Saturday was National Rebuilding Day, so I spent the day working on a church. (Yep, we worked on the headquarters for the Richmond event.) It was supposed to be from 8-5, but we finally wrapped up around 6:30. By that time, few volunteers were left, so even though all I wanted to do was go home and shower, I couldn’t. My main project was putting together curtains to hide the old baptismal font. This involved lots of stapling. First, stapling pleats in bolts of fabric, then stapling the fabric to 2x4s. (If I had known about this project ahead of time, I could have come up with a solution that was just as economic, and yet easier.) All was well until it came time to attach the 2x4s to the ceiling. 119 year old church. Couldn’t find the studs. The guys kept saying, “But they should be 16 inches on center.” Me: “119 years old.”

Anyway, I had work to do over the weekend, and also laundry, which I had planned on doing when I got home on Saturday. However, I was beat, so instead I sat on my couch.

Which made Sunday absolutely nuts. I got up, read the paper, worked for 2 hours, cleaned the kitchen, did the laundry and left for Culpeper around 3 to take Peg out for her birthday. Bob and Steph met us at the restaurant. We determined that Peg and I would fly to Maine together this summer (huge family vacation in ME) and Bob and Steph would take the boys. So, I’m going to drive the boys out there and drive Peg back to Richmond. Or, as I put it, a trade. And Peg’s potty-trained. Peg: “Mostly. I am getting older.”

I got back home at 10 and worked for another hour.

I need a weekend to recover from my weekend.

Mom and Dad came up last weekend. Randy's parents were throwing a surprise birthday party for him (his actual birthday is today), and to really surprise him they stayed at my house. Which meant they had to wait nearly an entire day to see Monkey.

In order to get ready for their visit, TR girl came over on Thursday to help me set up the guest bed. She brought Monkey with her and put him in his jumper in the door. Every time Orion walked past him, he started crying. He was afraid of him. Orion was not doing anything- he didn't care about the baby being there at all. At one point, we picked them both up so that Monkey could see the cat, and Ri gave him a head butt.

Randy's party was Saturday night. Sunday morning TR girl, Randy, and Monkey came over for breakfast. This time, he was very interested in the cat. Orion put up with him, getting away when he'd had too much. He climbed up on the back of the couch and went to sleep. Later, Liam was up on the couch. He pulled Ri's tail, but all Ri did was turn around and hiss.

We all told him what a good boy he was. And also stopped Monkey from pulling his tail.

The most appealing reason for the move:

Hi! So, it turns out I am a lair liar. Peg does have high-speed internet. Who knew? (Answer: Not me.) I still didn't post yesterday, because I was too busy driving around the VA Piedmont with Steffy. We went here, again, and were given a tour. Also, we got to try some wine right out of the barrel. Unfortunately, they were out of my favorite of their wines, so I'll have to wait. Afterwards we drove to this vineyard. I took her home, headed back to Peg's, and we ate leftovers. Then Steffy picked me up and we went to see Enchanted, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Now I'm home, hanging with the boys.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by family and friends eating until they are in a food coma. I also hope the Jets beat the Cowboys.

Yesterday, I e-mailed Mom that I thought I had tonsillitis and was trying to decide if I needed to see the doctor. I get it occasionally, and it usually goes away on its own. This time it was getting worse, not better.

Her response? "You had your tonsils out." Nope, not me. I've had my adenoids out, but not my tonsils. I assumed she had gotten me confused with one of my siblings, but I think they all have their tonsils too. TR girl is missing one of her original ACLs (left, I think) and Goose has no appendix, but as far as I know those are the only body parts we're missing. Bud seems to have managed to keep all of his. So, it was clearly one of her other children.

I did go to the doctor, I do have tonsillitis (not strep!) and am on antibiotics. Also, I'm tired, so I'm heading to bed as soon as the dryer finishes. Because I also got new books today.

After I got home last night, Bud called. He'd seen that I'd lost the job, and said, "Well, I'm the brother, I have to cheer you up." He's good like that. He's sensitive and oddly protective of me (oddly because I'm almost 6 years older). But he does always make me laugh, and has become the first person I call when things are bad. Don't get me wrong, we still have our moments, and he is also the person I've hung up on the most. (Usually he calls me back, saying, "I dropped your call." (I haven't ever told him this before.)) But, at the end of the day, I know that he will always be there for me. Like I will for him.

Oh, but he still hasn't come to see my house. Come back tomorrow to find out why he'd better hurry.

Yesterday Mom called me. She started out the call with, “I need your advice on something.”

A good friend of Bud’s passed away this week. They’ve known each other since high school; she’s been battling cancer almost that long. Bud is in Korea for the next 2 weeks serving his Guard duty. We weren’t sure how to get in touch with him.

Mom wanted to call his girlfriend to get her take on things, but neither of us had the number. I left her a message on her myspace to have her call me. Mom talked to her first and then she called me. We knew that if anyone did hear from him, he had to be given the news. It would upset him more to know we didn’t tell him. It looked as if the job of telling him was most likely to fall to his girlfriend as we figured he’d call her first. It was not a job she was looking forward to.

He posted on his myspace today that he’d heard; I’m not sure how. He’s in a tough place- he can’t come back for the funeral, and he’s in a foreign country with little support. (The Army doesn’t give hugs.) I wish we hadn’t had to tell him this news. I wish there hadn’t been news to tell.

So, I am getting a new bed. Since I’m upgrading a size (queen!) I mean a new bedframe and mattress set. I went out shopping on Saturday and found a set/bed that I liked. I was telling my dad about it and mentioned to him that the place charged a $5 per piece fee for removal of the old set, which I didn’t think was bad, but that I didn’t need as I was keeping the old set.

Dad: Do you have room for it? Are you getting rid of the futon?
WG: No, not getting rid of the futon. The bed will go in the guest room.
Dad: You have a guest room?
WG: Remember when you were here and you slept in the back room on the air mattress?
Dad: (to self) Slept on the air mattress? (to WG) Oh, on the air mattress. Yes, get another bed. Get another bed!

While this picture does nothing to prove my not a baby person case,

this one seems to show me taking joy in the fact that the baby is crying.

Also, hello teeth.

