Cold Monday

[JudyJB]

Really cold, not just chilly. Glad I brought one long sleeve shirt. Slept in until noon because I was so tired. Now at National museum of Scotland, which I missed
Last trip here dozen years ago. It was being reconstructed then. Hope all is well. More later.

[Colliemom]

Good Morning on this Memorial Day Monday. Cloudy, but sun starting to peak out and 65, supposed to start getting quite warm, high in 80’s. Was a nice weekend for all those who came north for the three Day weekend. Now the traffic flow will reverse as they all head back south. Looks like everybody was having a good time riding their bikes, running their boats on the lakes, kayaking, BbQing and whatever form of entertainment They were doing. Some people have said that they were surprised that they didn’t see much tornado damage when they got to town because the assumption is that the downtown business district was hit and that’s not the case. It the far west end, past I-75. And then into the residential area. The path is only 200 yards wide. But in that 200 yards lies a devastating amount of damage. But roads, parking lots and such are all clear, so you can go anywhere with no problem. 38 businesses have either been destroyed or damaged, but the majority are small light industrial places like tool and die and various other little shops.

I know you are probably getting tired of hearing about the tornado but now that it has been a week since it happened, a lot of stories are emerging and miracles of all kinds. I know that we do not usually discuss religion on this site but I have a couple of things that I would like to share with you. Two ladies from my church had Miraculous things happen to them, them that if it doesn’t make you believe there is a God, nothing will. One lady was sitting in the middle of her trailer in the trailer park that was 95% destroyed when her phone rang. It was her husband calling to tell her about the tornado coming through. She had to get up to go answer the phone because it was at the other end of the trailer. Just as she got to the phone the tornado struck and took out the entire middle section of the trailer where she had been sitting She’s okay. Another lady who is praying the Rosary in her house when her son called and told her to get into the basement immediately. She told him that she didn’t think there was time but that she would be OK because she had her rosary. For those of you who are not familiar with that, it is a set of prayer beads that start with a cross and go out in a circle and come back to the cross. There is a litany of prayers set along that string of beads to Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a beautiful prayer and has been known to invoke miracles, protection and help for those who pray it on a daily basis. When a few minutes later she looked up and realized that the ceiling of her house was gone and the entire roof had been lifted off the house and some of the side walls had been blown out. She who was standing there did not have a scratch Her son went running over after the tornado passed and she said she was fine, she had her rosary. That miracle has spread through town like wildfire. There are many others coming out now, like my dentists father who decided to take a trip to the UP to visit his daughter that morning only to have his house totally destroyed that afternoon. Of near misses, of sudden urges to take a ride someplace away from town or delaying a trip to the store. I myself decided to change the plans I had for running errands on Friday afternoon, to doing some before a late morning funeral instead of after, or I might have been in the area it hit that afternoon. It was like a gut instinct feeling that told me to just do some in the morning after I took the dogs to their groomer, since I had an hour and a half to kill, rather than come home, change for the funeral and head to the church.

So this morning I am going to get out there and get the grass mowed at the sub entrance, head to the cemetery to put flowers on family graves and maybe take a ride to the rural areas where the tornado passed through. Some homes were hard hit there as well. Now that the garage sale is over and I’m caught up with my stuff, I can get onto other projects around here. Nice breeze blowing today, so will help keep the hot weather more bearable. I might get back into volunteering for more tornado cleanup. Will see what’s going on out there this week.

For anyone who is work camping or interested in maybe work camping, keep an eye on Michigan, because the northwest part of the state up here is having a hard time getting summer employees for various businesses and tourist related stuff and they are talking that maybe next year they might start recruiting work campers. The idea being that people who do were camping have their own campers and therefore housing is not a problem as it is worth trying to recruit people who need to find a place to stay for the summer. Housing is a big problem up here for summer employees. There is also a severe labor shortage in the state especially in the tourism and restaurant industry. Be a beautiful place to work because of the scenic beauty and the lakes and everything.

Well, sitting in this chair and not on my lawn tractor is not getting that grass mowed, so I had better get a move on. Have a nice Memorial Day everyone.

