Interesting--Came in today's email.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth
would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in
storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained,
or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much
less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his
youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day
because my hair had just been teased and sprayed..

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while
watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't
show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every
moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only
chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later.. Now go
get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More
'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute. look at
it and really see it. live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE
SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us..

Summer's Here!!

Starting to warm up here. It's been hitting the 80's regularly the last week or so. From now on until October, it'll be hot, hot, hot. Not good for my electric bill since the AC will be running non-stop.

It's also getting quite dry. I mowed my lawn tonight for the first time in two weeks. The grass wasn't very high, but the weeds were looking a little shaggy. We haven't had any substantial rain for quite some time. Relatively speaking, we're still in good shape, Central and South Florida are in serious drought mode.

Cindy and I are going camping at Little Talbot Island State Park May 8 & 9. I'm a little concerned that if we don't get rain, they may impose a ban on open fires. That happened to us when we went to Destin last summer. Where's the fun in camping if you can't have a fire? At any rate, fire or no, I'm going and I'm going to relax and enjoy it. We go there a few times a year and I always use Lot #39. Sometimes I have to reserve it two or three months in advance to get it, but it's worth the wait. Best one in the park.

Hot, hot weekend

Well, we've went from winter to summer, with nary any spring in between! It's 94 here today and was at least as hot yesterday. And you know I'm not like mom....I like it 70!

Other than the heat, it's a nice day. Morgan and Makayla are here this weekend (like most weekends) and have convinced Pappy that they need to go fishing! So...even though he wasn't sure he could, he's taken them to the pond using the 4-wheeler. Of course, to be on the safe side, he took one of his radios and I have the other one. It really does him good to have the girls here "making" him do things. Otherwise, he'd sit in his chair and think about how bad he feels and how scared he is to do things. He's so much better than he was a year or two ago. It's been a long haul, with a lot of struggles and stress, but we're showing great progress. It tested my faith, but I'm happy to report, my faith is here, stronger than ever. Life is good!

I'm working on wedding dresses for Joe's wedding. Have two of the bridesmaids' just about finished. I have another bridesmaid's, two flower girls', and Shannon's to do yet. Still trying to figure out what I want to wear. They're all in "camo"....it's a little difficult to coordinate to camo colors!! At the moment, I'm thinking, I'll wear my tan slacks and get a nice blouse to go with it....but have to watch the colors due to corsage ribbons, etc. We'll see.

Leigh Ann just asked Michelle this weekend to be in her wedding also. So, Michelle's in two weddings this summer! She's getting a lot of ideas for what she DOES and DOESN'T want to do, when and if, she gets married. I get REAL emotional just thinking about her wedding--not sure I'd ever make it through the real thing without a major breakdown!

In three weeks, I'm headed to FL for my conference with my company. Rog, how far are you guys from West Palm Beach? I don't know what my schedule is yet, but if it's not too far, maybe we could get together for a coffee or something.

Caution: Be Advised!!

This is the only picture you will ever get of my bathtub and my bubbles. Look well!! Without further ado, here is the picture that Cindy has named,

"Wynkem, Blynkem, and Nod".

Wednesday & All Is Well

Well.........at least I think it is! I spent most of the day listening to the Corporate Volunteer Consultant telling two other Volunteer Coordinators and myself about everything that we're "supposed" to do. Then after the others left, she went through my paperwork and made a lot of corrections. Makes my head spin.

My bathroom remodel customer is going along fine. I've been spending a few of my lunch hours working on that --meeting them to pick our tile, getting the plans drawn, etc. Not that I'm loosing weight missing lunch, I just eat on the run which means that I actually eat more!

I forgot to deliver two paintings last night until my friend called to remind me. By then I was in the bathtub. But the woman in charge was going near my house on her way home so was kind enough to stop to pick them up. Wade carried them out to her car for me so I didn't have to go out in my pjs. I have to deliver and hang 10-12 next week for a month long exhibit. That one has an opening reception on First Friday which is a city wide event every month. It's pretty well attended so usually quite a bit of fun. Then I really have to buckle down and prepare for a three person show in July--need some new work for that one since it's right down the street from the one in May and I don't want to show the same stuff every time.

