Wednesday, September 17, 2008

I declare

a FATWA on ants. I know that having ants has nothing to do with if you clean your house or not. Well, I guess if you regularly left food out and doors open it might increase your likelihood of ant populations. But the reverse is not true. You can keep your house totally clean and someone sneaky puts out an ant sign (the lettering is sooooo tiny that the home ocupee doesn't even know it's out there. Like, in hobo days how hobos would leave some coded message that told other hobos of places that would feed them.

At first, I had no ants (not counting back home). Then I woke up one morning to find dozens of them on the kitchen counter. Not being my house, I didn't know where anything might be to zap them. Under the sink was some spray Lysol. I sprayed them and they died!! Yea!!! Next morning, they're back. More sprayage. At least there weren't so many. I was doing my dishes after every meal. All food is in the fridge, including cereal, crackers and chex mix.

I'd go a couple of days only seeing a couple.

Then, I found one in my bathroom glass. No more middle of the night drinks for me, that's for sure.

Today, the sign must have been up again, for I was again invaded. I lysoled them (why doesn't THAT go on the teeny signs: Avoid like the plague or you will be shot with Lysol and die). I admit a washed off fork in the sink. not cleaned yet, but washed off, hey!

I got back from swimming my mile. Turn on the tub faucet. Look down. THERE ARE 12-15 ANTS IN THE TUB. No food there. Well, apple shampoo. but really. So, I got my bathroom cup and drowned every last one. Til I look again, I suppose.

A fatwa on them. All believers kill ants at your leisure. You won't be held responsible. Die!!! (to the ants)

Swimming

I swam a MILE today. woohoo, attagirl. only 36 laps and 1hr15min.

I am the queen!!

Yes, it is only remarkable compared to myself. Love me anyway.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

I can't believe!!

...that those babies are both due so soon

...that I have such nice daughters (also including present and future daughter-in-laws at the time not to exceed 3. and legally)

..that I almost face planted in Baker City, Oregon. I forgot to tell you guys that. IT was outside a McDonalds (hi, kev). I was talking to Ryan who was ahead of me on the sidewalk. I tripped on one of those cement thingies that keep you from driving through the building. Luckily, having fallen before, I acted like an acrobat. I SLIGHTLY scuffed my palms, rolled over onto my left shoulder (which hurt for like 10 minutes), then onto my back. Ryan came running over thinking I might have broken something (and thereby delayed his trip to his honey) (no, really he was more worried about me). I was fine, he helped me get up, I went to the bathroom (the purpose for stopping at Mickey D's), he bought a sausage biscuit (no vegetarians for a long trip), and we got in the car and resumed the drive, ending about 5 hours later with no ER trips.

...that I will have 9 grandchildren by the middle of November.

...that I have so much time and so little to do, although the book reading is coming along nicely, thank you.

...that Ryan is going to be a FATHER...so soon (he is already somewhat assuming the role)

...that I am in Portland and it hasn't rained yet (I know, wait a month)



not related to subject line, but I am trying a blocking test with my guaifenesin today. That means I take double the dose in the morning, and unless I feel remarkedly worse, I am blocking and I have to find out what the product is that I am using that has an ingredient I cannot use (because it blocks). I have checked my products with myself 2 or 3 times and with the fibro board person who really knows this stuff inside and out. Here's to feeling bad today!

love you all

Thursday, September 11, 2008

I live in a little house

This is very cool that if I have to stay away from home for so so so so long, that I get to live in a little house like it's my own. It has a mud room, kitchen, eat-in space with small table, small living room, bedroom and bathroom. So much better than a motel, and free besides.

I went swimming today. Last time, I went to the Aloha swim center, but when I went there today, they informed me that they had no water. Actually, i think the pool itself had water, but none for showers or flushing toilets. So, I looked on the net and found the Beaverton swim center about 15-20 minutes away. I went swimming, but it was SOOOOO crowded. Like 3-5 people per lane. Lotsa wave action. I was glad when a few of them went away.

I was going to buy a new portland map today since mine is 24 years old. (wonder how I can remember that so easily) I put $5 in my pocket, went to the store and found one for $4.95. Darn tax!! Maybe I can buy it tomorrow or the next day.

