Something's wrong with my monitor...everything looks yellow and green. It's very hard on the eyes, so until I can get a new one, which will probably be after I move, I will most likely be spending less time on line!
Today was a perfect day to hike every square inch of Fullersburg. I got there around 1, and it wasn't very crowded.
The sun was out, and there were big puffy clouds in the sky.
It's in the 80's today, and slightly humid, but there's a nice breeze. It was hot enough to work up a sweat, but not so hot that I was sorry I'd worn jeans to keep the mosquitoes off of my legs.
After taking the long way around to get to my favorite perch, I rested for a bit. I heard some gentle rustling behind me, and listened to the various types of birds that were chattering in the trees.
Once satisfied, I started to move on, and immediately saw a deep russet rump, against the green back ground. The head raised, and there were velvet covered antlers on it. 6 points (the way we count them in the upper midwest, anyway...that's 3 points per side...a young one).
I froze.
He continued to forage, unaware of me. Then, I spotted his two companions. Another 6, and an 8 point.
Three bucks, in velvet, hanging out together on a hot afternoon.
Eventually, they all spotted me, and we all four stood, looking at one another, for a long, quiet minute.
They were close enough for me to see them very clearly, but they were far away enough for them to feel safe.
They continued to chew on whatever they were eating as they stared at me.
That part was pretty funny, actually!
Then, an oblivious jogger came by, stomping and stirring up dust, and the bucks went crashing off into the wood, white tails flashing.
The jogger stopped and apologized, and then told me a story about a big buck...bigger than these...that had been in her yard a few years ago. Her son had been convinced that the deer was running "recon" for Santa.
People I came across today were unusually friendly and chatty. On three different occasions, strangers stuck up conversations with me as I made my way over the pathways.
This is HIGHLY unusual, but it was very pleasant.
There were lots of cat birds around today, and those tiny lavender colored butterflies. Two little green herons, a HUGE snapping turtle, and one green-headed frog.
I needed my time in the woods, but had to leave because I was getting a bit too hot, and starting to feel sick to my stomach.
One of the drawbacks of the pills that help with my periods is that I feel nauseous A LOT.
I hope that eventually stops!!
Filled my gas tank, and headed on home to the "pepto" bottle, and something fizzy to drink.
The nausea passed in about an hour, and I wanted to go back to the woods!
OH well....
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Skinny
Nothing much happening.
There was supposed to have been a showing a couple of days ago, but there was no evidence that it ever happened, and the realtor has not responded to my realtor's inquiries.
This happens most of the time anymore.
Dave and I are talking about moving me in mid-September, or the first of October.
I have not given notice at work yet, but will hopefully be able to do that with ample time, once we set a firm date.
I am probably going to have to leave this place vacant, from the looks of things.
Dave's doing a little on line research into property management, and I am having lunch tomorrow with a friend who is in the mortgage business, and can do background checks on people for me.
My realtor is dealing with a family crisis, and then going on vacation, but I have asked her to give me the low down on what services she offers, in regard to just renting, at her earliest convenience.
I think my contract with her expires on 8/1. I don't remember, though.
Since no one is buying, no one is even LOOKING, and so far, no one wants to rent-to-own, it's difficult to anticipate what will happen.
I have to be prepared, however, to not have any time to settle into my new home. I'm going to have to start work immediately, so that I can pay my mortgage.
Then, maybe in a year, I can take a few days off to unpack. *wink*
There was supposed to have been a showing a couple of days ago, but there was no evidence that it ever happened, and the realtor has not responded to my realtor's inquiries.
This happens most of the time anymore.
Dave and I are talking about moving me in mid-September, or the first of October.
I have not given notice at work yet, but will hopefully be able to do that with ample time, once we set a firm date.
I am probably going to have to leave this place vacant, from the looks of things.
Dave's doing a little on line research into property management, and I am having lunch tomorrow with a friend who is in the mortgage business, and can do background checks on people for me.
My realtor is dealing with a family crisis, and then going on vacation, but I have asked her to give me the low down on what services she offers, in regard to just renting, at her earliest convenience.
I think my contract with her expires on 8/1. I don't remember, though.
