FYI

Thanks to those of you who've commented on my efforts to bring the arts to our twin communities here in Lower Michigan.

To those of you who've asked: I have not taken up the church on their offer of space because the church actually meets in their annex for three services on Sunday, two church groups occupy it another two days and then all funerals, luncheons and some weddings are held there as well.

The actual sanctuary was built in the mid 1800's and has no plumbling.

I hesitate to plan activities at the annex and then have to cancel due to unforeseen events such as funerals. In the past two weeks there have been three in the annex followed by luncheons.


On March 9th we're holding a brainstorming session at the library and this week more flyers/posters will be distributed. I've asked the newspaper to do a story on our efforts so we'll see what develops.

Thanks, Treesong

A People Who Lack Vision...

are certain to wallow in self pity, depression, hopelessness and inertia.

Our twin communities here are a great example. When the Chrysler plant closed in the mid 70's the towns began to die. The high school shuttered its doors and was eventually demolished. The kids were bused to a arger town and subjected to slurs, judgments and being lost in a crowd. To this day they're often referred to as River Rats. It's a crying shame and it shows everywhere.

There are few people with vision or hope and enough domestic violence, alcoholism, drugs and robbery to cover every block in each village.

Thankfully, there are people who yearn for change and hope - though not necessarily Obama. There is talent here and dreams and, of course, critics.

I love the critics because they give me an opportunity to influence people.

For example, while posting a notice at the local restaurant about "Drop In For Art" (meets every Saturday at the library) an old timer said, "Why bother with art when the people need jobs?"

Of course he was mumbling under his breath the way most people with little vision and less courage do. Being me, I took his remark as an opportunity to introduce myself.

"Hello, I overheard your comment about art and wondered if you'd care to tell the kids at the library what you think. How about stopping by Saturday?"

He flustered, got a little antsy and turned a little red. "Well, what's putting scraps of garbage together going to teach them?"

"Not to throw out the useable with the rancid."

"Rancid" was a bit above his grasp of the English language so his buddy interpreted: "Rancid is the smelly, rotten stuff."

Then the critic says: "Well one or two paintings or pictures on a wall is enough. What's the point of the rest of it?"

I cut to the chase: "Broadly speaking, art is all around us, all the time. It's not limited to paintings or photographs. Art played a role in the car you drive, the style of house you live in, the clothes you wear, the furniture and and appliances you have." He chuckled a bit and I kept talking. "Art determined the choice of wall covering and booths and dinnerware right here in front of you. In fact, art played a role in why you choose to eat here and not next door." At this last remark four heads around the tabled nodded in agreement.

Mr. Critic considered for a moment and said, "Well..."

"Well," I said, "consider what I've said the next time you choose one color, style, model or material over another. And please, please, stop by the library where the next generation is making those same choices now - choices that may very well affect the kind of person they become."

I stood up, extended my hand and said, "Have a nice day."

Tomorrow I'm returning to that restaurant and ask the owner to display the kids' artwork and for permission to put a collection jar at the register.

Double Attendance

I'm exhausted. I'm excited. I'm encouraged. I'm thankful.

We had twice the attendance today at Drop In For Art at the library. An extra table had been set up so all the donated supplied that I brought today were placed there. Donations are going well but I have lots of duplicates and find I need some specifics. So I've put out a call for certain items.

The kids are asking for specific classes so I told them to go home and ask their friends and family to donate them. Next week I'll distribute more flyers and ask a few business owners to help me out for the sake of local kids.

Meanwhile three people have offered to teach an adult art class: dream catchers, silk scarf painting and wire wrapped jewelry.

Things are looking well but I know that within a month or less we'll need more space. Maybe someone will be inspired to provide a larger space. Miracles do happen.

Meanwhile, I'm going to curl up on the sofa and relax. Have a great weekend everyone.

We Had a Blast!

Three children and four adults met at the library Saturday to create collages from recyclables.

We ran out of time. We had way more donations than we needed. We had a blast talking and laughing and creating and inspiring.

And, we decided to continue this adventure. Actually, they decided. I was already determined to.

