Week of December 5, 2015 - Waffle Cookies

By Joan Whetzel

Yes, it’s time to decorate for Christmas, and do all the other things that get us into the Christmas Spirit – like making Waffle Cookies. I found my own waffle cookie iron when my kids were young (8ish and 12ish) and making Grandma Pauken’s most prized Christmas cookies has been a tradition ever since.

Whenever the tree decorating weekend rolls around, my late husband and the kids would decorate the tree while I made Waffle Cookies. Now my daughter and granddaughter decorate while I make Waffle Cookies. Of course, the tree decorators also have to help by stacking the cookies on strips of paper towels.  

That “chore” comes with a price – taste testing. It’s amazing that any cookie stacks survive the taste testing. These luscious, buttery, treats are good cold, but there’s no beating them hot off the waffle iron.

We usually listen to Christmas music while doing the tree and cookie thing. This year we turned on one of the music channels offered by our cable channel (several channels in the mid-800s). One of the channels is devoted “Sounds of the Seasons” – Christmas music this time of year. The music comes with a slide show giving different factoids about the season, the song, the artist etc. as well as a slide show with pictures related to the music. Just as I was really getting into the Waffle Cooking making today - and my oldest granddaughter was walking away with her first taste tester -  a picture popped up on the screen that made us all giggle – a plate full of waffle  cookies.

I am taking this as a sign that Grandma Pauken was in my kitchen making Waffle Cookies with me. Merry Christmas grandma. It was good to have you there. Love you.

Week of November 22, 2015 – Smells that Bring Back Memories

By Joan Whetzel

 

Many years ago, on a Saturday, my husband had taken the kids out for the day. While they were gone, I spent the afternoon roasting my first chicken, to be served with mashed potatoes and corn. The bounded through the back door as I was pulling the chicken out of the oven.

 

“MMM! It smells like Thanksgiving,” my son said.

 

“We could smell out on the driveway, before we even came into the house,” added my husband.

 

It was a wet cold winter day, which made the meal smell even better. Ever since that day, whenever it’s cold, whenever it’s rainy, this is one of the meals I consider making. My kids, and now my grandkids, still love this meal.

 

There are other smells that bring back memories for me, like the smell of burn toast crumbs in the bottom of the toaster and coffee brewing. This reminds me of Grandma Pauken’s kitchen. Whenever we went up to Ohio for summer vacation, morning breakfast usually consisted of toasted raisin bread with the icing on top and the sound of coffee gurgling in the percolator. And on Sundays, the whole family would come over after church – aunts, uncles, cousins, and there’d be more coffee and Grandma’s homemade pecan rolls. Adults talking, fussing at the kids not to slam the screen door, the kids not hearing any of it in their rush to go outside and play.

 

For my kids, the smell of wassail simmering on the stove and waffle cookies means Christmas is coming and it’s time to decorate the tree. It’s time to help me stack the cookies – only after taste testing half of them first. Hey, the best ones are those that are hot off the waffle cookie maker.

 

If anybody reading this has memories attached to certain smells, I expect to hear from you.

November 11, 2015 – Appliance Salesmen

By Joan Whetzel

Our dishwasher was not a youngster by any stretch of the imagination. (She replaced her predecessor almost 15 years ago.) She began showing her age about a year ago. With a little surgery, we managed to keep poor Bessy running a little longer. But, starting a few weeks ago, I began noticing that Bessy wasn’t cleaning my dishes like she used to. The last 2 loads, she quit running mid-cycle. On Saturday she went DOA. No amount of CPR or other drastic measures were going to resuscitate her. So on Sunday, following an online search, my daughter and I went to purchase a new dishwasher.

Now, I have nothing against technology and gadgets. I have learned a lot about technology in my life – enough to set up 2 computers with the latest versions of Windows, learn new (to me) programs at work, use a digital camera, upload photos to my desktop, and do a little tweaking with Photoshop. It’s just that when it comes to doing basic chores, like laundry and dishes, the technology does not need to be high tech. Too many selections about water temperatures, cycle lengths, and load types (fine china, heavy duty, stuck on food, temps by 5 degree increments, multiple cycle lengths …..), do not make the chore easier.  All I need is a simple machine with a few basic choices.  I rinse the dishes, put them in the dishwasher, add the Cascade, close her up, and hit start. That’s all I need.

