Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Truly
He was looking mighty fine this day in his khakis.
Someday it would end…..someday…..some year it would be over. The ones that tied us to the past would all be gone and the only things left would be a little old clapboard house on the edge of a lovely pasture.
But the things that his hands built: fences, barns, chicken pens, all still remain. All are weathered and rugged looking but the structures are firm. I’m glad I can look out and see the place that was his, but still having him here and healthy would be so much better. To see that face, those blue eyes, that warm, inviting smile….how wonderful it would be.
But even though he moved to heaven over six years ago, I still remember the fun and the laughter he gave so freely. There was no other like him and I’m glad about that because no one could ever take his place. I’ve never met anyone else with his name and that’s as it should be because he was one of a kind, an original, and I loved him and he loved me and somehow he made sure I knew it. The funny thing is I don’t really remember him ever saying the actual words “I love you.” But I knew that he did. He made me feel special. I knew that he enjoyed my company and when I arrived at his house he greeted me as if my coming to visit was important to him. And there was always that perfect moment when he saw me and I knew he was genuinely pleased that I was there.
I’ve thought alot about Gran and what made him so special because the time I spent with him is some of my most treasured and personal memories. I keep them all very close to my heart. But also important to me is that somehow, someway my grandfather made me feel special...I was his wonderful, lovely and precious granddaughter. It didn't matter what I looked like or if I made a mistake....he loved me in spite of anything I did or said...right or wrong. I felt it. I knew that he loved me. I knew that he liked me. No matter what the world made me feel like I could depend on the pleasure of Gran's company. He portrayed a great example of unconditional love but I didn't really realize that until many years later.
When I was at his farm for a visit, my favorite thing to do with my grandfather was anything he was doing. He could even make going to the dump fun. He always kept his yard "starched and ironed" as Grandma would say. And it still has the the most perfect back porch with a huge red oak tree towering overhead sheltering any inhabitants below from the hot Texas sun. That porch has been a place for relaxing, talking, planning, praying, dreaming, grieving, thinking, but most of all for laughing. And it was there that my grandfather would just sit and be with me. We would talk about nothing, anything, or everything. He wanted to hear what I had to say and he respected my opinion. He didn't always talk; he listened. He made me feel like what I said mattered to him.
But the things that his hands built: fences, barns, chicken pens, all still remain. All are weathered and rugged looking but the structures are firm. I’m glad I can look out and see the place that was his, but still having him here and healthy would be so much better. To see that face, those blue eyes, that warm, inviting smile….how wonderful it would be.
But even though he moved to heaven over six years ago, I still remember the fun and the laughter he gave so freely. There was no other like him and I’m glad about that because no one could ever take his place. I’ve never met anyone else with his name and that’s as it should be because he was one of a kind, an original, and I loved him and he loved me and somehow he made sure I knew it. The funny thing is I don’t really remember him ever saying the actual words “I love you.” But I knew that he did. He made me feel special. I knew that he enjoyed my company and when I arrived at his house he greeted me as if my coming to visit was important to him. And there was always that perfect moment when he saw me and I knew he was genuinely pleased that I was there.
I’ve thought alot about Gran and what made him so special because the time I spent with him is some of my most treasured and personal memories. I keep them all very close to my heart. But also important to me is that somehow, someway my grandfather made me feel special...I was his wonderful, lovely and precious granddaughter. It didn't matter what I looked like or if I made a mistake....he loved me in spite of anything I did or said...right or wrong. I felt it. I knew that he loved me. I knew that he liked me. No matter what the world made me feel like I could depend on the pleasure of Gran's company. He portrayed a great example of unconditional love but I didn't really realize that until many years later.
When I was at his farm for a visit, my favorite thing to do with my grandfather was anything he was doing. He could even make going to the dump fun. He always kept his yard "starched and ironed" as Grandma would say. And it still has the the most perfect back porch with a huge red oak tree towering overhead sheltering any inhabitants below from the hot Texas sun. That porch has been a place for relaxing, talking, planning, praying, dreaming, grieving, thinking, but most of all for laughing. And it was there that my grandfather would just sit and be with me. We would talk about nothing, anything, or everything. He wanted to hear what I had to say and he respected my opinion. He didn't always talk; he listened. He made me feel like what I said mattered to him.
He had the best sense of humor and he could make me laugh til I hurt! He told story after story.....some can be repeated and some can't.... and some I just made him tell over and over again because they were my favorites. If I had to choose words to describe my grandfather they would be honorable, good, and decent. His name was Truly and he was wonderful. He thought his name was silly and he never wanted any of his grandchildren to name our kids after him but I wish I had. His name suited him because he was sure and true. God was generous when He gave him to me. Thank you God for my Truly. There will only ever be one Truly Etheredge.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Back to pictures because I love them.
I've seen this picture, which is completely adorable
Look at those faces.
Frank, Becky and Dale, holding Gran's fingers
In front of his red Chevy truck Becky wants one of.
I've never seen this one with Gran and Melanie added. Melanie must have had some peanut butter or something on those fingers, cause she looks interested in them..
Look at those faces.
Frank, Becky and Dale, holding Gran's fingers
In front of his red Chevy truck Becky wants one of.
I've never seen this one with Gran and Melanie added. Melanie must have had some peanut butter or something on those fingers, cause she looks interested in them..
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
This picture is fantastic. In it is Frank, Becky, Melanie and Dale in the yard at Gran's. That's the window to Gran's bedroom there off to the left and the old glider that we "relocated" back from someone else's yard. I think that's a swing maybe hanging from that tree. Dale's cowboy boots look like they have puppy dogs on them. Becky has a TV star quality about her in this picture and according to Melanie, she's possibly annoyed that she's wearing nice clothes instead of what Frank and Dale were wearing. All in all it's a lovely photo and again one I've never seen before. They are all pinchably cute.
