Why, you ask? One word: earworms. Now for those of you who are not familiar with this term, I have done extensive research this morning. Here is the best definition I have found: An earworm is the experience of an inability to dislodge a song and prevent it from repeating itself in one's head.
Sunday before last we sang the most beautiful new rendition of The Lord's Prayer, titled Our Father. I absolutely loved, loved, loved this song--at least for the first thousand times I sang it in my head and out loud during the following week. This week it was (is) Ride On, King Jesus.
Ride on, King Jesus! No man can a-hinder me. When I get to heaven gonna wear a robe. No man can a-hinder me. Gonna walk all over those streets of gold. No man can a-hinder me. (Repeat 6 times!)
Now this isn't all of the song, but it's the majority of my earworm--with repeats--and repeats--and repeats. I'm glad it's a Christian song!
If I could draw a cartoon, I would draw a picture of Charleigh-Girl sitting on her haunches with her front paws covering her ears. She would be saying, "Couldn't we please have a few choruses of "How much is that Doggy in the Window?"
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Adieu, Roofers and Gutter Guys
It's already finished! After one working day short of three weeks! I got to sleep in this morning, and it's raining to boot! Charleigh-Girl doesn't know it, but her life has taken a turn for the better. She no longer has to protect me from those bad old roofers.
The roofers, C-G, were actually not bad at all, as I kept telling you! They were the nicest bunch of guys ever--always pleasant and eager to please. The problem was that there were only 8 of them on a good day, which did not include Mondays! But those 8 did an excellent job.
Since it was misting when I went out, I don't have panoramic pictures, but here's what I got. (Be sure to notice my nice new gutter at the left side of the photo.)
The color of this roof is rather an enigma. When I chose it I would have told you it was shades of brown. In these pictures it certainly looks to be shades of gray. It actually didn't matter, since the Chicago used brick has both colors. But look at this pic of the gazebo:
O.K...I'll say this, and then enough already about my roof! I'm so thankful to feel secure in my home when the rains and/or hail come. I'm thankful for good insurance. I'm thankful that I knew who to call about a roof because of Jack Stovall. I'm thankful for good, honest roofers. And, finally: Charleigh-Girl and I are thankful that THEY ARE FINISHED!
The roofers, C-G, were actually not bad at all, as I kept telling you! They were the nicest bunch of guys ever--always pleasant and eager to please. The problem was that there were only 8 of them on a good day, which did not include Mondays! But those 8 did an excellent job.
Since it was misting when I went out, I don't have panoramic pictures, but here's what I got. (Be sure to notice my nice new gutter at the left side of the photo.)
The color of this roof is rather an enigma. When I chose it I would have told you it was shades of brown. In these pictures it certainly looks to be shades of gray. It actually didn't matter, since the Chicago used brick has both colors. But look at this pic of the gazebo:
- Looks brown, right? Interesting! Matching with paint color should be a challenge! Oh, yes. Now I need to have the wood trim painted!
O.K...I'll say this, and then enough already about my roof! I'm so thankful to feel secure in my home when the rains and/or hail come. I'm thankful for good insurance. I'm thankful that I knew who to call about a roof because of Jack Stovall. I'm thankful for good, honest roofers. And, finally: Charleigh-Girl and I are thankful that THEY ARE FINISHED!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Roof Progress Report
I know you are all waiting with bated breath to hear from me about THE ROOF. No, there are no "after" pictures yet. It has been one week today. The roofers have been here every day in varying numbers. It seems the number is always smaller on Monday!
The good news is that I had no leaks whatsoever during last night's scary storm. The chief roofer (a very nice guy) came by yesterday afternoon and did a bit of work on the roof, and I was a bit nervous. When the rain hit, I turned on all the lights in the house and walked around checking for leaks. If it didn't leak in that rain in its incomplete state, I think I have a good, safe roof!
Since everyone is of the opinion (including me) that a roof will be completed in a couple of days, I somehow feel compelled to explain why mine is taking longer (forever). I took these pictures to try to capture all the, well, I don't know what you call them, maybe elevations? Maybe peaks and valleys? Maybe little pointy things?
There just aren't many straight, flat sections on the entire roof. Looks very complicated to me.
Also, before getting to this stage, the old Hardie Shakes had to be removed. They are brittle and crumbly, making removal a tedious process.
