NEW DOOR.......YAY!

Fred came down this morning and put the new door in. Then started on the decking. We are putting in a ramp instead of steps. Can't wait until I can use it. Right now, that first step is a doozie. Next, I have to pick out a window to put in where the sliding door is. Can't wait to get rid of it also. Already have it sold.
Cousin John is coming down on Monday to look at building a new hearth. He was suppose to come down today but there is a lot going on for him right now. His wife's dad died last week and they're all stressed out over that. His daughter is leaving for Germany for 3 years as her husband is in the service. A lot going on for sure.
Went for supper tonight and the restaurant was packed. They haven't been too busy all summer but lately there's hardly a place to sit.
Did a boo-boo today. Came home with the lumber hanging out the back of the truck and backed into the car. GRRRRRRRRRR!!! How could I be so stupid? Put some scratches in the hood and a small dent. Something else to get fixed.
New bed came Friday. Couldn't tell any difference 'cause the back was growling and achey from lifting the door in and out. A few more nights will be able to notice. Cleo sleeps on the couch and Archie sleeps with me. The cats bunk where ever they want, but Charlie cried half the night cause he couldn't come into the bedroom. 'Be strong Charles, for you are a bed hog and that's the way it is.'

A THREE DAY POST

Friday, I met Fred at the local home improvement store. And, NO, its not Home Depot or Lowes, I spend my money local, at privately owned places. I picked up the three boxes of siding, the door hardware and Fred got some lumber. The door was wrong so they ordered another one, be in next week. It started raining anyhow while we had lunch so he wouldn't be taking off the siding and working in the rain so all was not lost. Next Saturday, maybe I'll have the new door in, can't wait to get rid of these %^&*() steps.

Saturday was spent with family. A reunion of sorts, my Dad being the oldest at 92 and little Gracie is 18 months. They took pictures (I didn't take my camera) of the five generations. I love my cousins, 5 of them, 4 guys, 1 girl. They love me, but it seems we hardly ever see each other. We're better than we use to be. It usually was a funeral that brought us together. We learned after losing my mother and their mother (my dad's sister) withing two weeks. So, now we try to be there for each other. I was excited and amazed at the prepper mentality that most of them have. I mentioned to the oldest cousin that we should get a family plan together for when TSHTF. He agreed, we'll see how that goes. Oldest cousin's oldest son is a builder, but with the economy the way it is his business is now just small jobs. I asked him about my hearth problem and he's coming to look at it. So happy!!!

Sunday and there's a pleasant, soft rain going on as I write. I love these days, but, I should have mowed the yard on Thursday. Oh well.

Today, Japan surrendered and WWII was officially over. See anything in the news about it?

IT'S A COMIN......

Three strangers strike up a conversation in the passenger lounge in the Bozeman , Montana airport, while waiting for their respective flights..
One is an American Indian passing through from Lame Deer, another is a Cowboy on his way to Billings for a livestock show, and the third passenger is a fundamentalist Arab student, newly arrived at Montana StateUniversity from the Middle East ....
Their discussion drifts to their diverse cultures. Soon, the two Westerners learn that the Arab is a devout, radical Muslim and the conversation falls into an uneasy lull.
The cowboy leans back in his chair, crosses his boots on a magazine table, tips his big sweat-stained hat forward over his face, and lights a cigarette.

Finally, the American Indian clears his throat and softly he speaks, 'At one time here... My people were many... But sadly, now we are few.'
The Muslim student raises an eyebrow and leans forward, 'Once my people were few,' he sneers, 'and now we are many. Why do you suppose that is?'

The cowboy removes his cigarette from his mouth and from the darkness beneath his Stetson says in a smooth drawl . . .

'I reckon that's 'cause we ain't played Cowboys and Muslims yet, but, I do believe it's a-comin'

HERE'S WHAT THEY TELL ME......

After the dealership investigated this matter, and, they knew I had tightened the lug nuts, they told me to come up ASAP. They took all the wheels off, check and cleaned the crap out of the area between the aluminum wheel and brake drum and put all new lug nuts on. THEY are telling me that because of the aluminum wheel and steel drum there is a build up of stuff. The lugs are tightened and after I run it (this time it was about 300 miles) the stuff has disappeared and the wheel has become lose. That's their tale, I sit on mine. I'm not a mechanic nor have I ever played one on TV, but, that's what they're telling me. They also said there are two other vehicles that come thru their shop that do the same thing. Any mechanics out there that can verify this?

