The Day is Done

At 7 a.m. the house was invaded. Two little girls----Sadie and Sophie waltzed in without knocking. I expected that. After all, they are my family and therefore entitled to "waltz in without knocking." Dana was not impressed with Sadie, but I set her straight! Family does not have to knock!

The first thing Sophie asked me for was a shower. Not too long ago, she painted some wood pieces I have here. She did some painting of herself as well. Getting a washcloth used was not the thing according to her. "No, Grandma Sandy, I need a bath!" With that she began to strip. There is no modesty when it comes to a 3 year old. However, we do not take baths here, and we do not have a bath plug. Not to worry, some of us do take showers. Baths----ick! So, she reluctantly agreed to a shower.

A shower here was a new and wonderful experience for her. She got to hold the shower hose. It tickled, and it was fun spraying wherever she pleased. She sang, laughed, and sang some more. "I liked that shower Grandma Sandy."

Sophie did have a bath last night. It was obvious. Her hair was shiny and smelled good, so I told her we didn't have time. We didn't. I had to feed the girls breakfast, then it was off to school for Sadie. Since winter returned today, Kris was kind enough to take us. I certainly do appreciate those car rides to places here and there.

Sophie and I spent the day together. She spent time teasing Kris--kicking her tusch and blaming it on me (slightly kicking), eating a bite of this and a bite of that. I cannot get her to eat a meal. At nearly 4 years, she's still tiny and weighs a mere 36 pounds. Then we painted boxes. Afterwards, she needed a shower. After all there was a spot of paint on her arm and a couple tiny spots on her hands. She immediately stripped, ran past her Great Grandma in the raw with nary a care, and hit the bathroom at Superman speed. Again, she sang and laughed. The spray tickles her tummy. She actually washed herself, and when she was done let me know that it was "soooo nice." Of course, the spot of paint was still attached to her arm and so I had to wipe it off. About 2 hours later she requested a second shower.

Nick recently took a shower here too. He was also reluctant to do so. However, after his fine experience with a sprayer one can hold, he likes to ask Melissa off and on just when she is going to get the same thing. I have an idea for those children who hate showers and baths. Get a hand held sprayer. They may like showers for a while at least. The novelty will wear off, but they may be clean for a time.

Anyway, the girls have gone home, we had a fine time, Robert came by when he got off work, and Dana and the girls had dinner here. I enjoyed the day, but I am also glad that it has ended.

On an aside, Melissa cut Kris's hair yesterday. I could put up a photo of the results right after the cut. However, she looked so nice this morning that I thought I would post that photo. I certainly do hope that you all enjoy it. I know she looks a "little different," but don't run away in fear. It's only Kris. TTFN

It came to my attention via Smelissa that "the thing" above resembles Schreck. So, I have altered the photo a wee bit and added.........."Schreck's GrandMomma."

My Turn to Play

This of course is not going to be as good as Rachel's. For one thing, I had difficulty finding all the actors or well knowns. Not everyone can look like a celebrity. So, I am doing my best. I'm also not doing everyone. Someone else is quite welcome to add others that I may not have included into their "life stories." Or you can find an alternate celebrity whom you think looks more like you or someone I have included. Have fun.....I do not know why some of these people would want to play our parts anyway. We have a combination "Soap Opera/Boring" life. Don't worry, I can always add to the story line and make it much more interesting and unbelievable. Wouldn't that be fun? In fact at some point, I may even add my grandsons. They do play a part in my life story. I am not "beginning at the beginning." It begins in the year 2000. Tis why my father is not included. Actually, this whole thing is a farce. I got tired of finding photos and quit while I was ahead. But, I shall pretend. And, so it begins.........Since this is my story, I shall start with myself.....
Although I resemble both Lee Remick and Candice
Bergen, I am choosing Tyne Daly to play my part.

This will be Maria Montesorri's first acting role. I am certain she looks forward to playing Madre. They do look similar.

James Stewart will be reborn as himself. At his rebirth, unfortunately he will be at least 60 years old. His second life will not give him many added years. But, then how many people get such a gift anyway? He should be thrilled to live again. He will rejoice at the thought of playing my big brother Ricky Ticky. Lucky man!

Heather Locklear will be taking the role of Grace. she has agreed to dye her hair and cut it too. They have the same smile and facial structure, so once her hair is cut and dyed, she will look even more like Grace. Playing the wife of James Stewart makes her little heart go "pitty pat." Heather always idolized him. So, she jumped at the chance to play Grace.

