Bankerchick's Scratchings

I Am Worn Out!

2012-01-30T09:39:00.003-06:00

Shaun is the little one.

I have spent the last four days with Лука and DD1 and SIL and I might be leaving after today's Doctor's visit or maybe not. DD1 is wanting Лука's baby brother, out. He seems to be quite crowded in there and spent last night trying to push his way out thru her ribs. This week is 39 and he will be with us soon.

Лука hardly lets me out of his sight and I have to negotiate for a visit to the Loo or a cup of coffee. Last night I almost coughed myself silly making wild animal sounds outside his play tent, while he shrieked inside with laughter. I finally got him to calm down with a few episodes of Shaun the Sheep on Netflix. He is only allowed about an hour of TV a night, right after dinner, so it is actually a way to quiet him down before bedtime, unless it is Serbian music videos, then he is a dancing fool. He is very fond of music and I think he is very musically inclined. He is usually humming or singing all day long, when he isn't saying, "play cars with me, Grandma!" It is amazing when he speaks Serbian to his Ta Ta (dad) and switches to English easily, to talk to Grandma. Yesterday in the car on the way home from dinner out he said, "It was a wonderful day!" He made my day anyway!

Just so I don't get too puffed up:

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

Courtesy of Nasa: Hundreds of Galexies

“You are 1 person out of 7 billion people

On 1 planet out of 8 planets

In 1 star system out of 100 billion star systems

In 1 galaxy out of 100 billion galaxies

And you are enormously insignificant.”

- unknown

Our First Home

2012-01-19T08:31:00.001-06:00

This is similar to the Apt in Key West

This week I picked :

3.) You stepped foot into your first apartment and thought…

“OMG! ~~What a Dump~~! “This is not what I imagined at all”

Mr BC, (otherwise to be know as My Sailor Boy) and I had married seven days before in California and spent the succeeding days driving to the Naval Air Station in Key West, FL. MSB was so proud that he had selected one of the better apartments in a town not known much for nice, affordable housing, in 1967. There was no Navy housing available and it wasn’t as nice as this apartment, as I was later to find out. He had looked at Conch Houses that had been partitioned into apartments, he said there wasn’t much that he would be willing to move me into. So this was it. I was disappointed but I tried not let him know at the time. It was our first home together. It was furnished, with a green sectional couch, a kitchen table, a double bed and chest of drawers, and it was tiny. We were going to be there a year.

It was 2 story apartments built of concrete blocks painted yellow, which we would be happy about in the first hurricane to come through. We had a salamander in the kitchen cupboard and one who lived in a crack in the bathroom wall, that would slink back and forth and most likely more in the walls. At my introductory scream at the one in the shower, MSB told me they were good as they ate the cockroaches and other bugs that lived with us. I have to admit, I did not see many bugs inside as there were outside, so I learned to love the salamanders. Key West was an interesting spot to begin a marriage and as it was his last enlistment we made do. Key West in 1967 was not the tourist spot it is now, and we do plan to go back someday. I have to admit now that first place was ok for the money and the area, but after Key West I had a lot more imput in house hunting.

This would be an example of a Conch House in 1967, that is rust on the roof.

RemembeRed

2012-01-17T11:04:00.003-06:00

We’re doing something short and sweet for this week’s RemembeRED post.

Imagine your life, or a part of your life, as a title and tagline.
That’s it. Give us the title, and give us the tagline.

The Life and Times of a Moderate

Please Don't think I'm Wishy Washy, I will try to see your Point, but I Won't Argue with You.

Vacation is Over

2012-01-14T09:12:00.002-06:00

This was taken in Serbia he had so much fun in the parks.

Today I am leaving beautiful Santa Barbara for more southern climes in San Bernardino. Back to work, I have to get the house ready to sell. I love Лука so much, and will miss him but I plan to come up about once a week until the baby comes, then will be up here probably until Mr Bankerchick comes in Feb to help again if needed.

Лука and I have had such fun. He is a happy boy with a great sense of humor and imagination. I spend so much time with him that he thinks I am his alone. It should be interesting when I leave if he will let me go,but I must and it will be good for him to play with others. He is sad for a moment then he will be off to other things.

10 Things I Love About (Grand) Motherhood

2012-01-12T15:44:00.002-06:00

I didn't think I would post today as Лука came home yesterday and I'm busy playing. but as I was reading MamaKat challenges I realized I could whip one out fast during his nap so here it is:

10 Things I Love About (Grand) Motherhood

1. That I am not going to sit on a bench when we go to the park.
2. I get to play with trains.
3. To Лука, I am the funniest person in the World.
4. He runs to me when he first sees me, Grandmaaaaaa!
5. When one builds a tower it goes without saying to admire it quickly as it is bound to be knocked
     down, almost immediately.
5. I love the pillow fights, and his laugh when I pin him down.
6. I love to hear about things he does that make me proud. Like please and thank you without being
      reminded and excuse me. Everyone in Serbia was amazed that he remembered to say it in
      Serbian to them.  HE IS POLITE IN TWO LANGUAGES.
7. He says I LOVE YOU GRANDMA AND GRANDPA, when he says goodbye.
8. He says no firmly but says Umm Yeah, when he says yes. He gets that from his mommy.
9. That Лука is a boy, I had 2 daughters and have learned to appreciate how wonderful boys are too.
10.Whether they are full body arm wrappers or he just backs into them, SNUGGLES are the
       best....when Лука is passing them out.

The Prompts:
1.) Write a poem inspired by the last conversation you had with your child.
2.) Describe a time you felt startled.
3.) Create an “instructional” post where you show readers how to do something cool or useful or yummy. (inspired by two very cute little girls)
4.) Many of us like to poke fun at some of the things that drive us crazy as parents…let’s flip the script, what are 10 things you love about motherhood?
5.) Share a lessons (or lessons) you learned about friendship from an introvert. (inspired by (in) courage)

The More I Wish I Knew

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Prompt this week was Unfulfilled

A & M Stillwater as Dad may have known it.

I knew what I wanted. What was my dad’s like as a boy? I was unfulfilled as he passed away before Icould question him completely. What Iknew of him was as a father. I knew that he was accomplished, he went tocollege at Stillwater, Oklahoma, joined the Marines after college, during WWII.He went to law school on the GI Bill, after he married my mom and raised mylittle brother and me.

Dad didn’t talk much and when he did hespoke slowly, thinking, on each word, that was a boring to a young kid, so whatI have learned about him, his family, my mom, even my husband, who often comes upwith information he gleaned from being around him. Now that we have moved toMissouri, I want to hook up more often with my cousins who I have reached outto this Christmas and go to the family reunions, which seem to be less often.

What I know is he must have been a bit of arascal. He didn’t like peas as an adult,because as a kid he ate raw peas until he made himself sick. He was a good lookingboy, from the pictures I have seen and he had a girlfriend named Lydia. He often harassed mom with the song Lydia, the Tattooed Lady. He went to college because he didn’t wantto be a farmer. To hear him tell it, to us kids, his youth was not misspent andhe was a perfect child. As I grew older I did discover that he would run liquorfrom Arkansas, back to Stillwater with a frat buddy who had a car. I alsolearned by asking about a scar on his head, he was kicked out of Marine OCSbecause of a fight (the guy hit him over the head with a bottle). Mom always counted it as a blessing as mostyoung men just out of OCs were killed in the Pacific, almost upon arrival. Hespent the war in New Found land ferrying Germans to POW camps in Texas.

So I guess I was not so unfulfilled, but Iwish there were more stories told before he died. Mom is gone since 2002, and she shared whatshe knew, when I asked.....If only I had asked more.

Dad grew up in Homestead,OK,, stayed in CA after WWII

I had to go to Internet for pictures. Project for 2012 get my family pictures scanned

Write on Edge-Epitaph

2012-01-06T02:12:00.002-06:00

Lemmington, England 1840

Charlotte was wandering through the churchyard cemetery toward the bench where she often enjoyed sketching the churchand parish school where her husband, Edward was vicar. Edward had mentioned yesterday at tea about anunusual epitaph, so now she zig-zagged through the stones and monuments lookingfor the grave stone. She soon found itin the older section of the cemetery, where stones had been up turned, lopsidedand weathered. The dates around it wereof the last century. No name was carved onthe stone, only a verse:

Here lies a miser who lived for himself, who cared
for nothing but gathering wealth.

Now where he is and how he fares;
nobody knows and nobody cares

“How wry and pitiable to be known; only as amiserly man. “ She thought aloud. Therewas a pretty aspect of the parsonage in the distance, so she set about sketchingit quickly. She wanted to get back to theparsonage and show it to Edward, before tea time.

Charlotte and Edward had been married just ashort six months. She had met him ten years ago when he first arrived in thevillage of Newburn as Deacon of the parish. She wasbut a child of twelve. With her parents longdead, she and her brother John resided with their spinster aunt, in a smallcottage at the edge of Newburn Hall. With her tiny income, Aunt Jane was able to teach them to read and enjoy books from the circulating library. Sheencouraged Charlotte’s drawing and sent John to the Parish Day Schoolfor several years. That was where theymade the acquaintance of the young deacon, Edward Stephenson.

Aunt Jane would often tell themreminiscences of her youth when she and their mother were young ladies ofwealth and standing in the neighbourhood, but nothing was said of how theybecame so impoverished. However, she wassilent on the circumstances of their parent’s marriage and death. One of the stories that neighbours told, wasthat Aunt Jane and their mother had been at the mercy of a miserly relativewho did nothing to put them forward in society, leaving them nothing but thecottage and a tiny inheritance.

As the years passed, her brother eventuallywent to work clerking for the Newburn Railway. This supplementedthe small income of their aunt and by living carefully, they enjoyed asatisfactory life with a small circle of friends. With no dowry, she had littleexpectations of making a good marriage. Soeveryone was surprised when, after receiving a church living of his own, Edwardproposed.

Charlotte now securely ensconced in theparsonage of Holy Saviour Church, Lemmington, seemed unconcerned by thecircumstances of her former life. She opened her book to look again at the sketch before showing Edward her drawing. She observed the gravestone in the forground, thinking it ruined the sketch of her lovely home and began to fill it in with flowers and grasses. 'That is much better," she thought.

For this week, write a fiction or creative non-fiction piece in which an epitaph features prominently. I found mine at The Epitaph Browser. It is from Lemmington, England. found under Anonymous. I found a Lemington in Northumbria near Newcastle and an appropriate parish in which I set my story.

The Characters in My Life

2012-01-04T20:22:00.000-06:00

I chose MamaKat's prompt: Your life is being turned into a movie…who will play your cast of characters?

Of course my life is so exciting that Hollywood is bound to come knocking for the rights to my story. All of the big names would be lining up for the various rolls, however, I would insist on having final say on casting this extravaganza!

Starting with my parents since they had such an influence on who I turned out to be, I would want Wilford Brimley and Betty White. Dad might have actually out curmudgened Brimley and they both were bald and had a droopy mustache. Mom reminds me a little of the Rose character Betty White played, not the maneater roles.

My brother would be played by Tom Selleck, we have always said he reminds us of Tom, from the smile to the mustache. But not the hair. Maybe Tom would look good with a shaved head? That smile in the picture...that is my brother's smile.

Now Mr BC would have Laura Linney play DD1 because she reminds him of DD1 Since I am picking someone to play her, it would be Reese Witherspoon, based her blue eyes, girl next door looks and on her body of work, although DD1 is a more convincing lawyer.

Zooey Deschanel would play DD2. She is quirky, funny and a little exotic, just like DD2. In her new role, she is offbeat and she can sing just like DD2

Now for the male lead in my life I am going to have to go with Dustin Hoffman. put a pair of glasses on him for just the right touch. He displays just the right amount of humor, and vulnerability and he is cute just like Mr BC.

And the star of my life would have to be Kathy Bates. She could play me at any age. She is such a great actress, funny, wry, an everywoman in charge of her own life. I love her in everything she does, except Misery, She scared me in Misery.
There you have it the cast of a Blockbuster!

Lost in Time and Space

2012-01-03T09:07:00.000-06:00

I am in Santa Barbara, enjoying a break from winter in MO. DD1 and I spent a quiet New Year's Eve having dinner together at a small Japanese restaraunt. We are going to get ready for the baby this week, she has about 5 weeks to go.

SIL and Лука will be back from Serbia on the 11th, They Skype Mama every day and Лука is handling the time change ok, he just goes to bed at midnight their time. It is interesting how he handles being away. Sometimes he will just walk through the picture and say "Hi, Mom." other times he wants to say good night and look at his toys that are here, and DD1 will pick up his little cars one by one and talk about them.

I know his concept of time and space must be so different from ours and we worry a little, that maybe he is having a hard time with "you will be coming home soon or the concept of, now, 8 days. He also will say "give it to me" when she holds up a favorite car. Orthodox Christmas is this coming weekend, then it will be just a few more days before he is back. It is way too quiet around here.

Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

2011-12-28T04:50:00.000-06:00

Roses are Red,
Violets are Blue,
No Body's Sweeter,
Than R**** M****!

"Dad, we're JUST friends!"..... Eyeroll.

R and I met at church when I was about 15. He was cute, had a Texas accent, 16, and was taller and skinnier than me. I will admit to a crush on him, at the first of our friendship. I will also share that he gave me my first hickey, an experiment that did not involve any kissing, but caused no end of giggling and much speculation by my dad and mom.

We would talk on the phone for hours almost every night, he made me laugh, as he was funny and ironic but some times sad and angry. We shared lots of secrets but this was 1964 an innocent time for me. I got my drivers licence and I got a car when I was 16.5, we would go to the movies, church, youth meetings, etc. His parents loved me, they may have thought we were an item too. However, it was clear to me when I graduated High School, that he was one of my best friends.

My parents finally accepted, probably with relief, we were just friends, as I started dating others, met Mr BC and got engaged. R and I drifted as we got older and I got wiser. I actually never saw him again after my wedding. Which saddens me.

Mama Kat's prompt is: Think about your closest male friend in high school…if you had married him (or her) how would your life be different right now? Since this was a relationship, that would not have ended in marriage, it is not hard to speculate that we would be miserable. I do know that R was not always the happy individual, he seemed to be and as I would later discover.

