Family Fun

Photo courtesy of my nephew (1977) from San D!ego's TorrÉy P!nes State Reserve.

This is a family week-end for me. First I want to say that I am extremely blessed with family. Gobs of family. My Mom was an only child and she had 8 children. I was the eighth. I thanked her one time for "not stopping". She thought that was hilarious. It's true. After me she began sleeping on the couch. I always tell folks she stopped at perfection. My siblings laugh and say "Yeah, right!"

When I was little, folks would ask me "Are you Catholic?" I always just said "No" and wondered what to say next. Awkward silence. Ooookay. Now days if somebody asks me that I will say "No" and have a twinkle in my eye, a big smile and maybe wink at them. LOL!

We are filling up 10 rooms this week-end at a motel in WV Saturday night and a couple of rooms on Sunday night.

My niece and nephew are in San D!ego for vacation (coming back today) and then will join us this week-end. They had wonderful weather. I was so disappointed when they closed the Sea World in Ohio. It was such a shame. I didn't like it when I was younger because next door was an amusement park and that is where I spent my time. The fishes were boring to me. But, once I had my daughter and my niece (who loves sea critters) Sea World was a great treat for us. We went every year until they closed down. Maybe it was just too cold up here to keep it comfortable for the critters, I don't know.

But, back to happier things. My family. The only one who will not be present is my sister that is still in prison in Marysville. (The Mom of the two out in San D!ego). Ah, well. She usually only ruins family gatherings anyway. We keep hoping for change. I typed up a letter for her yesterday where she is asking the judge to re-consider her release for the fall. Fingers crossed. We used to like it when she was put away because of the gatherings being ruined. It may sound cruel to some folks, but you have to realize that we have been putting up with this for about 30 years, now.

Here's hoping that your week-end is blessed and fun-filled, too!

It is not plantar fasciitis

One of the photos on the web that helped me decide to see the doctor. The little purple branched 4-fingers is where I have my pain. The fluorescent yellow/green is where I would always feel my plantar fasciitis.

Well, the photo, research and I was really tired of the pain pushed me to call. 45 days. It had gone on long enough. At first I believed it to be plantar fasciitis. A few weeks ago I began to suspect that perhaps there was something more to this pain.

I had plantar fasciitis before and this was turning out to last a lot longer and I began to get shooting pains into the heel even while resting. And that burning feeling was just not usual for plantar fasciitis. To me that sounded like nerve damage so I began to investigate on the web.

I made an appointment with my dr. They got me in that day. This was good because my schedule is pretty tight these days, especially with jury duty hanging over your head. When I called for an appointment I was thinking to myself " Jury duty could be tomorrow, won't know until after 5 p.m." How do you tell a dr.'s office I may or may not be able to make your appointment? When you are calling in pain to get in a.s.a.p.? I'm sure they would understand, but I didn't need to worry.

Building a relationship with your doctor and staff is very important. I did not fully realize this before because I didn't need doctors when I was younger. I've been darn lucky.

Anyway, she diagnosed Tarsal tunnel syndrome. I see an orthopedic surgeon next week. Wow. They actually picked one of the only free days I had on my August calendar. LOL! Not really, but it feels that way sometimes. It is pretty full.

I am resting the foot as much as possible. Taking ibuprofen when I feel that I need to and will be applying ice packs as I can. No jury duty until Tuesday (and I may not even have to go then, I call the evening before for further instructions). So, that leaves me free for the reunion! I took today and tomorrow as vacation days and next Monday. Tuesday also, if I don't have jury duty. I see the surgeon on Wednesday. Don't let that word fool you. I won't be having surgery. Not anytime soon. I will try everything before I take that step. Pun intended!

They are growing

By leaps and bounds. This photo does not show how long Chong's legs have become. He runs so fast and if I lay on the ground he runs either far away from me or he is right on top of the camera, so there are no photos today of his legs.

Here is how I spent my first day at jury duty (written at noon):

Jury duty - first day

I thought I was getting there early. There must have been 40 people seated in the hard church pew benches before me. It was hot outside. I parked 6 blocks away in the church designated lot.

My foot hurt before I began. I walked up a flight of steps. My heel was pounding. My head was too.

The hard church pews were full. About 10 people were standing around. I walked over to the window. They said to have a seat and wait. Reminded me of the old joke "Pull up the floor and sit down."

I saw a lunch room with empty chairs. "Can we grab chairs out of there?" "Yes."

I grabbed one, and a couple of other folks did too. I sat down. Sigh.

We waited there about 30 minutes when a gentlemen told us to get in line and sign in.

We did.

Then we were taken downstairs outside to another building, went through a security check where almost every person was setting off the alarm. I breezed through, but the poor officer that had to go through the fifty compartments of my purse was not pleased.