For the next five Saturdays we'll meet from noon to 3 p.m. (instead of 1 hour) at the library for "Drop In For Art." Still working with donated materials, we'll focus on the following themes: Crowns/Hats/Halos, Bag or Box It, Embellish It, Paper Mache and Anything Goes. I'll have an example at each class for inspiration but after that the sky's the limit.

An email is circulating now asking for more donations - including asking people to NOT donate to Goodwill but save it for a yard sale this summer to raise money for the group.

Sweetie says he'll clear a spot in the pole barn to accept donations. Our library has a huge green space where we can hold the sale and they'll publicize the yard sale and art classes too.

March 9th we have a 3-hour brain storming session at the library moderated by a friend who is CEO of a local non-profit.

Onward and upward. Thanks everyone for being such great listeners.

The Assessor Pays Us a Visit

Sweetie asked for a re-assessment of this place a couple weeks ago. The man showed up today. The former owner had paid no attention to rising assessments which was at $61,000. We paid a bit more than half that for the place.

We'll have the new figure in a week. Mentioned this at writing group today. NO ONE knew you could even request such a thing!!!

"Uninformed is dangerous," I said.

"I think that's kind of strong language," said a new participant.

"Not if you care how your money's spent." I said.

End of conversation.

And then, more news arrived. Our land contract holder is probably going to walk.
Right now I feel numb.

Life will get harder if this news comes to pass. Instead of $1107 a month we'll have $557. Back to living entirely on preps.

Spent three hours with a mentor discussing the art project. she's coordinating a brainstorming session and will act as moderator. Believe it or not, right now it's a bright spot for me.

Meanwhile, I hope more people wake up to what's ahead. Despite all this news I still feel fortunate.

Take care, Treesong

Attitude is Everything

As usual I've worked my you know what off promoting a community arts center for this little spot on the Michigan map. I've talked to anyone and everyone who will give me the time; attended a few meetings to share my plans for 5-10 minutes; received two sizable donations of supplies (wonderful, wonderful & thank you all around); and created a Facebook page where people post pictures of their work, encourage one another and share ideas.

Remember, I'm cash strapped and have no rich uncle nor lottery winnings. Add a lousy economy and the usual problems dragging people down and you know what you get - apathy.

But, I have determination, attitude, and talent. Right now those qualities count for a whole lot of people waiting to see me fail. As one wizard put it: "your idea will float down the river with the rest of the garbage." Thank you jackass, you've inspired a collage.

This Saturday I scheduled a FREE collage class at the local library for ages 8-14. Advertised that they either call or come into the library to register. One person called and asked why someone would do such a thing. One friend is bringing two grandkids - from a community 18 miles away. One friend is sending her daughter whose artistic talent knocks me over. Her home is four blocks from the library.

So I've prepared for 10 students and may have three. Maybe more and maybe less.

I've attracted enough attention and talk that a couple messages have been left on two fliers. Not nice ones.

I've been invited to join the library board from which four representatives have resigned in two months. The eight member library board has never had full membership. NEVER.

Yet anywhere one goes you hear the same refraim: "There's nothing to do here for the kids."

"There's no money." (while they hoist two 12 packs of Budweiser into their truck bed and stash a fifth of whiskey beneath the seat - I kid you not.

A local pastor offered space in the church annex to hold classes. I met him and toured the facility. It's fabulous. The youth group band has produced its own CD and financed its a trip to a competition/workshop out of state. Their 4 p.m. Sunday youth service attracts 60-70 kids. The church has 12 members!!!!!!!! So the impossible can happen here.

Is there a need for activity and role models in these twin communities? You bet. Do any of the locals exercise their gray matter and participate, plan or donate to any cause to change attitudes here? RARELY ever.

The pastor pointed out three projects/groups in the area: the Lions Club (all members from outside the villages except two people); VFW (ONE person put one brick in a Veterans Memorial while people from OUTSIDE the area paid for it, built it and commemorated it!). The church held a FREE spaghetti supper. NO ONE came!!!

I'd like to kick some ass and bash in a few heads.

But, I'll calm down, put a smile on my face and continue with my campaign. If half a dozen people (irregardless of age) join me in this journey then it will be worth it. And the rest of them? They're the losers.

Facebook Began a Revolution!!!

And a certain man in this household is watching with interest as Mubarak prepares to step down in Egypt. He is amazed at what has occurred in 17 days.

