We finally made a decision on the area rugs and put them on order. Instead of the typical asian pattern, we bought plain colored rugs with sculpted patterns...ivory for the two seating areas in the great room and an abstract ivory/cocoa sculpted pattern for the dining area. The rugs are on order so it will be awhile until they arrive.
We still haven't gotten the ceiling fans installed- tomorrow I absolutely must call an installer. The weather is getting warm enough to need some air movement. We still haven't needed air conditioning, which is wonderful for the utility bill.
Mail delivery seems to still be an occasional experience. I'm not sure exactly what prompts the mail person to deliver - we've had mail delivery twice. Odd.
Jim really enjoyed Mike's telephone call on Memorial Day. We both love it when our kids call just to chat. Since everyone has their own lives, we don't get together in person all that often. We enjoy getting caught up with what they're up to. We're pleased that Mike has been promoted to Regional Manager in charge of four stores - Way to go Mike!
Sunday, when we were at Home Depot buying area rugs, we also bought some flowers and more herbs. We bought two kinds of sage, parsley, basil, mint, oregano, some annuals and a few perinneals. The yard is looking good - that is the patio with all the flowers in pots. We have yet to take on the whole picture. Our peonies haven't bloomed and it doesn't look like they will this year. We kept hoping we'd be lucky and have some that bloomed the first year they were planted. Peonies require endurance and patience, like marriage, which is why we chose them for our wedding bouquet. Our first anniversary is Thursday. I had hoped they would bloom by then, but we can wait til next year - we'll still be here.
Memorial Day was pretty quiet for us . Jim went to the Trilogy Ice Cream Social with neighbors. I stayed home and worked on recovery from the martini extravaganza we had with neighbors the night before. I've learned from this... 1.5 martinis is my capacity. More than that will cause me serious discomfort and the pain is logrithymic to my consumption. Quothe the raven, "never more."
Today we had a Costco adventure (isn't every trip to Costco an adventure!). Being the sweetheart that he is, Jim agreed to go to the Costco in Fairfield because I thought it would be fun, and as I said to Jim, "It's a bigger store" - not. On the way home, he told me in no uncertain terms that if that's where I wanted to Costco shop, I would have to do that alone. We got lost going there. Then, I insisted on examining EVERY aisle, then we got lost leaving and the store was really no great shakes compared to other Costcos. We ended up in Napa which is a neat little town. :>), but I don't think it was in Jim's plan to go there today. He'll be ok after a good night's sleep.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Memorial Day
Corrie asked me to write in the BLOG about my thoughts on Memorial day.
First off, let me say that I don't look at the day with a somber attitude, nor do I look at the day as just another day off to Bar-B-Cue. Its not about veterans or about our soldiers, sailors or Marines, but it is a day that we should reflect on, and pay homage to all the people ,( men and women) who have made the ultimate sacrifice, in all the wars, from the Revolution to today's conflict. And we must also remember the military personnel who have lost their lives in the performance of their duty to this nation, they are equally as much hero's as if they had died in combat. So you don't have to be teary eyed but if you take a moment to recognize the men and women who have gone before us, and have kept us a free people, that would be sufficient. It will probably be more than most people do.
If you wish to know about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - here's the link. It's quite informative. http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/tombofun.htm
There have been a lot of urban legends going around about what the requirements are to be a guard at the Tomb. If you're interested in the real scoop, here's the link to the Honor Society http://www.tombguard.org/
Everyone have a safe, sane Memorial Day....and thank a soldier.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
First off, let me say that I don't look at the day with a somber attitude, nor do I look at the day as just another day off to Bar-B-Cue. Its not about veterans or about our soldiers, sailors or Marines, but it is a day that we should reflect on, and pay homage to all the people ,( men and women) who have made the ultimate sacrifice, in all the wars, from the Revolution to today's conflict. And we must also remember the military personnel who have lost their lives in the performance of their duty to this nation, they are equally as much hero's as if they had died in combat. So you don't have to be teary eyed but if you take a moment to recognize the men and women who have gone before us, and have kept us a free people, that would be sufficient. It will probably be more than most people do.
If you wish to know about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - here's the link. It's quite informative. http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/tombofun.htm
There have been a lot of urban legends going around about what the requirements are to be a guard at the Tomb. If you're interested in the real scoop, here's the link to the Honor Society http://www.tombguard.org/
Everyone have a safe, sane Memorial Day....and thank a soldier.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Tough Decisions
Today we'll make our 3rd trip to Home Depot to decide on area rugs. Yesterday we brought home a small rug in the pattern we thought we would like, but it's all wrong. Lighting makes a huge difference, and working with reds is more challenging. Add to that difference in tastes and style and the decision making process all but breaks down completely. We're still talking to each other, but it's like settling a debate between Michelangelo and Chagall.
We received mail delivery yesterday - again. That makes twice since we've moved here. It will be interesting to see if we get mail on a consistent basis now. We were told that until the construction in the area was done, and 75% of our street was occupied, there would be no delivery. Construction is still underway around here and will be for some time to come so hopefully, the postal service has changed their minds.
The herb pots we planted earlier have all sprouted to some extent. The sweet marjoram is doing well, the cilantro is beginning to sprout, the dill has tall skinny sprouts (odd looking) and the parsley is begining to break through. Outside our tomatoes and peppers are beginning to flower, the orange tree has 3 oranges (a miracle since the plant was all but dead this time last year), the artichoke has one artichoke (another miracle since it got uprooted when we moved it). The zinnia, basil and cilantro seeds that we planted outdoors are doing well. We should have a pretty fair crop. We planted a few petunias, but we need to get more plants in as soon as possible if we're to have summer blooms. The peony corms that we planted last fall have sprouted well, but they may or may not flower this year. From what I've learned about growing peonies, sometimes it takes a year or two for them to flower. We need to make a nursery run and a couple of days of serious gardening.
It looks like a busy month here at Trilogy. There's a number of interesting activities, classes, etc. that we need to register for. There's a sock hop, an oldies-but-goodies music program, and night at the movies. The restaurant has been completely remodeled and is supposed to be very nice. We haven't been yet, but that's on the agenda to check out soon. We also need to make some time for the driving range.
Retirement is really busy!
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
We received mail delivery yesterday - again. That makes twice since we've moved here. It will be interesting to see if we get mail on a consistent basis now. We were told that until the construction in the area was done, and 75% of our street was occupied, there would be no delivery. Construction is still underway around here and will be for some time to come so hopefully, the postal service has changed their minds.
The herb pots we planted earlier have all sprouted to some extent. The sweet marjoram is doing well, the cilantro is beginning to sprout, the dill has tall skinny sprouts (odd looking) and the parsley is begining to break through. Outside our tomatoes and peppers are beginning to flower, the orange tree has 3 oranges (a miracle since the plant was all but dead this time last year), the artichoke has one artichoke (another miracle since it got uprooted when we moved it). The zinnia, basil and cilantro seeds that we planted outdoors are doing well. We should have a pretty fair crop. We planted a few petunias, but we need to get more plants in as soon as possible if we're to have summer blooms. The peony corms that we planted last fall have sprouted well, but they may or may not flower this year. From what I've learned about growing peonies, sometimes it takes a year or two for them to flower. We need to make a nursery run and a couple of days of serious gardening.
It looks like a busy month here at Trilogy. There's a number of interesting activities, classes, etc. that we need to register for. There's a sock hop, an oldies-but-goodies music program, and night at the movies. The restaurant has been completely remodeled and is supposed to be very nice. We haven't been yet, but that's on the agenda to check out soon. We also need to make some time for the driving range.
Retirement is really busy!
