THE WEEK BETWEEN CRAZIES

Monday, November 18, 2013

I think the time has come for the Quest for the Cow's Clothes.  I feel fat today and my swimsuit is literally dying (I'm only in the pool three times every week!).  It's more than kind of embarrassing.  It's the Saggy Baggy Elephant suit and the pool chlorine is bleaching the color out of it.  Not to mention what I'm afraid is going to fall out of it one day in front of those teenage lifeguards.  It could scar them emotionally for life.  That being said, this is the wrong time to buy a suit, yet this can't wait.  So, for the first time ever, I will be looking online to buy a swimsuit.  It is a scary proposition; it has to be a boy-leg, or skirted, because I don't shave down there - too much irritation.  Also, I'd like this one to not be so...low cut.  I'm the bustiest gal in my swim class and I really feel conspicuous.

Enough of that horror show (sorry for any uncomfortable mental images).  Really, the fat despair comes from my doctor's visit today.  I have GAINED eight pounds.  I feel so gross.  I've been going to water aerobics three times a week, doing yoga three times a week, and eating more fruits and veggies.  I feel better, especially in my back, but really?  Couldn't I have gone down a little bit?  So today I do not feel very good about myself.  And here I thought last week that my face looked thinner!  Deception!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

I think I need to make a statement before proceeding with the day's events.  Things that I post, like yesterday's pity party, are not cause for alarm.  Also, Ken being sick, while sad and not pleasant for him, was not a catastrophic event.  He's better.  It was only a couple of days.  Some kind of bug.  If I have made these things seem like something to worry over, I apologize.  I am a drama queen (yes, I admitted it) and like all authors and journalists...I realize that drama sells (ROFL).  So...yes, I am tired a lot, but much of that is my own darn fault.  I stay up late reading or playing some stupid game, or doing the dishes (or whatever) that I procrastinated until the last minute with.  Ken also tells me I take an hour to get ready for bed.  I also overbook myself because for some reason I like to be in constant frenetic motion.  Then I don't feel so lazy, nor bad because my house is a wreak - hey, I'm busy!  It also makes me feel important and we know this Michele has an ego.  Thanks for the concern, I love you for worrying so about me, but if something is really wrong, maybe I'll put up a warning sign.  If I remember.  Otherwise, I'm just documenting the Bolton family version of normal, which is nothing like yours (or anyone elses).

So, having said that...can I safely say that I didn't have yoga today and I didn't have water aerobics yesterday or last Friday and that it's been several days without exercise or stretching and my neck, back, and possible hand neuropathy (don't panic!) are driving me crazy.  At least in my old age I've learned the value of exercise, if not diet (see Monday).   I look forward to water aerobics AND yoga tomorrow (please oh please).

Taking Jonathan to the airport for class today, I got to meet his instructor, Mr. Hall.  He was so nice and said Jonathan was a great contribution to the class.  He was very confident that Jonathan would be able to pass this class and next years and begin working on base.  He also invited me to come and visit the class at any time.  I should...if only to take pictures.

I tried a new dish out today to use up a spaghetti squash I'd received through Bountiful Baskets.  It was a casserole bake with lots of veggies, some cheese...and no meat.  That is a travesty as far as Jonathan is concerned.  He ate it, but said it needed beef!  That kid!  Analiese ate it and said it wasn't bad, even though it had tomatoes and bell peppers in it (but she didn't have seconds).  Ken didn't like it, but he told me not long ago that he really didn't like vegetables.  To which I did, and still do, reply, "Too bad."  I had seconds; it tasted good!

Jonathan went tonight to 4H Air Rifle and Pistol Shooting.  He got to do pistol shooting for the first time tonight (only kids over 12 can do it).  He and his friend David had a great time trying out guns and trying to hit targets.  It looks much harder to do it with one hand unsupported.  There's a competition this Saturday 95 miles north of here and then the next one will be in December here in Altus.  Whether he goes or not Saturday, I'm not sure.  They said he could catch a ride with them.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Our ward has it's own weatherman.  Really, he belongs to the Air Force Base, but, like I told his wife yesterday, he's handy to have around.  Because a big cold front is headed our way, accompanied by rain, sometime early Friday.  No, we are not expecting snow.  Apparently we get little of that here.  Instead, we get ice storms which can be much worse.  Lest you think I am panicking, I will tell you that for the most part we feel prepared.  We have our generator and gasoline for it, I'm getting extra water today, and I got a bunch of canned foods the last time I was at Sam's.  We have three gas heaters and a gas fireplace in the house, a kerosene lantern, a battery-powered lantern, a 100-hour candle, and flashlights in every room.  Oh, and lots of blankets, even for the bunnies.  Here you have to be prepared, year-round, not for eventualities, but near certainties.  But I don't think I'm going to be doing a lot of driving at first, if I can avoid it.  I've driven in snow a little, and don't like it.  Ice has me a bit nervous.  Luckily, if I need it, there's a grocery store across the street!

Did you know that coconuts can go bad?  I do!  I had an old one and a not-so-old one.  Went to open the old one and - ugh! - black fuzzy stuff!  Luckily the newer one was bigger (and not bad).  You wonder, how did I open that big boy?  A hammer.  Have you ever had to wash a hammer?  To wash coconut off of a hammer?  Lots of new experiences.  What am I doing with it?  Making coconut milk.  Luckily, Bountiful Baskets often posts on FB ideas for using your produce.  So I'm making coconut milk.  The humor of the experience has not escaped me - making coconut milk in my OK kitchen in November.  Thinking of using it instead of (or with) milk to make Coconut Horchata!  Jonathan agrees that that sounds scrumptious!  As a side note: rabbits are totally uninterested in coconut.  Just an observation.

As if tackling a coconut today wasn't enough, I decided I had time to deal with one of my Cinderella pumpkins.  If you saw the Halloween picture of my hearth, you saw two pumpkins on either side of the fireplace.  Those are Cinderella pumpkins - good for eating/baking.  So, not following in my mother's footsteps (she once tried to PEEL a pumpkin), I cut one open into four pieces, scraped out the seeds and gunk, and placed them face-down on a cookie sheet where I baked it for about an hour (it could have used a bit more time, it was a big pumpkin).  Then I let it cool a bit, scraped out the flesh and pureed it and bagged it into 2-cup bags (about the amount in a can).  Guess how many 2-cup bags of pumpkin I now have? SIX!!! And that's just the first pumpkin!  Guess what kind of bread everyone here is getting for Christmas?

Thursday, November 21, 2013

The morning was beautiful - sunshiny and warm with a few fringes of clouds ringing the sky.  Storm coming?  No way!

I drove Jonathan to class at mid-day and ran my storm preparations anyway.  In Wal-Mart I saw people just going about their regular shopping runs.  Only I was acting like a prepper.  California paranoia again?  Weather reports are constantly changing around here.  Maybe this was all for nothing.  But better prepared than not...

By the time I came out of the second store, the wind had picked up.  Seriously.  The birds were pretty much gone (and lately we've had scads of them sitting on buildings and power lines), and it was the leaves that were flying in whirls and gusts.  Still, it was warm.  Can't freeze anything in that!

Two-thirty came and I went to go pick up Jonathan with Analiese in tow.  It was still windy, but I left my jacket in the house thinking it was still nice outside in spite of everything.  Wrong...that wind was turning cold; arctic cold.  Maybe there was something in that weather report after all.

