Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Expanding

We've been living here in Florida for a bit over 4 years now. My son has grown up here, and other than a brief stint back up in Maine, this is all he knows. Yet, I've always just had it in my head that I wouldn't be living here for long. The first week we moved here I was homesick. So homesick that I would just lay there at night trying to figure out how to get the hell out of the sunshine state.

I guess now, I'm realizing that maybe if I give it more of a chance......I won't have as much time to hate it. The Boy loves it here because there is rarely a day we can't spend outside. This is the place I've suddenly found my green thumb. Lucky for me because it has helped keep me sane amidst my acclimation to the heat.

I have friends and family up in New England still. And, though a certain cousin will hate that I'm writing this...it was down here that I became a baseball fan. Thanks to the Tampa Bay Rays, I've finally understood what all the hype was about.

I guess my point is, I should stop dwelling and ruminating about getting out of here. I'm here, and I should focus on now.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Houseplants and fungus gnats

I'm pretty new to houseplants. Actually, with the exception of two rather large "lucky bamboo" plants I have in my kitchen and a couple of cactus plants, I only plant things outdoors. I recently have been reading and getting more interested in growing indoors.

After some random trips to garden centers, I ended up falling in love with the golden pothos. It is pretty fool proof according to all the books I've read, and it also looks nice hanging in my house. OK, so I ended up buying four. Three for us, and one for a gift for my Mom.

I noticed that we seemed to have some "fruit flies" hanging around. No big deal, considering I live in Florida. Right?

Well, then I realized they were living in my beautiful newly potted golden pothos plants. Not on the plants, but in the soil. So, after much research, I have concluded they are a common pest called fungus gnats. And, I had to inform my Mom that I gave her an infested houseplant.

If anyone knows of another solution to the problem, feel free to tell me. But, for now I'm trying the solution I found on gardenweb. Soak a mosquito dunk in water, and when it is fully dissolved water the plants with it. It should kill all the larvae without causing any environmental issues in my home. I guess sometimes you have to do it a couple cycles, but they do not harm your plant. Oh, and apparently they don't harm humans either!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Hello poor neglected blog.

It has been awhile, hasn't it? Almost two months since I've posted. I think I have been busy focusing on so many other things, I just didn't know what I had left to give to my blog.

But, I'm feeling a renewed energy lately. I'm going to try to post a few times a week and go from there.

So, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. May you all have a wonderful 2009!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Please Vote

Please get out and vote today. Even if you are sick of all the politics we've been listening to for... how long now? Don't forget that not only are we voting for the next president of the United States, we are also voting for issues local to each of us.

Please don't let the lines deter you.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

FIVE!!



Yesterday was the Boy's fifth birthday. He is so excited to be five. When he woke up he immediately stretched out as much as possible on his bed. Then he asked "Did I grow overnight? I'm FIVE now. I must be much bigger!!" Of course I told him he was.

This birthday made me a bit wistful. Even though I love the boy he is becoming, I so miss how much of the "babyness" he has grown out of. He still loves to cuddle and give hugs, thankfully. Plus, there still is a bit of that cherub look in his face. He's turned into such a character.

Here are a couple pictures from our day. Those are cupcake cones. I had never made these before, but even though a couple exploded(!) in the oven, they were delicious. They taste better than they look. They boy was thrilled!




Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Rain Barrels

It's no secret we garden a lot here. I do my best to plant native and drought tolerant plants, but when there is a drought.....plants still need water to survive. After seeing how high our water bill went last year from watering our plants, we opted to cut back drastically and see who survived. I'm happy to say most did make it, and I nurtured and babied a few who just needed the extra pampering.

This year, we were pretty excited when my Dad(Bubba) backed into the driveway with two Rain Barrels. He works locally with a man who is a native gardening extraordinaire. It was the highlight of our week, and the Boy is already planning how he wants to paint them. Now we just need to get some gutters up, and they'll be even more efficient!

~One of Two Rain Barrels



~Top of Rain Barrel



~Spicket on bottom to hook hose up to!!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Eight Years of Marriage

Today, my Husband and I are celebrating eight years of marriage. It's hard to believe because it just feels like we've always been together. Lot's of laughter with very few tears is how I sum up our marriage. I'll take it. And,of course that beautiful son we got out of the deal.

Happy Anniversary Husband of mine.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Neighbor Cat is Back

I wrote about this particular cat here. I have seen her in my yard every so often, and she had kittens in the spring.

