child and think adoption is a wonderful choice. It is not an easy choice, but one that I believe should be between the woman and her doctor. I believe that contraceptives should be available, either to prevent pregnancy or treat disorders such as PCOS. I believe that Planned Parenthood provides important services to improve women's health. I have had medical tests done there.

I believe the "Citizen's United" decision was a mistake. I am impressed by Ben & Jerry of ice cream fame and their "Get the Dough Out of Politics" campaign.

I believe that the country needs tax reform now, not later.

I believe that trickle down economy has not trickled anywhere because of the "dams" that were built to keep the wealth within the "1%". I believe in the old adage "you have to spend money to make money". Spend money on road repair, rail development where it is logical, bridge replacement, etc.

My definition of "separation of church and state" does not include government legislating religious values. I support "gay marriage' (oh, how I hate that phrase) or civil unions and the rights that they give the partners, including the right to adopt.

Each of these beliefs can be argued against, but these are deeply held beliefs and I see no way that I will change them. I will not argue politics. It serves no purpose. People to the right of moderate believe their beliefs as strongly as I believe mine.

No name calling or insults.

This Is The Year That Was

2011-12-25T15:48:00.000-08:00

2011 started out just fine. As usual, I was comfortably in the house while the ball dropped in Times Square. When vacation ended, I went back to work, again as usual. Well, not as usual. I didn't want to go back. The handwriting was on the wall for me. I looked forward to every day off and every weekend, frustration was simmering. Had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend in Brown County, Indiana where we celebrated my grandson, Evren's second birthday. The pot boiled over on June 10th when I decided at 8:10 AM that it would be my last day. With four hours of personal time, the day ended at 12 Noon for me. I turned in my keys & phone and retirement began.

Ten days later, my second grandson, Milo, was born. I have made the drive to north of Detroit twice since then. Early in August, we had a family reunion. It was there that I was told that I would be a grandma for the fourth time. I was called aside and shown a picture of a sonogram on my son's cell phone. Tears and congratulations followed.

September came and went. October saw my granddaughter Angie's 6th birthday, my 67th birthday and the second trip to the Detroit area. In November, I became a statistic with the occurrence of a home invasion. I wasn't hurt and things can be replaced. I was more pissed than anything. I have to admit to being somewhat paranoid for a time. Two by fours braced the doors for awhile. Door alarms were purchased and installed.

I have started volunteering at the animal shelter (PAWS) and am thinking about a couple of other volunteer opportunities. Money is tight, but I am not going without anything I need or really want and am grateful that so far I don't have to work. I am enjoying retirement. I have picked up a crochet hook for the first time in years and nearly always have a project going.

It took several months for me to stop waking up early as if I had to get ready for work, but that has passed and now I can easily sleep in!

As Christmas draws to a close, I reflect on just how much I have to be grateful for, and it is a lot. I have settled into a "life of leisure" and look forward to the birth of my fourth grandchild (another girl, by the way). I truly count my blessings as I look forward to 2011. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Why Did I Wait So Long

2011-10-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

There is a little store front not far from home. I have driven past it numerous times but never stopped. It is now on my list of places to check out now and then. Second Time Around Consignment Shop is located just south of the corner of Prospect and McClure. It is cluttered with all sorts of things! I found several items to add to a couple of my collections and saw numerous items of interest that I didn't need. It was a fun visit.

I went home and rounded up a few items from the basement to take back to the shop and try to sell on consignment. I refuse to invest the time to have a garage sale, so this is a viable option.

If you haven't been to Second Time Around, it is certainly worth a visit. They have been in business on that corner for 20 years.

Garbage

2011-10-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

So, the City of Peoria is considering raising the "garbage fee" to $14.00 a month. It is not a lot of money and I have not complained about the $6.00 fee, even though I do not like paying it, but this is ridiculous! If taxes (I believe the fee is a tax) need to be raised, I would rather see a small increase in property tax than increasing the garbage fee. Raising the garbage fee seems like the coward's way out. "Gee, people won't vote for me if I vote to raise taxes". Well, I for one, won't vote for any councilperson who votes to raise the garbage fee. With a small increase in property tax folks in $200,000 houses and roll out three toters of garbage each week would be paying their fair share.

I don't want to be forced to buy a particular toter either. I have one that is the perfect size for my single-person household. The huge ones from PDC will not fit between my vehicle and the house. Some of us who live in the older neighborhoods have very narrow driveways. I had one of their brown toters to begin with, it did not fit without moving a vehicle. The old green one from Waste Management was shaped a little differently and would barely fit, but it did.

To sum it up, I will be looking at how the votes go on these issues. Those votes (along with the museum and the "wonderful development" will help determine how I vote in the next council elections.

And Life Goes On

2011-08-07T16:41:00.000-07:00

It has been almost two months that I have been retired. Although I quit without official notice, I have been telling people for the last couple of years that when the time came, I would toss my keys on someone's desk and be done. That is exactly what I did! There is a real sense of sadness when it comes to my former place of employment. For the most part, I loved my job, but the "social worker" part of me had difficulty finding a balance with the "business" part of me. It was always difficult to hear public perception of my place of employment and not being able to defend it with reality. Truth often has nothing to do with reality as people on the outside see it! Some of the publicity since my retirement has been true, some has been half-truth, some has been conjecture and some has been downright false. But, that's the way it is. I can't change it. All I can say is that I have no regrets in retiring. I spent over nineteen years in their employ and I decided to leave "my way". I am not good at good-bye scenes.

Before I decided to leave, I had frequent thoughts of a woman I used to work with. She retired and came back to work, retired again. Shortly after that, she became very ill and passed away. I did not want to follow those footsteps!

I will be sixty-seven in a couple of months. I am healthy and have things I want to do, places I want to go and people I want to see. This was truly brought home this weekend when I attended a family reunion. This was the first one in probably 25 years. Attendance was small, but that didn't matter. Family was together! Maybe there will be more that will be able to come next year. We looked at family history and old photographs. We talked old times and future time. We laughed! We loved!

My son, my daughter, their spouses and their kids - does life get any better. It very well may, but for now, I am content. No regrets and the future looks bright. I am one happy Grandma!

The Deed Is Done

2011-06-10T15:46:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me or has read this blog, knows that I either think about a decision for a long time or I make one in the blink of an eye. In this case, I did both! I have been mulling it over for several years. Yesterday, I decided to move forward. This morning I checked to see if I had any personal days left. I had 8 hours of personal time left. At that point, the decision was complete. I took 4 hours of personal time and entered the world of a retiree at 12:01 P.M. I turned in my cell phone, my fob for the doors, left my keys behind and said my farewells to a few people. No potluck or plaque on a clock for me.

Had more than enough available in the Home Equity loan to pay off the car and have a very manageable payment. So now, my Soul is paid for! Will have to take a couple of months to see how I do - living on Social Security. I don't have expensive tastes, but I am used to getting something if I really want it. May need to think about a "stress-free" part-time job for the "I want, but don't need" things. That would be OK.

I have lots of projects to keep me busy and new things to learn! Excited to begin this next phase of this adventure called life. Yippee!

Say Something Good

2011-03-31T05:26:00.000-07:00

There are plenty of people who complain and fire nasty comments back and forth. Some cannot seem to find one good thing to say about some people and have difficulty finding something good to say about Peoria. I am also guilty of falling into "bitch, moan & complain" mode. Wonder what would happen if we all became solution focused? What would happen if we welcomed newcomers to the neighborhood, regardless of their economic status and how their rent is being paid? What would happen if we all picked up the litter around our homes? How would it look if we all got involved in the Great American Cleanup this year? (By the way, that is on April 16th this year.) How full would the room be if we all attended our local neighborhood association meeting? What would the world be like if we looked at every individual, rather than at their disability, skin color, nationality or religion? What would the life be like if we stopped looking for excuses and started looking for solutions. Unless I can identify how I am part of the problem, I can never be part of the solution. I need to work on that!

Because they can!

2011-03-23T05:19:00.001-07:00

I am glad that the link to retrieve my forgotten password at PJ Star does not work. I would probably regret any comment I might make today. I know that most intelligent people do not give much credibility to some of the consistently negative commenters, but that is beside the point. At least two of the comments on the story concerning the City Council voting against the low-income, elderly development proposed for the corner of Sheridan and War Memorial Drive contained misleading inuendos.

Some how the PHA Board was put in the mix in one of the comments. The PHA had nothing to do with this proposed development. It is not their development. Peoria Opportunities Foundation was working with the developer, not the Peoria Housing Authority. Seems like numerous locals think every low to moderate income development in the city is under the PHA. Not true folks!

Another commenter showed real lack of knowledge concerning a Internal Revenue program that encourages banks and large corporations to make investment in low income housing in exchange for a credit toward their corporate taxes. Tax Credits are issued to the states by the Internal Revenue Service and development projects enter into a very difficult competitive process to be granted these tax credits. Once granted, they are sold to various corporations or syndicators that represent corporations that get the credit over a period of years (normally 10 years). Without the Tax Credit Program, corporations would be paying much higher taxes than they are (which could lead to moving companies off-shore) or they would find less worthy loopholes to avoid the taxes. The program is not the direct flow of Joe Citizen's tax dollars into low income housing.

Rant over!

They Did It Again

2011-02-25T04:24:00.000-08:00

http://www.pjstar.com/news/police/x1040068272/Arsonist-strikes-Bigelow-Street-for-second-time-this-week
Bigelow is not in the East Bluff.

Where To Go From Here

2011-02-11T15:46:00.000-08:00

Although I said I would not blog about retirement, I must admit that I have changed my mind. A woman's prerogative, you know. I have reached the age where I can retire. I wouldn't mind retiring, but I would mind not working. I seem to need somewhere to be at 8:00 AM. I just want to do something different. Never was someone who knew what they wanted to be when they grew up. I still don't. I worked a couple of jobs for 10+ years, a few for much less and have been where I am for 19 years. As a youngster I was taught to never leave a job unless you have a job. I guess I learned it too well! Between Social Security and annuity payment, finance isn't the issue. My sanity is the issue.

Will work for minimum wage (although I would prefer not to) at a low stress job that I could walk away from at the end of the day and not be concerned about until the next day. Does such a job exist?

In the meantime, I know where I will be at 8:00 A.M. on Monday.

My Age Is Showing

2011-01-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

I remember listening to the words that were so inspiring and I remember exactly where I was when I heard the sad news just two short years later. But the words have never left me and have had an impact throughout my life. It is not often that a few words have had the impact that those few words had. The message is as valid now as it was then. Maybe even more so if you consider not only the conflict within the world, but also internally within the U.S.A. Maybe we should revisit these words from 50 years ago.

Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You speech
Inaugural Address by John F. Kennedy - January 20th 1961

Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens, we observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom - symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning - signifying renewal, as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.

The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe - the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.

We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans - born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage - and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

This much we pledge - and more.

To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do - for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.

To those new States whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom - and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.

To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required - not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge - to convert our good words into good deeds - in a new alliance for progress - to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbours know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.

To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support - to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective - to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak - and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.

Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.

We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.

But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course - both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war.

So let us begin anew - remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.

Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belabouring those problems which divide us.

Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms - and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.

Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.

Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah - to "undo the heavy burdens -. and to let the oppressed go free."

And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavour, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.

All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1,000 days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.

In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.

Now the trumpet summons us again - not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are - but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation" - a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.

Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shank from this responsibility - I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavour will light our country and all who serve it -- and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

Neighbors

2010-12-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

Blizzard? Well, not quite - at least not in the city, but still, cold and windy. The temperature had dropped a degree and it seemed that the wind had died down for a bit. I figured that it was as good a time as any to get some shoveling done. I brought a shovel up from the basement and went to put the coat, hat and gloves on in preparation. I looked out the front door and saw that one of the young men from The Children's Home' facility (Endeavor) next door had almost finished shoveling my driveway! As I went to work, another youth came out and asked if I needed help. I thanked him and said I was fine. A few minutes later, another youth came out and offered to salt the drive. I thanked him and said that I had plenty of salt in that I had stocked up early.

Endeavor, and the many boys who have made their home there, have been my neighbor ever since I bought this house. These may be (or have been) troubled youth, but over-all, they have been great neighbors over the years. Thanks, guys!

A Blogger Yet?

2010-11-30T15:15:00.000-08:00

I can hardly call myself a blogger anymore. I really wish I could. Facebook, groups, forums, twitter, Linkedin have all taken over. I have accounts in "networking" sites that I never even go to. I look around me and see all sorts of issues that I could write about, but I just don't seem to have the motivation. Crime in the streets - plenty of people write about it. East Village TIF proposal - I went to the meeting last night and can see both sides, so I am still arguing with myself on that one. Economy - yeah, it sucks pondwater, but what's new? So one out of 8 Americans are receiving SNAP (new name for Food Stamps), someone will go on a stereotypical rant about "those people". Museums, hotels, etc. - seems I have lost that battle.

Crazy drivers - well maybe that is worth a post now that we have to get retrained for winter driving. I learned to drive under the motto of "watch the fool driving the car behind the idiot in front of you". That has served me well for some 50 years. I can't change other drivers, but I can drive defensively.

I have written about my conflicted feelings in reference to retirement - that's old news. I don't write about work anymore and I don't think family likes me to write about them, so that limits my options.

I have told the saga of the home improvements - down to four glass block windows in be basement and I am done with the house (at least the outside), the yard (new fence) and garage (siding, door & roof). I don't want to belabor that again.

Christmas shopping is done and my wireless mouse is driving me nuts. Are those worth a new post?

Where Is Eye When You Need Him?

2010-11-10T18:52:00.000-08:00

I tend to be careful of when and where I go in the neighborhood. I have never been threatened and other than a window being broken, have not been victimized, but.... This has not been a good week in the East Bluff. Normally, I am one of the first to defend the neighborhood and say that it is not as bad as public perception. I still believe that to be true, but this has not been a good week in the neighborhood. Sexual assault in Glen Oak Park Sunday night, robbery at the local Dunkin' Donut Shop, robbery on North Indiana and murder at the Big K. I know I missed some events, but these are the ones I noted on the PJStar site this evening. It has been relatively quiet in the neighborhood for awhile, so this really makes me mad.