Saving a life
Melanie, Lydia, Lindsey and I were on our Sunday ride today and when I saw that the fog was looking quite lovely rolling in over the river I decided I wanted to try my hand again at taking some pictures. I've always wanted to take successful fog pictures but as they have sucked in the past, I decided I'd try again. I called Emma, asked her to meet us with my camera, she agreed and so the four of us enjoyed the view as we waited. After she arrived, we eventually made our way over to the stables behind Chauvin and were taking pictures of the horses in the mist. It was as completely enchanting as it sounds.
But trouble was brewing whilst she I were snapping away because Melanie, Lindsey and Lydia were watching a horse in an adjacent pasture that seemed to be stuck in a fence. Melanie decided to trek out to the horse to discover if he was in fact stuck or just longing to be in his neighbor's yard. Sure enough she discovered both of his front feet were caught in wire that was hanging from the fence. He was totally stuck and really couldn't get out at all by himself. So once again, because Lucy cannot work without Ethel, and.......Lindsey, or, Ethel in training, and I, Ethel number 1 went out to assist her. I was pressed into service while wearing my pj pants, as well as rocking the Chinese sock and sandal combo. Lydia in the meantime was standing near the barn in her pink flowered flannel jammies. It was quite a sight to behold.
Well, once Lindsey and I joined Melanie in the pasture, the task at hand was to get him to raise his feet, separately of course, and extricate him from the wire. It was only after he tried to stick his nose in some nether places.....either he was very friendly or very grateful....did he then decide to cooperate in the rescue of himself by fairly easily lifting each of his feet.....separately of course. He seemed extremely pleased with our effort because he nudged us and then proceeded to follow Melanie the whole way to the gate. It was soooo obvious he wanted to hop in the car and go with us. But after some discussion amongst the four of us, and the fact that there was no bed for him to sleep in at any of our houses, we sadly left him to his current owners. In other words as a Jacobs' said recently, we did not "relocate" the horse. It would be lovely to have a horse in my backyard but I don't think he would fit through the back door when it was time to go to bed.......sigh. Maybe next Sunday we shall again look for horses in danger and in need of our help. Our Sunday ride work is never done. And man was there A LOT of pooh out in the pasture. We had to step rather gingerly. Some of us were more successful than others.
He was brown and a little dirty but quite lovely all the same.
Farewell sweet horse.
It was an excellent rescue.
I think I may have heard him sigh as we drove away.
It was a successful picture adventure as well.
But trouble was brewing whilst she I were snapping away because Melanie, Lindsey and Lydia were watching a horse in an adjacent pasture that seemed to be stuck in a fence. Melanie decided to trek out to the horse to discover if he was in fact stuck or just longing to be in his neighbor's yard. Sure enough she discovered both of his front feet were caught in wire that was hanging from the fence. He was totally stuck and really couldn't get out at all by himself. So once again, because Lucy cannot work without Ethel, and.......Lindsey, or, Ethel in training, and I, Ethel number 1 went out to assist her. I was pressed into service while wearing my pj pants, as well as rocking the Chinese sock and sandal combo. Lydia in the meantime was standing near the barn in her pink flowered flannel jammies. It was quite a sight to behold.
Well, once Lindsey and I joined Melanie in the pasture, the task at hand was to get him to raise his feet, separately of course, and extricate him from the wire. It was only after he tried to stick his nose in some nether places.....either he was very friendly or very grateful....did he then decide to cooperate in the rescue of himself by fairly easily lifting each of his feet.....separately of course. He seemed extremely pleased with our effort because he nudged us and then proceeded to follow Melanie the whole way to the gate. It was soooo obvious he wanted to hop in the car and go with us. But after some discussion amongst the four of us, and the fact that there was no bed for him to sleep in at any of our houses, we sadly left him to his current owners. In other words as a Jacobs' said recently, we did not "relocate" the horse. It would be lovely to have a horse in my backyard but I don't think he would fit through the back door when it was time to go to bed.......sigh. Maybe next Sunday we shall again look for horses in danger and in need of our help. Our Sunday ride work is never done. And man was there A LOT of pooh out in the pasture. We had to step rather gingerly. Some of us were more successful than others.
He was brown and a little dirty but quite lovely all the same.
Farewell sweet horse.
It was an excellent rescue.
I think I may have heard him sigh as we drove away.
It was a successful picture adventure as well.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The stinky email
Everyone knows the ongoing saga of the stink that occurred at my house back in the summer of 2007 but; the story of the old man took place during the middle of that whole thing so that's why it's in the middle of the stink story. If anyone recalls, the stink took days and days to play itself out. And because the email records don't lie, while I was in the middle of the stinkage, apparently, Carlie, bless her heart, was sunning herself by the seaside. And even after almost 3 years, it still doesn't bless me. If you remember, in the previously posted email entitled Whitney's patriotism, , Carlie was referring to the beach trip when she was talking of putting "some fluids" whatever those fluids may have been in her car and then she referred to all of us as suckers before she was proceeding to head out of town with no real remorse or care for the stinkage at my house or for any of us that were unable to attend the beach getaway she found herself invited to. And the strong rebuke I have for all of that is spoken with attitude, "WHATEVER" Carlie. And poor stupid us we rejoiced with 1000 angels when we found one dead opossum not knowing that the one was so not the end of it all. And it's been quite awhile since we have checked for "breaches" around the house so can you now hear me yelling for "JOHN!!!!"
7-23-07
Originated by Lisa
LIFE JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER
Lisa
When I got home from Dallas last week, my family quite enthusiastically informed me that they heard scratching noises in the attic while I was gone. I promptly said, "What the H?'' Rodents are not cute..........shut up Whitney.......the next day I went into overdrive making sure there were no entrances in the utility room. John KNEW of a possible 'breach' (air quotes) outside and yet had not done anything to prevent it. What the crap! When I hear rat noises it's time for SWAT, Navy SEALS.......I'm talking DRASTIC measures.....DEF CON 5. SWARM SWARM SWARM......
