xXxButterfly_ladyxXx's Xanga

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:48:25 GMT

Hi there:

Got a "cutie" with a little too much truth . . .

How Gubmint Works

Once upon a time the government had a vast scrap yard in the middle of a desert. Congress said, "Someone may steal from it at night". So they created a night watchman position and hired a person for the job.

Then Congress said, "How does the watchman do his job without instruction?" So they created a planning department and hired two people, one to write the instructions, and one person to do time studies.

Then Congress said, "How will we know the night watchman is doing the tasks correctly?" So they created a Quality Control department and hired two people. One to do the studies and one to write the reports.

Then Congress said, "How are these people going to get paid?" So they created the following positions, a time keeper and a payroll officer. Then they hired two people.

Then Congress said, "Who will be accountable for all of these people?" So they created an administrative section and hired three people, and Administrative Officer, Assistant Administrative Officer and a Legal Secretary.

Then Congress said, "We have had this command in operation for one year and we are $18,000 over budget, we must cutback overall cost." So they laid off the night watchman.

Now, slowly, let it sink in. . . . .

Quietly we go like sheep to slaughter.

Does anybody remember the reason given for the establishment of the Department of Energy during the Carter Administration? Anybody?? Anything?? No? Didn't think so!

Bottom Line: We've spent several hundred billion dollars in support of an agency . . . the reason for which not one person who reads this can remember! Ready?? It was very simple, and at the time, everybody thought it very appropriate.

The Department of Energy was instituted on 8-4-77, to lesson our dependence on foreign oil.

Hey, pretty efficient, huh??? And now, it's 2009 -- 32 years later -- and the budget for this "necessary" department is at $24.2 billion a year. They have 16,000 Federal employees and approximately 100,000 contract employees; and look at the job they have done!

(This is where you slap your forehead and say, "What was I thinking?")

Ah, yes -- good ole bureaucracy.

Terri

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:22:57 GMT

The Next Step

I'm feeling very uneasy about all the healthcare plans in Washington. I don't necessarily want to turn this post into a political "rant", but it's been on my mind a lot lately. I find it amazing those who voted for Obama now make the claim, "We had no idea he would be so radical!" It's all I can do to keep from saying, "well, duh!"

Our radio wakes us up in the morning. On Saturday, when the reporter announced that the House had passed their version of a massive healthcare overhaul, with the quote from Nancy Pelosi about "this historic day", I wanted to believe I was still dreaming a bad dream. This, of course, does not make it law -- yet. The Senate must reach some sort of agreement on their own version, and then the two bills have to reach a point of compromise. But, the fact that we are one more step in the wrong direction just about makes me nauseated. Our government has proposed legislation in the past which takes our money, our choice and threatens jail with non-compliance (I'm thinking of income taxes, but I'm sure there are others), but never on this scale, on such a massive level with such huge implications for everyone.

My daughter has suggested sometime soon, I should do a post on homeschooling. I may. But, I cannot help but compare our current educational bureaucracy (and mess) with what they want to do with medicine. This is our health, the quality of our life. Do we really want a doctor to consult some government manual about what he can or cannot do, based on what will be allowed or what we can afford? Most of those in favor of a government takeover just see "free" healthcare for all. Nothing is ever free . . .

Just yesterday, I read a story about a preemie born in England. The British have established rules for the gestation period. In other words, if a child is born at 22 weeks, life saving measures can be applied. This child was born at 21 weeks, 5 days, which is 2 days short according to the guidelines. The doctors denied care even though the mother asked for it. The child could not survive without intervention, the mother held her daughter for two hours until she died with the doctors nearby, watching. How cold is that? The mother is out to change things, the NHS (National Health Service) is doing some backpedaling, so here we go. Now the British Assoc. of Perinatal Medicine is claiming "'the guidelines were not meant to be a set of instructions'. But guidelines soon become protocols and protocols morph into rules; rules that if broken, require explanations and result in discipline for the rule-breaker. Rules that, if followed, save the NHS millions of pounds."

Today's medical advances are wonderful. Science has increased lifespan and quality of life. We have all benefited by the knowledge that has been gained, but it doesn't come without a price. A few hundred years ago, I would not be expected to live much past my current age. It was unheard of for a person to live as long as my Grandmother, who will turn 85 later this month, to even still be alive. Somehow, we need to achieve a balance, to respect the dignity of a life as opposed to the medical cost of maintaining that life. We also need to achieve an acceptance, of the idea that this life is temporary. No matter how many more additional years science may eventually give us, sooner or later we will still share the same destination.