Meanwhile, yours truly has busied herself with creating the groundwork for an arts center in our twin communities of Lyons-Muir. To inspire and encourage all our artists - and those who think they're not artistic I created an art page on Facebook.

On February 19th I hold my first class, thanks to our librarian's offer of a meeting room. Eight through 14 year olds will do collages of found and donated materials. The library space isn't ideal but it's a beginning.

Though I'm by no means a great art has informed and adorned my life. I want people here, especially the children to have that opportunity. Art has the ability to transform lives and communities.

Already, people are posting their artwork on the site and encouraging one another.

Another example of a small revolution in our community, thanks to Facebook.

In the meantime, I'm dreaming big, collecting donated supplies and money and believing someone will step forward with a permanent location for the art gallery/studio.

In a world full of depression, suicide, domestic violence, alcoholism, drugs, unemployment and poverty, the opportunity to create art while building relationships can lead to other possibilities.

If you're interested in joining us in some fashion in this effort please email me at treesonggal@yahoo.com.

Have a great day folks. Treesong

Palin Trademarking Her Name

"Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and “Dancing with the Stars” finalist Bristol Palin are attempting to trademark “Sarah Palin®” and “Bristol Palin®,” reports Politics Daily.

Palin family attorney Thomas Van Flein registered for a “Sarah Palin” trademark three days after the 2010 midterm elections. A “Bristol Palin” application was filed five days prior to the “Dancing With the Stars” Sept. 20 season premiere.

It’s common for celebrities to trademark their names to protect their brand or image from those who may try to make money off their name, but trademark attorneys say this is a rare move for political figures.

The application for “Sarah Palin” has two classes of commercial service for which her name would be trademarked. The first is for “information about political elections” and “providing a website featuring information about political issues” and the second is for “educational and entertainment services … providing motivational speaking services in the field of politics, culture, business and values.”

The application for “Bristol Palin” is for “educational and entertainment services, namely, providing motivational speaking services in the field of life choices.”

Like Sarah Palin’s application, the “Bristol Palin” application did not have a signature. It also didn’t show her proposed trademark used in a commercial context. Bristol Palin must file examples that demonstrate how her name is used in the actual sale or advertising of her “motivational speaking services in the field of life choices,” according to Politics Daily.

The applications are still pending.

No surprise here. It's all about the money folks.

Snowplow Arrives

The county snowplow came through our mile long road at 2:15 p.m. and made a second pass 7 minutes later. Our drive is still plugged as is one door on the pole barn. I shoveled for an hour to clear a 5' drift from the ceiling high sliding door so Sweetie could put the tractor tire chains on.

Maybe he will plow the drive yet today. I'm thinking that's a big maybe by the way he's breathing.

The truck is parked at the end of the trailer and I could shovel out to the road from there but I'll wait to see how things develop. On the other hand, if we have need for an ambulance here they couldn't get in. Sweetie, with his invincible mindset, tells me not to worry.

Okay.

The winds have increased so the cold is now bone chilling. No snowshoeing today.

Drifted In

Barely slept last night. The exterior water heater door doesn't close well so it had been screwed shut. Ha, ha, mere mortal's attempt to fix the problem lasted until 8 p.m. The screwed were rattled loose and I listened to the music most of the night.

The 65' length of our mobile home runs east/west. The southern storm hit us from North and South. We have a 4-5' drift along our entire north side, covering most of our driveway. The drive entrance is a huge bank; the road is completely plugged and some joker tried to bust through it at 4:30 a.m. He/she is buried about 300' north of us.

I wish I had pictures but still have camera issues. WOOD-TV.com has pictures but I haven't checked for rural area pictures. The channel came on air around 4:30 a.m. and is still reporting long after their normal time slot.

We never lost power though people 1 mile south of us did. There are over 1000 area closings and that includes my local Friends of the Library meeting today. Our writing group meets tomorrow but I'm not going & expect it will be cancelled too.

Hunkering Down During the Storm

All the media is focused on THE STORM - that 2100 mile swath of Mother Nature's winter fury. Five or more feet of snowdrifts are forecast along with 50-60 m.p.h. winds and 15-18 inches of snowfall.

I say, Let Her Rip! Unlike most of our acquaintances here, we're prepared - assuming this place doesn't go airborne!