We arrive into the store prepared to purchase the most basic, most bottom of the line, least expensive, all white dishwasher. The male appliance salesman saw 2 female shoppers in the appliance section and immediately had us pegged as a couple of female home improvement freaks who could easily be talked into upgrading everything. Everyone loves stainless steel appliance these days, for a mere $250 more, we could upgrade the same model dishwasher from old, boring white to shiny, new stainless steel. Let’s see, my fridge is white, my stove is almond, and my oven is black. Stainless steel really isn’t a selling point here. All I need is a working dishwasher, so I stuck to my guns and insisted on saving money on the boring white one.

Look at those racks inside. They’re PVC coated (white plastic), which means they won’t last very long. For $75 more, you can have these same racks with the new coating that lasts 15 year longer. Plus they come in a complimentary faux “stainless steel” color. Well, the white coating on Bessy’s racks lasted just fine for the nearly 15 years we had her, and why do I need a coating that’s going to outlast the dishwasher? Oh, because it matches the stainless steel appliances that are so popular with people doing renovations. Hmm! Well stainless steel racks don’t match the white dishwasher we’re buying. Besides, I’m not going to be opening the dishwasher to show visitors my expensive new “stainless steel” dish racks that don’t match anything else in my kitchen, so I think we’ll stick with boring, white.

Oh, but the white dishwasher has a higher noise level. In fact, the decibel level is quite a bit higher than this high end, stainless steel dishwasher that’s not on sale for Veteran’s Day. It’s a steal at $750, and it’ll run much quieter than the bottom of the line, boring white one that’s on sale.  Well, the boring white one can’t be any louder than Bessie, We’ll stick with the boring white dishwasher that’s $500 less than the stainless steel one.

Not to be outsmarted by a couple of girls who seem intent on pinching pennies, the salesman pitches the warranty. The dishwasher comes with the usual 1 year warranty. For an additional $100 you can make it a 2 year warranty. Better yet for another $250, you can buy into the 5 year warranty that covers every nut and bolt and every electronic part, everything including the kitchen sink and the labor. Well, let’s see. Our current dishwasher lasted almost 15 years and needed no repairs until a year ago, so that 5 year warranty isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. And since you’ll be trying to sell me the same warranty plans on all your dishwashers, does this mean all your dishwashers are so bad that they’ll fall apart that fast? I look at the guy and say: “Yeah, that’s not going to happen.”

By this time, he’s pretty well figured out he’d been bested by the original cheapskates and wasn’t getting much of a commission off this sale. He offers to bring the dishwasher from the storeroom out to our car so we could take it home and install it ourselves. We wouldn’t mind that; we’ve done plumbing repairs before. Surely, these 2 skinflint girls can unhook Bessy and install the new dishwasher all by ourselves. Piece of cake. There’s only a couple of problems:

1. That dishwasher won't fit into the back of my daughter's Toyota Matrix or my Subaru Forester, and we have no other way to get it home.

2. Even if those big strong guys at the store manage to squeeze it into the back of one of our cars, there is no way the two of us can unload it and drag it into the house.

3. Once we got the dishwasher replaced, we are faced with the problem of trying to figure out what to do with Bessy.

     a. If we could find a way to haul her out to the curb, it’s possible the trash pickers will take her for the money they’d get from metal scrapping.

     b. But if they didn’t take her, then she’ll sit on the curb until the next heavy trash pick-up a week later.

     c.If the regular trash pick-up won’t take her, then we’ll have to pay someone to haul her off and give her a decent burial.

     d. All this time, we’re racking up demerits with the HOA

We decided to throw the poor salesman a bone. I told him we’d be willing to pay the additional $150 to have them deliver the new dishwasher, install it, and give Bessie a good Catholic burial. He took that bone and ran with it.