After speaking with neighbors, I found out that she used to belong to a family who lived on the left side of my house about five years ago. When they moved, they abandoned her and left her to roam. My neighbors used to leave food for her outside. By the time we bought this house almost four years ago, the woman who lives on the right side of my house had been taking care of her.

Well, she got rid of all her stuff and bought a bus ticket to California. And, unfortunately left this cat behind. I didn't realize, until seeing her a few months back. Someone must have been feeding her as she didn't look thin or sick.

Last evening I was taking the trash to the trash cans. I saw her laying behind on of my cans. It's a very sheltered area. She didn't move, run or even look at me. She's such a skittish cat that I became worried. I spoke to her. All she did was look up. She was skin and bones, and look just plain sick.

I was afraid she was dying. So, just in case, I brought her water and food. When I placed it in front of her she got up and was scared. I spoke again to her, she relaxed and started eating and drinking. She was starving. I left some more food and water for her overnight. I checked this morning and could not find her. I would be reassured that the food was eaten, except I live in Florida. Who knows what could have eaten it. I am hoping it was her.

I'm not sure what to do. If I find her today, I'm calling our vet to see what she recommends. Poor kitty. She must feel abandoned and alone.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Rooting Hibiscus

I found some great tutorials online for rooting hibiscus plants. I've been wanting to do this for awhile, so I just went ahead and did it. For anyone looking to do this, I used these two sites: Rooting Tropical Hibiscus and Hibiscus 101.

I did three varieties. I have 6 different varieties in my garden, but I chose to do the three hardiest. In six to eight weeks I should know if they took. I don't have anywhere left to plant hibiscus, so I may have to give them away!






Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Happy Fall Y'all

It's been awhile.

Almost a month ago we were very close to moving back to Maine. I mean, we were so close that I could taste the crisp fall air. Things didn't work out, and I'm taking that to mean it was not the right time.

I'm not unhappy to still be here in Florida, as there are some good things here too. I think I am unhappy in this particular part of Florida. But, we are still homeschooling the Boy, which is leading us to new groups to join up with. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I'll have some more to share soon. Of course, as always, it is going to focus heavily on the garden. I'm not sure what I am going to do with this space at the moment, but for now I'm content.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Break

I'm taking a break for a bit. There is a lot going on in my life right now that needs sorting out. We are fine, just some big decisions on the horizon.

~Cathy

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Tuesday

Today we:

Ate delicious blueberry scones, that tasted more like blueberry biscuits.

Ran around in tropical storm Fay, and got soaked.

Read lots of books.

Made lots of tea.

Had some serious discussions about the future.

Built gigantic lego creations.

Tried to remember all we have that we should be thankful for.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Some Disney Pictures

Here are a few pictures. I'm still sorting through the mass of pictures we took. Enjoy.

~Magic Kingdom~



~Magic Kingdom~



~Animal Kingdom~



~Magic Kingdom~




~Animal Kingdom~

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Vegans in Disney World

We had a wonderful trip. The Boy found Disney World to be even more magical then I think he was imagining. His favorite ride? "It's a Small World." Be careful, that song has a way of never leaving your head.

The Boy's favorite park by far was the Animal Kingdom. He's an animal lover, and we were lucky to see most of the animals in the two days we spent in Animal Kingdom. I have over 350 pictures to go through, and I will post a few over the next couple days. I don't put pictures of the Boy on here, and of course those are the best ones. But, I do have some to share.

Surprisingly, we found some vegan food. Granted, a lot of it was fruit and salads. But, we would highly recommend Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland if you are in the Magic Kingdom. The absolute best variety and actual food was in the Animal Kingdom at Tusker House Restaurant. It was a huge buffet style place, and it was CLEAN. They had an actual section called Vegetarian Station which was filled with the most delicious food I have eaten at a restaurant in years. We ate there for lunch and dinner. I cannot recommend them enough. If you aren't vegan, I would still recommend them. Their food is fantastic.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Coincidences

The other night I woke up hearing a very loud thud. I immediately ran in to check the Boy, but he was sound asleep. So, I woke up my husband who didn't hear a thing. We looked around, but we didn't see anything. Eventually, we decided to just go back to bed. I think my husband thought I was crazy.

While pulling into our driveway last night, my husband said "What is that on our roof?" I looked up and there was a fairly large rock sitting up there. Apparently that was the noise I heard. How it got up there? We can guess, but probably won't ever know.