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Waiting for cabbage rolls
Yesterday when we went to Modesto we harvested one of the cabbages we planted back in November. Today we took some of the leaves and made cabbage rolls. They are cooking right now and soon we will have this yummy meal of stuffed cabbage and fresh corn.
We took care of a lot of things yesterday. Dottie was finally laid to rest in a flower bed in Modesto. Jim planted one of his favorite geraniums on her grave. The flowers will speak to the sweetness she brought to our lives. We took care of the weeds in the yard and watered everything. We went to our favorite Thai restaurant and had a delicious lunch (yesterday and leftovers today!). We cleaned bathrooms, deodorized the house (vacant houses start to smell stale) and We picked up prescriptions, got gas and then came home. It's funny. Now that we're not in Modesto, we're remembering and even finding things we like...Barefoot Wineries are there ... Only learned this after we moved. They have an excellent Zinfandel and have won serveral gold medals for their products. We miss Hirchier's Nursery - a great nursery and nice people running it. They have the best plants around - healthy and seasonal.
We need to do pretty much the same thing here in Rio Vista that we did in Modesto. We have a good system. Jim runs the errands and I do the detail work. He went off to the cleaners, the post office, the doctor's office to drop off our new patient forms and make appointments, and to buy a lottery ticket. I cleaned the kitchen, watered the plants, washed the upholstery on the sofa, dusted and waxed furniture and rearranged some stuff. The house is looking good, but still needs work and stuff. Until the Modesto house sells, we have no cash. We want rugs and curtains, and a patio cover, but we'll have to wait. I keep telling myself we're winning the battle even if it is an inch at a time.
The neighbors got a new patio yesterday - the contractor took out the old one because he felt that the quality of work wasn't good. That's refreshing when a contractor insist on doing a good job.
Jim went to the fitness center and I worked out on the equipment we have at home. I hope we can start swimming together soon. That will mean getting on the same workout schedule.
All our plants are thriving. The roses that Bev and Mike and Jim and I transplanted are all either budding or flowering. We brought two hanging baskets and transplanted them into pedestal pots and they are doing well. Rio Vista seems good for plants. I believe it's good for humans also. We seem to be thriving as well.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
We took care of a lot of things yesterday. Dottie was finally laid to rest in a flower bed in Modesto. Jim planted one of his favorite geraniums on her grave. The flowers will speak to the sweetness she brought to our lives. We took care of the weeds in the yard and watered everything. We went to our favorite Thai restaurant and had a delicious lunch (yesterday and leftovers today!). We cleaned bathrooms, deodorized the house (vacant houses start to smell stale) and We picked up prescriptions, got gas and then came home. It's funny. Now that we're not in Modesto, we're remembering and even finding things we like...Barefoot Wineries are there ... Only learned this after we moved. They have an excellent Zinfandel and have won serveral gold medals for their products. We miss Hirchier's Nursery - a great nursery and nice people running it. They have the best plants around - healthy and seasonal.
We need to do pretty much the same thing here in Rio Vista that we did in Modesto. We have a good system. Jim runs the errands and I do the detail work. He went off to the cleaners, the post office, the doctor's office to drop off our new patient forms and make appointments, and to buy a lottery ticket. I cleaned the kitchen, watered the plants, washed the upholstery on the sofa, dusted and waxed furniture and rearranged some stuff. The house is looking good, but still needs work and stuff. Until the Modesto house sells, we have no cash. We want rugs and curtains, and a patio cover, but we'll have to wait. I keep telling myself we're winning the battle even if it is an inch at a time.
The neighbors got a new patio yesterday - the contractor took out the old one because he felt that the quality of work wasn't good. That's refreshing when a contractor insist on doing a good job.
Jim went to the fitness center and I worked out on the equipment we have at home. I hope we can start swimming together soon. That will mean getting on the same workout schedule.
All our plants are thriving. The roses that Bev and Mike and Jim and I transplanted are all either budding or flowering. We brought two hanging baskets and transplanted them into pedestal pots and they are doing well. Rio Vista seems good for plants. I believe it's good for humans also. We seem to be thriving as well.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Humble Joys
Being retired gives room in the day for humble joys. A few days ago we planted seeds in some little pots and today, we saw the very first whisper of green- tiny fresh sprouts -life beginning under a zip lock bag tent. A sweet humble joy.
The little 2" fern that we bought 6 months ago has grown to about 6 inches high and has a new branch forming. Our Christmas cactus has beautiful red blooms. The diffenbachia is getting new leaves and the other plants are thriving. Life expanding - definitely a humble joy.
Outside we watched workmen remove a patio that wasn't done right. It looked ok to me, but the contractor said it didn't meet his standards. Giving one's best - another humble joy.
It's been a day of appreciating life's humble gifts. Some days it seems luxurious to stay home and slack off - a decadant, but humble joy.
Yesterday we did things - we took Bustopher to the vet for his annual physical, vaccine updates, and flea treatment. There's a new pill for animals that have a flea infestation - it works in about 20-30 minutes. The fleas litterly drop dead on the animal and fall off. Our vet assured me it was safe for even the youngest kitty. Bustopher is now flea free.
We picked up our little table on the way home and it looks exactly like we anticipated.
Tomorrow we plan to go to Modesto (and of course, go to our favorite Thai restaurant).
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
The little 2" fern that we bought 6 months ago has grown to about 6 inches high and has a new branch forming. Our Christmas cactus has beautiful red blooms. The diffenbachia is getting new leaves and the other plants are thriving. Life expanding - definitely a humble joy.
Outside we watched workmen remove a patio that wasn't done right. It looked ok to me, but the contractor said it didn't meet his standards. Giving one's best - another humble joy.
It's been a day of appreciating life's humble gifts. Some days it seems luxurious to stay home and slack off - a decadant, but humble joy.
Yesterday we did things - we took Bustopher to the vet for his annual physical, vaccine updates, and flea treatment. There's a new pill for animals that have a flea infestation - it works in about 20-30 minutes. The fleas litterly drop dead on the animal and fall off. Our vet assured me it was safe for even the youngest kitty. Bustopher is now flea free.
We picked up our little table on the way home and it looks exactly like we anticipated.
Tomorrow we plan to go to Modesto (and of course, go to our favorite Thai restaurant).
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Monday, May 22, 2006
Starting the Week Right
At least the sun is out this morning. Actually, the rain yesterday was welcome in that it watered the plants thoroughly. We've been concerned about the plants at the Modesto house and at least we know they got a good watering.
Yesterday started out as a lazy day, but then when we got going, it picked up momentum. We did some house cleaning, did most of the laundry and some ironing - yes, real honest to goodness ironing! After that we planted some petunias in a planter box we brought from Modesto and then, we planted the herb kit that Mike and Bev gave us at Christmas. It's very cute - four 2" terra cotta pots. The kit came with 6 packages of seeds, so we had to select 4. Since we already have basil and chives growing, we planted sweet marjoram, dill, cilantro, and parsley. We tented the pots with plastic bags to create a greenhouse effect so the seeds should sprout in less than a week. The dill seeds were quite aromatic. It will be interesting to see if the plant is also aromatic and if it drives Bustopher crazy. We already know how he was with the roses.
I spoke with Jessica yesterday. They spent her birthday in Montreal with another couple and had a terrific time. They've been fortunate in that they have not been troubled by the flooding that has plagued the New England area these past days. She got a tennis racket for her birthday and plans to play in the lady's neighborhood round robin that's coming up soon.
Jeremy broke his arm. Jessica and David have a Tarzan swing on one of the huge trees in their front yard. Jeremy decided to do a one armed swing, fell off on the other arm and it broke. He's now sporting a glow in the dark cast from the wrist to the elbow.
