Friday, March 27, 2009 10:09 PM CDT

Livi and her new fella arrived safely in Kansas City for the "event." There are a covey of sorority/fraternity folks there. How fortunate for any business people who happen to be trapped in the hotel over the weekend in the mini-blizzard with those hyped-up young ones!

Ah, as for me, I'm relaxing here at the apartment with a fridge full of food and plenty of kibble. The doglets have a head-start on their weekend nap. I could write a playbook on "Doglet Nap Positions and Their Meanings." There is a code.

I know. I've studied them.

Alas. The living room light blew right before dusk. I dragged the tallest chair right beneath the fixture, climbed up and I WAS STILL A FOOT TOO SHORT TO CHANGE THE BULB!

Fortunately, Livi's old fella was sweet enough to come over and (being tall) change said bulb for me, lest the doglets pass the evening in the dark napping in a room lit only by the tv screen. Curses! What mean and ghastly deeds would I have suffered at their paws tomorrow?

There were whirlybirds about this evening, too. I remained vigilant should the need arise to toss the girldogs in the tub and throw myself on top. Our weather radio blared and bleeped in the wee hours this morning about some flooding elsewhere, in case we were asleep and not sufficiently alarmed.

I found a dumplin' of a tiny cake to fetch tomorrow for Livi's birthday on Sunday. Hopefully, the weather won't preclude my venturing forth.

Lorraine checked in with me today via our old friend. I had been reeling and teetering. She just "knows."

Wes contacted me. He's traipsing around the netherparts.

My hair-do. Ah, yes. This morning the result looked as though I had my head stuck in the garbage disposal and yanked it out. I never worked so hard to have my hair look that bad. I went back to Wal-Mart and read labels. I bought another hair product.

i dread the prospect of tackling my curls-that-aren't and my do-that-won't in the morning.

Thursday, March 26, 2009 9:11 PM CDT

There will be snow.

It is official. The groceries have been bought.

The pair-a-doxies and myself will be busy making chili to keep ourselves occupied and out of trouble. We'll be in off the streets, due to the weather. I would employ the doglets as "tasters", but they are suspect. They'll eat anything except jello and call it "good." Hence, 'twill be up to me to determine whether or not the chili is a good batch or a not-so-good batch.

Livi and her new fella will be motoring to the even-farther North for that shindig where the forecast is a falootin' FOOT of snow. I'm packing blankets and flashlights for the car. AND, i've promised to come after them if I even suspect problems. The girldoxies will be riding sidesaddle and shotgun, too.

I attempted to stock up on black liquorice jelly beans today, but APPARENTLY someone besides me eats them. Wal-Mart was out. I found a bag elsewhere.

I used Livi's hair iron this morning and decided I needed to purchase one. While I was visiting Wal-Mart, I browsed the hair-iron aisle. Land sakes, I had no idea there were so many! I had three models in hand when I called for help. Livi was in class, so I called her fella and asked if he knew anyone who used one... "No." He did not. We tried to apply logic to the matter and ended up with three additional choices. I was getting no where...

AHA! I spied a cute young girl about Livi's age in the hair implements aisle who had "froo-frooed" hair and I asked HER which one (of the six) I should buy. She was full of hair information about all sorts of products and I left Wal-Mart ready to tackle the hair on my head with new products and a right dandy hair iron.

Lorraine would have been so proud. She always wanted me to enter the world of glamour.

Tomorrow I'll try it all out and see if I scare the dachshunds.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 6:55 PM CDT

Twenty-seven years ago today Grandpa got his wings. Yes, indeedy. He flew away. I remember the grin on his face. He was in his 80's. There was still a mischievious twinkle in his blue eyes. What a character.

Livi will be twenty this weekend. She's going out of town to some sort of shindig for sorority/fraternity types to Kansas City! Lord, let's just HUNT for snow! I'll be hanging around college town with our own snowy forecast keeping the doglets warm sans their coats and sweaters. Those are tucked away in the laundry room closet back at the castle. Along with my own long johns. (Shiver...)

Larry and I talked for a bit this morning. His golf buddies commented on the annual trip. The location has had 40 earthquakes in less than a week. Hmmm. Could be bumpy.

We are out of victuals once again here at the apartment. Someone needs to venture forth and procure. "Don't forget the black liquorice jeelllyy beeaannss!" I don't know why I'm yelling, I'll be the one who goes...

I made significant progress on the new machine today. I do not miss wretched machine. No, I do not.

I tried to work my new haircut in this humidity. There was an undesirable outcome. Livi took one look at me and said, "Mom, you were supposed to straighten it!" I did, or tried to...

One side of my head is curled up, the bangs are wavy and the other side, well, there just are no words.

Sigh.

Tomorrow is another day.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 10:10 PM CDT

Mercy Maude. Gracious me.

The obese one was plumb afraid of the loud thunder and thrashing wind earlier today. She barked rather fearfully, shaking all the while, finally climbing into the chair beside me for comfort. Very undachshund-like behavior.

The pup wasn't too concerned about the thunder-boomers. She peeped out of her snuggle sack and looked at me inquisitively. I presented a brave front and her short self resumed the position.

The weather radio was blaring and announcing all manner of atrocities in counties I knew nothing of. I found a weather map on the local tv station and determined there was no need to tuck a doglet under each arm and dive for the bathtub. Good. It needed scrubbing.

Livi came in between classes looking like she had swam upstream. Her long curls hung in dripping rivulets. Her pants were plastered to her legs. She hurriedly changed her clothes and slipped into rainboots and returned to the next class.

I was quite glad to be in the dry. Luckily, the girldoxies had been outside just in time before the deluge.

The weather forecast for the weekend is WINTER-LIKE weather. At the tail-end of March.

I could have sworn Spring was here.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 8:34 AM CDT

I turned in early (midnite) last night due to Livi's study schedule and didn't get on the computer, as only one of us can use the internet at a time. By the time it was my turn, I was tired.

Oh, that and we were glued to the tv for a season finale...

Livi had an onset of cleaning and straightening that hit her about bedtime and every pile of clutter was upended. We still have piles, mind you, just nicer ones. (smile.)

There is a noise outside the wall of Livi's bedroom up against her bed what sounds like a coat hanger scratching the inside of a milk bottle. It plays for us all night long. ALL night long.

The doglets are trying desperately to catch up on their sleep.

Larry is enjoying some good golf weather these days. I'm proud for him.

Everything is in bloom in college town. Keeping the windows closed. TIGHT.

Sunday, March 22, 2009 11:30 PM CDT

We're back!!!

The caravan pulled into college town right at sundown, Livi, her fella, myself and two, count 'em, dos, doglets in vehicles stuffed with "necessities." I wonder sometimes at the numerous items we require to sustain ourselves.

The girldoxies were pleased to find their squirrels on the kitchen floor when they were finally let out of the cage. (I had tossed the raggedy rodents moments before to help the pair-a-doxies settle in!)

The snuggle sack quickly found its place on the couch and was mashed and wallowed into a proper vantage point.

Larry called to see if we were managing. We were.

Amazingly, no grocery fairy filled the fridge! Hence, I suspect one amongst us will make the Wal-Mart run tomorrow. Oh, how I wish those girldogs could drive. I'd send them with a list.

Hmm. What I got back might not be edible. Or, it might have teethmarks in it!

Lots to be done as the semester burns away...

