Or at least sort of! The internet access I mean. I knew I had to uninstall the router in order to re-install - but, while I know how to uninstall - I couldn't find the router program. So, it was a "Wow, I could've had a......." moment - a real smack in the head experience. I bought a 15ft cord to run from the modem in the basement to the desk in the kitchen, and here I am, online, sitting comfortably in a kitchen chair!!!!!
Observation of the day: I notice as I'm driving through the woods to take 7 to school, there are so many trees with dried out life-less leaves still hanging on, and at that realized - the wind doesn't blow here, or at least rarely.
There are so many parks in this area with walking, biking and equestrian trails. Brooke and friends use them frequently for trail rides.
And, a great way to start the day, this morning. I dropped 7 at school, and continued into town. Feeling a litte punk lately, I decided to have my blood pressure checked. My doctor told me a couple years ago that I could have my bp checked at any emergency room or fire station, so, since I was within a couple blocks of the hospital, I decided to go there. They took my bp, and the next thing I knew, I was gowned, and on a table with an IV needle being shoved into my arm, and looking around saying "Wha-a-a-?. It was very high - especially for me. But, after testing blood, taking an ekg, and luckily no need for an IV solution, I was set free and told to follow up with a Dr. in 2-3 days. I definitely do not want to take any meds except as a very last resort, so it's back to walking for me. During the 2-3 hours I was there, it dropped from 185/102 to 155/79. Quite a difference. Lesson learned: If you go to the emergency room, they will not let you out til you see a doctor.
Since most of my day is gone, and I have to leave to pick up 7 from school in about 15 minutes, I'll just leave this as a short post!
Until next time,
Bear Hugs
Luv N' Boots
Friday, February 3, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
CATCHING UP!
It has been brought to my attention that prior to my last very short message, I had not posted since October! Hard to believe how time flies, especially during chaos!!!!
Brooke placed a contract on a house in mid September, with an October 31 closing date…… which didn’t happen. It was then set for November 23……. And that didn’t happen, but we were given the information “next week” several times. In the mean time, Brooke had to vacate the carriage house as they had found a new renter. She stayed with friends, and I returned to Virginia Beach to bunk in with friends there. The house was a really good deal – at first look. The day she signed the contract, the owner (the bank) agreed to pay the closing costs if it closed by October 31. As you can see, that didn’t happen, leading to quite a surprise at closing - or more precisely, at 4 pm the day before closing when Brooke was stuck in DC traffic she was told she needed considerably more money than anticipated, and….. closing was set for 6 a.m.. Get the picture? In addition, as you homeowners will know, the money had to be in a certified check. Brooke’s funds were scattered among various venues – what a panic.
But then, what can I say – Brooke being Brooke managed to bring it all together and the closing went off without a hitch.
We moved as much as we could on the 23rd, mostly bedding and kitchen stuff – after all, being December 23rd, we had baking to do as she had planned mostly homemade goodies as gifts.
Of course, we managed to pull it off, and enjoyed a very nice Christmas with the Abell’s, the family of Brooke’s best friend. We had a farm breakfast with them, and watched the little one’s open gifts. Did I tell you this was a large, extended family? Well, it is. The pile of gifts nearly filled the living room. After church, yes, I did go to church (In fact I told the Pastor as I was leaving that while I had actually been in the basement of the church several times, this was the first time I had made it upstairs. He congratulated me on graduating) We then returned home for a couple hours to take care of the dogs, and then back to the church for the family dinner. (Didn’t I say it was a large family? Large family functions are always held at the church – the only place large enough!
A couple days after Christmas, I returned to Virginia Beach to pick up the rest of my stuff in storage. I took leave of my friends, planning to leave here for Florida the end of February.
The day after I returned to Brooke’s, she flew out to Michigan, rented a truck and brought back as many of her belongings as she could get in the truck, and……….. her 9 year old grandson, Seven. (or “7” as I will probably write it in the future) She spent New Year’s Day behind the wheel, and the rest of the week getting 7 registered in school.