We were arriving home from our local "mall". I quote it because it's hard for me to accept that it lives up to the name "mall". I was trying on some shorts for our upcoming trip, and in the rush didn't notice the ink security tag. I only realized the back was off the security tag when it gouged the side of my thigh. I'm hoping it only ripped open my leg and not numerous others before me.

We're heading out on our trip today. Our friend is checking in on the Cat and fish. Hopefully they will behave for him.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Whistle while you work

The Boy has perfected a skill we didn't realize he was even working on. He's been quite moody lately, and I thought he might be going through a growth spurt. Typically, moodiness on the boys part is rare. So, when he is moody we know something is up.

Last night after his tub, he was sitting on the couch looking through a new library book. I heard a noise come out, but I wasn't thinking too much about it. Then he looked at me and said "Mama....listen real close." I again heard that previous noise, only now realized he was whistling. He kept it up and eventually erupted into a fit of laughter.

We have a big outing today, and he has been whistling all morning. He's making sure it is "perfect" for him to do in public.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

At my front windows

I've mentioned the peacock that lives in our neighborhood a few times on this blog. Lately he has taken to visiting us every morning. He nibbles at a few of my plants in the backyard, then travels to our front door. After awhile, he just paces back and forth on our walkway looking into the windows at us. He is beautiful, and my poor cat doesn't understand why there is a bird bigger than him looking in.



Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Garden Mulching

We've been working on cleaning up the garden a bit now that it's too hot to do a lot of gardening. Plus, with all the rains it seems the weeds are winning some type of battle against us. We ripped up a ton of grass and weeds and put a layer of heavy cardboard down. We then mulched fairly heavily. There is a lot more work to be done including putting some type of boarder to separate the grass from the mulch line.






One of my favorite parts of our garden is the multiple honey bees and butterflies who visit. They especially love our porterweeds.

Monday, July 14, 2008

The Boy's Thoughts

We've been having rain here quite a bit lately, which made us decide to head out and get the Boy some rain galoshes. He has been wearing them non-stop. Sometimes he calls them his work boots. Either way, I'm considering getting myself a pair for gardening. Especially after seeing how many weeds are running rampant on my patio and IN my raised garden!





A new family moved in a few months ago, and the woman was pregnant. We don't know them very well, although the Boy speaks to their daughter on occasion. Friday there was suddenly a ton of decoration all over the outside yard and house. The Boy was very excited when we came home and saw them. I told him the woman must be having a baby shower or she might have had her baby. He was extremely excited.

While outside later, the Boy turned to my husband and said "You know, the new neighbors either had their baby or were having a baby bath!!!"

Thursday, July 10, 2008

30, finally

My husband's birthday was yesterday. He's finally thirty, after a couple months of constant reminding how he's so much younger than me.

We had a really nice evening. The Boy made some very nice gifts for him. We celebrated with a special seitan dinner and vegan cupcakes for dessert. Of course there were party hats and singing too.

It was nice to wake up this morning and be able to say to him "How does thirty feel?"

Monday, July 7, 2008

TMJ and chiropractic

Even though I mentioned calling my chiropractor well over a week ago, I actually went to see her this morning. I cannot stress the level of comfort I have with this woman. I immediately feel at peace when I walk in there.

Thankfully, I decided to give her my full trust. Because that allowed me to have an experience similar to this video.



This man has amazing information for anyone interested.

I can say my treatment felt a bit rougher and intense than this demonstration. I also had my pterygoid muscle stretched and massaged. It's done from the inside of the mouth, behind your back molar teeth. That was painful, but it did help me. Other than that, the best description from my visit was the Boy's description. "She was moving Mama's head all around just like a ball!!" I couldn't have said it better myself.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Nursing School

I can't really turn back now. I just finished submitting my application to take the pre-requisites I need before entering the nursing program at a local college. I am mailing off transcript requests and getting my FAFSA figured out.

It's funny because before I was pregnant my husband and I were discussing moving out to Oregon. They were offering a fantastic program for students who studied to become nurses. If you stayed in Oregon for a certain amount of time, your nursing school debt would be forgiven. We opted against it in the end.

I only need two classes before I can officially apply to the nursing program. And, of course, they cannot be taken together. One is human biology and the other one is anatomy and physiology 1. I also need to pass some critical thinking type exam, which I not excited about taking!

