Monday, December 27, 2010

Christmas, Urgent Care, and Eight Hour Work Days

 

Christmas was good.  Angel and I went to Steve and Kyle’s to open presents and for breakfast (actually it was more like brunch).  Everyone liked what they got,  Ted got the Invis-i-shield (or whatever it is called) for my I Pad  and I got him some shirts and sweaters,  We don’t go all out with Christmas presents, although Santa does visit and leaves something.   The dog dances in circles and sings “Dancing Around The Christmas Tree”  It’s funny the way Angel just gives it strange looks.

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The bottle of Merlot is a wine that Steve had made and put his own label on it. 

                   Below is Angel showing off her new sweater.

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Angel and I went home and I was able to make a few calls to family and friends,  I changed clothes and went back for dinner.  Ted cooked again, a prime rib roast with mashed potatoes and gravy,  very good, other side dishes too, all was good as usual. Later we had desert and coffee.  All in all it was an enjoyable Christmas Day for everyone.

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Sunday morning Ted took me out to Mimi’s for breakfast.  One the way to church we made a detour to Urgent Care.  Friday night I had trouble with my contacts.  Only part of one came out, and evidently I must have scratched my cornea.  It started bothering me on Christmas Day and just got worse.  By the morning there was a lot of pain and any bright light made it worse, so off to Urgent Care we went.  It ended up as an eye infection between the cornea and the iris, so now I have to use eye drops and can’t wear any contacts until my eye is healed.  I have an appointment with an ophthalmologist tomorrow after work.  At least it has begun to feel better.

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This week at work it’s a bit better because I am working an 8 hour shift for just this week and will go back to 4 / 10’s next week.  Today just flew by, hopefully the rest of the week will too.

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Enough rambling for now.   I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas / Holiday. and that the New Year will bring you all that you wish for.

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel                     http://whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com/

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas to All

 

I want to wish all out there in blogland a very Merry Christmas and hope that you all have a safe and Blessed New Year.  I hope that I will be out there on the road this coming year, experiencing this great land of ours and visiting friends and family where ever they may be. 

Where has this year gone?  Here it is Christmas Already.  It is still just Angel and me, although Ted will be here for the weekend.  He will  finish work  in San Francisco and be here in a couple of hours.  Hopefully he will have good traffic on his way here. 

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Earlier today I went to the eye doctors to pick up my new computer glasses.  I paid only $20.00 for them.  Fortunately the rest was covered by my insurance.

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The only other thing that I did today was to do some last minute grocery shopping.  I make my own trail mix including what I want instead of the stuff that I don't care for.  I usually keep some in my purse as a snack rather than stopping for fast food.  I consists of seeds, mixed nuts, different dried fruits and some really dark semi sweet chocolate chips.  I also take some to work.  there's enough of a variety that I can mix and match the different flavors, (just a couple of pieces goes a long way).  This time I cut back on the dried fruit ( high in sugar) and added more seeds ( less calories).

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This evening we will be going to a candlelight service at Church. There are two services, seven and ten.  I will be singing in the choir at the one at ten.  We may go out for dinner between services.  Tomorrow we will go over to Steve and Kyle's for Christmas and exchange gifts there.

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CONTINUING POST

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Ted made it safely home and had enough time to help me get access to the web camera before we left for church. 

This year at the 7:00 (family service) we had a “Birthday Party”.  All the children were given a “Treasure” chest. As Pastor related the Christmas Story, each child was given an item to put in their chest as a reminder of each part of the story, a feather for the angel Gabriel, a block of wood for Joseph, straw for the manger, wool for the shepherds and bit of myrrh oil for the three wise men.  It was a nice change from the traditional acting out of the story by the children.

We did go out between services for dinner and had a wonderful meal.  We all ordered some thing different and shared.  It would have been better if we could have spent more time, but Pastor Steve and I had to be back to church.  I also had to pick up Samantha and Gilbert. My favorite is the traditional Liturgical Communion Candlelight Service with all the carols.   Even after I am in an RV I will continue to celebrate the birth of our Lord with family and friends either here or where ever they are.