I have cleaned stuff I have not seen in years, all possible holes closed up, rat poison out........one rat scratch equals buying enough poison for 150 rats. No noises, no signs, no rats......... Yesterday it started stinking..........in my kitchen. Checked under the sink, pulled out the refrigerator........mopped.....it was disgusting.........I have cleaned and cleaned......still stinks. ****. I KNOW it's dead in my attic. John makes this next statement like how absurd you are being Lisa......and as if I WON"T beat the h out of him.....says, "Well we will have to empty the entire attic and have a company come pull ALL the insulation out so we can look for it”.......stupid, stupid, stupid. Dead rotting animal in the attic means husband sleeping in the yard. After some time and mean looks from me.....shocker he will come home tomorrow after work with a plan. You bet your butt he will. Willie has fallen down on the freaking job. John and he may BOTH be eating cat food by the end of the week...........
Carrie
HAHAHAHAHAHAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HAHHAHAAHAHHAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a vision of John pushing Willie out of the way for food and sleeping in the yard.... John can sleep anywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Melanie
Oh JimmyJohn that is not funny but it is Yes do whatever it takes to stop or get the rodents off the property I am wich ya girl
Carrie
If Whitney wants to SAVE the little monsters then have her come over and catch them and take them to her house......love you Whitty!!!!
Lisa
amen to the little monsters.........
Whitney
Services for the little mouse will be held at Lisa's house at 3:30 p.m. today
Emma
no the rats can go straight to h because i hate them.. it is awful
Lisa
The smell in my house is so bad I have no words. If I find the dead little **** I will burn it....there's your service........
7-24-07
the stink has been found
Originated by Lisa
Lisa
DEAD BABY POSSUM............SHUT UP WHITNEY..........IN THE ATTIC.......****........ALREADY SMELLS BETTER.........BUT THINK ABOUT WHAT A DEAD POSSUM SMELLS LIKE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THEN PUT THAT IN YOUR HOUSE.......UMM YUMMY..........AND YET **** AGAIN...... STUPID STUPID STUPID ANIMAL
Lindsey
so gross
7-24-07
Now the flip side of John
Lisa
Tonight we went to Wal Mart for groceries......hate it, hate it, hate it. Had a decent list took a while, was exhausted when we finished. BUT! Wal Mart has gone up another 27 cents on milk and I knew it was on sale at Brookshires so I said we can run by and get it there. John said yeah he would run in. As we are turning off of 19th we saw a little man on his motorized scooter sitting there in the dark (literally picture Gran). As I passed I said out loud, "oh my gosh." John said, "Do you want to stop?" (As I have been burned big time helping people in the past.....crazy lady in my car....I have been much more cautious). I said, "Lets go get the milk and then see if he is still here." (I thought just maybe he was sitting at the stop sign since it was dark waiting for traffic to be completely clear). Go get the milk....go back......he is still sitting in the same place. John sticks his head out the window and says, "Do you need some help." He had gone to the store and his scooter had died on his way home. He was sitting there in the dark waiting for it to charge. He said I live just down there (about 200 yards down the street). So John said I'll just push you home if you want me to. He pushed him across 19th.....the man said oh I can try to make it from here. John said I'll just push you there I don't mind. So he did. Sweating profusely. The little old man was very sweet. I know why I refused to buy the milk at Wal Mart......I know why I knew the milk was on sale at Brookshires. I know why I chose the Brookshires on 18th. The little old man ate my lunch.....cried the whole way home............
Carrie
Well you just made me cry....doesn't take much these days....and yes we know why you married him....:)
Carlie
john is a great catch. so are you, my dear. i think everyone is emotional this month. another reason as to why july sucks.
Carrie
AMEN to the July sucking....and thank you for the "great catch" statement.. you made me cry again...WE ARE ALL GREAT CATCHES.... WE ARE ALL FANTABULOUS... REALLY I MEAN IT... WE ARE WONDERFULLY BEAUTIFUL WOMAN... LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Carrie
I wasn't quite sure who the great catch statement was actually for... Lisa or Me but I claimed it too......:)
Whitney
GROUP HUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Becky
THEY are ALL RODENTS and yes, one in the house is good reason to call the SWAT team and to send the hubby outside for not being CERTAIN that all entry points were eliminated!! As far as I'm concerned - they need to think like a rodent and seek out all possible entries. How in the H did a baby opossum get in the attic - and where is the momma?? I think I am glad it was not a rat!!
LOVED THE WALMART STORY - y'all were his angels!!
And yes, July is sucky except for some pretty wonderful BIRTHDAYS!!
Love you all.
Melanie
Yes the Wal Mart made me cry and the group hug made me laugh and the dead possum made me sick
Carrie
Well Melanie had all the emotions covered!!!... and oh my yes I wonder also where is Momma???? glad the dead smell is out of the house.....
Lisa
Yes there are some very excellent birthdays in July......second only to April.....right Lin? We have had opossums in our yard for months off and on. We see them walking around but the one we saw was big so it was not the one in the attic. We were also glad it wasn't a rat. John said he thinks it came in through a small hole by the pipe that comes in the house for the air conditioner. I'm telling you it was God's grace that he was near the stairs and John was able to find it fairly quickly. My first thought was that someone had spilled some milk and cleaned it up with a towel.....in the past that has been some of the foulest odor I have ever smelled. So I washed every cloth in the house that was dirty. Then I thought it was under the refrig.....so I cleaned under there. Mopped all floors. At least my house is fairly clean and Willie is off the **** list.
Rosie was so confused. She could smell something stinky......just wanted to roll in it. Caitlin said this afternoon......."Rosie is thinking they are bringing stinky stuff IN the house to roll in? It's freaking Christmas!!" Except for the fact she could not get to it. Thank God the smell is dissipating and so for now the saga is over and I know there are no varmits in my house and they cannot get in! ttfn.....ta ta for now
Carrie
Poor Rosarita... alls she wanted was some pooop to roll in and feel gggoooooddddd....... glad the smell is hittin the highway....
