Update on my Son

As you all know, he's in basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia. I have received two letters from him so far....3 if you count the one the commander had them sign. He loves what he's doing, but naturally misses being at his home (he lives in Jacksonville, Florida)and misses the dog. I miss the dog too and sure wish I had him back. (Boo for Maryland to ban pit bulls!!!) In David's 1st letter, he mentioned to me that he doesn't miss cigarettes!!!! (he's 26 now and has been smoking for about 10 years..he was sneaking them for the 1st few years). They told them that they would not permit the recruits to have cigarettes while in basic training. That alone makes me happy. I've been wanting him to quit for years. ( I certainly hope he doesn't pick that nasty habit back up). His 1st week there, he wasn't getting any more than 2 to 3 hours sleep a night. He sure did have a lot to get used to as far as changes in his day to day routines. In his last letter, he tells me that they have been training will full gear on (adding 50 to 60 extra pounds) and marched to the training grounds. They have been working with the m16's and doing some bayonet training as well. I thought it was pretty early for that, but I can only go by a basic training run down the Army website gives. The good news is that I now have a confirmation as to when his graduation is. They have a Beret Ceremony on July 17th and then on July 18th, they have basic training graduation. The commander sent out all the information needed for us parents about hotels and airports. Bob and I have been trying to select the best option for us. We have decided to fly down since neither of us wants to participate in a 12 hour drive to get there. This means we need a flight. rental car and hotel. Surprisingly, I'm finding some not so bad prices. On the 17th, after the Beret Ceremony, David will be given an "off-post" pass so he can leave and go into the city with us until 8pm. The same thing will happen on the 18th after graduation. He'll ship out the next day for his AIT in Texas. I'm just looking forward to seeing him again and can't wait for July to get here. (The sad thing is, I'll now miss my granddaughter's 7th birthday back in Ohio. Her birthday is July 18th...I'll find a good way to make it up to her).

So that's the latest on my Son.

Busy weekend

Well, I still haven't sat here and messed with this computer. I've been really busy all weekend.



Yesterday, Bob and I went down to DC to the Lincoln Memorial. There was a group of motorcyclists from all over the United States coming in. They are called Rolling Thunder. The help raise awareness of our POW's and MIA's still out there and try to get the government more active in bringing them home. They also help guard military funerals from protestors. I took photos of them and made a few video clips. The parade of motorcycles was pretty awesome to see and hear. You could tell that they all were having a great time. The weather was near 90 degrees and the sun was blistering hot. It was very hazy and humid too. I got quite the sunburn on my face ans shoulders. I don't mind that though since it will turn tan in a few days. (I even have sandal tan lines on my feet). Anyway, back to the rally downtown.... Pat Boone was there and spoke a little and I thought that was cool. It's just nice to be able to hop on the Metro (subway) and in about 10 minutes be in our nation's capitol and be a part of these cool events. I have never in my life seen so many motorcyclists in one place in my life! I'll post the video (it's only 2 minutes long) and if you want to catch a glimpse of what we watched, feel free to do so. (the 23 minute video won't load).We watched them ride into town for over an hour and people around us were saying this was going to go on for 4 hours. Well, we couldn't stay there in the hot sun for that long. We were down there though for about 3 hours total walking around. So, here are some photos and the video.



I hope you all have had a very nice Memorial Day weekend.

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nightmare in Hyattsville

Too tired to explain completely..............

work went fabulous.....tons of info in my head now...............

our computer crashed lastnight...(lost everything!!!).

I just spent the last 2 hours installing the recovery discs....thank god I made them. If I don't post for a few days...it's because I'm fixing the PC again!!

I just noticed this will be post #451

My friend is picking me up today and taking me out to lunch today around noon. She says it's to celebrate my new job that starts tomorrow. I thought that was pretty cool of her. She and I went out to lunch after she was finished working her old job (in anticipation of starting her new one).