At my 20 year High School Reunion, L, a guy that I had known since 4th grade, was proudly announcing to everyone he spoke to, that he was gay. This did not come as a surprise to anyone, but in 1985, it was becoming the thing to do. Later in the evening, he sidled up to me, and shared conspiratorially, did I know that he and R had been Lovers for several years before, but were no longer a couple? He seemed to be expecting shock value from his little announcement; from me. He also indicated , oddly, during the conversation that R was always, talking about me. I was surprised at this, a little, but, I certainly did not give him the reaction for which he seemed to be hoping.

I asked him what R was doing now and told him that if he spoke to him, would he give him my phone number and gave L my business card., With the information L gave me, I did try to find him, but to no avail. I never heard from either of them again. This was the 80's and I certainly hope the reason I was unable to locate him was not because of HIV. I tried looking for him again as I contemplated this prompt, but came up blind alleys again. I certainly hope he has found happiness and contentment in his life. I am greatful for the fun and games he brought to our misspent youth!

The Best of the Silent Monks Chorus

2011-12-23T07:24:00.000-06:00

I found this on Valerie's blog and Laughed till I cried, Hallelujah and Merry Christmas!

How Christmas has Changed for Us

2011-12-22T17:52:00.081-06:00

2009

One thing that changed this Christmas, Лука has become aware of Santa Claus! His first Christmas he was only 10 months old, and enjoyed the lights, and ripping opening packages, but wasn't aware of the reason for the season.

2010

Last year was a blast, he enjoyed everything about Christmas, as you can see from the pictures.

This year the big difference is that he is no longer a baby, he knows that he is going to get presents and that he has to be good. We are going to Skype on Christmas Eve and watch him open our presents, then he is going to fly on Christmas Day to Serbia and see his Baba and Deda for their Christmas on January 7. This is his third trip to Belgrade, he is a well traveled young gentleman. They will fly back to California and await the birth of his new brother in February.

I am going to stay with his mother while they are gone. So this year, the real celebration will be around his and his brother birthdays in February. Grandpa will be there for that occasion. Big Celebrations in 2012!

Don't you feel like this Sometimes?

2011-12-21T10:10:00.000-06:00

I heard this on the radio the other night and since I was coming from Christmas Shopping I was nodding my head at the sentiment

Peg o' My Heart

2011-12-19T06:38:00.000-06:00

Peg of Square Peg in a Round Hole gave me an award and I thank her. I met her blog through MamaKat's writing meme, another worthy Blog. Peg is one of of the folks I read almost everyday. I love her 'down home" style and especially her trips she takes with her husband. If you are not reading Peg, you may want to look her up.

I love award shows and I love it when folks take the time to write comments or Follow me and I like having the opportunity to recognize the blogs I try to read every week. I have several on my side bars and they are my old faithfuls and worthy of a read as well.

“Liebster is German and translates to the English word dearest. I really touched to be awarded this as it’s meant for up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers so thank ladies for passing it on to me! I hope we all get over 200 soon and can play with the big guns “

Here are the Rules:

Thank the donor and link back to their blog
Publicize your top five picks for the award and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
Post the award on your blog.
Encourage the people who receive it to list their five favorites.

There may be some in my list of favorites today, who do not appreciate awards as much as I might: (I have so few) just know that I love and appreciate your blogs and hope others who come by me today might visit your blog. You don't have to follow the Rules: I think of them as suggestions.

Akelamalu: She is from England and we have been reading each other for a few years now. If I ever get to Great Britain, I would love to meet her. I would really love to go with her on one of her trips. She does a great guide with pictures.
Pumpkin Delight: She is a Delight. A Southern California gal like me, who teaches 2nd Grade. I met here through MamaKat's writing meme. She reminds me of CA now that I have left, and has great recipes too!
Maddie: She writes from her Enchanted Village in England's Rural Underbelly. I wish her village was my village, she writes of her friends, the village happenings and she goes to the Greek Isles.Another BloggerI would like to travel with too.
Comtesse Olympe de la Tour D'Auvergne: Truely.an accomplished Costumer in Washington D.C. and historian, who also writes a diary of her life in 18th Century France, she has met the King. I love this blog and can't wait for her posts, especially the diary entries. I went all the way back to the beginning on this blog.
In Whispers and Shouts: I have just started following this blogger. I found her through Write on Edge. I started by reading her writing prompts and gradually started reading her other posts. She is what you might call a Mommy Blogger with more. She has a lovely family which you see on Funny Face Fridays.

Now I will spend some time this morning reading some of my 'winners'.

His Office Party

2011-12-16T05:46:00.000-06:00

Ok, in 3, 2, 1.” “ Oh hell, wait, wait!”

“Ok I’m waiting,"said Suzanne. “Again" she added under her breath. Checking her watch, “We’ll be late!”

His employees gifts were packed in a Santa sack found at Big Lots, where she also found the matching sweaters, he insisted upon. “It’s an Ugly Christmas Sweater party,” he explained “There will be prizes."

“How Bridget Jones,” she thought. “Forget the dress at Macys!” Last year she underdressed, thanks to Jack. This year she wanted to get it right.

The door opened and he stepped out. “How do I look?" He was wearing a gray cashmere sweater and a Santa hat.

“What’s that? You’re not wearing the sweater, the ugly one?” she snapped.

“It didn’t look right, Mom gave me this last Christmas, so it is a Christmas sweater,” he chuckled.

“Jack, please, take me home to change. I’ll be embarrassed again! “
“You look fine! There’s no time, we’ll be late.” Picking up the Santa Bag on his way out the door.

She argued all the way to the party,” It’s rude, you’re changing the dress code at the last minute, you’ll look great, while everyone else looks slightly silly.”

He kept repeating “We look fine, I don’t have time to go home and change either.”

She relented and to her dismay, on their arrival, the men were wearing festive sweaters, the women all in beautiful party dresses; again!

“Can I come up?” He asked when he took her home.

“No!” she smiled sweetly, slamming the door in his face.

She leaned against the door defeated, looking down at the lovely crystal vase in her hand, she read again the attached envelope, THE UGLIEST CHRISTMAS SWEATER, it proclaimed. Without thinking she smashed the vase against the wall!  Leaning over, she picked up the offending envelope, in it, was a gift certificate to Macys. She smiled, walked to the kitchen and poured a drink. "Merry Christmas to me!"

The countdown. We’ve all done it, whether it’s disciplining our kids, gathering up nerve, blasting off into space, or getting ready to pop champagne and scream “Happy New Year!”

This week, we’d like you to write a post – fiction or creative non-fiction – which begins with a countdown. “Three, two, one.” You pick what the countdown is for. The ideas above are just suggestions. Use your imagination and have fun with it

All I Wanted for Christmas....MamaKat's Writers Workshop.

2011-12-15T07:20:00.000-06:00

This week’s prompt is: 10 things I Wanted for Christmas as a Kid but Didn’t Get and Still Want.

Every year I could hardly wait for the Sears Christmas catalogue to come. Then for 2 lovely months my brother, my cousins and I would go through the toy section hoping and dreaming Santa would bring us our hearts desire. There were lots of things I wanted as a child for Christmas and didn’t get, and I can probably come up with ten, however I am not sure I would still want them as most of them were circa 1950 and 1960 and toys are a whole lot cooler now.. So here goes the list.

1. A Pony: What child did not want a pony? When asked where he would put it in our back yard, My brother went out and started digging a hole for it!

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2. An Easy Bake Oven: I was actually too old for this when it came out in 1963, I would have loved something like this to go with the kitchen I coveted.

3. A child size kitchen: We had one in kindergarten and I really wanted one at home. Darling Daughter got one for her birthday and Grandpa and Dad spent the whole birthday party putting it together and ended up with pieces left over.

4. A Vanity Table: I actually wanted some version of this up until my teens.

5. A great Doctor Kit: I probably wanted the nurse kit because that was a girl job. This is pre-feminism, to much science needed to be a Doctor.

6. A Train Set: My grandpa gave one to my boy cousin with a terrific train table he built. I got a doll house, which was good but I loved the train set. My brother inherited that train set several years later, and I got to play with it. Лука loves trains and we put the tracks and trains together several times when Grandma visits.

7. A Pedal Car: Again a guy thing, My brother got the fire engine he is seven years younger that me so I couldn't fit in it. I would have loved the snazzy convertibles. Back when I would have fit in it.

8. The Operation Game: The neighbors had one and it seemed fun. Go play it at the neighbor's house!

9. A microscope: Maybe if I had one I would have been more interested in science and maybe be a Doctor or even a nurse, today!

10. Barbie: March 1959 she was introduced, and I was 12 years old. My friend Cheryl got one of the first ones and wouldn't let me play very much with her. I begged for one and mom, who I don't think really approved of Barbie said I was too old for dolls and I did not get one that Christmas or any other Christmas. It was a teenage doll for Pete's sake....to old for dolls...Humph! My Daughters got all the Barbies they ever wanted or needed.

House Cleaning- Metaphorically Speaking

2011-12-12T21:24:00.000-06:00

I have been literally cleaning house for the last several months, while getting ready for our move from California to Missouri. I have been metaphorically cleaning house as well. Mr. BC and I have been married for MANY years and have moved many times, usually every two or three years. Those moves were relatively easy, as happens, when one is moving every few years. Our moves were fast and compact. This move differs, in that we have lived in this house for 27 years and moving to his late mother’s home in Missouri. We went through many of her things with his sister last year; however the house is still furnished with his memories and much of her stuff.

With so many years in the same house, this move and attendant house cleaning, is more difficult. We have grown from a house and garage, to a house, garage, attic, and storage unit and many junk drawers. With the detritus of our life, we have outgrown our surroundings. We have been brutal. When it comes to the garage, Mr. BC is clearly a hoarder. However, in the house, unless it was his belongings, I sorted through things without much consultation with him. It is still slow going, what with those pesky memories intruding. We truly pared down and only kept the most important and most used of our possessions. Salvation Army, recycling, yard sales and the dump gets the rest of the stuff.

All of this sorting and moving has been stressful, tempers have flared, muscles have been pulled and feelings have been hurt. We have had a lot of togetherness since retirement and I am now looking towards cleaning my metaphorical house with some alone time after Christmas. I am flying back to California to spend time with DD1 before the new baby arrives; and to pack the rest of our belongings. We need the time away, both of us need to remember that we are Fun People! Mr. BC will join me the first of February to await the birth of our grandson and for the last of the literal house cleaning. We got a house to sell and Fun to Have.

RemembeRed

Think of a time that you “cleaned house.” Consider the subtext—we’re not writing about Windex here. We’re writing about relationships. Or feelings. Or a captured moment in time.

Favorite Christmas Ornament

2011-12-10T08:26:00.000-06:00

I did not post to Mama Kat's site on Thursday but will today, since I did not have a computer for most of the week, However I loved this prompt: 1.) Have you decorated your Christmas tree? Share a favorite Christmas ornament.

Yes, I have decorated my tree, since I was unable to do anything for Thanksgiving, I was determined to decorate for Christmas. So my Christmas decorations were well marked for the move and I put them right by the door in the garage so I could get to them when I was ready. We have a small four foot tree now but when the kids were little we always had a big tree and have collected the decorations for a large tree. I have to select my favorites.

When the girls were small and we lived in Michigan, I had a regular Avon lady. I saw these decorations in the catalogue and really liked them as I did not decorate with glass balls, everything on my tree had to be unbreakable. I think these are satin and cardboard. They had Santa and Mrs Claus, Snowman and Mrs. Snowman and Angels one on each side. When they arrived I put them all on the tree and when I got to the Angels, I was startled to see they looked just like my daughters, not just that one was a blond and one was a brunette, but they looked just like the girls. I showed everyone including the DD1 and DD2 the amazing likenesses. Now every time I put them on the tree they remind me of the family we were then. small angels and Mr and Mrs Santa Claus. I smile every time.

The second favorite decoration was a child's coat hanger that appeared on the tree when I mentioned to Mr BC that I needed hangers for some Christmas ornaments. 2yr old DD1 proudly brought one from her room shouting here's one mama! It went into the decoration box for years until it finally broke. I was going to glitter it up but never got the chance. Years later I found a small doll coat hanger decorated, that I eventually gave to DD1.

A Tasty Mistake

2011-12-04T12:57:00.000-06:00

Since I retired and moved to Missouri we have sat down to more meals together than we have in a long time. I am beginning to cook again. I must admit I still go for easy and other than the main course, I don't usually cook from scratch. Hungry for sweet, I decided to bake a cake. I had a Betty Crocker sugar free chocolate cake mix. so being the spontaneous person I am, I opened the box and dumped it in a bowl. When I use cake mixes I usually substitute apple sauce or tofu instead of the oil which works well for me and I usually have on hand.. Applesauce this time.

When I got to eggs, I went to get the eggbeaters out of the fridge and measured it out. I looked at the result in the measuring cup and noticed red and green spots. I checked the carton and sure enough it was Southwestern style. Mr BC had helped with the shopping and put it in the basket. I panicked when I saw it, and checked the fridge for regular eggbeaters. I only use real eggs for company cooking or holiday cooking. None to be found.

It was late afternoon and I was already dressed in my comfy jammie pants so I was not going to go out to get some eggs and everything was already in the bowl, I just dumped the eggs in the bowl and mixed it in. I am not one for admitting my errors so throwing caution to the wind, I just baked it and hoped for the best. If it was awful, then I would throw it out.

I sliced into it to taste. It clearly was spicy but not awful, I liked it, it reminded me of a pfferneuse cookie. I left it on the counter and only told how I made it after they had eaten it. There were interesting comments after it was discovered, however, it must have been tasty, because look how much was left this morning!