Delivery was supposed to happen between 2 and 5 PM today (Tuesday), they finally showed up at 5:15 PM. One of the guys was new on the job, still learning the ins and outs of dishwasher installation. The first thing he points out is that the hose the salesman gave us, was too short and we’d have to go to the store and buy a new one, then have the salesmen arrange for another installation date later in the week. (They’ll leave the dishwasher right there in the living room till they get back.) The more experienced installer went back to the truck and located an extra hose the right length.

So, they set to work. Two hours later the dishwasher was installed, however, they pointed out that the valve feeding water to the new dishwasher has developed a leak and will need replacing before we can use it. This is a plumbing fix beyond the skills of the fix-it girls. Yeah, we saved money on the dishwasher and only to spend those savings on a plumber. So we’re in the market for a plumber we can afford.

Week of November 8, 2015 – Thankfulness

By Joan Whetzel

I have been grateful a lot, especially for everything that’s happened the last couple of years. But this time of year, I feel more drawn to considering the things for which I am thankful. My anniversary falls right around Thanksgiving (it would have been #36 this year), so my mind goes back to my wedding, my marriage, and my family. Losing my husband and my dad within 8 months of each other, it would be easy to wallow in self-pity and lose sight of the bigger picture. Yet, I really do have a lot for which to be thankful.

My daughter Emily, for the years of assistance in dealing with large and small cleaning, clearing, repairs, and yardwork – all of which I would never have gotten done without her help.

Myself – yes I am grateful for myself – for stepping up and taking action when necessary, for solving the large number of problems that presented themselves in the last 2 ½ years, and for learning how to do things that I never knew I was able to do (like setting up 2 computers and a new printer). With a little courage and the inner resources born out of a tragedy, I found some cost-effective and creative solutions to most of the circumstances life has thrown at me

My 4 granddaughters, who give me great joy and comfort.

My son David, for coming to help with some of the things that Emily and I couldn’t handle.

For my daughter-in-law Mirranda and her family for making holidays special, for being lively and keeping life interesting, and for showing me it’s okay to stand up for myself when need be.

For my own family who are always there for me, who lend me an ear even for the petty little things, and who are reassure me when I’m feeling panicky or when something feels off somehow.

For the AARP-SCSEP program for taking me on, part time, allowing me to get more updated job skills in preparation for getting a real job, and giving me the opportunity to get out of the house so the depression and grief didn’t take over.

I’ve grown closer to my family. My relationship with my children and myself have changed, for the better. No, my life is not perfect. Not by a long shot. But I have a lot for which to be thankful; mostly that I have come through this trial stronger, with much richer life.

Week of October 4, 2015 - How Does Your Rock Garden Grow?

By Joan Whetzel

 

My son (David), daughter-in-law (Mirranda), 2 of their girls (Cidney & Reily), and my DIL’s sister (Aunt Natalie) came over recently. Before it got dark we gave them the obligatory tour of the rock garden, to which Aunt Natalie asked: So why are you growing rocks?  I responded: Because the only other things that’ll grow back there are weeds, mud, and a dead tree stump. We don’t particularly enjoy those, so why not grow some rocks?

 

My 11 year old granddaughter (Haleigh) was showing off her painted rocks to her 4-year-old cousin, Cidney, and gently reminded her to leave the rocks on the ground. Cidney replied, knowingly: Oh, so if I pick them up, they won’t grow!

 

Yeah, I know you’re all familiar with my rock garden with its painted rocks and stepping stones. And I’m sure you’re all getting tired of hearing about it. Well, it’s been evolving. We have added some clear and colored glass pieces (not quite big enough, but still colorful). A tree frog and a fairy door have taken up residence on the fence railing and an “Aloha” sign welcomes visitors at the entrance to the rock garden. A solar-powered Tiki God, with eyes that glow in the dark, now rests on the tree stump.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t glow brightly enough for night time pictures.

