Took Susan to Toys "R" Us (asinine name) in Mays Landing yesterday morning. I got some Dora the Explorer things for Vivian and she got gifts for two-year-old Sophia. I didn't send to Singapore yet because I'm waiting for the Cinderella DVD to include, but guess I'd better send them today. Got a few more Christmas items out.
Made beef stew in the crock pot and Pat actually remarked on how good it was. After I got up off the floor, I had some myself. Yep, he was right.
In the evening, I called Mike to wish him happy birthday. My baby boy is now 41 years old--what?! I can't believe I'm 41, let alone that my youngest child is. Mike is in Tokyo and will leave shortly for a week in Hong Kong.
Miami brother Larry sent pictures of some of his humongous family at Thanksgiving, including the newest great-grandchild. He has seven children and an enormous number of grands and great-grands. Lucky Betty will visit them next week and go with many of the strapping brood on their annual trip to Disneyland.
Got a call from my cousin, Bob F., in California. He's one of the driving forces in our shared genealogy (maternal German side) and was instrumental in having our great-grandfather's picture added to the portraits of soldiers at Gettysburg. We talk every few months and, as ever, it was very enjoyable. Bob asked me to send him six pounds of scrapple, which I'll be happy to do. He said if I freeze it, then wrap in newspaper, it should survive the trip to the left coast fine. They no longer sell it in benighted California and, being an old West Philly boy, he can't go on without it--perfectly understandable.
Then Alison called and--happy day!--she has three interviews on Friday. I can't imagine any of them wouldn't make an offer to somebody like her; in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if there's a bidding war for her services. Am I partisan? Damn right.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
After the usual domestic chores, went to Hamilton Mall. I'm now getting frantic about sending off Vivian's Christmas present, since they're leaving for their cruise on December 21st. Didn't get anything, but will strive to do so today, as I know what I want.
We got both Holy Spirit's and Rider's quarterly reports. I was struck by their similarity in layout, design, and content--and of course, purpose, which is, pure and simple, to elicit money from grads. When I went to HSHS, it seemed the whole school was run by the engine of selling ads for the senior play. Woe to the student who didn't sell enough ads! I guess they got the occasional donation or bequest, but they sure didn't go very public with their fund-raising efforts.
In this mag, it seems significant to me that their "alumni notes" section starts with the class of 1969. That will give some idea of how important we earlier grads--who now, I guess, are regarded in our dotage--are seen by the school. Guess the idea is to present itself as a fresh, forward-looking, young place to attract new students and put its rather spotty history in the shade. It's the way of the world, I'm afraid...
We got both Holy Spirit's and Rider's quarterly reports. I was struck by their similarity in layout, design, and content--and of course, purpose, which is, pure and simple, to elicit money from grads. When I went to HSHS, it seemed the whole school was run by the engine of selling ads for the senior play. Woe to the student who didn't sell enough ads! I guess they got the occasional donation or bequest, but they sure didn't go very public with their fund-raising efforts.
In this mag, it seems significant to me that their "alumni notes" section starts with the class of 1969. That will give some idea of how important we earlier grads--who now, I guess, are regarded in our dotage--are seen by the school. Guess the idea is to present itself as a fresh, forward-looking, young place to attract new students and put its rather spotty history in the shade. It's the way of the world, I'm afraid...
Monday, December 03, 2007
When we went for our walk yesterday, there was snow on the ground! Rest of day was cold, windy, and sleety. I got a few things at Acme in the morning, but the rest of the day, stayed in. Did lots of wash, changed the decor in the guest bath, then dozed on the sofa while the Eagles got beat--again. A nice, cozy day in my snug, cozy house.
Jumped in the shower after dinner, then talked to Ellen, always a pleasure. She'll be here on the 19th--Alison will pick her up in Philly--then our plan is for me to go up to Cream Ridge to bring her back here, as she'll go to court with me on the 21st. She does want to stay over with Alison some of the time, too, and we'll work that out.
I get my flu shot today at 11:00, and will try to do some Christmas shopping after that.
Jumped in the shower after dinner, then talked to Ellen, always a pleasure. She'll be here on the 19th--Alison will pick her up in Philly--then our plan is for me to go up to Cream Ridge to bring her back here, as she'll go to court with me on the 21st. She does want to stay over with Alison some of the time, too, and we'll work that out.
I get my flu shot today at 11:00, and will try to do some Christmas shopping after that.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Went to First Presbyterian's Christmas Craft sale yesterday with Susan. It was all I could do not to buy and buy. They have exquisite items, all handmade, but I had to keep in mind that I'm trying to divest myself of Xmas items, not acquire more. Just got some cookies and fudge for Pat, handmade gift tags, and a small bar with "Little Egg Harbor" painted on it.