Our government cannot resolve these issues simply by passing mandates and laws, just look at the abortion debate. A lot has been resolved there -- not!

Stay informed. Get involved. Know the issues and as the Senate version comes to light, lets bring some sanity to this discussion.

Friends ~ Terri

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:19:50 GMT

A Walk in the Cemetery

This past summer, Brian & I have been more diligent about walking. A walk around our country block is about 2 miles, it takes us about 35-40 minutes. We walk over 2 bridges, through woods, past wetlands & fields, on both dirt & pavement, on flat ground and over a couple of hills. For such a small area, we enjoy a lot of variety! Add to this a walkman with our favorite tunes and the companionship of doing this together and it's just about perfect! Unfortunately, now with the time change and the cooler temps, we aren't as consistent, but we do the best we can. (And it won't be cold forever!)

Anyway, last week Thursday evening, I had to drop Meg off at the church for her instruction class (catechism). Steven went along and I dropped him off at the wireless place with the new laptop. Then I went on down the street to the cemetery to walk. I decided this would be a good place to get in half and hour or so with the walkman. It had good paths, no traffic, only a few other people around. It was fascinating to read the tombstones while I walked. I unintentionally started toward the older part of the cemetery when I began. I was reading names & dates of people that were born around the early 1800's, buried about 100 years ago. It was amazing to consider that these people lived during the early settling days of our area, they came through the Civil War (and were profoundly affected by it, I'm sure). They served the community in various occupations, lived through different political crisis, had personal ups & downs. In short: They had a story. Each of these people who were buried had a story worth telling, worth listening to. And unless it was written down and perhaps appreciated by the remaining family members, their story, their life experiences are gone. We can only imagine the possibilities today.

As I walked toward the newer end of the cemetery, I was startled a few times to recognize the names of people I knew. Souls whose life overlapped mine, who at some point are a part of my memories. It was a good reminder just how we are all interconnected whether we realize it or not. I was also touched by the special stone that has been erected in memory of the victims of abortion. That one got me to thinking not only about the babies but their mothers and the secret pain they may still carry deep inside their hearts, a pain only the Lord can heal now. . . .

It's humbling to realize that when it's all said and done, all that's left to show for our life is a stone. It makes you feel very insignificant. We try so hard in this life to leave our mark, to advance humankind, to impact the world around us, but when it all comes down to it, what does it matter? Does this mean I think we should just throw it all to the wind and do whatever we want? Of course not. We need to live in appreciation of the time, of this irreplaceable resource. We should not waste a minute.

King Solomon said it best, I think: "Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity." Eccl 1:2 (the word vanity is difficult to translate, but literally, the word means "vapor". ESVST). God is our only ultimate hope in this temporary world, may we recognize His hand and guidance in our lives.

And I just wanted a little exercise . . . .

Savor the moment ~ Terri

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:44:19 GMT

Xanga vs. Facebook

I've been hearing a lot lately about how many people have joined Facebook, how it's the largest site on the net these days, blah, blah, blah. It seems like everybody that's anybody has a page on it.

Heidi set me up with a page. It's fine, she actually uses it more than I do. I am more comfortable on Xanga. I am familiar with it, so some of the issue is me actually becoming familiar with Facebook, which I do intend to do soon. Another reason I am reluctant to give it much time right now is because of our slow system -- (I know, I called Embarq a few months back and they're talking about another year or so for our region. I'm too cheap to sink a lot of $$ into our service, so we'll just wait.)

A couple of summers back, I went to my 25 yr. class reunion. It was a bomb. Never again. Beyond that, everyone was exchanging computer addresses. One of the "movers & shakers" was pushing hard for everyone to stay connected on Facebook. Whatever. So, Heidi sets me up a while ago, I never even gave this whole incident any thought. Low & behold, within a few days, my new site is being bombarded with old acquaintances (notice the word "friends" is stretching it?), people I really don't care to know their every move or thought, who are ancient history. It was overwhelming, especially as I was just learning the site. Heidi went in an totally restricted my site to people who I actually know. A friend from college, a few cousins, etc. I think I will be ready to loosen the restrictions eventually, but . . . Anyway, because of all of this, the people who actually read me on Facebook, know me. They are people who might be hurt if I start up a rant against homosexuality, Obamacare or any other hot topic. This has the potential to affect the relationships of the people around me. Therefore, I feel inhibited on Facebook. I would like to just "lay it on the line" like I do at times here, but I don't feel that I can.

