Sleep1

Sometimes your body says That's it - That's enough - I quit!!!! I have been so tired for at least a month but kept on pushing and pushing. That is just who I am and I used could do it for a long long time. I knew I was very exhausted but I did go to art class last night and did have a good night. I came home and went to bed as normal and slept good. At 10 the girls woke me up and I knew I was not ready to get up. Kenny took them out and 5 minutes later they were jumping back on the bed saying get up mommy get up! So I did and had some tea, read the news, email - did my morning thing. I could have gotten up then but decided not to. By this time it was around 1 pm. So I ate a bowl of oatmeal -I never do that - and went back to bed - no tv - no computer - nothing. At 5:15 I woke up. I slept soooo hard all afternoon and although I'm a little droggy I do feel better. I need sleep to re-juvinate my body. I think a lot of stress lately has contributed to it too. My mother bless her heart is crying a lot - I mean a lot lately. I think she's getter better and then she will call crying and it breaks my heart. I can't cry because I'm trying so hard to be strong for her. She told me she would go back on the anti-depressants that the Dr gave her when Daddy was sick but I don't think she did. And if I push that too hard she'll get mad - so I'm not sure what to do. I miss my Daddy everyday and yes, I cry but I'm sure that losing your partner after 65 years is something I can't comprehend. She's working like a mad woman cleaning out the house and fixing things up. I think it's too soon but on the other hand that's my mother and I hope this will help her. It's a very hard process but she thinks she HAS to get it done. I pray for her all the time and I'm very proud of her - I just want her to be OK. I know that the sleep had something to do with that too I think. So now, I'm back in bed and it may be a very long night for me! Oh well, i have 1072 page Stephen King novel I'm reading now. Tomorrow I hope to get some things done - not too much - I'm trying to take this week a little "down". I cleaned last week and did all the stuff so this week just a little cooking, gardening and knitting. And at least we're home - we work Beluga this weekend so I've unpacked my bags and put everything away. No packing until next week! Actually, I think I'll sleep pretty good tonight.

Red Hat and Nails!!!

Wow - I recieved the red knitted hat that Christy made for me - what a special treat. I looked at it so close and said how the hell did she do this on such small needles????? Mine look a little shabby beside hers but Idid start one tonight - on size 6 NOT size 4 needles. My hands are already hurting and my eyes are blurred! I may have to stick to messier hats on size 8's! Thank you dear Christy and thanks so much for trying to teach on Nana to knit. I'm really loving it a lot - and someday I'll get better! I have made a wine bottle cozy - forgot to take a picture and I'm also working on my "Lapghan" - it's almost half finished. And if you're going to wear a great red hat you HAVE to have the nails! It hasn't been in my budget the last couple of years to pay the $40 nail job then given the "evil eye" if you don't tip enough so I said I'll let my own nails grow. When I was a lot younger I had beautiful nails - long and RED! As I got older (the change dear ladies) they just won't grow. Now, granted I work a lot in oil paints, turpentine, dirt and just plain messy and the acrylic nails did great with all that stuff. Plus, you don't have to polish so ofter it doesn't chip off . I've spent a lot on "guarateened" to grow - that's BS. so last week my sweet Mother bought me a starter kit and I took my time today and did my first set of nails. They are NOT perfect but hey, it was the first time. And I don't have the little drill they all use either. Hopefully I'll get better because I love the way they look. I made them pretty short - not "Ho" length! And they will surely look better on stage than my little ragged nails. So there, a Red Hat and New Nails. Now, I figure since I cleaned house yesterday (saved $100 for housekeepter, did Nails (saved $40) I think Kenny should buy me a new pair of shoes!!!!!!

Yuk Yuk Yuk

I hate cleaning house and that's what I did all day long! I did manage to get my makeup drawer cleaned out too - I try to do this at least twice a year to throw away all the old makeup. Then the Dust Pan was lying in the floor and stepped on the handle and went down HARD on my bad knee. Just what I needed. I did ice it for about 15 minutes but it's really swollen -I'm STILL wearing my 4 inch heels this weekend damnit. So the house is clean and I'm taking tomorrow OFF........

Garden and Visit

Yep, that's my sister!!!!!!!

Tatiana says I'm clean, I'm a princess, and I'm not going to get dirty!

AH, springtime!!!

