Saturday, May 2, 2009

Run for the Son

Today is the day thousands of bikers all around the world were riding to change the world - one heart at at time. The 22nd annual Run for th Son - in support of 3 mission efforts:
1. The Jesus Film Project. The Jesus film is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, having translated the film into over a thousand languages and shown it in over 200 countries.
2. Open Doors. This ministry supports and strengthens persecuted Christians around the world. Bible distribution is an important part of this ministry.
3. Missionary Ventures International -through this ministry, CMA has been supplying motorcycles, bicycles and other forms of transportation(horses, boats, etc) to indigenous pastors and evangelists worldwide.

Our chapter combined our bike blessing with this day - we had folks show up early to ride with us, eat with us and be prayed over along with their bikes. We had folks show up even as we were cleaning up to have their bike and riding season blessed. It was an amazing experience. I put 97 miles on Miss Behavin today!

Last night we went to the site of the event to set up and prayer walk the grounds. I was heading across a gravel area to get to the perimeter when a kildeer skittled off in front of me. She stood there yelling, trying to get me to follow her . . . I realized I must be near her nest. Knowing there would be a lot of people around the next day, another member and I started looking for her nest so we could rope it off and protect it should anyone happen to walk out there. We searched and searched and couldn't find her spotted eggs amongst the stones. We changed our strategy. We decided to go leave the area, go on with our prayer walk so she would go back to her nest. Once we knew where it was, we could secure the area. This plan worked. After about 15 minutes we saw she was back on the nest. Rosie walked toward here and I zeroed in on the location as soon as "mama" ran off the nest. It still took us some time as the eggs were larger than what we were looking for - but lo and behold. She had 4 beautiful eggs nestled together. We quickly got railroad ties and bricks to encircle these precious eggs. When I got there today, the first thing I did was check on our little mother. All the bikes and activity had her a little nervous. She was off the nest and trying to distract folks, but once she realized no one was paying her any mind or coming near her younguns, she settled onto the nest - I checked on her periodically and never saw her off the nest again.

Bikers are an amazing group. They love and ride their own machines with pride, but stand in awe and admiration of each others rides. A couple of fellows rode in on some custom bikes - you see them build these things on TV, but to stand in front of one of these rides and talk to the owner/creator/builder is humbling. One guy I talked to just finished his this week. Today may have been its first ride, I'm not sure. It took him 2 years to build it!!!!! These guys are my heroes. It might take me 2 years just to install the sissy bar, luggage rack and engine guard that I purchaed to accessorize my factory made bike!

I've lubricated my dry pipes with a bud light. I'm still a little thirsty . . . might hafta walk out to the beer fridge in the garage and grab another. Bed time will be early tonight - we are biking (kick stands up @ 8 a.m. at Austinburg McDonald's) to a church visit in Jefferson tomorrow, then off to Pymatuning, Pa for lunch, feeding the fish (this is affectionately called our "moldy bread run") then an ice cream stop on the way home. Another full day of fun in the Son!
Ciao

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Sunny days and warm nights

I'm loving this weather!!! Record breaking temps! Sleeping with the windows open! Waking to birds singing and the smell of spring flowers! I have a ton of yard work to do but need help getting winter things (snowblower a.k.a the beast) put in the shed and my deck furniture out. I also need to make a decision about the dogwood tree that was damaged in the November snow storm. The weight of the snow pulled half of the branches to the ground, splitting the trunk. I have to decide if I need to cut off the broken part or cut down the entire tree. I will need help either way. I've hinted to the kiddos but they aren't taking the hint. Sometimes, Senior housing looks mighty good. Freedom from house repairs and yardwork responsibilities. Then I remember that in 7 years I'll be mortgage free - with senior housing the rent goes on and on and on. Besides, senior housing doesn't offer a garage for Miss Behavin' and they don't have french doors for me to bring her inside for the winter. And there are probably noise restrictions which would prevent my friends with Harley's from visiting. . . better stay put, I guess.

I rode about 120 miles yesterday and about 80 today. Today what I saw from a distance and thought was roadkill turned out to be a big ole turtle poking along across the road. I checked my rear view mirror and there wasn't anyone behind me so I'm pretty certain he made it ok. Nothing like 2 lanes of asphalt and the wind and sun in your face . . . I pretty much stick to back roads . . . highways get you there quicker but all you see is concrete and cars. On the back roads you experience God's creation with most of your senses. Yesterday as I approached Geneva on the Lake (looking for an open ice cream shop) I felt the exact moment the air cooled - It was right at the Lodge and Conf center. It stayed that way as I rode through the strip (no ice cream places open) and onto Carpenter Road. The air got warm again. You don't feel that in a car. That's just one example. When you're driving you don't smell folks grilling burgers . . . you might never see them, but you know there's a family having a Bar-B-Que! Kind of helps you understand why dogs prefer to ride with their heads hanging out the window.

Ciao,

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

It's Official!!!!

Anyone care to join me in a happy dance? Motorcycling season (my favorite season) has officially begun. Last week we had two (2) good street washing rains and the temperature soared to 61 degrees yesterday. I got done work at 4:30 and Miss Behavin' and I were out there cruising by 4:50. We wound through the back country (all paved) roads, across the new covered bridge and on out to the bike shop in Jefferson where I picked up a new oil filter for her. I looked at new helmets for myself and just browsed there like some of you do in craft/scrapbooking shops.

I'm happy to say the new leather jacket I bought at the International Motorcycle show in cleveland is wonderfully warm. The sleeves zip nice and tight around the wrists keeping my arms warm and the main zipper wind flap prevents the wind from penetrating the zipper. The zip-out lining adds a layer of warmth. I was toasty warm with only a longsleeve t-shirt and my jacket. I rolled my chaps up and crammed them in my saddlebags just in case the breeze was too cold for my legs - I could pull off and slip them on - glad to say I was warm enough with my jeans on. Oh and the lined leather gloves I picked up when I was in Sugarcreek a month ago were toasty also. I can see now the difference between summer leather gloves and winter leather gloves! Live and learn!

I had her out riding for about an hour. She responded well and I was elated! The excitement of sitting astride her and starting her up . . . indescribable. Then there's the shifting, the cornering, the leaning and of course the camraderie of fellow riders low fiving as you pass each other!

