Gutter and Balloon Animal Services
I hope you enjoyed greeting the surprises in our rental yesterday! To continue on with our housing adventure…
On Day Three of being back in Oz, Mother Nature gave us a rainstorm, followed by a hailstorm. I didn’t mind either as we were inside and the show was a change from the usual tumbleweed/dirt storms experienced in Texas. And look at all of that *green!*
Do you remember me mentioning the duct taped gutters yesterday? Apparently the duct tape was merely a cosmetic issue, the real problem easily obscured by the fact that I couldn’t see INTO the gutters themselves from the ground. From out of our bedroom windows, we could hear what sounded like a flood, coming off of our roof, more intense than the rain and hail itself that was falling. When we looked out the windows, we saw two rivers of water being shot up and out away from the house four or five feet before hitting the ground. With special lighting and Liberace playing piano, we would have had our own Vegas Water Show!
Sigh. Maybe not. I don’t have the epaulets for that kind of production.
Anywhoo…the gutters were clogged, plugged, full of who-knows-how-many-years’-worth of debris.
And the in-my-opinion hazardous exposed fiberglass insulation garage? Flooded.
Another call was made to the property manager, and after this pearl, “Oh, it’s normal for the garages around here to flood,” he actually produced a ray of hope: he called a Gutter Service/Repairman to come out and clean the gutters.
While Dear Husband made plans to seal the walls of the garage himself (and wowzer, can I just tell you how SMELLY, horribly NOXIOUS the fumes from sealant are?), Walt arrived. Walt got on top of the roof, and cleaned out what he called our “compost pile” that had accumulated in the gutters. Walt removed the duct tape that was holding the gutters’ joints together and made sure the assembly wasn’t dumping water along the garage walls. Walt ran some scary tubey-chompy-snakey looking thing through the drain pipe to clear out any clogs that were hiding.
And once Walt was done, he made balloon sculptures/animals for us. No lie.
Here’s a pink kitty, but if he had had an orange balloon, Walt said it would make a cute tiger:
My husband’s favorite, a motorcycle:
A sweet faced bumblebee (MUCH nicer than the wasps!):
And if you can imagine this one made out of a green balloon with a red tongue, it’s a FROG!
I’m thinking Walt the Gutter Service Repairman just might need to come in for Show and Share sometime this year!
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Want to learn more about balloons and balloon art? Check out the “Pop” Culture at Balloon HQ!
Here are ideas for balloon games and decor for childrens’ birthday parties…
…and check out balloon fashion at Secondose!
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Congratulations to Daisie and Andy! They got married in Hawaii yesterday!
(bears found here)
Show and Share Thursday: We Made It!
Hello again! I’ve managed to get the computer unpacked, the desk and chair situated, and thanks to Time Warner Cable, have internet access once again. Just don’t look around the rest of the house. Really. You’ll get to see photos of the mess sometime this weekend, I promise, but for today, check out some scenery from the trip:
Here we are, moments before we hopped into the trucks (Dear Husband drove mine, with the kids, hauling the big trailer, while I drove his white Chevy, pulling the Harley, with the cat in her carrier on the seat next to me):
Driving out of Texas, in the morning before triple digit heat set in for the day (ooh, look at all of that lovely…BROWN…):
The first of two blown tires on the trailer (yes, I’ve gained a few more gray hairs thanks to driving behind my family, watching helplessly as tires smoke, shred, then pop):
A tire repair shop that for some strange reason, we had trouble finding at first:
A storm rolling in (the weather service put out a hazardous weather warning over the radio as we were driving, telling all to “take cover”):
Driving past some wind power on Day Two:
An ominous looking sky later in the day:
Stopping for lunch (no, not at Walmart, we just parked in their lot) before the big push “home:”
Me checking on Anni the cat:
She loved the air conditioning:
Look! A patch of green:
…and another!
Honey, I don’t think we’re in Texas (or Oklahoma) anymore!
