New Year, New Door, New Discoveries

Sweetie just couldn't rest until we bought a new front entry door on New Year's Eve. $387 later (including an insulated storm door with a Hide-a-Way Screen) we bring it home.

Then the shocker comes. He does NOT sit down to drink coffee or smoke. No, he removes the interior trim from the old front door and part of the paneling as the new door is wider than the old one.

I had not recovered from his sudden burst of energy before I noticed bugs crawling into the living room. Hundreds of bugs!

Around here they're called Box Alder bugs. I haven't bothered to look up a correct spelling or any entomological information. All I know is they plaster any warm surface; drop from trees and eaves and land on your shoulders and hitch a ride inside where they seek other warm surfaces. Ovens, lamps and overhead lights come to mind.

I don't recall them ever being around here 30 years ago but, things do change...

So my task New Year's Eve was to kill the pests. I asphyxiated the buggers with log shots from a can of Wasp & Hornet spray, mopped the floor, vacuumed the carpeting, and removed the sofa pillows and slipcover.

Meanwhile, Sweetie, who had created the whole mess, had his headset on listening to TV. I sought the comfort of my wing chair to read awhile. About 15 minutes later I decide to refresh my cold coffee. Imagine my surprise when I place my feet on the floor, take a step and then realize the entire living room carpet is again covered in bugs!!!!

Thinking back, I had the lead role in a movie called "Attack of the Bugs." After waving my arms, kicking, screaming, jumping, stomping and swearing a blue streak at least I had some exercise.

Mr. Recliner just sat there and said, "Could you move out of the way? You're blocking my view. The bugs are all dead anyway."

I looked around and sure enough they were.

"Those are just the ones that crawled out of the door casing and wall after you sprayed," he announced.

After looking the fool, I was determined (as is my female privilege) to score a point.

I stood there looking at Mr. Recliner, slightly to the left so he could see his blessed TV, and said, "Guess one got away. It's crawling on your shoulder."

"No it's not," he pronounced. "You're just pissed."

And then the bug dropped into his bowl of potato chips. I sat down and prayed for the inevitable.

He eats automatically while watching the tube. A few minutes later he's spitting and cursing.

Still being of the female persuasion I couldn't resist: "Told you!"

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.

And the door? It was installed New Year's Day when we had warm weather and green grass and bare corn fields. No snow anywhere. Later that evening the winds picked up, the temp dropped 32 degrees and the bugs haven't made another appearance.

My 2011 Contract

Following is the 2011 Contract sent to my by a friend. I've emailed it to a few of you but this morning woke up thinking, "I think everyone needs this."


After serious & cautious consideration... your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2011


It was a very hard decision to make... So try not to screw it up!!!


My Wish for You in 2011


May peace break into your home and may thieves come to steal your debts.


May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.


May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!


May happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy


May the problems you had, forget your home address!


In simple words ..............


May 2011 be the best year of your life!!!




Happy New Year!!

The Wind Matches My Disposition

It's 18 degrees here with a northwest wind that gusts from 12-28 mph. The skies are gray and thus far there is no snow falling. Fine with me.

I ventured outside twice yesterday. Once to burn paper garbage - which will be illegal in this state come April 1, 2011 - and once for the mail.

This is my third day without a pain pill due to the multiple reactions I had to it. That in itself, does not bode well for my disposition. I took a Tylenol PM last night hoping it would knock me out for awhile. No luck. At 3 a.m. I took a super hot shower and drank some decaf tea thinking that would help. No luck again.

Sweetie's been up since 8:30 which is late for him. He left me one cup of coffee so I made another pot. I'm ignoring the cheesecake in the fridge. Devouring more sweets isn't advisable given my blood sugar level. And come to think of it, that is likely affecting my mood too.

So what to do?

How about I take my own advice and blow these thoughts out of my mind. When I get stuck on thinking about the past it robs me of the present. Can't change one bit of yesterday and certainly don't want to mess with tomorrow as it's not here yet.

So today I'll practice looking around me at all I DO have. And immediately I know that it is ENOUGH.

So to hell with ungrateful, spiteful, alienating, self-absorbed, mis-informed, gossiping, jealous and vengeful people. Karma will visit them sooner or later.

There, I feel better already.

And thank you to Bellen for your comment. What you describe is so familiar and sad. And thank you to you know who, who always finds a ray of sunshine or a good laugh in everything I mention.

And now, it's time to savor this quiet, comfy household and my dear Sweetie and our precious Lady and Kitty Kitty. They are enough.

