Storms Never Last

Final Post

2009-01-23T09:25:00.001-06:00

Do to many complaints about having troubles leaving comments, and my own problems with this format, I am going back to the other server.

http://stormsneverlast.wordpress.com/

I'm sorry for any inconvenience, but the purpose of this blog is to interact with friends, and it was much easier to do over there. I hope you will follow. And I promise, no more moving.

2009-01-22T07:12:00.000-06:00

I was dreaming about being at the Titanic museum. Hub and I just walked into the Captain's place. It seems you are on the deck, side of the ship, a million stars in the sky, the air is cold, and you can enter the room where the navigation takes place. I was looking at the stars, and commenting (as I had) about how beautiful and realistic it looked. Then I woke. I opened my eyes to darkness, but my head was by the window & I could see a sky-full of stars. It was a surreal feeling. Not fully awake, and trying to decide, for those few seconds, if I was still dreaming.

Discomfort & some pain is what brought me back. My hand tingling, back hurting, shoulder and knee aching that deep ache that is annoying beyond measure. I groggily eased up, dropped my feet over the bed, and did some stretching that is supposed to help my back. (I think the doc just tells you this to give you something) LOL

I slid my feet into my camo slippers, pulled on my fire engine red fluffy robe, and shuffled in the kitchen to make coffee. It's days like this, when the pain is bad, and there is not much I can do about it, that I feel old. When standing to do dishes, makes my legs go numb & lower back scream in protest.

After digging through endless baskets, I located the RA meds, and took one. Then feeling my knee, noting the heat in it, I took some aspirin, hoping to give the other meds a boost in ridding my body of inflammation. Halp! I am inflamed!

Just One Thing

2009-01-20T09:17:00.003-06:00

Isn't that lovely? Inviting? Wouldn't it be great to just sit there alone, stare out over the water, and ponder the meaning of life? By the way, if one of you ever finds the meaning of life, please email with a cheat sheet. The best lead I have so far came from Curly in the movie City Slickers - "One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and everything else don't mean shit." What one thing, Curly? "That's what you have to figure out".

Was that Greek??? I hate those puzzles that we are supposed to figure out. And then he up & died without ever letting us know! How cruel! The tease. Oh well. Back to wandering aimlessly and trying to make sense of life.

What is your one thing?

I Think I May Be Dying

2009-01-19T16:19:00.005-06:00

Okay, not really. But I've got a terrible tummy ache, and feel like puking. You're sooo glad I shared, aren't ya? Now before any of you decide to leave smart comments about me being pregnant - that is not a possibility. I became pregnant, almost died (seriously this time) and lost a little girl in 2000. They spayed me. Can't have kids unless it is some kind of miracle.... or a curse. Hmmm.....I don't know if I ate something that didn't agree with me, if I have caught some kind of bug, or what. But I feel like road kill. And you know what? It PISSES ME OFF!

I showered this morning, did my hair & makeup, set out nice clothes to make Ricky swoon over me & sing Babalou. I was going to be sexy Lucy. Not silly, goofy, clumsy Lucy. But, juno wha? Eet iz not goin accorting to plan. *sigh* Maybe I am more like Lucy than I thought.
I have hair & makeup that scream "sex kitten" (maybe sex cat Lord knows I'm far past the kitten age), but I'm in a T shirt and shorts, trying to be comfortable, and keep from barfing. Why me? Why? What have I done to anger St. Whoever of The Stomach? (yes, Catholic schooling has me feeling this must be some type of penance for some sin I committed) LOL

I'm going to lay down now. Or to the bathroom. I'm undecided.

News From The Compound

2009-01-18T09:02:00.004-06:00

Middle-Aged, Overly Emotional Mom RecoversAfter a recovery time of less than 48 hours the woman in question, who refused medical treatment, is on the way to a complete recovery. The drainage from her eyes magically stopped. The chest pains are gone, and she is smiling again. A fast recovery from baby-getting-married-itis.

>Husband's Life Is No Longer In Jeopardy
The constant singing of "Going to the chapel" is not having the same effect it was during his wife's 48 hr illness. The threat of bodily injury has passed though his motives for testing his safety are still being questioned.