Since no one is buying, no one is even LOOKING, and so far, no one wants to rent-to-own, it's difficult to anticipate what will happen.
I have to be prepared, however, to not have any time to settle into my new home. I'm going to have to start work immediately, so that I can pay my mortgage.
Then, maybe in a year, I can take a few days off to unpack. *wink*
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Chasing steam
When we found out, it was too late, and we (my sister, brother in law, and I) were already scheduled to be at the airport dropping Dave off at about the same time the time that the SP 4449 ("the Daylight") was due to pass through the suburbs on a rare mid-western excursion run.
We just assumed we would have to miss it, and had hoped to catch it on it's return voyage back west in a week or so.
Well, my sister called my brother, after we dropped Dave off, and he told us that the excursion run was running VERY late, so we found out that we DID have the time to go "chase steam."
As it turned out, not only did we have time, but we got to a prime location, and stood by the tracks and waited for a good 90 minutes before the locomotive got to where it was supposed to be!
She was almost 2 hours behind her time. We met my brother and sister in law by the tracks, and visited while we waited.
Finally, the other spectators started to say "here she comes" and "it's on it's way"...and oh. my. god.
I heard the whistle before I could even really see what was coming.
A beautifully restored and maintained locomotive, "the Daylight" is a classic full size northern (4-8-4- wheel configuration) with 80 inch driving wheels.
Probably one of the most famous locomotives still running. or, I should say "running again," because she sat cold in a park for a lot of years before a wealthy enthusiast restored her, and put her back to steam, to pull the "Freedom Train" back in the mid 70's.
She's got a partially streamlined chasis, painted bright red and orange, and was built in 1941. Her permanent residence is Portland, Oregon.
She had not been through the mid-west since her Freedom Train days.
I saw her back then, but I had forgotten it was her, because there were OTHER things about the Freedom Train that stayed in my memories....like the costumes worn by Redford and Newman in 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid!' and The Ruby Slippers!!
Anyway....she pulled into Naperville, and sat for a few minutes before moving on.
Sigh....it's amazing what a gigantic steam locomotive can do for my mood!
The deep bells of the whistle, the intense rumble under our feet as she passed, and, of course, the black smoke and powerful chug.....chug....chug....as she pulled out of the station.
It brings about a full body shudder in me, and mists up my eyes.
Somewhere, there is an ancient home movie of me, in a stroller, next to a railroad track. The camera changes between me and the approaching train on the track.
Little P in the stroller, sitting still, watching.
Cut to a distant light, and plume of steam.
Back to Little P in the stroller....
Back and forth...and as the train approached, it's steam plume growing larger in the sky....Little P in the stroller is OVERCOME WITH EXCITEMENT!
I can be seen kicking my feet, and pounding my hands on the stroller's "guard rail," with a huge, toothless grin on my face. Absolutely wiggly with the thrill of the moment!!
I get still get that feeling every time I see a steam locomotive. The sounds, the smells, and the sights, raise the goose bumps on my skin, make my heart pound, and bring tears to my eyes.
Yeah. I'm goofy that way. But, at least it runs in my family, and I can blame it on that!
I am still missing my husband, and heart-broken over yet another departure, but my goose bumps had goose bumps, and I was literally jumping up and down like a little girl as the giant engine pulled past.
Wow.
*shiver*
http://www.sp4449.com/
In other news, we had a wonderful and much needed vacation in Michigan, and we made some decisions that will impact other things as the next couple of months go by.
I will be in Oklahoma by October, regardless of if my home is sold, or rented, or just left vacant.
I have done everything possible to try to make this work out the best for myself, financially, and I have failed. The process has failed.
And I can't DO this anymore.
It's time to "punt."
More on that at a later time.
We just assumed we would have to miss it, and had hoped to catch it on it's return voyage back west in a week or so.
Well, my sister called my brother, after we dropped Dave off, and he told us that the excursion run was running VERY late, so we found out that we DID have the time to go "chase steam."
As it turned out, not only did we have time, but we got to a prime location, and stood by the tracks and waited for a good 90 minutes before the locomotive got to where it was supposed to be!
She was almost 2 hours behind her time. We met my brother and sister in law by the tracks, and visited while we waited.
