Easter Thanks

Not only am I thanking God and Christ, but also my sister.

Thanks Diane for the movie!

Table for 4 or more

Beth, Tom, Argos, and Sampson came to FW this weekend. They were all behaved -- perhaps the canines more so. Sampson was comfy on the sofa wanting some cuddle time with humans. Argos was in his metal den (cage) so that the typical 2-3 am wrestle-fest of the canines did not take place.

Beth and Tom walked to church and later met up with friends. It was a short, brief, visit. As I wasn't here for very long, I'll ask that Thomas or Beth write about it.

Midway

I'm looking to move in June (ish) to a place midway between work and good ol' FW. If anyone has old stuff that you don't want and is still usable, I would be happy to eliminate it from your "stuff pile".

I have a suspicion, that when I move, I'll get a notice from the USPS that they have an opening and that I can start. Gee -- still driving 30-45 minutes daily, but now -- for better pay. Yeah, I wouldn't mind that. I don't know if they will contact me, but with mildly-inconvenient circumstances, I could really see that happening.

Wish me luck, that would be great news for me! I'd have more time and more cash and better benefits.

Email from the Sprite

Dearest Uncle Marc

I take slightly chewed and slobery pen in paw to write you this quick note. I am a puppy therefore I MUST chew, destroy and generally cause Chaos. That IS my job. Your job is to let me nap on you, rub my tummy and generally love my fat fluffy self. It has always worked this and it always will. Thank you for your support. Now I believe I need a tummy rub and perhaps a treat. I am growing you know!

Love

The fat fluffy golden retriever puppy

Wednesday

Lake across from work

park

Fingers out-stretched to the lake.

That was Monday. On Wednesday, the weather was bad, the traffic was worse, including a serious accident with injuries on the road I travel. It made me run late as well. The injuries (EMS present and cars beyond totalled) were more important than my being "only on time".

I was on time for work, but barely, met with the DM to pre-review. I had to clean some areas before we began for the closing crew did not do such a good job. I note this because it is important later. The crew might have hurried through it and not done a good job, or were so busy that completion of task within the time frame was not realistic or possible.

My meeting lasted a while and during lunch, the DM took me out, so that where we were wasn't occupied by our butts. We talked there, more about non-work related things. I don't think we got as far as we could/should have. The afternoon then was real work. The place was dry and slow. I got a few things done for my self-assigned homework. I got pictures of screens for a training manual for myself and any who follow my course.

I also used MS screen print to send screen pictures to my account, but they never transmitted. What a piece of crap that system is. Anyway ... the business picked up around 3:30, then train-like sped up and forward continually. By 5:30 we were "hoppin" and there were people waiting to sit. That was great business -- great to see it alive and moving, but

we were short on people, very short on people
we were short on supplies and ran out of supplies

At 8:00 the rush ebbed and I was sent out, after my 11.25 hour day. I am quite sure there was a second rush.

The morale was grim that night. Not only had it been busy and they had their butts kicked, but there was a perspective of unfairness between chiefs -- in the eyes of a young man. His opinion of a manager was docked a few points. I listened and understood his opinion. I had a front section job, so didn't work as hard as the Indy pit crew were last night. They were fast, sweaty, and eager. I wish I had something to give them all. I think they did friggin' great.

I am trying to put together a manual for work, but some parts I need didn't come through email -- thanks, work! I would naturually guess a file-size limitation, but that isn't likely considering work. I'll have to do it the less efficient way then and photograph the screen -- larger pics requiring much more work and luck not getting any glare. My manual won't be done this work, for sure.

I included the lovely pictures, for the day wasn't lovely, but the people there are. They are hard-working and dedicated. Sadly, I don't think their efforts are recognized often. One person there noted that [the same person] was seeking another job and if offered would drop this one for the other. Now ... the job doesn't pay too well (imagine that), and the benefits are dubious, but it is a job. The last few weeks of nastiness will take its toll on those working and I'll see a few people drop out, no doubt.

Too much on Tuesday

This didn't really make Chewy jealous. Playing with Chewy made Daisy (dog), jealous.

What you will typically see with Chewy -- running.

Okay, so here you can see the dislike I have for her.

Thomas golfed then played poker -- that's good!
Lois has had such wicked experience with her insulin (bottoming out glucose levels) that I volunteered to pick up Jessica and take her to the dentist appointment, then here to grandfolks' house to mow the grass. Still more, the neighbor asked her to mow his grass.