The new house! She has over 3 acres of mostly wooded property. The house sits on open area of, I’d guess, over an acre – the back yard is fenced fittingly for small dogs, And an area on one side is left wooded for their shelter as well as a couple of sheds. She loves the house – 3 bedroom, open floor plan with a huge kitchen and full basement. The dogs love it. All I have to do is open the door to let them out, and open again when they want back in. (Do you think there might be a dog door in my future?)
Two of the bedrooms have carpet, the rest of the house is hard floors – tile in baths, hall, entry and kitchen, hardwood in living room, and bamboo in master bedroom. Betsy! I finally figured out why I hate to vacuum. It’s the noise!!!! I’d much rather sweep and mop than turn on that noisy thing.
7 was introduced to the farm the day after he arrived. His comment to me? “But Granny, I’m a city boy, not a farm boy, I’ll never do any of this stuff” Now? “Can I go down and feed the heifers?” He’s joined 4-H, and is contemplating raising a pig for the fair, or a goat, or something, and looking forward to learning to ride and accompanying Brooke and friends on trail rides.
I’m in Maryland. A tiny town named Nanjemoy – so tiny there is nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Just wooded lanes, curvy, hilly lanes. So enjoyable to drive along. There is no town center, not a liquor store, 7-11 or gas station. Not that I’ve found, anyway. Surrounded by other tiny towns. The nearest is Ironsides – intersection of Maryland # 6 and 425. Populated by a church and a rescue squad – volunteer type. It is just so peaceful here.
At present, we are heating the whole house with a small wood stove. Works fine – this winter at least Talk about an open winter. So far, 2 days of snow. I’ve only had to plug in the truck 2 nights. The stove needs frequent attending – day and night. Of course, it’s not quite the end of January so that can change quickly.
My days consist of getting 7 up and off to school, picking him up in the afternoon and helping him start his homework, and when Brooke comes home, it becomes a committee function.
My time is spent doing what needs to be done and sorting through my stuff. I promised Brooke everything I leave behind will fit under the stairs. I thought I had gotten rid of just about all I could, but I was wrong. I’m building a mountain to donate to the local church.
Books have always been special to me. I remember one move I made - I had 125 boxes of books. Now I have less than 1 box left. Fabric is going, too. I’ll still have some of it left, but a lot less. I gave most of my rubber stamping stuff to Brooke, What I have left fits in a shoe box.
Most surprising of all - Quilting books and magazines are in the donation pile.
I’ll have a truck load of antiques and collectibles that I’m taking to my niece to sell for me – once they are delivered, my truck will be mostly empty. I probably would be able to sleep in the back if I needed to – If I didn’t feel like putting up the tent, or if the weather is particularly nasty.
My childhood friend, Barb, in Montana wants to travel a bit with me this summer. I’m hoping we can take in central Washington and the Northern Cascades. She likes to hike – I‘ll take advantage of that for encouragement to get back to walking.
Well, it’s time to chop wood (well, carry it in, anyway), wash clothes, mop floors, and sort my stuff. And……. Make that grueling 15 mile trip into town for a few necessities.
Oh, yeah – my comment about leaving here the end of February – change that to the middle of June when school gets out. Unless something else comes up to change my plans.
We have Hughes Net installed for the internet. The modem is in the basement – Don’t Ask! I spent a good chunk of one day installing the router so we could set up the wireless connection. All went well. The computer verified the installation was successful. Great!!! Now I can connect to the internet ……………………… as long as I bypass the router and plug directly into the modem while standing in the middle of the unheated basement.
, that is 2012 to date.
Until next time
Bear Hugs
Luv'n Boots
Brooke placed a contract on a house in mid September, with an October 31 closing date…… which didn’t happen. It was then set for November 23……. And that didn’t happen, but we were given the information “next week” several times. In the mean time, Brooke had to vacate the carriage house as they had found a new renter. She stayed with friends, and I returned to Virginia Beach to bunk in with friends there. The house was a really good deal – at first look. The day she signed the contract, the owner (the bank) agreed to pay the closing costs if it closed by October 31. As you can see, that didn’t happen, leading to quite a surprise at closing - or more precisely, at 4 pm the day before closing when Brooke was stuck in DC traffic she was told she needed considerably more money than anticipated, and….. closing was set for 6 a.m.. Get the picture? In addition, as you homeowners will know, the money had to be in a certified check. Brooke’s funds were scattered among various venues – what a panic.