Saturday, March 21, 2009 7:43 PM CDT

Uhg...Migraine. Rainy day. Barometric ups and downs. I oughta just hire out to tape myself up on a pole and predict the weather.

We celebrated Livi's 20th birthday EARLY today. She still has eight days before the bonafide event, but there's a sorority function out of town during the date in question. Livi chose to dine at Chili's out of all the fine dining establishments in town. We had guiltless grills items times three.

Her choice of cake to celebrate was an ice cream cake at Maggie Moo's. A miniature, but full of yummation. There were pictures of Livi with her fella and the cake, Livi and the obese one and the cake (attempting to dive face first INTO said cake, I might add...), Livi and a squirming pup with said cake, and Livi with the momma what bore her some two decades ago with the infamous cake... Did I mention we got photos of the cake? Larry took videos and did a running monotone while we snapped the pictures.

Everyone retired to the family room with ice cream cake and watched Steel Magnolias. I'd say the early celebration was a success. The obese one wouldn't. She DID NOT get any cake.

Oh, we also took in a movie as part of our fun. We were going to go hog-wild and have popcorn and drinks, but we were all full as ticks on a dog's ear, so we declined.

Tomorrow we travel back to college town...

Friday, March 20, 2009 10:20 PM CDT

Herself found a bottle of chocolate syrup in Livi's bag and popped the top COMPLETELY off the bottle. She then slurped her long tongue way down inside the bottle which tumped it over and sloshed sticky syrup inside the bag all over the tees and other clothes.

Livi put her fine obese self into Livi's own bed along with the pup and sometime in the dark of night, tummy troubles set upon them all. Herself puked chocolate syrup on the sheets and the comforter. Livi stripped the bed down to the mattress and tossed the obese one into her crate, alone. Further puking set upon her and she befouled the crate badly into the night.

I can't thank Livi enough for leaving the chocolate syrup in her bag and leaving said bag on the FLOOR, aka, dachshund territory. It is written.

The pup was purely disgusted.

Hopefully, this night will be much less eventful.

Praying all those kids home from Spring Break...

Thursday, March 19, 2009 9:08 PM CDT

Oh, that bird.

He (or she) gave up on the family room and moved to the bedroom. Now the peckpeckpecking has commenced in there. AND, continues.

I knew we were having some rain today.

My migraine.

Livi made it back from Natchez just fine. She loved the food. Brought her daddy some fudge. The pup pert near popped when she discovered Livi inside the castle this 'evening. My, she was excited.

The obese one laid her ears low and vocalized to beat the band til she got her share of attention. Then, she crawled in her snuggle sack and paid no mind to anyone.

I had my teeth cleaned. No cavities. Yeah for me.

Time to consume some black liquorice jelly beans.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 11:16 PM CDT

I believe the dachshunds have been reading Thoreau.

Larry experienced a double armful of civil disobedience from the canine contingent this evening when trying to put the pair-a-doxies to bed. Having a doglet under each arm, squirming, Larry attempted to lower the obese one into the cage opening. She refused and blockaded the doorway with her body.

The pup used Larry's off-balance attempts to wedge Herself inside the cage and wriggled loose, thereby running amuck. The obese one slipped past Larry at the cage door and ran back to her perch on the couch.

The only living critter anywhere near the cage was Larry, and he wouldn't fit inside.

I picked up the doxies, who immediately became limp and meek as lambs and put them "in" for the night. Tsk, tsk.

I believe I heard the duo blowing raspberries at Larry...

Livi has her driving directions at hand for her return trip tomorrow. I have high hopes.

I got my hair "recut" today. I am better satisfied. Less hair.

Continue to pray for all the Spring Break travelers.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 8:49 PM CDT

Today's talk at the luncheon seemed to go well. There were lots of questions afterward. I always consider that a good sign.

The bird persisted a bit this morning. However, I didn't see her this afternoon. Sore beak?

I checked in on Livi. She's doing well in Natchez.

The girldogs are enjoying their break, napping, mostly. Occasionally, one or the other of them will explode into a barking melee thoroughly gleeful to have an excuse to make so much noise. The offender is more-often-than-not a passing car or a bird that strayed too close for their taste.

I went to the eye doctor today. I'd been having some issues with my right eyeball. Worried after last year's exam that I could be developing a cataract, I hustled on in. I have nothing against pirates, but I prefer not to wear a patch. The eye doc told me I see almost perfectly outta my "lefty," but I've got a farsighted "righty."

SO, that's why I have a pair of readers in every room.

There's some issue with inflamation, too, making my eyes red and irritated. GOOD! Finally, we'll get that cleared up. The doc offered the idea of wearing one contact (just for "righty"), but I'd rather poke a sharp stick in my eye. The every thought gives me the willies. Maybe next year.

I'm slowly learning to navigate the seas on my new computer. The "Dummies" book is somewhat helpful, although, I need a few more volumes.

Continue to pray for all those on Spring Break...

Monday, March 16, 2009 8:55 PM CDT

The bird was back again today. Still bangin' her beak against the castle window pane.

I spoke with Livi today. She is enjoying Natchez.

I had lunch with The Option. No, the girldoglets were NOT invited. I'm trying to keep this bit of information from them.

I've opened a bag of dark chocolate M&M's in honor of St. Patty's Day. I've eaten all the orange and blue ones, saving the rest for later.

This morning I had the chance to get in a good workout. FINALLY. After and hour and a half, I could feel the stress lifting after my partial semester of "college." Another good go in the morning and I should be right as "rain."

Larry and I stopped by Barnes and Noble for a book I needed, seeing as how I have a new computer. One of those "For Dummies" tomes...

I have a speaking engagement tomorrow honoring Lorraine's memory by way of raising awareness of TBI.

Remember Lorraine.

Sunday, March 15, 2009 7:49 PM CDT

I'm not sure where the robins have been wintering, but I'd say, "don't go there."

One mother robin has been flying at our rear castle window for close to twenty-four hours now. Although, she may call off the assault at dark. I couldn't say, as I've retreated to an inner room.

She hurls herself full-out at the glass beak first with blood in her wide WIDE open eyes and PECKpeckPECKpecks on the glass rather unrelentingly. She flies back to the crepe myrtle beside the glass and repeats the process. Sometimes she sits on the ledge and stares in at us after she's all done pecking. One thing I'm sure of after all this time...

THAT BIRD IS TOUCHED. Crazy. Off her beak, a bubble or so.

It all started with the pup barking at mother bird for flying over the postage stamp, low. I suppose she was headed to the myrtle to build a nest and lay and egg or two.

Two days ago.

Larry baked Livi a brownie and frosted it for her to tote with her on her trip to Natchez for Spring Break. I had a piece on a plate today sitting unguarded on a side table whilst I was out of the room. Uh-oh! I re-emerged to find the obese one tippee-toeing and stretched as far as possible from the couch virtually suspended in mid-air with my brownie (frosted) encased between her nubile lips. I shouted and "SURPRISE!" said brownie was FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST!

Speaking of Natchez, Livi left with my tiny map-in-box that Larry got me for our anniversary plugged in her car. She also had my Rand McNally atlas of the US and a full page of written instructions to get her to her destination. Somehow, bless her soul, she headed for Beaumont, Texas instead of Natchez. We were able to redirect her and she arrived safely.

Mercy Maude.

Saying a prayer for ALL the Spring Break travelers...