I came home to change her oil and filter but couldn't get the plug (it's actually an bolt. why they call it a plug is beyond me) loose with my wrench. Matt was at rugby practice so I had to let it sit until someone could help me. I really hate being/feeling helpless. But Matt came this morning after I was at work to loosen the "plug". He called asking where the new filter was . . . he was doing the job for me . . . isn't he the best. As badly as I felt I needed to do it my self, he felt he needed to do it for me . . . I thought that was pretty thoughtful of him. And I really do appreciate it . . .after all, with the miles I plan to put on her this summer I'll get plenty of practice maintaining her.

Ciao

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

4 a.m. Furnace Woes

That's right. Furnaces . . . got have em, but who can figure em out? When it's frigid and below freezing the blasted thing won't come on; but let the temperatures rise and hover around 45 and the blasted thing won't shut off!!!!
4 a.m. and I awoke in a sweat - I thought what any 54 year old woman would think . . . hot flash, right? So I did what the average red blooded american woman would do and I threw off my pajamas and settled back in bed hoping that would cool my body down. WRONG. I continued to sweat and the bedroom was VERY warm. I listened and the furnace was running and running and running and running. I'm not the sharpest mechanical pencil in the toolbox, but I knew from the warmness of the air the furnace should be shutting off. So I climbed out of bed, found my robe and wandered through a VERY warm house. I went to the thermostat - it was set for 67 degrees but the room temperature was 85 degrees. My first thought was to call my dear son in law, my heating/cooling expert. Then I remembered it was 4 a.m. and perhaps I should check it out myself and call him as a last resort. Good plan, but where do I start. AHA! dear son in law showed me the manual shut-off switch on the front of the furnace. So down to the basement and into the furnace room I went. Hit the kill switch (sorry, motorcycle term slipped in) and the thing shut off! Ok. That was a good sign. Then I came back up and examined the thermostat. It is electonic (this should have been a clue) and the LCD (?) read out was very faint and the buttons used to adjust the setting were inoperable. I used all my strength (good thing I work out) and popped the cover off the front. Electronics need an energy source to operate, right? There staring back at me were 2 AA batteries! The thermostat has been there since we put the new furnace in somewhere between 5-7 years ago and the batteries were a well-kept secret! I went to my trusty junk drawer and retrieved some batteries, made the quick exchange, replaced the cover and tried the buttons - VOILA! they worked and were crystal clear - not faded. I returned to the basement and flipped the kill switch back to ON and I was back in business. It was still VERY warm so I opened the bedroom window so I could catch a few winks before the alarm went off at 5:30.

I've worked at my current job for 18 years. I'm on my fifth treasurer. And today, my work station was moved for the fifth time! The new treasurer asked what I thought and at this point I'm painfully honest. I told him - "It'll work. It's temporary. In a few years we'll have a new treasurer and I'll move again - that's why the maintenance men don't screw my desk pieces together - it saves them time when they need to dismantle it and move it." His jaw dropped to the floor before he chuckled and moved on. I'm probably a little bitter because he didn't take my concerns seriously. Offices have some very NOISY machines - copier, folder/sealer, postage meter etc. He moved the copier, fax and postage meter from our "work room" where all the machinery was kept to the main part of the office where we are expected to listen to them, concentrate and do our accounting jobs without error and have phone conversations with all the background noise. I explained my concerns and asked him to re-consider this plan - the problem is he didn't want to walk the extra steps to the work room. Or maybe it's one of the other girls that didn't want to walk and convinced it was a good plan. Who knows. But I'll be alright with it cuz IT'S TEMPORARY!!!!!!

Ciao for now

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

RAIN, RAIN Glorious RAIN

This may seem odd to most of you . . . but it rained Saturday night and all day Sunday. It has rained most of today (Tuesday). If my arithmetic is correct 1 rainy day + 1 rainy day = 2 rainy days, right? And the bottom line of this math problem is that all the salt should be washed off the roads!!!!! Sing with me . . . Alleluiah . . . Alleluiah! So this means I'd better book out to the bike shop in Jefferson tomorrow at lunchtime and get my oil and oil filter and git r done so she's ready to ride.

I had lunch with my little buckaroo and his mom this afternoon. He wasn't exactly wearing cranky pants, but he wasn't all that loving either. I guess he didn't get to finish his nap. This didn't deter him from flirting with the cute waitress, however. There are some areas Grandma just can't compete no matter how cool she is.

The other big news is I finally finished the new Grisham novel. I confess to reading the ending ahead of time. I think I was on chapter 33 and couldn't stand the suspense so I read the last two chapters - 41 & 42. The ending disappointed me but I figured that if I went back and read the chapters in between it would make better sense. Not so. The ending still was a disappointment.

I've moved on to my first Jodi Picoult novel - Change of Heart. Not really what I expected - but I'm only on page 8 and keeping an open mind.

Ooooh Ooooh - almost time for the biggest loser! I've lost about 6 pounds in the past week and a half - 10 more to go!!! Been working out regularly - even signed up for a self defense martial arts class at the gym!!!! Gotta run . . . Bob waits for no woman!

Ciao

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Daylight Savings Time and other stuff

It seems I only have time to blog on Saturdays. Not sure where the time goes during the week. Could be the fact that I work 40 hours a week, work out at least 4 days a week, have doggie duty several times a week for my granddog-daughter, babysit my buckaroo whenever I can and try to have a small semblance of a social life.

I have 1 load of laundry to dry, fold and put away. Will dust and sweep the living room/dining room and take my trash to the recycle center. Everything else got done during the week! If it doesn't rain I could start working in the yard picking up debris and tree limbs that landed during the windstorm a couple of weeks ago. I could go to the motorcycle shop and pick up the oil filter and oil I need to get my bike road ready. . .

I treated myself to a pedicure after work yesterday . . . complete with the pedicure chair with massage features! The poor guy earned his $$$ filing all the dead crap off my feet! My PedEgg doesn't do nearly as well as the professional tools. It was only $30 so I'm thinking I'll become a regular!!! Nothing feels better than soft pretty feet! And flip flop season is around the corner!!

Which brings me to my final thought . . . when we turn the clocks back tonight will I be an hour younger???