I learned that this weekend at TRgirl and Randy’s. Thanks, Ask This Old House! I also learned that people with newborns do a lot of sitting around and watching TV.

I went up to Richmond to meet my nephew this weekend. He is six weeks old. Which means he sleeps, eats, poops. Repeat. He is less interactive than the cats. Also, apparently more fussy than usual this weekend. And really tiny. Still in newborn clothes. (Caveat: He is my nephew and I love him. I am just not a baby person. Well, until they are older anyway. Her friend has an eight month old- he was fun.)

Saturday we went to a cookout at their friend’s house. I haven’t been to a party with a keg in a long time. Randy thinks I should get one for my cookout. I disagree.

Oh, there was also a shopping trip to the TRgirl and Randy camping store. And I stole my load bars back from Randy- a Thule rack will make it easier to get my kayak on the car, because I have one of these.

I became an Aunt to a 7lb, 19.5 inch long little boy at 2:13 this afternoon.

Now, I must choose a nickname for him...

I don't know if y'all have seen the new comment on the last entry, but my sister is in labor.

And leaving comments on my blog.

Would you tell that kid we're all waiting?

I fixed my storm door this weekend. It hasn't latched since I moved into the house. I took the lock apart, cleaned the crud off, and WD-40'd it. Now, I can sit in the living room and have the front door open. The cats can look out the storm door. Today, we were all sitting in the living room- Ri on my lap, Jasper lying on the rug. A backhoe drove down the street. Jasper ran to the window to see it.

TRgirl's baby shower was, well, a baby shower. The cool part was that she and Randy took me to the driving range the night before. I am now in the market for golf clubs.

Oh, TRgirl has painted the baby's room as an ocean. There is sky and waves. Except I thought it was sky and mountains. Which lead to this exchange:

TRgirl: Have you ever heard of blue mountains?
Watergirl: The Blue Ridge Mountains? The Blue Mountains in Jamaica?

We had our highest point total at Pub Quiz tonight, and were still one point out of fourth place. Which we would have tied for if someone had believed me when I told them what a calorie was.

Phone call.
TRgirl: Wait, why did I call you?
Watergirl: If I knew, then the call would be unnecessary.

She was calling to tell me when her baby shower is. Which is good, because I am flying back from Gainesville the day before. I did some checking, and it is actually cheaper to fly back to Richmond rather than to Raleigh. She and Randy will drive me and the dresser they are giving me home on Sunday.

Yesterday Stewie came over to re-measure me for my riding boots. The company owner walked her through it. Then we went and played pub trivia. We did way better than last time. Some of the answers: Hammurabi, Rome & Carthage, India, Secretary of State, The Netherlands, and Guinness.

Stewie also bought me coffee filters at TJ’s, because I have been to the grocery store twice this week and forgotten them.

I hope y’all enjoyed your holidays. My Christmas was good. Quiet, lots of food. Saturday, TRgirl and Randy came out. We had lunch, hung out, did the gift exchange. I now have Cranium. Y’all come over and play! Bob, Steffie, and I saw Night at the Museum. Fun!

Christmas Eve we had breakfast at Steffie’s mom’s house. Bud: You had biscuits and gravy? I miss biscuits and gravy! (I did not actually eat the biscuits and gravy.)

Christmas morning I set my alarm because Peg wanted to open gifts before 10AM Mass. After we opened gifts, she said, “Do you mind if we go to Spanish Mass at 4? It will be less crowded.” Then, buffet lunch at the Best Western. After Mass, dinner with more of Steffie’s family, including the best banana pudding in the world. (I did not get the “no communion” reminder.) (Also, Spanish Mass was given by a priest from Africa. His Spanish was quite good.)

Yesterday, I drove back. Note from Peg: “Watch the speedometer!” No worries there.

Today, I am back at work. I am regretting backing out of the beach trip, even though I know it was the right decision. If I were to go, I’d get fed up and leave early anyway.

• Mom fell down the stairs and broke her ankle Sunday. Sunday night she told me, “I think I’ll be back to work by Wednesday.” Me: “Ha!” Yesterday she had surgery, and they discovered the break was worse than they thought. We are still waiting to see who wins. (Win: having more hardware than someone else. My entry is 2 plates, 15 screws, and a bone graft.)
• Went to the Dr. yesterday. I need a new doctor. I will look for one once all this travel is over. He did adjust my meds, however.
• I am doing better. Still not well. Thanks to everyone who has called or e-mailed.
• We are going to see Flicka tonight. I am way too excited about this.

Yesterday was a bad day. An awful day. A black day. I called TRgirl, who said she would skip her party. I called Stewie, who said, "I am cancelling my date." I called TRgirl back and told her she didn't have to come (Stewie lives closer). I got an e-mail from another friend checking on me.

After I got home (flight delays!) Stewie came over, made dinner, and we watched 13 Going on 30, which was silly and fun and what I needed.

Today, I am better. Not completely, but I will be.

I get my boys back. I miss my boys.

Bud just left me the funniest voice mail. It's not the content, but the delivery. Bud rocks!

Mom: So, what's new with you?
WG: Eh, not too much. Seeing someone new.
Mom: Do you think you could see him for a while?
WG: I think so.
Mom: That will give you something fun to do!

Bud: I mix up German and Spanish.
Bud: Yo tengo crank.
Bud: That's my sperman.
Bud: Heh! I wrote Sperman.
Bud: It's a bird! It's a plane!
Watergirl: It's Sperman!
Bud: His superpower is punctuality.
Bud: But everyone else calls it coming too early.

She's a boxer/lab mix.

When your brother-in-law and your cat have names that are similar, you may find yourself on the phone with your sister wondering why the cat called her.

So, I made it to NJ fine, although there was much traffic. My parent's dog, Rocky, greeted me at the door with his rope. (Rocky: I remember you are good at rope. Let's play rope!) Their cat, Casper, woke me up that night by scratching on the door. I couldn't figure out what it was- I thought someone was rifling through tupperware.

Saturday morning:
Dad (downstairs): Holy Shit!
Watergirl (upstairs): Goose, go see what's "Holy Shit."
Goose (runs downstairs): Dad, what's "Holy Shit"?

