The End of an Era...

Our good friend and next door neighbor of over 36 years has moved. He went to an assisted living residence - it makes us sad. No more Don standing at the fence when Biker Dude gets home from work. No more Don to supervise the planting, watering, mowing, raking... it makes us sad. No more Don to pass out suckers to the Grandkids when they come by... sad.

Don has been a great friend, surrogate father / grandfather / great-grandfather figure to our family for many years. I think that he considers Biker Dude to be almost a son to him. They have talked about every subject under the sun over the years and I’m sure have solved many problems in the world. Between the two of them they probably know more of what goes on in the life of an oil field worker than most.

He comes across as a gruff old fart, but in reality is the softest teddy bear I know. He has watched our kids grow up and loved each of them. He’s seen the grandkids come along and has loved them as well. We love you, Don. We’ll come see you and bring you pictures and treats and shoot-the-shit with you as always. It just isn’t quite the same knowing that you’re not just a few steps away. Change is hard on all of us... sad. We love you, Don Stanley.

Pick me...

He announced, "our precious Rose is going to have another child." As soon as the words were out there was a scurry of little feet and a million hands in the air. "Pick me, pick me!" The excitement was palpable.

In spite of all the lovely little children vying for His attention, He looked straight at me and said, "I'm going to send you. She will love you unconditionally and teach you every single thing you will need to know. You have been blessed."

My heart stood still for suddenly every wish I'd ever had was coming true. My Rose, my Mother, my everything. Each thing I learned about her was so facinating. She loved me. she taught me. She put up with most of my nonsense. She set the most beautiful example of all that is good in this world. She smelled good.

Yes, I have been blessed. Blessed a million times over!

Happy 90th Birthday, Mom!

Today my precious Mother turns 90! Can you even imagine? She was born on July 7, 1919 in Byron, WY. She was born in her parent's bed in a small log home. Only a few days before her birth her Father cut an opening in the log wall of the bedroom to insert a window. She was told that it was a very hot summer and her parents thought she might be born on July 4th. Instead it was 7/7/19 - it was on a Monday on the 188th day of that year.

She is a beautiful and classy lady. She still lives in her own lovely home and keeps very, very busy! She has a zest and positive view of life and the world around her. Most folks who know her can't believe that she's beginning her nintieth year because she looks so much younger than that. This is a woman who is always a lady... always! She is a class act in every sense of the word and always gives of herself 100%.

We're having a family party for her on Saturday, and I will post some pix of the shin-dig soon.

Wishing you the happiest and best day ever, Mom. May you always feel the love that surrounds you each and every day. You are the best example of where life can take us. You give your love to us all so unconditionally - you are our everything!

You've done it now, Missy!

My boss has been on vacation for 2 entire weeks! Two / dos/ deux / zwei! Unbelievable. At any rate, she asked me if I would water her precious plants in her absence. I told her that my green thumb was non-existent, but that I would try my best. She didn’t even trust me enough to remember to do it of my own accord! She put a couple of reminders on my calendar – the nerve of the woman. Anyway, I have dutifully fulfilled my promise to her (she is schedule to return the first of next week). However… today, I decided that as I was watering I would tenderly serenade her plants with tunes of the late Michael Jackson. Big mistake. I think it was the last song that did them in because suddenly their leaves began to turn crispy and brown. Did they not like my final song choice - “Leave Me Alone”? Did they not like my moonwalk? Did they dislike my “whooo hoooo”? No, it must have been the crotch grab! I know… could it be that my green thumb is brown – it dawned on me that Michael's thumb was white. Oh man, what have I done? I think I’ve just assured the fact that my “bossy” lady will never ask me again to complete such a difficult task! Thank goodness, the pressure was just way too much for this old gal. Whooo Hooo - oh NO.... two more leaves just dropped off! I am so done.

Always good for a laugh...

Biker Dude, our son, grand-daughter and I were sitting in the living room the other afternoon just visiting when a couple of motorbikes drove by the house. As usual, Biker Dude's head cranked around to look out the window to see who might be driving by on such a glorious day. Mind you, he does this head crank thing whenever he hears a motorcycle even if he's driving his truck, mowing the lawn, showering, breathing, you get it...

About the third time this happen, I yelled, "squirrel!" Biker Dude's head cranked around again and my son and I just started cracking up. Too funny... I guess if you've seen the movie "UP" you'll get the squirrel reference.

Obviously Biker Dude needs to spend some more quality time on his own bike rather than lusting after those who are out on theirs. Get on the road, Dude!

Always there...

Today I needed my Mother. I needed to talk. She was there for me like she always is. She listens to me quietly, asks questions here and there, confirms that she understands what I'm trying to say, and gives her advise when asked. She understands me, how I feel, and why I feel the way I do. She's empathetic, lovingly kind, unconditionally my everything. She has the ability to validate things for me. The things I'm feeling always seem justified after I've talked them over with her. No, I'm not obsessed. No, I'm not crazy. Yes, I am concerned. Yes, I care.
Thanks for always being there for me, Mom. You make me feel loved. Always... ♥

A Girl's Got to do what a Girl's Got to do...