Consoling Myself

Made cherry cheesecake tonight. Decided what the heck may as well indulge. Seeing as I indulged and sent each of my five grand kids a Christmas card with money. Have not received a thing from any of them - though I forgive the five year old cause of his age. There is no excuse for the two 11-year-old or the 18 and 19 year old.

The last time I shall be so foolish.

No wonder we don't bother with decorating and "celebrating" Christmas as most people do.

Christmas Plans

We don't celebrate Christmas with the typical fanfare. In fact, we don't decorate. We don't put up a tree; We don't exchange gifts.

We usually make a nice meal and spend time reflecting on the year and telling one another what we're thankful for.

This year we're skipping the big meal because we just had ham a week ago. We'll fix a big dinner on New Year's Day.

We did, however, stimulate the local economy today. Bought more new windows, new kitchen sink and faucets, above the counter microwave with vent, new toilet and filled the gas tank.

Good think our holiday baking is done because Sweetie came home and tore the kitchen apart.

I thought I'd come home and spend a day curled up reading & sipping tea. NOT. I've hauled old stuff outside; burned paper garbage and done a load of laundry after unloading everything on the counters and fixing lunch.

Strange, I thought this was a holiday.

Oh well, we thankful. Even if we're working on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

Have a safe and blessed Christmas everyone.

One Strange Day!

I woke up to pounding this morning. Took me a bit to realize it was someone at the front door - which we don't use. Grabbed my robe, tripped over the cat, and opened the door. No one there. No tracks. No car.

Okay, I told myself I must've been dreaming.

Got back in bed, adjusted my pillows and heard the pounding again.

To heck with the robe. This time I warned the cat to get out of my way and flung the door open again. NOTHING THERE!

I didn't need a morning like this. Had a restless night.

By this time I can't go back to bed and must have been bitching to boot 'cause now Sweetie is standing in the bedroom doorway asking, "What's all the racket?"

I tell him some one's been pounding on the door so he opens the door. "How you figure that when there aren't any tracks in the snow?" he asks.

"I know what I heard," I said as I turned my head while pouring water into the coffee pot. When my feet got wet I realized what I'd done.

A few expletives later I had the mess picked up and the coffee brewing. Sweetie says, "I sure hope you're not gonna be a grouch all day."

Well, say certain things to me at certain times and you'll get a response. Sometimes it's a silent response - like I ain't cooking a thing today. I ain't cleaning either. I'm gonna sit and read all day. so there.

Four chapters into the first book he says, "Aren't you gonna fix yourself some breakfast?" I brought the cookie container to my chair side table.

Then he asks if I'm gonna get dressed cause he's going to town; meaning he wants me to come with him. "No, I'm staying home today."

So he leaves for an hour and comes home with more plumbing supplies. "I'll go outside and turn the water back on; you tell me if there's any leaks," he says half an hour later. At least that's what he said he told me. All I heard was "I'll go outside."

He comes storming in the house and says, "Can't you hear me?" as he walks toward our bathroom. A few curses later he returns and drops a wet bath rug on my lap.

Good thing I had turned the book face down when he started swearing or it would have been a mess.

And that was just the beginning of our day.

Some days get better. Some get worse. Some get so strange that all you can do is laugh.

Our feral cat, Slick, who comes inside nearly every day for a drink and some head scratching, got in a fight with Kitty Kitty. I picked him up and planted his sassy butt on the deck and closed the door. Reached down to get the dog's dish and Slick was drinking from it.

I thought Slick had scooted back in without me seeing him. So, out the door he goes again and I shut the door again while looking down, just to be sure he's out and I'm in.

I turn around, take three steps toward my chair and Slick is jumping onto my ottoman. I kid you not.

"What the H**?"

About this time, Sweetie comes out of the bathroom and says, "Guess you're right about cats being beneath the garden tub." He had the tub access door open and Slick was using it as his RE-entry point.

Once the plumbing job was complete, Slick was placed outside again and hasn't been seen since.

Then, about supper time I'm cleaning the cat litter box and hear a car motor. Looked up to see who had arrived and noticed our car tail lights were on & exhaust was steaming out the tailpipe.

"What the H**" again.

We hand our car keys in the laundry room. There were all there. I stepped into the kitchen to see if Sweetie had gone out the front door or had another remote starter in his hand. He was asleep in his recliner.