 

The pies-de-resistance? Apparently, one of our rock seeds did grow – into a black, wrought iron plant which Haleigh will paint green sometime soon. That is my kind of plant. It’s drought tolerant, loves lots of sunshine and triple-digit heat, requires no food, water, or maintenance of any kind, and stays green – or whatever color you want it to be – year round.

 

Week of August 30, 2015 – Proof that God Has a Sense of Humor

By Joan Whetzel

 

Well, the summer is almost over. It’s been long, and hot, and pretty much one day like the next. A lot of little minor aggravations. Just when you can’t tell the days – and the minor aggravations - apart, God jumps in to let you know He hasn’t lost his funny bone.

A few weeks ago, I was in the bathroom and my cell phone rang. It was a company that I’d applied to for a job; they were calling to set up an interview. Of course, I had no pen or paper with me so I had to commit it to memory. (No I didn’t get that job, they went with someone else, unfortunately).

About a week or two later, I got a letter from the mortgage company. I paid of the house nearly two years ago, and they paid me the funds that remained in the escrow account, so I couldn’t imagine what they wanted. Guess what! Apparently, they still owed me a little from the escrow. They gave me a check from their escrow account; for a whopping $4 – I’m rich! I’m rich!

This week we’ve been finding mushrooms in our yard, twice a day. Mornings and afternoons. It started with 2 mushrooms. Well, you know that old wife’s tale that says when you pluck one gray hair, two more grow in its place? It applies to mushrooms also. They keep multiplying. Yesterday morning, there were so many mushrooms in our front yard, it looked like an army of fairies came out and erected a forest of mushroom umbrellas for a huge party. They must have had a gala during the night. Wish I’d been awake to enjoy it. Oh, well! Maybe next time.

July 4, 2015 - Bribery Is Alive and Well; And It’s Living at My House

By Joan Whetzel

 

 

Well, it’s summer. The hottest time of the year. And, as usual, we have some outdoor tasks to work on, besides the usual mowing and edging.

 

For one, the HOA decided to complain about some mildew on the exterior of our house. I thought we got rid of it all. But the (bleep)ing Home Owner’s Association says we have some more. The only thing we could find that could remotely construed as mildew, is upstairs, near the windows. The only way to get to it, is to open one of the upstairs windows and climb out onto the roof to scrub it off. Then have somebody in the front yard hand up the hose – with the spray nozzle attached - so that it could be rinsed off. My daughter and I were not thrilled with this. Turns out, all we had to say was “climb out the window and onto the roof” for my 10 year-old granddaughter to break into a fiendish grin, complete with evil glint in her eyes. She climbed out the window with the greatest of ease and pranced around the roof scrubbing and rinsing walls like there’s nothing to this chore. Oh, did we fail to mention to her that this was a chore? Well, I guess if nobody tells her, she’ll still think it’s fun.

 

Well after the lawn work and house cleaning, we went to get the last load of rocks to complete our rock garden. The 10 year-old was not particularly interested in helping with this one. Lugging heavy rocks, definitely sounds like a chore. So here’s where the bribery really kicks in. We told her we’d buy a few cans of spray paint – her color choice – and she could spray paint a few of the rocks to scatter randomly throughout the rock garden. She’s enamored with the idea of contributing artistically to the yardwork (i.e. planting flowers) so this peaked her interest. We would also bring home her favorite fast food lunch – this month it’s Chick-Fil-A.  We also promised a trip to the pool when the rock gardening was done.

 

So after lunch, we set back to work. The rock garden is all laid now. It includes many, many bags of plain brown rocks, one bag of red lava rocks (by demand of the 10 year-old) strewn around, and a smattering of painted rocks in coral, turquoise, and shiny clear with glitter that make the rocks kind of look like opals when the sun hits them right. Pretty cool! (Pictures will be uploaded to my Facebook page.)  And yes, the 10 year-old got her trip to the swimming pool. Not that my daughter and I minded much. We worked up enough of a sweat that the cool water felt good.