I walked up three long flights of steps. By this time my foot was really hurting and my head had begun to ache.

At the top, I found a seat on a hard church pew bench. I took out my book. They had recommended bringing reading material. I could not look up as the lights were far too bright. I thought I might be sick but nobody had mentioned to us where the restrooms were.

People kept coming out of doors and looking around for somebody that they never seemed to be able to find.

The would call names and nobody would get up. Did they have the correct list?

I finally took a migraine medicine tablet, drinking from a water fountain next to me.

After 40 long minutes, we were ushered into a court room. There stood a gentleman with a yellow suit and a pink tie. No lie. Well, okay the suit was kind of tan color, but it was really a yellowish tan.

The gentleman introduced himself as a judge, apologized but said the case had been demoted to a misdemeanor this morning and our services would not be needed. He did however, go through a complete definition of what a juror is and what their responsibilities are.

He was very nice and the information he gave us was very good and quite interesting.

The case was a customer had written a check for services in the amount of $2500.00. The check bounced. He was being charged for passing a bad check and for receiving stolen goods (in this case - labor services).

The judge told us to go home and check back on the date that was given to us on a little piece of paper when we got our jurors badges. We turned in our badges and were free to go home.

I stopped back in to the original office to get my work slip signed and I will call back on Wednesday night to see if I am to report Thursday for duty.

Wow. Now my headache is a dull ache, I am hoping the ibuprofen I just swallowed will alleviate it. I do not do well having my routine upset and today was definitely out of my normal routine.

I'll get some good lunch food into me and take it easy the rest of the day. I am in the cool air conditioning and the chicken (one of my favorites) is steaming along nicely. Yum. I can smell it.

~ Back to 10:00 p.m. time.

We watched "Role Models" tonight. We chose the uncut version instead of the theatrical one. So, it was very raunchy. But there were also parts where we laughed out loud. It did have it's moments even though it was a little bit too raunchy for me. It was worth it to see the four main characters dress up as the Kiss band, with little Bobb'e in Demon make-up.

Goat head

Another species from the fair. Just popping in here to say "hello". I'm not much in the mood to write anything. In pain. Tried soaking my feet in Epsom salts tonight. It took the burn away, but it has all come roaring back after doing a few household chores. Ugh.

Have jury duty tomorrow (or will be interviewed for selection). We shall see.

If things go my way, I will be off Thursday and Friday in time to prepare my food contribution for the reunion.

And if things REALLY go my way, I will have Monday and Tuesday off to recuperate.

Pig pots

I saw these pots right outside the pig barn

I thought they were cute. And appropriate. It has been a very busy July for me and my family. I have done a lot of walking (both at work and around the area). A lot of get-togethers. My heel is beyond hurting today. I will take more ibuprofen but have come to accept the fact that I am going to have to consult my doctor. Drat.

I was hoping it would go away but since I won't stay off of it, I cannot expect it to heal. I need somebody to heel the heal. Heh, heh. I am off and walking again today. I said that I would make a flower arrangement for the auction at the reunion and I am off to Pat Catan's to pick up some new material. My daughter has ALWAYS wanted to take puppies into the pet center so we plan to do that today, too. I know. Not good for my foot but I promise to stay off of it tomorrow. No, scratch that. Grass needs mowed.

I called last night to see if I need to show up for jury duty Monday morning. Nope. I have to call again Monday night to see if I show up for Tuesday. What an ordeal. This is going to put a bit of a crimp into my long week-end out of state for the reunion. I'll have to hitch a ride with my brother back to Ohio if I need to show up for jury duty on Monday the 3rd. I got a 2 week stint. Great. My first call to civic duty and it lasts two weeks and surrounds perhaps the second biggest week-end of my summer. Double drat. I'll need to squeeze the doctor in there one day if I can.

I am not one to call her (my doctor) and beg for pain pills. I'd rather ride it out and get to the root of the problem, get it fixed and get on with my life. Especially after witnessing what pain medication can do to a person (co-worker). She went to a doctor in Columbus yesterday to see if she qualifies for disability. I certainly hope so.

Hot and boring

The pig looked hot. The pig looked bored. I felt bad for a lot of the animals. So many had fans on them. The 4-H members freeze water in big 2-liter bottles and put them in the rabbit cages to help to cool them down.

The puppies are growing fast and furious. They are full of mischief. Whoops a big clap of thunder just sent them scurrying to bury their heads in the pillows. I nearly jumped out of my chair. It has begun to rain here.

Showing

My grand niece is three. To properly show the cow, the shower must keep their eyes facing the judge (in the white shirt in the middle) and most showers will walk backwards.

