OK. We are supposed to get sod today at 9am. Of course, they will first have to finish spreading the top soil and use the machine to pick up the rocks. The "boss man" doesn't seem to listen to me when I tell him what we want or expect. I guess I may need to be more aggressive. We need top soil in a few places that he doesn't think needs it. Tide Guy told his dad (the owner who isn't on site now) and I've told the son ("Boss Man") we would rather have too much top soil than not enough. I hope the finished job is what we are expecting, but I am beginning to have many doubts.
The tub is now FINISHED!! What a long task that should have been finished long ago.
The past few days, I was able to hang many pictures, prints, and paintings, so it the house is really starting to look more complete and less bare.
We still need to find an end table and coffee table for the family room. I have looked a lot, but am having a hard time finding pieces that are not too big.
Well, I need to prepare for the sod guys. Good luck to me!
Tide Gal
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
I'm back
I just realized I went without posting one time in March!! Bad Blogger.
It is now spring time and we are completely covered in yellow pollen to prove it.
We have some of our top soil spread in our front yard. The soil was delivered yesterday and the sod guys who were to spread the soil blew two tires on the trailer getting here yesterday. When they finally got here 3 or so hours late, they worked for about 2 hours and blew a tire on the bobcat. So, only part of the soil has been spread. They were supposed to bring the sod tomorrow, but are now saying it will be the weekend. Of course, it hasn't rained in well over a week and is supposed to rain on Saturday.
The "electrician" (I use that term for him very loosely) showed up to "fix" the blower on the tub a few weeks ago. I told him to be sure and bolt it to the floor. When he was leaving I asked if he secured the blower to the floor so the vibration wouldn't loosen it. He said he got it in. When I checked it after he left, he only put in one screw!! One!! It is predrilled for one on each side. I had the builder come in and finish the project. The tile guy came and put up the tile and grout on the front panel of the tub. He is supposed to come today to wipe off the grout film. After that, this project will finally be complete.
I have hung most of our paintings, prints, and pictures in the house. We still have an 8 foot Venice painting to hang. We definitely need help. It isn't heavy, just big and bulky. We got plantation shutters installed a few weeks ago and they look wonderful inside and out. They are wonderful to keep the bright sun from fading our walls, hardwood, pictures, and paintings.
We have two bays cleaned out in the garage and can park my car and Tide Guys truck inside. We need to clear out the third bay, but we need to put a lot in the basement which we have to finish, too.
I am hosting a baby shower in a just over a week, so I am trying to take care of a lot of loose ends Once that is all done, I would love to start prepping for paint in the basement. We also need to get the landscaping started around the front of the house and in front of the porch.
It seems the Chinese are referring more days now which would make for a small speed up. But, it could be that there are less people in line during April 2006. There just isn't any way to know with the limited information coming from China.
Unfortunately, a single lady in Tennessee, who adopted a 10 year old boy from Russia, decided she did not want to parent him anymore. She claims he was disruptive and out of control and this information was not disclosed to her during the adoption process. He had been with her for several months. The mother put two hundred dollars and a note in his pocket and put him on a plane by himself back to Moscow. The media is all over this and Russia has either stopped or planning to stop all adoptions to the US. This action could also cause many problems for all international adoptions in the future.
*******************
Gas prices are on the rise and is predicted to go above $3.oo per gallon this summer. Right now it is $2.74 at the local Race Way and $2.69 at Wal-Mart.
*******************
China had another big earthquake yesterday. It was close to Tibet and was a strong earthquake. Hundreds are dead, thousands are injured and now homeless.
*******************
On with spring!
Tide Gal
It is now spring time and we are completely covered in yellow pollen to prove it.
We have some of our top soil spread in our front yard. The soil was delivered yesterday and the sod guys who were to spread the soil blew two tires on the trailer getting here yesterday. When they finally got here 3 or so hours late, they worked for about 2 hours and blew a tire on the bobcat. So, only part of the soil has been spread. They were supposed to bring the sod tomorrow, but are now saying it will be the weekend. Of course, it hasn't rained in well over a week and is supposed to rain on Saturday.
The "electrician" (I use that term for him very loosely) showed up to "fix" the blower on the tub a few weeks ago. I told him to be sure and bolt it to the floor. When he was leaving I asked if he secured the blower to the floor so the vibration wouldn't loosen it. He said he got it in. When I checked it after he left, he only put in one screw!! One!! It is predrilled for one on each side. I had the builder come in and finish the project. The tile guy came and put up the tile and grout on the front panel of the tub. He is supposed to come today to wipe off the grout film. After that, this project will finally be complete.