Saturday morning, later, outside of Manhattan Bagel:
Mom: So where do you get that shampoo you have?
Watergirl: The Kiehl's? Nordstrom, or there's a place in Raleigh at North Hills that carries it.
Mom: Oh. (seems disappointed)
Watergirl: Did you use it? Did you like it?
Mom: Yes. The mousse stuff? Cleans all the buildup out of you hair.
Watergirl: The mousse stuff is face wash.

Saturday night was chicken piccata and Goose's play. Was most excellent. I am starting to have feeling again in my buttcheeks. The chairs in the auditorium in our high school? Not so comfortable.

Before the play began:
Dad: So we went into the anti-room...
Watergirl: You mean the anteroom?
Dad: Yes, the anti-room.
(It was later decided that the slogan for outside should be: Outside: The Anti-Room.)

Sunday we headed to Delaware to see Bud's girlfriend's graduate recital. (I have no idea if that is punctuated correctly. Need a Garner's.) I had no idea that she was so talented. I enjoyed it very much. Afterwards, the three of us went for a walk in downtown Newark. (I like Newark. And the University of Delaware has a beautiful campus.) We had a beer and some pretzels at the Deer Park Tavern. Yuengling on special!

Today, an uneventful trip home. Well, except for the fact that there was no traffic in Springfield, VA. Not sure what happened there.

And in keeping with road-trip tradition, the Denny's on Route 1 in Fredericksburg, VA? Terrible. Slow service, and they seated me right in front of a vent, blowing full force (the vent was on the wall.) But the Applebee's in Ashland, VA? Excellent. I recommend the Pecan-Crusted chicken salad, which none of my local Applebee's seem to have.

This weekend I am driving up to my parents' house in NJ. The purpose of the trip is to see Goose perform in Little Shop of Horrors. (Yay for high school musicals! I did Annie.) I have not been up there since Christmas of 2004. This is because seeing my father stresses me out. Anything and everything can set him off into a rage, and he takes everything personally.

I'm starting out behind the ball, because he is upset that we are going to see Bud's girlfriends' final recital on Sunday. (We are not telling him that I am then spending the night at her house. I am doing that because she is in Newark, DE. I would have to drive back through there the very next day if I returned to my parents'.) Since Bud is Persona non Grata in my father's eyes, he sees it as us choosing Bud over him. Which, yea, but Bud isn't the one forcing the choice.

So, I am excited to see Goose perform. I am looking forward to getting to know Bud's girlfriend better, since it looks like she will be family eventually. But I am very nervous about spending time with my father.

Well, that's what you're going to get when it's near the end of the year, and they keep showing blurbs of your "We will end tyranny" inauguration speech, Mr. Spies-on-His-Own-Citizens.

Friday night, headed up to VA. Arrived at Peg's about 1900. Went to bed about 2 hours later. (Big partier, I am.) Spent most of Saturday reading the current book club book. I'm not sure I like it. Could be because nothing happened until about 100 pages in. I am going to finish it, if only to see if there's been a point. (Yes, national bestseller, critics loved it, yadda yadda yadda...) I also took a long nap in the afternoon and was awakened by Fred knocking down the tree. If it's not my cats, it's someone else's.

The quote of the weekend was from Christmas Eve. We were watching the 10PM DC news, and it was all murders, fires, etc. Peg said, "I don't want bad news. Maybe the international news channel has some good news." She turns on Headline news, where we are treated to Donald Rumsfeld having some kind of press conference. Peg: "Apparently not."

Christmas morning Peg and I were up by 7. We opened our presents. My Sudoku book to her was a big hit (she loves puzzles, so I thought she would enjoy it). I loved all my gifts, and can't wait to read the many books. (Scratch that. One of my gifts was confusing. Mom gave me a Tide to Go stick. She said it was from "Santa". Tide to Go. The gift that says, "Merry Christmas, ya big slob!" We went to Mass that morning, and Mom called while we were there even thought Peg told her when we were going to Mass. (No, I'm not Catholic. Yes, I will still attend Mass with Peg. Yes, she always reminds me I can't take part in the sacraments. No, she did not remember to tell me that while exiting from an Episcopal service is orderly, the Catholics will run you over trying to flee the church.)

Peg, Bob, Steph, Steph's Mom, and I had dinner at the Holiday Inn- they do a big Christmas buffet, and it's quite popular. Good food, no cooking! We went back to Peg's and visited afterwards. Then Peg and I hung around the house reading and watching TV. (Confession time: I watch golf at Peg's.)

Today, I headed back early, because I was supposed to pick a friend up from the airport at 1436. He called to tell me he'll actually be in at 2210. So, the boys and I are just hanging out. Well, Ri and I are. Jasper is ignoring me, because I went away.

I hope y'all had a holiday filled with family, joy, and yelling at the current administration as well.

So, I decided that I needed to get out of town this weekend, so I e-mailed Cdub to see if she wanted to go with me to DC this weekend. 

Cdub:  Yeah sure!  I know we have been half planning this so let's go.  Are we doing Ikea too?  And I don't mind driving.

Then I called Peg to see if we could stay with her.

Peg:  Of course you can!  Anything special, or do you just need to get out of town?

WG:  I just need to get out of town.

Peg:  Do you know how to caulk a bathtub?

Oh, and I just got this IM from Goose:

if it makes you feel any better, I will never ever ever do that to anyone...ever.

WG:  Can I ask you a question?  Why are boys stupid?

Bud:  Because girls are stupid, too. 

  Entering the Arena 
  Originally uploaded by H2O girl.

So this weekend my parents came down.  On Saturday, we went to pick up my kayak.  I am so excited to have it.  Now I just need to get the right saddles for loading it onto my car.  (Note:  my father did provide me with everything I need to transport it.  However, he is used to having my mother around to help him load the boat.  I will be doing it by myself, which is why I would prefer a system like this.)   We then went out to the barn to clean tack and braid Solie’s tail. 

Sunday, I got up very early because I had to be at the barn at 0730 to get ready for the show.  Mom and Dad were still sleeping when I left.  We warmed up at Heather’s, loaded the Old Man into the trailer, and went to the show (the show was at the barn across the street from Heather’s).  We rode our best of the season.  I was told after the first test that Solie needed more energy, so we worked on that for the second.  It was a substantial improvement from the last show, so I was very happy. 

