Ramblins from the road
Hello again, FINALLY. I've been meaning to write for a while, but, life has sorta gotten in the way. What exactly have we been doing, you ask? OK, so you didn't ask, and maybe you don't even care, but I'm gonna tell you anyway, so there! 
Just a quick promo tho, 'cuz I'm really excited about this. My work has been featured in a few "treasuries" that have been put together by other sellers like me on my shopping website, etsy. That's always nice, but I've not gotten much exposure by that method, and no sales, that I know of, as a result of a treasury feature. BUT, not too long ago, I got an email about IndieArtisans putting together a JURIED (that's like JUDGED!!) treasury, and the requirements for that are a bit more stringent than typical or "I like this item." I got invited to participate!! Like I'd say no thank you - are they NUTS? So, please, go HERE (yes, it will be a new window & you can easily come right back & read all the rest of my rambles!!) and see all the really pretty Fall & Thanksgiving items these lovely ladies have put together for us. And feel free to make a purchase, ANY purchase, doesn't have to be mine, but if you DO buy something, please mention I sent you there!! With a bit of luck, I *might* get invited back!! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!
Now back to originally scheduled posting.......First, a while back, we went to Sand Castle Days, down on South Padre Island. Finally, a good exhibit. The weather was superb (unlike last year, when Red Tide had us all gasping, coughing & tearing up), warm, sunny and a bit breezy. But, WARM, did ya hear? And, because we went on Friday, the crowds weren't too bad. Most people go on Sat and/or Sun, when the sandcastles are a bit more complete, and the judging has been done. Nope, we're not like that. Well, don't forget, we have to WORK on Sat & Sun. We took John & Lora, another workamper couple down there with us & we packed in our little picnic lunches & had a good time. Even Bailey came along for the ride and she did really well, considering. We did get some really neat pictures, and one of these days...you know...I'll share. Send me some chocolate, and maybe you'll see them sooner!
Shortly after that little day trip, we boogied on out back to the house for a few days. Believe it or not, we have to read the electric meter & turn in the results to the electric coop. Yes, we have a great neighbor that would probably do it for us & email it to us, but, ya know, he already watches the house, takes in the mail, cuts & edges the grass, takes in the free (weekly) newspapers, and probably a myriad of other things I don't even know about, so we really hesitated to add yet another task to his list. Soooooo, off we go. Besides, we had a mountain of laundry we'd been saving up, I needed to pick up my other sewing machine (yes, I had to get it, and yes, it's still in the trunk of the car - don't even ask!!), we had a few items to bring back to the house, and most importantly, I had to refill the puppy's food cannister. Oh, and Dick wanted to do some painting, too, and my new eyeglasses were ready (supposedly). Oh, and the inspector was coming to inspect the arm of our loveseat, where there's a hard lump.
So, off we went! Looooooooooooooooooong ride back, lemme tell ya. Remember, the last shot I had was back on Oct 1, and it was worthless - didn't do a thing for me.
And the results, you ask?
Well, no painting was done. I *did* get the sewing machine (see above, and don't ask). Laundry was done, YIPPEE!! Quickly, efficiently, in MY washer & dryer!!! FREE!! Mexican trinkets were placed in the home, look fine. Eyeglasses ready? HAHAHAHAHA! no. There, and I could see out of 'em, but NOT tinted, like I've paid for & been trying to get done for 2 months now.
Inspector out on time? HAHAHAHAHA, surely you jest. Silly me, I did NOT confirm the appointment on the day before he was due. Yes, I thought about it, but, I deliberately decided not to, allowing that people would honor their appointments & commitments without me pestering them to do so. HAHAHAHAHAHA - I crack myself up. So, 11 am, on the appointed day arrived, and no inspector. Then 11:30 came, no call, no nuthin. So, yeah, I called back to the store. Wouldn't you?? What a story! Apparently, the inspector is due in (to the store in Corpus Christi) at 10 am, but he didn't show up. So why didn't they call me? Who knows! When I called THEM (at 11:45), the lady told me she was just getting around to calling customers, and wanted to know when would be a better day to come out. Well, since we were only gonna be there another day or 2, I asked for the very next day. She was not happy, but it eventually got done, with only two more phone calls. Geez. Put this one in the category of "why don't people just do their job anymore?"