Carrie
Keep forgettin to comment on the bday's..... well DECEMBER has JESUS' Birthday so I win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! its the bestest of ALL
Carlie
i just sneezed and i promise you when i say....it sounded like a horn.
i blame caitlin on this sickness. you started it.
Carrie
hahahaha honk honk......
Lisa
ha ha ha that's freakin hilarious
My aninmal stories are not warm and fuzzy
7-25-07
Originated by Lisa
Lisa
Even as stressful as your animal stories are Judy, mine are worse. Do you have any idea how bad a dead opossum smells like on the side of the road? It's bad really really bad. Do you know what 2 dead opossums smell like in your attic in Louisiana in July? Attic/road kill. BEFORE we knew what and when and how, people would walk in my house and immediately screw up there face and say what the heck? Then as John began looking for whatever it was, the smell was UNBEARABLE! Unbefreaking! So yesterday John found one dead opossum at the top of the stairs in the attic............until..........today, Olivia/birddog said, "It stinks in your bedroom," and I said vehemently, "Don't even say it Olivia!!"
She said, "I'm just saying."
Called John who has been working in the paper mill all week (temps around 110 to 120) and he was excited about crawling the whole way to our bedroom in the hot attic on his knees after he had been working since 7:00 am. Olivia "the nose" Herrock smelled it just right. Dead opossum right above John's dresser. Since he has come down, cooled down, calmed down, and showered he has damned all opossums to hell...........shut up Whitney...............I am in total agreement. And NO MORE dead opossums are in my attic.
Geez I mean I'm talking dead opossums in my attic.........that's just something I should never have to say. We are gonna have to change our names to things like Jethro, and Bertha and go buy overalls and hay to chew on cause we are living freaking country style. COME ON!
Lindsey
sure makes a great story. coming from someone who avoided your house like the plague as to not smell the awfulness
Lisa
whew that was close I'm soooo glad the 2 of yal didn't have to suffer......that was at the top of my concern list
Judy
Your animal story was much more entertaining, Bertha, but if I'M going to have an animal story, I really do prefer mine, especially since so far the animals are still alive except for the rat, and I found him after the fact. The duck did in fact poop a lot, though. Does that count?
Lisa
Unless the pooh has giant economy sized smell that accompanies it then no it does not count. I mean the smell......oh oh oh the smell
Olivia
You said no more dead opossums were in our attic. If only it was true.
Carlie
thats just freakin' insane. did she birth them up there? jeez.
Lisa
I cannot take it. 3 and counting.......they can have 6 to 9 babies..........I just can't..........I'm sending another email it will have cussing in it..........this is the clean version........delete if you don't want to hear the cussing
Lisa
Yal are so easy.........
Lisa
I realize there are multiple emails about this but I forgot the most important thing that has come out of all of this is.......who knew Olivia's nose is freaking genius! She has sniffed em all even before they got juicy........ummm delicious. If Olivia tells you something about smells.....she is like E.F. Hutton......listen
Whitney
I am not going to say a word in defense of the
opossums. Silence.(I mean I am still very sad at the
obvious massacre, but I think I would be gang banged
if I defended them.)
Carlie, don't YOU love the USA?
Have fun and be careful a the beach. Don't forget to
wear sunscreen. And watch for jellyfish and sharks.
And watch for hot guys...bring me home one if you can.
Night Everyone.
P.S. Becky, how do you spell massacre?
Carlie
yes. i love the USA. with a passion. i just found yours or anyone's very random.
thanks for the warning. now, i'm scared. i forgot about the sharks.
i'll try my hardest to bring a hottie home for ya. but only if i don't want him first. muaha.
Lisa
Well I am not without some compassion towards the opossums. I mean we are not murderers of small dumb creatures.......we are however stupid. Note to self.........when you close up the entrance that you feel like they are using to get into the attic, there will be death, mayhem, confusion, but the most important thing you will have is a huge Everest size stink.........may they all be reunited with their opossum ancestors in that great......wait a minute.........I DO NOT WANT THEM IN MY MANSION! I do want a sign in my mansion yard that says no opossums allowed. They can birth 6 to 25 babies from January to July. God have mercy on us. Oh the opossum-manity
Carrie
It is all too funny for words
Carlie
so i'm here. the water is frickin' insane. it really looks like the pool. clearer than lindsey's pool (no offense, lin).
addison is about the cutest little girl ever. she's so freakin' adorable and SUCH a little girl. she has her purse, cell phone. girl's ready to take on the world.
william slapped me today. he's a bit more difficult. he's a boy. 'nuff said. but julian was never like this but all kids are different.
photo booth? best babysitter. EVER.
Lisa
Glad to know you are there safely and I would love to be there with the water.......another day I guess
Caitlin
They are so freaking adorable!
Mollie
oh my goodness...the kids are so stinkin cute. i hope next summer we can all do the beach together. maybe by then our houses will be covered in money wall paper because the bank refuses to keep up with the oodles and oodles of cash that seems to flow out of our eyeballs...so we have to keep up with all the money ourselves. what a wonderful problem.
Lisa
wonderful wonderful problem
Lisa
Unbefreaking
Carlie
i never realized what terrors/julian/ boys were. I bathed addison today, hung out with her very CALMLY, put her to bed...no fuss whatsoever. it was incredible. i was gabsmacked to think of the way i bathe julian. different as night and day.
girls freakin' rock.
Carlie
some boy/girl comparisons i've now noticed.
WHEN IN BATH boy- bursts into tears when some water gets in eyes / girl- picks up the cup and pours it over her. again.
PLAY TIME = boy - wants to go around and play with trains, cars, dump trucks while destroying everything in his bath / girl - wants to put on some music and dance with the babysitter
LOW MAINTENANCE OR HIGH MAINTENANCE? = boy - wants to be around babysitter, wants babysitter's attention at ALL TIMES / girl - is cool with looking out the window by herself for a bit, sit in a rocking chair, play with her dolls
boy - does not respond to "I love you, Julian." / girl - when told "I love you." then responds in the cutest voice ever, "I love you too"
this is what I've come away with. However, I love me some boys, too. Girls are just way easier.