Came home, napped, and went kayaking.  Was very tired today.

So, this weekend I went up to see TRgirl and Randy.  They live just south of Richmond.  Friday night we went out for Mexican and then played Mini-Golf.  (I came in second, beating TRgirl.) 

Saturday, Randy went to work early and then had a bachelor's party to go to.  TRgirl and I went to Petersburg National Battlefield.  I wanted to see the Crater, and she indulged me.  (Well, she also wanted to see if it would be a good outing for the  kids she works with.  Answer:  no.)  Anyway, I took pictures.  (Next time:  Tredegar.) 

That night, we went out with 2 of her friends to finish off the bachelorette party for one of them.  We went to the Midway Lounge, which is apparently tradition.  (And there were 2 other bachelorette parties there that night.)  The music was a mix of country, dance, and pop.  We heard Big & Rich, Shania Twain, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Pussycat Dolls, Eminem, and Gwen Stefani.  The bar was smokey and made my eyes hurt, but I had a good time. 

Today, I raided their camping gear.  Randy promised to lend me Under the Banner of Heaven, but couldn't find it.  Proving that he's cool like Matlock.

(approximately 11:30 yesterday)

Watergirl:  Dials phone

TRgirl:  Hello?

Watergirl:  Guess who's not getting a birthday card tomorrow?

TRgirl:  You?

For the next 3 months, you are only 2 years younger than I am.  (And I am so old that I brought my heating pad to work today because my back hurts.) Ha! 

Have a good one!

So, I spent last week on vacation with my family in Maine.  My parents and my great-aunt (henceforth known as Peg)  own timeshares in Stoneham, and my aunt (my mom's sister) has a permanent campsite (huge RV!) in Naples. 

I left on Friday (Bud's birthday.  Happy Birthday, Bud!  Sorry I woke you up to tell you that!) to go to Culpeper, where Peg lives.  (Bud returned the wake-up favor by waking me up at 1020 to tell me that my dad was, in fact, coming.)   We woke up the next morning (early!  0415!) and drove to Dulles airport to catch our flight.  Stupid, used to RDU, me never imagined such lines at that time of the morning.  Luckily, I had requested a wheelchair for Peg at check-in (you have to reserve these ahead of time!) because  after waiting over and hour to check-in, she was in pain, and we didn't have much time (about 45 minutes) to make it through security before our flight.  Except that if you are in a wheelchair and the skycap is wheeling you around, there's a special security line. 

We arrived in Portland and went to the counter to pick up our rental car.  She asked the person giving us keys, contracts, etc. how one gets to the ME turnpike from the Jetport.   She specifically asked him, "What do I do at the light?"  He said, "You will go straight at the light," and handed us pre-printed directions to the Turnpike.  As we were walking out to our car, Peg said, "Those directions are wrong.  They gave me them last year and I got lost."  We proceeded to the airport access road, as per said instructions.  These instructions then stated, "Turn left at the first four-way intersection."  We came to that intersection and I told Peg to turn left, to which she replied, "He said go straight at the light." 

WG:  There isn't a light.  You have to turn left here to get to the light.
P:  I'm going straight.

We then reached an intersection with a light, but if you went straight, you would be in a neighborhood.  Also, there were signs at the intersection indicating that one should make a left turn for the ME turnpike.  We did, and Peg said, "See, I told you those directions were wrong!"  (Note:  I suspect that if you actually follow those directions, they are right.) 

After more navigational fun (and by fun, I mean the driver (Peg) not trusting the navigator (me)) (Note:  I am an excellent navigator. ) , we met my Aunt in Naples, hung out at the campground for a while and then drove to the timeshare and checked in.  Mom, Dad, Goose, and Rachel (Goose's girlfriend) arrived around 2115.

The next day (to the surprise of everyone who knows my dad) we went shopping!  At outlet stores!  And a Wal-Mart!  Wait- that was in the afternoon.  In the morning, Goose, Rachel, and I hiked up to an abandoned chalet near the timeshares.  On the way down, Goose started telling the story of when Randy demanded a nickname change (actually, he was making fun of him). 

Goose:  "Why can't I have a cool nickname, like Matlock or Iceman?"

Like Matlock?  Wow, these kids today sure have a different definition of cool!   (Note:  I am now using the phrase "Cool like Matlock" to indicate things that are not cool.  At. All.) 

Tuesday, I kayaked with my dad on Kezar Lake in the morning, and then I almost bought a kayak at Saco Bound.  But I decided against it, because, well, I should be studying for this exam I'm taking.   Maybe.  In October.

Wednesday was Super-Active day!  First, we hiked out to Emerald Pool (a pool formed by the Cold River).  You can jump off the rocks above into the pool, and Goose bragged that he was going to do it, but he needs to learn that you stick your bathing suit in your bag and don't tell anyone that you might do it.  That way?  No one knows if you chicken out.  We then went to Kezar Gorge, and decided to follow that up with a hike up Sabbatus Mountain.   It was a rough hike, and I had not been planning on it, so I had not taken my preemptive Advil.  So my ankle?  Hurt.   And then no one could find the rest of the loop, so we had to double-back. 

Thursday we went boating with my Aunt, my cousin, and my cousin's two sons.  We started out on Long Lake, where my Aunt's boat is docked, and traveled through Brandy Pond, the Songo River, and the Songo Lock to Sebago Lake.  Then we swam.  And perhaps some of us got sunburnt a little. 

That night we went to the Bridgton Drive-in and saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and War of the Worlds.  Do not put five fully-grown people into an Explorer and then go to a double feature at the drive-in.  Trust me.

Friday Mom, Goose, Rachel, and I went for a trail ride.  I rode a Shire horse named "Shire".   (Note:   he was probably a cross.  But still big.)  I don't know that they didn't have horses named "Appaloosa", "Morgan", and "Paint".  Anyway, the ride was good, the horses were good, and at no time did I fear for my mother's life.  Yay!

Saturday.  Airport.  More navigational arguing.  (Peg:  "I wasn't arguing.  I was just telling you what I thought.")  Click here for pictures. 

Also?  Guess what was with me the entire trip?  Tire gauge!