Well, Marcus had homwork that was interrupted, for sure and later Diane came over with the puppy I shall name, as she has not, Chewy.+

Jessica had a filling fall out --- so the doctor replaced it with a better filling. The bill came to $-0.11. Somehow, I don't think the dentist will be paying anyone eleven cents, but ... stranger things have happened.

The piles from the clippings were on the drives so I swept up them and finally, called it time to go back to my work.

I got some done, then went into work on Wednesday -- entirely different story.

+ Chewy or "Chewie", being the wookie from Star Wars

Furniture?

I'm not moving yet, but I'm thinking in about a couple of months I will. So, if anyone has furniture ... letme know, eh?

clean sweep

The downstairs where the massive leak -- water heater rusted through, had a peculiar smell ... rusty water. Anyway, Thomas asked for the aid of Marcus to help sweeten the smell. The outlandishly-priced and now old and dusty multi-purpose sweeper (Rainbow) had a purpose. After thinking about it ... Thomas put tother the parts and liquid to wash the carpet clean. While the carpet needs replaced -- a project for when the house is sold, cleaning it was the goal. The stain, still a little visible, doesn't have the aroma anymore. It smells clean.

After the puppy comes, we'll see how "clean" it smells for long.

The house, home to people, pets, guests, years of real use has its own aroma. It isn't unpleasant, it's home. The plans for Thomas and Lois are still to move to a new place -- SW of town in a growing community with a ranch-style home. They have put no great effort yet into getting it. Health issues return, as well as stupid appliances feeding the vultures of appliance stores.

low, low, low

Lois petered out ...
sugar low, then, sugar low ... the solution -- change the perspective of the sentence on medicine adminstering, i.e.:
The medicine suggests taking it before meals, but Thomas thinks that taking it in connection with the higher blood sugar level is a better translation of the instructions. Twice or thrice now, Lois has about petered out to oblivion after taking the medicine. It must work well and to keep from visiting the ol' hospital, Thomas will help Lois remember not to take it with average or low blood sugar.

The other ad-on medicines give nausea. Hey, while we're at it, why not warts or some other rot. Criminy! You can't win!

Steel

Thomas and Lois went to see Steel Magnolias. Apparently, it was good. Thomas could and should elaborate on it. They went to a local theater and saw this play.

Panic at the disco

Lois discovered her iron was broken.

Another appliance?

No!

Thomas took it over to another outlet -- silence ... heat and it works!

Thomas and Lois didn't want to buy another appliance, though they seem to be dying of some appliance plague.

drinking problem

He just doesn't want to quit and he contends that he's too old to change. Yes, sadly, someone close to me has a drinking problem--namely, my car. He has taken to drinking oil. I checked last night and there were clear signs that he has a drinking problem that I have to deal with.

It might be the death of him someday.

cards

Although Argos is going to start training and "school", I really think he and Sampson write very well, don't you?

Dorothy -- written

So what’s new big guy? Thanks for all the news from Ind. Who is Sissy and Daisy they are so cute. No; we do not want a cat. Did find homes for them, how many are there. Spring has arrived here in the Burg, it looks so pretty. Our neighbor cut the front yard, actually the backyard needed cutting more, oh well never look a gift horse in the mouth. Or some such saying. How are Tom and Lois? How is dear little HONEY BEAR? She is such a pretty doggie. Give her some TLC FOR US. I am still in so much pain, this is awful. Tell everyone one we LOVE them. You take care, we Love you. Aunt Dorothy.

Congratulations on dear Little Honey Bear, she is so sweet, no she is not like Angel, she is just a dear little honey, and her own special self. Do you think that Lois will like her? Hope this finds everyone well. How are your classes? We are ok, still in terrible pain. Got both legs incased now. You take care, and thank you for all the news. Love you. Aunt Dorothy.

Hi dear heart, just a line or two to let you know that we are so glad that you keep us up to date on all the family. Did your burn heal? How are Di, Deb, and Beth? Sounds like Lois is improving by leaps and bounds, Thank goodness for that. We thought spring was here cause we had a heat wave, “no no”, I said, the Magnolia trees are going to bloom, their loaded with buds----------well I was right, big freeze tonight is a comin’. This happens every year, trees get full of buds, then we get a freeze. Uncle Jack took a picture of the three trees just in time. Still in lots of pain, then my legs started swelling, yep new treatment. Going to compression clinic. For a week we had to wrap my leg in about five layers of bandages, that we had to change every day, only allowed to leave off for 30min a day. Then was fitted with a stocking, which will be worn the rest of my life, will start on other leg next. Life is the pits. Well dear boy will end this for today; you take care, study hard, and behave yourself. Hugs and kisses, love you dear heart. Aunt Dorothy.