Asked Leslie if she wanted to go with me to Santori's, but she was too tired from working at the sale. Just asked me to pick her up some peppers, which I did. Today, she'll deliver the fresh wreath I ordered, also from her church.
Barb H. called to see if I wanted to go to the Tuckerton House Tour on Thursday. Yes, indeed; this will be the third year she, Susan, and I have done this. We'll go to lunch first.
Oops. I forgot I had told Leslie I'll work at the food pantry on Thursday, filling in for Barb D.. I hate to renege on things I agreed to do, but she said she'd probably be able to get someone else. If she can't, I'll do it and just skip the house tour this year.
Got a welcomed call from Pat's cousin, Joe D., from Jacksonville. He and Dot are about to put their house up for sale. It's a good-sized house on a huge lake in Orange Park, where we visited about 5 years ago. Joe lived with Pat's family until graduation with him from St. James. He was the heart throb of all the girls--including this half of the Byrne twins.
We then got an unwelcome call from Pat's dermotologist. He has 3 more squamous cell cancers they want to take off with a "MOHS" (that stands for something). However, they take a little off at a time, then he'd have to wait for the biopsy, then more off, etc.--he'd have to be there for 4 to 8 hours, just impossible for him. I asked for an alternative, and she said radiation, which we could have done at the hosptial in Manahawkin. He would first have a one-hour consultation, then a series of visits, but they'd last only about 15 minutes. I agreed to that, told Pat, and he said the V.A. had told him he couldn't have any more radiation, as they had used it to excise the growth on his ear. Now I'll have to track down the history of the whole thing and see whether that's accurate. I need this like a hole in the head. Oh, well, that's what I get paid for (ha!).
Called Alison to hear she has two interviews on Friday. She said she'd like to "do" Christmas Eve, when she'll have both Mike's relatives and us. Then, I'll have our gang on Christmas Day. Sounds good and we'll enjoy both days. She asked if I wanted to go to Rancocas for some kind of festival on Saturday, but I'm going to the K.'s tree-lighting ceremony and party in the evening, so I declined. On second thought, though, maybe I could do both--just meet them there during the day. I'll get back to her.
Asked Leslie if she wanted to go with me to Santori's, but she was too tired from working at the sale. Just asked me to pick her up some peppers, which I did. Today, she'll deliver the fresh wreath I ordered, also from her church.
Barb H. called to see if I wanted to go to the Tuckerton House Tour on Thursday. Yes, indeed; this will be the third year she, Susan, and I have done this. We'll go to lunch first.
Oops. I forgot I had told Leslie I'll work at the food pantry on Thursday, filling in for Barb D.. I hate to renege on things I agreed to do, but she said she'd probably be able to get someone else. If she can't, I'll do it and just skip the house tour this year.
Got a welcomed call from Pat's cousin, Joe D., from Jacksonville. He and Dot are about to put their house up for sale. It's a good-sized house on a huge lake in Orange Park, where we visited about 5 years ago. Joe lived with Pat's family until graduation with him from St. James. He was the heart throb of all the girls--including this half of the Byrne twins.
We then got an unwelcome call from Pat's dermotologist. He has 3 more squamous cell cancers they want to take off with a "MOHS" (that stands for something). However, they take a little off at a time, then he'd have to wait for the biopsy, then more off, etc.--he'd have to be there for 4 to 8 hours, just impossible for him. I asked for an alternative, and she said radiation, which we could have done at the hosptial in Manahawkin. He would first have a one-hour consultation, then a series of visits, but they'd last only about 15 minutes. I agreed to that, told Pat, and he said the V.A. had told him he couldn't have any more radiation, as they had used it to excise the growth on his ear. Now I'll have to track down the history of the whole thing and see whether that's accurate. I need this like a hole in the head. Oh, well, that's what I get paid for (ha!).
Called Alison to hear she has two interviews on Friday. She said she'd like to "do" Christmas Eve, when she'll have both Mike's relatives and us. Then, I'll have our gang on Christmas Day. Sounds good and we'll enjoy both days. She asked if I wanted to go to Rancocas for some kind of festival on Saturday, but I'm going to the K.'s tree-lighting ceremony and party in the evening, so I declined. On second thought, though, maybe I could do both--just meet them there during the day. I'll get back to her.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Not a whole lot going on yesterday. I ran down to Kohl's and got gloves (my new Land's End coat is maroon and all I had were red ones), plus a few other items. Separated out more of the Christmas stuff and actually decorated the house (inside) a bit. Did some wash--a ho-hum day.
