Monday, Monday

[OKay]

I am LOVING this less stressful time. No deadlines staring down on me - just normal stuff to do.

Twins - have fun with the new house fever. I go through times of seriously considering moving however each time I talk myself out of it for one reason or another.

Since the burn ban has lifted, I have been using the fire pit several times a week. We have an ABUNDANCE of wood to burn and I am using the ashes in the garden as fertilizer. It is so enjoyable to be outside with a fire burning. LO and I tend to linger near the fire pit for a couple hours each time.

[Elizabeth]

As I left this morning, I found one of the cats has decided the sofa is a catbox. ARGH!!! I thought I had stoppped this behavior. Maybe all cats will be locked in the bedroom for a while.

I realized today that I look forward to my time with DD with dread instead of positive feelings. Not good. I just don't feel like I can handle her and sometimes I am right. I also don't know how to keep her entertained. Thanksgiving is going to be hard, Christmas harder, but at least there are cousins for the latter. XDH is so much better at this sort of thing than I am. I never did get the handle on parenting, probably part of the reason we are no longer married.

[DeeClutter]

I finally got to talk to the SAME supervisor at Med Co that I talked to last Tuesday. The 'fiasco' does go on, Dove. When she finally found it all, it noted that my dr's office had 'denied' the request, which makes no sense at all. Now wouldn't you think they'd notify one of that? She put all three scripts through to the pharmacy again and asked that they contact my dr. personally and go from there. She's also asked them to "expedite" the order. So I'll see where we go from here. Meantime I'd gotten a letter stating that the "patient" (me) was not covered under the plan. Goes from bad to 'worser'. Supervisor was very understanding and really trying to straighten it all out.

DD has gone to Orlando to pick up dgd13. Praying hard that all goes well once she's home. DD seems really hopeful. Do know that DSIl will not put up with any shenanigans -but he's too much the negative side unfortunately and doesn't want to deal with ANY of it. Right now she seems fairly agreeable to what will be expected of her. I'm trying hard to convince myself to keep quiet when I see/hear things that should not be and remember that it's not my household. Need prayer for that strength I think.

Expecting my credit card to arrive today -then the hassle of notifying anyone who has our old number to update. Hoping I remember everyone. Some are related to dh's card and his number is different from mine. He needs a new one as his is cracked, but I've been trying to put off ordering a new one until the 'fiasco' with med co is over. Our account there is tied to his credit card and I don't want to confuse them any more than they already are!

Kathryn, hugs to you -know how much you've enjoyed staying at that lodge each year. Praying that something comparable comes up for all of you.

Harriet, hope today is a tranquil, enjoyable day for you!

[Kathryn-in-Canada]

Found a video of the day after the fire and can see the extent of the damage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChMXfSd07hw

The dining room end of the lodge is just gone. The fireplaces are still standing, as is one of the two turrets (the other was at the dining hall end) They were great fireplaces, starting in the basement, so there was one open fireplace in the basement and two back to back on the main floor but the basement one had been bricked in years ago.) I wonder if they'll include the fireplaces in the new building (that's my hopeful comment for the day!)

Got an email from the minister suggesting that my ministry and personnel committee start a search for a new custodian for one of the churches. Sent off a reply to everyone quoting both our operating guidelines and The Manual (the complete set of rules for the church) pointing out that this is NOT our mandate and we would not be doing it. If the church needs a new minister, it is not my committee's role to go find one, the same is true for a custodian.

I notice it is now after 3 and apparently I stalled at some point today without realizing it.

[Harmony]

Kathryn, the video is heartbreaking. Especially the inside views.

Happy Anniversary to Harriet and HRH!!

(Lilac) How long is your DMom staying? I might have missed that... I'm glad you and DD are working out the situation.

Twins, Not another move in this village? Wow. I'll be interested in reading about all this. We have downsizing in our future too.

