Party Time

We just returned from my grandmother's 90th birthday party. It went very well. She really liked the Saturday Evening Posts, even though only two arrived in time. I guess the third eBay seller is about to get a negative feedback -- ha!

My stepmom put a lot of planning into the party. It was very elegant, and everything coordinated perfectly. She even bought my grandmother a new outfit, and made my dad wear a new shirt, that went with the color scheme (blue and brown).

My mom made her a photo quilt. It was filled with pictures from my grandmother's childhood, marriage, her kids, her grandkids, and her great-grandchild. It was a big hit, and she was the belle of the ball as she showed it off to everyone.

I want a party just like it when I'm 90. I can't wait to roll my scooter downstairs and have everyone eat cake in my honor!

Four More Days!!

I just have to say I have four more days until we are on summer vacation! I love teaching, I really do, but this is the best time of year. I don't know who's more excited: the kids or the teachers. It's so nice having an unstructured day. I might not put my watch on until August 27.

90 is the new 80

My grandmother turns 90 in two weeks. 90! That is incredible. I can't imagine how the world has changed in the past 90 years. What will it look like in the next 59 when I hopefully celebrate 90 years on this earth?

What do you get a woman who is turning 90? She lives in an assisted-living home where she has her own apartment, but three meals a day are eaten downstairs in the dining room. She doesn't have much space.

My stepmom is making her a scrapbook, and my mom is making her a photo quilt.

I did what I always do when faced with a shopping dilemma: I look on eBay!

I bought her three issues of the Saturday Evening Post. One is from the year she was born, one is from the 1930s, and one is from the 1940s. I figured she'll get a kick out of looking through them. I think we all will.

We have a tiny family. She has one son (my dad) and my sister and I are her only two grandkids. Her own mom died in childbirth, so she has no brothers or sisters, nieces or nephews. Just us. I'm glad we'll be there to celebrate next week. The party is going to be at her "home" since that's the easiest place for her to be. All of her friends already live there, so they are all invited.

It's been a rough few weeks, so I am eager to celebrate with her. Happy birthday, Betty!

Home Woes

I hope it's true bad things come in threes. That would mean we're done for a while.

First our washing machine broke. It needed a new transmission. Who knew washing machines even had transmissions? So that was a quick $250.

Then the AC went out. We needed an entire new unit. That was a not-so-fun $2300. Yikes!

Now our kitchen sink is backed up. We've plunged and plunged, to no avail. I just called a plumber who will "try" to come out tomorrow afternoon. That's a $50 service charge, plus $32.50 every 15 minutes! Ouch!

Please, let this be it for awhile! I really don't have any intention of keeping the Metroplex repair shops in business single-handedly!

A New Use for a Box of Animal Crackers

Hot!

Our air conditioner has gone out! When I got home from work yesterday, it was 88 degrees in the house! Of course, we have temps in the 80s and humidity that's one molecule away from actually raining, so it's like a sauna inside and out.

I called the AC repair place (my 4th service call in 3 years) and they can come out between 8 and noon today. That means I'll have to leave work to come meet them. I think I'll try to let them get started on everything outside, and come home when it's convenient for me. I can't imagine they need to do too much inside, besides check to make sure it's finally blowing cold air. Oh, and I'm sure they want me to pay them. We'll see how long the AC works this time!