The Cat Came Back

By Joan Whetzel

 

When my kids were young, Nickelodeon (T) used to play this short cartoon as a filler whenever their programming was too short to fill out the half hour. It showed the numerous ways this family used to try to get rid of their obnoxious, ornery, destructive cat. It didn't matter what lengths they went to. The cat just kept coming back. The song's refrain, like the cat, is equally obnoxious and keeps  popping back into my  head at the drop of a hat.

 

The Song

            The cat came back
            the very next day 

                        Oh yes, the cat came back

                        They thought he was a gonner

            But the cat came back

            He just wouldn’t stay away

Every time I have problem that recurs, this stupid song starts banging around my head. I’ve had two problems recently that I thought we'd taken care of, but those cats just won’t stay away.

 

The Bees

We had some bees that took up residence along the corner of our roof line. We tried everything we could to get rid of them ourselves, to no avail. The only thing we got for our efforts were some "bleep"-ed off bees. So last year we called an exterminator that took care of bees and hive removal.

At the time, they found out the bees had built a honeycomb in the rafters right where they were entering and leaving. They had to remove a small portion of the roof and siding to clean out the hive, after which they replaced the insulation, the roofing, and the siding. All was great with the world.

Except the cat came back this year. And the original exterminator is ignoring us completely. So, another year another exterminator. The new guy drilled some holes in strategic locations – the key spots where the bees might be trying to build another hive – and inserted a scope to see how much it was going to take to get rid of them. The drones were definitely starting to collect again, but so far, no honeycomb this time.

For $250, he killed them off. If they still appear to be gone today or tomorrow, my daughter and I are going to patch that one corner of the roofing and siding with a cotton plug and some calking. The previous guys were supposed to have caulked all the seams along the front and both sides of the house, to keep the bees out. Apparently. they missed that one spot the bees love so much. With any luck, this will do the trick and that cat will stay away.

 

The Grass

Earlier this spring, my daughter and I dug up the thin strip of grass between our driveway and the side of the house. We transplanted this grass out back of the garage to fill in the bare patch. We’re glad to say that the grass transplants are particularly hearty and have taken off well. We’ve got grass growing like crazy behind the garage.

In the bare strip we planted some juniper bushes and other flowering plants. The petunias and bluebonnets have run their lifecycle, the bougainvillea have started climbing the trellis, and the juniper – while not filling out as fast as I thought it would – has not died.

The problem? The grass keeps coming back. We’ve pulled it out several times, but within 2 weeks, the grass comes back. It just won’t stay away. The grass really loves that strip of land; a testament to the heartiness of St. Augustine grass. It seems to be damned near impossible to get rid of. A few days ago, we got some grass killer spray. We chose a brand that said you could spray it near plants without killing them. We’ve sprayed a test section twice now. So far, it hasn’t harmed the juniper, but it hasn’t harmed the grass either.

Anybody out there with a recipe for grass killer? I am open to suggestions.

Small Comforts

By Joan Whetzel

My oldest granddaughter is with her daddy for the summer, leaving my daughter and I time to get things done around the house/garage/yard. A few larger projects. (Like clearing out the garage attic and the upstairs game room in the house). The list of things that need doing is much, much, much shorter than it has been the last 3 summers. The size of the projects is also smaller.

One thing we’ve found, though, is that giving ourselves some small comforts, some little luxuries, after completing our big projects and our regular chores (mowing) is something we both need. True, getting these cleaning projects over and done with are comforts in themselves. But we still need to treat ourselves as a way of patting ourselves on the back for our accomplishments. Some of our small comforts include:

 

1.     Matinee movie – NO kiddie movies allowed! Sorry Disney, I’ve had my fill, I’m feeding the adult now.

2.     30 to 60-minute swim in the neighborhood pool to cool off (especially after outdoor projects and chores in the Houston heat and humidity).

3.     Grilling a new recipe for supper, especially if those recipes include hot peppers, cayenne, chili power......

4.     Grilling apples or peaches with cinnamon, Splenda, and little apple or peach juice in a foil boat for dessert. Served with a scoop of ice cream, of course. It’s like low-cal pie without the crust; and we don’t have to heat up the kitchen.

5.     Allowing ourselves the purchase of one smallish item per month (or 2 months) that updates our environment to reflect our changing tastes, and our changing lives. (I got myself some red sheets a couple years ago. I always wanted red sheets. I’ve added a few other red items to my bedroom since then).

6.     Time to just sit a read a book. Reading for pleasure!

7.     Eating out on the deck when the weather is nice. Meals without a TV in sight.

We feeling both comforted and happier because we’re taking care of ourselves, and because we’re clearing away the clutter. Our life has changed a lot over recent years, and these small comforts (aka luxuries) are reminders to take care of ourselves. We’ve earned it.