I got home before midnight, so Angel and I made it to bed so that Santa could make his delivery.  We haven’t opened presents yet, they are all packed up and ready to take to Steve and Kyle’s where we will have breakfast and open them.   I will close for now and post this.   I’m getting hungry,  Bye for now.  MERRY CHRISTMAS  to all.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

I'm Ready and a Recap

 

Christmas is almost here and I'm ready.  The decorating is done (what little bit there is), the laundry and most of the shopping is caught up, and now it's just waiting for Ted to get back.  Hopefully I won't float away by the time Santa makes his way to Sacramento.  It is raining here (about around one inch an hour).  The rivers are flowing fast and are up two or three feet.  With all this rain they have released water from the dams and have closed some of the hiking/biking trails near the Sacramento River as well as some roads because of flooding.  They are predicting several FEET of snow in the Sierras.  The rain will continue at least through Christmas.  Great for  skiers!

Yes,  we still put up stockings, there is one more for him to fill this year.  Angel is going to like what she will get (I had to tell him for her).   I already have gotten her a stocking but forgot to get Ted's stocking out of storage, so in between the raindrops I will have to find it before Friday. 

Recap on last week, just the normal busy first part of the week, then on Thursday we had our end of the year lunch.  This year it was catered by Chili's, quesadillas, fajitas, fixings for fajitas (beef and chicken) chicken salad and two kinds of cookies.  It was all good, but I took most of mind home and finally finished it yesterday.  Later that evening it was our last practice for choir for Christmas Eve.  Friday night I again met with most everyone from last Friday to support our Pastor Steve (the Lounge Singer).  He played from 7-10 pm. 

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That's Karen in the foreground                and                  Barbara and Bill,

check out last weeks post for the pictures of the rest of us.  A few left early, but five of us closed it down at 10 pm.  That's really late for me, I'm usually in bed by 7:30 or 8:00 pm.  We all enjoy listening to Steve.  He sang popular songs and love songs interspersed with Christmas songs.  Since we were on the patio, the vendors at the other end of the building and others waiting to be seated in or coming out of the Old Spaghetti Factory were able to enjoy his sing too.  Saturday was mostly staying home with a short trip to return a rolling tote to Sam's Club.  Today Sunday, I went to church.  Since the choir was also sing today, I picked up Samantha and Gilbert (her seeing eye dog).  She just amazes me that she memorizes all of our songs.  Later this afternoon, I will be going to a surprise birthday party for another friend from church, Carol.  It is her 50th.  It's a big thing for her because she is a Breast cancer patient.  Please keep her in your prayers.

 

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They call me the tree lady at work, so far over 60 trees plus the ones I've made for others.

That's it for this week.  Next week is another short three day work week. YEA!  I'll be off on the 23rd, 24th, 25th and the 26th.  I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday, celebrating the birth of Lord with your friends and families.  Stay safe, dry and warm.

The best to you all from Susan and Angel.  Thanks for visiting.

http://whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com/

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Singing, Doctor's Visit, Nails, Wine and a Plan

 

Here it is Saturday night.  Last week went buy fast. another three work days.  I took Monday off, and by Thursday I was ready to be off work again just to have time to do the things that I want to do. 

Thursday was another choir rehearsal, this time for the  Christmas Eve service.  (I almost forgot and went to bed.)  Fortunately Samantha called to remind me, so I went to pick up her and her dog, Gilbert.  I wasn't feeling well but went anyway. (nothing serious, I just ate too much earlier)  It usually gets better in a couple of hours.

Friday morning I had a doctor's appointment to check out my shoulder.  I have issues with my rotator cuff and arthritis too in that shoulder.  The only way to correct it is to do a replacement,  I knew that before, but when I retire I want to be physically able to do whatever it is that I will need to do.  I wanted check out the latest status just in case I would need the surgery while I am still working.  The good news is that the doctor doesn't see surgery in the near future at all.  I am still able to do most everything that I will need to do with enough movement and strength.  He gave me a couple of elastic bands for exercising the shoulder. 

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   On the way home I stopped to get my nails done and added the decal and stripes later.

Later I met with some friends from church to go to the Nimbus Winery to listen to Pastor Steve on the keyboard.  Surprise!  He got the date wrong, it's next Friday.  That's alright though, we stayed anyway and had a good time visiting.

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Charlie, Marion, Helen, Barbara and Ellen                     Stacey joined us later

We were out on the patio.  It is a nice place.  It is a wine bar and they serve only drinks and appetizers, but not a full menu, although there is a sign inviting you to get take out from any of the restaurants and come there to enjoy a glass of wine.  Most of us will try to go next Friday when Steve will be playing.