I woke up this morning with one of the worst sinus headaches I've had in quite awhile. I didn't think twice about crawling back into bed after Bob went to work. I fell instantly to sleep for about another hour and a 1/2. Now I just feel "stuffy" but with no headache. After all, the way I look at it, today was the last day I get a chance to do that. I have to get up at 5am tomorrow to get ready for work. I'll have to get used to working from 6:30am to 4:30pm again. I haven't worked like that in quite some time. Even at my last job I mostly worked 2pm to midnight, which allowed me to sleep in if I wanted. I'm looking forward to this though. True, it's only going to average 3 days a week at 24 hours, but I need to get back into a working routine. How else will I pay into Social Security if not through a paycheck that takes it out? It's been a long stretch for me in not earning paychecks. (the last day I worked "officially" was August 20, 2006)

When I get home from our lunch date, I get the "pleasure" of uploading our windows vista upgrade. I feel now that I'm all prepared to do just that. I have ran a system check on our computer and it assures me it is compatible with vista. I have all the system backup discs needed as well. I saved documents and photos and scans, etc. the other day. If I'm not ready now, I never will be. I'm just hoping this upgrade goes smoothly. If not, I'm sure I'll post about it once I figure things out.

Wish me luck....I think I'll need it.

***UPDATE***

Well, I loaded the Vista update without a hitch!! It only took 3 and 1/2 hours and I barely had to babysit the computer. So far there doesn't seem to be any problems and in fact, the computer seems much clearer..(that's good for tired old eyes).

My GM called this afternoon about me starting tomorrow. I'm relieved to know I don't need to show up until 9am.

Not bad for a Monday............

This is turning out to be a pretty good Monday so far. I had to be at the Dentist this morning at 7am for a filling and a cap. That was a very smooth appointment and lasted only 45 minutes. It was completely painless!!! Now I go back in 2 weeks for my teeth cleaning. I can't wait for that to get done. I just know my mouth will feel so much better once that's completed.

After my appointment was over, I wrote my Granddaughter a small letter then walked to the post office to mail it. I continued on for a walk through the neighborhood and back home. I'm pretty sure that took me an hour. It felt good to get out there and be moving around. The day is so nice weather wise that I couldn't just sit in this apartment all day.

When I returned home after my walk, I straightened up the apartment and even ran the vacuum. (something that I've been putting off). Now you know I couldn't just stop here, I then went to the grocery store to pick up a few items we had on our list. (one of these days I'll stick to the list...I'm just not sure when). Those are all put away so I figured I deserved some computer time. Now, it's time for me to go and curl up with a good book. After all, Bob is taking me to work with him tomorrow so you all know he'll keep me good and busy.

I hope you all are having a good Monday as well

Cheverly Day fireworks 2007

Here are some of the photos I took lastnight and then for your enjoyment I've added a few videos as well................................................................







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I almost forgot to post a few photos from the dinner/dance on Friday. So here is Bob in his tux and me just trying to look 1/2 as good as he does.

Photo Scavenger Hunt

Today's theme is "cooked/ing".

This picture does not do this dish any justice. It's a recipe called "one-pan roasted Pork supper". The pork tenderloins came out so tender and juicy and the stuffing was just right..not to mention the roasted sweet potatoes......yummmm. Maybe it was the onions cooked in Catalina dressing before roasting, I'm not sure, but Bob and I loved eating this one!!

Kraft foods has become my all time favorite place to find very good healthy and low-fat recipes.

Weekend Plans

Now this is something that is rare around here....us making plans for the weekend. (though occasionally Bob will surprise me with something that he'd been thinking about and not mentioning to me.) So, here's a small run down on what we have going on, starting tonight.

Here in Maryland, in the tiny town of Cheverly, they have a annual "Chevely Day" festival of sorts. Tonight is what they call a "Prom" dinner. What it is (I think) is a get together for the Mayor and town officials to be able to rub elbows with the people of Cheverly. It's not free and the dress code is a mixture of casual to decked out. I'll have photos to post tomorrow because Bob is wearing a tux he borrowed from his Brother. He's getting his hair cut today and trust me on this one, he's going to look pretty damn sharp in that tux. He tried it on for a fit earlier this week. Now don't go thinking I'm wearing a gown because I don't own one, but I do have a rather nice dress that is only worn on special occasions.

Tomorrow is the actual Cheverly Day events. I'm not sure if we will be going to any of them though. We probably will be doing some work somewhere. I know that his Brother and John want to make a run to Bj's and I might go or I might not. (still undecided about that). Tomorrow evening, after the festivities are over, they have the best ever (so I'm told), fireworks display put on by Zambelli Fireworks International. Being the lover of fireworks that I am, I'm really looking forward to seeing that. I'm hoping also to get photos of those. Sunday's around here for us is a day for relaxing and just hanging out. I don't see this Sunday being any different. With my dentist appointment being at 7am Monday, I know I'll be getting a good nights rest so I can get up at the butt crack of dawn to go get my teeth worked on.