Victoria Principal has agreed to take the role of my big sister Kris. She said it will give her the opportunity to discover the joys of smoking, She has refused to change her hair color to salt and pepper, but I am certain she will do the part of Kris real well.

Finding someone to play the part of Susan was difficult. Since the role is limited, I had to find an actress willing to take a smaller part. Janene Garofalo (whoever she may be) has agreed to play Susan. She will do it to the best of her ability.

Several athletes came forward when the try outs for the part of Jeff were called. Derek Jeter seemed the most excited. He's not getting paid a whole lot for this role, but he will gain some much needed experience. He will discover so many things in this role. He will have to pretend to feel the effects of head surgery, shoulder surgery, becoming a grandfather, dealing with unruly teachers and many other things. He has decided to learn by example. He may follow Jeff around on a day to day basis and copy his expressions, copy his moves, his habits etc. He thinks it will be great fun.

Glenn Close will be playing the part of Debbie. She brings years of fantastic experience to this role. Playing Debbie will be interesting. she is looking forward to teaching Derek Jeter a thing or two.

Even though her hair is a more natural color, Katie Couric has accepted the role of Luana. She said it should be interesting learning to be a weirdo. But, she also wants to get away from news casting too. Playing someone who likes to embarrass her daughter by picking her up at school with tampons in her ears or boys underwear on her head will make her laugh a lot. In this world of problems, it will be a blessed relief.

I don't know Mini Anden, but she will be taking the role of Ernin Lavernin. She won't have to cut a whole lot off her hair, but will do so. She hopes she can do well amongst such stars as James Stewart, Glenn Close, and especially Tyne Daly. She is encouraging me to get this movie started ASAP.

Matthew Perry will be playing the role of Timothy. Won't that be fun? One of our favorite "Friends" stars is going to be a part of this movie. This is just getting so exciting.

Playing the part of Smelissa is Alyson Hannigan. She has refused to cut her hair, but that will make Mike happy---both Mikes in fact. For her part in this movie, she will keep her hair back or up, and like Melissa will display several hairstyles throughout the show. Don't worry, Melissa will always be underfoot to give her direction on everything. She will learn a lot playing this role. She'll love it!

Mike is playing Mike. Actually Michael Douglas will be playing the role of Mike Rosas. Mike D is excited. He gets to play against a younger woman again. His wife better watch out. Alyson may make him feel even younger than she does. He's an experienced actor though and should bring a real flair to the role of Mike.

Taking the role of LaeLoni is Camilla Belle. I am certain that Loni will be thrilled at the thought of having someone a bit older play her part. I don't know Camilla, but she will be a breath of fresh air in this movie. Isn't she pretty? But then, isn't LaeLoni pretty? I think Camilla is going to enjoy playing the part of an obnoxious, but loving teen. She remembers that true life role well. She's still young.

"Who would a thunk?" Freddy Prinze in the role of Robert? Unfortunately, without hair Robert no longer looks like Quentin Tarrantino. Or maybe that is fortunately. Quentin isn't exactly the most handsome man on the block. Freddy Prinze is better looking than Quentin for sure. Without hair, he looks older too. So, I am thinking he will play the part of a dad quite well. Being the little actor that he is though, Rob will most likely be hanging around and telling Freddy....."No, do it this way, do it that way." Or maybe....."I should have done the role myself."

Anna Sophia Robb (not an actress I am thinking) has accepted the part of Sadie. Sadie is going to have a ball watching her do it. And once in a while Sadie will be allowed to wear a blonde wig, and act as Anna's double. Of course, if Sadie does a better job, and wants it, she may play herself. She will really, really want to act beside Freddy. "He's so cute."

Taking the role of Sophie is Dakota Fanning or her sister Elle. Elle is closer in age to Sophie, but her smile isn't quite as infectious as Dakota's. We will do what we have to do. Perhaps we'll need to take Dakota through time, and make her younger once again. But being a teenager now, she will probably fight that idea completely. Elle will probably have to take the role.

My BFF, Kristi will be played by Pat Benetar. Yes, I know, she is a singer. But, she will bring a fresh feeling to the role of Kristi. One has to know Kristi. It was between her and Naomi Watts. I decided to choose Pat. However, should Kristi want to choose the person who will take her part, I'll allow that. After all, I chose Tyne. Why shouldn't my BFF be able to have a say? So, this means that Pat may not be taking the role after all.