Ciao

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Tired of Winter

I like winter because I know from science and experience that it is temporary. About this time of year, all the knowledge and experience is forgotten and winter seems here to stay . . . It is cold and dreary. At least during the peak of winter we have snow that makes everything beautiful and brilliant with its whiteness - I guess this is what "they" mean by the dead of winter. Everywhere you look you see vegitation that is dead - shrubs, flower beds, grass - that with spring will be re-born and vibrant. But waking to this day after day makes spring seem very far off. I've been invited to go to the Cleveland Botanical Garden tomorrow. I'm so eager . . . to see beauty and life in the dead of winter . . . I probably won't want to leave it.

Add to this the anxiety of wanting to get on my motorcycle . . . in my circle of friends (mostly bikers) this is all we talk about. Planning events to ride in. Planning vacation rides. Planning ride and dines. Planning rallys to ride to. I have gone so far as to turn the heater on in the garage, move the jeep out and sit on my bike and "ride" her around the garage. If I had a trailer, Miss Behavin and I would definitely vacation in Florida!

Time to swap loads of laundry, then get myself to the gym.

Ciao til next time.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Another Season


It started again last night - Tetelestai (on the web @ http://www.tetelestai-cpam.org/). I was stressing because I wanted to drive to Brecksville for opening night but we were under a lake effect snow warning and as I age, er, um, mature . . . I am growing less fond of driving in snow after dark. Something about not being able to see the road terrifies me - go figure. Well the warning was cancelled around 2:00 so off I went. It was a very good show. The director made some creative and spiritually powerful changes that left me with goose bumps!

Being a former cast member, sitting in the audience was a different perspective. I stayed close to my comfort zone and sat in front of my peeps at the sound board - they know and understand my emotions whereas if I had sat amongst perfect strangers I would have felt somewhat self-conscience wiping tears and sniffling for self control.

It was also good to connect with the rest of my "family" - my sunshine Elizabeth - a 26 yr old young lady with some learning disabilites whom had a horrid childhood until she was adopted by the most faithfilled humble attorney and his family. Then there's my favorite diva, Theresa. She has MS and is absolutely my hero. She gets up and into her motorized wheelchair when her husband Joe (one of my soundboard buds) leaves for work - about 6:30 a.m. and is in it unitl he puts her to bed at night. This is the wee hours of the morning on performance days. Theresa is often overlooked by the cast - she doesn't want special treatment and hesitates to ask for help. I was her advocate and oftentimes her mouthpiece. I remember one facility had 3 small steps down to our "gathering area" where we hold prayer and praise prior to the show and at intermission. She was "parked" at the top of the stairs and around the corner trying to participate as best she could - I went to my DS and requested he and some of the guys go and lift her chair down those steps so she could fully participate with us. They did and our family was complete once she joined us. See what I mean? How many cast members walked right past her before I got there and didn't see her? Anyhow, it was great to sit and talk with her last night. And by best girlfriend Barb - whom my kids swear is my twin and we were separated at birth! And my surrogate dad Tom - when he saw me walking toward him he just held his arms open and I walked into them. I hadn't seen him since I made the decision not to be in the cast. He's one of the people I miss the most. He's taught me sooooo much about trusting God and living a faith-filled life. I could go on and on because everyone in the cast has touched my heart at different times and in different ways.

I got home about 12:40 a.m - and was turning my light off at 12: 51! Now it's almost 10 a.m and I'd better get started on my Saturday chores - Teen Challenge tonight with CMA!!!! I can't wait!

Ciao

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Over Easy is good

Thanks to my niece over at the Beaver Family Blog, I've been hungry for eggs over easy . . . Don't get alarmed, I'm relatively certain I'm not pregnant! Anyhow, tonight's dinner was just that - Eggs over easy and 2 slices of light whole grain wheat bread toasted. That was after my workout. My DS begins his role as Jesus in Tetelestai this weekend and dress rehearsal was tonight - an hour and 10 minute drive in good weather. Roads are snow covered and slippery and it took him 2 hrs to get there. I'll be up until I get a call saying he's home. Anywho, I had the pleasure of going to play with his dog and potty her in his absence. I think it's time for her to sleepover - we do a girl's night - you know, movie, ice cream, paint our nails . . . that kind of stuff. The last time I did her nails no one wanted to walk down the street with her . . . they were bright RED! I phoned DS and warned him she looked like a hoochy mama with her pretty red nails!

Soooo, on my way to see my grand-dogdaughter I stopped at the hospital to visit my cousin. I have 2 cousins in town on my Dad's side of the family - the older is dying of Cancer. Her battle began a year ago with breast cancer and now it has spread. She is in denial and has requested to proceed with Chemotherapy. I was shocked when I saw her tonight. Pale, thin, very weak and quite emotional. Her sense of humor is still in tact, however. I explained how my DS is Jesus and I'd see about him visiting her and turning her water into wine. I also said that made me the mother of God and I was going to start an RV Club . . . she gave me a quizzical look and I said that I am the Recycled Virgin Mother of God - an RV and I was looking for more members of the club. I thought she was going to fall off her chair laughing! Good thing her dear sister wasn't drinking a beverage - she laughed so hard it would have come out her nose! I was there about 1/2 hour before I noticed her beginning to tire, so I said my good-byes and I love yous and left with a heavy heart.

I went and pottied the wonder dog, then went to the grocery store. Came home and resumed the task of washing clothes. That's a vicious cycle isn't it? Wear them, wash them, dry (iron)them , put them away, wear them . . . Nudists might be on to something!

It's getting late. Think I'm ready to tuck it in and read! I'm more that halfway in the novel and haven't read the ending yet! Talk about self control. Grisham is the only author that makes me do that! I get to a point where I can't stand the twists and turns of the plot so I read the end then go back and read how it got there - besides, what if I die before finishing the book? I wouldn't know the outcome!

Ciao

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Back to Reality

It's Tuesday and I'm home enjoying my second cup of coffee before I get started on my day.


I spent yesterday travelling the backroads of Amish country. The rolling farmlands, children playing on stark, almost primitive playgrounds, laundry hanging outside and one farmer with his team of horses turning over his cornfield - all in 29 degree weather! Part of my attitude adjustment therapy is soaking in the hotel's hot tub with whatever novel I'm reading at the time. I guess when I was packing I was concentrating on the necessities for the many facets of my trip that I forgot my bathing suit. That's the real reason I cut my trip short. The next best thing will be a play date with my buckaroo!