Confidential to Angeler:  Cdub and I are planning next year's vacation.  Call us when you get back from your family vacation. 

So, I just spoke to mom.  The conversation went like this:

Mom:  So, what did you do today?
WG:  Well, first I spent 2 hours at the barn getting Solie ready for tomorrow.
Mom:  Why were you at the bar with Solie?

Some of y'all know my mom.  You know then that if you meet my mom, she treats you as if you were another one of her children (except that, to my knowledge, she has never grounded you).   (Well, unless you are TRgirl, Bud, or Goose.)  Even the boys love her.  When I broke my leg, she came and stayed for a week, but had to go home for the weekend.  She came back for the surgery, and was greeted by two cat bellies.  That is a high compliment in the cat world.   

When I was growing up, I often wished that my mom worked, so that I could have the "fashionable" clothing.  (Why quotes?  I grew up in NJ.  Anyone else remember Z. Cavaricci jeans?)   I have come to appreciate having a mom who was home every day after school, who was there to listen to my problems and help with my homework.  (Well, until Calculus.  Mom, you were no help with Calculus.) 

We fought during my teenage years (I know, a mom and teenaged daughter fighting.  Shocker!), but we didn't really hold on to the anger.  Our most memorable fight involved throwing laundry at each other, which we then picked up and folded together.  (That's what I remember about the argument.  Not what it was about.)

I know that TRgirl, Bud, and I are the people we are because of Mom's influence.  (Goose is still young.)  We are in careers (or second careers) that help people, in our own ways.  We help where we can.  We support each other, and are always there when one of the others needs us. 

Mom, you are one of my best friends.  Thank you for all you do and all you have done for me.  I love you!

It was a long hiatus, I know.  It was a rough week.  There were some good times, however.

We learned from employees at the Pig n Steak that my grandfather, shortly before he stopped driving (about a year ago, IIRC), ran his car through that fine establishment's double glass doors.  (They open into the banquet room, which is where we had the post-funeral party.)  No one was injured, and apparently he got out of the car, leaving it in the doorway and the keys in the ignition, went in, and ordered his usual.  One of the waitresses ran out, backed the car up, and turned it off.  He didn't want anyone to know, so he paid for new doors and swore the employees to secrecy (Note:  He later told my parents, TRgirl, and Goose.)   Stephanie had noticed the damage to the front end and asked him about it.  His answer?  "Bobby must've done it."

On Wednesday, the four siblings plus one (Hi Randy!  Happy Belated Birthday!) went out for Mexican food.  (Note that this may not have been the wisest plan, as we were all sleeping in the basement together.)  We took Mom's Explorer, because it has the third seat, useful for putting Goose in.   Bud drove.  When the waitress came to take our drink order, Bud looked at her and said, "I'll have a Jose Cuervo," which got him strange looks from Randy, TRgirl, and me.   What he meant to order:  a Corona.  Tequila, beer, what's the difference?

Yes, the five of us slept in the basement.  TRgirl and Randy on the sofa bed, me on an air mattress, Goose on the futons, and Bud on a cot.  This prompted both our parents to say, on many occasions, "It looks like a barracks down there!" or  "Have you seen downstairs?  It looks like a barracks!" and any other variation on that you could possibly think of.  Please note, that if it were an actual barracks, we would have failed inspection spectacularly.

This weekend I spent down at MW's.  Y'all, he made me stew.  And it was good stew.  With many vegetables (corn, green beans, carrots, potatoes, onions).  And a side of asparagus.  And then, he spent two hours this morning repeatedly offering me orange juice, which I finally acquiesced to, mostly so that he would stop offering me orange juice.  And then he gave me stew and plums to take home.  If he weren't already MW, he'd be Five-a-day-for-better-health-man. 

But first the good news.  If I told you the bad news first, I'd feel guilty about having good news.  MW was up this weekend, and we went to Home Depot, because we know how to have a good time, people!  Shop for grills!  And then check out the lumber!  Anyway, when we were in the Home Depot (How many times do I have to mention that before they pay me advertising $?) we noticed that the skies were looking ominous.  Then we heard what we though was just a rainstorm (not just a rainstorm.  We are talking cats, dogs, and buckets.), but when we got outside?  It turned out that it had been hail.  Pea-sized hail.  About an inch of it. 

Later that night, we went to this restaurant for dinner.  So good.  I mean, y'all should come visit me so that we can go there good.  Well, unless you are a vegetarian.  If so, you wouldn't like it.   But otherwise, come. 

Also, MW helped me hang my painting, because he's cool like that.   It looks good above the couch. 

Now, the sad stuff.  Saturday night, after we got back from the restaurant, Mom called me to tell me that my grandfather had passed away.  Apparently, he was waiting for the Pope to go first.   Anyway, I am off for the services, so no new posts likely this week. 

Today Sara and I were outside sampling.  In the 76 degree weather.  I think I might have a bit of a sunburn.  (Shut up!  I did wear sunblock.)  It was lovely to not be in the office.  Tomorrow we get to do it again, and I am wearing my Tevas.  Yay sandals!

Here's a picture of the purple flowers that are growing all over our site.

Do note that underneath the rocks is a geomembrane.  Quite an effective one, I might add!  (Most of my readers:  "Huh?"  Angeler and Phoebs:  "Heh.")

Also, after counting the votes, The BIL shall now be known as Randy.  (Sorry Jenna.  But Mom and TRgirl are right.  It is a good story.)

The update on my grandfather is that he has pneumonia.  He was better today than he was yesterday.  Other than that, I don't know.

This weekend was the first time since TRgirl and The BIL's wedding that the four siblings (plus one!  I suppose he's officially included now?) have gotten together.  Bud and Goose spent the weekend talking like Homestar Runner and Strong Bad.  The BIL has lodged a formal complaint that I call him The BIL, while they get to be Bud and Goose.  "I want to be Maverick.  Or Iceman."  Dude, they are not Top Gun nicknames!  Anyway, poll.  Should I continue to call him The BIL, or should I call him Randy?  (Those are the only choices you get there, Randy.)

Also, there was an errand (a many detoured errand, Susan) with Susan, Stephanie, and Sara.  (Factoid:  The last time I was really wasted, it was with them.  Something about Dr. Pepper shooters.)