Miss Kittie Katt will be playing herself. She refused to have another cat audition for her role. Those who even made the attempt were promptly smacked around by her. The other cats waiting in line headed for the hills. They were so terrified of "Miss Psycho Cat." I certainly do hope that she behaves herself on the set. But one never knows. She is the boss after all....

Anyway, here it is for all to see. Now that I have chosen some of the actors to play the parts, I'd better get started on the actual writing of this movie. Nahhh, I think I'll let someone else do it. This has already been too much work as it is anyway. My grandsons have been left with the task of playing themselves, and there is no way Josh would want to do that. Matt is too busy with Kim to take part, and so......Sorry, YOU ARE ALL FIRED.!!!!!!!!! Go home. Audition for new roles in other movies. Or just go enjoy the money you have already earned. Whatever. I'm outa here......TTFN

Jeff's Head

Just thought I would post this for those of you who don't get to see him in person. Jeff is here today, and I took a couple shots of his head. Isn't he just precious? He's very tired, gets headaches, shooting pains etc. Hope he heals quickly. TTFN

Memory Monday-The Little Red Store

"Memories, like the corners of my mind. Misty, watercolor memories of the way we were. Scatterd pictures........" I'm sorry, but I thought I was supposed to sing. I guess not.

I remember McMonigles. That store is the best one that ever existed. We would walk up Alameda Road (and it was just a little road then with ditches on each side) to get there. It was on the corner of Alameda and Jefferson, and there was an unpaved, gravel parking lot so to speak. Actually there was no parking lot, the gravel walk area was slightly uphill. I loved that store. It was a small, red building with a big heavy glass door---the kind that looks like it has chicken wire on the inside.

Mr. and Mrs. McMonigle were older, really nice people. He was a butcher, and that was his main reason for having his store. He butchered meat for people who had hunted, he butchered beef etc. He had meat lockers in the back that people rented, and there was always sawdust on his floor. So, the store had the scent of sawdust mingled with raw meat, and who knows what else.

The most important part of that little store however (at least for the many kids in the area) was the penny candy counter. There were normal nickel candy bars, and there were candy bars that sold for three cents too. But there was a whole lot of penny candy, and even some candies that sold two for a penny. Cinnamon bears were one of those "two fers." I liked the peanutbutter kitts, the red licorice with yellow cream in the center, the licorice wheels, tootsie rolls....I liked it all. My favorite candy bars were only three cents then. I liked Big Time and Zero Bars. I also liked cherry winner suckers. they sold for five cents. Once I bought one, and ended up with four or five of them for that nickel. I kept finding the winners. that was exciting.

Hughie McMonigle allowed some of us kids to go behind the counter, choose the candy we wanted, and put our money into his cash box. We had little paper bags to put the candy into, and it was fun being behind there. Sometimes though, he would make us work on our Math in there. We had to add up the amount we were spending, and tell him how much change we were going to get back. I miss that candy store. I miss the feel of it, the smell of it, and I really miss the look of all that candy, and the tastes I remember. I even miss the way it felt and sounded walking up that gravel lot to get to the steps leading to the door. If I could go back in time, that is a place I would revisit.

The picture I have added is the actual building. I took it a couple of years before they tore it down. But, by then the color of it was white. So, I recolored it to make it look a little more like the one I remember so vividly. It isn't the same, but it's still okay.

Melissa's Shower

Since Luana asked about pics from that special day, I am including a couple. I have not touched up a single one of them yet. Give me time. There may be one I can "touch up." Then again, maybe there isn't one. Only the shadow knows for sure. And, "he ain't talkin." However, after the party, Loni, Lexie, and Melissa did a little performing. I am adding that as well.