But then, what can I say – Brooke being Brooke managed to bring it all together and the closing went off without a hitch.
We moved as much as we could on the 23rd, mostly bedding and kitchen stuff – after all, being December 23rd, we had baking to do as she had planned mostly homemade goodies as gifts.
Of course, we managed to pull it off, and enjoyed a very nice Christmas with the Abell’s, the family of Brooke’s best friend. We had a farm breakfast with them, and watched the little one’s open gifts. Did I tell you this was a large, extended family? Well, it is. The pile of gifts nearly filled the living room. After church, yes, I did go to church (In fact I told the Pastor as I was leaving that while I had actually been in the basement of the church several times, this was the first time I had made it upstairs. He congratulated me on graduating) We then returned home for a couple hours to take care of the dogs, and then back to the church for the family dinner. (Didn’t I say it was a large family? Large family functions are always held at the church – the only place large enough!
A couple days after Christmas, I returned to Virginia Beach to pick up the rest of my stuff in storage. I took leave of my friends, planning to leave here for Florida the end of February.
The day after I returned to Brooke’s, she flew out to Michigan, rented a truck and brought back as many of her belongings as she could get in the truck, and……….. her 9 year old grandson, Seven. (or “7” as I will probably write it in the future) She spent New Year’s Day behind the wheel, and the rest of the week getting 7 registered in school.
The new house! She has over 3 acres of mostly wooded property. The house sits on open area of, I’d guess, over an acre – the back yard is fenced fittingly for small dogs, And an area on one side is left wooded for their shelter as well as a couple of sheds. She loves the house – 3 bedroom, open floor plan with a huge kitchen and full basement. The dogs love it. All I have to do is open the door to let them out, and open again when they want back in. (Do you think there might be a dog door in my future?)
Two of the bedrooms have carpet, the rest of the house is hard floors – tile in baths, hall, entry and kitchen, hardwood in living room, and bamboo in master bedroom. Betsy! I finally figured out why I hate to vacuum. It’s the noise!!!! I’d much rather sweep and mop than turn on that noisy thing.
7 was introduced to the farm the day after he arrived. His comment to me? “But Granny, I’m a city boy, not a farm boy, I’ll never do any of this stuff” Now? “Can I go down and feed the heifers?” He’s joined 4-H, and is contemplating raising a pig for the fair, or a goat, or something, and looking forward to learning to ride and accompanying Brooke and friends on trail rides.
I’m in Maryland. A tiny town named Nanjemoy – so tiny there is nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Just wooded lanes, curvy, hilly lanes. So enjoyable to drive along. There is no town center, not a liquor store, 7-11 or gas station. Not that I’ve found, anyway. Surrounded by other tiny towns. The nearest is Ironsides – intersection of Maryland # 6 and 425. Populated by a church and a rescue squad – volunteer type. It is just so peaceful here.
At present, we are heating the whole house with a small wood stove. Works fine – this winter at least Talk about an open winter. So far, 2 days of snow. I’ve only had to plug in the truck 2 nights. The stove needs frequent attending – day and night. Of course, it’s not quite the end of January so that can change quickly.
My days consist of getting 7 up and off to school, picking him up in the afternoon and helping him start his homework, and when Brooke comes home, it becomes a committee function.
My time is spent doing what needs to be done and sorting through my stuff. I promised Brooke everything I leave behind will fit under the stairs. I thought I had gotten rid of just about all I could, but I was wrong. I’m building a mountain to donate to the local church.
Books have always been special to me. I remember one move I made - I had 125 boxes of books. Now I have less than 1 box left. Fabric is going, too. I’ll still have some of it left, but a lot less. I gave most of my rubber stamping stuff to Brooke, What I have left fits in a shoe box.
Most surprising of all - Quilting books and magazines are in the donation pile.
I’ll have a truck load of antiques and collectibles that I’m taking to my niece to sell for me – once they are delivered, my truck will be mostly empty. I probably would be able to sleep in the back if I needed to – If I didn’t feel like putting up the tent, or if the weather is particularly nasty.