Wade had no work this week. Helped a friend for three days but going to work around the house the rest of the week. We're really trying to get this house ready to put it up for sale.
Shadow is NOT helping. He is too big for the crate that we were keeping him in when we went out so we got a gate and lock him in the back hallway. Now he is peeling the wallpaper off--a little bit more each day. I had enough to patch the first day's damage but now that he is peeling off a little more each day, it's hopeless. I'll have to do something else with those walls.

I think I'm about due for a haircut. Just thought you'd wanna know that little tidbit.

I'm back!!!

Hello!!! Well guess what??? I ain't too smart either!! It took Bert and Brad working together to figure out why I couldn't post....I was actually using imarugg@comcast.com instead of comcast.net as my signin.... After they figured it out---I could post again....so guess you'll see more of me here!!!

Not much too new or should I say exciting here!! I live a very boring life....

Brad is doing good...He went back to the dr last week and they said everything looks good. Still has some pain in his knee and still has to keep the knee immobilizer on for another two weeks but...seems to be doing good... He would have liked to have the immobilizer off since he just went to Pittsburg from Wednesday to Sat for a competition . Its kinda like a "shop or tech ed" competition but has elements that are more like electronic and computer generated. Like one of the things he did earlier was build a bridge support system. Had to be so big and have so many supports and be able to hold so much weigh, etc. Then another thing was take a remote control car and tear it down and make it weigh only so much and make the chasis and all from scratch. It uses his mind and makes him think and of course that is what he loves... They stay in Pittsburg at a ski resort and so big hotel and so he really likes that..but this year couldn't swim which is one of the things that he really likes to do there. So back to the dr in two weeks and then probably approx 2 months of physical therapy....

Work is going ok. We had a girl quit in our unit so they "demoted" my boss so she knows processes claims. So after being there for almost 9 yrs--I have a new boss which means new things and new way of doing things and also new assignments. So far it's ok...a little different but still seems to be alright..In some ways it will be better and others....we'll wait and see... But it's all about doing more work than before, but still being paid the same but at least we have a job..

Gary's job is getting a little busier with spring and all. Last winter they cut out all overtime so that was a big pay cut.. Also took away the matching 401K but.... at least he's still also has a job and seems to be picking up so that is good.

Our paper business is changing and at this point not sure what that will mean to us. They are going from two daily papers to just one morning paper. They combined the Saturdays papers about a yr ago so that changed our route then. Not sure if that means we will do more papers, less papers or no papers at all. Or even if we'll have to do papers 7 days a week--(we don't really know that we want to do that but....) We should know by the end of April, I think they said so ....it will be interesting to see what they do with that...

Well, better go..rambled on for awhile now.... worked in flower beds over the weekend.. That was nice.. Bob, Rose, Lee came for supper one night last week--that was nice. It's " yard sale" weather which I always enjoy so Rose and I went on Sat am--that was nice and fun.. Didn't buy a whole lot but had fun anyhow.

Hey Bobby send a picture of next year's cabin by email. Changed our "hard drive" on our computer and that was on the old one--wanted to show Gary..And Brad (our computer genius) can't get those pics transferred to this one yet..

write soon.

The Robinson Project--a Snapshot

This is a picture of the project I designed after about one day of framing. The rear wall will be 22'2" long and the projection wall will be 20'3" long finished size. Beneath the windows will be a brick knee wall which will closely match the existing. Beneath the window to the right of the door will be an HVAC system. The rafter you see is a 2 x 12 x 24' long. We need ten of these and they cost about $37/each. Imagine the size of the tree these had to be cut from.

Since this picture was taken, we have built most of the roof structure. I didn't have my camera with me yesterday, though, and was not able to get a picture. I'll keep you up to date.

