JFK, windstorms and Thanksgiving~~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

Again I'm being neglectful to my blog, now that I'm a contract player so to speak I'm more busy.

Right now I'm posting from my parents home, yes Sweet Things I'm back home for Thanksgiving and this time Joe is with me.

We're "bunking" in Mom's sewing room for privacy ;)  Dad purchased one of those inflatable mattresses so we do have comfort, but most of the time we are around the house, or taking Mom to a special shop she want to see, and also getting last minute things for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Dad has invited a few friends from his work who have no place to go for Thanksgiving and they are going to watch the games while Mom, Baby Sister and I are cooking the dinner.

The house feels very warm and welcoming now, each time I come back I am amazed at its transformation.

Dad told me that he's planning to retired in 2015,  I was surprised to hear him say that but he said that the numbers are right, he'll have a good medical plan in place, by that time my Sister will be married, and he and Ted have been doing a bit of Antiquing business on the side and he helps with the book keeping for Mom's business as well.  It seems that things Retro are pretty popular right now. 

Again I was concerned about his health but he said he's fine, he's just lining up "his ducks" and wants to relax a bit,  he did say that he will be doing some work with the firm on a part time basis.  But the major decisions will be left to others, he's already training a couple of staffers to take over, but he admitted it would take at least two years for them to know all the little "glitches" that could come up, that is why he'll still be working part time for a while.

Mom is happy about the idea, I asked aren't you worried about Dad being underfoot, and she said not a bit, he's helped out with figuring costs for her little business so she'd be able to charge a fair price.

I'm happy for them.

The other evening we talked about JFK, I wasn't born yet when he died, but Mom and Dad remembered it vividly.  I asked Dad to some day write down his feelings about that Day, and Mom too,  Dad said to me that when JFK died, the world changed, had lost its innocence, the concept of conspiracy theories began, but what he said was the worst feeling was that if someone could kill the President, then no one in the world was safe, he told me that it made his own father a harder person, a more controling person, and now he was thankful that the "church" that he was a member of at the time, did not go in for suicide like the Jim Jones cult.

Maybe, he said that is why programs and events and organizations are so into exploring the past, preserving it, maybe that's why a number of people long for a simplier, easier to understand time.  I said that it's like that title of a show  "Stop the World I want to get off!"   We reach a point in our lives where we've had enough and re-act by going backwards.  It made sense.

Dad had asked me if the windstorm in my area had done any damage and I said yes, trees uprooted, property damaged, power lines down.  We were fortunate this time, I didn't have a tree invade my living room like the last time.  But we did see things flying all over the place,  I found someone's beach towel smack up again my front door, and Heather and her parents were laughing they found some ladies bras (several) among their plants,  but still 2 people died in my area and a huge Eucalupytus Tree had fallen over near Lake Merritt,  Joe and I had driven over to see it and take pictures, it was huge.  And then we went and had breakfast at our favorite retro dinner Lake Merritt Bakery, it had re-opened after a fire.

I told Joe that I'm seeing too many changes and it was beginning to frighten me, the old bridge gone, that tree at the Lake and other places, Joe took my hand and said to me "That is why finding speical places are important, being a part of something historical is important, being better behaved people as a proper example to others is important.  Guiding young people to learn skills that all the eletronics cannot teach is important."   and I felt safe.

And now Mom is saying that I have to take her to the fabric store, she is still working on a bride's veil and the bride will be coming over this evening she wants crystal drops here and there on the veil.  The image is of a Snow Queen.  And the wedding gown is a masterpiece of velvet and soft heavy satin with crystal drops.

So to the store we go.

Kisses Sweet Things

A leaking hot water heater and Happy Valentines Day

Hello Sweet Things,

I am so wonderfully tired right now, I've been up early today, I may even go to bed early maybe.

We were watching the news last night about that L.A. cop killer that was hiding in a remote cabin, Joe became so angry at this monster, saying that he took the easy way out by committing suicide, he would have preferred that the man burn to death.