Mr Bankerchick to the Rescue

2011-11-29T08:50:00.000-06:00

Yahoo Images
Mr BC was taking the pups out the other night, for their nightly duties and standing on our 'veranda' watching them, I was sitting in my comfy chair watching TV when I noticed him waving his hat around. The dogs and I joined him and he was trying to swoosh a small, young bird, away from the light and the eaves of the roof out into yard. The bird, (we later decided was a Purple Finch, that might have smacked onto the window earlier in the evening) was flying from pillar to post just inside the porch. He wouldn't cooperate and was becoming more and more afraid as Mr BC waved and the dogs barked. Totes was in hunting mode and Gwennie was very curious. Mr BC was worried about the bird and I thought everyone should just leave the poor thing alone. So I took the pups inside and left Mr BC and the bird alone. Finally Mr BC caught the small thing in his hat and went over to a young Sweet Gum Maple planted in the front and gently took the bird out of his hat. It sat quietly on his hand as he reached up to a branch. The finch jumped from his hand to the branch and just sat there a little stunned. He was still there when he turned out the porch light. We like to think he was simply stunned and eventually flew away. The next morning there were several purple finches at the bird feeder, among the woodpeckers, cardinals, catbirds and chickadees who regularly frequent our feeders and bird bath. I like to think the smallest one we saw, was the little one Mr BC rescued the night before.

Thanksgiving in Missouri

2011-11-25T08:49:00.000-06:00

Norman Rockwell's Thanksgiving

I can't say this trip to Missouri was uneventful, but thankfully, we are here at last, a week late. We planned to leave a week ago. DD2 VW has been having a cooling problem and we had to keep taking it back to the dealership because it was not fixed properly. The third time, Mr Bankerchick, had to get stern with them when they finally decided it was the head gasket all along. We got some $$ consideration from them for the first two, so called repairs, but it took them 4 more days to fix it. So we left (late) on Sunday and had to stay out an extra night on the road. With two cars, two dogs and an injured Mr Bankerchick, (That is a whole different story.) He had a fall, chasing a loose Gwennie the morning we left. I took a look at him tumbling and just knew the trip was off. Luckily and miraculously, he was only scraped and bruised, and deflected the dog into my arms. So off we go, praying the car was really fixed. (it was)

We arrived on Wednesday and Mr BC's sister had us for Thanksgiving Dinner yesterday. What a blessing as the cupboards were bare and we were bone tired. It was delicious and she was a lifesaver. We had a lovely time. DD2 became reacquainted with her aunt and her cousin after several years.
Today is another day of rest with a quick trip to the grocery store. Some time in the yard with 2 puppies who are thankful for a huge yard to run in after being cooped up in cars for 3 days.

Yesterday I was thankful for Skype allowing me to share some time with Лука, DD1 looks for me online many mornings, and we have breakfast and playtime together. As Лука would say, "I'm liking Skype." We watched his dad, pull Лука's shirt over his head "where's Лука, where's Лука?" and he smiled "I'm back" when he popped up again. I love that kid!

Leaving Santa Barbara until January

2011-11-08T08:55:00.000-06:00

We are enjoying our visit to Santa Barbara with Лука and his folks. I can't believe it is our last visit for a while. However, thank the stars for Skype. This is a bittersweet visit as the only down side to Missouri is leaving some of our Kids behind. The upside to this, at least until we sell our house is that we still will be making the trip every couple of months .

I am flying back right after Christmas as Лука and his dad are going to Belgrade for Serbian Christmas with his Baba and Deda. He will be gone til Jan 11, so I will stay with DD1 since she is "Heavy with Child." I will visit back and forth working on the CA house and Santa Barbara, with Лука, until she delivers in Feb.

FAQ: Updated

2011-11-03T08:24:00.000-05:00

Age: 64 July 24th. Since I have retired I have to admit to it, at least to Social Security and the WHOLE WORLD.

Bed Size: We just downsized to a Queen, a lovely memory foam. I could do a commercial for Serta. It is perfect. I haven't slept so good in years.

Chore you hate: Floors, my feet have to stick to them or company is coming before I do anything. Currently I am stuck on the kitchen floor, send in the Merry Maids

Dogs: Two, Gwennie is a Welsh Corgi, Sweet, stubborn and startled by breezes. Totem is a Jack Russel and Chihuahua mix, he is a strutting sweetheart.

Essential start of your day: Sitting down after getting the coffee started and getting kisses from Totem and butt wiggles from Gwennie, then Mr. Bankerchick telling me that I make the best coffee in the world!

Favorite Color: Right now it is coral.

Gold or silver: Diamonds are a girl's best friend!

Height: 5’ 3” Width 5' 3"

Instruments I play or have played: Violin in fourth grade, thank goodness mom knew me well and only rented the violin for 3 months.

Job Title: Domestic Goddess, Number One Grandma,

Kids: Two grown daughters and one lively grandson and another one due in February.

Live: Right now I commute between California and Missouri as we slowly move to the Homestead in Missouri.

Mom’s Name: Norma Jean, Hated Norma, preferred Jeannie.

Nickname: Katydid, by my dad who got it from my initials KD.

Overnight hospital stays: With both of my daughters.

Pet Peeve: WHINING!

Quote from a movie: “Have fun stormin’ the castle, boys!” The Princess Bride.

Right or left handed: Right.

Siblings: One brother, seven years younger and balder than me.

Time you wake up: 6:00 am ever since I had children, I have not been able to sleep late. Even after they were grown. It has not changed in retirement, much to my disappointment!

Underwear: Always!

Vegetables you dislike: Okra! No, there is no possible way it can be cooked that would be edible, so shut-up!

What makes you run late? Blogging or playing games on the computer.

X-rays you’ve had done: Mammograms, broken ankle and foot, a pesky pothole, chest, to rule out broken rib. Dental, I have more crowns than anybody, put the dentist’s kids through college.

Yummy food you make: Mexican Food. Since retirement I have been easing back into the kitchen and cooking. See Chores. Now I'm stuck.

Zoo animal: Koala Bears and Red Pandas. Any baby animal!

The Prompts:

1.) Did you create a list of 22 things you’ve done in your life last week? This week, choose one item from your list and elaborate! We want the story.

2.) Create an FAQ page for yourself that answers frequently asked questions if people were to frequently ask you questions. People make those up all the time. YOUR TURN!

3.) Write a post in just eight lines. (inspired by Mommy Nani Boo Boo)

4.) Pour me a drink. Share a favorite drink recipe! (inspired by The Spohrs Are Multiplying)

5.) A day in the life of your pet…how bad do they have it?

2011-10-24T08:08:00.000-05:00

I am sitting in the quiet of my new home. The sun is rising, the leaves are turning and the birds are coming alive. We have discovered a woodchuck under our shed and he is readying his day. My internet is working and I am reflecting on this trip to the homestead!

On this trip we brought many of my own personal things and as, I look around I can see my stamp being put upon this home. This indeed was Mr Bankerchick's mother's home for so many years but with her passing it has become our home.

I have rearranged things in the kitchen so that it reflects my taste and and my way of working. The dining room has her wonderful round oak table and vintage buffet and it also contains a writing desk that I refinished and a glass front cabinet of my own. The upper floor is a loft space that we have been cleaning out for DD2 when she joins us in November, You would have been amused to see us trying to get a box spring up the stairs,(pivot, PIVOT) and have decided that we will have to enlist some help before we try to move anything else up those stairs, just to save our backs, and our tempers.

We leave on Wednesday, back to California to bring DD2 and the dogs and the rest of her and our things to the homestead. And we will stay in Missouri until after the new year. Our new grandson will arrive in February and I actually will be going back after Christmas to be with DD1 and prepare the California house for sale and Mr BC will come in Feb for Birthdays and delivery. We are excited to start a new chapter in our life.

On the Road Again!

2011-10-11T08:26:00.000-05:00

I won't be posting much this week as we are making another move to Missouri, We are packing the trailer today and leaving early tomorrow for a fast trip. We will be making the last trip for the year about Nov 12 when we move DD2 and then in the New Year we will be back to wait for our second grandson and put the house on the market. It is exciting and busy times. We are setting up our WiFi this trip, so we will be linked to the interwebs soon.

The Stars are Against Me

2011-10-07T09:26:00.000-05:00

Aargh,,,, I got up this morning feeling bad,,,I have popped some Claritin and some Aleve and I am hoping for best. I have so much work to do and since Mr Bankerchick was laid up last week with a wonky ankle and could not walk.We are so behind. We want to take a load of furniture to Missouri and be back by the end of the month, If this turns into the real thing I am sunk.
Лука was the picture of health this week so it is not something I picked up from him. I just hope I have not left behind a bug for him. Mommy and Ta Ta beware, start the vitamin C!

When I got home yesterday, the dogs had missed me. I was showered in kisses and wiggling butts. Totes has not left my side since, and I have two permanent shadows.

Passages

2011-10-07T01:02:00.000-05:00

This week we were asked to take you somewhere. Where, was up to us -fiction or creative nonfiction- but we were asked to use our words to paint the setting as vividly as possible, in 200 words. I love the opportunity to work on fiction.

She opens her eyes, and a blinding white light causes her to flinch. The light seems to intensify and she blinks again. What appears to be a bright light is the metallic incandescence of the walls that surround her. It is a small enclosure that seems not to have a door or windows, yet she smells a crisp whiff of ozone. perfuming the air. She raises her head and sees that she is lying on a cold metal bench in the middle of the room. Not restrained, she sits up looking and listening for clues to where she is. Planting her feet on the floor, she could feel a humming vibration coming from outside the room. She crosses the room to the luminous wall and puts her hand out to touch it and is knocked to the floor from a charge running through her body. The walls begin to shimmer. then disappear. The crisp air she breathed in the chamber is replaced by a damp foul odor. Dark passages lead off in three directions and from the middle passage she hears heavy footsteps moving in her direction. Perspiring she wonders aloud, "What is this madness?"

My sound track

2011-10-05T23:59:00.000-05:00

Think Geek- Personal Soundtrack T-Shirt

I am visiting in Santa Barbara and enjoying myself immensely. I am here with my 2 Darling Daughters and my grandson Лука. An amazing thing about Лука is, that when he goes about his life, he has a sound track that is quite audible, Of course there are the usual "boy sounds" air planes flying, trains running and tooting, and moist raspberries slurping off his tongue. However he is very musical as well. Sometimes its the Wheels on the Bus, or You are my Sunshine, even the theme song from Jaws, other times it is a Serbian Ditty, or it is just sounds of humming, words not necessary. His life right now is a continuous narrative with music and singing and dancing, he is only quiet when he sleeps.

Лука's pleasure in music and song reminds me that we all have soundtracks that run in the background of our lives that include music and song that we love. Muzak of a different kind. My music is not just one song, it includes Classical, Rock and Roll and even Country. Favorite singers are Pavoratti, Chuck Berry, or the Dixie Chicks. Mr Bankerchick's song is Devil with the Blue Dress On, mine is my grandson singing You are My Sunshine.

The Prompts this week:
1.) Share a disagreement you’re having with someone and let your readers be the judge!
2.) Tell us about your song.
3.) Share a Halloween craft.
4.) Slow dancing with boys…talk about one of your first school dance experiences.
5.) I have no idea where the following message originated from, but it’s been floating around Facebook for the past week…who does it make you think about?

Conjuring Up Memories

2011-10-04T07:24:00.000-05:00

A suffusion of light warms the sanctuary,

Azure blue mosaics rain down from the dome.

Incense permeates the air,

As the saints overlook the couple, hands raised in blessing.

I smile through my tears, my heart seems about to burst.

The chanting of the choir has stopped and the priest begins.

I do not recognize the language being spoken, but understand the meaning.

Two becoming one, my child no more, a new life together begins.

My memoir prompt this week comes from Assistant Editor Galit.

This week I want you to conjure something. An object, a person, a feeling, a color, a season- whatever you like. But don’t tell me what it is, conjure it

This is what I was conjuring.

Misty Morning-Red Writing Hood

2011-09-30T07:53:00.000-05:00

I am trying something a little different this week...Fiction!

Write on Edge/Red Writing Hood's prompt this week is to be inspired by pictures. Of the two, I chose this one and my attempt is below. Feel free to critique.

Jessica had been sitting on the cold iron bench for hours. The thick fog had turned to a mist as the darkness merged into gray. She had remained unseen by the voices and lights that had passed her in the early hours of the morning. The noises had startled her but she remained steadfast on the bench, waiting. She would not be afraid. She was not sure what she would have said or done if those voices or lights had found her in the dark. However, now as the mist lifted she knew that anyone walking by would think she was just waiting for the doors of the church to open for the first mass.

As the early light of day revealed the corners of the square, she wondered how she had been able to sit here waiting, alone. She had counted as the bells in the tower had chimed out the time on each hour and half hour. He was suppose to meet her at one o'clock and she had arrived as the clock was tolling the half hour before. She could make out the numbers on the clock face now and it was almost five am. He was not coming! She would have to leave soon if she wanted to slip back into the house, unseen by the prying eyes of her disapproving roommates. Maybe they were right.

She was profoundly disappointed that he had not come. She had been excited by their relationship, he was older and seemed glamorous, romantic and slightly dangerous. She was going to go away with him if he asked her. All night long she thought she saw him out of the corner of her eye but it was always a shadow. She had worried several times during her vigil that something might have happened to him on his way to meet her. Perhaps he had met with an accident, maybe he was delayed by traffic from Baton Rouge. Traffic at this time of the morning, nonsense! But an accident, she thought, or a mugging, was that possible? She had her cell phone with her and she had called his number but it rang through to voice mail. Where was he? He would never do this to her, something terrible had happened! He wasn't coming. Oh why was she still here waiting for him? Now she was angry!

Jessica was cold and wet as she arose from the bench and looked around the square. The lights were flickering off. There was a dog across the square turning the corner of the building sniffing, searching for some scrap of something left behind by the patrons of the cafe next door. She flinched at the sound of two pigeons arguing about the contents of a plastic bag that was left behind by a careless tourist. She heard the far away sound of trash cans being emptied. The square was coming alive but she was dying a little inside, he had not come for her. She used her silk scarf to wipe away her tears, touching her throat with her fingers, she whispered,

"Damn Vampires!"

