Lady By The Water

It's now 4:30am and we are still going. I know I gripe about my daughter sometimes but the woman is a maniac. If she ever has to organize her own house she'll do just fine thank you. She has packed so many boxes it is incredible. I am cleaning the kitchen and just now taking a break. I will be running the dishwasher and then packing the dishes. The rest of the things are packed and Peter is almost done with his room. I have emailed my boss that it is highly unlikely she will be seeing me at work tonight or perhaps even tomorrow night. I need some time off for family leave if nothing else. I am sure we will have something good for dinner and then crash early. The dog has been awake all night too as she is anxious about the packing. She will not leave my side. I should have taken a picture of her standing on her tiptoes looking into the moving truck to see our things. It was precious. She wouldn't go up the ramp to look.

I am so tired now I am looney. I don't know if I'm coming or going. I just want to spif the place up a bit before we leave. The boxes will go on the truck as soon as I can muster more energy. Thank goodness Kevin(my other son ) will be here at 7am. On that happy note, I should get going and do more. My room is still waiting though I've packed most things but a few pieces of clothing.

It's now 1:30 am and my son still hasn't packed most of his stuff. He's had the entire day and played x box with his friends who came over to help him. His rationale is they packed 3 boxes. I just caught him outside picking through the garbage. I threw some things that he left on the garage floor. They now smell like rodents. The garbage can fell on top of me while I was rolling it out but I survived. It might have been a mercy had I been squashed underneath.

He has now been fair warned for the 4th time that if he doesn't pack it it will be gone. I mean it and I will toss it all out. Now I have to go finish packing linens, the bathrooms(easy)my room(not too bad) and the kitchen(easy again). I will most likely be up all night so I'm going to cancel the viewing of the house for tomorrow. I will need to shower and crash.

Talk later.

Now that I've stopped sobbing and have calmed down, what I meant to say was, I got the loan. The house is the one we are viewing tomorrow, though right now I just am exhausted. It is unoccupied and ready for move in, but...I have to see the inside first. There are more of the same on the street as with our current economy lots of houses are for sale. These are townhomes, something I want as I don't want to do mowing and snow removal. I can still have a garden though.
Peter had a major meltdown this afternoon. I think this is just too stressful. Now he DOESN'T want to move to this area as we saw the rental last night. He wants to go there instead. Last week he wanted to buy one of these. Poor guy. I told him we had to wait and see how it all plays out. I have to put all my stuff in storage and then take it out again, an expense I really don't need, but so it goes.
I'm still looking at accomodations and have found some decent ones for short term. Some were very very pricey. Well gotta go and pack.

I got my house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course this means I have no place to stay for a month unless we can close earlier but we will figure it out. The house is empty and ready to occupy and I get to see it tomorrow. If I don't like it I can still rent the other place. This house is right across the road from us. I could spit and hit it.

Ok, I emailed my son and got a cold lifeless email back telling him he could not get past our differences. If I only knew what those differences were. He is not going to help nor does he wish to associate with us from what I can tell. So there you have it.

My brother came over for a bit but left now as it is his only day off. So we are on our own.

I must get busy.

Another day has arrived and this will be a huge packing day. Peter and I were exhausted last night from looking at properties so not much got done. I wish I knew more people I could call to come help but so it goes. I have to get the truck today and am hoping my brother can come and do this.
I am going to touch base with the property rep from yesterday and see if he can rush my application through so we can get in asap.

Got a nice phone call last night from Meno and it was a welcome voice. My tired son made me get off the phone faster than I would have liked because we were watching a movie. Meno is a good cheerleader when you are facing an uphill packing battle. Just emailed my prodigal son so we will see what happens there. I miss him and would love his help but I don't want him to think he is being used just to help with the move and nothing else.

I have decided to throw out the furniture in the living room as it is not in the best shape. I don't want to bother transporting furniture that is shot. I will buy a new living room set once we are settled. There are some good deals for sets at the local Slumberland. We can sit on the floor until then and it will give us time to arrange things the way we want. We are also buying a crate for the dog so that when we are not in the same room she will not be doing undesirable things. I was thinking maybe I should keep a cushion from the love seat for her, something that smells like home, just for a bit.any thoughts?

I will be disconnecting the pc either late tonight or early in the morning for the move. I'm not sure when it will be hooked up again but comcast is pretty fast so it shouldn't take too long.