Joe's anger almost frightened me but I could understand why he feels that way, this person was removed from his job for excellent reasons, and then instead of finding a way to re-build his life kills the officer who defended him and the daughter and her fiance of another officer and then during the shoot out kills another officer. 

From what was known it seems he took on a vendetta of grievances and was planning to kill all police officers he could find including those officers who he felt had conspired against him.  

I turned to Joe and said "I'm glad you're out of the force"  and told him my reasons.   That calmed him down, he said he's been reflecting on his leaving and has no regrets that it was the best move considering what what happening in the force.   And although he is busy and puts in some long hours he is more relaxed and is not tense like he use to be.

I am tired, it's been a very personal busy day, last night Joe decided to do a load of laundry and walked into the laundry room to be greeted with a puddle of water.  The old hot water heater sprung a leak.  Between Joe shutting off the water to it, turning off the burner, getting a hose so he could drain the tank and my mopping the floor with a mop and old towels it was a mess.   I called a plumber who came over that evening, said we did the right things and checked everything further, we talked about what needed to be done, and he quoted me a price,  and it was better than my guesstimate.   Said he could do the work early this afternoon and he did and was so neat about it.

Of course I had to deal with not being able to take a shower this morning, but once the water heated up I was in there yelling like Meg Ryan in that movie whatever its name, and was crying out "yes, Yes, YES!!!"  Joe came into the bathroom and asked if I needed any help----well he needed a shower too.   ;)  and you know where that could lead to.    So why am I on the computer?  Joe got dressed and is out getting dinner and a bottle of wine, so since my Valentine's present is a day early I just want to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day.

Kisses Sweet Things

As she shakes the snow off of her recumberant body~~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

Yes it is I, the Fabulous Diva, I have been silent for far too long.

So what have I been doing?  I am now an independent  working woman, setting my own hours and fees, I'm fortunate that my income from my investment portfolio is very good and my retirement package is excellent, and my company has hired me back on an independent contractor basis so I'm making more.

Joe is still in the retirement process, his last day to work will be January 19, then he is free and considering what is happening not a minute too soon,  he has been covering a lot of shifts especially for those who have families, so right now I don't see him as much.

Heather's parents have moved into Lillian's home, it's paid for, Heather's mother works and the income is more than enough to cover taxes, insurance, utilities, upkeep.  Heather's Dad found work granted at 2/3's of what he use to make, but he is not complaining, he has medical and dental benefits and that is what counts.

The "little Beast' has been adopted by them and Heather is glad, her art work has been selling and she has received several commissions to do Portraits of several children, he portraiture work is fabulous and she has decided to do painting like Owen Smith and one other painter whose name escapes me but I know that he did a famous painting called "Nighthawks". 

But what she does is use her digital camera and takes photos of places, events and people and uses all of that as references for her work, even looking at old black white photo's for ideas.  What helped get her commissions is a painting she did of Lillian, working in a country kitchen but with a little girl helping.  There is such warmth in the painting as to reach out to you, and next to it is a portrait study in oil of Lillian, neither are for sale but it helps show what Heather can do.

She is still going to the University and working towards her degree.

Because Joe is working so many shifts I told him he could "crash" at my place or his little studio but since I won't really be seeing him I'm going to spend Christmas and New Years with my Family.  Joe said he didn't mind, Heather's folks have invited him over for both holidays---especially New Years, that is if he's not working, but they said he can come over for left overs if he needs to and unwind.  Heather's folks will keep an eye on my place until I return.

I will be taking the train again, I will not risk driving during the holidays, so I will leave tomorrow and enjoy my trip. 

If I sound tired, I am.  So much has been happening and I'm still adjusting.  This intense cold is hard to shake, even with a roaring fire and hot soup, I need the comfort of family this time of year and I know it will be a very warm and happy holiday time.

Happy Holidays Sweet Things---Kisses.

Christmas Memories

Hello Sweet Things,

I have to say that this is one of the happiest Holidays I've ever had with my family.
I only wish Joe was here, but for him sometimes duty comes first and he wanted those who have children, especially to have the time with them.