Enjoying the Yard

By Joan Whetzel

 

 

My daughter and I have spent a lot of time cleaning up the front and back yards, clearing the deck, and getting rid of the barn/tool shed behind the garage. All our hard work is paying off. The neighbors have noticed how nice the front of the house looks and the HOA has quit complaining.

 

The biggest payoff has been in the back yard. Where the barn once stood, we planted a few squares of sod, which is spreading out nicely – thanks to our spring monsoons. We even got to mow and weed-whack that back portion of the lawn. We’re keeping the back flowerbed weeded and the 2 crepe myrtle trees that we severely trimmed in February have come back with a vengeance. They have a full crop of leaves and buds that promise a colorful summer. My son came yesterday and dismantled the barn floor with a coping saw. The remnants are out at the curb waiting for the garbage men to haul it off.

 

I think our favorite spot has been the table and chairs out on the deck. We have eaten dinner out there whenever the weather – and the mosquitos – permit. I’ve even gone out and had a few sunrise breakfasts. I have found I even look forward to doing yardwork now because I get to see the fruits of our efforts.

 

We’re not complete finished yet. There is still the side of the yard between the garage and the side fence. It’s a small area that gets practically no sun. There’s a stump from the tree we finally killed off (before it tore down the garage), Otherwise, nothing grows there but the weeds and the mud when it rains, which is all the time lately. We keep the weeds pulled and added a little more dirt to raise the ground level. We have begun a rock garden by putting down plastic sheets and topping it with rocks. It’ partially done. I seriously underestimated the amount of rocks it was going to take. So over the next several paychecks our little rock garden will be completed. I’m looking forward to having a small area that we won’t have to work on.

Admitting You Don't Know

BY Joan Whetzel

Not knowing things used to bother me a lot. It doesn’t bother me so much anymore. Although I know it still bothers some people.

 Experts can be bothered by not knowing How can one be an expert and not know all the answers. Those who think they’re experts can’t stand not knowing. They simply have to proclaim the answer to every perceived dilemma or “I wonder…” statements made by others. They would rather proclaim something than be seen as not knowing. I’ve known too many of these self-proclaimed experts. I can’t stand listening to their answers to everything. What if I don’t want my wondering solved? Sometimes I just like to wonder for the pleasure of wondering. Besides letting my brain wander in wondering, I frequently come up with answers for myself that I never knew existed, answers that are way better than anything the know-it-all experts could ever come up with.

Then there are the people who know everything about everyone else’s business. This

one is even worse. I either walk away or tune out any gossip coming out of their mouths. And if they ask if I know anything about another person’s business, the first thing that comes to mind is a quote from Jack Kerouak: “I don’t know. I don’t care. And it doesn’t make any difference anyway.”


            I find there’s something freeing about admitting I don’t know. I’m free to let my mind wander into whatever amazing place it wants to wander. I am free to drop everyone else’s business – a mighty heavy load – and wander through my life with a much lighter load. I have the freedom to find the answers that

Car Titles

By Joan Whetzel

 

 

            Government Agencies – gotta love ‘em. This time it’s the TxDMV. I’ve been putting off getting rid of my late husband’s old car; partly because it wasn’t a top priority and partly because I was hoping I’d find the title in all the stuff he left behind.  Well, as you’ve probably already guessed, I never found the title, so I decided it was time to bite the bullet and apply for it through the DMV.

 

            I went online and found the form I needed to request a duplicate copy of the title. After filling it out, I included a check for the $2 fee and the supporting documents (death certificate, Letters of Administration, and my photo ID). I mailed it off and waited about a week.

 

            The DMV returned the form and documentation (having cashed the check before the ink dried). They included a letter stating that they could         not fulfill my request as the title still showed a lien holder still attached. They informed me that I’d have to get a Release of Lien letter on the lien holder’s letterhead in order for them to clear the title. A lien holder? What lien holder? Okay, so who is the lien holder? I wrote back to the TxDMV because my late husband had not left me any paper work that included the identity of the lien holder and could they please supply me with that information.