Found the place we like. We should have gone their first. Now I just have to scrounge enough together for the down and the rent and the pet deposit. Moving leaves one a bit short on cash. It has a good rent, less than what I pay here and Peter thought it was prettier. The homes are freshly remodeled and so everything looked nice. The washer dryer was a bit small but we will just have to divide the loads up. I hope all goes well with the application. The guy offered to drop by tomorrow and get my checks for the deposit and application as I stupidly forgot my checks. How sweet is that of him. Who in blazes writes checks anymore except for rent. If the mortgage people come through, well I don't know. I guess it's just too bad because I'm so exhausted. If the application doesn't go through, then I'll know it's not meant to be and the mortgage is supposed to happen. I know that makes no sense. I have almost an entire house left and no one is helping me. I may have to break silence with my oldest son and call him. I need his packing mania. I just don't want him to feel like I'm using him.

Just returned from looking at two properties and I'm off to see a third shortly. The first one was breathtaking but it felt a bit tight. It was so nice I almost felt uncomfortable with pets. The second was the polar opposite. The "model" was great, but I couldn't see anything for actual rent. I felt rushed and like my business was not important. The corridors were dirty and I was very turned off.

I'm still talking to mortgage guys and realtors so I'm really not knowing what to do here. I don't want to get into a lease if I'm going to buy, but I don't want to sit in a temporary motel like place if I'm not going to get the loan. I am terribly frazzled. I will be up most of the night packing as the garage is done and not much else.

Anyone who wants to fly over and help me pack will have free food and drink and my charming company.haha

I have survived my son's initial explosion this morning about a possible move to an apartment. I found one close that pays ALL your utilities including phone. This would allow me to bank away money for when/if I buy, or just bank away money to do something besides pay rent. It's a 2 bedroom but I don't care. It is close by his friends so everyone wins. They take pets as well. I'm not sure what his issue is about apartments but I informed him that I cannot continue to rent "mansions" so that he and his sister can have these huge places. I count too and my stress level has been through the roof. I also told him you cannot buy a house overnight, that is unless you are George Clooney and have millions. Even then there is a paper trail that goes on and on. I need a place to be settled whilst I look and decide what I want to do. I will not buy something that puts me in the same situation I was in here. I want to have some cash flow.

At any rate I need to go as the garbage men come soon and I have much to put out for them. I want to clear out some things before my daughter the pack rat wakes up.

Well it looks as though moving day is coming up whether I like it or not. We are kind of in limbo though I start packing tomorrow. I'm busy putting services on hold and will be disconnecting much of my things in another 24 hours. I am looking into a possible purchase so I brought this on myself. We may need to live short term somewhere if we get the loan and buy a townhome. I just can't decide and would really like to opt for the peace of just moving into a place and staying but it really is a buyers market right now.

The packing supplies arrive in the morning and tonight, if I can stay awake I'm going to hit the garage and start tossing things. I'm a bit overwhelmed and wish I had some of you here right now if for no other reason than just to talk. All will be well, eventually, but I'm stress maxed at the moment.

If you don't hear from me for a few days, this is why.

Happy Birthday Tylluanpenry. I hope you have a lovely day so you can be in your garden.

Leaving sweet lovely Derry for fair London town,
There is no finer harbour all around can be found,
Where the children each evening go down to the shore,
And the joy bells are ringing for the maid of Culmore.

The first time I met her she passed me by,
And the next time that I met her she bid me goodbye,
But the last time I met her it broke my heart sore,
For she sailed out of Ireland and away from Culmore.

If I had the power the storms for to rise,
I would blow the wind high and I'd darken the skies,
I would blow the wind higher and salt seas to roar,
For the day that my darling sailed away from Culmore.

To the far shore of Americay my love I 'll go seek,
For it's there I know no-one and no-one knows me,
And if don't find her I'll return home no more,
Like a pilgrim I'll wander for the maid of Culmore.

Last night I fooled around a bit with the new design wizard and I think I am starting to master it a bit. There is still much more to try and I think it could lead to some very detailed designs if you had the time and patience. Word of caution; if you convert please take the code for your widgets and save it aside. It will wipe out all your widgets and you will have to retrieve them, so if you have the code copied down you will be the smarter person. For some reason it didn't touch one of my blogs, but the main one and the group one were affected.

Work was busy as we were down half of the staff last night. We managed as we always do and tonight I don't think things are going to be much better. One of the gals that told me she will be in, just lost her brother and I can't imagine what she is thinking, trying to come to work. She was exhausted last night and her company was just starting to arrive. I'm hoping the two gals that were out sick last night make it in, otherwise it will be myself and one other guy. We will carry on as there is nothing else to be done.

