Monday, July 6, 2009

Looking out the kitchen window...

Happy July 6th!
~
That's not the flag up at the moment. The American flag is flying, but that's a cutie from a few days ago. Have a nice day.
~
XO

110 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful view out your window...ahhh. Hey, I've had hydrangeas in bloom now for almost a month! They haven't DIED! I am soooo excited because they are my absolute favorite flower and I always kill them! I think the problem was I always stuck them in the bright, hot sun and I just found out they don't like that. Duh! Now they are happen and alive! They're alive!!! I'll get off my ass one day and take a photo for you. They're bluish, purple and I LOVE THEM!!!

XOXOXOXO
RC

Anonymous said...

Ummm "happen" is supposed to be "happy." Hey, it's Monday. Gimme a break!

Suzanne said...

RC,

God you're adorable. Do you know the name of your hydrangea? If you do, let me know because it will help me help you keep it alive. Wasn't that a fun sentence?! Does it need a comma? HA! And yes, shade is the key in our climate. San Francisco is more forgiving than the central valley, but you still have to provide shade and a whole heck of a lot of water. Hydrangeas love water. On a really hot day, even in shade they'll wilt. Have you noticed? Water them!!! I'm not kidding. Actually, this is the ideal growing situation: morning sun, afternoon shade. They bloom more if they have sun, but they certainly can't survive in full sun here in CA. That's just cruel and unusual punishment. How many have you killed!

God, I could talk to you about hydrangeas forever. I know so much about them it's almost stupid funny. I have lots, and most I've started from cuttings. I have about 30 still in pots because I ran out of room in the back yard and have no place to put them. Yes, I know, I'm pathetic. Okay, so listen up. I'm going to give you the best advice you'll get shoved your way. DON'T PRUNE. Trust me. I assume you have a Mophead hydrangea . Which one, I have no idea? Perhaps you'll enlighten me when you read the tag. The blooms will fade in the fall and turn brown. You can remove the faded bloom, but always remember next years bloom is just hovering below the faded bloom on every stem, so if you cut the stem back too far, you've taken next year's bloom with the stem. I know, it's tricky!!! There's another twist. It also depends on the variety. *RC looks for a drink.* If you have a newer variety, "Summer Time," etc., they bloom on new wood so you can cut all you want, but the older varieties only bloom on old wood that's why I need the name. Because you can only cut older varieties back beyond the second or third set of leaf buds. You see those? They haven't leafed out. They're waiting for next year and are all fat and happy below the bloom. God I'm laughing too hard. *RC pours another drink.* Knock it off, I'm trying to educate you. Pay attention when I'm talking to you.

Okay, so here's the absolute rule of thumb if I was unclear in the previous paragraph. Don't prune hydrangea's if you don't have to. Just let them grow and see what happens next year, but do remove the faded blooms. There will be a rythm. Trust me. And next year you can start cutting blooms for the house. But that's a whole notha' post! Getting hydrangeas to last in a vase is a freakin' art I haven't mastered. If you have, please write a post and teach me because I have only met with frustration over the past three decades. And I've read more than a normal person about how to do so.

Oh, one more thing. If you get the right hydrangea you can have blooms from March till Christmas. No, I'm not kidding!!! Ah yes, blue. I love blue.

Baby, do you want to know about roses? I know even more about roses!

I love you darling, and yes, I'm going to send you a hydrangea. But I'm going to send you an easy one cuz you're complicated! I want it to live for God sakes!!! Take some photos and post so I know what the hell you have.

Oh, and you spell like crap. Frankly, that's why I love you so. You're spelling makes my typos look like, well, typos. And yes, after seeing Shara, I'll drive down to San Francisco and drag you out of the house for some coffee and a danish. That's all I need, you on a caffeine and sugar bender.

Yes, of course I love you,
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO!!!
Happy 6th!

Mike said...

I love when people have a way with decorating, your window alone is nicer than anything that I have ever decorated. I can tell that you are an artist!

Suzanne said...

Thanks Otin, you're too kind. The window is important because you look out the damn thing most of the day. So much happens at the kitchen sink. You know what I mean? I think half my life is spent there, so you better believe I'm looking at something pretty. And every day it changes. Roses die, pedals fall, the landscape out the window is forever changing. "Ohno" (the kitty) kills crystals. He's really notorious for that sort-a-crap. See how there are only 4 crystal drops on the candle?. I don't even remember. There were six I think. Maybe 8. You weren't here when he was a wee thing. Trouble. He was trouble. He still is. He can't help it cuz it's just in his blood.

And about being and artist and pretty. I always have to look at something pretty. I don't know why. I think it has to do with the way I view this planet. It's so beautiful and life is short, so I don't want to look at ugly. I want to believe life is beautiful. You'll see lots of photos of my kitchen window. Trust me!!!

You know, the musician, Mary Chapin Carpenter used to be here and I remember the first time she arrived. It was after I posted a photo of my kitchen window on a foggy day. I like to think she still visits. She had to leave because a fan was abusing her blog. But I can feel her. And I can feel all my darling, darling friends when I'm standing at the kitchen sink. They see the front yard through my window and my eyes, and I know they enjoy the view.

Love you dear. Thanks for always stopping by. I have to go sign some stupid papers so have to go, but before I do I have to tell you about a rig I saw the other morning. It had a triple load. I've never seen anything like that before. It was hauling a transformer, or something. It was HUGE. This is what I did...I counted the tires. There were over 50. I kept losing count. Yes, I tried 3 times then gave up. I'm just a girl. An ordinary girl! There were so many freakin' tires!!!

XO

Gig said...

Hey Blottie!!
Called you, but you did not answer, so if you haven't listened to your messages....GO LISTEN NOW!!!! Sure, I am laughing!! It took me a damn hour to read all of your comments on the last post,(which was beautiful,BTW); but it was worht it!!

I will keep calling till you answer, so get ready or call me.

Oh....about the TimTams...they are coming to Michigan...gotta run, luv ya...
Giggie, xoxo

Suzanne said...

Giggie!!! Oh my God you make me laugh. You know I don't retrieve messages. I suck at that sort of thing. But I went in and pushed the button. Mom said a few weeks ago, "Really Suzy, it isn't that hard. You just push the button." How rude!!! And guess what? I got 3 messages from Mom and she talks to me as if I'm standing in the damn room listening to her message!!! My mother cracks me up. For instance she says stupid stuff like this..."Suzy, just pick up the phone, it's Mommy." Mom, if I were standing in the damn room I'd pick up the damn phone. The woman kills me. Like I'd stand in the room, listen to her leave a message and not pick up the phone. Please. She's killin' me with this stuff!!! And then there's Cece. Don't even get me started. I didn't know she called. I guess I really should check. Do I have to do everything around here? I'm exhausted doing all this stuff. I needed and assistant and never got one. I'm just wingin' it every damn day. Ugh. You suck as my mini-assistant trying to find me a real assistant. And you cut hair for money? Good Lord. Don't even come near me. I'll just take my chances and chop it off myself. That's working really well...Shara told me I basically look like shit. How rude. I kicked her ass out of California. Let Seattle deal with her.

I realize your message is not on my land phone, it's on my cell phone. Honey, I don't know how to get those messages. Damn. But while trying to find your message I just got a text from Shara that reads, "Hi love, I'm in Bodega Bay." She's in one of the most beautiful places in all of California. And she knows I know it. That's why she wrote. I told her to please not miss it. It's just stunning. Traveling Hwy 1 north past Marine is so beautiful. I don't even know how to explain it. It's sort of wild and untamed. Sheep graze on the hills. It's simply beautiful with the green pasture coming down to the ocean. And cliffs. Watch out!