WE ROCK!!
Melanie
Glad the water is pretty and remember your mother asked you to call her from time to time to let me know you are ok
Melanie
clear enough to see sharks coming if there are any I'm just saying
Carlie
oh yea, i forgot to call you back.
i'm ok!
Melanie
remember all are different there are some girls that wouldn't do all those things but are still cool
Olivia
whoa you just said something right after I finished reading. weird.
Carrie
Oh my sweet Lord how beautiful..... wish I was there...... right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want the water and sand between the toes.....................
Carrie
YES WE DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7-23-07
Originated by Lisa
LIFE JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER
Lisa
When I got home from Dallas last week, my family quite enthusiastically informed me that they heard scratching noises in the attic while I was gone. I promptly said, "What the H?'' Rodents are not cute..........shut up Whitney.......the next day I went into overdrive making sure there were no entrances in the utility room. John KNEW of a possible 'breach' (air quotes) outside and yet had not done anything to prevent it. What the crap! When I hear rat noises it's time for SWAT, Navy SEALS.......I'm talking DRASTIC measures.....DEF CON 5. SWARM SWARM SWARM......
I have cleaned stuff I have not seen in years, all possible holes closed up, rat poison out........one rat scratch equals buying enough poison for 150 rats. No noises, no signs, no rats......... Yesterday it started stinking..........in my kitchen. Checked under the sink, pulled out the refrigerator........mopped.....it was disgusting.........I have cleaned and cleaned......still stinks. ****. I KNOW it's dead in my attic. John makes this next statement like how absurd you are being Lisa......and as if I WON"T beat the h out of him.....says, "Well we will have to empty the entire attic and have a company come pull ALL the insulation out so we can look for it”.......stupid, stupid, stupid. Dead rotting animal in the attic means husband sleeping in the yard. After some time and mean looks from me.....shocker he will come home tomorrow after work with a plan. You bet your butt he will. Willie has fallen down on the freaking job. John and he may BOTH be eating cat food by the end of the week...........
Carrie
HAHAHAHAHAHAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HAHHAHAAHAHHAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a vision of John pushing Willie out of the way for food and sleeping in the yard.... John can sleep anywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Melanie
Oh JimmyJohn that is not funny but it is Yes do whatever it takes to stop or get the rodents off the property I am wich ya girl
Carrie
If Whitney wants to SAVE the little monsters then have her come over and catch them and take them to her house......love you Whitty!!!!
Lisa
amen to the little monsters.........
Whitney
Services for the little mouse will be held at Lisa's house at 3:30 p.m. today
Emma
no the rats can go straight to h because i hate them.. it is awful
Lisa
The smell in my house is so bad I have no words. If I find the dead little **** I will burn it....there's your service........
7-24-07
the stink has been found
Originated by Lisa
Lisa
DEAD BABY POSSUM............SHUT UP WHITNEY..........IN THE ATTIC.......****........ALREADY SMELLS BETTER.........BUT THINK ABOUT WHAT A DEAD POSSUM SMELLS LIKE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THEN PUT THAT IN YOUR HOUSE.......UMM YUMMY..........AND YET **** AGAIN...... STUPID STUPID STUPID ANIMAL
Lindsey
so gross
7-24-07
Now the flip side of John
Lisa
Tonight we went to Wal Mart for groceries......hate it, hate it, hate it. Had a decent list took a while, was exhausted when we finished. BUT! Wal Mart has gone up another 27 cents on milk and I knew it was on sale at Brookshires so I said we can run by and get it there. John said yeah he would run in. As we are turning off of 19th we saw a little man on his motorized scooter sitting there in the dark (literally picture Gran). As I passed I said out loud, "oh my gosh." John said, "Do you want to stop?" (As I have been burned big time helping people in the past.....crazy lady in my car....I have been much more cautious). I said, "Lets go get the milk and then see if he is still here." (I thought just maybe he was sitting at the stop sign since it was dark waiting for traffic to be completely clear). Go get the milk....go back......he is still sitting in the same place. John sticks his head out the window and says, "Do you need some help." He had gone to the store and his scooter had died on his way home. He was sitting there in the dark waiting for it to charge. He said I live just down there (about 200 yards down the street). So John said I'll just push you home if you want me to. He pushed him across 19th.....the man said oh I can try to make it from here. John said I'll just push you there I don't mind. So he did. Sweating profusely. The little old man was very sweet. I know why I refused to buy the milk at Wal Mart......I know why I knew the milk was on sale at Brookshires. I know why I chose the Brookshires on 18th. The little old man ate my lunch.....cried the whole way home............
Carrie
Well you just made me cry....doesn't take much these days....and yes we know why you married him....:)
Carlie
john is a great catch. so are you, my dear. i think everyone is emotional this month. another reason as to why july sucks.
Carrie
AMEN to the July sucking....and thank you for the "great catch" statement.. you made me cry again...WE ARE ALL GREAT CATCHES.... WE ARE ALL FANTABULOUS... REALLY I MEAN IT... WE ARE WONDERFULLY BEAUTIFUL WOMAN... LOVE YOU ALL!!!!
Carrie
I wasn't quite sure who the great catch statement was actually for... Lisa or Me but I claimed it too......:)
Whitney
GROUP HUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Becky
THEY are ALL RODENTS and yes, one in the house is good reason to call the SWAT team and to send the hubby outside for not being CERTAIN that all entry points were eliminated!! As far as I'm concerned - they need to think like a rodent and seek out all possible entries. How in the H did a baby opossum get in the attic - and where is the momma?? I think I am glad it was not a rat!!
LOVED THE WALMART STORY - y'all were his angels!!
And yes, July is sucky except for some pretty wonderful BIRTHDAYS!!
Love you all.