My childhood friend, Barb, in Montana wants to travel a bit with me this summer. I’m hoping we can take in central Washington and the Northern Cascades. She likes to hike – I‘ll take advantage of that for encouragement to get back to walking.
Well, it’s time to chop wood (well, carry it in, anyway), wash clothes, mop floors, and sort my stuff. And……. Make that grueling 15 mile trip into town for a few necessities.
Oh, yeah – my comment about leaving here the end of February – change that to the middle of June when school gets out. Unless something else comes up to change my plans.
We have Hughes Net installed for the internet. The modem is in the basement – Don’t Ask! I spent a good chunk of one day installing the router so we could set up the wireless connection. All went well. The computer verified the installation was successful. Great!!! Now I can connect to the internet ……………………… as long as I bypass the router and plug directly into the modem while standing in the middle of the unheated basement.
, that is 2012 to date.
Until next time
Bear Hugs
Luv'n Boots
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Here I Am!
Trying to get internet set up here at Angie's. Having problems - soon as we get it
set up, I'll talk your ears off!
Boots
set up, I'll talk your ears off!
Boots
Friday, October 14, 2011
A DAY AT THE HORSE SHOW
Spent last Sunday at a horse show - the first in decades. Brooke entered with her horse, Justine. It was the first show for her since she was a teenager, and she was as nervous as any first-timer. But, she did great! Brought home two ribbons!
She wasn't expecting that, this show was just for experience and to ease her way back into showing. Her friend was there with her 6 year old daughter, Tiffany, who, in addition to Lead line classes, performed for the first ever time in the barrel race - walk-trot type. She did a great job! Six years old and already on the barrels. It was so exciting to watch everyone having such a great time.
Lisa is a trainer, and some of her students showed up for their first shows also. One of the ladies celebrated her birthday with 4 ribbons. What a great day she had. They really knew how to do it up proud, too. They had a pavillion tent, and brought a feast. In the old days, no one ever thought of "tail-gating" as a matter of fact, I had never even heard that term until I arrived in Virginia.
I was really Impressed with Lisa's students. They were near my age. I figured if they, and they were all beginners, could do it, maybe, just maybe, I'll find myself on board a horse once again.
From age 14 - 30, I was always around horses. I think that at one time when my kids were small, we had 7 horses. I remember this horse/pony we had - named Half-Pint. He was smart, fast and gentle. Brooke took him to a play-day one day. She entered in a "goat tail tying" class. We watched with interest the kids who rode before her. Some were successful, others not. The action was that upon "GO!" the rider would take off as fast as 4 hooves could take them, across the arena to where a goat was staked on about a 12-15' rope. The object was to jump off the horse, run to the goat, and tie a ribbon on it's tail. Of course, the goat's object was to defeat the attempt. Some of the mounts took one look at the goat, and took off for the nether regions. Others riders got close to the goat, but took all their allotted time chasing the goat, trying to catch it.
Then, Drum roll, please, it was Brooke and Half-Pint's turn. At the word GO!, HP dug in his heels and took off like the very devil himself was on his tail. Then approaching the goat, as soon as Brooke took the weight off her right stirrup, HP literally sat on his hindquarters in a stop on a dime movement. Brooke was out of the saddle, and after the goat, who was standing peacefully in front of HP, having it's nose licked - Brooke was at the tail, tied the ribbon, held up her hands, showing she was finished, in show stopping time! A Blue Ribbon for Brooke and Half-Pint. It was the funniest thing to watch!!!! Some where I have a photo, but it was taken across the arena with a camera with no telephoto - but hey, if I ever find it again, I'll scan it in and see if I can enlarge it enough to see it clearly.
All three of my girls were active in 4-H and horse shows. We all have very fond memories of those times.