This photo is to try to show a better view of the new roof. The best of the good news is, "I really like it!!"
I still have to have my car out and in the neighbor's driveway by 7:00. I still have a bit of a mess on my driveway. (See the shadows of the roofers?)
But the noise has lessened for the time being. Charleigh-Girl is no longer in the closet. She is actually sleeping on the floor right by me. And, after telling the boss about the six nails in the driveway, I haven't found another single one!
This is so much better than having workers inside the house for this long. I am dealing quite well with it in anticipation of my great new roof!
The good news is that I had no leaks whatsoever during last night's scary storm. The chief roofer (a very nice guy) came by yesterday afternoon and did a bit of work on the roof, and I was a bit nervous. When the rain hit, I turned on all the lights in the house and walked around checking for leaks. If it didn't leak in that rain in its incomplete state, I think I have a good, safe roof!
Since everyone is of the opinion (including me) that a roof will be completed in a couple of days, I somehow feel compelled to explain why mine is taking longer (forever). I took these pictures to try to capture all the, well, I don't know what you call them, maybe elevations? Maybe peaks and valleys? Maybe little pointy things?
There just aren't many straight, flat sections on the entire roof. Looks very complicated to me.
Also, before getting to this stage, the old Hardie Shakes had to be removed. They are brittle and crumbly, making removal a tedious process.
This photo is to try to show a better view of the new roof. The best of the good news is, "I really like it!!"
I still have to have my car out and in the neighbor's driveway by 7:00. I still have a bit of a mess on my driveway. (See the shadows of the roofers?)
But the noise has lessened for the time being. Charleigh-Girl is no longer in the closet. She is actually sleeping on the floor right by me. And, after telling the boss about the six nails in the driveway, I haven't found another single one!
This is so much better than having workers inside the house for this long. I am dealing quite well with it in anticipation of my great new roof!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
And It Didn't Even Leak...Yet
When it came time to replace our initial wood shingle roof, Jack put on what was supposed to be an excellent replacement--Hardie Shakes. I loved the color of the roof (not as much as wood shingles), but the material was faulty. It faded, became brittle, and was the focus of class-action lawsuits. We didn't participate in any of those suits, so we had to wait for ours to suffer enough damage from our frequent hail storms to deserve replacement. I felt like that time came when we had that last storm, with golf ball size hailstones at my house. Sure enough--the insurance adjustor said it was time.
Here is a picture of the garage roof. If you look closely you may see chipped shingles and dented gutters.
If you've never heard about Hardie Shakes, I can assure you all the roofers have! I was inundated with roofers, licking their chops. Jack had a roofer, however, and I wouldn't consider calling anyone else. He does not do homes, so he recommended someone with whom he works to take care of my roof.
As I am prone to do, I thought I pretty much knew what to expect when getting a new roof. I carefully decided where I wanted the material placed so that I would be able to get in and out of my driveway. I'm all excited as the material supplier unloads the first of the shingles, etc. Whoopee! A new roof is on the way!
Well, in addition to the massive amount of shakes, there were these stacks of "radiant barrier panels." Those sound and look great to me, but took up a lot of space. Still had plenty of navigation room, though--even for Jack's Navigator which I was driving because my Prius was in the shop. Here it is parked over in my neighbor's driveway, where I must place it before 7:00 A.M. each morning!
The first day (last Monday) was not too bad. I even threw myself a birthday bash that night with all the family coming over for my chicken enchilada casserole! We enjoyed dinner with roofers tearing off the old roof above us!
Tuesday wasn't bad, either. Wednesday things became a little worse. There was quite a bit more noise as more installation started taking place. I failed to take a picture of what the back yard (where the neat stacks were) looked like when I got home from choir. There was every manner of "stuff" piled in front of the neat stacks, including a giant pallet of trash, leaving me barely enough room to pull into the garage. In fact, I had to move one of the heavy panels to avoid running over it!
Being from the Jack Stovall school of construction protocol, I had to place a call to the roofer and state that these guys just weren't cleaning up acceptably. In addition to the mess on the driveway, they had left plywood and other junk on my grass, which looked absolutely perfect last week and like this now!
But...they did clean up better today--somewhat. Do you think it is funny that they spent an extraordinary amount of time shoring up and trying to cram all the trash on this small trailer? The dump must either charge by the load or be a great distance away! This lovely item is sitting in front of my house tonight!