So there you have it. What sort of fun and/or interesting things will you all be doing?

How I spent my day..............

This won't sound like much to you....but keep this in mind. I started at 9:30am this morning and it's now 4:18pm. So how did I spend the last (nearly) 7 hours....Hmmmmm........

Went to the bank to make a deposit.

Ordered the dumpster for Bob's Brother so we can fill it up with construction debris from the basement and a few neighbors can get rid of some stuff...(they split the cost).

Did 4 loads of laundry..(complete with washing, drying, folding and putting away).

Thawed pork loins for Bob to grill for supper...(so what if they just sat on the counter, I got them out!!)

Cooked potatoes and made them into a delicious potato salad to go with the pork loins.

Washed all the dishes I used....(and some left over from last night).

Prepared the computer for the Vista Upgrade by making "back up" discs....(this is what I just finished and spent the last 3.5 hours doing....and haven't even STARTED loading the upgrade)!!

In between back up discs, I have been reading my novel "Painted House" by John Grisham.

So I think I've put in a full day.

Happy Birthday Son...(timeline)

The date was May 15, 1981 @ 4:58pm. You finally decided to make an appearance in this world weighing 10 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. Every year since you were born, on your birthday, I've tried to make them all special in some way. This year is a little hard for me though, since I can't even call you today. I know you are being well taken care of and all that jazz, but you should know by now how Mom's are. You have made one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make in your life by joining the Army. I know that you are experiencing things right now that will make you a fine soldier. It's been 9 months now since the last time I saw you and it will be at least 2 more months until I can see you again. I have been going through the photos (like Mom's do) and wanted to share them. It's my way of reflecting on your life so far and realizing just how fast the years have gone by. You are now a man of 26 years. My little man that got on that kindergarten bus so long ago, has grown up. The next time I see you, you'll be a fine looking soldier of The United States Army. In my eyes, you'll always be my little man. We have been through a lot over the years, that goes without saying. I've done my best as your Mother to do the right things. I, like other Mother's, have had tough times. It's very heartwarming to know that you have turned out to be a responsible adult. I know that you haven't always made the right choices in your life, but I've always been there for you when I could. I am your biggest supporter now!

I know it's going to be a long time before you can read this, but I just want you to know that I love you very much and I'm very proud of you.

More remodel photos of the sunporch

Here are more of the photos I have to date. We have replaced the floor joists and layed the flooring. We have built the side walls and removed the temporary supports. We also now have the wrapping in place and are ready to put up the siding and order the windows. The homeowners just love the progress we have made so far.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there.

update on things

Well lets see..............I already told you how well the Dentist appointment went on Monday. On Tuesday I went to work with Bob and helped him out a great deal on the remodeling of a sunporch he's now working on. (pictures to follow). On Wednsday, I had my job interview at the lumberyard/supply place (Peoples Supply Co.) where we get everything we need for the construction jobs we work on. The position was for cashier.....just part time. That interview went better than I thought it would. They already had me in mind not only for the cashier position, but later on down the road, the Vice President will be needing an assistant. He is the "buyer" for the tool department and they are finding out that there are some things he could use an assistant for to free up his time doing other things. I was excited to learn that they have me in mind for that. I went back to work with Bob on Thursday and we got even more work done on the sunporch. I had to go for my pre employment drug test this morning...(something we all know I'll pass)....then hit the road for some "new job" shopping!! I'm allowed to wear shorts just as long as they are "casual wear" so don't you know I ran to Target. 4 new pair of shorts and 4 new tops and no ensamble is complete without a new pair of shoes so I went to Famous Footwear too. My starting date isn't until May 24th since my boss will be out of town at a suppliers convention thingy all next week. I recieved my employee handbook today too. I'll be working 24 hours a week to start for the 1st 90 days. At that time I'll recieve an evealuation and either get a pay increase or let go. They don't anticipate letting me go and I know I won't be!! I'm looking forward to getting back to working a real job. I'll be working 6:30am to 4:30pm 3 days a week. Not too shabby eh??

Now here are some photos of the sunporch bob and I have been working on..............

I forgot to take "before" photos, so these are right after we demolished all the walls. I'll make sure these post before adding more. (since blogger tends to be contrary when I won't to post photos.)