She just texted me. That's how it's spelled, right. I don't know how to text. As a teacher she informed me I have to learn. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, git! But her message is so absolutely adorable I had to respond. So I called and left a message. Calling is my version of texting.

Baby, how am I supposed to keep up with all this crap? I'm trying to find your message. I can't. Where are you? And you know what's so awful. I misplaced my phone book with all my personal numbers. I was rushing around before Shara arrived and shoved so much crap into plastic bag I can't find my phone book and your number. Swear to God. Yes honey, this is actually my life. Baby, are you 817? Write back and give me the prefix. If I have the prefix I can figure it out on my cell phone. Why? Because you're the only friend in Michigan. Yes, it's actually that simple.

I know. Trust me. I know.

XO

Gig said...

Ok Suze,
I will go a little easier, lol, not really but what the hell. I don't even remember what I said now, sorry, the memory is going...

But I did mention TimTams, haha...

I am going to text you, my number, you were close... prefix is 810 for my cell, 989 for home. But Shara is right we have to teach you to text. I like it, was texting with grandson this morning as they were passing by Grayling on their way home from camping this weekend. Anyway, I had to come back and see if you had been here. I know you...can't sleep and here you are.

I know I will never live it down about the assistant...sorry...still looking.
*starts typing*..."hey blottie, what's happening"

xoxo

Gig said...

Suze, went to text and the number I have says it is not a mobile number so it must be your landline. I will try and call tomorrow night. I would send email, but i know what mine looks like...and yours is probably as bad,lol.

luv ya, giggie

Suzanne said...

You still up? I am. The kitties just woke me. I think I slept for about six hours but now I'm awake. Menopause. God you just gotta love it once you wrap your brain around it. Guess what I woke to? "Oh s***." The pink antique plate in the photo is no more. I found it in the sink broken in half. Too much stuff is broken in this house. I held the pieces back together and thing it's fixable. Nice clean break. Nice and clean because it landed in a porcelain sink. Sweeeeeeeeeeet! I know, it's funny. It's broken, but it's not broken bad. Do you know what I mean? Don't even get me started with stupid stuff like this.

Baby, doesn't texting cost money? Why text when you can make a phone call for free. I'm not texting you guys until I know all the rules. And if the rules are stupid this is going to be my rule: I'm not texting.

Who do you think called with the other prefix? Hummmmmmmmmmmmm. Do I know that person? It certainly wasn't you. That's funny. Baby, I need to find my phone book. I'll call when I find it. Or call my land phone and I'll collect your number. I know you can't text my land phone, but you can my cell phone. Leave your damn number. Baby, did you see that Renee finally was able to comment on my page!!! What a gift. But I don't have my phone book, so don't have her number and can't call to thank her. I've decided I have to have a backup plan. I have to have two phone books. Do you know what I mean? This one phone book with my whole life in it is just stupid. That really is a bad plan because I don't memorize numbers any more. I don't know my Mom's number. I don't know my own cell number. I don't ever know Rob's cell number. What? I know. Pathetic. Baby, there are only 24 hours in a day and my brain is only so big. Oh, and according to "PRINCE!" it's full of me, so how the hell am I supposed to fit phone numbers too?

I'm trying to be more responsible with email. HOWEVER...Comcast change the look of our homepage two days ago and I couldn't even find my damn email link until today. Now I'm too scared to look. I know. It's gonna be ugly. You know me and email on a good day.

I love you baby. You behave, okay? Don't make me come down there. Why do I always think you live in Arkansas with Cece. Okay, don't make me come up there. Michigan. I'll tell you somthing really, really funny. I don't think the Midwest gets the respect it deserves. Shara's from Texas as you know, but she's driving to Seattle and then scooting across the Midwest to get to Florida and Key West. I said "Honey, what about the Midwest? You just gonna egnore it?" Reply. "Yup." What? I can't fix her. She's just way past fixin'.

I love you!!! You hangin' in there? Shara had shoulder surgery. That's brave. My shoulder has started hurting a bit this past month and I'm scared. Have you considered vacationing in California once the big man recovers? Good! I'll need help. How's 2010 look for you?

I love you so much darling. And yes, of course you can style my hair. Just make me look pretty because you know what Prince said...I'm "full of myself." Someone needs to kick his ass!!! Think we should pick Cece? She'd kill his weak little ass!!! Stop. You know me. I can't hurt another human being. I guess he'll just have to stick around and torment me! God did he get lucky when he found me.

I love you baby and don't worry about the assitant. It's something to comfortably bitch about. God, I really do need one.

XO ;)

MARIA said...

You're right Suzanne - the window is important, I look through my window most of day. It is my "window to the world".Your idea with a "cutie" (I didn't find this word in my dict.) is so cute. It is your art? Beautiful!

Thank you so much for your sweet visit and encourage words. Its mean a lot for me.

Have a happy and lovely day!

bindhiya said...

Dear Suze,
Happy July 6th to you too :)
The kitchen window view is stunning...can i come with my two little ones and live with you forever? i will not go for a day or two...i will be there forever.. :)
sorry i couldn't get around so much on these two days.. you know that..
Tim tam will be here soon..
Take care dear.
I'll be alive after wednesday.... life
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

Suzanne said...

MARIA!!

Hi honey. It's always so wonderful to see your beautiful face. I haven't stopped by in so long and it felt amazing to look around and exhale. I love your blog. And that soup. Wow. I'm making that. I'm glad you put the recipe in English!!! I have to stop back and see if you have a good gazpacho recipe. I'm so sad I lost mine because it really was the best. One thing my recipe called for was lemon. It's amazing how lemon blends perfectly with all the little veggies and a tomato base. Also, the friend from college who shared the recipe with me always served her's with sour cream. Delicious.

You have become so good at the English language in such a short period. You really do amaze me. "Cutie" is American slang. Here's a pretty good way to use it in a sentence. Think of your grandson and how cute it is. You can say "Oh, he's such a little cutie-pie!!!" Or when your daughter was a baby and so very precious, I'm sure you thought many, many times "You're such a little cutie-pie honey!" There has to be a term or phrase similar in Polish. Share it with me if figure it out.

And yes, isn't it funny how much time and dreaming is spent staring out the kitchen window? I would be so lost without a window above the sink. I always need to think and looking at nature helps me make sense of life. To be honest, if I had the money I'd take out all the upper cabinets and have an entire wall of windows from the lower cabinets to the ceiling. No, I'm not kidding! That's my dream kitchen! I actually saw one when I was a young girl. My aunt worked for a very, very, very wealthy family in Colgate Park, or Estes Park in Haines Falls, NY. My grandmother stopped by the house to visit my aunt one day and it was, and remains probably the most beautiful house I've ever seen. The butler opened the door and escorted us to the kitchen to visit my aunt. The entrance was beautiful. The marble foyer was stunning. The hall was gorgeous! The furniture was more stunning! And then the kitchen. Oh. My. God. The house sat on a cliff and the kitchen overlooked it, on all three sides. There were no upper cabinets, just lower cabinets and windows that ran from lower cabinets to ceiling on all three sides. I'd never seen anything so beautiful. I was only 7 or 8, but I appreciated beauty and I have never fogotten that room. I looked at every detail so carefully while everyone else chatted. I could probably paint it 50 years later and not make a mistake. I thought my aunt was the luckies woman alive!!!! I think she was the chef. I just know she spent most of her time in the kitchen. Heaven! I wanted to grow up and own that house and that kitchen. My parents and grandparents laughed at that idea because the homes in the park were very, very old and owned by very, very wealthy families from New York City. But I had a dream. Then one day it died. The house caught on fire and burned to the ground. My kitchen was gone. All throughout my childhood and teen years the house was never rebuilt. It became simply the lot overlooking the cliff. I'm certain a house has been built there in the past 20 years because the land is too valuable to leave vacant. But no house will ever be "that" house, or have "that" kitchen. It's such a special memory and I know there was an architect or a home owner back in the 1800's with the the most amazing eye for beauty. And when I refer to a cliff, I don't mean bare rock or anything like that. The Catskill Mountains in NY are filled with amazing cliffs carved by glaciers and covered with trees and lush greenery, waterfalls and pure romance. I'll post some photos. But trust me, HUGE, DEEP cliffs. For instance if you wandered outside at night and took a wrong turn, you'd be discovered in probably 200 years!!! If you were lucky, maybe 100. No I'm not kidding. I'll post photos.

