Have you ever wondered what 300 towels would look like? I found out Saturday when I had 300 towels stuffed in the rear and back seat of the Durango. That's a lot of towels. I should have taken a picture but didn't think of it until just now--rats! I bought 300 towels Saturday. Actually, a friend bought them and we transferred them from her SUV to my SUV. The towels are now safely stored in the Share Your Christmas room at church. We are putting towels in our gift bags this year. I had been looking for a good price on towels, contacting several companies via the Internet. I was hoping that one would be touched by my SYC story and actually donate the towels. No such luck, and no good price. Then last week K-Mart marked their $2 towels down to $1.50. My friend works at K-Mart so she could get an employee discount. She got the 300 towels for me--saved me over $67! That's a good friend! Actually, she is my angel. That worry--finding towels we could afford--is now over. It's the rest of the contents of the bag I have to think about--socks, gloves, candy, etc.
Today was a good day. The weather was so much better than last week's. I can handle the heat but not the humidity. Sounds like most of the week is supposed to be better.
I'm back to proofing court cases. I got caught up on all the collections and filings that I had stacked up on my desk. I can actually see the top of the desk. It looks good. I've completed almost one box of cases--found a couple of family cases that I will copy for my files. Then there was one today that had a deposition from the defendant in an alienation of affection case. He refused to answer any of the questions, you know, the "fifth amendment" thing. Sure sounded guilty to me. There was no final decree so I'll have to look it up to see what happened. Some of the cases can make me laugh while others are very sad. There were two damages cases that dealt with the deaths of two young men, 16 & 18, in an automobile accident. Life cut short because of someone else's desire to drive too fast.
I'm off to Buffalo tomorrow with Susan to get copies of a court case that was sent to Dallas County from Polk County. Should be an interesting afternoon.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thawed or Not Thawed? Not Thawed!
What a whirlwind week. It's only Thursday and I feel like I've put in two weeks already! This was my week to be in charge of the Clothes Closet--and it's one of my favorite things to do. Monday went fine, plenty of help and a good time by all. We weren't busy at all, only 23 families in. Yesterday was a different story. I was by myself for a while after we opened and, of course, we were very busy. In the first two hours alone we had more families than on Monday. I had one person help during the morning and one during the afternoon. We ended up with 44 families in.
The big event was celebrating Nana's 90th birthday. Our Sunday school class had a luncheon on Tuesday to celebrate hers and Jessie's 79th birthday. It was a good time. I had a PCGS executive meeting then that afternoon. Then yesterday, Charles and I joined the Boulings in Springfield to further celebrate Nana's birthday. We met the family at Golden Corral. There were 14 of us, all stuffing ourselves with good food! Then it was back to Lori's for cake and ice cream. Oh, and it rained and rained while we were at supper.
My biggest problem this week has been our freezer. We noticed late last week that the ice cream was soft, but everything else seemed to be well frozen. Charles put a thermometer in the freezer and it registered 20 degrees, which isn't too bad. But he was worried, so Sunday afternoon we cleaned the freezer out and threw away at least 4 garbage bags full of either soften items or items that had been in there for up to 10 years (that's how long we've had this freezer). Cleaning it out didn't help so we decided that a new freezer was the solution. Tuesday morning I found a freezer, paid for it and set up delivery for today. We weren't going to be home through the day to have it delivered before now. The temp went up to 40 degrees yesterday and I just knew that we were going to have to discard ALL the food. It wasn't a pleasant thought. I figured that I could salvage the blackberries and strawberries but the meat and other stuff would probably have to go. Well, when we opened the freezer to move stuff into the new one, the only soft stuff was ice cream. Everything else was still frozen solid. Thank goodness. This new freezer is an energy star freezer so after having the old one running constantly for the last week, this will be much better. It also had a light so I can find things easier. And it has an alarm if something should go wrong.
So, I've had to repair/replace two things in the last week. What is the third one going to be? You know things come in threes.
The big event was celebrating Nana's 90th birthday. Our Sunday school class had a luncheon on Tuesday to celebrate hers and Jessie's 79th birthday. It was a good time. I had a PCGS executive meeting then that afternoon. Then yesterday, Charles and I joined the Boulings in Springfield to further celebrate Nana's birthday. We met the family at Golden Corral. There were 14 of us, all stuffing ourselves with good food! Then it was back to Lori's for cake and ice cream. Oh, and it rained and rained while we were at supper.