The dog was a bit off when I came home this morning. I didn't catch on right away as I was so tired but she didn't greet me at the door and didn't beg for my breakfast. Normally she is on me and any bags I bring in the minute I get home. She was under the weather with something but appears ok this afternoon though maybe not quite as perky. She has been out for a stroll and has had her sunbath so I'm not sure what the issue was. My pets are just like my kids so when they don't feel well I fuss and fret.

Not much going on around here at the moment so I think I'll just catch up on blogs.

Beware of the new design wizard. Today I went in to try it on the main blog and after a bit I became so frustrated I reverted back. When I reverted back, my group blog design was gone and so were all the widgets on all of the blogs. Now I have to go back and retrieve the codes to activate them all. Just thought I'd caution you. I guess I'll leave well enough alone from now on.

Friday has arrived heralding the noisiest night of the week at work. I'm bracing myself for it as it's been incredibly busy as well. It might have been me last week so I'm going to give it another chance. I'm going to have to take a baseball hat to work or a rock, as the lights by this desk are glaring so bad I'm getting headaches. I think the first choice will get me in far less trouble.

Last night we covered an array of topics with the endless chat and apparently we are having daytime training for a week on a new contract. Sounds interesting but of course it started the hysteria last night to the point where I almost stood on my desk and shouted "shut up" at the top of my lungs. The more you know the more marketable you are. You would think people would realize this. Yes it's difficult to learn new things at times and the schedule should reduce me to toast as I'm a night owl, but still there is always opportunity. One of the gals I work with gets very worked up at the drop of a hat. She is wonderful and has an extensive professional background, along with great stories from 35 years at our major air carrier here in town. However, she chose to glean her information about the upcoming class from the the worst source on our team. He's highly intelligent but totally off the wall. By the time he was done with her I'm sure she didn't sleep today. I'm going to pull her aside before he arrives tonight.

But enough about all of that. It's so humid the air was thick and foggy when I came out of work this morning and now it's hot as well. It feels like the type of weather that breeds storms but I think it's just going to be with us for a few days. It's 87 and I'm not sure what the moisture level is. It is predicted to be 93% in the am, most likely what it was this morning.

Peter is having leg pains again, don't know if I mentioned that. Whenever he gets leg pains he grows. He has been unusually tired and crabby as well, also a sign. I was shopping online for him last night and fortunately there is a great clearance shirts. I'm bagging up all of his clothing save a couple of things and giving it to the clothing drive as his pants look like womens capris. He was wearing his favourite t shirt when I got home and it suddenly looked like he'd borrowed a little brothers clothes.

The butterflies are almost done hatching. There are 3 more cocoons to go. We've only lost one, a cocoon that turned dark to hatch but never went further. Now I'm going to go get more coffee. Have a good day all.

Peter and I ventured out for a late night snack down last night, down to the corner casual spot. It was a lovely evening and though I was not very hungry I figured I'd have a soda and we could just talk.

We started by sitting outside and then as the evening progressed the bugs came as their outside area is by a little pond. We moved inside only to discover it was karaoke night. Fortunately most of those involved had good voices but there was one shy little gal who did her best with "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," and another older very drunk man who tried to do a Ricky Martin song. That was probably the entertainment of the evening. We left shortly thereafter, Peter in near hysterical laughter.

He talked my leg off about a new computer game Spore, something he is determined to have when it is released. We did get the creature creator, downloaded it, figured out how to add the newest Direct X update and still it doesn't work. I'm not happy as I feel this is a marketing scam using something that clearly, from the notes I've seen, not working for most of the people. Those who have released it have not done a good job testing it before hand.

That's all for me right now. I'm going back to bed soon as I didn't sleep much.

We made it to the lake tonight. I had planned to take some pictures of the moon on the water but we didn't end up staying that long. The bridge and docks were all occupied though we did manage to get a place by a friendly person who was fishing. The lake was smooth as glass tonight and not a breeze to be had, but the air was not too hot.

We had to take a detour to the lake which proved to be lengthy and then coming back we foolishly tried to see if the trail was open and got halfway only to find out the other half was "missing." They are doing road work and construction all along the main road and it has carried into the trail. It's such a shame as it really is the highlight of the walk. We ended up coming back along the side of the main road and it was dusty and dirty filled with refuse left by the many construction workers. Daisy was in her glory trying to get to various bits of garbage and we had a talk about bassets and smoking since the roadside was littered with cigarettes. It really took the enjoyment out of going to the lake and I think we will stick to the detour, long as it is, from now on. Peter had the headache when we left for the lake and was understandably growly. I had that headache on Sunday. The allergies have been quite severe this year.

