I haven't written for quite a while. It's not that I am busy...well take that back. I'm not busy...but the computer is! Ever since school as let out, we have a schedule between me, S, and J. So the computer is always in use. Sometimes, though, I have found it hard to concentrate on writing a blog like most people can. Tonight, I have it for at least another 15 minutes, or until someone asks to use it.
I am putting together a garage sale for this weekend, weather permitting. I haven't had a sale for at least 2 years or more. But as I watch our "treasures" collect in the basement, I wonder if this or that could sell. S and J are both outgrowing their clothes and so I have some of their stuff for sale and I can finally give up some of my old baby clothes. Some look pretty good, the stuff that will be going. I look at the clothes and think about each of them wearing those clothes. Hard to believe that nearly 13-16 years as passed since they have worn baby clothes. I picture the times they wore such-and-such outfit and can remember how old they were. I have kept a box of girl clothes and boy clothes. I may someday, have another sale and will be able to give these up as well, but for now it is a start.
I also have dolls and stuffed toys for sale. I look at a great deal of this stuff and if it makes the "final cut," then this is what will be in the sale.
I used to hate having garage sales. Then the "bug" bit me and it was fun. People look for all sorts of "treasures," at these sales. Last week I went to the flea market in Wichita to get an idea on what was selling and at what price. I looked how things were "advertised," and observed what was being sold. I thought I would buy something, but decided against it.
I am currently stocking my inventory and trying to figure out what to price the treasures for and signs to place in my sale. I am willing to barter for most of it. What I do not sell will either go back to the basement or out to Goodwill. I probably will send the clothes to Goodwill as I know people are looking for clothes or whatever in these stores.
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We are still in "negotiations" about taking a trip to Oregon. I have told my brother that I didn't think we could. But then, I have a friend who is in Oregon now. Oh how I would dearly love to be there right now seeing all of the sights and meeting my great-niece who is now 3, whom I never met. Seeing my great nephews, my niece, my nephew, and brother. I can "smell" the Oregon pine trees thinking about it. We "might" go there; it's not a definite either way! But my heart is in Oregon!
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Basketball camp is this week for the junior high. I am hoping J is learning a lot. The coaches seem really nice and helpful. It's great to have basketball camp during the summer. I'm sure the boys would like to have it longer than just a week.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Middle School Sports
This week is the end of school. My 6th grader soon to be 7th grade student will be allowed to play sports this coming fall.
We discussed that he should be signing up for basketball and track. Well, he has other plans. Basketball is a real possibility but track would be out. Instead, he signed up for FOOTBALL!
My immediate thoughts went to a "Brady Bunch" episode in which Greg tells his mom that he is going out for football. His mom is in hysterics because he could get hurt. Sure enough during practice Greg gets hurt by bruising his ribs. So the doctor and his parents sidelines him. Then Greg starts taking pictures of his cheerleader girlfriend and while he does this he has a snap shot of a controversial play. In the end his career ending injury turned out to be a "blessing" as he becomes the official team photographer (isn't TV just great?)
But here this is real life. My son, who hasn't played organized football at all, not even rag tag football is going out for the 7th grade team. I tried to discourage him by saying that in the heat the coaches really make you run in heavy football gear and wondered if he could handle that. I asked him if he was going to be a place kicker. I didn't figure he would quarterback, as I think Seth would probably fit that role. I asked him what positions he thought he would play. He didn't know.
He told me that only one guy didn't sign up and this kid is a pretty solid looking kid. The typical football player type.
I informed L of J's decision and he gulped. I guess he didn't care for his choice either. I asked J, "so you don't want to run in track, but you want to run in the heat for football?" I know as a parent, I should support him in his decisions. But I think this decision is a bad decision. I am afraid of him being injured (just as Carol Brady was of Greg in the episode I described above). I don't know, maybe he will "bulk up," and change over the summer. Maybe by the time the team practices he might give it up. But then again he may like it.
I just hope he doesn't get hurt.
We discussed that he should be signing up for basketball and track. Well, he has other plans. Basketball is a real possibility but track would be out. Instead, he signed up for FOOTBALL!