Hi, Aunt Dorothy here, just a note to let you know we are still here. We love your blog's, very interesting. It is good to get all the news about the Holloways, Freygangs and the Orozoco's and the Love's. We hope all are on the mend, good to hear that Lo getting off some Meds. How is new puppy doing? Guess this will be another Lois dog like Angel? Uncle had his check ups and all is good, good, good, happy day. As for me still in so much pain, now I am going to a compression management place for my legs, worried about clots, will have to wear compression stockings the rest of my life, they are so attractive. Are you official with the postal service, Barney said if you need any help just let him know cause he knows all about this job. Guess that’s all for this time, thank you for keeping us up on everyone. Take care, good luck. LOVE YOU A WHOLE BUNCH. Aunt Dorothy.

another pic of Lois with Sissy

As you can see ... Sissy was ready for play. She didn't really "fetch" the ball, but rather take possession of it.

wild and "chewy"

young, free, she thinks I'm a good thing

she huddles around me... I am her security blanket.
She wanted to play with the neighbor dog and of course the human kids.

She's "bringin' sexy back"

Mystery girl B & W, or "cute" as Dave had mentioned.

Apple core, Baltimore, who's your friend ...
me (Aunt Dorothy)

CSI

Canine Scene Investigators

Yep, detective this definitely was "tasted" by our suspect. Here too are tool marks indicative of teething. Look -- we need to lift these paw marks to match with our suspect. Our perpetrator wasn't very careful about leaving evidence behind ... look at the hair and saliva samples left everywhere, including ...
how did our suspect get up there?

We have evidence she was in the refrigerator ... dyer, washer, freezer, car, van, on all floors, on all fours, under chairs and sofas, on beds, in the duct work?

It's like following Jeffy from Family Circus here. Up the tree?

Can we make an arrest? Clearly she's been here.

Yes, but the only crime was being a puppy, not punishable in our jurisdiction.

Secret had a secret

Now the proverbial cat is out of the bag.

Secret, the young cat (kitten, really) is pregnant.
I'm waiting for the phone call or the DHL truck ... hey, free kitten

just what I always wanted and didn't ask for

Debbie -- I'm not around for long periods of time -- I don't want one, but thanks!
Thomas and Lois don't want one, but they also offer thanks!

I'll look into other possible homes. I can think of one - two, but I'll let you know if you are interested in homes for the to-be kitties.

All the grass is green .... and the clouds went away

Indiana dreamin' on such a Springtime day. That's better than Beach Boys!

Anyway, Jessica has lawn duty today and she is bringing the pooch -- the puppy with no name, yet. She likely has a name by now, but I don't know it.

Anyway ... she's ridin' low to attack the grass for the lovely little puppy to romp in the fresh grass clippings. The puppy will likely roll to smell more natural, au de automanure aka 'smelling like your own ...'. Dogs do that. Anyway, Thomas and Lois have had a fence for a long while, long ago they had pets ... now they have quadraped fur-covered visitors, many of whom are relatives who love to run and chase the local fauna (squirrels and rabbits). A few canines are more adept than others -- preferring and exercising a stealthy hunting approach.

Jessica, still not liking school is getting closer to out. I think next year she can start her cosmotology/beautician schooling while in HS, so that when she graduates, she can just start. She's in for a shock as most places want "more training" all the time. She's not a big fan of school.

The grass is green, but I understand that the water heater -- hauled away yesterday, was rusted inside thoroughly. The plumber -- Quick Joe McGee pulled it out in 20 minutes and let the rusty (not just the color) water dump out in cascades and mini-Niagra falls to the cellar well. I guess I miss some interesting crud at times, don't I!

Waterlogged

Well, Thomas and Lois got a "wonderful" surprise ... the water heater broke and leaked bloody well everywhere. After a couple two or three hours of cleaning up mess -- they surrendered. Tomorrow Thomas gets to call plumber (s) to replace the beast.

Appliances have been dropping like flies around their house.