The low point was yet another phone call from lousy First Horizon Bank. Clearly, they have our number in error: They've called two or three times a week for the last month or so. It's a recording that tells me to call an 800 number. Since we have no dealings with them and never did, I ignored the calls--until the phone rang at ten after nine Tuesday night.
Now I have no problem with calls that late IF--and only if--the house is on fire, a meteor is heading toward us, or one of my kids won the lottery. Otherwise, it will keep until the next day. This late call (nine o'clock is the middle of the night to me) infuriated me and the next day, I called the damn number. A recording was on that, too, telling me to put my loan number in. I don't have a loan number! Otherwise, the chirpy, cheery female voice said, "you'll be prompted to put in your social security number." After going through this farce three times, I finally did put in my SS number--at which point, the recording looped right back to asking for my non-existent loan number!
Now I'll abridge the ordeal: I looked up the customer service number on-line, called that, and talked to no fewer than three cretins to tell them there was clearly a mistake and to quit calling me. Of course, all this was interspersed with interminable waits while "all our customer representatives are presently busy, but remain on the line...." Mission accomplished? Oh, no, of course not. Yesterday, I got yet another call with the same "call this number" recording! More phone time, more gnashing of teeth, more screams and shouts. Finally, after the third transfer, I was assured I would be put through to an actual person in the loan department--and was subjected to horrible music for ten minutes (by the clock--I timed it) before I finally hung up. Last resort: I looked up their "contact us" info on-line and sent them a furious message to quit harassing me. If that doesn't work, I intend to contact the Better Business Bureau, the banking commission, and maybe the Godfather's bully boys.
The low point was yet another phone call from lousy First Horizon Bank. Clearly, they have our number in error: They've called two or three times a week for the last month or so. It's a recording that tells me to call an 800 number. Since we have no dealings with them and never did, I ignored the calls--until the phone rang at ten after nine Tuesday night.
Now I have no problem with calls that late IF--and only if--the house is on fire, a meteor is heading toward us, or one of my kids won the lottery. Otherwise, it will keep until the next day. This late call (nine o'clock is the middle of the night to me) infuriated me and the next day, I called the damn number. A recording was on that, too, telling me to put my loan number in. I don't have a loan number! Otherwise, the chirpy, cheery female voice said, "you'll be prompted to put in your social security number." After going through this farce three times, I finally did put in my SS number--at which point, the recording looped right back to asking for my non-existent loan number!
Now I'll abridge the ordeal: I looked up the customer service number on-line, called that, and talked to no fewer than three cretins to tell them there was clearly a mistake and to quit calling me. Of course, all this was interspersed with interminable waits while "all our customer representatives are presently busy, but remain on the line...." Mission accomplished? Oh, no, of course not. Yesterday, I got yet another call with the same "call this number" recording! More phone time, more gnashing of teeth, more screams and shouts. Finally, after the third transfer, I was assured I would be put through to an actual person in the loan department--and was subjected to horrible music for ten minutes (by the clock--I timed it) before I finally hung up. Last resort: I looked up their "contact us" info on-line and sent them a furious message to quit harassing me. If that doesn't work, I intend to contact the Better Business Bureau, the banking commission, and maybe the Godfather's bully boys.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Went to Shop-Rite in Galloway yesterday. Although it's more than twice as far as the one in Manahawkin (18 miles as opposed to 9), for some reason, it seems closer. It's also usually less crowded, plus it has the advantage of being right down the road from Santori's, so I like it.
Besides groceries, I bought four beautiful red poinsettia plants. I don't like to decorate for Christmas before December, but guess I'll put the autumn decorations away and rush the season by a day.
After a lull, I'm looking forward to a busier week: On Monday, I go to the doctor for a flu shot; Wednesday, I meet Vivian and another Wellspouse member for dinner; Thursday, I'll be staffing the local food pantry with Leslie*; Friday, I go to Surflight Theatre with Les and Dennis; and on Saturday, will attend the "tree-lighting ceremony" party at neighbor, Judy's. Even better, the week after that, I have two parties. Best of all is the following week, when D.D. Ellen arrives--happy day!
*This is separate from Sister Jean's Kitchen.
Besides groceries, I bought four beautiful red poinsettia plants. I don't like to decorate for Christmas before December, but guess I'll put the autumn decorations away and rush the season by a day.
After a lull, I'm looking forward to a busier week: On Monday, I go to the doctor for a flu shot; Wednesday, I meet Vivian and another Wellspouse member for dinner; Thursday, I'll be staffing the local food pantry with Leslie*; Friday, I go to Surflight Theatre with Les and Dennis; and on Saturday, will attend the "tree-lighting ceremony" party at neighbor, Judy's. Even better, the week after that, I have two parties. Best of all is the following week, when D.D. Ellen arrives--happy day!