Saturday, March 14, 2009 11:27 PM CDT

There is some kind of psychic kismet to having my hair done. All is well in my corner of the universe for a few weeks. Or, til the weather changes.

I decided to spoil myself and get a pedicure this afternoon whilst I was back in civilization, as Larry refers to non-college town life. Mercy Maude! Being accustomed to prices in college town, I nearly came down with a case of the vapors when I paid the bill. I suppose that's the cost of having BOTH feet pretty.

Larry and I spent a goodly amount of time trying to move permanent files from wretched machine to the new computer. We've had no luck. I'm sure there is some magically easy way and we just aren't privy. One more way for wretched machine to act ugly.

Livi leaves in the morning for her bit of Spring Break. She is busy washing laundry and packing. She needed an emergency dark chocolate frosted brownie baked a short while ago. Larry and I were happy to help. We all ate a bit. Fresh and warm and gooey. I'm wrapping the remainder up for her trip...

The obese one was assisting with the packing activities. She dug around Livi's purse and ate an entire pack of gum. She gnashed her teeth on a tin of lip gloss, but couldn't get it open. Fortunately, the epipen and inhaler were spared, too. I can only do so much. I'm sure I've reminded every member of this bunch to keep their belongings off the floor, as the doxies believe anything on the floor is automatically THEIRS. We have made more than one emergency run Wal-Mart sack in hand with a sick doglet to the vet...

Sigh.

Friday, March 13, 2009 9:38 PM CDT

Oh, joy of my heart. Spring Break is here at last.

I don't know who is happier, the girldoxies or me. They fairly danced when I began wheeling my suitcase toward the door of the apartment. And, like Noah's good little doglets, two by two, they marched into their cage, ready to go "bye bye."

'Course, I had scarcely made the outskirts of college town when they began "singing", needing to peep. (Sigh.) It's hard to make good time traveling with those two.

When we arrived at the castle, we three burst inside and just stared at all the space. We were not used to such high ceilings and the echoing of sound from room to room. The dachshunds ran about, barking, listening to themselves. I really enjoyed being in a residence what was clean and orderly for a change. Livi hadn't arrived yet.

Larry took me to Best Buy and together we picked out my Mother's Day present a tad bit early. I got a new computer.

YIPPPEEEE!!! Farewell to wretched machine. The technology I learned to despise.

This computer is a horse of a different color. Hopefully, I'll have a better experience. One can dream.

Tomorrow I FINALLY get my hair done. It has been a long and drastic winter. Time for a change.

There are no groceries here at the castle.

At least we have kibble.

Thursday, March 12, 2009 11:36 PM CDT

One more day til spring break begins!

Lorraine has been so busy getting her message out. I was contacted this week to speak at the ledge, to be interviewed on tv and to speak at a lunch group about her experience. Yeah, Lorraine!

Livi has a test in the morning. I hope we've prepared enough. This is a tough one.

The girldogs are packing their squirrels and preparing for the trip back to the castle. I dread dragging all my belongings back and forth, but I'm looking forward to being back in my own fortress for a change. I'm sure Larry will be glad to have us under the same roof. I can see it now, Larry on his end of the couch, a doxie on either side of him.

Wes has returned from his trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro. He didn't fall off the side and an avalanche didn't blow him away. He wants to climb more mountains.

Say a prayer for all those traveling over spring break.

Thursday, March 12, 2009 9:21 AM CDT

Livi and I discovered if we pour a few grains of salt in our shoes, the doglets will not lick the insides of them. Indeed, the wee ones make the most horrid faces.

I must have witnessed my ovaries' own version of Custer's Last Stand yesterday, given there is no evidence of those ancient organs doing anything worthwhile, as I found myself in Wal-Mart on two different candy aisles. Livi was picking up a presciption and I moseyed. I snatched up my annual bag of black licorice jelly beans (heavenly and only .78!) and became land-locked with indecision in the non-seasonal bagged candy section. I worried and fussed over THE perfect selection until Livi found me. She paced up and down, back and forth, finally screeching, "JUST PIICCCCKKK ONE, FOR GOSH SAKES!" After all, they were all dark chocolate...

Still, no choice.

She threatened to leave me and I believed her, having raised her, so I closed my eyes and grabbed a bag, running after her.

As I hurried to catch up to her long legs, I noticed the aisles full of salty fritos, begging to go with me... I wanted to upturn one over my head and lick the sides to consume the salt. Yup. Hormones.

I snagged a big single-serve Diet Dr. Pepper in line and I was good to go.

Lorraine made another "appearance." She came to Livi's new fella. He never met Lorraine before she got her wings. Yet, he knew about her from hearing Livi, and me of course. He talked of her eyes and how she had SO much to say. She was wearing some dark clothes, blue? We weren't surprised. She had a young man with her. Again, no surprise. However, his description fit Livi's dear friend who got his own wings shortly before Lorraine. Odd, huh?

She's around. Keeping us close.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 11:56 PM CDT

My what a patchwork quilt of weather this day has been! The day began warm, then progressed to windy. The late afternoon gave way to gully-washers and a mighty cool-down. Tomorrow we are expecting a 35 degree drop in temperatures. The day after, I'll be hovering here in the apartment whilst we experience "winter mix."

Ha! Just a tease with those forsythias and bradford pears a'bloom.

Livi and I are counting the days til our Spring Break. Hopefully, we won't be donning our winter coats to enjoy it.

We threw caution to the four winds tonight and ordered out. We have been economizing and cooking our own dinner. However, being down to one egg and little else in the fridge with the break coming next week, I could see no point in shopping for groceries. Livi has eaten grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and dinner enough times to welcome a change in her diet.

We looked on the internet at a local eatery's menu and made our selections. I ordered a healthy "free range chicken and veggies." Livi trotted off in pursuit and returned aghast.

$20.00! I sure hope that chicken enjoyed his freedom on the range.

I'll be enjoying THAT meal again tomorrow, too.

Mercy Maude.

Monday, March 9, 2009 11:15 PM CDT

Sometimes I wonder if anyone in my life listens to me.

Ever.

When I am talking on the phone and trying to convey something deep and important, sharing some part of myself that I need to discuss, inevitably whomever I'm talking with will say "Hold on, I'm getting another call."

Oh. Obviously, what I've said hasn't made much of an impact.

I can't tell you how many times I've let calls go that I really wanted to take just to continue listening to whomever I was speaking with so that person wouldn't feel like what they were saying wasn't important to me.

Pardon me, but isn't that simply good manners?

Or, making plans. I must be prone to taking what is said to me too literally. I expect to mean what I say and say what I mean. Apparently other folks "plan" til a better offer comes along. Gosh, I'm getting to be an old hand at being stood up.

Family and friends expect me to be there when it's convenient and know I'll understand when it isn't. Sometimes, though, I might need a little of their time, too.

It gets old being the stand-up. Real old, real fast.

Lorraine must have known I was needing her support as she came to me last night in my dreams. I felt her touch and heard her voice once again. She found a way to communicate with me. To reassure me.

Trying to hold fast.

Sunday, March 8, 2009 8:36 PM CDT

I've been in college town now for two months. I certainly think I've done more than I expected when I offered up my womb as free lodging for nine months some twenty years ago.

I've seen my child from the inside out as a budding young woman in a set of circumstances I never expected to be privy to. I learned the meaning of the word "tool" today. I know who goes to what bar, who skips class, who lies to their parents about "stuff" and other sundry information I would have gone about life blissfully ignorant of.