Local Job Market Improves
A displaced hillbilly & a Cherokee indian have found work, or rather - it found them. Two horses that were acquired by compound owners have been declared hay burners & ordered sold at the local auction. Hillbilly & Indian will spend the next week working with the mare & gelding, in preparation for their appearance at the auction.

Adoption Process Put On Hold
An empty-nester, and rabid animal lover had been researching the possibility of adopting an unwanted "wolfie" from a local haven. Wolfies are wolf hybrids, usually mated with a German shepherd, Malamute, or Husky. Sadly, the owners soon realize these animals not only outgrow their homes, but are also enough of a wild animal, that they send them to shelters. Having raised a variety of orphans from the wild kingdom, Empty-nester wanted the chance to save one of these beautiful creatures from being put to death. In an interview this morning, Empty-nester stated that she needed to build a 25x25 foot enclosure, with at least 8 feet tall chainlink. So plans are on hold, until arrangements can be made to accommodate.

Right & Left

2009-01-16T13:38:00.005-06:00

Awhile back, through my sister's blog, I came across the link to The Pretty Peacock
I'd been searching for a custom jewelry maker, because I desperately wanted a bangle with "my" saying on it. The words a friend repeated to me over & over, which got me through so much, and made me keep trying. This is the result.

"Dance like no one is watching, love like you have never been hurt...."

She stamped it all around the outside, and inside. It is gorgeous, and I couldn't be more pleased! Incredible craftswomanship. Check out her site!

That's for my right wrist. For my left.........

I've been having an RA flareup . Yeah, I haven't mentioned it, as I've not been in the mood to whine. Too much. LOL Anyway, years ago, not long after I was diagnosed, my right hand would go numb. Basically the same idea as carpal tunnel, and the doc actually said the surgery would help. It did. Haven't had near as much trouble from it since.

My left pinkie and ring finger have been numb for about a week now. I took aspirin, and tried to ignore. Sort of spreading into my middle finger now. I've been dropping things, and having trouble "controlling" my hand - if it is something that requires the least little bit of precision.

So, I called the doc back in my old home. I got the warnings of, if it isn't taken care of & I keep using it, that can cause further nerve damage. Duh. I know this. But "taking care of" requires either ridiculously expensive meds, or surgery. When I win the lottery, I'll set up an appointment! LOL His only other suggestion, was to try this brace. With a metal bar running down it.

Frankly, I like the ornament for my right arm, much, much better.

Our D...i...v..o..r..c...e

2009-01-16T08:42:00.004-06:00

This subject has been on my mind a lot recently. No - I am not getting a divorce. LOL I am having to deal with children of divorce & the crazy ex wife, and am also handholding another lady who is in the process.

I have been divorced once. I know there are good reasons to divorce, rather than continue to stay together & rip each other apart. So, I'm not knocking it, or saying it is always a bad thing. Sometimes, it is the best thing. With that said, people need to think about the ones who can be hurt the worst from it, and tread softly.

Your kids. Stop looking at one another with hate. Stop trying to win. Stop using everyone and everything as your pawn. You say that you love your kids more than anything? Prove it! Be the adult, and leave the kids out of the process & aftermath, as much as possible. The best thing you can do for your kids, is encourage them to love the other parent. You know why? Because otherwise, that child will grow up feeling they have to chose. And you know what? As terrible a spouse as your ex might have been - that doesn't negate their ability to be a good parent. We divorce our spouses, not our kids.

Just because you, or your spouse, failed in the marriage, does not give you, or them, the right to make your kids pay for it. These kids were made in love. Remember that? Once upon a time, you loved your ex. They were brought into this world because of that. Why is it so damned hard to give that gift to your children? To not focus on the negative, but on the positive you had with the other parent? To remember & share with them the good times. So they can grow up into well adjusted adults, instead of a statistic for how screwed up children of divorce are.

Here's a mental picture for you.

The choice is yours.

Good News - Bad Reaction

2009-01-16T06:32:00.003-06:00

At 10:30 last night, I got a text from my son, Redneck. It was a picture of Barbie's hand, with a huge rock on it. My son is engaged. I feel like puking. Seriously. Why? I'm not sure. He is almost 22, has a good job, as does she. They have been together over a year, and seem happy. But, my stomache is acting like I'm on a loopy rollercoaster. Engaged? Married?

