Farewell, 2017

Dear 2017:

Sorry to be so blunt, but it's time you left.  

It's not that you were all that bad of a year, but you were one of the worst years in my career at work. There were a lot of problems and issues that we faced this year, and I am glad that you are leaving and am really looking forward to 2018.  We know what needs to be changed, and I am confident and optimistic that we, meaning my department and I, will do better in 2018.

I do thank you for not giving us any major health issues this year.  Other than my bought with the mega cough that was going around in March, the 'Rents and I had a great year health-wise.  I thank you for that.

I also thank you for my opportunity to become a chicken farmer.  If you'd asked me this time last year if I would want to raise six chickens I would have told you that you were crazy.  But thanks again for the opportunity.

I'm not going to say I'm sorry to see you go, but as always, I am thankful for the lessons you taught me this year.

Security Tip Saturday

We're at week 18 of our 20 Weeks To Preparedness.  You know the drill by now. Each week for the past 17 weeks, I've posted a list of items to buy or gather so you can compile an emergency kit for you and your family.  At the end of the 20 weeks, if you've bought or gathered the items listed, you will have compiled the recommended items for an emergency kit for you and your family. 

It's not too late - just check the archives for the previous 17 weeks for the items you need to buy.

Week 18

Child proof lathches (if needed)

Double-sided tape (or Velcro)

Two Plastic buckets with tight lid

Plastic sheeting

Baby, It's Still Cold Outside

Let me just say that anyone that knows me, knows I like the cold.  You've read countless posts about me wanting to flip the switch on the a/c as soon as the temps are above 70.  That having been said, when I say it's cold, then you know it's cold.  And it's cold. 

I still have on my thermals, both the top and bottom, and I wish I'd worn another pair of socks today.  Yes, I know I'm in my nice warm office, but I'm cold.

And it is so cold, the Girls didn't come out of their coop until almost noon today.  

It's supposed to get above 20 tomorrow, but unfortunately they're calling for almost another week of lows in the low teens or single digits.  Tuesday night, they are predicting a low of -4.  I'll shut up now. 

Baby It's Cold Outside

I'm very happy to report that The Girls weren't afraid of their heat light in the coop last night.  When I went out to close the coop door, 5 of them were already inside on the roosting bar, and only one was still outside.  I think she was just wanting to be anti-social.  I picked her up and put her inside the coop without incident and I think she liked the light being on so they could have some more warmth during the night that got down to 7 degrees.

When I went out this morning to open the coop door, they sure weren't in a hurry to get outside.  And I can't blame them one bit.  

But even with the bitter cold, they still gave us 3 eggs today. 

Happy Boxing Day

TWIT and I would like to wish our Canadian friends a very Happy Boxing Day.  

I spent most of Christmas Day on the couch in the nice warm family room with the 'Rents, and was remiss in wishing my faithful readers Merry Christmas.  I hope your Christmas Day was filled with as much love and happiness as mine was!

Happy Christmas Eve

It's not Christmas until we've heard the Sweeney Sisters sing their bells medley.  http://www.downvids.net/sweeney-sisters-bells-medley--259279.html

Security Tip Saturday

We're coming down to the end of our 20 Weeks To Preparedness - we're on week 17.  Hopefully you've been able to buy or gather up the items for the previous 16 weeks.  As always, it's not too late to start.  Just check in the previous 16 Saturday posts for the items to get, and you will be able to put together an emergency kit for you and your household.

Week 17

1 box graham crackers

Assorted plastic containers with lids

Dry cereal

Anti-dirrhea medication

Rubbing alcohol

Antiseptic

Syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal

Flashback Friday

I'm thinking back to the days in elementary school when we would have a big party on the last day before Christmas break.  The "room mothers" would bring cupcakes, cookies and KoolAid for us.  The class would exchange presents with the person whose name you drew a month ago, and the school would give us a stocking with awesome ribbon candy, candy with jelly in the center and always a candy cane shaped pen or pencil.  Oh how we looked forward to this day.  Now, not so much.

I was at work today from 7:00 until 5:30.  It was our year-end inventory audit.  Me, my boss, the plant manager, and all of the plant supervisors were there until 5:30 today while the auditors were doing their counts.  Oh how I longed for the elementary school day-before-Christmas-break.  

I drove home in the pouring rain, wolfed down a bowl of soup, and then got the rain boots on and went out to gather eggs and put the girls in for the night.  When I got back in the house, I became domesticated and made a batch of Chex Mix while I wrapped presents.  And now I'm ready to crash. 

Yep, I wish today had been like the elementary school days.  That way, I'd be looking forward to two weeks off. 