Sometimes I think he misses the idea of having children, but as he says "we can do what we can to protect them".

Baby Sis and her fiance have set a wedding date, and they said they want it to be a simple wedding, nothing fancy, just close family and friends. Mom is glad that it's set for nearly a year away, yes Sweet Things, they want to get married on Dec. 31st. of next year.

At least we'll always have something to celebrate besides New Years. I think its just marvellously wicked and perfect.

Both Mom and Dad are happy and yet a bit sad, the baby will be leaving the house, but I told them while we were sitting at the kitchen table and baby Sis and Ted were out of the house, I said "Just think of the fun with the Grandchildren".

I wish Sweet Things you could have seen the sparkle in their eyes. I know Dad will spoil them. And yes I'm still here at the house with them, I won't be leaving to come home until tomorrow, all too soon.

I've been following all the news, financial, and political reports, the slight down turn is something I half expected. With the Middle East, as one of my co-workers says, you can always expect their governments to come up with something to spoil Christmas. And yes I know that is not polite to say, but one needs to be honest, it seems that something like that always happens this time of year, just when you don't want it to happen.

I am just devastated about the Ad Exec who lost her children and parents in the house fire. I can't think of anything worst than to lose family in such a horrible circumstance. The Exec was right when she said "My Life is in there!"

Both I and my parents have fireplaces, but the one thing we are very careful about when we have burned a fire is about embers, I usually let mine completely die in the fireplace with a tall firescreen around it to prevent sparks, something that Dad taught me ages ago.

Not that I would have burnt a fire with all the spare the air days, even in this freezing weather, even Dad got into the burning candles in the fireplace idea and that always works. And I have on the outside of my fireplace a trap to drag the old coals out into a metal bucket, wet down with water and leave for one more day away from anything flammable.

Dad and I took a number of walks with his dog Trixie, meeting people, looking at things, talking about things. I feel closer to him now and to Mom, but especially to him. I understand what he went through and I feel the sense of guilt that he has about his treatment of me, of Mom and of Sis.

Even though we've made amends, I sensed that this was something he might take to the grave, so I gently confronted him about that. He admitted it to me when we were walking Trixie on Christmas Eve.

I looked at that little dog that was wearing a nice little warm doggie coat and asked him "Who bought the coat?" He looked at her and said "Well your Mom mentioned that the nights were getting cold and one day we were at the pet store getting her food and treats and such and I saw this nice one, fleecy on the inside and plaid on the outside, not too fussy and I bought it. Wasn't sure she'd take to it but she did. Gets happy when I grab it first and then the leash." He smiled at me "What are you getting at?"

"Didn't you feel that when she was on your porch that you had a second chance?" Dad thought for a minute then nodded.

"Didn't you see Mom when she was soaked with water from cleaning the old refrigerator?" He nodded again.

"Didn't you tell the other fellow that was trying to date Baby Sis that she wasn't interested in him and it would be best to not pursue the matter?" Again Dad nodded.

I said to him "Dad whatever guilt you have been feeling, let it go, what was done in the past, is past, Mom, Sis and I are wise enough and forgiving enough to let it go and enjoy the new you, and work with you as well. How are your employees how do they feel about you?"

He said that they feel that they can work with him and that the company even in these bad economic times is holding its own and has even gain business, making a profit. He had to inform them that there would not be any financial raises but they did manage to get them Christmas bonuses and are hoping to add eye and hearing care to their medical benefits. They've also have created a transportation benefit for them if they switch to public transportation or create car pools which nearly all are doing. "Many of them feel that even if they don't get an increase in salary, there is a savings in other ways, they are willing to work with me, and most importantly we've avoided any layoffs."

I said to him "Would that have been truly possible with the old you?" Not as easily he admitted.

"Then let go of the guilt" I said. And we continued walking but Dad had to asked me a question. "What about you?" he said, I looked at him and replied that what he has done, kicked the monster out of the house (meaning his old church), doing things to make it better for Mom and Sis, taking me into his confidence, being proud of my accomplishments and, yes apologizing to me in his own way is the best gift one could receive and for that I forgave him quiet sometime ago.

