Greetings Pixies!
I'm not actually too whiny about the rain. It's cleaning up all the leftover dirt and crud left behind by the snowplows and salt over the winter.
Also, I'm heading out to run a few errands and I can test the waterproofing on my new rain jacket!
What's new in your world?
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59 comments:
Oooh! New rain jacket! That's really fun, Sue.
AW: my entire yard is finally snow-free, and the Giant Puddle Lake that formed at the bottom of the yard (covering the new patio) is finally all dried up. And I started my seedlings yesterday! It is very much springtime in Canada. (Also: Mr. Q finished his research essay last night, and so we are free from night classes until September!)
Old Skool Whine: I forgot about making playdough for preschool all last week, and only managed to make one batch yesterday. Three more to go by Wednesday (they should have been finished today). I just want to sit quietly and read during preschool time this morning, but I know that I need to make one batch of dough this morning and another tonight.
Yay for signs of spring, QWP!! And the end of night classes for the summer. :)
Good luck with the play dough, too.
Hooray for spring!
Last night, someone fell apart and called and yelled at me about something in that person's life. It was not an actual emergency or anything. I worked on my healthy boundaries...
Keep up those healthy boundaries ANM!
Waylon's funeral was today. W: professional hazard of sitting there thinking "Well, I wouldn't have done it that way." It was just mediocre, when of course I thought he deserved the best.
W: More points deducted for the church having thin, cheap, single ply toilet paper in the restrooms.
((( Esperanza ))) xoxo
Um, my street has been getting way too much excitement lately. I meant to go run an errand a couple hours ago, and saw a police officer talking to a neighbor, and crime scene tape around a house a bit down and the truck in front of it. The officer wouldn't let me approach while he was talking to my neighbor; later said I could be escorted off the block but would probably have to park farther down when I came back, so I didn't go. He wanted to know if I heard anything. Did not tell me anything. I decided my errand could wait.
From a confab of neighbors just now, we know the neighbor in that house is "deceased" and that another man is in there. The crime scene van is there; the coroner hasn't arrived yet. No ambulances. A badly parked and unfamiliar truck is taped off across from that house. Ugh. I swear, this is normally a very quiet block...
My son just called to find out what's going on, because a friend of his works nearby and noticed our street is closed...
(((((esperanza)))))
Yikes, kathy!
((((Esperanza)))) funerals are more important than weddings to get right. I'm sorry that Waylon's wasn't as right (I don't want to say "good" because funerals of children never are) as you could have done it.
(((Kathy))) so scary!
I had my first cup of coffee in over a week this morning, and ended up coughing while drinking it, so it went all over the place. Very minor in the scheme of things, but it was really fireplacing disgusting.
Speaking of disgusting, what is up with the gallons of fluid in my sinuses? I mean, seriously. GALLONS. I'm using up a box of tissues on the daily.
Oy, Liz. Shouldn't it be drying up a bit by now?
Well, the crime scene trailer left sometime after midnight. We still don't know much about what happened. Apparently the whatever was discovered when the police went for a welfare check, because the homeowner had not shown up for work and wasn't answering his phone.
The officer who closed off the end of the block was a boy scout dad when my son was a scout, and after checking my daughter's ID so she could come home, he asked if she was related.
(((Liz))) Sorry about the coffee coughing and the gallons of goo still pouring out of your head.
Oh goodness, what an awful situation in your neighbourhood, kathy.
And many hugs, esperanza. I'm sorry that Waylon's funeral wasn't done properly. (And I really do agree with Liz on this matter.)
And ugggh about the fluid and the coughing, Liz.
The police issued a statement saying it was a homicide and attempted suicide, and the shooter went to the hospital and has been charged with murder. There is still a lot of official activity over there.
How tragic, kathy a. I'm sorry that it has disturbed the peace of your neighborhood, and the peace of your mind/heart.
Re: funeral. I know nothing would have made it "good." I've been reflecting on it, and here's what I think was leaving me "meh." The pastor only spoke of W as a sick boy (ie, several anecdotes about what he did/said in the hospital). There was more to him than that, and I wish he would have said something about W's personality, what he enjoyed doing, etc. Professionally speaking, I didn't think his connection to Scriptures was done well, either, but I can let that one go. We're from different traditions and do things differently.
