GO, SEE, DO

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Monday was a good day. The camera surveillance DVR was set up along with the online info and software installed to be able to view the house. Also looked at some of Shell's photos and burned them to DVD's. Then we were sick by Tuesday and wouldn't you know...the Vista came in :/

Picking up where I left off will be hard at first. The 5 gallon drum of paint and supplies are still outside where they have been for the last 3 weeks. It may be there another week because the Vista is next. How funny when the Fed X people asked if that was the same computer. They said they would not buy an HP until it was spit out how they knock the box around to death. They were quick to reply in retaliation of how they have no control once it reaches Dallas conveyor belts :l This one wasn't so beat up so I am hoping....

With Jim in Alabama...our trip to see my stepfather will be delayed till mother's day. I think it's best and places me by my mothers favorite things...her dogs, husband, cooking. It will be nice to help him out and I plan to show him a 10 minute bisque recipe and wash the 4 dachshunds while Jim cleans the gutters or repairs whatever it is he wants :)

For now...an easy bisque recipe:

Sauteed onions in butter...then add more butter and flour for a light roux
Pour in stock (or boullion), add milk (half/half or heavy whipping cream) little at a time to keep thick... then a bit more butter :o

From here...anything goes. Shrimp, shallots, corn, potatoes, aspargus, crab meat...I usually add something green along with something else. Cooks in 10 min...1 pot...and I add cheese and bacon crumbles on top when doing potato/broccoli bisque. I call it "stuffed potato" bisque :9

Next vist I will show him how to make one of his favorites....beef stroganoff (in 15 min with a left over roast or steak).

Also trying to find classes for Tai Chi and/or Yoga. Seen one at Crime Stoppers site in the next town so maybe the homicide investigator that works there will know something (couldn't find it on site).

Now for HP and start looking at laptops and a pal for Paros :)

TRAVELOGUE

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We were warned early to make the airport yesterday because security was to be increased. Her husband knew of Bin Laden. We just thought something else and of course he couldn't tell us but was concerned so much love and respect to him for loving my daughter :}  My fault. She inadvertantly pilfers time like me and I guess it was getting medicine that detained us and had her last to board with them calling her name :l I watched till her plane flew away and hope she heals :)

I am just journaling time events of this week before it escapes me. With my mother's death, the tornandoes, Bin Laden, funeral, Paros dental, meeting my grandson, etc....my brain is full :/

Morning View

Easter to 4/26...Blank until the power went out in the middle of the night. It was humid and hot so we rolled a roll away bed to the craft room to open the doors off the balcony to feel the breezes. Sunrise brought on memories of my mother in Arkansas. We made coffee with a blow torch and ate chips to keep from opening the refrigerator. No big storms really. Just a 'country' thing from local power. Ordered Shell's ticket on Monday....I think

My Sign from Parents :D

4/27 to 28....Mild thunderstorms with tornado warnings. Direct TV didn't even search for signals as usual  so this was of concern and the news was atrocious. 6 tornados descended around Birmingham, Ala. On Thursday I ordered flowers, rented vehicle 35 miles away, drove back home to drop off miata, went to Jackson to pick up Michelle and Dustin but don't get back home till 2:00 am. One of those days the alarm company installed the camera.

4/29....Awake at 6:30. No sleep. Leave at 7:30 to take Paros to vet for test and dental. P pooped EVERYWHERE during the 2 hour drive in his cage and on himself. Almost $700 for dental, then to breakfast at Cracker Barrel where we had to change for the funeral in their bathrooms :/  Met cousin to drive in...almost late... visitation...funeral. I had to listen with funeral staff in private away from unknowns in the family section that sounded like holy rollers. Blue juice topped it all off when a 4 year old neice was tilted over the casket by her blue haired cousin... sending mom off with just a little 'hummingbird nectar' as I would like to think Mother would call it :} Heart broke for Stepfather but the part that allowed me some peace with it all was seeing Vicki and Brenda...meeting Jerry's congregation and thier beautiful service :))) Pick up P...visit stepfather. Michelle is sick with strep and baby coming down with it :( Visited graveside.

Jerry's Love

4/30...NOTHING.! Licked wounds. No one called for Shell except family in Cali. Sister did call for something but forgot :l Ate at restaurant. Vaporizers, chamomile teas, lemon, honey, etc. :l Shared our 'Video of the Week' (Ode To My Family), copied Shells pics and burning on DVD's.

5/1....Leave early for airport, stop at walmart....barely made the plane :l  Watched pat down as it was too hard to rewrap on body harness. They called her name to board :/  Watched plane take off, returned silverado (not buying that model) and by the time we got home...she boarded in Chicago for San Diego. Safely home :)  Whew :D

Bonding with D over french fries, chocolate ice cream, and whipped cream was awesome!

Shell scared of hissing whipped cream can in trash can....PRICELESS lol!!! :D

Well...and the signs & hummingbird nectar :l

HELLO, GOODBYE

So much gratitude to Vicki, Brenda, and Neda for showing support and restoration of faith and dignity. For my daughter, Michelle, for her support, grace, and love. My new grandson for the joy he brought.  And also thanks to my stepfathers congregation for the beautiful services and to the funeral homes staff for the privacy and support to hear the services in private with my youngest grandson.

And to my best friend who always feels my sensitivities. Taken on morning of funeral.