If I were a tussy-mussy

2011-09-29T07:38:00.000-05:00

The Victorian language of flowers, sometimes called floriography, or the Japanese Hanakotoba was a means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send secret messages, allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. This would be delivered in a bouquet called a tussy-mussy. In my list below the first meaning is traditional Victorian and the second meaning is Hanakotoba.

I decided that I would find the meanings of the flowers that I am fond of and see what that says about me. These are also the flowers I would put in a bouquet, as the words that really best describe might not make the prettiest bouquet. The flowers I love and often have around me are these:

Impatiens - (balsamine) impatience

I can be very impatient when I am ready, and when I had two teenage daughters I was always ready and impatient. Now that Mr BC has slowed down because he is retired and he doesn't have to hurry, so I often am impatient again.

Azalea - Patient/Modest

Now this would seem a contradiction, however, with Лука I have a lot of patience. The Japanese meaning is probably more true, as I am modest to the point that it is hard to accept a compliment and I have worked for years to respond with thank you.

Peony - Shame,Bashfulness/Bravery

Again I prefer the Japanese version. I would like to think I
am brave. I would hate to have some Victorian send me a bouquet of peonies because I should be ashamed of something I have done. But the truth is when I have done something wrong, I sometimes have trouble saying I am sorry.

Camellia - Waiting,Longing/Unpretending Excellence

I don't like either of theses meanings, waiting=impatience
Unpretending was not even a spell check word. But I think it means not being ashamed of being excellent. Thinking back to peonies and false modesty, this one is a contradiction. However in CA there is sometimes a camellia bush in every yard, there were several in mine as a child and they are lovely flowers.

Blue Violet - Faithfulness /Honest

I would be proud to find violets in my bouquet, I remember tiny Johnnie jump-ups that use to pop up in the grass around the front porch of my childhood home. I would pick them for my dollies.

Iris Good News/Glad Tidings

I am always in the market for good news and glad tidings. I would like to report that the best good news came on Wednesday, when my first SS check was FINALLY directly deposited into my checking account. I would love to give the
glad tidings that I was going to splurge on something for myself, however, like my paychecks before I retired, it is spent already!

This post was inspired by:

The Prompts:
1.) What type of flowers would be in a bouquet that best describes you?
2.) A memorable fishing trip.
3.) Yuck. Food Poisoning
4.) 10 things you would do if you didn’t have to work.
5.) What’s your stance on ‘labeling’? Were you labeled as a child? Have you labeled your own children? How do you feel about this?

The Band Keeps Marching On

2011-09-28T09:30:00.000-05:00

sacollectables.com

We have been busy here in our California home. We have put together the calendar of moves through the end of the year and it seems as if we are leaving for Missouri again in the middle of October for a quick turn around trip. We are taking some of DD2 things and some of our things back, and not taking the dogs this time so we can make some time with our drive.

We made a trip to Salvation Army, Mr Bankerchick's favorite since his Navy days, but they seem to be closed, so we went to the new Goodwill that opened recently in the shopping center down the street. Now Mr BC likes Salvation Army to other charities, because, he said whenever his ship docked, the SA was always there with coffee and donuts for free, as they got off the ship, unlike the Red Cross which charged the sailors for the coffee and donuts. Important to guys with not much money. He also prefers them to Goodwill, because they will take everything you bring and even pick-up and Goodwill won't. But GW at the new location, took everything this time, and it is way more convenient for drop offs. With our new time constraints we need convenience. However, if we can call ahead it, will be the Salvation Army. We make a trip to the dump today and my front patio area will be clean for the first time in years. If we did not have a concrete fence around it....well I don't want to talk about it! Anyway the things out there, even the Salvation Army would not want!

We also have to make a trip to see Лука for a few days before we leave. We made a quick visit last week because we needed a Лука fix. Every time we see him, he is a different kid, he was so much fun this time because it was non-stop talk. He makes up stories as he plays, his imagination runs wild. I can sit on the floor with him and follow along, however Mr BC can't easily do that so he stretches out on the floor along side of him. This trip he was sent to the couch, albeit with a "please" because he took up too much floor space. Mr BC laughed all the way because that was his preference, we ache for days after a visit from getting up and down from the floor.

My Top Ten Fall Fashion Favorites-Shoes????

2011-09-21T09:10:00.000-05:00

Until I broke by ankle several years ago I loved my shoes, then I went into a period of ugly shoes, which I go for comfort and support rather than fashion. Since I am moving and only taking shoes that I actually wear. I have donated many of my favorites that I have not worn since the break! So once I get to Missouri this fall we can think more about these beauties. Look at the ankle support! The style! The feathers? on second thought maybe the ones I have are not so ugly agter all.

Think of the time saved by not having to match socks when you do the laundry, attached socks are the rage.

Money could be saved by creating these at home with the duct tape . Again the attached socks

Лука would like these by Givenchy. It has Lego heels

I know that my ice skating days are over, but these could make me feel that I am skating on thin ice

Perfect shoes for Missouri... all weather sandles

Do you think this would accentuate my cankles?

I always liked MaryJanes and I love boots. This is Prada

I am a little concerned about the PETA people...

Is this too minimalist?

I am not sure about these but I was fascinated by the toe.

This poat was inspired by:

This week's Prompts

1.) Your crazy in laws. (inspired by Laural Out Loud)
2.) Where I’m From poem. Copy this template and fill in the blanks. (inspired by our Bloggy Boot Camp Writer’s Workshop)
3.) Share a family favorite childhood recipe. (inspired by Apron Strings and Foodie Things)
4.) A time you felt wronged by a teacher. (inspired by Great Fun 4 Kids)
5.) Your top ten Fall Fashion favorites.

Organization? What Organization?

2011-09-18T09:19:00.000-05:00

Right now every flat surface in my house is stacked. That is SOP around here. Also every drawer is jammed packed, also standard. So since we are going to move and have a house in MO that has everything one would need to live. some paring down will need to happen in both places before we can sell this house. Luckily we only have one mortgage here in CA but we do have to sell, (It would be nice this year, but I'm sure that is a pipe dream) So right now I am getting ready to move.

The kitchen is first. I have 15 more drawers like the above just in our tiny galley kitchen. We have lived here 26 years in our starter 3 bedroom condo That tells you something about property prices in CA. With our $850 mortgage and HO fees we were not interested in moving up. Prior to that we moved around a lot every few years so I didn't have much clutter build up. Now it is all around us. And I am tackling it! Right now my big dining room table is filled with sorting boxes, the trash is full and the Salvation Army is due a delivery later this week.

By Wednesday, the kitchen needs to be finished. We are going to Santa Barbara then for some well deserved Grandson, therapy. Then the office/Mr Bankerchick's dressing room, is next if I can get the door open!

Back from Missouri

2011-09-16T18:02:00.000-05:00

This is the Before Picture-Don't have an after-Imagine neat mowing job and chain link fence

Hello I am back to the world of blogging. I have been to Missouri with Mr Bankerchick moving his MGTF back to the homestead. We managed 3 weeks without WIFI, cable or even digital TV. We did move our dvds back so we worked during the day and watched a movie at night.We also had folks over for dinner. It was nice repaying some of the invitations we have accepted over the years when we went back to visit. I love the peace and quiet of our new home and small town. It was very hot the first week, but was lovely and fall like the last week. We also accomplished getting a fence installed and the pups really loved running around a yard the size of most pooch parks.The dogs traveled well on the way back. but couldn't stand each other on the way out. Long days, short tempers and Totem argued if Gwennie wanted any attention. from me. He road the whole time to and from on my lap.

I missed out reporting on Лука's first hair cut. We spent several days in Santa Barbara before we left. DD1 is expecting a baby brother for him, in February, He is not talking about it much. We will be seeing him soon and it should be interesting if he is acknowledging it yet. DD1 sent the ultrasound video and it was amazing. We did not have that option in my day, neither did we know what we were having, though there was amnio... it was only used if necessary, so I got to wait until the delivery in order to find out what the sex was. Ahh... tecnhnology! It's nice being back, however, we have a lot to do these next 2 months before we head back with our belonging. It will probably be three more trips, as DD2 has decided to go with us. We have to sell the house in CA, come back to Santa Barbara for DD1 delivery. And there is the unrestored TR3 that has to be moved back.

On the Move

2011-08-26T11:50:00.000-05:00

Mr. Bankerchick and I have been on the road to Missouri with the dogs and I will not be posting until we get some WiFi. I will be back soon.

10 lessons My (Grand) Child Could Teach Me

2011-08-18T09:28:00.000-05:00

1.) Write a short story prompted by your favorite song.
2.) Write a proposal for a kids’show you could actually stand to watch.
3.) An awkward moment.
4.) 10 Lessons your child could teach you.
5.) The perfect hiding spot.

1. How to dance with abandon.
2. How to speak Serbian as well as English.
3. That I must listen with my full attention.
4. How to navigate a floor filled with Lego trains, matchbox cars and books and not step on them.
5. That I am not going to sit on a bench when we go to the park.
6. When one builds a tower it goes without saying to admire it quickly as it is bound to be knocked down, almost immediately.
7. One really big bubble is much more fascinating than a thousand little ones.
8. That Grandma is so funny, especially when she says OkeyDokey
9. That he does not want take a bath, brush his teeth or have sleepy time at all! Thank you very much!
10. Whether they are full body arm wrappers or he just backs into them, SNUGGLES are the best....when Лука is passing them out.

Mr BC and I are visiting in Santa Barbara this week and enjoying the Grandson. He is an whole new little boy every time we visit. He got his haircut yesterday and he is not a baby anymore.

Writers Workshop

2011-08-11T10:11:00.000-05:00

The Prompts:

1.) The Police said it best when they said, “Every breath you take/And every move you make/Every bond you break, every step you take/I’ll be watching you”. Write about a time you believed someone was watching you.
2.) If you had the opportunity to throw a dream party for your closest family and friends, describe what that would look like.
3.) Opinion post:Write about how you feel about cussing in blog land? Acceptable? Unacceptable? Do you keep reading?
4.) Write a poem about your childhood to the beat of a Jump Rope rhyme. Example here.

5.) I sometimes laugh when I’m uncomfortable…or being yelled…or in church…or at a funeral. Write about a time when you laughed at an inappropriate time.

Mr BankerChick and I were attending a funeral of a relative by marriage. I did not know the deceased, but did know the family. When we arrived at the funeral home and were seated, in the back thank goodness, we noticed that room was set up where the coffin was on a dias behind a curtain. I was newly married and living in a new community, and actually had not attended many funerals in my life, so I was trying to maintain a degree of solemnness and I was not really "feeling it" I told Mr BC that it looked like we were attending a play with the deceased in the starring role.

The music raises we settle back and SWOOSH the curtains open and there he was. I still maintain that he was sitting up in the coffin, Mr BC says he was raised up a little more than usual. Either way, I was startled and started to giggle, Mr BC shushes me grinning. I reach for a tissue, trying but failing, to suppress the giggles. Every time we would look at each other we start over. I finally got up and stepped into the LOBBY. I am not sure if anyone other than Mr BankerChick's mom saw our reactions. But I always think of this as a time that I laughed 'til I cried.

Other women in my Лука's Life

2011-08-09T20:40:00.000-05:00

Of course there is Mama, she is his first love and definitely not an other woman. They are at a birthday in the park for Mia.

Baba Lelia his Лука's California Baba she loves him as if he was her grandson.

This is Tamara his Au Pair. She is here from Serbia and will be here one more year.

Mia the Birthday girl, She is one year old, and likes to hug... Лука does not like to hug little girls even if it is her birthday!

So it is his best girl's lap that he finds security from Hugging Girls

Grandma and Grandpa Bankerchick will be seeing him next Tuesday (in the middle of the week no less) helping Mama take care of him, since Tamara will be out of town. I can't wait!

Retirement

2011-08-06T10:01:00.000-05:00

1954 MGTF

Well the first week of retirement is under my belt and I think it went well! We are going to be moving to the Joplin area, this fall, so I have been preparing for the first of many trips back there. We tow the 2nd of Mr BC's sports cars back the week of August 22.

Yesterday we put it in our new Haulmark trailer and we are going to move our storage where the cars were stored, to a smaller unit, eventually paring it down to a trailer load or less. This will take us most of the fall. Today the news said gas would be going down, and Mr BC and I Cheered!

DD2 is seriously thinking of moving back with us. She is going to make one of the trips back with us to check out the jobs scene. It is right smack in the center of the county, so she should be able to check out jobs, in the surrounding states. I already have several bags of clothes and 2 boxes of household items for the Salvation Army, so we plan to make a delivery this weekend.

Totem found his red ball, (MAJOR OBESSION) and turned into a bit of a tyrant. I put it in a drawer last night and this morning he got up and started searching everywhere for it. It made me so sad I got it out for him again. So he is sitting next to my feet right now guarding it. I am a pushover for my dogs.

I cleaned out the hall closet and, the linen closet is next. I am focusing on closets now, so they will be ready to pack up when the time comes. If nothing else we are down sizing 20+ years in the same location. Mr BC use to move us around about every 5 years or so when the kids were small. DD1 was ready to start High School when we moved here so we settled down. Clutter happens when you stay in the same place. So we are on the move. The dining room is our staging area, and it looks like a disaster.

Mr BC made me some oatmeal for breakfast so I am off to start my day. Have a great weekend!

Book Review: A Three Dog Life

2011-08-02T09:45:00.000-05:00

Amazon.com

June of Bye Bye Pie Hosted a Book Club Review of Abigail Thomas, Three Dog Night. Here are my thoughts on this remarkable little book

Abigail Thomas has written powerfully and lovingly of her happy marriage turned upside down by her husband’s unfortunate accident in NYC. After her husband Rich is hit by a car and brain injured, this memoir chronicles her life with a man who has real no memories of the past and lives shattered in the today.

She tells of the first days when no one though he would survive, of the short time that she brought him home and he broke down into rages, and of the guilt she felt when she had to put him in a facility that deals with traumatic brain injuries.

Not only was Rich’s life drastically changed, so did Abigail’s. She writes poetically of the random thoughts her husband would relate when they were together. She speaks sadly of the times that she and Rich sit together quietly in the hospital and he would not remember who she was, then he would in the next moment say something very profound.