My immediate thoughts went to a "Brady Bunch" episode in which Greg tells his mom that he is going out for football. His mom is in hysterics because he could get hurt. Sure enough during practice Greg gets hurt by bruising his ribs. So the doctor and his parents sidelines him. Then Greg starts taking pictures of his cheerleader girlfriend and while he does this he has a snap shot of a controversial play. In the end his career ending injury turned out to be a "blessing" as he becomes the official team photographer (isn't TV just great?)
But here this is real life. My son, who hasn't played organized football at all, not even rag tag football is going out for the 7th grade team. I tried to discourage him by saying that in the heat the coaches really make you run in heavy football gear and wondered if he could handle that. I asked him if he was going to be a place kicker. I didn't figure he would quarterback, as I think Seth would probably fit that role. I asked him what positions he thought he would play. He didn't know.
He told me that only one guy didn't sign up and this kid is a pretty solid looking kid. The typical football player type.
I informed L of J's decision and he gulped. I guess he didn't care for his choice either. I asked J, "so you don't want to run in track, but you want to run in the heat for football?" I know as a parent, I should support him in his decisions. But I think this decision is a bad decision. I am afraid of him being injured (just as Carol Brady was of Greg in the episode I described above). I don't know, maybe he will "bulk up," and change over the summer. Maybe by the time the team practices he might give it up. But then again he may like it.
I just hope he doesn't get hurt.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
The Law
When we got home today from our weekly shopping trip in the big city we pulled onto our street and there sitting outside of our house was a police car.
Dread settled in and we both uttered, "Oh No." Our other car was parked on the driveway. Did the police officer want to speak about S's driving? Where was S? Oh that's right she was "chillin" somewhere else. Then we thought "Oh, No," it's Mario the dog, he's been barking and we are in trouble now.
We looked at each other and got out of the car quietly. I gulped. It had to be about the dog. I asked the officer, "So do you want to talk to us?" He shook his head "no." I told him that it scared me seeing him there on our street next to our house. He told us that he was going to put an end to the "dog problem," in our neighborhood.
Since being here I have not heard any dog bark. Mario was quietly waiting for us in his pen and not barking.
The "dog problem" all started because ONE neighbor moved into our neighborhood. Nearly everyone in the 'hood has at least one dog if not two or more. As dog owners, we don't notice the dogs barking all that much. They might bark if someone is walking in the alley; if there are sirens going off in town; if someone is doing something illegal the dogs will bark as a warning to their owners. But as far as the "dog problem" the only problem is this one neighbor.
This one neighbor has turned everyone in because there dog has "barked." I nearly gave my dog away knowing this. I wanted to keep peace in the neighborhood. I thought it was my next door neighbors. It wasn't it was the bully of the neighborhood. My next door neighbors had to pay a $90 fine. My neighbors across the alley contested their ticket and we all testified that the dogs don't bark all of the time. These same neighbors got fined again, this time for bigger bucks. So this is why the officer was listening to the dogs barking or in this case, no barking.
I have the perfect solution for the man who complains about the dogs barking. He can move somewhere else so peace can be restored in our neighborhood. He knew when he moved into the 'hood that everyone had a dog. If he didn't like it, then he should have not moved to this side of town.
Just my humble opinion as a dog owner.
Dread settled in and we both uttered, "Oh No." Our other car was parked on the driveway. Did the police officer want to speak about S's driving? Where was S? Oh that's right she was "chillin" somewhere else. Then we thought "Oh, No," it's Mario the dog, he's been barking and we are in trouble now.
We looked at each other and got out of the car quietly. I gulped. It had to be about the dog. I asked the officer, "So do you want to talk to us?" He shook his head "no." I told him that it scared me seeing him there on our street next to our house. He told us that he was going to put an end to the "dog problem," in our neighborhood.
Since being here I have not heard any dog bark. Mario was quietly waiting for us in his pen and not barking.