I figured that "Eye In The Sky" would beat me to the news, but he didn't. I thought it only fair that I mention the problems we have had this week. I am not oblivious to the problems in the neighborhood, but I still have hope and I do not plan on leaving!

Success!

2010-09-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

I am talking personal success. Success at work is defined by others. I'm talking winning a battle in an ongoing personal war. I have lost and gained myself numerous times over my lifetime. There were issues when I was in grade school that had me crawling in a hole and trying to fill the hole in my spirit with food. In 4th grade, I was kinda skinny. By the end of 5th grade, I was one of the heaviest girls in the class. For some reason back then (in the olden days), the teacher weighed the kids at the end of the year. It was the only grade I remember them weighing us in. I remember the number, 128 pounds. Not bad for an adult, not good for a young kid.

I yo-yo'd for many years. I starved myself while going to Weight Watcher's so I would not have a gain any week. Did the same thing in TOPS. No taking off pounds sensibly for me! I couldn't have a weight gain in front of people! I'm too competitive for that.

And I had new holes in my spirit to fill.

Through chemo and radiation, I lost about 30 pounds. I needed to loose them, but, good grief, what a way to do it. With that good head start, I kept on going. Adkins' Diet, South Beach Diet, a combination of the two, the cabbage diet, etc., etc., etc. I dieted back down to 128 and looked like death warmed over. It was a psychological milestone for me. I felt good, but looked gaunt.

I started eating again, sensibly at first. Gained a little and stabilized for a couple of years until I gave in to the carbohydrate addiction that I have struggled with for most of my life. One won't hurt, will it? If I could have stuck with "one", I might have been O.K., but that is not how addiction works.

I had donated most of my larger size clothes, and I am talking plus size here. I was a regular at Lane Bryant, Catherine's and plus size departments everywhere. It was such a thrill to be able to shop in the "regular" size department. When I fit into a pair of size 2 slacks from the Gap, it approached an orgasmic experience. Never in my adult life had I done that.

Time passed and finally it was time to donate the "skinny" clothes that I could no longer wear. Figured I would never be "that size" again. I saved a few items that have been hanging in the back of the closet for a couple of years.

I didn't panic until I stepped on the scale and the needle stopped on a number that I had never wanted to see again. Then I went into a tailspin. I have dealt with most of the holes in my spirit, that wasn't it. That damned sugar addiction was winning again. Time to get real with myself and get back in charge.

I had been going out to eat Sunday Breakfast almost every Sunday. That had to stop. I pretty much stopped going out to dinner too. That had become a Friday night event. An occasional candy bar, a couple of donuts....what the heck! Well, the heck was reaching that number I never wanted to see again.

I have gone back to what I know works for me. Breakfast in the morning (cereal with fresh fruit, some juice), lunch (usually a salad with maybe a slice of melon) and dinner (grilled meat - heavy on the fish & chicken or fixed in the slow cooker and green veggies) and snacks (fresh fruit, pork rinds and mini rice cakes).

I reached my goal! I have pulled the clothes from the back of the closet and they fit. There is a weigh range I want to stay in and a BMI that I want to maintain (a few 10ths one way or the other). I have no clothes that need to be donated because "I will never be that size again".

I don't know if this will be my last battle with the sugar addiction or not. I know I have lowered the "number I never want to see again".

Eating Good In The Neighborhood

2010-08-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

I took the day off for a Dentist appointment and had the opportunity to meet some friends for lunch. Opening day at the Hick'ry Stick was the chosen destination. There was a steady stream of customers during the hour that we were there. I hope the business is a great success. I have lived in the East Bluff long enough to remember when the brick building at the corner of McClure and Atlantic was the local coin laundry!

The food at the Hick'ry Stick was really good. No one complained about the food or the prices and we all went away stuffed. I really must go back for the peach cobbler - it looked yummy! This business can serve as an invitation to come to the East Bluff for people who talk about the area but rarely visit. The Hick'ry Stick certainly is a locally owned business worth supporting!

East Bluff Good News

2010-08-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

For all that is said in the media, I still love the East Bluff! My house is taking shape, my yard is taking shape, the garage is next on the list and I have new neighbors behind me. I met them yesterday as they were out cleaning up their back yard and getting the weed trees out of the fence line.

They trimmed and they piled and they swept up the mess that they had trimmed along the last remaining vestige of sidewalk that once was the "Public Walkway". They even reattached a portion of fence that now has the trespassers seeking a slightly different route. For all the naysayers concerning rental property, I may very well have gotten some of the best neighbors I have had in a long time and to top it off, they are Section 8 Voucher holders. There is no broad brush that paints everyone alike

It was such fun to watch people approach their usual path, only to turn around. Yesterday, a young male walked up to it, looked intently then retraced his steps. He then walked three houses back up Republic and cut through there. This means that he still walked along my property, but a little further away from my fence-line.

Message to the East Bluff: Keep your spirits up and don't give up! Keep the lights on, I'm staying!

Old Houses

2010-07-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

For quite some time, the water pressure in the bathroom has not been what it should be. I decided to get it repaired. My "handyperson" thought it would be a fairly simple fix. Replace the old galvanized horizontal pipes with some nice shiny copper ones. Not so fast here! Those were replaced with little improvement - in fact no improvement. It got worse! So now, it is time to try to replace the vertical water lines that run up to the second floor. Part of a wall in the basement stairway has been removed along with some pipes. Part of the kitchen ceiling will most likely have to be removed to make the necessary turns and fittings. As it stands right now, I have no water in the bathroom!

Good thing I have plenty of buckets. Water to flush the stool sits in buckets close by. I will have to carry hot water from the kitchen sink for a bath. No such thing as a shower tonight or in the morning. I do not like washing my hair in the kitchen sink, but I will make an exception until I have running water in the bathroom.

The handyperson and the assistant handyperson will be here tomorrow after work. Hopefully they make good progress.
Demolition is underway!

Just never know what you will find when you try to make repairs to an old house.

Random Ramblings

2010-07-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

Peoria Public Schools - District #150: Please re-open Woodruff High School as Would Be Rough Alternative School. Select the most difficult students from the remaining high school and the upper middle school grades, about 150 to 200 from each school. Staff Would Be Rough appropriately with qualified Behavioral Disorder and other special education teachers. Design a highly structured, well supervised, secure in-school suspension room so that suspension or expulsion is no longer a treat. The remaining students at the "Home Schools" would actually have an opportunity to learn without threat and the students at Would Be Rough might actually modify some destructive behavior and be educated in spite of themselves.

Peoria Landlords - Please treat every property you own as an important business in the neighborhood in which it is located. Everything you do, from selecting your tenants to improving your property increases the value (or decrease its' value) of that business. If the neighborhood improves because of your property, the value of your business also goes up. There is more to consider than move 'em in - move 'em out - get the check - keep the deposit! There are good landlords, don't get me wrong, but the others..... If your business is the worst house on the block, you should be ashamed and be put out of business.

Respect - Treat others the same as you want to be treated. If you do not want to hear my classical music or country music at full blast, please don't play your Hip Hop so loud that it rattles my windows. Do not walk through my yard if you would not want me walking through yours. Do not damage my property if you don't want me damaging yours - even if it is just breaking off my flowers or littering my yard.

Parenting - There is more to being a parent than producing offspring. The inner city is victimized by Urban Terrorists - unsupervised youth of various ages that think nothing of threatening adults, carrying weapons, robbing individuals / businesses or bullying other youths. As much as I want to blame the youth, it is their parents who are really at fault. Not that every little Urban Terrorist is the result of bad parenting, but many are. Parents should know what their kids are doing, supervise their activities, be involved in their education, know who their friends are and enforce discipline. Be a parent not just a hatchery.

Look for the positives - As difficult as it is sometimes, look for what is positive and try to make it even better. There are good parents, there are good kids, there are good landlords and there are good schools. I try to recognize these facts and not get so caught up in the negatives that I fail to see the good things. It is just hard sometimes.

The Fence

2010-05-06T18:01:00.001-07:00

The "Public Walkway" between Frye Avenue and Republic Street was closed in June of 2007. In that process, the City of Peoria "gave" me an additional eight feet of ground at the back of my lot. People of all ages that walk in the East Bluff seem to think that nothing has changed except there was no concrete sidewalk anymore. They continued to walk just as before, until now. I have never been a fan of chain link fence, but this five footer doesn't look too bad. The old lot line was at the back of the two trees shown here. I have slowed the traffic down, but have not been able to stop it - yet.You see, the owners of the rental property beside and behind me show no concern for the safety of their tenants or the neighborhood. If they did, they would fix or replace the fences that are on their properties. The picket fence behind the house next door has many missing boards and therefore allows people to trespass through the yard and the yards of the houses facing Republic. As you
can see, there are several gaping holes in the fence. Pedestrians, bicycle riders,
and even a jerk with a noisy gas powered mini-cycle trespasses back and forth -
through the fence and the yards (private property) on either side.

Part of receiving the eight feet of ground was that property owners maintain it. Yeah, right. The owner in the picture does take care of the land he received
back, but the property behind me is a totally different situation. Weeds, scrap
trees, downed branches, split tree that will fall from gravity or a strong wind.When it does, it will land on the roof of the homeowner next door. No one cares except for that homeowners. Below is part of the view in back of my
fence. Maybe the fact that I sent these photos and a few other to peoriacares@ci.peoria.il.us may help rectify the situation. After all, Peoria spent a fair amount of money to take up the old sidewalk and put down sod.

I like my extra eight feet of ground and I love my five foot chain link fence!

A Matter of Time

2010-03-31T05:14:00.000-07:00

The East Bluff neighborhood of Peoria is an area struggling to survive. Many of us love the diversity of the neighborhood and have made investments in our homes. We plan to stay. Unfortunately, the actions of a few keep the neighborhood in the news and gives the city a perception of the neighborhood that is far worse than reality.

That being said, I arrived home last evening to the sound of sirens. That is not an unusual sound. I thought about going out to the street to see if I could tell where the sirens were headed, but didn't. It was later that I learned of the shooting down the street that took the life of the clerk at the Peoria Food Stop on the corner. Sad, but not surprising.

Those of us who live near the store have complained since "Day One". We celebrated when the store closed while the owner was out of the country and were saddened when it re-opened. It became a magnet for those who like to loiter and "hang out". The patrons of the store increased the amount of litter in the area. The owner of the store tried to control the loitering and keep the area close to the store clean. He painted over the graffiti that was placed on his building. Personally, I was in the store one time - and that was to complain about the negative impact the store was having on the neighborhood.

At this point, I do not know if the owner was clerking last night. He was often there. It is always sad when a life is taken, but those of us in the neighborhood knew "it was only a matter of time".

Still Kicking

2010-03-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

Fifth Tuesday of the month was alive and well at The Fieldhouse tonight! Glad to see that the blogging community has not faded into the sunset as many of the blogs I used to read have faded. Seems everyone is on Facebook. I know I spend too much time there and playing games. There are things I think about and care about, but I have not been motivated to write about them.

It was nice to talk to people about city council, county board, restaurants past & present, the demise of Peoria Times and challenge of the paper in Woodford County. We talked old jobs, new jobs and present jobs. And we laughed. Maybe, just maybe, the Blogger Bash has motivated me to write more.

Most of all, the evening was just plain fun and enjoyable!

Wherefore art thou?

2010-02-22T19:42:00.000-08:00

Spring, oh spring, wherefore art thou? I know you are a month away, at least according to the calendar. In my psyche, you are long overdue. Winter has given us just a few really cold days, but this snow is beginning to get on my last nerve. We "dodged the bullet" on a couple of predictions of really heavy snow, but it just keeps coming and does not seem to want to go away. I am really tired of looking at white ground cover!

Hurry Spring! You are greatly missed.

About A Month

2010-02-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

It has been a little over a month since I posted. The time has flown by. There has been snow on the ground almost the whole time. Other than a couple of days, it has been colder than I like. The stock market has been all over the place. I did my taxes and filed them electronically, all by myself. Both of my kids have had their birthdays and I made a trip to the Social Security office. Actually, I made two trips. The first to make an appointment and the second to have the appointment to ask questions. This Social Security thing is new to me. I am old enough for the Medicare Card (damn, I'm old), but not old enough for full benefits.

Still not sure what I am going to do when "retirement age" comes around. Work has become just that.....work. Until I draw my own SS, I can collect some from my second ex-spouse. That was a pleasant surprise. The idea of working and drawing SS is appealing. The extra money would make it easier to pay off the home equity loan (windows & siding). The sooner it is paid off, the less interest I pay. I like that idea!

I can't see myself sitting at home. I have never been the "Suzy Homemaker" type and I am not about to start now. 8:00 A.M. means that I should be somewhere. I guess I will do what I usually do. After all the "I don't knows" have been thought through, I will make a snap decision and deal with the consequences! One door closes and another one opens. Just don't know what door will close and which will open.....or when.

Flight

2010-01-02T07:54:00.000-08:00

After the attempted bombing of the inbound airplane at Detroit on Christmas Day, I wondered about how it would be flying into Detroit on 12/29. Even more, I wondered how it would be flying out of Detroit on 1/1/10! There was very little change leaving Peoria at 6:25 AM. Perhaps an extra security person or two, but otherwise the only change was the need to show the boarding pass as I walked through the scanner and again to the crew when I boarded the plane.

I don't know how screening went for international travel, but leaving Detroit was a breeze. There were several more security personnel than usual, but they were just standing around (observing, I am sure). There was no need to be at the airport two hours before flight time. The almost non-existent line at security moved quickly. The only difference was the request to place the shoes on the conveyor belt rather than in the plastic tub. Again, the flight crew checked the boarding pass. They did count passengers and compare passengers to their flight list.

I did not notice any hesitation on the part of fellow travelers on either flight. I still love to fly and will take advantage of any opportunity to hop a plane!

I Will Return!

