Signs of Fall

We have amazing signs of fall all around us. We happened to have a huge walnut tree in our front yard that is directly over our house. Little did we know when we moved in what we were in for this fall. The walunts drop on the house at all hours of the day and night. It sounds like large rocks landing on the house. Sadie thinks they are intruders so all night long she is up barking and running all over the house. We have picked up tons of walnuts and are letting them dry in our garden and will be soon be having a shelling party. Doesn't that sound like fun.
Our mums are in full bloom. This is the one nice thing that the previous home owners planted before they put the house up for sale. The largest mum has buds and is the latest one to start blooming.
The top branches of our fire bush is starting to turn red. I'm loving fall in our new home. I was walking Sadie tonight and we saw a deer in the subdivision. How cool is that.

Poor Sadie, she was chasing a woodchuck and the woodchuck got the best of her today. She has a bit on her nose. She may not be so anxious to chase critters after today.

The Great Squirrel Hunter

Sadie has become the great squirrel hunter. She can spend hours stalking, chasing and hunting them. Keep in mind she has never caught one. Well, when she was about 2 years old, she unexpectedly caught one and paraded around with it in her mouth until I made her drop it.

Cowboy has taught her to chase the squirrels. He takes great pleasure in watching her. Once she sights one, she will slowly start to stalk it and stand on point. When Cowboy sees her do this, he will tell her to "sic' em" and off she goes. It's fun to watch. I tried to get a video of it but the squirrels were not amused and stayed up in the trees.

I am so proud of Sadie. I was worried when we move in here that she would run all over the neighborhood. There is no fence and we were expecting to put in an in ground fence. Sadie stays in our yard and the yard next to us were an older couple live. J and J don't seem to mind her traipsing over into their yard to chase the squirrels.

Today was a great day. I took the day off work to play golf with my boy. We played with a couple from a town close to my home town. That was fun and they knew my sister-in-law. The golf was fun and I found my swing...yeah.

On a sad note, we were on the second hole and could see the sixth hole...ambulance and police car with lots of golfers standing around. The marshall came around and said the man had a massive heart attack and died. You know, if you had to go playing the game your love wouldn't be a bad way to go.

Sex in a Box

Thanks to my friend Caroline, I received this beautiful box of chocolates for my birthday. Each piece is individually crafted and is amazingly fabulous. My friends described it like "sex in a box" and it truly is like a little orgasm with every bite. Caroline told me not to share and I agree that these should not be shared. Poor Cowboy, he keeps trying to get me to share and I keep tap dancing around all the reasons why I shouldn't let him have any.

Today was a good day. My sister brought my parents to town for dinner and we told them about the official engagement. My mom cried and my dad said, "That's the first part". I'm sure he's not thrilled that we live together and have bought a house together. Hopefully, this will bring him a little peace knowing that we will soon be married, all legal like.

Dad saw our house when we move so this was his first time back. His parting comments, "You should be proud, you have made a house into a home". Those words meant a lot coming from him.

Happy Birthday to ME!

I love my birthday. I'm the gal that tells everyone that weeks before my birthday that my big day is coming up. I love my day. We had a great day. Up early to go garage saleing, breakfast at our favorite dive. Lots of ring looking, oohing and aahing and congrats from the staff there. Then off to play golf. The front 9 was good, the back nine, not so good. It was a beautiful day.

Cowboy bought dinner and came home and grilled filets, crab stuffed mushrooms, asparagus and baked potatoes. It was awesome. Very very good.

I've gotten calls from my mom and dad, my brother, niece, and my good friend's kid sang happy birthday on the answer machine.

The funniest call was with my sister-in-law. It went like this.

I called her to see if they still needed a pet taxi (they asked us to look for one at garage sales).
"Miss, do you still need a pet taxi."
No, but thanks for asking.
"How are you at keeping a secret"
I'm evolved
"How about a big princess cut diamond"
Oh, my gosh! How exciting...(gush, gush) That's exciting. Good-bye

Me to Cowboy--she didn't wish me happy birthday.

Phone rings. It's Miss
"Hello"
MJ...so I'm sorry, I dialed the wrong number.
"Okay, good-bye"

Me to Cowboy--I can't believe she didn't wish me a Happy Birthday.
Cowboy--"Give me the phone"

He calls Miss and says- "Wendell, Wendell, I was calling Wendell to remind him to tell MJ happy birthday" He then passes the phone to me.

Miss was just 1) so confused as to who Wendell was and 2) laughing so hard that she forgot to wish me happy birthday.