Matilda Waiting for me to throw the ball

My favorite flower blooming in my garden!





Mother came for a short one night visit yesterday and we had a great time. I have been worried about her - it seems the grief is hitting hard right now. But she would only come for one night because of the kitties. So I put on a pot of my homemade spagetti sauce then we headed for Home Depot. She bought me dirt, plants (mostly tomato) and flowers (red begonias). It was just a fun day. She got better as the day moved on and we talked a lot about Daddy and how she feels right now. We even built a little fire in the chimnea and sat on the deck. Then we had a great dinner with Kenny and just visited for the evening. She left about noon today and she stopped and ate a the Cracker Barrell in Commerce before going home. She has not been eating well at all and she said she enjoyed that. I sent spagetti sauce home with her too so I hope she will eat that. So after she left I hit the garden!!! And planted all my little plants I've been babying and the ones we bought yesterday. I think that's my favorite part - digging into the dirt and placing the plants knowing they can grow so strong. Then I re-potted some greeen plants and was dirty and tired! But it WAS bath day for the girls so we got that done. I was going to do my "roots" but got too tired so I'll just use that little stick to cover up my grey hair this weekend! I made stuffed flounder (stuffing with celery, onions, and shrimp), baked potato, green beens and salad for dinner - the fish turned out great. Almost like Red Lobster. I'm so tired right now but it's such a good tired. I always feel this way after working outside in the garden and yard. I think Daddy would be proud of my little garden and I know he helped me plant today. Oh, how I miss him. So, after the girls bath we went back down to the yard for a little play time. I just sat at my iron table and chairs and looked at the beauty. OK<>

Street Car

"Street Car"

24 x 30 Oil on Canvas
I've got some photos of the band to start on but I had started this 2 years ago and never finished it soooo decided to take it to art tonight. I wasn't sure I still liked it but I do like how it turned out. Adding the cobblestone street really changed it and made it more interesting. So, another on done. Now, it will be back to the band portraits. We hung mine and Dehra's behind the bandstand this weekend and they looked great - now I've got 3 more to do and I have great pictures of Arthur and Larry - you KNOW who the problem child is - yep - it's Kenny - he is so hard to photograph (need Christy here) but I did get a fairly good one. I want to show his drums and hands but he makes goofy faces! We had a great weekend at Belloo's and really good crowds. My "Soldiers" who have been here a few months are shipping out this week and I'm very scared for them. They became friends and I feel like a Mother sending her boys off to war. I got to meet one of their wives and she was so sweet. When you get to know the boys on a personal level it's really hard to see them go. I'll just keep them in my prayers and hope they come home safe. As always, after art and it being Monday I'm jacked and exhausted! It's suposed to rain tomorrow and it's very cool tonight - I actually turned the heat on coming home from the chill. But the warm up is coming on Wednesday and I'm planning on getting my tomato plants and cucumbers out in the garden. I'm been babying them for a few weeks and I think they are ready to fly on their own! I just can't wait to get that first tomato!

On the Road Again

We're off again tomorrow for Columbus for the weekend. I'm actually looking forward to a good time - hope the crowds come to Belloo's. We are suposed to have bad storms in Atlanta on Saturday night and just hope our house will be OK. I decided to wait until next week to plant my little tomato and pepper and cucumber plants. I would hate for a storm to mess them up. And I think for real the cold weather is gone even thought it has been in the 40's at night this week. I even had to a blankly out one night! I got the grass cut today and now all the leaves are out and it's so pretty in the back yard. I love all the "green" and the Privacy most of all. My crazy neighbor knocked on my door twice today wanting to know if I wanted something - she's cleaning out I guess. Weird..... And I made great pork bar-b-que for sandwiches in the crockpot and they are good! Kenny loved it. Well, I shall go to sleep trying to keep the words of my new songs in my head - And she's buying a stairway to heaven...........
Oh, and Tower of Power - Don't change Horses in the Middle of the Stream - LOVE this one
and we're learning another TOP - "Souled Out"