Now when Jay heard that I was finally getting a new roof, he called me to tell me two things. First, that I needed to get away from the house because it would be so noisy. Second, that there WOULD BE nails in the driveway, so I needed to check for them nightly before pulling in. I don't think I really believed him, but...
Today hit a new level of noise. The hammering isn't so bad, but they take those heavy radiant barrier panels up on the roof and drop them. They sound like a bomb. I jump out of my skin, and poor Charleigh-Girl has cowered in my closet all day. I finally moved her "palace" (crate) in there for a little more comfort.
And...before I pulled the car in, I did check the driveway, even though the roofer had assured me it would be carefully run over with a magnet to be sure there were no nails. HA! Here is what I found.
This is all going to be wonderful when it is completed! I also get the new roofing material on this swing and gazebo that Jack had built.
It's just going to be a little lengthier and more trying than gullible me thought it would be! Stand by for some "after" pictures. I hope you don't have to stand by too long!
Here is a picture of the garage roof. If you look closely you may see chipped shingles and dented gutters.
If you've never heard about Hardie Shakes, I can assure you all the roofers have! I was inundated with roofers, licking their chops. Jack had a roofer, however, and I wouldn't consider calling anyone else. He does not do homes, so he recommended someone with whom he works to take care of my roof.
As I am prone to do, I thought I pretty much knew what to expect when getting a new roof. I carefully decided where I wanted the material placed so that I would be able to get in and out of my driveway. I'm all excited as the material supplier unloads the first of the shingles, etc. Whoopee! A new roof is on the way!
Well, in addition to the massive amount of shakes, there were these stacks of "radiant barrier panels." Those sound and look great to me, but took up a lot of space. Still had plenty of navigation room, though--even for Jack's Navigator which I was driving because my Prius was in the shop. Here it is parked over in my neighbor's driveway, where I must place it before 7:00 A.M. each morning!
The first day (last Monday) was not too bad. I even threw myself a birthday bash that night with all the family coming over for my chicken enchilada casserole! We enjoyed dinner with roofers tearing off the old roof above us!
Tuesday wasn't bad, either. Wednesday things became a little worse. There was quite a bit more noise as more installation started taking place. I failed to take a picture of what the back yard (where the neat stacks were) looked like when I got home from choir. There was every manner of "stuff" piled in front of the neat stacks, including a giant pallet of trash, leaving me barely enough room to pull into the garage. In fact, I had to move one of the heavy panels to avoid running over it!
Being from the Jack Stovall school of construction protocol, I had to place a call to the roofer and state that these guys just weren't cleaning up acceptably. In addition to the mess on the driveway, they had left plywood and other junk on my grass, which looked absolutely perfect last week and like this now!
But...they did clean up better today--somewhat. Do you think it is funny that they spent an extraordinary amount of time shoring up and trying to cram all the trash on this small trailer? The dump must either charge by the load or be a great distance away! This lovely item is sitting in front of my house tonight!
Now when Jay heard that I was finally getting a new roof, he called me to tell me two things. First, that I needed to get away from the house because it would be so noisy. Second, that there WOULD BE nails in the driveway, so I needed to check for them nightly before pulling in. I don't think I really believed him, but...
Today hit a new level of noise. The hammering isn't so bad, but they take those heavy radiant barrier panels up on the roof and drop them. They sound like a bomb. I jump out of my skin, and poor Charleigh-Girl has cowered in my closet all day. I finally moved her "palace" (crate) in there for a little more comfort.
And...before I pulled the car in, I did check the driveway, even though the roofer had assured me it would be carefully run over with a magnet to be sure there were no nails. HA! Here is what I found.
This is all going to be wonderful when it is completed! I also get the new roofing material on this swing and gazebo that Jack had built.
It's just going to be a little lengthier and more trying than gullible me thought it would be! Stand by for some "after" pictures. I hope you don't have to stand by too long!
Monday, July 30, 2012
I'm Always Having to Tell Someone...
To be this old I am quite cutting edge, if I do say so myself and I do. Have you noticed how crocheted tops are all the rage right now? Well, I have several hanging in my closet. The only problem is that I've decided they make me look fat, so I haven't worn them much--but I have them!