Melanie
Yes the Wal Mart made me cry and the group hug made me laugh and the dead possum made me sick
Carrie
Well Melanie had all the emotions covered!!!... and oh my yes I wonder also where is Momma???? glad the dead smell is out of the house.....
Lisa
Yes there are some very excellent birthdays in July......second only to April.....right Lin? We have had opossums in our yard for months off and on. We see them walking around but the one we saw was big so it was not the one in the attic. We were also glad it wasn't a rat. John said he thinks it came in through a small hole by the pipe that comes in the house for the air conditioner. I'm telling you it was God's grace that he was near the stairs and John was able to find it fairly quickly. My first thought was that someone had spilled some milk and cleaned it up with a towel.....in the past that has been some of the foulest odor I have ever smelled. So I washed every cloth in the house that was dirty. Then I thought it was under the refrig.....so I cleaned under there. Mopped all floors. At least my house is fairly clean and Willie is off the **** list.
Rosie was so confused. She could smell something stinky......just wanted to roll in it. Caitlin said this afternoon......."Rosie is thinking they are bringing stinky stuff IN the house to roll in? It's freaking Christmas!!" Except for the fact she could not get to it. Thank God the smell is dissipating and so for now the saga is over and I know there are no varmits in my house and they cannot get in! ttfn.....ta ta for now
Carrie
Poor Rosarita... alls she wanted was some pooop to roll in and feel gggoooooddddd....... glad the smell is hittin the highway....
Carrie
Keep forgettin to comment on the bday's..... well DECEMBER has JESUS' Birthday so I win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! its the bestest of ALL
Carlie
i just sneezed and i promise you when i say....it sounded like a horn.
i blame caitlin on this sickness. you started it.
Carrie
hahahaha honk honk......
Lisa
ha ha ha that's freakin hilarious
My aninmal stories are not warm and fuzzy
7-25-07
Originated by Lisa
Lisa
Even as stressful as your animal stories are Judy, mine are worse. Do you have any idea how bad a dead opossum smells like on the side of the road? It's bad really really bad. Do you know what 2 dead opossums smell like in your attic in Louisiana in July? Attic/road kill. BEFORE we knew what and when and how, people would walk in my house and immediately screw up there face and say what the heck? Then as John began looking for whatever it was, the smell was UNBEARABLE! Unbefreaking! So yesterday John found one dead opossum at the top of the stairs in the attic............until..........today, Olivia/birddog said, "It stinks in your bedroom," and I said vehemently, "Don't even say it Olivia!!"
She said, "I'm just saying."
Called John who has been working in the paper mill all week (temps around 110 to 120) and he was excited about crawling the whole way to our bedroom in the hot attic on his knees after he had been working since 7:00 am. Olivia "the nose" Herrock smelled it just right. Dead opossum right above John's dresser. Since he has come down, cooled down, calmed down, and showered he has damned all opossums to hell...........shut up Whitney...............I am in total agreement. And NO MORE dead opossums are in my attic.
Geez I mean I'm talking dead opossums in my attic.........that's just something I should never have to say. We are gonna have to change our names to things like Jethro, and Bertha and go buy overalls and hay to chew on cause we are living freaking country style. COME ON!
Lindsey
sure makes a great story. coming from someone who avoided your house like the plague as to not smell the awfulness
Lisa
whew that was close I'm soooo glad the 2 of yal didn't have to suffer......that was at the top of my concern list
Judy
Your animal story was much more entertaining, Bertha, but if I'M going to have an animal story, I really do prefer mine, especially since so far the animals are still alive except for the rat, and I found him after the fact. The duck did in fact poop a lot, though. Does that count?
Lisa
Unless the pooh has giant economy sized smell that accompanies it then no it does not count. I mean the smell......oh oh oh the smell
Olivia
You said no more dead opossums were in our attic. If only it was true.
Carlie
thats just freakin' insane. did she birth them up there? jeez.
Lisa
I cannot take it. 3 and counting.......they can have 6 to 9 babies..........I just can't..........I'm sending another email it will have cussing in it..........this is the clean version........delete if you don't want to hear the cussing
Lisa
Yal are so easy.........
Lisa
I realize there are multiple emails about this but I forgot the most important thing that has come out of all of this is.......who knew Olivia's nose is freaking genius! She has sniffed em all even before they got juicy........ummm delicious. If Olivia tells you something about smells.....she is like E.F. Hutton......listen
Whitney
I am not going to say a word in defense of the
opossums. Silence.(I mean I am still very sad at the
obvious massacre, but I think I would be gang banged
if I defended them.)
Carlie, don't YOU love the USA?
Have fun and be careful a the beach. Don't forget to
wear sunscreen. And watch for jellyfish and sharks.
And watch for hot guys...bring me home one if you can.
Night Everyone.
P.S. Becky, how do you spell massacre?
Carlie
yes. i love the USA. with a passion. i just found yours or anyone's very random.
thanks for the warning. now, i'm scared. i forgot about the sharks.
i'll try my hardest to bring a hottie home for ya. but only if i don't want him first. muaha.
Lisa
Well I am not without some compassion towards the opossums. I mean we are not murderers of small dumb creatures.......we are however stupid. Note to self.........when you close up the entrance that you feel like they are using to get into the attic, there will be death, mayhem, confusion, but the most important thing you will have is a huge Everest size stink.........may they all be reunited with their opossum ancestors in that great......wait a minute.........I DO NOT WANT THEM IN MY MANSION! I do want a sign in my mansion yard that says no opossums allowed. They can birth 6 to 25 babies from January to July. God have mercy on us. Oh the opossum-manity
Carrie
It is all too funny for words
Carlie
so i'm here. the water is frickin' insane. it really looks like the pool. clearer than lindsey's pool (no offense, lin).
addison is about the cutest little girl ever. she's so freakin' adorable and SUCH a little girl. she has her purse, cell phone. girl's ready to take on the world.
william slapped me today. he's a bit more difficult. he's a boy. 'nuff said. but julian was never like this but all kids are different.
photo booth? best babysitter. EVER.