Why am I having this reaction?

The baby

So......

2009-01-14T16:36:00.009-06:00

I was going to skip posting today, because I had nothing to write about. You can only post so many times about the birds at the feeder, walks in the woods, and housework. After a bit, I even bore myself. LOL

This afternoon, I was asked to meet the hayman in the top field, to open gates & let him in with the round bale. I snapped a few shots.

The boys were feeling a bit frisky. The temps dropped today, and they were enjoying it. Kicking up dust, making laps, and just being playful.

They stopped their horseplay (haha) to watch the haytruck come in. Food? Hey, it's about time!

We get them fed, and head back to the vehicle. Locked. Cujo was left inside, and stepped on the autolock button.

Looks innocent, doesn't he? Meanwhile, it is cold, the wind is whipping, and I'm trying to get the rotten little hairball to step on the locks again. Ricky, however, doesn't have much faith.

Finally! Warmth! Today's lesson, never leave your Westie unattended in the vehicle, with the keys in the ignition, even if it is turned off.

A Morning Walk

2009-01-13T10:43:00.002-06:00

Woke this morning, and decided to take a walk, to clear the rest of the cobwebs away. It was a chilly 26 degrees. Naturally, my escorts had to come along for protection.

Kinda makes me feel important to have them checking the area for snipers & such.

Frost was still on the ground in places. I tried to get a shot of the grass, but this one of the leaf came out better.

As I started the downhill stretch....the scene of the crash! Where DQ pinballed off a tree in the golf cart!

In the bottom, my faithful escorts pointed out some deer tracks.

Kind of cool to know they are coming so close to the house. And then....

WTH?? T-Rex tracks??! That, or a very large deer on steroids.

Amidst the "winter" scenery, it's always nice to see some green. Be it moss...

or the pine needles...

Before returning home, I had to get the mandatory shot of my octopus tree.

Funny how a bit of time out in the woods is like hitting a reset button, when you need to pull things back in to perspective.

Ripples

2009-01-12T18:11:00.001-06:00

Had things weighing on my mind & heart this morning. Wondering how people can be so self centered, that they never stop to think of anyone's feelings but their own. We've all been guilty of it at times. But to do it continuously, as a way of life? I simply don't understand that. I can't help but think, karma is going to make sure they end up very alone. If you never "give", never put yourself out there, how can you expect someone to give it in return?

A ripple in the pond happened yesterday. A small stone dropped, that had ongoing, far reaching effects. The ripple was caused by someone being uncaring. The good news is, my husband (who it happened to) turned it around for the good. Sending positive ripples out.

He picked up the phone, out of the blue, and called his folk's house. Why? To let his dad know that he loved him. It wasn't a holiday, wasn't his birthday. Just letting him know ~ "I love and miss you, Daddy".

His dad can't hear well enough to talk on the phone, so the message had to be relayed by his sister who lives there. Coming out of the blue, as it were....she grew concerned that something was terribly wrong. She called my husband's brother. Who then called my husband to check on him.

One act of selfishness, caused ripples that made 3 siblings call one another, chat, laugh over the misunderstanding that something was drastically wrong, and tell one another they love each other. Dad was also told. Amazing how things work out.

BUSTED

2009-01-12T11:02:00.003-06:00

As I posted in a previous blog, Jay & I made a bet to see if she could keep Daddy from discovering the horse wreck she had. Last night, he saw the scratches on her back. She tried blaming Blue....no dice. She said she tripped coming up stairs....he wasn't buying. So, the story came out. It was rather simple. Jay was going one way, Sancho thought the other way was faster. He didn't use his turn signal. ROFL Daddy took it all rather well, until she asked to borrow $5 to pay me for losing the bet.

Getting Out of My Safe Zone

2009-01-11T07:52:00.004-06:00

Sometimes, it is tempting to take the the easy road. To do what you want, rather than trying to please others. Because of my very nature, I often prefer to hole up on the compound, and not go out into the "rest of the world". There are several reasons for this. Some valid, some medical, and some others would say are excuses. But, they all make up a part of who I am. And, looking 40 in the eye....I've accepted myself.