Love you darling. Stay healthy and happy as always. Huge hug.
XO

Mr. Shife said...

Well I hope you had a wonderful July 6, and the view from your window is very nice. As happy as RC is about keeping her hydrangeas alive I am in the process of killing mine. I think they are getting too much water. It is just weird because there are 6 of them on the same drip line and the rest are doing great. Anyway just wanted to share my hydrangeas story. Hope you are having wonderful July 7. Take care.

Leah said...

Hi Suzy, I can hardly leave a darn comment on my gruesome broken computer, she has to go in the shop, but I wanted to stop by and just say hi!

xo

Suzanne said...

Mr. Shife,

Hi honey. Hummmmmmmmm. Take a photo. So all six are dying? Is the drip line working? I'm serious. Sometimes it gets clogged. When you turn on the irrigation system go out and watch. If it's working stick your finger in the soil. Is it soggy. No plant likes soggy unless it's a bog plant. Then stick your finger in the soil when the system isn't on. Is it still soggy? What color are the leaves. Are they just wilting or are they yellow and falling to the ground? There's a big difference.

You know me and hydrangeas. I love them and hate to hear of their demise. Do you have gofers!!??? They'd die very quickly with gofers, so assume you don't.

You live in a cold climate so can't really have mop head hydrangeas like RC and me. I also love Pee Gee hydrangeas. Very famous and hardy in the northeast, where I hail from. I have a number of them. Yes, I may have to send you a cutting. Yes, I still have your address. Pee Gees are the cone shape blooms. Very gorgeous and easy to dry for arrangements. Most are huge shrubs or can be grown as medium sided deorative trees. STUNNING!

You're welcome. And you know what else honey, my family has a tradition. We love plants and trees and when a baby is born a tree or plant is placed in the ground. Also when a loved one dies, something is always planted. You might want to do that for your mom and the wee one. There's something so precious and comforting about sitting next to a plant, talking to it, and remembering. And there's something even more precious about taking a cutting or transplanting a loved plant or tree from a garden that was cherished by someone you love very much. Trust me. I've done it so many times and it really does matter.

I'll tell you a funny story. My mom used to crack me up. She'd tell me that after I started to talk life changed rapidly, so she'd go outside and sit next to the rose she planted for me and remember good times! How rude! Apparently I was a whole lotta trouble after I turned 1 and was potty trained.

Love you darling. As a friend, a dad and a husband. I'm not so sure about you as a hydrangea grower. I'll need to see the photos.

XO ;)

Suzanne said...

Leah!!! Hi baby!!! I always love to see your face. Well, apparently all I have to do is look in the closed according to Cece. How the hell'd you end up in my closet?

I'll stop by to see if Sarge is still holding court. He's a cutie honey. I really do love that post, but I'm trying to imagine what you'll post next. Perhaps you'll discuss how Miss H was created in the back seat of a Caddy. Dear Lord. And to think, you almost became a Rabbi. Dear Lord. Yes, of course if you had I would have stood outside the synogogue with a sign that read "Trust me, she ain't perfect." I'd also have a hose.

Of course I love you. Get over here you little knuckle head.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO!!!!

P.S. Baby I still have Hedgie's butterfly bush. What the hell do you want me to do?

I'm down on my knees praying your computer will get well. I can't even imagine life without you.

Suzanne said...

Bindi,

I wrote then decided to send it via email. I will. I love you so much darling.

Thank you.

XO

Megan said...

Hope your week is going well!

kylie said...

suze,
i'm reading all the novels you are writing for everyone and i bet you will give me about two lines!
with the hydrangeas, have you tried splitting the stem before putting in a vase?
now, to answer your question about being adequate.i dont think i will ever be what i would hope. but i think i can be adequate, theres no perfection clause in the word adequate
and you know, we all like you the way you are but if people are suggesting change it might be because your life isnt quite what you hope for right now and maybe they are trying to get you to where you hope to be?
i have a darling friend who regularly tells me how i could change and it irritates the heck out of me. then he tells me to remember that he has my best interests at hear. how does a girl argue with that??

cheers
k

Cece said...

To get your messages off of your cell phone, try holding down the #1 key. Usually it is a speed dial directly to your voice mail. Or you could do it the long way, go to Menu-Messages-Voice Mail and vwalah! You've got Mail!!! Gosh this older generation and their inability to master modern technology......

Love you dear!

bindhiya said...

Dear Suze,
am back from my vacation and trying check on you... i saw more than three posts have been deleted.. :(
looking crazy for your email...nowhere to found...?
I was away for three days... I don't check my emails very often but i do check blogger if i have few minutes...
I am so happy to hear about everything you have to say about Shara.. Yes, she will kick .... :) Yes, I do know it very well :)
She is the most beautiful soul I saw in my life... I can go on and on.. no words can explain her..

Take care dear..
love to you and little ones
((hugs))
bindi

Suzanne said...

Thanks Megan. It's hangin'. It's actually beautiful here because it hasn't been so hot. It should reach the low 90's by this afternoon, but at least it's not 110 like last week. I'm watering the back 40 and it's not my day to do so, but I hope I'm not reported because the fine is apparently HUGE now, but I just can't get everything watered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with the irrigation system all screwed up. Pray for me! Rob fixed the sprinkler he knocked off with the lawn mower, but still hasn't filled the hole with the soil he removed, AND there's a really big problem. The sprinkler he fixed works fine, but the two spinklers on either side of the lawn don't work at all now. They were fine until he fixed his sprinkler, now they just shoot out a little stream of spit and don't have enough pressure to actually move! Please tell me it ain't so. Don't make me go out there and fix the damn thing myself.

Some arborist where just at the neighbor's house all day trimming the gorgeous trees. I heard the chain saw when I arrived home from the park and started to panic because neighbors are taking down old trees left and right. Thank goodness the neighbor next door loves his trees and treats them like gold. He just had the canopy raised a bit to keep the limps off the roof. I could hug him to bits because his trees are some of my favoites and pure joy to look at when I'm in my yard.

I picked my first tomato this afternoon. It wasn't completely ripe, but tasted delicious all the same. I don't kill snails or slugs, so they were kind enough to eat my zucchini plants down to stubs. I still have some buds, but no leaves. I don't think that's gonna work.