Anyway, the dude finally does show up the next day, a driver, not an official "inspector." And surprisingly, he agrees, yup, there's a big lump on the loveseat arm. And, oh look, there's one on the sofa arm, too. Color me surprised. Calls the store dispatcher, TELLS her there are lumps, and asks her what he should do! Geez. Pick the darned thing up, put it on the truck, and DRIVE, I think to myself. How hard is that? Apparently, it's too hard, 'cuz that ain't what happens. We have another appointment scheduled for pickup of ONE couch. Next month. They never take both pieces at one time, 'cuz "we don't want something to happen to one while the other is getting repaired." Does that even make sense to you? Yeah, not to me either.
Anyway, so our time at the home draws to a close, and we load up the car. Oh, yeah, that was the other thing - we were gonna swap out the truck for the car...better gas mileage, easier parking, etc. Stuff that puppy to the doors, but it all went in, with plenty of room for us 3 to stretch out. Got almost back to the Valley (just north of Harlingen, for those of you that are interested) and realized the refilled puppy food, along with 2 fresh baking potatoes, is still in the pantry. I'm betting the potatoes will not be so fresh next time we get there, either. They don't call me Queen of Walmart for nuthin - at the very last opportunity, we picked up some emergency rations for the puppy, so don't worry, she's doing well.
We've been back for only a few days now, and boy, have things changed! There was a gunfight in Matamoras, somewhere between 6 and 56 people have been killed, among them, the head of the Gulf Cartel and 2-3 of his top aides. Yesterday, a helicopter was flying circles over the area, drug busts & car jackings are familiar news stories. Today, while we were in Progreso & Dick watched an armored truck roll by with grenade launchers on it. We're *thinking* it was a shift change for the guards, but we did duck into a store for a little bit, just to make sure we were not in the line of fire, should it break out. The streets were not jammed with tourists or vendors today, but our restuarant, Old Town, was a-hustle & bustle! Thank goodness, too, 'cuz the waiters were really hurting. Seems like it's gonna be a weird winter. But, at least it's warm.
We are still enjoying 80-90* weather daily, mostly sunny, somewhat breezy in the afternoons. Clear, cool nights, but NO SNOW!! The residents & guests are beginning to return, lots of cars are breezing thru the park. Amazing how old (and, yes, decrepit) they are and STILL DRIVING. Like they had good sense! They don't even KNOW they can't see or react! I was behind one old couple (yeah, at W-M), and she started writing a check. Now, keep in mind, we'd been standing in line like, forEVer...but, she waited until EVERYthing was fully rung up & bagged. Not like her hubby couldn't keep a watch on the prices, oh, nooooooo. So, she starts writing, puts pen to paper, and STOPS. Yes, you read that right. Fully STOPS. Looks all around, then asks the cashier what the day was. Ok, ok, I hear ya...I don't always know the current date. But get this......wrote the date, moved the pen to the payee line, and STOPS, looks all around AGAIN. CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHERE SHE IS!!! Apparently, seeing the McD's jogs ye olde memory, and you could actually SEE the recognition as she nods & looks back down to her check & finally starts writing again. Sad. They drive. And Harriet, oh my GAWD. She's gotta be 98, drives eyes forward, foot on gas. VROOM! Don't step in front of her car, lemme tell ya. You will be flatter than a pancake. Hershey's kiss, melted. In an instant.
K, I guess that's enough for now - go shop!! On etsy!! At SewWriteCreations!! Or, save some money & email me what you want; I take cash & checks from my friends! Better yet, drag your butt on down here & pay me in person!