And with that we hugged. And then all of us, with Trixie staying at home to 'guard the house' went to Christmas Midnight Mass and such a joyous feeling there was!

I'm not going into Christmas Day but it was fun! And I managed to Call Joe later in the day, he was at Lillian's grabbing some Turkey Sandwiches and such to take to eat when he'd take a break, he told me about his Christmas Eve adventures, he even played Santa Claus when he managed to catch someone trying to steal packages from a car. The thief got away, but with the commotion the kids came out. Fortunately the only thing damaged was the lock on the trunk of the car but how to explain the presents...quickly Joe said that Santa left them in the trunk for their parents to find and take into the house BUT they couldn't open them until Christmas day.

Then he told them about the NORAAD Santa Tracker and that Santa is going all over the place. The Father was happy with the save, and said he'd put the car into the garage because of the trunk lock.

At various places he'd check in and owners would give him coffee to keep him warm, he wanted to pay but they said they were giving it away to everyone. He managed to get some homeless guys to a shelter or they would have frozen up. One other was a very happy drunk who asked to be taken to the drunk tank, well better than nothing thought Joe.

He said he'd have more to tell me when I got home.

New Years he'll be pulling duty again, so I'm going to take my friend Yoshi to the Hornet for New Year's Eve, even if we have to dance together although I think there will be gentlemen who will ask to dance with us. Her niece will be staying with Yoshi's Mom, unfortunately Yoshi's Husband is over seas and will be celebrating the New Years in Japan at least he will be with some family members.

Baby Sis and Ted will be going to a 1940's Dance and have invited the Folks to go with them, I'm sure they are going to enjoy it.

I'm sure a number of you think I'm becoming old and staid but I still do wild things, just more quietly.

But for now I'm just enjoying what life brings my way, no great expectations but enjoying the ride.

Kisses Sweet Things.

Of Hot Apple Cider & Pumpkin Spice~~~

Well Sweet Things,

I am taking a well deserved break right now. Yesterday we were busy, we found the right tree for Lillian at one church tree lot and I found mine at another. We wrapped the cut trunks in damp newspapers, but that may not insure that they will remain fresh through the holidays, so we trimmed a little off on each and put them into buckets of water and allowed them to soak until later.

Heather and I went off in Lillian's van and Joe set off to get what I call "grain lights" not LED's if possible, I find them although efficient the colors they do are too "cold". O.K. we have to be energy efficient but for the Holidays---let's splurge.

Heather and I found used in great shape ornaments at some of the thrift stores, and I found several old boxes of tinsel, but what I wanted them for was to put them up on the mantle (boxes and all) as decorations---a hint of "A Christmas Story". But my best find was an old fashioned angel, the angel is of paper but with spun glass halo's much like the kind you'd find from the 1950's, she maybe a little large for my tree but I fell in love with her.

So yesterday evening, we put the tree's up in their stands adding more water and some stuff that is suppose to help them stay "fresh" much like the stuff one adds to fresh flowers. We worked on Lillian's tree, taking our time, breaking for dinner that was slow cooking in the crock pot. A nice hearty stew with rice, and lots of vegetables, Joe complained he was eating too good, I had noticed that his uniform pants were getting a little tight in the waist. So with a promise to watch he eating habits and do more work outs especially for the new year we finished Lillian's tree.

We enjoyed looking at it, relaxing, listening to KOIT radio with their Christmas music, Heather called out for us to see the full moon, and there we were in the brisk cold looking at the full moon, Joe had his arms around me and just then Frank Sinatra came on singing "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas". We just stayed there looking at the moon, in each other's arms, listening to Frank sing, and it felt perfect, that I didn't want it to end....But eventually it had to, with Heather bringing us back into reality with mugs of Hot apple cider and a wink in her eye at us romantic "old folks".