2009-12-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

A block northeast of Spring Street on Adams Street (1420 N.E. Adams, I think) there is a new restaurant that opened recently. In fact the "First Dollar" on the wall is dated November 9th. Several restaurants have opened in that location over the years. I remember when it was Art's and they had a good "down home" breakfast buffet. Usually, a new place would be closed by the time I decided to stop in. Not so, this time. Mel's Cafe was my breakfast spot today. I must say that I was delighted! Good food, reasonable prices and decent coffee. Coffee was even included in the cost of the meal. That alone is pretty rare anymore.

A very large pancake, 2 eggs (cooked as I requested), two sausage patties and the never empty cup of coffee - $5.45 including tax. Mel's is clean and fresh. Diners have their choice of table, booth or counter dining. The staff is the friendliest that I have come across in a long time and certainly added to the enjoyment. Open from 6 AM to 2 PM seven days a week, Mel's Cafe is a great addition to the Near Northside. It is close enough that I may even have to try it for lunch soon.

If supporting a local business is important to you, then Mel's Cafe deserves a visit if you are in the neighborhood. I know, I will return!

UPDATE: Several friends were going to meet at Mel's Cafe for breakfast, but the snowfall of Dec. 26th & 27th had people snowed in. The streets were in pretty bad shape, but since I live fairly close, I decided to go anyway. Again breakfast was very good. I tried a half order of biscuits & gravy. Probably not the best I have ever had, but it was good. Just like last time, there was a copy of the newspaper available to read over breakfast & coffee. Even though the streets were in bad shape and it was still snowing, there was a steady stream of customers. This is one local business I will continue to support.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

2009-12-05T12:50:00.000-08:00

Just took a trip down memory lane. Revisiting posts that were made over a year ago. It is interesting how things change, but yet how much they remain the same. I still want to retire, but can't for awhile. The house is still old, but with new siding and windows not as drafty. I am still a Grandma, but now I have two wonderful grandchildren. I still say "Bah Humbug" to this whole season and look forward to January 2, 2010 so things can get back to normal.

Still have the same two dogs from December 2007 and 8 of the 9 cats. I still miss Skyler and Smokey as those cats were a part of my life for so long. The remaining 8 seem healthy and happy. I am still not making any New Year resolutions nor have I gotten back in control to take off the 20 pounds that I have gained over the last several years. Not near where I was at one time, but certainly not where I want to be.

We saved a neighborhood grade school, but lost a high school. The flowers were beautiful this past spring and summer and I hope the black hollyhocks come up next year. We had a National election and the earth still turns on its axis. The economy has gone south over the last two years, but the most recent unemployment numbers are a little better. I am still pretty much a hermit, but really enjoy the forum and blogger friendships that have deepened over the last two years.

I am still looking for the perfect Sunday breakfast. Next stop, Oscar's on Farmington Road!

Still Searching....

2009-11-29T18:03:00.000-08:00

I took Emerge's suggestion and tried the Silver Dollar this morning. Food was really good and quite reasonable. If I go again I will take my food and move to a table. I guess I am too short to comfortably eat at the bar. I chose the bar since all the tables were empty. It does seem odd to see a fellow diner wash down his biscuits and gravy with beer at 9:30 in the morning. But, hey....who am I to say! If one like the "neighborhood bar" atmosphere, the Silver Dollar serves a darn good breakfast.

In Search of.......

2009-11-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me well, knows I do not like to cook. I really do not like to cook! Lunch and dinner, I can take care of but, breakfast.....that is another matter. I am in search of the perfect place for breakfast. Good food, good selection, reasonable price and a pleasant atmosphere. Is that too much to ask? I have no problem with "greasy spoon" type places and will "dress up" a little if I have to.

I know there are numerous places left to try, but here is the list as it stands today:

Bartonville Diner - so far #1 in my book. Stuffed French Toast to die for
The Lighthouse in Rome - small, but good buffet. They will be closed for awhile in January. Reasonable price, even though they had raised it $1.00 the last time I was there.
LePeep - Good, but kind of middle of the road
Home Town Buffet - lowered their price and took the good stuff off the buffet
Butcher Block - small, but good buffet. Nice atmosphere. Service was questionable
Zim's - the fact that it is closed says it all
Childer's (old Ranchero Fiesta building) - based on Childer's on University, it was a real disappointment for the price
The Mayflower - standard fare, nothing to go back for
Denney's - standard fare, lousy coffee but it is pretty inexpensive
Mushrush - buffet was pretty good, but they stopped having it
Lee's (old Steak & Shake on N. Adams) - solid home cooking and reasonable
Hungry Moose (Farmington Road) - small, busy, good food, reasonable and the coffee was fairly good (I am somewhat of a coffee snob)
Eamon Patrick's - fantastic, but closed. Eagerly awaiting the Fahey's opening the Sunday Buffet at the Cornerstone Building facility.
Maid Rite - traditional fare, reasonable price. I like the atmosphere and gift shop.

Making a trip to One World and Sterling Family Restaurant are on my list to revisit since I have not been to either for a long time. Other recommendations?

Pet Peeve

2009-11-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Just sitting here doing not much of anything and realized I have not visited this blog for some time. I don't usually write unless there is something that really gets to me, either in a good or not so good way. This gets to me - GENERALIZATIONS! Generalizations about a group of people, generalizations about a system, generalizations about an organization, even generalizations about a family - as if everyone involved is the same. "They are (fill in the blank); therefore, they must (fill in the blank).

I work in an environment about which many assumptions are made. I live in an area about which many assumptions are made. Is there a grain of truth behind the assumption? Of course there is! But when that grain of truth is applied to everything and everyone in a certain group, without knowing the facts about the individuals it is the smoldering pot of prejudice. Not necessarily racial or ethnic, but just plain old prejudging without knowledge. It is like saying that everyone with the last name of Smith or Jones behaves and thinks the same way. They all (fill in the blank). Especially if your name is Smith or Jones, you know it is not true.

I learned a long time ago, that it does no good whatsoever to try to refute a prejudgment. All I can do is to try as hard as I can not to prejudge, not to make those assumptions and not to generalize and to tell the truth as I know it when the opportunity presents itself.

Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter

2009-10-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

I stopped by PAWS today to get a copy of their Wish List. PAWS is located at 2600 NE Perry. Their phone is 494-8911. In addition to having their funding restored, here is their Wish List:
Toilet seat covers/fleece mats for cats to lay on
"Kuranda Dog Beds" check the Kuranda web site
Towels - they give lots of baths
Science Diet Kitten food - canned & dry
Science Diet Cat food - dry
Science Diet Puppy & Dog food - dry
Dog biscuits - not rawhide
Kong toys
Tearless puppy & kitten shampoo
Guinea pig/rabbit/hamster/gerbil/bird food - they get those animals too!
Wild bird seed
Plastic cat toys - Busy Balls
Copy paper - colors & white
Liquid laundry detergent - cheap generic is fine
Dishwashing liquid - again, cheap generic is fine
Paper towels
Aluminum cans - there is a recycle bin at PAWS
Ink jet & laser cartridges & cell phones for recycling
Empty coffee cans with lids

Of course, they accept cash donations (and give receipts). They also look for volunteers. Call 682-9015. I still need to talk to the shelter director concerning possible fund raisers the community could do.

OK, Peoria

2009-10-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

I would ask everyone who reads this (the few that do) to take a look at the Rover or Smokey in your life. Think about how much pleasure the four legged critters in your life give to you. The unconditional love that you get when you walk into your home after having been gone for a bit is irreplaceable.

It concerns me greatly that part of the budget short-fall in the city budget includes a $250,000 cut to PAWS. Whether it is through massive donations of pet food, donation of items to recycle (aluminum, printer cartridges, etc.) the pet owners and animal lovers of Peoria need to step to the plate.

Peoria raises money for all sorts of causes. I remember when the police needed bullet proof vests and the city said the money was not there, citizens raised the money. We can do it again. I am not an organizer. It is pretty chilly for a fund-raising walk, but maybe the park district would have a time when an indoor walk could be done at the RiverPlex....there has to be something that can be done to keep the services of the animal shelter at the level they are now.

Let's all put on our thinking caps. The idea of more strays, fewer spay/neuters, abused or neglected animals, fewer adoptions and fewer services is not what a caring society tolerates.

Again, I ask that you take a look at the "Rover" or "Smokey" in your life. Six of my ten are in the living room with me right now. They are all PAWS adoptions. Only one of the ten is not. That one was a street rescue that didn't have a lay-over at PAWS.

Chi-Town

2009-09-16T05:19:00.000-07:00

Chicago, here I come! I haven't been to the Windy City for several years, but this Sunday I am headed there. Not just for pleasure as I will spend the daytime in seminars on Monday through noon on Wednesday. It will still seem like a mini-vacation though. Can't wait to visit Bobak's again. Might even be able to convince my traveling companions to stop at IKEA in Bolingbrook. Hey, wait, I am driving!

Get Those Taste Buds Ready!

2009-08-25T05:28:00.000-07:00

Heard by way of the "Grapevine" that good food is on it's way again. The grapevine says that Mary Ann Fahey (of local fame, most recently Eamon Patrick's) will be opening Cornerstone Catering and The Underground in the beautiful Cornerstone Building. All the delicious soups, salads and sandwiches will be served at The Underground and the MARVELOUS Sunday Brunch will be served on the first Sunday of the month. Grand opening is scheduled for early Fall. I sure hope that Peoria supports this local business and the wonderful old building it will be housed in.

I read so much concerning the disdain of "one more chain restaurant". I hope that words turn into action and that this courageous venture is a great success.

I Won't Be Back

2009-08-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

First of all, I have to make a couple of admissions. I am not a particularly good cook, nor am I a food critic. But, I do have a fondness for Sunday Buffet Brunches and Sunday morning breakfast in general. Since learning that Childer's had opened a new (well, since around Mother's Day) Sunday Brunch at the old Ranchero Fiesta next to Landmark, I planned to check it out. Today was the day and I won't be going back.

The atmosphere was fine, the staff pleasant but, the food was lacking and quite overpriced. Brunch was $15.39 including tax; no Senior Discount available. The usual items were available along with items more associated with lunch. Even with salt and pepper, the sausage gravy lacked flavor. The bacon ranked an O.K. rating. Sausage links were a failure. I didn't try the scrambled eggs as they looked "slimy". I don't know if it was too much butter or if they were undercooked, but they sure weren't pretty. I tried the waffle. It was fair, although it could have stood another 10 seconds in the waffle maker. They also have an omelet station that I did not try. One saving grace was a hash brown mixture that seemed to include egg, cream and sausage. It was good.

Small salad bar, pasta salad, some veggies, stuffed tomato (looked like tuna salad stuffing) and pastries rounded out the menu.

The cashier did not question my response when after she asked, "How was everything?", I simply said, "O.K.". I am glad that she didn't.

I am not sure what I expected, but with the Childer's name on it, the quality and price of this brunch, certainly was not it.

I still have to try Sunday Brunch at the Par-A-Dice. Any other suggestions?

Or do I just stick with the Bartonville Diner and The Lighthouse in Rome?

I Do Have a Soul

2009-07-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

I now believe in love at first sight! I have found my "Soul" mate! I made the mistake of looking at one of these babies while getting an oil change and tire rotation. I really did make an honest effort to resist the allure, but to no avail. There was a couple of days wait for the color I wanted to arrive by truck. My Soul arrived and any buyer's remorse that I might have felt dissipated immediately.

I drove it for the next couple of days and now it is parked in the driveway patiently waiting for summer to be over. It may get a little exercise if there is a trip out of town, but otherwise the "little red truck" gets the miles. There is something about driving a 5-speed pick-up truck that stirs a "country girl's heart". Unfortunately, the fishtailing on slick streets does not, therefore bad weather means the truck sits.

Yes, now it can truly be said that I have a "Soul", at least this one!

Brunch With a View

2009-07-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

The last time I went to The Lighthouse in Rome (Illinois, not Italy) a couple of my companions were not impressed. I thought it deserved another look. This was a beautiful Sunday morning, perfect for the short drive up Route 29. Despite the road construction, it was a pleasant trip. I turned off on River Beach Road in order to keep the view of the Illinois River in sight.

Just after entering Rome, off to the left you see The Lighthouse. I don't know if it will continue into fall, but during the summer months they serve a delightful Sunday brunch buffet. This morning was a perfect day to have breakfast on the deck. The sun would peek through the clouds now and then. Overall, the weather was perfect. Temperature in the upper 60's and no wind.

The buffet is a bargain. $7.50 including tax! Your drink is not included however. The buffet includes fresh fruit. This week they had an Ameretto (not sure I spelled that right) dip for the fruit. There are several types of bread and bagels with butter, jelly and your choice of cream cheese spreads. The buffet also sports a selection of pastries. With the "real food", there are several choices. Scrambled eggs (with or without sausage and cheese - neither were runny or watery), fried hash, several choices of potato (crisp hash browns are good), bacon, sausage (not fond of the type of link they use, but there are plenty of other choices), a thick baked pancake with sausage and cheese that is quite different but also quite good with a little syrup on it, chicken tenders, biscuits and gravy (fantastic sausage gravy), French toast that is "to die for" and a few other choices. Not huge, but at $7.50, a real value! The amount of food that is out at any one time is relatively small. This allows for fresh food to be set out almost all the time. Service is friendly and prompt.

What is truly priceless about brunch at The Lighthouse is the view!

The view from the deck is a wide expanse of the Illinois River. Did not see any ducks this time. There were a few gulls and small birds. A small fishing boat pulled up so the family could come in for brunch. As they were approaching, the people on the deck watched as the Asian carp jumped in the air and tried to get in the boat. What a great way to spend part of Sunday morning.

The Next Generation

2009-07-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

You raise your kids and are so glad that they actually turned out pretty darn good, despite all the mistakes that you, as a parent, made along the way. Now, those kids I raised with the help of my family, extended family and friends that stepped in when needed, are the next generation of parents raising the next generation of children.

Was I strict enough that they will instill discipline? Was I patient enough for them to have tolerance? Did I instill good values that will be passed on? No, wait! I didn't learn those from my parents, I tried to do better. I think they will too. They seem to be adapting to parenthood.

My son has a daughter and my daughter has a son. I guess that is fair. They and their spouses have given me two beautiful grandchildren - Angie and Evren. Angie will be 4 on October 10th and Evren will be two months on July 28th.