The rest of today was windy and cold, but none of that rain that was predicted came.  Just as well.  We had soup for dinner (good call!) and, after one foray into the wind (I told Analiese that I felt like I was auditioning for the part of Dorothy in the new Wizard of Oz) for tithing settlement, we settled down into blankets and covers to sleep warm & safe.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Pretty much all of the leaves are off of the trees.  The wind did a good job.  Still really cold.  Around devotional time, as we're sitting in the living room, I heard clicking on the window.  It was starting to rain, but it wasn't pure rain.  There was some ice in.  Before long, there's lots of clicking, and then our yards are covered with small ice particles.  Not snow, ice.  It drifts like sand, but doesn't stick.

And it kept coming and coming.  Ken came home from work early and just in time to take Jonathan to class.  Thank heavens!  I know nothing about driving in icy conditions and am not eager to start.  Luckily, too, a classmate brought him home so neither one of us had to go out and get him.  Plus the classmate has 4-wheel drive!

We had a free Redbox rental, so Ken wanted to get a movie.  The nearest Redbox is next to the United, only right around the corner from us.  We bundled up and walked out there, carefully picking our way around the ice.  Well, I was carefully picking; Ken was more confident.  I haven't had to walk through that stuff since Boston - nearly 20 years ago.  And I still don't like it!  I have slid and fell enough times on ice to last a lifetime; I am really not eager to repeat the past.  I slipped a little to and from the Redbox, holding tightly onto Ken's arm.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Storm is over, but ice and cold remain.  Everything is either crunchy or slippery.  The kids are fascinated with the icicles that rim the house.  Jonathan likes to crunch through the ice to the ground.  As we've had to go to the garage and back, I let him trailblaze and follow where he's opened the path for me.  He certainly bundles up, wearing the scarf I just crocheted for him in camo colors.  I wanted to wait until Christmas, but he needed it now, I guess.

All day today was drip, crack, drip.  I had one little errand to run so I HAD to go out in the car, but the roads are all free of ice, as are most of the sidewalks.  Even our front yard looked fairly ice-free late this afternoon.  But snow is expected tomorrow, so this won't last.

I am told by locals that this weather is a bit early this year.  Normally, they don't have ice and snow hit until December or January.  I hope it means more wet and water - we could sure use that!

Sunday, November 24, 2013

I awoke to a winter wonderland (for real - the kids didn't think the ice, but the snow definitely is!).  Quietly falling, the snow was already at least two inches on the ground.  Analiese is wondering...is there enough for snow angels (yes)...a snow fight (yes)...a snowman (yes).

Church has been cancelled.  I guess people here don't drive well on snow and ice (they panic like S. Californian's do with rain).  We were supposed to take an investigator to church and we notified the missionaries (they don't get Facebook, which is where I found out).  Also, I was supposed to be involved in all three meetings: Sacrament Meeting - chorister, Sunday School - teaching Analiese's class, Relief Society - playing piano.  I told the kids we would still have our own private devotional; it's still the Sabbath.

I let the kids play outside this morning, even though it was Sunday.  I hear that these snow storms are rare (and this early, too)!  They had so much fun, Jonathan building a snow fort and Analiese trying to make a snowman (snow wasn't sticking), but settling for a snowangel instead.  I took a lot of photos and a video, you'll have to look for it on Facebook.  But I'm including a couple of shots here.  They finished their snow fun with hot chocolate and spending the rest of the day cozy, watching movies and playing games.  Other than a little chill, I think they loved it!

OVERBOARD

Monday, November 11, 2013

Let me tell you about the great bench fiasco.  Great because it was a great idea to begin with; fiasco because it was enough trouble to make the Pope swear.  Here's my lovely old church bench, cut in two; I want to make it into a banquette for my kitchen.  Old, nice wood, hand craftsmanship, just lovely.  For a church bench, though, it has been surprisingly devilish.  And it wasn't even me who had to do this crazy dance with the devil, it was someone from my ward who was being nice and doing me a favor.  I have probably ruined all future opportunities for service for him.  Tongue-and-groove workmanship...glued together.  When you cut the bench in two, they all want to come apart.  The end pieces, nice and thick, so much so that no one sells wood cut like that anymore.  And the shape and curve of it were not exactly "piece of cake" work, either.  I am SO SORRY, Tim.  I'm not sure inviting him to Thanksgiving dinner is enough.  So much for trying to make friends in Altus.

Wal-Mart was almost a lonely disappointment, too.  No meeters and greeters, until in the produce when I saw my VT, who works there.  Good thing, too, because I couldn't find the fresh cranberries.  She knew!  I guess I can't say it's over till I'm in my van driving out of the parking lot.  And even then...I've seen people sit in their cars and talk to someone outside.

Thought you'd like to see a common scene driving through Altus.  These ladies were quite vociferous, too!  (This is for Dee & ME with bovine love!)

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

The benches are finished!  Well, the construction is complete, I just need to do a little spackling, sanding and painting.  But it will have to wait.  Ugly or not, they need to be sit-able, and they are.  That's all that counts.  Tim isn't happy with the way they've turned out, but they're not bad.

I am one very proud, slightly emotional mommy tonight.  It's taken a lot of blood, sweat, toil & tears (literally), but my son now has his Eagle rank!  Tonight was his Board of Review, where a group of Scout leaders get together, review all of his accomplishments, focusing  A LOT on his Eagle project, and decide whether or not he's earned his rank.  I was a little nervous, since all of that stuff was done in California...but they accepted it!  They were so gracious and kind, too.  They said they couldn't get Jonathan to smile until after they said he'd earned his Eagle.  Well, that's him.  When he's nervous he gets deep-down serious solemn.  He WAS nervous.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

With the clock ticking, and me super-busy to get my house cleaned and ready for tomorrow, I lost my brain.  Literally.  Don't know where, don't know when.  But it's gone.  I had a doctor's appointment this morning (I should have scheduled it AFTER the RS shindig).  I didn't even realize I'd missed it until about noon. AWK!

I made my spectacular cranberry cake for tomorrow.  (If you want the recipe, let me know.)  I made it a few times last year during the holiday season because it was so good.  Highly recommended.  To be honest, I think it's the fresh cranberries and the almond extract that make it so superlative.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Today's the big day!  The morning was full of cleaning: Vaccuuming, dusting, picking up.  Plus, I had my cider to put together, the chairs to move to the living room, the table to set up.  I cancelled yoga in the morning so I could have the time I'd need.

I got everything done in time, so I could change and go to the other houses myself.  It was a really fun activity, going from house to house and chatting with all the ladies.  Good eats, too.  The roast was juicy and tender, the potato dish (sweet & white) was great - I want the recipe.  Then everyone came to our place.

One problem I have is that our porch light is motion activated.  It doesn't stay on unless someone walks up the stairs.  Well, I need the light to be on so people can walk up the stairs safely.  So I had to stand out on the portch, occasionally waving my arms to keep it on.  Luckily, the evening was not cold (in fact, I had taken my new coat, but never wore it) and once everyone was inside, I could stop.