I'll tell you a funny story about my zucchini last year. I splurged and bought a cute little French number. She grew and grew and grew, but only produced about 3 small zucchini. I was very disappointed and in the Fall, yanked her out to throw on the compost pile. And there it was. The mother of all zucchini. It was literally longer than a baseball bat and about three times as round. I yelled for Rob. We just stood there and looked in total disbelief. I could have entered it in a giant veggie contest or something. It was insane. I left it in the garden for about a month just so I could look at it! Then I cut it open and fed it to the skunks, racoons, birds, etc. Most gardeners get so many zucchini they don't know what to do, but me, I got no zucchini, a giant plant and one giant zucchini I couldn't eat. Please! What did I do wrong?!!!

Hope you're having a nice week! XO ;)

Suzanne said...

Okay Kylie, I'll give you three. Oh, I'm just joking. I actually wrote a whole bunch to you yesterday, but then deleted it. I thought it might bore you! I really have to stop that. I told you all about the stuff I bought for Em's care package. I bought 9 California post cards and a book of 178 Sudoku puzzels to keep her brain flexible. I'm sure you're aware Sudoku is a numbers game and loads of fun. I bought her puzzles that range from easy to hard if she's never played. I think she'll have fun. I'm also aware she misses her dog very, very much, so believe it or not, I bought here a stuffed animal. A dog of course! Hopefully it'll bring a smile to her face.

Now about the hydrangea. I know you slit wood stem, like lilacs, but didn't think to do the same with hydrangeas. I've tried all the professinal advice and nothing has really worked well, but splitting the stem just might. I'm going to pick some blooms tomorrow morning and keep you informed. What I should be able to do is keep them alive in a vase, then let them dry for arrangements (I want hydrangea wreaths to hang on the two front entrance doors at Christmas. I've had no luck!!!). I've never been able to do that because they always wilt after a few days. Cross your fingers. Oh, by the way, do you have hydranges in Australia?

About "adequate" and friends who care. You're absolutely right. I've been thinking a great deal about Shara's suggestions the past few days and she's right. I do need to make some changes in an effort to get back on track. I know for certain I can't change my volunteer work for animals because I care so deeply about them, but I can change other aspects of my life. For instance she mentioned wearing more attractive clothes! You know me, I dress like a slob!!! And my hair. She said "Suzanne it's so pretty and you wear it in a ponytail all the time." She's right. I'll make more of an effort. And she wants me to take better care of myself. And I should. And most of all, she wants me to teach. As a school teacher, she recognizes my talent and doesn't want me to keep it all to myself. She thinks I should hold plein air classes in the back yard and teach students to paint roses, nature, flowers. As I'm sure you aware, plein air is a French term and literally means painting outdoors. The Impressionists became masters of plein air painting. When I was at UCLA, our painting instructor would take the whole class up the coast, past Malibu to a quiet stretch of beach and we'd paint the ocean, the rocks, etc. It was wonderful. It was challenging because the breeze off the ocean was very strong, so supplies where always flying all over the place, the sun was hot, the sand got in our shoes, our eyes hurt from constantly being bombarded by the wind, seagulls bombed us looking for food and then we had a professor who would give us exercises: "Okay, turn toward the north and paint what you see in 5 minutes." Look at the ocean and sketch the waves in 30 seconds." Turn to the person sitting next to you and paint what you see in 20 minutes." It went on like that for 3 hours usually!! It was hard and none of my work EVER looked good, but there was something so free about being in nature and painting. However, there was absolutely NOTHING fun about not having a bathroom.

P.S. I broke this in half because Blogger won't let me type more that 4,096 characters, so Part B is next.

Suzanne said...

Part B

Shara is very quick and very, very aware. She saw me teaching painting classes in a floppy wide brimmed gardening hat (and gave me her's) and dressed in all white with a Victorian flair. She had no idea I used to wear mostly white and was very attracted to the white dresses from the turn of the last century. How interesting. I think she's on to something. But I have to take a watercolor class first, get the garden in order and shop for white stuff!! Seriously. Oh, and she also thinks high tea should be included. You know how my grandmother was SO British and tea and tea cups always important. It's a very romantic and beautiful idea and so up my alley. What do you think? I always like bouncing ideas off you. Mostly because you eventually respond. ;)

You'd love Shara. She's a damn good woman Kylie. Having her visit really was a gift. I think about what it would be like to have each and every one of you visit. I'd learn so much about myself and life, and most importantly, about all of you. There's something so special about holding someone you care deeply about. Laughing with them, crying. Making coffee. Tea. Washing a load of laundry with lots of bras and panties. Loading and unloading the dishwasher. Making a hot dog. Eating a ham and pinapple pizza for the very first time and actually enjoying it. Going to bed really, really late. Driving very, very carefully. Not caring the house isn't perfect. Walking through the garden and hearing it's "beautiful" even though you know it's a complete mess. Going to the market although neither of you have taken a shower and are still wearing the same clothes from the day before. It was beautiful and I'll never forget a single moment. It was a gift.

I love you darling and hope our day will come. I really do. Thanks for always sticking around no matter what.

Hope you're feeling a bit better. Love to all,
Moi

P.S. Hope this works.

Suzanne said...

Cece,

Hey dippy, knock it off. I don't have time to read all the freakin' instruction, nor listen to Rob as he walks me through every step, like 10 times! Goes in one ear and right out the other. Baby, how many times do I have to repeat this simple fact? There are only 24 freakin' hours in my day and my head is very small. Women.

Okay, you're #1 suggestion worked, but it didn't give me the damn message. I took the other route. I listened to Giggie. She's killing me. She's taking my damn Tim Tams. Between her, Bindi and the rest of you, what the hell am I going to eat? When you all make a pit stop here on your way to Hawaii, I refuse to offer refreshments or a stagecoach. You can order out. Oh, and you can also pay yourself. *Suze walks away shaking head. Friends.* Bring your own sheets. And this isn't a luxury hotel, I don't offer pillows, comforters or central heat or air. Don't even dare look at the Macy's sofa. You'll get the wood floor and like it. And no, the Mercedes is out. Everything's within walking distance. Well, except the airport. Good luck with that.

Yes Cece, I know you called today. I heard your bitchin' and moanin' on both phones. I have a headache and can't be expected to please you all the time (or frankly for the past month!), but try calling back tomorrow. I should feel better. What?!!!!! No, I'm not going to call you tonight because if Hubby's home I know he won't be happy. Hummmmmmmmmm, he isn't home, is he? Okay, let me try to call Giggie first then I'll call you. If Giggie's not rotating her hubby's shoulder cup we'll chat. If she is, I'll hang up and call you. You know what's so funny? Shara had shoulder surgery (rotator cup) and was back at work in 5 days. How in the hell does a 6 month recovery end in 5 days? That is insanity. I want that arm, that shoulder, that body and that surgeon. You know Giggie, Hubby and I are just looking at that sentence and blinking. A lot.

Yes, I love you. Yes, I'm calling. I'm trying. I can't find my phone book and I can't get your number on the cell. I just called Giggie thinking the prefix was yours. That's just too damn funny.

Okay, so I just talked to you too. What a riot. And just heard from Shara. The woman can't bring herself to leave Califoria. She's only in Fort Bragg. She said if she runs out of money "Can you please send bus fair." Git. Go. Spend all that crap up in Seattle and then move like the wind back to Texas and to your paying job. God I love that woman.

Okay, sign off time. It's late, I'm tired.

XXXXXXOOOOOOOOO

Megan said...

You should be tired after all that typin'!

xoxo

Karen ^..^ said...

A beautiful tribute you wrote, Suzanne. I agree with every word.

I do.

Suzanne said...

Bindi,

Welcome back. Good for you.

It's true. I am the Delete Queen. I didn't actually delete however, they're just in limbo waiting for their moment of glory. You know me, I change my mind all the time.