Cool Rainy Day

It rained and was very cool today - and I just could NOT get going - I'm exhausted again. My art class last night was great and I always feel good when I finish a painting. But I push myself to go on Monday's because of the weekends. We had a late day in Columbus because our partners, Mel and George were here from Germany and we only had the one day with them. It was so nice to have a long lunch and visit. We hope to go to Germany before they come home - maybe next year. So I hung out in bed on the computer and knitted some too. I'm starting my first small blanket. I wanted a "spring" lapghan so it's a fern green - not a great yarn but it was on sale and I didn't want to spend too much in case it turn out bad. But right now Im loving the pattern! I'm worried about my Mother right now. It seems the real "Grief" is setting in and she's having a very hard time. There's just so much to do at first and it seems to take forever. It's been 5 months since Daddy has passed and it's still going on. AND Daddy had taken care of almost everything he could think of but companies just take forever. I swear I don't know how most people do this. Without Kenny I don't think she could handle it which is sad because of all the bullshit people put you through. She needs to get away and come down here but she still won't leave the 3 cats. And she gets very snippy with me if suggest that they will be alright. I cried going to art yesterday and almost turned around but I'm glad I pushed through it and went anyway. I miss my Daddy so much because he could handle Mother when I could not. I have to have patience with her and sometimes it's just hard. I love her so much and it hurts me to see her hurt. I can't begin to imagine what it feels like to all of sudden some one you have spent 65 years with not being there everyday. She even said you don't know what it's like to be alone in a house day after day and she's right. Your mate may get on your nerves but can you imagine it without them? I can't - and don't want to know either. Oh Boy, here come the tears again but I guess that's a way to deal too. God, please tell my Daddy I love him..

Dehra

"Dehra"

16 x 20 Oil on Canvas

I finished the painting tonight of Dehra - my friend and my singing partner. We have so much fun on and off the stage and we love to laugh a lot! Now we both can "Hang" in Belloo's in columbus! We had a great weekend at Belloo's and even though I've never been a Rock 'n Roll singer I did "Stairway to Heaven" for the first time and the crowd went crazy! They stood in front of me and held up lighters AND knew all the word (which I still don't yet)! This is such an amazing feeling - can't really describe it. I've gotten this reaction before on songs (mostly Broadway stuff) but this was unreal! And I actually like singing it - especially the end! So OK, I'm an OLD Rock 'n Roller but what the hell? Keep on singing!

Back on Track

Lady Bug - 3 months old
Of course, the "Track" is a fast one. After one day at home, I have to pack again for the weekend in Columbus! We're just trying to get our laundry done right now and get ready to go. The weather is just so beautiful and I really hope we have a LONG Spring! I'm sure Summer is just waiting to hit us with a heat wave so we'll enjoy every moment right now. As I said our trip to Florida was stressful and busy but out of all that the great news is Mom T does not have to have Chemo and she is on her way to recovery - Thank the Lord! We also had a "hectic" but nice visit with my Mother the last two days. It's still so very hard to go home without Daddy being there and I went to the shed to get something and what broke me this time was the gardening tools. They were just where he left them and seem to be waiting on him to plant his garden. I'm getting some of my planting done now so hopefully he'll watch over my little garden from heaven. My cousin gave me tomato and pepper plants and I'm going to wait ONE more week to plant - I'm still bringing everything in at night right now. Like I said I HAVE seen snow in April in Atlanta! So, it's off to Columbus to perform at Belloo's this weekend - it was a wild one last weekend at Beluga and we had a blast. I can't believe I'm still saying this after all these years but I know at some time there will be a "Last Cabaret" so I'm going to enjoying every moment on stage right now. Kenny is getting the taxes done to send tomorrow and believe me we're going to celebrate - not getting money back - just him getting them all done - and a bunch of other people's too. It's always so hard on him and he's a buger until it's over! We brought back wonderful book shelf that Daddy built for his office. It's still in the van right now and it will have to stand in my dining room until he can clear out space in his office but it will look so very nice. I just hope it won't sit here all summer - he's got to clean out that office! I have to share a picture with you - my cousin got a new puppy and she's sooooo cute and gives lots and lots of kisses. It really makes you want a puppy really bad - no no no no - I would have 100 puppies if I could! Hopefully I'll even take some more pictures to post but at least I'm back writing on my Blog. So see ya soon!!!! Oh, I'm so proud - I finally learned how to knot on circular needles and even learned the Magic Loop - Christy will understand this and I'm loving it. Just knitting away and hope to get in my art studio again real soon!!