                             Angel's dressed and ready to go shopping.

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Today I slept in and then Angel and I took a ride and did a bit of shopping.  I found a large silk Poinsettia to add to the top of the Christmas tree and some plastic snowflakes for work.

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When I got home, I finally emptied out the closet in my bedroom.  I decided that anything that I will put in an RV, will go in my bedroom.  I will determine how much of my business equipment I will be able to take with me,  When Mellissa and the kids move in, I will want the printers and computer in my bedroom,  I will have everything out where I can sort it all out and start purging.   At least it sounds like a plan.     Now to see if the plan will work.                            

Time to go to bed, so thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel        http://whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com/

Monday, December 6, 2010

Concert with Friends

 

After church yesterday, I went over to Target to spend the gift card that I got from work last Thursday.  The only thing that I usually get there is box of mini protein bars.  I also found another commuter cup.  This one is stainless steel and made by Aladdin.  So far I like it.  I came home to let Angel out of her crate.  After letting her outside to do what she needed to do, she came in and of course was happy to see me.  I had something for lunch and sat in my recliner to watch a bit of TV.  I actually got a nap.  I would be going to a concert later.

I met with a few others at church to carpool to a Christmas Charity Concert. 

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                      Left to Right;  Trudy, Marian, Angel and Barbara.

The Valley Choral Society performed "Joyful Sounds of Christmas".  There were selections form Handel's Messiah and various Christmas Carols. 

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We all enjoyed the performance, even Angel stayed awake for the whole program and the ride home.  It was after ten o'clock when I got home.  I let my Angel out and then it was off to bed.

This morning I took the day off from work.  It had stopped raining, and I got out in the yard to do a bit of fall cleanup.  The Morning Glory ( in an earlier Post) has been effected by the freezing temps, so I trimmed all the dead leaves and vines off the fence and trellis.  The trash can is full so the rest will have to wait.   The rest of the day we spent  going to the bank, gave my van a drink and did a bit of shopping.

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That's it for today.  Good Night to all.

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel           http://whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com/

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Another Day in the Neighborhood

 

I never did get out of the jammies yesterday. Just caught up on what's going on  in blogland.  I made some banana and oatmeal muffins for a potluck today, but burned them.   I decided to just go to bed instead of doing something else.

This morning I slept in and when I finally got up I decided to get ready and go to Costco to get something to take to the potluck.  Linda (the art teacher I've mentioned before) had a Christmas Potluck and Ornament Exchange at her home for all her students.

     potluck 1            poykuck desserts

                                                  Lots of great food

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                                               Ornament Exchange

Everyone had a great time, enjoyed each other's company and as usual we all ate too much.

 

When I got home I let Angel out then watched a Christmas movie and took a nap.

That was it for today.

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel          whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com/

Friday, December 3, 2010

Christmas Decorating and World Class

 

Today's post is to just catch everyone who's interested up on what we've been doing.  It was an uneventful weekend, so it was a good time to bring out the Christmas decorations.  Last year when I put everything away, I packed on container with the decorations that I will take with me once I am RVing.  If it doesn't fit it doesn't make the cut.  That is all that I am putting up this year.  The rest stays in the shed for my daughter if she wants them.

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I pack up everything in the boxes on the right and then pack them in the big container. The ornaments over the windows are the ones for my son when he's ready to take them.  The tree has fiber optics and only red and gold poinsettias,

It was a typical work week up until Wednesday.  There was more time in between calls because they had to keep the staffing up.  The company had luncheons to celebrate our customer service World Class Status.  We were all given gift cards in addition to award certificates.  Out of all of our customer service reps, over 90% are certified as World Class.  There were three seating's, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to accommodate everyone.  I went to the one yesterday.  It was a Brunch Buffet and the food was decent.  There were a couple of egg dishes, several choices of meats, vegetables,bagels and coffeecakes.

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           I don't eat much since surgery, but what I had was good.

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                    These two tables are the people on my team.

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   We even had entertainment.    We actually do have some fun occasionally.

It was nice to have an hour or so off the phones.  It can get really hectic and intense sometimes, but that's part of the job.

Today, I'm doing laundry and decided to change my header.  Sunset over Rancho Cordova ,CA, is the picture that I took out of my car window on my way home from work a couple of days ago.  It was too pretty to pass up.  The rest of the day will bring what it brings.

