Hi Mimi....

I'm having a hard time understanding why anyone would love ironing. It is the epitome of boring to me. I was even thinking that if I gave up cotton I wouldn't have to iron so much.

I thought you had the computer issue resolved. Are you just having to reload your software on your new hard drive?

I have one big flower bed next to the front walk that I want to plant with perennials, which I hope to get from DIL's mom. I have a smaller bed under the big dogwood tree in my front yard that I've populated with Begonias and Impatiens. They are doing really good, I think the soil here is conducive to plant growth. I need to take a couple of pictures and post here. I'm really proud of my garage and big window mirror projects, as well as the flowers I've gotten growing. I miss being able to share these things with WW.

Apparently DIL's M has los interest in her yard work and is considering moving into a townhouse. She has gotten so engrossed in square dancing that this has become her passion, which was formerly her yard. She has told me to come get whatever I want, and she has a beautfiul yard. I think (I say with a whisper) that she has found a MAN at her square dance club that has captivated her. She giggles like a teenager when you ask her about him. She spent so many years taking such good care of her H (about 10 years with Parkinson's) that I think it is great if she is able to have a meaningful R to enjoy.

Mimi...I'm not sure it is becoming of a GODDESS to curse and flick Japanese Beetles. Did you have on your pink sunglasses?

Georgia

Georgia:

I would say give up cotton or have your shirts laundered. That's what I did! I can't understand the love of ironing either. However, I love to watch him happily doing it! I even bought him a new PROFESSIONAL iron and PRETTY ironing board cover. REALLY, no kidding... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

YEP! I working on reloading the software, getting her back to life with all our music and games... Entertainment is crucial these days...

You are brave to have that huge mirror.... However, I know you are proud of yourself in having completed that project.

That is so "neat" about the lady who has taken up square dancing and has found a new beau. She's testimony to how there is life after 50. She sounds like a GODDESS!!!

About flicking and cursing the beetles, BTW. I actually don't feel comfortable using curse words. Can calling them "devilish" be labeled as cursing? Also, to be honest, "flicking" has not involved actual use of my fingers which would be too YUCKY! There has been shaking of the tree limbs and use of small sticks. I really can't bear to be near them for long so I rush inside.....

LATER....

Mimi...

I just don't think I can give up my cotton shirts. Never thought about having them laundered. I called a local laundry, they are $1.70 each for laundering and pressing. Does that sound about right?

However, I will probably just keep doing it myself, but it is terribly boring.

Re DIL's Mom. She is definitely a high energy lady, I could certainly never keep up with her. She's about 70, her and H were married just over 50 years. You may remember he died last July, the same night #1S came in at 3:00 AM and found me and WW fighting about OM.

But...she had cared for him at home for about 10 years. DIL helped a lot until she left to go to college (and got married). She was hardly ever able to go anywhere, including church. So...when he died it's like she's got all this energy stored up. I too think it is wonderful that she has met someone and is enjoying life. I think sometimes she feels guilty, but she certainly demonstrated unconditional love (much like COACH's thread) and she (IMO) has absolutely nothing to apologize for.

On the beetle issue...perhaps you could just point at them and say "curse you beetle"...I would hope you don't use profanity around H's delicate foliage that he lovingly tends for you.

I took some guests to lunch today and still haven't written my autobiography...

On the work front. I've been tasked with some long term projects (6 months - year) that I'm looking forward to working on. I like long term stuff better than this put out the fires on a daily basis stuff.

I'll probably be traveling to TX a bit and spending some quality time with the FAA.

Georgia

Georgia,

Was your WW ironing your shirts?

Mine would often promise ... saying "... and I'll even iron your shirts!" But, in 6.5 years, she ironed about 6 shirts total. It was always my job to iron my own. Sometimes I even ironed stuff for her or DD. But mostly we just went around looking wrinkled.

-AD

AD -

No, she didn't iron. I've always ironed my own shirts. However, she did do the laundry. I haven't done a load of laundry since we married, but I've always done my own ironing.

Is there any kind of additive you can use to help cotton to be less wrinkled when it comes out of the dryer?

Georgia

Okay, enough work for today. I'm going to write an autobiography in about 30 minutes.

Thanks for reminding me, Georgia:



He's tending the flowers for me? Is that why he wants me to OOH and AAH at his arrangements? I know ADMIRATION NEED. The arrangements really are pretty. I love them. But the OOHing and AAHing.... HE LOVES IT!

BTW, as I was typing this, he brought in a vase of FLOWERS from the yard.. I OOHED AND AAHED and even smooched a bit! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

About the shirts! My vote is for the laundry. Will be life-changing for you, giving you more time to do fun things. Plus, they will do a better job. Ask for MEDIUM STARCH....

MIMI....

Of course he's tending the flowers for you!! Surely you know this by now. It is how he is showing you he loves you. Remember..."a man of action"? He brings you a vase of fresh cut flowers that he planted for YOU, he tended for YOU, and he cut for YOU. You need to OOH and AHH shamelessly.