I think they enjoyed it.  The cake and cider were popular, as was a chocolate dessert another sister made.  And the ladies complimented our benches.  Which became funny later, as Tim called, curious to know what they thought (he was as nervous about it as I was).  Now maybe I can rest a little.  Ha-ha

Friday, November 15, 2013

Well, it was a pretty normal day.  Laundry, lessons.  The day ended with Rabbit Club.  The kids played rabbit trivia (Analiese was on the winning team, Jonathan on the losing) while the leader spoke to the adults about getting sponsors for the February Rabbit Show.  You know, that was one reason why I was happy about homeschooling...no fundraising.  SIGH.

Also they discussed the December Christmas party.  If all the clubs do that, we'll have four to "look forward" to: Rabbits, Sewing, Legos, Shooting.  On top of all the other obligations and parties.  I guess I need to think and plan a little.

Ken took the night off from Wal-mart.  He's tired, but mainly tired of working all the time.  I can't blame him.  But it gives him extra rest and time to do other things tomorrow besides sleep.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Another early morning: up for my basket order.  But I was excited because I ordered rolls - wheat, white & cranberry-pumpkin - and I won't have to make rolls for Thanksgiving.  Anything to make it easier.  Lots of goodies, too.

Today's craziness: Lattice Cranberry Relish Pie.  I bought pie crust, that issue solved.  But the bigger, more pressing issue was the orange peel I needed.  United only had lemon, so I had to buy oranges and shred the peel myself.  Eight oranges - my hands are still cramping.  It baked nicely and (I thought) tasted great when we served it to the missionaries.

After working hard in the morning, I took a break to go to a craft show.  It was sponsored by the Altus Spouses Club, which supports the families on base.   It was fun to go look - but I'm a good window shopper and didn't buy.  Still, one booth was run by a gal in our ward, so I went and spoke with her for a bit, and I also spent some time looking at the Pampered Chef booth, because their stuff is so great.  I didn't get anything, though.  I recently purchased a new chopper (my 10 yo one died), so I didn't feel I could get anything more.  Besides, I have Christmas to think of.  I was tempted to get a cute new Christmas wreath made out of that mesh stuff that's so popular.  But I resisted - I am strong!

The elders came to dinner...about 8 o'clock tonight.  To be fair, they'd been in Lawton for Conference Sessions.  I had soup still warm on the stove for them...and the pie.  Which they loved, especially one elder.  Ken didn't like it - not sweet enough.  I think it could be better with less orange peel.  Ha!

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Today was Stake Conference, and, unlike years past, the journey to the Stake Center does not take mere minutes.  In fact, it takes nearly an hour.  The Stake Center in Lawton is straight east from us (it's that easy straight-shot I've told you about).  We left at 8:30 so we'd be in time for a good seat...and so Analiese could practice with the 10-11 year-olds choir before the meeting.  

They were sweet, singing "I Am a Child of God" and "I Wonder When He Comes Again."  For the first song, the kids from our ward (all four) did sign language along with the first verse, and the chorus on all verses.  It certainly set the tone for the meeting.

I enjoyed it, though being tired, I did yawn a bit at the end (Sorry, President Petersen!).  I really enjoyed the Mission President's wife's talk, explaining how they got to be here, and the 1st Counselor of the Temple Presidency talking about the blessings of the temple.  He called the OKC temple, the "Little Jewel on the Prairie."  Even Analiese liked his talk, and she was restless!

I have to learn how to adjust for these kind of days and trips.  For one, I need to make sure we have snacks in the car.  By the time we got home, the kids were ready to eat the upholstery.  For another, I need to have more for Analiese to do.  What, I don't know.  She took markers and paper...what more could I do?

Ken didn't go because he was feeling nauseous.  There's not exactly anywhere to stop between Altus and Lawton.  Oh, yeah, there are a couple of towns but I don't know where anything is in them and it would be just our luck that he'd want to throw up with nothing around us but cotton fields and cow pastures.  But then, isn't that fertilizing, in a way?  Ugh!

WET NOVEMBER

Monday, November 4, 2013

It was Monday.  Normal stuff.  The end.

I guess you wouldn't want to read this, if that was all I wrote.  Mind, Mondays are really like that, but I'll make an effort to, well, not embellish, but elaborate.

The Wal-Mart Meet-and-Greet was on full blast today.  I ran into George again (he said he truly wasn't stalking me and I told him only if he purposely came on Monday afternoons), who wanted to know what he should get for my daughter for her birthday (from his daughter).  I couldn't help him - she's a toughie to buy for - and I still haven't fully figured out her Christmas.  I always feel like I'm gypping her in some way on her birthday a) because of Christmas following and b) because I always seem to know what to get for Jonathan and his birthdays are easy.  Later, I ran into my RS president and her 1st counselor.  They wanted to know if I needed any help for the dessert at my part of the progressive dinner next week.

Being the first Monday of the month, Ken took me to dinner.  The options for fine dining in Altus are limited.  We decided to try Val's - the outside looked promising and Ken figures that if there are a lot of cars in the parking lot, they must be pretty good.  Actually, I'm starting to think that people either are desperate and take what they can get here or they have terrible taste in cuisine.  The ambience was that cluttered, memorabilia look, dark and run-down looking.  While our waitress was fun and nice, the food came very late and wasn't that terrific.  I had excitedly ordered a monte cristo sandwich, but the dinner wasn't cooked well.  The manager did comp us half our meal and all of our drinks (a couple of sodas aren't that expensive), but still, neither Ken nor I have any great desires to return.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

To rain or not to rain, that is the question.  It smelled like it last night and this morning, the weathermen (false prophets!) kept say high chance of a strong storm.  We shall see.

After turning down an opportunity to work the concession stand at the basketball games last week, I get the desperation, guilty e-mail about this week.  So, dropping off the candy at the 4H office, I went to talk to Gary about it (it's a big money-raiser for 4H).  He really needed tonight and had no one for Saturday yet.  Well, Saturday is OUT - I am very busy that day.  So guess what I'm doing tonight.

Analiese had 4H sewing at 3:30, Jonathan had 4H shooting at 5:00, then I had to pick up Analiese (no, they weren't at the same place - sewing was at the 4H offices, shooting at the Expo Center).  I was supposed to pick up Jonathan at 7:00, bring him home and get out to the city gym by 7:30.  Jonathan walked in the door about a quarter till six.  Evidentally shooting had been cancelled - and he walked home (not too far).

But I couldn't get out of the concessions, so away I went, in the dark, to a part of town I've never been.  Yes, I found it, even without a GPS, I had an idea about where it was.  So for 2 1/2 hours, with another gal, I dispensed food (who wants to buy candy the week after Halloween?), cleaned and counted money.  And it rained outside during the games, so much so that I could hear it over the basketball games on both sides.  Thankfully it only drizzled a little when I left around 10, but the streets between it and my house (not far) are prone to flooding.  I had to be a little careful.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Happy birthday, Analiese!  I bought the kids doughnuts for breakfast (Walmart clearance - I am cheap), but still insisted (much to her disgust) that some lessons had to be done.

Which was harder than you think, considering the bunny brothel we had going on.  Somehow we ended up with all three rabbits out and Twilight was one randy buck!  He chased Fluffer around and around, so that she was LOUDLY growling at him.  He eventually gave up and went after Alice, who wasn't so vociferous, but did kick him in the face a time or two.  Not to be disuaded, this fluffy Don Juan kept coming back for more.  Eventually we had to put him away...though all those rabbits got lots of exercise chasing & being chased.