What's in a Name

Here is a fun game

1. Your rock star name (first pet, current car)Sheba None

2. Your gangsta name (fave ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe)Chocolate Chip Jogger

3. Your Native American name (favorite color, favorite animal)Rose Kitty

4. Your soap opera name (middle name, city where you were born)Jeanne Pocatello

5. Your Star Wars name (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name)Glisa

6. Superhero name (favorite girls or boys name, favorite drink)Cassandra Rootbeer

7. NASCAR name (the first names of your grandfathers)Nathan Charles

8. Stripper name (current or last pet and hometown street name)Kittie Katt Wyldwood

9.Professional actor name(favorite food, and a major city that starts with the same letter)Sticky Fingers San Diego

10. Spy name (your favorite season/holiday, flower)Autumn Carnation

11. Cartoon name: (favorite fruit, something you’re wearing right now)Grapes Glasses

12. Hippie name (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)Fruit Pine

Something New

This is another short one just to show off what I learned to do just yesterday. I like it, and hope to keep learning more new things. I used Rachel's lovely photos for this new thing too...TTFN

Updated for Luana

I am cleaning out the filing cabinet. (Mom's stuff) Bills and receipts go all the way back to 1998. Then there's other stuff in there as well. I have lots to shred, and lots more to file. So, this is all anyone gets on my blog today. Enjoy it. TTFN

Song for Luana

Miss Katt and I were just amazed at the little----er long ditty that Luana presented the Blog World with earlier today. Hugh Grant must be so prominent in her fantasies. I wonder what all goes on in that little fantasy world of hers? Well, maybe I don't really want to know. It has to be very warped in a Luana sort of way.

Now then, Nicholas and I had a chat the other day about people in the family. It was actually about some of his Great Aunts and me, his lovely, wonderful Grandma. He let me know that I am the most fun, and said I was also the most childish acting. He quickly changed that though. He said that Luana acts the most childish. (He does like that in her). I won't go into the other observances he made. Suffice it to say that my response to Luana's lovely song does include Nicholas's thought.



Miss Katt was kind enough to hang out with me and help me "sing a response" to what I was forced to listen to. Something like that does beg for a pay back, you know. So, I hope you enjoy listening to it. Miss Katt sings rather nicely. But she asked me to use my version of the song. She was kind enough to sit behind the camera and show me a few cue cards. My gosh, she is such a smart and talented cat. No wonder she loves me best. TTFN

Photo Editing

I have fun editing photos. I would like to take a class when I can so that I will know even more about it and about doing fun things with photos. Unlike Rachel, I guess I'm more into artistic effects etc. I may not be the best, but I keep on chugging away. I do try to make a photo look as good as I can, but then I start playing with them. I just can't help it. I need new backgrounds, and situations for those pics.

Now, Rachel has made me realize that I might be able to do more if I had a camera capable of taking pics in raw format. My dreams and wishes are getting much too big. But, if I do take a class, and I honestly am looking into it through continued education at ISU, then I might want such a camera. I won't need something as great as Rachel's because I shall never be a professional photographer. That isn't what I want for myself. Still, I have been looking, and there are a few point and shoots that do have raw format capabilities. I may look into it further. Those are not anywhere near as expensive as SLR's. Then again, I may not look into it too much. I am actually quite content with the cameras we have here. And, the thought of doing the amount of editing it would take with a raw pic----well, I just don't know.

More than anything, I want the class. I have already discovered that the cost of such a class is not bad at all if one is not working towards a degree. So, if I do it, I am taking a class in the fall. It's all a matter of whether I can be brave enough to step that far out into the world and move amongst my peers. Strangers and I don't mix well. I get anxious like Josharoonie does.

There are classes on line as well, but for me it is much easier if I have someone who can actually show me the steps. If they are well written, and show everything, I do okay too. That's how I have learned the little bit I do know. Either way though, it's trial and error.

Thank you Rachel for introducing me to Adobe Photoshop. Seeing the things you do inspired me to move further into photo editing. I was already doing some. But the pics you took in January made me realize that I just had to know more. And, it is not the photography itself I want to know more about. It's the photo eiditing itself. The creative possibilities are endless. I am having such fun with it.TTFN!

P.S. I tried the snowglobes, couldn't complete them (they were too advanced for me), but I will try again at some point.

Getting Old

Matt came into town to get fitted for a tux. It's nearing prom time. So, his grilfriend Kim came with him, and they stopped to see us and allow us to meet her. She seems nice, and she's cute. They did make me feel old though. The last young man in my life to get a tux was Robert. Now it's a grandson. It's just very different when the grandkids get old enough to date. Debbie and Jeff were high school sweethearts who are still together. You didn't know that did you? Not a single one of you was aware of that. I had to remind all of you. That's why I am here. "Ohohoh, yes I'm the Great Reminder--ooooooo--oooooo"-----Sorry, I like to sing even if the words are not the right ones. Anyway, if Matt and kim last as Jeff and Debbie have, then good for them. If they don't (as most don't) then Kim is the one he will remember forever. Isn't that just sweet?