Our bit of fun at her expense. I have the world best sister-in-law.

Giddy as a School Girl

I've had a smile on my face all day. I have been as giddy as a school girl. I've never been one of those women that dreamed of a big wedding or had my wedding dress picked out for years. I've never dreamed of any of that. It's just not me or my nature. So, I'm a little surprised by how giddy I have felt all day. I just wanted to walk around all day with my hand stuck out so everyone would notice my beautiful ring. Several people commented on my goofy grin. It didn't seem to go away.

So here's the whole story. Last Sunday, we went ring shopping. Cowboy has never ring shopped with his future wife (remember, he's had three). This was a new experience for him and was definitely a new one for me. I got nervous and anxious, something I didn't expect. I rushed out of the store leaving Cowboy standing there as I found a bathroom. After peeing and taking a deep breath, I was able to settle down and tried on 100 rings. As we were leaving the mall, he suggested we go back and offer the amount we wanted to pay for the ring. They accepted our offer and then it was done.

My ring is really two rings, a solitaire and an "solitaire embraceable". Since, I only want one ring, we had them sautered together. It wasn't supposed to be ready until today, but I kept thinking it would be done earlier.

We haven't done anything traditional so why would the proposal be traditional. I called Cowboy on my way home yesterday and he told me to look in the cabinet when I got home. I did look and found my ring. I put it on and wore it the rest of the evening. We have talked about getting married for a long time. Cowboy had called me his fiancee' for over a year. So there was no getting down on one knee and anything mushy or remotely romantic. Most definitely not his style.

This morning laying in bed he said, "Will you marry me? Can I be your husband? Can we keep our team strong?" That was enough for me.

What Can I say

The answer is yes!!!!

Happy Birthday Big Sis

Happy Birthday Big Sis!

Today, I have two sisters that are 45 years old. They will stay that way for a month and 5 days. Yes, my mother had three girls in 23 months. Suz is a year and 3 days older than me. However, much of our lives my mother dressed us alike. "Are you twins?" was a common question growing up. I was always taller and about the same size as she was. We do look a lot alike. Very different from our oldest sister.

However, we are not very much alike in all other aspects. Suz was always quieter, shyer, and more conservative. We fought like alley cats growing up. She always had a boyfriend and I was the wild child. It really wasn't until we were out of the house that we found our stride. I love her dearly and hope that she has a great birthday.

Dinner Out

We went to the auction last Friday Night and purchased a gift card to a really nice restaurant. Cowboy called me in the middle of the day and said since it was such a beautiful night, maybe we should take the convertible for a little spin out to dinner. Can I just tell you that I got all excited. Just saying..we had been shopping.

So I got home and he is all gussied up. His cowboy hat, boots, newly showered and looking hot. He had a beer and a smoke. Note he is not a smoker. Is he nervous?

So off we went. Dinner was awesome. Very good steak and potato. Good conversation. Nice atmosphere. And then nothing.

So it's not my birthday yet. Is something in the works??

Oh the excitement!

I had a realization the other day. I have lived my myself for over 20 years. That is until Cowboy moved in with me. I knew every inch of my house. I knew where everything was. I could find whatever I was looking for within minutes of starting the hunt. My realization: there are parts of our house that are foreign countries to me! The garage being one of them. There are things in the garage that I didn't even know we had. It is really a strange feeling. It's not like I couldn't know what was there. I just don't explore there very often.

I guess it's probably good that he has his space. He is very picky about keeping everything in his space. It's just weird.

About the excitement...not saying anything but this weekend is my birthday and we did go shopping...I wonder what is in store??

Finishing Touches on the Bathroon

Cowboy commented that we needs something on our walls in the newly painted bathroom. I had some old hooks and door knobs from my grandma's house that I finally found a use for. We went to Home Depot to find some wood--$10.
Cowboy cut everything to my specifications. I watched him with a careful eye. I kept telling him that I could make the cuts but he insisted that he should do it. Should I remind you how picky he is.
I took over from there. I painted them black. Painted a design in the board with the same bathroom colored paint and then distressed it. I put the hooks on and Cowboy helped me put the door knobs on the board and help me hang them in the bathroom.

Ta-da. The final project. I love it and I think that it finishes off the bathroom.

So for as unproductive as yesterday was, today was equally as productive.

We also did a little shopping. Let me just say it was somewhat promising.

Hail Porcelain God

Last night was a doozie. Last night was a once in a 5 year event. I got the privilege of paying a little homage to the Porcelain god. Dear all, this is not me. I do not know what happened and I can't for the life of me figure out how I ended up snuggling with the Porcelain Goddess in our home last night.