So, with Grandma Bragging Rights intact, here they are!

Angie and her Daddy.

Evren and his Mommy.

More Bloomers

2009-07-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

It is not what you might be thinking. It is my belief that flowers are the decorations on the tree of life. Mother Nature's way of smiling. Weeds are simply flowers growing where you do not want them. The white mass among the Black Eyed Susan's is Queen Anne's Lace, considered a weed, but it is truly beautiful. This is one single flower head! I pull a lot of it, but try to let a few plants flower for their delicate beauty. They will take over a garden if you are not careful.

Domesticated thistle is a cousin of the large thistle that is seen growing along the highway. The blooms are a beautiful shade of blue. I am quite sure there are people who consider all thistles weeds, but I look forward to these blooming every year.

Purple coneflowers are the most common, but there are other
colors. The garden has a few white ones. There used to be yellow ones too, but they may have been damaged while the house was being worked on. In the last couple of years, some new colors have been introduced. They are pretty expensive right now and I am waiting for them to come down in price. I have seen the new orange ones and the green ones. Both are wonderful and will likely make their way into the garden by next year!

There are so many types of Lillies and I have never found one that I did not like! But, then I have never found a flower that I didn't like!

Another weed. Wild phlox. Darn stuff comes up every year. It isn't as pretty as the cultivated variety, but a nice addition anyway.

Columbine is one of the favorite
blooms in the garden.

Mother Nature is smiling!

Updates

2009-06-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

I have never done an "Update" post, so I think I will try one now.

As far as turning everything off that can be turned off, it looks like I have cut about $10.00 from the electric bill. Not a lot, but it all adds up.

Heard back from Shawn at Peoria Cares. My issues were forwarded to Code Enforcement. Maybe these two will be added to the "couple of other open cases" in the vicinity.

Still on the hunt for a good Sunday brunch. Eamon Patrick's closed. Don't think they can be topped, but sure enjoyed breakfast at the Bartonville Diner on Sunday. Will have to try The Lighthouse in Chillicothe again. The last time I was there it was a miss, but a friend went this past Sunday and raved about it. It is worth another look.

The outside of the house is done. Trimming the inside of the windows now. Can't wait to put new blinds up and rehang the curtains. I am on the look-out for fabric as I am getting the urge to make new window coverings for several of the rooms. Have been checking the clearance racks, but have not found anything that I want - at least not yet.

Still need to paint the porch floor and finish painting the porch ceiling, so not totally done!

And, best of all I have a new grandbaby!
Daughter and hubby had a baby boy on 5/28/09.

That makes grandbaby #2. My son's little girl will be 4 in October.

Life is GOOD!

Landlords.....or who owns these eyesores?

2009-06-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

I know who owns one of the properties shown in this blog, but I won't go into the name here. When I send the pictures to Shawn at Peoria Cares, I will not be so kind. This once beautiful old home has been cut into four apartments. The last couple of years the renters have been pretty good neighbors and the mowers show up on time to keep the yard looking decent. For those two facts, I am quite grateful. But the owner is allowing the exterior to deteriorate. Siding is falling off and windows are covered with new vinyl siding. Downspouts are missing and the fence line is totally overgrown. Although traffic has slowed down since the closure of the Public Walkway (locally know as the Ho Chi Minh Trail), the fact that boards are broken in the fence at the back of the property, have the trespassers continuing on their journey through the neighborhood. Please note the variety of siding types and colors on this house. Also you can see where siding has fallen off and just laid out of the way of the mowers. For your viewing displeasure, I give you the house next to mine. Note that the siding that fell is just laying there.

Actually, my view is of the better side. I get the vinyled up windows. I give the neighbors credit though. They do use the trash toters.

A little further up the street is another neighborhood treasure.
Let's all hope that the window upstairs doesn't fall the rest of the way out!

And Bloom They Do

2009-06-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

I have flower gardens. Everywhere I can think to put a small, medium or large flower garden....a flower grows. The scaffolding has been hard on some of the gardens near the house, but I have flowers and thought I would share a couple of my favorites. Here they are......
The Asiatic or Stargazer Lillies. So many beautiful colors to choose from. The white ones seem the most fragrant.

Purple cone flowers are one of my favorite. Right up there with the Black Eyed Susans. Both are native flowers that are often found along the highway and add to the enjoyment of any drive through the country side.

Just a little more and I will not have to worry about mowing the front yard! I keep thinking mulch or pavers would be nice.
Keep blooming!

Bloom Where You Are Planted

2009-06-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

I look out into the front yard and see something new in bloom almost every day. A different color Asiatic Lily, a new hollyhock, an orange poppy and the little tree I planted several years that is bloom for the first time this year. My flowers bloom where they are planted.

Between the flowers and the work that is going on at my house, it got me thinking. Despite what you might see, read or hear; the East Bluff is a pretty good place to be planted and I am glad to be planted here.

As much as I laughed at "It's Better Here!" and was among the first to say, "Yeah, right", I have to admit that as a long time East Bluffer, it is better here. Parts of the neighborhood are coming back to life. Our Neighborhood Association may not be large, but there is a dedicated core group that really cares about the East Bluff and the City of Peoria. We came together and despite the odds, saved the neighborhood school and kept it in the center of the neighborhood. We watch in delight as the construction goes forward and the drilling for the geothermal heating goes deeper.

Kids are playing in their yards now. This is something we didn't see just a few short years ago. Neighbors are actually talking to each other again. Our yards are mowed and the litter is picked up. I can sit in my yard and hear the concerts in Glen Oak Park Friends are sitting outside the local neighborhood tap having a good time. I even feel more comfortable going to the grocery store after dark. A couple of years ago, I wouldn't do that, at least not here.

Some former duplex houses are being purchased and turned back into single family homes. Neighborhood clean-up days are a big success. We worked together to develop and maintain a little neighborhood park. Some of my neighbors actually walk to work. I am close enough to, but trekking up Wayne Street Hill at the end of the day is not what I consider a casual stroll.

There are some beautiful old homes in the neighborhood. Some real bargains if you are in the market. The East Bluff still has a long way to go, but there are pockets of progress. Sometimes we get so busy complaining that we forget to take a look at the good things that are happening.

Yes, it is better in the East Bluff

Darn, Darn and Double Darn

2009-06-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

Four of us were headed to Eamon Patrick's for their wonderful brunch this morning. We arrived at about 10:15 and found them still closed. After some discussion about where to go, we headed for Zim's in Campustown.

After brunch, I went back downtown and spoke briefly with the owners of Eamon Patrick's. They no longer serve Sunday brunch. They tried for three months but were never able to build up the patronage and it was costing them too much. Very sad that the word didn't get out fast enough. The food was wonderful.

Now Zim's. In a word, crap! Full house, one server. Very slow service and getting the food was even slower. Eggs and sausage patties were O.K., Taters were so-so and the pancakes were "crispy". Thick pancakes and like lead. Couldn't cut them with a fork, even after soaking them with butter and syrup. Even a knife didn't go through them easily. I am usually a pretty fair tipper. This time I left the change from a $7.69 bill after handing over $8.00. I didn't even feel guilty.

I will miss brunch at Eamon Patrick's, but will not be back to Zim's.

Oh, My Goodness!

2009-05-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

Just left Eamon Patrick's Sunday brunch buffet. Now, I like a good buffet and I like a good breakfast, but I have to say, this was absolutely the best Sunday brunch I have been to. Cheese eggs were not runny and there was lots of cheese. Shepard's Pie was to die for! Biscuits and gravy were probably the best I have had. Omelet bar, Belgium waffles, fruit, salads, and other items too numerous to mention. And the desserts! Creme puffs, cheesecake, tarts, turnovers, pie and chocolate cake - enough to please any palate.

Eamon Patrick's Sunday brunch buffet is definitely on my "at least once a month" list! $12.95 + drink and tax and worth every penny.

By the way, there was a great looking Bloody Mary bar, too! Do yourself a favor and check it out!

Time Will Tell

2009-05-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

A little experiment is being run at my house. I want to see what happens to the electric usage when all those little lights are not on. I unplug the microwave and only plug it in when I want to use it. I have to turn the Bunn Coffee maker on in the morning to heat the water since I turn off the surge protector that it is plugged in to. Surge protectors also get turned off at the T.V. and stereo equipment. Even the little T.V. upstairs. The phone with the light is unplugged unless I am downstairs where I might need it. All the lights in the house have CFL light bulbs in them. Chargers are unplugged when not in use. Even the computer's surge protector is turned off when the computer is not in use. No more little lights blinking on the modem or anywhere for that matter. Except for the alarm clock. Guess I am too lazy to re-set it every night. Should go get a wind up one. Naw, I would forget to wind it.

Will it make much of a difference. I don't know yet. Time will tell.

And On It Goes

2009-05-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

The porch and new front door, that is! The window is back in its' rightful spot, but still needs to be dressed out.

With some good weather, quite a bit should get done next week. It is hard to make rapid progress when the work is done evenings and Saturdays. But I am patient. I said that the longer the job takes, the more opportunity I have to pay down the home equity loan to do more!

I bought a new porch light today.

Watch That First Step

2009-05-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

I should feel guilty (I don't), but I titled this photo "Keeps the Jehovah's Witnesses Away". The porch floor has been removed and there are several of the cross supports that need to be replaced. Looks like the decision to do the porch was made just in time. I knew it was not in good shape, but I did not think it was this bad.

"Watch that first step" when you open the front door is all I can say. The porch floor has to be done before the siding can be started on the front of the house. I was told that the beveled glass window will be ready next week. This morning I decided to stimulate the economy again. With new doors for the side and front, new storm doors seemed to be required for the back and side doors. They are still in the box, but will look good when they go up. The drive way side of the house is beginning to take shape.

Is this really my "This Old House"? The wood seen above the siding will be wrapped in white. I am really looking forward to that part of the project.

Stay tuned.

Up It Goes

2009-05-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

The siding is going up! The bottom part of the back and all of the back porch are done. It will definitely look like a different house when the job is complete.

Bought a new door for the front and for the driveway-side entrance. I have been watching closely and asking questions. And, no, the guys have not killed me yet for bothering them. They know I want to learn how to do things myself. I have decided to try to do the siding on the garage. I think I can do it. May have to ask more questions though and get a new tool or two (I don't have a good pair of snips), but I really want to do it! The other DIY project I want to do is glass block the basement windows. I have been told that the new systems are easy to work with, but we shall see.

Hope the weather holds!

Progress

2009-05-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

Siding has been delivered! It is a nice "sand" color. Very light and not yellow, so I am happy and can't wait for it to start to go up. Basically I asked the installer to get a sand or off-white (cream) - as long as it didn't cost more than white. I had not seen the color until today. I said, "I trust your judgment" and he didn't let me down. Also on the trailer are the boards for the new front porch floor. Looking forward that going into place also.

Then it will be time to do the finish work inside as the windows get trimmed out. For the first time, I am able to open every window in the house. There were several that were painted shut and had not been opened for as long as I have lived here and who knows how much longer. Only one snag so far. The solder in the beveled glass window in front has been sun/heat damaged over the years and needs to be repaired before it is placed back in its position.

The glass is warped and several of the little "panes" are loose. I will call around and see if I can find a glass shop that can repair it. Otherwise it is off to the Habitat Re-Store to see what they have or try to find reasonable (ha-ha) stained glass.

I took a good look at the garage roof today. It really needs new shingles. I guess it will have to be added to the ever-growing list of things I want done in time to get it paid for before retirement. If I keep going, I may never get to retire!

This Old House

2009-04-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

As work progresses, I have decided it was a darn shame previous owners did not take care of the "bones". Under the crappy steel siding (yes, steel - magnets clung to it) was an exterior that was most likely quite lovely once upon a time. Good thing I am not in a "historic area" since I am covering those old bones with vinyl.

The top of the house had white shake siding and the bottom boards were a nice shade of green. Had they been taken care of and painted rather than been poorly covered, the deterioration would not have been nearly so bad.

Sad to say, but through a little research, I have learned that the windows do not quite meet the requirements for the energy tax credit. The two important numbers would have to be < or = .30. One of my numbers is .31 and the other is .32. It's o.k. though. They have to be better than what was there.

Rambles

2009-04-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

Times have been strange lately. Liberal, Conservative, Populist, Centrist, Libertarian, Republican, Democrat, Right Wing, Left Wing - gee, I thought we were all Americans. Economy resembles the little balls in the lottery machine as it bounces all over the place. Some people screw up and get paid millions to do it, while some people work hard every day and get laid off. I am being taxed for a museum and the extra eight feet of ground that I gained at the back of my lot. But, at the same time, I have a little more money in my pay check because the Federal government is withholding less. From one hand to the other and gone! What to do? I wish I knew.

I figured I would do my part to stimulate the economy and show people driving through the East Bluff that at least one person is staying! This old house is getting new windows, siding and porch floor. If I can stretch the money a little, the garage will get siding and maybe the yard will get a new fence. The motivation of the energy tax credit doesn't hurt, but the face lift and improvements were needed and would have to have been done sooner or later. I like my house and my neighborhood and think that they are both worth investing in.

There is something strange about not having anything to complain about. Maybe tomorrow.

Government Spending

2009-03-05T04:50:00.000-08:00

People who know me fairly well, know that I am a news and "human interest story" junkie, but not nearly as knowledgeable as I would like to be. That being said, one of my favorite "must see" television shows is Charlie Rose on PBS. I fell asleep last night and missed it, but caught the 5:00 AM rebroadcast this morning.

There was a very interesting interview with Felix G. Rohatyn concerning government spending and its importance. A little review of some government spending that was at times seen as foolish and wasteful have been anything but. Some of the government spending discussed included Thomas Jefferson pushing for the Louisiana Purchase that allowed for westward migration and the creation of markets for eastern goods. The transcontinental railroad would not have been built without the expenditure of Federal monies, nor would the Panama or Erie Canals.

More recently, President Eisenhower pushed for the Interstate Highway System. How many of us and our cities depend on I74, I55, I155, I80 and all the other local and national interstates?

Seward's Folly - the purchase of Alaska? Deemed totally unnecessary at the time. And no, I will not mention a former candidate for Vice President at this point!