After dropping Jonathan off at the airport mid-day, Analiese & I went to have a little birthday fun.  We went to the jewelers to get her latest charm (in the shape of the state with the name on it) soldered on so it won't fall off.  Then we joined some friends at the Grapevine Cafe for lunch.  Finally!  A place in town that serves decent food.  I actually had a salad with a variety of greens - and no iceberg!  I also had a nice club sandwich, half of which I had to take home it was so big!  Then, in honor of her birthday, the waitress brought Analiese a piece of tres leches cake, which she very much enjoyed.  Our friends gave her a black wolf Webkins stuffed animal, which she was excited to add to her collection.

Following lunch, we went to get our pedicures.  I have to get one monthly because of my ingrown toenail problem, but I had promised her months back that on her birthday, she could have one.  She always chooses my colors, so she insisted with both had to have blue (her favorite), but different shades.  Hers was a light, irridescent blue while mine was a dark sparkly blue.  She loved it!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

I'm tired today, because I haven't caught up with Tuesday's sleep.  Also, last night coming home from picking up Jonathan from Scouts, two of the missionaries and one of our home teachers came to visit us.  They visited with us until nearly 9:30.  And Ken was asleep the whole time.  It takes careful planning to catch him home and awake.

To go along with my beautiful benches in my kitchen corner, I'm getting a pedestal table and two more chairs to go with it.  A brother in our ward is helping to finish the benches so they are "sit-able" by next Thursday when the RS is here (they may not be fully painted, but I can live with that).  But my table and chairs should be delivered today.

The weather report for next week says we may get a light snow come Thursday or Friday (we've been having a little frost).  I know a certain little girl here who is excited about that!

Ken took the family to see "Ender's Game" tonight.  Jonathan was dying to see it (well, I really wanted to, too).  We all enjoyed it and now Analiese is reading the book.  They did pretty well sticking to the story, considering.  But I knew Card wouldn't let it be made without it staying true.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Looooong day.  Normal morning stuff, lessons & laundry (oy - the story of my life!), but the afternoon had me and Analiese heading toward Lawton for a shopping jaunt.  She had received birthday money from grandparents and wanted/needed a new dress for church (the kid is growing - her legs are getting long!).  We tried the new TJ Maxx on the end of town, but no-go, they didn't have much in the way of girl dresses.  I agree with Analiese, the one she did try on was too big in the sleeves (size larger) and the skirt was nearly too short, and she'd outgrow it soon!

So we went to the Target in the same complex (we still love Target) and found a pretty dress, though it was sleeveless.  I found a red sparkly sweater to match that will cover the sleeve problem.  And she was happy with it, which is what counts most.  I also found a winter coat for me that will fit.  I've been eyeing pea coats - they look so tailored - so I found one in navy blue with a hood attached that also closes around the neck.  Very snug, looks nice.

After that, our marathon took us to Hobby Lobby.  Okay, I really like that store, but it can be pricey.  Even with the 50% off fall stuff, I didn't buy a wreath.  Originally $179.00 - that's still $90 for a wreath.  I think I'll make one next year.  We also looked for stuff for the kids' cousin Christmas crafts (say that 5x fast!) and some buttons for some crocheted neck warmers I made (very chic, ask me about them!)

I tried to linger, but Analiese was getting tired.  So we made our way to Sam's for gas, pizza, and shopping.  This was my big shop.  I had to first go and get incentive goodies for Ken for his work (they give him a card to spend on it, so at least I didn't have to worry about reimbursement), which filled nearly half the back of my van.  My shopping was big enough on it's own but...no turkey. :(  I really wanted to get one; I'd already priced out Wal-mart and United.  But, no, they don't get in turkeys until 2 weeks before Thanksgiving.  I was there NOW.  Irked.

This was funny, though.  This guy and his wife were walking around and saw me and Analiese with our shopping list.  He turned to his wife, "Why don't we have a list?"  To save her from embarassment, I remarked that it was only one of three lists I had for today and that was because when you have to drive for an hour to shop, you have to fit in all you can and carefully.  I told him we lived in Altus, and he contritely guessed I'd have to be more organized.  Inadvertant marriage saver! LOL

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Another busy day.  Jonathan had to be at the church by 9 a.m. to pick up canned goods for Harvest for the Hungry.  I've had to prep dinner and get things ready for tomorrow, plus Analiese has to be at church by noon for Primary Program Practice (tomorrow's the program).  They're having pizza, and I have to take some lemonade.  Then I'm going to the Garden Club at the Farmers' Bureau - do or die!  So many things and people have tried to get in the way of it, but I've been waiting months to go.  Too bad, other things, I really want to go, notebook in hand and ready to pick brains!

And the club was great! They have a potluck every time, and they had some great goodies, including garden bounty. I draw the line at jalepeno jelly, though. I am such a gringa!  But they were very welcoming, willing to answer questions and promising to email me more info. I learned quite a few things, including how to clean up the garden for winter (so bugs don't nest in trash). I even got a hug! They won't meet in December, but we have homework for January...bring in garden catalogs.

Tonight's feature entree for the missionaries was cashew chicken. I doubled it, but could have tripled it and they still would have eaten it all. We had another dinner guest, Bro. Tim Hudson of our ward - he's the one who drives Jonathan home from class - he's been helping me with my banquette benches, so I had him stay for dinner.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Busy Sunday!  Besides the normal stuff (SS class president, RS pianist), I talked with the ward chorister about music the next two months while she's out recovering from surgery.  Then I had to run around talking to people about playing music for the Sunday before Christmas.  During RS, I had to interpret for a Spanish-speaking sister.  

Oh!  And the RS presidency wanted to know if I would be on the Ward Christmas Party committee.  If I wasn't too busy.  To which we all threw back our heads and laughed!

Pray, pray, pray that my bench will be done before Thursday.  Yes, I have bitten off more than I can chew.  Ken asked how long it would be before I forgot this lesson.  I told him I hoped it would last through Christmas.

Guess what?  I have rose bushes - three of them!  One is pink, one I don't know yet, but these are the prettiest (they smell nice, too):

THIS IS HALLOWEEN

Monday, October 28, 2013

Overcast & drizzly.  I don't think it's going to get to the 80 degrees the weatherman says.  Jonathan took two jackets to Seminary, just in case, but only used one.  It's breezy, but really not that cold.  Grocery shopping today, I didn't even take a jacket and was in a t-shirt.  It'll take more than that to make me cold!

I do NOT recommend Church's Chicken in Altus.  Not a clean place, the guy at the counter was downright surly, and the place smelled...funky.  It did not add to my gourmet experience.  I'm not a big fried chicken person anyway.  I just thought I'd try something new.  They don't do health department grades here like in California.  I don't think this place would have rated very well.  At least I haven't gotten sick from the food.

Today was Chat-with-Sundry-People-at-Walmart Day.  People do.  All the time.  Walmart is the great meeting place, apparently.  A lady outside offered me her cart and proceeded to talk to me for fifteen more minutes.  Whoever I meet and talk with, it always starts with, "What church do you go to?" followed by "Are you Air Force?"  Inside the store, everyone is either a) chatting in the middle of the aisles (it is very hard to just shop there) or b) apologizing for almost smacking someone with their cart as they enter or go past an aisle and then striking up a conversation.   And I'm not immune it, either, not anymore since I actually know some people in town.  I bumped into my Altus homeschool friend's husband, George.  Actually, he saw me first.  But, since his wife & I share the same first name, he remembers mine easily.  I see him more than I do her, usually, because she works in the evenings and so he takes the kids to 4H.  To wrap it all up, I had at least half a dozen encounters shopping today...and the kids wonder why it takes me so long.