[SoCalGalcas]

Good Morning All, Sue, I loved your story’s. I like all stories of miracles.
My eighth great was born yesterday. Family is very excited.
Lyn

[Acadianmom]

Sue, I learned at 18 not to get too upset if your plans don't work out. God might have a better plan for you. I use to take the bus to Dallas to see my aunt. For one trip I had forgotten my purse and we had to go back and get it so had to take a later bus. The bus I missed got hit by a train.

I have my ribs in the oven. I wanted to make a potato salad but no potatoes. I don't have a small can of baked beans and though there might be one in the motorhome. That doesn't work, the motorhome is in the shop. I am always thinking of something I need when it's not here. I heated some black-eyed peas out of the freezer and cooked a package of bacon flavored macaroni and cheese. I seldom ever have macaroni and cheese so that will be a change. I think I need to work on my grocery list.

It is windy again and headed for 90 degrees. There's a hurricane in the Pacific and they are talking about it coming across Mexico into the Gulf.

Martha

[MandysMom]

Sue, this weather thing, it's all a matter of perspective! 80 ° is a very nice pleasant not very warm to us. Last Tuesday, it was 103°. Glad your town is recovering.
I'm heading to Curves shortly. No big plans today. I will NOT fight interstate traffic to go the 50 or so miles to cemetery. We will go at a less busy time.
I wake each day in pain, mostly from my neck so I'm not as rested as I like. My senior kitty girls are doing well for past 17, but I stay close to home to make sure they get all they need. Our Suzie bird, an Orange Winged Amazon, is over 48 years old and just got her checkup last week. I'll just keep on moving, as long as I can.
Have a good day.
Velda

[chalet05]

Good Morning,

I'm beginning to wonder if we will have summer and spring didn't really happen. I've had specific things to do the last couple of days so stuck with it, but this morning I'm back to the blahs. Many things on the list for tomorrow when things are open again and traffic has left town.

Barbie, nice to be able to meet neighbors that way. Judy, glad you could sleep in! I'm enjoying your blog, but I can understand the frustrations and being tired. Lyn, a new baby is always exciting! Sue, love those types of stories. Martha, it's interesting how often a change in plans kept one out of harm's way.

I took Covid home tests with me on the trip. I wanted to take one the morning I would be arriving at my aunt's. Opened the box and discovered there were 5 tests in it! Obviously, I hadn't paid attention. So I had 14 tests with me thinking I had 4!

[cnq50b]

Good morning,

Sue, I believe miracles surround us - especially if we have our eyes open to them. Love hearing those stories!

Absolutely perfect weather here lately - just wish we could get some rain though. I love "May grey" & look forward to 'June gloom" - cool, overcast mornings giving way to mild sunshine in the afternoon. Grass is drying out as watering restrictions are in place. I experimented with using a dishpan to catch the water as I wash my dishes & then use that water for my patio plants. Was a real eye-opener on how much water was going down the drain. At least my plants should survive.

I took Sadie for a walk around the block (about 1 mile) early this morning - trying to get her used to keeping pace with me rather than sniffing her way every few seconds. She did pretty good. Will try to keep this as a routine - we both need the exercise.

Judy, thanks for your blog - I enjoy keeping up with your travels. Anita, glad you had plenty of covid tests with you, Velda - I can't even imagine having any pet for 48 years! that's amazing! Lyn, looking forward to seeing you & Barbie on Wed.

Well I'd better get busy.
Take care out there.

[Redetotry]

Afternoon all, It is hot here ugh. The weather can't seem to make up it's mind. Sue, I too believe in miracles, because if there weren't miracles most of us wouldn't be here to tell. I also believe like dogs we have an innate sense when something is wrong or there is danger.
I am finally feeling better after my second booster. I really hope we don't need any more! There are so many people I hear about having covid now but no one is keeping much count and most have quit with masking.
I have been looking for someone to come to my house to cut my hair. I usually do it but the back was too long and I needed it tapered. Looked to see what phase of the moon is good for cutting hair and it was now so I got out my scissors. I'm happily surprised at the results.

[OregonLuvr]

60 outside right now and feels good, we will be 63 for a high today and 78 for a high tomorrow, crazy weather. Hope my tomato plants will enjoy it. I have a headache starting so took some meds, big glass of water and will just lean back for a bit.