 

            About a week later, they sent me a letter telling me that I’d have to fill out a new form requesting the lien holder information. I would have to include a check for $2.30 and the same supporting documentation as before. So I mailed it off. About a week later I get the lien holder’s identity. Guess what? It looks like the lien holder no longer exists.

 

            Not to be put off, I went online to see what I could find out. It turns out that the company – the Houston Area Teacher’s Credit Union – had changed names twice but was still in existence. I contacted them, hoping beyond hope, that they could help me with my somewhat belated request for a Release of Lien letter. I included the usual supporting documents and the letters from the DMV showing what I needed from them in order to clear the title. In less than a week, I got all my documents back and the Release of Lien documents.

 

A week ago I filled out the original form for the second time (needed a new signature date). I included my documentation and the Release of Lien documents and mailed it all off. I finally got it in today’s mail. The title to my late husband’s old, no-longer-running, old car, and it is in his name. I suppose it would be too much to ask to have the title placed in my name, wouldn’t it?

 

            In the meantime, the DMV sent me a reminder earlier this week that it’s time for a new license plate sticker for my car. For a mere $64.15 plus and an additional $3 for ordering the sticker online, I will have my new license plate sticker in 2 weeks’ time. It only took to get the title to my husband’s old car and it only takes 2 weeks to get license plate sticker. Government agencies, gotta love ‘em.

March 1, 2015 - Garbage Pickers

                                                               By Joan Whetzel
 

I love our garbage pickers. My respect and gratitude for them increases with every cleaning project we’ve undertaken. They have scavenged our garbage for items I was pretty certain the regular garbage collectors would not take. Everything from rusty bikes and metal shelving units, to old desks and rickety garden tools, and even blocks of wood. The latest encounter with our neighborhood garbage pickers occurred 2 weeks ago.

We had just demolished the tool shed out back. We were able to tear down everything but the floor using a chain saw, power drill (with screwdriver bits), hammers and a crowbar. The people from Bagster.com hauled off the tool shed remains for a total cost of $170 – including the bag. The only thing waiting for demolition is the floor. We have opted for propping the floor against the back wall of the garage (out of site for the most part). We will leave it that way for a month, or 2, or 5…until the weathering makes it easier to wield our chain saw.

In the meantime, we were still faced with the sheer number of cinder blocks placed under the barn floor. A little more than 3 dozen in all. There’s no way we were keeping that many cinder blocks. We have no use for them. They’ll just take up space wherever we put them.

So we grabbed our dolly and took the first 10 cinder bricks to the curb, where we left them as a test. If the garbage pickers took them, we’d do the same with the remaining cinder blocks. We didn’t have long to wait. About 45 minutes later, one of the lawn care crews working in our neighborhood came knocking at our door.

“Are you getting rid of those cinder blocks? Can I have them?”

Uh, let me think, “Yes. Absolutely. Please take them off my hands. In fact, I have some more out back. Would you like those too?”

Faster than you can say “Yea! Free Stuff!” those 3 guys had pulled the wheelbarrow off their work trailer, rolled it to the back yard, and cleared out the remaining 2 dozen plus cinder blocks. In less than an hour, those cinder blocks were history. The garbage pickers have picked up (literally) the heaviest part of our demolition job, free of charge. The completion date for the flooring demolition is still up in the air (or lolly-gagging behind the garage, to be more precise), but it, too, will be taken care of in good time by the Dames of Demolition because we have power tools – and garbage pickers – and we know how to use them.

Week of February 22, 2015 - Tax Time

By Joan Whetzel

Yeah, it’s tax time again. I was dreading it, but not as much as last year. Last year, I had a lot more to contend with – Mark’s estate, my inheritance, unreimbursed medical bills, the mortgage and mortgage insurance, etc. - so it was necessary to hire a CPA which was worth every cent.

I think part of my dread had to do with memories of my dad sitting at the kitchen table, with all the IRS booklets, an adding machine, a half dozen pencils all sharpened and lined up like a row of soldiers - and a bottle of aspirin.