My Heart Is Breaking

My heart is breaking tonight, faithful readers.  In the past two days, two dear, old friends of the family are suffering through the deaths of their mothers.  On Tuesday, the mother of our our dear friend Mary Mary from our Fourth Avenue Baptist days died, and today, the mother of one of the Old Man's best friends Katie Bug died.  

I can't even begin to imagine how our two friends are feeling now, especially with Christmas just days away.  All I can do is pray that they will have the peace that passes all understanding.  

The Girls Got A Christmas Present

The Girls got their first Christmas present today - from my dear friend, coworker, and faithful reader SDF.  She got them a very cool old school chicken ornament.  They and I loved it to pieces!!  Thanks again so much.  

Monday, Monday On Tuesday

This was Tuesday that seemed like a month of Mondays all in a row.  

I was off for two days from work, and had more problems to deal with today than if I'd been off a month.  And that's the gospel truth. 

It's Christmas week, and instead of people being happy and being filled with good cheer, almost everyone I dealt with today was in a very pissy mood.  

I sure hope they get over it.  

Apologies For Slacking

I apologize, faithful readers, for not posting yesterday. My cousin and her husband have been here with us since Thursday and we’ve just been doing so much that time got away from me.

Security Tip Saturday

This is week 16 in our 20 Weeks To Preparedness.  We're coming down the stretch and in just four more weeks, hopefully you will have purchased and compiled the recommended items for your family's emergency kit.  As always, you can go back to the previous 15 Saturday posts and get caught up if you're just joining.  It's not too late to be prepared. 

Remember - when the list mentions cans of foods or a gallon of water, it means per person in your household.

Week 16

1 can meat
1 can vegetables
1 box facial tissues
1 box quick energy snacks
Dried fruit/nuts

The Girls Have Rdeemed Theirselves

My little come-to-Jesus talk with the Girls last night must have worked. They gave me three eggs today. 

Keep up the good work, Girls.

Really, Girls?

I am very disappointed to report that once again, we did not get any eggs tonight.  And last night we got three.  WTF, Girls????

Question For My Faithful Readers

I'm curious, Faithful Readers.  Do any of you all still send/plan to send Christmas cards this year?  

Tuesday, Tuesday

Today was a pretty good day at work.  With a full staff today, I was able to get caught up on a week and a half's worth of reports and paperwork that got pushed aside.  And the problems today weren't all that bad.  Until I got home and found a letter about the Old Man's supplemental health insurance. 

To make the very, very long story short, tomorrow I'll need to call them and then do a conference call with the Old Man to re-inform the company that he didn't want their insurance and wanted to keep his Anthem insurance.  I'm pretty sure this will not be cut and dried.  Yep, I'm already calling it.  I'm thinking it will be at least a 15 minute call.  

As always, stay tuned. 

Monday, Monday Not

I have to say that even with one of my people out again today on a Monday, the day wasn't all that bad.  In fact, it was one of the least problematic Mondays I've had in ages, even with a person out in the department.   It was a good day, and Monday evening is turning into a pretty good night, too.  

The Time Has Come

It's been a pretty good run for the past nine months betting on the Ramsey family owned horses, but this week, I didn't have a winner.  Yep, each day last week, I didn't have a winner.  So the time has come to step aside until the spring.  

It's been fun betting on their horses and watching them race.  And when they won, it was even more fun.  But last week I couldn't pick winner for anything, so it's time to move on and wait until the spring. 

I'll still follow all of the Ramsey family's horses, but I just won't be betting on them. 

And for the record, I'm still ahead money-wise.  A good gambler knows when to hold 'em, and when to fold 'em. 

Security Tip Saturday

This marks week 15 of our 20 Weeks To Preparedness.  For the past 15 weeks I've been posting a shopping list of items for you to buy for you family's emergency kit.  If you buy or gather all of the items I list each Saturday, at the end of the 20 weeks you will have gotten together the recommended items for an emergency kit for you and your family.

If you're just joining TWIT, please look in the archives for the past 14 weeks.  It's never too late to catch up.

Week 15

Extra flashlight batteries
Extra batteries for portable radio
Assorted nails
Wood screws
Labels for items

Something You Don't See Every Day

I am very excited to report that for the past two Sundays, we've seen the previously mentioned albino squirrel on our way to church.  I was stoked to have just seen it for the first time a couple of months ago, but to see it again two Sundays in a row was way cool.  And he/she was seen in the same spot all three times - close to the UofL campus. 

The albino squirrel has become a legend here in the 'Ville, with just a few people seeing it. 

I'm hoping we'll see the albino squirrel again this Sunday.  As always, stay tuned. 