Young people don't grow up as quickly in this day and age as before. They are still half-kids and half-adults. Their brains are full of technological garbage and fashion information, yet severely lacking in traits of character development that will carry them throughout the trials of life.

Most of them believe they suffer the cruelest depravity if they suffer through college without a flat-screen tv. Good lord, I felt privileged to have a can opener. I was in high cotton when I had more than three forks. Metal ones, not plastic.

Sure, many of them recyle and join causes, run races to save the rain forrest or buy shoes for some underprivileged kids in a remote village. But, those same neo-adults if spliced in two would reveal layer after layer of selfishness down to the hot molten magnma of their inner being. They just don't get it.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you OUR FUTURE.

Saturday, March 7, 2009 9:31 PM CST

Ah, the tide seems to be turning up here in college town. Sure, the forsythias are attempting to bloom and a few bradford pears are teasing with white sprigs here and there, but I can sense that cold chill in those magnanimous gusts of wind.

The weather forecast indicates possible WINTER MIX next week. There you have it. Right smack dab in the biblical begatting of spring. All that and a stick of chewing wax.

I was fortunate to be invited to a college-town baseball game this afternoon with my new friend. She had an extra ticket, which I graciously used. I actually understand baseball somewhat. Back in the 70's I followed the sport and could spout a stat or two. I munched on popcorn and had a right fine time listening to the crowd and watching the players. If only the doglets could have been in the seat beside me. After all, no one was sitting there.

Livi and her fella joined me for lunch prior to my game attendance. She's on the prowl for a dress to wear to some sorority function. I did the "yea, uh-huh, hmmm." Larry taught me to look interested and not hear one word years ago.

I've set the clocks ahead and tucked the girldogs in early. We'll go through a few days of adjustment with the time change.

Bewilderment in the a.m.

Friday, March 6, 2009 10:46 PM CST

Low and behold. Days like this make you wanna hug someone's neck.

The sun shone gloriously and the mercury teased me by bumping up against the 80 degree mark. I could not help but take those lovely doglets "bye-bye in the car" to play in the park. The pair-a-doxies were simply elated to be outside again today. Their sniffers were on high-gear and their tails were a-waggin'. We took our time, paced ourselves, stopping along the way to sit a spell at the many park benches offering a shady respite. Even so, the pup flipped over on her side and I resorted to dragging her like sack of potatoes every now and again. She just refuses to walk when she gets tired.

Not the obese one! OH, NO! Descended from hearty German stock, she trudges forward stepping on her tongue and panting, but determined not to give in...

Whata weiner.

After our walk I decided to mosey over to the college town vet and have a go at clipping off the winter's growth from the doglet's nails. They were beginning to resemble miniature grizzlies.

My, didn't they enjoy THAT? The obese one screamed and harangued and swore someone was amputating her leg. The pup dramatically rolled her eyes and whimpered, but all-in-all stoically endured. They sniffed and postured at all varieties of breeds in the office and left a marked impression amongst the staff. What kind of impression, I'd rather not say. I was just grateful to stuff my receipt in my purse and slink out the door...

After a nice long, dusty walk one needs a BATH. We three got ours. Two of us shared one with Livi with the third one waiting in the wings with a towel at the ready. I'd swear Livi gets dog-cussed during that shower! The obese one dog-paddles in a vain effort to escape and the pup just suffers in silence. I dry the pair off and brush them. They get treats after the ordeal is over. Then, when I'm good and wet, covered with hair, I take my own bath.

We fell asleep on the couch watching tv as we were clean and pooped from our exercise.

Another extreme Friday night. Doxies gone wild.

Thursday, March 5, 2009 7:52 PM CST

This was a sad and difficult day.

My dear friend's momma got her wings this morning. There is no such thing as "a good time" for someone to go. There is no "being ready" or "getting prepared." It is what it is.

I had just left town for my day of adventure when I got the call to come to the hospital, so I turned around and beat a path back to the apartment. I changed my clothes and told the doglets to "be good girls" for an extra little bit and headed to the hospital.

I really just found myself a shady spot for the most part, but I did blend in well with the decor. (It was a nice shade of orange.) I hope in some small way, my presence was beneficial. Lorraine was likely on duty and fluttering about, worrying over the family.

I managed to get to the park this afternoon with my new college town friend and the girldogs as a reward for their patience. OH WEREN'T THEY HAPPY! The pair-a-doxies went "bye-bye in the car" and took a walk all in the same afternoon. They used their noses and wrote in Japanese on my friend's car window, too. (I'm sure the message was something disparaging to other dogs.) They found several bigger dogs to stare down at the park and a multitude of scarey baby carriages and toddler bikes.

The obese one peeped a river of dominance over every spot she discovered as we were walking. She should be dry for a couple of days...

The pup sat squat down after a bit and refused to budge per usual. I had to tote her fat self. Where's that pink stroller when I really need it?

I was too pooped to even consider dinner after the fresh air and exercise. The doxies have turned in for the night.

Weiners.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009 9:50 PM CST

Well, wouldn't you know it? There IS a gym up here that I can join month-to-month and not pay a whomping big joining fee! Just wait til I get back from Livi's Spring Break.

Ok, so it's for senior citizens, but SO WHAT? Everyone will be covered up, THANK GOODNESS. No more tight spandex exercise groupies.

The girldoxies have taken to squirrel smuggling within the apartment. Apparently, the object is to hide not one, but both the squirrels from the other doglet, THEN, find a secretive place and play (selfishly) with both of 'em. If this keeps up, I may have to send the pair of them outside to cut me a switch.

The weather is warming up nicely around these parts. I've got plans to get outside tomorrow and scuttle about with a girlfriend on an adventure.

I went to the mall for a minute this afternoon. I just couldn't bring myself to part with the cash for a pair of shoes. I bought a cookie. I waited til I got to the apartment to have a Diet Dr. Pepper, as I didn't want to donate the $1.59 including tax to go with the cookie. Geeze.

Livi and I finished another online assignment. We're working toward another test.

Come on Spring Break!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 9:27 PM CST

Sometimes this journal is just not big enough to contain all my feelings and emotions. There just aren't any words.

If only I could type in "pawprints."

I took a good hard look at myself in Livi's bathroom mirror today. (Actually I've begun referring to her bathroom as "the outhouse.")

I look strained, stressed and drawn.

This has been a hard half semester for one of us.

There are bags under my eyes. The doglets aren't going to recognize me before long.

I'll be ready for a vacation after all this schooling.

Ready to make some new friends and get out of this crackerbox, too.

Monday, March 2, 2009 10:58 PM CST

Bring on another round. Well, another can. This one was a different brand and tasted a little better than the can I struggled to swallow yesterday. Livi came home after I finished imbibing the suds and wanted to know if I'd been using bleach? Hmmm.

The doglets and I took a wee nap late this afternoon. There's something comforting in the warmth of a curled, sleeping dachshund. Even more so with two.

I made my Wal-Mart run and picked up three versions of Cran-Grape; regular, lite and diet. I prefer regular.

I got wind of the pending change coming this weekend whilst watching the news. I would have missed "springing forward." I could have sworn we sprung in early April.

Lorraine was about today, too. She was on several tv programs. Something is definitely up.