Why do you think Heidi goes in on my site at Facebook and does stuff? Because she can be incongnito. It's kind of the same principle.

So, for all you people who think it's not worth it keep two sites or more open, all I can say is whatever. You know your time limitations and obligations, you need to do what works for you. As for me, I intend to keep both sites going. There are some posts on Xanga that I really don't want to lose, stuff that goes back awhile. If you do eventually have a Facebook site, let me know. Friends made are friends worth keeping (unless you're an ancient classmate )

Just jumping on ~ Terri

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:50:22 GMT

Hey there!

Anybody out there? After three months, I've finally posted again. Back in July, the next day after that last post, our tower completely crashed. Totally smashed. We took it to our techy and she wasn't even able to bring it alive. She did save hard drive info, so all was not lost. We suspected we were in for a tumble the way it had been acting. When I talked to our techy, she was going through some difficulties on a personal level and was unable to help us for a few weeks. Our crash occurred a few weeks later. Oh well. She's got us fixed up again. The system is better now, but we'll see. I have missed it. Three months with no internet (except for trips to the library), guess I survived, but I can imagine there would be many who would not have!

K, gonna keep this brief. Wanna stop around and check out a few friends as well as other sites off Xanga. Say "hi" if you're still alive!

Friends ~ Terri

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:50:48 GMT

Too Much Faith?

Hey, greetings! I'm still alive and kicking! Sorry I haven't been more regular in my Xanga-time, but I have a feeling I am not alone. Summer just brings on all kind of activities and sometimes you just have to go with it. We played a gig yesterday (not the best one yet, but that's another story). We've been gleaning green beans from a couple of nearby fields (I've canned 28 qts.). The farmer has taken what he wants, now anyone can go in and pick from the remaining plants. You would be amazed at what is left in the fields. Brian & I are still trying to maintain our 2-mile daily walk. We are doing school (sporadically) and the kids are swimming, biking & horse riding. We are talking about breaking away for 3 or 4 days in early August, going to a nearby chain-of-lakes state park, camping out. We'll see. Busy, busy, busy!

Anyway, what I wanted to share today is of a different nature. Because of the green beans nearby, I called Dan & Karen. They were very interested, bringing their kids to pick for the day. It was a fun outing. Their kids & ours worked together and had a rare chance to visit and get connected. (Dan & Karen used to live near us, they have since moved about 45 min. away on a small farm. Dan eventually quit his job, using the farm & her in-home typing as income. They homeschool their 4 kids with a more "isolationist" mentality than we do.) We stay connected, but not as often.

Since the family was close, I asked them to come for lunch. We threw burgers, brats & grilled onions on, pulling out a watermelon, potatoe chips & sandwich fixin's and calling it a feast. We started out with a lot of food, eventually feeding 13 people. There wasn't much left over. During lunch, Dan & Karen made an obvious point to tell me that they had some news to share. After I gave them my attention, Karen explained that she was 1-month pregnate. I was shocked. I mean, I tried not to let my astonishment overwhelm me, but I was astounded. I said, "Karen, you had your tubes tied after Jason.", (their 4th child). She responded, "Yes, but I had the operation reversed 5 years ago. Didn't I tell you?" Uh, no! Karen is a year older than I. She just turned 47.

I really don't have a problem with late-in-life surprise babies. It happens. I also believe that if a child is conceived unexpectedly, this child is a gift from God. It's a living testimony that sometimes life throws you curve balls. However, this child was not a surprise. He was not totally unexpected. They have been trying for the past 5 years to conceive. Wow. Is this child any less of a gift. Of course not. Is he still a curve ball? He is in my mind, but apparently, this is one curve ball that was expected. Karen went on to explain, "When I had Jason, I really felt like our family was large enough. I pressured Dan into allowing the operation even when he was reluctant. I realize now that this was an offense to him." Was it really?

