I just received word this morning that my package was received a our change is 'on it's way.' Can't tell you about it yet, because I have some loose ends to tie up first, but this photo's a hint...
:)
Friday, September 30, 2005
The Change - HINT
I just received word this morning that my package was received a our change is 'on it's way.' Can't tell you about it yet, because I have some loose ends to tie up first, but this photo's a hint...
:)
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Zoo OR Anticipation OR Take 2
So, another package got sent off yesterday - to replace the one that DHL lost. Argh! It's killing me because it's delaying some potential changes in our life and that's killing me even more. AAARRRGGGHHH!!!
Yeah - I know, have patience - I'm trying, I'm trying - but it's killin' me! :)
Doreen went with the girls and some friends to the Chattanooga Zoo yesterday. She said it was a TON of fun. It's a small one, very small - you can see everything in an hour - but they all really really enjoyed it!
Wish I could have gone - not happening though. I gotta be stuck at work. I'll have to go with them another time!
Out!
Yeah - I know, have patience - I'm trying, I'm trying - but it's killin' me! :)
Doreen went with the girls and some friends to the Chattanooga Zoo yesterday. She said it was a TON of fun. It's a small one, very small - you can see everything in an hour - but they all really really enjoyed it!
Wish I could have gone - not happening though. I gotta be stuck at work. I'll have to go with them another time!
Out!
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Somethings Following Us...
We towed the car up to Madisonville yesterday to get the engine swapped. Everytime I looked in my rear-view mirror - this was the sight I saw. Something was 'following' us! Mwwwwwwaaaaaa haaaaaa, haaaa, haaaaaa! (Felt pretty sinister! *GRIN*)
After: Garage
Here's the remains of the garage that once was. It's amazing how much of it is gone, completely gone. Larry had a 10' aluminum ladder stored in there - we can't even find the thing. The aircompressor's pump that would fill the tank is melted into a blob. The damage is just amazing. AMAZING!!!
Culprit (In my very unexpert opinion)
Here's what's left of what I believe to be the culprit. I can't think of anything else in that garage that would have started the fire. It's the remains of a '95 Chevy Monte Carlo - totally charred. The aluminum wheels even melted terribly. The inside is just a skeleton - there's NOTHING useful left on this car!!!
Before: Mower
Here's Dad and Joelle, mowing before the fire. (Last spring, '04, when they were out for a visit.) Now check out the after pic...
After: Mower
Ok - here's what's left of the mower. The 'hood' has completely melted into oblivion. The wheels are gone, the seat is toast, no belts no steering wheel, nada. A total loss. WOW!
How close the fire came to the house...
The fire was so hot it did a pretty good number to the house. Look at the deck and see the 'charred' crawl about halfway across just about to get the door. The heat took out 4 windows across the back of the house. Also, check out the 'melted cheese' hanging from the house - otherwise known as siding! :)
So very close.
Last Post Standing
This is a shot of the only piece of the garage still standing. Of course it's thoroughly charred - but it's still standing!
Boy - what fire can do!!!
Amazing!
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Burned Up, then Burned Down
We just got back from my in-laws place in Madisonville. Dropped the car of for the engine swap - then headed over to see the burned garage. Shocking. I had a mental picture of it in my mind of what it might look like - but it's amazing - absolutely amazing.
I'll post some before and after pics tomorrow so you can see.
Wow!
Gotta crash - it's like WAAAAAYYYYYY past my bed time! :)
Nighty night!
I'll post some before and after pics tomorrow so you can see.
Wow!
Gotta crash - it's like WAAAAAYYYYYY past my bed time! :)
Nighty night!
Monday, September 26, 2005
Saturday, September 24, 2005
A Little Hero
Here's more of the fire story.
Turns out that some neighbors (Mother & 8 year old son) were driving past Larry & Sandra's house and saw a little smoke. They thought it was Larry & Sandra burning leaves, so they kept going. She sat down to watch a DVD and the boy was just playing. Well - at some point he got 'mad' at his mom and stomped outside to play. When he got outside, he saw lots and lots of smoke and went back inside to tell his mom. She said, "Maybe they're burning tires." He said, "Mom, you've got to see this."
She came out - and boom, lots and lots of smoke - a quick call to 911 and help was on the way.
Glad that little guy got mad at his mom - probably divine help - and persisted she come out to see.
What a cool little hero!
Turns out that some neighbors (Mother & 8 year old son) were driving past Larry & Sandra's house and saw a little smoke. They thought it was Larry & Sandra burning leaves, so they kept going. She sat down to watch a DVD and the boy was just playing. Well - at some point he got 'mad' at his mom and stomped outside to play. When he got outside, he saw lots and lots of smoke and went back inside to tell his mom. She said, "Maybe they're burning tires." He said, "Mom, you've got to see this."
She came out - and boom, lots and lots of smoke - a quick call to 911 and help was on the way.
Glad that little guy got mad at his mom - probably divine help - and persisted she come out to see.
What a cool little hero!
Friday, September 23, 2005
A Tale of Two Fires
What a DAY it's been.
Yesterday, the girls were out playing when I got home from work and they had a stuffed animal outside playing like they were camping and had gathered small sticks from the yard to make a little 'campfire'. Oh, it was cute. I promised Joelle that tonight we'd start her little campfire tonight.
Today, at work, Doreen calls and asks me to stop by the store and pick up a bag of marshmallows. She's set the tent up outside for the girls to play in - which they did most of the day with blankets, books, pillows and toys! :) So, I pick up some marshmallows to toast over the campfire.
After arriving at home, we decide to gas up both vehicles completely because of the damage that hurricane Rita may do and the damage to our budget when the gas execs decide to 'gouge' the country for their profit. Yesterday I put gas in one of Iggy's two tanks and paid, $2.49. Today I filled the 2nd tank and the van and paid $2.74. A quarters difference in 24 hours - ouch! (The first station I tried going to was out of regular and super, all they had left was premium. WOW!)
I get home again and decide to snooze for a few minutes - the girls meanwhile go out and gather more 'sticks' for the campfire.
Just before supper - Doreen's reading some study materials, I'm copying pics from a SD Card to the computer and the phone rings. I can't hear the words, but I hear my mother-in-law, clearly upset. Then Doreen gets that exact frame of mood. What's up???
My in-laws garage had just burned to the ground. They had picked up a Monte Carlo they had owned and they had work done on it in a shop, parked it in the garage - jumped in their little Ford Ranger and went shopping for light fixtures for the garage they are having built down here in Chattanooga. They buy some, then stop for supper and head home. Sandra saw the 'smoke' from quite a distance as they headed home... and as they got closer realized it was in the vicinity of their place... then realized it was their neighborhood, then turned on their road, up the hill and realized it was their (unattached to the house) garage. When they got there, they saw 3 or 4 fire engines and a BUNCH of people around.
