May 31, 2011

Rose waiting patiently for Mr. B to
start the car and turn on the A.C.

It's the last day of May ... where's the year going?

Mr. B accomplished the flower bed planting yesterday. We went to Buchanan's Native Plants in the extreme heat of the day and selected our plants. We had a coupon and a gift card and points with  Buchanan's from previous purchases, which brought our total from $100+ to $37. Too cool! It's fun to go to places in the Heights and run into people you know. Such was the case yesterday at Buchanan's where we ran into three people and had to stand around jabbering. Rose was with us and even people we didn't know were commenting on how she hasn't missed any meals. Poor fat dog! Yet every night Mr. B gives her "a little snack" before she goes to bed.

Today I'm creating the first issue of a monthly newsletter. It's always fun to get involved with a new project. Waiting on a call back with information, so it looks like I won't be able to finish the newsletter until tomorrow.

May 30, 2011

It's Memorial Day, which is the day of the year for Americans to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to our country. I'm thankful for all the men and women who have fought to keep America a democracy! I'm fortunate that no member of my family has ever fought in a war. My grandfathers was too young for WWI and my dad too young for WWII. My older brother graduated from Texas A&M just as the Viet Nam "conflict" was ending. He was in the Air Force, defending Omaha, Neb. for a couple of years. My nephew never served in the military. Mr. B was never in the military either, although his older brother was in the Army, but never in combat.

My uncle-by-marriage, Thomas George Jenkins, was in the Navy during WWII. I don't remember him ever talking about the war or what he did. He had a huge tattoo of an anchor his forearm. He made his two oldest daughters and me promise never to get a tattoo. As far as I know, the three of us have honored our promise to him.

Today I'm creating a long overdue colorful garden in the front yard with the help of Mr. B. We're proudly displaying a U.S. flag on the front of the house. Long may she wave!

May 29, 2011

Katie and Kendall celebrating Katie's MBA graduation.
They met in the 7th grade and have come a long way!

It's a lazy day in the Pettit household. We went to an MBA graduation party for Ms. Katie Lou Phillips yesterday afternoon. It was outside and I think the combination of the heat and the delicious sangria zapped my energy. Or that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

I wish we had a pool so I could do some laps this afternoon. I'm thinking a cool dip in the pool would be refreshing and energizing. I'd like to get to the plant nursery this afternoon before it closes. Since it stays light until after 8 p.m., hopefully I'll get some gardening done today when it's cooler.

Today I'm creating absolutely nothing, or so it seems. It's that motivation thing again ... see posting from May 27, 2011.

May 28, 2011

The "kids" are out of town.

Got my housework done yesterday, but the dining room is already a mess. Mr. B folded clothes and left them on the dining room table. Nice look.

My cubs are out of town, which makes me nervous. Maybe that's why I didn't fall asleep until 5 a.m. Kendall and Nick went to Dallas yesterday for the wedding of a high school friend. They'll be back this afternoon for a party celebrating another friend's MBA graduation. Evan is in Austin attending a protest rally at the State Capital Building. She's living the late 1960s/early 1970s, and frequently expresses her passion about the environment, education and people's rights.

Today I'm creating a plan of attack for cleaning the yard, and praying that the girls and Nick get home safely.

May 27, 2011

I'm trying to motivate myself for a weekend of cleaning, beginning with the inside of the house and moving to the yard. I used to love Fridays because they were the beginning of the weekend. Now I think of Fridays as house cleaning days, and there's nothing I dislike more than cleaning house. Well, maybe I dislike beets, cauliflower and football more.

Motivating myself seems to be a problem right now, whether I'm writing, sewing, beading or cleaning house. I dread the process, but like the end results. Same thing is happening with my healthy eating. I like the end results, but have gotten bogged down in the process. I need to motivate myself to focus on the goal and push through the task at hand.

Today I'm creating a clean house! As much as I dislike football, I like this quote from Vince Lombardi: "The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand." My task at hand today is a clean house!

May 26, 2011

There was a report on television this morning that the economy is not showing signs of growth. I wonder how many government scientists and how many millions of dollars it took to determine that? I suggest that next month the researchers just call a couple of people and ask them about their bank accounts instead of spending money on expensive polls. Off in the distance I hear the wheels spinning in Dr. Mac's head saying, "no, no, Mom, you can't have a scientific poll by just calling a couple of people."

Dr. Mac isn't pleased with my idea on
how to conduct a survey. But she's excited that
she has a four day weekend!

Did anyone else watch Oprah's last show that aired yesterday? It took me back to my Baptist childhood with boring Sunday morning sermons, wondering if they would ever end. By the time Lady O finished with her sermon ... I mean 44-minute monologue ... I was completely bored. In fact, I decided to take the dogs for a walk and didn't even see the last portion of the show. I predict her ego is so big that she'll miss the spotlight. In a couple of years will she start another show? Maybe not. After all, what does she need with a television show when she has a television network! Back to my first paragraph, I suggest that the government researchers NOT call Ms. O and inquire about her bank account. Her results might not be a good economic indicator. One message she delivered was good: follow your passion. Good advice!

Today I'm creating a fun lunch with four women I used to work with. They always make me laugh!

May 25, 2011

Cherry tree in Santa Fe with small,
probably inedible fruit.

I'm not a happy camper today. I feel both sad and mad, then back to sad again!

First, Mr. B got a call that there is a problem with the drip watering system in Santa Fe. Richard A. also told Mr. B that our Santa Fe garden isn't as lush as it should be, probably because of the lack of rain and the drip system is not working properly. It makes me very sad because I'm so far away and can't do anything!

Next, I have the feeling that someone is trying to push me out of something I'm doing. This makes me mad! I don't like it and I won't let it happen, but I have to calm myself down and get my thoughts in order.

Finally, I'm sad that the mother of Mr. B's co-worker died last night. Sandy will have a difficult time as she deals with the loss of her mother.

Today I'm creating a better mood for myself. Maybe I'll take a long walk with Rose or maybe I'll take Roz for a ride in my bicycle basket. Fresh air will help clear my mind, or so I hope!