I thought I had the design pretty well done, but when we started construction I noticed numerous things which were either wrong or could have been done differently and/or better. Nothing serious or that can't be easily fixed. The overall design has been quite accurate, however, and I am pleased with the way the project is turning out.

Happy Easter! (one day late)

Hope you all had a glorious Easter Day! Ours was very nice. Berty & Ed were rambling around and got to our house about 2:30. We all went over to Tara & Tom's house for dinner--had a cold buffet with ham, turkey, salads, vegetables, fruit, and cupcakes. Very enjoyable. Berty & Ed stayed overnight and left after I went to work this morning. My boss had given everyone at work a big loaf of Paska bread and I used it to make french toast for our breakfast.

The taxes are done and ready to put in the mail. The PEPS art show in Glenburn has been hung and the artists reception was last Sunday. I have to deliver some paintings a week from tomorrow for a show in Moscow and the following week to the Now Hair Studio. I'm making postcards for the Now show as it is a solo and going to be open for the Scranton First Friday Gallery Walk. I have to do some work on the house plans so we can get some estimates together--Wade is getting anxious to begin. Trying to get a rhythm to my life again so I'm not so far behind all of the time. I used to have time to do things before work in the morning but now I start at 8:00 so I'm trying to do things after dinner--not yet successful at that!

Easter Sunday Ramblings

It's a beautiful day. Sunny, light wind, cool, maybe 65 degrees. Can't get any better as far as I'm concerned. It looks like it's going to cloud up. Might rain, which would be a good thing. It's dry here, although we've got it good compared to south Florida. I'm not complaining, though, because my grass doesn't need to be mowed three times a week and it is easier to get my work done if the sky isn't dripping.

Amanda, Justin, and the grandbabies are coming over this morning. It's our Easter get-together. Joey might show, might not. It's also Christy's birthday, so we're celebrating that too. Actually, her birthday was yesterday, but, since we're all procrastinators and we didn't get any rountuits from Bob, it's today.

We're having a rare treat--breakfast. We don't normally eat breakfast here, unless you count a cup of coffee from Starbucks, which I have within ten minutes. (I don't know what Cindy does.) She and I both go out the door in the morning as soon as we get out of the shower. That is, after we get dressed, of course. I got half-way to work one day before I remembered and had to turn around. Just kidding! Ha, ha!! Made you look!!!

Justin put in an order for my homefries, so I'm cooking. I cook them with butter, onions, green peppers, and garlic, and I have to admit that they turn out pretty good. And, of course, there will be bacon, sausage, eggs, and toast along with the home fries. Sounds good, doesn't it. I'll probably spend the next two days getting over it.

Notice the difference in the fonts between this post and the last ones. I switched from Georgia to Lucida Console. Which one do you like better?

That's my boy!

This is Gabriel at the control of a slot car at the home of a good friend of mine. We were there last Saturday for a few minutes and Mike let him play with it. Mike built this from scratch. He has a winch in the attic so that he can raise it up to the ceiling if he wants to. What you can't see under it is a pool table.







I helped him build the room a few years ago. Turned out quite nice, no?

Off to a Good Start!

The proof is in the pudding. Or at least that's what I've heard.

We have begun building the room addition that I designed. The footer has been dug and the rebars set. Tomorrow the termites will receive their required treatment and the whole process will be inspected by "The City", either for approval or denial. Then it's time to pour concrete after which I'll be there cutting and nailing. Unless, of course, I use screws. Or someone else cuts. Maybe someone else will nail as well. Probably will be at least two, maybe three others there cutting and nailing.

I went to the job site this morning to verify some measurements and check my drawings so that we could order the windows. Lo and behold, the dimension from the new concrete elevation to the existing soffit was only off what I had anticipated by one-half inch. And while I was there, I double-checked to make sure that my designed roof would actually fit the existing skylights. It would have been bad, very bad if we had to change the roof pitch because I had made a mistake. I sweated off about ten pounds getting back to the office so that I could check it on my computer. Not to worry, though, everything is fine.