While at the show, Sunday, someone mentioned a horse that was for sale. They talked about how beautiful he was, and how big. So, of course, you can't ever own just one horse (They are like pistachios), after the show Brooke and I went to look at him. Oh, my. Brooke got on and rode him around the pasture, with just a halter and lead rope. He responded to everything she asked him to do. I watched him trot - my what a smooth ride that must be. We learned that he was previously owned by "Medieval Times" - He has to have been extremely well trained! His current owner says he knows the horse (Jake) probably knows so much more, but he doesn't know how to bring it out, cause he just rides around the trails in a near by park. Someone who saw Jake in a parade once says he has a high step that just won't quit.
Well, let me say this about that. If Brooke gets him, I WILL ride him. Lisa has already indicated that when Sugar foals (sometime around March) She intends to get me riding. Well, folks, my first choice would be to be on the road by the first of February - sorry Lisa.
Brooke lives in Southern Maryland, and I am amazed at the beauty of this area - small towns and farm country - and horse country, too. Many parks with riding trails. And, it's about 30 miles from downtown DC! Lots of country roads to wander down.
I just learned that plans are finally underfoot for our family reunion in Montana next summer - I am really looking forward to being there!
Until Next time,
Bear Hugs
Boots
She believed she could do it, so she did!
She wasn't expecting that, this show was just for experience and to ease her way back into showing. Her friend was there with her 6 year old daughter, Tiffany, who, in addition to Lead line classes, performed for the first ever time in the barrel race - walk-trot type. She did a great job! Six years old and already on the barrels. It was so exciting to watch everyone having such a great time.
Lisa is a trainer, and some of her students showed up for their first shows also. One of the ladies celebrated her birthday with 4 ribbons. What a great day she had. They really knew how to do it up proud, too. They had a pavillion tent, and brought a feast. In the old days, no one ever thought of "tail-gating" as a matter of fact, I had never even heard that term until I arrived in Virginia.
I was really Impressed with Lisa's students. They were near my age. I figured if they, and they were all beginners, could do it, maybe, just maybe, I'll find myself on board a horse once again.
From age 14 - 30, I was always around horses. I think that at one time when my kids were small, we had 7 horses. I remember this horse/pony we had - named Half-Pint. He was smart, fast and gentle. Brooke took him to a play-day one day. She entered in a "goat tail tying" class. We watched with interest the kids who rode before her. Some were successful, others not. The action was that upon "GO!" the rider would take off as fast as 4 hooves could take them, across the arena to where a goat was staked on about a 12-15' rope. The object was to jump off the horse, run to the goat, and tie a ribbon on it's tail. Of course, the goat's object was to defeat the attempt. Some of the mounts took one look at the goat, and took off for the nether regions. Others riders got close to the goat, but took all their allotted time chasing the goat, trying to catch it.
Then, Drum roll, please, it was Brooke and Half-Pint's turn. At the word GO!, HP dug in his heels and took off like the very devil himself was on his tail. Then approaching the goat, as soon as Brooke took the weight off her right stirrup, HP literally sat on his hindquarters in a stop on a dime movement. Brooke was out of the saddle, and after the goat, who was standing peacefully in front of HP, having it's nose licked - Brooke was at the tail, tied the ribbon, held up her hands, showing she was finished, in show stopping time! A Blue Ribbon for Brooke and Half-Pint. It was the funniest thing to watch!!!! Some where I have a photo, but it was taken across the arena with a camera with no telephoto - but hey, if I ever find it again, I'll scan it in and see if I can enlarge it enough to see it clearly.
All three of my girls were active in 4-H and horse shows. We all have very fond memories of those times.
While at the show, Sunday, someone mentioned a horse that was for sale. They talked about how beautiful he was, and how big. So, of course, you can't ever own just one horse (They are like pistachios), after the show Brooke and I went to look at him. Oh, my. Brooke got on and rode him around the pasture, with just a halter and lead rope. He responded to everything she asked him to do. I watched him trot - my what a smooth ride that must be. We learned that he was previously owned by "Medieval Times" - He has to have been extremely well trained! His current owner says he knows the horse (Jake) probably knows so much more, but he doesn't know how to bring it out, cause he just rides around the trails in a near by park. Someone who saw Jake in a parade once says he has a high step that just won't quit.
Well, let me say this about that. If Brooke gets him, I WILL ride him. Lisa has already indicated that when Sugar foals (sometime around March) She intends to get me riding. Well, folks, my first choice would be to be on the road by the first of February - sorry Lisa.