Happy birthday also came with pictures

cat named Secret

Thunder, God rest his soul

pretzel ... oh, wait, that's Toby

Megan

Megan cheesy!

Debbie with a black ball of wonder and stubbornness. To think thathey found Thunder to be stubborn!

Well, not of my opening anything. I did open an email and found it chock full of pics from Debbie. Thanks Debbie!

Bethy sent me a dog's cleverness!


Lest I not forget, the folks gave me a card with cash -- hey! I can get what I want, THANKS!
Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Jack sent me a card with a wonderful sentiment!

Jennifer sent me an ecard.

Thank you all, very, very much!

puppy who visited

So, there you see ... Lois and the visiting dog, Sissy and jealous Daisy. Sissy escaped from her house; we later found out that the family was having the yard redone and she went adventuring. Sad to note that they weren't too active in finding her. The numbers on her tag were a clue, but ..

the neighborhood number was defunct. The other number was to a man, was "grandpa" who lived just outside of FW. It was my birthday and it was spent trying to track down the puppy's humans. Thank goodness for the internet and the still-free sites to research phone numbers. I found the "grandpa" and he was going to return the dog to the family, after he got her a new tag. She was a gregarious little girl who seemed to favor guys.

We found out that she sleeps with an 8 year-old boy. What a cute little girl. She was something, especially to get Lois out there with her.

Daisy, the next-door neighbor dog wasn't too keen on sharing attention and "treats". End of story, we were out way north and ate out there for lunch.

I never knew that friends of mine were directly behind me in the booth. What a fool I am. I had lox on bagel with capers and sour cream -- a rareity. The folks treated me to lunch -- how very nice.

I got a couple of cards and a load of pictures. Thanks you all for the happy birthday.

I had to work ... it wasn't the best of nights ... oh, well.

Taxi

lacking a "Jim" (Christopher Lloyd) character, we have the stocky dispatcher, Thomas sending himself out to run his grandson around to his rotten job. The grandson got a job and his training shows a shady group pushing junk. He needs the money and has nothing else to do. He was given an "opt out" option to take the money and run. Thomas suggested that he just lump it and do the class. The early morning trek has taken its toll on Thomas. His grandson isn't driving right now (no further details will be disclosed at this time), so Thomas pitches in.

Marcus, many months ago, chose not to pursue this company heavily as there was a notable "shadiness" about them.

How many companies ask you what you drive? I would suggest that most companies merely want to be sure that you have a licence and reliable transportation -- end of story.

improvement

M. R. has recovered some in hospital. She was the one mentioned in my succumb entry. Lois spoke with her, while M. R. was in hospital. I hope that she is mostly recovered by now. What a wicked nasty thing to happen.

I must correct myself as the spots were not cysts, but rather other tissue problems, much like cysts. To some, life isn't fair or very courteous.

bible in hand

Lois is going to bible study again with friends ... that's a great activity! I hope that she has it done.

Father might golf today at a golf dome, that is unless his grandson calls for a ride. The grandson has driving limitations for the time being, so ... he needs a ride to work. I know where he works, but not what he does.

It is a wonder

Short list of nothing

I passed a postal exam, but now what?
I'm going to work on another typically bad weather day -- blah!
It's mid-April and early May I have a test for which I am not sure I am ready.
I got a chance to meet up with friends, I now get to see every other week because of my looney schedule
I did an interview, but the job for which I applied isn't available
I got some bills paid, only find that it was a subsurface layer -- still more layers to go

I'm happy enough, but just not "happy"

Happy Easter to you all!


I got a little spark of light -- I was able to take out the folks for lunch, now that's something!

Newness

Logan is featured on the left, new into the fold of the family. He was well received.

Nameless, cuteness, newness ... this puppy here was shipped FedEx and missed her connecting flight Friday. She is welcomed into her house, where there is much to chew. While she is not Angel, she is who she is. It might be that her name will be "Honey".
Jessica left while Daddy and Uncle Marker talked politics and sweeping changes. Later, she and "Honey" made some sweeping changes in another way. The puppy "helped" by chewing on the tasty tassled broom. Jessica had fun, for sure.

The puupy with Diane ... smiles of sorts ... joy, of course; chew and be free.

The puppy wanted to chew and chase the bunny as she did her brothers and litter mates, but the bunny would not have it -- imagine that. Floppsy was a good boy and held up his own. He chewed on me only minorly and shed like a fiend. He is around 6-7 years now, quite the old man.