I'll be taking night classes so I can stay home with the Boy. I'm hoping I'll survive the transition back into college. It's been awhile.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

July already

I can't believe it's already July. We've been fairly busy here the last week or so. Some of the things we've been up to are marathon games of Go Fish and Memory. We use a marvel comic book character memory game to play both. The Boy would play these games non-stop if we let him. Sometimes we throw in a game of "Old Maid", although I'm not sure if that is the politically correct term anymore.

We've been baking loaf after loaf of fresh bread. This is by far the best book I have come across when it comes to ease of baking. The Boy knows the recipe by heart, and makes it himself now. I throw it in the oven for him, of course.

One of the more exciting things, besides my Husband finally catching up to me in age next week....he'll be 30, is our upcoming trip to Walt Disney World. I'm really not sure which member of our family is more excited. The Boy is a bit nervous about Cinderella after seeing a picture of her in a mailing we received. He'd prefer we stay FAR away from that so called Cinderella, apparently.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Quirky

One of our crazy squirrels stealing something to eat. Normally, I wouldn't post this. But, the noises he was making were too cute not to share.

The Boy

We were woken up way to early, of course, by the Boy roaring into our room. I do mean roaring, like a tiger or lion. He stood at the foot of the bed to recite this: "One!! Two!! Three!!~Three!! Two!! One!!". We of course thought it was fantastic. Now each day he tries to go one number higher. He's up to six at this point, and erupts into a fit of giggles every time he completes it.

He's been sounding out words too. We spend a good chunk of our days reading, because my husband and I both love to read. The Boy naturally joins in, and sometimes "reads" us a story. It is one of my favorite parts of the day.

Cameras and picture taking have been a huge part of our days now. He is using my old camera, and I love to see what he's discovered when we go inside to download them. I can't believe he's going to be five in a few months. They grow so, so fast. I never believed it when people told me that when he was a baby. They were right.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Moving Forward

First, thank you to everyone who sent such nice emails. Sometimes it feels like I am writing to a huge open space. Thank you for taking the time to email me!

Because I don't have a lot to say, I wanted to share some new pictures from my garden. We've been getting some much needed rain.

~Bell Peppers


~Crepe Myrtle


~Snail


~Pink Pentas


~White Plumerias

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Hospital

Sitting in a hospital for a few hours at a time, watching doctors and nurses make all sorts of choices about someone you love is painful. Especially when these nurses in particular are blatantly over worked, and still take the time to be caring.

Thankfully, my Dad is OK. We didn't really get any answers, which makes the past few days seem surreal. How can you help someone make changes in their life for the better? Is that even possible? I don't post much private family matters on this blog, but you can email me if you'd like.

Monday, June 16, 2008

What do you do for work?

I've been asked what I do for work at least once a day. I used to answer "Oh, I stay home with my son.". No one blinked an eye when my son was a baby. Now that he is almost five, people seem to pass judgement quicker. Somehow, the comments or eye rolls of strangers makes me feel less secure in our decision for me to stay home to raise our son. Or the comment "Well, once he is in school, what will you do for work?". Which brings up the tedious discussion of homeschooling. I feel like when I tell people we will be homeschooling, they have to jump in with random facts of why public schools are best for children. As if they feel I am somehow judging their own choices.

The thing is, we are doing what we feel is right for our child. I have no judgments on what others choose to do for their families. Of course, just because I stay home with the Boy doesn't mean I don't have other interests. I have many.

While at the hair stylist the other day, she asked me that now dreaded question. To which I stated "At the moment, I stay home with my son." She laughed and said "Well, THAT is work. That is hard work, right??" And, it is, but very rewarding work.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Bread






I am not really that interested in bread making. I like to eat freshly baked bread, but I'm not into the kneading and work that comes with it. This library book has completely changed my view. The basic bread recipe is so simple that I thought I did it entirely wrong. The results proved otherwise, and I cannot wait to make the other recipes in the book. I am planning on purchasing the book because returning it will be depressing.

This bread was "stolen" quickly by the Boy.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Thoughtful

We had a friend over the other night for vegan manicotti. He is not a vegan, but not scared to enter the world of vegan food. This post isn't about how much he enjoyed the vegan manicotti. Nor is it about the flinching that he tried to contain when he asked what the "ricotta" was made from. It's made with a blend of tofu and other secrets.