This is what I do have figured out. We went to a fund raiser for of all things a transitional home for women in recovery. (Yes, I did say, women in recovery.) There was wine. There were appetizers. There was bidding on silent auction items. There was socializing. There was fun.

I had a plate of appetizers and about 4 small glasses of wine. You know the small clear plastic solo cups. After, we went to a restruant and I had two martini's and some dessert. When we left, all was fine. I told Cowboy to drive home, I couldn't.

The next thing I know, I was very hot and had to pee. I made him roll down all the windows and the rest his history. Once we got home, I stripped down to my skivies and Oh Hail Porcelain Queen. I think I slept on the bathroom floor until 2am. Cowboy told me he took pictures. I'm sure they were lovely. (He really didn't, but said he should have.)

Today, was a beautiful day and we had a tee time at 1p. It was a struggle all day.

Several years ago, I realized that alcohol does not like me when I over indulge. So I don't. I'm very careful. I don't like feeling out of control. I don't like puking. I don't like feeling like a slug the next day...so I'm really not sure how that happened last night. All I know, is I was once again reminded that I'm not going to drink even remotely enough to get in that condition again for a very long time.

I Like Alone Time

It amazing how quickly you get into a routine. I lived by myself for over 20 years after college. I did everything myself and was not afraid to try anything. Cowboy and I have been living together for almost three years and I'm a little surprised by all the things that I have given up. I haven't taken out the trash for who knows how long. No picking up dog shit for me. I don't get to play with my awesome power tools anymore. ( I love my power drill, miter saw, etc.)

I also haven't gone to bed without doing the dishes for a couple of years. I haven't had an unmade bed in a long time. I haven't fixed breakfast on a week day for eons. And although these are small things, I'm surprised by how much I've given up. Life is so much better with Cowboy in it, but I'm enjoying my couple of days alone.

I am watching some crazy reality TV show. Wouldn't be doing that. No one to talk to. No one to fix supper for. I get the whole bed to myself. I'm kinda diggin' it. There is something to be said about living by yourself and having the confidence to know that you will be okay. However, the world is much sweeter with someone to share it with.

Quite the Bummer

I was about called to Michigan to bail Cowboy out of jail. He showed up to buy the motorcycle and it was not what the guy represented. Cowboy said the clear coat on the paint was gone, all the bolts were rusted, the carburetors were bad and the clutch was going out. He was so pissed off and confronted the guy who said the bike was a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. Apparently the guy just looked at the ground and didn't really respond. Luckily Cowboy's friend was there to take him away. Otherwise, I think I would be on my way to Michigan as I type.

I guess we have been lucky as we bought our Miata off of Craig's list and the pick-up off of Ebay. Cowboy said it was probably too good of a deal if it was like what was represented. He is right now drinking and getting drunk--which I can't blame him. I am so bummed for him. He was so excited this morning. I really wanted him to have a bike. He'll find one.

Crazy Man

This is not the bike...however, Cowboy is leaving tomorrow to fly to Detroit, MI to buy a bike that he has only seen in pictures and then riding 16 hours back home. It is this same style but much cleaner. It will truly be an iron man competition. He just maybe a little crazy. Of course, it will totally freak me out with him riding back. He is a good motor cycle rider however, the other drivers on the road are not as careful as he is.

I told him to think about how much he really wanted that bike and then compare that to how much I wanted a ring-- they are really the same amount of want. He then said we can go look at rings this weekend. I'm hoping that I will soon have a ring on my finger. I'm already thinking about what I want. So here is my question, if the big rock is a diamond, do all the others have to be??

I have some small diamonds out of my grandmother ring that I would like to incorporate and I'm thinking about "white" sapphires......

birthday weekend

September just happens to the be the birthday month of three very important people in our family. My dad's is the 19th, my sister's is the 24th and mine is the 27th. We were planning on going down to the farm next weekend but our plans this weekend were cancelled.

Cowboy suggested that since both of my sisters would be out of town next weekend, we should go down this weekend. I called all the siblings and rallied the troops. We took Mom and Dad out for dinner and then back to the house for cake and ice cream.

He is very thoughtful about being with my parents and doing things for them. He commented that there were millions of things he wishes he could have done for his parents or said to his parents. Since, they have passed away he doesn't have the chance to say what he wants to them or do what he wants for them so he is very open to doing those things for mine. My parents love him and I love him even more for being so thoughtful about them.