I have hung most of our paintings, prints, and pictures in the house. We still have an 8 foot Venice painting to hang. We definitely need help. It isn't heavy, just big and bulky. We got plantation shutters installed a few weeks ago and they look wonderful inside and out. They are wonderful to keep the bright sun from fading our walls, hardwood, pictures, and paintings.
We have two bays cleaned out in the garage and can park my car and Tide Guys truck inside. We need to clear out the third bay, but we need to put a lot in the basement which we have to finish, too.
I am hosting a baby shower in a just over a week, so I am trying to take care of a lot of loose ends Once that is all done, I would love to start prepping for paint in the basement. We also need to get the landscaping started around the front of the house and in front of the porch.
It seems the Chinese are referring more days now which would make for a small speed up. But, it could be that there are less people in line during April 2006. There just isn't any way to know with the limited information coming from China.
Unfortunately, a single lady in Tennessee, who adopted a 10 year old boy from Russia, decided she did not want to parent him anymore. She claims he was disruptive and out of control and this information was not disclosed to her during the adoption process. He had been with her for several months. The mother put two hundred dollars and a note in his pocket and put him on a plane by himself back to Moscow. The media is all over this and Russia has either stopped or planning to stop all adoptions to the US. This action could also cause many problems for all international adoptions in the future.
*******************
Gas prices are on the rise and is predicted to go above $3.oo per gallon this summer. Right now it is $2.74 at the local Race Way and $2.69 at Wal-Mart.
*******************
China had another big earthquake yesterday. It was close to Tibet and was a strong earthquake. Hundreds are dead, thousands are injured and now homeless.
*******************
On with spring!
Tide Gal
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Closing Ceremonies
Tonight are the Closing Ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. Tide Guy and I just watched the US play Canada for the gold in ice hockey. Canada won by one in overtime, but it was such a great game. The US has won more medals than any country during these games and many competitions have been very exciting to watch.
In the adoption world, we may have a small speed up. This month, the number of referral days has increased and more adoptions have been referred this month compared to many.
Okinawa had a major earthquake that was centered in Chili. It was felt in Hawaii and even in Arizona. The magnitude in Okinawa was the same as in Haiti, but there was no damage in Okinawa. Most, or probably all, structures in Okinawa are concrete, and built to withstand typhoons and earthquakes. We went through two typhoons while stationed in Okinawa that had 140 MPH winds. Since we lived on the China Sea, we had no protection from the wind from other buildings. It was very scary.
We may get snow Monday night into Tuesday morning.
Tide Gal
In the adoption world, we may have a small speed up. This month, the number of referral days has increased and more adoptions have been referred this month compared to many.
Okinawa had a major earthquake that was centered in Chili. It was felt in Hawaii and even in Arizona. The magnitude in Okinawa was the same as in Haiti, but there was no damage in Okinawa. Most, or probably all, structures in Okinawa are concrete, and built to withstand typhoons and earthquakes. We went through two typhoons while stationed in Okinawa that had 140 MPH winds. Since we lived on the China Sea, we had no protection from the wind from other buildings. It was very scary.
We may get snow Monday night into Tuesday morning.
Tide Gal
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
2010 Olympics, Vancouver, Canada
I forgot to mention that the 2010 Winter Olympics began on Friday in Vancouver, Canada. The opening ceremonies were okay, but they had a problem. Four beams were to raise into the air mid-stage, then lean toward the middle. The people carrying the torches were then to each light a beam which would carry up to the cauldron. Unfortunately, one of the beams never rose from the floor. After a few awkward moments, the three beams rose and three torch carriers were able to light those three beams.
The country of Georgia lost an athlete before the festivities began. He was at the end of a practice run in his sport of luge. After rounding a corner, something happened and he came off his luge. His body hit an exposed pole.
Hopefully, the US athletes will do us proud again.
The country of Georgia lost an athlete before the festivities began. He was at the end of a practice run in his sport of luge. After rounding a corner, something happened and he came off his luge. His body hit an exposed pole.
Hopefully, the US athletes will do us proud again.
Winter Wonderland
Big News!! I turned in my 2 week notice at work on January 4, 2010. My last day at work was January 15, 2010!!