So I go outside and check the car. It was obvious there was no one in it but by then I was ready to believe in ghosts. I go back in to wake Sweetie up.

"You're not gonna believe this but the car started itself," I say.

"So turn it off," he says.

"But it started itself without a remote," I tell him. No he's pissed that I woke him up. To add fuel to the fire I say, "Either get up and figure out what's going on or I'll go for a ride and we'll see when I come home."

So he goes to the car, puts his foot on the brake, comes inside and says, "I think you should have been doing something around here today. You're really weird when you sit all day!"

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

And then he asks what's for dinner. I showed him the cookie container.

Nearly $300 Later

Appointment was for noon. Saw the nurse at 1 p.m. and the doctor 55 minutes later. We agreed on the need for CBC, CA125, liver enzyme test and urine sample.

Discovered I have a severe bladder infection. Three medications were prescribed: two for the bladder, one for the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. An ultrasound is ordered for next Thursday. Lab results should be back by then. She also felt I had suspicious swelling in one area and urged me to apply for Medicaid because I may be in for lots more tests.

My family history is full of cancer so she is concerned I'm following in my mother's footsteps. Hope not but what can one do other than get up the next day and deal with whatever the news is.

Liked the doctor and her staff. The clinic has a lab and a portable ultrasound outfit comes every Thursday so that's convenient.

Came home, took a nap, addressed Christmas cards and fixed hamburgers for supper. I have a writing assignment to complete as well as making spinach quiche for the writer's Christmas party.

Guess I should get busy. Have a great evening all, Treesong

Dr.'s Noon Tomorrow

So I discovered one needs an appointment at the "walk in clinic."
So I called back to the clinic at the end of our road. They had not returned my call last week, after saying the doctor would decide that day whether to take me on as a new patient. Twenty minutes ago her receptionist called back.

"Dr. has decided she'll accept you as a new patient. However, she wanted me to let you know the office call will be anywhere from $143 - $200."

I calmly asked if this was because as a new patient the office call included a complete history. "No, it all depends on how much time she spends with you."

You can bet my greenbacks I'm gonna make my request short and sweet. "I'd like a CBC and CA125 blood tests and a colonoscopy ordered."

Truth be told, I'm only going in because I fear cancer or a ruptured bowel based on my history.

Is it any wonder emergency rooms are full of patients who have no real emergency?
Is it any wonder people put off going to the doctor?

This news is certainly not calming my gut down!

Now That My Hair's Clean...

it appears to have inspired me to do or contemplate other strange things!

Once my hair dried I went in search of a jar of taco seasoning and Sweetie's "70 below boots" - in the garage! And why not? I have scoured this house top to bottom, opened every box, and looked behind, beneath and above everything. And still the taco seasoning eludes me. One whole pound of it!!!! I even had the crazy thought that I'd find it inside his boots!

After climbing over buckets and boxes and stacked of lumber and rakes and motors and crates to no avail I was ready to pitch it all, of course. So I went to town. What better way to cool my rising blood pressure than looking through other people's cast offs. Miracle of miracles I didn't find a thing. I know, hard to believe I didn't drag more stuff home. All I can figure is I had looked at so much of ours (his really) that everything I saw looked like it belonged in the same landfill as what I'd just climbed through.

So, I stopped to visit my elderly friend. She'd spent time listening to the local police scanner reporting more of her granddaughter's dysfunctional behavior. In the midst of this her daughter called twice bitching about the situation and blaming her for the whole mess. Isn't it always the previous generation's fault when people make stupid decisions?

After telling me her woes I told her of my extended shampoo. A little levity brought a smile to her face and left the craziness behind.

Later in the day I searched online recipes for "cabbage casseroles," "writing prompts," and "french country antiques." For good measure my last search was "why do I wonder."

Let's just say these searches led my down various other paths and before I knew it Sweetie had kissed me goodnight, their was one light on in the house and I was hungry again. No wonder. It was now 2:13 a.m.

Instead of sleeping in as one would expect, I was awake at 6:15 a.m. After making a pot of coffee and enjoying a blueberry yogurt I decided I'll do what I hate most. Go to the doctor. For two months I've tried to ignore something; changed my diet; taken home remedies and entered various symptoms in medical sights. About all it's done is made me anxious while the symptoms seem to increase. So, today's the day. Yuck.

Meanwhile, have a great day folks. Treesong

A Wet Head Full of Shampoo

Thanks to a certain man I cohabitate with, I'll be sitting here in my wing chair, with a wet head full of shampoo. Why? Because he did NOT plug the heat tape in on the water pipes.