The Three Dog Life, also tells of the three dogs she surrounds herself with during this trying time. How they came into her life and how they helped her cope with her new reality.

I loved the poetry and beauty of this little book. Thomas is a wonderful writer. She opens to us the tragedy and joy of the new relationship she builds with Rich and of the three dogs that enhance her new life.

Day One of Phase 3

2011-08-01T08:15:00.000-05:00

It is official I am retired! I was up at 5:30 as usual, I will have to work on that. I joined Facebook this weekend and right now it is just a mystery to me. I had signed up before but it would not let me in the next time I tried to logon, so I just forgot about it. I had lots of friends and friends of friends waiting for me. I am still confused, but DD2 got me started and one of the friends was my bridesmaid and friend from college, that I lost touch with when I quit sending Christmas cards. She wrote back right away and likes to e-mail which is my preference too. I hope to keep in touch.

I dreamed last night, that I was retiring and I kept finding stuff at the office that I forgot. I actually made it home with 3 boxes of stuff sitting in my dining room. I think if I left anything at work it would not be important. Friday actually went well, I had no waterworks and the girls took me out to lunch, it was nice. I imagine at some point it may hit me, but right now it is just affecting the pocketbook buddgeting and my irritable bowel. It probably would be better if I could cry more, I would probably have fewer anxiety dreams.

Well, on to phase 3, we are going grocery shopping on a weekday and to the movies on Wednesday afternoon, for the senior special. Mr Bankerchick wants to see Cowboys and Aliens. I have a pile of laundry and I am going to do it on a weekday too. Such luxury this retirement!

Writers Workshop: The Boss

2011-07-28T07:15:00.000-05:00

1.) A moment your realized your child was growing up.

2.) Amy Winehouse died. Another name amidst a growing list of talented celebrities lost to addiction. Your reaction.
3.) What do you miss most about the school year?
4.) Share a favorite craft or game that will keep your kids busy for at least 20 minutes.
5.) Write a post where the first and last sentence contain any form of the word “boss.”

Monday, my boss took me and the other trainers to dinner at Northwoods Inn. It is one of my favorite places to eat and a great place to go for celebrations and we were celebrating my birthday and my retirement.

On the previous Thursday, in our management meeting I was given a party and presented with retirement gifts. We talked about what the Center was like in the early days, and we reminisced about all of the good times and a lot of the folks said some nice things about me too. I trained many of them when they first came to work at the Phone Bank.

I have worked with many of these folks for over 25 years and I will miss not seeing them everyday, but I won't miss the work. I have seen many of them grow into the positions they hold now and that includes the young man who, started as a phone banker and now holds the position of my boss!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T07:32:00.000-05:00

New Mexico Sky

The Forever 27 Club

2011-07-26T12:14:00.000-05:00

http://www.bandmark.com/

I heard something interesting on the radio on the way to work this morning about Amy Winehouse. Now I can’t say I am a fan of Amy Winehouse, I have only heard her music in the last few days and she did have an amazing voice.

The only reason I knew her name is because of entertainment stories of her significant drug use. She seemed destined to meet an unhappy end. However, she joined an interesting group of musicians who died at the age of 27, sometimes called the 27 club or the Curse of the 27. It includes Brian Jones, Jimi Hendriks, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain, all names I remember or recognize. According to Wikipedia, there are 40 more whose names I don’t recognize so much, that have died at 27 since 1908. The causes of death can best be described, as they did for Brian Jones, as”death by misadventure.” It is an amazing phenomenon.
These talents definitely died too young.

My DD2 thinks that 27 is a significant time in a young person’s life. At least for her, she claims that her whole outlook on life changed about the time she was 27 years old. When I think about it my life changed a lot in my mid 20’s as well. That was when Mr BC and I started our family. So DD2 may have a point about 27 being a significant milestone in a young person’s life.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-07-25T08:37:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of FreeExtras.com

It's my Birthday and there is no crying around here. 64 years and no more Mondays after this....at least for work. Now it is one more Friday! I am being taken out to dinner by my boss and my work team tonite for birthday and retirement. More to come.

The Homestead

2011-07-24T18:42:00.000-05:00

A side yard view of the Homestead

Mr Bankerchick is still in MO today but he leaves for California tomorrow
morning. The next trip will be the week of August 22 to take the MGTF
back along with a few boxes of things we plan to move back there. We aquired this house when Mr BC's mom passed away in Feb. of 2010. She left the property in trust for us. His sister and her husband were living with her when she passed as she was in poor health.

They moved back to their own home in December and it has been sitting empty all winter, except for Mr BC's quarterly visits to check on things and move auto's back. It is completely furnished so we are not going to bring a lot of stuff back. We are leaving the appliances, getting rid of a king-sized bed (old) selling the dining room table. Mainly taking our clothes, some kitchen stuff, bedroom furniture, office furniture and other things that are important to us after 40 something years of marriage. Lots of things going to Salvation Army and many of our belongings are worn but still in good shape.

It is a small and cottage-like, with a rock facade. His folks put in the garage addition at the back including a second bath and a utility room several years ago. The downstairs has the one bedroom. The upstairs is the size and footprint of the downstairs and completely open. So essentially it is 2 bedrooms, 2 bath. We have many plans and upgrades for it when we finally sell here in CA. It will be a great retirement project for us.

Inspired by Yellow

2011-07-21T06:44:00.000-05:00

Yellow is the Color of My True Love's Hair. Yes Mr Bankerchick, is was a brunette, however for the past 2 and 1/2 years there is another True Love. It was love at first sight, even though it was not yellow at first sight. Лука looks so much like his dad through the eyes and by his mannerisms, that it is sometime hard to see DD1in him, but, because of his bright blond hair and blue eyes, you know he is his mother's child too. Especially in profile, and with his smile and dimple I see DD1.

They have the same coloring, mouth, blue eyes and dimple on the left side of their face.

Since he was one year old and younger he was a towhead

Even in late afternoon with Grandpa Bankerchick he is blond

These were the waves before his haircut

And this is all the love you need in the world

This is the cheek where the dimple resides and his hair cut makes him look like a big boy

1.) The simple things…

2.) Write an entry inspired by the word: Yellow.
3.) A memorable sporting event.
4.) Sex education! How old were you when you learned about the birds and the bees? Who taught you? Describe that experience.
5.) This month the theme of Oprah’s magazine is intuition…write about a time your instincts were wrong.

On the road again!

2011-07-16T12:31:00.000-05:00

Well that is; Mr Bankerchick is on the Road. He left Wednesday, for a fast trip to Missouri. He is taking his '72 MGB to the homestead. We have three of these trips to make to just to get his classic cars back there. It will probably take 6 months to 'move' the Bankerchicks, also we eventually have to sell the California property to finalize this move.
This trip is to move the car and to get an estimate for fencing in the rest of the yard, for the puppies. When, we actually get the fence in might be problematic for us as contractors are very busy with re-building of the city of Joplin. We shall see.
The next trip we will be moving the MGTF and some boxes of stuff and I get to go as I will be officially retired. We are going to take the puppies and stay for a couple of weeks to, hopefully have the yard fenced! I am glad to be going to be able to help Mr BC drive. He has been making all of his trips to MO alone, and I am always worried about him driving alone. He had a flat tire on the cargo trailor this trip. But he arrived tired but fine, yesterday.

You know you are old when:

2011-07-14T07:46:00.000-05:00

This weeks writing prompt is: Share a joke that always makes you laugh. I never tell jokes because I can't remember them and this has been true since before I got old. A lot of OLD jokes have been filling up my e-mails lately and they are funny.....sometimes.....Here are the ones that make me laugh.

You know you are old when:

Going braless pulls all the wrinkles out of your face.

"Getting a little action" means I don't need to take any fiber today

Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the guys with the Live Doppler 10,000.

In a hostage situation, you are likely to be released first.

You know you're a grown-up because you groan every time you get up.

It takes a couple of tries to get over a speed bump.

It's harder and harder for sexual harassment charges to stick.

Many of your co-workers were born the same year that you got your last promotion.

No one expects you to run into a burning building.

The twinkle in your eye is only the reflection of the sun on your bifocals.

There's nothing left to learn the hard way.

Things you buy now won't wear out.

When getting lucky means you find your car in the parking lot.

When happy hour is a nap.

When you have a choice of two temptations and you choose the one that will get you home earlier.

When you realize that caution is the only thing you care to exercise.

You finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart

You and your teeth don't sleep together.

At the breakfast table you hear snap, crackle, pop and you're not eating cereal.

AND THEN THERE IS THIS ONE.

Some 15 year old girlfriends decided to meet for dinner. They discussed where to eat and finally agreed on McDonald's next to the Sea Side Restaurant because they only had $6.50 between them and Bobby Bruce, the cute boy in science class, lived on that street.

10 years later, the same girlfriends, now 25-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because it had free snacks, there was no cover charge, the beer was cheap, the band was good and there were lots of cute guys.

10 years later, the same girlfriends, now 35-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because the combos were good, it was near the gym and if they went late enough, there wouldn't be many whiny little kids.

10 years later, the same girlfriends, now 45-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because the martinis were big and the waiters wore tight pants and had nice buns.

10 years later, the same girlfriends, now 55-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because the prices were reasonable, it had widows which opened (in case of hot flashes), the wine list was good and fish was good for their cholesterol.

10 years later, the same girlfriends, now 65-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because they had an Early Bird Special and the lighting was good.

10 years later, the same girlfriends, now 75-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because the food wasn't too spicy and it was handicapped accessible.

10 years later, the same girlfriends, now 85-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because they'd never been there before.

1.) Write about a time you had to crawl through a window. (inspired by Barb from Half Past Kissin’ Time)

2.) List of 10 shows you’re glad have seen their last day.
3.) A bad day.
4.) Share a joke that always makes you laugh.
5.) On a piece of paper write down something that makes you happy…take a photo of your paper and wa la…there’s your post.

Two more Mondays

2011-07-12T05:21:00.000-05:00

Well retirement is looming on the horizon. I have started to have anxiety dreams about it. I am trying not to go into short-timer mode, I have to admit that I sometimes say "Screw it, I don't have to do that anymore." However, I am in the middle of my last class and have to have these folks ready to move on.
My most common dream is I am at home, sometimes the kids are little, sometimes I am just watching TV, it is afternoon and I realize I should be at work and I haven't let my boss know that I am not coming in and I don't have a good excuse for not being there. I try to call and I can't dial the number, or I or the phone doesn't work. The one I had this weekend, I actually got hold of my boss and he said ominously "I know what this is all about." I had the impression I would be fired since I didn't come in.....Oh my!
I went to Santa Barbara this weekend to see the grandson after about a month, and of course, he has turned into a different kid. He is a solid little boy and looks like he is 3 or 4 instead of 2 and a half, and goodness he can talk; in two languages even. He sure loves his gamma and grandpa. It was a real boost to see him after 3 weeks of being sick. We always have to leave early on Sundays to beat the traffic and I miss him the minute we get on the freeway. I look forward to coming up in the middle of the week and staying an extra day if I want. And especially not having to call the boss about not coming into work.

Evelina, History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World

2011-07-02T09:21:00.000-05:00

I recently completed a group read over at The Duchess of Devonshire's Gossip Guide of Evelina, it is a novel written by English author Frances Burney and first published in 1778. My stalking of Jane Austen this year has sent me to all things 18th Century, and the Gossip Guide.
I was aware from my reading of Jane Austen's memoirs and biographies that Fanny Burney had some influence on JA. It was subscribed to, by her family and her books are referred to in her letters. I wrote a little about the relationship here.
Evelina was written in the form of letters primarily to her foster father, the Reverend, Mr Villars but also to other characters in the book. She was an orphan of dubious heritage, raised lovingly and sheltered by Mr Villars.When she is seventeen, he is convinced by Lady Howard to let her visit her at Howard Grove. That visit ultimately leads her on a journey to London and the seaside near Bristol, growth and romance. This is a sentimental example of early romanticism, definitely not a bodice-ripper. Her adventures lead her ultimately to that happy ending.
This is not Jane Austen, While a good writer, Burney was limited in her characterizations by the viewpoint of the letters of Evelina. You are looking at life through the eyes and sensibilities of a seventeen year old. You also have to look at this book as historical satire. Many of the absurd characters and situations were somewhat overblown and seemed contrived. Evelina is embarrassed by Captain Mirvan and Madam Duval. Her new found relatives are social-climbing boors. and the hero Lord Orville bears little resemblance to Mr Darcy or Captain Wentworth, except in Evelina's eyes.
The story is compelling and by book two, I was hooked. I tried to stay to the timeline of the group read, but found myself reading ahead to see what happens next. There are several plot twists, a young man who tries to commit suicide, a seeming uncaring birth father, a repugnant French grandmother, and may other cads, fops and ne'er-do-wells. It is not a hard read, especially if you are familiar with literature of the time period. Gossip Guide has a review of an audio version you can down load here.
I liked the book, and plan to read more of Fanny Burney.

What do you find most challenging about blogging?

2011-06-30T11:35:00.000-05:00

Finding the ideas for posts. It is easy when we are busy, I can write about a trip to Santa Barbara to see the grandson. We got a travel trailer to….Travel, and I thought I could write about that, too. As I am getting older I find I have just enough energy to get up in the morning, go to work and come back home. So this is why I stopped blogging the first and the second time. Just not enough interesting things going on in my life to write about, I thought. Now that retirement is a month away, and we will be moving back to Missouri. Presumably, I will have other things to occupy me, and I know I can write about that; but still are my goals specific enough? Why do I want to write? As fascinating as our retirement will be for us and maybe our kids, it still might be hard to find things to write about. So I started looking at the writing blogs. What a concept…! I found Mama Kat! She has a weekly prompt challenge, which, I decided to do every week no matter what else I write about.