The "dog problem" all started because ONE neighbor moved into our neighborhood. Nearly everyone in the 'hood has at least one dog if not two or more. As dog owners, we don't notice the dogs barking all that much. They might bark if someone is walking in the alley; if there are sirens going off in town; if someone is doing something illegal the dogs will bark as a warning to their owners. But as far as the "dog problem" the only problem is this one neighbor.
This one neighbor has turned everyone in because there dog has "barked." I nearly gave my dog away knowing this. I wanted to keep peace in the neighborhood. I thought it was my next door neighbors. It wasn't it was the bully of the neighborhood. My next door neighbors had to pay a $90 fine. My neighbors across the alley contested their ticket and we all testified that the dogs don't bark all of the time. These same neighbors got fined again, this time for bigger bucks. So this is why the officer was listening to the dogs barking or in this case, no barking.
I have the perfect solution for the man who complains about the dogs barking. He can move somewhere else so peace can be restored in our neighborhood. He knew when he moved into the 'hood that everyone had a dog. If he didn't like it, then he should have not moved to this side of town.
Just my humble opinion as a dog owner.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Band Concert
The annual "Band BBQ" was held tonight at the HS. I can remember when I first moved to town that the band teacher SH (a former classmate of L's) held the BBQ in the Harper City Park. It has since changed over the years. The last time that we attended the "Band BBQ" concert was two years ago, and even then we didn't eat over there.
This year, band members sold tickets for $5.00 per person in order to raise funds for a band trip that they hope to be taking to Texas. There were scads of people, the band director wasn't expecting that many people to show up. Through the line we received a blackened bbq hamburger, sides of potato salad and beans. We showed up early as J had to get ready and play for the concert.
We got into the auditorium and waited. The concert was delayed by 20 minutes because of so many people attending.
We heard songs played by the two 6th grade bands; the two 7th and 8th grade bands; the HS band; and a combo number with all bands on the stage.
Each band sounded really great! I was most impressed with the HS band. I could remember two years ago hardly anyone went out for band. Now with Mr. B at the helm, kids enjoyed playing. Everyone sounded great and more kids are interested in taking band in HS. Mr. B even had a 7th and 8th grade jazz band. They were pretty good. It is great to see a renewed interest in music.
At the end of the concert the CHS drumline played! WOW! I was very impressed. All I could think about was going to Drum and Bugle Corp competitions and seeing their drumlines. (this was back in the 60's). I could see most of these kids in a competition like this.
Thank you Mr. B for your wonderful direction of your bands and getting students interested in band. Nice work! :)
This year, band members sold tickets for $5.00 per person in order to raise funds for a band trip that they hope to be taking to Texas. There were scads of people, the band director wasn't expecting that many people to show up. Through the line we received a blackened bbq hamburger, sides of potato salad and beans. We showed up early as J had to get ready and play for the concert.
We got into the auditorium and waited. The concert was delayed by 20 minutes because of so many people attending.
We heard songs played by the two 6th grade bands; the two 7th and 8th grade bands; the HS band; and a combo number with all bands on the stage.
Each band sounded really great! I was most impressed with the HS band. I could remember two years ago hardly anyone went out for band. Now with Mr. B at the helm, kids enjoyed playing. Everyone sounded great and more kids are interested in taking band in HS. Mr. B even had a 7th and 8th grade jazz band. They were pretty good. It is great to see a renewed interest in music.
At the end of the concert the CHS drumline played! WOW! I was very impressed. All I could think about was going to Drum and Bugle Corp competitions and seeing their drumlines. (this was back in the 60's). I could see most of these kids in a competition like this.
Thank you Mr. B for your wonderful direction of your bands and getting students interested in band. Nice work! :)
Radio stations
I have a good friend, old college friend, facebook friend, pastor at Crossroads Church in Winfield, who is the program director a radio station in Wichita. He also has an on-air shift too. in his facebook quiz he wrote down which radio stations shaped him.
I looked through his list and the only one that I recognized was WLS out of Chicago. My friend L, didn't grow up in Kansas, he's from Indiana. He went to college in Kansas and has never left here.