Other government spending? How about the G.I. Bill? Homesteading? Land Grant Colleges? PBS & NPR?

Just this morning on the news, I heard about how our Junior Congressman from the 18th District had secured funds for more than one local fire department. Someone in Kansas might call that an "earmark", but to those community fire departments, its an "atta Boy!"

Banks and businesses have been "nationalized" in the past and then after time, been "privatized" again.

Someone smarter than me should make the case for government investment in infrastructure and causes for the greater good. Oh, wait. Some of those smarter people are. For myself, I have no need of a $600 screwdriver, but I sure could use streets without potholes, bridges that do not collapse and sewer systems that do not overflow.

Note to my government: Invest in the U.S., but do it wisely. Please.

Dirt

2009-02-20T18:49:00.000-08:00

Title get your attention? Its not what you think, or maybe it is. Either way, it needs to be a poster on the wall to remind us of what is right with the world. There is a lot wrong, but as long as you can answer the question "How are you?" , with....

"I'M ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DIRT"

all is not lost and there is hope!

Shocked and Saddened

2009-02-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

I made a trip down to PAWS today. I wanted to extend my thanks to the Animal Control officer that came out on a Sunday to capture the two Dobermans that were running loose in the neighborhood and wouldn't even let me stand on my front porch. I also had a small collection of coffee cans to donate. They keep pet food in them, as do I here at home.

I can't go to PAWS without at least going through the rooms and hoping that every critter finds a good home. There were quite a few blue dots on the cage markers, so I guess those are the lucky ones so far.

As I was leaving, a man and a young teen walked in, father and son I assumed. The teen was carrying a very little dog. They walked to the counter to surrender the ball of fluff. When asked why they were surrendering, the adult said, "We don't need him anymore." The staff member behind the counter was as shocked as I and repeated his statement. He said, "Yes, we don't need him anymore, we do a lot of traveling....." How much traveling do you do when you have a school aged child?

This adorable little ball of fluff is a 6-month old, tea cup maltese. I wanted to cry, but then thought, lucky dog. Someone will fall in love with this little darling and pamper him the way he should be. I don't know if the father was trying to punish the teen or what the real reasons for surrendering the puppy were.

Best of luck little ball of fluff. I hope your "forever home" treats you well.

OK, I'm Impressed

2009-02-09T15:44:00.000-08:00

My flight to Detroit (via Northwest Airlines)was approximately three hours late leaving Peoria. The incoming flight had mechanical problems and had to return to the Detroit Airport and was delayed while they brought in a different airplane. With all the delays experienced with airlines, I just hoped that a plane would arrive from Detroit and thus make a return flight with me aboard.

The plane arrive, had a quick servicing and we were off for the short flight. All is well.

Today, I received a letter of apology from the General Manager of Customer Care for Northwest Airlines. Not only was there what sounded like a sincere apology, but also the addition of 1000 bonus miles to my WorldPerks account!

Two thumbs up for Northwest Airlines!

Sad Morning

2009-02-04T07:38:00.000-08:00

As much as I knew it would happen, I did not expect it this morning. Smokey died this morning. I fixed his food (canned food and water blended together). He lapped up every bit of it and came in from the back porch. He walked around a bit and I sat back down to the computer. I heard an unusual "cough" sound and looked to see which animal it was. Smokey was lying on his side next my chair. He was not in his usual "I am resting" pose. I touched him and he moved slightly, one last heave of his chest and he was gone.

He had shown no signs of illness, had eaten a good breakfast and slipped away in what appeared to be a peaceful manner. I shall miss him greatly.

The vet will preserve his body until I can make arrangements to bury him. They are making a paw print for me. I will treasure that paw print and the many memories of my feline friend.

Rest in peace, Smokey. Rest in peace.

Brain Dead

2009-02-02T18:45:00.001-08:00

In the last month or so, I have started at least three posts and quickly deleted them all. Nothing seems witty, crucial or worth exercising the keyboard to write. The economy sucks pond water, the animals are healthy, I go to work and come home. I have no kids in school, so as disturbed as I am about District 150, I question my right or ability to rant. Most news is depressing and I try to stay positive and not dwell on the negativity. In an effort to ramp up my attitude and create an "attitude of gratitude", I offer up the following:

I am grateful for:
1. a roof over my head
2. a furnace that works
3. having a job to go to
4. having reliable transportation to get me to that job
5. having food in the freezer
6. having friends who care
7. my two kids
8. my Grand-daughter
9. my Grand-son that is "in the hopper"
10. my daughter-in-law
ll. my "soon to be" son-in-law
12. having a warm bed to sleep in
13. reliable Wednesday garbage pick-up
14. clearance sales
15. the co-workers who gifted me with deer salami and deer sticks
16. PBS
17. used appliances that have been reliable for the last 15 years
18. the plastic on the windows of "this old house"
19. getting the "cool" round metal trash can that I asked for at Christmas
20. having been a "guest" at my daughter's home last weekend
21. a direct flight to Detroit that only takes a little over an hour
22. the little aches and pains that let me know I am alive
23. Dr. Fishkin
25. snack size caramel rice cakes
26. my vet that gives me a 10% discount because of all my animals
27. "do nothing" evenings or week-ends
28. 50 degree days in the middle of winter
29. the comfortable old rocking chair
30. my independence

I should do this more often. Maybe that way, I can hold on to this "attitude of gratitude. Feels pretty good!

I Tried

2009-01-01T13:18:00.000-08:00

I tried, I really did. I just couldn't do it. I spend a lot of time at the computer, both with home and work. Chat, games, e-mail, an occasional blog or post and sometimes some real work gets done. I haven't watched a lot of TV for quite a while. Don't get me wrong, the TV is on, I was just listening, not watching.

In an ongoing effort to simplify, I gave the 40 inch rear projection (HDTV, but not digital) TV to my son and his family and replaced it with a new 26" LCD, digital tuner TV. I figured that it would be fine since I normally did little more than do a side glance if something sounded interesting. What I encountered was one big FAIL! Even the occasional side glances were disappointing. The more I looked, the less I liked it.

I am not an extravagant person, but I do tend to get the things I need and a lot of the things I want. I wanted a different television so I went shopping. I checked several stores and the price tags were more than I was willing to pay. I was on what must have been at least my third trip through the stores when I happened to see a TV that had just been moved to the "open box" area. It wasn't even priced yet. A salesperson looked up the new price and I asked if he would connect the TV so I could see the picture.

Needless to say, that 37" set came home with me. I had originally been wanting a 1080i set, but this 720p looks just fine. Of course, it did not fit on the new TV stand I had put together for the 26", so it was time for another shopping trip.

I have actually found myself spending less time at the computer for the last couple of days and the index finger on my right hand feels almost normal due to the decrease in game playing. I may actually begin to enjoy television again!

FOR SALE: 26" LCD television (720p) with stand. Reasonable. SOLD!
Any takers?
Wow! A quick reader has taken both!

New Year's Eve

2008-12-31T20:01:00.000-08:00

2008 is rapidly coming to a close. I have hung the Big Grid 2009 calendar and pitched 2008. Medical appointments for 2009 have been written in the planner. Less than 2 hours until 2009 and I am ready!

All the news programs have done their "Year in Review" programming and New Year's at Time Square is beginning the count down. I have tried to do my own "Year in Review", but haven't gotten very far. It is really hard to look backwards. I do better at looking forward. Each day I can only begin where I am. There is a lot that I look forward to in 2009.

In 2009, I will become eligible for Medicare!
In 2009, my son and his wife will celebrate their 15th anniversary - neither of my marriages lasted that long!
In 2009, my beautiful grand-daughter will turn 4. Time goes really fast.
In 2009, my daughter will make me a Grandma for the second time!
In 2009, I will celebrate 12 years of being cancer free.
In 2009, my old cat, Smokey, will turn 20 years old. I hope he makes it to his birthday. Since I have no idea when that actually is, I just add a year when he goes in for his shots. That will be in September.
In 2009, I will increase my savings a little. With the downturn of the economy and pending retirement within the next couple of years this is important. This is not a resolution, because I never keep resolutions!
In 2009, I will celebrate life!

2008 has been a good year. Friendships have deepened and new friendships are growing. Going to work is still an enjoyable experience and coming home from work is also good. I truly feel that I am in a good place in life. I find very little to complain about - at least not much that really matters.

Happy New Year to All. Make 2009 be all that it can be for you and yours!

Bah! Humbug!

2008-12-01T18:54:00.000-08:00

I am ready. Ready for January 2nd, that is. From before Halloween, Christmas decorations and music can be found in stores. Thanksgiving - turkey and all the fixings, with too many people forgetting to remember all that they have to be thankful for. Christmas is breakfast with Santa and lots of presents under the tree. Maybe there is a manger scene on display somewhere in the home, but each year it seems that the deeper meaning of Christmas gets lost in the gift wrap.

With no little ones at home anymore, I don't decorate. I tried to pawn some of the old decorations off this past weekend, but they are all right where they were, either in the basement or in the storage closet upstairs. With cats in the house, no tree is safe. I got tired of setting it back up after three or four cats decided to climb the Christmas tree.

I am also rather lazy. I don't like going to all the fuss and then just having to take it all down and pack it away again. I can look out the window and see all the decorations I need to see.

New Year's Eve is amateur night. The safest place to be is at home. Resolutions that won't last until January 5th get tossed around. Mine don't usually last beyond January 5th, anyway.

I enjoy the Holidays. I really do. Seeing Grandbaby's (Angie - now age 3) eyes light up at seeing the tree and the presents, enjoying family visits, seeing a favorite seasonal movie for the umpteenth time, reading the Christmas Letter from people I truly care about and all the other things that make this time of year special. I am just glad to see the Holidays over with!

January 2nd, life gets back to normal. People at work stop taking vacation days. Even though winter just starts toward the end of December, there is something about January that says Spring is just around the corner. After all, there is February and by the end of March, it is Spring!

Ah, Spring - tulips and daffodils, the odor of lilacs in the air.

It's Over, Folks!

2008-11-20T05:14:00.000-08:00

November 4, 2008 has passed. So, has November 5th. The election is over, but the bitterness continues. Name calling and derogatory comments can be found everywhere. The prognosticators predict doom for the newly elected that were not their choice for office. Swearing in ceremonies have not even happened yet, but from local to state to national, the newly elected are already being counted on to be failures.

We are Americans, citizens of the United States. I am proud to have had the privilege and the right to cast my votes. Some of "my candidates" won, some did not. But the election is over!

We may have different views of the world and what is fair, but that does not make any of us stupid, dumb, non-thinking, lazy, motivated, brilliant, thoughtful or any other adjective one wants to throw in the discussion. There is no broad brush that paints us like any other person. We are individuals who had our personal reasons for voting as we did.

Thank goodness for elections and term limits!

Anonymous

2008-10-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

I would really like to meet this "Person" named anonymous. Seems that quite often I will be reading someone's blog and Anonymous has posted a comment. I read the comment and usually think, "why did Anonymous feel the need to say that?" My blog is not normally controversial, so Anonymous doesn't generally post here. And even though there are a number of blog readers that don't agree with me on an issue or two (maybe more than that), Anonymous still goes elsewhere to post.

I have a standard that I hold for myself. Only me, I do not want anyone else to be held to the standard, unless they want to be. I use my "Name" - Ramble On or just Ramble everywhere I post. If I am embarrassed or afraid to attach my name to my words, I don't type the words. I can get testy sometimes and occasionaly fall of into shades of a passive/agressive personality, but I still attach my name. Sometimes I even start a comment and then not post it because I know I would not be comfortable reading it two days later.

I don't know about anyone else, but if I have something to say to someone, my name will be attached. If for what ever reason I can't attach my name, I won't make the post.

Civility isn't dead, it is just wounded a little.

I Ordered Mine!

2008-10-19T15:23:00.002-07:00

Launch party for the new CD released by Musique Noire was held Friday night. I really wish that I could have been in Detroit to attend. This is the second group that my daughter, Leah has recorded with. The first being Dannsair's CD release Rias Medias. Great Irish music from a band in Santa Barbara, CA. But now she is in Detroit and a different group and a different genre of music. Jazz and ethno-centric music with strings and percussion. I listened to some of the tracks and ordered my copy. Hopefully it will be shipped soon! http://www.musiquenoire.com/live/

That Time of The Year

2008-10-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year again. The time when the reality of old houses really hits. The storm windows have been closed (at least most of them). The plastic for the windows has been brought up from the basement. This year's supply was purchased late last winter when they were on clearance. I have started putting the plastic on the windows. Good thing vacation time has come and I can finish before the weather really gets cold. I have put insulation around and over the basement window that is near the water pipes and the old coal shute opening.

From the looks of the weather forecast, Sunday may be a good day to get outside to put some caulk and plastic on a few windows. The rest of next week looks like rain and inside work, like sealing off the spare bedroom.

Need to clean up the electric water bowl for the dogs and get a new supply of bedding for them. They become inside dogs when it gets really cold, but they still spend a lot of time outside.

So many little things to do, like flip the switch to reverse the ceiling fans.

I think I will get a new thermostat.

Time to hunker down and prepare for winter and all the glory that is mid-western winter time.

Damn, where did I put that snow shovel?

Grandma

2008-09-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

Although I have been a Grandma for almost 3 years, I finally feel like a Grandma! I received an e-mail asking if it would be possible for me to come down and watch Angie from mid-day Saturday until mid-day Sunday. Now, I know I have a granddaughter and Angie knows she has a Mamaw, but we live 90 miles apart and don't see each other all that often. She has often been shy when I see her. She warms up, but it takes a bit.

It has been a long time since I have been alone with a three year old for any length of time. I must say, it went well. Even though I watched more Sponge Bob than I care to talk about! We played (rocks and flower petals are wonderful objects), went to the park, went for a walk (actually, I pulled her in the little red wagon), walked again (this time she pedaled the Big Wheel), looked at photographs and watched videos, among other things.

This Grandma business is pretty cool!

Reality Sucks!