How many times I tell myself on Tuesday, well there isn’t any thing for me there. It’s Mommy stuff or since I don’t have a wry sense of humor. (Mr Bankerchick would say none) I doubt anyone would think I was funny or smart or whatever. But I force myself to write something from the list. Then I follow instructions and read the three prompts ahead of me. I have checked out some good blogs many that I have gone back to during the week. I actually have some followers. So it works for me. She also has the prompt generator, which I use for other ideas. I actually have 3 postings that I am perfecting for publication, once I find pictures for them. That's another retirement goal, to get ALL of my picture, and my mom's pictures scanned so I can post something of interest for the kids, and grandkids, some day

The past two weeks have been harder than usual, as I joined the ranks of the living dead. I have had a virus that shot me down and also used up all the rest of the PTO I had saved for a nice payout when I retired. Great Plans gone, but I was glad not to take unpaid time off. But today I am much better and have joined the land of the living. Although, I will have to assume nursing duties for Mr Bankerchick who has been laid low.

This weeks prompts are:

1.) Describe a memorable first date.
2.) Write about a child you find inspiring.
3.) What do you find most challenging about blogging?
4.) Name a pet peeve you have about how other parents raise their kids. Go on…stir the pot.
5.) We often spend time and energy talking about people in our lives we don’t see enough of. Describe a person in your life you are in contact with often. What does he/she mean to you?

Where in the World?

2011-06-23T08:34:00.000-05:00

It was pretty hard to work up enthusiasm this week to write so I didn't. I've been visiting blogs and commenting but I thought I was too sick to write and would just pass this week. Then I thought I would write something wonderful about my husband. (prompt 5) Then I decided I would just go to Mama Kat and read and comment, then I decided to write a little about Prompt 5 and 6. So here it goes. Please enjoy my hoarse and scratchy throat.

Mr Bankerchick and I are a good match. We are not perfect by any means but a good match. We like much of the same things, with history being up there at the top of the list. When my folks retired they wanted to travel and they did, probably not the way my dad wanted to as he did not like to Fly. That would have limited them to the western hemisphere, any place dad could drive, and Mom wanted to go to exotic locals. so they went to see the world and Dad got on airplanes. We decided that since we did not mind flying we would travel in our retirement too.

While we worked at raising kids and living life pre-retirement. I always admired Mr Bankerchick's resilience. I had an opportunity to take a cruise with my Mom, after Dad died, of the Mediterranean Greece and Turkey. Wow that was great and Mr BC said sure of course you should go! And so I did, even knowing that he would have given his right arm to go too, but, we didn't have the money to spend on trips, girls in college, etc. And we would never have asked for Mom to pay for his way too!

DD2 went to spend a semester London and he provided the miles and rewards so I could go for a few days to visit her, He stayed home to work, traveling for his job to less than exotic locals, and I went to London, Wow what a great trip. Another place he would have given his right arm to visit. So England is a place I would like to return to, so Mr Bankerchick can see it too. And we are going to do it too! We also want to visit spots in Europe as well. When he was working for Toyota, we won a two week trip to Japan and he went to Korea for business. So with Asia being taken care of to our satisfaction, MEH! We will travel to Europe and travel to places here in the good ol' USA as well.

The Prompts:
1.) List 10 things you wish you could say to strangers who share unsolicited advice about your parenting skills.
2.) Write a poem inspired by a picture you took last week. Share both!
3.) Create a bucket list of 50 things you want to do this summer (with or without the kids!)
4.) A country you would like to visit.
5.) What is something you could stand to learn from your significant other?
6.) Getting kids dressed? Cooking dinner? Bed time? Create a video that describes the most difficult part of the day for you.

Mama Kats Writer's Workshop

2011-06-16T17:19:00.000-05:00

The prompt:

If social media died tomorrow, describe another hobby you might get into.

The only social media I currently use is Blogging and I guess e-mail, and I will be doing it mainly to keep in touch after I retire. I have plenty of time for hobbies even if it all died tomorrow since I am old and remember how to write letters and put it in the mailbox, I would start doing that, and I would probably journal, instead of blog, to let my kids and grandson, know what Grandma was thinking about. Mr Bankerchick is on Facebook and I might do it as well, since, friends at work are on it and they all say I should.

One thing I would like to learn once I retire, is more from a DIY standpoint. I would love to take a carpentry class, to learn to measure twice and cut once. My Grandpa was a carpenter, as was my uncle. I think it might be in the genes and I would love to learn some skills.

The Prompts:

1.) Girls Night Out! Describe the last time you got to hang out with your friends? What stops you from doing this more often?

2.) If Social Media died tomorrow, describe another hobby you might get into.

3.) Share a Summer Camp memory.

4.) We’re too old to be getting in trouble…aren’t we? Write about a time you were scolded…as an adult.

5.) Barefoot and hormonal…describe an incident that upset you when you were pregnant, but now looking back makes you laugh.

The ABC's of Me

2011-06-13T12:44:00.000-05:00

I picked this up from PUMPKIN DELIGHT,

Age: 64 July 24th. Then, early retirement. So I have to admit to it at least to Social Security.

Bed Size: California King, we will downsize to a Queen when we move, the room isn’t big enough for the King.
Chore you hate: Floors, my feet have to stick to them or company is coming before I do anything.
Dogs: Gwennie and Totem
Essential start of your day: Sitting down after getting the coffee started and getting kisses from Totem and butt wiggles from Gwennie, then Mr. Bankerchick telling me that I make the best coffee!
Favorite Color: Right now it is coral
Gold or silver: Diamonds
Height: 5’ 3”
Instruments I play or have played: Violin in fourth grade, thank goodness mom knew me well and only rented the violin for 3 months.
Job Title: Trainer of twenty somethings, one of the reasons I am retiring, I don’t understand them….?
Kids: Two grown daughters and one lively grandson.
Live: Life one day at a time-In Southern California
Mom’s Name: Norma Jean, Hated Norma, preferred Jeannie
Nickname: Katydid, by my dad who got it from my initials KD.
Overnight hospital stays: With both of my daughters
Pet Peeve: WHINING!
Quote from a movie: “Have fun stormin’ the castle, boys!” The Princess Bride
Right or left handed: Right
Siblings: One brother, seven years younger and balder than me.
Time you wake up: 6:00 am ever since I had children, I have not been able to sleep late. Even after they were grown.
Underwear: Always!
Vegetables you dislike: Okra, No, there is no possible way it can be cooked that would be edible, so shut-up!
What makes you run late? Blogging or playing games on the computer.
X-rays you’ve had done: Mammograms, broken ankle and foot, a pesky pothole, chest, to rule out broken rib. Dental, I have more crowns than anybody put the dentist’s kids through college.
Yummy food you make: Mexican Food
Zoo animal: Koala Bears and Red Pandas. Any baby animal!
Your turn!

Proud Night for Mom and Dad

2011-06-12T21:32:00.000-05:00

I can do It.....and she did!

Last night we celebrated DD2 graduation from CalPoly. She graduated with a double major in Psychology and Theater and we are proud of her achievement. This has taken some time. The first time around she went to college right after high school and struggled with, mom and dad's desire for a college degree and her lacked the enthusiasm to complete it. There is something to the British gap year before starting university! So she went out to the working world for several years. Of course we worried she might not go back, however, her Gap Years, allowed her to see that there were things she wanted that a college education could achieve for her.

She has a part-time job as an advocate for children with a non-profit organization and working with not for profit companies seems to be the way she will start out her career. There may be further education down the road. However, it was a pleasure to watch her celebrate the end of her last class as an undergraduate. Mr Bankerchick did the same thing when he ended his last class and he said it would be good..
We went to Buca di Beppo's with her and two of her best friends from High School and their significant others and had the best time! It was great to see her feel happy about her great achievement.

Writers Workshop: Bankerchick Almost Partied Instead

2011-06-09T07:38:00.000-05:00

This week's Writing Prompts are:

1.) Last week you chose a 6 word memoir to share…this week elaborate. Tell us the story or thought process behind the sentence you wrote.
2.) Write a dramatic synopsis of a memorable day in your life, as if it was a movie or TV series.
3.) Describe what you think your life would be like if you had never had kids.
4.) In honor of the “white” after Memorial Day rule, name a fashion rule that you either break or enforce.
5.) Share a memorable road trip story!

A 60's Love Story Synopsis
The Backstory: On the previous Monday, one of our heroines friend and p Ω sisters tells her that, through her boyfriend, she had met a guy that she thought was perfect for our heroine. He was cute and sweet; however he was in the Navy. The friend had spoken of our heroine to, said cute guy on Sunday. However, because said sailor, had been on a blind date with a friend of a friend, which had not gone well. Our hero was dubious and wanted to meet this perfect girl first. Our heroine is somewhat, unconvinced after all, he is military, and she had not too long before, gone out with another member of the Armed Forces, emphasis on arms with roving hands attached. Because of that experience our heroine also wants to check him out before committing to anything. After all there is a Frat Mixer Friday night.

Michael Kors mod

Act 1

Scene 1:

The time is April 1966.

The scene is a college dining hall; The Association is playing on the Juke Box.

Our heroine is sitting at 2 tables pushed together; wearing her favorite gold ribbed long sleeved shirt and a mini-skirt. She is surrounded by her usual group of friends and nervously looking around her as if she is ready to flee at any moment. Friends glance at her knowingly. She is drumming her fingers, uncertain why she agreed to this. She is still slightly miffed that she has to be inspected like so much steak. On top of that she has to leave for a class at one o’clock. Her friend arrives at last, with her boyfriend and to her relief our hero-sailor is dressed in appropriate civvies (this is you know, right in the middle of Viet Nam and is a college campus) Introductions are made. He is cute, a little shy; he seems to be admiring her approvingly. There is conversation around them as they sit across the table stealing glances of one another. Little is said between them, only smiles and polite laughter. It is awkward.

One o’clock fast approaches, as our heroine looks down at her watch. She leans over to whisper to her friend. What is going on, did she meet with approval, because she has to go to class? Her friend says go…I’ll let you know. Our heroine shrugs, picks up her books, says her goodbyes and leaves, thinking….the party will be fun! Exit.

Scene 2: After class, in the dining hall.

Our heroine arrives at the table after class. The Association is still playing on the Juke Box and the sailor-hero is still there, along with her friend and the boyfriend. Hero rises and pulls out her chair. That is good she thinks. As she sits down the friend says, “We thought we would all go to a movie tonight, if that is all right with you?” Our heroine smiles and indicates affirmation. Then she discovers the rest of the plan. She will have to drive, as sailor-hero drives a 2 seated sports car(humm) the boyfriend rides a motorcycle, and her friend doesn’t have a car. She groans inwardly. In 1966 America, girls don’t drive on dates, especially on a blind double date. This of course, will change as women become more liberated and start to burn their bras. However, it is somewhat mortifying to our heroine, who now would now rather go to the party. Too late.

Act 2…..

Scene 1: 1965 Datsun

Our heroine meets everyone at the indicated pick-up spot and the date proceeds to a drive-in movie theater. Our heroine makes sailor-hero drive into the theater as she will not be seen driving. This is a personal humiliation for him as he drives a late model MGB and this was a 1965 Datsun sedan. He smiles and never will let on until the sequel. It ends well with sailor-hero finding his voice and they talk and kiss during the second movie (this is 1966 Double Features). While friend and boyfriend make out noisily in the backseat. At the end of the evening a date is made for Sunday afternoon and the rest as they say, will make a great sequel.

Where I'm from

2011-06-07T19:20:00.001-05:00

I poke around the interwebs looking for ideas to improve my writing and I found this idea. If you don't know where you're from, you'll have a hard time saying where you're going. The writing template and more can be found at this site Where are you from?

I am from freeways and sunshine, from Evening in Paris Perfume and McDonalds over one million sold.
I am from post WWII look-a-like bungalows, stucco walls, green lawns smelling like mowed grass and dandelions.
I am from pink camellias, humming birds and English walnut, once flourishing in groves now languishing one per front yard.

I am from Anglo-Saxon stock, farmers come to California, not during the depression, but after the war. I come from Harry and Inez, Earl Dean and Norma Jean.
I am from the son who went to college on the GI Bill and the daughter of a neglectful mother and an alcoholic father; she never looked back, and became a loving wife and mother.

I am from the fundamentalist roots of total immersion, communion every Sunday, no dancing, Christianity of my mother’s family, merged with Dads “I am not my brother’s keeper” and there IS something bigger that all of us... version of Christianity.
I am from “clean your plate there are hungry children in Korea” admonitions and the Duck and Cover Generation. Baby Boomer extraordinaire!
I am from, a returning marine and Oklahoma farm boy and a California native daughter. We sat down, together, to dinner of meat and potatoes and pie every night and to Grandma’s every Sunday fried chicken for lunch.

I am from... a fraction of Grandpa’s stubbornness and Grandma’s short and square. I am from a component of Dad’s love of reading and never quite being wrong. I am a fragment of Mom’s love of talking at the top of her voice.
I am from family; always important, always forgiving, never divided, always fun. I am from family, living parted, always together, always one.

Join me in the 18th Century

2011-06-02T11:29:00.000-05:00

Evelina by Fanny Burney
I am part of the group read of Evelina over at the Duchess of Devonshire's Gossip Guide . This past summer I reread some Jane Austen, and as I stalked her around the Internet I have come across some great blogs of 18th Century and actually extended my reading from Jane Austen to other characters and authors of the time.
Fanny Burney is an author of the time known to the Duchess of Devonshire and her ton whom Jane Austen read and may have been inspired by. This particular read is an epistolary novel that Jane used in some of her juvenalia and the first drafts of her more famous writings. The only novel that I know of, written in the form of letters is Lady Susan. I don't think this form of writing continued with JA writings as I don't think it leads to the character development for which Austen is so famous. Evelina is a great read and if you are interested you should go over to the Duchess's site and read more about this book and the times.