Brooke lives in Southern Maryland, and I am amazed at the beauty of this area - small towns and farm country - and horse country, too. Many parks with riding trails. And, it's about 30 miles from downtown DC! Lots of country roads to wander down.
I just learned that plans are finally underfoot for our family reunion in Montana next summer - I am really looking forward to being there!
Until Next time,
Bear Hugs
Boots
She believed she could do it, so she did!
Monday, September 26, 2011
I'm still kicking!!!!
I'm staying at Brooke's in Maryland. She has no internet service so my connections
are limited to trips town - to plug in at the library. Having trouble wieath my computer, just erased the rest of this post. I'll write my next post up at home, and upload it the next time I'm in town.
Bear Hugs, Boots
are limited to trips town - to plug in at the library. Having trouble wieath my computer, just erased the rest of this post. I'll write my next post up at home, and upload it the next time I'm in town.
Bear Hugs, Boots
Sunday, July 24, 2011
MEMORIES
My, how time flies!
I have received a lot of feedback about my living situation while in NY.
Some of my friends were really upset I was living in such cold conditions. Here I thought I was enjoying an adventure! But, I realize these friends are from more current decades of my life. The Cousins, and a childhood friend or two will know what I am talking about.
I was born in Seattle, and lived there until I was nearly 5 years old. My parent’s’ families – or at least a major portion of them, lived in Montana. My Mom’s parents had a chicken farm in Great Falls MT - They wanted to retire, so my Mom, missing her family, and Dad decided to move back to MT and buy the chicken farm. Now, in Seattle, we lived in a nice sized craftsman style home on a large corner lot with trees and flower gardens and a beautiful expanse of lawn.
Like I said, I was nearly five, and my two brothers were approaching their teens. Gramma and Grampa’s house was three rooms – kitchen, living room and bedroom – each room about 12 x 12 with an entry hall between kitchen and living room. No lawn, no trees, no flowers. Just gumbo and weeds. Out back was a the chicken house – at that time, it was probably about 40 – 50 ft long and the outhouse was near the end of it. Ah, yeah, the well was about 20 ft from the house – no running water either. I clearly remember the day we first had running water in the house I was the “look-out” to let Dad know when it came through. It was so exciting. Prior to that – there was a cauldron (or so it seemed to my 5 year old eyes) that sat on the heating stove in the kitchen – kept warm for washing up.This was all situated on 5 acres.
I can just envision my grandparents laughing all the way to San Diego!!!
Eventually, Dad built a room on the back of the chicken house to store feed, and kindly, he built in a toilet and shower, and eventually a washer resided there, too. (Notice, no dryer)
Later on, he added a room for serve as a bedroom for my brothers.
Now, in Montana, the winters are extreme. Even more so when the wind blows, and it blows all the time. 20 below is not uncommon in the winter! And, if you have followed my description – you’ll realize it was a 50 yard dash to the bath room. I was the youngest, so I had special consideration. Every Saturday night, a large galvanized tub was brought into the kitchen and filled with warm water for my bath. How special!!!
And the shower! It was built into the corner of the feed room (remember – a 50 yard dash from the house) It was about 4’ by 4’ with concrete walls up about 4 ft, the rest just 2 x 4 framing. My brothers told the best story about the shower
The shower head dripped. And during the winter, ice started forming on the walls of the shower, and by late winter, the ice built up til you could hardly turn around in the shower.
One year, the boys got bikes for Christmas – and memberships at the “Y”. Man were they excited – snow, sleet, rain or hail – didn’t matter, about 3 times a week, they peddled the 5 or so miles into the “Y” to spend the evening. My parents thought this was great. The boys were playing basket ball, working out and making friends. What a great gift, my parents thought.
Not so – years later, my brothers admitted that each time they rode into the “Y”, they spent hours under the hot shower!
Later, when Dad put sheet rock up in the house (It had had something made out of paper mash that peeled away, we learned that the Insulation in the house was single sheets of newspaper!!!