Yes, if you hadn't guessed it, the Freygangs have an "Easter" gift -- new Golden Retreiver puppy.

Happy Easter to you and may you remember and live with Christ

if not, then live a life spreading love and peace.

Snow way we are going there!

Thomas and Lois went to lunch today. The plan was to go to a restaurant 15/20 minutes away. When they left -- storm raging, high wind and large flakes. What gives?

They quickly re-routed or turned tail and fled and got to another, different and closer restaurant. They seemed to enjoy it and were, for the first time in a while, warm!

He has a face

International man of mystery, this L W, of Jenny's dating fame, now has a face. Thanks Jenny!

I will insert a different conversation here, "No! You da man!"

Happy Easter!

I arose to see this. He has risen and lives so that you can too. Remember Jesus, if you are Christian, otherwise ... just be peaceful, nice, and love one another.

Work asks questions

So ... when are you moving ... around here?
Is there a reason why you aren't moved yet?
So, is there anything we can do to get you moved up here?


I think I feel a trend here.

On the lighter side of things, I have been asked to "shop" for a few things. Why I'm the one is beyond me, but I don't mind. The other people there have been there longer and are younger, but ... they seem to have no interest in such things.

I have a test in around a month and they will begin "grilling" me on the materials. I was told to make study sheets so that I can walk in with a prepared speech, essentially, over each section. And this testing and verbal meeting is two hours long? Oi! I'm not stressed, but yikes -- I'm not all thrilled to do all that. The good news is that upon successful completion, I get a bump in pay. The "bump" isn't much, as I calculated it to be about 50 cents/hr, but it is something. I can only hope that I can get through the other sections much faster.

Succumb

A friend, having allergies enough for several people, was diagnosed with cysts on her lungs. The message ... brief was all, emptied much hope for her. As far as I know, that's all I know. Avoiding much, evading hostile organisms, still -- her weak body found a way to transform. My heart and I hope others, many others, prayers go out to her.

Frugality based on health, she still bears scars of living, her many efforts perhaps all for naught.

Marcus' dirty work

Ah ... somewhat accidents at work.

Well, you might know that I work in food prep in the course of my work. Well, now on two occasions, I have had the wondrous joy of wearing food that was prepped. I must say, that often, my speed in walking at work has generally sent the material flying away from me, but I got to wear it a few times.

I have also burnt myself several times. There is, undoubtedly, a secret bet as to when I will cut myself at work. There are those at work who feel my "method" with cutting instruments will lead to cutting myself. I am not wickedly fast or using them as "weapons", but precariously hold blades sometimes. I doubt, really, that I will sever a layer of skin. If so, gloves and I get to step away from food. Who wants this bloody food item? No, I mean bloody, not just an English term here.

One recent thing at work that made me laugh ... a nice-looking young woman/girl had her back to the counter. I helped a couple of guys, while their attention wasn't on me, nor my shoulder, nor ribs, but rather her butt. Dashed lines were present, easy to follow. She wasn't impressed when I let her know that her butt was the focus of much attention, unwanted or not.

Lois' pride and joy

Lois was able to work on weeding today. She hadn't been able to do much of anything like that for a while. It was a large, though quieted victory. So, hurrah for Lois, and hurray for the new knees and the energy that comes with it. While full-out gardening is out of the question, plucking and planting here and there is in the realm of possibility.

For Thomas, swinging and clubbing are still yet to be done on a course. The guys all call to the fairway dieties for mercy and for weather where they can walk hours in the heat batting balls. Soon, the response is ... "soon", that and nothing more.

God's humor at work

So ... this guy at work reminds me much, very much, of a brother-in-law. Which brother-in-law you might ask. I will hint:

He listens to talk radio, quotes it, then asks others -- as though they were listening similtaneously with him. Razzle-frazzle-babble-gumble? Uh ... I just don't know guy! This man's wit is quick ... makes little cartoonish "woo-hoo" noises -- funny, as he is really timid as a general rule. Given the chance, I'm sure he'd exhaust your ears with opinions and annecdotes and "long story, making it longer".

Yes, Jim ... somehow you got transplanted, in some small way, to my workplace.

"Ain't actin' shady"

Thomas and Lois went out and got a replacement for the slightly torn shade. Not too bad, eh?