Rebound

Today was one of the coldest days we've had so far, but yet the Girls came through.  I am happy to report that we got 3 eggs today.  That's 300% better than yesterday's production.  Nuff said. 

Not A Good Day

This is not a good day in egg production at The Compound.  In all of the days since the Girls have laid their first egg, we've always gotten at least one egg every day.  Until today.  Yep, we got zero.  Slackers is what I've got.

Something You Don't See Every Day

The 'Rents and I went to church Sunday night for the annual Christmas music program.  The church was filled with the number of people that I had thought would attend.  But I digress.

The 'Rents and I were sitting in our usual spot on the last row, mid section; my usual spot so I can monitor everything going on in the sanctuary.  But once again, I digress.

Five minutes after the Christmas program started, something caught my eye.  In the row in front of us, an older woman and what appeared to be her daughter were eating cheesy poofs during the Christmas program.  I watched them for a good five minutes, and sure enough, they were dipping into a bag of cheesy poofs and eating them during the Christmas program.

That is for sure something I have never seen before. 

Trivia Update

After a hiatus, the Divas were back in action tonight at Trivia.  We came in a respectable third place, after our time off.  We are hopeful for a better showing next Monday.

Security Tip Saturday

We're at week 14 of our 20 Weeks To Preparedness. By now, you know the drill.  But in case new readers are joining, each week for 20 weeks I will post a list of items for you to buy, and at the end of the 20 weeks you will have an emergency kit for you and your family. Remember when cans of fruit, meat, vegetables and juices or gallons of water are listed, you need 1 for each member of your household. As always, you can look back at the archives for the previous 13 Saturday posts to catch up.  It's never too late to plan and prepare.

Week 14

1 can fruit
1 can meat
1 can vegetables
1 package eating utensils
1 package paper cups

Flashback Friday

When I was younger, I would be looking forward to staying up late tonight to watch TV, sleeping in tomorrow morning, and then watching Saturday morning cartoons.  Right now, not so much. 

I'm already planning my Saturday.  I have to stop by work tomorrow before noon and pick up a big stack of inventory adjustments I need to key in before Monday morning.  I brought my work laptop home today in preparation.  With some additional inventory adjustments I have to make from today, I anticipate I'll have about 4 hours worth of work to do tomorrow.  

In between doing my inventory work, I will need to find time to help the 'Rents get the Christmas tree from the attic in the garage into the house, and then get it put up and decorated.  That alone will take probably an easy 4 hours of work, at least. 

And when that is finished, I have to start painting on a 4 ft square barn art picture for an order.  

I'm tired already. 

Thanks Again, ISS

Thanks again, International Space Station, for coming across the Kentucky sky tonight.  The 'Rents and I were able to watch you all for almost five minutes as you all zoomed across.  

Keep up the awesome work.  And we love watching you!

Thank You, Lord

It's not often that I thank the Lord through social media, but today is one of the days that I will.  

Thank you Lord for hearing and answering my prayers today.  And thank you for the lesson learned. 

Amen.

Thank You, ISS

TWIT would like to thank the International Space Station, aka ISS, as you all made another trek across the Kentucky sky tonight.  We were excited to be out in the driveway watching as you moved across the sky.  And we were also out in the driveway last night as you made your way across. 

It's surreal to think about it -- the ISS is bigger than a football field.  

We tip our hats to the astronauts aboard the ISS.  Thank you for the work that you are doing, and we also thank you for the sacrifice you make for being away from your family. 

Way To Go, Kenneth and Sarah

TWIT and I would like to congratulate Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey on being the 2017 Churchill Downs Fall Meet Champion Owner.  

They are two very awesome people, and I am privileged that I got to meet them a couple of weeks ago at the track.  They are very humble, and are a great couple.  They deserve all of the accolades bestowed on them.   We all owe them major props for keeping the love of thoroughbred horse racing alive here in Kentucky. 

Sunday, Sunday

Tomorrow will be Monday, Monday, and that's about all I can say in anticipation of how a Monday will be at work.  

We had an awesome Thanksgiving weekend at The Compound, and can only look forward for tomorrow.

Security Tip Saturday

Here we are at Week 13 in 20 Weeks To Preparedness. Once again, if you're just joining us, for 20 weeks I will post a list of items to get each week, and at the end of the 20 weeks you will have compiled the recommended items for an emergency kit for you and your family.  Check out the previous 12 weeks in the archives to get caught up.

Week 13

Whistle
Pliers
Screwdriver
Hammer
Perforated metal tape
Crow bar

Post-Thanksgiving

I apologize for not posting yesterday on Thanksgiving Day.  It was a great, drama-free day at The Compound.  I honestly couldn't have asked for a better Thanksgiving Day.  