So I started to think about the radio stations that I used to listen to in my youth. It brought back a bunch of memories. I grew up listening to AM radio (the scratchy stuff) there was no such thing as FM radio until the early 70's. One of my favorite radio stations to listen to was KLEO, 1480 on the AM dial out of Wichita. One of the DJ's would always talk about his wife "miss Vicky." I wasn't sure if he was talking about his wife or Tiny Tim's wife, Miss Vicky. Some of the commercials I remember was Parrot-Fanilia. I never went to the "Parrot" when I moved to Wichita back in the 80's. I knew where it was located, but wasn't too impressed with the store.
My mom worked for a radio station in Hutchinson and I always listened to that one. She was the bookkeeper there. One day they had a contest on the radio and I called in and won!! I was soooo happy! Then my mom said, that since she worked there I technically wasn't allowed to win. I could no longer call in for contests on that radio station. I think I won a gift certificate at a store in Hutch downtown. I can remember the little colored paper liste that was available at Hayes Sight and Sound giving out the top 25 songs in our area. I got to know the DJ's there and even got to participate in high school reports. It was pretty cool back then. There were other schools in the area and the DJ, at the time chose me and another guy (who did reports at Central Christian HS) because our parents worked at the station.
Because of that opportunity, I went to Hutch Juco and worked on the college radio station. The other guy, who did the Central Christian reports went in to TV. He works in Wichita as a news anchor for channel twelve.
The disc jockey who worked at the radio station moved back to his hometown of Manhattan, KS. At one time he was the mayor there and I think he is still in radio.
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Today when I came back from work, I got some weird radio stations because of the cloud cover. It reminded me of WLS in Chicago. I could always get that one and KOMA out of Oklahoma City at night. Today instead of B98, where my friend works, I got some Amarillo, Texas station.
Ahhh...shades of when i was younger tuning into different stations across the country! :)
I looked through his list and the only one that I recognized was WLS out of Chicago. My friend L, didn't grow up in Kansas, he's from Indiana. He went to college in Kansas and has never left here.
So I started to think about the radio stations that I used to listen to in my youth. It brought back a bunch of memories. I grew up listening to AM radio (the scratchy stuff) there was no such thing as FM radio until the early 70's. One of my favorite radio stations to listen to was KLEO, 1480 on the AM dial out of Wichita. One of the DJ's would always talk about his wife "miss Vicky." I wasn't sure if he was talking about his wife or Tiny Tim's wife, Miss Vicky. Some of the commercials I remember was Parrot-Fanilia. I never went to the "Parrot" when I moved to Wichita back in the 80's. I knew where it was located, but wasn't too impressed with the store.
My mom worked for a radio station in Hutchinson and I always listened to that one. She was the bookkeeper there. One day they had a contest on the radio and I called in and won!! I was soooo happy! Then my mom said, that since she worked there I technically wasn't allowed to win. I could no longer call in for contests on that radio station. I think I won a gift certificate at a store in Hutch downtown. I can remember the little colored paper liste that was available at Hayes Sight and Sound giving out the top 25 songs in our area. I got to know the DJ's there and even got to participate in high school reports. It was pretty cool back then. There were other schools in the area and the DJ, at the time chose me and another guy (who did reports at Central Christian HS) because our parents worked at the station.
Because of that opportunity, I went to Hutch Juco and worked on the college radio station. The other guy, who did the Central Christian reports went in to TV. He works in Wichita as a news anchor for channel twelve.
The disc jockey who worked at the radio station moved back to his hometown of Manhattan, KS. At one time he was the mayor there and I think he is still in radio.
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Today when I came back from work, I got some weird radio stations because of the cloud cover. It reminded me of WLS in Chicago. I could always get that one and KOMA out of Oklahoma City at night. Today instead of B98, where my friend works, I got some Amarillo, Texas station.
Ahhh...shades of when i was younger tuning into different stations across the country! :)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Fridge
Today I am listening to my fridge. I know I should probably contact Paul our refrigerator repairman. I decided to check inside my fridge to see if the food was still cold and things were freezing.