Y'all take care & bundle up. I hear it's chilly your way. <hugs all around>
Just a quick promo tho, 'cuz I'm really excited about this. My work has been featured in a few "treasuries" that have been put together by other sellers like me on my shopping website, etsy. That's always nice, but I've not gotten much exposure by that method, and no sales, that I know of, as a result of a treasury feature. BUT, not too long ago, I got an email about IndieArtisans putting together a JURIED (that's like JUDGED!!) treasury, and the requirements for that are a bit more stringent than typical or "I like this item." I got invited to participate!! Like I'd say no thank you - are they NUTS? So, please, go HERE (yes, it will be a new window & you can easily come right back & read all the rest of my rambles!!) and see all the really pretty Fall & Thanksgiving items these lovely ladies have put together for us. And feel free to make a purchase, ANY purchase, doesn't have to be mine, but if you DO buy something, please mention I sent you there!! With a bit of luck, I *might* get invited back!! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!
Now back to originally scheduled posting.......First, a while back, we went to Sand Castle Days, down on South Padre Island. Finally, a good exhibit. The weather was superb (unlike last year, when Red Tide had us all gasping, coughing & tearing up), warm, sunny and a bit breezy. But, WARM, did ya hear? And, because we went on Friday, the crowds weren't too bad. Most people go on Sat and/or Sun, when the sandcastles are a bit more complete, and the judging has been done. Nope, we're not like that. Well, don't forget, we have to WORK on Sat & Sun. We took John & Lora, another workamper couple down there with us & we packed in our little picnic lunches & had a good time. Even Bailey came along for the ride and she did really well, considering. We did get some really neat pictures, and one of these days...you know...I'll share. Send me some chocolate, and maybe you'll see them sooner!
Shortly after that little day trip, we boogied on out back to the house for a few days. Believe it or not, we have to read the electric meter & turn in the results to the electric coop. Yes, we have a great neighbor that would probably do it for us & email it to us, but, ya know, he already watches the house, takes in the mail, cuts & edges the grass, takes in the free (weekly) newspapers, and probably a myriad of other things I don't even know about, so we really hesitated to add yet another task to his list. Soooooo, off we go. Besides, we had a mountain of laundry we'd been saving up, I needed to pick up my other sewing machine (yes, I had to get it, and yes, it's still in the trunk of the car - don't even ask!!), we had a few items to bring back to the house, and most importantly, I had to refill the puppy's food cannister. Oh, and Dick wanted to do some painting, too, and my new eyeglasses were ready (supposedly). Oh, and the inspector was coming to inspect the arm of our loveseat, where there's a hard lump.
So, off we went! Looooooooooooooooooong ride back, lemme tell ya. Remember, the last shot I had was back on Oct 1, and it was worthless - didn't do a thing for me.
And the results, you ask?Well, no painting was done. I *did* get the sewing machine (see above, and don't ask). Laundry was done, YIPPEE!! Quickly, efficiently, in MY washer & dryer!!! FREE!! Mexican trinkets were placed in the home, look fine. Eyeglasses ready? HAHAHAHAHA! no. There, and I could see out of 'em, but NOT tinted, like I've paid for & been trying to get done for 2 months now.
Inspector out on time? HAHAHAHAHA, surely you jest. Silly me, I did NOT confirm the appointment on the day before he was due. Yes, I thought about it, but, I deliberately decided not to, allowing that people would honor their appointments & commitments without me pestering them to do so. HAHAHAHAHAHA - I crack myself up. So, 11 am, on the appointed day arrived, and no inspector. Then 11:30 came, no call, no nuthin. So, yeah, I called back to the store. Wouldn't you?? What a story! Apparently, the inspector is due in (to the store in Corpus Christi) at 10 am, but he didn't show up. So why didn't they call me? Who knows! When I called THEM (at 11:45), the lady told me she was just getting around to calling customers, and wanted to know when would be a better day to come out. Well, since we were only gonna be there another day or 2, I asked for the very next day. She was not happy, but it eventually got done, with only two more phone calls. Geez. Put this one in the category of "why don't people just do their job anymore?"