The college town weather is whooping and hollering. We'll go from 18 at night to near 80 in the daytime this week. Mercy Maude. Even the doxies will have the sniffles.

Going with the flow.

Sunday, March 1, 2009 11:04 PM CST

Alas. I have been experiencing some unusual knocks and pings in my right side not too far from my belly button and I sought counsel for what might be ailin' me.

My best good friend from law school who is also a registered nurse and I figured out I might just be forming a kidney stone. Momma had trouble with those. She twiddled with her kidneys in forty-odd ways, so I thought, "Why not?"

Having dealt with rural medicine some-odd years ago, my friend prescribed multiples bottles of beer to flush out my kidneys, along with my usual cranberry juice and gallon or so of water.

Beer. Me? The last time I drank beer (except for the sips I had with Wes in Bavaria) would have been in the early 80's. A while back. And, I wouldn't have had more than a cupful then. From what I remember the stuff tasted like horse peep and smelled worse.

Beer isn't sold on Sunday in college town. Fortunately, Livi's fella lives in a fraternity house and as she tells me, there's always a can of beer in a fraternity house.

Do tell. I wonder if their parents know?

Livi's fella brought over two different brands (Lite) for watering down my kidneys. I ate lunch (I didn't want to drink on an empty stomach) and poured half of one can into a glass. By this time it was cold and I used a straw. (I have sensitive teeth.) Yep. Horse peep.

I had two doxies in my lap trying to poke their heads in the glass. I managed to finish the entire can. I drank a bottle of cranberry juice to chase the taste of the beer and spent the afternoon trotting back and forth flushing out my kidneys.

Hopefully, I won't need to pop the top on can number two.

Saturday, February 28, 2009 10:51 PM CST

Say goodbye to February. "GOODBYE."

We had snow here in college town. It was colder than blue blazes all the live long day, too. What a day to host Mom's Day for the Greeks. I was actually glad to sit this one out. Larry, Livi and I went out for barbeque and froze our tushies off.

Larry had already illuminated my day beyond compare before we ventured forth. He managed to step in dog poop whilst taking the doxies out and kindly tracked it back in with him, walking about on the carpet. AND, the obese one peeped the down comforter on the fold-out couch bed, which Larry then sat on and we had another mess to clean up.

I inquired as to the length of his stay.

Bless his sweet heart.

After Larry left for the castle, the snow began to fall in earnest with much bigger flakes. We have a nice accumulation, if you favor that sort of thing. (Sniff.)

Larry reached the castle keep safely and the doglets are tucked in their bed here in the apartment.

Tomorrow brings more preparation for the upcoming test on Monday.

Friday, February 27, 2009 10:24 PM CST

Another day, another test taken. Hopefully, another great grade.

We have snowy, icky weather in these parts. The forecast is, at best, grim. Chalk one up for the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Larry and the obese one arrived about suppertime bearing gifts and supplies in the form of a new toothbrush, more deodorant and an extra pair of shoes. The obese one was DE-Lighted to discover me once again. She acted as though her fine self had been on vacation. I have to admit the pup wasn't overly thrilled to have the obese one back amongst us, though. Funny.

Larry and I played cards this evening and watched tv. Big night. Livi and her fella had a bit of a function on campus to attend.

Tomorrow is officially "Mom's Day" and I have high hopes for a quiet day. With the weather forecast, I'm hoping Livi can creep up to the sorority house and take the official photos and creep back to the apartment with little or no fanfare. We may just postpone our private doin's til a warmer day.

I imagine Lorraine will make an appearance for Mom's Day if I know her as well as I think I do.

We shall see.

Thursday, February 26, 2009 8:01 PM CST

Whew! The doglet and I sat upon the divan this evening poised to dash into Livi's shower and duck down in case a whirly-bird came tearing through college town. We had our weather radio beside us on the table and it would blast off every now and then scaring the be-Jesus outta the both of us.

I imagine this will be a bumpy night. I'm planning to sleep in my clothes. The pup already has hers on.

This morning when Livi's alarm went off, the four-legged one popped up and I knew right away something wasn't right. My underwear was hung up in her collar. Gracious. She does SO like to snuggle. Talk about a fine howdy-do.

Livi came home today with yet another fine grade on her latest test. YEAH!!!

She has one tomorrow. AND, one Monday.

Gotta keep the momentum pumping.

Thursday, February 26, 2009 9:41 AM CST

The pup and I were given a treat yesterday. A ladyfriend of one of my girlfriends back near the castle looked us up here in college town and decided we needed to "get out more."

I tend to agree.

We three took a mini-hike in beautiful warm spring-like weather (cue sunshine, sprigs of emerging green grass and a bird or two chirping...) for might-near three miles. It was grand. The pup faced down three canines of unknown heritage and lived to tell about it. She filled her snout with glorious outdoor smells and the contents of one grimy napkin. She was sated.

This kind soul had picked the pair of us up in her car and on our return trip toted us about town pointing out the sights. The pup was out cold on the floorboard at my feet.

Ah, fresh air, sunshine and good female conversation. I was dozing off on the divan by 7:30pm. I quizzed Livi for her next exam, but she, too, had gotten out and had a good run in the lovely weather and was having trouble keeping her eyes open. We finally gave it up and went on to bed.

Double up today!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:49 PM CST

There are many things about the world I occupy daily that I do not understand. Lots of things. I have studied and observed in various disciplines and continue to do so. One that I've noticed whets my appetite is astrophysics.

I wonder who else might be out there looking back at me? Who else might be talking to Lorraine right now that I have yet to meet? What other worlds did God make to run along side or ahead of our own? I'm not so egotistical to think the broad spance of time and space was created just so our wee planet could wallow around all by itself.

How minute are my daily troubles in correlation to the vastness of the whole. Miniscule really. Yet, God takes the time to concern Himself with every thought I have and every feeling I feel. Awesome.

My life matters not on this planet to many folk. My time spent here will leave no mark and my name will cease to be uttered not long after I pass through. And, the rock housing our world will keep right on turning. The vastness of space will continue to confound the brightest minds. New lives will come into being. Stars will fold in on themselves and someone will fiddle around with their black holes and create a new theory...

Me? I'll be hanging out on the brightest galaxy, seeing what I can learn.

Monday, February 23, 2009 6:31 PM CST

Another spine-tingling day here in college town living in the apartment...

The pup and I cleaned. (I thought perhaps the dust was making us cough.) Well, one of us cleaned and the other supervised. Until the vacuuming began, that is. The supervisory party dug herself a hole in her snuggle sack and hid til the machine cut off.

We two also did laundry. One of us loaded the machine whilst the other one sniffed the underwear. The party what sniffed the underwear had her picture taken with my phone/camera (YES! I did figure out how to work the confounded thing!) while wearing one of Livi's bras around her waist via one strap. She kept looking at me like "What? I don't see why you're making such a fuss."

I'm still "croupy" and coughing. Livi isn't much better. I suppose this will hang around for a bit. Today we are on Mucinex.

Livi has made yet another wonderful test score after we studied our buns off. She's ahead of the curve for the class. Yeah! We have to review tonight for a big one tomorrow. We've prepared and prepared for it already.

Livi asked me if perchance I wanted to attend the brunch on Mom's Day at the sorority this weekend. (OH, COULD I? OH, HAS IT REALLY ONLY BEEN A YYEEEAAAARRR SINCE THE LAST ONE?) I told her if she really wanted me there, I would be glad to go. BUT...