And just so you know, you can look for that email till the cows come home. I haven't sent it yet. Bindi, that's just too funny. I'm going to lose my computer for a few weeks. It needs repairs. I'll try to email before it leaves.

Baby, I gotta go to sleep. I'm falling asleep at the computer.
Love you so! We'll talk soon.

Love and hugs to all,
XO

Suzanne said...

Megan,

Like my mother has informed me all my life, "Nobody likes a wise ass." She's so mistaken. Get over here you little cutie and let me give you a hug! For some reason I'm reminded of Karen's header "Why use a small word when a big one will do." Mine should read, "Why use one word when a hundred will do." I know darling, I'm terrible at editing because I didn't attend college for that job, but I warned all of you with my header and you still ventured in. I have no sympathy. Excuse me, I've gotta go. I have about 20,000 words left before I crash.

You didn't even mention my zucchini. :( That young lady, is the last time I share a zucchini story with you!!!

;)

Suzanne said...

Karen,

Hi baby! Which one!!!???

Oh darling, I got about 3 hours of menopausal sleep and now I'm awake as if it's a whole new day at 2 am. This isn't going to work for me. Do you know what I mean? I have such a big day tomorrow. Well, technically today and 3 hours it pitiful sleep. I AM NOT MARTHA STEWART!!!!! Can you believe "that woman" (I love Prez Clinton's term for the female persuasion) can exists on so few hours of sleep/night and still run a freakin' empire. That woman.

Love you darling. Will stop by to see what you're up to. Probably no good. Oh, by the way, how's the dog? And the kitten?

Love you darling,
Six XO
That was supposed to be "Sis" Yes, I'm tired. You're luck I even caught that. Did I miss anything else?

Suzanne said...

"It" was supposed to be "is."

Suzanne said...

Megan,

Like my mother has informed me all my life, "Nobody likes a wise ass." She's so mistaken. Get over here you little cutie and let me give you a hug! For some reason I'm reminded of Karen's header "Why use a small word when a big one will do." Mine should read, "Why use one word when a hundred will do." I know darling, I'm terrible at editing because I didn't attend college for that job, but I warned all of you with my header and you still ventured in. I have no sympathy. Excuse me, I've gotta go. I have about 20,000 words left before I crash.

You didn't even mention my zucchini. :( That young lady, is the last time I share a zucchini story with you!!!

;)

Karen ^..^ said...

The tribute to Michael Jackson that you deleted. I loved it. I wasn't a big fan, not a lifelong fan, but some of his earlier works were quite amazing. I'm not into that kind of music anymore, but he was nothing short of a genius in his time.

As far as the rest of it, no one will ever know what truly happened, but shame on the mothers for pimping their children out to later skin a profit off them.

Leah said...

I LOVE THE ZUCCHINI STORY. Really really that is SO hilarious. I can't wait to tell my mom. She had all sorts of weird stuff happen in her vegetable garden.

Your comments here were wonderful. I read all of them.

Gig said...

No comment to you when I can not see the deleted posts!!

The phone conversation was great!! Made the trip much quicker, thank you. It was great to get to hear Rob's voice.

Thanks!! Going to sleep now...sweet dreams! giggie, xoxo

Suzanne said...

Karen,

Hi baby. Well I did it. I wrote back and when I tried to post Blogger with their new damn rule forbid me to post more than 4,000 plus characters. So I used my new strategy. I cut it in half, copied the second half to WordPerfect and posted the first half as Part A and planned to paste the second half as Part B. Something went terribly wrong. I completely lost part A because I think I backspaced before I actually posted it, but still have Part B. I know. Pathetic. I can't post Part B without Part A. I just can't. There are over 2,000 words in Part A. It would be like reading a sentence with everything missing except the period. You know what I mean? Okay, so this is my new plan. I'm going to repost Michael Jackson with a rewritten Part A and the original Part B attached as an addendum. It'll take me a week or so, but I promise!

I watched some of his videos this afternoon and viewed some of the moments from the memorial I missed. I've concluded he wasn't a pedophile and I'll tell you why. You know I've struggle with this one because I've worked on these cases with Rob and they are horrible and break your heart. Watching him sing, perform, listening to his words, refamilarizing myself with his life, I realized he wasn't the kind of man who would do that to a child. His words are so tender, loving and kind and a man like that does't hurt a child. I know what kind of man hurts a child. Trust me. Did he make mistakes as an adult? Probably, but that doesn't make him a pedophile. There's a HUGE difference. And there are prosecuters who will do anything to win. Anything. Even lie. Cops who testify and lie too. Case after case exists and there are thousands upon thousands of people wrongly convicted sitting in jail as we speak. Does the court make mistakes? Yes. Is our justice system flawed? Yes. Today I watched him as a fellow artist, and nothing else. I saw me. I know my heart and I saw mine in his. I saw his compassion, his sacrifice and knew anyone with that much sensitivity and love could never hurt another living soul purposely. So I've finally made my choice.

You are absolutely right. There are parents who pimp kids to get money. Who lie. Who do truly evil crap because I've seen it and I know. In this case only the court, the lawyers, MJ and the kids really know what happened. This is just my gut instinct. I don't have access to all the evidence, so will never really know, but after much debate is what I've concluded. And not because I'm a fan, but because I've tried for decades to be thoughtful and fair. And finally I think I've come to a just conclusion.

I'll be interested to hear what Rob thinks. We discussed this case a length over the years because it's interesting and complicated. Did he watch the memorial or any of the news coverage? No. Rob's just not that sort of guy. He's busy and frankly not interested. But has he formed an opinion? Yes. I'd like to know what it is. I think that's what I miss most about having Rob around. Discussing cases, laughing a whole hell of a lot, thinking really hard about simple stuff, having a really smart guy to bounce ideas off, having someone to challenge me all the time. I miss that sort of mental exercise. It's funny what you miss when it's gone. And yes, I also miss Michael Jackson and think I always will because for me, his music was always current, never old or stale.

Yes, I know I've rambled, but it was cathatic to get it out. Will I still post? Of course.

Love you darling and thanks for always making me think. I adore you so.

XO Sis

Suzanne said...

Leah,

Thanks you darling. That's why I love you so. You take time and make an effort. I'm not writing in vain!!!

I am so grateful your mom will appreciate my zucchini. You know what's so funny about that damn thing? It was impossible to move without Rob. I couldn't lift it. I knew something was wrong the moment I tried to toss the plant on the compost pile after cutting it off at ground level. It was like a bad B movie. I walked away with the green part and was yanked back by the monstrosity zucchini. It was all just too funny. And funnier is I'd check that plant for zucchini every single day for months. Hoping. Waiting. And how I never saw that abomination is truly beyond me. It just sorta blended!

Thank you for loving that story because it's one of my treasured moments as a gardener. And frankly, something I will never understand as long as I live. Thank you. And I can hardly wait to hear what "Mom" thinks.

Maybe Mom will know the answer to this as well. I'm not a great veggie gardener. I only grow cherry tomatoes well. My sisters are all amazing veggie gardeners. I think I over water because I mix roses with veggies. Mom, do you think that's my problem? Please say "Yes," because I'd hate to suck at growing veggies. I swear to God, I'm a good gardener.

Leah, I love you so very much. Thank you for making my evening. Well, technically, morning. I'm so glad your computer is still working. Mine won't be shortly. Has to go to the shop for a bit of repair. Will probably be off line a few weeks. I'll cry!

