good morning from snowy MD. It was supposed to have started last night as snow, and then changing to rain. Obviously Mother Nature didn't get the schedule and it started snowing about an hour ago. Coming down quite fast and heavy, but I don't think it is going to go all day. Not sure though if we will get the changeover to rain. Our plan had been to hunker down at home anyway, so that is what we are doing. It is very pretty outside, but it will have to be dealt with at some point.

I know I can catch up, or even remember all I have read. I do hope that everyone had a nice holiday and while there has been a lot of struggles in the castle things do work themselves out.

Deb, I see MIL has agreed to go into assisted living. It seems like this is the best decision, but I can see where this is not one that is easy for people to accept. I pray that all will work out for everyone.

Joanne, I think I was snoozing when we drove past Richmond, but it was decent weather. My grands got to play outside a bit at Jim's Aunt's. Not really play, but at least run off a little energy.
We also stopped by the cemetery in Hampton (we had a bit of time to kill) and of course unlike normal children, my grands love going to cemeteries.

Phyllis, I was trying to keep up with the snow in your area. My uncle up in Cleveland got hammered, but they often do. I also have a friend in Rising Sun who has been about like you I think. And I have a good friend in Columbus, who has gotten a lot. I am not sure when I am going to be able to get over to Cleveland.
Sorry about the cards being returned. I have gotten (in past years) boxes returned that are really beaten up. Bad thing is having to hang on to them until next year. I haven't heard from my ground unit (nor has she updated her any soldier page), so I am hesitant to send her a box.

Gramma, hope you are having a good time with all your family. I am anxious to play with the toys you sent me. Not sure what I will do yet.

Jess, I am guessing you return to work sometime next week? Time off never lasts long enough when there is so much else going on. Hope Lita is doing better.

I got interrupted and hoping this posts after sitting idle for who knows how long. I will be back later. Hello to everyone I didn't get to.

Hello everyone. Just taking a break from getting ready for guests tomorrow and working on more orders.

Pat, we got about 4 inches of snow last night and today, if this is the one headed your way. We got a couple inches earlier in the week but that was mostly gone when the new came in. They got the roads taken care of really well though. Sounds like you and grands had a good time. I will have to look for a new unit, my other one has come home also.

Gramma, I hear you on the silence, it's always fun to have them but it takes a toll on us older folks, LOL. Hope they have safe travels. I don't think we could handle that much snow, we would have to hire someone to remove it since I worry about DH shoveling. He is a hard head and will grab the shovel instead of getting out the snow blower.

Deb, hope you all can get MIL set up in the facility, and glad she is agreeable. Prayers that everything goes well.

Joanne, are you still in VA? Glad you had all your girls together.

Renate, I got an Archivers gift card too, I'll probably stock up on blades and mats. Hope you have dug out of the snow, I see you got less than we did on this round, more to come I'm afraid.

Jess, oh how those days off slip away too quickly. Hope Lita is doing better. Do you ever take a snow day?

Morning, let me just say things have changed again, MIL is now against assisted living......sitter agreed to stay 12 hrs and that is where it stands now....I have totally given up.....puppy is doing good, she cried quiet a bit last night alone in the den, but she should get better in time. Time to start getting ready for church, will try to check in after lunch and catch up.....

Hi~I hope everyone is doing well!

Renate~Hope you made it to A's and found some good deals! We had a forecast of one to three inches the other day and we ended up with over eight. I'm about ready to hang a white flag outside of the house. I've had enough already!! I agree about the general. Very cool that someone donated cards for CFS.

Joanne~Good to see PA family made it in. Brad did go snowmobiling but made it home yesterday to do snow cleanup! I had to shovel a bit so Lita could get off the deck and move around a bit but I lived!! Still plenty on my list that I'd like to get done but I've resigned myself to the fact that it won't. When do you head home.

Deb~Sure hope things get better with the MIL issues soon. My hopes were quickly dashed as I read about the turn of events for you. I'm so sorry you're going through all this. Many hugs and prayers to you. It does sound like things are going well for Gracie!

Pat~Glad you didn't have to venture out in nasty weather. I see you have wind today though. Hope it's not too cold. When it is is seems to go right through to the bones. I hate being cold! Lucky you on the new furniture and paint. Good luck getting everything you need.