I reminded her I had already been chewed out and spit on by the mother of one of the "no-accounts" that left her in the cold during the ice storm, AND, should that mother have no better sense than to pick a fight with me...

(AND, knowing the woman, she wouldn't have any better sense.)

I promised I wouldn't start anything, but BY GUM I wouldn't run from it. I'm not the kind to stand in the corner and spit wooden nickels out my behind, you know.

She agreed we'd have a much better time on our own.

Sunday, February 22, 2009 10:11 PM CST

Livi and her new fella took time to eat lunch out with me today. I enjoyed my outing. I felt like a mole breaking into the light of day.

Larry called in the evening to check on me. He said I sounded better.

Livi and I worked on her online coursework today. She's making good progress this semester. Those learning disabilities need constant watching after. There are a couple of tests coming up next week we'll be working on, too.

I've been getting those "feelings" again. Something's up. The radar is "a'twitching."

Maybe too much cold medicine.

Sunday, February 22, 2009 11:04 AM CST

(blurry eyes opening...) Cough.

*SNIFF!*

Morning, glories. Nope. I didn't update last nite. I fell asleep on the couch with the pup under the influence of cold medicine. Livi and her fella were watching movies after having fed me and offered their sympathies.

I laid up on the divan all day long yesterday underneath a blankie with one duly-concerned doglet seeing to my every movement with her tongue and snout at-the-ready. I drank the required amounts of fluids and watched the federally-mandated series of Lifetime Television Movies til the pup was wadding kleenex between her paws.

I opened the window a titch for some fresh air in the early afternoon, hoping to allow the germs to escape and infect someone else.

I've eaten fresh fruit, salad, turkey sandwiches on whole wheat, yogurt, oranges and drank lots of water.

If I'm not better next week, I'm planning to lay in wait on Mamma Nature and waylay her.

We girls are gonna talk.

Friday, February 20, 2009 11:56 PM CST

I believe the pup has decided to take up knitting. She has been studying my efforts intensely for quite some time and I am certain she is convinced she can do better.

I have to agree with her.

I don't understand why this project is so difficult. It's KNITTING for gosh sakes. People have been doing it for centuries.

The lady at the knitting shop asked me why I was trying to incorporate the cable stitch in the midst of my knitting and purling? Oh, believe me, I had no intention of doing so.

Like France, I have had much practice at surrender when it comes to this current endeavor.

Lucky college town, we're due some snow tonight. I imagine the pup will be delighted in the morning going out to do her business. AND, won't I be overjoyed to be on the other end of her leash?

Livi is making good progress in her classes. I'm doing well in learning all her subjects, too. I talked to the obese one over the phone today. Larry seems to think she's doing fine, health-wise. She keeps busy patrolling the castle. Larry keeps busy patrolling herself. It's a good trade-off.

Staying out of the weather...

Thursday, February 19, 2009 10:46 PM CST

My tongue is hanging out. Livi and I have finished a marathon study session for one of her classes in anticipation of her test tomorrow. I can't speak for her, but I am ready to pass that test.

The pup is quizzed and ready, too.

Mercy Maude.

I made us a batch of fortificationary brownies with chocolate frosting this evening. An emergency batch, they were. Pulled out all the stops.

I motored over to the knitting store midday with my mess and got right with the knitting gods again. I'll be good to go again tomorrow. Me, the pup, Unsolved Mysteries and a lap full of yarn...

There's some snow forecast tomorrow evening for college town. And, for the weekend. Fine by me. I have tucked away enough victuals and ample kibble.

Just keep the cable on.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 10:34 PM CST

Good news. Livi and I "wallered" her upcoming exam til we 'bout wore it out and, I declare, she's ready to take the thing.

AND, Livi's teacher rescheduled one she missed on account of her having the flu for FRIDAY (that'd be day after tomorrow!) and we've got to hightail it into highgear to get ready for THAT one.

Even the pup has a pencil behind her ear and a notecard between her toes these days...

I'm forever asking "Has anyone seen my glasses?" One of these days, I'll likely find THOSE atop the pup's noggin.

I'm ready to go take the exam myself, I've been over the material so much. I oughta get SOME kind of credit, at least an audit...

I snuck out and foraged for groceries in anticipation of the cold front (just in time!) and tucked a roast in the oven this evening whilst we worked. We'll be well fed tomorrow when we are too busy to cook.

Now, if only that pup would do dishes.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 0:15 AM CST

Livi and I studied HARD for her upcoming exam. She finally feels almost back to normal, I think. She's going to class tomorrow. YIPPEE!

We'll study again tomorrow afternoon and evening and she should be ready. She's missed some tests and quizzes being laid up, though. We may have to work to catch up.

Larry called and reported the obese one is doing much better. He still has no findings of excessive peeping or drinking too much water. Funny. I hope she doesn't have that symptom again. EVER. However, Herself does position her wee self in front of the door and watch the world go by. She must have missed being on duty.

I hear tell snow might be in the forecast for the weekend. Uh-oh. Great. How exciting. Oh joy. Let me proclaim my extreme pleasure right here. Darn.

I've got to scurry on down to the store and stock back up on groceries.

Yep. That'd be what I should do.

Monday, February 16, 2009 10:06 PM CST

Yet another day of school passed with Livi in the bed, sick. I rustled up some antibiotics for what now appears to be a raging sinus infection in her noggin. She also has been visited by a new symptom, my old friend, stomach virus.

The fun never stops. The pup can barely keep abreast of the changing environment.

Livi did manage to keep down gatorade and mashed potatoes this evening. Success!!

I have regained my appetite with a vengance. I was beginning to think I'd need a new belt to hold up my britches if something didn't break loose.

I left the apartment today and felt like a mole emerging in springtime. I was fully dressed, makeup and hair done, like a "real" person. I went to Wal-Mart for Livi's gatorade and mashed potatoes, and to return the popsicle stick computer implement we were trying out at another retailer.

The "free-trial" ended up costing me three times what I expected, plus I used up a multitude of my cell minutes interacting with those "people" trying to work out the problems. I exchanged one popsicle stick for another one, got an extension, had more problems, spent more time talking to India, the Phillipines, Minnesota, Virginia Beach and God-Knows-Where only to try and return the thing and find out I was being charged $200 for the attempt.

Today I signed my name on the list to be assisted in the store. I waited patiently with at least half a dozen other nice folks, some elderly, some with small kids... A woman sashayed into the store in high-heels and argyle socks and an expensive coat and bypassed all us "ordinary" sway and when questioned, announced she "just needed to pick up some 'accessories'", and proceeded to do so, moving throughout the store... The greeter told her she MUST give her name to be added to the list, and "argyle socks" did so, but kept on shopping. THEN, a clerk had no one at his counter (normally, they come to the greeter and ask for the next person in line...) and "argyle socks" sashayed over with her collected accessories and plopped right down!

OH, that did not set well. Not well at all. Not witha room full of babies-in-arms and squirming children and old folks and me half sick and others having waited their turns.

Heck no.

I marched over to "argyle socks" and looked her dead in the eye; "you just skipped ahead of all those people who have been waiting in line. but, you know that. And, you don't give a d$%@."

She was mighty surprised and responded she would let me go ahead of her, to which I responded, "No. You will get up and let whomever is rightfully next go."

We all just stared at her.

More than a few were smiling.