2008-09-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

Reality brushed against desire and knocked it flat. No more silent discussions between Me, Myself and I. Since I am generally practical and logical, the only decision that could be made is that there is no way I can retire this year. Financially, I could have scraped by or looked for a part time job, but I don't like scraping by. The real clincher was insurance. I have pretty good coverage now and I don't want to be without it for a year.

It is actually liberating to have made a decision. Most days, I actually like my job and the last 12 months have gone quickly. I figure the next 12 to 14 months will fly by too.

Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to work I go!

Thank You

2008-08-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

By nature, I am quite shy and pretty much a hermit. It is not that I like being a hermit, I just am. I don't drink, so that has kept me out of the bar scene. I like my job, but have to work at not becoming a "workaholic" because it is my major outlet.

That has been changing over the last eight months or so. Through one local forum I came in cyber-contact with a small group of "liberal thinkers" who were not afraid to voice their opinions and some less liberal thinkers who were tolerant of others. Through a second local forum, a good number of those folks have become friends.

If attending my first Blogger Bash was venturing out of my "safe zone", attending my first Friday Night Happy Hour was a "full steam ahead" leap of faith. From Happy Hours, to breakfast, brunch, lunch, house parties, a ball game, karaoke, a campaign event to a "Corn Boil"; I have been places and done things that I probably would not have done by myself. I could have done them, I just would not have!

A realization really hit yesterday while sitting at the German-American Corn Boil at Hickory Grove Park - my friends add a great deal of pleasure to my life and I would like to thank them for helping me crawl out of my self-imposed shell.

Life is good, thanks, guys!

Bonanza!

2008-08-10T17:17:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

I really like buffet restaurants and wish Peoria had one besides those serving pizza or Home Town. I was disappointed with my last trip to Golden Corral in Washington. That being said, I like the Bonanza in Lincoln. Nothing fancy, just good food. The hot roll and fresh, warm chocolate chip cookies are to die for. It was crowded today. Lincoln was out in full force. It was a little more crowded since we used it as a meeting place. My son and his family came up from Oreana and my daughter, her SO and I met them there. I thought on the way down, I should have called my sisters and nieces who live within easy driving distance. Next time, perhaps.

Lovely day for a drive.

What Fun!!!

2008-08-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

Picked up this idea from a friend and have been playing with it ever since. Such a great way to pass along information. I will take the camera today and see what transpires. Look out kids!

What Are They Doing?

2008-08-03T17:19:00.001-07:00

Coming in from putting the dogs in the garage the other night, I saw these slugs (snails with no shells) on the back step. These things were huge! Interesting critters, but they seemed far more interested with each other than with me.

Thank goodness! Carry on!

Darned If I Ddn't Get Tagged

2008-08-03T17:11:00.000-07:00

Good grief! I have been reading other blogs and have been seeing folks get "tagged" to give six random thoughts about themself. I was breathing pretty easy until I checked here today and noticed that I had been tagged by Katie! O.K., six random thoughts:

1. I like driving my little, red, 5-speed pick-up during the summer.
2. I mowed my back yard today.
3. Leah will be home next weekend.
4. I will be glad when the national election is over with.
5. I like Schwan's Raspberry Rumble ice cream.
6. Retirement cannot come soon enough.

There I did it! Now how do I get these random thoughts from running through my brain!

Blogger Bash Last Night

2008-07-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

It was an interesting night last night. The Blogger Bash was well attended. Many of the usually faces, some new ones and some visitors who got caught up in the excitement of the evening. A few photos of the event.

Impressed!

2008-07-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

I remember listening to the radio and watching television and being introduced to a woman who was knowledgeable and well spoken. She gave the agricultural news and farm report. Her style made you want to listen. I was reintroduced to Colleen Callahan again this past Friday. Again, I found her knowledgeable and well spoken - on issues much broader than agriculture. The Fish Fry (Walleye) was well attended. The event was quite casual. Lots of jeans and shorts to be seen. The crowd was enthusastic in their support of the candidate. I knew Ms. Callahan had accompanied Ann Veneman (former Secretary of Agriculture) on a trip to Afghanistan and Iraq, but didn't know much concerning her stance on current issues - so it was time to do a little research.

I found video of her canidacy announcement. I watch all four segments and could not find anything she said that I disagreed with.

The links to the video can be found in the side bar on the left at this site:
http://blog.colleencallahanforcongress.com/?p=8

Well, I was glad!

2008-07-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Temperatue is 84, but the heat index is 92 and it is almost 8:30 PM. The three ceiling fans are on and I just moved the small wind machine a little closer. The big air conditioner is still covered in plastic from last winter and the little one for Leah's bedroom is sitting on the floor in her room. Since I do not have stock in AmerenCilco, I refuse to pay them any more than I have to! Actually, it is not too bad in the house as long as I don't move too much or too quickly. I keep at least one ceiling fan on all night so I can keep Smokey more comfortable. He does not seem to be suffering from the heat, but who knows.

Summer is not my favorite season. I much prefer Spring and Fall. I even prefer Winter to the heat and humidity of Summer. I just hope I remember that thought in January.

Yea, Summer!

2008-06-20T17:08:00.000-07:00

The gardens grow and burst into color. I need to find a sunny spot to plant the starts of moon flowers that I received Wednesday. Someday, there will simply be a small path in the front yard with no need to mow at all. The back yard belongs to the dogs, except where I have fenced the flowers to protect them a little.

The front yard belongs to me!

The peonies have come and gone, but almost every day, something new opens to add the the view. I don't plant annuals. I like things that either self-seed or are perennials. I really like the native flowers. Purple coneflowers and black-eyed Susan's being my favorites. Science has messed with Mother Nature and produced some new colors of coneflowers. The white ones and the yellow ones have not bloomed yet. I did not invest in the new orange one. Give them a few years and the price will come down or someone will give me seeds.
Hollyhocks and lots of old fashioned day lilies dot the yard, both front and back.

No exotics!

Mother Nature doesn't need exotics to paint a lovely picture. My theory is that a weed is a flower that is growing somewhere that you do not want it. Even the clover that has taken over the back yard and the Creeping Charlie that tries to take over everywhere.

How does my garden grow? Anyway it wants to!

Taking Charge, Again!

2008-06-10T18:18:00.001-07:00

I stocked up on fruit at the store tonight and got the makings for another pot of cabbage soup since I finished off a pot of it earlier this evening. It seems that I have spent my life on one diet or another. I've done T.O.P.S. and Weight Watchers. I tried Adkins and South Beach. I almost did the Zone. Time to go back to what works for me - grazing! Nibbling on fresh fruit and veggies all day and eating something decent at night. But I have to get to that point and a pot of cabbage soup helps. Thank goodness I do not have to cook for anyone but me and I do not mind eating the same thing several days in a row.

People who did not know me 10 years ago may raise an eyebrow at the extreme measures, but at that point of time, the scales screamed 210 and I was squeezing into a size 20. My knees hurt and the arthritis in the hips was getting worse. Mirrors were torture! I didn't start losing weight because I tried. The mouth sores from chemotherapy made it impossible to eat anything with more texture that Cream of Tomato soup. When I was able to eat again, the taste buds had changed and sweet stuff made me sick at my stomach, whether it was chocolate or pancake syrup, it didn't matter. That eventually went away.

When I started eating again, I started Adkins. I still don't eat pasta, white bread, peas or corn. I seldom eat potatoes (except sweet potatoes - yum). Adkins worked, but I wanted more fresh fruits and veggies, so I went more toward South Beach. Eventually, I got too thin (same weight as at the end of 5th grade - 128, bottomed out at 125). I added some carbs and fortunately the metabolism had changed. I gained a little and felt much better. But a problem started.

Good metabolism, weight stabilized, oh goody I can have a donut. And if a donut, why not a handful of cookies, and....the rest is history. I decided to try to fool myself and give myself a "ten pound range". Not more than 5 pounds over or under 130, then 135 and finally 140. Found myself breaking the 145 limit on a regular basis and hanging clothes that would no longer fit in the back of the closet. What was next? Either buy new clothes and deal with the consequences of weight or "get a grip". I choose to get a grip.

Summer is a great time - strawberries, cherries, watermelon, cantaloupe added to the usual apples, oranges and bananas. Toss in a tangerine or pineapple and the eating is good. Not to mention the fresh veggies.

And I really like celery with peanut butter.

Never Thought I Would See The Day

2008-06-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

Much has been made of coincidences that have happened throughout history. There is now a new one to add to the list. I heard it briefly on the news last night and had to check it out. I have not heard it again, at least not yet, but I sure find it interesting. No, it is beyond interesting, it actually gives me "goosebumps".

I have never hidden the fact that I am left of center politically and a supporter of Barack Obama. But I really think I would find this coincidence interesting even if I were not.

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. and delivered the "I Have A Dream" speech. The last part of that speech has always given me the hope that someday, we as a nation, would move beyond the issue of race.

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers."

I have a dream today.
MLK, Jr. 8/28/1963

Forty-five years later, on August 28, 2008, Barack Obama will step to the podium in Denver, Colorado and accept the Democratic Party's nomination as their candidate for President of the United States. Is the dream really alive?

Regardless of how the election turns out, history has been made. Even more amazing is the fact that history would have been made regardless of which final Democratic candidate had won! A woman? An African-American male? Wow!

Preparing

2008-05-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

As difficult as it is, I am having to prepare for the ultimate demise of "the grand old man", my cat, Smokey. He is getting on in years. It is difficult to remember a time when he was not with me. To the best of my memory, he came into our lives in 1990. One of the clients where I worked brought him inside. He had been roaming the neighborhood and she was afraid that he would get hit. I decided to keep him. I went to pick my daughter up from school and she was thrilled to see him. It was only a short time after her father and I divorced and getting a kitty was right on time. Leah named him Smokey. He was full grown, at least a year old. That makes him at least 19 years old now.

Although he is not sick (may have some problems, but did not run the blood tests), but I took him to the Vet for a check-up. It is still six months until he is due for his rabies shot. There have been some changes. He no longer tries to eat dry food, he no longer jumps up on counters or tables and the pupils of his eyes do not change.

Although she does not know for sure, the Vet thinks that he is now blind. I have been running moist food and milk through the food processor to make a smooth consistency food for him. He eats on the back porch away from the rest of the animals. Today I bought a liquid nutritional supplement to dilute the food. That darn stuff is almost $8.00 for a little can that needs to be thrown out after 72 hours. Good thing it says it can be frozen. I put most of the open can in an ice cube tray to freeze.

He is still feisty. He tried to bite and scratch during the physical (no front claws, but he knows how to use the back ones). They would have had to sedate him to do a thorough exam. He earned the name "Attack Cat" and I have the scars to prove it. Last year, he was sedated to get some mats trimmed and it took him a long time to recuperate from the sedation - even had to spend the night at the Vets.

Smokey has been through the good times and the bad times with us. As difficult as it was to lose Leo and Skyler, I cannot imagine how it will be to lose Smokey. It sure will not be the same around here. Hopefully, he will be around for quite a while longer, but I know the time is coming.

Beautiful!

2008-05-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

Words are not really needed! We get visitors every now and then. They are a joy to watch. There were actually four of them, but could not get them all in the same shot.

Mother's Day Cards

2008-05-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

It is always nice to get a card, but it is twice as nice when you can tell that a "special card" was selected. You know when someone grabbed the first one they saw and when there was a search.

From my Son:
For Mom
From your grateful son
For understanding
how I am,
for liking me
the way I am,
and for helping me
be who I am....
Thanks, Mom.
Happy Mother's Day

From my Daughter:
Mom,
You did the work
of two parents
with the time
and energy
of one.
I know it wasn't easy
being there for me
the way you always were,
but it still means a lot to me...
And I don't just love you for it -
I double-love you.
Wishing you
the kind of wonderful
Mother's Day
you deserve, Mom.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms!

The Gifts

2008-05-09T15:06:00.001-07:00

My last post got me thinking - as proud as I am of my daughter, I am equally proud of my son. Brian struggled through school, he was very bright, but just couldn't get the knowledge transferred to paper. He struggled but he graduated! Give him a clock or anything mechanical and he could take it apart and put it back together with no problem at all. Welding, shop classes - he excelled.

I have to admit that I worried about his being impulsive at times - how about being involved in setting a fire in a U.S. Post Office collection box, climbing a TALL, old fashioned TV antenna at age two (ending up on top of the two story farm house we lived in) or pulling out of a parking lot in front of a truck (he was on a bicycle) and ending up with a broken arm. The list goes on!

He would tease his little sister with no mercy. She could not walk past him without getting poked, pinched or tickled. But, he finally grew up!

He still takes things apart and puts them back together. Assembling sky-climbers and and other large construction equipment. One example was the equipment that hung the Chase sign on the "old Bank One" building. He is in a stable marriage (since 1994) to a great gal and is the proud Papa of an adorable two-year old. It has been a great joy to watch him become a husband and Daddy!

Again, a gift identified, encouraged, supported and appreciated.

I am so proud of my kids!

Rant & Rave

2008-05-08T05:23:00.001-07:00

Rant & rave? Well no. The rant has been done, and I agree with much of it, but I am not going to rave either. I will just tell my blog a little about a success story. My daughter attended pre-K and Kindergarten at Hines and Franklin. The applications came out for the first classes to be held under the banner of Roosevelt Magnet School. The application was quickly filled out and returned. Leah was lucky. She was one of 47 "minority" students selected from outside the Roosevelt attendance area. She started first grade there the first year that the magnet program opened. They put a violin in that little first graders hands and the rest is history. She had always enjoyed her dance classes, but making music entered her soul - band (clarinet), orchestra and string ensemble (viola), jazz band (keyboard) and Treble Choir. She sang a solo for 8th grade graduation. Right after graduation, the Treble Choir went on a European tour! We got donations and I borrowed money, but music took her to Europe!!!

High school started and off to Woodruff she went. Again, band, orchestra, chorus and Jazz All-Stars. A trip to New Orleans for a band performance, a trip to the White House for a choral performance, strutted her stuff in plays and speech team and a second trip to Europe with the Jazz All-Stars. Heck, I have been as far as Windsor, Ontario Canada when it comes to being outside the U.S.A.