Yesterday, feeling a bit bored, I suggested to Ricky that we go for a drive. Usually, when I say this, it can easily be translated = I want to ride through more of the country and take pictures. That is my obsession, photos. They capture moments in time, and can bring back such vivid memories years, decades later. But yesterday, I had another motive.

Years ago, in a flea market, I found a pair of ankle high, soft soled, moccasins. I bought them, and immediately fell in love. (those of you who know anything about me, realize I HATE shoes, and am barefoot 95% of the time) However, wearing a pair of soft soled mocs is the closest you can come to being barefoot, and still be allowed into places like stores, banks, etc. They finally developed holes several years ago. I've looked, half heartedly for a replacement pair, with no luck. But now, living smack dab in the middle of Oklahoma.....I'm thinking I can find some!

As I am getting dressed, and putting my face on, Ricky asks if we should invite aunt. She gets out of the house, but not often. So, I asked if she wanted to ride along, and she jumped on the offer. The three of us pile into my montero and head out. Our first stop was "cowtown". To make a long story short, 4 stops, and many miles later.. I had to throw in the towel and give up. No one carries the soft soles.

At this point, we are all getting a bit hungry, and my dear Ricky suggested we go to Firelake. It's a casino, with a huge buffet. My aunt's eyes lit up. She enjoys going to the casinos and playing slots. On the whole, this doesn't sound like a huge ordeal. But, this is me.

I'm a bit agorophobic, and suffer from panic attacks. To a panic attack sufferer, a casino would rate in the top 5 toxic places. An overload of senses....too many people, too much noise, flashing lights everywhere, too much motion, smells...I could go on, but you get the idea. I swallowed the lump in my throat, and agreed.

We got there, and had a very nice dinner. Then aunt was off and running. Ricky & I sat at the table a bit longer, while I smoked a ciggie & had a Beam and coke. We talked about everything & nothing. Just keeping me focused on him, and not the total chaos that was happening outside the cafeteria barrier. Then, with resolve, I ventured out into the play area.

We stayed about 2 hours. Ricky had fun, and my aunt had a blast. I did okay. The ride home was the best part, as we talked and laughed. I realized that the "little bit of effort" that I had put forth, made two other people very happy. I so easily could have insisted we come back home, rather than walking into what I knew was not a safe place for me. I'm glad that I didn't.

TGIF, Git R Done

2009-01-09T15:03:00.000-06:00

So, I woke up in a fairly decent mood. Decided to get off the compound for awhile and run some errands. Beautiful, sunny day out, upper 60s.

I drove into town, stopped at the cafe for brunch. Had a big western omelet & grits. This, of course, put me in an even better mood. Ever notice those little country cafes have the best food?? So, I enjoyed my meal, and flirted with the 2ish (?) yr old little boy at the next table who was making goo goo eyes at me. He was blonde/blue...not my type at all, but I didn't want to scar him & his first attempts at getting girls to notice him.

I left there and went to the Dollar Store. Walked in, and completely forgot what I was going there for. No idea. I walked aimlessly up and down a few aisles... nothing rang a bell. I finally grabbed a camo Git R Dun ballcap, to replace my old american flag one. (hey, when you are having a bad hair day, ballcaps are the answer)

Then, on to the bank. Needed to deposit some money, and speak to a human. This bank is so small, they do not have a website. You can't bank online. Also, they apparently only have one phone which was busy half the morning. So, I go in. Made my deposit, got a stop payment on a check that went MIA.

Back in the Montero and to the post office. I just bought a book of stamps like 2 weeks ago, and they are MIA. Probably ran off with the check! Bought a book of stamps, sent off the storage bill.

Ta-da. Missions accomplished. Heading home. Listening to my music, hair up in my new cap, windows down. A mile from home..... I get pulled over. By a highway patrol. (couple of weeks ago, my speedometer stopped working)

So, when he asked if I knew why he pulled me over, I took a stab in the dark. "Speeding?" He looked taken aback that I would offer a bullseye guess, rather than play dumb and try to weasel out of it. He cracked a grin, and said yes, then asked for license, registration & proof of insurance. As I was digging each item from their respective areas, I told him that my speedometer had stopped working, and we were taking it to get checked out on Monday. Then I laughed, and said, "I know you probably get all kinds of excuses, but feel free to hop in and I will drive you down the road aways to show you that it really doesn't work".