They're still negotiating on the Santa Cruz job and are currently working on what the housing offset allowance will be. Houses in Santa Cruz are triple the price of West Lebanon, NH. Negotiations for physcian positions seem to take a long time. Assuming all goes well, it will be next year before they actually, physically, get back to California
Today we take Bustopher to the vet for his booster vaccines and then we're going to pick up the table that we bought last Thursday. Past that, we have no plans.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Yesterday started out as a lazy day, but then when we got going, it picked up momentum. We did some house cleaning, did most of the laundry and some ironing - yes, real honest to goodness ironing! After that we planted some petunias in a planter box we brought from Modesto and then, we planted the herb kit that Mike and Bev gave us at Christmas. It's very cute - four 2" terra cotta pots. The kit came with 6 packages of seeds, so we had to select 4. Since we already have basil and chives growing, we planted sweet marjoram, dill, cilantro, and parsley. We tented the pots with plastic bags to create a greenhouse effect so the seeds should sprout in less than a week. The dill seeds were quite aromatic. It will be interesting to see if the plant is also aromatic and if it drives Bustopher crazy. We already know how he was with the roses.
I spoke with Jessica yesterday. They spent her birthday in Montreal with another couple and had a terrific time. They've been fortunate in that they have not been troubled by the flooding that has plagued the New England area these past days. She got a tennis racket for her birthday and plans to play in the lady's neighborhood round robin that's coming up soon.
Jeremy broke his arm. Jessica and David have a Tarzan swing on one of the huge trees in their front yard. Jeremy decided to do a one armed swing, fell off on the other arm and it broke. He's now sporting a glow in the dark cast from the wrist to the elbow.
They're still negotiating on the Santa Cruz job and are currently working on what the housing offset allowance will be. Houses in Santa Cruz are triple the price of West Lebanon, NH. Negotiations for physcian positions seem to take a long time. Assuming all goes well, it will be next year before they actually, physically, get back to California
Today we take Bustopher to the vet for his booster vaccines and then we're going to pick up the table that we bought last Thursday. Past that, we have no plans.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Sunday, May 21, 2006
A Sunday Kind of Day
It's been a roller coaster week. Monday I was busy all day with the children and shopping. Tuesday we did things around the house; Wednesday we took Dottie in because of her swollen face; Thursday we shopped for ceiling fans and bought a table. We brought Dottie home and Friday early morning she died. Friday remains a painful blur. Saturday we went to the cook-out at Phyllis and Jack's house and then home to play poker with the neighbors, Faye and Stan.
Aside from a few minor household projects, I think I might just slack off today. Friday the mail person delivered our accumulated mail which included my mother's day present from Jessica - a book, Women Who Changed The World. It looks like an exciting read. It's about 50 inspirational women and the things they did that shaped history. I think I'll start reading that.
It rained some during the night and from the looks of the sky, it's going to keep at it at least for today. Maybe those seeds I planted will sprout. Some have, and some have not - it looks like we'll have some zinnias and basil. The impatiens and cilantro haven't sprouted yet. Bev and Mike gave us an herb kit at Christmas, but I haven't set it up yet. I think I'll set it up today in the laundry room. The laundry room here has just the right amount of light, warmth, and moisture to be a perfect mini greenhouse and plant nursery. Plants that were staggering a little have come back to life here after a few days in there.
Jen accepted the position at Yoga Tree and begins there on June 6 (Jason's birthday). It's quite a life changing decision and she is elated, really jubilant. It makes me smile to hear that kind of excitement in her voice. Jason has gotten his studio up and running. We're anxious to see it and to see a display of his work. It's satisfying to me to see these kids wrap their arms around their life and do the things that they love.
Yesterday was Jessica's birthday. I called several times, but could not connect. We haven't talked to her since all the flooding started and I'm anxious to hear that they're ok. From the news, about 600 roads in New Hampsire were damaged or closed. It's a small state and that has to be most of the roads.
We're hoping that Kathy will come and stay with us a few days. It's been awhile since we've had a chance to just sit and talk to her and find out what's going on in her life, what she needs to do to make progress and what we can all do to support that.
It's time for more coffee - or maybe I'll just crawl back in bed beside Jim.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Aside from a few minor household projects, I think I might just slack off today. Friday the mail person delivered our accumulated mail which included my mother's day present from Jessica - a book, Women Who Changed The World. It looks like an exciting read. It's about 50 inspirational women and the things they did that shaped history. I think I'll start reading that.
It rained some during the night and from the looks of the sky, it's going to keep at it at least for today. Maybe those seeds I planted will sprout. Some have, and some have not - it looks like we'll have some zinnias and basil. The impatiens and cilantro haven't sprouted yet. Bev and Mike gave us an herb kit at Christmas, but I haven't set it up yet. I think I'll set it up today in the laundry room. The laundry room here has just the right amount of light, warmth, and moisture to be a perfect mini greenhouse and plant nursery. Plants that were staggering a little have come back to life here after a few days in there.
Jen accepted the position at Yoga Tree and begins there on June 6 (Jason's birthday). It's quite a life changing decision and she is elated, really jubilant. It makes me smile to hear that kind of excitement in her voice. Jason has gotten his studio up and running. We're anxious to see it and to see a display of his work. It's satisfying to me to see these kids wrap their arms around their life and do the things that they love.
Yesterday was Jessica's birthday. I called several times, but could not connect. We haven't talked to her since all the flooding started and I'm anxious to hear that they're ok. From the news, about 600 roads in New Hampsire were damaged or closed. It's a small state and that has to be most of the roads.
We're hoping that Kathy will come and stay with us a few days. It's been awhile since we've had a chance to just sit and talk to her and find out what's going on in her life, what she needs to do to make progress and what we can all do to support that.
It's time for more coffee - or maybe I'll just crawl back in bed beside Jim.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Saturday, May 20, 2006
A Brand New Day
After yesterday's sadness, today is starting out much better. The sun is out, even with a few clouds in the sky, and it's not windy yet. The wind usually doesn't start until afternoon, and in the summer, we welcome it as nature's air conditioning. Since the workmen are gone, we have silence - something the Modesto house never had. We don't get traffic noise here so the whole atmosphere is quiet and peaceful.
A lot of yesterday was spent feeling sad about Dottie. Even Bustopher was sad. He hid in the bathroom behind the toilet and when I found him he was hunched up like cats do when they're distressed. We gave him a lot of lovies, a lot of tuna, and a bath (he had picked up fleas and the flea goo wasn't working) so by the evening, he sat with us and seemed ok. I just stayed busy, which is how I handle emotional distress. If I can keep myself focussed on a project, my brain has time to come to grips with the distress and I feel better. As a result of this, we had some delicious lentil soup and home made bread last night for dinner and today I feel better. Soup and home made bread are such comfort foods.
Today we're going into Concord to Phyllis and Jack's house for a cook out. There should be quite a few Secure Computing people there, and while Jim will probably be a little bored, I'll enjoy seeing some old friends.
It's a brand new day.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
A lot of yesterday was spent feeling sad about Dottie. Even Bustopher was sad. He hid in the bathroom behind the toilet and when I found him he was hunched up like cats do when they're distressed. We gave him a lot of lovies, a lot of tuna, and a bath (he had picked up fleas and the flea goo wasn't working) so by the evening, he sat with us and seemed ok. I just stayed busy, which is how I handle emotional distress. If I can keep myself focussed on a project, my brain has time to come to grips with the distress and I feel better. As a result of this, we had some delicious lentil soup and home made bread last night for dinner and today I feel better. Soup and home made bread are such comfort foods.