The house has minimal damage, except for the siding near the garage completely melted and dripping to the ground, the back door has some damage, 4 windows are cracked because of the heat and the house could double for a meat smoke house right now. One of the firemen did mention that had they been about 4 or 5 minutes later, probably not much could have been done for the house. When they arrived on the scene originally - the first thing they did was to hose the house down to keep it from burning, then put the other fire out.
I guess the garage has only one post still standing. It's completely gone, except for the 'char' and the lumps for the frame of the Monte Carlo, and the remains of the air compressor, power washer, sharpening wheel, a couple of ladders, a couple of containers with power tools, a set of car ramps, all the equipment from the back of the FedEx Truck (Larry had been working on the floor and everything was in the garage) and 3 tool boxes. Wow, that is just awful. Doreen and I have just been sick about it.
The thing is - they can't touch any of it until an Insurance Adjuster or two comes out for a visit. Yuck!!!
By the way - nobody can pinpoint the exact cause yet. I kinda think it was the car, but 'who is to be knowing.' Maybe the adjusters can.
Anyway - Amazing - everything can be gone in just a few minutes.
That's the bad side of fire.
Tonight we ate outside (in 90 degree weather) at our little campfire - that we moved waaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy back from the house and really enjoyed the evening - all things considered. We roasted some marshmallows and just relaxed.
That's the good side of fire.
So that's my tale of two fires today! :)
---------------------
PS:
It's amazing the roller coaster that life puts you one;
UP - We got an AWESOME deal on some new furniture...
Down - Our car engine goes kaploowie...
UP - We got an awesome opportunity just ahead of us...
Down - DHL loses a very important package. It's supposed to be in Kansas and turns up in Lousiana.
UP - Larry & Sandra Get the Monte Carlo Fixed
UP - Larry & Sandra figure out a way to finance the complete job to finish the garage here - immediately.
Down, Down - Their garage burns to the ground.
I think I'm getting sick... :)
Hope you have an UP weekend! :)
Yesterday, the girls were out playing when I got home from work and they had a stuffed animal outside playing like they were camping and had gathered small sticks from the yard to make a little 'campfire'. Oh, it was cute. I promised Joelle that tonight we'd start her little campfire tonight.
Today, at work, Doreen calls and asks me to stop by the store and pick up a bag of marshmallows. She's set the tent up outside for the girls to play in - which they did most of the day with blankets, books, pillows and toys! :) So, I pick up some marshmallows to toast over the campfire.
After arriving at home, we decide to gas up both vehicles completely because of the damage that hurricane Rita may do and the damage to our budget when the gas execs decide to 'gouge' the country for their profit. Yesterday I put gas in one of Iggy's two tanks and paid, $2.49. Today I filled the 2nd tank and the van and paid $2.74. A quarters difference in 24 hours - ouch! (The first station I tried going to was out of regular and super, all they had left was premium. WOW!)
I get home again and decide to snooze for a few minutes - the girls meanwhile go out and gather more 'sticks' for the campfire.
Just before supper - Doreen's reading some study materials, I'm copying pics from a SD Card to the computer and the phone rings. I can't hear the words, but I hear my mother-in-law, clearly upset. Then Doreen gets that exact frame of mood. What's up???
My in-laws garage had just burned to the ground. They had picked up a Monte Carlo they had owned and they had work done on it in a shop, parked it in the garage - jumped in their little Ford Ranger and went shopping for light fixtures for the garage they are having built down here in Chattanooga. They buy some, then stop for supper and head home. Sandra saw the 'smoke' from quite a distance as they headed home... and as they got closer realized it was in the vicinity of their place... then realized it was their neighborhood, then turned on their road, up the hill and realized it was their (unattached to the house) garage. When they got there, they saw 3 or 4 fire engines and a BUNCH of people around.
The house has minimal damage, except for the siding near the garage completely melted and dripping to the ground, the back door has some damage, 4 windows are cracked because of the heat and the house could double for a meat smoke house right now. One of the firemen did mention that had they been about 4 or 5 minutes later, probably not much could have been done for the house. When they arrived on the scene originally - the first thing they did was to hose the house down to keep it from burning, then put the other fire out.
I guess the garage has only one post still standing. It's completely gone, except for the 'char' and the lumps for the frame of the Monte Carlo, and the remains of the air compressor, power washer, sharpening wheel, a couple of ladders, a couple of containers with power tools, a set of car ramps, all the equipment from the back of the FedEx Truck (Larry had been working on the floor and everything was in the garage) and 3 tool boxes. Wow, that is just awful. Doreen and I have just been sick about it.
The thing is - they can't touch any of it until an Insurance Adjuster or two comes out for a visit. Yuck!!!
By the way - nobody can pinpoint the exact cause yet. I kinda think it was the car, but 'who is to be knowing.' Maybe the adjusters can.
Anyway - Amazing - everything can be gone in just a few minutes.
That's the bad side of fire.
Tonight we ate outside (in 90 degree weather) at our little campfire - that we moved waaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy back from the house and really enjoyed the evening - all things considered. We roasted some marshmallows and just relaxed.
That's the good side of fire.
So that's my tale of two fires today! :)
---------------------
PS:
It's amazing the roller coaster that life puts you one;
UP - We got an AWESOME deal on some new furniture...
Down - Our car engine goes kaploowie...
UP - We got an awesome opportunity just ahead of us...
Down - DHL loses a very important package. It's supposed to be in Kansas and turns up in Lousiana.
UP - Larry & Sandra Get the Monte Carlo Fixed
UP - Larry & Sandra figure out a way to finance the complete job to finish the garage here - immediately.
Down, Down - Their garage burns to the ground.
I think I'm getting sick... :)
Hope you have an UP weekend! :)
Great Quote
Found this quote this morning as I was prepping for the radio show. It made me laugh, but yet is quite direct. Hope you enjoy it! :)
"I think I'll belive in Gosh instead of God. If you don't believe in Gosh too, you'll be darned to heck!" - Unknown
"I think I'll belive in Gosh instead of God. If you don't believe in Gosh too, you'll be darned to heck!" - Unknown
Remote CONTROL
It is funny how different Doreen and I are when it comes to the remote control for the TV. (DISCLAMER: By the way - this is all in fun, this is not a serious matter - just a topic of the difference between men and women, between Doreen and I!!!)
Last night we were watching the premier of the Apprentice and then during the breaks watching King of Queens. (Sidebar: Kevin James is Hilarious!!!) Anyway, so during the time that we've got KoQ on - she'd check back to see if the Apprentice was back. That's good!
Now, when I've got the remote - it's just instinctive (He, he, he)- when to flip back. A number of times she flipped right when a punch line is just about to be zinged. So it's like, leaves ya hanging. You're ready to chuckle, but can't. You watched/listened to the set up - then missed the best part! What a let-down.
Another thing is when the main program we're watching hits a break, it takes a 'moment' or two for Doreen to make the flip to the 'other' show or just to check things out. Of course, some ads are fun to watch - but 99% aren't so move on! NOW! :) He, he, he!