At this point, the ol guy was actually smiling. He said that wouldn't be neccessary, took the items & went back to his squad car. I'm texting the hub. Using not so nice words about the cop pulling me over. The cop returns, hands me my things back...... and lets me go. With only a verbal warning. My luck is never that good! I then had to text hub and retract the unkind things I had said about the trooper. LOL

Meet The Horses

2009-01-09T09:22:00.008-06:00

At 5:30 am, Jay is buzzing me, wanting to go riding again. (I don't think her meds are strong enough) LOL Since I was still asleep at that hour, she got no response. But soon, she will be after me again. We have a bet going....how long will it take Daddy to find out about the horse wreck. She bet $5 she can hide it, and he will never know. I bet $5 he will see the scratches before they heal. Yes, we get bored and need our form of entertainment. I'm thinking about stealing her mutilated shirt, and running it up the flag pole....but that would be cheating.

I have ridden Blue once, and Whetto once. (some of you may remember my own crash when the Blue Tank managed to dump me) ROFL Honestly, I want another horse. I was horse crazy as a kid. But, I had the two best horses on the PLANET. Dunny was a palomino gelding, retired reining champ. I would put a 2 yr old on him, he was that broke. My first horse, and he lived to the ripe old age of 32. Then, a friend of the family buried him for me.

The other horse was a gift from my stepgramma. He was a line back dun, built like a tank. His name was Kaptain, and I adored him. He had a wee personality disorder, where we could be riding along, and he would get a wild hair up his butt, buck about 4 times, then return to "normal". LOL I couldn't count the times he was lollygagging along, then "the urge" hit, and next thing I knew (if I wasn't paying attention) I found myself on the ground. He would then walk up to me, and nuzzle me. I would then have to lead him to the nearest fence or downed tree to climb back on - he was huge & I rode bareback. Another point in his favor, he hated my brother. So did I. LOL

Anyway, when you have been lucky enough to have two horses of this caliber, it's rather hard to find another you can bond with. Maybe someday....

So, meet Blue...... He is a grey quarter horse. Wild guess...15 hands.
Stocky does not begin to describe him. This is not the best picture, but I am too lazy too dig through the 400 pictures I have taken since moving here. LOL Blue is 8ish. He likes to eat. He will tolerate bareback, and a saddle. He just isn't highly motivated. He will try you out, but is too fat & lazy to buck much.

This is Whetto. Just turned 3. Another quarter horse. He is much more dainty than Blue, and a hair taller. He is a gentleman, and on the shy side. Being young, he has moments where he can be startled, but settles down quickly, without trying to run you into trees. LOL I think, given the time & riding, he would be a good horse. He is always aware of where people are, sure footed, and does his best not to give anyone a hard time.

To the right, is Jack. One of Jay's geldings. He is a papered quarter horse....but I wonder if there is a thoroughbred in the woodpile, so to speak. Jack is probably 10? Once you are on him, if you know what you are doing, he is fine. If you haven't been around horses....he will have his way with you.
Last week, the neighbor lady wanted to ride. She has never had a horse. She put the saddle on Jack, and he promptly removed it. LOL Then proceeded to show off his bucking skills.

The notorious Sancho. Don't be fooled by the calm, innocent look. With a saddle atop him, and Jay on it....he becomes a race horse. 16 hands, lots of leg, and built for speed.

This is Hell Bitch. Actually, they call her something else, but that's my name for her. She is not nice. At all. Ever. I captured a shot of her normal facial expression.....

Charming, isn't she? LOL

Well, that's the crew. A motley crew.

When Rednecks Get Bored

2009-01-08T19:21:00.008-06:00

So today, Jay & I had a bad case of cabin fever. Seeing as it was beautiful out...I came up with a plan. Yes, me. It was my idea. *hangs head in shame* "Get dressed, we will go up the hill, and you ride Sancho, while I take pictures of the horses," I say. Jay, being the fun-loving, I'm Up For Anything person she is, promises to be ready in 10 minutes.