Lisa
Glad to know you are there safely and I would love to be there with the water.......another day I guess
Caitlin
They are so freaking adorable!
Mollie
oh my goodness...the kids are so stinkin cute. i hope next summer we can all do the beach together. maybe by then our houses will be covered in money wall paper because the bank refuses to keep up with the oodles and oodles of cash that seems to flow out of our eyeballs...so we have to keep up with all the money ourselves. what a wonderful problem.
Lisa
wonderful wonderful problem
Lisa
Unbefreaking
Carlie
i never realized what terrors/julian/ boys were. I bathed addison today, hung out with her very CALMLY, put her to bed...no fuss whatsoever. it was incredible. i was gabsmacked to think of the way i bathe julian. different as night and day.
girls freakin' rock.
Carlie
some boy/girl comparisons i've now noticed.
WHEN IN BATH boy- bursts into tears when some water gets in eyes / girl- picks up the cup and pours it over her. again.
PLAY TIME = boy - wants to go around and play with trains, cars, dump trucks while destroying everything in his bath / girl - wants to put on some music and dance with the babysitter
LOW MAINTENANCE OR HIGH MAINTENANCE? = boy - wants to be around babysitter, wants babysitter's attention at ALL TIMES / girl - is cool with looking out the window by herself for a bit, sit in a rocking chair, play with her dolls
boy - does not respond to "I love you, Julian." / girl - when told "I love you." then responds in the cutest voice ever, "I love you too"
this is what I've come away with. However, I love me some boys, too. Girls are just way easier.
WE ROCK!!
Melanie
Glad the water is pretty and remember your mother asked you to call her from time to time to let me know you are ok
Melanie
clear enough to see sharks coming if there are any I'm just saying
Carlie
oh yea, i forgot to call you back.
i'm ok!
Melanie
remember all are different there are some girls that wouldn't do all those things but are still cool
Olivia
whoa you just said something right after I finished reading. weird.
Carrie
Oh my sweet Lord how beautiful..... wish I was there...... right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want the water and sand between the toes.....................
Carrie
YES WE DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Gee and the boys
I'm pretty sure I posted this a long time ago but it's definitley worth another. It's a much better photo than the one I have. I love this picture because it's a mom sitting with her 2 survivng sons. She endured so much loss in her lifetime but in this picture, she seems happy that she's with her boys. She was tough and sweet and awesome. I wish I'd known her.
Gasp!
I've never ever seen this photo before in my life. Melanie showed it to me tonight and I know I've never seen it. I love to find new treasures from the past. People present in the picture are: me in my adorable little sailor collar dress, Gee, Carrie, Melanie, Becky sporting a stylish electric blue turtle neck and Mollie. Well done except for the corner of the table in the foreground of the picture. But I love the lamp with the lovely pink shade in the background. Someone in the family still has that lamp.
Men's Olympic skating
After watching the men's skating during the Olympics, I'm completely certain I could help each and every one of them. First of all it seems that some of them are trying so hard to not look or seem gay that they're skating in business casual outfits. That's just awkward. I mean it's not like they just got home from the office and then jumped right out onto the ice........BUT the other option, the unitard, sometimes with feathers and sequins, is even more wrong. I don't care how gay you are, that's not a good look for any man. And the Russian wore a unitard that had a built in tie made out of sequins. I just can't say enough about how bad all of these choices are. I know I could help them make better clothing decisions. They just need to call me. I'm thinking maybe turtle necks in pretty colors. But first we must burn all the unitards.
Now onto their music choices. Some songs are just too "frilly" for boys but at the same time when they try to go macho that doesn't work either. We are parsing a very fine line with the music choices and I know I could pick the right song for each one of them. And this "interpreting" the song like the orphans in Sarajevo and stuff like that is extremely melodramatic and just plain wrong. I would pick the song for them to try to be graceful in a manly way and then just get the heck off the ice. I can see a brilliant career ahead of me. I could be called the "Ice Skating Whisperer" or some such ingenious title. So, to any Olympians that may ever run across this post, CALL ME. I will change your life.
And on a side note but still related, although I do like Scott Hamilton, he needs to control his emotions when announcing. It's like he is out there skating it with them. YOU ARE NOT. Stop gasping and making noises like you have major gas. It's disturbing.
I've done all I can do.
Now onto their music choices. Some songs are just too "frilly" for boys but at the same time when they try to go macho that doesn't work either. We are parsing a very fine line with the music choices and I know I could pick the right song for each one of them. And this "interpreting" the song like the orphans in Sarajevo and stuff like that is extremely melodramatic and just plain wrong. I would pick the song for them to try to be graceful in a manly way and then just get the heck off the ice. I can see a brilliant career ahead of me. I could be called the "Ice Skating Whisperer" or some such ingenious title. So, to any Olympians that may ever run across this post, CALL ME. I will change your life.
And on a side note but still related, although I do like Scott Hamilton, he needs to control his emotions when announcing. It's like he is out there skating it with them. YOU ARE NOT. Stop gasping and making noises like you have major gas. It's disturbing.
I've done all I can do.
Whitney's Patriotism
In honor of the Olympics and national pride which for some reason, Whitney was full of on this day in 2007.
Whitney’s patriotism
Originated 7-25-07
Whitney
I don't know how many of you have heard me say this, but, here it is again: Yes, there are amazing beaches out of the country, but there are AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL beaches in the U.S. as well. We don't have to leave the country to find cool things. There is really so much in our country that we don't experience...I want to experience it.
I love the USA.
Lisa
Now lets all sing Kumbaya and God bless the USA Whitney
Caitlin
Thank you Whitney for your patriotism! I agree with you.
Carlie
"I love the USA."