Lots of time wasted today. First thing I had to take 2 battery chargers down to jobsite. Now wouldn't you think when equipment is ordered 3 days in advance at rental place they would have it charged up when we come to pick it up? Yeah, you'd think...

Made stops at 2 banks and gas station on the way back. Got the lunch call from DH and I made their lunch here and took it down. Lots of traveling back and forth today, they're not working very close to home right now.

Ordered tax forms for end of year work on the computer. Also ordered checks so I can begin the switch to new bank. Folded some laundry and washed and hung up all the towels. Now my motivation is gone, I think I'll take a break for a bit.

Dee, I'm sorry you're having so much trouble with M-C again. I'm sure I'd be screaming.

Elizabeth, do you think a parenting class would help?

[DeeClutter]

Well, my Dr's office just called me as they were on the phone with Med Co. She wanted to check to be sure I was in FL and the 3 scripts I needed. Med Co told her that Dr keeps denying requests and she assured me that is not the case. So she will give the 3 scripts VERBALLY -wanted to make sure I didn't need anything else soon. Hopefully that will settle the issue. Oh, I hope! DH is ready to reach through the phone FOR me!

[Elizabeth]

Harmony: I don't think they have parenting classes for people with 9 year olds. Just babies. I seem to be missing the maternal instinct present in most of the population.

In less depressing stuff, I have finished modifications to a database to make it suitable for a tutorial. Also finished the document that goes with it. I've made my dinner plans and looked at prices for Christmas travel (YIKES!). Dinner is leftovers.

[Kathryn-in-Canada]

Elizabeth, they have parenting classes for all age groups (each age group offers special challenges!) Here in Canada, I'd recommend calling the local municipal office (health units sometimes offer them), my local school (our school board ran a parenting conference with workshops at least twice a year) or a children's hospital for recommendations. If I recall correctly, you had a therapist who might be able to point you in the right direction as well.

Back from a walk with dh. I'm failing fast and it was a long, slow, walk, home. Tummy is upset, post nasal drip/congestion, weak, achy. At least it is turning into something.

[sherinjoy]

Happy Anniversary to Harriet and HRH - and many, many more years of love and comfort.

Waving hi to all. Haven't CUOP yet, just wanted to make sure post anniversary wishes to the royal couple.

[Harriet]

Hi, everyone.

(Awww, that's a nice sentiment, sherinjoy)

Yes, thank you all lots! it is that day. HRH said as I came out to kitchen this a.m., "I'm still pretty fond of you." and handed me an omelet he'd made. We had Thai take-out for an early supper.

LOL, Lilac, it is NOT funny, but still I must laugh at your description of dd2!!! I hope her head can stay affixed! What a disappointment that your dm's visit turned out this way - if only she'd had to wait a few weeks it would have been a much better scene. Is there any way you can get baby-sitting help - maybe dd has a friend or trusted neighbor. Do you think some of your dm's attitude is coming from embarrassment at her own home and wanting to point out every flaw in other's homes as a defense?

Elizabeth, watch her to see if she might entertain you. You're not expected to be constantly fascinating - that would NOT be parent-like! Watch for the things she spends time on, even if it is favorite tv, and, insofar as you approve, join in and ask questions. Purchases don't have to be a big deal. If I'm not mistaken, part of your family events now would be fixing up her room up in the new house, so a trip for some sensible furnishing could be a good outing, and practical. Get just the curtains in one trip, for instance, and have the rod ready for her to help you put them up. Next time, pick a rug for the bedside. Do give her consistent affection at bedtime, a part of the routine. The school will be expecting her to read and possibly have a parent sign a record, so that wouldn't feel forced, and most books for 9-year-olds are cheery if not downright funny. Read a page, then let her read one, that sort of thing.

Dee, are you locked in to doing business with Medco? Options for service-oriented pharmacies are multiplying these days. I see advertisements on television for home delivery of prescriptions. There was some advertisement recently that said something like, "Pick up your prescription at a different location if it's convenient." That sort of thing is available. Couldn't you just change?