Peg is also quite sick; I woke up this morning to find a note by the coffee pot saying, "I've gone to the hospital.  The coffee is all set up- it just needs to be turned on."  I had to call mom and check that Peg was with her and that she hadn't taken herself to the emergency room.  She would so set up the coffee for houseguests before driving herself to the ER.  (Note:  That was not the case.  This time.)

Mom called me earlier to tell me that my grandfather has been taken to the emergency room.  We are all converging on Culpeper.

Peg (who is also ailing) called me just now to say, "I think you should pick up some wine on the way up.  I can't go out."  After a long pause, she added, "I guess you'd better pick up milk too."

Mom just IM'd me to tell me that they are going to be moving my Grandfather into the nursing home permanently.  I was hoping he'd be coming home soon.  Actually, I assumed he would. 

I wish I could explain how sad I am feeling right now.  I am sitting here with tears in my eyes.  Intellectually, I know that he can't really care for himself anymore, and this is the best place for him.  Emotionally, I want my grandpa, the one who used to take me to the beach in the evenings, back.

I am thankful that my move to NC, while placing me closer to him geographically, allowed me to grow closer to him as well.  I spent many lunches at the Pig n Steak (his favorite lunch spot) listening to stories I'd never heard before.  He is a good man, a kind man, a man whom I know loves me.  Please keep him in your thoughts. 

How much do I love that Bud takes Goose snowboarding, Goose falls down, and this is Bud's reaction?

Very much.  ("You fell down?  Too bad.  So sad.  Smile for the camera!")

So, what I didn't tell you about the trip to see my grandfather is that my grandfather, who has had two strokes, has TIAs quite frequently.  When Stephanie and Peg were discussing them, I started laughing uncontrollably.  That is because my mother has been calling them TMIs, which brings forth visions of my grandfather yelling out things you didn't want to know.  Come to think of it, knowing my grandfather, that's not too far off...

This weekend I drove up to Culpeper to visit my grandfather, who is currently in a nursing home.  I was nervous about making the trip, worried about seeing him.  One of the benefits of the move to NC has been that I have gotten much closer to my grandfather.  For my first two years here, he, Peg, Bobby and Stephanie were my closest relatives geographically.  I spent many weekends with them.  This allowed me one-on-one time with my grandfather.  He would tell me stories I'd not heard, and I learned things such as the fact that he didn't marry my grandmother until he was 29.

I was afraid that I would see him looking frail (well, frailer than usual) and ready to give up.  I am happy to report that this is not the case.  He is looking much better than I expected, and is eating well and working on his PT (I think because Peg has appealed to his stubbornness).  Hopefully, he will be home within a month. 

While at Peg's, I fixed the garbage disposal and the dripping faucet in the bathroom.  Also, we had an argument about the green deposits in her bathtub and sink.  I told her they were copper, and she said, "No, it's acid."  Would not believe me that it was copper, which is coming out of solution because the pH of her water is too low.  No, the green is acid, because that is what she's been told by the plumber.  Please note that one of us essentially has a Master's Degree in Drinking Water Treatment, and one of us does not.  Confidential to my family members:  I am an expert in one area.  Y'all are not experts in that area.  STOP ARGUING WITH ME ABOUT IT.

I called Cdub last night to wish her good luck on her first day at the new job.  We talked for a while, and I told her that I had to go, because I had to iron my sheets. 

Cdub:  You iron your sheets?

WG:  Well, this set has embroidery, and if you don't iron that...

Cdub:  It puckers.

WG:  I also fold my underwear and my socks.

Cdub:  Why wouldn't you?

WG:  I don't know, but I've been told it's strange.

So, before my riding lesson yesterday, Mom called to tell me that my grandfather was admitted to the hospital.  I am told that no one thinks it's serious, and that all should be OK, but still, I'm worried. 

When I answered the phone, she said, "I just called your cell and you didn't answer, so I called here to leave a message."  Mom, FYI, I do have voice mail on the cell.

Update:  I just spoke with Mom.  All the tests they ran were negative, and they are moving him to an extended-care facility for wound care and to build his strength back up.  I plan on going up next weekend- he'll have enough visitors this weekend. 

So, when I saw today's  For Better or For Worse, I was reminded of my Mom.  We've faced a similar situation. 

On February 8, 2003 I drove out to the farm for a riding lesson.  That night was the Water for Life dinner, and I had some errands to run before heading out to Chapel Hill that afternoon.  I had been mostly riding bareback in my lessons, as Heather felt I needed to improve my seat.  Solie is an old man and has a cushy back, so I rather enjoyed riding him bareback.  That day was chilly but clear.  I was wearing my favorite UMass sweatshirt for warmth.  The lesson was going well, and we were working on using the reins less and more seat when getting him to whoa.  I was riding in the A-F-B direction, and as we came through the corner at M, Solie sped up.  In Castle Farm's ring, there is a slight downward slope in that direction, so this was not abnormal.

I tried to get him to slow down without using my hands and lost my balance.  I came off his left side, but remember at one point looking up at his neck and the sky.  I don't remember any pain when I landed, but something made me look down at my right leg.  It was bent above my boot.  (My boots come above my ankle.)  I said, "Heather, I broke my leg!"  She said, "Do you want me to call 911?"  I assured her that this was a good idea, and entered into that eldest daughter someone-else-is-freaking-out-so-I-must-be-calm-mode.

I had Heather get my purse out of my car, because I would need my insurance card.  She grabbed my phone and asked who she should call.  I couldn't think of anyone at first; my best Raleigh friend (at that time) was not home that weekend.  Then I remembered that TRgirl had recently moved to Richmond, so Heather called her.  (TRgirl answered her phone and almost hung up on Heather, because she thought at first it was a telemarketer.  Luckily, she realized my number had popped up on the Caller ID.)   Heather gave her directions, directions I knew would not get her to me, but I couldn't help. 

In the meantime, the ambulance had arrived.  Solie, much to my surprise, stood quietly while the ambulance raced up the lane, lights and sirens on.  The ambulance was followed by a fire truck.  The paramedics came out to me and introduced themselves.  One said, "It's nice to meet you."   I told him, "No offense, but I wish we weren't meeting."  He laughed.  I begged them not to cut my boot off, as they were rather expensive.   I was told they wouldn't cut it off if while they were taking it off I didn't scream.  I am certain they expected I would.  I didn't.  Those boots cost a lot.