I have to suppose she was an orphan.

Sunday, February 15, 2009 10:23 PM CST

Larry left college town this afternoon taking the obese one with him, both castle-bound. I've called and called, but neither of the travelers will bother to pick up the phone. I suspect Larry was put out with Livi and myself, as we were not much company. AND, the obese one is probably pouting as she thinks she's been banished from the apartment whilst the pup gets to stay behind and continue to make mischief.

Livi had a tad bit of relapse today. She coughed most of the night and experienced a recurrence of some of her symptoms. She can't keep food down again today.

Speaking of last night...

One of Livi's neighbors had a party going on. They were sharing their tunes with us at 1am. I honestly thought we had the party in Livi's kitchen. Livi called the proper folks who quieted things down "some" and by 2:30am, we could only hear the conversations and laughter as if it were in her kitchen.

Doxies who don't get their rest can be cranky.

Poor Larry.

Saturday, February 14, 2009 7:11 PM CST

This was a much MUCH better day. Finally.

What a difference a day makes. Sing it, Dinah.

I couldn't take it anymore. I had to clean up SOME of the mess. In between naps, Livi was folding clothes and putting her stuff away and I was running loads through the wash.

I believe I managed to tick off every member of the household by mid-afternoon, but by-dern, I was determined to put things to rights. Even the doglets were hunting a hidey-hole...

Livi's back on the homework scent and Larry's trotting to Wal-Mart for supplies. However, I'm concerned about the formerly obese one's health. She is drinking way too much water and peeping all over the apartment, rather unexpectedly it seems. I've searched the web and I'm thinking diabetes. She has cataracts... It all fits.

Send one up for her elderly little four-legged self.

Friday, February 13, 2009 11:29 PM CST

Sick. Miserable. Oh, make it stop!

The Four Dachshunds of the Apocolypse will probably make their appearance any moment now.

Just when I think "Surely, this is the pinnacle," I get a new symptom. Stomach flu.

Larry arrived late this afternoon and brought me an antibiotic, as my ears and throat seemed suspiciously nonviral.

He immediately set to folding and straightening this gosh-forsaken-apartment. He changed the sheets on Livi's only bed so he would have a place to sleep. Livi and I have been piled up on the couch and in the recliner as we cough if we lay down. When Larry attempted to put clean sheets on the bed, he couldn't find any. Poor man, he's used to the castle where we keep the linens folded and on shelves.

Hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Thursday, February 12, 2009 9:36 PM CST

We are afflicted. Livi and I have spent our day sneezing, blowing our noses, lying piteously and being completely miserable.

I resorted to using the fly swatter to slap at the doxies when they took advantage of my inability to manuever and trot about. Shameless little creatures.

We are on our last two boxes of kleenex. Our throats feel as though we have swallowed bits of broken glass.

I don't like this a'tall.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 9:34 PM CST

Apparently the flu bug jumped up and bit me. Livi, too.

We motored down to the doctor late this afternoon and had our nasal passages swabbed. Positive.

Jeepers. Who'd a thought it?

We have been coughing into kleenex to avoid sharing and cross-contaminating each other. I feel like someone wearing a high-heeled shoe is kicking me in the head. Livi is a few hours behind me.

The doglets are in their element, tending us.

We have our tamiflu and high-powered cough syrup. Livi has staked out the recliner and I, the couch. Here we'll mildew for the next few days.

Such is life.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009 8:46 PM CST

Busy scouting for whirlybirds tonight...

Livi dashes outside with the doglets on the leash in between rain and hail downpours. The pair of 'em are a bit miffed. Indeed, expecting such as they to sully themselves.

I, myself, am preoccupied with a cough. Some irritating, fog-haze around my bronchial tubes, I suspect. Nary a symptom otherwise.

I am happy to announce I have knitted AND purled a good three inches successfully. Certainly, I had to take the scissors to about two feet of yarn as I had worried it til there was no point in trying to work with it any longer. That bit of yarn had done all it could. Plus, both my knitting needles now have tiny teeth marks on EITHER end.

Livi is dutifully studying for her next test. She has the floor and her kitchen table plastered with materials. The obese one squatted and peeped on one mighty fine pile of neatly typed notes to today's test.

Just stating an opinion?

Monday, February 9, 2009 9:51 PM CST

A unknowing bystander would likely swear an oddly-dressed Mrs. Pillsbury, layered-up and dragged about by two crazed dachshunds was spotted in college town this morning.

Present and accounted for. I had Livi's bathrobe, my jammies, a fleece and a rainjacket all on as I ran forth with those girldoglets, hurriedly, lest they discover raindrops amongst the fierce wind.

They did not.

However, Livi decided she simply HAD to be driven to class in order to stay dry.

After tucking in the four-legged, (after the brutal assault in the cold wind), I drove Livi to class, still in my jammies...

Shortly after I returned from my outing Livi's old fella and one of my all-time favorites sent up a feeble cry. He had the flu. Yes, he had taken a flu shot. The campus sick-clinic had verified he was BONAFIDE sick with the flu. Indeed. I got in Livi's vehicle with a can of lysol and a box of kleenex and went after him.

I carried him to Wal-Mart to get his prescription filled. Whilst he sat in line (he was too sick to stand, and Wal-Mart in college town provides benches) I gathered up supplies. As it turned out, many kids were sick and this medicine was hard to come by. We had to hunt it down later.

I toted him home to the apartment and tucked him in on Livi's couch with a warm blanket. His temp was right at 102 degrees. After dosing him up and using all the remedies, Vicksalve, Robytussin, Advil (alternated with Tylenol), cold washcloth, orange juice and gatorade, (and pair-a-doxie kisses) he began to look better and his fever broke a few hours later. His mom drove in later in the day.

I remember all the times last year when Livi was so wretchedly sick and he looked after her for me. I'm happy to have the opportunity to return the favor.

Besides, the doglets thought he came to play.

Sunday, February 8, 2009 10:23 PM CST

It certainly is nice to be appreciated and treated special. Larry drove a long way and met me part-way to college town this afternoon just to have lunch.

He misses me.

He misses the girldoglets, too.

But, they weren't invited to lunch.

He hopes one day when our offspring has outgrown the temporary lack of cranial cellular integrity phase she currently displays, she too, will appreciate my presence.

Until then.

The weather was incredible warm for the season. The doglets were perky due to the increased temp. They were eager to advance upon the outdoors. The obese one peeped a river on the grass as she wasn't in a hurry to run back inside for a change.

I eagerly await the challenges of next week and the drama attached to each spine tingling day.

Saturday, February 7, 2009 7:18 PM CST

I kept to myself today. With the exception of the canine contingent, of course. We'uns occupied the couch and watched old-fashioned cartoons. Although, the pup paid particular attention when Strawberry Shortcake came on a little later...(she's such a little girl.)

I made up my mind that if anyone in this apartment decided to have a bad mood or behave ugly, I wanted no part of it. Nope. Uh-uh. Nothin' doin'. I can show you ugly, but I'd rather not. There's not enough square footage to get off a good mess o' ugly here.

I got my shower and went to Cracker Barrel and had my daily quota of veggies. I had my fresh fruits yesterday. Lots of water, too. I'm a strong believer in keeping a balance to keep one's spirits up. Perhaps others herebouts should partake. AND, I'm not NAMING NAMES.