How adorable!!

This morning my two loves were laying around and hugging. How sweet is that!

Today was a much better day. The headache is gone. The tough issues from work are almost resolved so I'm ready for the next round. Tomorrow is Friday. How much better could life get. Well, I guess if I won the lottery it would get better. Life is good!

Headache

I have the biggest, poundiest, headache in the world. Most likely hormonal, could be stress. Who know...I just want it to go away!!!

So after coming home the last two days complaining about work, Cowboy has the nerve to say to me.."I hope you have more luck calling the dryer company than you have had the last two days calling the insurance man". You little f***er. I work my ass off all day...You have lots more time to make a few calls. I told you I woke up with a headache, way to make it way worse than it was.

We didn't talk all through breakfast and then he comes into the bathroom to kiss and be nice. He also called to make sure my day was going better.

I'm just going to have to kick his ass.

My Work

I don't blog about work often if at all. It is a clear decision that I made. Keep work at work and home here. However, today and this evening, I'm consumed with work. Today, well in fact, the past two days have been hell at work. A small part of it was good. Parts of it were bad and getting worse. I love what I do but I absolutely hate personnel issues and that is all that I have had to deal with for the past 2 1/2 days. Please people, just do your job and do it right. Is that really to much to ask? Can't you pay attention to what you are doing? And really, can't you just do it the way I ask you to do it? Is that really to much to ask? Why do you have to make my life miserable? I actually had visions on the way to work how I would just walk out and be the perfect cashier at Target. I would be good.

Did you find everything thing okay today? Would you like to apply for a Target card? Will that be all for you? That will be $32.98. Thank you and have a nice day.

See I would be good. I could do the cashier job. I just don't think I can do my job. I just don't want to do my job. Really, take me away. Would it really be to much to let me win the lottery?

Tomorrow, I'll be better and I'll love my job again. I always do. I hope that continues. Please, let me like my job tomorrow because today I didn't like it at all.

Frustration

Just a bit of background, Cowboy's daughter is 25. She is a bit of a mess. I love her dearly and only hope the best for her. Last March, she moved in with us for 6 months. Six long months. Six trying months. The six months that Cowboy and I argued more than ever before. She is charming and sweet but cunning and deceptive. She can be very responsible and does not take any responsibility. I really only want the best for her. Cowboy only wants the best for her.

The final straw last year was when she stole from me, even though I opened my house to her. She also left after getting pregnant. She's living with the FOB. Here's the frustrating thing. Cowboy really tries to help out when he can. A couple of months ago, he found a place to get her air conditioner fixed in her car. The deal was that he would put it on his credit card and they would pay him back in a week.

A week late, we invited them over to dinner. No call, no show. Hmmm.... A few days later, Cowboy got a hold of his girl and she said they didn't have the money so the didn't show. They did bring part of the money over later. Since that time, she hasn't returned any calls and has no contact with us. I hate that. I hate that for him.

He finally stopped by her home today and caught her at home. I have such a hard time not blurting out, why hasn't she called. Why can't she be honest with us about what is going on? Why do you keep helping her? And yet, I would do the same for her. I feel bad that, she treats him like that. I hate that she doesn't treat him better. He tries so hard. (Granted, they haven't always gotten along--both having a part of that). I wish that things would change for her and him. Maybe someday. Until that time, I'll keep my thoughts to myself.

Home Improvement Projects

Yesterday was a play day. Off to the golf course, we are not going to talk about the really bad day on the course. I lost my swing. Today, was home project day. We got rid of our old gold outdated porch light and went for a more rustic looking lamp. We took the mail box off and spray painted to it to match the light. No more nasty gold on the front of the house! Yeah!!!!

I have also been wanting to paint my bathroom since we have moved in but haven't decided on a color or scheme or anything until now. This is a before picture. The previous owners had the bathroom redone in a very contemporary style. Not our style at all. Textured faux finished wallpaper, tile walls and black marble floor. The light fixture was also not my style at all. It had little glass rods the covered the bulbs. It put out lots of heat.

I finally decided on a paint color and we bought a new light. So here is the finished bathroom. I need to add some more "Shabby-chic" decorations. I really think that I'm going to love my new bathroom. I think that when it is all finished, the contemporary will be gone and it will finally match the rest of my home.
The evening ended with a meeting of the homeowners association. We've never belonged to a HOA so this is a new thing for us. You'll never guess who is the new Vice President. They nominated Cowboy, who promptly declined and said his other half should have the job. So I'm it. This should be interesting.