Eye see you

One of the many animal species that I took photos of at the Carroll County Fair today.

I have many, many more photos, but my head hurts (too much sun) and my feet hurt (too much walking) and my face hurts (too much laughing). I am taking 2 ibuprofen, taking out the garbage and going to bed!

Moonflowers are blooming

It is difficult to explain the fragrance of these beautiful flowers. It drifts across the yard. If you are outside in the evening you can catch a faint whiff of something so clean, so fresh and fragrant and they are hard to miss.

The ones on the side of the house have completely disappeared (I guess I cut them back before they seeded) but I have a new spurt of them in the front of my patio. Rather hardy stock.

I didn't even know they existed until I moved into this house and they began to bloom late in the summer of 2002. They are just "wow". They bloom at night and on very cloudy days. Their bloom lasts about one 24 hour period. Then they droop and fall off like big, used, cloth dinner napkins.

My Paternal Grandmother

Holding her birthday cake

Not certain what year. I think the back of the photograph said 86th? Maybe. She went blind long before I was born. She died when I was eight. I vaguely remember having to stand at her knee and letting her feel my face and hair. It wasn't horrible or creepy. Just something I remember.

She was a big tobacco chewer. It was kind of gross with her being blind and all. She usually did not make it to the Maxwell House coffee can that was their designated spittoon. My Mom made sure to warn us kids about getting between the chewers and the cans. I think that is why we stayed outside so much when we went there to visit. Well, that and we were very active kids and it was always summertime when we went there.

Still gearing up for the reunion. This is all descendants of this lady and my paternal grandfather. We are hoping that at least 50 show. I know that some live far away and some are too old to travel. We just have to start somewhere and get this reunion thing going.

Puppies are doing well. Full of energy and mischief. Medicine is running it's course. I am supposed to give my daughter a break this week-end but wouldn't you know her new laptop came today (for college) and she won't leave the house. She needs a break away from the babies. I heard her on the phone with her beau. She is headed out soon.

Hurry, here they come

Cheech (on the left) and Not Chong run towards me

I've mentioned before my Canon has a serious delay while it auto-focuses on the subject. This camera is definitely meant for still life photos. This is about the only picture I could capture that actually created an image of these little hoodlums before they reached me and the little black box that they are so curious about.

The name? My daughter does not like the name Chong. So she calls him "Not Chong". It does cause a bit of confusion sometimes.

Me outside with the pups.

I holler inside to my daughter "One of them pooped!"

Daughter "Which one?"

Me "Not Chong!"

Daughter "Cheech?"

Me "No, Not Chong!"

Daughter "Which puppy pooped first?"

Me "Not Chong!"

Yeah. It's a menagerie around here.

Cheech makes a stand

My daughter is tiring of the adorable puppies. She is finding out they are a lot of work. I took them outside when I got up this morning. Sitting there in the cool morning air, I considered running back inside to feed the cats who could not figure out why I was taking care of the needs of these two rats before them.

I am so glad I didn't leave the puppies for even one second. As I sat there in the quiet, out of the blue trots a golden fox right up my back alley. A fox! I was close enough to know that is what I was seeing. The fox was on a mission. It was getting the heck out of Dodge. As if he had stayed too long after the party and was headed home.

Introducing.....

Cheech and Chong

My daughter said "No, we are not naming them Cheech and Chong." She wants to name the two boys Turner and Hooch or Inky and Dinky. I didn't tell her until she looked into the tote and saw them. I told her I was going to pick up my sister's dog to watch her and she decided not to go with me. I tried. She is very excited to say the least.

Somebody dropped them off. I can't believe it.

That is Sable's big head checking them out. I am not certain if she is trying to mother them or eat them. She had a lot of slobber while examining them. I was a bit worried for them, but so far so good. They adore her of course.

I'm going to need a big one of these...

...upside the head, after today. I said "Yes" about 4 days ago. I was given time to think about it and I have not changed my mind. I am going this afternoon to pick up something(s) and will post pictures later. Hurry, somebody shoot me now.

The bumblebee

Taken five minutes ago outside.

A bee gathers pollen from my fast fading orange flowers. Too bad I didn't have fuchsia flowers. Then I can make up a tongue twister. A firefly flits by my fast fading fuchsia flowers from afar. I have not been near as busy as this bee. I mowed last week and since then my foot really took a turn for the worse. I am still dealing with pain and a very uncomfortable burning feeling. Just so you know, Solarcaine does nothing for this type of burn. Hey, I was desperate and it was sitting out because my daughter got a sunburn.

She went to her first outdoor concert yesterday. Mom warned, advised and nagged. It fell on deaf ears. Daughter has learned her lesson. She said "Never again!"

