Gramma Ray's Blog

Puppy #10 - female. She was not responsive for about 10 minutes...i had to do breathing resesitation and chest massage (a first for me)...and finally, a gasp and a little cry. Tonight she is doind well...I have named her Lucky.

puppies 11 & 12 both females...both unresponsive and have sadly died. (I think they were in the birthing process too long...it was clear they had injested and inhaled the fluid).

So, we have 10 living puppies...7 females, 3 males.

DH and I went to dinner at a very quaint little Italian restaraunt...complete with Frank Sinatra music serenading us, dark luxurious walls, gorgeous decorations and family photos of a very Italian family that owns the restarount...a true treat.

I find out tomrrow if it is a done deal for the job!!! Can hardly wait!!


Looking forward to a good nights rest tonight!

Welll....we are not quite done yet...but so far we have 8 puppies...5 females, 2 males...all black.

We started at about 3 this morning...and hopefully she will be done soon..she is tired.

Puppies are all healthy so far.

Except for a little sleep depravation, all's well!

9:14am- make that 6 females, 3 males...9 so far...(ok Anna, you can stop now!!)

I received a copy of the Job Description and salary range today. I am looking forward to my duties- which are assisting the CEO so he can focus on the 'important' stuff.

Salary is wonderful!! I am thrilled with what he has proposed...and I asked for 3 weeks vacation to start with and another week added after 2 years (so 4 weeks per year).

He anticipates my start date to be April 2nd so long as all goes well on Monday!!!

In January, I can start investing in the 401k plan---and the company contributes 8% of salary so long as I participate with at least 5%. (not bad)

Sick leave is very fair...1 day accrued per month- which will accumulate as extra retirement if I do not use it.

As an exempt employee I will also earn 4 comp days each year.

So...I have only until Monday to wait!!

I will have to replinish my work wardrobe...since all my old clothes are that old larger size that I used to wear ...darn!

Anna had a false alarm yesterday...and today is acting more like labor...but still no puppies...she is 'officially due' tomorrow...I have a feeling the first puppy will come by midnight tonight the way she is acting.

A little 10yo neighbor girl is here with me. She spends so much time here, she is like one of my own...so whe will spend the night again tonight awaiting puppies with us!

Tomorrow I plan to pull out my old work clothes that have been packed away and see what fits...and what I need. Then, I may be going work-clothes shopping.

DH, DD3 and I will leave for vacation next Friday (Our Spring Break) Luckily, DD2 has volunteered to handle this litter of puppies while I am gone.

Anna is in labor. I will keep you posted...boy, what a day!

I had a wonderful meeting with my former (and soon to be current) boss today!!

The next step is to get Board approval...but if all goes well, as I think it will...I will be the....


...Executive Assistant to the CEO!!!!(which is my dream job!!!)

Oh my goodness. I cant even tell you how exciting this is...and he is very excited as well!!! It sounds like his senior team is supportive of the idea too!!

If all goes as planned at Monday's meeting, I will start in about 2 weeks!!

doing the happy dance here!! I will know for certain early next week (but it sure sounds like it's a done deal!!!!)

Salary and vacation accrual to be determined...but also very positive!!!


woo-flippin-hoo!!!!!!

1 1/2 lb ground beef ( I use lean and often the amount can vary depending on whats in the freezer.)
1 diced onion
4-5 stalks diced celery
2-3 carrots peeled and julienned
equivalent of 2 cloves garlic (I use minced)

In a big stock pot, brown ground beef and onion. If there is alot of grease, drain some...if not alot, it will add flavor. Add celery and carrot and allow all to gently fry for a few minutes.

then add:
1 can tomatoes- the reciope calls for 16 oz, but I use whatever I have sometimes it is a 28 oz can.
1 can tomato paste
2 cans of your favorite beans- Ive used pinto, black, great northern,white navy kidney- they're all yummy.
2 c (or more) water...if you add alot more, then adjust the tomato paste and spices for taste.

5 beef bullion cubes
1 tbsp dried parsley flakes
1/2 tsp sweet basil
1/4 tsp black pepper + fresh ground when serving
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (I may add a little more for a bite)
a few shakes of the cajun seasoning that I have in the cupboard (optional)

Allow to simmer until the veggies are a little tender. About 20 minutes.

about 10 minutes before serving add some small macaroni or ditalini pasta and continue to slow boil. (do not overcook, pasta will get soggy...(sometimes I forego the pasta and call it an itialian chili instead!!)