Take care and enjoy the weekend.

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Black Friday and Hiding Angel

 

Getting out there on Black Friday is not what I usually do.  I certainly do not like crowds, especially the pushy ones that are out there early only caring about the "bargains" that bring them out at midnight or three or five in the morning.  Not that I was out there at 2 am, but I was up that early.  My #2 daughter called me because she was bored waiting for a store to open.  She thought that I would be up getting ready for work- NOT!  After I got back to sleep, #3 daughter called me somewhere around 4 am to tell me that she was out there in the crowds.  I finally got back to sleep and didn't get up until after 8 am.  I did get out there, but not until after ten o'clock.  I was only looking for some boots,Christmas gifts for my son and Angel and a new digital camera for me. 

The camera that I currently have is inexpensive and a couple of nights ago I broke the door to the battery compartment.  It still works but the door comes off too easily.  I never found the boots, but I ended up getting a Sony Cyber-shot camera with a 10x optical zoom.  It even has a timer, image stabilization and it takes panoramic pictures. Now whether or not I figure out how to actually use those functions is another story.   The camera came with the lithium battery and for an extra $49.00 I got an additional battery, a camera case and a memory card.  I also got a mini tripod.  This is what I finally used the gift card that I got for tenth anniversary at work, so I didn't go too far in debt to get it.  I also found something for Ted, but I can't  say what it is because he reads this blog.  Sorry Ted, I'm not telling.  Oh yea I also got something for Angel at Pet Smart. That was it for venturing out there  on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.  The rest of the day I caught up on reading blogs that I follow and watched a couple of Christmas movies.

Today I slept in and I haven't even gone out of the house.  I started going through papers.  I have saved some magazine articles that I wanted to read or for reference.  There are a lot of them.  I am keeping the ones that pertain to things that I can use now or once I start RVing.  I'm also keeping some about organizing and gardening that Mellissa might like to look at once she gets here.  I only made a dent in what I have.  There is so much to go through and I've been putting it off because I was getting ready for the craft fair.  No excuse now!  It has to be done and maybe it will keep me from eating out of boredom, either too much or all the wrong things.     

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These are the pictures of Angel that I finally got last night with the new camera.  She's not begging tonight because she happy to be sleeping next to me in the recliner.

I guess that I had better finish this and get to bed.

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel

Friday, November 26, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

 

It is actually the end of Black Friday when I finally sat down to post.

Wednesday night, I picked up Samantha and her guide dog Gilbert for church.  It was a little bit different this year in as much as there was no message.  Instead we all shared what we were thankful for.   Then afterwards we had coffee and pie.  The apple slices went over well. 

Ted got in town and spent the night at Steve and Kyle's so that he could get started on dinner.  He and Kyle made pies early.  I was invited over for traditional Lox and Bagel breakfast.  Really good.  They didn't want any help, so I left only to return later for dinner.  

Since I have lost so much weight, my leather coat is way too big and I wanted to find a warm coat.   There have been stores that have been closed in the past on Thanksgiving that were actually open and I found coat that was 50% off.  I really like it because it is warm and is really light weight.

Kyle is a wonderful hostess and loves to entertain.  She and Ted prepared the best dinner.  Ted roasted brussel sprouts, (so far that is my favorite), and there were mashed potatoes, (white and sweet), green bean casserole with caramelized onions, cranberry/orange relish and of course the turkey and stuffing.  It was a wonderful meal with friend and family.  I meant to take picture but forgot and only got one of what was left of the pies and one of their dog Nicki.

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I have so much to be thankful for, the main thing is that I live in a country that allows me to dream and live a life doing things that I enjoy.     ********   While I am writing this, Angel sits up and gives a little bark, I guess saying pay attention to me, I want to be held.  She looked so cute, so I took out the camera to get a picture and she went to hide in her tent.  *********  Angel is another thing that I am thankful for.  she adds so much more to my life. 

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Tomorrow is another day to catch up on what we did today, on Black Friday.

Until then,    Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel       http://whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Recipe Request and Chocolates

 

This will be a short post as an answer to Barbara of Me and My Dog.  Many years ago I got a cookbook Make a Mix Cookery .  It contains many recipes for "master" mixes.  This is from that book.