Get the picture? This past winter in the basement apartment in NY – I was reliving nostalgia. I felt I was on an adventure. While it was cold in the living room, the space heater kept the kitchen cozy and that was where my sewing machine was set up, and after all, I had an indoor toilet and a hot shower. I was living in luxury compared to my child hood days. I mentioned the temperature so often because I was amazed I could function and I enjoyed it after so many years of having to have the heat turned up for Mom. And, if I were to spend my winters anywhere again, I would choose upstate NY - No wind. Cold weather is embracing when the wind chill doesn’t hold it at-20 and below.
With the exception of the couple days the temp fell to –28, I was quite cozy. I only watched TV for 1 hour a week – NCIS, of course and just curled up with a blanket. My bed was always warm thanks to the down comforter.
There you go – another peek into my childhood!
Until next time
Bear Hugs
Luv ‘n Boots
She believed she could do it, so she did!!!
I have received a lot of feedback about my living situation while in NY.
Some of my friends were really upset I was living in such cold conditions. Here I thought I was enjoying an adventure! But, I realize these friends are from more current decades of my life. The Cousins, and a childhood friend or two will know what I am talking about.
I was born in Seattle, and lived there until I was nearly 5 years old. My parent’s’ families – or at least a major portion of them, lived in Montana. My Mom’s parents had a chicken farm in Great Falls MT - They wanted to retire, so my Mom, missing her family, and Dad decided to move back to MT and buy the chicken farm. Now, in Seattle, we lived in a nice sized craftsman style home on a large corner lot with trees and flower gardens and a beautiful expanse of lawn.
Like I said, I was nearly five, and my two brothers were approaching their teens. Gramma and Grampa’s house was three rooms – kitchen, living room and bedroom – each room about 12 x 12 with an entry hall between kitchen and living room. No lawn, no trees, no flowers. Just gumbo and weeds. Out back was a the chicken house – at that time, it was probably about 40 – 50 ft long and the outhouse was near the end of it. Ah, yeah, the well was about 20 ft from the house – no running water either. I clearly remember the day we first had running water in the house I was the “look-out” to let Dad know when it came through. It was so exciting. Prior to that – there was a cauldron (or so it seemed to my 5 year old eyes) that sat on the heating stove in the kitchen – kept warm for washing up.This was all situated on 5 acres.
I can just envision my grandparents laughing all the way to San Diego!!!
Eventually, Dad built a room on the back of the chicken house to store feed, and kindly, he built in a toilet and shower, and eventually a washer resided there, too. (Notice, no dryer)
Later on, he added a room for serve as a bedroom for my brothers.
Now, in Montana, the winters are extreme. Even more so when the wind blows, and it blows all the time. 20 below is not uncommon in the winter! And, if you have followed my description – you’ll realize it was a 50 yard dash to the bath room. I was the youngest, so I had special consideration. Every Saturday night, a large galvanized tub was brought into the kitchen and filled with warm water for my bath. How special!!!
And the shower! It was built into the corner of the feed room (remember – a 50 yard dash from the house) It was about 4’ by 4’ with concrete walls up about 4 ft, the rest just 2 x 4 framing. My brothers told the best story about the shower
The shower head dripped. And during the winter, ice started forming on the walls of the shower, and by late winter, the ice built up til you could hardly turn around in the shower.
One year, the boys got bikes for Christmas – and memberships at the “Y”. Man were they excited – snow, sleet, rain or hail – didn’t matter, about 3 times a week, they peddled the 5 or so miles into the “Y” to spend the evening. My parents thought this was great. The boys were playing basket ball, working out and making friends. What a great gift, my parents thought.
Not so – years later, my brothers admitted that each time they rode into the “Y”, they spent hours under the hot shower!
Later, when Dad put sheet rock up in the house (It had had something made out of paper mash that peeled away, we learned that the Insulation in the house was single sheets of newspaper!!!
Get the picture? This past winter in the basement apartment in NY – I was reliving nostalgia. I felt I was on an adventure. While it was cold in the living room, the space heater kept the kitchen cozy and that was where my sewing machine was set up, and after all, I had an indoor toilet and a hot shower. I was living in luxury compared to my child hood days. I mentioned the temperature so often because I was amazed I could function and I enjoyed it after so many years of having to have the heat turned up for Mom. And, if I were to spend my winters anywhere again, I would choose upstate NY - No wind. Cold weather is embracing when the wind chill doesn’t hold it at-20 and below.