Finally, the other spectators started to say "here she comes" and "it's on it's way"...and oh. my. god.
I heard the whistle before I could even really see what was coming.
A beautifully restored and maintained locomotive, "the Daylight" is a classic full size northern (4-8-4- wheel configuration) with 80 inch driving wheels.
Probably one of the most famous locomotives still running. or, I should say "running again," because she sat cold in a park for a lot of years before a wealthy enthusiast restored her, and put her back to steam, to pull the "Freedom Train" back in the mid 70's.
She's got a partially streamlined chasis, painted bright red and orange, and was built in 1941. Her permanent residence is Portland, Oregon.
She had not been through the mid-west since her Freedom Train days.
I saw her back then, but I had forgotten it was her, because there were OTHER things about the Freedom Train that stayed in my memories....like the costumes worn by Redford and Newman in 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid!' and The Ruby Slippers!!
Anyway....she pulled into Naperville, and sat for a few minutes before moving on.
Sigh....it's amazing what a gigantic steam locomotive can do for my mood!
The deep bells of the whistle, the intense rumble under our feet as she passed, and, of course, the black smoke and powerful chug.....chug....chug....as she pulled out of the station.
It brings about a full body shudder in me, and mists up my eyes.
Somewhere, there is an ancient home movie of me, in a stroller, next to a railroad track. The camera changes between me and the approaching train on the track.
Little P in the stroller, sitting still, watching.
Cut to a distant light, and plume of steam.
Back to Little P in the stroller....
Back and forth...and as the train approached, it's steam plume growing larger in the sky....Little P in the stroller is OVERCOME WITH EXCITEMENT!
I can be seen kicking my feet, and pounding my hands on the stroller's "guard rail," with a huge, toothless grin on my face. Absolutely wiggly with the thrill of the moment!!
I get still get that feeling every time I see a steam locomotive. The sounds, the smells, and the sights, raise the goose bumps on my skin, make my heart pound, and bring tears to my eyes.
Yeah. I'm goofy that way. But, at least it runs in my family, and I can blame it on that!
I am still missing my husband, and heart-broken over yet another departure, but my goose bumps had goose bumps, and I was literally jumping up and down like a little girl as the giant engine pulled past.
Wow.
*shiver*
http://www.sp4449.com/
In other news, we had a wonderful and much needed vacation in Michigan, and we made some decisions that will impact other things as the next couple of months go by.
I will be in Oklahoma by October, regardless of if my home is sold, or rented, or just left vacant.
I have done everything possible to try to make this work out the best for myself, financially, and I have failed. The process has failed.
And I can't DO this anymore.
It's time to "punt."
More on that at a later time.
Friday, July 10, 2009
It's finally here...
..the last day of waiting to see my husband.
Well, the last one for NOW.
He arrives tomorrow.
Today is also the last day of work for me until July 20th! I have never been allowed to take a full week off....this will be NICE....
and it is so much needed!
Everyone have a good week!!
Well, the last one for NOW.
He arrives tomorrow.
Today is also the last day of work for me until July 20th! I have never been allowed to take a full week off....this will be NICE....
and it is so much needed!
Everyone have a good week!!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Lonely 4th
Well, the invitations did not exactly stack up. In fact, there wasn't even one, so I have been on my own all day.
I thought I would have at least heard from the friends with the hot tub, who mentioned something a couple of weeks ago.
Oh well.
It's been a gloomy, rainy day, with temperatures in the 60's. Not a very nice day to visit any of the area fests, or to even have a cook out at someone's house.
So, I bought a roasted chicken at the grocery deli, and got some Sam Adams Summer Ale...and made the best of it!
I hope that I will be able to see fireworks tonight. As I have found out over the past several years, depending upon the seasonal logistics in area towns, I can sometimes watch 2 or even 3 distant displays at once from my balcony!
My own town's display is blocked by a tree and the one of the other wings of my building.
Did some cleaning, and a couple of errands. Watched some movies on tv---"Bound for Glory," which I remember reading with great interest while in a high school advanced literature class...
and "Signs," the funny and scary movie about an alien invasion.