Love you! I found something so special for you and Hedgie. Couldn't believe my eyes. I'll post about it, but for God sakes, don't show Hedgie. I want it to be a surprise. Don't even show Sarge. Promise. Because when you guys open the package I want to hear an audible 3,000 mile exhale!

XO

Merely Me said...

Zuch...err...Suze! Do you ever sleep?!
In regards to Part A and Part B - have someone who has you in their reader send it to you! They could cut and paste into an email or word doc! Right?!
I have been cleaning! I got the bug! It has been fun! I ordered a steam cleaner on-line that should be arriving soon - so excited. I figured this way the little guy won't be crawling on chemicals/in mouth...etc. We have mostly wood floors. Carpet in bedroom, closets, and stairs. That's it. All the rest is slate or wood. My favorite vinyl in the mudroom. Although I use "safe" stuff I sure as heck wouldn't want to drink it!
Am reading the best book ever right now...The Middle Place by kelly corrigan. Phenom. I told a friend about it...she got it today...was crying in the prologue and her daughter was laughing!

Have a nice weekend - will be hitting Trader Joe's in Chicago next weekend! Yea!!!

kylie said...

hey suzie
you really need to get over to my place and see the comments on "whats for sweets?"
it's a laugh

kylie said...

hey,
i cant remember all the stuff you talked about in that 2 instalment comment but i must say this: just because i self edit at times doesnt mean i'll be bored reading your books

we have hydrageas here, my dad regards then as plants for difficult corners and therefore hates them. i dislike nandina for pretty much the same reason. funny, eh?

we have a couple of hydrangeas here, they came with the house and are probably almost as old. they are in a difficult corner, totally neglected ( and thats not gardeners self effacing talk, it means i dont even look at them) but they survive and flower year after year

take care
k

Cece said...

My hair isn't orange anymore!!!!!
Now I need to go grocery shopping. We are out of CHICKEN.

bindhiya said...

Dear Suze,
Please stop by at my place and pick up your award!!!
loved the zucchini story... you are one great gardener!! :)
love you dear
((hugs))
bindi

kylie said...

there was a zucchini story?

Mike said...

Suzanne- Thanks for the comment on my blogger meeting! I can tell that you have a caring heart, it shines through in your writing! I think that you are someone that would be great to meet, but I don't forsee me being on the west coast! If you are ever coming to the Carolinas, let me know!

Suzanne said...

Merelymommyme,

No. Menopause has ruined every aspect of my life and divorce is running a close second!!! If it isn't all over soon I swear to God I'm going to wring everything's freakin' little neck.

You little house cleaner you. Motherhood has been such a blessing, hasn't it. I could eat off your floors now that you've bought that gadget and taken cleanliness seriously!!! What's for dinner?

Oh, and honey, if you use "safe" stuff you should be able to drink it. Right?! Pour me another glass, please. You have 911 in the Midwest, right?

Love you darling. I'll stop by soon. I'm trying to put up a new post and have all the photos but none loaded or any words written. I really do need an assistant. And about the book. Stop encouraging me to read another damn book. You nuts?! I have enough time management problems. Of course I'll read it (thanks) and encourage others as well. It's always a Martha Stewart "Good Thing" to share the joy!!!

Now git. Don't you have a floor to clean, or something? *Suze walks away..."Troublemaker."*

:) XO

Suzanne said...

Dear, Darling Hydrangea and Nandina Hating Aussie Friend,

*Suze closes eyes, leans back on Macy's sofa and meditates in an effort to make sense of Australians.* Ahhhhhhhhh, no not really because I don't meditate, but should, and because the Macy's sofa is covered in kitties. What?! It's true!!!

Nandina. It's a gorgeous shrub, but you have to leave it alone to appreciate it's beauty. It's beautiful in every single season. Can you say that about yourself? Can Dad say that about himself? I doubt it!!! And Hydrangea. Don't even get me started. Don't speak. I have to meditate. I have nearly every variety (I know, we're sorta spoiled in CA) and not one has ever disappointed me. Not one. Can you say that about a kid? A hubby? A mom? A dad? A friend? A sister? A brother? A niece? A nephew? Pantyhose? A bra? Panties? A car? NO!!! So don't even get me started with Hydrangeas. Yours apparently deserve to be taken better care of because I know you have a wee bit of extra time on your hands because you are a self proclaimed:

1) Not the best mom.
2) Not the best wife.
3) Not the best pet companion.
4) Not the best driver.
5) Not the best friend.
6) Not the best car owner (yes, I remember the oil thing).
7) Not the best house keeper.
8) Not the best daughter.
9) Not the best blogger.

What? You think I've spent all this time with you and not noticed!??? So frankly my dear, according to my calculations, you have plenty of time for Hydrangea.

What? Leave me alone. I'm thinking about what to bug you about next. Hey baby, you have any ice cream on a stick to spare for a pretty lady?

You think I should write a book?

I love you so very much. Thanks for making me laugh.

XO ;)

P.S. True story. Swear to God, and you know my cats, fish and water. "Baby" jumped up on the frig the other day and somehow missed and landed ass backward in the fish tank. It was horrible to witness. Water everywhere (you know, the law of distribution and everything), Baby crying for help, the fish was in panic mode and worst of all the magnets and art on that side of the frig were in jeopardy of being ruined for life. I left Baby and the fish to fend for themselves and grabbed for the magnets and art. I know, that's probably not a good thing to admit!!! I grabbed your magnet first and just threw it to the ground to get it out of the way. I was so afraid I'd lose it because it's actually just paper (you know that, right?). It's safe. It's the only item saved. Everything was water damaged, but not your magnet. It will live another day. So will the cat and the fish. Wacky cats. And my wacky life.

Suzanne said...

Cece,

I'll be right over. What's for dinner? Remember, I'm a vegetarian!!!!!

I love your new hair color. It's so natural.

:) XO

P.S. I haven't heard from Shara. I assume it's the whole cell phone out of range problem she's been dealing with up in the boonies. Have you heard from her at all? Rob even asked about her tonight because he hasn't heard either. I know she's a big girl and quite capable, but I start to worry after a few days and it's been about 5 days. I've tried to call her every day and get nothing. I'll try again tomorrow. Hwy 1 is gorgeous because it travels along the coast, but there are very, very long, lonely stretches with nothing but cliffs, hills coming down to the cliffs and sheep. It's a very dangerous, beautiful two lane highway. The last I heard from her she was in Bodega Bay and finally had use of her phone, but she didn't expect it to last long! Apparently it didn't. I'm hoping maybe you know something we don't. Please let us know. And Bindi, if you're reading this and have heard from her, please comment. Thanks you guys. Much love.

XO

Suzanne said...

Bindi,

This is what I've realized about life. I can make sense of most of it, but zucchini? No. I can't explain zucchini. And I will NEVER be able to understand THAT zucchini!!! Please don't tell my sisters about this. They think I'm a great gardener. What they don't realize is I absolutely suck at vegetable gardening. No, really, I do!

Love you! XO

Suzanne said...

Kylie (aka "Dippy"),

Of course there was a zucchini story. What? You don't read this crap?

Australians. *Suze hangs head and walks away.*

;)

Suzanne said...

Otin,

Thanks my darling. Your wish may come true because my darling friend from high school lives in North Carolina. She's an engineer and lives in the triangle. Or is that the "golden" triangle. I don't know. I just know she lives in an area with really smart people, near 3 major universities and Raleigh! Oh right, just remembered the name...she lives in Cary. My mom is trying to convince me not to move back to NY, but to North Carolina to be near Diana. Diana wants to start a business with me and Mom is all for it because after living in CA for 30 years she thinks NY State winters might kill me. She may have a point.