Gramma~LOL at you shipping everyone off for lunch! So far we have you beat on the snow but I don't mind at all if you take the lead! Glad you enjoyed the family time.

Phyllis~Enjoy your time with friends, as you always do! A snow day from work? We don't get them. Plus I joke that since I go in so early in the morning that if they decided to close down I'd probably already be at work and since I was there I'd end up calling everyone! You'd be surprised how many people/businesses do not think bad weather is a good excuse to not get their freight. I'm thankful I don't have to deal with a lot of customers (just other trucking companies).

Lita is doing just fine now (thankfully). She made it into the house fine all on her own and then slept a lot. The fresh air seemed to help her a little and after she was in the house she was wagging her tail and giving love! The droopiness in the eye and the bloodshot look disappeared in a few hours. Freaked us out though. We don't know if she was just that tired or if she got into something at his Dad's. I'm sad that my vacation is almost over. As much as I like my job I wouldn't work if I didn't have too. But I do! I designed a bridal shower thank you card and am hoping to get them done by tonight. Ambitious hopes! The bride said to wrap them up and surprise her, she trusts me. I hope I don't let her down!! Almost time for football. The pack play late but some good early games are on. I need to run errands tomorrow so I have to work on another list! Have a nice day!

Jess

Good morning, happy last day of 2012.....where has the year gone?....things about the same with MIL, she finishes up the first round of treatment on the 8th, then evaluate for more radiation or if small enough for surgery.....if she can have surgery, it would still have to be done here....

Pat please pass on to Jim a 'very Happy Birthday, wishes for many more to come'.....

Jess glad Lita is better, sure hurts when they can't 'tell you what is wrong'....enjoy your last days off. Yes, MIL is sure keeping hubby on his toes.

Joanne hope the time with your family in VA has been great.....

Renate boo to snow....I am not a fan of the white stuff...did you get the decorations down?

Gramma how much snow have you got today? Again, boo to snow.....hope your family time has been great....

Phyllis I know you have been busy with friends and parties, hope you get some down time too.....

Hello to anyone else that might drop in, I am off to find something to eat and get a shower....no plans to get out today, have all my food for tomorrow here and hubby will help with a couple dishes....nothing fancy, but we do like the traditional items, no hog jowls, just a little ham in its place.....have a great day.......

HAPPY 2013 CASTLEMATES!!!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.... darn it! Snowing here now and we had more than enough to start with... but, on the bright side, I have plenty of paper and tape and I know how (sorta) to use it!

Hellos to all my Castle buddies... Praying and hugging for all those in need, and best New Years wishes for everyone!

Hugz,
Gramma

Welcome 2013, hope the new year is one of happiness and health for all.......had fireworks from yesterday afternoon to the wee hours of this morning, I slept on the sofa since Gracie stays in the kennel in there.....after I put her to bed, she never whimpered or whined....poor Prissy was terrified of fireworks.....lunch is ready....so we will eat in a bit.....started my new year on the Wii this morning, headed there for at least 30 mins today......then I hope to continue with a walk on the treadmill....way to tighten it up.....

Pat I am still on a purging process here....my storage building will get some cleaning when it warms up a bit, yippee on new furniture....the refinishing of the table for the kids sounds like a good idea.....I am also working on Valentine cards, did 22 yesterday....cut more things last night and will see about papers to use up from my stash. I cut a 'big L', the word 'love' is cut from the 'L', thinking about printing up a small additional sentiment to add to the card fronts.

Gramma sorry about the snow......

It has been raining since early morning, steady downpour......we have no plans to get out, my bro is coming by for a plate of food after he gets off work, sitter came and got MIL and her a plate for lunch.....my good deeds for the day are DONE.....

Have a wonderful start to the year, I am trying to have a better attitude to things I can't change this year and be grateful for what I have been blessed to have in my life.....kids and their families are really what matter, my siblings/families too.....plus all my wonderful friends here in the castle......

Well I had a nice long post, didn't copy and there it went to la la land....
Have a great night everyone....

Happy 2013! Today and this morning came way too soon. Have a great day!