Off to Roosevelt University (Chicago College of Music) after high school. Darned if the orchestra didn't get the chance to go to Japan to perform! Graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree. She stayed in Chicago for another year before finding the teacher she wanted to study with. Only thing was, she had to pack up and move to Santa Barbara, CA to do it!! So she did. She worked for a year in order to establish residency, then started at Univ. of CA, Santa Barbara. Leah completed her Master of Music, Viola performance there. She stayed in California and worked at the university for a year until she decided to move to Detroit (for matters of the heart).

She is still doing music!

Moral of the story - my version. Every child has a gift. It is the responsibility of the parent (most of this time, I was a single parent) and the education system to find and nurture that gift. Whether it is music or math, engineering or plumbing, art or ditch digging, it is important to encourage, support and nurture "the Gift". I spent a lot of time being part of an audience and many District #150 educators and administrators encouraged and supported her efforts. It has not been that long since she graduated from District #150, many, if not most, of the problems that exist today were there then. Was it easy? No! Can it be done? Yes! It is up to the parent(s) to do their part - too many don't.

Me, Myself and I

2008-05-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

Me, Myself and I have been holding a discussion, should I say argument? Retire - don't retire - retire - don't retire. The discussion has gone from one extreme to another. I think we have reached a decision (at least for now). The question has gone from "if" to "when". It has to be no later than December 31st. If I wait until January 1st, it severely impacts the number of vacation days that I would get a pay-out for. The discussion now is, do I want the pay-out in 2008 or 2009? I am starting to lean toward a 2008 pay-out. That way, I can pay my taxes and have it over with and it will not impact the amount I can earn in 2009 without losing part of the Social Security. Either way, they take taxes out of it, but it is a nice chunk of change!

Can't retire before November 1st, since I have to wait until the first month after my birthday so the cut in Social Security is not as bad (13 1/2% vs. 20%). I plan to live long enough to more than make up for the cut. There is risk involved. I will be without insurance for several months until Medicare kicks in and COBRA is too darned expensive. I will have to explore a private insurance for catastrophic illness, even though I have been very healthy for the last 11 years or so and take very only two prescriptions and one of them is $4.00 at Kroger's and the other one I can live without until it goes generic.

I will also be looking for part-time employment (something easy and with little or no stress). I can make it on Social Security and pension, but I like to "play" now and then!

Seven months! The countdown is on!

Meet Number 9

2008-04-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

One of my older cats died on December 13th. I missed her and could not get accustomed to saying that I had eight cats. I had said nine for so long. I started making weekly trips to PAWS to find another feline that would say, "Take me home, please!" Patience paid off! A beautiful, long haired cat (previously named Moocow) had been surrendered by his owner. Sad for her, great for me. Not sure about his new name, but a friend suggested Zorro - with the mask and cape, that name may just stick. Since most names around here get shortened to something that end in "ie or ey". Zorrey sounds pretty good. I think I like it. He is estimated to be eight months old. He is going to be a big boy.

Right now he is in isolation in my daughter's bedroom until he mends from having been neutered and we are rid of the ear mites that came with him. This evening was the first time I have seen ear mites under the microscope. Ugly critters! I have had an ear mite infestation with the cats before, and with my brood, it takes a spread sheet to make sure all of them get their treatment every other day. I do not want to have to do it again. If I have to, of course I will.

I will have to renew my promise to family members that I will not become the Crazy Cat Lady of the East Bluff! Or will I?

Middle Class and Bitter

2008-04-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

Since it is just me, I am middle class, at least I think I am. If I had a kid or two at home, I wouldn't be. Heck yes, I am bitter. I am bitter that funding has not allowed for proper testing of toys and children have been placed at risk of additional lead poisoning. I am bitter that funding has not allowed for proper inspection of meat & other food products and people have become ill and died. I am bitter that so many people are losing their homes to forclosure and thereby decreasing the value of my home. I am bitter that people I care about are facing their companies going out of business or moving out of country. I am bitter when I watch my meager retirement nest egg shrink. I am bitter that I may very well have to continue working long beyond retirement age.

I proudly admit that I am liberal. Not a bleeding heart, but liberal. I believe that marriage is a religious ritual with legal implications and that a religious group has the right to say who it will and will not preform the religious ritual for. I also believe that same-sex couples have the right to have the legal aspects of their relationship recognized through a civil union ceremony. I strongly favor abstinence and adoption, but also believe I do not have the right to stop other women from being able to make a very difficult decision for themself. I do not own a gun, never have and don't plan to, but I have no problem with someone else legally owning a gun.

I am angry and bitter that so many jobs have left the U.S. I am angry, frustrated and bitter that the educational system in our country is lagging behind in math and science. I am angry and bitter that the fine arts and even driver's training are being dropped from school curriculums.

To deny being bitter that my children, grand-children, great-grand-children and probably more generations will be paying off the current national debt would be is impossible. It is time that we take the veil of secrecy (denial) off and deal with the anger, furstration and bitterness that many of us deal with on a daily basis. Recognizing the bitterness is not elitist, it is realist. Catherine Crier pegged it pretty well.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/catherine-crier/punished-for-the-truth_b_96358.html

Yes, I am middle class and I am bitter!

Frustration

2008-04-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

My Field of Dreams

It has not been a bad week at work, nor has it been a good week. As most weeks are, it has been frustrating. Don't get me wrong, I love my job. I just wish the funding was there to do my job! We are in the cross-hairs of disaster. For the last several years, we have been funded at 85% of what it actually takes to run the place and top that off with the wisdom of Congress that tells us we must operate as if we were a private business. We will not know our actual funding level for 2008 until probably October. Again, how many private businesses could function?

On one hand, running as a private business, is an excellent idea. More control (not enough, but more) of the budget, more freedom to experiment with cost-cutting measures, more control of inventory and cost are some of the advantages. I also like the accountability that goes with it. The big disadvantage is starting out in the hole. How many "private businesses" could function; let alone survive, if they started off with 15% less funding than what the realistic budget called for.

Maintenance staff has been cut all the way to the bone marrow! I frequently say that we are holding it together with bubble gum and Band Aids. Furnaces and water heaters need to be replaced. Wood trim needs to be painted. And that is just the beginning of the laundry list of repairs and maintenance I want to do. I would love to replace playground equipment equipment. Thank goodness, the Dream Center and Mission Peoria painted our old equipment last summer. It looks better, but it is about played out!! Their painting of the fence was a great help, too.

I look out one of our office windows at the open space and beautiful view of the Illinois River and dream of what could be. I will be retired long before those dreams become any kind of reality. I know all the comments that are made about Taft Homes and public housing in general. Let me assure you that the view from the inside is quite different from the perceptions. Of course, there are problems, but there are also many hard working families. Just like in other neighborhoods. I look at the development at RiverWest. That development began with the HOPE VI grant in 1997. It is still beautiful and well maintained, despite the calamity that was predicted. I look at the new development at Harrison Homes with envy. Again, the naysayers will make their predictions. I have real hope for that redevelopment; the new school and other growth (improvements) that may very well come as the city develops south of downtown. Time, investment and dedication can accomplish a great deal.

I love my job, I really do.

Opening Gala

2008-04-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

What an evening! I just returned home from the Opening Gala of a wonderful art exhibit at the Contemporary Arts Center on Water Street. The artists? Three, four and five year olds from Riverview Gardens, the preschool located at Taft Homes, created the wonderful pieces of art.

Early in the school year, the children took a field trip (walking all the way) to Hardin's exhibit at WTVP. Their amazement was so great, that oil painting has been incorporated into all forms of learning this year - the colors of nature, making letters, telling stories, exploring emotions. From the blank page of one young artist to his final portrait of his mother, the journey has been amazing.

The children and their parents were there. The parents full of pride in their children and in the gala event they had helped plan and set-up for. There was a nice crowd when I left and there was still an hour to go. The exhibit moves to WTVP where it will be on display for a month.

Believe it or not, I find many joys working at Taft Homes, but this was one of the best.

Do I Need to Apologize?

2008-03-28T19:31:00.000-07:00

I don't think I need to apologize and therefore, I won't. I admit, I am a Wal-Mart kind of person. My favorite uniform is jeans and sweats. No one has to shop there and for those who think boycotts will help, go for it. Do I like all their business practices? No, I don't. But they are legal actions. Clothes from China or Bangladesh? Check labels at Bergner's or Macy's - you will find them there too.

Reclaiming insurance money? Not nice, but very legal. Would other corporations sue to return the funds? Of course they would, and they have.

Sorry, but an orange is an orange. When my choice for oranges is $.50 or $.88 each, guess which one I am choosing? But then there are other items. I have never bought meat from Wal-Mart - seems like it is more expensive and seldom on sale. Mostly the meat comes from Kroger's. Dog and cat food from Wal-Mart.

I drive a KIA - Enough said.

Oh, How True

2008-03-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

Funny e-mails land in the "You've Got Mail" box all the time. Sometimes I share them with a person or two, but this one takes the cake. It deserves to be seen. It helps to explain "Mars vs. Venus. And it made me laugh. That is the best part, being able to step back and take a look in the mirror. Enjoy! (cut and paste the link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1TVOXdNkFo

It's Coming!

2008-03-02T17:04:00.000-08:00

March 2nd, a high temperature of 69 degrees. At 7 PM it is still 61 degrees. I know it is just a tease since temperatures fall back into the 30's for the week ahead and some snow is still in the forecast. It was still great to turn the furnace all the way off today, to open a window and let the fresh air come through. The plastic came off four windows - a show of real optimism. Eighteen days until the Vernal Equinox. Yes, today is just a tease, but spring is coming! I think people are ready! I know I am! Welcome Spring!

Milestone Anniversary

2008-02-26T17:17:00.000-08:00

I have "celebrated" my 10th anniversary. My life changed, strangely for the better, in September 1997. That is when I heard three very scary words, "you have cancer". Thoughts raced through my mind. The one that stuck was, "How do I tell my kids, especially my daughter?" She was only 17 and had already lost her father to lung cancer. The Radiologist met with me and help me find the right words.

It had been my daughter who insisted I go to the Doctor in the first place. I had not been for twelve years! Everything was fine until I was called back for a second set of mammograms. Then off for sonograms and eventually the dreaded needle biopsy.

Appointments with the radiation doctor, the oncologist and ultimately the final meeting with the surgeon. The Radiologist and the Oncologist had both been quite optimistic. It was with the Surgeon I had a problem. Despite the course of treatment recommended by the first two, the surgeon made the mistake of saying the word "mastectomy". At that time, I uttered words that I couldn't believe I said. I have always had a great deal of respect for Doctors and I guess I felt they were doing me a favor by seeing me.

No more! I said and I quote, "If you want to continue to talk to a rational, reasonable human being, you will not say that word again." I had been told that through radiation, chemotherapy and tamoxifin afterwards that the prognosis was good. I told the surgeon that there would be a lumpectomy and I would follow the recommended course of treatment. If cancer returned, we would talk about more extreme treatment then.

Surgery was October 7, 1997. Three tiny lumps were malignant, but the lymph nodes were clear! Chemo was an experience. Horrible mouth sores, no matter how many ice chips I ate. Lived on tomato soup for a long time. I actually liked the bald look and have pretty much kept the hair short since. Radiation went smoothly, no severe burns. Other than five days in the hospital when the hemoglobin went "south" (thank goodness for blood transfusions and Procrit). Things were good. Don't know if it happens to other women of a "certain age", but the treatment threw me right through the "change of life" with no symptoms.

Afterwards, I have taken much better care of myself. I visit the Doctors when I should, I keep active and the weight under control. I have learned that unless I put myself first, I have no room for others and without others, there is nothing.

Lessons learned:
1. Kids are smart, listen to them.
2. A Doctor is your employee, not a god.
3. Attitude is everything.
4. Refuse to be intimidated, speak up.

Happy belated anniversary to me!

Live and Let Live!

2008-02-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

It is all around us, the center of many discussions. Whether it is the political pundits, news broadcasters and common citizens. Can a Mormon be elected President? Creation vs. evolution. Pro-life vs. Pro-choice. A Baptist minister (and Arkansas Governor) making sure the "Religious Right" has their voice heard. Separation of Church and State (or is it church from state). No prayer in schools - but a required "moment of silence" instead. Moslems are feared, even when an individual has done nothing wrong. Hell's Fire and damnation befalls all who do not believe that The Bible is the unaltered word of God.

I choose my behavior, thoughts and deeds. Not because I am looking for the "salvation of my immortal soul" but because I believe in doing what I think is right. I make mistakes and make bad decisions, but the "devil" did not make me do it. Seems to me that the athiests and agnostics are far more willing to listen to alternative views.

Tolerance? Acceptance? Where are they?

Milestone Day!

2008-02-02T20:33:00.001-08:00

Most of the groundhogs live outside the perimeter fence at work, but last summer, one decided to move. He dug his burrow under a sidewalk at the office. We had a great deal of fun watching him, especially on warm days when he would sun himself on the sidewalk. The guys at work named him Roger.

By the end of summer, Roger grew tired of humans and moved back to the berm outside the fence with the rest of his family.

The great thing about "Groundhog's Day" is the fact that whether or not the groundhog sees its' shadow, spring is on the way! Right now, the ground is covered with snow, but it will not be long before early daffodils and tulips will be peeking through the earth and trees will be budding.

Mid-western winters make Groundhog's Day is certainly a day to celebrate!

Collected Notes

2008-01-21T16:17:00.000-08:00

I grew up in a home where Mother had a saying for almost everything. Some were true words of wisdom, some cliches and some just plain mush. Many of them have worked their way into my mind and heart. Over the years, additional ones have been added. It used to shock me when I would hear myself saying the same phrases to my kids. Now that they are adults, I hope some of the sayings give the same direction to their lives as they have given to mine.

Back in my teen years, I had a trigger-temper. At one point, I lashed out at my oldest sister to the point that she was packing to cut short her visit home and go back to the college campus in Indiana. Fortunately, we were able to reconcile before she actually left. Not long after that, I saw a small post-card like joke card that said, "Keep your temper, no one else wants it!" One of those "Ah-ha" moments. I carried that card for a long time and have not lost my temper like that again. Doesn't mean that I do not get angry, I just deal with it differently than I did then.