I've been spending my days getting our new house in order. All the boxes were unloaded into the garage. I unpack the boxes, bring in items, and put the items in their new homes. All boxes and packing materials stay in the garage. Anyone who has ever done a major military move will understand how nice it is to not bring the boxes and paper inside. When the packers pack military families, they use lots and lots and lots of paper. So, our house is not cluttered and we can enjoy it. All the boxes in the garage have been opened, but I am now to the point that I have a hard time finding homes for items that are left.
We still have a few items at our old house. It would only take a day of work to empty the house, but there are two major problems. One, the weather. It is either raining, freezing cold, snowing, or a combination of the three. Two, Tide Guy is traveling frequently for work. He has only been home a number of days this year. I have loaded my car a few times, but I can't get the big items and it is just too cold to stay in that house for a period of time.
All of our new furniture has been delivered. We still need end tables and maybe a coffee table for the family room. I've looked a few times, but can't find anything I really like. That, or the pieces are just too big for the area. It is wonderful to sleep in our new bed with the king size mattress that has been in storage for three years. It is so nice to see the house beginning to look like we want. We haven't hung any pictures since we are not sure of some furniture placement. That is the last thing we will do.
We had measurements done yesterday for plantation shutters. We hope to have those installed within 4-5 weeks.
We have had so much snow this year. I haven't seen this much snow in years. I even made snow cream. I have some great pictures of the house covered in snow.
Saturday, Tide Guy and I went to Tuscaloosa for the First Annual A Club BBQ Cookoff. The A Club had many former players signing autographs on the field. When I walked into the stadium, Derrick Oden gave me the pamphlet for the day. I was star struck immediately. Tables were set up on the field for former players to sign autographs. They started with players from the 60s, then each decade had a turn. Also, many players were roaming on the field signing autographs, too. We also got a tour of the field house. Mike hit the "WIN" bar that all the players hit as they leave to go to the field for a game. I couldn't reach it, so he picked me up so I could hit it, too. I also sat on Mark Ingram's stool in the locker room. Some of the players we saw: Coach (and player) Ray Perkins, Paul Hogan, Derrick Oden, Jay Barker, Wesley Britt, Tyler Britt, Jeremiah Castille, Chris Rogers, Tyler Watts, Dr. Gary White, Mal Moore, LaRon McClain, John Copeland, John Moore, and dozens more. The players were all so very nice. They all thanked us for coming and supporting them both on the field when they played and in their efforts to raise money. We enjoyed watching them interact with each other, too. The 60s players were giving each other a hard time about different plays or things that happened. It was incredible to walk on the field of Bryant-Denny Stadium. From the field view, the stadium seems so much smaller that sitting in our seats looking down Saturdays in the fall. We had so much fun and I can't wait to go again next year.
Afterwards, we went to the Colosseum for the Bama/Arkansas basketball game. Bama had no chance of winning and they played that way during the first half. Something happened in the second half and Bama actually turned it around and won.
In national news, gas is down to about $2.49 or so. The economy is horrible and the employment rate keeps getting worse. Houses are being abandoned every day because people can't make their payments. Luckily, the health care issue seems to be stalled, at least for now.
In adoption news, it looks bleak. Rumors are rampant that China wants all international adoptions to become special needs. We have been "in line" for over two years for non-special needs. Another rumor is China expects to refer more babies this year, but not really speed up. I don't know exactly how that can happen, but it doesn't look promising.
Time to get working on the boxes in the garage.....Oh, there is snow outside right now!
Tide Gal
I've been spending my days getting our new house in order. All the boxes were unloaded into the garage. I unpack the boxes, bring in items, and put the items in their new homes. All boxes and packing materials stay in the garage. Anyone who has ever done a major military move will understand how nice it is to not bring the boxes and paper inside. When the packers pack military families, they use lots and lots and lots of paper. So, our house is not cluttered and we can enjoy it. All the boxes in the garage have been opened, but I am now to the point that I have a hard time finding homes for items that are left.
We still have a few items at our old house. It would only take a day of work to empty the house, but there are two major problems. One, the weather. It is either raining, freezing cold, snowing, or a combination of the three. Two, Tide Guy is traveling frequently for work. He has only been home a number of days this year. I have loaded my car a few times, but I can't get the big items and it is just too cold to stay in that house for a period of time.