Anyway, the dude finally does show up the next day, a driver, not an official "inspector." And surprisingly, he agrees, yup, there's a big lump on the loveseat arm. And, oh look, there's one on the sofa arm, too. Color me surprised. Calls the store dispatcher, TELLS her there are lumps, and asks her what he should do! Geez. Pick the darned thing up, put it on the truck, and DRIVE, I think to myself. How hard is that? Apparently, it's too hard, 'cuz that ain't what happens. We have another appointment scheduled for pickup of ONE couch. Next month. They never take both pieces at one time, 'cuz "we don't want something to happen to one while the other is getting repaired." Does that even make sense to you? Yeah, not to me either.
Anyway, so our time at the home draws to a close, and we load up the car. Oh, yeah, that was the other thing - we were gonna swap out the truck for the car...better gas mileage, easier parking, etc. Stuff that puppy to the doors, but it all went in, with plenty of room for us 3 to stretch out. Got almost back to the Valley (just north of Harlingen, for those of you that are interested) and realized the refilled puppy food, along with 2 fresh baking potatoes, is still in the pantry. I'm betting the potatoes will not be so fresh next time we get there, either. They don't call me Queen of Walmart for nuthin - at the very last opportunity, we picked up some emergency rations for the puppy, so don't worry, she's doing well.
We've been back for only a few days now, and boy, have things changed! There was a gunfight in Matamoras, somewhere between 6 and 56 people have been killed, among them, the head of the Gulf Cartel and 2-3 of his top aides. Yesterday, a helicopter was flying circles over the area, drug busts & car jackings are familiar news stories. Today, while we were in Progreso & Dick watched an armored truck roll by with grenade launchers on it. We're *thinking* it was a shift change for the guards, but we did duck into a store for a little bit, just to make sure we were not in the line of fire, should it break out. The streets were not jammed with tourists or vendors today, but our restuarant, Old Town, was a-hustle & bustle! Thank goodness, too, 'cuz the waiters were really hurting. Seems like it's gonna be a weird winter. But, at least it's warm.
We are still enjoying 80-90* weather daily, mostly sunny, somewhat breezy in the afternoons. Clear, cool nights, but NO SNOW!! The residents & guests are beginning to return, lots of cars are breezing thru the park. Amazing how old (and, yes, decrepit) they are and STILL DRIVING. Like they had good sense! They don't even KNOW they can't see or react! I was behind one old couple (yeah, at W-M), and she started writing a check. Now, keep in mind, we'd been standing in line like, forEVer...but, she waited until EVERYthing was fully rung up & bagged. Not like her hubby couldn't keep a watch on the prices, oh, nooooooo. So, she starts writing, puts pen to paper, and STOPS. Yes, you read that right. Fully STOPS. Looks all around, then asks the cashier what the day was. Ok, ok, I hear ya...I don't always know the current date. But get this......wrote the date, moved the pen to the payee line, and STOPS, looks all around AGAIN. CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHERE SHE IS!!! Apparently, seeing the McD's jogs ye olde memory, and you could actually SEE the recognition as she nods & looks back down to her check & finally starts writing again. Sad. They drive. And Harriet, oh my GAWD. She's gotta be 98, drives eyes forward, foot on gas. VROOM! Don't step in front of her car, lemme tell ya. You will be flatter than a pancake. Hershey's kiss, melted. In an instant.
K, I guess that's enough for now - go shop!! On etsy!! At SewWriteCreations!! Or, save some money & email me what you want; I take cash & checks from my friends!
Better yet, drag your butt on down here & pay me in person!Y'all take care & bundle up. I hear it's chilly your way. <hugs all around>
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