This is when I made the discovery. Science experiements were being conducted all over the place! I checked the dates of frozen foods. If I didn't see one then it was tossed. I smelled old moldy lettuce. Believe it or not, lettuce does not last two months. I'm not even sure of the age of this one. Then I checked my cheese/meat drawer! What a mess. Molding cheese that should have been tossed 6 months ago. Shredded mozzarella cheese can turn brown on you. I was looking for that blue color! Someone had a packet of open ranch dressing...!! Yuk!
If you haven't checked your fridge and you smell something then check your food, science experiements are lurking about.
Now I need to take all of the stuff off of the top of the fridge before Paul can see it. I hope whatever the problem is, is fixable. Because I really don't want to get a new fridge at over $600. Granted most of my appliances are aging and aren't energy efficient. :(
So if I bought a new one perhaps I would be saving in energy cost. Hmmm....I'll have to think on that one.
This is when I made the discovery. Science experiements were being conducted all over the place! I checked the dates of frozen foods. If I didn't see one then it was tossed. I smelled old moldy lettuce. Believe it or not, lettuce does not last two months. I'm not even sure of the age of this one. Then I checked my cheese/meat drawer! What a mess. Molding cheese that should have been tossed 6 months ago. Shredded mozzarella cheese can turn brown on you. I was looking for that blue color! Someone had a packet of open ranch dressing...!! Yuk!
If you haven't checked your fridge and you smell something then check your food, science experiements are lurking about.
Now I need to take all of the stuff off of the top of the fridge before Paul can see it. I hope whatever the problem is, is fixable. Because I really don't want to get a new fridge at over $600. Granted most of my appliances are aging and aren't energy efficient. :(
So if I bought a new one perhaps I would be saving in energy cost. Hmmm....I'll have to think on that one.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A New Question
Yesterday we were doing some work for the inlaws by fixing their old fence. We own post hole diggers but we had left them at my mom's house after our van was totaled in that town. So we thought why not go to the WIFS, since they have a rental equipment.
We ask the owner if he has post hole diggers. Yep, they had several ones, electric ones and the "regular" manual kind. Then he asks, "How many holes are you going to dig?" Sheesh!! Does he have to know EVERYTHING?! L answers, "One." The owner said, "Well, that will be hardly worth it." We roll our eyes. The sign in the store calls this rental "Just Ask." And I'm thinking DON'T ASK! But they do anyway. What's it for/how many holes store.
Maybe when we were in our mid thirties we could have done without those post hole diggers, just to dig one hole. But being in our mid fifties, I don't think so. That's pretty hard work now.
What's the purpose of this rental place to ask what we are using it for and how many holes? How deep and how wide will the hole be? What are you burying in the hole: the Riverfest medalian; or a time capsule; or important house papers? Surely, you don't need these post hole diggers! We don't want to take $5.00 a day from you to rent these fine pair of diggers. Get you a shovel and dig your one hole.
Oh to live in a town that would have actual competitive hardware/rental stores! No we just have this one, WIFS.
We ask the owner if he has post hole diggers. Yep, they had several ones, electric ones and the "regular" manual kind. Then he asks, "How many holes are you going to dig?" Sheesh!! Does he have to know EVERYTHING?! L answers, "One." The owner said, "Well, that will be hardly worth it." We roll our eyes. The sign in the store calls this rental "Just Ask." And I'm thinking DON'T ASK! But they do anyway. What's it for/how many holes store.
Maybe when we were in our mid thirties we could have done without those post hole diggers, just to dig one hole. But being in our mid fifties, I don't think so. That's pretty hard work now.
What's the purpose of this rental place to ask what we are using it for and how many holes? How deep and how wide will the hole be? What are you burying in the hole: the Riverfest medalian; or a time capsule; or important house papers? Surely, you don't need these post hole diggers! We don't want to take $5.00 a day from you to rent these fine pair of diggers. Get you a shovel and dig your one hole.
Oh to live in a town that would have actual competitive hardware/rental stores! No we just have this one, WIFS.
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