IF IT HAS TIRES OR TESTICLES... IT'LL GIVE YOU TROUBLE

Wow, haven't posted for eight days! Haven't really been all that busy. Fred came down last Saturday and cut a hole in the wall in the back room. I took the plaster to the trash truck but I'll take that evil insulation to the land fill. We pick up the new door, more siding and door hdwe on Friday. We're putting in a ramp instead of more steps. Then we are taking out the steps and that stupid sliding door thats in the 'bird room'. It'll be much more secure this way.
Helped Dad, on Monday, change the transmission oil in the 58 JD. Took 7 gallons. Didn't spill a drop. What came out looked perfectly fine to me, it still had body. It's not like he's going to plow the south 40 with the tractor. But he wanted it done. So its done.
Had the truck serviced last week, new wiper blades and rotated the tires. Then it developed a noise this week. Hmmmm, sounded like maybe the wheel bearings. Stopped at the dealers and made an appointment for Monday. So, going to the restaurant this evening and the noise got more intense. I turned around and came back home and was thinking, 'Nah, they wouldn't do it to me a second time, would they?' Well, the steering wheel was shaking and that's what I noticed the last time. So, I check the lug nuts on the left front and after being able to take two off with just my fingers, I calmly called the dealership. Got Ralph's voice mail, hung up, he called my house, I'm in the driveway, I hear the answer machine pick up. I call him back. Direct line. (I cannot stand the receptionist at night) He answers, "Whats up?" I say, "Ralph, are you guys trying to kill me because I'm such a pain-in-the-ass? Or, do you want me to wreck this truck so I'll have to buy a new one?" "NO, of course not! Whats wrong?" So I told him about the lose lug nuts and reminded him that this was the SECOND time this has happened. He started appoligizing and did I want to bring it up now to get them torqued? NO! I'm going to Dad's tomorrow and we'll do it and look everything over. Then he was stuttering about who worked on it and he would talk to him and call me tomorrow and............

EXPERIENCING HEAVEN

I was in heaven this afternoon. At least to me it was. I went over to Dad's about 1:30 and he needed help putting the nose piece on the 1956 JD620. After we got that bugger on I told him I hadn't heard it run. Yesterday, when I left, it wouldn't start. But, later in the day after the fuel got to everything, it finally started. So, I climbed up and tramped down on the starter and WOW, it fired right up. Good old two cylinders, I love 'em. So, he got on the '58 and started it, and, I'm telling ya, there's no other sound. We fussed with them for a minute and then they kinda ran in-sync. Sounded great.
The fair this year is featuring John Deeres, maybe Dad will take one up. That'll be cool!!

HE NEEDED IT

My friend, Bob, went to Gander Mountain and came home with a S/W AR15 Nato Carbine!!!! After he saw the prices up at Cabelas, he couldn't pass up that deal. No way. I am so happy for him. He said his wife is 'good with it' and that makes it better. I'm getting another itch also, but, I want to do some things to the house to make it more secure, so I'll have to wait a while. Unless a deal comes along that I just can't pass up.

OFF TO CABELA'S

My friend Bob called me this morning. "Hey, whatcha doing?" "Nothing, why?" "Wanna go to Cabela's with me?" "Sure!" His wife, Judy, hates the place because of all the stuffed animals. The guys I use to work with were always telling me 'you need to go to Cabela's' 'I can't believe you've not been to Cabela's' Well, now I've been to Cabela's. What a treat that was. I can't get over the size of the place and everyone was SO nice. You could strike up a conversation with anyone. It took most of the day and I really enjoyed myself. Got some ammo and some other goodies.
Then met everyone for dinner and when they found out where we went and what I bought!!!!! Lois said, "Are you expecting a war?" Well...............maybe.
Got home and expected to find a mishap from poor Archie being in the house for most of the day, but, he was a very good boy. Cleo was outside because it was not very hot today. My kids are so good. So, I am set for the most part, but, must still get some more food stocked up. Just still have that crazy feeling or, maybe it's just the Girl Scout coming out in me.

WE'RE IN THE MONEY............

Today I picked up my mail and there was a letter from the auction house. The check wasn't what I'd hoped for but at least I'm rid of the excess baggage. I guess this depression, errrrr, I mean recession, is still going strong. Sometimes I feel like just crawling into a hole and hoping this will all get better. Then I think, no, stupid, this isn't la-la-land, this is real and you better be prepared. But, when I talk to people they still look at me like I'm some crazed person thats watched too much of Survivior. Anyhow, what to do with this money? Buy Gold, Buy Silver, dig a hole in the back yard and bury it? Buy another gun and more ammo? Dump it on the bed and roll around in it naked? Decisions, decisions, decisions. Notice I didn't say anything about putting it in the bank.
"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around [the banks] will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered. The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs."
Thomas Jefferson, (Attributed)
3rd president of US (1743 - 1826)

Now don't plan on coming to my house and stealing it, I will shoot you. Besides, it won't be here, I'm paying my fall taxes with it. HA!

ARCHIE AND HIS 'NOOGIE'

That's a 'noogie' in Archie's mouth. We had finished our brunch and my friends, Bob and Weezie, little grandson, who was 3 last month, had gotten up from a short nap. He had his noogie in his mouth and took it out to show Archie. Next thing we know, it's in Archie's mouth. We were all laughing so hard at those two, but Bob had the sense to get his camera and snap some pics.