*Background. Last fall, Jay & Daddy were on a trail ride in the middle of a national forest. Her on Sancho, and him on Jack. To make a long story short, Sancho spooked, she hit a tree. (don't ask the play by play, as I'm still unsure of the exact details) Jay laid on the ground for 2o minutes, with her head bleeding, a broken collarbone, dislocated shoulder, and a couple of broken ribs, while my dad had to ride to the top of a mountain for cell service. It took 3 hours, from the time of the crash, to the time she was hauled out, via 4 wheelers & wagon, to a place the helicopter could land. She spent two weeks in ICU.

Ever since then, Daddy does not want her on the horse. When, by hers AND his account, the horse really wasn't acting up, or intending to hurt her - he simply spooked. Nevertheless, Sancho is on his shit list, and has remained there, with very little chance of ever getting off it. So, Jay doesn't get the chance to ride him as often as she would like. Today, would be different.

We hurriedly dress, pull boots on, and head up to the pasture. Look at Sancho....

He is part thoroughbred and she used him to pony horses at the racetrack. I'm more of a Quarter horse, or a draft horse type of person, but can appreciate the long, leggy look of the runners. I simply wouldn't want something wrapped that tightly. I'm more of a pleasure rider. Thanks.

So, she saddles him up. Sancho is ready. You can see the spark in his eyes, the flare in his nostrils, the quivering of those athletic muscles. Jay takes him a couple of laps around the field, at a lope. Sancho is wanting to kick it into 5th gear. Finally, she gives him his head, and he sails across the field. Fluid motion. I have only ever seen one other person that "in tune" with a horse. I caught myself holding my breath as I watched. Were he papered, the son of a gun should be on a track!

They come flying by me, and towards the fence at the end. Sancho knows it is there, Jay knows it is there. He comes into it, with his head indicating he will take a right, but at the last moment, faster than I have ever seen another horse move, he spun to the left. Jay was off balance from the get go, and simply was left in the air as he spun out from under her. I swear, a cheetah couldn't have changed directions that fast! Unfortunately, she managed to come down along the barb wire fence. I could hear her laughter, and a few choice words about what a fast SOB he was, so I knew she was okay. I let my camera fall back around my neck, and caught Sancho as he came trotting by me.

Jay finally stopped laughing, got up, and walked over to where I was. When she turned to get back on him....the words, "oh shit, we are GROUNDED" left my lips. What? What?? She asks. The back of her shirt was torn away, and I snapped a quick shot, to show her what I was seeing.

OUUUCH!

She then climbed back on...and I just had to get a shot.

By the this time, we are alternating between hysterical laughter, and wondering how POed Daddy would be, and if he would let us play together anymore. LOL I got some amazing shots, and video footage (though not of the actual crash). It was a good day on the compound.

My Life Here

2009-01-08T08:34:00.003-06:00

Okay, so it isn't exactly like that....but would be if I had my way. LOL I realized last night, that those of you new to this site have no idea about who I am. I could link back to my old "home" and have you play catch up, so, for those interested in the past history..... here . For the rest of you, who already know, or don't care....onward!

This is what my real home looks like, thank you Google Earth.

I live on the edge of the 100 acre woods. Okay, it's not 100 acres. And I've yet to see Pooh Bear, or Piglet. Though I had the pleasure of meeting Owl. (did the owl have a name??) Anyway, we are about 20 minutes from the nearest town, and I use the term "town" very loosely. LOL

Ricky & I live on the west side of what I jokingly call "The Compound". My aunt lives in the house just east of us. Daddy & Jay live on the other side of her. All within walking distance, if you aren't feeling extremely lazy. It is a secluded, peaceful haven. I can gladly go weeks without ever stepping foot off the property, or seeing any "outsiders". It is where I came to heal. (lots of info in the backstory, if you care to wade through it all) If not....just hang on and try to keep up.

I'm glad the holidays are over. Refused to make resolutions for the New Year that I never keep. I now have to survive my 40th birthday in a few weeks. After that, things should be good. LOL Actually, I'm not one who has a hangup about age. If I did, I wouldn't have announced it where the entire free world can see. There has been a lot of living packed in my 40 yrs. Lessons learned, heartbreaks survived, etc. Made me who I am.

Tomorrow, I will try to begin the "real" blog. Not worry about filling in back ground, and such. just a day to day account of my life here, my thoughts, and whatever happens to cross my mind. I hope you will return, as I try to get in the swing of this. Drop me a comment!