Next up, I have a "netflix" movie to open. Have not decided yet if I will save it for tomorrow...since another lonely day lies ahead.
For some, holiday weekends are busy and full. Mine are often, as mentioned before, solitary. The only real holiday that I can depend upon NOT spending alone is Christmas eve.
Since almost all of the time I spend not at work is spent alone, and it has been that way for YEARS (even when I lived with my respective ex's)....this is not something I need MORE of!
*sigh* I am pretty used to it, but there are times when it just gets to me. Obviously. Otherwise, I wouldn't be venting/whining about it in my blog!
At least, after this week, I can look forward to a whole week with my husband.
And maybe, some how, some way, all of our prayers will be answered soon, and we will be able to be together, like we're SUPPOSED to be, full time.
I think I might enjoy getting used to NOT being alone so much!!
I thought I would have at least heard from the friends with the hot tub, who mentioned something a couple of weeks ago.
Oh well.
It's been a gloomy, rainy day, with temperatures in the 60's. Not a very nice day to visit any of the area fests, or to even have a cook out at someone's house.
So, I bought a roasted chicken at the grocery deli, and got some Sam Adams Summer Ale...and made the best of it!
I hope that I will be able to see fireworks tonight. As I have found out over the past several years, depending upon the seasonal logistics in area towns, I can sometimes watch 2 or even 3 distant displays at once from my balcony!
My own town's display is blocked by a tree and the one of the other wings of my building.
Did some cleaning, and a couple of errands. Watched some movies on tv---"Bound for Glory," which I remember reading with great interest while in a high school advanced literature class...
and "Signs," the funny and scary movie about an alien invasion.
Next up, I have a "netflix" movie to open. Have not decided yet if I will save it for tomorrow...since another lonely day lies ahead.
For some, holiday weekends are busy and full. Mine are often, as mentioned before, solitary. The only real holiday that I can depend upon NOT spending alone is Christmas eve.
Since almost all of the time I spend not at work is spent alone, and it has been that way for YEARS (even when I lived with my respective ex's)....this is not something I need MORE of!
*sigh* I am pretty used to it, but there are times when it just gets to me. Obviously. Otherwise, I wouldn't be venting/whining about it in my blog!
At least, after this week, I can look forward to a whole week with my husband.
And maybe, some how, some way, all of our prayers will be answered soon, and we will be able to be together, like we're SUPPOSED to be, full time.
I think I might enjoy getting used to NOT being alone so much!!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Summer's here
It was a gorgeous summer day today!
It was also the first day of a three day holiday weekend, and I spent almost all of it home, alone.
I don't much care for holiday weekends like this (the alone part). Unfortunately, it has frequently been this way for me over the past several years of living alone.
I'm not one to call up family and friends and try to insinuate myself into their celebrations.
They know how to find me, and they know I'm on my own...so...
I am hoping to hear something from SOMEBODY about tomorrow!! (my friends with the hot tub had mentioned something a few weeks ago, but have not confirmed anything yet.)
Anyway, the part of today that I wasn't by myself was when I did a couple of errands (there were other people in the stores! *wink*), and then my house sitter came by.
She needed to get the low down on what to do here while my husband and I are on vacation. She will be taking care of my home and pets for a few days.
I spent the rest of the day making lists, doing laundry, and going through travel kits to determine what to take and what to leave behind.
Dave is coming in for our 1st wedding anniversary, and we are heading out of town for several days in western Michigan.
I have a dear friend who, along with her husband (to whom I introduced her, incidentally), owns a home up there.
She had said to me last fall, while I was up there with her, that anytime we wanted to "use the house," all we needed to do was ask!
So, we asked!
I.
Can't.
Wait.
I need to get away.
I need a full week off from work (some may remember that I could not even get that for our honeymoon last year. I've never taken a full week off from this job).
I need to be alone with my husband, to see what that's really like- for several days- without family obligations. We only had 3 days for our honeymoon (and we spent part of that with family), and this will be longer.
There is no internet access at the house, either.
We will have a tv, and dvd player, if we want to use them. But, to be honest, I am hoping we won't. Maybe we will tune in the news just to check the local weather.