Have a bucket of water next to each toilet, drinking water stored, dish and cooking water nearby, candles, flashlights and lanterns ready, and, of course, plenty of food.

I have a few more tidbits to share but the satellite TV is cutting out so the expected power failure may be nearby. Talk to you all in a couple days.

Political Discussion is a Mindfield in This House

As you all know my partner, Sweetie and I generally get along and share many of the same goals. We're both frugal folks who spend most of our time at home. We garden and share an interest in prepping. We hail from similar dysfunctional family upbringings though I'm the oldest of four siblings while he's the youngest. We've both had prior marriages and lost count of the times we've moved.

Notice please, that I said we share common goals - not common perspectives. Politics is one of them.

So Egypt is all over the news lately and I've bit my lip until now. He sat here a couple nights ago and said, "Good, those ass holes not having Internet will make it more difficult for the terrorists and those idiot Muslims to take over the country."

As reports about Egypt continued I expected his comment. But when it came I looked at him and thought, "How the hell do I love a man who thinks this?"

He's a "wipe them off the face of the earth" kind of guy. To him there's one solution for political unrest. He HATES rioters but fails to see that they are always present in situations like this. And he has little distinction between rioters and looters.

He thinks he knows history and by golly no one's going to question his opinions. He blabbered on and on and on about the stupidity of Egyptians and said their electric should be turned off too

He's also one of these, "We're the big guys with a stick and you better see things our way," kind of people.

He thinks the TSA searches are warranted yet Walmart asking people to report suspicious behavior is not.

When a newscaster said most Egyptians live on $2 a day he said, "So tell me, how do those bastards afford cell phone and Internet?" And then the best comment of all, "That stupid president of theirs must be giving them this stuff and now it's kicking him in the ass."

Try as I might (which isn't often anymore), he cannot see that his rage/anger clouds his thinking process.

Yesterday he got online to check his bank balance. Soon expletives were flying through the air as he cursed the Internet being down. Naturally, I saw this as a possible "teaching moment" and said, "How would you feel if it never came back up?"

THAT calmed him down because he didn't want to THINK about it. He turned to me and said, "People got along without it before it was here."

There are days when he reminds me of Archie Bunker and I'd like to kick his behind.
But most times I think, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. And trying to discuss something with a mule is wasted effort.

So, as he watches his beloved Fox News - while wearing his headset - I mute the remote and have some peace.

A Drive in the Country

You'd have thought is was the first day of summer by the number of cars on the road today. And most seemed to be doing just as we were" wandering country roads; stopping a river access sites; standing in groups in parks and along the road, chatting with friends while drinking steaming coffee and hot cocoa.

We had four stops to make in Ionia today and heading home Sweetie said, "Want to drive over to St. Johns?" Good thing I was sitting in the car because the surprise at his suggestion would have pushed me over. I told him if he was willing to unload the car first and let me grab something to eat then the idea sounded great.

We had Lady in the back seat while in Ionia and let her out when we got home. She actually seemed to prance around the yard for a bit before returning to the back seat. The recycling center is located five miles off our route to St. Johns so we filled the truck with cans, plastic and glass.

Spent time admiring farms and cruised a few car lots eyeing Ford trucks. Someday we'll buy another one. Someday.

When Lady came in the door this after noon she ate then plopped down in front of the propane wall heater. The smell of barbecued country style ribs fills the house while we anticipate a great supper. It's still 31 degrees here. A heatwave!

Enjoy the week folks. Less than eight weeks until Spring. Treesong

Our Beloved Lady

This is Lady and George. Normally she turns away from anyone holding a camera. We have no idea why! But, as she's not feeling well, we were able to get a picture of her and Sweetie together.

Colder Than Ice Doesn't Stop Stupidity

Minus 10 degrees here last night and probably the same tonight. The sun warmed things up nicely by afternoon so we opened our front door and let the solar gain from the new storm door give us free heat. Neither the furnace nor the propane wall heater came on for over three hours. Will try this again as every savings helps the bottom line.
Our peaceful Sunday morning was rudely interrupted by snowmobiles using the road as their race track. For a second weekend they've zig-zagged between the old fence posts across our front yard and gone airborne over three hills within 4/10ths of a mile before spinning donuts within feet of the highway. Crazy, daredevils who have no regard for oncoming traffic or pedestrians. No wonder the neighbor told me I wouldn't be walking on this road in the winter. Their antics are illegal but the sun baked glaze on the gravel road is irresistible.