Too Much Time

I know I know - no posts. But it's been a crazy month - trip to Florida for Mom Trinklein's Surgery (she's getting better every day) - 2 work weekends - changing over winter to summer clothes - bathing dogs - cutting grass - planting seeds - a hectic trip to SC and now home again! I'm exhausted but plan to get back to my blog very soon!

Trip

Packing - unpacking - Packing - don't know what to take - hot, cool, hot, cool????? gotta cut the grass tomorrow here. It's going to be 70 and by the time we get back the grass will be knee high with all this rain. The girls got their bath and a "Florida" haircut - they look so funny - and I've got tons to do tomorrow. Then it's work 2 nights at Beluga - repack the van - drive to Columbus - unpack the equipment - leave for Florida on Monday - man, I'm tired of "Packing".....

Happy Birthday Matillda Mae

My baby is four years old
It seems like yesterday
We brought home this little ball of fur
And into our hearts to stay
When she looks at you with those big eyes
Your troubles seem to melt away
Sweet kisses come out of no where
She’ll dry your tears that way
To see her run is like watching
A flowing waterfall
Her little heart is so happy
When she is just chasing her ball
But at night after treats and rolly food
And all of this done in my bed
The best time of the day for me
Is when she lays down her little head
She cuddles up in my arms
And I hold her little paw
We say our prayers and thank the Lord
For the love of a little dog

Sold!!!!!

We got home really late tonight from Columbus but we have a good reason. I sold my painting "The Tango" and we delivered it to their beautiful home on 300 acre's. They had bought one my earlier paintings so the two will hang together. This is a very real blessing right now because we are taking a weekend off to go to Florida. It's funny - the week Daddy had his heart attack I sold a painting at the club and I had to take that weekend off and now once again having to not work and sold another one. Someone is looking out for us! We had a good weekend too at Belloo's and now it's time to get busy and pack for Fl. I've got so much to do this week and we'll work at Beluga next weekend then drive the equipment on Sunday to Columbus because we come back there to work. We're driving down on Monday the day of Mom's surgery. Now, that I have lost that hour of sleep and I'm extremely tired I hope I can get some rest tonight - thanks xanax!!! Now work your magic and put me to sleep.....

Rainy Day

We've had about 3 inches of rain here in Cumming today -I mean it rained steady ALL day and I loved it! Got a little bit done but not much - and I needed that too. I've been knitting some today and actually did a hat on circular needles!!! First time I've been able to get the "make sure they are not twisted thing right)! Oh, and I made a buttonhole even if it was off center of the piece I made!!! So I say that's 2 good accomplishments on a rainy day. And the girls peed and pooped on the "rocks" because they didn't want to go out in the rain and ya can't fuss at them for that! At least they did go outside. I did also put up a few really winter clothes today and pulled a few summer clothes to take to Fl. We can still have more cool days so I'm waiting until we get back to do the dreaded "change over". And I keep putting off spring cleaning too. It's really not spring yet - right??? I swear the first thing I would do if I won the lottery (which we don't even play!) is hire a full time maid! My mother is such a house cleaning freak and I absolutely hate it. I love the clean house and I always "straighten up" but I hate the mopping and dusting and stuff. I did make a great new Wild Rice Chicken Salad last night that we have really enjoyed today. If anyone wants the recipe just let me know and I'll send it. Well, tomorrow is laundry and packing for Columbus on friday and it's suposed to rain more too - too bad it didn't rain this hard last week - we'd be up to our neck in snow!!!

The Girls

I've been trying to get this shot for years.......Matilda will put her paw on Tatiana's head and it's so sweet. I finally sorta got one this weekend. I wish I could get their faces in it so I'll keep trying. She's been doing this since she was a puppy! We had a good weekend in Columbus and I think I'm finally over the sinus infection. My nose stills runs some but at least I kept my voice this weekend and I could hear better - hate those stopped up ears when you have to hear yourself in a moniter. I had a tough week thinking a lot about my Daddy. Lots of teary moments and some dreams. Kenny was right - it just hits you out of no where and it's very painful. We are starting to think about and planning our trip to Florida on the 21st. I've got to dig out some summer clothes because I know it will be hot! Would you believe we got home last night and there was still SNOW in our frount yard. I couldn't believe that after the weekend but it was there. But today all melted away - over 70 degrees and I just needed to get out so I cut down the monkey grass, cut back my lantana bushes and just piddled in the yard a bit. It felt pretty dang good too. Now it's rain for three days so I'll have to unpack tomorrow but I didn't waste this beautiful day inside!

