New Roof - Part 2

Hi All!

Here is the second installment of our roofing adventure! I got the pictures out of order so you might want to start at the bottom and work your way up!
These are some of the new shingles. They look pretty much the same as our old ones. The thick pieces of foam keep the workers from having to sit/kneel on the hot roof surface.

All of the workers are brothers (and one nephew) and they work together really well - they almost don't need words to communicate!

Here they are putting new shingles on the front overhangs. It doesn't look like a comfy position to work in, does it?

The nephew had the job of hauling everything up onto the roof.

This is the job boss.

A blurry shot of them working on the valley of the house - they put down all new felt paper and flashing.

I almost got them all in one shot!

The uncle was heckling the nephew about not climbing the ladder fast enough with the shingles! I don't think I could lift the shingles let alone climb a ladder with them!

This side is all ready for new shingles. I am amazed that the guys can walk on the roof like they do!



This video is of the hallway but is meant to show you the sound of being in the house while getting a new roof! This was with only one guy hammering. After a while all four of the brothers had hammers - THAT was loud!

sfj

Trisha

Past Days in Pictures

Hi All!

Yesterday I didn't blog because I slept in. It was a lovely rainy day and I just couldn't resist sleeping while listening to the rain pattering on the roof! My favorite time to sleep in!

We ended up getting quite a bit of rain yesterday. There was quite a bit of thunder and lightening all day and just when you thought it would stop raining - it would start up again (usually when you snuck outside to put something in the recycle bin!).

We needed the rain!

I thought I would show you some pictures of what I have been up to lately.



First, I played neighborhood photographer so Hubby could show this yard to his brother. He thinks it looks just like a Texas yard should look!


Then I was driving around and noticed that my odometer looked rather uniform.





Of course that only lasted for a mile! Then it rolled over to this!
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Hubby isn't too happy that I have this many miles on my "new" car already and it isn't even a year old (it will be a year in July!).



After driving a bit (I am sure I went to class in there somewhere to finish up my last final!), I went to the grocery store (wait- that was BEFORE the final!). And, as usual, I had some . . . problems . . . with my berries!

*sigh*

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These blackberries look so juicy too!

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I have to admit that I picked these buggers up, washed them off, and am eating them! They are delicious!

That is about what I have been up to! I hope you have had an exciting couple of days!

Oh - I forgot. I am including a short video I made trying to catch Skor's antics when we change sheets. He was a little inhibited because of the camera. Normally he is rolling and scooting around like mad!

Trisha

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Voice Update: Doing well. Doing well!

What a Day!

Hi All!

Today I am attempting to add some pictures to my post even though that means more work for me - trying to get the html code correct so everything shows up right.

What a pain in the neck!

Before I get to the pictures . . . yesterday was quite a day! It started off with a trip to my general physician for a check up. At that appointment I talked to Doc about my depression/anxiety meds and how I didn't feel that they were working well enough. That led to a gleam in Doc's eye and an "experiment."

Don't worry. There isn't anything radical going on!

The experiment is simply to see which is the more "overpowering" force - the depression or the anxiety. So - we really put a handle on one and see if the other is "livable." Doesn't that sound like lots of fun???

I am not too thrilled but . . . if it helps in the long run!

After visiting the Doc, I headed to the pharmacy to pick up the new meds. That wasn't too bad since I got to wait and read my book while I waited! These days I don't get too much time during the day to read so that was a bit of a treat!

Back home from the pharmacy I decided to check in with my "stalker" to see how her research paper was going.

Wow!

It turns out that writing a research paper is a major stressor for her! It took me a while to talk her down and convince her to take a break. Then we agreed to meet before class so that we could talk about the organization of her paper - which is what was hanging her up.

I will admit that after that phone call I took a nap. Just an hour but I needed to recharge!

After the nap I got up, got some lunch, and headed to school. Now, I am not too crazy about the class I have on Tuesdays and Thursdays - as you may have figured out from a previous post! So - I wasn't too eager about going to school. Anyway - I got there and logged in almost three hours of lab time! I met with my "stalker" and we worked on her paper so that she felt better about the organization - now all she has to do is the actual writing. Fun, fun (am I saying that a lot this post??).

After class I headed home (it was still light since class ended early!!!!!!) and had some "down time" with Hubby and the cats. That was nice.

Today all I have to do is finish my research paper, meet with the insurance adjuster about the roof damage, and have my hair cut. Then I will worry about the video I need to have for tomorrow's class!