I am severely pissed.

To further piss me off, I discovered he has used most of our stored gallons of water for the outside cats and cleaning his hands in the garage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So off to the store he goes for gallons and gallons of water and then his hind end best be beneath this place figuring out how to unthaw the pipes.

NOT a good day.

Shopping Again

We're still living on our preps for food and personal care products but a move always entails a need to repair/replace/renovate so a shopping we have gone.

Today it was slippers for Sweetie. Cold feet with little circulation make him a cranky fella. After three stops - the first being Goodwill - I found a size 12 fake fur lined, soled boot type slipper. The price was $20 which I knew he'd have a fit about. Which is why I suggested he stay in the car while I went in and looked. As the cashier scanned them she asked if I had any coupons or bottle return slips. Nope. Next thing I know she says, "Well, lucky you, I do. These are $4 off." Music to my ears.

Got out to our car, tapped on Sweetie's window and waved the slippers at him. Mr. Grumpy with the freezing feet, rolled the window down. I said, "open up and try these on. If you don't like them I'll return them now." First thing he says is, "How much?"

I gave him one of my looks and he dutifully removed a shoe. "Hmmm, these are kinda nice," he says. "How much?" I said $16 he said to return them. No surprise there!

I said, "Come on, we're going home" and got in the car. Sometimes a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do.

While at Goodwill I scored big time. Reversible twin size quilt that still had that new stiffness to it. $10.

Huge plastic bowl that had several plastic food storage containers in it. No prices. How'd that happen? I had no interest in the bowl but the containers, with their shiny, flawless surfaces, were begging to go home with me. At the checkout the gal said, "49 cents each." Fine with me as I know what they cost new.

I also bought a few long sleeved tees and a pair of flannel pj pants for me. Grand total was $3.29 because some careless soul spilled their drink on them and then walked away. Never to be put off by anything other than a dead body, I slid hangers across the rack as though nothing had happened and found what I wanted. Took all four pieces to the checkout and said, "These items shouldn't be out here, they're damaged." The gal thanked me and made like she would pitch them in the garbage. I said, "If you're going to throw them away, I'll take them." She said it wasn't really store policy but I extended my hands and said I'd hate to dumpster dive behind the store. For a second she looked shocked then said, "A woman after my own heart." I'd like to further acquaint myself with her!

Next stop was the hardware store for a part for the garden tub that Sweetie will soon immerse himself in. After a 10 minute ride home we unloaded and ate leftovers for lunch. God bless leftovers. Most things taste better the second or third time around.

While waiting to fill prescriptions at Walmart I had browsed the clothing aisles. Think sticker shock. I never pay their full price, nor their sale I so I'd have a heart attack if I ever visited Macys or some women's boutique. On the other hand, I have a weakness for certain antiques so the lottery would come in handy!

Anyway, back on track here. Being frugal is in my blood. Must have had a transfusion while asleep because I wasn't always this way. But, God am I grateful I am now!!!! And the best part is, I feel rich, wealthy and completely satisfied.

Well, time to finish my assignment for tomorrow's writing group. Have a great evening everyone. Treesong

You've Got to Be Kidding!!

A few things I've encountered this past week:

"You don't use your dryer? How do you get your clothes dry?"

"I've only got $6.50 until payday. Wanna go have breakfast?" Payday was one week away.

A woman in line at the local grocery store: "I can get more at the food pantry but I don't like what they offer." She plunked down a case of beer, five pot pies and two TV dinners and asked the cashier if she knew of a good backyard mechanic. "Gotta get my car looked at and thought maybe he'd accept a few beers until I get paid." In this world, she probably could barter beer for mechanic work.

A friend's daughter began work Wednesday after five years of unemployment. Yes, five years. By Saturday morning she talked of quitting. "If they think I'm gonna put up with other people not doing their fare share when we've all got a quota to meet, they're crazy." Welcome to the real world. There's always someone who doesn't do their fair share. Get over it.

We bought 3 cases of canned cat food and the largest bag of dry cat food we could find. As I placed the dry food in a covered trash can the neighbor asked why I was "throwing it away." When I said I was storing it, he said, "why buy so much at one time? You're a mile from a store." Because I can buy 12 times as much and have plenty on hand instead of making multiple trips.