Also, I don't know if you've met Cece yet. You should introduce yourself, but if you're shy, I'll do the honors. You'd just love her. She hasn't blogged much lately because she's dealing with personal issues, but when she's good, she's really, really good! She also started the Wild Onion for us and we all love her to bits. She's a biologist in Arkansas. She's always trying to get me to move to Arkansas and so is Bindi (our dear Indian friend (not Native American Indian, Indian from India). And then, believe it or not I think it was CNN that did a huge piece yesterday about great places to live and work. Top notch?!!! Arkansas. Low cost of living, great climate (if you can stand the humidity), and 5 Fortune 500 companys located in or near Little Rock. Hummmmmmmmmm. Who knew? Apparently Cece because she never lets me forget "Oh Suze, you'd love it here." I would have to drive around the countryside and take down the Confederate flags however. I'm from the "North." WE WON!!!!!!!!! Apparently after over a hundred years, some are still in denial.

Love you dear! XO

Also, here's another connection. Cece loves the coast of the Carolina and vacations there every chance she gets. She's love to buy a home there. If she does, I'm there too!!! I also have family on the water in New Bern. See, I'm closer than you think. Start the tractor!

kylie said...

i an a damned good root

kylie said...

oh yeah, and i have been a bloody good wife, not the best but good and very very undervalued

Suzanne said...

Kylie,

You little wise ass.

I agree, you are. Let's get some water on that thing!

XO

Love you. Hope you have a wonderful day.

kylie said...

i dont have a problem with hydrangeas but i do understand my dads point of view

nandinas might be very nice but every hopeless gardener puts them in their yard thinking that because they are a reliably attractive, hardy plant no care or artistry is required. WRONG!

i w ouldnt have worried had the paper magnet been damaged. thats the sign of a rich life

kylie said...

it's funny, i read your list of what i'm not and thought "jeez, i'm not good at too much"
then i thought "look how many things i do"

kylie said...

and i wasnt being a wise ass, i was trying to name something i am good at
it's a shame it isnt so useful

if you know what i mean

kylie said...

look how many comments i made. i'm catching up with you!

kylie said...

bye

kylie said...

going to water hydrangeas (in the dark and the cold)
and it is still tuesday here

*wanders off to find overcoat and watering can..............maybe i can be good at hydrangeas*

kylie said...

i was a GREAT cow.
breastfed all of the blighters for months and two at a time as well

Suzanne said...

Kylie,

Nadinia. You never trim, you simply cut a cane to the ground and a new one sprouts. That's the rule!!!

Dad is smart. Effortless gardening is a wonderful thing. I wish I was that smart!

If I'd lost the magnet I would have been so sad. To you it doesn't mean much, but to me it means the world. And I'll be honest, I can't believe how fast I pushed it off the frig!!! Bam, it hit the floor like a brick!!! My art wasn't so lucky and got it's butt kicked with water as "Baby" flailed around trying to get out of the fish tank like a fool. Rich life? Yes. Truly. Never a dull moment and I'm grateful as much as I bitch. Life is so unpredictable and every moment memorable. I wouldn't change a thing. Thanks for reminding me.

Have a beautiful day darling.

XO

kylie said...

there are no more ice creams on sticks. i think bob ate them all. there are strawberry hearts. they are a disappointment though, barely a mouthful

Suzanne said...

To my darling cow,

Wow. You know my dear friend from LA (Renee has twins) and she breast fed as well. For months. When I was visiting to help I was in awe. Honestly. She had the pillows to help. Did you have those? First, I have to say I'm so respectful of women who breast feed, and second, I don't know how the hell you all do it!!! It's a ton of work! But it's all good. It's so beautiful. All my sisters but two breast fed. Why two didn't I will never understand, but life's life. Maybe they didn't embrace their breasts when they were young! I don't know. But I'll tell you something interesting, my nieces and nephews from the two sisters who didn't breast feed all have severe allergies. I honestly believe breast fed babies have the best chance at a healthy life.

I have to go to bed for a bit. I'll be up at 6am so I have a good 1 1/2 hours to sleep. Kylie, what am I going to do about this menopause thing? It's gonna kill me.

Happy Wednesday!
XO

Suzanne said...

I was hoping for ice cream before I went to sleep. Bob is a menace.

XO

P.S. Someone should pop that pimple.

Merely Me said...

C'mon Kylie! We can make it 100! Almost there!

Merely Me said...

Are you going to try?

Mr. Shife said...

Still liking the view and hope all is well. Take care my friend, and I just want you to know that I always love your comments on my blog. You are so thoughtful and awesome.

kylie said...

merely me!
i have to sleep sometime

kylie said...

ooh, that was 69 and i didnt notice.
suze, i 69ed you!

Suzanne said...

I was just over on my email(s). Those of you who have emailed know I haven't looked at them in about a week! Sorry. You know my history with email, so leave me alone!!! Them there's a lot of emails!!! Holy crap! Over 300. I looked at about 20. I wrote back to Bob (beautiful, kind email) and looked at Twitter because I was told by Twitter that Bindi is following me. I wasn't aware I was Twittering!!! HOLY CRAP!!! Apparently I'm twittering and I blame it all on Leah. Remember when she asked us to read her stupid Twitter. To read it I had to log on. I never got to read her Twitter and I never realized logging on was Twittering. I am SO pissed. You know how careful I am with my personal information!!! I clicked on my Twitter email and was swiftly taken to my Twitter. I have 7 comments but no clue who commented because Twitter is experiencing technical difficulties at the moment. 7 comments. FROM WHOM!!!! I'm freaking out and my Twitter has my full name. I would never give my full name. I saw it in the right hand corner for all to see and nearly died. You all have my real freakin' email too?! Holy crap. This isn't a Martha Stewart "Good Thing." I'm going to have to delete as soon as possible. I'll come back with something fake. I can't possibly let high school and college friends know I'm still alive!!! It's like a bad Cheers dream...everyone knows my name. Oh. My. God.

I blame Leah for this. I also blame myself for not reading the instructions. One must always read the instructions. Damn.

Kylie ~ You're killin' me woman!!! Wow, so many messages didn't come through last night that are here now. That's funny!!! I actually came back here to thank you for last night. You made me laugh so hard and I wanted to bug you before you went night~night. I mean, hug you! And I find all this!!! Brilliant! You're a gem of a friend and just so much fun. And how perfect. You're #69. Oh how I miss that with all my heart!!! What!? No, life as a single woman isn't all peaches and cream. ;) This is my prayer..."God please let me experience 69 again before I die." Is that selfish? Am I as "Prince" described, "Full of yourself." God, please let me be just one more night!!! Sorry. Please.

And yes. I didn't see it last night because it didn't post before I konked out. You are a good wife and VERY undervalued. Come here baby. Let me make you a good cup of tea and I have a few scones to spare. I think you're a great wife and mother. You little knuckle head you!!!! *Suze rubs Kylies head till it shines.* Hummmmmmmmmm, she might need a wig.

I love you to bits.
~
Merelyeme...we almost made 200 in my old days. 100's a shoe in!!! But that means I can't post. I have to stay here. A dilemma because I have a new post I'm dying to well...gulp...post. No, I'm not kidding. No it's not written yet and the photos are uploaded, but not to blogger. Hummmmmm. Okay, you jokers have another day or so. That's it!!! Ask Kylie, cuz she's been here before!!! You know I'm going to have to make an executive decision in the next 48 hours. Hummmmmmmmmm. Okay. Write really, really fast!!!