Talking to a friend later, I wondered aloud why they weren't tearing up the corn fields around here. "Because they have furrows with rocks and the road is smoother," she said. In other words, better to chance hitting a pedestrian or another snowmobile or car than a rock.

Being from the Upper Peninsula it looks silly to see snowmobiles on 6 inches of snow but then there are worse things going on. Every day on the news the violence seems to increase and I find myself thankful that I spend most of my time at home away from the craziness.

Our dear dog Lady is still with us but slowly declining. I realized today that Sweetie's been walking into our spare bathroom so I wouldn't see him cry. Lady's been his constant companions for 11 years through thick and thin and the thought of being without her haunts him. Tonight, when he had to carry Lady inside, he said it reminds him of the death of his youngest son over 18 years ago.

An hour later his sole surviving son called here. When Sweetie told him he didn't think Lady would be here much longer he said, "Get over it. She's a dog."

The phone being slammed down scared Lady, me and Kitty Kitty from our comfortable positions on the sofa. Soon the phone was flung across the room and Sweetie stomped out to the deck - coatless and swearing. Within two minutes the temperature had cooled him off enough that he came in and apologized.

"None needed," I said. "Now call your son back and tell him how much his stupid remark hurts."

He refused, of course but three hours later his son called here. I answered and his first remark was: "Is that dog dead yet?"

At first I was speechless. Rare for me but once I recovered my vocal chords I cut loose.

I told him he was a mid 40's lazy, self centered, complaining jerk who had no clue about most of what he claims to "know and understand" - his famous retort to nearly anything his father says.

I know my outburst shocked him but it's been a long time coming. Calmly and clearly I said, "Call back when you've grown up and have some empathy."

We've had a quiet, peaceful day since.

One Week Later

Yesterday we took a friend and her husband out for Chinese to celebrate her birthday. I was our first trip out the door since Jan. 12.

It's been a week of organizing, cleaning drawers, purging paper files and sewing. Along the way I found my quart jar of taco seasoning!!! After tearing through boxes and asking myself if I only imagined that I had such a jar, I found it - sitting behind a 2-quart jar next to my other spices!!!

As I am the household "secretary" I purged paper files and found paperwork that a certain man insisted I had thrown away. This is what generally happens when he sticks his nose in the files. Enough said.

Our local library is having a Valentine's Day sale so I gathered all my pink-ish fabric scraps for the quilted hearts I'm known for making.

The process has been a pleasant break from the usual routine but I had to move the project into the kitchen. While gathering fabric and organizing the spare bedroom I discovered the ceiling leaks!!! An hour later, after moving boxes and covering some things in plastic I shut the door, turned around to walk into the laundry room and tripped right into the bathtub!

Again, a certain man was there to help me out and I calmly said, "Do you think maybe you could put screws in that register now?"

Procrastination does have its downsides - like bruised arms and knees and a pissed off companion.

But, being female, I knew there would be an upside to the situation. He went through each room, checking the other floor registers and then said, "Why don't you take it easy for awhile? You're always working."

I took him up on his advice and have not poured a cup of coffee for myself, made a bed, nor cooked a meal in three days. Thank God for leftovers and a microwave!

Tomorrow is writing group. It will be therapeutic to see other faces, breathe fresh air, and have a few laughs. I've decided to write about cabin fever. Wonder where I got that bit of inspiration from.

He's Home

Just as I dialed his cell phone I heard a truck. Lady started prancing around and whining and headed for the front door. Soon, headlights illuminated the driveway and I saw the boat go by the windows.

Lady followed Sweetie in and out as he unloaded the front seat of the truck. After having a bowl of homemade soup, we talked awhile and he started to nod off. He slept until 10 a.m. this morning.

According to him, the only rough part of the trip was south of Mt. Pleasant. By the time he turned east onto 21 at St. Johns, the highway was a "rough two track."

Today we headed into Ionia for a few groceries and picked up our special order storm door at Menards. His Medicare prescription drug plan has changed (still a higher cost than what he had) so he switched pharmacies. "May as well have better service and easier access if I'm going to spend more money," he said.