Today we're going into Concord to Phyllis and Jack's house for a cook out. There should be quite a few Secure Computing people there, and while Jim will probably be a little bored, I'll enjoy seeing some old friends.
It's a brand new day.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Friday, May 19, 2006
A Sad Day
Dottie, In memoriumAugust 20, 1990 - April 19, 2006
Dottie left us sometime during the wee hours of the morning. When I came out at 4:45 a.m. she was still warm, but no longer breathing. We're very sad.
She was a sweet, loving kitty and up until she was too old, she was quite an adventurer. She was a gift to me from her mother, Olivia. I got Olivia from the pound, not realizing she was pregnant. Not too long after Olivia came to live with me, it was pretty obvious she expecting. Olivia was extremely grateful that I had rescued her and had given her a good home, so when she began delivering her kittens, Dottie was the first one born. Olivia came to me with the kitten in her mouth and laid it at my feet, even before she delivered the others. Dottie was a beautiful little calico. We named her Dottie because she had 3 dots on the top of her head. Olivia seemed to know that Dottie would have a home forever. Olivia, died almost 3 years ago.
Dottie was always a special cat. We lived in a 2nd floor condominium and she loved walking along the railing, tempting fate. She never fell. She would sometimes even jump up on the roof and sun herself. The condo had a storm drain on one side of the property and Dottie would go down there and hunt for crawdads and mice. She was an excellent huntress and I would find crawdads under the mats quite often. Once she brought me a baby duck, completely unharmed. It was one of the nicest gifts she could have given me, and while I hated to return it, I took it back to the storm drain and released it to its mother. Dottie was quite angry with me for that. If she decided she was angry with you, she would urinate on your stuff. I had some clean up to do after that incident. Once I came home to find about 15-20 dragon flies in the house. She was exhausted and had apparently had a busy day.
When we moved from the condo into a house with a yard, she really seemed to enjoy her new home. She was beginning to feel her age, but enjoyed watching the birds and laying on the patio in the sun.
She made her wishes known. When she was hungry, she would sit beside her dinner dish and wait until she was fed. If she wanted to be petted, she would put a paw on your leg or arm, first gently and then with a little claw. Her routine was to get on my lap after dinner and cuddle while we watched television.
She slept on the foot of my bed for the longest time, and then she developed arthritis and hip problems and couldn't jump on the bed any more, especially after we moved to Modesto and the bed was a lot higher. Instead, she had a favorite chair she slept in and a favorite blanket she slept on by the window. She followed the sun - as it came through the window she would move around so she could enjoy the warmth.
We moved several times during her life and she adapted well. She would take a walk around her new surroundings, examining every nook and corner and then settle down as if to say, " This is nice, I can live here."
A few days ago Dottie developed a swollen cheek. Because of her age, we thought it could be an abcessed tooth and took her to the vet. Dottie had lost a lot of weight, but the vet did lots of tests and said it wasn't anything she could find that was causing the weight loss. We pretty much attributed the weight loss to the reduction in food intake that humans and animals experience as they get older. The vet installed a drain in the abcess and prescribed pain medication and antibiotics. At this time, we're really not sure as to the cause of her death.
We're all going to miss Dottie. She was a sweet, affectionate kitty and we loved her.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Furbabies
Pets are an important part of our lives and we love them and forgive them as if they were children to whom we had given birth. We also feel responsible for their health and well being. That's how we feel about Dottie and Bustopher. My philosophy is that once we adopt a pet, we have made a promise to ourself, the pet, and the Creator, to love and look after this little living creature. Whatever is needed to make that little creature have a decent life, we've committed to do as well as we can.
Dottie had her surgery today. Yesterday I took her to our vet in Oakley because she had a swollen face and wasn't eating. She had an abcess which the doctor lanced today and installed a drain in her cheek. She's home, but all looped out on pain medication. She'll have the drain in until Monday (poor baby) , but at least she feels better, she's on antibiotics and pain medication and the pressure in her cheek is gone. She was able to devour the better part of a can of tuna!
Bustopher has been scratching the past couple of days, and this morning I found a flea. If there's one, there's probably 100. He got a flea treatment and is not happy with me right now. The treatment is quite aromatic and goopy on the back of his head. Being the fastitidious kitty that he is, he's just feeling grubby. Last night he got heavily involved with the roses again, and this time, tipped over the vase and spilled out the water all over the floor and chairs on the dining room table. At least the vase didn't fall on the tile floor and add glass shards to the mess. It didn't take long to clean it up, but I think Bustopher may have learned a lesson. He hasn't approached the roses again as far as I know. That's almost a shame since he loves them so much.
Other Happenings
We bought three ceiling fans today. So far we have avoided turning on the air conditioner even though the day time highs have been high 80s and low 90s. The house has remained quite comfortable so far. When the temperature reaches the low 90s, air movement helps. I'd love to see us go through a summer with only running the ceiling fans - our house has incredible insulation, so it could happen.
We also bought a neat round table which we will bring home either tomorrow or Monday when we take Dottie back to have her drain removed. We both liked the table, but we're not sure yet where it will fit...maybe bedroom, maybe living room.
I think our washing machine is self destructing. It sounds like a Harley warming up. I'll call the repair person tomorrow.
It's been a long day and I'm weary,
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Dottie had her surgery today. Yesterday I took her to our vet in Oakley because she had a swollen face and wasn't eating. She had an abcess which the doctor lanced today and installed a drain in her cheek. She's home, but all looped out on pain medication. She'll have the drain in until Monday (poor baby) , but at least she feels better, she's on antibiotics and pain medication and the pressure in her cheek is gone. She was able to devour the better part of a can of tuna!
Bustopher has been scratching the past couple of days, and this morning I found a flea. If there's one, there's probably 100. He got a flea treatment and is not happy with me right now. The treatment is quite aromatic and goopy on the back of his head. Being the fastitidious kitty that he is, he's just feeling grubby. Last night he got heavily involved with the roses again, and this time, tipped over the vase and spilled out the water all over the floor and chairs on the dining room table. At least the vase didn't fall on the tile floor and add glass shards to the mess. It didn't take long to clean it up, but I think Bustopher may have learned a lesson. He hasn't approached the roses again as far as I know. That's almost a shame since he loves them so much.
Other Happenings
We bought three ceiling fans today. So far we have avoided turning on the air conditioner even though the day time highs have been high 80s and low 90s. The house has remained quite comfortable so far. When the temperature reaches the low 90s, air movement helps. I'd love to see us go through a summer with only running the ceiling fans - our house has incredible insulation, so it could happen.
We also bought a neat round table which we will bring home either tomorrow or Monday when we take Dottie back to have her drain removed. We both liked the table, but we're not sure yet where it will fit...maybe bedroom, maybe living room.
I think our washing machine is self destructing. It sounds like a Harley warming up. I'll call the repair person tomorrow.
It's been a long day and I'm weary,
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Busy Monday
What a day yesterday- up at 3:30am, out of the house at 4:45am, drive to Oakley and take the kids to school. Anita was in Montana with her mom seeing her neice graduate from college. Marc had to leave at 5:30am for an important meeting 7:00 am meeting in Milpitas. After I dropped the kids at school, it gave me a chance to do some errands that had been backing up and do some shopping. In spite of multiple trips to school at different times , I was able to make it an enjoyable day. Treated myself to a nice breakfast at Fagans, went to the bank, dropped of a picture to get the glass replaced (it broke during the move), and then shopping at Pier 1, Cost Plus, Lane Bryant, Delta Furniture.
The kids were great - everyone seemed to know what they were supposed to do, and did it. All I had to do was hang around.
Jim seemed to enjoy a quiet, do nothing day. It was too hot to play golf.