I remember a young mother with 4 young children who was feeling very overwhelmed at the time, balancing her home and the chaos of little ones, investigating homeschooling options for her older children (against her family's wishes), trying to support her husband in his self-employment ventures and feeling like having babies was a strain to her heart & body. Should a husband feel offense because his wife is feeling overwhelmed and needs to know there is a limit? It doesn't seem unreasonable to me to expect some sort of understanding on the issue. Dan & Karen are extremely excited with this new life. There was a connection between them, a sparkle in the air, almost like newlyweds again. I expressed my congratulations, of course.

The next evening, Dan called. Brian & I were out walking, I returned his call when we received the message. Dan shared with me that Karen began spotting, she immediately laid down, which helped. Dan called a mid-wife friend, Kathy explained that older women do not produce the progesterone needed (as in our younger days), that an over-the-counter cream was needed to supply the lack. Dan picked some up for Karen and I haven't heard if there was any more problems.

Now, my question is this: At what point does our faith intersect with practicality? The pro-life movement has argued with the pro-choice movement over this technicality for years, with no resolution in sight. This is not to say that I agree with the pro-choice people. Not by any stretch of the imagination or circumstances, but in this case, if the child is carried to term, if he is healthy & normal (Down Syndrome is usually an issue for late-in-life pregnacies), there will be 11 years between him and his closest sibling. His parents will be almost 70 by the time he is 20, to begin the whole baby/diaper/toddler/homeschooling thing all over again just seems overwhelming to me. The Lord encourages us to be wise in our choices, to "count the cost". Have they? They have decided against telling others for several more months, especially her side of the family as they know what they will hear. We love babies, there are times when I've wondered if we quit too soon, but this seems almost extreme to me. I'm wondering why adoption or foster care wasn't an option, there are so many children who are in need. Honestly, we've considered it at times, but it's just not a good fit right now.

Am I just looking at the practicality too much? Not enough faith? Or do they have too much faith? Is there such a thing? I didn't think it was possible, to have too much faith. But it's almost like they are expecting God to wave a magic wand, to change the circumstances of aging so they can have another child. Anything is possible with the Lord, but we often bear the consequences of our choices, even when we've moved past healing & forgiveness. Is the child going to bear the consequences of their choices? On one hand, I want to be glad for them, but right now, I just am concerned. I guess I wouldn't have made a good Sarah (of Sarah & Abraham).

What do you think? Friends ~ Terri

** P.S., she miscarried 3 days later.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:28:49 GMT

Growing

Nancy called a few evenings ago. The community churches were organizing an event to raise money to help the needy. Many in the area have gone to the churches for help and the churches were calling on the community at large to help them. Nancy was organizing some of the entertainment. She asked us to take the 5:00-5:30 spot, which we did, playing our dulcimers. The fundraiser was successful. A couple of thousand dollars came in that night, and will be matched by the local Lions club and others. I heard something like $4,000 was raised. There is talk about doing it again before the summer is over, because $4,000 won't go far.

Nancy and Lois played first at 4:00. Phillip and his father played between 4:30 & 5:00. We played right after them with a dance group following us, a church choir and a barbershop quartet after the choir. Our playing was not really a big deal. We did about 6 or 7 pieces, we talked to the folks a bit, had a little fun, you know. What was a big deal was the fact that Nancy, our instructor, was in the audience. For the first time, she was able to see our level of professionalism (we are still learning, but getting better every time we play). Phillip is Steven's guitar instructor. He was also sitting in the audience, which was the first time for him as well. If we would have known this performance would have been played for both our instructors at the same time, we (especially I) could have got nerved up over it. Instead, since we just did what we like to do, it went well. Nancy was so proud, she kept telling everyone who would listen, "They are my students". Phillip didn't say much. He's more difficult to read. Steven has a lesson tomorrow afternoon. I expect he may get some feedback then, hopefully positive.

We are becoming more in demand this summer. We have been asked to play almost every Saturday morning at a local farmers market. We have agreed to as many as possible (feasibly) without over-committing, taking it one or two weeks at a time. We played for the Civil War re-enactment (a previous post). We played for the Old Mill Festival a couple of weeks ago. This was a fundraiser for Huntington's Disease and a historical celebration for Greenfield Mills combined. We played at Nancy's church a couple of weeks ago (with Nancy). We played last Friday evening at the Golden Gate Restaurant (we played for our supper, literally! ). We have been asked to play for Burr Oak Days, another historical celebration later in July. We enjoy playing for money (who doesn't?), but my kids feel more pressure when there is money involved. If we're just playing for tips, then we can do what we want, when we want, without worrying about pleasing anyone else. But we certainly won't turn it down if given the opportunity.