WENT VISITING

Archie and I were invited up to friends for brunch this morning. Homemade dried beef gravey on fried potatoes and onions with scrapple and toast and GOOD coffee and cold OJ. Boy that was good. Am waiting for him to email the pics he took of Archie and I will post them. Too funny.
Then stopped at my friend Patty's and dropped off the Southern Living Mags I had been saving for her. She is originally from VA and she misses the south. While there, a really nasty, but fast-moving storm hit, so, I was storm-stayed for a while.
Then left there and stopped at Fred's to chit-chat, didn't stay long.
Then went to PetSmart to pick up a few things and while there, got a call from Ross that they were going to the restaurant!!!! Yay!!!!
Told him where I was and I had to take Archie home first then I would be up. Stopped for gas cause I was running on the fumes. Got home and Cleo had messed in the kitchen. Must've been a bad storm or she wouldn't have done that. No, I did not yell at the poor thing, I could tell she was embarrassed about it. Cleaned that up and took off for the restaurant where, to my delight, Bill and Lois were there too!

BEEN BUSY

Sorry about not blogging much lately for those of you who care. Seems something is going on everyday, and, for that, I am greatful. Still meeting my friends up at the restaurant every night. It's been sparce a couple of nights tho. Ross's truck died, swallowed a valve and ruin the motor. Cummins wouldn't do anything about it, so, he's selling the old Freightliner and going to work for someone else. He's not been there all week until tonight. His wife, Artie, missed three nights because of his schedule. Judy was sick a couple of days and tonight was the first time she and her husband, Bob, showed up. Lois came a couple of nights, once with hubby Bill. But tonight he was away at a bowling tournament. It was good to all be together, plus we saw a few people we hadn't seen in a while.
Tomorrow I go sit at 'a famous person from this county's' house for a tour day. OMG its suppose to be 99 degrees out and there is NO air conditioning. Just because they didn't have it in 1700. Go figure. Probably nobody will show up anyhow.
Mowed the yard yesterday, second time this month. Even got ambitious and cleaned the mower and gave it a bath.
Had a fellow show up to talk to me about a medicare supplement. Still haven't picked one yet. But, I like him and I don't think he'll do me wrong. If you want good insurance, you have to know and trust your agent. And, since I have the house and vehicles with the same company he's with, it'll be a good fit.
I'd sure like somebody to tell me where the last 45 years went. Seems like it was just last week I was cruising around my hometown in my 'vette having a good old time. Now, I'm on medicare!

IT FINALLY HAPPENED.....

Wow, I've only been at this 7 months and I got my first RUDE comment from some ANONYMOUS fool, no less. So, now I'll have to moderate my comments like everyone else. Why are people so mean? I do this as my own way to vent. If you, the reader, don't like what or how I write, then don't read the blog. Simple? It's like, don't bitch about whats on TV, change the channel or turn it off and read a book. Simple?

I'VE LEARNED MY LESSON...........

On Sunday, I was scoping out the 'Medicare Supplement' sites and filled out a questionaire. DO NOT, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER, EVER DO THIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!! This morning I got a phone call from a nice gent in the neighboring county about said insurance. I set up an appointment for Wednesday. Ah, all is well. I like him. I went to the PO, did some errands, one of which was to stop at my attorney's. The nice lady in her office gave me a name of a fellow that has started a Med. Suppl. Dept. with the insurance company I already deal with for the house and vehicles! Perfect. When I got home there were 4, yes 4 messages on the machine. One phone call from a guy in Tampa FL. Then another call that I ignored because I was talking to the guy she reccommended. Are ya still with me? Anyhow, I ended up calling the first guy and told him I was going with someone else. And had to put this message on my answering machine. "Hi, you've reached xxx-xxxx. If you're calling about a medicare supplemental insurance plan. I'm good. I don't need to talk to you. Thank you very much for your time. Good Bye" I've got 4 more messages since then but all I hear is snickering in the back ground. Guess they're getting the message. Bunch of sharks, circling, waiting for the next idiot. Oh, yes, I've Blocked/Bounced at least a dozen e-mails also. Stupid, Stupid, Stupid.

AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL

Went to town to the restaurant tonight. Didn't expect anything to happen but, my friends had two birthday cakes and the restaurant crew all sang to me. Even some of the patrons joined in. It was really, really nice.
Not much else going on. The auction guys came yesterday and pick up what I had ready to go. The house is looking empty and that was only Phase 1. The chimney sweep is coming on Monday. He is such a cool guy. Arrives in a white tee shirt and pressed jeans and leaves the same. I don't know how he does it. He also checks the chimney and the stove to make sure everything is OK. Can't be too careful.
New door is in, and I need to order more siding for when we take out the back sliding door and put in windows.
All the 'kids' are fine, loving the A/C. Just got my electric bill today and it only went up $20 from last month. It's been stinking hot this past couple of weeks, and is suppose to continue into next week. We did get some more rain. The crops are loving it.