We are taking along playing cards, and maybe a board game or two...but mostly, I look forward to spending as much time as possible at the beach. Basking in the sun, listening to the waves and gulls, and watching the sunset over a glass of chilled Michigan wine.
I have been to this house several times, and am somewhat familiar with the area. Dave will be seeing a side of Lake Michigan he's never seen before, and I know he will fall as much in love with it as I've always been.
I am hoping, also, for a day trip up to Manistee. Dave needs to see what I mean when I talk about "the north woods."
Anyway....In other news....for those of you who read my post titled "Stirrups..."
I started my new prescription last weekend, and proceeded to have one of the worst periods of my life.
Literally.
I have to assume that it was the pills that caused things to be SO horribly exaggerated.
I am currently in "recovery mode," and still feel very tired and worn out after several days of horrific bleeding and cramps.
In a way, it's good that I had today to myself to just be lazy and alone. I even allowed myself a junk food burger for lunch! Quite the indulgence!
But I hope that's now the end of the last bad period of my life, and the end of being alone for these three days.... and that maybe I will get to do something fun at least tomorrow.
I love fire works, and I love the 4th of July!! Lots of happy childhood memories, without all of the angst that was present at other holidays!
To my readers, happy Independence Day...have fun, and be safe!!
It was also the first day of a three day holiday weekend, and I spent almost all of it home, alone.
I don't much care for holiday weekends like this (the alone part). Unfortunately, it has frequently been this way for me over the past several years of living alone.
I'm not one to call up family and friends and try to insinuate myself into their celebrations.
They know how to find me, and they know I'm on my own...so...
I am hoping to hear something from SOMEBODY about tomorrow!! (my friends with the hot tub had mentioned something a few weeks ago, but have not confirmed anything yet.)
Anyway, the part of today that I wasn't by myself was when I did a couple of errands (there were other people in the stores! *wink*), and then my house sitter came by.
She needed to get the low down on what to do here while my husband and I are on vacation. She will be taking care of my home and pets for a few days.
I spent the rest of the day making lists, doing laundry, and going through travel kits to determine what to take and what to leave behind.
Dave is coming in for our 1st wedding anniversary, and we are heading out of town for several days in western Michigan.
I have a dear friend who, along with her husband (to whom I introduced her, incidentally), owns a home up there.
She had said to me last fall, while I was up there with her, that anytime we wanted to "use the house," all we needed to do was ask!
So, we asked!
I.
Can't.
Wait.
I need to get away.
I need a full week off from work (some may remember that I could not even get that for our honeymoon last year. I've never taken a full week off from this job).
I need to be alone with my husband, to see what that's really like- for several days- without family obligations. We only had 3 days for our honeymoon (and we spent part of that with family), and this will be longer.
There is no internet access at the house, either.
We will have a tv, and dvd player, if we want to use them. But, to be honest, I am hoping we won't. Maybe we will tune in the news just to check the local weather.
We are taking along playing cards, and maybe a board game or two...but mostly, I look forward to spending as much time as possible at the beach. Basking in the sun, listening to the waves and gulls, and watching the sunset over a glass of chilled Michigan wine.
I have been to this house several times, and am somewhat familiar with the area. Dave will be seeing a side of Lake Michigan he's never seen before, and I know he will fall as much in love with it as I've always been.
I am hoping, also, for a day trip up to Manistee. Dave needs to see what I mean when I talk about "the north woods."
Anyway....In other news....for those of you who read my post titled "Stirrups..."
I started my new prescription last weekend, and proceeded to have one of the worst periods of my life.
Literally.
I have to assume that it was the pills that caused things to be SO horribly exaggerated.
I am currently in "recovery mode," and still feel very tired and worn out after several days of horrific bleeding and cramps.
In a way, it's good that I had today to myself to just be lazy and alone. I even allowed myself a junk food burger for lunch! Quite the indulgence!
But I hope that's now the end of the last bad period of my life, and the end of being alone for these three days.... and that maybe I will get to do something fun at least tomorrow.
I love fire works, and I love the 4th of July!! Lots of happy childhood memories, without all of the angst that was present at other holidays!
To my readers, happy Independence Day...have fun, and be safe!!
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