And groaning at desert of pumpkin spice bread that Heather had baked up the day before. Lillian said that she is becoming quite the cook. But Heather confessed that there was something soothing about doing something so old-fashioned, a sense of slowing down and breathing.

I could understand that. I've been looking at things, technology in a different way, using the DVD recording device to save things for me so I won't miss them, to watch at a later time( for example Svengoolie finally showed Bob Hope's "The Ghost Breakers" and I recorded it while at Lillian's). And being more careful with check card usage.

Recently here Lucky store had their credit/debt card scanners compromised by thieves who would steal the information and then create false debt/credit cards and use them to buy things from merchants using other people's accounts. We have become so use to the convience of these cards that we as consumer's who work hard for our money are at risk.

Although I'm in the financial business, I've been taking a very hard look at things and technology and I realize that I am forced to use things to keep me abreast for my job. I've decided that for my personal use I will cut back on somethings and learn to live a simpler more organized life style. I know with Joe's job that can be impossible as he could be called into work at anytime at any hour depending upon the situation, so that is where organization and flexibility is important.

I'm fortunate that I have a cleaning lady who is so efficient that she makes my home life easier, and that I have neighbor's and friends I can call upon in a pinch. But I am looking to eventually "retire", I have an excellent income from investments and I am beginning to feel the need for "ME time". Perhaps I'll get involved in a hobby that pays for itself. Who knows, but I am glad that Heather has discovered the mental relaxation of making "pumpkin spice bread" and is already thinking in those terms.

For Joe, he's beginning to feel that way, unless something changes, he will become too burned out and it could affect his health. We've talked about this on and off. So with the new year we shall see what our options are going to be.

I know I will not abandon where I live right now, nor my job, I have some things I need to put into place, I am thinking about the long term further "down the road". And it's best to start thinking about it now or at least after the Holidays.

For now, I'll finish trimming my little tree, allow Joe to nap, check to see if this is a spare the air day and decide on wood or candles in the fireplace. Koit is playing softly in the back ground, I've made plans to visit the family, Joe will need to stay here unfortunately, he said he wants to cover some of the other's schedules so they can have time with their family, him being 'single'. It's his Christmas/Hanuka gift.

So Sweet Things, if you do not hear from me before Christmas, have yourself "A Merry Little Christmas" now, Happy Hanuka, Happy Kwanzaa, and a Happy New Year.

Kisses.

A Holiday Update

Hello Sweet Things,

I would have posted sooner but as with everything the holidays have caught up to me and I have just enough time to post this before I'm off again.

Thanksgiving with the family was wonderful, I'll post that more in full later, but it was so good to be with them and their friends. Traveling by train is the only way to go, you just have to add a little more time that's all.

And the season has started, where I work staff is encouraged to put up Christmas decorations, we have one person who also celebrates Kwanzaa and she puts that up as well, and even though we also have several staff who are Jewish they also get into the Christmas festivities as well, for it is a season of celebration and to bring goodness and light into the world.

But we were also hit with a firestorm of illness last week, last Friday several staffers came down ill with high fever and they were vomiting, then more of them total 16 all together, right through Tuesday, even I was hit by whatever it was, I had a temp of 102, fortunately it broke but I didn't go to work until Tuesday. No one was sure if it had been a form of food poisoning or if it was the flu, management had the entire work place sanitized and we did much of our work from home during that day.

I'm fine now and I called my family to see if anyone had come down ill but nothing, fortunately they were able to get their flu shots and I had been unable to get mine, but nothing is being ruled out. Lillian was able to help me but I was frighten that she would come down ill as well, but so far she is just fine.

I had been planning on going to my country place last weekend for some Christmas events but being ill just upset those plans, but I managed to contact my caretakers and my renters at my other house to see how they are doing all is well with them, My caretakers were disappointed that I couldn't come up but they promised to send pictures to me. Next year I am going to get that flu shot early. I'm not missing out on a thing.

But I am going to see how the place looks in January. Get an idea of weather conditions.