When we came home I made a huge pan of lasagna and laid one the sofa awhile. Leg cramps again.

Sweetie moved the boat into position next to the motor home and backed the truck up to the pole barn door. After shoveling the front deck and steps he came in and said,"First time shoveling this winter. It can melt now." Yeah, right.

Thanks for all your prayers and kind words. We're both relieved to be done with everything concerning the Upper Peninsula property.

The weather forecast here this week has been modified - less snow and a bit warmer during the day. Fine with me.

He's On His Way!

Closure went smoothly for Sweetie and he called at 10 a.m. saying he was heading home.

I called him at 5 p.m. and he had just arrived in St. Ignace. He had stopped to fix the boat trailer lights twice and had wheel bearings go on one tire on the boat trailer - just as he pulled into a rest area. Thankfully, he had spare parts and tires with him.

I expect him here sometime between 11 p.m. and midnight. According to the weather map, there is snow falling across most of the state. Heavier accumulations east and south of us but freezing rain mixed with snow in some areas to the north.

Lady knows he's on his way home. She has been on the front deck twice this afternoon whining for him and looking south.

I'll be glad when he's home. I know he's talented and resourceful but he's driving a 97 Ford F150 truck with well over 250,000 miles and lots of strange noises. The truck bed is loaded and his topper attached. The 22' Carver sits on a heavy duty trailer and towers over the truck. Thank God, thus far there are no high winds along his route.

Well, going to watch the news and call my Dad with a progress report.

The LAST Trip

Sweetie left here about 12:30 p.m. Saturday bound for our old place in Michigan's UP. As he was going by himself, he procrastinated, pacing the floor and heaving great sighs at the thought of what awaited him.

Thankfully, he had bearable weather on the 10 hour drive north. Arrived in Hancock hungry and wasn't happy about "no place" having his favorite donuts. Oh well, at least he was safe. After resting awhile and admiring the town's 10 inches of snowfall, he pushed on the last 20 miles. The soon-to-be new owner had arranged for the drive to be plowed and once inside he discovered the place was "Warm at 60 degrees" as opposed to "cold at 80 degrees" down here where there's higher humidity.

Today, he called about 10 a.m. I asked if he'd been outside to the pole barn. "Yeah, and then I came back inside." In other words, the job that awaited him seemed overwhelming so he'd think on it over another cup of coffee.

This evening he phoned again. All the scrap/landfill stuff was loaded in the truck & the topper (which he left there last trip) was secure on the truck bed. His only complaint was there was NOT a coffee can in the box on the counter as I thought. So he drove to the nearest town (9 miles) this morning; treated himself to some breakfast and picked up lunch at the deli and a can of coffee and another box of donuts. He's roughing it on two chair cushions on the floor with a quilt and his pillows to remind him of home. Won't spend the money for a motel.

Today, Monday, he dumps stuff at the transfer station, has breakfast with my Dad and returns to load the truck with the last of his stuff. Said he tried to pull the 22' Carver boat out of its resting place in the yard but the tires are froze to the ground. He'll try again tomorrow by either pouring buckets of warm water on them or jacking it up to dislodge the tires. He intends to tow the boat back here which scares the you know what out of me. It is winter and the roads are slick and snow covered for most of the UP.

Closing is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday & he'd intends to arrive with truck packed, boat in tow. After wards he'll close out our checking account up there, ask for a cashier's check for the mortgage here and mail it off.

These are his plans and thus far he's on schedule. I pray and hope things continue to go well.

Lady, Kitty Kitty and I have missed him terribly. Both critters stick close to me and Lady whines when she hears a truck go by, thinking it's Sweetie.

I asked him if he missed being around all the snow. He said, "It is pretty." According to the forecast we'll soon see how "pretty" it is. The temps here have plummeted and the wind is filtering in through a few cracks.

A surprising bit of news arrived in the mail - our second electric bill. The total: $20.96. I checked the meter, re-read the bill and scratched my head. It was an "actual" reading so Hooray!!!!! Ms. El Cheapo's efforts have paid off.

After an evening nap, I'm wide awake so think I'll read awhile. Have a great day folks.

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.