Cut and Run

I really have to be careful these days. Trying to put the best spin on my crappy exist.. situation I find my tolerance level hovering near and sometimes below, the zero level.

Have an old acquaintance that consistantly tells me I am wrong when I attempt to explain a computer or software problem. He does not know any more than I do since his is a completely different Operating System. There are days I sit on my hands before I email him back. I know the so called "problem" with him is nothing, what I am concerned about is my fuse length. Just had a light bulb moment, I am doing better with Mom, so maybe just redirecting some of the anger..As long as I get rid of it in some form or fashion, that is the main thing for my health!! Feel better already.

I have downloaded some pictures to use in my new project that I am calling Sharon's Pastel Period. Hoping to find a small drafting style work table. There were a couple at an auction some time past but I did not know then I would be in the market for one. Surely one will show up soon. I have a friend who puts her desires out in the universe and she usually gets what she asked for sooner or later. It has worked for her on jobs, furniture and a steady BF, so hey, guess I need to give it a shot!

Hope

I hope the election in Iraq turns the corner for the Iraqi people.

May all our troops everywhere stay safe.

I decided to add one more "something" to do to my list. Went to Dick Blick's online store and ordered some pastels and a pad. Periodically I have dabbled in "arty" things. In fact, downstairs on a wall in the living room, Mom has an oil I did while in Germany. Speaking of art supplies, I was in Michaels and they were trying to move left over art boxes from Christmas. Almost bought one for my granddaughter but decided I had better checkd with her mother first. She said it would be OK so I hope they are still available. They had four different mediums in them.

*Bookcrossing

After reading the library post at Is There Anything of Interest I went snoop looking for the site mentioned in a response. Just what I needed, something else to take up my time so I can avoid writing. Heh

It really did look like a fun thing to do. I joined but am not ready to release a book in the wild. Then I found they have groups across the country that have meetings and there is one in San Antonio that meets the 1st Friday of the month. I will try to make that one in March if my trip south goes as planned. My DIL will be in San Antonio at the time and I will try to take her as they have groups in Germany where she resides. This could be really interesting.

I also checked to see what is going on in Neveragainland (Nebraska) and found books that had been released in the wild in Lincoln at a couple of my favorite places. Mainly the Haymarket area generally and at The Mill (coffee shop with a great selection of on premise roasted beans) specifically.

*http://www.bookcrossing.com/

The White Stuff Again

Woke up to snow. Quite depressing.

I have been doing some editing on my writing. Now, if I can just add some pages. I must get the coffee going and get the brain in gear.



Later: Had my coffee, shower, lunch is started and I will do something different with the rest of the day!

Truffles

All of a sudden I have this craving for truffles..really good truffles. In the Eighties, there was a Swiss born couple who came to Rockport and started a candy shop. They made very, very good truffles.

On my way back down to Denver after a business trip to Vale, I stopped in a little town that may have been called Georgetown, but hey, who knows, would have to get a map and check it out. Anyway, found a teensy, tiny little sweets shop and the truffles there were wonderful!

Wonder just what kind of truffles I can find in Nebraska....hmmmmm

It Was Nice - Part 2

My ex-hubby and I would go there for our birthdays and our anniversary. On numerous occasions Joe would send a bottle of our favorite wine to the table. Which, in those days, was a Valpolichela.
Joe’s partner was named Nick and he ran the kitchen end. They had an appetizer called Pisano’s Shrimp that was to die for. I have come close to replicating it a couple of times, but never “on the money”.

They opened another restaurant next door in an old Victorian House called La Provence. It was so cool. My favorite there was the sweetbreads and for dessert, a soufflé.

After they had been in business for a couple of years, I sent a flower arrangement on their anniversary. The next time we were in, Joe comped the whole meal saying “Now, I don’t owe you.” I had to laugh, the old country Italian code does not die.

My ex and I went overseas and we were gone four years. The next time we showed up, I said to Joe, “I don’t know if you remember...” and that was all the further I got..He said, “yes, you have been gone for four years or so, you drink Valpolichela and like Veal Marsala.” No come back for that..

La Provence is gone. The main restaurant that started it all (Pisanos), may still be there but they did branch out to other cities and other locations in San Antonio. They were in Corpus for a couple of years and then it closed there. I believe they still may be in Houston. There is one near the Quarry in San Antonio. I know Nick died a long time ago, and think Joe may have too. Now, the food is good but without the personal touch, it is not the same.
But the early years in the original location were such fun. If you were in there late finishing up a meal, you never knew who, in the local political scene might show up. The guys who were pedaling wine would be there and Nick would come out from the kitchen and sit with them. I am sure there were locals that had unsavory pasts and who knows about their present employment, in attendance. The veal came from Chicago..'nuff said there.