A purchase I made today brought this fact about myself to mind. Here it is!
Now do you have yours yet? It's an iHangy! Since I spend half my life looking for my iPhone, I decided this was designed just for me! I realize it's probably worse than wearing your spectacles on a chain around your neck, but so be it. Oh, and just to make one look even more ancient, the little knobs on either end of the Hangy are styluses that can be used in lieu of thumbs for pressing letters. Mama Mia!!!
Now I don't know if you will be able to take this one in, but...I also have an XShot! It is a telescoping rod on which a camera may be attached so that one can take pictures of oneself. Quite handy for a solo traveler. Here it is:
O.K. Very hard to tell anything about this. You'll just have to take my word that's it's cutting edge. I used it on my recent cruise to take several shots in my room.
Drastically changing categories here, I have something new for my home that I think you all are going to want! Just look!
The idea of an inside fountain has flitted through my mind for years. I LOVE the sound of the water. Now that I finally got one, I want it in every room, but there's not another place in my house as good to put it as this. Now I'll be flattered if you copy me on this one!
Last, I am pretty sure I'm the first among my contemporaries to get this:
Yes, ladies and gents, that's a GOLD Starbucks card! I really liked my old card better. It was a vintage reproduction which we bought at the original Starbucks in Seattle. But I don't think I'll be able to resist flashing the gold.
Don't hesitate to call me if you want the scoop on the latest trends!
A purchase I made today brought this fact about myself to mind. Here it is!
Now do you have yours yet? It's an iHangy! Since I spend half my life looking for my iPhone, I decided this was designed just for me! I realize it's probably worse than wearing your spectacles on a chain around your neck, but so be it. Oh, and just to make one look even more ancient, the little knobs on either end of the Hangy are styluses that can be used in lieu of thumbs for pressing letters. Mama Mia!!!
Now I don't know if you will be able to take this one in, but...I also have an XShot! It is a telescoping rod on which a camera may be attached so that one can take pictures of oneself. Quite handy for a solo traveler. Here it is:
O.K. Very hard to tell anything about this. You'll just have to take my word that's it's cutting edge. I used it on my recent cruise to take several shots in my room.
Drastically changing categories here, I have something new for my home that I think you all are going to want! Just look!
The idea of an inside fountain has flitted through my mind for years. I LOVE the sound of the water. Now that I finally got one, I want it in every room, but there's not another place in my house as good to put it as this. Now I'll be flattered if you copy me on this one!
Last, I am pretty sure I'm the first among my contemporaries to get this:
Yes, ladies and gents, that's a GOLD Starbucks card! I really liked my old card better. It was a vintage reproduction which we bought at the original Starbucks in Seattle. But I don't think I'll be able to resist flashing the gold.
Don't hesitate to call me if you want the scoop on the latest trends!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
How Many In Your Party?...One.
It seems that there are two distinct groups of gals in this world when it comes to the idea of traveling alone. There are those who heart the idea and those who consider it totally unthinkable. Of course, it is obvious into which group I fall. However, I do sometimes feel weird about it, thus prompting me to detail some reasons why I am the way I am.
#1. I shared close quarters on cruise ships with my Jack for 25 cruises. The thought of being in said close quarters with anyone else is what's unthinkable to me.
#2. I keep the thermostat in my room set on "COLD." As cold as it will go. I do not heart the idea of having to change that to suit a normal person.
#3. When I want to do something (or not do something), I do not have to ask anyone else if they share my opinion. I do it, or I don't do it.
#4. If I get up in the morning, have my coffee, and decide to go back to bed for a while, I do so. Now I don't do this often, but once was heavenly.
#5. I usually have to ask for extra hangers just to get all my clothes hung in the closet. Sorry, there is not room for anyone else's.
#6. I hate to admit this one, but I have been told once or maybe twice that I, ahem...snore. Delicately and lady-like, but I don't hanker to place this behavior on exhibit again.
#7. I have a travel iHome which Jay and Terri gave me, and I think I have the absolute best music in the whole world on my iPhone to play while I'm in my cabin. I wouldn't like anyone else's music as much, and I realize they would not like mine.
#8. I have been known to run an itsy bitsy bit late in my lifetime. I do not want to make someone else late or feel guilty and have to apologize profusely for my sluggardliness. (Oh, yeah, even spell check doesn't know how to spell that one.)