Now for the pictures.

My cactus is blooming. It is really blooming even more than shown in the picture but I haven't had time to get out and get new pictures.

I love the way the delicate flowers look along the nasty looking spines on the cactus!

This is the Sweet William blooming in our front flowerbed. Small but lovely!

Here is the "cage" I had to build to protect my Balloon Plant and Black-eyed Susans from the bunnies. I may need to get more fencing as the plants grow taller!

I hope I get through this week!

Trisha

Voice Update: Still doing boringly well!

Spring Walk

Hi All!

Since this is my Spring Break week, I have been back to regular morning walks and it is beautiful! Today the thermometer read 64 degrees when I woke up! There was a nice, cool breeze blowing and the day was overcast so I wasn't harassed by the sun. AND - I know this is hard to believe - I actually remembered to take my camera with me! As I walked this morning I captured some of our spring scenes to share with you.

Our trees are a mixture of buds and leaves right now. Some of the buds are bright red - like these (even though they are muted by the dull day!).

There are daffodils blooming, daffodils done blooming, and daffodils just budding.

The Bradford Pear trees are blooming . . . and some are done blooming and studded with pale green leaves!

There are other trees blooming too - like this one (sorry about the blurry picture!).

The new buds on trees just fascinate me. These were rather large buds!

Forsythia is also in that state of flux - either just blooming or mixed with greenery.

It is amazing how many different things are blooming!

These are some of my favorites! They remind me of Spring in Ohio for some reason!

Nothing better than pretty pink/purple blooms!

The day continued to be overcast throughout my walk (the sun did peek out for a bit and I almost caught it in this blurry picture!).
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The breeze blew (quite hard at times) the entire walk but I was still sweaty when I got home!

It was a super day for a super walk!

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Later today I am going to head out to purchase some new shrubs for our front beds (well, really only half of the beds!). Yesterday Hubby and I discussed things after I trimmed some shrubs. We have been talking about pulling everything out and starting over again. The builder put in shrubs and overcrowded them so that no matter how we trim them . . . they are just too much!
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Speaking of trimming shrubs. Can you see one of the results of my labor in this picture?

Yes! A blister! I was wearing my gardening gloves while I was working but . . . I get blisters anyway. What a pain in the finger!

This is what I did. I trimmed the tall holly up to where I could reach (I need a ladder for the rest), the two shrubs around the holly, and the two shrubs to the left of the holly. It doesn't look like much but we had five bags of trimmings to haul out back!

When I came in from my morning walk I found Skor waiting for me in an unusual place. Not because he is on the piano but because he is on the very edge of the piano. He fit just perfectly there!

As a final treat, I took a movie of a Mockingbird's song for you!

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Have a super day!

dghkdghk

Trisha

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Voice Update: I am doing better with my exercises and massage! My voice isn't getting too much of a workout during this week but I am speaking enough to keep it on track!

A Cat, A Game, and a Kiwi

Hi All!

Welcome to the first day of my Spring Break! Even though I am in college I am not doing the "traditional" college spring break of going somewhere warm and partying all week. In addition to being allergic to the sun, for some reason, staying at home and taking some naps sound more enjoyable than partying 24/7. I must be old!

Anyway - I am looking forward to seeing where this week takes me. Maybe a little work (classwork never ends despite the break from classes!), a little fun (yet to be determined), a little relaxation (can you say afternoon naps?), and a little more time with family (hello Hubby!).

Today I corralled a few pictures I have taken but not had time to share . . . .

I know you recognize this critter. It is Skor - my mischievous cat who thinks he is still a kitten!
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I took this picture to show you the look I get when I am trying to get ready to get out the door. It is so nice to have a supportive kitty at home!

Recently, I bought this game. My favorite Aunt Donna is a scrabble fanatic and when I saw the commercials for this I immediately thought of her. Then I decided to buy it to see what it is like.

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I have been enjoying the game - so very different from the regular scrabble game. The next time I head up to Ohio for a visit I will take this with me to show Aunt Donna to see what she thinks.
Like my Kiwi?
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Actually, the purpose of the picture was to show you the nifty little tool I got with my Kiwi purchase. It is a knife/spoon. Perfect for kiwi eating on the go!
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I am inordinately thrilled with this little "freebie." I regularly take kiwis with me to eat before classes and this will make life easier and a little more interesting!

