Good Luck, Summer

After reading a lot of Facebook posts the past couple of days, I found that I am not the only one thinking that this is going to be a long, long summer.  For example:

1. The amount of pissed off parents who display such pissed-off-ness at the grocery stores, zoos, parks, 
    amusement parks and water parks, etc.
2. The number of parents asking about what kinds of things that are available for their kids can do this  
    summer
3. The number of irritated parents who are posting on Facebook asking if the exhibits at the zoos they are   
    visiting are safe. 
4. The number of parents asking if there are any jobs available for their teenager

I could go on and on but I digress.  As I said the other day, it's going to be a long, long summer.
 

It's Going To Be A Long, Long Summer

Let me just get this out of the way first -- It's 12:00 noon, and I've made three trips to my Krogers so far.  But with the way things are at The Compound, that's not really unusual.  But I digress.  On my trips to the grocery this morning, I encountered more pissed off parents than I think I ever have.  They were all mad at their kids for doing various things - not listening, running away from the parent, picking up a bunch of things that the kids want them to buy, etc etc.  Each time I saw this, the parent was yelling at the kids.  This is just May 31 - with the time off from school ahead of us, these kids don't stand a chance. And I need to resign myself to the fact that I'm going to have to endure a lot of pissed off parents at the grocery store this summer.

Quote Of The Year

Spoken by Diva Stacy to me earlier, and I quote:

"Not everybody has a good mother. You and I were lucky."  

Amen, Diva Stacy. Amen.

Rest and Relaxation

Today was probably the most drama-free day I've had in weeks - maybe months.  We all slept in at The Compound, and then had a nice breakfast at our favorite 'hood restaurant.  Then we ran some errands and shopped - all without pressure and drama.  After planting a few things in the garden, we then had a snack and a cocktail, followed by a nice nap.  We're hoping for more of the same the rest of the weekend.  It's just what the doctor ordered.

So Happy It's Friday

It's been one hell of a week at work, and I am totally spent.  There's a lot that I would like to post, but I will save it for another day.  All I am focusing on right now is three days away from work.  Other than my weekly visit with Diva Stacy on Sunday and a Bats game Monday afternoon, I don't have anything on my calendar for the weekend.  I am hoping for some rest and relaxation and no drama.

So Happy It's Thursday

It was another effed up day at work today, but during the last half hour of the day, things started to turn toward my favor.  

All I can say is pray for bettah dayz.

When Jupiter Aligns With Mars

I am not an astronomer, nor do I claim to be one, so I have no idea if Jupiter is aligning with Mars right now. All I know is that today was one crazy, effed up beyond all belief, day at work.  As I type this I am still trying (key word) to process and absorb all of the insane things that happened today.  

I am already dreading going in to work tomorrow morning.

So tonight, I am going to party like it's 1999 and forget about 7:45 tomorrow morning.

Dr. John's Legacy

I was very upset yesterday when I found out that one of the family's favorite people Dr. John had died, and I had a lot of emotional thoughts last night, and wanted to think things through before I gave him a fitting tribute in TWIT.  

Dr. John and his wife Betty Jean were in our Sunday School class at church.  If you were go to up to anyone that knew him and Betty Jean, every person would say without hesitation that they were the sweetest people that ever drew a breath.  

Dr. John was a retired pastor, and from talking with people that knew him, I found out what an awesome preacher that he was.  Preaching ran in his family; his brother was our interim pastor at our old church, and he was an awesome preacher.  So yep, it ran in the family.  

He was a veteran, and proudly served in WWII in the Navy.  He told us stories of his time in the service, and how much he enjoyed it.  He was a baker, and told us about how one time the ocean was very rough and he had to put pies in a hammock to keep them from sliding around.  

I'm so glad that the 'Rents and I were able to know Dr. John and his wife.  We miss him already; I can't begin to think of how much his sweet Betty Jean misses him.  

Farewell, Dr. John

You Live, You Learn

The 2016 Forest Fest has ended, and it was a big learning experience.  

This is the first festival that Pap's Barn Art had a booth to sell out barn art quilt block pictures.  And things didn't go so well.  We didn't sell any pictures, but we did get probable orders from four people for big four foot by four foot pictures.  The weather was crappy - it was cold and rainy until about 3:00 in the afternoon when the sun finally came out.

We learned a few things that will help us at the next festival.  While we were disappointed, we are not discouraged. We know our target market is out there; we just need the invisible hand of the marketplace moving to bring us together. 

