Month: July 2011

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Vacation homes

My blogging friend who I’ve grown to be very good friends with, mentioned now having what is called a bucket list. She has always been afraid of flying, and then on her 50th birthday, decided it was time to get over her intense phobia, because of all the wonderful places and experiences she had missed up until that point and I must say, her list of places she wants to go to is quite impressive. In fact, it’s lengthy to say the least.

One of the vacation spots she wants to go to is Hawaii. I guess her brother went there and came back with photos and interesting adventure tales to tell, and she then and there decided it was first on the list, besides of course, her love…Scotland. I’ve been seriously thinking about what to give her for her birthday this coming year, and it also would be a reunion of sorts for us. She had told me that she had gone online and did lots and lots of research about Hawaii. I’ve had some money saved up for my own vacation next year, yet I wanted to get a vacation home to stay in, instead of a hotel. It would feel more like living there for a time, then just a vacation.

I looked into American Dream Reality Hawaii, thinking that my friend’s list is indeed a dream and yet maybe it could be a reality and she wants to go to Hawaii. When I was there last, I had a wonderful time, and it would be great for my buddy to experience some or the things that I did. We’ll see what happens. In the mean time, I keep encouraging her to keep writing her list!

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Junk and treasures

I had to laugh at my friend Cheryl who lives in Chicago. When she talked to me and found out I had been cleaning closets, drawers and cupboards, she decided to do the same and then recruited her husband to clean out his garage. I say recruited as a sort of loose term as she actually gave him the ultimatum to either get rid of this junk or go live with it. I know she said this lovingly but actually meant that she indeed wanted the mess cleaned out. Her husband is a hoarder. He will keep anything at all, thinking that one day it will have some kind of a use, or will come in handy. That day never comes and it drives my poor friend somewhat nuttier that she already is.

Lately for some reason I have been watching this show on television about actual hoarders. Cheryl’s husband isn’t as bad as some of those people I’ve seen on the series. Far from it, but he still has a garage full of junk and I don’t even think he wants it that cluttered and messy anymore. I told Cheryl about this show and she got the idea (after she had gave that big hint to her husband) about Appliance Removal Chicago. I guess from what she had said, he keeps appliances in the garage thinking he is going to fix them up and then sell them for a few bucks. This is actually never the case.

I’m wondering how the clean up is going to go this coming week, but at least there will be help with some of the removal of the items!

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Donations

Where I live, there is what is called “The Free Store”. People drop off donations of everything from household items, clothes and just about anything in gently used condition. They are only open one day a week and it gives the less fortunate people a chance to get some items for themselves and family. I cleaned out my closets, drawers and cupboards this week and didn’t realize how much stuff I have accumulated. I thought about having a garage sale, but then also remembered the hassle of my last one. It just wasn’t worth it. I also thought about giving the items to one of the used stores in the area, who’s name I won’t mention here, but I once did that and saw a shirt I had donated (which I had gotten new for 4.00) marked with a 6.00 price tag.  I didn’t like the fact that these people had jacked up the price like that in a second hand store. So, I have all my things bagged and boxed up and am taking it to the free store today. This way, at least maybe someone will get good use out of the items and not have to pay for them, as I was giving them away in the first place.

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Summers part way over

My brother has been in the Air Force in Europe for about 30 years now. He married a very charming and wonderful Dutch woman and they have two daughters who are now in collage age. It is kind of sad that in all this time I have only met them a few times, but when my brother is on leave, because despite of the discount enlisted men get on airfare, he usually visits by himself or he and my sister in law usually just come alone as the girls are off on their own holiday or have other plans that keep them in Europe. I do however keep in nearly constant contact with my nieces through the internet and also by the “old fashion way” by writing real letters. I see photos of them all the time and they are beautiful girls, both inside and out. I’m proud of the way my brother and his wife have raised them. It is totally a different way than in the US and it seems these two girls have very level heads on their shoulders.

My oldest niece Meeka will be continuing her studies in Amsterdam where she will be staying with her grandma, as my brother is now stationed in Germany. She is into art and I have seen her work over the years. She just continues to get better as her talents develop more and more. She had before mentioned trying out collages in the States, one in particular was Walden University.

While Meeka was looking at all the various information about collages, my younger niece was also thinking about where she would go. She is a bit more adventurous that her sister and would love to come to the states for school. She mentioned to me that Walden U ed had opportunities  for scholarships and she was interested in checking out online schools as well but my brother nixed that idea. I’m not sure where the girls will actually be going but it sure would be great if at least one of them came to the States so I could see them more.