Hot Chocolate Mix

1 (25.6-oz.) box of instant nonfat dry milk (10-2/3 cups)

1 (6-oz.) jar powdered non-dairy creamer

2 cups powdered sugar

1 (16-oz.) can instant chocolate drink mix   (I used the least expensive)

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Mix well. Put in a large airtight container.  Label.  Store in a cool, dry place.  Use within 6 months.  Makes about 17 cups of  Hot Chocolate Mix.

For 1 serving: Add 3 tablespoons Hot Chocolate Mix to 1 cup of hot water.  Stir to dissolve. 

I sometimes use vanilla flavored creamer or add mini marshmallows.  Other times I will put a little bit of vanilla extract in the cup. 

When I had kids still at home, it would last most of the winter.   ENJOY!

The Chocolate part of this post is not above, but it is the SEE's Candy that we get from work.  I will have to give it to someone else so that I don't eat it.

That's it for tonight.

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel      http://whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com

Sunday, November 21, 2010

A Bit of Baking, Puzzled and Possible Search

Today I took all those apples and made a half sheet of apple slices.  It really looks good.  It will have to wait until Wednesday when I bring it to church.  Now I have to find room in the refrigerator.  The topping will go on on Wednesday afternoon.

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           The second picture is show how big it is compared to the apple.

I of course had to make a couple of calls to Ted, since I was not using a recipe.  On one of those calls he asked for the recipe for the pumpkin pie that I make every Thanksgiving. One of the ingredients is vanilla ice cream, so I had to search for that for him.

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I would like to resize my header photo and haven't figured out how to do it. I am really technologically challenged.  It is probably something simple, but I still need help.  I usually write my blog on Live Writer and then post it.

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One of the things that I need to start some research on is finding a toad if I end up with a Class A.  That's what I'm leaning towards, but it can still change.  Is it practical to get an older car?  I won't be able to tow what I have (KIA Sedona), and I really don't want to keep it.  I think that I would love to have a little convertible, but a little truck would be more practical.  How does one even get started in the search?

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I guess it's time to start thinking about what I need for work tomorrow.  Fortunately it is a three day work week.  Yea!  (unless I get Wednesday approved)   Ted will coming in from San Francisco on Wednesday and will be cooking on Thursday but will have to go back to SF on Friday for Black Friday.  He is the manager at an Ace Hardware store there.

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Thank you all for your concern for my daughter's welfare.  She is doing better. 

Also thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel      whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Catch UP with Family and Dodging the Raindrops

 

Well today I got a bit of laundry done and finally called my sister in Albuquerque.  She will not be able to go with me when I am able to go full time, too many health issues.  She is looking into moving into a manufactured home with another couple to share the cost.  I checked it out on the internet and it seems to be very nice and has many amenities that she will be able to use and there may even be a place to park an RV when I visit.

Rest of family news, Mellissa may not be able to get the transfer until maybe March.  That will be okay and might work better for financially.  It also gives me more time to purge the stuff.  My # two daughter, Sandi had an accident earlier this week- Hit and Run.  She is alright just sore.  They ended up totaling her PT Cruiser and she was able to get an '08 Chevy HHR.  The interesting part about it being a Hit and Run is that the driver left his bumper and license plate at the scene.  

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Angel and I headed out towards Apple Hill to get apples for a recipe for apple slices, but saw that there was a Farmers' Market on the way so I was able to get what I needed there.  They were just starting to pack up their wares because it started to rain.  On the way home I stopped to get premade piecrust.  I don't do piecrust well, so I'll cheat on that part.  The apple slices are for the fellowship that we have after the Thanksgiving Eve service at church.

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Ted will be here and will be fixing dinner at Steve and Kyle's house.  I love it when he cooks and I get to watch and visit. 

I hope that everyone is having a great weekend.

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel        http://whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com/

Friday, November 19, 2010

Another Short Post

It's 51 degrees and raining and a good time to catch up on our blogging friends.

Earlier today we went out to fill up the car and then off to Winco to stock up on the things that I make my own trail mix from the bulk foods section. I wanted to run the errands before the rain.

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Today we finally got the gifts packaged and shipped to Hawaii.  In addition to the guitar I put in a couple of stuffed animals, mainly to cushion the presents  The box was oversized so of course I had to pay a surcharge.  I was still pleasantly surprised when the cost to ship,and insure the package was much less than I expected, $28.56 is a lot less than the $100.00 + quoted by the Mail Store. 