We paid off ONE of our mortgages yesterday. Great feeling. Friend asked what we did to celebrate, "Bought three new windows and a carpet remnant for this place," I said. "But what did you do to celebrate?" she asked again. "THAT is what I did." She shook her head and said, "Well I would have gone shopping and out to dinner and maybe a movie." Probably. Which explains why we paid a mortgage off and she and her hubby are usually broke.

But the best thing I heard all week was this: "I am so glad you know how to squeeze a quarter our of a nickel." (from Sweetie)

Little More Progress

Today we rearranged the shed - which we use as the main entrance as it has one step at the entry and one step up into the main living area. Nothing like organizing a room to clear out clutter, find missing items and give yourself more space.

Sweetie hung a 12' metal rod across one end of the room - in front of the metal shelves I'd previously used for food storage - where it does double duty for indoor clothes drying and coat rack. Instead of stringing a clothesline anywhere I hang clothes, etc. on hangers. Our food storage is stashed in a pantry and closet and buckets fill the end of a hall that leads to the spare bedroom. This room has two entries so I just closed the door and made use of the space.

Yesterday we also tore out the broom closet and the cabinets above the fridge. The Hoosier cabinet and fridge swapped places with the kitchen table and chairs which gave us a smaller kitchen work triangle. In the spring we'll install windows above the kitchen table and re-insulate the exterior wall for about 20 feet. In older mobile homes the insulation tends to slide down the wall defeating its original purpose.

Tomorrow I pick up my elderly friend for her first look at our home's interior. She's asked me to take her to her husband's grave and the grocery too; something I feel honored to do.

I also re-buried my cat, Mita, who died last November 2nd. Guess I must have unconsciously been thinking ahead when I wrapped her in a towel, then placed her in a box and wrapped it in plastic. When I dug her up it was a simple matter of placing that box in another box and wrapping it in plastic. A few people think it's strange that I'd move my cat but she was my most faithful companion for 13 years so I couldn't leave her behind. Call me crazy. I don't care.

Up north, where we used to live, they got 15 inches of snow yesterday. Don't miss it but I know it will soon be here too. Oh well, we'll be warm inside with plenty to eat and the company of Lady and Kitty Kitty and great friends who call nearly every day.

Well, time for bed. My eyes are blurring I've read so long this evening. Take care, Treesong

On Being Thankful

On this day, my favorite of all holidays, I find myself being thankful for simple things: an extra quilt on the bed on a cold night; a long, leisurely shower and an over sized towel to wrap myself in; a morning call from my elderly friend to say, "I'm thankful you're close by now"; our new home, of course; for waking up this morning able to walk without falling; and remembering to turn the oven on and off at the appropriate times.

After today, who will remember, in the midst of their distractions and committments, to be thankful? Will they be thankful for a roof over their heads and heat and lights and food to eat? Will they be thankful for friends and family and a store close by? Will they be thankful for an income and a few bucks in their wallets? Will they be thankful for the medication they need or their doctor or pharmacy? Will they be thankful they are even alive?

Each year it seems we "celebrate" Thanksgiving and then leave it's message by the wayside. The day is barely half over and someone complainss the stuffing had too much sage, the pies were runny and the kids were rambunctious. Another comments on her sister-in-law's outfit and the weight she had gained.

We're such vain, judgmental, opinionated people. And all to keep up the empty, incessant chatter. Silence is a killer your know.

Try to steer the conversation toward humor, a new recipe, the volunteering you did earlier or God forbid, God himself, and you're treated like a leper.

Or, better yet, mention mention Sarah Palin and you've got everyone's attention. Like the young woman on Facebook who wished Palin would visit Grand Rapids. When asked why, she said, "Because she's going to be the best looking presidential candidate we've ever had and want to see her."

Talk about comments!

I had to remind myself that on Facebook, everyone seems to talk about anything to anyone. It's as though NOT saying something means you're alone or ignored, God forbid.

I for one, am thankful I've learned it's often best not to comment.

Noteworthy

A while back I mentioned we would be living off our preps for the foreseeable future. It's been an interesting, telling time. A great opportunity to get creative, discover what "food fatigue" really means and discover the holes in your preps.

First, creativity. Who feels like being creative in the kitchen when their body aches in places they didn't know existed and they haven't the strength to lift a cast iron fry pan or operate a manual can opener? Not me.