Anyway Matt and Kim have even talked about marriage someday. I just cannot put up with that. They need to cut it out cause Matt is just a baby. I know. I have the videos, and he's just making noises, putting his baby cereal upside down, and rolling around in his walker. He's falling asleep in his high chair, and trying to walk. That was just yesterday you know? Babies cannot go to proms and discuss marriage. It's sick and wrong!!! Anyhoo, from this old person to you------here is my BABY grandson's pic.......

Earaches

Today I woke up with one and am hoping it does not become a full blown infection. It's been many years since I have suffered from middle ear infection, and I don't think I should have to suffer now. But, it hurts, my throat hurts a bit, and it's nasty. So far it is mostly annoying.
A couple of years ago, suring a ten month period of time, I had two ear canal infections (commonly called swimmer's ear). Swimming didn't cause mine. As nasty as those were, they do not compare to middle ear infections. Middle ear pain is worse. I know. I suffered from them every year during my growing years. Enough I say. Fie on you earache. I ban you from my life. I am sending you into exile. Go, I say go!!!! Shucks folks, it didn't work. Oh well, I was forced to try. I can also continue to hope for the best. I didn't even do "nuttin" to deserve this. I wash my hands, I don't poke things in my ears except for washcloths on my finger etc. "Tain't fair."

On the other hand, I will be watching Sadie and Sophie tonight. Dana is doing some work at the Jr. Miss practice in American Falls. Such is the life of the High School Drama Teacher. I'm certain the girls will be happy to spend time with me. However, Sophie has learned the art of playing on the computer. It's Dora and Barbie sites. I truly do not like sitting in here while she plays. But, one must watch a three year old on the computer. Boring!!!!! TTFN

A to Z Tag

A to Z Tag
I was tagged so am doing this. Fill in with your choice from A to Z.
A- A favorite story or poem - "The Mirror" by Marlys Milheiser

B- Best friend - Kristi Kelley is the best friend ever

C- Cake or Cookies - Cookies for sure

D- Diet coke or Dr. Pepper -Diet Coke (drinking Dr. Pepper is like drinking carbonated prune juice---Ick)

E- Essential Item - pepper

F- Favorite candy - always changes, but for now it would be hershey bars

G- Greatest Accomplishment - Graduated with Honors (BASW) while raising kids alone

H- Happy Moment - Watching my first grandchild being born - AMAZING! (Definitely)

I- Indulgences - Eating out - I wish I could do it more often

J- Junk food junkie or Healthy Eater - Junk food junkie

K- Kids - Tim-37, Melissa-34, Robert-32---My kids are the best ever

L- Life is incomplete without - Music

M- Morning or Night - I love nights way better

N- Naughty or nice - Both :-)

O- Oranges or Apples - Apples with salt

P- Phobias or fears - Too many to name

Q- Quilt or comforter - Quilt

R- Reason to smile - Listening to and enjoying grandkids and great nieces/nephews

S- Season - Fall - I love the colors, smells, foods, and the hoidays that begin this time of year

T-Temper igniter - Child abuse (that too) but also not saying what I need to say, letting it build up, then BOOM!

U- Unknown fact about me - If I wanted anyone to know, I'd tell I think

V- Very favorite store - Walmart and Gottschalks

W- Worst Habit - Hard to say

X- Xtra dessert or main course - Depends on what they are----get real

Y- Your favorite restaurant - Wingers, Taco Johns (wish we still had one)

Z- Zoo Animal Favorite - Monkeys

I am tagging you Kristi. So, copy, paste, and fill this out......

April Fools

Today I slipped on spilled coffee and fell flat on my tusch. It was terrible. the floor cracked (because this house is in great disrepair) and I got a huge crack in my tusch. Ouch!!! What? I already had that crack in my tuschie? I didn't know that. Why didn't anyone tell me? I never look at the back of myself, so how was I to know? In that case, April Fools! I did know I had a crack. Perhaps I should start "cracking smiles." there are a whole lot of people in this world who do just that these days. So, why shouldn't I? I'll tell you why. My smile is much too broad and long. But, I do have dimples. Dimples are sweet. April Fools again. I won't crack a smile for anyone. Yes, yes, I PROMISE!!!!!!!!

On another note, Luana told me how to add pictures at the side etc. So, I added pictures. Some are not recent enough, but I will do better in the future. Isn't that grand? TTFN