The 'Rents and I decided a few weeks ago that it was senseless for us to fix a big dinner for the three of us, and put leftovers in the fridge that we would forget about, so I did some Googling and we decided to have Cracker Barrel fix our dinner for us.  I set the pick up time for 2:00.  An hour before I left to pick it up, I made the obligatory green bean casserole and put it in the oven to bake while I went to pick up our dinner.  And lo and behold, it was ready on time.  

We enjoyed turkey, ham, dressing, dumplins, sweet potato casserole and biscuits and corn muffins from Cracker Barrel, along with some of their great gravy and cranberry sauce.  And Patti LaBelle fixed our sweet potato pie.  We were just thankful that other people cooked our dinner for us.

Thanksgiving Eve

I'm thankful that I didn't screw up nearly as much stuff today as I did yesterday.  Everything I touched, I screwed up.  It was a wonder I even was able to make it to work yesterday.  But I digress.

Today was better, much better.  But it was not without major problems.  And I am thankful I don't have to be in the office until Monday morning. 

Trying Tuesday

Everything that I did at work today was screwed up.  Everything that my boss asked me to do, I screwed up.   Everything that the 'Rents asked me to do, I screwed up. 

I'm asking for a Mulligan today.  

Monday, Monday

I apologize for not posting yesterday, faithful readers.  I had to do some work at the Coop-deminium for The Girls, and lost track of time.

Today was a very busy Monday.  But in the afternoon I realized that it was really like a Wednesday instead of a Monday, and that made the rest of the day bearable. 

Security Tip Saturday

Here we are at week 12 of our 20 Weeks To Preparedness.  By now you all should be well on  your way to having an emergency kit for you and your family.

If you're just joining us, each Saturday for 20 weeks I will post a list of items to buy for you and your family's emergency kit.  At the end of the 20 weeks, if you've followed diligently, you will have compiled the recommended items for you and your family for a few days in the event of an emergency.  Look back at the posts and you'll be able to see the previous 11 weeks and be able to get caught up.  If you don't have any pets at home, this week will be useless for you.  So use the week to go over the previous weeks' shopping lists to make sure you've gotten everything. And while you're at it, it won't hurt to get another gallon of water for the kit. 

Week 12

Extra harness, ID tags, and food for pets
Litter pan (if needed)
Extra gallon of water for pets
Veterinary records for pets

Thank You, Gods Of Insurance

I would like to thank the Gods of Insurance for smiling down on us today.  

Two weeks ago, the 'Rents changed their supplemental health insurance to a company that would not charge them a monthly premium.  But the only drawback was that the Old Man's cardiologist wasn't one of their providers, so he would have to pay for any visits.  

Yesterday when I came home from work and sat down to supper, he said that he thought about it and had decided he wanted to cancel their new insurance company and keep their Anthem insurance.  Easier said than done. 

I called the toll-free number, only to get voicemail.  I left a message asking them to call back.  Well they never did.  So this morning during my lunch break, I called home, and then did a conference call with the insurance company, and in less than five minutes, their new policy was cancelled and all was well in the world. Believe me when I tell you, something like this doesn't happen to us very often. 

Happy National Fast Food Day

TWIT would like to wish everyone a very happy National Fast Food Day.  

I am sorry to admit that I did not partake in any fast food today, but I'm pretty sure I made for it the rest of this week. 

It's not too late to celebrate.  Stop by the closest drive-thru tonight and buy something to get your National Fast Food Day on. 

A Great Day Was Had By All

I took a vacation day and the 'Rents and I spent the day at the track.  What a better way to spend time with your family than at Churchill Downs.  But I digress.

A coworker's sister is married to a race horse owner, and she gives their tickets to her brother (my coworker) who makes them available first come first served.  These aren't just any seats.  They are on the infamous Millionaire's Row at the track.  They treat you like royalty and pamper you.  

We did fairly well today - I only lost $33, which to me after betting on 10 races, I am a winner. 

And I also got to meet Kenneth Ramsey - the owner of the race horses that I've been betting on since the spring.  He was a very cool guy, and he gave me a pin of his jockey silks, which I immediately put on my shirt lapel, and he let me watch a race that one of his horse's was entered in with him and his family in his box.  I can't begin to say how awesome that was.

All in all, it was a great day with the 'Rents.

Happy National Dill Pickle Day

TWIT would like to wish everyone a very happy National Dill Pickle Day.  The photo above pays homage to the awesome dill pickles on a stick that we would get at the skating rink. 

Monday Observations

Be careful what you pray for, because you just might get it. 

For the past eight years since I started my church security consulting business Good Shepherd Security Consulting (GSSC), I never prayed that I would get a ton of business and make a million.  I honestly prayed that the Lord would lead the churches that need help to me. 