In between driving kids, I went by my old house in Oakley. Sad. The new owners have allowed it to go to seed - the plants are over grown, there are huge weeds in the yard, the shrubs are either dead, dying or have not been pruned. It was one of the nicer yards and now it's the worst looking house in the cul-de-sac. I almost feel like I should apologize to the neighbors.
Dottie has a swollen face and as soon as the vet's office opens, I'll call and try to get her in today. Poor kitty - I think she has an abcessed tooth. She has dreadful breath and doesn't want to eat. I hope the vet can take care of it today.
Bustopher is still enjoying the roses. He's been sneaking up on the table and putting his face in the bouquet. He doesn't do it when we're around, but there are leaves and paw prints on the table, so we know he's been at it. We caught him with his face in the roses before - at Valentine's day and Mother's day.
It looks like it could become a busy day, especially if I can get Dottie in to the vet.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
The kids were great - everyone seemed to know what they were supposed to do, and did it. All I had to do was hang around.
Jim seemed to enjoy a quiet, do nothing day. It was too hot to play golf.
In between driving kids, I went by my old house in Oakley. Sad. The new owners have allowed it to go to seed - the plants are over grown, there are huge weeds in the yard, the shrubs are either dead, dying or have not been pruned. It was one of the nicer yards and now it's the worst looking house in the cul-de-sac. I almost feel like I should apologize to the neighbors.
Dottie has a swollen face and as soon as the vet's office opens, I'll call and try to get her in today. Poor kitty - I think she has an abcessed tooth. She has dreadful breath and doesn't want to eat. I hope the vet can take care of it today.
Bustopher is still enjoying the roses. He's been sneaking up on the table and putting his face in the bouquet. He doesn't do it when we're around, but there are leaves and paw prints on the table, so we know he's been at it. We caught him with his face in the roses before - at Valentine's day and Mother's day.
It looks like it could become a busy day, especially if I can get Dottie in to the vet.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Mother's Day
I am a lucky mom. All of my children called or came by which made me feel loved and honored.
On Mother's Day I always remember my own mother and silently thank her for what she did for me. Had she not had the courage to leave South Carolina, travel 5 days and nights on a Greyhound bus to get us to California, I might have had to grow up to be a share cropper's wife. I could have spent my life living in uneducated poverty. She made lots of other sacrifices for me, but that one action changed the direction of my life like nothing else she could have done. She had failing health at the time that she did this - abdominal surgery that wouldn't heal, serious hearing loss, and failing eye sight. I know in my heart that she did the very best she could for me given where she came from and her limited resources. Thank you mom.
Today we honor Jim's mom, also. She raised him alone at a time when women were surpressed, were expected to stay at home, and barely had the vote. Like my mother, she had few resources other than family and had to use her wits and guile to make a life for herself and her child. Jim turned out just fine. Thank you Mrs. McRhoads.
Today I count my blessings: a husband who loves me, 3 successful, loving adult birth children, 5 new-to-my-heart stepchildren, all the spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and miscellaneous extended families that come with all. All together we're a fabulous tribe.
It's been a great day. Jim made a wonderful salad and the salmon he made was terrific. Marc had to pick up Nicole and Justin and they were perfectly behaved and actually ate their food. My roses are gorgeous and I can't wait to try my new putter.
Tomorrow I need to leave the house at 4:45 am to make sure I get to Marc's house before he leaves. I have a full agenda for the day and will be very tired at the end since I will have been up since 3:30am. Jim will be sleeping in . I will probably hate him a little when I first get up, but that will change as soon as I've had a shower.
On Mother's Day I always remember my own mother and silently thank her for what she did for me. Had she not had the courage to leave South Carolina, travel 5 days and nights on a Greyhound bus to get us to California, I might have had to grow up to be a share cropper's wife. I could have spent my life living in uneducated poverty. She made lots of other sacrifices for me, but that one action changed the direction of my life like nothing else she could have done. She had failing health at the time that she did this - abdominal surgery that wouldn't heal, serious hearing loss, and failing eye sight. I know in my heart that she did the very best she could for me given where she came from and her limited resources. Thank you mom.
Today we honor Jim's mom, also. She raised him alone at a time when women were surpressed, were expected to stay at home, and barely had the vote. Like my mother, she had few resources other than family and had to use her wits and guile to make a life for herself and her child. Jim turned out just fine. Thank you Mrs. McRhoads.
Today I count my blessings: a husband who loves me, 3 successful, loving adult birth children, 5 new-to-my-heart stepchildren, all the spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and miscellaneous extended families that come with all. All together we're a fabulous tribe.
It's been a great day. Jim made a wonderful salad and the salmon he made was terrific. Marc had to pick up Nicole and Justin and they were perfectly behaved and actually ate their food. My roses are gorgeous and I can't wait to try my new putter.
Tomorrow I need to leave the house at 4:45 am to make sure I get to Marc's house before he leaves. I have a full agenda for the day and will be very tired at the end since I will have been up since 3:30am. Jim will be sleeping in . I will probably hate him a little when I first get up, but that will change as soon as I've had a shower.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
Friday, May 12, 2006
Progress
Why is it that we store junk in our garage and leave thousands of dollars of automobiles in our driveway? We got the garage cleaned out and the cars are safely put away. There's still more work to be done out there, but after the golf episode and moving stacks and stacks of boxes, the muscles and knees said "stop it!" Today I just did some easy, but necessary stuff - wrapping presents, working on the vacuum cleaner, a little cleaning here and there, plant watering.
Gorgeous roses arrived today from Marc and his family for Mother's Day. Marc will be here tomorrow, but not the others. I'll miss them. Jim got me a new putter. Maybe tomorrow we can go to the clubhouse and try it out. Mostly we're going to hang out and visit.
The seeds I planted on Tuesday are sprouting. All of the roses we transplanted into tubs from the Modesto house have buds on them and I've actually cut a bouquet from two of the bushes. All the plants we brought from Modesto are flourishing. I love this time of year when everything grows and we can see and feel life happening all around us.
Jim repaired my recumbent bike and brought it into the bedroom. With the glider and bike I was able to have a short workout today after the installer left. It's been a pleasant day and I'm looking forward to an enjoyable hanging out with people I love.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Saturday, May 13, 2006 The blinds got installed today. I didn't expect it to happen so quickly, but the installer called yesterday and said he had some time available this morning. It's surprising how much heat the blinds block and how finished it makes the rooms look. Even with the temperature in the 80s, it was still quite comfortable in the house and we still had plenty of natural light. It will be interesting to see our utility bill since we're using very little electricity and very little gas. The Delta breeze is back and helps to keep the temperature comfortable.
Gorgeous roses arrived today from Marc and his family for Mother's Day. Marc will be here tomorrow, but not the others. I'll miss them. Jim got me a new putter. Maybe tomorrow we can go to the clubhouse and try it out. Mostly we're going to hang out and visit.
The seeds I planted on Tuesday are sprouting. All of the roses we transplanted into tubs from the Modesto house have buds on them and I've actually cut a bouquet from two of the bushes. All the plants we brought from Modesto are flourishing. I love this time of year when everything grows and we can see and feel life happening all around us.
Jim repaired my recumbent bike and brought it into the bedroom. With the glider and bike I was able to have a short workout today after the installer left. It's been a pleasant day and I'm looking forward to an enjoyable hanging out with people I love.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Thursday, May 11, 2006
An Ibuprofen Day
Yesterday's golf experience left Jim and me tired and a little achey today. Since I played so badly, I did a lot of walking and since the sun was so hot, we got pretty drained out. Today was a good day to take it easy. In fact, I took a nice long nap and Jim gorged himself on Fox News. Ibuprofen definitely helped. We did get some things done. We began a serious reorganization of the garage. The shelving Jim began installing a few days ago is pretty nearly complete and we have gotten a lot of things up off the floor of the garage. My recumbant bike got repaired and tomorrow we'll move it inside. (It's always amazing to me why we keep $50-60K worth of vehicles outside and fill our garage with $500 worth of junk.) The plants got watered, and basic chores got done. Past that, lots of rest.