I'll have a 3 day work week with an exciting weekend to look forward to! The passion play ministry our family has been a part of for the past 12 years opens Friday night in Brecksville! Opening night is always exciting and I wouldn't miss it. Saturday night is TEEN CHALLENGE!!! CMA is taking dinner to the men - my contribution will be taco salad this month. Please, if you are so inclined, add Teen Challenge to your prayer list. They are operating financially on a week by week basis. Thank you.

Ciao.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Attitude Adjustment? Me???

Things have been so stressful at work I decided I'd show them . . . I took 2 days vacation - Friday and Tuesday. With tomorrow being a holiday that gave me 5 days off. Low and behold, with Wednesday's windstorm our school district was closed Thursday! 6 day weekend! yippee skippee! Not sure what I did Thursday, but I got up Friday morning and did 2 loads of laundry so I could leave town for my CMA Seaons of Refreshing rally in Zanesville. I had to pick up the lady riding down with me at 12:15 in Perry where she was leaving her car and 3 boys. Before picking her up I had to get to quick lube in Madison and get my oil changed. Why I didn't do all this Thursday is beyond me! But I got er done and we were on our way by 12:45.



It was amazing! 251 Christian bikers under one roof! Singing, praising, laughing and learning about our common goal - winning souls for the Kingdom of God. When we were done Saturday, I left the group and headed east to my baby sister's house in PA. She recently bought a house to make her home and I was anxious to see her new digs. Spent the night and left not sure where I would end up. I wanted to go someplace different, but yet the tried and true works and since I know the environment I feel safe staying by myself there. When you travel alone as I generally do, it would easy to get comfortable and let your guard down - that's all it would take to become a statistic - one careless decision. So I am sequestered in a familiar hotel with my bible, my journal, my novel, my ipod and of course my laptop. (I'll soon have a comforter in the form of a pizza with ham and pineapple) I am in the heart of Amish country. This is my chosen place for retreating from the world. Spending time in the Amish community helps me regain my focus and put my life in perspective. They help me remember the importance of things: God first, Family second, and all the other stuff fits in someplace down the list of priorities. I usually stay 2 nights but I think I'm heading home tomorrow afternoon after visiting some of my favorite places here. The hardware store, the furniture store, the cheese factory and Chili's of Berlin (a specialty store for those who like it hot).

Ok. I've got some chillin' to do.

Ciao

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Back on the Potter's wheel

Just about the time my head stopped spinning, God up and tosses me back on the wheel to spin and remold and reshape me in His valliant attempt to create a beautiful masterpiece from this hunk of clay.

It's been a pretty intense weekend with my awesome God. Very recently He's given me a second chance. A door that was closed and forgotten has been opened. Just today, not knowing what was going on, a friend commented that if you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life . . . let it. I even went to the gym to work out this morning before church . . . wassup with that??? Definitely the Spirit moving this tired old body that early on a Sunday morning!

Last weekend when I was at the Family Christian Book Store, one of their family perk picks for the month is the movie, Facing the Giants. I'd seen it in the video stores, but it has football players on the jacket so I never considered renting it.
I bought the video and watched it last night. A very timely reminder to me . . . No matter how big our giant is . . . our God is bigger and there's NOTHING he can't do. When I win, Praise Him. When I lose, Praise Him.

Ok. I've gotta get to the store and stock up on my week's fruit, veggies and yogurt.

Ciao

Friday, February 6, 2009

Just Stuff . . .

Well, it's finally Friday. Work is getting more stressful by the day. I'm not going to go into all that now cuz I spent an hour at the gym working out the stress and frustrations. Reviewing it now would bring back those feelings which means I'd hafta go back to the gym and I'm already showered in my jammies. Suffice it to say that I've applied for a job in another school district. Que sera.

My workout was intense for a Friday. I usually take Friday off from working out but missed Monday (mental health day) and I missed Thursday. So I did Thursday's work out today. Lower body resistance and a short cardio (2 miles on the treadmill - 1 mile was uphill)

I recently joined a Freecycle community. It's an online group where you post via e-mail something you have that you want to get rid of - FOR FREE. Someone that needs that item contacts you and comes and takes it off your hands. Or, if you need something you can post that need and someone that has that item contacts you and you pick it up FOR FREE. The purpose is to keep stuff from landing in the landfills. Recycling your unwanted stuff but not having a garage/yard sale. Last Sunday I saw someone offered a car seat. Since I'd like to be able to transport my buckaroo safely I contacted the giver. I drove to Geneva after work yesterday to pick it up!!! I'm laundering the fabric liner as we speak. I then had the kids and their families over for dinner. They stepped into my test kitchen where I had prepared a new recipe - hamburger soup. It was delicious. I put some chipotle cheddar cheese in it and called it Cheeseburger soup. Before we ate, my buckaroo had his cereal and squash, so he sat in the high chair while we dined. It wasn't long before we heard a bodily function sound coming from his butt. Several times. He continued this all evening. I have re-named him. He's my rootinist tootinist buckaroo! Have I mentioned that I love that boy immensely?? Tootin and all.

After the kids, grandkid and dogs left, I decided I'd "start" the process of filing my taxes. Next thing I knew it was 11:30!!! I decided to "finish later" and logged off the software. I finished them this morning and got my confirming e-mail already saying they were accepted!!! In 10 days my jeep can get tires and and exhaust system!!!!

Ok. The dryer buzzed so I'd better get the dry ones out and put the wet ones in.

Ciao!

Monday, February 2, 2009

I've fallen in LOVE (Twitterpated?)

Relax. It's not what you think!!!