I went for years without getting any inquiries, until last week, when the country was rocked with the devastating news of the horrific mass shooting at the church in Texas.  I've had more inquiries in the past week than I have in the entire 8 years that my business has been going.  All of the inquiries are credible.  It's at the point now where I will need to try and fit them in my day-job and home schedule. 

But I'm happy.  It's what I've been trained for and been praying for.  I can help them. And I will.

Surreal Sunday

We had a medical emergency this morning at church just as Sunday School was letting out.  A woman had a mini-stroke and was unresponsive for a while.  But we have plans in place and the plans worked flawlessly. We were able to get one of our on-call nurses up to the woman within a couple of minutes of me being notified that she was having trouble.  And we had EMS there within another five minutes.  And we had only one person outside waiting for EMS, instead of 87 people running around all over the church parking lots looking for the ambulance. 

This is why our church has plans and procedures in place. 

Security Tip Saturday

Here we are on week 11 of our 20 Weeks To Preparedness.  I had a cool email this week from a faithful reader who said that they have started putting together their family's emergency kit, and thanked me for posting the information.  You don't know how happy you made me, faithful reader.  Thank you for reading every day and for caring about your family and putting together an emergency kit.  If you're just joining us, please look at the archives for the previous Saturday posts for the lists of items to buy and compile for your family's emergency kit. 

And to answer a question another faithful reader asked me, yes, I am following my advice and am putting together an emergency kit for me and the 'Rents.  We've always had some staple items together, but since I started the 20 Weeks To Preparedness, I have been following along and am putting together our kit. We are using a big heavy duty plastic garbage can on wheels and a rectangular plastic storage box with a water tight lid. 

Week 11

1 large can juice (per person)
Large plastic food bags (Ziploc)
1 box quick energy snacks
3 rolls paper towels
Medicine/eye dropper

Fearful Friday

As I type this, Ole Arthur is paying me a visit.  In fact, he's been visiting for the past few days in my right knee.  It's the knee that I jacked up when I slipped on the ice 25+ years ago.  It hasn't bothered me much until the last year.  

And this morning when I went to work, it was "Red sky at morning, sailors take warning."  I'm not sure what that could mean, meteorologically.  It's supposed to get down to the upper 20's tonight, so if any precipitation falls, it would be snow or ice.  I sure hope that's not the case.  But my knee and also my rebuilt foot have both ached all day, and they are usually a good indication of some kind of precipitation.  Stay tuned.  We'll see. 

Found

I am very, very happy to report that the lost iPad Mini was found this morning.  I am ashamed to admit that it was found on the roof of the Girls' chicken coop.  Don't ask. 

Lost and Found

You know it wouldn't be me if I wasn't looking for something, and the current thing is my iPad Mini.  It was last seen yesterday evening when I brought it home from work.  I'm ashamed to say I have no idea where it is.  I've just got too much going on in m head right now to keep everything straight.  

Update On The Girls

For the past three nights since we've been on daylight savings time, The Girls have been going to bed over an hour earlier.  Last night and tonight I was late getting home from work, and by the time I went out to get eggs, they were already on the roosting bars getting settled in for the night.  And I honestly with I could do the same right now.

I Am At A Loss

Yesterday when I heard the horrific news about the massacre at the Baptist church in Texas, I didn't know what to say.  And honestly, I still don't.  It is the worst shooting in a church in history.   And yet, churches out there still don't think they need to plan and be prepared.

As a certified church security consultant, I have taken countless classes and have trained hours and hours to prepare security and safety plans and procedures for churches to help keep their congregation and property safe.  Yet churches don't think they need my help.  I've had pastors and chairmen of the deacons tell me "The Lord will protect us."  Well, yes, He will, but then again, the Lord gives us wisdom, and He has told us repeated in the Bible to plan and be prepared. 

When I started my church security consulting business years ago, I honestly started it not with the intent of making big bucks.  I have a good day job that pays the bills; this was something that I truly felt led by the Lord to do -- to help keep His churches safe.  And I still feel this way.   I haven't had a church hire me in three years, but yet I still send out letters every week to churches.  Why?  Because I still feel that the Lord is leading me to do this.  If my plans and procedures can help just one church be more safe, then I will be thrilled.  Until then, I am going to continue to mail out letters, make calls and visits to churches in the area, and pray that the Lord will lead me to the church that needs my help. 

If you'd like to know more about what I do, visit my website at http://www.goodshepherdsecurityconsulting.com. 

Security Tip Saturday

We're at the halfway point in our 20 Weeks To Preparedness weekly shopping guide for items for your family's emergency kit.  Don't be caught off guard -  be prepared .