When I got home there was a package waiting for me on my porch.  I ordered the Shark Portable Steam Pocket Cleaning System.  Does anyone out there in blog land have one?  I'm hoping that it will help keep an RV "clean and sanitized".  So far I have only used it in the kitchen to clean the cabinet doors.  So far  it seems to have done a decent job.  If I like it here, it will be nice for the smaller space of an RV.

Not much else to do tonight, maybe a movie?

Good night to all.

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel          http://whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Talent Showcase, Moderate Success.

Today was the day for the Craft Fair at work.  I used 5+ hours of vacation to participate.  From 10:00 am until 2:00 we could display and sell our wares.  There were 12 of us, selling all kinds of things, quilted items, baby blankets, jewelry, greeting card, handmade soaps and lotions and then there was FOOD, yummy food, (nachos, beef jerky, dried apple chips, rocky road, peanut brittle, fudge, cookies and amazing cake pops on a stick) and of course my watercolors (note cards, stationary and prints).

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It started out kind of slow.  My supervisor came down and bought some note cards for someone's birthday.  Then nothing for a while and all of a sudden there were quite a bit of activity.  I ended up selling several cards and a couple of 8x10 prints.  I am actually surprised that I did as well as I did.  We were to donate 20% of our sales to our choice of two charities,  Now I will need to find another outlet to sell my artwork.  I already have a web site that I need to develop geared to what I am currently doing.

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There were a lot of compliments, but not a lot of sales, except the food of course.  A lot of people from the other parts of the company, even the CEO, came by to check us out.  I guess it will depend on how well we did as to whether or not they will do it again.

After I packed up my stuff, I headed over to Platinum Wheels to get a new tire.  Last Saturday I pulled out of the driveway and discovered the right front tire was flat.  Fortunately I have roadside assistance on my insurance and within an hour I was on my way.  The tire could not be fixed so I have been nervously driving without a spare until today. At least I covered half of the cost of the tire with what I made on my sales.  "Easy come, Easy go".

I needed to get home right away, because someone was coming over to pick up the tent.  He paid me earlier today while I was at work.  He is Boy Scout leader and can use the big tent.  He may get more of my camping stuff when I decide what I need to get rid of.  Then later one of my neighbors stopped by. 

While we were visiting, Angel started growling.  We realized she was looking in the mirror and growling at Jean's reflection.  She's such an entertaining puppy.

It's getting late and I have to work tomorrow.  Good Night to all those out in Blogger Land!

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel            http://whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com/

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Shopping, Scanning and Shipping

Friday Angel and I went to check out popular local store that has succumbed to the effects of the economy.  A year or so after the death of the founding father, William Glen, the family decided to call it quits.  It has been a Sacramento retail landmark for the last 47 years.  It is sad to see this store close.  I was looking for a thermos type travel mug, which they didn't have.  The one that I did get works well as far as drinking from it but it isn't a thermos so it doesn't hold the temperature like I wanted.  I did find a small grill and bake set for a microwave/convection oven or an RV oven. Part of it I can use in my toaster oven but the pans are too wide,

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I also couldn't resist a warm and cuddly pink robe for $15.00 instead of $40.00.

We also drove up to El Dorado to Clear Bags to get a box of envelopes for the note cards. I was disappointed to have a note on my order stating that as of January 1st  all walk-in customers will be charged retail, unless they call their orders in with a minimum order of $40.00, if not the minimum there will be a minimum order fee.  Oh well I think that I have enough supplies to get me through for a while. Now if I can only sell what I have, then I will probably have that minimum order. 

Now that I have my laptop back and the printers reconnected I can get back to work on scanning my artwork into memory (nearly another 100 images).  That is what I have been doing since Friday.  I think that I have most of my note cards scanned and packaged for sale.  The event at work is on Wednesday of next week.  There are the note cards (most need hand painted and some are prints), note enclosure paper, laminated bookmarks and watercolor prints.

I just got off the phone with the Geek Squad about disabling the touch pad.  I will have to bring it back in for them to install the driver properly.  I think that I have been in to visit them at least once a week since I first brought the laptop in to be fixed.  That's okay because every time I go in I learn a little bit more.  They are really nice and patient there, even though I am so technologically challenged.

I also need to take the Christmas gifts for my great grandsons and get them shipped.

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                                   Can you tell that the big one is a guitar?