Where our adventure picks up:
**Spoiler alert: This is the photo I took BEFORE we were able to get inside. Other than the patchy grass, we weren’t at all concerned…until…
…to be continued…
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Here are some quick links for you (I read through 1300+ blog posts on NetNewsWire yesterday!):
~PhotoJoJo has a Photo Chain idea that I’d like to try! Anyone up for it?
~Cream Puffs in Venice just might lure me away from my usual stress relief food (peanut M-n-M’s) with this strawberry tart…
~I’m back to teaching in a few weeks, so with the hopes that parents who are still in the dark about NCLB and recent “school reforms” can better understand what is *really* going on, here’s Schools Matter, advocating for students and their teachers.
Sweeties, when we were in school, were we just taught the ITBS (or whatever version YOU took one time each spring) year ’round? NO. After watching Dear Daughter’s eighth grade curriculum material consistently being replaced by “test preparation” for the ENTIRE YEAR in Texas, I was appalled. Remind me to show you the DOG TAGS (military style) necklace her school gave out as “rah rah’s” for the TAKS. This military spouse, parent, and teacher hasn’t been amused for some time.
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I’m off to unpack some more boxes, but hope that all of you are enjoying a happy and sunny (yet not-too-hot) summer!
Odds and Ends, Bits and Bobs
~Martha has some terrific patriotic craft videos…
~Michelle at Scribbit shares a great nature walk idea!
~You know how to melt down broken bits of crayon to make new multi-colored cakes, but check out these recycled crayon SHAPES shared at Haute*Nature- wow!
~You still have time to make your own 4th of July banner- take a peek at Candice’s for some inspiration…
~Or adapt this project from Fancy Pants…instead of making fairies, dress up your subjects in red, white, and blue to make your own Yankee Doodle Dandies!
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What are your plans for the 4th of July? I’ll bet you dollars to doughnuts that I’ll still be unpacking and getting the house settled, but perhaps we’ll stop to cook on the grill, enjoy some potato salad, and watch fireworks later in the evening.
Channeling Captain Random, pt. 2
Channeling Captain Random again:
As a young child, I could never picture that it was actually human beings rolling around, portraying these characters:
…and I admit, they kind of freaked me out! Thanks, Mummenschanz.
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~Ez at Creature Comforts posts a DIY Paper Flowers Tutorial
~The heat has obviously gotten to me, because this ice cream lamp is looking pretty cute!
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Feeling patriotic?
1. Wonder Woman, 2. Flag Crochet, 3. crafting 365, day 146, 4. US Flag, 5. Happy 4th Banner, 6. Homage to Betsy Ross, 7. crafting 365/ Day 82, 8. **4** atc 4th of July PaTRioTiC FaiRy aRt CaRd, 9. Yankee Doodle Sandy
Show and Share Thursday: Wedding Gift
If all is going well this week (I’m writing in advance, attempting to fill the queue with blog posts so you won’t forget me), I’m picking up my hopefully-completely-repaired truck today. Good thoughts, good thoughts, good thoughts, good thoughts (seems to be my mantra for every move)…
Before leaving the Bordertown, I wanted to finish up one last craft, a wedding gift. Alex’s family rented rooms to my husband years ago when he was stationed in Germany, and we met up with her (and met Aaron) quite by accident a few months ago here in Texas. Alex and Aaron are both soldiers, Alex in the German Army, Aaron in the U.S. Army, and both are into Harleys, like my husband. Yes, it was the motorcycles that brought us full circle, but we have enjoyed the humor, company, friendship, and German COOKING ever since we were reunited. Perhaps we can convince them to honeymoon in Oz!
Alex’s bike is black, Aaron’s is burgundy/red. It was fairly simple to figure out a color scheme for their collage:
Figuring out the layers took a little time, trying this configuration, that arrangement, shaking my head, maneuvering each element into the spot that worked:
A pretty bow, a little heart charm:
Arranging the photos (black and white seemed to work best):
Black velvet ribbon for the trim:
Ta da!