Silence

2009-01-07T18:32:00.002-06:00

Now that the kids have left again, and things are getting back to our new "normal", maybe I can get back to blogging. I loved having them, cried when they left. But another part of me has adapted to having an empty nest. The silence, all the time in the world for myself, no little people making demands of me, and a house that stays clean! LOL Maybe a part of this is a self defense thing....trying to distance myself a bit, so it doesn't hurt as bad.

The miles between us, and the lack of time we have together is already having an effect. Dark One, while friendly enough, was more distant. Not at all as he was before. Part of it is his age, I'm sure. But life with Cruella and her lies/distortions are bound to have an impact on him too. The day after he returned to her house, we were told that he wasn't sure if he wanted to come for spring break. He "might want to stay there and hang with his friends". Summer, too, is up in the air.

DQ needs to be taken back to therapy. While here, she complains of Cruella & Lurch. how horrible it is there. (I suspect some of it, not all, is true) She cries, begging us to keep her here longer. However, once she gets back home...she tells Cruella that she wants to live with her. She seems to feel that when she is at one parent's, she has to "side" with them and dislike the other parent. We have tried, repeatedly, to explain to DQ that not only is it okay, she needs to love both parents. Enjoy her time with each of them. And not play one off the other. While Cruella tells me that she encourages the same....I know better. The woman lives to put a wedge between the children and their dad. And DQ is the one who gets hurt. I'm so glad that we don't have the constant drama of dealing with Cruella daily, as we did before.

The paperwork we had requested from the Egg Donor & Clara finally arrived a few days ago. A couple of weeks back, our attorney had received an email from Clara, stating that she would not sign off. So, I basically told the attorney that she could wait until hell freezes over, before I would sign off on the things they requested. :) Apparently, Clara had a change of heart. LOL Most likely, the Egg Donor told her that I was stubborn enough, I would never release them, unless they did as I had asked. I let the paperwork sit on my desk a few days, before signing & returning it. But, it's done now. The final tie to them has been severed. I feel as if an enormous weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Goodbye, and good riddance!

Welcome

2009-01-07T09:58:00.003-06:00

To my new (online) home. Those of you who followed me from my old one already know a bit about me. For those who don't...read & learn.

I took some time off from blogging. Here are my excuses.

1. The holidays were going on. I mean, you start with Thanksgiving, then Christmas lands on you, and heaven help us, New Year's! How are we supposed to keep up with all of that?? I need more time to recover, dangit!

2. I have been sick. It was a head cold gone bad. Massive amounts of mucus, which strangled me day & especially night. Coughing my lungs up - but no mucus. "Is this a productive cough?" Umm...yes, it produces watery eyes, a sore throat, sore stomach, and loss of voice! My head seriously felt as if there was a water balloon in it, being filled to the point of bursting. It was not pretty. I now own stock in Vicks, Nyquil, and Tylenol. They sent me a Christmas card. No. Really.

3. The last week of December, Dark One & DQ were here with us. Some of you know, we had full custody the last 2 yrs. When we had to move back in Oct of last yr, they had to stay with their mom. (long, ugly story) So, to have kids in the house again was.....loud. But I loved it! And DQ only hit 3 trees with the golf cart......

4. Jan 2nd, was DQ's birthday. Naturally, we had to get cake, and plan things, etc.

5. That night, my adopted daughter, Dreamer, came down from Missouri to spend the weekend with us. DQ immediately pounced her, and there was nail polish, hair bows, and all sorts of things all over the living room.

6. The next day, Dreamer's bf, who lives in Texas came to meet us, get the brutal interrogation I had in store for him, and stay one night. Yes, there were 6 of us crammed in this 2 bedroom palace! LOL

7. Somewhere in this time frame, my aunt was in a wreck. She was stopped behind a car at a light, some idiot in a van rammed her from behind, causing a 3 car pile up, and totalling her little truck. She wasn't hurt, thank God.

8. Yesterday, Dark One was taken to the doc, and now has to be tested for scoliosis.

9. Ummmm, okay, I'm running out of excuses. Hope these will do.

And now, to catch up on reading all of your blogs!

Mwah!