The bed is clean and I've taken a much needed bath since that walk and now I'm thinking of trying the deck to enjoy a bit of the moonlight. I will not doubt have to take some incense with me to keep the bugs away.
I hope you all have a good night.

It's a lovely day here and I've much to do. I didn't get much done yesterday and couldn't think of anything to post. I think I'm having the same issue today. It seems a bit quiet here, I suppose the effect of summer and everyone being out and about.

My son has switched his email for my space so that I will get his notifications. I'm not sure why he wanted to do that but I'm getting them. There is a girl who attended his old school who advertises herself as a skanky cheerleader with a hot bod. She's 15. He is really beside himself about that because I think he kind of liked her. If girls knew what boys really think, nice boys that is, they would realize that kind of behavior is not sexy, it's slutty. It seems the art of sexy and sensual is somewhat lost and it's a shame. There is little mystery any longer and not much is left to the imagination.

My house is a disaster area, nothing new, and I hope to get something done there today but I also plan to enjoy the day a bit as I need to get outside. Last night I had hoped to sit wit the moon but ended up falling asleep, the typical Monday night reaction after my work week.

I think I'll see what's on some of the other blogs now while I sip my coffee.

Happy Birthday Doralene!!!

My heart, sit only with those
who know and understand you.
Sit only under a tree
that is full of blossoms.
In the bazaar of herbs and potions
don't wander aimlessly
find the shop with a potion that is sweet
If you don't have a measure
people will rob you in no time.
You will take counterfeit coins
thinking they are real.
Don't fill your bowl with food from
every boiling pot you see.
Not every joke is humorous, so don't search
for meaning where there isn't one.
Not every eye can see,
not every sea is full of pearls.
My hart, sing the song of longing
like nightingale.
The sound of your voice casts a spell
on every stone, on every thorn.
First, lay down your head
then one by one
let go of all distractions.
Embrace the light and let it guide you
beyond the winds of desire.
There you will find a spring and nourished by its see waters
like a tree you will bear fruit forever.

Rumi

'Tis moonlight, summer moonlight,
All soft and still and fair;
The solemn hour of midnight
Breathes sweet thoughts everywhere,

But most where trees are sending
Their breezy boughs on high,
Or stooping low are lending
A shelter from the sky.

And there in those wild bowers
A lovely form is laid;
Green grass and dew-steeped flowers
Wave gently round her head.

Emily Bronte

I've spent some time in the last hour experimenting with the new upgraded design wizard. It is nice for widgets but is taking some getting used to for actual backgrouds and such. Still I'm not one to give in easily and I will continue to press on.

Quiet has settled over the landscape here and I would love to really dig in and write. Some of the things I want to write are very close to my heart however and I don't want them up for open viewing by anyone monitoring. I could write hardcopy but I always run the risk of it not being readable when I go back to it.

At any rate just checking in.

I'm off to work in a matter of minutes, earplugs in hand.. I wish I was off tonight and could sit by the lake and take some pics of the moon. Alas work calls and I must answer.

Peter had a glorious day, as did the dog, with his friends, the two brothers now returned from Thailand. It is suspiciously quiet upstairs leading me to believe he's asleep in the chair.

The ride is here must go.

It's been a slow day and I haven't done much to speak of. I just woke up from a nap and now it's time to get ready for work. Peter has not yet come home from his friends house and I'm dying to tell him the boys are home from Thailand. They came up earlier to see him and Daisy was thrilled. They brought Peter some sort of insect gift. It looks like a large petrified spider of some sort. They both have grown as well and I'm sure they will be fast asleep by the time he gets back. They told me they had not slept for 2 days. Just as well because I suspect Peter will be at best, unpleasant, after being gone this long.

The day is glorious and I wish I had tonight off to dally under the full moon. I could use another trip to the lake to see it shining on the water. I am attempting to adjust to my new desk, having been moved into the den of "chatties." Tonight there will be three more there and I'm really not liking the constant interaction. It will be addressed as soon as I can meet with my boss but she has class all next week. I was on the brink of tears this morning from all of the chatter. I don't mean to sound like a hermit, as I most certainly am not. I just sometimes need a bit of quiet when I am working.

Well, on that light note, I'd better take a shower or I won't have to worry about anyone talking to me. I hope you all have a good night.

It was a long warm night but fun to sit together and just chat. We all ended up on good terms and it was enjoyable to sit and write in my journal for a change. It is still very hot today and it appears we have storms on the way, in more than one sense of the word.