All of our new furniture has been delivered. We still need end tables and maybe a coffee table for the family room. I've looked a few times, but can't find anything I really like. That, or the pieces are just too big for the area. It is wonderful to sleep in our new bed with the king size mattress that has been in storage for three years. It is so nice to see the house beginning to look like we want. We haven't hung any pictures since we are not sure of some furniture placement. That is the last thing we will do.
We had measurements done yesterday for plantation shutters. We hope to have those installed within 4-5 weeks.
We have had so much snow this year. I haven't seen this much snow in years. I even made snow cream. I have some great pictures of the house covered in snow.
Saturday, Tide Guy and I went to Tuscaloosa for the First Annual A Club BBQ Cookoff. The A Club had many former players signing autographs on the field. When I walked into the stadium, Derrick Oden gave me the pamphlet for the day. I was star struck immediately. Tables were set up on the field for former players to sign autographs. They started with players from the 60s, then each decade had a turn. Also, many players were roaming on the field signing autographs, too. We also got a tour of the field house. Mike hit the "WIN" bar that all the players hit as they leave to go to the field for a game. I couldn't reach it, so he picked me up so I could hit it, too. I also sat on Mark Ingram's stool in the locker room. Some of the players we saw: Coach (and player) Ray Perkins, Paul Hogan, Derrick Oden, Jay Barker, Wesley Britt, Tyler Britt, Jeremiah Castille, Chris Rogers, Tyler Watts, Dr. Gary White, Mal Moore, LaRon McClain, John Copeland, John Moore, and dozens more. The players were all so very nice. They all thanked us for coming and supporting them both on the field when they played and in their efforts to raise money. We enjoyed watching them interact with each other, too. The 60s players were giving each other a hard time about different plays or things that happened. It was incredible to walk on the field of Bryant-Denny Stadium. From the field view, the stadium seems so much smaller that sitting in our seats looking down Saturdays in the fall. We had so much fun and I can't wait to go again next year.
Afterwards, we went to the Colosseum for the Bama/Arkansas basketball game. Bama had no chance of winning and they played that way during the first half. Something happened in the second half and Bama actually turned it around and won.
In national news, gas is down to about $2.49 or so. The economy is horrible and the employment rate keeps getting worse. Houses are being abandoned every day because people can't make their payments. Luckily, the health care issue seems to be stalled, at least for now.
In adoption news, it looks bleak. Rumors are rampant that China wants all international adoptions to become special needs. We have been "in line" for over two years for non-special needs. Another rumor is China expects to refer more babies this year, but not really speed up. I don't know exactly how that can happen, but it doesn't look promising.
Time to get working on the boxes in the garage.....Oh, there is snow outside right now!
Tide Gal
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
National Champs!!
Tide Guy and I went to Pasadena for the National Championship game earlier this month. We saw the team arrive at the Rose Bowl and Mark Ingram, the Heisman winner, winked at me as he walked toward the stadium. (Well, he winked at someone in my area, so I assume it was me.) We sat in the Texas section. Ugh. Although they were nice, we had to contain a little of our excitement during the game. Not too much, as we cheered our team to victory. It was a nerve-racking game, but in the end, the best team won. We stayed for the Coach's Trophy presentation. The team was ecstatic and such a joy to watch. This team is such a great group of leaders and young men. I am so proud of them. They played as a team and gave credit to each other.
We slept for the first time in our new house on New Year's Eve. Tide Guy was determined to move in our new house in 2009. So, by a few hours, we made it. We still have a few little things at the other house to move. Plus, right now, the new garage is packed with boxes and such. We have done a lot here, but we still have a lot to do.
In world news, last week, Haiti had a 7.0 earthquake. There is so much damage and destruction. Hospitals, schools, hotels, their one airport, and most homes are completely destroyed. Even their palace is destroyed. Their leaders are homeless, too. People are living on the street. As of yesterday, they pulled people out of the rubble. The people are desperate for water, food, blankets, and medical supplies. There is a lot of help arriving, but for some reason it is bottlenecked at their airport. It is taking a week for help to get to the Haitians and that help is very slow. The estimated the death toll is 200,000.
In national news, gas has gone up to about $2.61 a gallon. There is an election today for Teddy Kennedy's Democratic Senate seat. There is a chance this could go to the Republican candidate thus causing the Democrats to lose their majority in the Senate. This would severely affect the health care issue in the Senate.