*This is separate from Sister Jean's Kitchen.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
I'm happy to record that yesterday made up for Tuesday. Met David at The Black Forest in Allentown and had a delightful lunch with him. He filled me in on the exciting, shocking, sinister--okay, pretty mundane--doings at Rider U. He was kind enough to bring me a directory and, looking through it last night, I noted how many names I didn't know. Lots of positions have changed hands, so to speak, and some day I'll walk on the campus and be surrounded by strangers. Melancholy thought? No, not really.
Left David about quarter of two and stopped at Alison's to leave off a wooden "advent tree" for her stepgrandchildren, Lindsay and Lucas. I had gotten Joely and Vivian each one last year, but Mike and entourage went to Colorado after they visited here, and didn't take it.
Got to Jen's early and we went through the boxes of Christmas decorations I brought. She selected some things, and I took the others back to donate to Habitat or SOCH. Will go through the tree ornaments and give her some of them, too. With that out of the way, we had a nice visit.
Little "T" is such a delight! At almost 4 months, he has perfected the art of smiling and shows it off constantly. When he got restless, Jen let me give him his bottle; it was wonderful to hold his plump little body and watch him contentedly feeding. Tristan constantly tries to stand and is very interested in the big world. He looks intently at people, turns to listen when they talk, and is generally alert and "engaged."
I stayed with baby while Jen went to pick Joely up at school. He burst in exuberantly, was glad to see me, and exclaimed over the small tree I had brought. He hung some of the little ornaments, then told me what he had done that day at kindergarten. He brought out a set of laminated words, similar to flashcards, but on a chain. Many were of colors--"yellow," "purple," "orange"--and he enjoyed showing me he can read them.
I wanted to get home before full dark, so left about 4:00. What a nice day! It was made even nicer after dinner by a phone conversation with my "Cincinnati Sis"--dear cousin, Marifran. We had a ball catching up with each other's lives. Hers is very full, as she's a life counselor and consultant and has a lot of clients. We talked a full hour, said goodbye, then I got into my snugly jammies (new ones! Pink with Scottie dogs!), popped my corn, poured my wine, and settled on the couch after a perfectly fulfilling day.
The summons? Oh, it's no biggie; I'll deal with that later.
Later: Incredible! Went to Weight Watchers to find I lost another 2.6 for a total of 48.6 and a current weight of 151. Now I'm confidently looking forward to the 50-pound-off mark and moving into the 140s. Yipee!
Left David about quarter of two and stopped at Alison's to leave off a wooden "advent tree" for her stepgrandchildren, Lindsay and Lucas. I had gotten Joely and Vivian each one last year, but Mike and entourage went to Colorado after they visited here, and didn't take it.
Got to Jen's early and we went through the boxes of Christmas decorations I brought. She selected some things, and I took the others back to donate to Habitat or SOCH. Will go through the tree ornaments and give her some of them, too. With that out of the way, we had a nice visit.
Little "T" is such a delight! At almost 4 months, he has perfected the art of smiling and shows it off constantly. When he got restless, Jen let me give him his bottle; it was wonderful to hold his plump little body and watch him contentedly feeding. Tristan constantly tries to stand and is very interested in the big world. He looks intently at people, turns to listen when they talk, and is generally alert and "engaged."
I stayed with baby while Jen went to pick Joely up at school. He burst in exuberantly, was glad to see me, and exclaimed over the small tree I had brought. He hung some of the little ornaments, then told me what he had done that day at kindergarten. He brought out a set of laminated words, similar to flashcards, but on a chain. Many were of colors--"yellow," "purple," "orange"--and he enjoyed showing me he can read them.
I wanted to get home before full dark, so left about 4:00. What a nice day! It was made even nicer after dinner by a phone conversation with my "Cincinnati Sis"--dear cousin, Marifran. We had a ball catching up with each other's lives. Hers is very full, as she's a life counselor and consultant and has a lot of clients. We talked a full hour, said goodbye, then I got into my snugly jammies (new ones! Pink with Scottie dogs!), popped my corn, poured my wine, and settled on the couch after a perfectly fulfilling day.
The summons? Oh, it's no biggie; I'll deal with that later.
Later: Incredible! Went to Weight Watchers to find I lost another 2.6 for a total of 48.6 and a current weight of 151. Now I'm confidently looking forward to the 50-pound-off mark and moving into the 140s. Yipee!
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