Since I caught Alex and Aaron playing up and down the aisles of Hobby Lobby one weekend (seriously!), I’m thinking they just might like the gift. If not, they’ll certainly enjoy the gift CARD TO HL!
(By the way, I used a 12X12 chipboard square for the base, decorative papers, a chipboard heart, burgundy Scrabble Tiles, ribbon, a small heart charm, brown photo corners, black brads, black velvet, and lots of hot glue for this project. Not pictured is the metal stand I purchased to prop the collage against so Alex and Aaron can display it wherever they like.)
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~We’re still packing, I’m sure. By now I might be in need of Five Tips for Tranquility (thanks to WishStudio Blogzine)…
~ So it’s not yet Christmas in July, but Mom, if you need ideas for what we’d like for Christmas in DECEMBER, how about some of this guy’s knitted creatures? Here’s his products page…
~Candice is making me wish my crafting goodies were unpacked by July 4!
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If all is going according to plan, we’ll watch the movers load up the semi tomorrow, and we’ll be relaxing in the hotel, getting a good night’s rest so we can start the drive to Oz on Saturday morning. Thanks for any good thoughts you mentally send our way!
…. for I am the (Floral) Binder Queen!
It was a quiet Saturday, nothing but the sound of the blade slicing through the pretty papers, and me muttering not-so-kindergarten-teacherish words under my breath each time I accidentally burned myself with the hot glue:
Now I have both “inspiration” binders finished, full of seasonal/holiday decorating and craft ideas, as well as the regular home decorating inspirations that help me figure out furniture placement and storage solutions each time we move to a new home, new floorplan, and new traffic pattern. The third binder is extra, just for me, though I have no idea what I’ll be saving in it just yet. Something about the binders matching/coordinating makes me smile. I’m also assured that their flowery femininity will guarantee that NO ONE will mess with them “on accident.”
The packers arrive next Tuesday, which means tomorrow and Monday will be spent working through the to-do list:
* baking “thank you” and “we’ll miss you” cookies and goodies for friends and neighbors
* cleaning all of my copper decor
* laundering all of the linens, spare blankets, sheets, etc. so they’re clean and closet-ready when we open the boxes in Kansas
* packing our travel suitcases, preparing car activities and snacks for the kids
* getting BOTH trucks back from the repair shops (oh yes, Dear Husband’s truck decided to have brake problems this morning)
* making sure all of our legal documents and necessary paperwork are in our family binder, ready to travel with us
* buying our travel stash of diapers, snacks, toiletries
* loading the iPod up with drivable and motivating music
* making sure the cat carrier is clean and ready for Anni
* TRYING to work ahead, posting blogs in the queue so you all don’t think I’ve abandoned Kindergarten’s 3 R’s while our household goods (and my computer) are in transit
* finding one small craft that I can bring with me to help me wind down each evening in the hotel while the kids take their baths (I’m thinking crocheting)
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~ Country French Antiques continues on with the flower theme (I mean really, did you take a good look at my binders? I seem to have absorbed a bit too much floral/romantic inspiration lately), sharing photos from Shoe-Fleur
~ I might just have to subscribe to small, after this Frida-inspired photo shoot (oh yes, more flowers!)…it’s an ONLINE magazine! Thanks to AllSorts for the link!
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With a name like Rosy Posy Confections, how could I *not* include this blog on my post today?
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I hope you are having a FABULOUS weekend!
Ruby Red…Sneakers?
My feet are *so* ready to return to Oz!
The rest of me is too, but for now, these spangly ruby red sneakers will just have to do their part in keeping my mood upbeat as my family and I endure this latest round of power packing, marathon driving, and bidding one state goodbye (er, “adios”) and another hello.
As for the sparkly shoes, head to Walmart~ they’re nine dollars!