We've decided definitely to have our Father's Day get together on June 10 instead of Father's Day proper. The reason is some family members have conflicts and the Crawdad Festival that's scheduled for Father's Day creates traffic from hell through our little town. I really hope everyone will come and will let us know that they plan to come. We'll do a lunch buffet starting around noon and continuing into the late afternoon. It's going to be a casual affair so that everyone can arrive and leave at a time comfortable to them. I do need to know who will be attending since we need to let the guard at the gate know.
It looks like we'll have our blinds installed by Mother's Day. Wahoo! The installer will be here Saturday at 9:30 am. Every day a little more gets accomplished.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
We've decided definitely to have our Father's Day get together on June 10 instead of Father's Day proper. The reason is some family members have conflicts and the Crawdad Festival that's scheduled for Father's Day creates traffic from hell through our little town. I really hope everyone will come and will let us know that they plan to come. We'll do a lunch buffet starting around noon and continuing into the late afternoon. It's going to be a casual affair so that everyone can arrive and leave at a time comfortable to them. I do need to know who will be attending since we need to let the guard at the gate know.
It looks like we'll have our blinds installed by Mother's Day. Wahoo! The installer will be here Saturday at 9:30 am. Every day a little more gets accomplished.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Golf - a Lesson in Humility
Today was the humbling of Corrie. Golf lesson was at 10 am, and with the assistance of the pro, the ball got hit most of the time - not so later on the course. Clearly I need to practice what I was taught. I see many trips to the driving range and a few more lessons. The pro is good - he seemed to understand the physical limitations of a 66 year old woman and worked with me. He was very patient and thankfully, gave lots of praise and encouragement. I'll schedule more lessons with him
Later in the day, Jim and I played 9 holes with our neighbors, Stan and Faye, and thank heavens, she's a beginner also. At least both husbands were equally embarrassed. It was hot as blazes out there and NO Delta Breeze. Any other day and we would have needed weights on our feet to walk across the course, but not today. There were no other players behind us, so we could take our time and not get openly ridiculed. Jim was the best player of all of us - he really owes us for making him look so good. Even though it was hot and we played terribly, it was fun. It was also fun revisiting the game later with our other neighbors ( Rose and Leroy) once we got home in the shade and cracked a cold one. We'll do this again.
Good news - our blinds came today. They were delivered and now we're waiting for the installer to call and make an apt. to put them up. I had hoped we could have them in by Mother's Day, but that doesn't look like it will happen. As long as they're in by the Father's Day party, I'll be happy.
The bee plague seems to have settled down for now. There's still a few bees out there, but no swarming, and I'm reluctant to do anything more for now. Some bees are good - we just don't want them building a hive on our patio.
Tomorrow we absolutely must organize the garage.
Later in the day, Jim and I played 9 holes with our neighbors, Stan and Faye, and thank heavens, she's a beginner also. At least both husbands were equally embarrassed. It was hot as blazes out there and NO Delta Breeze. Any other day and we would have needed weights on our feet to walk across the course, but not today. There were no other players behind us, so we could take our time and not get openly ridiculed. Jim was the best player of all of us - he really owes us for making him look so good. Even though it was hot and we played terribly, it was fun. It was also fun revisiting the game later with our other neighbors ( Rose and Leroy) once we got home in the shade and cracked a cold one. We'll do this again.
Good news - our blinds came today. They were delivered and now we're waiting for the installer to call and make an apt. to put them up. I had hoped we could have them in by Mother's Day, but that doesn't look like it will happen. As long as they're in by the Father's Day party, I'll be happy.
The bee plague seems to have settled down for now. There's still a few bees out there, but no swarming, and I'm reluctant to do anything more for now. Some bees are good - we just don't want them building a hive on our patio.
Tomorrow we absolutely must organize the garage.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Bee Solutions and Gardening
We all know about birds and bees and their contribution to the garden, but by the thousands one has to question. Today most of the bees had found other homes, but we still have some. We bought some granulated stuff that's supposed to discourage all sorts of bugs. In our garden we've found some hefty wolf spiders (they're just scary looking but harmless), lots of gnats, and thankfully, a few lady bugs. We've had a flock of finches eating aphids off our roses, which is really nice to watch, and a few jack rabbits eating whatever they can find. The finches show up in the morning and get the cats all excited. While we want the local ecology to stay balanced and function as it should, we need to feel safe in our own back yard, so the bee situation had to be dealt with . The stuff we applied to the yard should discourage the bees without killing them off. Hold the thought that it works.
Since we were in a Garden Department, we bought some tomato and pepper plants. Two years ago we planted a couple of jalapeno plants and we're still using the peppers they produced. This year we're going for three kinds of tomatoes and three kinds of peppers. We're also planting some petunias and we've planted a lot of seeds (zinnia, lobelia, impatiens, basil, cilantro.)
We had an enjoyable day - we went into Fairfield and had lunch at a good Chinese buffet and then went shopping for Jessica and Debbi's birthday presents :>). Jessica's birthday is the 20th and Debbi's is the 30th.
We need to find a Thai restaurant in either Fairfield or Oakley/Brentwood.
Our first golf game as husband and wife is tomorrow. Our first real test :>). I'm going to use some clubs that belonged to Jim and one of our neighbors contributed a class putter. Seems like a lot of activity for a little humility.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Since we were in a Garden Department, we bought some tomato and pepper plants. Two years ago we planted a couple of jalapeno plants and we're still using the peppers they produced. This year we're going for three kinds of tomatoes and three kinds of peppers. We're also planting some petunias and we've planted a lot of seeds (zinnia, lobelia, impatiens, basil, cilantro.)
We had an enjoyable day - we went into Fairfield and had lunch at a good Chinese buffet and then went shopping for Jessica and Debbi's birthday presents :>). Jessica's birthday is the 20th and Debbi's is the 30th.
We need to find a Thai restaurant in either Fairfield or Oakley/Brentwood.
Our first golf game as husband and wife is tomorrow. Our first real test :>). I'm going to use some clubs that belonged to Jim and one of our neighbors contributed a class putter. Seems like a lot of activity for a little humility.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Monday, May 08, 2006
Bees, Bees Bees and more Bees
You will not believe the thousands of bees we had in our back yard this afternoon. At least we think they're bees - they could be wasps, but we're hoping they're bees. We spent a lovely warm morning pruning some plants, planting seeds and setting up our garden planters for seeds. Suddenly a neighbor came out and said "look at that swarm of bees coming our way." We ran inside and in no time, our patio and back yard and the neighbor's patio and back yard were covered with thousands of bees. We have no idea as to what got them swarming, but it was pretty scary. After about an hour, they settled down, but we think they may be attempting to nest in the tan bark. They were clustering in clumps the size of footballs on shrubs and garden stuff. Tomorrow we'll get some spray that repels them. If we make the yard unattractive to them, they'll go nest elsewhere.
We had drinks with our neighbors, Stan and Faye, tonight. They seem like nice people. We'll be playing golf with them on Wednesday and if it works out that we become friends, probably seeing them often. Apparently neither of them are truly golfers so they probably won't care that I'm such a beginner.