Lyn congrats on the #8 ggbaby. I need my hair cut very badly but I have super straight hair and if I was to cut it myself you would see every imperfection. I put a hat on today when I was outside just so the hair wouldn't blow in my face when I was bending over. Need to catch up on Judys blog too. Miracles do surround us. We had MANY when the wildfire swept thru and so many heroes saving lives that day. Considering 2400 homes and businesses were wiped out and there were only 5 deaths. So many stories of first responders, police, neighbors helping each other. Red cross was amazing, FEMA not so much LOL But this September will be 2 years and life has gone on for most of us.

We had our Memorial Day flyover by 2 of the jets from Klamath Falls airbase, Kingsley Field. Always gives me goose bumps. Doesnt last long but the memory stays with you.

[BirdbyBird]

The dogs and I made the trip up and back from Michigan in one piece. Jane got three Group 2s and a Group 4 in the Gun Dog Group - which is UKC's name for the AKC Sporting Dog Group. BJ will appreciate that UKC includes both Multi-colored and Solid Color Standard Poodles in their Gun Dog Group, because the Standard Poodle was originally bred and used as a hunting dog. UKC also permits the common sense puppy cut for all ages of poodles. You can see the fancier Continental and the simpler trims all in the same ring. LArk also came home with a Reserve Best in Show of the ALtered entries. She reminded Jane that she was both beautiful and well mannered.

The rig performed well and tows the Honda Fit as if it isn't even there. And I smile everytime I need to stop at a gas station and can get up to a pump without doing graduate school geometry to make sure that I can navigate the angles, remembering the "You can not back up rule of towing 4 wheels down." It is so much easier to load and unload the equipment into the Fit. Sadly, my body didn't seem to perform as well. It wasn't blistering hot but apparently my body doesn't even like moderately warm anymore. I peeled my nice show jacket by noon on Saturday and didn't even try for the upgraded look on Sunday. There is no way I can imagine entering an outside show again until fall....but don't quote me on that. I just hope that my body lasts until Jane can finish her GCH title. Working and showing Lark in performance events doesn't seem to take as much toll on my back and energy levels. Next show is in two weeks. I keep looking at the dust on the kayak, sigh.

[snowball]

back again had typed a bunch and some how lost it
about the time I was saying that I was so tired that proves it hadn't even submitted it to lose it just lost it...
been getting up earlier than normal due to breakfast was good and today had family leaving so wanted to say goodbye to those that were leaving for home... so today was up by 8:45 so early for me...
after goodbyes' one of my dd and left to go to Rexburg we stopped at her son's house cause his daughter had left a couple of things since dd was tired she gave me the keys so I could go on to Rexburg do my shopping and come back and get her... my son gave me a crumbl cookie gift coupon a year ago that I'd not used up so wanted to go and pick the rest up did that then here it is raining earlier snowing and I thought if I turn here and go right I can get me a Freddy's ice cream that is well worth a right hand turn
then on to Wal Mart think school must be starting up again (there is a college there ) so wondering if summer session was starting as it was sooo busy... took forever but part of it was I went to see if my books were there yep they were but still in boxes... lady was dispensing them went and did my shopping came back and waited and waited... finally all of them were put out and I got them the last book was in the last box!!!
we have had rain and or snow the last 24 hours needed not going to complain but really it would be nice if it was a bit warmer... My grandson's wife told us that her aunt kept track of the snow fall in the valley or mountains surrounding it there was snow every month of the year.. we even had snow chain effect on the pass today glad it lifted when we came over...
my eldest is dealing with a ceiling issue in the condo that they have here in Jackson so need to take out a loan to repair it they are going to look into get a higher than they need loan to help was with the basement it's hard to get a loan when you don't own the property .... was so sweet of her to offer
my cousin that was in hospice passed away today so sad about it was was a sweetheart and will be missed
you all have a great day
sheila

[MandysMom]

Catherine, Suzie was about 6 when we got her, in November 1979. My first son, who lives with me still, was born the following May. So I've been known to tell him Suzie is his older sister. He does most of her care now. She was bonded to younger son Nick, until he left. Because of frequent power outages and winter cold, he decided it was best not to take her to Minnesota. So, at home she remains. Vets are surprised at what good shape she is in as even zoo amazons don't live as long as she has, usually and in wild, even less apparently. Only Stormy has ever bothered her, in that as a kitten, she really wanted to touch Suzie, but beak wins and Stormy learned after a few pinched toes. Suzie will mimic Stormy at times, which totally annoys Stormy!
Velda