Oh, Esperanza. Yes, memories of Waylon himself (not sick Waylon) would have been very good. xoxox
Yes, Waylon was more than his illness.
Right. Thanks for getting it. And with grownup funerals, most pastors never mention the illness/cause of death, or if they do it would only be briefly. I felt like Waylon deserved the same.
Yes, he did deserve the same.
If it helps, know that you shared some of his life with us here over the past year(s) and that we got a glimpse of the boy he was beyond his illness. But if it would help you grieve, and you would like to share more, we would be honored to help celebrate and honor such a special boy.
((((((esperanza)))))))
--Neighbor Lady
What NL said. xoxo
Aw, thanks. Y'all are the best.
How terrible about what's happening in your neighbourhood, kathy. xoxox
What NL said, esperanza. I feel like we knew him a little bit through your sharing. I wish the presiding clergy had said more about the things he enjoyed, what made him happiest and what made him laugh.
Old Skool Canadian Whine: When you take that first sip of your timmy's coffee and discover that the cup opening is right where the crease is on the top of the cup. Easily remedied, but alas, the moment is gone. :)
Yes, what NL and everyone said.
W (first world problems edition): The new system to pay to park at a nearby Town Center is unworkable and complicated, to the point of my never wanting to shop there again. Ever.
AW: Called the restaurant I ate breakfast at to let them know I'd had a lovely time but wouldn't be returning due to the parking situation. They said they're hiring a lawyer to sue the community management, since we're not the only ones complaining.
AW: MS and I wrote letters to the community management, cc'ing all our favorite restaurants, so the restaurants have proof they're losing customers.
Good work, Liz!
One of my neighbors alerted the police that the deceased neighbor had a cat; and the officer agreed to take the cat to her when it came home. She's had the cat since that night, separated from her own cat; is trying to locate a new home for the cat, and thinks the first idea she lined up won't work long-term since the owner of that house may need to go into nursing care.
This cat spends a lot of time outdoors, so we know it -- really friendly guy. I am nervous about how our existing cats would get along with him, especially since one is old; and also not thrilled about having an indoor/outdoor cat again. But the shelter would be bad for him. Will talk it over with my husband. (Also, the neighbor is asking the police to ask the parents of our late neighbor if they want the cat.)
AW: Successfully replaced an outside spigot that was cracked and leaking (from a freeze? Not sure). Mr. E discovered it while mowing a couple weeks ago--it's in a corner of the yard we don't go into very often. I have had the parts for a week, but just got around to fixing it (and going to the store again for the correct part, of course) today. Feeling very accomplished.
W: But I cannot find what is making a horrible smell in the fridge.
Good work, Liz!!
Yay, kathy, for the neighbourhood kitty rescue mission!
esperanza, I'm in awe of your fix-it skills. Seriously - that's amazing. Can't help you with the fridge, however.
So, I was at a lunch today with local clergy colleagues to say goodbye to one of our folks who is moving to another part of the province. In the course of the discussion, we started comparing retirement dates. One person was offended that we are all looking forward to one day retiring. He said, "Well, I happen to like ministry!"
Seriously? He immediately assumed that looking forward to retirement equals job-dissatisfaction. Someone tried to explain to him that one does not equal the other, but he didn't get it. I said, "I'm looking forward to having enough time to do some volunteer work with our local animal rescue." To which he replied, "Why wait? Volunteer now."
Ya. With my one day off a week. Tons of time for that.
Sorry - just venting. Some people are assholes.
My husband said OK, and my daughter was delighted; they both like this cat. And he has arrived! Is checking out the household. There was some growling when he met our cats, and Junior Cat chased him down the hall; but that all got resolved, and he's now exploring the large and cluttered family room.
Sue, didn't see your comment before! Well, that person has his opinion, but it doesn't mean everybody has to share it. Or that everybody has energy for a full-time job, family obligations, plus volunteer work. Jerk.
That's wonderful that you're taking in the cat, Kathy!
Sue, SO MANY CLUESTICKS for the colleague who made those comments. Sounds like someone who doesn't have as many family obligations, health needs, etc., if he can say "Just volunteer now!"
W: I was about to fire off an angry missive to our Minister of Education (who is also in dire need of cluesticks, both on the library and the school fronts), but he's wiped all traces of his email address from all official websites.