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In other news, I am listening to some new music I downloaded from Amazon. The SXSW festival is taking place in Austin (I am not too familiar with the festival . . . I know, shame on me! However, it is a place where new music and new films are presented to the world. I know that much.) so Amazon has several samplers of music which is being presented during the festival. FOR FREE! So, of course, I downloaded them. There is a mix of music styles on the samplers and I am enjoying listening. True, some of the music isn't exactly my "favorite" but . . . it IS free!

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Free music is such fun!

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Speaking of free music, I got fifteen free songs with my annual subscription to the local musicals. The songs are from musicals and they are neat! Not a bad gift. And, again, free!

dfhk

Trisha

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Voice Update: Amazingly, my voice is holding its own despite my lack of attention. Honestly, I have been taking a few additional minutes to take care of massage and exercises but I am not at the "normal" length of time for these ministrations. That is another thing Spring Break will be good for!

It's Been a While . . .

Hi All!

It has been a while since I last posted . . . that means I have been busy, busy, busy. Which is a good thing, right?

I have had several observations and then, yesterday, class. And . . . some shopping!

There is a store near the college that I have passed for the past two years or so without going in. It is called $8 Fashion Outlet and has misses and plus size clothes at cheap prices. Well, between my morning observation and going to the lab I stopped in. Look what I found!

Two lightweight jackets - they have an interesting textured fabric that looks a bit tweedy. They are washable and everything! They obviously need a bit of ironing at the moment but I think they will be great! (The second jacket is orange and is peeking out from behind the blue jacket.)



Here is the rest of my "haul!" I bought two casual long sleeved shirts - both ned shortened but that is nothing new! Then I bought three lightweight sweater shells to wear under jackets. The white, brown, and grey will be perfect for any color jacket with brown or grey pants.

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I guess I should also tell you that every piece of this haul only cost $8.88 ( the pink shirt was on sale for $6!). Score!

Last Friday I stopped at Big Lots and checked out the kitty toys. There was a big "piece of cheese" that I just had to take home with me. It is wood covered in fuzzy fabric and has holes in the tops and sides which allow the kitties to see (and reach) into the "cheese." Inside the "cheese" are two jingly balls (which Skor has discovered can be removed with some effort). Attached to the corners are three little rattle mice.
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I was worried that the kitties wouldn't like it.
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From this picture, do you think I should still be worried?

This is the reason I was at Big Lots browsing through the kitty toys!
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It is a Domino's pizza three cheese mac and cheese bread bowl (well done) and it is a wonderful treat!
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I have included two videos of Skor playing with "Mr. Sparkly," his favorite toy. He is just so darn cute!

Hope you have been having a fabulous week!

sdhgsdgh

Trisha

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Voice Update: I have been a very good girl! I have been doing my exercises and massage EVERY DAY! My voice has been holding its own and I am so, so happy!

Rain and Noodles

Hi All!

This was a nice weekend. I spent all day Saturday learning more about fingerspelling at a workshop (and getting hours towards my 200 practicum hours that I need!). Sunday was basically just spent resting and doing some much needed laundry (about time!).

Yesterday I was out and about early so I didn't get to blog but . . . I missed you all (the three of you who actually read my blog!)!

I thought I would start off by showing you what Skor thinks of my walking/swimming each morning.
I honestly think that he believes that I won't go out if he is on top of my shoes!

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Just so you know - the jar of Vaseline is there because I put some on my heels before I walk - a good time to moisturize!

Do you remember I told you that it had rained in Texas? Well, one day we got something like 10 inches over 24 hours. I was "lucky" enough to drive through a lot of it. This is a pond near our house and I just had to show you.

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In this picture, the pond is to the right of the trees. Normally, the trees are about four feet from the shore. Notice that in this picture, the water is about 8 feet PAST the trees!

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Luckily the pond is right next to the lake and the "excess" water goes into the lake so there was no flooding of nearby houses.

That was one wicked rain storm! I have included a video below of the storm I was driving through - fun, fun!

Before the storm, however, I thought I would show you this.

Home made pasta!

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I got the "urge" to try something different and found this recipe so . . . here are my noodles.

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Of course I don't have a pasta machine or any fancy cutting tools so . . . the rolling pin and a knife did my job. Not very "professionally" but it all tastes the same!

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These were really good - even Hubby has some!