Happy Birthday, Cher

TWIT would like to wish Cher a very happy birthday.  The legendary icon turns 70 today.  And in her 70 years, she has earned the Triple Crown -- Emmy, Grammy and Oscar awards, not to mention tons of other awards.  The younger female (and male) entertainers today could learn some lessons from her.  I really doubt that people will remember Justin Beiber or Beyonce when they turn 70.

This photo was taken eight years ago when Mom and I saw Cher on Mother's Day at Caesar's Palace in Vegas.  I am lucky to have seen her perform three times.  And I hope she will come out of her official retirement and tour again. 

Happy Birthday, Cher. 

Festival Eve Eve

On Saturday, I will have a booth at the Jefferson Memorial Forest "Forest Fest".  This will be inaugural display of "Pap's Barn Art" - custom painted quilt block patterns.  This has all come together way quicker than I would have liked, but the time is here and we're ready.  There is a 30% chance of rain on Saturday, and we are prepared with lots of clear plastic to cover our pictures.

We've got the Odyessy all packed up with almost 30 quilt block pattern pictures and all of the accessories that I will need to have an awesome booth at Forest Fest. 

We've sold quite a few of the pictures just from Facebook, but this will be the big tell-tale sign if the masses are interested.

As always, stay tuned and I will keep you posted.

Wacky Wednesday

I have to say that I have never seen more people as cray cray today as I have in ages.  I don't know if the moon is in the seventh house or what, but people sure have been crazy.  I've witnessed such craziness at work, at home, and pretty much every place I've been.  I sure hope it ends soon, because my stress level is at an all-time high and I can't take too much more of my hives. 

Way To Go, Space Station

TWIT would like to congratulate the International Space Station on making its 100,000th orbit today.  That comes to over 2.6 billion miles traveled since it was launched November 20, 1998. 

For those of you that didn't know, the Space Station is approximately the size of a football field.  The United States spends about $10 billion a year on football, and only about $3 billion a year on the Space Station.

Farmtown 2016 Update

This weekend, we had one 48-hour period where it didn't rain, which allowed our tomato plants to hopefully perk back up.  But it's been cold and rainy again today, so who knows.  We need some consecutive days of 70's or 80's with no rain and slight breezes to dry things up.  If not, then the 'Rents will have to re-plant the garden.  And I don't need to tell you that's not putting them in a very good mood.

Stay tuned.  I will keep you posted. 

Why Not, Me?

I went out tonight with an old friend who recently accepted a job in Taiwan.  He was home for a week and will be heading back across the big pond on Wednesday.  We went out tonight and spent a few hours catching up on each others lives.  I owe this friend a huge debt of gratitude; he was the one that came up with the name "Good Shepherd Security Consulting."  I will be eternally grateful for that. 

During our date, he said that he has been thinking of setting up a consulting business, and said that when the time came, he would like me to help him get set up as an LLC.  I told him that it would take about 15 minutes, tops.  I went on to tell him that there are websites and businesses that get good money for helping people set up an LLC.  He gave me another idea:  jumping on that band wagon and charging people to get their LLC's set up.  He said "You already own two businesses - why not own one more?"  

It was a good idea, but right now, Pap's Barn Art consumes pretty much every waking minute that I have. But it's definitely something to think about for the future.

Here Comes The Sun . . . Not

Yesterday, we made it through an entire day without any rain.  The sun was out all day and it was in the 70's.  We had a bit of rain overnight, and today, the high is in the low 50's, with temps of the low 30's expected for the next two nights.  

Needless to say, this weather is not good for Farmtown 2016.  

Happy Friday the 13th

TWIT would like to wish everyone a very happy Friday the 13th.  So far, nothing bad or unlucky has happened to me.  In fact, it's been a great day.  For the first day in about a week and a half, it hasn't rained, and we can see the sun!! That counts for a very awesome day.   And I got a new pair of cool New Balance tennis shoes to wear as we start our Step Challenge at work.  The details haven't been given yet, but I am on a team with 6 other coworkers from the office and factory.  So all in all, it's been a pretty good day.

Another Storm Update

About an hour and a half after I posted last night's blog entry, the storm hit and the power went out again here at The Compound.  It was out from 9:00 till about 2:00.  I don't even need to tell you that I am over the storms.  And I am over not being able to access out generator.  

The Old Man remedied that sitch today.  He and my Sweet Mother went out and moved things around so we can get into the garage via the small door now and have quick access to the generator.  There are more storms in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow.  But I sure as hell hope we don't need the generator.  I need a good night's sleep, as I know the Old Man does.