What a Beautiful Day!!

I woke up to the biggest snowflakes coming down and the ground already covered! This is such a rare treat and it's beautiful....I could not help just sit and watch the snow and it lifted my spirits a bit. I made us a French Toast Brunch and then later Kenny and I and girled got all "Layered up" and went to play in the snow. Tatianna and Matilda love love love the snow. They would stay out there all day if we would let them. It's still snowing right now but will get warmer tomorrow and up to 70 by Sunday - like I said - such a treat....

Snow

Whoopie - supposed to get some snow tomorrow!!!! Rain too but hope to see it falling. It will be March 2nd and 6 years ago we moved into our house here and it snowed that day too! It's one of my most favorite memories. Kenny and I and Chloe and Isalbella having a Kroger Fried Chicken dinner watching the snow fall in the back yard!!!

Summer Hats

yeah - whoopie - summer hats for bad hair days -made of cotton. I must have a small head though - my hats are too big!! I'm wearing these when we come to Florida!!

Snow pics from Feb

I didn't get a chance to post any of these so they are late but it was such a beautiful day - snow in Columbus GA!!!

Just had to Post this Picture

Everyone knows I'm trying my best to knit - some things turn out OK some things not. But THIS is a treasure. I didn't knit it - it's a wool sweater from a Thrift Store - 100% sheep's wool from Peru. I had been looking for a wool sweater to play with "felting" and when I found this I almost squealed. It is now my 'knitting supplies bag". All I did was cut the sleeves off, sew up the sides and make an icord for the handle, then felt the whole think in the washer. I decided to leave the neck line because stuff won't fall out of it. But having the sheep on it - especially the little black one - priceless.....Can't wait for Christy to see this and giggle!!!!!

Way Way Far Behind!

As I lie here with a Sinus Infection I realize I haven't posted in so long - you get behind and it's hard to remember what you did!!! I do know I spent last week in SC with my Mom - Kenny took me up on Valentine's so we could all be together. He came back to GA and I stayed to help with Daddy's clothes. This is one of the hardest tasks to deal with. Mother had a story for every suit and shirt - how many times did her hands laundry and iron these pieces for him..there were lots of tears and finding lots of hankerchiefs in his pockets. Daddy always carried a hankie. I remember that is the first thing I learned to iron - then went on to ironing his boxer shorts. Yes, his boxers were always ironed. Mother tripped and fell in the floor and really hurt her shoulder - I'm just hoping it didn't tear the rotator cuff - she's still very sore but getting a little better by now. We were so tired and it was very cold and windy and I guess that's when my sinus's starting messing up. On wednesday I drove her car back here and she spent the night - we were both so exhausted and I was getting sick. She left on Thursday and I had to do my laundry and pack for Columbus and cook that night. By friday I was sick but pushed through the shows and Pat got me some meds on Saturday. I actually felt better Saturday night and we had a great show (I think it was the steroids) but by Sunday I was tired again. I had a Doctor's appt on Monday for my regular checkup and yep - sinus infection. I had planned to go to Art Monday night but at the doctor's office I realized I just could not do it so I came home and went to bed. I tried again to get up today and do some laundry but gave up about 3 pm and went back to bed. I'm so exhausted and know that I have to get through this weekend at Beluga too. At least I don't have to pack those damn bags this week. I'm so tired of living out of a suitcase. The only way I want to pack anymore it to be going somewhere to do nothing! And just me and Kenny and the girls!!! I have knitted a little in the last few days so that was fun but I'm so far behind on painting I don't want to think about it. I'll just post some random pictures that I've missed putting up on the blog. Hope everyone else is fine and well and I'll bounce back soon.....