I watched Seven Pounds. I liked the movie. I knew pretty much what it was about, somebody filled me in. I like a lot of movies that Barry Pepper has been in, I just find it difficult to look at him. He makes me uncomfortable. As does Willem Dafoe. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I just don't like looking at them. They creep me out. After looking at photos of both of them, I think it is the eyes and the mouth. They are similar on each man. I just shivered.

A week or two ago, I watched Tell No One. It was French with English sub titles. It piqued my interest. A romantic mystery with a bit of thriller added to it. My Netflix list is pretty long. I still only get one movie at a time and that suits me fine. Tell No One was in the Instant list so I was able to watch it whenever I wanted to and on my computer.

I am hoping I get to mow tomorrow. Heel be damned. The nest is gone. My brother called and told me he would stop down one evening and take care of it for me. I was sitting here the other evening and I thought to myself 'I have the Hot Shot'. I got it out and the first blast flattened the nest against the wall of the porch. I blasted again. Mind you, one foot was in my living room and I was ready with my front door as a shield. I hopped inside and watched out the window. I actually felt bad for them. Most of them dropped dead on the cement porch below but a dozen or so flitted around the pulverized nest for an hour or two. They can't land, they will also die.

My brother did stop the next morning and scraped it off the wall for me. Yuck.

Speaking of yuck, this story causes my throat to burn with the wretched taste of bile.

Out on the porch

My swinging paternal grandmother and aunt sitting on their front porch. Circa 1943.

Been scanning a lot of old family album pictures in an effort to get ready for the reunion.

It is amazing. I have looked at this album a hundred times and I don't recall most of the pictures. Until you carefully take each one out and scan it (spend some time with it) you don't really take them all in.

I recommend this activity for everybody.

Edit: LOL! Activity being: sitting on the porch with loved ones AND scanning old pictures!

Side view of the blast

Nephew 1977 got a shot of the cannon blasting from the side.

Loud

My nephew 1972 had a friend who brought a cannon to the party. It was sister 1944's house, she is the one who said "Oh, my Lord." I am the one who said "God, I jumped."

More time

A flower from sister 1944's butterfly flower garden.

Less folks at the family get-together means more time to chat with the host and a few others that showed up. Sometimes we get so many folks at these family gatherings it just seems that we don't have time to see and talk to everybody and every now and then you leave feeling like you missed something or didn't accomplish enough mingling.

We had some fireworks set off by nephew 1972. I will post one or two videos in a few days (the smaller ones).

My 1972 nephew's wife made some treats that I have not had before and I loved them. She took the little bent pretzels and smashed them into a semi-soft Hershey's Kiss. Then topped them with an M&M candy. Some she smashed into Hershey's Hugs. Those were my favorites. Of course my 1977 nephew told me today how to make them. He had overheard her telling somebody else and it sounds very easy. I don't even have to open the oven door. Well, perhaps the microwave oven, but I think I can handle that.

I love hot dogs but I don't care if I see another one for a month or two. Blah!

Happy 4th of Ju....

NOT how I wanted to start my holiday today!

I found it this morning. Or, rather my cat Teton did. I walked out of the kitchen with my cup of coffee and noticed her sitting on the back of my TV chair staring outside at the open front door. I'm like "What is SHE looking at?" What is up there? I looked. I groaned.

I took pictures. They are tiny little insects. Not exactly certain what, yet. I didn't want to look that long or get too close. Even though I am dreading this discovery, I can't help but be amazed at their ability to build such a beautiful structure. The picture is blurry. That's right. I'm not getting that close and I wanted to snap away quickly and get the H-E -double hockey sticks out of there. Do you blame me?

From the looks of it, they have been at it a long time. I usually only use the front door to retrieve the newspaper and the mail. That is twice a day. Funny that I didn't notice it before. Sigh.

The town festival is going on over the hill in the park. I just don't have any inclination to go this year. I am not having my annual 4th party and I am a wee bit bummed about it, but I have a headache feeling coming on, so I imagine it is probably for the best. (Huge fight with daughter the other night, so my mood has been rather sour). I overslept this morning and am beginning to feel sick.

I am headed to my sister's house this evening. Her son loves to set off fireworks. He makes me nervous. I am taking calico beans and my usual cheese ball. I am also taking my headphones to drown out the noise of the fireworks. Where is that mosquito spray? And the Advil.

Pretty cat

Here is my nephew's cat, Gato. She had her front claws removed. It was done before he adopted her. She goes outside for long periods of time. Probably to visit her old friends in the neighborhood.

My foot has taken a turn for the worse. That Plantar faciitjusthurts, being the culprit. I've been cranky so I have not felt like writing much.

Top photo is from my nephew's archive.