It happened at the I-X center - the Motorcycle show! I had heard about Honda's revolutionary endeaver - THE FURY. I couldn't picture Honda putting a chopper in there line of bikes . . . I was surprisingly blown away! It is one sweet machine. When I sat on it they were hard-pressed to get me off! It felt amazingly right. I could feel the love . . . It is 1300cc but is pretty lightweight, sits nice an low and I could picture myself cruising on it. I wish I had asked someone to take a picture of me on it with my phone, but this is the best I could do. . . Am I right???? Sweet, huh? The only thing missing is my butt on the seat! $17,000! Imagine the power of 1300cc between your legs! That's double what I have now!. Oh, and Miss Behavin` doesn't know I cheated on her so shhh.
All kidding aside, I had a great time at the show. I actually saw some folks I know in the local motorcycling community! We are all waiting for 2 good drenching rains to get the salt off the roads so we can ride! It was 42 degrees yesterday and some fool diehard had his bike parked outside the IX center when I left. It was coated in a white film of road salt and grime. I'll wait impatiently, thank you very much.
I called in sick today - I was in dire need of a "mental health" day. My medication works better than prozac or any other man-made drug . . . a visit with my buckaroo lifts my spirits like nothing in any drugstore! Before that I did some praying and thinking and sorting out and came to some important conclusions. God opened the door for me to act on one of the conculsions which made my time with my buckaroo that much better! Time now to rustle up some vittles.
Ciao.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Books, Latte, Wii, Motorcycles

I cleaned 4 more inches of snow from the driveway this morning. I wanted to go to Mentor, the nearest "big" city for a couple of things. My first stop was the Family Christian Bookstore cuz they have a decent "clean" restroom and my blood pressure meds make me hafta go and it was a 45 mile ride, if you get my drift. Since I was in the bookstore, I decided to browse just in case there was something I couldn't live without. On my way to the restroom I passed a rack of devotionals. One caught my eye because I recognized the author's name but wasn't sure how I knew her. Jennifer Rothschild. Sounded familiar, the devotional looked interesting, but I had to pee. I browsed the store, found some Christmas cards 50% off - great deal and they can go in the bag of cards I bought on sale after Christmas 2007! I wandered to the kids book section and found a cute cloth book for my buckaroo. Figured he could take it to church and it won't make a loud THUD when he drops it. Picked up some greeting cards that I needed. I finally wandered back to the devotional - Fresh Ground Faith. In reading the author credits, I found that Jennifer is the author of Lessons I Learned in the Dark. Bingo. Women of Faith conference 2007 in Cleveland. She was the sightless guest speaker. She has amazing insight. I bought the devotional - and will probably look for the other books she's authored.

After I had spent sufficient time (and $$) there, I moved on. I am going to CMA's Seasons of Refreshing in 2 weeks. It is a Fri night/Sat pre-season rally to prepare us for the upcoming motorcycling ministry season. I NEVER go out of town without a novel to read, and I didn't find anything intriguing at the Family Christian Bookstore (I could "pre-buy" Tony Dungy's next book, but they didn't state the release date) so I stopped at Borders (after visiting several clothing stores and finding zilch). Lo and Behold, they had in stock Tony Dungy's new book! It looks interesting and started to buy it when I spotted THE ASSOCIATE. John Grisham's new release. I dropped Dungy's book like a hot potato knowing Grisham was going home with me. I also have heard alot lately about Jodi Picoult's work so I picked up her latest novel. Did I mention that I love books??? Now all I needed was a quiet corner and a good latte and I'd be all set! Thought about Panera Bread or a nearby Starbucks, but decided to head home and patronize our newest local coffee shop. JavaNet Cafe. It is owned and operated by a good friend and I usually get samples of new things he's trying on the menu. (the lure of free food must run in the family!) John's 15 yr old son Adam was working and fixed me a Cookie Dough Mocha latte with whipped cream on top. mmmm good! I settled in a quiet corner with The Associate (I promise to TRY and not read the last chapter first!) and my java and it was good. Then John came into the cafe and we chatted a little before he told me about the Wii he had in the side room. I told him I knew absolutely nothing about video games so he asked Adam to set the game up for bowling and switch his player to a right-hander so I could play. After a few instructions from John and watching Adam demonstrate . . . .I was bowling. John has the Wii hooked up to a projector so the display is on the wall and you really feel like you are in a bowling alley. John left for his daughter's basketball game and Adam I battled it out. It came down to the 10th frame where he picked up his spare and needed 4 pins to tie with me. He got 6. I can't wait to go back for my next latte and Wii lesson!

Tomorrow is the BIG day! The International Motorcycle Show in Cleveland! I've been planning what to wear for 2 weeks now and have my clothes laid out ready to go, right down to my HD socks. It's midnight thirty here and I'm wide awake with excitement. Perhaps if I cuddle under the covers and read I'll be able to turn my brain off and get some sleep. I'm sure you'll be hearing more about the show in a later post.
Ciao for now.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

SNOW DAY

Finally . . . the call came . . . . schools are closed! I was up at 5:30, checked the TV listing of closings. Checked the internet for closings. Nothing in Ashtabula County. 5 inches of new snow on the ground and a prediction for 4-8 more here in the snow belt! I was so prepared!!! During my lunch hour yesterday I hauled 2 loads of wood from the woodpile. (when I workout after work it is dark when I get home and I don't go to the woodpile after dark!) I stopped at the store for milk before coming home. I even brought a file folder of work home to work on! I was all set to stay in my jammies in front of a nice fire and watch the snow pile up! Alas, it wasn't to be. So I made coffee and sat in my quiet time chair. My quiet time was very distracted and I couldn't focus . . . I was letting my disappointment interfere with talking/listening to the BIG G. I realized this when my journaling took on a whiny tone. At 5:51 I put the journal down and listened to the stillness around me - expecting a profound message from BIG G. At 5:54 my call came . . . . stay home!!!! Thank you BIG G!

So, now that I've had coffee and am wide awake . . . . what to do??? Clean out the fireplace and get it ready for a nice fire . . . maybe do some baking . . . work on the afghan for my little buckaroo . . . . clean the bathroom . . . . dust and sweep my bedroom . . .clean out a closet . . . oh, and there's always the folder of work - some requisitons to enter via the internet and a spreadsheet of uniform invoices that needs updated. Too many choices. I think I'll have another cup of coffee and settle under a blanket with my novel until I can decide - aftr all, it's not yet 6:30 a.m. and I have all day.

Ciao

Monday, January 26, 2009

Monday (yawn)

I am tired with a capital T. My boss had surgery last week and things in a school district's financial office just can't stop when the boss isn't there. Employees expect their paychecks and vendors expect to be paid for their goods and services. That means that all of us are picking up his slack, fielding questions and tackling things that he should be answering and doing. It wouldn't be bad if his daily rate salary was being divyied up among the lowly.

OK enough whining. The good thing is I forced myself to go to the gym and pound out a couple of miles on the treadmill. That is a GREAT stress reducer!!!! I hit the ab bench for 100 crunches and did a few squats. I'll pay for those tomorrow with burning quads.