So Lillian and I are still getting into the Christmas season, today we are going to the Dickens Fair and tomorrow to Christmas at Dunsmuir House, I've also been enjoying (while I wasn't ill) shopping, and getting gifts for the family, nothing drastic but something special. And Koit Radio has been playing throughout the office with it's Christmas Music, I have to confess I prefer Ertha Kit's version of "Santa Baby" much better than Madonna's. But Mariah Carey's rendition of "Joy to the World" makes one want to get up and shout.

I'm going to be taking the train down to the family again just a few days before Christmas and come back a few days after, Dad and Mom want to go to Midnight Mass and I think that will be wonderful and very special, then returning to the Bay Area so I'll be here for New Years.

I've also been busy getting toys for Toys for Tots and I'm dropping them off at the collection office before we go to the Dickens Fair, Lillian wants me to come and help her out at the Food Kitchen for New Years Day and join her family later for dinner, Frank and Joe will be coming by her place as well. Yoshi is being swarmed by family for the next few weeks, but she and I are planning to see the Chinese New Years Parade next year.

2010 is almost here, where has 2009 gone to? When I look over my blog I have a feeling of what I have been doing for 2009, I'm another year older, and I hope another year wiser. And so far we have been weathering the economic situation better than I had hoped. I just wish it were so with many other people, many of my co-workers think that the current administration is not going about this the right way. Jobs need to be brought back to the United States, people need to learn to live on less, and the prices for houses in California are not in sync with the rest of the nation.

One of my co-workers was saying we should go back on the gold and silver standard and get away from the credit standard, that would make the value of things more in balance and in line with the way the economy should be. I'm not sure, this is something that should be looked into very carefully, because the first nation that would switch to that standard would have very serious adjustments and it could cause either greater recession/depression or inflation, but would it really bring about a balance of things or make them too costly? This would need to be looked at more closely, but not now, this is not the season for it, this is the season for celebrating and helping.

And speaking of weather, there has been snow all the way down to the 500 foot level, snow on Mt Diablo, Mt. Tam and Mt. Hamilton, and cold, cold, cold for the Bay Area. Now it's wet, very wet, but we need the rain and water and snow, I hope that it breaks the drought conditions, of course it will mean floods and mudslides, and other disasters. I love the Bay Area but there are times.....

Well must go, Lillian is here looking like an Eskimo and ready to go.

If I don't post before Christmas, Sweet Things, all of you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other Winter Celebrations.

Until later Sweet Things, Kisses.

The Halloween After~~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

Did you all have a Happy Halloween? Mine was fun, all the little trick or treaters in their costumes, and with warm coats on. Mommies and Daddies holding very little babies that were dressed as pumpkins or Teddy Bears and holding out the bags for candy, well I just knew who was going to be eating the candy.

But it has become quiet a family event and one that I approve of. It’s almost as big as Christmas but without all the angst of gift giving.

I shut down the lights by 9:30 p.m. all the “littles” had pretty much come and gone. I had a late night dinner, mostly leftovers from Mom’s wonderful cooking with plenty for Joe and Frank for their late night snack.

Their cots were set up in the living room with night lights in the kitchen and half bath. They have spare keys that I gave them, no sense doing the long drive home and I know they would be having problems on “Mischief Night”. This morning over coffee they told me some of the problems. I won’t tell you of some of the stupidity.

You’d think that people would have more sense. But they don’t. Frank and Joe have now crashed out on the cots, I can hear their snores even the caffine of the coffee couldn’t keep them awake.

Halloween dawned cold and gray but then the sun came out but it was still a bit chilly at night. I lit a small fire in my fireplace to make things cozy, I find that my house is empty without Mom’s presence. I saw her off on Friday morning at the train and got a call that night when she arrived safely at home, Dad, baby sis and Ted met her at the station, with all her luggage. I spent the day tiding up just a few things, not that there was much to do, just a load of sheets and making the bed.

And then setting the clocks back one hour last night, now this Sunday morning the dawn and time seemed right in sync.

I and Lillian will be doing our grocery shopping and a few other things today, maybe taking advantage of any sales, Frank and Joe said they would lock up my house when they go.