I also had memories of my husband pouring over the same tax forms and books for the first couple of decades of our marriage. When Turbo Tax came into the picture, it sped up his process, more or less. He was still so disorganized it took him forever to find all the bits and pieces of information he’d put away for safe keeping. At any rate, he never let me forget how hard it was to do the taxes (hinting that I was too stupid to figure it out for myself). Actually, it wasn’t stupidity that kept me from doing the taxes; I just didn’t want to do them, plain and simple. Why should I go through all that paperwork when I had someone else to have all that fun for me?

This year, I had so few things to deal with, that I decided to forego the CPA do my own taxes, with help from Turbo Tax. Mostly because it is the next step toward standing up on my own two feet. I had a backup plan in case I ran into any problems I couldn’t figure out with Turbo Tax. The local library, in a joint effort with AARP, provides tax assistance for seniors and low income families, twice a week between February 1^st and mid-April. I could always go talk to them if I needed anything.

As it turns out, I didn’t need the library and the AARP. I had collected all the necessary receipts and proof of income in one place which made it quick, easy, and quite painless to finish. I only needed to call the IRS once to clear up one tiny piece of information. I submitted my taxes on Friday the 13^th and my Tax Return will be direct-deposited into my savings in short order. I’ve already gotten word from my bank that the deposit is pending for this Monday, a mere 10 days after filing. I will continue to do my own taxes from now on, just because I can.

Week of Feb. 15, 2015 - Dames of Demolition

By Joan Whetzel

 

We’re coming up on 2 years since my husband died. In almost 3 years to be semi-exact. Of all the things my daughter and I have learned in that short time, the biggest thing is how much we can do for ourselves.

True there are some jobs that required hiring some help – fixing the soffits under the upstairs roof, cutting down a huge growing tree too close to the garage trimming dead branches way high up in the pine tries. This was mainly because we lacked the tools and the skills to accomplish the task.

Bur we have discovered that, for most tasks, it’s cheaper to get the tools we need and do it ourselves. Last summer, for example, we rented a chain saw from Home depot to cut down another tree behind the garage. It taught us that we could wield a chain saw if need be. Last month, when it came time to trim back 2 badly overgrown crepe myrtle trees, we bit the bullet and bought our own chain saw for $90 and spent 2 weekends trimming the 2 trees. (We have a handful of small logs to use for firewood next winter.)

Last weekend we finished cleaning out the rotting, falling-apart tool shed out back. This weekend, my daughter, granddaughter, and I began the demolition of the monstrosity. All it took was our new chainsaw, a crowbar, 2 hammers, and hand drill with screwdriver bits.

Next weekend, we’re going to try and complete the demolition by destroying the floor to the barn. Unfortunately, like a couple other projects the previous owner built, the floor and the barn itself were put together with about 10 times more screws and nails than were necessary. Worse, the particle board has a couple rotted spots, so it has to be torn down. We’ll go after it again with the chain saw, crow bar, and hand drill/screw driver again. Of course, if anyone volunteered to lend a hand, the Dames of Demolition wouldn’t turn them down.

Week of January 25, 2015 – Gaining Job Skills

 

By Joan Whetzel

 

I’m still working part time while looking for full time employment. I haven’t been wasting my time though. I have been gaining job skills.

My current part time position has taught me to admit patients to the Clinic, update their charts, and perform data entry skills. Yeah, yeah, I worked at a doctor’s office many years ago – before computers were in use everywhere. (I’m dating myself here). Also we did patient admission and charting were done differently back then.

I have also taken some classes on Excel and Power Point. These classes have a number of advantages.

1.      They’re taught in person and are hands on. I got to do what they were teaching right then and there and save it to my thumb drive so I could play around with these new tricks at home.

2.      They are taught at the local public library so they’re close to home.

3.      Since I have a library card, they’re also free.

4.      The best part is that a lot of the jobs I’m looking for require knowledge of Microsoft Office, so now I can claim to have some skills in parts of Office other than Word.

It’s not much but it’s more than I had a year and half ago. So I guess I’m making some kind of progress.