Peter had, once again, planned a sleepover here with one of his friends. He is no where to be found now, though it was confirmed. Peter is beside himself and I am trying to get through to him that this kind of behavior is unacceptable. I want my son to confront this kid point blank and say, "do you not want to come over here or what is the issue?" I think it's time. My son gives and and gives. This kid clearly has no regard for anyone but himself..wait, he is a teenager..but I just had to look at my son who has tears in his eyes. He is a kind soul and would never think to treat someone like this. He is too kind and I see doormat tendencies in him. It worries me. I was like this at his age and took so much crap from "friends" and then partners and so forth. I'm tired of planning and sitting around waiting for this kid to show up. I'd rather take my son to the lake and have some fun, or have him go over the to pool and swim. I told him to go anyway and just deal with it when he comes back. If the kid shows he can get a taste of his own medicine.

I'm feeling a bit off today. My hormones have been storming more than usual and my heart is reacting like it used to when Peter was little. It's not life threatening as I've been told time and time again, but it certainly is limiting when you need to clean and you're lightheaded and dizzy. Not to worry. I've been on monitors and in CCU in the past.

Lunch is done so I need to go take it out of the oven. I'll be back on later, like I always do when I clean.

I've calmed down a bit after going for a short walk in the moonlight. The moon is glorious tonight, light gold, surrounded by a large circle of golden veil from the heat. It was, I must say, almost too warm to walk and this was at 10pm. The fireflies were out but somewhat decreased and there were toads everywhere. Peter swears he saw a grey figure walk between the cars as we came around the turn to our house. We were arguing so perhaps we attracted some attention from some visitor. There seems to be something in the air tonight and once again the dog hesitated to walk past the meadow. I wish I could ask her what it is that stops here there.

Peter is having guests tomorrow so he is up for that and we have a bit of picking up to do in the morning as it didn't get done today. That won't take long with two of us. There must be someone moving in next door as the maintenance guy has been there all afternoon and is still working at 11pm. I peeked in the door and the remodeling is great.

Now I have to go get freshened up as I'm gross from walking in the heat.
Hope you are all having a good night.

Good morning all. I've been outside to put out the garbage and it's hot and humid already at 9am. They predict 90 today but since it's already 80 they may be a bit off. Peter is having a friend overnight tomorrow so has actually volunteered to help me clean today. I almost fainted. It needs to be done regardless and I told him I cant do it all myself anymore. It's too hot to go outside and do much today so I have him trapped, though he's still sleeping. I do hope we can take the dog to the lake later and let her wade around a bit.

I opened up the news and found nothing cheery so I'm wondering if I should read it at all anymore. After the two articles this weekend I should know better. This time a father was at the local amusement part with his wife and daughter. When some guy went buy and slapped his daughter on the behind, the father admonished him. The guy called over his 7 friends and they beat the father severely.

"In the fight that followed, the father received a broken right orbital (the facial bones around the eye), cuts to his face and arms, and possible subdural bleeding between his skull and brain, according to police." Apparently they took turns stomping on his face while the wife watched. They have all been arrested and since the entire episode was witnessed they are screwed. What the heck is wrong with people. These are 19 and 20 year olds. There is no word about how the father is doing.

Oh I think I promised I wouldn't post any articles so sorry. That one just caught my eye. I'm going to do a little blog reading now before I start the housework. Hope you all have a nice day.

I realised as I posted this that most of you are about to get out of bed for the day. It's 12:28 am here. The moon is beautiful and while it is my night, the sun is rising for many of you and morning has broken already for others. I gathered these sunsets from pictures taken all over the world. It's good to stop and realise the beauty of the world at least for a moment and to remember we all stand under the same sun and moon.

The day is quickly turning into evening and I'm starting to get a bit productive. I'm not sure where that whole whiny post came from this morning. I thought about it after I flopped down in bed but was too tired to return and do something about it.

One of the places I found last night is in a location I have always wanted. It would be a bit of a distance from Peter's friends as they are all dependent on bikes and such and that is something I have to consider at this time. Still it is by Wayzata Bay which means nothing to you guys, but it's a great place to be. It's filled with old money but it's a very casual relaxed atmosphere. No one feels out of place. The main street of the Wayzata shops is within walking distance and there are restaurants and a stretch of lakeshore. It would not be quite as woodsy as where we are but still very lovely and oddly, the rent is really very decent in that location.

We have had butterflies hatching and his frogs, raised from spawn, are getting bigger and they are almost fully developed. I feel like a nature center but it's always fun.

Here I am featured tonight and have nothing fabulous to post. I hope you all have a great night.