Sprinkle parmesean or romano or some other cheese on top.
By all means, adjust the spices to taste...I never measure and I do lots of taste testing while cooking...

Eat, enjoy!

I just a had a bowl of left over homemade pasta fagioli soup for lunch. Ever notice how homemade soup just gets better each day?? yum! Cool thing is I can make a huge batch for just few dollars and we eat offf it for days!

I finished my parents laundry today and they are still insisting on paying me...sigh. I so dont want to take their money, but it is such a pride thing for them. So...my mom is having out-of-town company next month and is planning to host a big steak & crableg dinner. She has been buying crablegs each week to spread the expense...so I will take this laundry money and buy things she needs and 'donate' them to her dinner. A round-about way of giving them back their money.

I spoke to the girls this morning and they are still having a great time on vacation...they will be heading home tomorrow afternoon. Sounds like they all enjoyed Disneyland...and best of all, no one else has gone missing since grandsons beach ordeal! whew!

Well, the big meeting is all set for Friday morning...that leaves just tomorrow for wondering.

I am so eager to find out what is on my past and now possibly future bosses mind!!!

fingers tightly crossed here!

In the meantime, I still have a VERY PREGNANT dog...who is due anyday. I am nervous about this litter as she seems MUCH BIGGER than last time...and last time we had 10!!! Oh boy...no need to wish for smaller as she has at least 10 this time, Im sure!

DD3 and I splurged this afternoon. I took her to Ross and she got a new top ($6)...and then to get her haircut($13 including tip)...and then to dinner($40- wow, but so good!). It was a splurge, but boy was she feeling special all afternoon!!! Sometimes, it is just fun to endulge!!

I can hardly wait to see what Friday brings!!! I will let you know!

Well, I am a step closer to getting that dream job that I mentioned a while back. While I still can't say too much about it...I can say that I received an email from the key person about seriously discussing it. WOO HOO

Seriously friends....if this works out, I will be set through retirement---as this is a job I will keep until I do! It truly is my dream job and it pays really well!

Please keep your fingers crossed for me. We are currently setting a date/time to meet and I will keep you all posted!!!

My mom and I went shopping for a new couch for her house this past weekend....and I stumbled on a really nice dining room table that was clearanced down to $50. It is one of those taller tables that are so popular now.

Now, my current dining room table/chairs was purchased 13 years ago for $250 at an old Montgomery Ward clearance sale..and has lived through 4 teenagers and now grandkids....in other words, it is well past it's prime.

The table has a slightly visible flaw on it...but nothing I can't live with for $50. I am not one to have to have all matching...eclectic works for me. So, we will be looking for chairs to use with this table.

If worse comes to worse and I am not able to use this table in the dining room, it is the PERFECT size for a craft table...and it is still a great deal. (Wrapping presents and floral arranging will be a breeze on this table)...

So, either way, I feel I got a great deal. (The table was marked down from $260 to $50)

And yes, my mom did find a new red couch that she is tickled with...so all around, a great shopping excursion.

First, I will start with the scariest hour of my life.

Yesterday afternoon, we were enjoying a peaceful afternoon when the phone rang. It was DD2 (who is vacationing in California with DD3 and family). She was FRANTIC...they had LOST MY GRANDSON- age 2 1/2 at Laguna Beach. He'd been missing for about 20 minutes when she called. The police hadnt arrived yet...and GS was nowhere in sight. Do you know how long 30 minutes is when life does a total flipflop like that?? It took another 30 minutes before they found him. Luckily, a family saw GS and brought him to the police (GS had wandered almost a half mile away...down the beach)...Thank GOD this had a happy ending.

I made pasta fagioli soup last night, which provides lunch for most of this week. I am going to use up the meat in the freezer for other meals this week. I am going to see how cheaply I can feed us for.

Since the girls are on vacation, I am running the business---and talk about timing...The weather is great and our first newpaper advertisement just came out...so I anticipate this being a busy week for the phones....top that off with puppies coming (today, I believe) and I am going to be one busy girl!!!