Then, then like last night, instead of watching something else interesting, (After KofQ was over) she happend to flip by Prime Time Live and we ended up watching an interview with Barbara Striesand. UGGGHHHHHH! Borrrrriiiiinnnngggggggg! Now, the rule is - whoever has the remote gets to choose what to watch - but dang, Barbara Striesand? Aye yai yai. Good thing I had a Louis La'more book at hand to read.
Maybe I ought to start a class on how to properly run a remote! He, he, he!
It's just kinda funny when you think about Remote CONTROL! :)
Have a great weekend!
Last night we were watching the premier of the Apprentice and then during the breaks watching King of Queens. (Sidebar: Kevin James is Hilarious!!!) Anyway, so during the time that we've got KoQ on - she'd check back to see if the Apprentice was back. That's good!
Now, when I've got the remote - it's just instinctive (He, he, he)- when to flip back. A number of times she flipped right when a punch line is just about to be zinged. So it's like, leaves ya hanging. You're ready to chuckle, but can't. You watched/listened to the set up - then missed the best part! What a let-down.
Another thing is when the main program we're watching hits a break, it takes a 'moment' or two for Doreen to make the flip to the 'other' show or just to check things out. Of course, some ads are fun to watch - but 99% aren't so move on! NOW! :) He, he, he!
Then, then like last night, instead of watching something else interesting, (After KofQ was over) she happend to flip by Prime Time Live and we ended up watching an interview with Barbara Striesand. UGGGHHHHHH! Borrrrriiiiinnnngggggggg! Now, the rule is - whoever has the remote gets to choose what to watch - but dang, Barbara Striesand? Aye yai yai. Good thing I had a Louis La'more book at hand to read.
Maybe I ought to start a class on how to properly run a remote! He, he, he!
It's just kinda funny when you think about Remote CONTROL! :)
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Regression OR Decreased Pain Or Changes on Hold
So we're back to pull-ups at night with Joelle. She had a straight week of dry pull-ups, then had 5 nights in panties with no accidents. The last two nights we've had to get up in the middle of the night and clean up a wet bed mess. (I really hate that after doing it for a year with 16 guys at Odyssey Harbor - state faciliy for abused children - during my sophomore year in college.) ICK!!! Hopefully it'll click soon, very soon and we'll get back to the dry bed at night thing!!!
So the possible upcoming changes have been put on hold because of DHL. Amazing, losing a very important package and delaying everything! ICK!!! :)
So yesterday afternoon and today is really the first time in a LONG time I've not been dealing with pain in my wrist. The last Monday in Colorado (Labor day) I went to ride motorcross with Scott and Brian and about 15 minutes before we had to load up the dirtbikes and leave, I hit a little jump. So, I see this 'larger' jump next to it, I loop around and gun it. I hit the jump in 3rd gear, full throttle and went'a flying. Man, it felt great, I got the right amount of pull on the bars to have a slightly upward launch and then kinda curve the front end over to land - but I went waaaaaay to far and landed on the flat. And I landed HARD. Didn't wreck the bike - thankfully - but when I landed, I hit so hard I lost my grip with my right hand, (Don't ask how I kept the bike upright - I have NO idea) and hyperexteneded my thumb and jammed my wrist into the brush guard. I severly sprained it. OW-WIE! It's taken it's time in healing. I've been able to do things - but it's been an almost constant pain. Well, it's healing and feeling much, MUCH better - thankfully!
So on the way into work this morning, I stopped to fill the pickup. I paid $2.49. It's about time that it get back down to at least under $2.50. (Isn't it sad to that I'm 'happier' it's under $2.50 - that's still high if'n you ask me!!) $3+ was outrageous. I'd like to see it back under $2 someday, but we know that's never happening. We'll probably never see it for under $2.40 again. That is awful. When we left for Colorado, gas was $2.39, so I decided to wait until we got back thinking that Labor Day will be over and the 'summer price hike' will be removed and it'll be back down to a more reasonable amount. Of course Katrina hit and the gas execs took advantage of the situation to gouge us and pumped the price over $3 a gallon, so I've been taking it easy with the 'gas guzzling' truck lately so as to not to have to fill it that often, cuz basically - I can't afford it! :) Basically I'm just glad to see it come down some. Hurts though, because I remember buying almost 5 gallons of gas for my mini-bike with my $2 allowance - years, decades, eons ago! (That gas would last me almost 2 1/2 weeks riding that little Honda 80 for hours upon hours, upon hours! :)
So the possible upcoming changes have been put on hold because of DHL. Amazing, losing a very important package and delaying everything! ICK!!! :)
So yesterday afternoon and today is really the first time in a LONG time I've not been dealing with pain in my wrist. The last Monday in Colorado (Labor day) I went to ride motorcross with Scott and Brian and about 15 minutes before we had to load up the dirtbikes and leave, I hit a little jump. So, I see this 'larger' jump next to it, I loop around and gun it. I hit the jump in 3rd gear, full throttle and went'a flying. Man, it felt great, I got the right amount of pull on the bars to have a slightly upward launch and then kinda curve the front end over to land - but I went waaaaaay to far and landed on the flat. And I landed HARD. Didn't wreck the bike - thankfully - but when I landed, I hit so hard I lost my grip with my right hand, (Don't ask how I kept the bike upright - I have NO idea) and hyperexteneded my thumb and jammed my wrist into the brush guard. I severly sprained it. OW-WIE! It's taken it's time in healing. I've been able to do things - but it's been an almost constant pain. Well, it's healing and feeling much, MUCH better - thankfully!
So on the way into work this morning, I stopped to fill the pickup. I paid $2.49. It's about time that it get back down to at least under $2.50. (Isn't it sad to that I'm 'happier' it's under $2.50 - that's still high if'n you ask me!!) $3+ was outrageous. I'd like to see it back under $2 someday, but we know that's never happening. We'll probably never see it for under $2.40 again. That is awful. When we left for Colorado, gas was $2.39, so I decided to wait until we got back thinking that Labor Day will be over and the 'summer price hike' will be removed and it'll be back down to a more reasonable amount. Of course Katrina hit and the gas execs took advantage of the situation to gouge us and pumped the price over $3 a gallon, so I've been taking it easy with the 'gas guzzling' truck lately so as to not to have to fill it that often, cuz basically - I can't afford it! :) Basically I'm just glad to see it come down some. Hurts though, because I remember buying almost 5 gallons of gas for my mini-bike with my $2 allowance - years, decades, eons ago! (That gas would last me almost 2 1/2 weeks riding that little Honda 80 for hours upon hours, upon hours! :)
Looking back
This is a meme I saw on Cheryl's site. Looked like fun, here goes...
(1995) 10 Years ago I was:
*working at 3ABN...