We've been discussing having the Father's Day bash a week earlier since the Crawdad Festival in Isleton is Father's Day weekend which creates a HUGE, BUMPER TO BUMPER traffic problem through Rio Vista and surrounding roads. The only access to Isleton is either Highway 160 or Highway 12. It's necessary to travel both highways to get to our house. I would hate to have the first visit to our home for some to take 3-4 hours. The Crawdad Festival is THE annual event for Isleton and draws thousands of people - much like the Garlic Festival in Gilroy
Tomorrow we plan to go into Fairfield to do some shopping. We'll come back with spray and do bee abatement.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
We had drinks with our neighbors, Stan and Faye, tonight. They seem like nice people. We'll be playing golf with them on Wednesday and if it works out that we become friends, probably seeing them often. Apparently neither of them are truly golfers so they probably won't care that I'm such a beginner.
We've been discussing having the Father's Day bash a week earlier since the Crawdad Festival in Isleton is Father's Day weekend which creates a HUGE, BUMPER TO BUMPER traffic problem through Rio Vista and surrounding roads. The only access to Isleton is either Highway 160 or Highway 12. It's necessary to travel both highways to get to our house. I would hate to have the first visit to our home for some to take 3-4 hours. The Crawdad Festival is THE annual event for Isleton and draws thousands of people - much like the Garlic Festival in Gilroy
Tomorrow we plan to go into Fairfield to do some shopping. We'll come back with spray and do bee abatement.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Good Family Stuff
Before we get into the news, we want to apologize. The comments section was blocked except to registered bloggers. We've corrected that and if you want to make a comment, you don't need to register - just mark the 'other' section when asked for your ID.
Lots of happenings on both sides of the family.
Friday, Mike, (Bev and Mike's son - there's several Mikes in both families) went to the junior prom - we're all waiting for some cool pictures of him in his white tuxedo. I'm sure he was gorgeous! As soon as we have pictures, we'll definitely post them.
Bev's been working at the Morgan Hill store for the past month and a half, which is wonderful. Congrats, Bev! More congrats are in order - Bev and Mike will be grand parents in September - and it's going to be a girl.
Today we attended Nick's 13th birthday party. He made it to teenager. We had a delicious dinner and a 'mile high' chocolate cake for dessert.
Here's a picture of Nick making a wish and about to blow out the candles.
and Justin clearly in a party mood.
Before we went to the party we stopped off to check out the Photography and Art Show here at Trilogy. There's some good talent here - all Trilogy residents participating. We also signed me up for a golf lesson and scheduled at tee time for Jim and me on Wednesday. Wahoo! We've been talking about this for two years.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Lots of happenings on both sides of the family.
Friday, Mike, (Bev and Mike's son - there's several Mikes in both families) went to the junior prom - we're all waiting for some cool pictures of him in his white tuxedo. I'm sure he was gorgeous! As soon as we have pictures, we'll definitely post them.
Bev's been working at the Morgan Hill store for the past month and a half, which is wonderful. Congrats, Bev! More congrats are in order - Bev and Mike will be grand parents in September - and it's going to be a girl.
Today we attended Nick's 13th birthday party. He made it to teenager. We had a delicious dinner and a 'mile high' chocolate cake for dessert. Here's a picture of Nick making a wish and about to blow out the candles.
and Justin clearly in a party mood.Before we went to the party we stopped off to check out the Photography and Art Show here at Trilogy. There's some good talent here - all Trilogy residents participating. We also signed me up for a golf lesson and scheduled at tee time for Jim and me on Wednesday. Wahoo! We've been talking about this for two years.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Mellow Saturday
We've had a lovely, mellow day. Most of our chores were done yesterday, so today we could just get ready for Phyllis and Jack's visit. This morning Jim had a backyard visit with Stan and Leroy, and it seems he's made a golf date for Jim, me, Stan and Stan's wife, Faye, to play golf next week. Since I haven't played golf in 40 years, this sounds like it's going to be a humbling experience. Oh well, everyone was a beginner once.
Jack and Phyllis arrived right on time and after a tour of the house, we had a snack. Jim made some of his ever popular tuna salad and I made some bruchetta, deviled eggs and some other things. After a short catchup visit we went to do a tour of the models and get them registered at Trilogy with Jennie Maes. I had hoped that they could see the rest of the complex, but Jack got into quite a conversation with Jennie and we ran out of time. Our dinner reservation was for 5:00pm so we had to move on. At least they got to see some of the complex and our house. and if they're interested, they can always come back. I think we'll probably end up being neighbors.
Dinner at The Point was good and not terribly expensive. It was good to have time to visit with Phyllis and Jack. Now that we're fairly close, maybe we can get together a little more often.
We missed the Trilogy garage sale today - we just weren't ready - but come October when they have the autumn sale, we will have gotten everything unpacked and determined what we don't need.
Tomorrow morning we have to go birthday shopping. We have 3 birthdays this month - Nick on May 9, Jessica on May 20 and Debbi on May 30.
Jim sent out the blog site address to lots of people - I hope we get some good feedback.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
Jack and Phyllis arrived right on time and after a tour of the house, we had a snack. Jim made some of his ever popular tuna salad and I made some bruchetta, deviled eggs and some other things. After a short catchup visit we went to do a tour of the models and get them registered at Trilogy with Jennie Maes. I had hoped that they could see the rest of the complex, but Jack got into quite a conversation with Jennie and we ran out of time. Our dinner reservation was for 5:00pm so we had to move on. At least they got to see some of the complex and our house. and if they're interested, they can always come back. I think we'll probably end up being neighbors.
Dinner at The Point was good and not terribly expensive. It was good to have time to visit with Phyllis and Jack. Now that we're fairly close, maybe we can get together a little more often.
We missed the Trilogy garage sale today - we just weren't ready - but come October when they have the autumn sale, we will have gotten everything unpacked and determined what we don't need.
Tomorrow morning we have to go birthday shopping. We have 3 birthdays this month - Nick on May 9, Jessica on May 20 and Debbi on May 30.
Jim sent out the blog site address to lots of people - I hope we get some good feedback.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
Friday, May 05, 2006
Cinco de Mayo - Ole!
It's been a good day. We spent the day doing house stuff and then went to the Cinco de Mayo party. It was fun - music by the Gardenia Abdul band, good food, and we met some nice people. And WE DANCED - we never dance but tonight we did! Everyone here seems so nice and open to making friends. I suppose that's normal since most of the people we meet have lived here a year or so and want to make their place as much as we do. The last two functions we've been to we've met recent widows - that's disturbing, but on the realistic side, this is a senior community. Nevertheless, my heart goes out to them and admiration too, for getting themselves up and getting out. Of all the places to find one's self alone, this is probably one of the best from the standpoint of having kind, understanding people all around. Being surrounded by folks in our age bracket is comforting - safe. We're all facing similar challenges and are ready to support each other.
Jim did some wonderful things today - he hung the broom/mop holder and also the wall mounted magnifying mirror. Now stop laughing and get real - mops and brooms fall all over the place, and always at the worst possible time. Ours are now safely corraled. Thank you Jim! The wall mounted mirror is exactly what we needed to see the back our our hair - it's perfect! Good job Jim!
This was mostly a chores day, so the Cinco de Mayo party was a nice ending to a busy day. Now it's time for bed.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Jim did some wonderful things today - he hung the broom/mop holder and also the wall mounted magnifying mirror. Now stop laughing and get real - mops and brooms fall all over the place, and always at the worst possible time. Ours are now safely corraled. Thank you Jim! The wall mounted mirror is exactly what we needed to see the back our our hair - it's perfect! Good job Jim!