My only thought today is thank God my grandson is safe and with his mom...I never lost a child...and it is the scariest feeling Ive ever had....today he is at the "Happiest Place on Earth"...visiting with Mickey Mouse....

I stopped by the library on Friday for the first time in a couple of months. When the librarian looked up, she honestly did a double take when she saw me!! At first, I was confused until she said "Wow, you look great...you've lost quite a bit of weight!!!"

Wow. That was such a nice compliment and surprise for my day!

The money issues are getting a little easier. DH has worked some overtime and we have cut way back on spending/eating out again. It feels so secure when the checking balance tops the monthly bills before the first of the month!!

I am still in the holding pattern about the job. Before any offer can be made, several things have to happen with other staff...so I patiently wait. But I am appreicating the extra time to really consider if this is the change I want to make...and I can honestly say I am ready to go back to work. Working from home has had it's benefits....but I know returning to work will have benefits as well. Primarily retirement security.

HOWEVER. Today, I got to play ALL DAY with GS on one of the first sunny warm days of the year! We went for a walk, watched airplanes, played in a puddle, talked, giggled...and now he is napping. Ah...those gramma moments are so wonderful.

I anticipate puppies this week...ugh. Anyone want a black lab???? lol

And more snow in Oregon today. Very odd weather this year...we rarely have snow here...and this is the 4th time this year already!!

So, all this cold weather got me in the baking mood and I baked chocolate-chip-banana bread. We had 6 banana's that were about black...and I couldnt just toss them out!!!

Now mind you, chocolate-chip-banana bread is NOWHERE on my 40-30-30 plan...so I will make sure to pass on to the family what my little crew wont eat today and tomorrow.

DD1 has decided to follow the eating plan- as she has NO DESIRE to see mom get smaller than her.. So we now have a friendly competition going on!

(Im not sure, but I think I felt a hipbone this morning...lol)

My parents asked if they could take H and me to dinner last night. They suggested Outback...which was fine with us!!

This was exciting, as my dad has not been out of the house since his hospital stay last month. It is a sign that he is felling better!

We had a wonderful time and I stuck to the the eating plan, so no guilt either!!!

I know the meal was spendy...but I also know it did my dads heart good to 'treat'.

Woke up to snow on the ground again...this is the snowiest winter we've had since we moved here 13 years ago...weird....but pretty!

Silly me. Set a goal to walk/hike during the rainy season...and then expect to come close to meeting that goal...lol

IF it ever stops raining/snowing outside...I intend to get that hiking started. For now, I have to settle for stairs in my home and walking around the mall.

This has been a quiet weekend with minimal spending. H and DD3 did stop at Dairy Queen ($8)for a treat on our way home from WalMart(where we picked up dog food-$30)...and I passed on a treat and waited til we got home to have a healthier choice (sandwich).

Just for kicks, I tried on a pair of 14 jeans today....AND THEY FIT. I wanted to buy them so bad, but decided to wait a little longer and see if I find some cheaper...but I am still smiling over that zipper zipping (and not uncomfortably)

H got called out on a road call tonight...so he is now out earning time and a half...and he took DD3 with...so they are 'bonding' while H is making some money $$

and it continues to rain....

Ok- do you see this smile?

I put on a pair of pants that fit a little snug before (18s) and they are super big on me now!!!!! They are about 3-4 inches too big around the waist!!!!

I am fitting very comfortably in my newly washed/dried size 16 jeans...and they actually are feeling loose after I wear them for a day....so size 14 is coming soon!!! (perhaps two weeks away?)

My goal is to be a size 12 by my birthday (which isnt until June)

My mom asked for the scale so that they could monitor my dad to see if he is retaining water (congestive heart failure)...and so she has had it for about 2 weeks...and I have decided I dont care about the weight...but rather the size I am in.

I will be happy in 12's...I do not desire to be skinny, just healthy....and more confident in myself.

I am comfortable with this eating plan and will have no problem sticking to it from now on. I feel better, have more energy and am pleased with the results...I will actually look in a mirror when I walk by now!!! (and am getting more pleased with what I see!!)

Perhaps it is time to sell some of my 'before' clothes on e-bay...oh, drats...I am the one who wears my clothes out before buying new...oh well, at least I can retire them with pleasure!!!