I had an appointment to meet with my one new friend up here in college town (who as it turns out, had known Lorraine...) I had a lovely time getting acquainted with her and we ate carrot cake cupcakes. FINALLY. I had been searching for carrot cake since Lorraine's birthday.

The doglets were awfully glad to see me when I returned. I'm keeping my own council, minding my own business, keeping my mouth shut and biding my time.

AND, we'll see how long that lasts.

Friday, February 6, 2009 8:10 PM CST

It must be goat day. I was a hero of sorts a few days ago.

I've been screamed at, all but spit on, despised and told how unwelcome my presence is. I was told I am useless, of no possible good to anyone and no one cares if I continue to walk around or not.

Someone needs a "come to Jesus and the disciples."

There's just not much more I can say about that.

Thursday, February 5, 2009 9:11 PM CST

Another day in the trenches. Livi ended up with a transcriptionist for several of her classes and tapes being made for her use. She has an invitation to lunch with one of the Deans, too. I was most impressed with some of the folks working to help her out today.

Like Dinah Washington said, "What a Difference a Day Makes."

I returned to my knitting group tonight. Once again, I started over. I could cast on and begin again with my eyes shut.

Valentine's Day is approaching. Or so I hear. I believe I saw the girldoxies with their snub-nosed scissors and some paper doilies. They do love to cut and paste.

Lorraine always got creative around V-Day and made outlandish valentines with doilies and construction paper. Somehow, she still needed the store-bought kind to give to her classmates, though. I think she just loved to play in the glitter at home.

Valentine's were much more elaborate when I was small. I recall getting some in my personally decorated box or bag at school with sparkles and glitter on them. Some of the cards were at least 5 x 7 in size. Nowadays, these dinky cookie-cutter cards are an embarassment comparatively. Children don't know what they are missing. Back in my day...

I probably won't bake the V-Day sugar cookies with pink icing this year. I baked many a dozen when Lorraine and Livi were wee. Somehow we seemed to need at least another dozen each time I thought I was finished. I think I had two girls on the consuming end as fast as I was producing on the baking end...

There are some V-Day cupcake papers sitting in my cabinet left over from one of our baking expositions. Maybe we mixed it up with both cookies and cupcakes. We used to really do up minor holidays.

I wonder if the girl's little aprons could be altered to fit the doglets?

Wednesday, February 4, 2009 6:38 PM CST

Topsy-turvy. This day was.

Sittin' on the couch snugglin' with the girldogs, minding my own business and Livi called... She had tried for four weeks (count 'em, FOUR!) to get the campus office assigned to assist students with learning disabilities and other disabilities to provide her sufficiently documented notetaker for her classes. Livi had actually spoken to the individual in charge of providing notetakers and was told they were much too busy and had far too much to do and would get to it "when they could."

DO WHAT? She has three tests scheduled in three different classes.

If not for the ice and snow last week, one test would have been day after tomorrow.

Oh, I don't think so.

Livi was beside herself. She has been studying and making notecards and reviewing and reading... She needs those notes. She has turned in the proper paperwork. She has been to the office in person several times. She has asked to speak to the "powers that be." (Never "in.") She meets the requirements. She is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Thank goodness I went to law school and sweated all that time studying for the blamed bar. (and passed.)

I called those people myself. Listened to the song and dance. I don't dance. The receptionist wanted to have the "never in" call me back. I told her I was through waiting on that individual and such plan would not do. I was going to file an ADA complaint on behalf of Livi and the other students they were setting up to fail as an attorney who had represented folks in the area of disability rights in the past and I needed the name of the college town general counsel.

Somehow, she couldn't give me a straight answer, but she was in tears by the time we finished. I then called her bosses' boss. That person knew diddley-squat about the requirements of the ADA, so I called HER boss. He is a fine person with whom I have spoken in the past regarding other student matters. I mentioned the failure of the office in question and wondered if perchance my one child was the only student they were servicing? AND, failing to serve? He agreed, not. AND, hence, noted the overall problem.

Odd, Livi had a percentage of her required information in one hour. Considering the office had no time for her to begin with...

I've still got the other students to see to.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009 5:50 PM CST

I spent some time cruising around on CaringBridge today checking on the babies. There are some who need special "send ups."

Brave Will and Garrett will be getting their little wings before too long. I have sent word to Lorraine to do a "fly by" and to keep her blue eyes on them. Zack seems to be holding his own at the moment. He has a birthday coming up. Sabrina had her prayers answered today. Thanks to God and all the saints... Baby Abby is teetering, waiting on results from an MRI.

For each one of these, there are a dozen more I either have not mentioned or have not found YET. Each day some momma or daddy is heartbroken, praying for the impossible to happen to save their child right here on CaringBridge. Some choose to blame God. Some choose to thank God. Some choose to accept the notion of a "plan" while others merely ask "why?" Some don't ask anything at all. But, the results are always the same, the gut-wrentching loss of a beloved child who was supposed to outlive the parents.

I still don't understand why Lorraine had her accident. I still don't understand why she got her wings way, WAY too early. I probably won't until I get my own set and can ask her "Lorraine, why did you leave so soon?" But, I understand how it feels to be left here with your heart in tatters and to absolutely ache with every drop of blood that pumps into your veins. I figure sharing other folks' pain is worth something.

That, I can do right fine.

Monday, February 2, 2009 8:49 PM CST

The well-traveled four-legged and I are back in college town tonight. I decided we all needed a fresh start after the ice storm and being "shut up" inside, so I did a bit of freshening up around here. The floors and the bathroom had been sorely used during our confinement, so they got a good scrubbing.

Tonight, we sleep on fresh sheets, too.

Livi had begun restocking, although, I noticed a definite theme in her purchases. Brownie mix, cookie dough, chocolate frosting, sugar cookie mix... I decided we might, MIGHT need some butter and eggs, lettuce, carrots... you know, FOOD!

The doglets took a powernap after their long journey. Riding shotgun takes so much out of one. (or two, as the case may be.)

OH! Livi managed to eat one package of peanut butter crackers before class this morning and within a few minutes was dizzy, sweating and SICK! She ran from the classroom and upchucked multiple times until she felt better. She called me and I said, "save the package!" She seems to be feeling better this evening. She is still sipping coke and eating carefully. Apparently, we are part of the salmonella "conspiracy."

Mercy Maude.

Sunday, February 1, 2009 7:07 PM CST

Well, paint ME purple! Livi called from college town. SHE HAS POWER!

Livi hitched a ride with her dear friend and former fella this afternoon, whilst the wee four-legged and myself waited here at the castle. I couldn't bear (bare?) the idea of exposing the pair-a-doxies to a vagabond lifestyle in case there was no heat, or lights. They are both a might bit afraid of the dark. I didn't cotton to the thought of listening to the duo of "OOOOPHF!" sounds they would make at every little noise, either. And, if I lost my grip on them in the dark, well, they're as fast as speeding bullets and as slick as greased goose poop. Hard to catch.

Livi was busy cleaning out her fridge and tossing items when she called. She was running a load of peep towels through the wash, too. I'm sure they had marinated to a nice ripe level by now. Later, Livi was headed to Wal-Mart for essentials to replace those that spoiled.

I'll be driving up tomorrow in Livi's automobile. Larry vaccuumed it out and I drove it through the carwash. I always feel as though I'm traveling inside a closet or storage shed with wheels. Hey, I'm happy with it if she's happy with it.

Back to my knitting...