It was a dark and stormy night. She realized that there was no way in hell that her assigned duties would ever be fulfilled by the morning light. Despair clutched its icy fingers around her heart and she began to beg for mercy. Then it dawned on her that hiding deep within the bowels of her refrigerator was a Coca-Cola waiting to release her from her angst. A clean glass, fresh ice cubes, and the wonderful sound of her effervescent sustenance bubbling and fizzy as it filled the glass. She closed her eyes and drank the dark saccharine liquid. Once again a spark of energy cursed through her veins. She was back on the sauce, but ever confident that success was in sight.

XXXVII - 37 - Thirty-seven

Who'da thunk that Biker Dude and I would be together for all these 37 years? We started out with a couple big hills to climb, but climb them we did. We did it together. It's been a great adventure with so many learning experiences along the way. We've had our share of good and bad, ups and downs, poor and poorer - but we've lived through it and have been rewarded for all that hard work.

I love and respect you for all you are and all you have become over the years. We started out as a couple of kids with so much to learn and so much to gain all at the same time. I think of all that you went through as a 19 year old boy in 1972. You got married, had a baby, graduated from high school, and went into the Army all in a matter of months -- had to grow up fast, huh? In my opinion, you did it in style!

You are my soul mate. My best friend. The best father and grand-father ever. I am so very blessed and it is because of you.

I whine - you listen.
I cry - you listen.
I bitch - you listen.
I ask - you give.
I need - you give.
I'm sad - you listen and give more.

You are my everything. I owe you.

JEANNE.... , she yelled at the top of her lungs.

I was just sitting at my desk remembering something that happened between my boss and I a few years ago.

She'd walk right by my desk and go into her office - then yell... "Jeanne"! I'd jump up and go to her office and see what she needed. (Usually nothing important!)

She did that several times over the course of the week and it became very annoying to say the least.

The very last time she did it, I went into her doorway and asked, "You bellowed?"

It's never happened since!

Lost is Found...

Me to Biker Dude: "Since you didn't get a chance to watch LOST last night I recorded it for you. Would you like to watch it while I'm on the computer?"

Biker Dude to Me: "Sure. I'll watch LOST if you'll find it for me."

I laughed so hard I thought I was going to hurt myself! He wasn't even trying to be funny - what a dork!

Did I really just say that?

Yesterday my boss rushes into my office and says, "Can you drop everything you're doing right now and run a report for me?"

I said, "Yes, I can." "But... will I?"

(Yes, I did run the report and deliver it directly into her hot little hands.)

How's that for the new attitude I resolved to make this year? She tolerates my crap quite well, and guess what? I'm still here today! (Not sure yet if that's a good thing or just punishment for being me.)

Selective Hearing....

Biker Dude, you're killing me! Why is it that you can be snoring at the top of your lungs in the middle of the night but claim that I woke you up when I got up and went into the kitchen to get a couple Advil out of the container? Why can't you hear a word I've said when I'm sitting right next to you in the living room? Why do you claim to have the best hearing tests of anyone at work, yet you can't hear me ask you a question sitting across the table. Why can you hear me call you "Ass" under my breath from another room? What?????? Huh????? Could you repeat that? Say again? What??? I give up! (But I still love you in spite of yourself).

Holy Frizzoli, Batman...

I've been trying to grow my hair out for a year now. I've worn it short since I was about 15 (ya, do the math, it's been forever). For many years it has been extremely low maintenance -- no product, no hair dryer, no curling irons -- just me, a dry towel and my hands. Great way to live.

I just remembered that the first time I met my daughter's future Mother-in-law, she told Trish that she thought I'd be way more foofy. Hey - I'm not foofy? And I'm sure she thought that because Trish is a high maintenance girl!

As the old grey hair has grown, so has the rediscovery of my natural curls -- lots of them! It's been kind of fun in a way but I've really gone through some awkward stages and I'm sure that will continue.

Anyway, when "the Dish" came home for Christmas, she trimmed up my shagginess and gave me a new style. Now I'm using product, a flat iron, and trying to be coordinated and keep my tongue in my mouth while I'm fixing this stuff every morning.

I usually let my hair air dry, but tonight I got it in my head that I'd blow it dry and use my new big round brush to save some time in the morning. I've proven once again that I'm a great spaz and I look like Rosanne Rosanna Danna now (except with grey/white hair)! Ah, the humiliation of it all...

So what possessed me to try this "longer" hair version of myself? Who knows. What else do I have to do?

No more payments -- it's MINE!!!

Exciting stuff! Payed off the 'stang! It's mine now, free and clear. You know how it feels to have no more car payments? GREAT! I am so 'cited that I can't even believe it! We did it in three years because Biker Dude was generous enough to add his former truck payment to mine after his truck was paid off. Yes, he loves me that much!