The weather wasn't too cold today...but the pool was!  Apparently the city park pool's heater wasn't working well.  Usually it's heated and, in the cold season, the room is kept warm for the swimmers.  Today, we had to work extra hard at our aerobics to keep from shivering.  At least our thyroid issue lady wasn't there today, poor thing.  She is cold in the pool on a good day - today would have been just awful.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Listening to the radio is a different experience here.  There are at least five stations in town, though our favorite station is out of Snyder (30 mins. away).  All these stations have ads running from local businesses.  So you could hear an ad and drive by that place at the same time.  Some of the stations air local high school sports games on Fridays.   At least you know that events announced are within the vicinity.  And the all-important weather is VERY regionally specific.  I don't let Jonathan change stations if the weather is being broadcasted.

I made rolls today for tomorrow's event at the church, while Jonathan made chili for the cookoff.  They specifically said the cookoff was only for the men and Jonathan wanted to do it.  Actually, he's really good at seasoning things.  If I make salsa, I have him finish it for me.  His tinkering always makes it better!  He wanted to make it today so it would sit in the fridge overnight and the flavors blend better.  He's getting to be quite the cook!  Now, if I could get him to be quite the dishwasher, too!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Today was another baking day for me.  This time, it's pumpkin cream-cheese muffins for the Seminary breakfast tomorrow.  Oh, and cutting up fruit for a fruit salad to go with it.  The muffins are a new recipe, but they look (and smell) really good!

Ken is flying back from Michigan today.  Whether he makes it in time for the ward party is unknown.  He had a layover in Atlanta, and the boarding was 30 minutes late.  We shall see.

We carved pumpkins today.  I mean we because, even though I was going to leave it up to the kids, Analiese had a small headache, so I had her lay down & I finished hers.  Actually, it turned out cute!  Jonathan's was very...interesting.  I can't even give it a name or description.  Just big eyes, really.  Going for the minimalist look.

We left to be at the church by 5:00, even though the party doesn't start until 6:00.  Jonathan has to set up for his game (which he put together at the last minute), and they wanted all the food there by 5:30.  I was impressed how well they judged and kept up with their timing.  Dinner was promptly at 6:00, costume-judging and carnival games were at 7:00, and trunk-or-treating was at 7:30, with everything to wrap up at 8:00 so kids could be up for school in the morning.  We were home by 8:15, no sweat.  

Ken really didn't make it.  What I mean is, yes, he was back in time, and drove straight to the church by 5:30.  He said hi, saw the kids' costumes (and mine - I was a Queen Bee!), and then said he'd go home quickly to unpack and be back.  Well, he never came back.  By the end of dinner I called him.  He'd fallen asleep.  I told him not to worry, go back to sleep.  We had it handled.  Still, he really likes Halloween, so it was a little sad.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Seminary is SO early!  Especially since I had a hard time going to sleep last night.  I tossed and turned and then, at about 11:00, the lightning storm that was supposed to have come earlier came.  Lots of lightning, lots of thunder, lots of wind, pouring down rain.  I was the only one awake for it and I remembered - the rabbits weren't properly covered!  Could I go out there - was it safe in the lightning storm?  So I woke up Ken to ask him (sorry, he can go back to sleep easier than I).  He went out, checked on the bunnies, made sure they were covered and came in - SOAKED.  Drying off what he could, he crawled back in bed and started snoring.  Me, it was probably about another hour before I slept.  ARGH!

So, with Analiese in tow, Jonathan & I went over to the building so I could get things going in the kitchen.  Really, all I had to do was cut up bananas to go in the fruit salad and make the orange hot chocolate.  No, not orange flavored, orange colored.  It was basically white chocolate chips melted in warm milk, with a little vanilla and some orange food coloring.  I also had some pumpkin-spice marshmallows that added nicely to the flavor.    But it was all received well (yes, the muffins were good!).  Evidentally, they have a game day once a month (they play games to practice scripture mastery) and they ask the parents to take turns bringing in breakfast.  I won't have another turn until April.

Don't think I don't have baking today - I do!  I have a birthday cake to bake today in anticipation of tomorrow's party.  For a child who doesn't like fruit, she likes the strawberry-flavored cake.  Bake on!

With pumpkins carved and the house already decorated, there wasn't much to do today (beyond normal stuff) than wait.  Analiese had to wait for Ken to come home; he had promised to take her trick-or-treating.  We only had a handful of trick-or-treaters ourselves (maybe 6), and not any after 7:00 p.m.  Of course, it's not a big surprise.  Nearly all the churches in town had something going on, plus the community center had something and the police did a safety town.  For those who really want to trick-or-treat, they go to the north side of town where the nice homes are; better candy, I hear.  Probably, because I'm cheap and I don't buy anything that will tempt me - no chocolate!

Ken & Analiese went to the police safety-town, where they went from "house" to "house" getting goodies.  They did a few homes up north, but Analiese was tired and wanted to go home.  When they did, we popped some corn and watched some Studio C off of BYUtv (if you haven't seen it, it's silly and funny and clean!), which had a Halloween special.  At least we were all together.

Friday, November 1, 2013

A normal day today?  Not so, today is party day!  On top of lessons & laundry, I had a birthday party to get ready for.  It really wasn't too much work, I just had to decorate the cake (which if you know my kids, probably wasn't an easy task), make pizzas (pre-bought crust, no time to make all that pizza dough). and decorate the table, which Analiese willingly helped with.

And the cake wasn't as hard as I figured, probably easier than some of the things they've dreamed up for me to do in the past.  She wanted a golden snitch - like in Harry Potter - so I baked a small square and a small bowl (so it would be more globe-ish), cut the square into 2 triangles and put them on either side of the ball.  I frosted them all yellow, drew black gel-lines on the triangles to give the thought of feathers, and then spray-painted it gold.  YES...there is a gold food coloring spray and I used it.  It looked great!

It was 5 o'clock.  The cake was done.  The pizzas were hot out of the oven.  The house was fairly straightened.  The table was set with the party goods and the sodas were out and ready.  No girls.  In fact, nobody showed until 15 after.  I was getting a little nervous because you can imagine how Analiese was pacing.  But they came, four out of the seven invited, bouncy and loud and eager.

They invaded the storage room off of the garage to visit the bunnies first (we'd moved the rabbits there to keep them out of rain).  Oh, the ooohing and aaahing and "let me hold it," etc.  The rabbits are probably traumatized for a while, but the girls loved them!  In fact, they were begging to have baby bunnies if any come about.  Yeah, I can see that going over well with parents!

They ate and chattered, played games and chattered, opened gifts and chattered, had cake with ice cream and chattered.  I felt like I had let the squirrels in the house!  They kind of scampered around like them, too.  But, smartly, I only let the party going on for two hours (my nerves probably couldn't take more) and gladly ushered them out the door when parent came.

Whew!  Ken had asked earlier if I was going to do a sleepover.  Horrified, I had said, "NOOOO!!!!"  I can't imagine that horror!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Despite having had a party the day before, I was up by 6:30 so I could go pick up my basket at 7:00.  They have moved the location to a place indoors.  Indoors for the produce, that is.  The line was still outside...in the alley.  I have to learn to dress warmer, especially layering.  I put on a sweatshirt...but not over anything.  And I had no hat or scarf or gloves.  And the morning was dark & crisp.  Brrr!