Watch this horse dance.

http://beboframe.com/FlashFrame.jsp?Size=S&FlashBoxId=3309347442

Click on the above link and enjoy a very nice little video. This horse is a amazing!!

He's on his way.......

Well, today the recruiters picked my Son up from his home and took him to a hotel in downtown Jacksonville. At the butt crack of dawn tomorrow morning they will pick him up and take him to the Mepps Station (I think that's what they call it), for his final swearing in. Then it's on a bus to Georgia where his life as he now knows it will cease to exist.

I got to talk to him last night for about 45 minutes or so and then again this afternoon for a little while. He's very excited and looking forward to getting there and getting on with his new life in the Army. I'm excited for him and yet at the same time, I'm apprehensive about it. Now I'm looking forward to the 3rd week of July. That is about the time I have it figured that he'll be graduating from basic training and that's when I'll get to go down and see him. Georgia isn't that far away and Bob already has assured me that he'll be going with me. I'm really looking forward to seeing an all new Son.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I'll be sure to update about him offend when I know anything.

I survived

Well, I had my dentist appointment this morning at 9am. They took xrays and determined where all my problems were. After talking with the financial lady, we went ahead and just did one procedure today. We talked my biggest problem. One of my upper molars on the right side needed a crown. The dentist doesn't believe in just going ahead with a root canal like some other dentists do while telling you that in 5 yrs you'll need one anyway. I actually like this dentist and the entire staff at this office. They are the most personable staff I've ever encountered at a doctor's office. This dentist is SOOOOO good, that I never felt anything while he was numbing me up. I actually have to say that this was by far, my best visit to a dentist ever!!! In all, I was at the dentist for 4 hours. I go back in 2 weeks to get a big filling and a cap in my lower right molar. Once these 2 procedures are completed, I can then get my teeth cleaned. They didn't want to put my through pain cleaning my teeth with nerve exposure. (especially since I'm such a wimp). The Dentist said I did very well today. I had my tense moments though. I did like it a lot when Bob came in for the last 45 minutes I was back there. It was nice just knowing I wasn't alone. I'm pretty sure my fear of the dentist is going away just after this one visit. I'm not scared to go back now in 2 weeks. Perhaps now, I'll start going on regular visits for a cleaning and my teeth won't get into such bad shape.

Bob made the entire trip there special by telling the financial lady that "every princess needs a crown". Isn't he the greatest!!?

What do you eat the day before going to the dentist?

Well, if you are me and you totally didn't think about it, you eat corn on the cob that was cooked on the grill!!!

i broke down and made a Dentist appointment for Monday. I swear it's been a good 15 yrs since I've been to a Dentist. I'd rather get a pap smear!! I have super sensitive gums (that are receding) and they have to numb my entire mouth just for a routine cleaning. I can't sit still for it. I clench my fists and I know my heart rate goes up. I never had a really traumatic event when I was younger at the Dentist to make me this way. I just always have been scared to go. I told the woman on the phone about my gums and how sensitive I am so we'll see how it goes tomorrow. My appointment is at 9am!! Since I'm a new patient they'll be taking xrays and such to see just how rotten my poor little choppers are. My molars have been aching for over a week now. I just know he's going to yell at me for staying away from a Dentist for so long.

So, Bob and I just finished grilling out. He made turkey sausage and hamburgers and wrapped corn on the cob (still in the husks) in foil and grill it all. I made us a fantastic macaroni salad to go with it all. I'm done eating and picking all this corn husk stuff out of my teeth when it occurred to me that my appointment was in the morning. Oh well, it is what it is. If you knew the pain I was in every time I flossed, you'd understand that I'm not a "normal flosser". I don't want to paint a picture here that I don't take care of my teeth. I brush constantly everyday and use sensitive toothpaste with a tartar control in it. (I do have plaque build up on some of my teeth though).

I just can't wait to get tomorrow over with!!!

Photo Scavenger Hunt

This weeks' theme is childhood. Well, I have a few photos from when I was a child that I thought I'd share.....

I'm the youngest one in all photos. Eating raisins at my Grandmas house.....sitting on a log at Attwood Lake and just hanging out on the couch. In all 3 photos I'm with my older Sister.

What we did on Sunday

Bob an I went to a Washington Nationals baseball game against the New York Mets. The Mets one 1 - 0 but we still enjoyed the game. I tried posting this yesterday, but none of the photos appeared.