The even better news is the weather forecast! Not the cold weather . . . that's not news . . . . it's supposed to be cold here this time of year. No, a good ole snow storm is brewing on the horizon, getting me pumped for a snow day Wednesday! Tomorrow I plan on dragging a load or two of wood from the wood pile behind the garage (I use a plastic sled - works great!) and stacking it in the wood ring on my front porch in preparation! Then I can stay in my jammies all day Wednesday and watch it snow!!!!! I love living in NE Ohio (and working for the school district!).

Time for jammies and a little reading before I head off to dreamland.

Ciao.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Dreaming . . .

With winter keeping us in its grasp for another 2 months, my mind as been going on "vacation" to tropical places where the sun warms white sandy beaches and the crashing of waves soothes the spirit. If only my body could follow the mind . . . I have 4 vacation days I need to use by April 2 and desparately wish I could take a cruise or head to Vegas - someplace I've never been before.

The International motorcycle show will be in Cleveland next weekend! I can't wait! Although it will probably only serve to depress me further seeing all the shiny new bikes and motorcycle paraphanalia and knowing it is still winter. I need to remember to wear my motorcyclegirlwear t-shirt and get a discount on any purchases I make at their booth. It's a pink v-neck and says, "silly boys, motorcycles are for girls" AND it was signed by Ami James last year at a motorcycle rally. You know, AMI JAMES ! . . . of Miami Ink fame?? That's it!!!! I'll go to Miami and let him tattoo me! That's another dream . . .

Ciao for now.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Morning Person

It is 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning. My goal was to stay in bed until 8. Obviously that didn't happen. I forgot to turn the alarm off last night so it blasted at 5:30. I snuggled back under the covers and at 6:30 my cell phone "dinged" with a text message "R u up?" from a friend that works swing shift and is in his "midnight" part of the shift rotation. He was just getting home from his 12 hr shift. When I called him he said he thought I'd be sleeping in today. Is this passive aggressive behavior? The truth is I am a morning person. It is the most peaceful time of my days.

I got my "package" from my "butterfly" mom - it came postage due! There are some very nice items in my package. I would feel selfish keeping them all to myself so I plan to "re-gift" some of them. I'm sure that's what Mom would want - to know that her middle child is unselfish and shares the "wealth". Coffee is done and smelling good. It was 45 degrees yesterday and today's high will be 15. better bundle up to go out and get the paper.

Ciao everyone.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Destined to be COLD

I'm beginning to think being cold is my destiny this winter. I kept a positive attitude when my furnace stopped in the middle of the night - 2 nights in a row - when we were having the coldest temperatures of the decade. I mentioned in yesterday's post that I drove in a snowstorm last night. That snowstorm left 6-8 inches of snow in my drive, on my deck and on my patio. (some areas were deeper depending on the wind) Sooooo, before church this morning, I fired up the beast and cleand the driveway and patio, then shoveled the deck (I need to be able to get to my gas grill). I traveled snowcovered and slippery roads to get to church only to sit in a freezing cold facility. I wore jeans, an undershirt, a warm sweater, wigwam socks, warm boots, my leather coat, scarf around my neck and I froze. On my way to the jeep after church I fell on my butt in the parking lot. Nothing hurt at the time except my pride. I couldn't get warm all day. DS called before I left for church and invited me to lunch at Lakeway after my church service - (cheryl, last time I was ther jerri was on her hands and knees scrubbing baseboards!) I sat there and froze. After lunch I came home and got under the warmest blanket I own trying to get warm. After resting under the blanket my wrist is hurting from trying to break my fall this morning. I'll see how it is tomorrow - may have to get it checked out. It is evening now and I am still a little chilled. made a pot of chocolate velvet (decaf) coffee hoping that I can warm up from the inside out.

OK, enough whining . . . accepting my destiny doesn't mean I can dream about a caribbean vacation, right?

Ciao everyone

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Big freeze part II

Guess who didn't have heat again this a.m.????? That's right. Only this morning it was down to 57 degrees which means I was really cozy under 3 blankets cuz the furnace quit earlier than it did Thursday night . . . or maybe it was colder last night . . . . either way, I was pretty cozy. Unitl 6:15 that is. I immediately went into survivor mode - warm robe, fire, hot coffee, warm fuzzy socks and slippers. DS had to be in Mayfield by 8:30, so I didn't bother him. I waited until 8:30 and called the expert. DSIL - dear son-in-law. DD was working (dear daughter) and he had daddy day care duty for my little buckaroo. I'd thought ahead on this knowing my little buckaroo didnt' need to be out in sub-zero tempeartures.So I made this proposal: "I have a fire going and I'm fine. I have a 10:00 hair appointment. How about I come to your house after my appointment - about 11:30 - and stay with my little buckaroo while you come look at my furnace?" He said that sounded like a wonderful plan. And so it was to be.

DSIL spent about an hour here. Cleaning this, adjusting that, turning the other thing and deemed the problem solved. Hey, he's the expert and I believe him. (don't tell him I'm putting a 4th blanket on my bed tonight "just in case") AND, I had an unexpected playdate with my little buckaroo and my GDS MoJo (granddogson)!!!! Doesn't get much better, does it????

All is well that ends well. Teen Challenge was the perfect ending to this day! We served up sloppy joe's, biker beans (I'm queen of the beans!), macaroni salad and hard boiled eggs. There are 4 men "graduating" from the program this month. 3 of them shared their testimonies. 2 newer guys shared theirs, then our VP looked my way . . . I turned and glanced behind me to see who he was looking at. Not seeing anyone, I turned around and heard him ask, "Bonnie, is there somehthing you'd like to say?" Some how the word YES came out of my mouth and I took the floor and gave my testimony. All evening I had felt the spirit nudging me, and when Jim spoke, I couldn't ignore the nudge any longer.

Our CMA manual says you should be able to give your testimony in 2 minutes - cuz with bikers, that may be all the time they'll give you. I've been thinking about this since my ministry training. . . . Tell what your life was like before giving your life to Christ . . . . Tell how the conversion came about . . . .Tell what difference it has made in your life. I did just that and it felt so good! I then was able to affirm the men there . . . let them know how important they are to me . . . that I can't help feel connected as most of them are younger that my 2 children . . .that their lives and testimonies give me courage and strength each month and that I pray for them each morning in my talk with the BIG G.

I drove home in a snowstorm - blowing and drifting snow - using the mailboxes and street light poles as guides to keep me on the road - but I was not afraid - I felt perfect peace. Thanks God!