But what an experience this is turning out to be! We continue to have more interest in our talent as we play out. We never used to be comfortable being in front of people, but the more we do it, the more we relax. We are growing both in skills and in recognition. Amazing. We always play old-time favorite church hymns mixed into some of the more folksy stuff. We use the music as a means of testimony. If we continue to improve & grow, there's only one reason: because He has a hand in it.

Just contemplating ~ Terri

Monday, June 29, 2009

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:48:54 GMT

Scarey Moments

Hey there. Sorry I haven't been around in a few weeks. Hope everything is doin' well on your end . . .

We had a scare on Saturday the 13th. Brian had an erratic, racing heartbeat for about 12 hours. It began early in the morning as he was working. He started feeling strange. He could tell his heart was not steady but there was very little he could do about it. Joseph pulled Brian's share of the load, allowing Brian to just drive, but even that wasn't the safest option. A couple of hours into it, he was attacked with a bad case of the sweats. That finally gave up, but there were various lightheaded moments throughout the day. He didn't call me because he knew the kids & I were playing a dulcimer gig. We were home at noon, but he felt he'd made it that far, might as well finish.

After arriving home (about 4:00), he came to me, asking me to feel his pulse. It was crazy. Heidi tried to get a heartbeat, but it was too wild. She told me, "Dad needs to go to the ER. This has gone on too long". So, with reluctance, fear & a total mix of other emotions, we headed out. Intending to go to the local medi-center, we continued on to the hospital when they were closed. The ER staff told us the medi-center would have referred us on, Brian's potential problems would have been more than they could have handled.

The staff was very prompt, they immediately started in on a process of elimation. He was experiencing atrial fibulation (a-fib), which has a multitude of causes, none which can be pinpointed immediately. They did an x-ray, and e.k.g., eventually giving him meds through his I.V. bringing his heartrate down from 160 (it should be in the 90's). There was no heart attack, no damage to the heart. The "skipping" that he was feeling was his heart missing beats because it was going so fast. His B.P. was decent and after his heartrate slowed, everything seemed to improve.

The doc wanted to keep him for observation, but we declined and headed home with a prescription. Because of the late hour, all the local pharmacies were closed. We would have had to drive an hour away to catch the closest 24-hr. place. We opted to wait until morning. When morning came, we really didn't know what to expect.

We had a milkroute to run. He started out feeling a little weird again. Then, as he began to work the first stop, things just smoothed right out. He didn't have any further issues the rest of the day. We never did fill that prescription. We did get in to see our regular doc, however. He has given Brian a mild heart med, to keep things steady. Brian is also to be more consistant in taking a mild BP med/diuretic as well as a daily asprin. He is also to stay away from sugar and caffine. He has done so, as well as continuing our evening 2-mile walk. Hopefully this little scare was just that -- a scare, one to be taken seriously, but not overreacting and freaking out. It was just a 1-day thing, but that was enough for us both.

We do so take our health for granted, sometimes . . .

Just appreciating ~ Terri

Monday, June 08, 2009

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:50:57 GMT

Communication

Have you ever stopped to think how very vital this word is to our world? How it affects our relationships with others? I'm not talking about communication on a technical level. In fact, I believe because of our technological developments, our personal communication has taken a hit. It's too easy to type or talk to a screen, to make yourself into who you want to be instead of who you are. It's too easy to pretend . . .

I am a communicator. Even when the kids were little, if there was a conflict, it was my goal to resolve it. Peacefully if possible, with dialog between the opposing parties. My kids learned early that if they wanted something from Mom, they would be wise to talk to me with respect, to explain themselves. I would cave in an honest discussion when tears & tantrums would not move me. A couple of them would raise their voices in an effort to be "heard". It just created more chaos -- which did not fly. We sometimes used a talking stick to stop interruptions and create verbal boundaries (the person holding the stick had the floor). Today my kids know they can talk to us about anything -- with respect -- and we will listen.

Language is one of those defining human characteristics that separate us from animals. There are very few who would argue though, that animals can't communicate. I am thinking of our German Shepherd who gets a big "grin" on his face when he gets a little attention. Or our horse Candy, as she watches and waits patiently for you to smack a big bull fly that's bothering her. She knows we are helping her and she should not kick. But, even those animals who can learn words cannot communicate on a human level.