My basket was heavy to me today.  Somehow, I hurt my left shoulder hefting it.  A gentleman (truly!) took it to the van for me, but I still had to take it into the house.  I rubbed something on my shoulder and I hope the pain goes away.

The kids had an activity today - taking bags all over town to get food donations for Harvest for the Hungry.  Jonathan went with the Scouts, Analiese with Activity Days (their leaders are spouses, so they did it together, really).  That left me an hour of quiet to get some stuff done.  Not much, but some.  Ken was asleep in bed, so I wasn't really alone, but I was unbothered.  So, down came the Halloween stuff; but no, not up with the Christmas.  Get me through Thanksgiving first, please.

A fairly quiet day, really.  Jonathan went off with friends to a stake activity in Lawton, the elders came to dinner, I cleaned up.  Quiet Saturdays are quite nice!

Sunday, November 3, 2013

I didn't have anything extra to do in church today, just my SS President duties (intro, prayers) and piano for RS.  But that won't be the case for the next two months.  Our ward chorister is going to have surgery and will be out for about that long and asked me to lead music for her.  No biggie.  EXCEPT...now I get to figure out the Sunday before Christmas.  She told me some ideas she had, but nothing's solid.  Guess I'd better go have a little talk with the bishop.

And the afternoon at home was pleasant, too.  A small rain storm floated in, leaving us feeling cozy inside.  However, I did check to make sure the rabbits will be cared for if it rains harder.  I don't want my conscious keeping me up all night again!

ALLERGIES? OR COLD?

Monday, October 21, 2013

Oh, joy!  I got to put my van in the dealer - luckily it was a recall and I didn't have to pay for it.  I had pretty much ignored it in California (yes, I had it that long), but since it involved things not performing well in bad weather, I figured I ought to have it taken care of here.  Also luckily, there's a Ford dealer in town (unlike for Ken's Honda, which I had to take to Lawton)...and they gave me a ride home.

Unlucky part?  It's evidentially a big deal to fix whatever this thing is.  They have to take off the back of the van, go underneath and take out the back seat, do whatever, and weld, epoxy & paint.  And what I hoped would take just today, looks like will spill over into the middle of tomorrow.

I had Jonathan taken care of; a fellow classmate (and ward member) was going to transport him to and from school today and offered tomorrow.  But yoga tomorrow morning could be a problem, and after missing 3 water aerobics and two yoga sessions - I needed my workout!  Well, one of our nice things here in Altus is the Ward Relief Society Facebook group.  Announcements, requests, questions, photo-sharing, etc., all happen here.  So, I could go out into Altus RS FBland and ask for someone to give me a ride.  And I got a quick response, too!

Then I got a call at 3 p.m.   The Ford Dealer.  The van was done.  Oh, well, at least I had covered my options in case it wasn't.  C'est la vie!  Better to be prepared!

So when Ken got home, he took me over to the dealer.  Then he went shopping with me and we got a great deal on a generator from Sears.  Why a generator, you ask?  Because this place is notorious for ice storms in the winter which knock down power lines.  If you're lucky, it's back up in a couple of days.  I guess two years ago, it wiped out the whole town for nearly two weeks.  Hence, a generator.  Someone at church a couple weeks back had talked about preparing for winter and Ken's really taken it to heart (which means bugging me about it till it happens).

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Yoga!  I can't say how much I love it and how good I feel doing it.  Just glad I have people to do it with!

Did some visiting teaching - finally.  I know we're supposed to have companions, but planning around three schedules (comp, sister, self) can be hairy.  The gal we saw today has a lovely home.  She also has two boys under three and is pregnant with a third!  And these two give her a run for her money!  Climbing on things, taking scissors to who-knows-what, strewing DVD's and toys around.  She's a sweet, amazing gal, but I think she's going to need a hand or two when baby #3 comes.

Jonathan had 4H air rifle/pistol shooting.  This time, he actually got to use a rifle and shoot lead pellets at a target.  And, he actually hit inside the target a couple of times (they only had 5 shots each).  The club leader says not to get frustrated, they're only beginning, and just getting it on the paper can be an accomplishment!  He's the oldest one in the beginners class, but he's also one of the few who can do pistol as well as rifle.  The kids aren't allowed to do pistol until age 12.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Today was a baking day, I guess.  For history, since we've been studying about Afghanistan in the 1850's, Analiese and I made nan - a flatbread.  It used baking soda instead of yeast (the taste was much like a biscuit) and had to sit for 3 hours - I say sit, because it sure didn't rise!  They were okay, but mainly were just for the experience.  All reading, talking and paperwork is boring.  We try to do fun activities to go with our history from time to time.

Also, we have breakfast-for-dinner once a week, so I made my famous banana chocolate chip muffins.  This is one reason my kids let bananas go extra ripe - so I can make muffins.

This was my double-whammy exercise day, too.  I had water aerobics at 5, came home after 6 for a quick bite, and was back at the church to take Jonathan to Scouts at 7 and to have yoga at 7:30.  Lazily, I played a yoga video from a program off of BYUtv, but it was still a workout (and they titled it "Relaxation!").  This meant that, by the time I got home and had kids settled in bed, and did the dishes, it was late and I crashed.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

By the time I get to yoga on Thursday morning, I am so tired and ready for a break.  There was only one person there besides me, but we had a good stretch, warmed ourselves up, and woke up a little.   She'd started with a headache, but it was gone by the end...I think that's progress!

After taking Jonathan to aviation mechanics, I am lazily messing around at home.  I want a nap, know I have other things to do so I shouldn't, and generally don't want to do anything!  Plus, it's a breezy day, my throat's a little sore and I'm sneezing a bit.  Really, can't I have a nap and forget about it all?  SIGH.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Okay, it's a bonafide cold.  And then Ken texts me, "I have a rhinovirus."  So dramatic!  I've been dealing with these symptoms for a few days now, and he is "sick."  I have a hard time working up empathy for this.

Analiese & I made "dirt cups" for dessert for tomorrow night with the elders.  It will be our official "Halloween" meal.  Ken suggested chili dogs (guess who won't eat any?), and we'll have chips and veggies, all on my special tablecloth with placemats, plates, cups & napkins in Halloween decor.  Plus, dirt cups for dessert.  Halloween is Ken's favorite holiday, so we try to do special things for it.  Our dirt cups have chocolate & pumpkin spice pudding (yum) in layers in cups with crushed oreos on top.  Then we put suckers, gummy worms, and chocolate eyeballs on top.  They turned out cute!

I got in a nap.  No, I took one and to heck with all the stuff I had or wanted to do!  I even skipped water aerobics, I was too out of it.  And Ken came home a little early.  Yes, he has a "rhinovirus," and his cold sounds worse than mine.  So, humbly I sent him off to bed to sleep some before going to Walmart.  Because, yes, he was still going to go.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Ken's in bed for the day, which is pretty usual since he worked all day at the prison and all night at Walmart.  But he's staying there and not going in to Walmart tonight.  He has to get over that cold before he flies out to Michigan tomorrow!