Comfort Food at its Finest: Eggs Goldenrod

2011-06-01T13:31:00.000-05:00

Photo and recipe from Allrecipes.com

From earliest memory I can see my mom making this recipe. When I learned how to make it myself I remember how easy it was to prepare. This was usually a weekend breakfast with bacon or sausage. We ALWAYS had it once in the week after Easter to use up the hardboiled eggs. It comes from a time when folks were not worried about cholesterol. My mom learned to make it in home economics and since I went to the same school with the same teacher, I learned to make it too. There is no a foolproof way to adjust it for the fat and the calories either, so while I occasionally made it for my kids, I simply do not make this anymore. However, it is very tasty and heartwarming and was the first thing that popped into my head when I read the writing prompt.
The next thing that popped in was pineapple upside down cake. Which mom only made when we were expecting visitors after church on Sunday or Wednesday evenings. It was a recipe that she could make ahead, pop in the oven when she got home and serve warm. Also it meant we got to stay up later on a school night!

Goldenrod Eggs
• 2 hard-cooked eggs

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 2 slices bread, toasted
Directions
1. Cut eggs in half; remove yolks and set aside. Chop egg whites; set aside. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.

2. Stir in egg whites; heat through. Pour over toast. Force egg yolks through a sieve to break into small pieces; sprinkle over sauce.

I am participating in Mama Kat's Writing workshop on a weekly basis and this week the writing prompts are:

1.) Six Word Memoir: Write about a significant time in your life in just six words.

2.) “One need not be a chamber to be haunted, One need not be a house. The brain has corridors surpassing material place”. -Emily Dickinson-What haunts you?

3.) Describe a talent or flaw that seems to be in your genes.

4.) What are you passionate about?

5.) Comfort food at its finest. Share a family favorite recipe you loved as a child.

She has a great prompts generator that I often use for other posts that I am not submitting for the weekly challenge.

Лука's Gramma is Funny

2011-05-29T18:23:00.000-05:00

He absolutely cracks up when I say OkeyDokey! I have spent two lovely days in Santa Barbara, visiting with Лука and of course with his Mamma and Ta Ta. This little boy is just amazing to me. Now, I know that developmentally he is at just the right age to learn more than one language, but he was playing in the playroom with his Dad, speaking Serbian and on Skype with his Serbian Baba, and then immediately runs into the dining room to Gramma and switches to English without a thought. He is so much clearer with his English and I guess with his Serbian too. They don't have cable or broadcast TV. But he does get about an hour with Netflics or UTUBE videos. Last night we watched some Peppa the Pig and watched the first half hour of Monsters Inc. in Serbian. I am amazed that I understand what is going on based on the nouns I have learned, since Лука was an infant, However, animation and music, is universal. DD1 thinks she could be a Nanny or a nursery school teacher in Serbia with all the Serbian she has picked up, she just doesn't think she could communicate with their parents in anything but elementary Serbian. I noticed on Baba's las visit though, DD1 was actually holding some conversations. I still smile and wait for translations but we take mutual joy in this small boy. We speak grandma with each other.

Writers Workshop: A New Start

2011-05-26T18:59:00.000-05:00

Starting Over

Twenty seven years I have been at your beck and your call

On time, on target, ready to give you my all.

I’ve seen mergers, recessions, the good times and bad

Tho' new systems and new hires oft left me raving and mad

I appreciate the benefits, the 401, all of the perks,

The friends, the memories, and days off from work

Nine Mondays and counting till I have a new start

No Bosses, no Schedules, no classes, no charts

Yes to gardening, remodeling, relaxing, life a la cart.

Starting over in a new home, Ready to play a new part

Missouri Skies

2011-05-25T16:47:00.000-05:00

The sky has not been as peaceful as this in Joplin lately!

With only 9 weeks left to retirement, I sent my husband off yesterday, to Tornado Alley, to move some of our belongings to our new home in the Joplin area. There were a lot of ....What Ifs... with this trip. What if he had made the trip last week, as originally planned? He would have been in the Joplin area when the Tornado hit. What if he had left on Monday instead of yesterday as planned? He would have been on I-40 about the time that tornado hit the Oklahoma City area, yesterday. With this tragedy we are greatful that no one we love and care about had their lives upset by the big one that hit Joplin. But, I am sure many of the folks we know in Carterville, are aware of friends and family, impacted by that terrible Storm.

My niece, said Monday, "Auntie Bankerchick! Really? " "You want to move there?" And it does give you pause.... Mr Bankerchick is from Carterville and I lived there for a few years with him, when we were first married and going to College. We spent a few hours during that time, in the cellar, when the warnings would come. So I know a little about storms. However, Joplin and even the entire US, has not seen a tornado season as destructive as this year. And I pray that we never have to endure the scope of this tragedy.

Every place the Bankerchicks have lived during their 44 years of marriage has seen some type of drastic conditions, Hurricanes in Florida, Blizzards in Michigan and Earthquakes in California, so yes Megan....Really! There are many ways we can meet our end and we can hope it will be in God's time, peacefully and in our own bed. In the mean time, retirement in a small town beckons, and I am eager for the challenges facing me during this great time of my life.

Eleven more Mondays...

2011-05-11T08:28:00.000-05:00

But who's counting? I have applied for Social Security online and I am waiting to get their letter to see what is next.

I have until the 17th to look over the papers from out HR retirement area, when I will speak again with Robin my specialist about some selections I have to make. July 29th will be the last day of work, just 4 days after my 64th birthday. It is all closing in fast.

I have been working hard looking busy at work for the last few weeks. I start my last new hire class on Monday for 6 weeks. Then I have another week off before I start a 2 week sales class so thank goodness I will be busy. We have been less than busy and I wonder if they will fill my position when I leave. Our merger is almost finish so things will probably be changing in the new bank that emerges.

Monday the rumor, one of many, was our center was closing. I asked one of the managers where they thought the rumor started and ...he was told by bankers that and it was......drum roll.... because all the signs in the building were taken down. He had to clarify to the bankers that was because the inside of the building was going to be painted and refurbished, not because we were going to close. We are a profitable site, however, we are in California so if we closed it would not be because the building was being painted but because it costs too much money to do banking center business in California. Business are being run out of CA because the cimate for business is not good.

I am glad to be leaving rumors and such behind.

Jackawawa Extraordinaire

2011-05-05T07:15:00.000-05:00

I am TOTEM, Jackawawa Extraordinaire and luckiest dog in Southern California. You see, I was just enjoying myself with my other family when they just disappeared from my life . I was found and sent to the Riverside Humane Society. ( a great bunch of folks but not mine) I had been there about a week when, Saturday, these three humans and another dog came in to look around. Mom initially looked at me and passed on. Then Sis came along, so I did my totem, while the Pomeranian who was sharing the room with me just barked and barked. While my totem had not worked with others, it worked with Sis and she shouted, “Dad! Come here and look at this one.” The kindest pair of brown eyes I had ever seen, shouted, “Mom, look at this! “

The Totem

I visited with the other dog first, who seemed like a nice Welsh girl, smiled a lot. We got along good, but when she told me what a great home she had and what a soft touch her people were, I knew I had to get me a piece of that…! We then were taken to a room where the five of us were able to visit. Sis, Dad and I knew we were meant for each other but I knew that I had to win over Mom and the Corgi; you see; the other dog seemed curious but aloof, but Mom had mentioned that she did not like Chihuahua’s so I leaped into Mom’s lap and kissed her face and said “I’m not a Chihuahua, I’m a lover! They were all smitten, as was I.

That was over 2 years ago and what adventures we have had. The Welsh pup is good but a little crazy she barks at garbage trucks and then thinks that just because the Queen has Corgi’s she is royalty or something. She loves her groceries just a little too much; mom is always putting her on a diet. Heh, heh.. leaving more treats for me. She also has a strange ritual with the water hose that makes me howl in frustration, don’t get any of that water on me!

Dad and Mom, took me to Missouri, right after Christmas and the chow hound had to stay home. I had Dad all to myself after Mom went home. These humans have a habit of wandering off? I looked all over for her for about a week and then contented myself to snuggling next to dad. The Royal Princess will probably like that snow better that I do, it’s wet you know, and she does have that extra layer of fat!

All in all, I think I have a great life here with these folks, they leave for a while but always come back, the food is good, when Gwynne isn’t standing over me, hoping I will leave her a bit and I sleep in the best bed in the house, right next to Dad. It really is a Dog’s Life.

Gwennie’s Rebuttal

I knew that I had said too much that first day. Especially when you jumped on everyone, including me trying to kiss-up!

Crazy, humph! I am protecting the home and hearth from great loud noises that go away if I bark loud enough! And Water /Water is keeping me hydrated. I can’t help it if your JackaWAWA ancestors come from desert climes.

Chow hound indeed! I just check out your bowl because you are so picky. A lot of food would go to waste if I did not take care of it.

I am not fond of travel, I am just a homebody. Just so you know, Mom left you and came home to me in January!

I do NOT have an extra layer of fat, I have a double coat. The next time you come sniffing around my curvy hips…well let’s just say SNAP!

A dog's life INDEED; you dog!

Writer's Workshop: Photo Story: Take a walk through your neighborhood this week and share some pictures of what Spring looks like where you live.

2011-05-04T22:58:00.000-05:00

My neighborhood this week was Santa Barbara. Mr Bankerchick and I were taking turns with a little child care for the Grandson. We have been visiting SB since 1991 when DD1 started at UCSB. She went up there for her freshman year and never came home. It was always, "I have a job for the summer" or "I am going to work on the Student News Paper and by the way I am moving to another student apartment, and it is only on the third floor, Dad!"

Graduation turned into a job with the University, then "Oh I met someone who is really important to me." Then slowly Mom and Dad realized that we had a daughter who lived in not at, Santa Barbara. She left for a three year stint at Loyola Law school, passed the Bar, got a job, in Santa Barbara and married the someone who was really important to her. Then 2 years ago she gave birth to Darling Grandson and all of our lives have changed for the good.

So this week I had a taste of what life would have been like if I had a boy instead of a girls. This was different from other times when I took care of Лука, the infant and Лука the toddler. He is all boy now, so I played Cars, I played Train and I played Blocks all on the floor. He gets up so much easier from the floor than Grandma does. I spent most of the time with aches and pains and joy!

On this day we walked to the park. Santa Barbara is so beautiful all year, but the spring is delightful. We spent some time in the sand and in the dirt and he chased butterflys. DD1 and I have special feelings about Butterflys, as my mom was very partial to them. We find many time that when we are all together and we see a butterfly that we feel that Great Grandma is with us enjoying our time with Лука.

This was the week after Easter so Лука found some glittery easter grass, holding it in his hand he was fluttering it in the air and pouncing it along the edges of the park bench. I watched for some time trying to figure out the game he was playing. Trucks, I understand, but this activity I couldn't figure out. So I asked him what he was playing. Spider, grandma, the itsy bitsy spider!We sang and I laughed and was so glad my mom was fluttering over my shoulder.

This was the view on the way to the Park.

Taking a Break

Chasing the Butterfly

Heading for Home

14 More Mondays

2011-04-27T00:27:00.000-05:00

That would have been yesterday, however since I am not at work this week, it was not a day to mark off my calendar. I am spending my days with my grandson this week and I am enjoying my time with him.

We are planning to retire in the southwest corner of Missouri. That is 1500 miles from Лука Why would we want to do that? Well its not because we don't enjoying spending time with our family. It has been our plan to move back to Mr. Bankerchick's home town and live in the wonderful old house his mother owned. It doesn't have a Mortgage and life will be a lot simpler there and the cost of living will be a lot less than Southern California. We won't be making the total move, selling our house here and packing up everything until 2012.

We spent most of January there and it was cold, but the house was cozy, and of course if it gets too cold, there is always Santa Barbara, and this way we will be able to afford travel, especially to see Лука. My blog over the next months will be about making that move as I go throught the steps till retirement.

In the meantime the 5 things I am going to do this week are:
1. Spend time with Лука.
2. Sing with Лука.
3. Build trains with Лука.
4. Make breakfast for Лука.
5. Laugh out loud with Лука.

Saturday in Santa Barbara

2011-04-24T12:05:00.000-05:00

I arrived Friday night to a welcome greeting from Лука and Mr Bankerchick, and they both had a wonderful week together. DD1 and SIL are well and had a good visit with Mr BC too. Mr. Bankerchick left Saturday morning to get back to his dogs and DD2, for a well deserved rest. I am now on the second shift. I can't wait to hear how much weight he lost as he looked thinner. DD1 cooks great and real healthy, and he was always on the go. Dr Boozer, (I love that name) will be very happy.

Saturday we went for a walk on State Street and Grandma picked up some sand toys for the park this week. We had a bit of a cry, trying to leave the toy store, because they had a train layout and Лука played there for at least 40 minutes, so we promised to get his trains setup when we got home. At 2 years old that is not a great compromise so we went to get something to drink. Tata (SIL-daddy in Serbian) came thru on his promise and in true engineering style made a great train layout.

It is amazing how well Лука speaks two languages. He speaks Serbian with his Tata, English and Serbian with his Mama and easily speaks English to Grandma and Grandpa. Truly you have to get them while they are young. DD1 has got a good grip on Serbian too and they all talk to Baba and Deda in Serbia on Skype. It is a Wonderful world in Santa Barbara!

15 More Mondays

2011-04-18T08:30:00.000-05:00

'Til Retirement!

The 5 things I am going to do this week:
1. Contact Social Security to get the process started.
2. Contact HR to get the process started.
3. Send Mr Bankerchick to Santa Barbara, for first Shift of taking care of Лука. (DD1 needs some child care help, while the au pair is on vacation in Serbia)
4. Prepare to go to SB myself to take second shift with Лука on the weekend and the next week.
5. Check-in daily to make sure Grandpa is still ambulatory as Лука is very high energy.

Sunday in the Park

2011-04-17T10:04:00.000-05:00

We took a lovely walk with the dogs last Sunday. It was a beautiful day, clear and the flowers smelled great. Mr Bankerchick, takes them everyday on this walk at the Claremont Colleges, weekends, I get to go. We start out in Claremont Village and greet all the folks having coffee or breakfast in the outdoor cafes. After the pups are admired and sniffed by the array of pooch partners in town, we move on to Pomona College, where these pictures were taken. Yesterday we took them straight to the college on 15 foot reel leashes and they went on a smell walk. They got to stop where ever they wanted and they did. Mr Bankerchick's walks are more regimented for health benefits, so they were in heaven on Saturday.