I also believe that language is a gauge in our society. The "classes" are divided by language. The first time you hear a person speak, you instinctively place that person in upper, middle or lower class (I have more to share on the classes, but that's another time). Add to that their personal appearance and other nonverbals and we have formed our first impression -- the one that is difficult to change (and usually reinforced with additional interaction). We distinguish ourselves by our language, when we are able to use words well (in either written or oral form), we are declaring to others the class to which we belong, the education level we have received, what our priorities are.

So does all this matter? When a person uses foul language, speaks coursely or rudely, this is saying to the other individual, "what you may think about me doesn't matter". But, when we refuse to use words to express ourselves with dignity, with courtesy, with respect for the other person, this reflects poorly. Are they so uneducated and "dumb" that they must use foul language to express themselves? It goes deeper than "culture" or feeling like there is just no other options for expressing the emotion. We have a couple of dancing movies, one is Take the Lead with Antonio Banderas, the other is Save the Last Dance with (sorry can't remember). Anyway, these movies are set in the inner city. The culture is rough, life is on the edge. The language is common & course. Yet when Antonio Banderas plays his part, offering courtesy and dignity in this world, he stands head and shoulders above everyone else without really saying anything at all. As a culture, our language is sliding downhill. It's a measurement of courtesy. Courtesy is a part of character. Without character, we have stepped back into the dark ages.

As the saying goes: "Tis better to remain silent and be thought an idiot than to speak and remove all doubt." Yeah, little bit of truth in that one, especially if the words are foul.

Friends ~ Terri

Friday, June 05, 2009

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:43:35 GMT

Odds & Ends

Greetings! We have had an absolutely gorgeous week here. It has been in the low to mid 70's. Sunny. Mildly breezy. The nights are staying cool, dropping down to the mid-40's. My kids are throbbing to go swimming but it's just downright chilly. This hasn't totally stopped us from going in, though. We have two favorite swimming areas, both a river & a lake. We have been in both already, but I'll tell you what: It's refreshing! We need a few hot nights and then we'll start talking about going in more. This past Sunday, we went out in the Lake. We took the raft out (The lake has a marrow bottom. It's clean, but the best swimming is out deep, in the middle.) There were the 6 of us, plus two more. We swam long enough to play "king of the raft", tag, Brian & Steven swam along the dropoff with their snorkle gear. It was cold but fun. It took grit & determination (or a quick shove) to get in with the sun shining down and a minimum breeze. Soon . . .

Megan & I planted the beginnings of our garden this afternoon. We have cuke, tomatoes, squash, broccoli, cabbage & cauliflower growing. We also have herbs growing up around the house. There is mint, oregano, sage, basil, garlic, chives, rosemary, fennel, parsley and something new, stevia (this is the expensive natural sweetener available in the grocery. Supposed to dry the leaves and use in tea to replace sugar. We'll see.) I like to grow herbs. Seasoning food with fresh herbs is good stuff.

We've been mowing today also. We help out at Steve & Nancy's place, we did our own yard and Matt helped next door at Grams. They are also making hay around us. Gorgeous, rich looking hay this time. First cutting alfalfa, it smells good. It hasn't laid long, it's not been rained on. Has to be almost perfect stuff with a large yield.

Heidi is starting the summer classes at Ivy Tech now. She is finding it challenging as she is digging deeper into math, but not overwhelming -- yet. We had to go to the college the other day, there was a discrepancy over the billing, which was quickly straightened out. In the process, I signed Steven up for his first class at Ivy Tech in the fall. He was almost freaking out. But, it's an automotive class (something he is very interested in), it's allowing him to check it out without taking on too much. The class has no pre-req's, which means no assessment test (it almost annoyed Heidi). This will come later. First things first. He got to see the auto lab and other areas of engineering and mechanics. Matt & Meg were along for the tour. Matt's ears perked right up when the welding classes were mentioned. He has been working with my Dad on welding techniques lately and has learned quite a lot. Brian has a wire welder, Dad a stick. Matt has to learn different things for each of them. It's fun to show them what options await.

Okay, gotta go. Heidi & I have been trying to walk consistantly around the block each evening. I clocked it at 2 miles, which is just about right for the energy level. We try to walk to music, which helps. She has just arrived and says it's time to go walk. See ya!

Friends ~ Terri