Whitney's random appreciation of the USA makes my day even better. hahah. Today was a great day. Why, you ask? a.)anticipation of the beach trip. b.)got my car all fixed up. oil changed, new air filter, and some kind of new liquid in there(i don't know what it's called obviously) but it helped my car be all good again. c)eyebrows waxed, d.)whitney's random appreciation of the USA, & e.)to top it off, the BEST part of my day, was seeing SAM on Top Chef! Yum, YUM.
off to the beach, suckers.
later.
Lisa
I love the some kind of liquid that they put in your car.......maybe lemonade.......maybe apple juice.......maybe brake fluid.......whatever..........girlie girl
Caitlin
and I love Sam....
Caitlin
Only not love love
Whitney’s patriotism
Originated 7-25-07
Whitney
I don't know how many of you have heard me say this, but, here it is again: Yes, there are amazing beaches out of the country, but there are AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL beaches in the U.S. as well. We don't have to leave the country to find cool things. There is really so much in our country that we don't experience...I want to experience it.
I love the USA.
Lisa
Now lets all sing Kumbaya and God bless the USA Whitney
Caitlin
Thank you Whitney for your patriotism! I agree with you.
Carlie
"I love the USA."
Whitney's random appreciation of the USA makes my day even better. hahah. Today was a great day. Why, you ask? a.)anticipation of the beach trip. b.)got my car all fixed up. oil changed, new air filter, and some kind of new liquid in there(i don't know what it's called obviously) but it helped my car be all good again. c)eyebrows waxed, d.)whitney's random appreciation of the USA, & e.)to top it off, the BEST part of my day, was seeing SAM on Top Chef! Yum, YUM.
off to the beach, suckers.
later.
Lisa
I love the some kind of liquid that they put in your car.......maybe lemonade.......maybe apple juice.......maybe brake fluid.......whatever..........girlie girl
Caitlin
and I love Sam....
Caitlin
Only not love love
Changes
I've made some changes. The changes may look extreme. I think I may be willing to take feedback. I think. It may change again. I'm not sure just how much green I can take. We will see.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
I think I'll take an extended break from the Corsicana pictures. I'm struggling a little with what to do next. I have a few ideas but don't have it all figured out yet. Maybe something will come to me in the next 2 seconds........nope that didn't happen. But I haven't given an update on movies watched lately so I will do that:
Definitely Maybe
Persuasion
Emma.....again
State Fair
Coco Before Chanel.......I got eye strain from reading the movie. Caitlin says, "It's in French and English." Oh really Caitlin......one dadgum sentence in English and when they said it we were so stunned, we almost didn't understand it.
It's been a fun holiday. You gotta love Louisiana for having a holiday for parties and debauchery. But we have made the most of the snow day and the weekend and the Olympics. Reality hits again tomorrow.........life is moving way too fast for me.
Definitely Maybe
Persuasion
Emma.....again
State Fair
Coco Before Chanel.......I got eye strain from reading the movie. Caitlin says, "It's in French and English." Oh really Caitlin......one dadgum sentence in English and when they said it we were so stunned, we almost didn't understand it.
It's been a fun holiday. You gotta love Louisiana for having a holiday for parties and debauchery. But we have made the most of the snow day and the weekend and the Olympics. Reality hits again tomorrow.........life is moving way too fast for me.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Olivia and Maggie
This is certainly another rarity.....Olivia and Maggie caught on camera......"vogueing it." Let's just enjoy the moment shall we?
Jared, Austin and Maya
The only thing I can say about this picture is.......I'm glad they're not a couple.
Becky
Annie Get Your Gun?
This picture is such a classic photo of ....."Huh? Wha?"
It's not many days that you will find Becky in the country or that you will find Becky in the country holding a gun, or that you will find Becky in the country holding a gun and aiming the gun......at anything....or in the country holding a gun and aiming the gun next to a cow skull hanging from the fence. That's alot of unbelievable things all wrapped up together. And so once again the camera allows for documentation of an event that might have not been believed but with photographic evidence, can never be denied.
This picture is such a classic photo of ....."Huh? Wha?"
It's not many days that you will find Becky in the country or that you will find Becky in the country holding a gun, or that you will find Becky in the country holding a gun and aiming the gun......at anything....or in the country holding a gun and aiming the gun next to a cow skull hanging from the fence. That's alot of unbelievable things all wrapped up together. And so once again the camera allows for documentation of an event that might have not been believed but with photographic evidence, can never be denied.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Me and my kiddos
My kids and I were in Corsicana helping with Bessie when this picture was taken. Although those days were sometimes very difficult, I learned alot and I know my kids did. I watched Gran serve Bessie tirelessly trying to preserve as much of her dignity as possible. And sometimes there was a certain amount of frustration......but even in the midst of it all, there were some sweet and tender and funny experiences that I recall.
Emma and Maggie
Little girls and spider swinging at it's best. Love the blue checked shorts on Maggie and if I remember correctly, the ones Emma has on were pink and white stripes.
I loved them.......and the little girls.....of course still do the girls.
I loved them.......and the little girls.....of course still do the girls.
Carmen, Lindsey, Jared and Austin
This is another October photo and it has such a different look to me than other months. There is just something about October in Corsicana that is total perfection. The sun and the shadows all combine to make beautiful pictures. I love it.
Some days I don't get it but I'm still trusting
Proverbs 3: 5-6
New International Version
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
The Message
5 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
6 Listen for God's voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.
New Living Translation
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Amplified
5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord
with all your heart and mind and do not rely on
your own insight or understanding.
6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him,
and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
New International Version
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
The Message
5 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
6 Listen for God's voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.
New Living Translation
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Amplified
5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord
with all your heart and mind and do not rely on
your own insight or understanding.
6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him,
and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day
I tried to think of something special to post today and it occurred to me that I could send everyone flowers....through the blog at least. So I have chosen some beautiful flowers to share because it's Valentine's Day and just because you didn't get flowers on this day doesn't mean you aren't loved or thought about or appreciated.
I got a bouquet of Swedish fish that I have to say meant more than I can express.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Love to all.....
I got a bouquet of Swedish fish that I have to say meant more than I can express.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Love to all.....
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