My biggest problem this week has been our freezer. We noticed late last week that the ice cream was soft, but everything else seemed to be well frozen. Charles put a thermometer in the freezer and it registered 20 degrees, which isn't too bad. But he was worried, so Sunday afternoon we cleaned the freezer out and threw away at least 4 garbage bags full of either soften items or items that had been in there for up to 10 years (that's how long we've had this freezer). Cleaning it out didn't help so we decided that a new freezer was the solution. Tuesday morning I found a freezer, paid for it and set up delivery for today. We weren't going to be home through the day to have it delivered before now. The temp went up to 40 degrees yesterday and I just knew that we were going to have to discard ALL the food. It wasn't a pleasant thought. I figured that I could salvage the blackberries and strawberries but the meat and other stuff would probably have to go. Well, when we opened the freezer to move stuff into the new one, the only soft stuff was ice cream. Everything else was still frozen solid. Thank goodness. This new freezer is an energy star freezer so after having the old one running constantly for the last week, this will be much better. It also had a light so I can find things easier. And it has an alarm if something should go wrong.
So, I've had to repair/replace two things in the last week. What is the third one going to be? You know things come in threes.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Father's Day
My father died 24 years ago. I still have vivid memories of the phone call telling me he had died. I was so thankful that Charles had decided to come home that weekend from work in Oklahoma. I'm not sure I would have been able to make it through without him. I don't feel like I was ever really close to my dad. I don't ever remember telling him that I loved him. Nor do I remember his ever telling me he loved me. But I know he did. Valary, who just 20 mo. old when her PapPaw died, and I were at my parents the night before Daddy died. And I am so thankful that he finished his last days on earth doing what he dearly loved to do--gardening. I worried as I watched him push the row plow that night. He would take two or three steps and then have to stop and catch his breath. But he got planted what he wanted to plant. I don't remember exactly what it was, probably green beans. When we left that Thursday night I really had no idea that I was saying goodbye for the last time. The only good thing that I can see about that time was that it brought me back to God. I had stopped going to church, really doing what I wanted without regard to what I should be doing. But the week after Daddy died, Mom asked me to go to church with her--she hadn't been going either. So together, she, Valary and I made it to church. I haven't looked back. My Dad's dying was the best thing that happened to me. I now have a relationship with God that I treasure. And my daughter grew up in church and is a fine Christian lady today. I regret that I can't get Charles to go with me, but that is something he needs to work out. The preacher calls him from time to time and they seem to have a good visit. I am leaving it up to God.
So while I can't wish my father a happy father's day, I really feel that I will see him again one of these days, but I have a Heavenly father, the Almighty God, who is with me all the time. I am truly blessed.
So while I can't wish my father a happy father's day, I really feel that I will see him again one of these days, but I have a Heavenly father, the Almighty God, who is with me all the time. I am truly blessed.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Another Week Gone
I can't believe how fast this week has gone. It has been a busy one for sure. And I haven't accomplished a lot either. Three days at the library and I do feel good about what I was able to get done there. I'm just about caught up with the archives records. I only have about three more folders to complete and file all the ones I've done in the right collection. Then I can start working on court cases again. I have 16 boxes of cases waiting to be proofed and pages counted. This week I worked on getting a finding aid for the photos we have in our collections--either the actual photo or a scanned image. This will be added to our web site to help researchers. We have a BUNCH of photos/images.
Lois and I went to Branson Tuesday. Although it was dark and dreary when we left, it turned in to a beautiful, sunshiny day. Neither one of us bought much, I spent less than $80 which is very unusual for me and Branson. I didn't even buy any shoes! But we had a great time. It's a special time for us to get to talk about things that we might not talk about to others. I love Lois like a sister and I would trust her with my life. I admire her determination and fortitude.
I got my car fixed today. I had been hearing this roar for a couple of weeks and the first time Charles drove it, he said I had a wheel bearing going out. It just kept getting louder and louder. I was afraid to drive it very far. So after $290, I have no roar! Yeah! Part of me would like to get a new car--not an SUV. We both like Valary's Toyota really well. It rides well and isn't sitting on the ground. But I don't want car payments so the Durango will have to do, which is quite okay, too. I really like it...especially now that it doesn't roar!
I made a cheesecake tonight for a luncheon tomorrow. I've made this one two other times and each time it comes out different. I can't figure out what I am doing that causes this. It's a chocolate swirl cheesecake. Both others that I made were delicious. I expect this one will be too. I like cheesecake. I like the baked ones better than the other kind. This one is really easy to do and it doesn't have to be baked in a pan of water. I like that. Of course, this is the only recipe I have ever used (this is only the 3rd baked cheesecake I've ever made) so I don't know about baking them with a water bath. I guess I'll have to try it some time.