Take a few minutes this week to go back over the previous nine Saturday TWIT posts and make sure you have the items you need for your kit.

Week 10

Waterproof plastic container for important papers
Battery-powered radio
Extra batteries for the radio
Wrenches to turn off utilities

Happy 3rd of November

TWIT and I would like to wish everyone a happy 3rd of November. 

Things were much, much better for me today, and I am happy and almost stress-free tonight.  That's about all you can ask for. 

Happy 2nd Of November

Earlier this week, the temps were in the low 30's when I went to work, and the high's for a couple of days was only 40.  As I type this, it's 72 outside, and I think 107 in the house.  Yep, you know what that means -- the a/c is coming on for a bit tonight to cool the house down.

Happy First Of November

Happy first of November.  That's about all I got today. 

Happy Halloween

The 'Rents and I would like to wish everyone a happy and save Halloween! 

Happy National Candy Corn Day

TWIT and I would like to wish everyone a very happy National Candy Corn Day. 

I am celebrating by wearing a very cool candy corn handmade beanie that a friend had made for me.   

You've still got time to get the store and get a bag of candy corn to celebrate. 

Something You Don't See Every Day

On the way to church this morning, we took our usual route that takes us through the U of L campus.  We had just turned on to 2nd Street when something ahead of us caught my eye.  It was the famous and elusive U of L Albino Squirrel.  It was running across 2nd Street, and I slowed down so I wouldn't accidentally hit it.  

Until today, I'd only heard stories and saw pictures of the U of L Albino Squirrel, and it was very cool to see it in person.  

It happened too quick to have one of the 'Rents get in my purse and get out my phone to take a picture of it, but it looked just like the squirrel in this picture, except the one we saw was running across the street. 

We wondered if this was a good luck omen.  We sure hope so. 

Security Tip Saturday

Here we at at week 9 of our 20 Weeks To Preparedness. Each Saturday for 20 weeks I will post a list of items for you to purchase or compile and at the end of the 20 weeks, your kit will be complete. And remember - when the list calls for one can of soup, vegetables, fruit or gallon of water, they mean one per person in your family. As always, go back into my post archives and get your lists for the previous 8 Saturdays to catch up.


Week 9

1 can ready-to-eat soup...
Liquid dish soap
Household chlorine bleach
Heavy duty garbage bags
Antacids
Contact lens care kit (if needed)

Flashback Friday

It's the Friday before Halloween .  Way, way back in the ancient days when I was a kid, I would probably have been trying on my Halloween costume tonight and walking around outside to make sure I could in deed walk outside in the costume. 

The costume choice would have taken weeks, if not months, to finalize.  And way back in the day there was no ordering on Amazon and having it Prime shipped to you in two days.  You went to the store and tried on and bought your costume.  And after you bought it, you were stuck with it even if you changed your mind. 

I remember Mom and Grandma taking me to Dixie Manor to get a Halloween costume when I was  a little kid.  We went to Murphy's.  I remember picking out a Cinderella costume.  Believe me when I tell you it was nowhere near as exciting as the costumes are today.  It consisted of a plastic mask, that Dad had to cut new air holes in so I could breathe, and an equally cheap nylon cover-up costume part.  Our shoe wear for the night depended on the weather forecast.

But all in all, I distinctively remember that Cinderella costume. 

Thankful Thursday

For the next few, or maybe longer, weeks, I'm going to call Thursdays "Thankful Thursday."  Each Thursday, I am going to post about something I am thankful for. 

Today, I am thankful for my Girls. 

On Tuesday, I met a friend for dinner, and the 'Rents had their fave supper of turnips and corn bread - a meal they have when I'm not at home for supper.  But I digress.  The turnips were cooking, and my Sweet Mother started to make cornbread, only to discover there were no eggs.  Never fear.  The Old Man took our official egg basket and walked out to the Coopdeminium, and gathered not one, not two, not three, but four eggs.  The Girls came through for their supper!

And our neighbor SL was very happy tonight when I brought her a dozen eggs, courtesy of the Girls.  She's already asked when we were going up to Lafayette to visit my cousin again, because she really enjoyed taking care of the Girls while we were gone.  It's great to have such a good neighbor like SL, and that that, I am also very thankful.

It Happened

As you well know, we always have a "debate" over when to flip the switch on to the a/c when it gets warm.  Well, yesterday morning, I took the opposite matter into my own hands.  The thermostat was reading 66, and I knew that was way too cool in the house for the 'Rents, so I flipped the switch and turned on the furnace.  Yeah, I know that contradicts me, but after all - it is their house, and I don't want them to be cold.  I can always wear shorts and a t-shirt, and have my awesome ceiling fan and my cool new small air conditioner gadget, I will be cool.  