AW: he does have a fax machine! I'm going to take a page from Kathy's book and send one of those. Good thing there are now so many programs that allow for web to fax (which have greatly improved thanks to mobilizing Americans).
Hm. I should PROBABLY clear my words with Mr. Q first, seeing as he's now officially in an administration position at his school. Or I'm really, really going to have to avoid mentioning that I'm married to a teacher.
QWP -- Go, team.
Yay QWP!
and Yay, Kathy about the cat (but so sorry to hear about all the rest of it)!
And, Sue, I betcha that man has people in his congregation who look forward to *his* retirement. (sorry, that's mean of me, but he does need a cluestick for sure.) And also, he loves his job every single day?? all the time?? puh-lease.
-Neighbor Lady
That Guy is not the only one doing this lately, and so perhaps this is an over-reaction, but the "my experience must be normative for everyone else" thing has got to stop. And yeah, I'm calling b.s. on him loving every minute of it.
kathy a, glad y'all could take the cat in for at least a little while.
AW: Baboos played outside on the playscape that came with our house for over an hour.
W: for the first time since we've lived here. For real. And at get-ready-for-bed time.
It's been a few years since we introduced a new adult cat to the home. That one was more inclined to hide for a while, and also we had a resident diva cat to keep her in line.
Junior Cat (the former newbie) keeps wanting to beat up the new boy. For his part, there's a good bit of growling when he spots her, so I've been encouraging them to take separate spaces. Senior Cat held her ground for a few hours, but has gone into her deep hidey-hole. So far so good! As I recall, all this is normal.
I think tonight, though, The New Cat in Town should stay in the large family room, with appropriate amenities and a big soft couch, so at least Senior Cat can come out and do her business and eat. And maybe sleep with me, like she does.
New Cat has found the dining room table by a large set of windows. I've kept the sliding window open a couple inches, and he is seeing and hearing familiar things from our block. For sure, it is frustrating him that he can't go out there. But I hope there is some measure of comfort, too, with the familiar things.
Yay new cat!! I know that he will settle in and the other cats will come to an accommodation with him.
Was able to sleep in a bed last night. First time in over a week!
Yay, New Cat!! I'm glad he's settling in. Maybe the familiar smells at the window will be a comfort. He knows he not at his usual home, but he's also not in another universe entirely.
NL - I laughed at your comment. Yes, I suspect a few in his church will celebrate his retirement (once he stops reveling in the sheer and utter joy of it Every Single Day - riiiggghhhtt...)
Go team QWP - and yay for faxes!
esperanza, even if the playscape time was a bed-time avoidance tactic, at least now they know it's fun, right? :)
Well, I know adult cats do not adjust to one another very easily. So it is not a surprise that New Cat and Junior Cat have growl-fests whenever they spot one another; and there weren't any serious standoffs. But apparently my husband was not anticipating any unhappiness... Anyway, the growls were too much for night, so we put New Cat in a large and well-appointed family room, where there is a large sliding glass door with a view, and he has discovered a rocking chair that works well as a throne, and he has voiced very little discontent.
He came out for a while this morning, but the cats seem to put one another on edge, so he is back in that room for a while. And, I've notified the other neighbor that we should be looking for possible forever homes, since I'm not sure how this will work out.
AW: My Big Red State's House voted *against* vouchers using tax money for private schools. Yippee!
W: Syria, all facets thereof.
Yay, Esperanza's state!
I have not looked directly at the news for a good part of the day, and now am afraid to. Holy Fireplacing Shit.
Yeah, just know that it's bad. Looking at it now will not facilitate falling asleep.
W: Even more horrifying, people that are happy about it.
AW: Mr. E, generally more conservative than I, is not happy about it. It's nice to be in agreement on something.
I am also staring at the news in horror. This is really, really bad news.
I'm speechless. This is truly horrifying. Violence only brings more violence, so I'm trying really hard not to think too far ahead in terms of what happens next. I'm also trying not to fixate on the fact that he likely gave approval for the bombing between the appetizer and main course at his southern WH.
WTF??!
Another vanity war. Launched without a lot of planning and consideration. Gah.