They put me on a back board and loaded me into the ambulance.  TRgirl called Mom (I knew she would) and said, "I'm going to Raleigh.  Watergirl fell off a horse and hurt herself and she was crying."  She remembers hearing me cry over the phone, and that's when she knew it was serious. 

As they were working on me, I was aware that one of the younger students (I now know who she is) had arrived for her lesson and was watching all of this.  I was very worried about her, and kept asking Heather to tell her everything would be OK. 

They loaded me into the ambulance, and I was aware that some woman I did not know was going to follow me to the hospital and that Chris, Heather's husband, would meet me there.  The mystery woman was his mother, who had dropped by the farm unexpectedly (and fortuitously).  She would pick up Dylan so that Chris could stay with me. 

Before we left for the hospital, the head paramedic asked me if I needed morphine.  I told him I was OK.  He said, "Looking at your leg hurts me.  You're getting morphine."  He then asked which hospital I wanted to go to, and told me where he would want to go if it were him.  A good thing to do here is take the paramedic's advice. 

Off we went to WakeMed.  It was a long, bumpy ride.  They wheeled me into the ER and the hospital immediately took my insurance information.  I argued with the nurse about cutting off my sweatshirt, my argument being "I broke my leg."  However, since I was involved in a fall, I was strapped to a board and they wouldn't unstrap me until they did a C-series.  The nurse compromised and cut off only my sports bra- it was my riding bra with the underwires (still haven't replaced it). 

I was wheeled into X-ray, where I kept laughing at the tech because they X-rayed my ankle last.  I found that very funny.  I know I was in X-ray for a while, but I don't know how long.

When I was wheeled back into an exam room, Chris came in.  He said, "I had to tell them I'm your brother."  I remember telling him I would have to cancel my next lesson and hoped that I wouldn't be charged, in accordance with the cancellation policy.  He reassured me I wouldn't.  He held my hand (or rather, he let me crush his hand) while they set my leg.  They couldn't do surgery that day, because some guy in Holly Springs had shot his mother and them himself, so there wasn't an OR free. 

By that time TRgirl had arrived.   She made sure the hospital gave me pants (they had cut mine off), and she and Chris loaded me into the back of her Pathfinder (the same one Bud just crashed).  She drove me home, went grocery shopping, and protected me from the boys jumping on my leg (Seriously, that was all they wanted to do.  Very helpful.).  She had a soccer game the next morning, and Mom wouldn't be there then and didn't want me left alone.  So I called Cdub, who at that point was really more of a casual acquaintance than a good friend, and is still not a morning person, but she agreed to come over at 0700 the next day to stay with me. 

Mom came, there was surgery eventually, lots of PT, and I am back to almost perfect now (well, anklewise).  But the reason for this post is to say that although this seemed like a bad thing, it actually had some very good outcomes.  TRgirl got in the car to come help me without even knowing where she was going, just knowing that I needed her.  Mom dropped everything to come and stay with me for a few weeks.  Cdub took very good care of me when they all left, and has become an amazing friend.  I lost my job in one of our offices, but convinced another one to take me on.  I am much happier at work now.  And oddly enough, the work Heather and I had to do to get me riding again has made me a better rider.

So, on Dec. 22nd I headed out for my parents' house in NJ to spend Christmas there.  I overnighted at Peg's; we exchanged gifts, and I picked up the gifts TRgirl had left there.  (See, when I told her I was stopping a Peg's on the way up, she said, "How am I supposed to get my presents to NJ?"  So, my family thinks I am a dictionary, a reference book, and a courier.  Oh, the hats I wear.) 

Anyway, I told y'all about the first part of the trip already.   What I did not tell you is that Casper, my parents' cat, hates me.  With the fire of a thousand suns is how much this cat hates me.  But he loves my dad.

Also, if you think I am a dork, this picture of Bud proves it to be a genetic condition.

Anyway, I left NJ on the 29th, and met Erica (Erica!) at Klondike Kate's  for lunch.  We hadn't seen each other in about 3 years, so I asked our wonderful and patient waitress to take a picture. 

Then I headed down to TRgirl and the BIL's for dinner.   It took me 2 hours to get from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to Fredericksburg.  Oh how I hate NoVA.  Anyway, finally made it to Richmond, where The BIL said, "Did you do something different with your hair?"  TRgirl:  "Um, it's straight??!!" 

Finally made it back to Raleigh at 1130, was at work at 0730.  Forgot 1800 riding lesson that night.  D'oh!

And thanks to my Christmas money and the Eddie Bauer white sale, the redecoration of the bedroom and bathroom is nearly complete.

Here's wishing y'all a wonderful 2005.

OK y'all.  I haven't updated lately, but that is because I am at my parents' house, where it is a.) crazy and b.) my dad does not know about this here website, for reasons which are very clear to you  if you know my dad.  So, he is sleeping, and I am on the work laptop.

Anyway, I got here on the 23rd, after a long drive from Culpeper.  Lots of traffic.  Some understandable (NJ Turnpike) some not so much (the entire fucking state of Maryland).  Christmas Eve we went to my Aunt's for dinner- they moved about a year ago, and I'd not seen the new house.  It's a nice house.  Very large, and if I lived there Orion would spend the entire day jumping from the walkway overlooking the family room onto my head.  Also on Christmas Eve, my dad made me wrap all the presents he had bought for my mom, telling me he didn't have time.  When Goose learned this, he said, "But he's just walking around upstairs."  I made him sign the card, however.

Christmas morning I was first up (it was 0800 people!), and I walked into the kitchen to get coffee.  Mom had set the pot up the night before, but overlooked the part where you have to put the pot on to catch the coffee.  There was coffee all over the kitchen.  And, I kid you not, 2 paper towels.  So, I cleaned that up, remarking to mom (whom I had woken up to ask where there might be more paper towels) that there seemed to be less water then I would have expected.  Bud later discovered that the reason for this was that the coffee had run into the cabinet under the sink. 