Cowboy's Day

Cowboy went with his son to bury Zoey today. They went to the farm and Cowboy said they found a very peaceful place below a big tree in the backyard of the grandparents place. Zoey was laid to rest on her bed. Cowboy said she looked very peaceful.

Cowboy's son has been having some issues recently. I'm glad that Cowboy was able to be with his son today and take part of the situation.


Wanted to let you all know about our conversation last night:

Me: You know how they talk about women always nagging.
Cowboy: yes
Me: I think you are starting to nag me.
Cowboy: Well, yes you are right. You need to be "straightened" out.
Me: What are you talking about?
Cowboy: you go to work everyday and boss everyone around. I want you to know that I am the boss around here.
Me: You are crazy.
Cowboy: I'm the boss around here and don't you forget it.

Isn't he a dandy.

Zoey

Cowboy got a call this morning at 5:30a from his son. His son's dog, Zoey died in her sleep. Zoey was a 4 year old boxer that was suffering from cancer. They had tried chemo and it was not successful. They were going to take her to the vet this morning to have her put to sleep but she passed away in her home this morning.

Cowboy is leaving early to go with his son to the family farm to bury Zoey. It is very sad. Zoey was an awesome dog.

Flying the Friendly Skies???

So the trip to Florida was very good...however, the flights were not so pleasant. Actually, the flying was okay but I was surprised by the change in the airline "fees". I have booked my flights online for the past five years. No need to read the fine print. I even flew 11 days after 9/11 and didn't have any problems. This time lots of surprises.

First leg---US Airways.
Check in, no problem. How many bags are you checking? 1. That will be $15. What!!! It's just one bag and much better than bothering everyone trying to board the plane with that carry on that is bulky and tends to hit everyone as people put it in the overhead compartment. What would happen if I don't have $15. Will they take my big bag on the plane...I'm quite sure not. So I forked over the $15. Once on the plane came the big announcement. Water and tea...$1, and pop $2. Say that again???? Really, water will be $1.

Four hour lay over in Washington DC. No food or drink because the airport food stands are way over inflated! No Internet for free.

Leg Home---Delta
Check in, no problem. I'm carrying on a box of Harry and David's Pepper and Onion Relish--yummy and on sale.

I think that I might be able to put it in my suitcase because my suitcase only weighs 40lbs. The counter lady tells me you don't want to go over 50 lbs because they will charge you $90. Cough, Cough... I'll just carry on. Security....sorry lady, the jars are over 3.5 ozs. Never mind they are all boxed up and shrink wrapped. You have to check that. Back to the front...that will be $50 to check a second bag. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I am on the verge of a break down. I'm leaving my best friend. The relish is not worth $50. I'm tired and just want to get home with my relish. I ask for a mailing office...FedEx a mile away. Can I have my bag back? It's an hour before take off. No... Security has checked it already?? Can you pay the $50....hell, no. I just bought a COACH purse. I'm on the verge of tears and refuse to leave there because I want them to help me. Tears form. A very nice man talks to the counter lady. Counter lady leaves and goes in the back. Counter lady comes back and checks my bag free of charge. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Tears drop. (Tears of happiness). I am not above crying to get my way.

Other then the crazy baggage charges... Delta was good--free pop and snacks! Jacksonville has free internet. I'm booking flights based on services from now on!

What a Vacation!

What a vacation--We were on the go the whole time. Here are a few highlights....

-ear piercing for the 7 year old twins.
-preparing for the big hula party
-14 little girls at the pool for a hula party for 4 (yes 4) hours
-shopping at the outlet mall
-a second birthday party on the following day at the beach
-crab and shrimp for dinner
-no naps so crabby girls
-an overall amazing time but boy am I tired

Finally on Monday we got to go to the beach.

It was the perfect day. The weather was beautiful and the water was warm. We grilled, built sand castles and had a few cool ones. The kids were great. Sharon and Larry were the best hosts and the day was exceptional.

I would love to have more days like that--you just don't get them in the Midwest.

When I came home, this is what I found. Fresh flowers and the deck all stained and water sealed. (I did get the table and chairs done before I left.) Cowboy finished the deck and it was looked amazing. He also got the yard all mowed and the house picked up. What a keeper.

The best part of the whole trip was the new Coach bag. Cowboy thinks I got a great deal...$50 dollars. That's about a $100 close. I had to have it. They have great outlet store in St. Augustine. I just walked around the store petting the purse and wouldn't hand it over to the clerk until I just had to.

I got home very late and am very tired.