Ta Da

The Smoke Ring

It took 2 months - and there a LOT of mistakes - I really don't want Christy to look at this close up - but I made my first "Turtle Back Jacket". I think I could better on another one plus I made the extra large which is usually wear but this one is HUGE! Don't care - I love it! And just in time for the snow tomorrow I finally made my "smoke ring" for my head and I'm keeping this one - I've made 5 and given them all away. I love the smoke ring because you can wear it and not get complete hat hair. I do love the shruggy things and I need to figure out a silk one to wear year round (and smaller). I have a pattern but need to figure out the yarn and I'm not real good at swatches (maybe Christy and I can figure that one out)! Now for the great news - SNOW tomorrow and most of it south of Atlanta - Columbus is expecting a couple of inches so I can't wait. We're leaving tomorrow and it's suposed to start about 9:30 in the morning so I guess we'll be driving in the snow - in a one horse open sleigh - o're the fields we'll go - oops I'm getting carried away and hope we don't end up in a field!!!! I hope to get lots of snow pictures and I have my snow boots ready to put on in the morning, the doggies coats, my smoke ring and gloves - I'm ready for it - bring it on!!! Just hope some people venture out tomorrow night to the club - come on people it's NOT but a couple of inches. I invited everyone to come to Belloo's and make snow angels in the parking lot with me - you know I will be doing that. Maybe a couple of scotches first - just to keep warm - HA. It just feels good to complete a first big project even though it's a mess - I'll enjoy wearing it. We are also going to go straight to SC on Sunday to be with Mother on Valentines and I'm staying a few days. Kenny has to come back on Monday and Mother will take me to Commerce to meet him on Wednesday. We're going to start going through some of Daddy's books so it's going to be hard but has to be done. I'm looking forward though to spending some time with Mother. OK, now everyone sing LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW!!

"The Last Cabaret"

I'm not saying it's just yet - but getting closer all the time! I still love the audience, the applause, the singing - that feeling - the chills - the lights! But I'm also getting tired and know that I can't do this for too many more years (year)!! I've never painted myselft on stage and Shane liked this photo that was taken a couple of weeks ago at Belloo's. I have no idea what I was singing but would like to think it might have been "Over the Rainbow"! In reality I was probably singing something by Prince! But I finished it and not sure I want to sell it just yet. We'll see. I am going to hang it in the club for now. Sure wish my Daddy could see this one.....

Wow

I actually worked today cleaning up my art studio and it needed it. Now it's all neat and I won't be able to find anything! I also found some old discs with pictures and I started going through them. Kenny and I took Mother and Daddy to Fries, VA a few years ago for a "memory trip" for my Daddy. There are lots of pictures but when I saw this one of course I started to cry and then became very happy at remembering this moment. . This is front of the Fries damn on New River. I think the picture says it all........I miss you Daddy.....

New Dishwasher (sorta)

Where is the Plumber's Crack??????

I want my damn dinner - I learned that word from Daddy!!!

Long story short - my friend who is letting her house go back to the bank (she's getting married and moved in with her boyfriend so it's all OK) said she had just put in a new dishwasher and stove a while back and not used it very much at all. Nice Kenmore Stainless steel. She wanted to sell them really cheap so Kenny said let's not pass this up. Our dishwasher is fine - just getting old and we need a stove in the house in Columbus. It's electric and I like my gas stove. Soooo, we go way over to Marietta on Saturday and Kenny and Marvin unhook everything and we load it in the van and drive back home. I said Kenny surely you can hook up this thing - I mean really the stuff is already there and we knew some one would charge us another $100 to do it. Well, he did it - in about 5 hours - and cussing like a sailor! (or, as he said cuss like Claiborne) You see, Kenny is NOT Mr. Fix-it. He doesn't do that well at all. I try but I don't mess with any wires that have voltage running thru them and I don't know about colored wire either. It was just a little hard working underneath the washer and lying on the floor - we are way too old for that. He had me lay down on the floor and pull the hose thru - I almost couldn't get up! But good ending - it's hooked up - nothing leaks - and it does work great. The dishes are a lot more "squeaky" clean. Thank God we're not even going to try and change over the stove! I did drive back to Marietta tonight for my art group and that stove is still in the van. Kenny said we are not going to unload it then re-load it to take to Columbus. Maybe I should just pull over on the road, open my van and cook hamburgers and sell them on the street!! HA. I stayed out of his way unless he needed me - let him rant and rave and cuss while I just sat in my chair and knitted and saying Oh honey, I'm sorry - you'll do just fine - be careful for those Drummer hands - it's ok sweetie - I'll fix you a brownie and some ice cream, etc etc etc........But I have a new dishwasher - not if I could just get him to unload the damn thing!!!!