Unfortunately, their heels don’t click…
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My truck is at a collision repair shop here in the Bordertown. They’ve *promised* it can be repaired, good as new, by next Thursday. I’m keeping my fingers crossed since we’re supposed to drive out two days later! Until then, I’m getting used to driving my husband’s truck (it’s the one I’ll be piloting back to Oz, pulling a small trailer) while he drives a rental car. May I just say THANK YOU GEICO? I think you’re pretty terrific, even though your spokesgecko reminds me of a SleeStak:
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~Back to kid-friendly snacking, The Pioneer Woman Cooks Marguerites (Ritz crackers, peanut butter and marshmallows!). I’m a kid, right?
~Strawberry Shortcake from Tracy Porter
~Andrea doesn’t know it but she crafted the perfect crown for ME…Fairy Tale Dress Up Day just won’t be the same this year!
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It’s time for me to start collecting all things Tasha Tudor~ she has always been my favorite featured artist in magazines such as Victoria, and one of my favorite childrens’ book authors/ illustrators. She died two days ago at the age of 92:
I Know What NOT to Be When I Grow Up
After getting my daughter on the plane to see her grandparents this morning, I have to say I know another job I hope to never have: baggage inspector. It joins the rest of my do-not-ever-hope-to-be list of occupations: garbage collector, sewer maintenance repairman, surgeon (needles I can handle, literal blood and guts, not so much), and mortician.
Dear Daughter already had her boarding pass pre-printed at home, and wasn’t checking any luggage, but in order to guide her all the way to her gate, I had to obtain a parent’s pass at the ticket counter. Not a problem. We grabbed a quick bite to eat at Burger King in the terminal, and headed upstairs to the security checkpoint. It was a rather long series of two lines since the first few flights of the morning were scheduled to leave in the next hour, but pilots mingled and chatted pleasantly with the passengers as everyone slipped off shoes, wrangled belts out of belt loops, with several young women wriggling out of tons of cheap jewelry and accessories that kept setting the alarm beeper thingies off.
After my daughter and I made it through the scanner beep and alarm-free, the only unpleasant, sour people we encountered informed my daughter her carry on would have to be searched. Yep, the baggage inspectors. Turns out her ziploc baggie carrying her toiletries was too large and that two of her three items surpassed the 3 ounce limit. Surprising, because the two items were a two-thirds used tube of toothpaste (and yes, it was obviously MORE than half used) and a half empty 4 ounce bottle (half would be TWO ounces) of sunscreen. Apparently the original container size itself determines whether or not the ever-deadly gingivitis fighter and its sidekick, anti-cancer cream make it on board. Dear Daughter said there wasn’t a problem, she’d just ask Grandma and Grandpa to let her stop by the store once she landed to replace the toothpaste and sunscreen.
To which Grumpy, the baggage inspector replied:
“Fine. But YOU (meaning me) need to take this downstairs, to your car, and then you can come back up here.”
I told Grumpy in a purposefully pleasant voice that if I took the toothpaste and sunscreen to my car, I’d have to go to the ticket counter, obtain another pass, then wait in another line to come through security, and therefore MISS getting my daughter to her gate. “Would it be possible to just dispose of those items here so I can make sure she doesn’t miss her flight?” Smile, smile, pleasant pleasant…
Grumpy growled. Oh yes, she growled. “Fine.” Then she slapped the lid down on Dear Daughter’s carry on case, and shoved the case down the roller ramp.
I couldn’t resist: “Thank you!” (smile, smile, smile) “Have a great day!” (beam, beam, beam)
Perhaps Grumpy was just ending a long, difficult shift. Maybe Grumpy had had a tough morning at home. Maybe Grumpy is just G-R-U-M-P-Y.
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*Perhaps installing one of these Passive Aggressive Anger Release Machines would help… (I’m not kidding! Go take a look!)
*…or maybe a hug from a Softie made from scraps would better soothe the inner-Grump?
Freezerburn MIGHT Be a Bad Thing…
I started this day waking up from a somewhat trippy dream. One fragmented scene I remember had me attending the Olympics with my daughter, watching Olympic mascot characters (in this case, bunnies and kitties) lined up next to one another falling down, “wave” style. That was the whole opening ceremony. While attempting to find seats in the crowded bleachers, we looked up to see an avalanche of weather, rain, snow, lightning…rolling toward the unsuspecting people in the venue…and no, it wasn’t a wave of weather, it was somehow an avalanche, falling as it rolled, racing…maybe it didn’t want to miss the bunnies and kitties.