I admit it...

Yes, I know. I've been a total slacker when it comes to the blog. Losing Biker Dude's mother, the holidays, perotitis, sprained wrist, poor attitude about everything -- oh, I could come up with all sorts of excuses. I promise to be more consistant in my posts - guess that could be one of my resolutions.

The holidays were great because we had family together - that never gets old. I'll be more specific as I get my pix downloaded and will share. Hope this finds everyone well and ready for the new year.

I told my boss that I'd come back to work with a new attitude if Santa brought me one. I think he forgot! Tomorrow is back-to-work day for me - I've really enjoyed the two weeks off and maybe that will be the key to the attitude adjustment... or not.

Funeral Potatoes

My Mother-in-law passed away last week. Even tho’ she’d been extremely ill for months it seems like the end was so sudden. I know it was a blessing - she’s in a better place now. She’s pain-free, warm, and with her family. I guess we’re never prepared for the end. It’s been a whirlwind week of arrangements, decisions, tears, regret, coulda-shoulda-woulda...

It’s because of my own experience with my MIL that I promised my kids spouses that I would be the best mother-in-law that they’d ever have - I hope that I was and will be able to live up to that promise to the best of my ability. It was a relationship that I was desperate to have be a great one - it was not. I’ve shed many a tear this past week because I’ve been angry at her for so long for not putting her kids and their families ahead of her own needs. Now, it’s over and I must put that behind me. She gave me my Biker Dude and I am so very grateful for that. He’s a decent, wonderful, gentle, thoughtful, loving and kind man. She gave me, my children, and my grandchildren the greatest gift of all. For that, I am in her debt.

The most tender experience of all was that our daughter was willing to fix her grandmother’s hair one last time. Her three daughters couldn’t be there, so I went along. Our Trisha is so brave, so professional, and she was happy to give that final gift to her grandmother. I had the opportunity to be the “assistant”, which amounted to holding the curling iron on occasion. Trisha did a beautiful job with her hair, she would have been delighted. Then I had the chance to put her jewelry on her. My daughter and I had the opportunity to spend a very intimate time with a woman who could have been a huge part of our lives, but chose not to be. She missed out on so much, but maybe we can fix that on the other side.

I need to add that my selfless girl also cut my Dad’s hair in his signature “flat-top” after he had passed. Those last moments are something that will forever be precious to me because I got to share them with my daughter.

I pray that time will heal my sweet Biker Dude. This has been so hard for him and losing a parent is so difficult. He’s dedicated to making sure that his Dad and sisters get through this alright - what a transition for everyone.

Sleep well, Joyce.

Welcome to Kaylen Rose!

Kaylen Rose was born on Friday, October 17th at 1:43pm weighing in at 7.1 pounds and 18.25 inches long. She's a keeper with tons of dark brown hair and a precious mellow little disposition. I've said she smells like angel wings and is so sweet that we could eat her with a spoon (figuratively). She eats, sleeps, and poops like a pro and we love her dearly! She's our fifth grandchild and second grand-daughter. Oh, life is good.

It's really a strange dynamic to watch your children become parents. To have sons become fathers and see a daughter to become a mother is so wonderful. It's equally interesting to see my baby with his baby - man do I feel old! Trevor the father of a daughter, Trisha the mother of two sons, Trent the father of "one of each" -- my deepest wish is that I did no more harm to any of you other than to scar you for life when it came to meatloaf. These precious grandchildren are the dearest gift of all. Thank you for sharing them with Dad and I - our hearts are full.

Phone Phreak...

These two incidents really happened where I work as an Administrative Secretary. Unfortunately it was the same guy each time. I'm so glad I work at an institution of higher learning...

Him: "Can I use your phone?"
Me: "No problem." (I hand him the phone)
Him: "Aren't you going to dial for me?"
Me: "Sure, do you want to talk to my Mom?"


Him: "Could you give me the phone number for John Brown?'
Me: "Sure. Don't you have the new phone directory in your office?"
Him: "Yes, but can you look his number up for me?"

Gray Matter isn't Gray...

So last week I had an episode of "my head is going to explode" and I ended up at the Dr. and then in the ER with blood pressure issues which pretty much sucked. Anyway, I got to wondering what it would look like if my head really did explode, and I had a vision!

Gray matter can't really be gray. I think it must look like lemon jello that has been thrown against the wall only it isn't sticky - maybe more snot-like in consistency. You know when you get those pre-approved credit card offers with the pretend credit card attached to the application? If you peel it off there's a dab of this goobery stuff that kind of looks like a big booger, but it's clear, right? Well, gray matter is kind of like that, but more yellow with air bubbles in it and less like mucus. Oh wait, like flubber, but light yellow. Can you imagine it?

Just wanted to share my revelation. Maybe I was just going toward the light.

No, I'm not on drugs either. I lied, yes I am...

For my Family...

"Hello, my name is Jeanne and I take Ambien."

"Hello, Jeanne."