Not mindless precisely, but not exactly overflowing with wisdom, either! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> As far as getting them to work, a bad disposition helps. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> And constant supervision. I'm going to cut rosebushes. They're going to haul branches. I may have them dig up some weeds, too, although the ground is pretty wet. They're going to clean out the Suburban. That'll be good for a couple of hours. Then they can clean house over here, too. Don't worry. I'll think of SOMETHING. And I'll be watching to see that it gets done, too. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

As far as making them think, I've told them more than once that while they're growing up, they're going to learned logic even if the process kills us all. I should've been an attorney. Then I could've done Neaksis' will! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

t&l

I could send them over to you. No, don't thank me. It's no trouble at all. Really! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Well, if you'd come by more often you wouldn't feel so lost! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I get lost in the auto supply store, too, but it's only because I hardly ever go there... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

t&l

Last night, at my nearest grocery store, where I have shopped for years <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />, I went to the office and complained. I couldn't find Malt-o-meal, Tang, ground turkey, or frozen veggie gumbo mixed vegetables. All are staples of my winter groceries. Also, I had trouble finding the dried black beans. They have signs for Mexican food and hispanic food - on the same aisle. But not beans or rice - which are on that aisle, too. Ridiculous. I hear we are getting a new grocery store 2 miles away. Between Costco and Publix and the rumored SuperTarget, I may not need to shop at this store. Only thing is, it's only 3 blocks from my house.

its such a pity tl <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

but I have to fly away far up North into the wilds of WA 1350kms from home and I just can't take kids. Not even Mikey which is really hard for me, and your darlings well what can I do???? I know not fair, but well 'ya gotta do what ya gotta do'. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I guess you will just have to enjoy them ALL by yourself this time. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

SS you are only lost because you are not reading the aisle signs ....
I know!!!!! TL ... SS would [color:"red"] LOVE [/color] to have the kids, I know, I know, SS you are just too bashful to ask for yourself, but NO problemo.... I can do that for [color:"blue"] YOU!!!! [/color] <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

See I am so willing to be help, you don't need to thank me SS <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Yay, I finally sneaked uno momento to come on here and at least tell everyone bye myself. In 5 min I have to be in the shower, so that's all the time I have left to finish getting stuff out of the car.

So have fun, all, and I will probably be able to check in once I get there.

AW, have fun up north.

Cinders, no TANG??????????

SS, everyone is poking fun at you, so you will only get a soothing poor poor SS from me. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The will - FAFLARA!!!!!!!!!

Neak may you and Neaksis have a GREAT time with the trip and that all goes FANTASTIC <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

North will be HOT not nice hot but [color:"red"] HOT [/color]

and can you guess who is coming with me? well no you can't I guess ... its a work mate she happens to be a big friend of mums.. they ...TALK ...insensately or is that insensibly <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

anyway have a good trip <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

It snowed all day yesterday and there was NO accumulation. This morning the roads were covered but that is now gone - unless you live out in the shady hills. Should reach about 40F today and 55F tomorrow.

You'll love this. My calico cat was at the basement door crying to come upstairs. So, when I went to let her in, she ran up quickly. However, the black cat, who was happily upstairs with me, eagerly ran down to the basement. The silly dog is out in the backyard (fenced) eating a stick.

rella sounds like you have your own little production of 'CATS' going at your place. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks AW - sure I'll take the kids.

Bring them over after work T&L, and we'll feed them supper.
Actually, you should have brought them last night - we had Alfredo sauce and veggies over noodles.

Cinders,
What things make you happy?

T&L, it occurred to me that the sisters might like their freedom, and delay their return. Did you get the whole week off?

I got a line on a cheap home for Neak, and using standard construction methods it takes less than a day to build. I know it works, from personal experience.

Two things though -

You need to live in a place where it never gets above freezing.

2. You have to really, really, really like having the kids in the same room with you.


There are two plans - and they have totally different styles.