This is about how he went and found a recipe to bake a vegan cake. I was speechless. It was such a thoughtful gesture, that it caught us off guard. To make the gesture even better, it tasted delicious. He won the boy over instantly. I take awful food photos, but had to show them. This cake tastes even better warmed up. It makes the chocolate get all gooey.


Monday, June 9, 2008

Letting Go


After a long conversation last night, I realize there are a lot of things I really need to finally let go of. Holding on to the negative aspects of my past is just making it difficult to move forward. Allowing those actions of other people to interfere with my life is allowing them to still have a grip on my life today.

I tend to draw in people who are negative. I've always befriended or been nice to those who stir up drama. I still get approached by strangers almost daily who want to share their problems or life with me. I always listen and offer a kind word, but then their pain seems to dwell within me for awhile. I think about it, and wonder how they are.

I also give certain people the benefit of the doubt. Even though, in most situations I should have let them go. I'm tired of spending the majority of my time with pent up anxiety and sadness that I should be moving on from.

I'm lucky that I have a wonderful husband. I am happy that my son can make me laugh at the drop of a hat. He changed my life, as I mention frequently on this blog. I am lucky that I went out on my own at 18, and made a life with my husband who was then my boyfriend.

So, putting this out there gives me something to be accountable for. I will go back to doing yoga daily. And, my first phone call this morning will be to my chiropractor. I should have called her long before. But, for now, the Boy and I are going to drink our smoothies in the lanai.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

On Being Polite

I've always made a point of not forcing the Boy to say "Thank You", "Please" and "Your Welcome". I found if we just let him see us use these terms, it worked better. He picked it up early, and we were complimented on how polite he was at such a young age. Of course, there are days when he refuses to acknowledge anyone, but I chalk it up to random moods. After all, I don't always feel like being friendly either.

Today he was making the agonizing hour long decision about what he wanted to eat for lunch, and he decided on an almond butter and jelly sandwich. As we were walking out to the kitchen to make it he stood there with his hands on his hips and said loudly "Make my sandwich and cut OFF the crusts!!!!!!!!" I turned to look at him and said "That isn't how we ask for things, is it? How do we ask for things?" And he turned with this crazy grin and said "Mama, PLEASE make me an almond butter and jelly sandwich. You are the prettiest, nicest, silliest Mama in the whole wide world. Thank you VERY much."

He cracks me up. I let him cut the crusts off.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Thinking

We've been doing a lot of thinking around here. Which usually results in reading more books than normal. Sometimes that includes finding "news" articles that make me worry. Although, I've been known to worry at the drop of a hat.

The following articles make me grateful that we have the opportunity to join a local C.S.A. We know the farmers and the apprentices, and can visit the land they grow our food on. It's also organic and sustainable.


~Tomatoes

~Food Dyes

This articles frightens me.:

~Disinfecting Wipes

And, because I am a Florida resident, this is always in the back of my mind.:

~Hurricane season 2008

But, on a positive note, we are hoping to take a road trip up north this year. Spending some time in Boston and Maine would be a nice break.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Trying To Talk Myself Out Of It

Lately, we've been spending a lot of time reading here and here. Because, I've always thought they were adorable with their little waddle walk.

Would it be the best idea in the world? In my heart, yes it would be.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

How to Catch a Rooster



It's been a rough week around here. We were awakened a little over a week ago to breaking glass, smoke and fire trucks. Our next door neighbors house was on fire. Thankfully, no one was at home even their new puppy. No one was hurt, but their house is a disaster. The home can be salvaged, but there is a lot of work to be done.

They aren't staying at the house obviously, but have been coming every day to work on it and take care of their bunnies and chickens. They also have a rooster. While out in my lanai this morning I heard him crowing, as usual. Except, no only did I see him crowing....he was also running around. I walked over, but the neighbors weren't there.

We have helped when the puppy and bunnies got loose. But, a rooster? I don't know the first thing about catching a rooster. Once he realized he was free of his corral, he was very excited. I took a few pictures, and am anxiously awaiting my neighbors arrival. He doesn't seem like he can get out of their fenced in yard, unless he realizes he actually is able to. He sure is cute though.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Surprises in the yard

Here are some unexpected finds in our yard from the past week. It's been getting warmer here, so outdoor time is a bit more limited. We make the most of the mornings and evenings this time of year.

A shell the Boy found while digging a whole to plant some seeds.



He split it in half of course, to see what was inside.



This picture does not do this rainbow justice. But, we could see almost both sides of the rainbow from our front yard. It was beautiful, but aren't they all?