File Under: WTF?

For the life of me, I will never ever be able to figure out why a girl/young woman wears a big winter parka (like it was 20 degrees below zero) and flip flops.  

WTF?

Another Eggciting Day

Yesterday was yet another eggciting day!  It started out great by the 'Rents and I having omelets for breakfast courtesy of the Girls! 

Then the day just got better yesterday afternoon when I went out to the Girls' "Coopdeminium" and found not one, not two, not three, but a record four eggs!! 

Keep up the great work, Girls!

Security Tip Saturday

Here we are at week 8 of our 20 Weeks To Preparedness - a weekly shopping guide posted every Saturday to purchase items for your family's emergency kit.  At the end of the 20 weeks, you should have purchased and compiled enough food and supplies for you and your family in the event of an emergency.  Please visit the TWIT archives if you're a new reader and catch up on your shopping lists.

Week 8

Scissors, Tweezers
Thermometer
Tongue depressors
Liquid antibacterial soap
Disposable hand wipes
Needles (the sewing kind)
Petroleum jelly

To do:

Find your natural gas and water shut-offs, and place the appropriate wrench near the valves

Flashback Friday

The time was the late 80's.  I just had to have a pair of white K-Swiss tennis shoes because some of my friends at work had them.   This was the beginning of my decade of being obsessed with designer names. 

The obsession ended in July of 1992 when I had my big wreck, and I remember asking the first responders to get in the back seat of my parents' Blazer to get out my Dooney and Bourke purse.  

Another Happy Thursday

Things are still crazy all around me, but tonight we had a great evening at The Compound,.  We had a great supper, and after we ate, we spent a half hour around the dinner table just talking.  That's what it's all about.

An Eggcelent Day

I swear to you today seemed like it should have been Wednesday of next week.  But all in all, the day turned out great.  In fact, it turned to be eggcelent.  Today, we got not one, not two, but three eggs from the Girls.  

Yep, it's an eggcelent day. 

Happy National Pasta Day

TWIT and I would like to wish everyone a very happy National Pasta Day.  

I've told you this important news early in the day, so there will be no excuse for you not to have some pasta for lunch or supper tonight.  You have plenty of time to make lunch plans to go to a restaurant for some pasta, and you have time to pick up a box of spaghetti on your way home from work if you don't have any in the pantry at home. 

We've already planned out our menu for supper at The Compound - we're having our pasta in lasagna form. 

Thank You, Patti LaBelle

The 'Rents and I would like to publicly thank Pattie LaBelle for her peach cobbler, and thank Wal-Mart for having plenty of them in the store tonight.  

We just finished having a big ole hunk of it, and we all three agreed it was as good as any we could have made.  

Thanks again, Patti LaBelle.  You and your peach cobbler rock!!

Rest Up Sunday

After a long, long day yesterday at the Southwest Community Festival, and after a long time of unpacking everything when I got home, today was a day of rest. I was already worn out from all of the lifting and packing in and out yesterday.  When the first front moved through last night, I sure felt it.  And another big front moved through this afternoon, and once again me and the Old Man sure felt it.

We just want to be able to have a good night's sleep tonight.  We are hoping the front has moved on through and will leave us alone. 

Security Tip Saturday

It's hard to believe we're' one-third of the way into putting together the family emergency kit.  If you're new to TWIT, every Saturday for 20 weeks, I'll post a list of items to buy, and at the end of the 20 weeks, you will have compiled the recommended items for a family emergency kit.  Visit the archives for the previous 6 Saturdays to catch up.  Remember - when I list 1 gallon of water or 1 can of juice or fruit and vegetables, it's 1 per person in your household.

Week 7

1 gallon water
1 can ready-to-eat soup
1 can fruit
1 can vegetables
Sewing kit
Disinfectant (bleach, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol)

Happy National M&M Day

TWIT and I would like to wish everyone a very happy National M&M Day!! 

I am posting this early in the day, so there will be no excuse for you not to have time to get a bag (or two) of M&M's today and celebrate!!  I'm going to start celebrating as soon as I post this and have some peanut M&M's with a cup of coffee while I work. 

Is This Week Over Yet?

Could someone please tell me if this week is over yet?  I've had one of my three people on vacation this week, and the other two have needed to leave early the past two days, leaving me alone to do the work of four people.  I will go on record and say that I know I am being too nice of a boss.  

But I digress.  My vacationing guy will be back on Monday and then I will have some room to breathe.  Until then, I will get 'er done.

Apologies

I feel horrible for not posting for two days.  There is no excuse.  It is all on my procrastination.  