Well, New Cat's doing great except for a few accidental and growly encounters with Junior Cat. Loud feline swearing during one incident last night, but then New Cat settled in to sleep with a human [with the door shut to prevent further hostilities], and all was good. Have gotten in touch with a rescue/placement person, and have a lead on another.
Went to the library, got E her first library card, took out a whole stack of books, picked up fast food, met up with friends at the read-in, sat in the sunshine while reading books, signed a pile of petitions, threw out E's carton of milk because it had sat in the sun for too long, had to haul home a sobbing and exhausted child who wanted her milk back and didn't want to go home. I got to be the parent of the tantrum-haver.
Breaking news: My cough is much better!!!
QWP, the read-in sounds perfectly wonderful - especially the sitting in the sun part! Sorry about the tantrum time. :(
Great news about the cough, Liz!!
Hooray, Liz!
QWP -- great about the read-in!
So, yesterday my doorbell rang, and it was a neighbor, a police detective, and the mother of New Cat's owner, who wanted to check on the cat. Not expecting that! But she thought Tiger was being well taken care of, and wanted updates when we find him a new home. (Also, the detective pet the cat!)
Well, the cat cafe turned me down (because we are out of that particular town), and I've got feelers out to two rescue places but...
So, I did a rare "open to the public" post on the book of visages, and got some shares. Which I guess is something! I really hope this boy gets a good home. His human's mom is coming back sometime tomorrow for another visit.
I hope you find a forever home for the kitty soon, Kathy!
W: a wind storm blew down part of our rotting fence today!
AW: it was only a little part, and we've already saved up the cost of replacing it this summer. Seeing flying boards gave us the incentive to sit down and crunch the numbers, and it should be pretty affordable, since we're doing it ourselves. (Mr. Q has built a surprising number of fences through the years. He considers it an easy summer project, compared to the patio building and hauling all the yellow clay last year.) The most fun part: I was puzzling over the colours of solid stain (because it's cheaper and more highly rated than the pretty semi-transparent stuff), and Mr. Q said, "I know what you're thinking: brown wood with our brown house will look weird. But we shouldn't do white. What if we had a blue fence?" Blue fence! I'm thrilled with how pretty that will look. I've now narrowed it down to three shades, and if Mr. Q doesn't stop me, I'm going to be heading out to buy a fence board and three testers, to try to pick the fence colour. (Note: there is no reason to have picked the colour yet. It will be August before we're staining a fence.)
But you have a plan, QWP! My husband and I have dithered over exterior house colors for 20 years, so keep going!
We have acquired Tiger's litter box and his particular litter, assorted opened cat treats, and a cat carrier with his name written on tape -- so he definitely has a vet someplace, if only we knew which. It is sunny outside, but he seems content to sit in sunbeams and on various pieces of furniture inside, so all is good for the time being.
AW: Walk by a nearby lake this morning! It is all brown because of sediment in the runoff from all the rain, but still very nice. Also saw ducks and turtles.
AW: great weekend at a youth retreat, leading with some of my favorite friends. Nice weather, smart and curious young people ("Does God wear shoes? What kind?"), lovely setting.
W: chiggers
W: hiccups
W: A person should not have to deal with chiggers and hiccups at the same time.
W: exhausted, at the beginning of the busiest work week of the year.
I just looked up what chiggers actually are (I've heard of them for my whole life, but have never encountered them), and yuck! Award-worthy whine indeed, especially when combined with hiccups.
W: I received a friend request on Book of Faces, from someone that I cut off contact with (pretty much exactly) a decade ago. I automatically deleted the request, but it threw me off my game a little. I don't know how to describe it: I guess it's because I know how much she fixates and strategizes. At least she spaces out her attempts at contact very infrequently (it's been a couple of years since the last attempt). It just always messes with my head a little. (I guess one part because it feels so strange and artificial to keep a person out of one's life on purpose. It feels like I'm an unforgiving person, even though I know that it's a good thing to maintain distance from this person.) But I'm rambling.
Block her if you don't want her to be able to send another friend request
And sometimes you need to keep people out of your life. You can forgive her and STILL keep her out of your life.
Exactly, Liz! I've had to explain that to curious people who are surprised at how I carefully maintain no contact. (And I finally blocked her. I was holding off on that for a while, but it's the right thing to do.)
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