The New Water Cooler
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It is suppose to be a nice weekend. 70s on Saturday! So gray and gloomy this week so I hope they are right. No rain predicted but we'll see... I don't mind if it is chilly. I just don't like mosquitos.
We are pretty settled. I have a couple boxes of clothes to look through and see if I should drop them off at Savers or keep some. I also have too many shoes. Russ almost has the garage cleared so I can park in there. I have to say it is stress free. No feelings of guilt of what we should be getting done. The grounds crew has been out for two days blowing leaves and cleaning up from the winter. Two cute little kids from next door came over with their May Day baskets. They were hoping to find a little boy neighbor to give them to. I said my dog was a boy but my boys were all grown up now. They didn't give me their baskets, LOL!
That's a nice distance for college. Easy for him to get home or for you to visit but not so close he depends on coming home on weekends. Hopefully he will love it and find his niche. You will have a busy summer getting him ready. What is the grad party date?
Our meeting with financial planner went well. We are going to a seminar Monday eve on long term care insurance to learn more about it. We are going to have him put together a retirement portfolio spelling out what our income will be, budget info, social security and when to pull it, how to take our pensions so we maximize but use it wisely, etc.
Baby shower tomorrow after work and then I need to get weekend camping clothes packed, cleaning supplies, and Russ will pick up food. Since we area storing the camper we don't have electricity or running water where we store it. We will have to empty fridge and pantry every time we are done camping so food doesn't spoil and mice don't make their way in to munch. At the house, we kept it plugged in so we could keep butter, condiments, cheese and icecream in freezer in there so we didn't have to rebuy or put in our fridge in the house. New routines...
Well have a nice evening!
Jenny0 -
sounds like a really nice place you have moved into.
Zach and the team made it Scottbluff (6 hours plus on the road for this tournament) - silliness.
I am working on finishing the centerpieces - I am put golf balls in a clear glass vase - it's about six inches, with a picture on a pic sticking out of them - then I am wrapping a maroon ribbon around it - maybe I'll stuff a dark red flower in it. They turned out really neat, even though I can't tie bows to save my life. I wish everything was coming together. Have to spend Sunday at a Confirmation for a cousin. Argh. I wanna work on my stuff! (just a little fit throwing)0 -
Hello Friday it's so good to see you!
Happy Weekend dear ones.0 -
I'm leaving work and we are heading to the camp ground. Suppose to be a nice weekend so Yay!
Your centerpieces sound cute! I wasn't creative at all so I admire your idea.
Have a great weekend!
Jenny0 -
Yesterday was a semi-good day. I ate healthily, but couldn't make myself go out the door for a run. I did, however, do Leslie Sanson 5k indoor walk - 3 times. I may not have gotten in a 14k run, but I got in a 15k walk! I'm on day 10 of a 10 virtual race. I've gotten in 30k, mostly walking. I wanted to run this morning before church but I overslept. I can't go in the afternoon as Sunday afternoons is when I get whistled at, catcalled or starred at in an uncomfortable way. I avoid. I shouldn't have to, but I do. I'll see what time I get home this evening about getting out in the evening for a run. We have our quarterly business meeting after our evening service. I hope it doesn't take to long, but since we are talking some renovations, it could!
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the weather was so nice Saturday - I spent way too much time poking around the garden centers and dilly dallying around outside. But it was so nice for a change.
A cousin's confirmation pretty much took the whole day Sunday - and just like that another weekend gone. One more weekend and then it's showtime. Eight short days of school (minus three for tourneys) - multiple projects, test and concerts - can we do this? Yes. We. CAN! (I pray)
Let's rock this week.0 -
WTG on your 15k walk Ang! You're doing it! What do you mean you get whistled at and hear catcalls? Where do you run that this happens? On the street? I would hate that.
Marla- One almost done with high school! He did it! Wait until he comes home mid year from college and you see how much he has grown up. You are one busy lady with events every weekend.
Friday eve we got to our campsite about 6pm and it was sunny and blue skies. It took us awhile to set up and I cleaned inside of camper from winter grime. Russ cooked burgers and a corn potato hash on his new Blackstone griddle. As soon as we were going to take our first bites of our burgers the rain started and we had to get everything inside fast. So typical! It rained all night so we went to bed early since we were tired. Saturday was sunny and beautiful. We had so much fire wood that we had a fire all day and I sat by it and read my romance book all day. I went on one walk with Russ and the dog. Initially the weather forecast said rain Sunday morning but it supposedly changed. We were going to pack up Saturday night and bug out early Sunday but changed our minds. We cooked breakfast out doors, packed up and as soon as we got in the truck, the rain began. If this season is rainy like last year I may give up camping. It's too much work to travel, set up, have one or no nice days and pack up to head home. Now I know why many people with campers rent seasonal sites where they go there in their cars, enjoy their weekend and go home, leaving the camper until the next weekend all summer long.
Tomorrow night is my theater night. It will be a long day. I hope the play is good.
Have a nice night.