Analiese has been bugging me to help her get party invitations made, so we made up little scrolls inviting her friends from church and homeschool to her Harry Potter-themed birthday next Friday evening. Like the week won't be crazy enough!  But Ken will be home and awake and her little friends will be available then.

The kids were excited to decorate our table in it's Halloween splendor - tablecloth, placemats, cups, napkins & plates!  We only do this once a year, usually when we have company to dinner close to Halloween.  Ken wanted chili dogs, so that's what we had, plus raw veggies, chips & dip, soda, and those "dirt" cups!  It makes fun for the kids and I think the missionaries got a kick out of it, too!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Ken's sounding better this morning.  Not perfect, but much improved.  I just hated the thought of him getting on that airplane feeling so crummy!  Analiese helped him pack last night (I don't know how much help she really was), so he's ready to go.  It's a 2 1/2 hour drive to OKC and his flight leaves at 5:30, so once we kissed him goodbye and left for church, that was the last to see him until he returns Wednesday!

Of course, Sunday can't go by without my teaching, or something.  Analiese's Primary teacher is out of town, so she asked me to sub her class.  Those girls are squirrely to start out with, but when Analiese began handing out birthday party invitations - things got crazy!  Teaching the lesson wasn't easy, I kept having to say, "Bunnies, come back to me!"  They would giggle at that.  I made them repeat back the lesson to me at the end, just to make sure they got it!

Well, rats!  I won't be able to do yoga at the church for a while.  My person with the key got released from her calling...so no key, no building.  Maybe when Geri is better enough from her hip surgery (she's in the RS presidency) to come we can start back again at the church.  In the meantime, we're all going to squish into my livingroom (actually, it's fairly spacious, I can fit four or five yoga ladies in there!)

BLUSTERY DAYS

Monday, October 14, 2013

I have a little advice for some of the people of Altus.  Your smokin' & chewin', poor dental hygiene, oddities of dress...those are your business (but don't be a bit surprised if I poke fun at it!).  That being said, I need to introduce you to two of my close friends: soap and deodorant.  Really, you reeking is a social biological hazard.  When I have to stand in line next to you at a store or eating establishment, I really don't want to have to suffer the danger of vomiting or passing out.  Think of it as a public service.  And it's not that expensive, you can get that stuff at Dollar Tree; I've seen it.  Besides, if you can afford cigarettes, chew, beer, and huge gallons of soda, it won't break the bank to buy some Dial and Secret.  Oh, and think about the hair once in a while.  Those greasy strands are really gross.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Windy!  My pecan trees need pruning and I'm a little worried about branches coming down on the house or power lines.  It's also made a liar out of me.  I've been telling people that my allergies have been doing much better here.  Not today!  Sneezes and sinus headaches, oh my!

I taught Seminary yesterday and today and will again tomorrow, while the regular teacher is out of town.  The kids have "fall break" on Thursday and Friday, so I don't have to worry about that.  I am really out of the habit of getting up early, so I am very tired.  Today I had all four and one of them was about as awake as Jonathan, so it was a little livelier group.  

I did yoga today in my living room with two other sisters from the ward.  With the windy day, it was much cozier there!  We used a video from my yoga teacher back in California, Marilyn.  It felt good to stretch, and the video reminded me of some poses I hadn't tried in a while.  Thanks, Marilyn!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

I think the summer heat is gone.  I'm not sure it got up to 70 today, and tonight is supposed to drop down into the low 40's.  The ceiling fans are turned off and the a/c hasn't gone on at all.  At least it's not as windy as yesterday.  I have some allergies going on, but not nearly what I suffered yesterday.

My last day teaching Seminary...the kids have the rest of the week off of school (Fall Break) and next week their regular teacher will be back.  For the most part, they were a little less zombie-ish.  They're a good group of kids.

It was a crack-up watching the rabbits running up and down the enclosed hallway today.  Two of them have gotten very close and they were running, jumping & binkying together.  I had to laugh because they would run through the hall, and careem into the bathroom, sliding on the tile.  I swear they did it on purpose - they like skating over the tiles!  Then one of them wanted the third rabbit to groom her, so she chased her around the bathroom and the hallway.  They'd go in circles, until the one was corned.  She would groom the other for a few moments, then run away and away they'd go again.  I've got to get these antics on tape...they are so funny!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

It's crystal-clear outside and a brisk 37 degrees.  Inside, it's a nice 57.  Brr!  Tomorrow, rain is expected on top of that.  More socks, less flip-flops, and no more short sleeves...at least not without a jacket!

Whereas Seminary has my son dragging himself out of bed, a campout, leaving nearly as early, has him jumping out of bed.  His troop is going on a 3-day camporee at an LDS ranch north of Tulsa to celebrate 100 years of Scouting in the Church.  And he woke me up a full half-hour before we had to leave for the church because he wanted to make sure I was "awake enough."

I think the stomach bug of last week is still around.  Analiese had a rough night of it last night and still isn't eager to eat or do much.  I'm a little better, but still have a tender tummy.  We were supposed to do Meals on Wheels, but I don't want to give these poor people anything I may have.

Since neither of us were feeling spectacular, Analiese and I spent the rest of the day being lazy.  Some of this time meant watching rabbits play around.  Well, we made a discovery.  Alice & Twilight were the ones yesterday who kept chasing each other.  I thought Alice was the chaser, but today I found out wrong.  Twilight was chasing her...and for a very important reason.  Twilight managed to get on top of her and I had a thought - oh no!  I pulled Twilight off and turned her over.  Come to find out Twilight is NOT a she...it's a boy!  How we (and Gary Strickland) missed that, I don't know.  Ken says rabbits are notoriously hard to sex.  I do not know if the other two rabbits are pregnant...it's possible.  But let's just say Twilight has a cage all to himself now and Alice has to live with a roombunny.  And Jonathan isn't even here to see it!  I can't wait to tell him!

Friday, October 18, 2013

While Analiese seems to be feeling better, my tummy is taking it's time.  I had another bad night, which leaves me so worn out and tired.  Also, it rained in the night and I have to take out the trash and I just do not want to go outside and do it.  Where's Jonathan when I need him?

We had 4H rabbit club tonight.  When we told Gary Strickland about Twilight (and Analiese's disgust), he just put back his head and laughed.  He said he remembered how hard that rabbit had been to sex (there's a lot of fur down there, too!) and the other one he thought was a girl, was also a boy!  The kids were quizzed a lot about rabbits (they had a game) and I guess the group is definitely going to try and do rabbit agility.  The rabbits (and kids) will probably enjoy that more than just showing.  Now if only I could figure how to get the harness on the rabbits!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

5:15 a.m. - I dragged myself out of bed to go to the Bountiful Baskets site to help unload the truck and set up baskets.  It was COLD - about 37 degrees!  I knew it would be, so I had wool sock, a warm hoodie, and gloves.  They say that next week they'll have an indoor location (though people will still have to unload outside).  I wondered about that.  

Working hard, I managed to stay fairly warm until we got it done.  Standing around directing people to their baskets...that was cold work!  I don't mind really, this is all done by volunteers, which is what keeps prices down.  And the gals in charge are nice and fun.  And I got two HUGE pumpkins for the kids to carve, about 45 inches around.   For $3.75 a piece, it was an amazing bargain, since at Walmart they have these wimpy ones for nearly five dollars!  Even Jonathan said "Whoa!" when he saw them.