The coast trip was alot of fun...and very wet. Welcome to Oregon.

We spent more than we budgeted for- between food, gas for the bikes and broken bike issues...I can honestly say we went way over budget. The biggest expense was the quad breaking and subsequent repairs...so H and I are both donating the money we have from Christmas gifts to cover the costs.

I am going to play catch-up on laundry today and get everything unpacked and back in 'its home'.

The good news is that we have plenty of food left to eat this week...so we wont have a food bill.

Good trip- but glad to be home.
Boy, there's nothing like your own bed to come home to, is there?

Now Im off to catch up on all of your blogs!

The meeting went very well..although they arent going to even start interviewing for a few months yet.

They asked me lots of questions about what I would like to do and if there were other positions that I would be interested in. (aparently, they are expecting a few opportunities to become available)

Afterwards, I met with the CEO...and he had a couple of thoughts that were very exciting- potential positions that I hadnt even thought were possibilities. One of those would absolutely be my dream job..and was his first choice for me if it bacomes available...more on that later if it happens.

So, now I am in a holding pattern as things play out. I am confident there will be a position for me...Im just not as sure tonight what that will be.

So, my head is spinning tonight. OPTIONS are such a wonderful thing. I am looking forward to hearing exactly what mine are...I hope I dont have to wait too long.

In the meantime, H did get tomorrow off...so we are leaving at about noon for an extended weekend at the coast.

I felt so welcomed by all of my old co-workers. They truly are like family to me.

A good day indeed.

The meeting is today.

I am a little nervous..but am also glad its here and I can start the process. This is not a formal interview, but rather a meeting to discuss the possibility.

We are leaving for the coast on Thursday ( tomorrow if H can get tomorrow off too) and wont be home until Monday afternoon. My family enjoys riding quads on the dunes...(not me, I enjoy knitting and reading- I am not one of those adrenalin junkies)

I will try to post this afternoon on how that meeting goes.

Ok- Ive been pretty preoccupied this past month and have ran my budget off in the ditch...(the bad)

and, I have managed a small amount of success in the weight loss category (the good)

and, I am jumbling keeping up with parents, housework, and thinking about going back to work...(good and bad, not necessarily in that order)

HOWEVER....in all my well-pump chaos and my crummy December with H....I managed to forget one HUGE thing that I was supposed to take care of...

Oh boy guys...this is very irresponsible of me and I am ashamed to admit it.

But here goes...

I have MORE BLACK PUPPIES COMING...ugh.

I totally spaced having Anna spayed...and now, more stress because of it...and I am such a stickler about unplanned for litters...but there you have it...From the looks of Anna, I have about 3-4 weeks before the arrival...

I guess the good news is that it will be a little warmer for these pups...

sigh...Ok, time to buck up and start getting ready.

Will someone make a mental note to remind me at the first of May to make that appointment????????????

geeze Ray.

I have walked 3 miles each day for the last 3 days.

Papa is home from the hospital and is breathing better. He is easily confused and gets irritated because of it.

Yesterday was a no-spender for me. Which should be a good thing, but I am so far off track on my budget that I think it is more of a necessity. I NEED to get back in the routine of budgeting and saving...I have just been so..., well, preoccupied with 'crud' for lack of a better word...or one that doesnt have to be bleeped out.

Today, my friend and I are taking our old boss, who is retiring next week- out to lunch. We are going to a very nice Italian place that has lunch specials for $6.95---and is very, very good. I am looking forward to getting out of the house and visiting with old friends.

I have been reading your blogs- and keeping up on whats happening with you...I dont always respond, but you all are very much in my thoughts.

Have a great weekend!

A few of you have asked for more information on the 40-30-30 eating plan that I am following so here goes:

Basically, the plan is to eat a balance of the right carbohydrates = 40%, protiens = 30% and fats=30% for each meal and snack. And to drink plenty of water.

This provides the nutrition your body needs and in a combo that allows your body to burn fat, rather than muscle. It also keeps your sugar levels and energy levels even throughout the day (a huge plus for me)

So, in the morning I eat a bagel or english muffin, topped with a lean meat and a little low-fat cream cheese. Or an omlette with eggs, egg whites, low fat cheese and wheat toast.