As an onlooker, it was fun and I miss it.

A Day Out

It is suppose to get to 60 degress today! So, for the first time since Dec. 23rd, I am going to get Out Of Town..whooeee! Of course our weather will start to deteriorate tomorrow but I am grateful for today.

I have three places to run errands at and am talking myself out of a wonderful lunch at Macaroni's, and going to Paneras instead. I will feel just as "treated" but will spend less $$. May even take in a movie if I get in gear pretty quick.

I decided to tell Mom yesterday I was going to Lincoln today. Normally I do not tell her until shortly before I leave. Sure enough, she said " I was going to get you to take me to the Terrace tomorrow, but since you are going to Lincoln, I guess not". Lord, do not ever let me try and manipulate my kiddos, whatever the situation.

A lot of the snow will disappear today and that is a good thing.

It Was Nice

I sat down to start reading a new mystery novel, Entombed by Linda Fairstein, that takes place in New York City. The couple is going to a favorite Italian restaurant and the woman mentions that she likes it because the food is great and, as a regular, she is treated like family.

That brought back old memories when I lived in San Antonio. We had the Hemisfair in 1968 and I spent a lot of time there (mostly eating and listening to music) after taking in most of the sights and being a tour guide to family and friends that came in town for a tour.

There were a couple of guys that had an Italian mini restaurant on location. They had been doing the World’s Fair circuit for several years and after this one finished, were tired and wanted to stay in one place.

I was working for an insurance agency part-time. One of our clients owned the building these fellows rented to open their first place. So I just had to go the week it opened.

There is a lot more to this story that I may finish in a couple of days, but the point here is Joe, the “main” guy out front would remember who you were, and after a while, what you liked to drink and eat. A European trait in the restaurant business for just “down home” regular folks. Something we were not use to.

It was nice.

Goal

I am in the process of trying to change habits..Eat better and less, exercise more but certainly having a tough go of it..Need to find my Rocky Mountain jeans..just make my goal to get back into them whether it is more muscle or less fat..

Wonder what It Was

It was nice to have some kind of fish...but I am not sure just what this was..so will call it the mystery fish..It will be back to the seafood market in Lincoln when this package is gone. It is a hard place to get to with normal traffic and weather but will attempt it sometime in the near future.

If you like fish and live where you have reasonable access to it, be sure and put it on your blessings list.

Fish & Speakers

I have been hungry for any kind of fish. Finally purchased some frozen Mahi Mahi from Schwan's
yesterday. Will be fixing some today.

I really miss the access to fresh fish and shrimp in my other life. Maybe one day it will happen again.

#1 Son called last night. We finally meandered onto the subject of speakers. This is another "some day" want. A pair of Klipsch bookcase speakers. The ones I lusted after years ago are no longer produced. I am a little scared of trying to buy some from eBay but I do see vintage ones for sale.

Time to head to the kitchen.

Trains

The railroad tracks runs on the north side of town with three crossing within a mile. The train whistles blow for each crossing, and I swear, extra toots. I have not counted the number of trains that pass through in a 24 hour period. But there are several. I have noticed the whistles are different and the "styles" that they are blown are different. One would think in this automated day and age it would all be the same. Possibly each line has a different one. Anyway, I am glad they are different for when I do pay attention.

Made me wonder about the old days and these lyrics.

The midnight train is whining low
I'm so lonesome I could cry.

Starting

It may be a little early for taxes but Mom's records are in various and sundry paper bags for all of 2004. I spent several hours yesterday going through them, rounding up all the bank statements and trying to make some semblance of order. Working on this because I hope to be in Texas for most of March and that is when the tax guy comes by..He is an old classmate of mine, but I am not real sure about his ethics. Mom has used him for years so will probably do so again.

I had not taken care of my Sales Tax info when I left Texas. An email from a friend who was doing hers alerted me to check mine. Hopefully will get that finished when I get back down to San Antonio.




martini

Nose Dive

My mood is taking a nose dive today. Not sure just why but received an email from a friend yesterday and this is the day her hubby and the ex s.o. usually meet for breakfast. That is a weekly event and I try to ignore it most weeks, just not doing it today. I suppose I could choose different feelings, but hey, think I will give myself a five minute pity party then move on.