Jenny0 -
more rain - which we certainly don't need
Zach had a big day yesterday - donated blood at school again, then had a golf tourney. Still not shooting well, but at least he didn't make himself sick like I was worried about (donating and playing in the same day). Proud of him.
Hump day!0 -
TGIF!!!!!!! I'm behind at work and have to do paperwork this weekend. Blah!
Cruddy weather, cold and rainy. Northern MN got lots of snow last night. No real spring here either.
I'm tired and need to go to bed but am too lazy to climb the stairs. How sad am I?
I had a bad eating day (too much junk) and paid the price with abdominal gas and pain tonight. I need to get serious about staying away from sweets.
Well I'm going to climb those steps and fall into bed!
Jenny0 -
FriYAY
another day of golf - it froze last night - we'll see how the flowers fare - and hopefully I have a super productive weekend - and hopefully Bernie is on board - because it's time to start setting things up
other schools have graduation this weekend so there will be plenty of busyness around town and our ladies choir has our last sings on Sunday.
FriYAY0 -
So glad it's Friday eve. Tomorrow Russ is going to help Rory buy his first used car (Rory's first car loan). I plan to do paperwork and clean the bathrooms, vacuum, and relax. I hope to get to the fitness room tomorrow and give it a go.
I hope you get what you need to do done this weekend. Is your party next weekend?
Jenny0 -
Yes. Next Saturday. I am cautiously optimistic. The garage is shaping up. Working inside and on my big grocery list (pork and most beverages already bought). Shop decorating and cooking. Woo!0
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My last day at work this week. I refuse to call it vacation since I will be working very hard at home, but I am still looking forward to being away from work for a few days.
Caleb had his last choir concert last night and Zach has his final high school concert tonight. Sniff.
District golf was also yesterday. One member of the team placed fifth individually so he will advance to the state tourney - the team overall placed fourth and are done. Top three teams are allowed to play as a team at state. Zach had another less than stellar round and he is disappointed he never played his best in tourney play this year, but as long as he still loves golf and plays recreationally it's a win. I am proud of him for grinding it out even though he took a lot of grief for sub-par play.
Last official day for seniors is tomorrow, but Zach may need the extra day to finish - we'll see. Grad practice is Friday, party Saturday, ceremony Sunday. Work Monday.
I am a little concerned about the forecast. This morning they announced an enhanced risk for severe weather saturday. Sigh. Even though we will be in the garage - I sure hope it's not storming. That won't be fun. Do I set up in the house? Ugh.
Are you camping this weekend again?
How was the fitness room?0 -
I never made it to fitness room. Haven't gotten a routine yet.
Lots of paperwork weighing me down at work.
We were suppose to drive north to Russ' brother's this weekend for Saturday night. We had a reservation at a hotel and were going to spend time with him and his wife. His white blood cell counts are low and he doesn't feel well and is undergoing tests and meds so we cancelled. We are going to drive a couple hours west to check out some used trucks Russ is eyeing. We need a bigger more powerful truck that tows the camper with less stress. We are buying used but want the mileage to be under 100,000 and the year to be within the last 4-5 years.
We will be camping up north Memorial Day through the friday of that week.
Good luck with your party and grad ceremony. Rory's party was a monsoon but I kept it in the garage. We didn't have as many attendees as hoped due to weather though.
Glad you could take off work. Nice to have the time to get things done and not feel as stressed due to lack of time.
Jenny0 -
Two days of prep work done. One more to go!!!0
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I did 4 pounds of bacon in the oven. It did take longer than I thought it would. But way less messy0
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Good luck this weekend! Hope your weather cooperates. We drive up to Alexandria tomorrow rain or shine to look at trucks.
Congratulations to Zach!
Jenny0 -
Tried to insert a pic of the garage. I’m really happy with it0
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Very nice and so organized. How did it go? You must feel some relief now.
We bought a new truck "used" yesterday. It's a big one but powerful and will pull the camper and even a bigger one if we decide to upgrade camper size. Very comfortable too.
I'm going over to the fitness room in a little bit. I have paperwork to do this afternoon. Raining cats and dogs and will be all day. Cold too! Northern MN may get snow.
Stay warm,
Jenny0 -
Successful (in my opinion) party? Check. Graduation ceremony? Check? Back to work tomorrow (and starting tomorrow for Zach)? Check.
Five days away from work but only one felt relaxing. Little nervous about Zach starting work tomorrow. I hope it goes well.
Twenty degrees cooler here today. Crazy weather0 -
This weather! So it's back to the grind and the beginning of the grind for Zach. He had 'orientation' yesterday which was three hours of paperwork. Today he hits the floor. I could tell he was super nervous this morning. Me too. I packed him a lunch and drove him to work (they didn't give him a badge yet - so I had to fob him in).