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Storms brewing

We here,  like most people are enduring or trying to endure sweltering hot weather the best we can. I must say though that people’s tempers are short and there are so many warnings about staying inside. I had to go to the store and noticed that the frozen food section was even unusually crowded, which lead me to believe that folks were hanging out just to keep cool, not to shop. Pretty sad. The weather report however is calling for some severe storms to start moving in. Hopefully it will cool things off. The only thing I’m a concerned about, as unpredictable as the weather has been, the storms will bring with it, tornadoes.

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Vacation is over

It’s time to leave the place up at the lake and to be honest, I really don’t want to leave. It’s a whole lot better being near the water in this heat and just being able to jump in and cooling off. I do however have a lot to do when I get back and one is work! This place is an easy hour away and I’ve vowed not to stay away long. There are plenty of more days left of summer to enjoy the peace and quiet here.

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Smile!

Everyone knows I am terrified of the dentist, but also need dental care and have found lately,  that I actually want (yes I said want) some dental work done. Now for me to say this and be serious about it, I’ve been checking out all sorts of dentist’s references in my area. Also I have been online checking  about various options to get a General Dentist who will understand my fears and work with me about them, but also be reasonably priced and…big one here… accept my insurance. I’ve had some very traumatic experiences with dentists and in truth I am still afraid, to the point of phobia, but I also know that one’s health or at least a large majority of one’s health, depends on oral hygiene.. I have found that my gums are somewhat receding and I do have a few cavities that are starting, which I must admit I’m totally embarrassed about, even though they aren’t noticeable, I know they are there. Because of my fear, I have indeed let my teeth go.

So, to the dentist I go. In order for me to do this, like I have said, I have done some reasearch. In fact, a whole lot of research. There is lots of information out there and a dentist who will suit one’s needs are found for you. This I think is very cool, considering the aspects of going to the dentist for some people who are afraid.

It was suggested to me by my sister after she had heard of my complaints, that like herself, I should look into seeing a Cosmetic Dentist also. She did and her teeth are beautiful. I want my smile back,  so I am willing to suck up my fears and do this,  for ME!  In the long run it will be worth having a great smile and one that is also healthy.

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A correction to make

I posted recently about Roseanne Barr’s new show that has begun to air. It’s apparently called, Roseanne’s Nuts, not the Nut Farm, so I’ve been told. No matter…I do believe I am going to be a faithful watcher of the show. Heck, I even watched the repeat because I had tuned in after it had begun last week. So folks, sorry about the mistake if I made it. Gotta give Roseanne credit where it is due. 🙂

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Sundresses

For the last week I have been living in my bathing suits and shorts. Today I had to put on a T~shirt and go into town for supplies at the lake place. Even at 7:00 am, it was beginning to swelter and my the shirt was pretty much soaked, (ICKY) after about a half hour.  Mom always says, “Women glisten, they don’t sweat.”  Bull!  I was sweating my butt off even at that early time. I even made a mental note to call Mom and have this debate with her, once I got back to the cabin. Anyway, I had to pick up a prescription at Kmart, and saw loads of clothes on clearance. Normally I don’t buy clothes from there, but I couldn’t refuse the really nice looking sundresses that were only about 6.00 each. They are really light weight and I love to wear dresses like these. It was a good deal so I ended up with five of them. I figure if need be, I can even throw one on over my bathing suit. I’m glad dresses are making a come back of sorts. These would even make great gifts.

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Camping fun!

As I’m am still up at the lake cabin, I have been thinking a great deal of having my nephews come stay with me here for a few days or even a week.  “My boys” are ages 8, 10 and 11. I know they share my love of fishing, hiking and nature. They, unlike me also love to rough it outside. Of course, when ever we have “camped” they have done the camping and I have provided the “must haves” (that they no doubt could do without, but groove with since they are goodies and really cool items that I know they love). This place has two bedrooms, kitchenette and living room with a large fireplace, and yes of course indoor plumbing, but boys are boys and I know they would want to stay in a tent in the yard.

I called my sisters to find out what the boys may like or need for this adventure, and the hands down, the answer was Sleeping Bags!!  Apparently young boys go through sleeping bags quickly. At least my rough tough ones do, so their moms say. I personally love buying the boys things that they want and need, and also spending the money on items that are well worth the price when it comes to durability.

I’m really looking forward to having the boys with me up here at the lake. It will be a riot and I’ll even have some fishing companions! I’m starting a list tonight on the “goodies” I’m going to shop for and have to go through the shed to see what kind of shape the life jackets and such are in. It’s been a while since the kids have been up here, and I know I’m going to have some restocking to do.