#9. There are also two camps when it comes to preference for port days or sea days. I usually prefer the days at sea, and I don't want to have to be open-minded about it.
#10. Finally, I think I must admit the true reasons for my loving to travel alone. I am selfish. I am set in my ways. I absolutely love the spirit of freedom it gives me.
I am so thankful that God has given me the privilege of being out in the middle of the ocean, accountable to no one but Him.
#1. I shared close quarters on cruise ships with my Jack for 25 cruises. The thought of being in said close quarters with anyone else is what's unthinkable to me.
#2. I keep the thermostat in my room set on "COLD." As cold as it will go. I do not heart the idea of having to change that to suit a normal person.
#3. When I want to do something (or not do something), I do not have to ask anyone else if they share my opinion. I do it, or I don't do it.
#4. If I get up in the morning, have my coffee, and decide to go back to bed for a while, I do so. Now I don't do this often, but once was heavenly.
#5. I usually have to ask for extra hangers just to get all my clothes hung in the closet. Sorry, there is not room for anyone else's.
#6. I hate to admit this one, but I have been told once or maybe twice that I, ahem...snore. Delicately and lady-like, but I don't hanker to place this behavior on exhibit again.
#7. I have a travel iHome which Jay and Terri gave me, and I think I have the absolute best music in the whole world on my iPhone to play while I'm in my cabin. I wouldn't like anyone else's music as much, and I realize they would not like mine.
#8. I have been known to run an itsy bitsy bit late in my lifetime. I do not want to make someone else late or feel guilty and have to apologize profusely for my sluggardliness. (Oh, yeah, even spell check doesn't know how to spell that one.)
#9. There are also two camps when it comes to preference for port days or sea days. I usually prefer the days at sea, and I don't want to have to be open-minded about it.
#10. Finally, I think I must admit the true reasons for my loving to travel alone. I am selfish. I am set in my ways. I absolutely love the spirit of freedom it gives me.
I am so thankful that God has given me the privilege of being out in the middle of the ocean, accountable to no one but Him.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
You'll Never Catch Me! Unless...
As I'm sure the vast majority of you know, this girl adds lots of exclamation points to my life!
I absolutely love those big beautiful brown eyes. Her favorite game in all the world is to be chased. If she is being chased while holding "Friend" it is even better. She has excellent radar, evidently, because she can run circles in my living room without ever bumping into a single thing! Here she is with "Friend."
Lately, however, I've noticed something about our chases. She knows, of course, that I'm never going to be able to catch her. But...she has insulted me by figuring out just how slow I am. She is allowing me to get a lot closer to her before she takes off! It's really bad when even your dog allows you a senior citizen's discount!
You'd think that a dog that smart would know what is threatening and what is not. She's not so smart in this way. She's scared of everything--including my harmless little camera. Either that or she's just contrary. When I got my camera out, she immediately came to a halt. It was as if she was saying, "O.K., I give up. Take friend. I'm not doing another thing until you put away that nasty camera."
Seriously, she let me walk right up and take Friend! She would NEVER let me have him without that "weapon" (it's tiny and pink) in my hand.
Watch it, Charleigh-Girl! I may be slow but I'm still the one who dishes out the food! And the treats!
I absolutely love those big beautiful brown eyes. Her favorite game in all the world is to be chased. If she is being chased while holding "Friend" it is even better. She has excellent radar, evidently, because she can run circles in my living room without ever bumping into a single thing! Here she is with "Friend."
Lately, however, I've noticed something about our chases. She knows, of course, that I'm never going to be able to catch her. But...she has insulted me by figuring out just how slow I am. She is allowing me to get a lot closer to her before she takes off! It's really bad when even your dog allows you a senior citizen's discount!
You'd think that a dog that smart would know what is threatening and what is not. She's not so smart in this way. She's scared of everything--including my harmless little camera. Either that or she's just contrary. When I got my camera out, she immediately came to a halt. It was as if she was saying, "O.K., I give up. Take friend. I'm not doing another thing until you put away that nasty camera."
Seriously, she let me walk right up and take Friend! She would NEVER let me have him without that "weapon" (it's tiny and pink) in my hand.
Watch it, Charleigh-Girl! I may be slow but I'm still the one who dishes out the food! And the treats!
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