Speaking of Jonathan...he came back from his campout tired, dirty, wet (it rained a lot), but I think he had a good time.  The leaders and the scouts all get along well together (the leaders are really big kids).  One leader is a champion dutch oven cook, I guess he made pumpin pie in it this trip.  He also brought along his smoker to smoke a brisket.  None of this hot dog stuff for these boys!

And, we sprung the bunny sex scandal on him.  I started by saying, "I think one of the bunnies may be pregnant."  His response?  No "That's impossible!" or "How" but "Which one?"  My response? "Definitely not yours!"  It was very funny.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

I had the opportunity to teach again, only this time in Sunday School.   Our topic was spiritual & temporal self-reliance, so I brought a few of my gardening books, my kerosene lantern, my 2-meter radio, and my ipad.  I was able to figure a way to play a video about fast offerings and the welfare program, thanks to help from a member of the bishopric.  I do have my struggles with technology!

But, and this is actually a miracle, I had no more requests for subbing or other assignments.  Which means, hopefully, next Sunday will be peaceful.

The cooler weather makes me feel cozy and more tired, like I want to nap.  So I did, today.  I had so many late nights & illness, I needed the extra rest.  Still, by the time I woke, things started getting darker.  Dorothy, we are not in California any more!

IT'S AUTUMN TIME

Monday, October 7, 2013

Ken has decided that every Monday evening is couple time (not FHE, because we have to do it after water aerobics & his tutoring, which could make it a little late) and the first Monday of every night is out-to-dinner couple time.  He lets me choose, which is difficult because a) I don't know the area well yet and b) he's so dang picky!  But I knew he expressed interest in a Chinese buffet that just opened (re-opened), so I decided tonight we'd go there.

It was okay, as Chinese goes.  They did have a lot of seafood choices.  Ken says he likes it better than the other one in town, but I'm not so sure.  To be honest, my stomach doesn't like either much.  Too much fried, greasy stuff, which Ken glories in.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Yoga felt sooo good today!  I've had a stiff neck and shoulder on the left for a few days, and this just hit the spot.  Of course, since I'm teaching, I get to choose what we do, and I focused a bit on neck & shoulder-strengthening poses.  And it was such a relief afterwards!

Taking Jonathan to the airport, I could see the cotton fields bursting out in white.  I have to get close to one and take a picture!  I've revised the Dixieland song just a bit, "Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton, old times there are not forgotten!  Look away, look away, look away, Altus-town!"  LOL

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Shaved the bear again today.  Buying those clippers was a great investment!  Cutting Jonathan's hair is rather like mowing a curved lawn - but I'm getting better at it.  He didn't have me go back this morning and fix anything!

Oh, but I'm bushed tonight!  For the first time in my life, I had two exercise sessions.  I did water aerobics from 5 to 6, came home to eat a small salad, and went back out to take Jonathan to Scouts and teach an evening yoga class from 7:30 to 8:30.  Let's just say I was ready for bed!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Another first in my life: I subbed in Seminary this morning.  Ugh - I do not like to get up early, especially as tired as I was from the night before.  Still, it wasn't too bad.  And, yes, my son was my best student.  He's on time, helpful, and awake.  It was just me and him for the first five minutes of class until two others showed up (very small Seminary - 5 students, plus she has two home-study students).  The other two were very sleepy, and one was battling allergies or a head cold.  The other one had to leave early.  So it felt a little unsatisfying, but another gal who subs for Seminary sometimes says we should be glad and give them credit just for showing up.  With all that's on these kids' plates, it's a wonder they even come!

From there, I went home, got changed, had scripture study with my kids and got them started on their lessons, and headed back to the church for my Thursday morning yoga session.  When we had first started the classes, these ladies were saying that no way they could get on the floor.  Can I tell you? These ladies get on the floor!  They're finding more flexibility, less pain and more energy.  That is my reward - seeing how they improve!

I got my bench today!  Three months ago I ordered an old church bench from a local antique shop.  They were to cut it in half (I'll explain later) and paint it white for me.  I wanted it by my birthday, but at least now I have it!  It is an OLD church bench - tongue & groove workmanship - really nice.  I still have to figure out how to brace it up underneath and in the corner, but it's going to be my banquette bench in the kitchen corner.  And I got it for an amazing price!  Ken was more impressed with it than he thought he was going to be.  Now I need a round table and a chair or two to finish it off.

Relief Society Emergency Preparedness night was this evening.  One gal bravely brought her family's five 72-hour backpacks and went through them to tell us what she had, what she didn't and what needed updating.  She's been through a lot of natural disasters (do they follow her?  do I feel safer now or not? LOL), including Hurricane Katrina, so she knows what a family needs.  We also made emergency binders to fill with information to take with us if we needed to evacuate.  Oh, and we had treats made from food storage items.  I made pinto bean pecan pie, which turned out so-so (darn electric oven!  Should be outlawed!), but one sister made this wheat artisanal bread with all these seeds on it - so good!  I wanted to take some home & toast it!

Friday, October 11, 2013

In case you were wondering, I'm really dragging this morning.  I didn't have to teach Seminary today, thankfully, but Jonathan came home and at around 8 came in and asked me if I was all right.  I was fine, just really, really tired.

Thankfully, too, that I didn't have to pick up Jonathan from the airport.  Another classmate & ward member brought him home.

But I was such a slug, I didn't get pizza dough ready in time to bake it before my water aerobics class. Poor kids!  They had to wait for dinner after I gdt home.  Luckily, Jonathan was eager to put the stuff on the pizza, so I didn't have to do it all.  We were just able to have a nice, quiet evening.  Those have been pretty rare around here lately.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Ugh!  I passed an awful night - sick to my stomach.  By three in the morning I was up ill and facing pain, misery...and a mess.  I was finally able to calm down by 5:30 to sleep a little more.

Because, of course, there were so many things to do.  The kids had 4H Robotics (Legos) and I had to do a little birthday shopping for my Mom.  I was going to mail it to her, too, but - rats! - the Post Office closed at 11:00.  Really?  Can you accomplish anything in two hours?  Argh!  So her birthday gift is going to be late.

I was sad to see, when picking up the kids from 4H, that the cotton fields around are being plowed under.  I guess the harvest wasn't going to be good, so they are going to do a fall planting of wheat.  Those poor farmers!  The drought has sure hit them hard.

Even though it was noon, and they hadn't eaten (which is usually a travesty in the stomach of my son!), we spent another hour after 4H talking with another homeschooling family - the Doshers - whose kids are friends with mine.  Afterward, I took them to where the high school band was selling hot dogs.  The only downside was that the wind had picked up (delightful, really, I'm so enjoying this weather), so they had a hard time holding on to napkins!

I got a small afternoon nap, and Ken & Jonathan helped me a lot with dinner and clean up.  Think I'll tuck in early (as I can) and try to re-coop my rest.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

I had a few stomach cramps last night, but nothing like Saturday, so I spent a fairly restful night.  The clouds have rolled in and it looks like rain (pretty please?).  Jonathan is outside covering the rabbit's cages with a tarp so they don't get wet if it rains while we're in church.

I am sad to report that this year there will be few to no pecans (so those of you expecting a box at Christmas...sorry!).  I've learned that not only the drought affected the production, but several late spring frosts that I was unaware of, being in California at the time.  I hope there's enough for the squirrels, at least!  You'd think four trees would produce enough!