Next week I am responsible for the PCCSM Clothes Closet. I will be worn out by Wednesday evening. The whole week is going to be another busy one. Our Sunday School class is getting together for lunch on Tuesday. We were going to surprise one of our members for her 90th birthday, but then I found out another member is having her 79th birthday. So we are going to honor both of them. I'm looking forward to it. Wednesday evening we are joining the family of the 90 year old for a surprise birthday party in Springfield. Fun, fun, fun! I love surprise parties--as long as they are for someone else!
Lois and I went to Branson Tuesday. Although it was dark and dreary when we left, it turned in to a beautiful, sunshiny day. Neither one of us bought much, I spent less than $80 which is very unusual for me and Branson. I didn't even buy any shoes! But we had a great time. It's a special time for us to get to talk about things that we might not talk about to others. I love Lois like a sister and I would trust her with my life. I admire her determination and fortitude.
I got my car fixed today. I had been hearing this roar for a couple of weeks and the first time Charles drove it, he said I had a wheel bearing going out. It just kept getting louder and louder. I was afraid to drive it very far. So after $290, I have no roar! Yeah! Part of me would like to get a new car--not an SUV. We both like Valary's Toyota really well. It rides well and isn't sitting on the ground. But I don't want car payments so the Durango will have to do, which is quite okay, too. I really like it...especially now that it doesn't roar!
I made a cheesecake tonight for a luncheon tomorrow. I've made this one two other times and each time it comes out different. I can't figure out what I am doing that causes this. It's a chocolate swirl cheesecake. Both others that I made were delicious. I expect this one will be too. I like cheesecake. I like the baked ones better than the other kind. This one is really easy to do and it doesn't have to be baked in a pan of water. I like that. Of course, this is the only recipe I have ever used (this is only the 3rd baked cheesecake I've ever made) so I don't know about baking them with a water bath. I guess I'll have to try it some time.
Next week I am responsible for the PCCSM Clothes Closet. I will be worn out by Wednesday evening. The whole week is going to be another busy one. Our Sunday School class is getting together for lunch on Tuesday. We were going to surprise one of our members for her 90th birthday, but then I found out another member is having her 79th birthday. So we are going to honor both of them. I'm looking forward to it. Wednesday evening we are joining the family of the 90 year old for a surprise birthday party in Springfield. Fun, fun, fun! I love surprise parties--as long as they are for someone else!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
A Perfect Day for a Picnic
Yesterday was the annual PCGS picnic. We started having a society picnic three years ago as a way to get to know other members. Both years previous, it rained on the day of the picnic. Yesterday was absolutely perfect! It wasn't raining, it wasn't humid, it wasn't sweltering hot. It was indeed a perfect day for a picnic. The picnic was a lot of fun. The sad thing is that only a handful of members come. But that's okay. This year we had some "jammers" entertain us. Two of the group were PCGS members. They played and sang before we ate and then after we did a trivia game. There was some good bluegrass music going on!
The library furnishes the hamburgers and hot dogs, paper goods, buns and condiments. Members bring any and everything else, so there is a variety of good things to eat. I took a big crock pot of baked beans. I did that last year and I got lots of good comments about them so decided to make them again this year. There were some who asked me specifically if I brought beans and which dish contained them. That made me feel good! I also took a pasta salad and a huge pan of brownies. I didn't bring very much home. I never know how much to fix because we don't know how many will be coming. It's a guessing game. Not only do I have to figure out what I want to bring, I also have to help figure out how much stuff to buy for the library's part. I spent almost $100 for food and paper goods for the picnic. The hamburgers and hot dogs that were not cooked are in my freezer and periodically I will cook some of them for volunteers to have for lunch.
This year's trivia game was really hard for people. We had four teams. There were three rounds of ten questions. Susan and I did the questions. We thought they would be too easy but the team that won only got 50% of the answers correct. We made multiple choice questions about national events of 1909, questions that pertained to Bolivar and Polk County, and questions about the genealogy library.
It was a good day for a picnic. I'm already looking forward to next year's!
The library furnishes the hamburgers and hot dogs, paper goods, buns and condiments. Members bring any and everything else, so there is a variety of good things to eat. I took a big crock pot of baked beans. I did that last year and I got lots of good comments about them so decided to make them again this year. There were some who asked me specifically if I brought beans and which dish contained them. That made me feel good! I also took a pasta salad and a huge pan of brownies. I didn't bring very much home. I never know how much to fix because we don't know how many will be coming. It's a guessing game. Not only do I have to figure out what I want to bring, I also have to help figure out how much stuff to buy for the library's part. I spent almost $100 for food and paper goods for the picnic. The hamburgers and hot dogs that were not cooked are in my freezer and periodically I will cook some of them for volunteers to have for lunch.