*getting settled into our 1st home (getting out of an apartment)
*caught up with 'studying' the Bible with a group that was a bit extreme
*unhealthly thin because of eating the 'eden diet' of ONLY fruits and nuts. OUCH! :(
*doing lots of camping and hiking with friends
(2000) 5 years ago
*getting settled into my new radio job...
*trying to have a baby
*spending quality time with friends
*back in an apartment
(2004) 1 year ago
*on vacation in Colorado realizing how much I love the Rockies and my family...
*struggling with the process of a president change at work
*enjoying time with my 3 girls, Do, Jo & Na!
*doing lots of things around our home (no more apartment)
Yesterday
*hosting the 1st 4 hours of a sharathon at work (we raised almost $10,000 during that time...
*took the girls out to the greenway to 'bike' a distance for the first time to get them into it. (Natalie ended up walking and I squeezed up and rode her bike *grin*)
*Did some grocery shopping
*Watched Indiana Jones, The Raiders of the Lost Ark
*Stayed up till 1am watching "Sleepless in Seattle."
5 snacks I enjoy
*popcorn
*chips
*mint chocolate chip ice-cream
*buffalo wings
*tuna & crackers
*cheese (Dang am I unhealthy or what! *grin*)
5 songs I know all the words to
*Don't worry, be happy, Bobby McFerrin
*Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now, Jefferson Starship
*Mercy Said No, Greg Long
*Open Arms, Journey
*I can only Imagine - Mercy Me
Bonus *The Itsy Bitsy Spider - he, he, he
5 places I like running away to
*home
*DollyWood
*Colorado
*Any Book
*The movies
Bonus *going Geocaching with Friends
5 items you'll never see me wear
*leg warmers
*a speedo
*bell bottoms
*tattoos or earings
*A Cat in the hat hat :) (Couldn't think of anything else right now. He, he, he)
5 biggest joys in my life
*Do
*Jo
*Na
*Parents & Inlaws
*Any day away from work (Especially right now)
My 3 favorite toys
*Computer
*GPS
*PDA
Bonus *DVD Player :)
(1995) 10 Years ago I was:
*working at 3ABN...
*getting settled into our 1st home (getting out of an apartment)
*caught up with 'studying' the Bible with a group that was a bit extreme
*unhealthly thin because of eating the 'eden diet' of ONLY fruits and nuts. OUCH! :(
*doing lots of camping and hiking with friends
(2000) 5 years ago
*getting settled into my new radio job...
*trying to have a baby
*spending quality time with friends
*back in an apartment
(2004) 1 year ago
*on vacation in Colorado realizing how much I love the Rockies and my family...
*struggling with the process of a president change at work
*enjoying time with my 3 girls, Do, Jo & Na!
*doing lots of things around our home (no more apartment)
Yesterday
*hosting the 1st 4 hours of a sharathon at work (we raised almost $10,000 during that time...
*took the girls out to the greenway to 'bike' a distance for the first time to get them into it. (Natalie ended up walking and I squeezed up and rode her bike *grin*)
*Did some grocery shopping
*Watched Indiana Jones, The Raiders of the Lost Ark
*Stayed up till 1am watching "Sleepless in Seattle."
5 snacks I enjoy
*popcorn
*chips
*mint chocolate chip ice-cream
*buffalo wings
*tuna & crackers
*cheese (Dang am I unhealthy or what! *grin*)
5 songs I know all the words to
*Don't worry, be happy, Bobby McFerrin
*Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now, Jefferson Starship
*Mercy Said No, Greg Long
*Open Arms, Journey
*I can only Imagine - Mercy Me
Bonus *The Itsy Bitsy Spider - he, he, he
5 places I like running away to
*home
*DollyWood
*Colorado
*Any Book
*The movies
Bonus *going Geocaching with Friends
5 items you'll never see me wear
*leg warmers
*a speedo
*bell bottoms
*tattoos or earings
*A Cat in the hat hat :) (Couldn't think of anything else right now. He, he, he)
5 biggest joys in my life
*Do
*Jo
*Na
*Parents & Inlaws
*Any day away from work (Especially right now)
My 3 favorite toys
*Computer
*GPS
*PDA
Bonus *DVD Player :)
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Auto Taps - Double Meaning there!
Our Car is DEAD!
Dead as a door-nail.
Friday we were coming home from Madisonville and had to stop about half way down at a rest area for the girls to potty. I stayed in the car and heard a little knocking sound. So I popped out and looked under the hood etc. Didn't see a thing though.
When we got home - the knocking was worse. So we parked it and didn't go to church Sabbath because of the lack of a vehicle.
Sunday I drove it to a mechanic to look at - and he got back with me. It's a lower rod bearing going bad. That's at the bottom of the engine and it'd cost $4000 to repair or $4300 to replace it with a new engine that had a 3 year warranty on it.
The car is a '99 Pontiac Grand Am with 89k miles on it. It's worth $6,700 according to Kelly Blue Book - I can't put $4,000 into a new engine. So thankfully my father-in-law knew of two shops in Madisonville, one that can supply a good/guarantee'd engine for $1000 and the second that can install it for $300 to $500. Much MUCH more reasonable. The other place was just killing me!
Anyway - hope to get the car loaded on a trailer and hauled up Monday when the engine is here and ready to get loaded in!
Other than that - we're just living life. Joelle started "Adventurers" last night. (Pre-cursor to Pathfinders - or co-ed Scouts). She LOVED it and so this should be fun every other Tuesday when we take her. Maybe I'll be able to finish my Master Guide as she does Adventurers.
Yesterday and today has been our annual Sharathon at LifeTalk. So extra work! Up at 4a, in the office by 5:15a, on the air live between 6 and 10a. I've got a bit of a break now - but back to the grindstone later this afternoon.
Have a great day!
Dead as a door-nail.
Friday we were coming home from Madisonville and had to stop about half way down at a rest area for the girls to potty. I stayed in the car and heard a little knocking sound. So I popped out and looked under the hood etc. Didn't see a thing though.
When we got home - the knocking was worse. So we parked it and didn't go to church Sabbath because of the lack of a vehicle.
Sunday I drove it to a mechanic to look at - and he got back with me. It's a lower rod bearing going bad. That's at the bottom of the engine and it'd cost $4000 to repair or $4300 to replace it with a new engine that had a 3 year warranty on it.
The car is a '99 Pontiac Grand Am with 89k miles on it. It's worth $6,700 according to Kelly Blue Book - I can't put $4,000 into a new engine. So thankfully my father-in-law knew of two shops in Madisonville, one that can supply a good/guarantee'd engine for $1000 and the second that can install it for $300 to $500. Much MUCH more reasonable. The other place was just killing me!
Anyway - hope to get the car loaded on a trailer and hauled up Monday when the engine is here and ready to get loaded in!
Other than that - we're just living life. Joelle started "Adventurers" last night. (Pre-cursor to Pathfinders - or co-ed Scouts). She LOVED it and so this should be fun every other Tuesday when we take her. Maybe I'll be able to finish my Master Guide as she does Adventurers.