Funniest story?  My parents gave me the Band of Brothers DVDs for Christmas, and Bud told me I could only watch it if I called it BoB.  I said, "No, I like to call it Hot Men in Little Shorts," to which he replied, "That's only the first episode."

So Dad IM'd me when I got home from work this evening to tell me that Bud had gotten into an accident.  He is OK, but his truck, well, judge for yourself:

I later called Bud, and our conversation follows:

Bud:  Hello?
Watergirl:  How are you?
B:  I'm OK, but pissed off.  I liked that truck.
WG:  Well, you might could* get it fixed.
B:  Yea, I know.  How are you?
WG:  Pulled hamstring riding Bruno, but otherwise OK.  How's the woman you hit?
B:  She's OK.  She was upset because it was her mother's car.  She told me since it wasn't her car we had to get a police report, and I was all, well I clearly have over $500 in damages, so yeah, I need one.
WG:  But she wasn't hurt?
B:  No.
WG:  That's good. 
B:  Do you know what the worst part was?  I was supposed to go snowboarding tonight, and that was totally ruined.
WG:  [silence]... So, I am putting a picture on the website, but I won't show your license plate.
B:  You're going to put it on the website?  So you can make fun of me?
WG:  That's what the website is for. 
B:  To make fun of me?
WG:  Well, not just you.

*might could- A Southern expression that I originally vowed to never use.  Now I always do.   

So, I lost my original Nalgene bottle (the one I bought in Hadley, MA) about 8 months ago.  REI had them on sale in June, so I bought a new one.  TRgirl and The BIL also gave the members of their wedding party Nalgene bottles,  so I had 2, which is a good number, except that I usually use my Camelback for day hiking.  Yesterday I went to the carwash (the good one, where they vacuum your car and everything), and they found the original under one of the seats.  Now I have three (!) Nalgenes. 

On a somewhat related note, I think the next time I go to the carwash, I shall try Bunkey's or the AutoBell.  I've been going to the Scruffy Duck, and the past 2 times it has looked like they had a St. Bernard cleaning the windows.  With his tongue.  I even had the kid rewash the windows yesterday, and I still have to rewash them today.  Ugh!

And now for a completely unrelated story.  Thursday I was driving to Cdub's from the barn (rode Bruno, no stirrups, and my legs were SORE!) (oh, Cdub needed me to help move a recliner into her house.  This recliner has been in her van since Thanksgiving.) and my phone rang.  It was Bud, who said, "What does Goose want for Christmas? "  I didn't remember exactly.  He hung up to call TRgirl.  He called me again, when I was 5 minutes from m house, because he wanted to know what I got him (him being Goose in this instance) and I told him I'd call him again when I got home so I could give him exact details.  When I got home and called him, HE DID NOT ANSWER THE DAMNED PHONE!  He called me again, because he didn't get the voicemail I left.  At about 9:30 that night, the phone rang.  "What does mom want?"  Dude, it's called making a list before you go shopping.  Look into it.

So, as you know, I went to Culpeper for Thanksgiving.  I stayed at Peg's, and we had dinner at Bob and Stephanie's (that would be my uncle and his wife).  Or, as my Grandfather told my mom,  "I am going to Bobby and Stephanie's for Thanksgiving, and [Watergirl] will be there too!"  Her mom cooked the turkey, and we all brought side dishes.  As usual, there was too much food, but all was yummy.  (See the Thanksgiving photo album for pics.)

Friday morning I went to Wal-Mart to get tires.     Yes, I was in the Culpeper Wal-Mart on Black Friday.  Not as bad as you might think.  That night, we watched Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. 

Saturday I came home late.  Sunday I got up, read the paper, and went to work.  Then I stopped at church to pick up my greenery on the way home.  The house is now mostly decorated (I will put up the tree eventually), and Ri may have learned his lesson about not eating pine needles.  Of course, he's burnt himself with a candle three times, so maybe not.  Hard to say.

So, TRgirl called me yesterday. First, I would like to point out that she did not tell me about the jobs she's been interviewing for, or about how her trip to the Albany area was last weekend. What we did have was the following conversation:

TRgirl: Does Independence Air assign seats, or are they like Southwest?
H2O: They assign seats.
TR: Oh. 'Cause [the BIL] and I have to fly to Syracuse next month, and Southwest doesn't go there. Also, it's cheaper to fly Independence from Dulles to Syracuse. But we can each save $25 on the ticket if we join their frequent flyer club (True that! I've done it.), but then we have to book separately. But then we won't get seats together.
H2O: And?
TR: Well, we can't sit together.
H2O: But, it's like an hour and a half flight on a 50 seat plane.
TR: But we won't get seats together.
H2O: $50 savings.
TR: But we want to sit together.
H2O: But you see each other everyday. What, he's going to meet someone else on the plane?

I think I managed to suggest if the seat thing was such a big deal (still flummoxed here), they don't have to choose seats when they purchase, and can maybe get seated together if they check in together.

My confusion may stem from the fact that I don't really need to spend every minute of my day with anyone. Hell, I lock the cats up when they annoy me.

Last night, as I was falling asleep (at 2310), the phone rang. Now, it is a rule that you must answer late phone calls, because otherwise you won't sleep for wondering what's going on. I did not make it to the house phone in time, so the caller called my cell. I found the phone, and it was Bud.

WG: (sleepily) Hello?
Bud: Oh, did I wake you?
WG: Yes. Some people have to go to work tomorrow.
Bud: Well, now you're going to be mad. I just called to ask you a question.
WG: What?
Bud: Who sings that song Breakfast at Tiffany's?

I called TR girl last night. She told me that when she got home from work, she locked herself out of the house (their doors lock behind you when you close them). She thought the BIL was working until 9, so she decided to go for a walk. The BIL (who I should point out is a volunteer firefighter and trained EMT) got home early, saw her truck, but no TR girl. So he called our mom. Who is in Maine.

I was standing in the check out line at the grocery store this afternoon ready to grab my bags and go when my cell phone rang. The display said, "Mom calling," so I answered it. What did she need? "How do you spell apropos?" So, for the rest of you who might be tempted to call me about spelling, look, an online dictionary!

Hog farm waste? Stinky. There are no words.

In other news, forgot to mention that Goose was graduated from eighth grade yesterday. Congrats! Also, I am old.