Storm Update

I talked to Dad's cousin late last night, and they made it through the second round of tornadoes and storms.  We all had been praying hot and heavy for safety for them, and thanks to the Lord for answered prayers. 

So far, I haven't received any storm damage reports from friends and family in the areas where tornadoes hit yesterday.  Thank you, Lord, for keeping them all safe. 

We've got more storms in the forecast for tonight, tomorrow and again on Friday.  We're tired of this monsoon.  We need some dry time so the beans and tomatoes can grow instead of float. 

It Was A Dark and Stormy Night

As I type this, TWIT is sending out prayers and well wishes for our Country Cousins down in Breckinridge County who have had tornadoes, hail bigger than golf balls, and tons of rain this afternoon.  And when I last spoke with dad's cousin a half hour ago, they had made it through the earlier storms ok, but were getting ready to get slammed again.  

Prayers to everyone in the path of this storm. 

Something You Don't Hear Every Day

While I was waiting for Monday Night Trivia to start, I overheard a conversation from the table behind us.  They are the infamous Team Gurus.   And I quote:

"Well, I did have four or five beers before you all got here."  

Nuff said. 

Happy Mothers Day

I know the day is almost over, but I would like to wish a very Happy Mothers Day to of the mothers in my life - especially to my Sweet Mother.  

Through an unfortunate turn of events today, this day turned out to be the second worst Mothers Day that I had.  But just a few minutes ago when my Sweet Mother told me what a great day she had, I forgot all about the things that made this such a bad day.  Thanks, Mom.

Lost And Found

Only here at The Compound can you bring in a bag from WalMart, and not be able to find it anywhere three hours later. 

Flashback Friday

Unless you've been on another planet, you know that tomorrow is the Kentucky Derby.  But today is a pretty special racing day at Churchill Downs, too.  It's Kentucky Oaks Day.  This is the big race for the fillies.  But I digress. 

This afternoon, my dear friend KD texted me and asked if I was at the Oaks this year.  I told him no, and that we were partying and betting from home.  But for the next few minutes, he and I reminisced about the year that we went to the Kentucky Oaks.  We were both decked out in our finest.  Mom and Gram made me a very cool hat to wear, and I was rocking out my Kelly green linen suit, with a pale yellow blouse, and finished the ensemble off with my beloved black snakeskin heels and matching purse.  (Note: this was pre-wreck foot reconstruction era).  KD was sporting an awesome seersucker suit and bowtie.  I can't remember if he wore a hat or not.  But we had an awesome time.  The only part that really sucked was me having to wait about an hour to go to the bathroom.  

 

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

TWIT would like to wish all of my Hispanic faithful readers a very happy Cinco de Mayo. 

The 'Rents, along with our West Layfayette, IN kinfolk, will be heading up to our favorite Mexican restaurant to grub down and celebrate.  Yep, it's going to be quite the fiesta. 

Ole!!

May the Fourth Be With You, Not

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned in the past years that I've been blogging that I am not a Star Wars fan.  In fact, I've never seen any of the bizillion Star Wars movies, nor do I have the desire to ever watch them.  That's just not my thing.  But I know that it's a bilzillion of people's thing.  I can't count the number of "May the Fourth Be With You" posts I saw on Facebook today.  Good for you all for celebrating.  You all can cut me some slack on June 3rd when I post something about my Favorite Day of the Year.

Tuesday, Tuesday

If I didn't have a student loan looming over my head, I would quit my job tomorrow and go work at the new Little Caesar's in my neighborhood.  As you know, making pizzas is one of my top three dream jobs.  Yes, this week (and the past few weeks) at work have been THAT bad.

Trivia Update

I am bummed to report that Team Divas didn't do so well again this week.  It was Derby and Rock and Roll themed questions.  You'd think we'd dominate but that didn't happen.  We got beat.  Beat bad.  But we are gearing up for a big comeback next week. 

Once Again, Rain, Rain, Please Go Away

We got over an inch of rain in the 'Ville yesterday, and that put quite a damper on not only the Derby Festival events but on garden planting here in the area.  And we got a good storm earlier this afternoon and are expecting another storm at at minute.  The rain can leave whenever it wants to, if not sooner.  The April Showers should be over and now we should be having May flowers.  

I don't need to tell you that the 'Rents are very antsy because they can't plant their tomatoes, peppers and cantaloupees because of the rain.  We will need a couple of days of sunshine and light winds to dry the ground out or else Farmtown 2016 will be behind.