Can’t forget the children with blue hair wearing clothes that looked as if they had been sewn from picnic table covers.
Hair like this, only BLUE (thanks Joan):
Something tells me that the package of hot dogs I prepared last night for dinner occupied our freezer a tad bit too long… who knew freezerburn was hallucinogenic?
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108 degree weather kept us indoors most of the day, though we did venture out to the PX to join my godmother for lunch:
Once we returned home, I re-acclimated to the much cooler temperature of our home and made a ton of progress on the scarf I started yesterday:
It will be finished later this evening, just in time to be put away with our winter gear, ready for the movers to come and pack away next week.
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*You can’t beat a cold treat on a scorchingly HOT day like today. Our freezer is full of Otter Pops, but Haute*Nature shares a link to some nummy sounding popsicle recipes…
*There’s no way I’m turning on the stove today, tomorrow…possibly the next day either… but once the temperature cools down, and we’re settled into our new home, I just might celebrate my return to baking with Smitten Kitchen’s Pistachio Petit-Four Cake…
*My daughter wants to save some of our moving boxes to try her hand at making cardboard food art! Perhaps I can use a few of her creations to inspire my students to make something other than robots in my Creative Construction Zone.
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Interestingly enough, these guys never gave me nightmares. Yep-yep-yep-yep, it *had* to have been the hotdogs.
This Could Be the Year of “Good Mondays…”
Which would be a change for me, frankly! Not that all of my Mondays have been miserable in the past, but they’ve been, well…Mondaaaaaaaays.
Until this year. Since January 1, 2008, I’ve had some pretty terrific day-after-Sundays. I was contacted for an initial interview with my new school district on a Monday. The interview itself was on a Monday, and I was offered a job that very afternoon! Humorous emails have been sent my way, I’ve had great timing at the grocery store on early Monday mornings, and the toddler has even slept in occasionally…all on Mondays.
And then there was today, THIS Monday. When I checked my email I found a message from GoodyBlog, notifying me that I had won this:
A wonderful Father’s Day Giveaway was hosted at their site, so I entered. Once we get to our new home in Oz, a fifty inch plasma t.v. and surround sound system will be on its way to us, belated perhaps, but still very much appreciated by my husband. GoodyBlog and Shop.com, you are AWESOME!
See what I mean about Mondays?
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Check out the temp in my truck:
No matter! Inside, where the air conditioner is working just fine, it’s cool enough for me to crochet a scarf with left over baby yarn:
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I’ve enjoyed checking on my blog visitor information provided by Lijit and have to laugh at some of the searches that seem to bring people to my site…”freakyoldwoman” (huh?), “weird crafts” (hey, I think they’re pretty!), and “wanna-be-decorator” (nope, I’m not a professional!). A big *shout out* to Winter Park, Florida…Hays, Kansas…and most especially, Germantown, Maryland. You’ve been searching for ME, point-blank! Feel free to say hello sometime! It’s wonderful seeing that I’ve been visited by readers in Great Britain, Mexico, Canada, Australia~ welcome All!
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Selfishly, I’ve been feeling a bit bummed though. Some of my favorite writers/bloggers have chosen to move on to greener non-blogging pastures. Understandable, yes. We all grow, change, move on. But sad too, like when the last episodes of Mary Tyler Moore or M*A*S*H were broadcast. There I go dating myself again. Hopefully their archives will be left up so I can revisit from time to time. Recipes, crafting, altered artistry, poetry, criticism, edu-blogging. I’ve been an appreciative lurker. I’ll miss you.
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Thankfully…
* A Fanciful Twist (full of happy, vibrant creatures and wonderful photography~ I can’t wait to visit Vanessa’s Etsy shop to choose a favorite little magical tree or creature to purchase!)
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I hope you had a wonderful weekend!
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