Our first passionflower. We bought this plant with fruit already on it, but finally a flower.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Dental World

I hate to discuss things such as dental drama on this blog. But, I'm hoping I will feel a bit better just writing it out.

As I have mentioned before, I have a bad history with dentists. I picked up my new occlusal guard last Friday. His assistant was quite rude to me, but I figure she is the least of my worries. When the dentist came in he adjusted it, and sent me on my way. He assured me that if it ever felt like it wasn't fitting right all I needed to do was call so he could make an adjustment again. There would be no charge and it would be easy.

I slept fantastic Friday night. After that I was getting awful teeth pain, beyond my normal TMJD pain. My teeth felt like they were either moving or loose. I called to ask if it was normal on Monday, and for some reason the "scheduling specialist" who for safety reasons I'll call "Bob" never returned with an answer from the dentist. I called Wednesday and "Bob" was quite rude to me, but assured me he'd get back to me.

Thursday we took my son in for his first cleaning at this dentist. All went fantastic because their hygienist is wonderful. When the dentist was done checking my son's teeth and joking about soccer, I asked him if he had a second. He took me into the hall and I asked him my questions. He said "Make an appointment with "Bob". It needs an adjustment."

Easy enough, right? So, my son was given some goodies and I was ready to find out when "Bob" could fit me in. "Bob" wasn't very happy that I needed something. So, when the assistant(have I mentioned she dislikes me now?) came over and started texting on her cell phone, "Bob" interrupted her and said "Cathy has a question." The assistant was clueless. And, her decision was I indeed did not have a valid reason for seeing my dentist. So, they wouldn't schedule a time for me. Apparently having pain is not important enough for a dental visit.

Today I called their office and spoke with "Bob". Here is our conversation, verbatim:

"BOB" : "Mean Dental Office", this is "BOB"."

"Hi "Bob", this is Cathy. How are you today?"

"BOB": Big drawn out sigh. Then, one more drawn out sigh.

"BOB": "I'm OK, Cathy. How are YOU?"

"Not good, "BOB". Thanks for asking. Listen, I need an appointment
with Dr. "Occlusal Guard" for my occlusal guard."

"BOB": "Are you still having pain, Cathy?"

"Yes, and Dr. "Occlusal Guard" wanted to check me."

"BOB": "Can you hold-----SIGH------Cathy?"

"Sure "BOB", THANKS!"

I'm on hold now for a total of 7 minutes. But, I don't hang up, even
though I'm on my cell.

"BOB": "Hello??"

"Hi "BOB"!"

"BOB": "You are still here?"

"Um, yes? You put me on hold."

"BOB": "Oh, OK." SIGH SIGH, HUFF.

"BOB": "Um, Cathy. Let's see. SIGH. How about "this time" Tuesday afternoon?"

"Fantastic "BOB", thanks."

"BOB": "Cathy, I spoke with "dental assistant who hates you"........."

"Uh, huh."

"BOB": "She said by Tuesday you will not need an adjustment. It
won't hurt, LIKE SHE TOLD YOU YESTERDAY!"

"Well, "BOB" thanks for telling me. But, if I remember correctly,
"BOB", Dr. "Occlusal Guard" is the one who went to dental school. Right?"

"BOB": ---------

"So, I'll speak with Dr. "Occlusal Guard", not "dental assistant who hates me". Including on Tuesday. I should have been seen yesterday or today like I asked."

"BOB": "Well, "dental assistant who hates you"...."

"I'll be speaking to Dr. "Occlusal Guard" Tuesday. Goodbye "BOB", have a great weekend."

Click.

I almost passed out when I was done. It was hard to speak to someone so condescending.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Unexpected


I'd say about one half of my neighborhood is vacant and for sale. It's pretty much like that in the majority or my area. The economy has not been kind. I really don't know too many of my neighbors even though we've been in this house 3 years.

We've been doing some major gardening and transplanting the last few days. I can't even remember when we did what. We had just finished planting a new tree in our front yard and were getting ready to water. At some point, someone had left us a beautiful pot with a very sad looking plant in it. The plant is definitely alive, but needs some care. No one was around, and there was no note. I'm not sure if we even were home when they came, or perhaps they didn't want to speak and just left it by the front door.

Either way I do not know what it is. But, I'm going to try to find out and get it to bloom again. It really made me smile that someone left it for us. I just wish I could thank them.