Second, "Food Fatigue" is real and happened quicker than expected. We agree it's due to moving between two locations three times in about 4 weeks. This means either stocking cookware, dishes, etc. for two locations or living on sandwiches and canned fruit. We opted for the latter. Yesterday I made a huge pan of lasagna. You'd have thought we hadn't eaten in a month. We ate it three times yesterday. I didn't have the energy nor inclination to fix a vegetable. To heck with a balanced meal, I thought. We have plenty of variety in our preps but don't stock MRE type food. Even if we did the microwave was buried in a box someplace though they could have been made in a saucepan.

As for holes in our preps. Aren't there always holes in preps? Isn't it human nature to want what you don't have? My elderly friend asked me to pick up Bob Evans Chipped Beef & Gravy before coming to visit her. She's without a car, ill and has a daughter who only stops by to drop her garbage off. This was my first visit to a grocery in I don't know when. Seemed like a dream, the bright lights and shelves stocked to the hilt. When I looked at the prices it seemed like a nightmare. So, yes, we've kept our vow not to buy anything for ourselves but I left the store thinking of homemade donuts (this place has a great bakery), Cornish hens, chipped beef on toast, bananas, ice cream (any flavor at this point would be welcome) and how great a romaine salad would be. Sometime next month we'll go shopping. It will be like Christmas; in fact it may be Christmas.

In other news, I had the scare of my life yesterday. Sweetie began choking while sitting in his recliner eating a cheese sandwich. A few seconds later his lips curled outward and his face reddened. Maybe 10 seconds had passed when his eyes rolled back in his head and his entire body jerked. I grabbed the phone next to his chair to call 911 just as our phone rang. I was my elderly friend who said she'd do it and then call friends who live nearby.

I kept repeating Sweetie's name and suddenly he started choking again. The adrenaline rushed through my body as I yanked him up (my back feels like it today) and got behind him with my arms around him. Not an easy task while he was shaking and gagging! Next thing I knew our friends arrived; her husband grabbed Sweetie and the piece of sandwich flew out.

My elderly friend called again and said 911 was on their way. Sweetie - the infamous stubborn Irishman that he is - repeatedly yelled, "Call those suckers off." He was enraged and swearing and grabbed the phone. Our friends were in shock as he continued to yell and told the 911 dispatcher there was no need for help!!!!

After we ALL calmed down I told my friends, "Well, he's back to normal." They left soon afterward, just dumbfounded. Three hours later he said, "Your know, I lost you for awhile."

Truthfully, part of me wanted to hit him but all I could do was cry. His blood pressure remained low all day and he has no intention of seeing a doctor. Near as we figure, his airway was blocked long enough for him to loose consciousness and possibly even skip a few heartbeats until miraculously it started again.

Now you're probably wondering why I mention him choking after the paragraphs about living on our preps? Because I still cry when I think of how close I came to losing him - stubbornness and all.

Running 'Cause I Can't Fly: "A Full Body Scan of American Corruption"

Thanks to Coyote Prime for posting this.

And, as I mentioned in a comment at SixBears' blog, I'd like to see the likes of Pelosi, Reid, Schumer, the Clintons and all other law enforcement and government morons subject themselves to a body search/scan. How about cross country flights with several layovers/change overs for say, one month. Wonder how long it would take for them to revolt?

Running 'Cause I Can't Fly: "A Full Body Scan of American Corruption": "'A Full Body Scan of American Corruption'by Gonzalo Lira 'In the United States, if a policeman stops you for a traffic violation, and y..."

I Have Lost Track But Not Given Up

One day has blurred into the next this past week. Today we're trying to revive ourselves in time for the next trip.

This would be entirely unnecessary if I weren't living with a hoarder.

His overloaded pickup, pulling an equally overloaded enclosed 12' U-Haul trailer, broke down last night 45 miles west of the Mackinaw Bridge. Sparks flew from his rear passenger side as the truck & trailer swerved from side side to side. A driver of the the lane NEXT to him must have stained his pants before he drove into the ditch then out again just as Sweetie missed him by inches. A line of vehicles braked and slowed in both direction but did not stop after both our vehicles stopped.

About 10 minutes later an elderly man driving a new Dodge pickup offered his assistance. His cell phone got reception; mine did not. He lived nearby and knew who to call for a tow. He even walked the ditches by flashlight with us looking for the tire and wheel. Once the wrecker arrived he offered to hook the U-Haul up to his truck and pull it to the nearby garage. The wheel, tire, brakes and who know what else are gone or ruined. The brakes had just been replaced a few days earlier in preparation for the trip.

An hour later we were headed south in the car towing the fully loaded golf cart trailer.

