Wednesday, November 30, 2022

I was just thinking about old Chip and Diane. I had said she would know when it was time, but we really don't exactly do we? Very agonizing decision, but afterwards we know that we did the best by them. I believe that euthanasia should be an option for any living being.

The sisters arrive today. Mike lovingly refers to them as the Clampetts but they are fun to be around. They are kind of unfiltered in their enjoyment and that is very cool. Both are a few years younger than Mike. The older is sort of matriarch at least with her sister and children. Both her sister's son and her own daughter still live with her though they are around 30. No one in their families has attended college because I don't thing they saw it as an option even though they are quite bright. Mike had to work his way through college and felt that he was breaking out of the family mold and defying the assumptions of his high school teachers. He excelled in college and had a good career and all of his children are well educated. An interesting view into how expectations can affect people.

Time to finish my coffee! Have a wondrous Wednesday!

Healthy expectations are so important especially when you're young! Some like Mike set them for themselves which is amazing, others like me tried to live up to the ones given and that worked out well. Not going to college was never an option I dreamt I had. I imagine someone for whom that was not expected appreciated it even more than me knowing they made it happen on their own without prompting...

I'm watching it snow outside, but it's snowing sideways as we have sustained winds in the mid 30mphs... I imagine it will accumulate inland, but no chance here on the coast! The waves are incredible and are brown from the sand churned up.

It's my last full day here. Tomorrow late morning I head back. Unfortunately, a long layover in Chicago, so I don't get bac****il almost 7.

Soon the contractor who is working on some updates to my little MI cottage (I'm not staying in it now as it's all torn up) is coming by for a check for the new countertops. Painful estimate, but I think they'll look great. Why I thought working on two houses at once was a good idea, I don't know!

Tonight we are going out for Mexican food at a new restaurant. My folks said it's good. That's saying something for the boondocks of MI!

Take care everybody, and love to Diane and Chip.

Greetings all

Old Chip is still with us but I fear not for long. He had an extensive seizure last night then walked in circles. He is calm now but more confused than ever. I have a call in to the vet who most recently did a sr. exam on him. House cleaner just arrived and Chip has always adored here. Now he does not seem to know her. He is calm and seems content for the moment. Decisions will be made soon. Hardest part of having a pet.

Yeah expectations are important. Like CC, not going to college was not an option. I was brought up always with a view towards that. My parents were both educated and believed it was their ticket to a good life. It truly was for them and me as well. But I managed without school debt which is a hideous problem these days. I did not increase my job options by studying art history and philosophy but I did increase my ability to think critically and write. Skills that are lacking these days

Tee Hee Liz, "The Clampets". Thats what we called ourselves when we loaded up two cars with dogs and SIL and moved to northern cal. We also used to have some southern relatives that were referred to as the "Boss Hogs".

CC, two home projects at once! You are brave. Looking forward to hearing about Sedona house adventures. I have made the earthshaking decision that I need to get drawer pulls on my kitchen cabinets since my fingers are all bent up. I have concluded that the knob type will be best. We used to have Restoration Hardware here; the original store; but now it's pretty much order on line or go to ACE.

Payroll to pick up and a few other chores need to be done. It's always something.

Diane S

Good luck with Chip. Such a tough point.

I also was expected to go to college. Both my parents and my grandparents were college educated (or beyond). I did go a bit unconventionally after dropping out of high school to have my eldest daughter. But I ultimately finished through graduate school by going at night. Essentially no debt as my job or grants paid for most of it. And we expected our children to go as well and they did. My youngest daughter is very bright and had pretty substantial scholarship money though few in her birth family went beyond high school. They must be bright like my daughter but they grew up in an environment like Mike's sisters where college seemed to be a reach.

Check out myknobs.com. Sounds dirty, but it's a treasure trove of knobs and pulls.

Haha!!!

Thank you for the knob store reference, way more than Home Depot. Love theses choices. Now to choose!

dianes

Knob store is awesome., thank you cc, better than Home Depot. You are my decorator guru!

dc

Thinking of you and Chip.

Good Morning All

Diane - So sorry to read about dear Chip. This is the hardest part of owning a treasured pet. Im thinking of you all x Bella let me know when it was her time. It was hard for me to let her go but I know she felt very loved.

Liz - Enjoy the Clampetts :) You made me giggle

Cec - Hey when you are done with your dual renos - want to fly over to Aus and help me plan mine he he he. You are very brave indeed. I didnt finish High School and didnt go to University/College. I have done a lot of on job training and courses to get my skills up to a management level. School was just not my thing. Im a hands on type learner.

DD- I love reading about snow. Its a novelty for me but I imagine it would get challenging. Be safe

Peps - is Ron home ok?

I have been at work since 6.30am and have so much to do. Lots happening here and my boss has been cranky and hard to please/work with.Its draining. Im looking forward to tommorrow afternoon when I can head to the farm and uncoil.

Have a nice evening all

S