I'm learning a lot, especially about Florida Building Codes (extensive, exhaustive?) and the whole procedure of getting a project from start to finish through City Hall. It's a heck of a lot easier in Potter County. But then, hey, who's complaining? At least, I've got a job and it keeps getting better and better. Now, if that would translate into a bonus or a raise...

Ah, well, everything comes to those who wait. Or at least that's what I've heard.

I'm going to enjoy building this project. When it's finished, I'll post some pictures.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. This is near the middle of April in Florida. Tonight the temperature is going down to the mid-30's. Great, huh? I love it!!

OK, I guess it's time that I wrote something on here again. Rose and I celebrated our 29th anniversary today. Hard to believe that she has put up with me that long, but the calendar doesn't lie. We decided to do something that we both like to do, so we went for a ride. Just got in the car and went to find some roads that we have never been on before and find out where they go. The more off the beaten path, the better. Today we ended up going on some back roads around Shinglehouse, Port Allegany, Smethport, Coudersport, etc. Drove for several hours, had to turn around once or twice, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

We are both doing well, had colds but mostly over them now. Continuing to get things together in my shop. I have all of the major machines that I need now except for a hydraulic press. I plan to get one of them when we get our income tax refund back. Then I just need tooling - cutters, turning tools, etc. Most of these I can pick up as needed as I am doing jobs. Have a lot of organizing, cleaning, and hooking up to do yet. Seems to take a long time, but I do enjoy it, and it is a good feeling when I get another machine connected and can use it. I am still working at Hi-Tech Ceramics, will continue to do so either until I get laid off or until I get so busy in my shop that I can afford to quit and pay my own insurance and wages. They have laid off 19 people at work (out of 80 hourly workers - none of the 20 salaried have gone yet). No one in the maintenance department yet, but there are only 3 of us anyhow. I don't feel like I am ready to leave there yet, but if I got cut, I wouldn't cry about it. I would just feel like it would be time to get my butt in gear and go it on my own. Rose is still working at the nursing home, no chance of her getting cut there, there are not enough qualified Nurses Aides to go around.

We are taking a week off the week after Easter, going down to Beth's to help put a downstairs bathroom in her house. Lee is going with us, so we will have some family time with all of us and Helen's. Should be a great time, really looking forward to it.

Well, better go, Rose is telling me that supper is getting cold, wouldn't want that to happen, so...
Love ya all, Bob

Love them, love to see them go!

As you have probably already guessed, we had the grandkids with us for the weekend. Cindy went to babysit for Amanda on Friday morning and came back in the afternoon with them. She took them home this morning.

I love them dearly, but I'm glad that they are being brought up by someone else. At my age, I don't want to raise kids. Two nights once in a while is enough for me.

Anyhow, I'm by myself (and the dog). Oops, amend that, Cindy just walked in the door.

OK, I'm back. Had to take five minutes and get my wire cutters for her. She'd been to The Dollar Store and bought some fake wisteria to put in the window boxes. "Why?", you ask. I'll tell you, although the answer should be obvious--to put some color in them until the plants she put in yesterday take hold and start blooming. Personally, I like plastic flowers. They bloom all year long and don't require a lot of care. But then, that's just me.

Looks like its going to be a cool summer. Won't hurt my feelings at all. I hate the Florida heat and certainly it will be a relief on my electric bill if the AC doesn't run so much.

Well, I'm still beside myself (so's the dog). Guess I'll sign off and go do something else, like hold the sofa down for a while. Y'ever notice how they tend to get up and move around? Or is that called rearranging the furniture?

New World Record

Well! That was a conversation! At 1:48 p.m., Saturday, April 04, 2009, there were 13 comments on Berty's last post. We haven't talked that much since our get-together last September.

Here's to more thought-provoking discussions!