I still remember how excited I would get when I would cut a fresh rose for WW, leave it on her vanity in a little silver vase, next to a chocolate kiss and note that said "I Love You". I also remember equally well ANY disparaging remarks she made about the flowers, such as telling me that when she looked at the rose bed she saw the weeds that needed to be pulled.

Even though I still enjoy working in flower beds right now...it is no where nearly as exhilirating as doing it to show off for WW.

OOOHHHH and AAHHHH and reward him well.....

I'll consider your comments on the shirts....

Georgia

Have you tried Downy's Wrinkle releaser? Spray it on when you take it out of hte dryer, hang it up, and it is *supposed* to virtually hang the wrinkles out...I think it does a pretty good job, but light ironing is still needed....

Okay, thanks SHMI...I'll give it a try.

I can't help but noticing that when WW did the laundry, the clothes had SOME wrinkles. But now that I'm doing them, they look like they've been waded into a ball when I take them out of the dryer and they can't possibly be worn until I iron them.

Maybe she used the Downy stuff.

Thanks

Another trick is take the especially wrinkled shirts out while they are still warm (hot?) and hang them up...including buttoning at least the top bottom...

Writing a brief autobiography is great therapy....however, it is very sad too. Brings back lots of memories of the "good" years.

Good Morning to all -

I finished writing my autobiography before I left work yesterday. That was a bit of an emotional experience that I hadn’t expected.

We wrapped up training a little early last night. So, I ran by the grocery store and I still had about a ½ hour of daylight left. So, I decided I’d go over and take Reggie his basketball.

I went up and knocked on the door. Reggie came to the door, and I was standing there with a big bag with a basketball in it. He was so excited! He said “Hey, Mr. Georgia!!! How did you know it was my birthday?” I had no idea it was his birthday, but he was really excited about the basketball. He asked if I could stay and shoot some hoops, so I did. We had a nice time.

I asked about Tackwon and Shaq. He told me that they poured syrup (?) in his hair and that his mom said they weren’t his friends, so they’re not allowed to come there anymore. So...it appears Reggie is totally without friends now.

Anyway, he was excited to see me again. I really need to stop by and see him more often.

GOOD MORNING MIMI...

Georgia

Georgia,

Just wanted to say you are a good man - you are making a VERY big impression on that little boy's life.

Regards,

Brit's Brat

Your relationship with Reggie touches my heart. You are making such a difference in his life. Your effect on him will be far-reaching into the future.

Everything happens for a reason....

What if you had not moved into that house beside Reggie?

What if you had not shown up yesterday? Just think how special it was that you did show up.....

This will effect Reggie's relationship with his neighbors when he grows up...

AWESOME.......

Thanks B.B and Mimi....

Part of what we studied in CASA last night had to do with "generational poverty". We talked about the likelihood of a child raised in poverty continuing in poverty, with there being several catalysts which can break the cycle. One is a clear and obtainable goal (which Reggie doesn't have at this point). Another is an outsider who can educate the child that he can make decisions that will impact his future.

Perhaps that is what got me to thinking about Reggie last night (subconsciously). I too am glad that I went back by there. I sometimes think of Reggie as growing up and getting into the wrong crowd, and I find that troubling. He is such a sweet & kind little kid. All he needs is someone to love him and guide him. I'm not really sure that my cursory involvement in his life is enough to make a significant impact.

I could use some help weeding that front flower bed I was talking about yesterday. Perhaps Reggie's mom would let him come over and do that to earn some money.

I'm really concerned that Reggie learn the connection between "work" and "money". I don't really think that is part of his mentality. I'm sure ii's not his Mom's intent, but as she is "retired" and stays home all day, I don't think there is anyone to model for him where money comes from.

Mimi...there are so many "what if's" in my life right now. It's hard to describe. I've found myself getting more and more sensitive over the years (with age), but now everything seems so heightened. Does that make any sense? While at Reggies, it really impacted me as I stood and looked at the apartment. Silly as it's been less than a month since I moved out. There's now only Reggie, but the cop and his W next door. And now Mrs. Reese. All the "what ifs".

Perhaps I need to double the Lexapro.

Georgia

Georgia:

HAVE FUN NO MATTER WHAT!!!

Better yet, GO FOR A WALK!

I did a 45 minute WALK/JOG yesterday. I'm working on 45 minutes of jogging. I told my H that before he knows it I'll be running a marathon... trying to catch up with OPRAH! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

By the way....WW and I had our first date 31 years ago today.

We always did something special on this day, I would usually get her flowers and take her to dinner.

Georgia

I suggest that you continue to do something special in commemoration of this day. That is, if YOU want to! How about a new shrub?

May be a good idea...I was thinking of a Chinese dinner tonight. The shrub would be less fattening.

I think I'll walk Jeb over to the park this evening. I found out that during the summer it stays open until 8:00 PM.

The yard needs mowing but I'm not in much of a yard working mood right now, think I'll do something a little special. Maybe watch a movie tonight and relax after a walk to the park.

Have a good evening.

Georgia