When I get home I’ll be setting up my things to get ready to go to work tomorrow, back into the hustle of the working world.

The Bay Bridge is still closed, so I’ll be taking the Ferry over to the City, Lillian will drop me off and pick me up, parking at the Ferry terminal will be insane anyway.

Although I usually take bus to BART but for the next few days during the work week I think the Ferry may be a nice change of pace. Leave early and get back into the swirl of work. And Lillian said she doesn’t mind, she’s an early riser anyway.

For Thanksgiving, I’ll make plans to go down by train and spend a few days with the Folks, I’ll leave the day before Thanksgiving then come back Sunday or maybe Monday after, if work will permit it and I’m sure they will, I have to use that vacation time and they know it.

Then see what I can do for the Christmas holidays, I do know I want to go up to my country place for a weekend and see what holiday festivities they are planning, my caretakers will let me know.

Then down to the Folks a few days before Christmas but coming back just before New Year’s, I always need to tie things up at work, so we shall see how things work out.

Hmm, sometimes the sounds echo strangely around here, I though I heard a ships fog horn going out of the deep channel of the Estuary, although where I’m at it’s sunny but then on the water things can be different, fog banks and such. Oh, I am not mistaken I heard it again and again. It may be a ship coming in to off load at the Oakland Terminals. Such an eerie, mournful sound, it does remind one of San Francisco by the Bay, a signature sound.

Ahhhh yes, just a lazy Sunday morning this November, and that is just fine for me. Lillian is here, tiptoeing to not wake the sleeping beauties in my living room, and with a few final taps of the computer I’ll be off.

Until later Sweet Things, Kisses.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!!!!!

Hello Sweet Things,

I know some of you have thought I've gone missing in action again, but the truth of it is I had to put in extra time to make sure my accounts were on track and to have have the right people managing them.

With the end of the fiscal year, so much to catch up on.

But I am right now with my parents and baby sis for the 4th of July holidays, took the train again on Wednesday and everyone met me at the train, I love the feel of it, the sensation of it all.

Right now I'm posting this from our Library, the main street and so many houses are decorated for the 4th of July, there is going to be a weekend crafts festival, and music, food in the park and a parade on the 4th down main street.

And we are going to be in the parade, baby sis's boy friend has entered his vintage car in the parade and we are going to be dressed up in period clothing, Mom has my outfit ready---I was wondering why she had called and asked me for my meaurements, after the parade we are doing an old-fashioned style picnic in the park, seems the family has joined the local art deco group.

The weather here is nice, a bit warm but nice.

So I will not be posting here for the next two weeks---that's right sweet things---two weeks, I'm spending it with my family, Dad can't take the entire time off he has to put in a few days at work, but he's going to be with us for this weekend and next, with an extra day off here and there or an afternoon depending on things.

So much changes are happening here in my parents home, good things, my Mother and Father look younger, more youthful, and joyful. Baby sis and her boyfriend are doing well at college, he's going be completing his degree in December of this year, I asked if he was going to be in the June graduation and he said no, since his parent have attending his 3 older siblings, it was getting to be old hat for them, and he'd much rather have it as a Christmas celebration.

Right now he's looking for a job to segway into, so he's also been going to interviews.

Mom has slowly started her sewing business, just word of mouth right now among the members of the Art Deco Society, but a lady from a civil war re-enactment group has approached her in regards to a Civil war Ball gown. Mother is looking forward to the challenge, it's a beautiful pattern.

And myself---well I'm happy, I don't know how long this happiness will last because I know the reality of life always intrudes, but I feel that this is a very positive turning point for everyone here.

The space that those cabinets of sermons took up has been filled in with a work bench that Dad and Ted (babys sis's boyfriend) use to work on things. I never realized what an excellent wood worker Dad is, he and Ted found a pair of old "captains type" chair left on the side of the street so they claimed them and now they look positively new.