My cousin from Columbus, GA and his wife were here visiting for the weekend, and that took up a lot of my computer time.  And this week at work I am filling in for one of my guys that is out on vacation, and believe me when I tell you I cannot wait for him to come back.  I haven't taken my breaks or lunches the past three days, and have stayed over every night trying to play catch up.  So now you see why I haven't posted on TWIT.  But I promise I will do better.

Horse Racing Update

It's been a very rough two weeks for my horse racing ventures.  It all started going downhill the day the 'Rents and I went to Churchill Downs, and it's gone downhill since then. Early last week, I broke down and added money back to my betting account from money that I had withdrawn a month ago after a big win.  So it really wasn't money coming directly out of my checking account.  But I digress.  
I couldn't have picked a winner to save my soul.  You can't make much money betting $2 across the board (win, place and show) on a horse and it coming in third and giving you back $2.20.   Today, I was down to my last $5.60 in my account.  And then I hit a long shot that put me back in business for at least a week or two.  Thank you so much for winning, LeaveMeAtTheGate. 

As always, stay tuned. 

Security Tip Saturday

Here we are on week six of our 20 Weeks To Preparedness. As always, if you've missed a few weeks there's plenty of time to catch up by looking at previous posts.... For those just joining in, on Saturdays I will post a list of items to buy that will go into your emergency kit for you and your family. At the end of twenty weeks, if you've purchased or gathered the items every Saturday, you will have the recommended items for an emergency kit that will sustain you and your family in the event of an emegency. As I mentioned previously, if you're in the mood to buy on a week when there's not much to buy, you can always get a couple gallons of water or a few cans of fruit or vegetable juice.

Week Six

Sterile adhesive bandages
Safety pins
Adhesive tape
Latex gloves
Sunscreen
Gauze/roller bandages

Things to do:
Practice alternate methods of evacuation
Scan or make copies of birth certificates, licenses and passports. Store in a plastic bag, on a thumb drive, or send to an email account that is accessible from anywhere

Flashback Friday

I took a vacation day today, and took the 'Rents and my Cousin From Alabama and his wife down to visit The Old Man's Cousin and family down in Breckenridge County.  

We had an awesome day.  The Old Man and I intended to do some fishing in the big pond on Cousin Wayne's property, but we were too busy talking and laughing and reminiscing to throw a line out into the water. The Old Man's two cousins were telling story after story, and it was great to be able to flashback about old times.  We'll fish later.

But it was an awesome day just being with family.  After all - that's what it's all about. 

It Sure Is A Full Moon

All I can say tonight that it sure is a full moon.  Everyone that I came in contact with today had to under the effects of the full moon, including me.   I'm glad that the full moon only lasts one full day.  I sure don't think I could handle another day like today. 

Happy National Taco Day

TWIT and I would like to wish everyone a very Happy National Taco Day.  

The 'Rents and I celebrated by having - what else? Tacos tonight for supper!! 

It's not too late.  You've got time to stop by Taco Bell or any other fast food Mexican restaurant and get some tacos if you don't feel like making them tonight. As I say, the older I get, the more I am willing to pay for convenience. 

Tuesday, Tuesday

Things are pretty chaotic here at The Compound as I attempt to type in today's post.  The Old Man is still dealing with some major back issues, and trying to figure what size of blinds he wants to get for our French door in the family room.  My Sweet Mother is in the midst of her fall cleaning, and that means things will get moved around and we may never find them again.  And me - I'm trying to help each of them and still maintain my sanity. 

There Are No Words

There are no words to express how I feel tonight after the massacre that occurred in Las Vegas last night.  Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to express how I feel and put it into words in a post on here.  But for tonight, I just feel sick over it.  Our prayers go out to all of those that were involved in this senseless, heinous act.  

Where Did The Weekend Go?

It's almost time to go to bed, and that means that soon it will be almost time to get up and go back to work.  I don't feel like I had a weekend.  I went to work early Friday, worked through lunch and stayed over.  I was in Saturday and again today, in preparation for the company going live on our new computer system tomorrow.  So now you see why I feel like I didn't have a weekend.

Security Tip Saturday

It's hard to believe that "Prep-tember" is almot over.  This is week 5 of our "20 Weeks To Preparedness" - putting together an emergency kit for you and your family.  Just buy or gather the items on the list each week, and at the end of the 20 weeks you'll have compiled your kit. If you're just joining us, you can go back to the previous four Saturdays and get your lists.  And remember - when water or met, fruit or vegetables are listed, they mean one for each member of your household.

Week 5

1 gallon water
1 can meat
1 can fruit
1 can vegetables
2 rolls of toilet paper
Extra toothbrush/toothpaste