Not Exactly Right

In a previous post I bemoaned the fact that there was only a shower available. That is not exactly correct. There is a tub, but due to its location (upstairs) and the condition of the pipes (80+ years old) it remains unusable.

It is a wonderful old tub. Covered cast iron sitting on a base, not feet. And I remember when I could take a bath in it, years ago. A six footer (I am not) would be at ease in it. From mid point up the slanted back it is well over five feet to the end. Ah, if I could do it one more time with a cold martini (lets make this summer time) that would be a joy.

Jump Right In

I certainly need to get back on track with some sort of writing. Here are a couple of paragraphs. If anyone is in a critiquing mood, please jump in..Comments or email most welcome.

sfinds2003 at yahoo com

It was late afternoon with the sun already gone. A chill was in the air. The mountains were not high so a few rays still lit up the ridge where autumn prowled among the trees. Shedding their leaves like a slow strip tease, they fluttered to the ground. A quickening breeze would fling them back into the air with utter abandonment, only to die and let them settle once again.

Driving on the narrow road that followed the winding river to one of the camping areas, Ramona watched the changing scenery without her normal appreciation. Nature usually called to her in a way that filled her being with peace. It did not matter where she was, as long as it was out of the city. Flat land, dunes, hills, mountains, Ramona could find contentment. Problems did raise their ugly heads, but such was life and work. Being in these mountains should have brought ease, and it would have except for the picture in her head of Joel Thomas, pinned to a tree by a malevolent arrow. The sadness Ramona felt was soul deep.

Thanks

Two Things that Happened From Being a Mom

I had five children in seven years...I know..stupid..(but they were all non-refundable, I swear)..Because of that fact, I started eating fast. The desire to finish a meal without jumping up was an all encompassing desire. It was one that certainly wasn't realized many, many times, but I kept practicing. The problem is after they survivedgrew up, my eating speed did not change. I whip through a meal with Mom in record time and ready to get back to my computer, book or TV. Of course, not wanting to be here doesn't help that little scenario, either.

I have read lots of books over the years (but don't ask what the plot was in any of them). One time I decided to read three books at a time. One in the bathroom, naturally, one by the sofa and one on the night stand and the rule was, you could not move them from there designated area. Well, I found out that you will go potty, nap? or sit down just to keep a good story going.

My other fond memory of being a Mom was the times I would lock my self in the bathroom, draw a bubble bath and have a very large, ice cold martini. Darn, there's only a shower here. "sigh"

Spirit Guide

I am a Bear


Bear Spirit Calls To You ~
Bear is spirit keeper of the West, the place of
darkness, maturity and good harvest. Bears are
active during the night and day. This
symbolizes its connection with solar energy,
that of strength and power, and lunar energy,
that of intuition. The bear holds the teachings
of introspection. When it shows up in your life
pay attention to how you think, act and
interact.

Bear's Wisdom Includes:


*Introspection

*Healing

*Solitude

*Change

*Communication with Spirit

*Birth and rebirth

*Transformation

*Astral travel

*Creature of dreams, shamans and mystics

*Visionaries

*Defense and revenge

*Wisdom


src=http://www.othellobloke.co.uk/Nativemid/danceofthewolf.mid>


Animal Spirit Guides ~ Which One Calls To You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Cold, Colder, Coldest

Was somewhere below zero last night and the "high" today, oh, ummmm, around 4 above. This transplanted Texas gal hates this @#*@! weather...Maybe 45 days left until I head South..

I had plans to write a different type of Blog today but that is down the tubes. The reason----attitude! Saving everyone from real venting.

Going to check out some HMTL, read a little in Strunk and White's The Elements of Style and try to figure out when I can make the next grocery store run. If either vehicle will start. I wouldn't.

Good things today...I am still warm..the Spurs won last night and play Houston tonight...feel fairly healthy..it's the weekend and I have free minutes on my cell phone..the connection to the world.

First Time for Snow

My ex-hubby and his bride took our granddaughter to "see snow". When you are born and raised in San Antonio, it takes a while to ever see the white stuff. She can be a little turkey at times but she is still a cutie-pie.

SNOW

Dreamin'

The highs will be single digits and the lows double digits so I am dreaming of the time I can go back south and fish.

FAVORITE

It is

time to make a list. I am grateful that I am warm, have food, have health. My children care about me. So hang on, sloopy.

God, Another Week

Making the next 60 days or less is sure going to be tough.

The truck would not start yesterday but Mom's Buick did so I could make a bigger grocery store run. Have bad weather on its way again and needed to stock up on some essentials.