Yesterday and today has been our annual Sharathon at LifeTalk. So extra work! Up at 4a, in the office by 5:15a, on the air live between 6 and 10a. I've got a bit of a break now - but back to the grindstone later this afternoon.
Have a great day!
Monday, September 19, 2005
Mini Horses 1
Last week we spent an afternoon with friends that raise mini-horses. We had a ton of fun and the girls loved it!
Artsy Fartsy 1
Ok - here's a shot for Scott. Some mini-horses running through the hay out of a barn!
Girl with Colored Measles
Joelle was coloring in her coloring books nicely, then something happened. The markers went crazy or something and she ended up with 'colored' measles! :)
Working Girls
Doreen, Joelle & Natalie workin on our new bed trying to get it ready to put together soon.
Artsy Fartsy 2
Ok - while the girls were fishin - I took this artsy fartsy pic for Scott's enjoyment. A beautiful lilly pad with a flower. Neato! :)
Saturday, September 17, 2005
DRY!!! :) or Broken Again
Hey, hey, hey - what a day!!!
It's Sabbath and we're just kickin' at home relaxin - very nice. We had plans to go to the Ooltewah church, but last night on the way home from Madisonville, our car started knocking, very, very bad. So we'll take it in tomorrow morning and hopefully get it fixed!
Went up to Madisonville yesterday right after work to pick up some furniture. A friend is moving to SC and was gettin rid of stuff - so we ended up getting a nearly new bedroom suite and dining room set for a very, VERY fair price. What a blessing! Larry & Sandra (my-in-laws) came home Thur to help us move the stuff in their FedEx truck. Better than renting some junky U-haul or taking 3 trips in Iggy with fuel as expensive as it is!
Anyway - the most important news is that we are completely out of 'pull-ups' now! No more diapers/pull-ups for us anymore. Both my daughters are completely 100% potty trained! Yeeeeee haaawwwwwww! Now for the next phase - aye yai yai! :)
Have a great weekend!
It's Sabbath and we're just kickin' at home relaxin - very nice. We had plans to go to the Ooltewah church, but last night on the way home from Madisonville, our car started knocking, very, very bad. So we'll take it in tomorrow morning and hopefully get it fixed!
Went up to Madisonville yesterday right after work to pick up some furniture. A friend is moving to SC and was gettin rid of stuff - so we ended up getting a nearly new bedroom suite and dining room set for a very, VERY fair price. What a blessing! Larry & Sandra (my-in-laws) came home Thur to help us move the stuff in their FedEx truck. Better than renting some junky U-haul or taking 3 trips in Iggy with fuel as expensive as it is!
Anyway - the most important news is that we are completely out of 'pull-ups' now! No more diapers/pull-ups for us anymore. Both my daughters are completely 100% potty trained! Yeeeeee haaawwwwwww! Now for the next phase - aye yai yai! :)
Have a great weekend!
Friday, September 16, 2005
The Week back
You know, it seems that we just get busier and busier and busier. Last week after getting back from Colorado - was just GREAT! We did a few things - played a bit, relaxed a lot, and just generally enjoyed things and life.
But lately - this past week, getting caught up at work, all the things we've had to get done at home and then a couple of extra things, both very VERY good have been thrown into the mix has served to keep us swamped.
Oh well - I guess we'll get over it.
Doreen and I caught the Premier episode of Survivor - Guatamala last night. (Had to time shift it cuz of 3 dozen other things - so it seemed - to do.) We were surprised to see they brought back two former survivor contestants, Stephanie & Bobby John. I know that Doreen would REALLY like to see Stephanie win, and well - I have to agree with her!
Well - I better pay closer attention to the radio/tv show I'm directing!
Have a great weekend!
But lately - this past week, getting caught up at work, all the things we've had to get done at home and then a couple of extra things, both very VERY good have been thrown into the mix has served to keep us swamped.
Oh well - I guess we'll get over it.
Doreen and I caught the Premier episode of Survivor - Guatamala last night. (Had to time shift it cuz of 3 dozen other things - so it seemed - to do.) We were surprised to see they brought back two former survivor contestants, Stephanie & Bobby John. I know that Doreen would REALLY like to see Stephanie win, and well - I have to agree with her!
Well - I better pay closer attention to the radio/tv show I'm directing!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
A Bit of Anxiety
I'm looking into my future and seein' a few changes comin. I'm cool with them, VERY cool - but with every change you feel a little bit anxious about it. Tell ya all about it soon enough!
Happy Thursday!
Happy Thursday!
Word Verification
By the way y'all, I've been getting tagged with a bunch of 'spam' comments on my site lately. So I've turned on a security system called word verification so that when one of you leave a comment - and I love all your comments, sarcastic, informitive, responsive or kind - you'll have to type in the letters to some 'freaky' word so people can't just spam my site. Sorry about the pain of the extra step - and after a few weeks I'll trying turning it off again. But Thanks for understanding and still commenting! :)
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
What's Your Pizza Personality?
It's been a while since I've done one of these! :) This one seemed pretty appropriate!
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
| Pepperoni Pizza |
 Robust and dominant. When you go for something, you go full force. You tend to take control of situations easily. And in return, you get a ton of respect. |
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Sunrise over the Mountains
Couldn't pass up this shot. I saw it and hurried to grab my camera before the plane rolled to far and lost the beauty of this shot. We left Montrose super early and caught the sunrise as we were getting ready to fly over the grandure of the Rockies. It was uplifting because of the beauty and sad because it meant we were leaving Colorado and family. (By the way Scott, you inspired this shot! And probably more to come in the future! He, he, he! Thanks for reminding me of the fun of shooting lots of 'other' things!)
Wonderfully Relaxed 4
We sure had a WONDERFUL vacation visiting Colorado. Had to get one more family photo in Telluride before we left the state the next day.
The Fingered Photo
At one of the Geocaches, my Bro-in-Law, Scott, took a couple of photos for me of the area as we're climbing down the hillside with the kids. He was being funny with this one by purposely sticking his finger over the lens! *GRIN* We had an argument over 'artsy fartsy' photos vs the standard 'people pics.' It was hilarious!
The Non-fingered view!
Ok - here's the 'artsy fartsy' shot Scott took. Pretty good eh? Beautiful!!! I LOVE Colorado!!!!
Here's Your Sign
I got a good laugh over lunch.
Doreen went to get the oil changed in my in-laws van this morning so we can take a quickie turn-a-round trip to North Carolina this weekend.
When she pulled up to the door, the guy walked out to her and asked, "Need an oil change." Her answer could have been, "No I just came to donate blood, or I just like to sit in front of your door and smell the oil, or nope - just hangin out." Of course she wanted to get the oil changed. Why else would she pull up to the door like that.