Jess

Evening, made it to church tonight, slim in attendance....quiet a few are sick.....
Stepped on Gracie, she went scampering to Howard, I went running after her...thank goodness I didn't do any damage....she is walking fine, just scared of me tonight.....
Posted some of my cards on the thread, Pat they will go in the mail in a few days, unless you need me to send them to Phyllis or Renate.....just let me know, just lack adding the envelope.
Day 2 of my resolution to have a happy attitude this year.....so far so good....but there are 363 more days...
Hello to everyone tonight, I am off to the den and put some heat to an aching shoulder.....

Just a quick fly by to say hello! Hope everyone is doing well! I worked 10.5 hours yesterday and I almost got through all my emails. Have a great day!

Jess

Good morning, attitude still in check here......Wii done also.....Gracie is doing better today, she knows the sound of 'treat bags' when she does a 'good potty job'.....can't wait til it warms up and we get outside....
MIL has 4 more treatments this round, then they will determine what is next....nurse called hospice but until they know what the plan is, they can't come in....
Gramma so sorry about the snow, it has been dreary here for 3 days...thanks for the card compliments.....
Hello to everyone that drops in, I need to find a bite of lunch......

Happy Thursday evening,
Deb, I'm sure Gracie is ok. We have done it too. They don't always let you know when they are coming. Good attitude still on day 3, hold on to that.--I'm going to look at your cards in a minute.
Phyllis, glad Kohl's gave your money back, they are good at making you happy. Sorry you couldn't get what you ordered at first though.--My A coupons came in the mail Monday and then I knew what you were talking about. Really, A's should have at least rolled out the red carpet LOL. Sorry you didn't get the $5 coupon.
Gramma, Valentine of course, what was I thinking?? LOL. We still have the snow on the ground. It's been single digits the last couple of nights and nothing is melting.
Jess, you almost made it through the first week. Glad you are catching up on your email.--Don't worry about the lull on your thank you cards, it will come back to you and you will just whip them all out in no time. Have you decided on your plans for the weekend? A has been having a lot of sales, mostly b/c of the holidays. They should be getting the new season merchandise in soon. My workweek was short but super busy. One more day, I'm ready for the weekend.
I finished my Vday cards tonight. Maybe I'll start sorting and bagging the cards this weekend.
Pat, Joanne, Karen...hello.
I'm beat and will all it a night soon.
Renate

I had a post and I totally "X" my browser rather than hitting post reply!!
Anyway, Happy Friday! Have a great day!

Renate~Good job getting your cards done. I need to get over to the thread and check out the dates.

Phyllis~Above is to you too!! I misunderstood about the Kohls cash. For sure call them. I have a friend...whenever she has Kohls cash but nothing to buy will purchase whatever and then return it and she always gets her Kohls cash back to use when she gets the item she wants. So they will do it.

Jess

Edited by user Friday, January 04, 2013 12:41:57 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Evening, great morning with my friend at Starbuck's...we stayed til 11:30, then I headed home and hubby went with me to the grocery store....Gracie is still a bit scared of riding, so every opportunity we try to get her out.....picked up a few chicken tenders for supper, quick and easy....got 3 pans of cinnamon rolls baked and iced.....

Gramma things on the home front; well let me say this....sitter is about 'fed up', very difficult and stressful sitting.....very happy to have her hours cut back starting tomorrow to 8 hrs instead of 12.....she is an angel.....things about the same with the MIL.....will know more after last treatment on Tues to know the direction she will be going.....threw the sitters lunch away two days in a row even after being told what it was and where it was.....she is just a pain in the _ _ _....I will let you fill in the blanks.....

Going to church and get the decorations put away in the morning, then home and my friend that lost her lab last week has an 'orphan' 2 yr old at her house this weekend, been at the vets office to be adopted.....she will keep her if things work out......coming by in the morning to pick up a small kennel in case she does take her permanent.....

Jess hope your day and Renate's work day went well....

Phyllis sorry about the Kohl's issue......

Pat my cards are just using paper I have had for a long, long time.....a few new cuts and nothing fancy for sure.....just liked those files.....

Hello to everyone that might drop in, I need to get on my Wii for my 30 mins, day 4, my attitude is still good.....now down to 361 days

Have a great night, will try to check in tomorrow.....