XO

Suzanne said...

Mr. Shife.

Girls, gather round. I know. He takes care of mini-shife and is a gem to boot. What? I know. I'm gonna fight for him with Ms. Shife. Of course she'll win because she's Ms. Shife, but I swear to God I'm going to put up a good fight for the rest of us!!! If we could all have a Mr. Shife.

Mr. Shife, with all due respect to your wife (who I adore), you know I love you so. You're so easy to love and admire. The photo with the wee one at the water falls was simply beautiful. You won't believe this, but I imagined him at 18 looking back over a really good life. And he will.

I love you darling. You know that. Keep up the good work and remember that ever daiper you change is polluting the world. What?!

XO ;)

Suzanne said...

That's "every."

Suzanne said...

Okay, 74 it is. I have a new post and would like to post it as soon as I load all the photos. Oh, and the words. Okay, it'll take awhile.

I just saw the most darling thing. My phone was flashing. I found my glasses (constant problem) and thought it might be a phone call from Shara. It wasn't. Instead it was a text from Bindi. "Hi sweetie, it's Bindi," and then "Hi babe, I'm in Bodega Bay, XO Shara." Shara made me promise I'd learn to text. I never realized how fun it would be. I'll call Comcast tomorrow to see if it's FREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! It's adorable to see a little message just waiting for me!!!

I know Shara's no longer in Bodega Bay. She has to be near the Oregon border by now or in Oregon. I know her cell phone isn't working way up there, but I'm hoping to get a new message soon. Has anyone heard from her? I'm serious. If you've heard from her you absolutely must let me know because I'm getting a bit freaked out. I thought I'd hear from her days ago. If you've ever traveled Hwy 1 along the northern CA or Oregon coast, you know it's a lonely row to hoe. She's alone. Oh, I'm sure she's having a blast, but it would be nice to know she's having a blast. You know what I mean?

Okay, I'm going to work on my new post then try to get back to sleep.

XO

Merely Me said...

Is

Merely Me said...

Going

Merely Me said...

Be

Merely Me said...

A

Merely Me said...

Challenge!

Merely Me said...

Cute dog, eh?

Better than Bob's belly! I have lost three pounds since he has changed the photo!

Merely Me said...

Kylie?!

Merely Me said...

Help!

kylie said...

i am here to save the day!

kylie said...

you have to excuse me for being "late"

kylie said...

i had a guest i was trying to be polite to

Merely Me said...

Wouldn't it be fun, as I look at all these word verifications, to make a blog title with the letters? For example:
WV: bledst
Blog Title: Bob Learned Early Don't Sit Timidly

Random. Sorry.

kylie said...

then i wrote a new post

Merely Me said...

Yea! Kylie! Three Cheers for you!

kylie said...

i would love it if you would go over and take a look. it asks a question that is very important in my life and if i can get one persons opinion before i go to bed tonight that would be nice

Merely Me said...

Hooray Kylie!

kylie said...

oh! just saw your idea
thats brilliant
it would be good for when writers block strikes

we could use it as a meme

catie

kylie said...

i will have to think about some

kylie said...

now that we have this intimate relationship you can call me kyles

my friends do

except suze

maybe i didnt tell her she could

suze, call me kyles if you want. the people who truly love me do

kylie said...

suze, we could have a "great-root-but-currently-not-gettin-any" club

or maybe its just 69s you dont get?

let me explain.........

kylie said...

i'm good at explaining the 69.
i have explained to each of my four children

yuuuuck
is what they say


you wait
is what i say

Merely Me said...

Woo Hoo!

kylie said...

you got 100!

Merely Me said...

Good Job Kyles! Couldn't have done it without you!

kylie said...

i'm a star!

i'm also fading. must go to bed

see ya!

kylie said...

oops

you're a star

was getting a little excited there :)

suze will love this when she hauls her arse out of bed. where is she?
anybody would think she was sleep deprived because of menopause

bindhiya said...

Dear Suze,
Hope you having a beautiful day!
I was away for you know what... so am up from grave!
Just here to say 'do not worry about Shara! She's a free spirit... She is fine and now in Washington..trying to get her passport..
I got a twitter account just to see how she is doing. Shara can get to twitter from her phone.. so you will get current info.
I know you worry.. please try not to...
ahhh 24hrs is not enough for me either :)
love you dear.
many ((hugs))
bindi

bindhiya said...

OK Kyles & Merelyme...
am 105 so let us try for 110!

bindhiya said...

now WV is euric! WHAT?

bindhiya said...

loving this game
WV flaxi... I love flaxseed and even flax (i can keep my tea hot all day:) )

bindhiya said...

do i have time for this?
no but it is such a fun... before Noah up i have to do little more things around house
WV epreworc

bindhiya said...

what is this limeorch???
WV limeorch mmmm
ohhhhhhhhhh i made to 110..
i'll be back if i get a bit more time... let us try for 125..then for 150...so on till we have a new post..
am tired of looking out just want to go outside and see...
oh Noah up!

Suzanne said...

Oh. My. God!!! This is hilarious!!!!! I love it!!! And I love all of you so very much. How did I get this lucky? Really? I wish all of you lived in my neighborhood and we could just sit around and gab, BBQ, eat, swim, pick roses, drink tea, drink, gab some more, try to figure out what to do with Bob's belly, find RC a good, stable job, throw the tennis ball to T-Bone every so often while we...gab, fluff the kitties, help Cece feed the birds (!!!), paint one another's houses inside and out, figure out what to do with my kitchen floor, do my endless amount of laundry, load Leah's dishes into my dishwasher (because she doesn't have one), eat some more and clean my house once and for all. Wouldn't it be wonderful to clean the house once and for all. Hummmmmmmm, maybe not. I think that would mean you die the next day. Hummmmmmmmm. Not good. Okay, HELP ONE ANOTHER CLEAN THE HOUSE EVERY FREAKIN' DAY!!! Is it obvious I just got done cleaning half the house like I do every freakin' day???!! There's more to do, but I'm pooped out, so I'm going to sit here and enjoy my wonderful friends!!!

It's HOT here. Over 100 again today. I rushed around to get most of the laundry done and run the dishwasher before turning on the air conditioning which means we were sweating! I simply hate the idea of a hot dishwasher running while the air is on. It seems like such a terrible waste of energy to be generating heat at the same time I'm attempting to cool the place off.

Oh God, just realized I can't write over 4,000 characters. I'll be back.

Oh, by the way, do any of you know how to CLOSE an account on Twitter? I opened my account accidently and want to close but can't figure out how.

XO to Kyles, Merelyme and Bindi for making my day!!! Thanks!

P.S. I'll be back later.

Suzanne said...

Okay, I finally figured out how to delete my Twitter. Rather than delete I've gone private until I decide what to do. I'll keep you informed. I'll be back later!

XO

Merely Me said...

It was funny - it was the most I have ever commented...combined! ;)

It has been nice knowing all of you. Know that each of you is special in your own way.





I cleaned the house today.

Suzanne said...

Hi Merelyme! I just left a comment on your page! Too funny. Baby, now that the house is cleaned and I can sit down on the sofa, what are we eating? I'm hungry. I realize I'm always hungry. What's up with that? You know it's so funny because I keep thinking of that stupid Hawaiian pizza at Little Ceasars that Shara bought. God that thing was good. It lasted two days and was only 5 bucks. Technically I could live on $2.50/day. Hummmmmmmmmmmmm. What's that say about me? More importantly, what's that say about me as a vegetarian?

XO