It's like when we were in Colorado standing in line for Lunch at Taco Bell. While waiting some 'friends' obviously bumped into each other in line and started talking. Eventually one person asked the other, "So you coming to Taco Bell for lunch today?" Uh - DUH! "No I'm standing in a long line in Taco Bell just cuz I feel like it. Uh, no, the voices in my head just told me to come stand in this spot at this time." He, he, he - you know sometimes to have 'noise' we ask some of the silliest questions.
Reminds me of the song by Bill Engvall & Travis Tritt called "Here's Your Sign." Here's the lyrics for you to read - hope it gives you a chuckle for your day! :)
I just hate stupid people They should just have to wear a sign that says "I'm Stupid!" That way you wouldn't rely on them, would yah? You wouldn't ask them anything, "Excuse me? Oh! Never mind, I didn't see your sign."
It's Like before my wife and I moved from Texas to California, our house was full of boxes, there's a U-Haul truck in our drive-way My friend comes over and asks,
"Hey, you movin?" "Nope. We just pack our stuff up once or twice a week, just to see how many boxes it takes" Here's your sign
Travis Tritt:(chorus)
Why can't they get the picture
Why don't they understand
We're not dealing with the planet of apes
We're talkin' 'bout the modern man
So you people with them itsy, bitsy, tinsy, wentsy, tiny minds
Here's Your Sign
Here's Your Sign
Bill Engvall:
A couple of months ago, I went fishing with a buddy of mine, we pulled
his boat into the dock. I lifted this big ol' stringer of bass, this idiot on
the dock goes; "You catch all them fish?" "Nope. Talked em into givin' up"
Here's Your Sign
I was out in the front yard, with my boy the other day and he was playing with his little friend, and he hit his friend, and I went up to him and said, "Hey! *smack* We don't hit" He looked at me like... "Here's your sign dad"
Travis Tritt: (chorus)
Why can't they get the picture
Why don't they understand
We're not dealing with the planet of apes
We're talkin' 'bout the modern man
So you people with them itsy, bitsy, tinsy, wentsy, tiny minds
Here's Your Sign
Here's Your Sign
Bill Engvall:
I was watching one of those animal shows on the discover channel There was a guy inventing a shark bite suit. There's only one way to test that. "Alright Jimmy, you got that shark suit on. looks gooood. They want you to jump in this pool of sharks, and you tell us it hurts when they bite you" "Well Alright, hold my sign, I don't wanna lose it."
Travis Tritt: (chorus)
Why can't they get the picture
Why don't they understand
We're not dealing with the planet of apes
We're talkin' 'bout the modern man
So you people with them itsy, bitsy, tinsy, wentsy, tiny minds
Here's Your Sign
Here's Your Sign
Bill Engvall:
Last summer I was on my way home, I was driving around, I had a flat tire, I pulled my truck into those side-of-the-road gas stations, the attendent walks out, looks at my truck, looks at me, and I swear to god he went,"Tire go flat?" I couldn't resist.
I said "Nope, no- I was driving around and all of a sudden the other 3 just swelled right up on me" Here's Your Sign
Travis Tritt: (chorus)
Why can't they get the picture
Why don't they understand
We're not dealing with the planet of apes
We're talkin' 'bout the modern man
So you people with them itsy, bitsy, tinsy, wentsy, tiny minds
People with them little bitty, teny, weeny, tiny minds
Here's Your Sign
Bill Engvall:
We were trying to sell our car about a year ago, guy comes over to the house, drove the car round for about 45 minutes. We get back to the house, he gets out of the car, reaches down and grabs the exhaust pipe. He goes, "Damn that's hot!"
See if he'd been wearing a sign, I could have stopped him.
Doreen went to get the oil changed in my in-laws van this morning so we can take a quickie turn-a-round trip to North Carolina this weekend.
When she pulled up to the door, the guy walked out to her and asked, "Need an oil change." Her answer could have been, "No I just came to donate blood, or I just like to sit in front of your door and smell the oil, or nope - just hangin out." Of course she wanted to get the oil changed. Why else would she pull up to the door like that.
It's like when we were in Colorado standing in line for Lunch at Taco Bell. While waiting some 'friends' obviously bumped into each other in line and started talking. Eventually one person asked the other, "So you coming to Taco Bell for lunch today?" Uh - DUH! "No I'm standing in a long line in Taco Bell just cuz I feel like it. Uh, no, the voices in my head just told me to come stand in this spot at this time." He, he, he - you know sometimes to have 'noise' we ask some of the silliest questions.
Reminds me of the song by Bill Engvall & Travis Tritt called "Here's Your Sign." Here's the lyrics for you to read - hope it gives you a chuckle for your day! :)
I just hate stupid people They should just have to wear a sign that says "I'm Stupid!" That way you wouldn't rely on them, would yah? You wouldn't ask them anything, "Excuse me? Oh! Never mind, I didn't see your sign."
It's Like before my wife and I moved from Texas to California, our house was full of boxes, there's a U-Haul truck in our drive-way My friend comes over and asks,
"Hey, you movin?" "Nope. We just pack our stuff up once or twice a week, just to see how many boxes it takes" Here's your sign
Travis Tritt:(chorus)
Why can't they get the picture
Why don't they understand
We're not dealing with the planet of apes
We're talkin' 'bout the modern man
So you people with them itsy, bitsy, tinsy, wentsy, tiny minds
Here's Your Sign
Here's Your Sign
Bill Engvall:
A couple of months ago, I went fishing with a buddy of mine, we pulled
his boat into the dock. I lifted this big ol' stringer of bass, this idiot on
the dock goes; "You catch all them fish?" "Nope. Talked em into givin' up"
Here's Your Sign
I was out in the front yard, with my boy the other day and he was playing with his little friend, and he hit his friend, and I went up to him and said, "Hey! *smack* We don't hit" He looked at me like... "Here's your sign dad"
Travis Tritt: (chorus)
Why can't they get the picture
Why don't they understand
We're not dealing with the planet of apes
We're talkin' 'bout the modern man
So you people with them itsy, bitsy, tinsy, wentsy, tiny minds
Here's Your Sign
Here's Your Sign
Bill Engvall:
I was watching one of those animal shows on the discover channel There was a guy inventing a shark bite suit. There's only one way to test that. "Alright Jimmy, you got that shark suit on. looks gooood. They want you to jump in this pool of sharks, and you tell us it hurts when they bite you" "Well Alright, hold my sign, I don't wanna lose it."
Travis Tritt: (chorus)
Why can't they get the picture
Why don't they understand
We're not dealing with the planet of apes
We're talkin' 'bout the modern man
So you people with them itsy, bitsy, tinsy, wentsy, tiny minds
Here's Your Sign
Here's Your Sign
Bill Engvall:
Last summer I was on my way home, I was driving around, I had a flat tire, I pulled my truck into those side-of-the-road gas stations, the attendent walks out, looks at my truck, looks at me, and I swear to god he went,"Tire go flat?" I couldn't resist.