Ciao for now.

Friday, January 16, 2009

The BIG freeze

BRRRRRRR When I first checked the temperature/wind chill this morning the actual temp was -11. The wind chill factor was -30. I heard on the news that temps in Alaska were warmer than in NE Ohio!

My day didn't start out as I had planned - you know snuggling under a pile of blankets knowing you didn't have any set agenda; no specific place to be at a certain time. Those kind of days are rare. Anywho - I woke up, looked at the clock and it was 5:30 (the internal alarm; that is my daily wake-up time) and thought "ahhhh, I can sleep a couple of more hours". I felt a little cold so I reached for the extra afghan I've been keeping on the bed for just such occasions. I was getting all cuddled and tucked in and had this thought, "If the air on my face is this cold, it must be time for the furnace to kick on." I waited and waited and waited - still didn't hear the furnace. My next thought was "OH S _ _ _!" I jumped out of bed, grabbed my warmest robe and headed to the thermostat. I keep it set at 68. The temp in the house was 63. I heard the motor but there was NO HEAT.

Being the independent woman I am I knew exactly what to do . . . I called my son-in-law, the family heating/cooling specialist. Honest. He's certified and everything. Got his voice mail so I left a message.

I had no choice but to go into survivor mode. I built a fire (don't they always do that on survivor?) in the fireplace. I turned the furnace off, went down to the furnace room and looked the situation over. The light bulb came on! The one in my head . . . I remembered what to do! Warning: There may be technical jargon used and understood only by us survivors.
My outtake is a PVC pipe on the front of my house with the opening pointed up. It is under the overhang and only gets snow in it when it's windy. This is the third time it happened. The first time it happened, the service person I called explained it all to me and even let me hold the bucket! He rigged it up so I could fix it my self (long as I have someone to hold the bucket) and save myself $90. What I needed to do was wiggle the coupler around so I could separate the pvc pipe in the basement and aim the open end at a bucket. Then I needed to go outside and pour hot water in the outtake pipe, melting the snow, which would drain into the bucket. I couldn't budge the coupler. My hands aren't big enough to get a grip around the pipe. So, I stoked the fire and I waited until 7:15 and called my DS. He's taller and has larger hands. With a lot of wiggling and a little jiggling he got it loose. I put the tea kettle on and he went out to melt the snow and I went down to hold the bucket. (since I am the experienced bucket holder, I couldn't see wasting my experience by going out in the sub-zero temps to do the melting). It wasn't long before the pipe was cleared and the water drained to the basement. I went up and restarted the furnace and VOILA` - I had heat. I think the coldest it got in the house was 56.

What an adventurous way to begin the day! I'm thankful for my fireplace. I have often toyed with thoughts of converting it to gas. I don't because at least once a year I need it for heat and wood burns much hotter than gas. I'm also thankful for my wood pile. I am also thankful for my DS and his strong hands.

Time for lean cuisine again. A protein shake would take the edge off my hunger but I'm not sure I can drink something so freezing cold.

Ciao, everyone.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

LONG weekend!!!!

More happy dancing!!!!! I just got a call from my boss. . . . schools are closed tomorrow. The last I checked the temp was 4 with a windchill of -11. Could explain why the furnace is running non-stop. We are expecting wind chills of -25 by morning. Not sure about the lake effect snow. Still predicting 4-6 inches of snow tonight and another 4-6 inches tomorrow. I thought the lake was pretty much frozen which takes the "lake effect" away. We'll see.

What does this mean? I won't set the coffee maker to come on automatically in the morning. I can turn the alarm OFF. Since Monday is a holiday, I have a 4 day weekend! I thought ahead and brought some stuff home to work on. Spreadsheet stuff that I don't have uninterrupted time at work to get done. If I really get bored I can work on that :-( NOT!!!!

Ciao everyone!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

HALLELUIAH!

Everyone! On your feet! Do the dance of joy with me!! DS just called - Got word from his mechanic . . . a new (?) engine, new timing chain, new water pump, new thermostat and a pile of chips ($$) later and his car is "running smooth". We will be there when the guy opens the shop in the morning!!! It has been a real test. In patience. In understanding. And HALLELUIAH! PRAISE THE LORD! We passed the tests!

We are under all kinds of yukky weather advisorys and watches and warnings. Lake Effect snow warning. Wind chill advisories (It would be a shame if it were too bitter cold for the little tykes to go to school tomorrow and they cancelled, now wouldn't it?)

`Bout time to microwave my Healthy Choice frozen dinner.

Ciao.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Ooooh Ooooh ! Almost forgot . . . .

When I posted Sunday evening I forgot to mention something VERY important and exciting!!! When I cleared the driveway Friday afternoon, when I was all done, I took a minute and right there in my front yard I plopped down and made . . . . a snow angel!!!!!

C'mon. Honestly, now, when was the last time you made a snow angel???? If you have to think about it then it's been too long. There is something in the reckless abandon of the child within bursting free!!! A thrill in the coldness of the snow. A comfort in its softness. Lying there looking up at the sky, letting the snow fall on you, or watching the clouds float by, or if it's dark, seeing the stark brightness of the stars against the black winter sky. If you have lost your joy, I guarantee you will find it in making a snow angel.

Your joy will continue if you have a tea kettle on the stove waiting for you to come to your senses and come in from the cold, take off you wet clothes and warm up with a cup of tea or hot chocolate!

Ciao everyone!

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Storm has passed.

The winter storm has come and gone. Leaving behind 10 inches of snow! I cleaned the driveway Friday after work (I have a BEAST of a snowblower) and again Saturday around 3:00. I kept a fire in the fireplace all day and sat and watched the snow come down. The downside to this is that my dinner plans were postponed because the county roads were slippery and dangerous. We'll try again in 2 weeks. I did go out to Wal-mart about 7:00. I decided I'd better get some groceries before the next storm blows through.

The roads are much improved and I made it to church today. I visited Beautiful Savior Lutheran church. A small faith community of about 20 people gather in a store front in Saybrook to celebrate in Word, song and spirit. This group broke away from an established church in Geneva - something about the politics. It was a good experience and I'm planning to go back next week.

Ciao!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Car sharing update!