Just came over to the big house after watching a DVD and wanting to discuss it, but the lovebirds are out on a walk.

I miss my husband. I'd come home if I could, but I can't. Darn money.

love you all.

Oh, I haven't taken any pictures yet, so I can't put them here to show you.

Monday, September 08, 2008

Swimming

I have found a place to swim here, and swam for an hour today. It is about 5 minutes from where I am staying, so, uber convenient.

Ryan is tending boys today and sending out resumes. It is interesting to see him in charge of the kids.

Other than that, today is boring. am reading, well, rereading wicked. After having listened to the score from the musical several times on the way here, I wanted to reread the book and see how they got from one to another.

Sunday, September 07, 2008

I have arrived...so has Ryan

I think the last I posted was from Nebraska. The next day we finished Nebraska (thank goodness) and went all but 3 miles of Wyoming. also yea!!!!! They are both so boring, and I personally (with no offense to wyomingans), hate wyoming. It is so desolate looking. and long.

The next day took us to Baker City, Oregon. At least there were no more state lines to pass. With each one, Ry had to call Vicki and request a kiss. mush mush...
The super 8 had a bigger pool than Evanston, although I did swim for 45 minutes there. Super 8, however, had the pool closed. It looked like crime scene tape around the hot tub (which i wasn't going to use). Where are the CSI's when you want them???

For some reason, on Saturday, Ryan wanted to get going early. He was very excited, and we only had a 5 hour drive. We got to Aloha (pronounced aloa) about 2 pm. The little house I am staying in is soooo cute. And it's nice to have a place to go away. Vicki put in some stores for us, including the only western fabulous stephen's cocoa. Yumm.

Vicki is very nice. The kids, Sam and Jacob are nice also. We will be getting better acquainted as time goes on.

In very sad news, Kevin has moved to Detroit to stay with his girlfriend, Debra. For scripture last night, Dad had us read the parable of the prodigal son. Instead of hope, as it should give me, it instead makes me want to cry. Everyone knows that it was time for Kev to move on, but the circumstances of it are just so wrong. Please keep him in your prayers.

I have found a pool nearby to swim in---yea!!!!!

love to all
mom

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

On the mormon trail

I forgot to tell you that we crossed the great mississippi yesterday, although you might have inferred it when we left Illinois for Iowa. Had a good breakfast included with the hotel. yogurt, cereal, bagels, hot chocolate and belgian waffles.

Today we crossed the Missouri river. At first Iowa was flat, but as we approached Council Bluffs, it got very hilly. I kept picturing the pioneers walking up and down while Anna (Ryan's Jetta) struggled to take all our stuff on her back towards Oregon. The corn was not as high as an elephant's eye, but it was about 4 foot high and tassled.

Nebraska, just about my least favorite state is still forever long. Ry says it should be called "Flatska". I think it is about 450 miles long. or wide, I should say. Full of corn and I think soybeans. and very very flat. As I recall, Wyoming is pretty flat also, till you get way west and start the rockies foothills. It also is eternally long/wide.

Oh, I went swimming this morning at 7 am. The bed was not comfy, so I was up. I thought maybe it would make my muscles feel better.

Well, hope everyone is okay. Just heard that Kevo is moving to Detroit saturday. Apparently gave notice 2 weeks ago.

love you, mom

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Traveling Tales

Ryan and I are on our way to Oregon. Our ETD was 8:00am and we left before 8:10. Drove to the local dunkin donuts to stock up on munchkins. mmmmmmm

Got on I80, still there. well, actually, we are now in our first hotel, baymont inns and suites, Davenport Iowa, just over the mississippi.

Do you know that in Indiana and Illinois there were lights on signs powered by solar?? I thought that was cool. Oh, they also power the cameras and signs that tell you if an animal is in the road ahead (within a mile)

Do you know if you hit a construction worker in Illinois, you will be fined $10,000 and go to jail for 14 years. And I don't think it matters whether or not you kill them :)

Do you know that Ryan's jetta could not hold another item??? Man, is it packed. and cartop carried and all.

Love you all, hope to update tomorrow. Now we have to find somewhere to eat.

PS: I love gaining time as we go west. won't think about the going east part later.