Week of Feb. 28, 2016 - Great Opportunities

By Joan Whetzel

 

I saw the following quote on Facebook (facebook/The Optimism Revolution) that read: “We’re all faced with a series of great opportunities (sic) brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”

I’ve had more than a few great opportunities in my lifetime, especially in recent years. I can honestly say that my great opportunities have supported my growth and helped me stand on my own two feet and ways I never thought I would. But I’m not ashamed to admit that I wish God would cast his eye in another direction and bestow some of those great opportunities on someone else for a change. I need a vacation. An extended vacation.

What would my vacation look like? I see myself vegging out on a tropical island. I would of course be filthy rich and have every luxury served up on a silver platter. All problems, great or small, would be quickly managed with a flick of my magic wand. It would be a totally care free, stress free existence.

 

Okay, back to reality. Really, I see my real-life, extended vacation this way:

·       No more major and/or costly repairs or problems that need solving.

·       A full time job that I love, is close to home, and pays well.

·       Social Security decides I don’t have to wait until I am 60 to start receiving my widow’s benefits. (Okay, that one probably falls under the reality check column.)

·       Both of my kids prospering greatly, beyond my wildest dreams, with no pressing problems to threaten their wellbeing.

·       Four happy and healthy granddaughters and a happy, healthy grandbaby #5 on the way (hope it’s a boy this time).

·       My mom and siblings all know how much I love them and am grateful for their support.

I can’t imagine a better vacation.

It’s Yard Prep Time Again

By Joan Whetzel

 

Not to brag about our lovely mild winters down here in Texas, but it’s one of the perks of living down here. That and the fact that spring arrives much earlier than the northern states. We get to plant spring flowers earlier.

The last couple of weekends my daughter, oldest granddaughter, and I have finally been able to get back out in the yard again. We’ve had about 3 months of having no yardwork to do and I’ve found that I missed my yardwork time. So, now we’re finally able to do a little of the necessary prep work before our early spring brings us some new growth.

We began with trimming back the crepe myrtle trees in the back yard. Last year it took us about 3 days for each crepe myrtle tree. My husband had never trimmed them since we moved into the house, so they were way out of control. But all that work last year made this year’s pre-Spring trimming way easier. It only took about 1 hour for each tree.

Last weekend we went outside to rake and sweep the massive amounts of pine needles and pine cones in the front yard. That one took a couple hours and 4 large trash bags.

This weekend we mowed and edged. No the grass isn’t growing that much – yet. But the clover has definitely come to life. So basically, we were mowing the clover, weeds, a handful of green blades of grass, and a few early wildflowers. But the yard looks nice again. And this morning I enjoyed one of my new favorite pastimes – a sunrise breakfast picnic out on the back deck. It faces east so I actually get to watch the sun rise over the neighbor’s garage.

I used to dread yardwork. Actually, I downright hated getting out in the yard. But over the last couple of years, I have come to relish getting outside and doing the yardwork. I enjoy the exercise. I even rather look forward to sweating when the temps get warmer. (February is still cool enough that I don’t work up a sweat).

I think I’m finally beginning to understand why grandma always wanted to get out in the yard and put in the effort on her flower beds. Sure, it’s a lot of work, but the payoff is great. I’ve got a yard that looks nice and I love spending a little free time outside after it’s done. Plus, when the weekly jobs are finished, I feel physically restored from getting a bit of exercise, breathing in some fresh air, and absorbing a little natural vitamin D from the sun.

Week of Jan. 31, 2016 - Dream Jobs

By Joan Whetzel

I’ve been working part time and looking for a full time position that pays better than what I’m making now. Besides all the jobs that I’m not qualified for, and the hundreds of applications I’ve filled out for the jobs I am qualified for, I have run across numerous jobs that look intriguing. I don’t know if I’d actually call them dream jobs, but the job titles sound interesting.

1.     Exotic Dancer, cash paid daily (No comment.)

2.     Repo Agent (Legal theft of cars from deadbeat consumers. Alright!)

3.     Pest Control Tech (Oh, wait! They’re talking about bugs and rodents. Never mind – spoken w/ nasal intonation like Gilda Radner.)

4.     Forklift Operator (They give grandmas the keys to the heavy machinery? Yes!)

5.     Probation Officer / Detention Office (Hey, I had kids and learned to deal with pushy sales- and service men. Thee crooks wouldn’t stand a chance)

6.     Accountant / Bookkeeper (I keep books on my shelves. Does that count?).

7.     Golf-Course Bird Remover (Can somebody send me a picture of a golf-course bird so I know what I’m looking for?)

8.     Antique-Treasure Hunter (Got my antique treasure map. Just need an antique-treasure rifle with high-powered scope.)

9.     Floor Leader (I’ve never led a floor around, but how hard could it be?)

10.  Line Cook (I cook the best lines you ever tasted.)

Just need to update my job skills to fill one of these positions and I’m set.

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.