Jessica and the boys Nick, Hunter and Carter

            Jessica and the boys.                                        Nick and the boys.

Nick is in the Navy and is stationed near Honolulu Hawaii and will be there for 3 years.

I  had better finish this for now and get out to ship the gifts and visit with the Geek Squad.

Okay, Angel, time for your ride!

Thanks for visiting

Susan and Angel        http://whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com/

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Time Change and Not Much More

Although while reading Myrddin's Travels, he reminded me to turn my clocks back, I of course didn't do that.  Instead I must have been thinking about it all night long and ended up waking up around 2:00 am to check out all the clocks and then went back to bed.  Then I heard a flock of geese flying overhead, they must have been flying low, because they seemed to be quite loud.  Then the rain started.  By the time I was ready to leave for church it was pouring. 

Since I can't download the pictures of the presentation, I asked Pastor Steve to let me take a picture of him with the painting.

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The rest of the day was spent with a nap and  watching our local PBS TV station, interesting program on Thomas Jefferson.  Of course, Angel was happy in my lap most of the time. 

It's back to work tomorrow.  It has been very busy there.  It is the time when we have a lot of companies having their open enrolments, so people want to know what their benefits are and those that already have them are in a hurry to use them before the year is over and they lose them.  I will be glad when it slows down. 

Forgive me for not welcoming my latest followers, Jeana with Four Windows with a View,  also Dawn and Denise with Cruzin2some, as well as Gail with Gail and TC'S Travels, and any others that I haven't mentioned.  Thank you all for being interested in my preparation to follow the Dream.

Thank you for visiting

Susan and Angel     whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com/

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Another Week is Gone

Here it is Saturday again.  There just isn't enough time to do all the things that need to be done.  I haven't even taken any pictures lately.  After I got the laptop home I couldn't get  the printers connected and had to wait until Ted could help.  By late Friday night, I'm not sure what he did, but he worked his magic and finally got both of them online.  He also got me hooked up to Skype, although I don't know how to use it.  Another lesson is needed.

Today Angel and I went in search of a frame for a portrait of my great grandson Carter,so that I can include it in a Christmas package to Hawaii. 

                               Carter 

Angel sure likes to shop.  We went into several stores and finally found one.  We also got gas and I had to go into Sam's Club alone to get frozen fruit for my protein shakes.  They don't allow dogs even in the carrier.   When I got home I wrapped the presents.  Has anyone ever tried to wrap a guitar?  Interesting looking package!   Now I have to put ribbons and bows on and take them to get them shipped.

This whole situation with the computer has been a bit frustrating, having it being repaired in the first place was the beginning.  Then not having internet access for paying bills and all the other stuff that I do online, was why I pushed up the purchase of the IPAD.   Then I tried to download pictures off my camera, so I had to buy the camera connection kit.  I couldn't download pictures off the memory card that I have been using with my laptop since I got it.  Back to Best Buy I went to find out why.

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Thanks to Tyler we figured out that the memory card has been corrupted.  It is too costly to restore them onto something else, so I can consider them gone.  I had to buy a new memory card.  Fortunately they are not too expensive, only $14.95.  On the corrupted card are all the pictures from BOO at the Z00 and the Anniversary Dinner, including the one of me presenting the painting to the congregation. The newest glitch is that I will have to take it back in because I can't turn the finger pad off, although if I leave the sound on it beeps to tell me that I touched the pad.  I hope nothing else goes wrong.

Here are a some of the pictures of my work and how they go all out for Halloween.

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The last one is the image I painted on the teepee that is next to the cactus in the third picture. 

I don't normally go in to work on my day off, but I wanted to see how everyone decorated and I would be off on Monday when everything has to be back to normal. Halloween has always been a big deal, but this year it seems like not everyone got into it. I think that it is because anything that we did had to be on our own time.  In the past we were able to do a lot of it when it wasn't busy.  In the past couple of years there hasn't been time when it wasn't busy.

As good as this company is to work at, I will be glad when I can start a new adventure out there on the road.  As it gets closer, though, it gets a bit scary.  There is something to be said for a stable work environment.  I really need to concentrate on the preparation to make sure that I can really do this. 

Well it's off to bed.  I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring, most likely rain according to the TV weather.  Hope that all of you are having a great weekend.

Thanks for visiting 

Picture0029 Susan and Angel