Dad is also planning to have a storage shed built to the back of the lot to store the period stuff that everyone will be using, already there are 3 adjustable dress maker dummies in the upstairs hall covered with old sheets, they look like ghost at night. Trixie just growls at them, the sooner the shed is built the happier Trixie will be Dad says.

And somehow the parents had aquired 6 baby hens, Mom said they showed up on the front porch last weekend in a box, so Ted and Dad quickly built a coop and chicken run for them at the end of the vegetible garden. Ted is pretty sure they are hens and not roosters, a friend of his who is into agriculture "sexed" them. Fresh eggs Mom says, although Dad sort of muttered "the eggs may cost more than what's in the store" but just shrugged his shoulders.

I just laugh about it, it feels wonderful and so old-fashioned.

Well Must go, my 1 hour of free time on the Library computer is almost up.

Have a Happy, Safe and Sane 4th of July Sweet Things.

Holidays and toxic parents

Well My Sweet Things,

"Gothic Rose Antiques" is everything my friend and I had hoped it would be, we've made several trips up there, the cost of gasoline not withstanding.

But after all what is money? The place would make the Adams Family very happy.

I found a gorgeous fireplace front to put in my place, not have I have a fire place but this was too morbid to pass up, and I can burn candles in it.

So Halloween has passed and Thanksgiving is coming, I had a few kids show up the weather was a bit unpredictable by 8:30 it had stopped. Plenty of time to go to a friends house for their party, by the time Midnight rolled around we were in a seance mood, so we tried to contact the spirit of Houdini.

Oh that was a laugh, but I have to say we did contact something, it freaked some of our wanna be's half to death, but then I've always taken spiritual precautions.

I told some of my friends that Houdini wouldn't show up out of spite because he finally found out that there is an after life and they can get in touch with us.

One of my friends is looking into this type of recording thing that can get instant answers from our dead friends---and considering how many I know who died from drugs and what not, I'm sure I have more than plenty to talk to .

Work is such a bore, I could do it in my sleep, but it's what pays the bills.

Some of us went to the Vampire's Ball, fun but juvenile, but I and a few others have bought a season pass to the Dickens's Fair, I love the things they offer. Dark Carnival is my favorite place to shop.

My parents want me to come and visit for Christmas, as if I would go near such a toxic bunch of insanity. But my younger sister called me pleading that I come, well I have to use up some of my vacation time and I can drive there, so I'll go down on the 23 and leave on the 26 or 27.

Baby sister wants to visit me to see about moving near me, I told her she's NOT moving in with me, she can get her own place----but it seems she wants to get away from them too, I don't blame her, sanctimonious pricks----I gave up their religion.

But not all religion---there is something about going into a Gothic style Catholic church, especially if they are doing a Latin mass, feeling the chill of the place, smelling the incenses, it takes you out of yourself----but I'll be damned if I go for that "peace be with you" crap! Taking a strangers hand and saying that, you don't know what germs they're spreading. And I've heard enough sneezing for a life time.

That's why I go to church dressed all in black, including black gloves, it's a gloved hand they get and only a bare smile and nod, unless its a little kid, then I'll make it a bigger smile and say "peace"---don't want to scare the kiddies.

So this Christmas it will be at my parents church, a colder, friendless place I've ever been, people looking down at you, always saying you're a sinner. No gift giving, and I know Dad will read some horrible piece from his King James Bible, old testament, most likely about Jezebel just before dinner is served. Well I'm no longer under my parents rule, I have my car, my job, my own money and my own place, I can leave any time I want. But Baby Sister wants out.

So the hard part will be to keep my mouth shut---I'm going to talk to this lady I know---she's always given good advice, she'll know what to do.

A girl friend of mine wants to go to the Art Deco show in San Francisco, a two day event she wants to go both days---why not---you never know what you'll find and I love all those Sultry styles and the queens there, they love my Ava Gardner looks.

Then after the holidays paying down those credit cards---well I can afford it, thanks to Grandma's inheritance---which she did to piss my parents and uncles and aunts off---You go Old Lady.

Well I've got to do errands, and see who I can seduce today.

I'll be posting later, my sweet things.