This was mostly a chores day, so the Cinco de Mayo party was a nice ending to a busy day. Now it's time for bed.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Day in Modesto
We accomplished a lot today. Got to Modesto about 11:30am and went straight to our favorite Thai restaurant. With a good lunch under our belts we went on to the house and did some cleaning and some repairs. I think we may have finally finished fixing and cleaning stuff. It's been nearly a two year project, but it looks close to finished. We have probably one more trip there to haul the remnants that remain and then we're done.
No offers on the house yet, but it will be held open this Saturday and Sunday. Also, the agent is going to widen the exposure to more metropolitan areas. The big negatives now are the traffic noise and the condition of the carpet. We'll give an incentive credit on the carpet, but there's not much we can do about the noise. A buyer from a more metropolitan area will not be quite so offended by the traffic noise.
We just need to think eager buyer every day!
It was good to come home. It was like leaving a lot of grief miles away.
We have a fun weekend planned - Cinco de Mayo party tomorrow, Phyllis and Jack on Friday, and the Art and Photography Show on Sunday.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
No offers on the house yet, but it will be held open this Saturday and Sunday. Also, the agent is going to widen the exposure to more metropolitan areas. The big negatives now are the traffic noise and the condition of the carpet. We'll give an incentive credit on the carpet, but there's not much we can do about the noise. A buyer from a more metropolitan area will not be quite so offended by the traffic noise.
We just need to think eager buyer every day!
It was good to come home. It was like leaving a lot of grief miles away.
We have a fun weekend planned - Cinco de Mayo party tomorrow, Phyllis and Jack on Friday, and the Art and Photography Show on Sunday.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Delta Breeze
Here in the Delta a 10-15 mile an hour wind is called a breeze. We've been told to expect the "breeze" from May until September and it seems to have arrived right on time. There seems to be just a little too much breeze today to go outside and enjoy the sun.
We had 3-Day Blinds in today to measure the windows and get us set up for blinds. The blinds should be made and installed before the end of the month - maybe a little sooner. I'm sure the neighbors will appreciate not having to view us in our robes every morning. Every day a little more gets done. In a few more months it will seem like we've lived here forever.
Jim's pulled muscle seems to be better so tomorrow we're off to Modesto to finish up the work that's left there and to go to lunch at our favorite Thai place. We're also taking the light fixture from this house down there since we took the one from the Modesto house for the Rio Vista house. It was purchased to go with our dining room furniture.
Not much more in the way of news since the blinds salesperson took a huge chunk of the day, what with a little house cleaning and watching Oprah - the day just flew by. Oh well, that's retired life :>) Speaking of retirement - Jim and Dottie have completely bonded - see picture below.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
We had 3-Day Blinds in today to measure the windows and get us set up for blinds. The blinds should be made and installed before the end of the month - maybe a little sooner. I'm sure the neighbors will appreciate not having to view us in our robes every morning. Every day a little more gets done. In a few more months it will seem like we've lived here forever.
Jim's pulled muscle seems to be better so tomorrow we're off to Modesto to finish up the work that's left there and to go to lunch at our favorite Thai place. We're also taking the light fixture from this house down there since we took the one from the Modesto house for the Rio Vista house. It was purchased to go with our dining room furniture.
Not much more in the way of news since the blinds salesperson took a huge chunk of the day, what with a little house cleaning and watching Oprah - the day just flew by. Oh well, that's retired life :>) Speaking of retirement - Jim and Dottie have completely bonded - see picture below.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net
jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
A Good Day
We've had a good day. Jen emailed that she got a promotion and a sweet raise. She's now the Manager, Internal Communications for Body Shop and has 4 people reporting to her....Way to go Jen!
I talked to Jessica this morning and it looks like there's real life in the Santa Cruz opportunity. They've had several conversations with the corporation and now it's just working out details. Assuming it all works, it will be December or January before it happens. That's ok - we've all waited a long, long time to get them back home. Let's all hold a good thought that this will work for them and they'll be back in California. Jeremy entered the Pinewood Derby and took first place in his den and 3rd place overall. Way to go Jeremy!!!
Jim's pulled muscle feels better so we were able to get out of the house for awhile. We had a lot of errands: first lunch, then to the doctor's office to get new patient forms and then on to Antioch to do some shopping and test our new FasTrak transponder (it works!). We went to the bank, then Bed Bath and Beyond. Wait til you see our new shower curtain! Maybe I'll take a picture and post it once we get it hung.
We also bought a wall mount magnifying mirror for Jim (I have a vanity top mirror that I just love - thanks Jess!). We also bought some curtain hanging hardware. Curtains didn't get hung yesterday since we didn't have all the fixtures. Best of all, we bought a bed tray. We frequently go to bed and watch movies and need a place for our snacks and drinks.... the bed tray is perfect!
Life is good.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
I talked to Jessica this morning and it looks like there's real life in the Santa Cruz opportunity. They've had several conversations with the corporation and now it's just working out details. Assuming it all works, it will be December or January before it happens. That's ok - we've all waited a long, long time to get them back home. Let's all hold a good thought that this will work for them and they'll be back in California. Jeremy entered the Pinewood Derby and took first place in his den and 3rd place overall. Way to go Jeremy!!!
Jim's pulled muscle feels better so we were able to get out of the house for awhile. We had a lot of errands: first lunch, then to the doctor's office to get new patient forms and then on to Antioch to do some shopping and test our new FasTrak transponder (it works!). We went to the bank, then Bed Bath and Beyond. Wait til you see our new shower curtain! Maybe I'll take a picture and post it once we get it hung.
We also bought a wall mount magnifying mirror for Jim (I have a vanity top mirror that I just love - thanks Jess!). We also bought some curtain hanging hardware. Curtains didn't get hung yesterday since we didn't have all the fixtures. Best of all, we bought a bed tray. We frequently go to bed and watch movies and need a place for our snacks and drinks.... the bed tray is perfect!
Life is good.
Love to all
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
Monday, May 01, 2006
Spring is Finally Here!
We have some good news to share. Samantha got a principal's honor student award on Friday - way to go Sammi!
We actually got our office cleaned up yesterday. The boxes are unpacked, the computer equipment is hooked up correctly with all the cords hidden :>) and it looks pretty nice. Jim pulled a muscle in his back moving his computer, so he sat the rest of the time with an ice pack on his back. He seems better today and just a little stiff, but we are going to delay our plans to go to the Modesto house until Thursday. There's still a little clean up that needs to be done there and we like to check on the place from time to time to make sure everything is ok.
Everyday we accomplish a little more. Today I'm going to steam the curtains I hung in the guest room, hang some curtains in the office, give the place a general cleaning, and then sit in the sun for awhile. I may even plant a few flower seeds. It's a glorius day!
We hope the family will let us know about things that are happening that they want to share here. Since we don't see everyone as often as we'd like, it's good to hear about and share the news.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
We actually got our office cleaned up yesterday. The boxes are unpacked, the computer equipment is hooked up correctly with all the cords hidden :>) and it looks pretty nice. Jim pulled a muscle in his back moving his computer, so he sat the rest of the time with an ice pack on his back. He seems better today and just a little stiff, but we are going to delay our plans to go to the Modesto house until Thursday. There's still a little clean up that needs to be done there and we like to check on the place from time to time to make sure everything is ok.
Everyday we accomplish a little more. Today I'm going to steam the curtains I hung in the guest room, hang some curtains in the office, give the place a general cleaning, and then sit in the sun for awhile. I may even plant a few flower seeds. It's a glorius day!
We hope the family will let us know about things that are happening that they want to share here. Since we don't see everyone as often as we'd like, it's good to hear about and share the news.
Love to all,
Corrie and Jim
mzcorrie@frontiernet.net jmcrhoads@frontiernet.net
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