In case you're confused: Sweetie's 1997 F-150 with 268,000 miles was fully loaded beyond the roof top & pulling the 12' U-Haul - also loaded. I was following in the 1996 Crown Vic towing the golf cart trailer. On it were a 250 gallon fuel oil tank, a cement mixer, and snow blower and cultivator attachments for his John Deere riding mower.

In my humble opinion, the only thing of worth moving were the four painting in my car, the things on the golf cart trailer, the antique twin bed and three tool boxes in the U-Haul.

Believe me, the rest was useless junk. Buckets and buckets of obscure items, many broken or missing parts. Not one bit of it has been touched since being moved to the Upper Peninsula 18 months ago.

This move has now cost us well over $2000 when all we really needed was one trip with the 12' U-Haul and the golf cart trailer.

Tomorrow, if the truck repairs are finished, we return to the UP to pick up the truck and pay who knows what in towing and repairs. And then we begin the journey again, hoping and praying the truck and trailer make it back here in one piece.

And once he's had some rest he STILL has stuff in that pole barn as well as a boat and trailer sitting in the yard. God help us because I'm ready to scream. Not that it will do any good.

If you've ever watched Hoarders on TV you have some idea of what I'm going through.

What We've Been Missing

Since moving here life has done a 180. Yesterday was a perfect example.

I joined the library's writer's group that meets every Thursday for 3 hours. It was amazing to walk into a room of strangers and be welcome. People gathered round to introduce themselves and ask about my writing experience, the books I was currently reading and why I'd chosen to move to this area. I was so stunned I teared up.

It seems my friend Deb has been talking me up. "She's written for newspapers and she's always listened to me talk about my writing. You'll all really like her."

To put this in context, I've known Deb since I first moved to this area 30 years ago and she was recommended as a babysitter. She was married with three kids and didn't work outside the home. I was single, had three kids and worked for GM.

We're about as different from one another as two women could get. She left school in the 9th grade; I have 3.5 years of college. She's been in an abusive marriage for 35 years; I would have killed him. She's the youngest of four; I'm the oldest of four. She has very little self confidence; mine could be tempered at times. But somehow we've been supportive of one another.

Deb joined the writing group because she realized she needed something to do now that her children had all left the nest. "I felt like I didn't have a mind left," she said. "I thought writing would help me think."

She cannot spell or punctuate but she keeps trying. She has so much enthusiasm for writing that she sent a story to a vanity publisher. Of course, it was published. She was so proud of being an author that she sent me a copy. I had to restrain myself from taking a red pen to every page.

Everyone at the writing group has read her book and they've all realized the same thing I have. It's a terrible piece of work. Despite that, it has given her a new sense of purpose, pride and determination that no amount of counseling, crying, praying or demanding has ever done.

During our meeting the group's leader gave us a series of writing exercises which we then read to the group. Members responses were amazing. Laughter, jokes and respectful critiques filled the air.

My email was added to the member list. As of this morning I've heard from all but two of the group.

I am still amazed that we get phone calls from live people other than telemarketers.

When we needed to pick up truck parts Deb gave me a ride. When we needed help unloading the U-Haul, help was here. We've been invited to a Thanksgiving dinner - the first holiday invite we've had in two years, maybe more.

While we're up north for the last load, someone will be here taking care of our cat and watching the house.

When we go grocery shopping or stop at the gas station people stop and talk. The librarian knew who I was when I asked for a library card. She even offered a list of books she thought I'd be interested in based on what Deb had told her.

I could go on and on about how welcome we feel. It's such a contrast to being ignored and left out and judged on our past, our location, our lifestyle, our ages and whatever other determinations had been made about us.

And something else I just remembered. At the writing group someone mentioned a wringer washer in her story. Deb laughed and said I could identify with that because I had one. The most elder of the writers group looked up and said, "Have you ever made your own laundry soap?" When I said, "Yes and I still do," no one laughed.

Fix and Repair

We're not wealthy and didn't buy a turn key place with the latest bells and whistles. So, we're making repairs dnd discovering more repairs are needed.

It sucks. The more this country sinks into the abysmal economic hole, the more company we'll have in the fix and repair department. Like I told a friend, "Thank God we know how to live on ingenuity, duct tape, rice and beans and recycled parts."

And though I bitch about Sweetie's mess in the pole barn, he has found a spare propane regulator, a sufficient supply of screws, bolts and caulking and brake pads for the truck.

But, the day will come when we'll have to spend money. I dread it.