Retirement is just around the corner

2011-04-09T13:10:00.001-05:00

16 More Mondays

I was worried the Gov'ment would close down before I started my Retirement process with SS, but the clowns in congress managed to find a compromise, which we all knew they would do in the end.

We are planning on leaving California for Southwest Missouri, but that will take several months and we also have to be back for Christmas with the Grandson! I am thinking on renaming this blog or starting a new one with the lifestyle change, Since I won't be a Bankerchick any more. I will ponder that as I restart this Blog again. Things will be changing Big Time!

Dogs are fine, Kids and grandkid are Great. Mr Bankerchick is Happy, looking forward to me joining him in Retirement.

10 Things I am going to the week after I retire:

1. Sleep at least til 7am so I can get rid of my winky eye.
2. Go for a walk with my dogs every day
3. If all my junk in the front Patio has not been taken to the dump...Load the truck up and take it myself.
4. Read a book somewhere besides the train, preferably in a comfy chair.
5. Make a good breakfast for Mr Bankerchick and myself.
6. Do some corrective gardening in the front Patio, now that the junk is gone.
7. Do the some of the things I usually do on Saturday and Sunday, in the middle of the week. Grocery shopping, reading, and those things that are on my list of to dos that I make on Monday of the things I DID not do on Sat and Sun.
8. Check out all of the dates and amounts on all of my gift cards and go spend them.
9. Go up to Santa Barbara on Friday morning and stay until Tuesday aftenoon, or whenever, just so I don't have to leave Sunday before his nap.
10. Kiss my husband, and tell him I love him without rushing out the door to work!

An Austen Summer

2010-07-28T21:45:00.000-05:00

I will enjoy August, as I will be working the dayshift and can resume taking the Metrolink to work. That means it is time to re-read a Jane Austen book, haven’t decided which yet. I just finished a version of The Watsons an unfinished fragment, titled: The Watsons and Emma Watson: Jane Austen's Unfinished Novel Completed by Joan Aiken. I thought it, not very good. Once you completed Austen’s words, the rest is more like a melodrama, and not very satisfying. I have tossed it in the goodwill box. Some of the sequels, can be a fun read, if you have a good author, but, most end up a puffed up romance novel, not at all like Jane Austen. I picked up The Private Diary of Mr. Darcy, by Maya Stater, and it is a dark, sometimes amusing view of Mr. Darcy’s side of the story. It reads well because it is not trying to be an Austen novel. It is written as diary entries and looks at Regency Era hypocrisy, from an upper class point of view. It also looks at the evolution of Fitzwilliam Darcy from prideful aristocrat to a painfully introspective suitor. It parallels the Pride and Prejudice story line with only little interaction with the Bennett sisters of Meryton, and many connections with the Bingleys, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and even Lord Byron. This is much more satisfying than some of the continuations of the P & P story.

Up-Side-Down

2010-07-27T21:32:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful weekend with Лука. When we picked him and his mom and dad up at the airport he was quietly sitting in his car seat looking around. He spotted Gramma and Grandpa and a big smile came on his face. Thank goodness he still remembered us! Of course he did, but in the back of your mind you think since the time seemed so long for us, he must have had such adventure as to forget the everydayness of Southern California. He had a rather up-side-down weekend getting over the time difference from Serbia. Saturday morning at 3:00 am he apparently was looking for Gramma down the hallway. Ah yes, he remembers me! But my time is not up-side- down, and gratefully his folks let us sleep, for they knew that we would have charge of him during his up-side-down daylight hours, so they could sleep. We spoke to DD1 last night and he almost slept thru the night, woke at 3:00 am, took a drink of mieko, (did I mention he was bilingual?) and slept till 8:00am. Things should get back to normal and harmony restored.

HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN!

2010-07-21T12:26:00.000-05:00

Well I arrived (finally) Saturday at about 3pm. Mr Bankerchick was glad to see me. My flight out of Roanoke was at 6:24 AM, and when I got to the airport, the flight was cancelled. After waiting my turn I was rescheduled for 10AM and got on a tiny little airplane to Chicago. I had to run (walk very fast) for my connection for LAX. I do not like to travel by air. It was a long day and I was tired. Totes and Gwinnie were glad to see me, all jazz hands and wiggling bunnie butt. I have worked for 2 days and now I have the rest of the week off. WooHoo!

Thursday we are going to pick up Лука, DD1 and SIL at LAX on their return from Serbia, and head up to spend a few days in SB. Hopefully, we can be of some help as they recover from jet lag. I will be glad to see my Darling Grandson. I am looking forward to big hugs and cuddles, once he is able to relax at home. That is a really long flight for a very little boy.

A trip to Mayberry

2010-07-13T10:14:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
I spent my last weekend in Virginia driving south on the BlueRidge Parkway to Roanoke and Mt Airy, NC. The picture above is Pilot Mountain (Mt Pilot) It was a beautiful drive and I hope to bring Mr Bankerchick back for some real touring and camping. Mt Airy, NC is a lovely small town, the birth place of Andy Griffith, and setting for the fictitious Mayberry. It has a small museum dedicated to Andy with memorabilia from his career. I also went to the Market Square in Roanoke, a large market and craft center every weekend. Had lunch in a smart restaurant 202 Market and had Paella for lunch, the chef was making it right at the street in a HUGE skillet and it was delish, all for $10.00.

Missed the moving earth!

2010-07-08T11:45:00.000-05:00

I am still in Virginia and missed the earthquake at home, it was located in the Imperial Valley, but was felt in many areas of Southern California, and didn't do too much damage. We hear the big one is coming, however, the media seems to be the ones who make the biggest fuss when we get something over 4. We then hear about earthquake WATCH and hear testimonies from all over about how much they were shook up. I am glad I missed that. Now when it happens on the east coastlike last month, that is more interesting !

Photo by:
http://www.woodrowwilson.org/visit
I had a great weekend, I visited Woodrow Wilson's birthplace in Staunton, Va on Saturday. I took the house tour and it was very interesting. He was born in 1858 and elected President in 1912. I have always thought from a historical perspective he was an admirable person. Certainly, a progressive 20th Century man.
photos from Wikipedia
I would like to share my own photos, but can't seem to download them.

Three Day Weekend!

2010-07-02T10:32:00.000-05:00

Well, week Two is almost over and I am ready to do my Friday Happy Dance. I am half done with the month of training, and another 2 weeks seems daunting. I miss Mr Bankerchick and the pups. I had the opportunity to fly home this weekend, however, the flight here was long and tiring and I am not sure it would be worth the wear and tear to go home to California for a 24 hour visit. So I am staying to spend the 4th in the land of our forefathers. I have some plans for the weekend and have a lot of options for history and fireworks.

I just revamped the blog and lost all of my comments,,,,,oh well what can you do? I am not sure about the choice so I am going to live with it a while and see. I am thinking a cool dark background will show the pictures off better so it might be different next week. I don't want to lose my comments many more times

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Лука is off to Serbia

2010-06-30T10:52:00.000-05:00

Darling Grandson was off to Serbia to see his Baba and Deda. Grandpa Bankerchick is jealous that now even his DG has gone to Europe. This is Лука first trip abroad and DD1 said he managed the flight very well. Airplanes are his particular passion and he could barely be constrained during the security part of the trip. His mommy is not sure he really understood he was actually in an airplane, but the picture clearly indicated he was delighted to have a Grand Adventure, I had a surprise Skype visit with him on Sunday and he was clearly not jet lagged. His grandparents have some of SIL's toys saved and he was playing with his autos. He is going to be bi-lingual as Dad speaks to him in Serbian and English. He seems to pick the word that is easiest to pronounce, so we are all learning a bit of Serbian. My guess after a month with his Baba and Deda,(Serbian grandparents) he will be speaking a little more Serbian when he gits back, more for me to learn. Baba and Deda spend the winters in Santa Barbara and he has not seen them since March, so he will have a great time.

What a cute boy!

2010-06-29T11:51:00.000-05:00

This is our newest puppy, He is called Totum, Totes for short. he is a rescue dog from the Riverside Humane Society. He was named by the Humane Society because he looks like a Totum Pole when he sits up tall on his butt. He is a Jacauawa, part Jack Russell and part Chiuauaua and he is a loving little dog and gets along with Gwennie. We had rescued a little pup (with our corgi above) that Mr BC found, and right after we took him to the vet for shots he disappeared. I think he was a runner, because he managed to get out of the gated front Patio, and we were unable to find him. Hopefully he went home or someone else found him. We missed him so much... that when it was clear we weren't going to find him...we decided to rescue ,, and fix the get away spot on the Patio. Gwen and Totes get along really well and Totes is too attached to go running, He knows a good home when he sees it. We have had him over a year now and he is always attached to Mr BC, DD2, or me.

Beautiful Virginia

2010-06-28T11:07:00.000-05:00

They say...Virginia is for Lovers...I wouldn't know as I am here alone, on business. I am doing some training for a month so I have my weekends available to poke around the area. This weekend I went to Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest. I hope to add my pictures soon, however visit the website to learn more. This is a great place to visit if you are interested in history, architecture or archeology, a lot of each going on at this site. I like that they are still working on the house and you can see a lot of Thomas Jefferson at his personal retreat. He used many of his ideas here and it was his personal Hermitage.

London to Brighton Run

2009-03-14T08:46:00.000-05:00

I have a minute before we leave....Our vintage MG club has an annual London to Brighton run every year in March. We try not to miss it, this year was interesting as we had planned to see Darling Grandson this weekend so we are going to do both. The run will start in Orange County with an English breakfast and we will ramble thru lovely sites ending up at the beach (Brighton) for lunch, then Mr BC and I will head home and then up to Santa Barbara to see the babe! I found out this week that his name translates into Harbor in Serbian so he will be known here as Harbor Master!

2009-03-12T22:28:00.000-05:00

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This was taken over the Memorial Day weekend. This is a shot of Yosemite Valley. We took our RV and DD1 newly with child and SIL. We saw all the usual sites and the kids want to go back not necessarily to camp. They loved all the great hotels in the Valley. DD1 was raised on camping, however, I don't think SIL relished roughing it. Such as it is .... We have a shower, toilet and electricity However, SIL is 6' plus and the shower was not as tall as he! We all had a great time. Doing all the tourist stuff, hiking and picture taking. The sky was beautiful every day and night.

This was an interesting meme

2009-03-08T12:56:00.000-05:00

1. How old do you look? I am 61 and I am told I look younger....maybe 52?

2. Where do you live? In crowded Southern California

3. Are you waiting for something? The other shoe to drop....

4. What’s one pet peeve of yours that is not common? Run down heels or scuffed shoes. I usually look at people's feet second.

5. Do you want/have kids? I have 2 fantastic daughters.

6. Have you ever thought about converting your religion? I toy with agnosticism. I still pray. Fundamental religion is scary no matter what one it is.

7. Last shocking news you heard? That a friend at work had died unexpectedly.

8. What was the last thing you drank? Ginger tea, I had heartburn again last night.

9. Who do you most look like in your family? My dad, only I am not bald.

10. If you could have something right now, anything, what would it be? A secure retirement.

11. Where does most of your family live? California, Oklahoma, Missouri.

12. Where did you grow up? San Gabriel, California

13. Where do you want to go on vacation? London & Belgrade, but it will probably be Missouri.

14. Have you ever had a panic attack? If you mean anxiety attacks, I use to but not so much lately. I tend to be very calm. What will be, will be.

15. What can’t you wait for? To go see my new grandson next weekend.

16. When’s the last time you told someone you loved him or her and meant it? Last night, Mr Bankerchick, and just now in case I didn't say it last night.

17. Have your parents ever smoked pot? No, but I did in my youth a couple of time, as Clinton so profoundly stated....I did not inhale.

18. Want someone back in your life? My best friend from High School...Lauretta.

19. What do you order at the bar? If I drink at all, it is wine.

20. When was the last time you cried really, really hard? When my mom and dad died. Tears of joy when DGS was born last month but that was mist, by comparison. I don't cry alot.

21. Ever licked someone’s cheek? I don't think so.

22. What is your favorite thing to eat with peanut butter? Jelly or honey

23. Where were you on July 4th, 2008? Claremont Colleges fire works display. I love Claremont.

24. What are your nicknames? Katy Did

25. If you could go back in time, how far back would you go? I read a lot of history so it would be hard to pick......Times were dangerous prior to my lifetime, re: medicine, life expectancy, dangerous events. I guess I would not mind Victorian England about the time of the Great Exposition. For just a little while.

New in our Lives.......

2009-03-07T09:32:00.001-06:00

Well of course there is brand new Darling Grandson. who was 1 month old this week and he is already 11 pounds, he is about 9lbs in the picture. He is healthy and handsome and keeping his mom and dad busy. Baba is going back to Belgrade on Sunday and I can only imagine, how sad she will be, getting on that plane. When DD1 was born in Joplin, Mo, just a few years ago, my mom stayed with me for several weeks before she had to get back to dad, she was crying at the airport and I imagine, if she were here she could tell us what it is like! I can't complain about a 2 hour drive to see him and I won't ever.

The newest member of my family is Howard... on the right....Mr. Bankerchick rescued him from traffic on Howard St....a few days after we got back from SB after a week with DGS. We notified the Humane Society and made posters in the neighborhood. He was matted and starving, and we think he's a forclosure dog, just left when owners leave the home. We have lots of them in San Bernardino County. We decided to keep him after we received no inquiries on him. He is a doll, housebroken, friendly, likes to cuddle and now, Gwennie's best friend. The Gwenster was jealous at first but they are now good buddies. We are taking him to the Vet next week for shots and then getting him licensed.

Ta Da!

2009-02-06T18:15:00.000-06:00

The waiting is over. Here is my darling grandson 4 hours old. He was born Tuesday after several days of labor and he looks just like SIL. He is home now and doing well. We have been here since Saturday and Mr BC went down Wednesday to pick up the trailer and we are staying at Carpenteria State Beach, about 10 miles south of Santa Barbara. We walk on the beach in the morning and visit the little man in the afternoon. This is bliss!