I said "Nope, no- I was driving around and all of a sudden the other 3 just swelled right up on me" Here's Your Sign
Travis Tritt: (chorus)
Why can't they get the picture
Why don't they understand
We're not dealing with the planet of apes
We're talkin' 'bout the modern man
So you people with them itsy, bitsy, tinsy, wentsy, tiny minds
People with them little bitty, teny, weeny, tiny minds
Here's Your Sign
Bill Engvall:
We were trying to sell our car about a year ago, guy comes over to the house, drove the car round for about 45 minutes. We get back to the house, he gets out of the car, reaches down and grabs the exhaust pipe. He goes, "Damn that's hot!"
See if he'd been wearing a sign, I could have stopped him.
Valley View Cache
We hit a geocache this weekend at home. It ain't the Colorado mountains, but it is a beautiful Tennessee valley vista!
Riding the Gondola Again
After hanging out in Telluride for a bit, we were gettin' ready to hop back on the gondolas and head to the truck to head home! Look at the marvelous mountains in the background! Awesome!
Worm Poop Cleanup Master
He, he, he - Long story short is that Cindy and Jim had bait in the cooler that dumped over - so Doreen's job was to clean all the 'worm poop' off everything in the cooler before we used it! :)
The Phantom of What or I'm Just a Simple Man
Ok - so what is the deal with the Phantom of the Opera? Can someone please explain it to me? I DON'T, DO NOT, IN ANYWAY understand that crazy thing.
Yeah - it's a screwball love triangle - I got that. But I don't understand the goofy songs, and what is with the 2 dirty old guys who buy the opera house? and why does the 'Phantom' take for granted that Christine would want him after all his psychotic actions? Of course that explains much of it - he's just psycho!!!
Why do people think this movie is 'all that?' Can someone please help me understand. I was 'BORED' to tears watching it last night and frankly - just don't understand it! At all.
Help??!!
No wait - I don't need help - I really don't care. It's one of those 'artsy fartsy' things that don't make much sense and 'many people' for some 'strange' reason really really enjoys.
I get simple things. Family, sports you know, and many other simple enjoyable things!
Oh well, tonight we watch either the "Saint" or "Master and Commander." Something that I'll enjoy!
Have a terrific Tuesday!
:)
Yeah - it's a screwball love triangle - I got that. But I don't understand the goofy songs, and what is with the 2 dirty old guys who buy the opera house? and why does the 'Phantom' take for granted that Christine would want him after all his psychotic actions? Of course that explains much of it - he's just psycho!!!
Why do people think this movie is 'all that?' Can someone please help me understand. I was 'BORED' to tears watching it last night and frankly - just don't understand it! At all.
Help??!!
No wait - I don't need help - I really don't care. It's one of those 'artsy fartsy' things that don't make much sense and 'many people' for some 'strange' reason really really enjoys.
I get simple things. Family, sports you know, and many other simple enjoyable things!
Oh well, tonight we watch either the "Saint" or "Master and Commander." Something that I'll enjoy!
Have a terrific Tuesday!
:)
Monday, September 12, 2005
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Aaaahhhhh - Good weekend, and it ain't even over!
It has been nice being home with little or nothing to do. I mean, we've got stuff we could do around here...
...clean leaves off the sidewalk
...Move the dirt in the driveway island
...move dirt around the garage
...bring mulch in for flowerbeds
...weedwack
...etc
But we've just decided to take it easy before I get back to work - and what a blessing that has been.
Friday we took the mail up to Doreen's folks and spent the night then to church. While up there we sat, relaxed and talke and read. I finished Clive Cussler's book, "Sahara." I tell ya, it's no wonder he's suing the movie company for the flick they man. It in a very, VERY small way resembles the book. Of course the book is a bunch, BUNCH better!
Went to church, potluck then hit 4 geocaches. Natalie fell asleep after the 2nd one, so we mostly left her sitting in the car for the last two. We were very close to the caches anyway.
Last night the girls, all three of them, crashed early, so I stayed up and watched Matrix Reloaded. Not NEAR as good as the original Matrix, but a good movie nonetheless.
Today, we're chillin a bit. Gotta go to Wal-mart to have some pics made for Doreen's Uncle who will be celebrating his 70th b-day next Sunday. We'll drive over to NC to spend the day with them as they celebrate.
Hopin to get some NFL watchin' in today as well. Yeah baby. Oh - by the way, Pigskin Pics' '05 has begun. It'll be interesting to see what happens. I've been the family champ for the last 3 years. I'd love to make it a 4-peat. He, he, he!
Dreading, DREADING going back to work tomorrow. I'm gonna make today last as long as possible before returning to certain stress and much discontent!
Looking forward to next weekend already!
Have a GREAT day!
...clean leaves off the sidewalk
...Move the dirt in the driveway island
...move dirt around the garage
...bring mulch in for flowerbeds
...weedwack
...etc
But we've just decided to take it easy before I get back to work - and what a blessing that has been.
Friday we took the mail up to Doreen's folks and spent the night then to church. While up there we sat, relaxed and talke and read. I finished Clive Cussler's book, "Sahara." I tell ya, it's no wonder he's suing the movie company for the flick they man. It in a very, VERY small way resembles the book. Of course the book is a bunch, BUNCH better!
Went to church, potluck then hit 4 geocaches. Natalie fell asleep after the 2nd one, so we mostly left her sitting in the car for the last two. We were very close to the caches anyway.
Last night the girls, all three of them, crashed early, so I stayed up and watched Matrix Reloaded. Not NEAR as good as the original Matrix, but a good movie nonetheless.
Today, we're chillin a bit. Gotta go to Wal-mart to have some pics made for Doreen's Uncle who will be celebrating his 70th b-day next Sunday. We'll drive over to NC to spend the day with them as they celebrate.
Hopin to get some NFL watchin' in today as well. Yeah baby. Oh - by the way, Pigskin Pics' '05 has begun. It'll be interesting to see what happens. I've been the family champ for the last 3 years. I'd love to make it a 4-peat. He, he, he!
Dreading, DREADING going back to work tomorrow. I'm gonna make today last as long as possible before returning to certain stress and much discontent!
Looking forward to next weekend already!
Have a GREAT day!
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Home Again - Jiggity Jog OR Coincidences
Hello once again from Tennessee.
We're back home. It was, and is always great visiting and traveling, but it is also very, VERY nice to sleep in ones own bed etc.
We had the most awesome trip! It was wonderful visiting with my family there in Colorado. Glad my Sis took a week off to hang with us. I sure enjoyed playing 'motorcross' with my Bro-in-law. (Right up to the time I hit a jump, got big air and landed flat and severely jammed my wrist!) Visiting my other sister and husband at a lake on Grand Mesa was very, VERY cool! And just hanging with my Mom and Grandma was just, nice!
A couple of days before leaving I actually had a quick thought of work, and it made me sick to my stomach! Aarrgh! Not looking forward to that. Not to mention that one of my guys called and some 'funny business' has been going on - lost one computer and 2 hard drives off another - among other things just has me dreading my return on Monday.