OK,
Igloos -
First you lay out a circle on the ground, then you start to cut blocks out of the snow.
Our circle was about 7 feet across. Ah - a little more than 2 meters.
You do a row at a time, and you have to hold up the row until it's complete. (Because of the curve)
The blocks are cut on an angle, so they stay in place once the row is finished.
www.outdooroutlet.com/SS/snow/igloo.jpg

Use large blocks, and trim with a large knife as you go.
www.outdooroutlet.com/SS/snow/igloo1.jpg

When it's finished, it looks nice, and cozy. - Uh, well, first you have to cover the floor with polar bear fur.
THEN its cozy.
We used sleeping bags instead, not being close to any polar bears.
www.outdooroutlet.com/SS/snow/igloo3.jpg


Snow Caves -
If you have plenty of snow, you can build a snow cave by just digging a hole in a snow bank. If you don't have plenty, you pile it up with a shovel first.
www.outdooroutlet.com/SS/snow/cave.jpg

After you pile it up....... wait an hour or so, then dig it out.
The snow inside has set up like concrete, and it takes a while to dig a big enough space.
www.outdooroutlet.com/SS/snow/cave1.jpg

In the summer, this is a picnic area in the mountains. In the winter, a nice neighborhood for snow campers.
www.outdooroutlet.com/SS/snow/cave2.jpg

Inside the cave, before we finished leveling it out. It still needed some work.
www.outdooroutlet.com/SS/snow/cave3.jpg

I slept in this snow cave once it was finished. It was lots warmer than it was outside.
3 deg F (-16C) outside
25 deg F (-4C) inside.


So, there you have it. It doesn't need a septic system either - but the plumbing - or lack of it is outdoors.

Remember - as long as it never gets above freezing, you won't smell anything either.

The Dervish would love it.

SS

SS - What things make me happy? My first reaction was - - - "What does she mean? Do I whine that much?"

What makes me happy:

Nature being beautiful

Those sweet, rare moments when something is just perfect

Accomplishing something that has taken a lot of effort

Family time w/ my children when we are all having a good time....yes, that does happen

[color:"purple"]When I check my page and someone new has sponsored me....I will make my goal if 100 people donate $20 to Team in Training as my sponsor so I can walk this half marathon too help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, Hodgkin's disease and other blood cancers[/color]

When my children accomplish something on which they have worked hard

Big bowl of Mocha Brownie Avalanche ice cream

Sleeping late in a sunny room

We have seen the books now. They are beautiful!

We just love the illustrations on the kids' book. Rahab is a "hotey", as Neaksis' oldest spells. Very cute!

The cover for the other book is just lovely, and I liked the back cover, too. My bio was amusing.


Neaksis says, "Smilingly - hah!!!!" <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Our presentation today was as sophisticated as we usually are. Which is to say, not.

They had funny little styrofoam pith helmets, and when we walked up there, the announcer handed us each one. Neaksis set hers jauntily on her short hair, looking perky and cute.

I clowned around for a moment trying to fit it on, since my hair (waist length) was wound up on my head and fastened with a butterfly clip. They laughed when I tried to put it on sideways, but then I was actually trying to put it on, and it still wouldn't go!

Neaksis talked while I tried gamely to wear the hat. It would almost go, but then either slip back and almost fall off, or slip forward and cover my eyes. Finally, Neaksis was running out of things to say, and it still wouldn't go, so I unfastened the clip and tossed my hair loose, plunking the hat on my head. I was vaguely aware of flash photos going off, and I would have felt like a celebrity had it not been for knowing they must have been thinking, "The folks back at home will never believe this if I can't prove it."

I told the most recent Dervish stories, as well as a few about us. My FAVORITE was when I said, "Yes, God keeps us humble. Last night, standing in line at Wal Mart, no one would ever have looked at Neaksis and thought, 'Oh, there is an author, in town to promote her new book,' as she picked up my new bodywash to smell it, and squirted it up her nose."

*snort*

AJ looked so handsome in his new outfit that I picked out for him, but his feet still hurt from yesterday, so he sneaked away and changed a while after we got done.

Then we had lunch with one of the book editors for my book, and learned many things about the world of publishing. Our klutziness continued, but low-key enough he probably didn't notice too much. (Earlier Neaksis and I almost got eaten by the door at the convention place, and I spilled hot water all over trying to make chamomile tea. At lunch we merely dropped pieces of food around, but didn't spit out very many chunks as we talk. Oh, and on the way over there, Neaksis said with dismay, as she rubbed and rubbed on her suit, "I've never made a mess eating animal cookies before....")

We really are a dismal failure as sophisticates.

Then we went to Cabelas, where we were dressed much nicer, and appeared more elite than the everyday shoppers there, same at Wal Mart, so we felt better by comparison. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /><img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

So much to tell, and I need to get ready for bed. Let me close with how, shortly before we planned to leave this morning, I came back to the room carrying AJ's breakfast, to find Neaksis exiting, still in her pajamas, hair sticking up, puffy eyes, and regarding me balefully. I mean, yes, I was supposed to wake her up, but I was SURE I heard her in the shower when I first got up, so I didn't worry about it. While she is lying there in bed, sleeping, but occasionally hearing thumping around. "It feels so late....but surely they will call me.........zzzzzzzzzz........................"