I will have try this again soon since I like pasta so much!
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Well, that is it for the past events (except for the two short movies I am adding at the end). On to today.
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I will be heading to the college for my weekly "work fest." I spend about four hours before class doing work which will help me become a better interpreter (I hope!) such as working on my receptive comprehension and practicing actually interpreting from ASL to English and vice versa.
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At 4:30 class starts and then I am headed home by about 6:30! A big change from last semester when class started at 6 and ended around 10! Another big change is that I actually am enjoying this class a lot!
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Well - that is my "exciting" life for the moment! I hope you have an exciting day!
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Trisha
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Voice Update: My voice is still doing okay even though I did notice on Saturday that I was having a few more hesitations than I would like - those darn hard C words! Oh well! I will need to get back to work on that - I still haven't gotten back into the "groove" so to speak, with that. Bad, bad, Trisha!

All Wind and No Rain!

Hi All!

dghj

Once more we have missed some much needed rain. The weathermen showed storms all around us - north, west, and east - but NOTHING actually happened in our neighborhood except this . . .

Of course, winds like this are not uncommon in our area. We often have high winds with absolutely no chance of rain. Which we REALLY need. Did I mention that we need some rain around here?

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This morning, the clouds left over from yesterday's storms were still in the area and while I was swimming my laps I spied a flash in the far distance. With that I was out of the pool and drying off. I was not going to be taking any chances with lightening in the area - even if it was far away!

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I did manage to get in ten good laps AND my walk to and from the pool. There was even a brief shower (about a dozen drops) while I was getting my gear together to leave the pool. Unfortunately, that shower didn't last even until I got out of the gate and onto the sidewalk! Rats!

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Even thought the dark clouds are still hanging around, I did water my flowerbeds. I have learned from experience that if I don't water then it definitely WON'T rain. But, if I water, sometimes, just sometimes, it really does rain! I have my fingers crossed!

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Yesterday wasn't too exciting. I headed to Big Lots to get some "filling" for a package I sent to my parents (hey Mom, be watching for a package! And don't worry - I DID buy some stuff but it was not too expensive and you and Dad are worth it!). Then I bopped to the post office where I was the second to three people in line. That was an anomaly since there is ALWAYS a huge line at our post office - the home to the slowest moving employees in the world! After the post office I went to the new pizza place for a yummy pizza lunch and time to read my latest book. After eating I headed to Kroger's for fruit.

Going into Kroger's was a bit nerve-wracking for me because Hubby had stopped in late last week for some milk and reported back that there had apparently been a problem with the seafood counter. The entire store smelled like rotting seafood (with some rotten veggies thrown in for "flavor") and bleach. This made me hesitate a bit about going into the store. . . .luckily, there was no lingering hint of the nasty smell! Yeah!

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Oh, the small things which make my day!

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Have a wonderful Wednesday!

dgh

Trisha

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Voice Update: Doing well. I read my hour sitting out on the back patio in the nice breeze.

The Rainforest Cafe

Hi All!

My visitors have headed north to Oklahoma for a few days so I have some time to actually blog!

I have been having a lot of fun taking my parents and my aunt and uncle around to "touristy" places. Not something I regularly go to see!

The first place we "hit" was The Rainforest Cafe. My parents and I have been here before and thought Aunt Donna and Uncle Al might enjoy it.

We sat at a table right next to Baba. He was a great host! For those of you who don't know - the Rainforest Cafe is a restaurant decorated like the rainforest. There are a lot of animatronic animals around the restaurant who "come to life" every five or so minutes. Every twenty minutes the whole restaurant "thunders and lightnings." There is also a starscape where shooting stars streak every so often. The place is a bit loud but it fun to eat at and the food is pretty good too!

This is Mom - she is getting her camera ready for some good shots of the cafe.

Here is Aunt Donna. I love her smile - if you look closely there is a HUGE iguana over her shoulder.

This is Dad - doesn't he look thrilled? For some reason, he looks odd in pictures at times.

Uncle Al - he had fun but didn't really say a whole lot.

This parrot was near our table - it didn't move but was pretty anyway.

The elephants move - they trumpet and shake their ears and raise their trunks. The last time Mom and Dad and I ate here we sat right next to the elephants.

A big dragonfly - they are huge in the rainforest!

There are also massive fish tanks around the cafe with colorful fish. It is fun to watch them swim around.

Mom took this show with me in it.

Does this stool make my but look like a duck butt?

Trisha

Voice Update: My voice is doing pretty well. It didn't really like the loud atmosphere of the Rainforest Cafe too well but . . . that is just a sacrifice I make for family!