This year's trivia game was really hard for people. We had four teams. There were three rounds of ten questions. Susan and I did the questions. We thought they would be too easy but the team that won only got 50% of the answers correct. We made multiple choice questions about national events of 1909, questions that pertained to Bolivar and Polk County, and questions about the genealogy library.
It was a good day for a picnic. I'm already looking forward to next year's!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Photos, Doctors, Meetings
I didn't realize that it had been over a week since I last posted anything. My, how time flies when you're having fun, right? Last week was pretty uneventful. Nothing exciting happened. I worked at the library with a new project. I'm trying to get a finding aid created for all the photos we have. And believe me, there are a lot! I love working with the old photos. Some of the pictures are quite elaborate, both the actual picture and the back of the picture. Many of our photographs are unidentified, which makes it really tough for someone seeking a photo of an ancestor. So, if you have a bunch of photos stashed away, get them out and label them. While they aren't "old" right now, some day you will be gone and there will be no one to identify the picture.
Charles and I went to Kansas City to see the "doctor" for a couple of days. Charles went to help her trim out the bathtub and a few other little odds and ends around her house. She told him to bring me up this time! She and I went shopping for luggage for her. She didn't have any and was getting ready to take a little trip and needed more than just a tote bag. We found her a nice set at Kohl's for half price! The rest of the weekend I just stayed out of her and Charles' way! I read, played computer games, and folded her laundry. We came home Monday afternoon. She flew to Powhatten, VA, Tuesday to spend time with some friends of hers from UMKC. She actually flew in to Baltimore and drove to Powhatten, about three hours away. She called last night and said that she arrived safely and was having a good visit.
I was scheduled to go to a Springfield Cardinals ball game Monday night but my friend, Lois, called saying she didn't feel very good and wanted to stay home. She had purchased the tickets and to be perfectly honest, I was more than willing to stay home. Last night was out monthly 'girls night out'. We've made plans to go to Branson next Tuesday. I think we will both enjoy that more than a ball game.
Tonight was business meeting night at church. I drove there in the pouring down rain, wind blowing like crazy, tornado warnings out all around, and no one was there. So I turned around and came back home through it all. I wasn't going to sit in the parking lot waiting to see if any one showed up. It was a little after 7 when I got there and it was supposed to start at 7. It was a pretty scary drive. I guess I should have called someone to check to see if we were going to have church. It seems we cancel when the weather is threatening. But I thought surely it would be over quickly. Oh well....
I have a PCCSM board meeting in the morning. I like the summer months because two of the groups I belong to don't have summer meetings. That gives me a couple more "free" days each month. I like that!
Charles and I went to Kansas City to see the "doctor" for a couple of days. Charles went to help her trim out the bathtub and a few other little odds and ends around her house. She told him to bring me up this time! She and I went shopping for luggage for her. She didn't have any and was getting ready to take a little trip and needed more than just a tote bag. We found her a nice set at Kohl's for half price! The rest of the weekend I just stayed out of her and Charles' way! I read, played computer games, and folded her laundry. We came home Monday afternoon. She flew to Powhatten, VA, Tuesday to spend time with some friends of hers from UMKC. She actually flew in to Baltimore and drove to Powhatten, about three hours away. She called last night and said that she arrived safely and was having a good visit.
I was scheduled to go to a Springfield Cardinals ball game Monday night but my friend, Lois, called saying she didn't feel very good and wanted to stay home. She had purchased the tickets and to be perfectly honest, I was more than willing to stay home. Last night was out monthly 'girls night out'. We've made plans to go to Branson next Tuesday. I think we will both enjoy that more than a ball game.
Tonight was business meeting night at church. I drove there in the pouring down rain, wind blowing like crazy, tornado warnings out all around, and no one was there. So I turned around and came back home through it all. I wasn't going to sit in the parking lot waiting to see if any one showed up. It was a little after 7 when I got there and it was supposed to start at 7. It was a pretty scary drive. I guess I should have called someone to check to see if we were going to have church. It seems we cancel when the weather is threatening. But I thought surely it would be over quickly. Oh well....
I have a PCCSM board meeting in the morning. I like the summer months because two of the groups I belong to don't have summer meetings. That gives me a couple more "free" days each month. I like that!
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