Some days talking to a couple of my kids is the only thing that gets me through, as happened yesterday.

Mom has a device to help her hear but she refuses to wear it. I have asked her to so we can have a conversation but she won't. Says it gives her a headache. Well, unless a headache strikes within a minute of putting it in her ear, I don't believe that.

The Wall

Finally got up, just had a wall of depression surrounding me for a while. It is better now. Last night was the first time in a while I just dwelt on my situation here, and, of course, the ex. and what I might be able to do. When you feel that facing the rest of your life alone is all there is, it sometimes gets to you in ways you do not expect. The expected ways are bad enough.

Time

It is time to get some additional housework done. I will take action and not procrastinate on this. Yeah, right!

In doing random reading in the blogosphere I am finding my initial thoughts about the UN are being echoed elsewhere.

I slipped up on my Work in Progress folder when it was least expecting it and did some work ! Possibly may be able to do it again.

Coffee is ready as the aroma has drifted upstairs and I'm more than ready.

Walkin' in the Winter Wonderland

The driveway is cleared but there is still ice underneath. So will make the walk downtown to the Post Office, Bank, City Hall and the grocery store. Hopefully it will be a while before anymore snow developes but probably next week as I see storms moving onto the West coast.

The couple that does the farming for Mom came in to clear the driveway. The folks were so fortunate over the past 30 years to have them. They are kind, caring and HONEST. I just cannot say enough about how great they are.

Keeping the Baby Truck in the garage will save on gas, now if I just quit shopping online....

And What Day is This?

If it is clear and cold, it must be Thursday..yes, cold as a well digger's....well, you get the idea at -5.

I have learned over the years to never say "NEVER", but if there is any way possible, and there is, I won't go through this kind of weather next winter. Must just survive this one.

A couple of creative juices were not completely frozen but now, have too many darn irons in the fire as far as projects started. I must put the word finish back in my vocabulary....maybe my queenly procrastination reign is not over!! Well, I know for a fact it is not over.

Thought about it

Shoveling snow, that is...then heard a news spot about the heart problems etc. and decided that since the Dr. wanted me to take a stress test, will not do it on my own via Mother Natures bountiful snow fall.

I must get over my reign as Queen of Procrastination. There must be a consequence so terrible I move my lazy rear. But wait, surely thoughts of hell...no, already living that..hmmmm give it some more thought...to be continued.

Extended

The winter storm warning has been extended until midnight tonight. Must have at least 6 inches of the white stuff sitting on the back forty. The wind chill below zero. Might as well stay in bed today.

Tonight to be -3. Texas, wherefor art thou?

The Orange Bowl a blow out, which made it not much fun to watch. The Spurs took care of business.

Will it Work?

Thought I would try this...

Your Dominant Intelligence is Linguistic Intelligence

You are excellent with words and language. You explain yourself well. An elegant speaker, you can converse well with anyone on the fly. You are also good at remembering information and convicing someone of your point of view. A master of creative phrasing and unique words, you enjoy expanding your vocabulary. You would make a fantastic poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, or translator.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Yep

Just read about the UN and their efforts for the tsunami afflicted areas. As I thought, thank goodness for the US Military, the Aussies and the Dutch.

Almost Here

The freezing rain is almost at the front door. The local school is not opening today in anticipation of this winter storm.

The coffee is wonderful this morning. A friend gave me a bag of Starbucks Christmas Blend while I was in Texas and it is very, very good. They finally started carrying whole beans at the local grocery store so I don't have to agonize about running out when the weather gets so bad.

I have been staying awake to long and having a rough time getting up. Wondering what does it matter but it feels like I need to get back to a different schedule.

The last of the bowl games tonight. Will have that on the TV and the Spurs on the game channel on the computer. Man, life sure has disintergrated.

Winter Advisory

Some white, icy slick stuff outside my window. Yuk!

The grocery store trip will be on foot today. Chalk it up to exercise.

The verdict is in. Having a TV in the room is way to distracting for my writing project. I must remember there is an OFF button for a reason.

Good Start

In the middle of watching bowl games, I managed to clean off the "desk", make new files, haul out a bag and a half of garbage, clean out my briefcase, and have half a shoe box of papers to run through the shredder. What a Wahoo feeling! Now, if I can keep it straight. At least for a month.

Weather cooling down and part of Ne was under a winter weather advisory. Right now will concentrate on managing the next 60 days.

The only son that is still in the military set to leave again. It just breaks my heart but that has been his life's choice. He has been to Iraq, Bosnia and other places and here he goes again.

Happy New Year

I am ready.