But for now, we've got a couple of days off here at home to rest and recouperate and to get things back in order after being gone for a couple of weeks.
The trip back went extremely well. We had a quick flight from Montrose to Denver. I slept the entire way. The flight between Denver and Chicago O'hare was great and Natalie slept the whole way. We got into Chicago 20 min early and had to sit on the tarmac waiting for the other plane to back out of the gate so we could have it! :) Oh well.
Got some fries and a lemonade for a snack with some dried fruit we had in our back and then got some wiggles out riding a nearby escalator. (Alligator according to Natalie! He, he, he!) We boarded our Chicago to Knoxville plane and then about 15 minutes later the Captain came on and said, "Welcome to United Air Lines flight 8082 from Chicago to Knoxville, and that's ALL I know about this flight."
Turns out Chicago O'Hare, that day, had implemented some new baggage, fueling, and turnaround flight procedures and so there we sat for an hour with our luggage sitting on a cart outside, no fuel in the plane and a flight crew with no paperwork.
Finally they loaded us up with fuel and luggage, then we took off and Joelle and I slept the whole way back to Tennessee.
While I was getting out stuff at the baggage return, Doreen called her folks who are in town this week - and who were just getting back from a trip visiting their other daughter and family in Minnesota - to see where they were and if we could hook up for supper. (We were dying for a real meal!!! **GRIN**) Turns out they were passing the airport at that exact moment on their return trip, so we loaded up super quick and met them at one of our favorite mexican resturants and had a delicious meal and caught up with them on everything from their trip and ours.
When we finished we headed home and just practically crashed!
Today we've gotta do some grocery shopping, get the mail and etc!
It was a good vacation - and it's good to be home!
It's good, it's all GOOOOD!
We're back home. It was, and is always great visiting and traveling, but it is also very, VERY nice to sleep in ones own bed etc.
We had the most awesome trip! It was wonderful visiting with my family there in Colorado. Glad my Sis took a week off to hang with us. I sure enjoyed playing 'motorcross' with my Bro-in-law. (Right up to the time I hit a jump, got big air and landed flat and severely jammed my wrist!) Visiting my other sister and husband at a lake on Grand Mesa was very, VERY cool! And just hanging with my Mom and Grandma was just, nice!
A couple of days before leaving I actually had a quick thought of work, and it made me sick to my stomach! Aarrgh! Not looking forward to that. Not to mention that one of my guys called and some 'funny business' has been going on - lost one computer and 2 hard drives off another - among other things just has me dreading my return on Monday.
But for now, we've got a couple of days off here at home to rest and recouperate and to get things back in order after being gone for a couple of weeks.
The trip back went extremely well. We had a quick flight from Montrose to Denver. I slept the entire way. The flight between Denver and Chicago O'hare was great and Natalie slept the whole way. We got into Chicago 20 min early and had to sit on the tarmac waiting for the other plane to back out of the gate so we could have it! :) Oh well.
Got some fries and a lemonade for a snack with some dried fruit we had in our back and then got some wiggles out riding a nearby escalator. (Alligator according to Natalie! He, he, he!) We boarded our Chicago to Knoxville plane and then about 15 minutes later the Captain came on and said, "Welcome to United Air Lines flight 8082 from Chicago to Knoxville, and that's ALL I know about this flight."
Turns out Chicago O'Hare, that day, had implemented some new baggage, fueling, and turnaround flight procedures and so there we sat for an hour with our luggage sitting on a cart outside, no fuel in the plane and a flight crew with no paperwork.
Finally they loaded us up with fuel and luggage, then we took off and Joelle and I slept the whole way back to Tennessee.
While I was getting out stuff at the baggage return, Doreen called her folks who are in town this week - and who were just getting back from a trip visiting their other daughter and family in Minnesota - to see where they were and if we could hook up for supper. (We were dying for a real meal!!! **GRIN**) Turns out they were passing the airport at that exact moment on their return trip, so we loaded up super quick and met them at one of our favorite mexican resturants and had a delicious meal and caught up with them on everything from their trip and ours.
When we finished we headed home and just practically crashed!
Today we've gotta do some grocery shopping, get the mail and etc!
It was a good vacation - and it's good to be home!
It's good, it's all GOOOOD!
Friday, September 02, 2005
What an Awesome Way to End a Week!!!
We just got back from the Ouray Hot Spring pool. Man, was it so worth it! For an hour and a half we just relaxed in complete comfort and peace. Of course my daughters, the little dolphins they are, were jumping, flipping, floating, diving and just using up incredible amounts of energy - but having a blast!!! We got there a bit earlier than we have before and it was just marvelous to lay in a warm pool (about 98 degrees) and look up at the grandure of the mountains all around. Wooowww!
It was very, VERY nice. I must say.
Actually, it's been a great week altogether. I'm not missing work one bit! :)
Lets see, we've been golfing twice, bowling once. (You ought to see cute little Natalie after she's 'rolled' the ball down the alley, push herself back on her knees to the starting line to wait again for the ball to be returned.) We've gone geocachin a couple of times and up to Grand Junction to the Kid Plex and Olive Garden. One morning we just chilled and swung on the tree rope then jumped on the trampoline. We've watched a few movies, new and old, took naps and generally had a wonderful time visiting family here in Colorado.
We've only got a few days left, so we're going to try to make the most of it - but yet - not wear ourselves out! Got lots to do after we return home to Tennessee.
Gotta tell ya a cute story about my daughters tonight at supper. We're trying to teach them to be discrete about burps and toots and to politely say excuse me. Well, for some odd reason at the dinner table, Natalie burped and Joelle tooted at the same time. They both, at the same time, politely said excuse me then promptly got into an argument about who did what! It was at the same time, agravating and hilarious!
Kids - funny, funny, funny!
Have a blessed weekend all! :)
It was very, VERY nice. I must say.
Actually, it's been a great week altogether. I'm not missing work one bit! :)
Lets see, we've been golfing twice, bowling once. (You ought to see cute little Natalie after she's 'rolled' the ball down the alley, push herself back on her knees to the starting line to wait again for the ball to be returned.) We've gone geocachin a couple of times and up to Grand Junction to the Kid Plex and Olive Garden. One morning we just chilled and swung on the tree rope then jumped on the trampoline. We've watched a few movies, new and old, took naps and generally had a wonderful time visiting family here in Colorado.
We've only got a few days left, so we're going to try to make the most of it - but yet - not wear ourselves out! Got lots to do after we return home to Tennessee.
Gotta tell ya a cute story about my daughters tonight at supper. We're trying to teach them to be discrete about burps and toots and to politely say excuse me. Well, for some odd reason at the dinner table, Natalie burped and Joelle tooted at the same time. They both, at the same time, politely said excuse me then promptly got into an argument about who did what! It was at the same time, agravating and hilarious!
Kids - funny, funny, funny!
Have a blessed weekend all! :)
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