Lessons I am still learning

So I go to my computer and check the blogs I usually follow. I am disappointed when there is not a new one posted. Today when I logged onto mine, I realized it had been one week since the last post. Shame on me. I am going to monitor this closely to see if I improve. In case you are asking about what lesson I learned, it is that I should be really careful about criticizing others when I am no better or probably worse.

On Easter Sunday, G and S spent several hours huddled together developing plans for S's next project. Then last Saturday, it was their work day at S's house. They spent about nine hours working on it. I have documented it with photos and here is the results from the end of the day:

I was sworn to secrecy about what it actually is. But I might drop some hints. The automatic function of the machine will replace what would take about 5 minutes a day to do manually.

Styling with RM, you may not guess, since I think I already told you about this.

I should add that when they saw this model they decided it is too large, so they went back to the drawing board.


While they were busy working on the ___, daughter-in-law was working in their second bathroom upstairs. She had already painted it green, and was now adding the decorative part. She mixed another shade of green with glaze and applied it with a wet cloth. I was happy with the free painting lesson I received.

While all of this was going on I had the best job of all.

A relaxed Easter Sunday with family

I am posting a couple of pictures of our day with our son's in laws. We have been worried for some time that K would be like her Aunt S in her love of shoes. And sure enough. Here she is walking in Aunt S's shoes.

We had a great brunch: mimosas, three kinds of strudel,waffles with real maple syrup, sausage and quiche. We then lounged around for several hours and then had a great dinner: honey baked ham, scalloped potatoes, fresh broccoli salad and fresh rolls.

I didn't get any pictures of the food, only activities of the day.

Expense of living in the sticks

G and I love our house and property. The biggest disadvantage is the long drive to work for him. It is about 45 minutes. He can take back roads and I hope he is aware of the scenery and smells (mostly good). He has XM so listens to Public Radio a lot. He is well informed on current affairs, new books, and cultural things.

I am getting better at planning ahead and have a through shopping list when I drive the 20 miles to one of the larger shopping areas.

However, there are always surprises. Like I have paid $120 for a year's worth (once a week) of manicures in a town five miles away. That is $2.30 a week. Even with my tip she gets a whopping $5.30 per manicure. The hair cuts there are $15.

A truly good car

I am absolutely proud of myself. My search for a "truly good car" was successful. My goal last Monday was to have a car by Friday. I drove it home Thursday night. On Monday I did a lot of research online. I looked at inventories from several car dealerships in NE Ohio and compared what they had to reviews in Consumer Reports and Kelly's Blue Book. On Tuesday, I took DH to work and then spent the day at three car dealerships. On Wednesday I did more online checking and decided I had made a good choice. On Thursday evening DH drove the one I had picked out (2005 Toyota Camry XLE V6) and the second choice (a mere 4 cylinder Camry). He is good at the negotiating, so we were able to pay close to what we had decided to pay.

This particular car was listed online at the dealer's web site at $1000 less that they quoted me. Fortunately I had seen that, printed it out and brought it along. So that was our starting negotiating price. I did not have a special color in mind. The one I got is white, with tan leather interior. As soon as it stops raining here I will post a picture.

Which is the "good car"?

All the snow in the previous photos melted, then more came (10 inches) but it too will be gone in the next week. I have seen the first Robins, which is considered a true sign that Spring has arrived. Now I am waiting for other signs, like warmer temperatures.

The posted picture is of our "good car". That is the console which is torn apart. The controls for the heater did not work and the estimate for repairs was $1200, with the Kelly Blue Book value of the car at about $3400. Again, if you know DH, he is fixing it himself. It took a couple of days just to tear it apart, and who knows how long before it is on the road again.

I decided to take matters into my hands. My goal is to have something great to drive by the end of this week. I gave myself five days. I will not give any more details so as to not jinx it. But stay tuned.

I was going to post a picture of the truly "good car" which is the Physicsmobile, (thank you RM and A) but could not find a picture. Looks like another project needs to be attacked, i.e. sorting and labeling my digital pictures.

Election in Ohio

Yesterday was the primary election in Ohio. When G went to vote at 8:00 on his way to work, he mentioned to the people working at the poles that I had told him that I would consider working there and what did I need to do to be considered. As it turned out one worker was sick so they asked if I could come in right away. So I went in at 10:00 and ended working until 9:00 PM. I got "on the job" training. Actually it was quite interesting, both seeing the people who live in our township and hearing people's comments. I think only two men came in to vote in suits. All the rest had on their "farming clothes". The other three workers were very meticulous about doing everything according the election laws. I was impressed by that. What was amazing was the number of people who came to vote as the weather was pretty miserable. There was freezing rain all day and night. When I left I had at least a half inch of ice all over my car. I would like to work the November election, but know it will be a zoo.

Today, the sun came out and of course I was out there taking pictures. The first is the shrub at the side our our house. The second is of grasses out back and the third of the trees.