Also in the teen years, I found a copy of a poem that has been the guiding light for my life ever since. It is familiar to most people .
"I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
I first saw it as written by Anonymous. I have since seen it credited to a couple of authors. Whoever wrote it, I cannot thank them enough. Those few words have lit my path, both personally and professionally.

Life has good days and bad days. I try not to wallow in the bad days! "No matter what is happening, this is not the worst it has ever been!" I made it through all those other days: divorce, death of loved ones, job loses, career changes, cancer diagnosis, etc. and I can make it through today if I just keep putting one foot in front of the other - sometimes just to keep from falling down!

Pollyanna? Maybe. If so, it is how I choose to be. "How much difference will it make six-months from now?" If it will not make much of a difference, I won't give it much thought and certainly no argument. If it will make a difference, I will do whatever is in my power to address the issue so there is minimal impact on a future reality. I worked in the substance abuse treatment field for a number of years and it is sort of a short version of the Serenity Prayer.

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.

One of Mom's favorites was, "There but for the grace of God, go I." Those few words have kept me from thinking that I am better than anyone else for any reason. We never know what hardships and life experiences another has had that causes them to be or behave a certain way. I try very hard not to judge. Take people for who and what they are and if I cannot, leave them alone.

I shared the importance of "Don't let anyone live in your head rent free." in an earlier post. Sometimes it is very difficult not to focus on what someone else thinks. It is so easy to get caught up with what others say or do. It is then that I find myself saying or doing things that I later regret.

Like many people, I find it difficult to ask for help. It is easy to give advice but not so easy to ask for it when it is needed. "You alone can do it, but you cannot do it alone." It manifests itself in so many ways - delaying a trip to the doctor or needing to open a pickle jar and many other other situations, large and small.

The list goes on and on. There is one to fit almost any situation. It just requires that I slow down long enough to figure out which of the pearls of wisdom fits! Slowing down is the hard part.

The hurried I go, the behinder I get!

An Aluminum Can

2008-01-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you add an aluminum can to a bunch of other aluminum cans? You get a loan fund. I have just come in from the front porch where I have been busy smashing cans collected over the last week or so. Cans come from some friends and neighbors, but mostly they come from residents at Taft Homes, where I am proud to serve as manager. We started collecting cans in mid-June. Residents were invited to save cans and bring them to the office. It has really become a unifying community activity. The cans are recycled and the proceeds go into a micro-loan fund for residents. The maximum loan is $10.00, but it is surprising what $10.00 can do when you have nothing! Residents decided not to make any loans until we had at least $100.00 and not to make any loans if the fund gets down to $20.00. The first loan was made in September as it took a while to get people involved. So far, thirty-four loans have been made. Loans are to be repaid within 30 days and there is a 50 cent charge that is due when the loan is repaid. Very few loans have gone beyond the 30 days and no other loans can be given if there is an unpaid loan.

Loans have been used to buy a few groceries, diapers, bus rides, probably a few six-packs and who knows what else. We do not ask. It is just heart-warming to see the level of participation in the can collection by a sizable number of residents, even those who have never used the loan fund. Even with the loans that are currently out, we have about $170.00 in the cash box. I would call it a success!

Going to the Dogs!

2007-12-30T14:36:00.000-08:00

The saga of dogs at my house has been a series of ups and downs! Two dogs that didn't get put in the house soon enough when the fireworks started one 4th of July disappeared. Frosty and Maxx got frightened, jumped fence and were never seen again. A pup that died suddenly from a case of parvo, a basset hound that I wanted to keep, but could not get to stop climbing a fence. That was a sight! But he had to go back to whence he came.

Then came a dachshund, a gift from my "first X-husband" to my daughter. She came with the name Daisy. What an awful name for a little dog. The name was quickly changed to Cinnamon. Cinny lived comfortably for several years as an only dog. Then a neighbor was getting evicted. This neighbor had an elderly Scottish Terrier, a female named Scotti (how original). The neighbor did not know where he was going and figured he would have to take Scotti to PAWS. I know the luck of older animals when they are at the shelter and told the neighbor that Scotti could stay with us. I let him know that if he found a place and wanted Scotti back, that was fine. I saw the neighbor twice after that and Scotti remained with us.

Scotti's hearing was failing. She depended on Cinny. Cinny would get Scotti when it was time to come in or when the food was put out. Cinny was an assistive animal for Scotti. Unfortunately, Cinny decided to dig out under the fence and was hit by a car at the end of our driveway. No one stopped to let us know. If Leah and I were sad, Scotti was devastated. Scotti needed a friend, so it was off to PAWS.

That's when I found Mikiya (Mikki). A cute little Spaniel mix with Papillion ears. A gentle dog that took to the role of assistive animal like a duck takes to water. Mikki quickly learned that Scotti needed her help and she was glad to oblige. Scotti eventually became totally deaf. After about five years with us, the arthritis became very bad and she had to be carried up and down steps - which also meant carried outside. A trip to the groomer meant baby aspirin so she could stand long enough to get clipped. But she still seemed happy. Two years ago, she got sick. As long as she was in the hospital on IV fluids, she did pretty well. Off the fluids, her kidneys shut down. It was with sadness and love that I held Scotti as she was given the shot that ended her life.

Mikki no longer had a job to do, no mission. She became very withdrawn. Just as Scotti had needed a dog, now Mikki needed one too. Off to PAWS again! Little dog, playmate for Mikki, young enough to be around for awhile, enter Miniya (Minni).

Minni is a ball of energy. A little terrier mix and smart as a whip. The dogs get along well together. They have a circular "rut" in the backyard where they play tag. They play tug-o-war with their toys and often curl up next to each other to sleep. They let me know quite loudly if anyone comes close to the house. They love to play and have never been aggressive toward anyone. They bark, but the tail keeps right on wagging.

Stuffed toys last about ten minutes at the most. There is a game called "Get the Damn Squeaker Out" that they play with all of them. Fetch can last for hours. They have me well trained. Although Mikki is a little taller, they are equal in weight and strength, so the winner of a tug of war match isn't known until the very end. There are days when I do not make it home to let them outside during the middle of the day. Bless their little hearts, they do not make a mess. They are ready to go outside when I get home, but they have managed to "hold" everything until I get there.

I really lucked out with these two "pound puppies".

What would we do without them......

2007-12-30T10:52:00.000-08:00

As I peruse the forums, I am struck by the number of people who have pictures of their pets as their avatars. I know how much my animals mean to me and don't have any idea what life would be like without them. As you can see below, I recently lost a cat that had been with me nearly 16 years. Made a trip to PAWS yesterday, but I did not meet any cat that wanted to join the family enough to talk to me. My most recent addition to the family has adjusted well and is quite a lap cat (a fact that does not thrill some of the other would-be lap sitters) . Oliver is a real beauty and likes to play with the shower curtain. He basically ignores the dogs and has made friends with the other cats.

Before Oliver, Prince Gustov, better known as Gus, joined the family. Gus is also a lap sitter that made a rapid adjustment to the house. I have learned that if I have patience, the perfect animal will show up at PAWS. He has a distinctive face. Reminds me of some movie character, but I have not figured it out yet. It was the expression on his face that drew me to him. Gus is calm and loving. If not in my lap, he likes to be close by as this visit to the bathroom shows. Like most of my cats, Gus is a fairly large, long haired feline. Someday, I hope to add a Maine Coon and a Norwegian Forest Cat to the family. There is always room for one or two more cats at the food dishes and litter boxes!

This is Caspian. A large, short haired cat that is usually pretty shy. He has come out of his shell quite a bit and likes his share of attention and an occasional sit in a lap. He is seen here in one of his favorite hiding places - a basket/pillow that is under a small table with a floor length table cloth. He doesn't mind being disturbed as long as a little petting goes along with it. For about the first year that Caspian lived with me, he would only demand attention at bedtime. He wanted to curl up on a pillow next to my head. Since animals are no longer allowed in the bedroom, he has begun to seek attention at other times, too.

Eighteen pounds of love, that describes Trumpkin. Winter of 1993, I was visited by a big orange tomcat that moved in for the winter and left again that next spring. I had wanted a big, orange cat ever since sharing that winter with a cat we called George. Well a trip to PAWS led me to a cage with a big, orange cat named Trumpkin and his cage-mate, Caspian. They had been raised together and surrendered by their owner when a new baby joined the household. I did not have the heart to separate them, so I adopted them both. Trump is a lover and a lap sitter. He is also a nipper, and if the attention does not come fast enough, will give a little bite to let you know that he is there and wants a little lovin'. Trump has the most beautiful yellow eyes.

Sitting in the bathtub is Rush. Rush was adopted along with Leo who passed away in February 2007. Rush is an absolute hoot! He was named on the way home from PAWS. He was not meowing, he was howling and screaming! I thought what a loud, obnoxious, demanding personality - Rush Limbaugh - Rush became this beautiful cats name. He is still loud and demanding, but not obnoxious. He is a real attention seeker and a great lap warmer. He will often sit on his haunches in my lap, with a paw on each of my shoulders, like a baby giving a hug. He is a real sweetheart and still does not like to go in a cat carrier. Thank goodness, it is only once a year for the trip to the vet. He becomes obnoxious in addition to loud and demanding when the carrier is close by.

Meet Libby. A dainty little girl that almost did not make it. Libby was found at PAWS. She had an injured leg. I was allowed to take her for x-rays that showed the leg to have been shattered in at least five places. She also had an upper respiratory problem. PAWS suggested that I pick a different cat. No Way! Libby was nursed back to health, the injured leg amputated and then she was spayed. Her name is actually Liberty for obvious reasons, but Libby suits her just fine. The lack of a leg does not slow her down or keep her from getting wherever she wants to go. What a doll!

Harriet, wonderful, gentle and loving. Harriet was found as a kitten, about four months old or so in 1994. She was roaming at Harrison Homes. Someone had put a red "X" on the top of her head. I could not resist her beautiful blue eyes and brought her home. I was afraid the X was a target. Harriet requires a lot of brushing since she sheds a great deal. I think she does it on purpose for the attention. Harriet is now the second oldest of the cats, but is in good health. Leah took her to Chicago for awhile, but she did not adjust well to the change or being an only cat. When she came back home, it took her a long time to get over the trauma of the change. She is back to being herself now.

The Grand Old Man!!! Smokey was probably at least two years old when he joined the family in 1990. There is no way of knowing how old he is, but he is at least 18 or 19 years old. He sleeps a lot more now and likes to curl up in front of a heat vent in the kitchen. He was sick a couple years ago. We thought we might lose him. He spent a week in the hospital and had a slow recovery, but has regained the weight he lost and probably a little more. His coat is not as soft as it used to be. He will let you know when he has had enough - there is a special growl that says "Leave me alone". He is still referred to as the Attack Cat, a name he earned!

Cats - a variety of shapes, sizes, personalities and attitudes. Not a pedigree or "papers" among them and I wouldn't trade any of them. My dogs are neat dogs, but they are not cats!

Inspired

2007-12-25T19:28:00.000-08:00

My New Year's Resolution has generally been to not make any resolutions. But I just finished reading a fellow blogger's post that has inspired me to get back in control. I haven't totally lost control, but I am losing it! Unless a person has known me for at least ten years, it is hard for them to believe the path I have been down. October 1997, I tipped the scale at 210 pounds. This was at the Doctor's visit that led to the cancer diagnosis. Chemotherapy left me with mouth sores that kept me from eating. I survived on Cream of Tomato soup and lost about 30 pounds. For some reason, chemo also changed the taste buds so that for awhile chocolate or anything sweet turned my stomach. Over time, I gained back about 10 pounds of what I had lost.

Eventually, I saw a copy of the Adkins diet book. I couldn't do Adkins, but I did cut out a lot of the sugar and other carbs. Over a period of about 14 months, I dropped down to 128 pounds. That was a psychological milestone for me. I remember being a chubby kid and being weighed at the end of 5th grade and weighing 128. As an adult, I was too thin at that weight and looked sick. I added some more carbs back to my diet. For a long time, I stabilized at around 135 and that was great. I tried to watch it pretty closely and stayed within a 10 pound range (130 - 140).

For the last several months, the sugar addiction has been hitting in full force. I am a closet addict. People normally do not see me eat the sugary things I love, but the results are there for all the world to see, like any addiction. I have not hit 145 yet, but if I do not regain control, I will. Then 150 and then, who knows. So, for that reason, I am breaking down and making a resolution for 2008.

I resolve to regain control of my addiction to sugar. I will return to what worked for me. I will "graze" on fresh fruits and vegetables during the day and eat a balanced meal at night. I will maintain my weight within my acceptable 10 pound range. When I was "grazing", I developed great metabolism and was able to indulge now and then without going off the deep end. I want to get back to that point. No, I will get back to that point.

Here's to a great 2008 for all of us!

Finally!

2007-12-23T19:46:00.000-08:00

Today is the first full day of winter! Yeah! That makes us one day closer to the first full day of Spring. Winter is slow down time. Planning time, thinking time, reflection time, valuable time for those of us who seldom slow down. The argument between Me, Myself and I has already started. The more I think about it, the more I want to retire next year. That will give me a year to risk the possibility of life without insurance. It is not the 13 1/3 percent reduction in Social Security benefits that bothers me, it's the lack of insurance before Medicare would kick in. Fortunately, I am healthy and have been for the last several years. 1997 brought a breast cancer diagnosis. 1998 brought a parathyroid tumor (benign) diagnosis. 1999 brought a bone tumor (also benign) diagnosis. Since then, not even a serious common cold.

I don't think I would have too much trouble finding a part-time job to supplement Social Security and retirement savings. The finances are in pretty good shape and will be even better by November 1, 2008. I am not tired of working, in fact, I really like my job. I just don't like the stress level that goes along with it. January 2008 will make sixteen years in the same place. That's a long time. I don't see myself making it to seventeen years. It will be interesting to see how I think when it gets closer to August 1st. That's when I would have to notify Social Security that I would be retiring in three months. I know this is not the last time I will have this internal discussion, it certainly is not the first time.

For now, a tentative decision has been made - subject to change of course! November 1, 2008, I plan to be out of there and on to the great adventure of retirement!