There is light at the end of the tunnel! The word came down yesterday that the car DS took for major repair has been moved indoors to "thaw out", the parts are all received, work on the vehicle will begin Monday and should be wrapped up Wednesday. We just have to get through this weekend. DS has Tetelestai rehearsal all day today, I have dinner plans with friends to celebrate one of them turning 50!!!! Tomorrow DS has church at 9 a.m., teaching CCD at 10:15. I on the other hand would like to continue my quest to find a worship community and had planned to attend a 10:30 worship at Beautiful Savior Luthern Church. It's a long story, but it is definitely a "God thing" that I go to this church.
We are under a winter storm watch until 1a.m. Sunday, so I have all day with no vehicle to get stuff done around the house - or I could sit and read - or I could crochet - hmmmmmm. So many possibilities. I think I'll bundle up and walk out and get my newspaper, build a fire in the fireplace, have another cup of coffee and ponder (er, plan) my day.
Ciao.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Car Sharing Foundation

That's me. Car sharing foundation. Darling son's car died the Tuesday before Christmas. He had it towed to my garage where my son-in-law came and pronounced the words we were dreading: busted timing chain. After much brainstorming and weighing the options darling son (heretofor shall be referred to as DS) had it towed to a repair guy who looked at it and pronounced even worse news. Needs a whole new engine - sprokets are busted too. More brainstorming followed: along with internet searches - for a new/rebuilt engine. Our local auto recycler had one with 114,000 miles on and claimed it was a sweet running thing. Call me blonde, but it wasn't even in a car, how could they know how sweet it ran????
DS called another recycler and they could get one in 2 days that only has 80,000 miles on it and the price was the same. SOLD!
Keep in mind that all this time DS and I have been sharing the use of my 8 yr old jeep. It's taken a lot of compromise and a lot of understanding of each other's priorities and schedules. Yesterday, we drove to the next county in a borrowed pickup truck and picked up the engine - I'm earning my redneck merit badge - which was then delivered by DS to the mechanic's shop. We are keeping our fingers crossed and hoping it is done by Friday afternoon.
In the meantime, everytime I get a turn with the jeep the little gas pump light is on . . . so I have to stand out in the cold, put my debit card into the pump and play gas station attendant only to have DS pick the jeep up at my office the next morning.

If it sounds like I'm whining . . . I'm not. Years ago I learned that you've got to be willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish your goal. You don't have to like doing it, just be willing.
Ciao.

Monday, January 5, 2009

It's over

It's over. The wise guys arrived at the stable. Mine, however, had to run because I kept forgetting to move them a little closer each day. That meant it was time to un-decorate inside and out. I started outside - lights, wreaths, garland and bows - all put away. Then came the tree. As I gradually worked my way to getting the lights off, the poor thing looked sadder and sadder with each group of things coming off. It now is lying out by the road waiting for the township workers to pick it up and haul it to the compost pile. Why is it all my decorations fit nicely in the boxes and on the shelves in the basement and now I have stragglers that won't fit in any of the boxes??? And some boxes that won't fit on the desingated "Christmas" shelves and have had to apply for squatter's rights on the craft shelf?



I ran out of gumption yesterday so the Santa Clause collection (which includes a a cheesy santa on a motorcycle that plays "Born to be Wild") will go "on vacation" today. Then it's officially over. The snowman collection stays out until Spring as they are "winter" decorations (as well as the "winter" dishes"). Then it's on to winter tasks: paint the bathroom? paint the kitchen? my den closet needs some attention. There's always something to clean out in the basement. And I need to make the curtains for the garage. Got the fabric, just need to get the measurements and start sewing. Yes, you read that right. I'm putting curtains on the garage windows. My motorcycle needs privacy - actually it's a security measure. I'd feel better knowing I've done everything I can to keep her safe.

Ciao til next time.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Progress

My hands are cramping from crocheting. Yikes! I finished the first 7oz skein of yarn. Got 15 rows done. I went back to the prototpye (the one Mom made me) and it is 130 rows I think. Maybe more. If that's the case I'm more than one tenth finished! I only need 9 more boring weekends to complete this project. Yipppeeee Skippppeeeee!

I'm feeling pretty satisfied about the productivity of this Saturday . . . cleaned the bathroom (the most dreaded cleaning job), swept and mopped the kitchen and swept the hardwood floors in the rest of the house, completed the laundry (towels still in dryer waiting to be folded) and went to visit my "considerate friend" (explained in previous post). He was released from the hospital (no serious findings) and his darling daughter got him home. I left when it was time for the football games to start. I don't do televised football. Made a yummy salad for dinner and now need to see about getting my printer installed on this new computer. Then it will be jammies and some time reading.

Ciao

Friday, January 2, 2009

Finally Friday

It's finally happened. I think I am an honest to goodness Grandma now . . . . I'm sitting home on a Friday night crocheting an afghan for my grandson. The fact that I'm alternating between surfing the net and crocheting just means I'm a 21st Century Grandma! In one of her blog posts, dear daughter got me to thinking of the Grandma Blankets she and her brother and cousins cherish. Generally in the winter (we're talking snow belt winters) I get cabin fever and start a knitting/crocheting project. So I went to Wal-Mart yesterday and selected the yarn to be used for Precious Grandson's traditional 1st birthday blanket. Mom made me an afghan years ago using a unique pattern that I've always wanted to try. Her directions were very vague: sets of double crochet separated by chains, then braid the chains. I sat and examined it and think I have it figured out. I'm really excited about this. Let's see . . .today is Jan 2 . . . the 1st birthday is July 13 . . . I may have to carry the project in my saddlebags to motorcycle rallys and sit and crochet once I get there! I have no doubt I'll be able to git r done.

Now a word about my considerate friend . . . who phoned me at 1:30 a.m. saying he thought he needed to go to the hospital. He was experiencing pressure/pain in his chest, general limb weakness and numbness in his face. He said he'd call 911 but didn't want to alarm his neighbors by having an emergency squad pull in his driveway. Isn't that considerate? I got out of my flannel jammies, put on a happy face and drove across town to transport him. Long story short . . . the initial tests came back ok, but he was admitted for observation and more testing. The last I heard, he was bugging the nursing staff to get released. If he calls for a ride home, I'm gonna tell him my transport vehicle is out of service until 11 a.m. tomorrow morning. Seriously, I'm thankful for friends. I know if things were reversed, he'd do the same for me.

Ciao, til next time.