In the adoption world, even though there is a new director in the CCAA, nothing has changed positively. There is such a slow down it is unbelievable and basically disgusting.
On with the day!
Tide Gal
We slept for the first time in our new house on New Year's Eve. Tide Guy was determined to move in our new house in 2009. So, by a few hours, we made it. We still have a few little things at the other house to move. Plus, right now, the new garage is packed with boxes and such. We have done a lot here, but we still have a lot to do.
In world news, last week, Haiti had a 7.0 earthquake. There is so much damage and destruction. Hospitals, schools, hotels, their one airport, and most homes are completely destroyed. Even their palace is destroyed. Their leaders are homeless, too. People are living on the street. As of yesterday, they pulled people out of the rubble. The people are desperate for water, food, blankets, and medical supplies. There is a lot of help arriving, but for some reason it is bottlenecked at their airport. It is taking a week for help to get to the Haitians and that help is very slow. The estimated the death toll is 200,000.
In national news, gas has gone up to about $2.61 a gallon. There is an election today for Teddy Kennedy's Democratic Senate seat. There is a chance this could go to the Republican candidate thus causing the Democrats to lose their majority in the Senate. This would severely affect the health care issue in the Senate.
In the adoption world, even though there is a new director in the CCAA, nothing has changed positively. There is such a slow down it is unbelievable and basically disgusting.
On with the day!
Tide Gal
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Bad Blogger
Yep. No blogging for a long time. The worst part is so much has happened since the last post.
After beating Auburn, we traveled to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game. The University of Alabama played the University of Florida. A lot was at stake. The winner would go to Pasadena, CA to play in the National Championship game. Bama was the underdogs and all media focus was on Tim Tebow. And occasionally the rest of the Florida team. But, Bama came out of the tunnel with a mission. And they accomplished it. In fact, they dominated the entire game. The team played as a team and beat Tim Tebow. And the other players on the Florida team. It was one of the most exciting games I've ever seen. Now, Tide Guy and I are going with the Bama team to Pasadena to play Texas for the title.
The day after the game, we flew to Maui, HI for eight days of rest and relaxation. We stayed at a condo on the beach and enjoyed a great view, sand, warmth, and good food. We took a long, long drive on an extremely curvy road to Hana. We were gone most of the day. Although it was fun, we decided our trip was about enjoying the time rather than spending time in a vehicle. So, from then on, we didn't spend much time in the car. Maybe the next time, we go to Maui, we won't need to de-stress as much.
Everyone is done at the house. We still have a few little things that need to be done, but we started moving our things Christmas day. And, the day after. We will also move a little today. We should be mostly in by New Year's Day to enjoy the bowl games in our wonderful media room. We have watched two movies and it was great! Some furniture was delivered last weekend, but our master bedroom furniture won't arrive until after the first week in January 2010. We are going to put up a guest bed and sleep in that until our new furniture arrives.
There is still move to come, but it will have to wait.
Tide Gal
After beating Auburn, we traveled to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game. The University of Alabama played the University of Florida. A lot was at stake. The winner would go to Pasadena, CA to play in the National Championship game. Bama was the underdogs and all media focus was on Tim Tebow. And occasionally the rest of the Florida team. But, Bama came out of the tunnel with a mission. And they accomplished it. In fact, they dominated the entire game. The team played as a team and beat Tim Tebow. And the other players on the Florida team. It was one of the most exciting games I've ever seen. Now, Tide Guy and I are going with the Bama team to Pasadena to play Texas for the title.
The day after the game, we flew to Maui, HI for eight days of rest and relaxation. We stayed at a condo on the beach and enjoyed a great view, sand, warmth, and good food. We took a long, long drive on an extremely curvy road to Hana. We were gone most of the day. Although it was fun, we decided our trip was about enjoying the time rather than spending time in a vehicle. So, from then on, we didn't spend much time in the car. Maybe the next time, we go to Maui, we won't need to de-stress as much.
Everyone is done at the house. We still have a few little things that need to be done, but we started moving our things Christmas day. And, the day after. We will also move a little today. We should be mostly in by New Year's Day to enjoy the bowl games in our wonderful media room. We have watched two movies and it was great! Some furniture was delivered last weekend, but our master bedroom furniture won't arrive until after the first week in January 2010. We are going to put up a guest bed and sleep in that until our new furniture arrives.
There is still move to come, but it will have to wait.
Tide Gal
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