Meanwhile my good friend and her GM retiree hubby blissfully spend his retirement check. In the past week they've gassed up the 2007 Dodge truck three times; eaten out every day including taking us to lunch yesterday after having breakfast with his mother three hours earlier. Mark my word, later this month we'll hear mumblings about not having money. Within their extended family one will borrow from another until next payday arrives.

Yet they're the sweetest people I know. Even without money at the end of the month they'll help someone move, babysit their child or offer a place to stay temporarily.

Meanwhile, we'll work toward getting this place in shape and find amusement in our dog and cat; enjoy TV, internet and library books(our entertainment budget) and have coffee with friends.

As for the challenges here, most revolve around a ton of deferred maintenance. Whenever there was a leaky faucet or window, it was eventually repaired but the damage done by the leak was left as is. Consequently we have three flooring soft spots, paneling to replace beneath four windows and several pieces of moulding to replace.

Every time we turn around something else is missing a part or it's so filthy it's stopped working. As Sweetie said this morning, "I'm surprised this place isn't roach infested." That made my skin crawl.

The ironic thing is shelves were full of cleaners, disposable razors and air fresheners - all coated in dust, spider webs and grease. I shudder to think of their toxicity, but I set off two bug bombs inside and two beneath the place when we were last here.

I spent an entire hour scrubbing ONE ceiling beam in the living room. If I wipe a damp cloth across it I still have yellow/gray residue on it!!!

This is a 1982 Schult the previous owner bought in 1984. I doubt the walls were ever scrubbed. The original carpet is in both bedrooms and hall. Newer carpet is in the living room but is heavily stained. We'll pull it all up in January.

The propane company was just here for an inspection. When they pulled out the range I about upchucked. No need for a mop or broom beneath it. Sweetie is there now with a carpet razor cutting the vinyl flooring away. Not even going to bother trying to clean the mess.

I've taken a slew of pictures but am having trouble with my camera once again. Suffice to say I'm scrubbing more today and making spaghetti sauce.

One day at a time we'll make progress. Later this week we return to the UP to load up and winterize the place. It can't happen soon enough.

So much more to talk about but I have work to do! Have a pleasant day, Treesong

The Journey, the Realizations

We departed the U.P. at 4:20 p.m. only to realize we had a flat tire on the U-Haul passenger side rear OUTSIDE tire. We were still in the driveway!!! After trying to fill the tire with a portable compressor Sweetie drove 16 miles to a station with air. Once he filled the tire he pulled forward so my truck tire could be checked. No sooner had he jumped out of the U-Haul and we heard a loud pop. The U-Haul tire deflated again.

Unbelievably, the tire never went completely flat; only down about two inches. It was Sunday evening and nightfall was approaching, so we continued on to the nearest U-Haul outlet that could possibly help us the next morning - another 32 miles away.

To shorten the story, we contacted U-Haul on my cell which kept disconnecting (poor coverage) and once again Sweetie's English/Irish temper got the best of him. Off he drove while I'm standing outside my truck talking to U-Haul foe the third time. I told the operator never mind, he's taken off and soon followed his disappearing tail lights.

We stopped every 50-100 miles checking the U-Haul tire, which never deflated further. So, the truck made the journey with a slight tilt toward the ditch but everything inside arrived in one piece!!!

My man has determination if nothing else.

WE arrived here exactly 13 hours later (Monday morning) exhausted but grateful. A short time later we had the bed unloaded and blankets piled high upon it. The pilot on the furnace had gone out and we weren't able to relight it. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.

Three hours later I got up, made coffee and toast and Sweetie slept another five hours. I unloaded what I could from both trucks and rounded up our planned help. That in itself got interesting. Within four days of having arranged the help only one person showed up. Two others had the flu and one had got a much needed job. But, still running on sheer determination, we unloaded the truck and worked feverishly to fix a few things before we ran out of steam Wednesday afternoon.

I can't recall when I have ached so much or when three Aleve during a 24-hour period had NOT touched the pain. Sweetie slept most of Thursday and has since paced himself and taken better care of himself. Having satellite TV hooked up made all the difference because he and the remote and his recliner have become one again!

Today I felt clear headed enough to hook up the DSL and answer emails.

I'll post more later. In the meantime we are soooooooooooooooooooo grateful to be here. The realizations of what we've been missing, how fortunate we are and how awesome God is have flooded over us like waves from a refreshing sea.

Thanks to all of you for your comments. Have a restful Sunday. Treesong