Most of the stuff is taken down and we have finished up the leftovers of everything except still have pork. The food was delicious and the people that came ate a lot of food! I ended up making twenty pounds of mashed potatoes and I had only about a 9-inch pan left. So I'm guessing they ate about 18-ish pounds (of course a lot of that was my boys and their friends!), four dozen deviled eggs, over 100 tortilla roll ups(just bite size), two pans of scotch-a-roos, five dozen slider buns, LOTS of pork,and I don't know how to count the fruit and broccoli salad. I am extremely please with how things went and I was hoping for 50 and I think we met that. I am once again hurt for Zach that not a single one of Bernie's siblings came (he has three). They were supposedly all coming and then suddenly couldn't. The only Paden's that came were one uncle and one cousin. Whatever. I could say, their loss and it doesn't matter. But it did matter. It bothered him.
Anywhoooo - did you get snow? Just a couple days of settling in and then off to Wayne Thursday for orientation and class registration. Exciting! My sister and niece leave for Italy tomorrow! I couldn't have done the party without them. My brother-in-law smoked all the pork, my sister cut up countless pounds of fruit and planted pots and kept them beautiful (because I am a killer), and then spent the whole day keeping the food filled so I could host. I tried to do the same thing for Josh and Caitlin at their events, but still it makes such a big difference knowing she has it all under control. How different the families are.
Zach hasn't even opened his cards yet - I think he is putting it off because the stack is pretty big and then he has to start the thank yous! (I had made him do the ones that had come early so at least a few are done).
Have a great day!0 -
Wonderful that all went well. Now Z can experience a taste of adult life working. Will he be full time this summer? Enjoy orientation.
Cold and rainy here. Yesterday was our one nice day for this week. I saw my hand doctor for my last check up. No more OT or appointments with him. One more doctor appointment with primary doctor on 6/3 and I need to schedule a dentist appointment. What a year!
I counted number of work days until retirement. 199! Not many when I just count days reporting to work.
We camp next week.
Jenny0 -
Wow!!! Only 199. That's amazing. I hope you are pleased with the results of your surgery and you feel better.
Zach will be at 40 hours or over most weeks. This week and next with the holiday he will have short weeks - and then when he goes on his mission trip. But I think even after only a day, he is seeing the appeal of college.0 -
Is he working an assembly line and manual labor? He'll be glad to get to college!
Jury still out on my surgery. It will take months to heal completely. It is always achy at night after keyboarding, writing and carrying my bag during the day. Ask me in 6 months.
Rainy again today. Russ said heard on the news or read somewhere that this summer will be cool and rainy like it is now. I like cool but too much rain is gloomy.
I am not eating well and feel awful. I need to get on track.
Jenny0 -
Yes - it's on the line, very intensive. Yikes.
We were off to Wayne yesterday for orientation and class registration. He's registered! Three 'major' classes and two gen eds. So different from when we went, it was almost two years of gen eds and then your majors. I like this much better. He is very excited about his classes, including one of his gen eds he picked something Fictional Writing. He spent the entire trip home telling me all his ideas because he is tired of people writing the same antagonists over and over and he's making a whole series about antagonists you want to root for or something. He hasn't said so many words to me in years!!
Looking forward to the weekend. A couple of parties to stop by, but hoping for a few good sleeps for sure!
Yay0 -
See it's already happening. Z is growing up. You will enjoy the college years so much more. It's so cool to see how they mature and what their passions are. Have fun and enjoy!
We leave tomorrow for our camping trip up north. No idea if I will have a signal and be able to check in. If you don't hear from me I will catch up with you next weekend. We will be back on Friday afternoon. It is suppose to be nice up there 65-70 and partly sunny to sunny. I love that kind of weather with no bugs. Our friends are coming to our campsite on Tuesday to hang out around the fire and have dinner with us. I'm looking forward to catching up with them.
I also like that they start the major classes right away. I don't know if the big Universities do that now or not. I'm glad for Z that Wayne does because it will keep his interest and passion going.
So exciting for all of you! How will C do with Z being gone?
Jenny0 -
Started filling my amazon cart with dorm stuff!
Having a calm weekend (knock on wood). Bernie is cleaning cars. Weird but ok. I told him I hope we can continue working on the house.
I packed up Zach’s high school stuff and threw away some of Caleb’s early years stuff trying to get some organizing done.
Bernie travels this week and Zach has to work four ten hour shifts bc of the holiday. Weights will start for Caleb so we’ll see if I’m ready for him to drive. He is legal to drive to school since passing drivers course. Not sure I’m ready but this week is crazy with sis still gone
Woo one more day off!!0 -
Up north camping. Beautiful weather. Best we've had camping. Friends came over yesterday for social and dinner. Nice visit. Many campers left today so only a few sites (8 sites) inhabited. So peaceful. Just heard the loons calling.
Sounds like you are getting a lot done. Feels good doesn't it?
Enjoy your week.
Jenny
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Oof the ten hour days are looong! Poor guy. I hope they are back on eights next week.0
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Home and upper 80's here. Ugh! Mosquitos got really bad at campground. I was eaten alive.
Nice to be in AC. Grad parties to attend this weekend.
Jenny0