Good night, dear friends. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If that's the same stuff you and your wife made for me when I visited you, then I absolutely won't bring any kids over! Why should I waste food of that caliber on kids who eat boogers? <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />




I might not give this thought so much credence if it hadn't been for the fact that when I talked to Neak at noon, they were out at a restaurant with their publisher, after a morning spent schmoozing and admiring their books. And then after I told Neak to call me when they were done with lunch and had time to visit, when I tried to call several times all afternoon (because THEY never called me back!!!!!!!!), nobody would answer the phone. Either of them. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I kinda like the whole snow cave idea (for someone else!). Maybe living in those temperatures will chill a lot of the juvenile angst that otherwise percolates regularly. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> And I always wondered how you could make curved igloos with rectangular blocks. Not enough to look it up, mind you, but enough to be curious! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I'm exhausted--although if it's any comfort (not much, actually) I think I wore them out too. It's 8:44PM and everybody's been in bed for the last 15 minutes. I've been blessed with childish companionship enough for the day. So there... <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> Can't wait to get back to work so I can get some rest! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

t&l

I have all 6 kids in the same bedroom with me--for enhanced crowd control, you understand--and I see the the Dervish's feet have finally quit twitching, so I think it's safe for me to go to sleep, too.

t&l

So Neak and AJ .........alone in the big city,

AND Neaksis exploring the inner workings of major stores ....

even aloner <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

that is .... NO KIDS....... NO ANKLEBITERS

...... NO RESPONSIBILITIES !!!!!! WOO HOO <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />


and TL you think they are coming home THIS week??????? hehehehe <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

SS - What things make me happy? My first reaction was - - - "What does she mean? Do I whine that much?"


What I was thinking, is that you have a lot to worry about, and perhaps you could use some cheering up. When I think about the things that make me happy, it cheers me up all by it self. Just thinking about them does that. I hope it helped.

What makes me happy:

Nature being beautiful

Those sweet, rare moments when something is just perfect

Accomplishing something that has taken a lot of effort

Family time w/ my children when we are all having a good time....yes, that does happen

[color:"purple"]When I check my page and someone new has sponsored me....I will make my goal if 100 people donate $20 to Team in Training as my sponsor so I can walk this half marathon too help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, Hodgkin's disease and other blood cancers[/color]

When my children accomplish something on which they have worked hard

Big bowl of Mocha Brownie Avalanche ice cream

Sleeping late in a sunny room

I can identify with all of these. It made me happy to read them. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

BTW, you do know I am a guy, right?

That's why I sometimes feel lost on this aisle.

You made me laugh though, I admit that.

SS

and I see the the Dervish's feet have finally quit twitching, so I think it's safe for me to go to sleep, too.

He, He, He. I'll have to remember that one.

When their feet stop twitching, it's safe.

Is this something you just know, or did you learn it by trial, and error?

SS

SS - You know, I know that in some pokenuke (or something like that) of my rattly little brain. It's just that I couldn't hear you very well with all the noise and the light's really dim in here so I just took a stab at it.


<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />


So, if my list made you that happy, get busy and go sponsor me. You will be helping to find a cure for the person who will be diagnosed in less than 5 minutes.

You know, I do have a lot to worry about sometimes but I am so blessed. Twice I have been in an accident and shut my eyes because I was waiting to die. And twice I have walked away under my own power. My children are healthy though there have been three teenagers tangential to our family that have died in the last 12 months. Less than 18 months ago, my sister quit speaking to me. My x moved out about 3 days after my 39th birthday, leaving me with a 4 year old and a 2 year old. But, we are healthy. We have what we need - though we don't have all that we want. We have medical care. We have a place to live. We have our freedom. And my 16 year old's friends are puzzled that, although she gripes about me sometimes, she will tell them she likes me and enjoys being with me.

LIFE IS SWEET.

[color:"blue"]NOW, EVERYONE WHO THINKS THEY HAVE IT GOOD - AT LEAST, FOR THE MOST PART - GET OVER THERE AND SPONSOR ME.[/color]

If you can't figure out how to do it, let me know.

Have a question.....if Frank Sinatra was recording 'Fly Me To the Moon' now, would he need to wear a diaper in the recording studio?

<img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <--- me