With the exception of the couple days the temp fell to –28, I was quite cozy. I only watched TV for 1 hour a week – NCIS, of course and just curled up with a blanket. My bed was always warm thanks to the down comforter.
There you go – another peek into my childhood!
Until next time
Bear Hugs
Luv ‘n Boots
She believed she could do it, so she did!!!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
CRITTER SITTER
Here I am, once again, house-sitting at the "Cabin in the Woods" while Holly and Dave are enjoying their new RV on a trip to Colorado.
I have charge of 2 dogs, 3 cats, 4 geese, a dozen chickens and a pond of fish. The dogs like to wake me early - very early in the mornings for their morning constitutional. First I get a very gentle nudge on what ever part of my flesh is uncovered. Then about 10 minutes later, both dogs come into my room, nosing around, and trying to climb onto my bed - that gets me up promptly.
I'm also enjoying a large dining room temporarily turned into sewing room, where I am happily stitching away at various projects. I'm trying to use up as much fabric as I can before I depart westward.
It looks as though I may not get on my way until the first of September.
Yesterday, Janet stopped by in the afternoon to play Canasta - I'm getting better, even though she bested me both games!
I'm slowly reducing my remaining belongings. The biggest concern is all the christmas ornaments and displays made by my Mother. I just can't let them go, yet. I may have an apartment at some point in my future where I could once again enjoy using them. I've gotten rid of so much that I feel it's OK to hold on to these items.
I'm taking a load of old knick-knacks and collectibles to my niece, Nicki who has offered to sell them for me. Once that stuff is dropped off, my remaining belongings will fit in the back of the pickup. At this point, I don't know if that includes the Christmas stuff or not. I got rid of all store bought decorations, and just have Mom's left - these are my personal items. I still have a considerable amount of ornaments Mom made to sell at craft shows - even though I gave away a lot of them last year.
************** CORRECTION! In one of my blogs, I mentioned my cousin's website - but gave the wrong address. The correct site is: digitalmontana.net. Please check it out for some awesome photography! ************************
It's such a quiet morning here - out in the boonies, so to speak. I think I'll go out to the gazebo and read for awhile.
Until next time
Luv 'n Boots
She believed she could do it, and so she did!
I have charge of 2 dogs, 3 cats, 4 geese, a dozen chickens and a pond of fish. The dogs like to wake me early - very early in the mornings for their morning constitutional. First I get a very gentle nudge on what ever part of my flesh is uncovered. Then about 10 minutes later, both dogs come into my room, nosing around, and trying to climb onto my bed - that gets me up promptly.
I'm also enjoying a large dining room temporarily turned into sewing room, where I am happily stitching away at various projects. I'm trying to use up as much fabric as I can before I depart westward.
It looks as though I may not get on my way until the first of September.
Yesterday, Janet stopped by in the afternoon to play Canasta - I'm getting better, even though she bested me both games!
I'm slowly reducing my remaining belongings. The biggest concern is all the christmas ornaments and displays made by my Mother. I just can't let them go, yet. I may have an apartment at some point in my future where I could once again enjoy using them. I've gotten rid of so much that I feel it's OK to hold on to these items.
I'm taking a load of old knick-knacks and collectibles to my niece, Nicki who has offered to sell them for me. Once that stuff is dropped off, my remaining belongings will fit in the back of the pickup. At this point, I don't know if that includes the Christmas stuff or not. I got rid of all store bought decorations, and just have Mom's left - these are my personal items. I still have a considerable amount of ornaments Mom made to sell at craft shows - even though I gave away a lot of them last year.
************** CORRECTION! In one of my blogs, I mentioned my cousin's website - but gave the wrong address. The correct site is: digitalmontana.net. Please check it out for some awesome photography! ************************
It's such a quiet morning here - out in the boonies, so to speak. I think I'll go out to the gazebo and read for awhile.
Until next time
Luv 'n Boots
She believed she could do it, and so she did!
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