Lunch and dinner are similar combinations. Meals are combined with certain fruits and veggies.

The 'glycemic index' of each food is a determination on the plan.

If you want more information, just search 40-30-30. I believe The Zone diet is a similar plan. I have the 40-30-30 book which provides a great menu plan and a breakdown of foods- both fresh and prepared so that I can incorporate them (or not) into my menu.

I am staying on track and I've lost an average of 2 lbs each week~ but best if all, Im not overly hungry between meals- I dont have the fluctuations in energy and I am seeing results!!

I have also done a major mental overhaul. I honestly focus on the nutritional value of my 'input' rather than the pleasure or taste. I guess you could say Im 'eating to live' and not vis versa....and the results are newfound CHEEKBONES and hopefully soon Ill discover HIPBONES as well!

I stongly believe that no ONE plan works for everybody- you have to factor in personal tastes and lifestyle...but mainly, do what works for you.

Yep. Bought smaller jeans $19.99, and a new top $2.34 (clearance) today and they are a size smaller!! This is one splurge I didnt mind making at all!!!

doing the happy dance!

ps...people are starting to ask me if Ive lost weight...so it must be showing!!!

We had another load of madrone delivered yesterday. $700 out of pocket now...but about $2000 back in when we are done selling it. This load is not seasoned, so it will be processed this spring and sold next fall.

DD1 and I are attending a Chamber lunch today for the business. It is our first 'community' venture and was in our three year goal when we first started...we are right on track as this is the beginning of year three for the business!

My new jeans are getting loose already and I am getting anxious to go try on the next size down!! I managed to stick to the program this weekend, in spite of super bowl festivities!!

If all goes well, papa gets to come home tomorrow...Final diagnosis: Pneumonia, mild heart attack, diabetes onset. He turned this corner...and I hope it is a while before he comes to the next one....Perhaps he will, given a new diet and some stronger meds.

My interview: 8 days and counting.

I am ready for the weekend! Are you?

I know there are a few of us celebrating anniversaries either this weekend---or this month--- so HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to everyone who is!!

H and I are going to dinner tomorrow night to celebrate 18 years from the day we met. We are using a gc to Outback that he got for Christmas.

Papa is still hallucinating alot. Even though he is on medication to clear those lungs of the pneumonia and is on oxygen and routine breathing treatments...the hallucinations happen when he is both sleeping and awake. Needless to say---it is several days away for papa to be released.

H's paycheck had an extra $100 in OT so I need to review finances and see where that is best spent.

and finally, I am still sticking with the new eating program and have lost another 1 1/2 lbs!!!

In order to write about the lunch date, I should include the whole days experience.

7:30am- Nana calls. Papa is very sick and has hallucinated all night. She needs to go to dialysis so can I come down and sit with him so that when he gets up, I can ensure that he takes the right medications.

9am- am sitting at their house and observing my dad 'sleep' with his eyes open and talking to someone I cant see...Nana calls and they have rescheduled her dialysys to Thursday so she can come home and be with papa. We agree that papa needs to be in the hospital---but we cant get him there by ourselves (outside, down a few stairs and into the car)...so we call 911.

10-12:30...get papa admitted and he receives FIVE breathing treatments and starts to look pink again rather than ash gray.

12:30- run to country club to discuss going back to work...huh? more on this later.

2:45 get back to hospital where they have asked papa about any life saving measures to which he replies 'NO' to each. Learn he has the bad pneumonia (is there a good one?) and that his breathing issues have caused stress on his heart. (bad EKG)

Eventually, papa got out of ER and into a room in the Heart ward. Doctor says this stay could be a while since 'he does not have the reserves to fight this and is relying on medication and grace to survive' (doctors words)

Papa is resting peacefully this morning and it is a huge relief to have him under close observation by professionals.

Now- about that lunch.

It could not have went better. He had wonderful things to say about my returning and was very excited about it. He is leaving the decision up to the two people responsible for the branch that I am applying for...One of the two is someone I managed before--so there will be a role reversal between us.

and the job? They are opening a new branch in a new area (close to my home) and I would manage it.

I meet with the two people on the 13th to discuss further. So we will see what happens.

So...the next several days are going to be spent at the hospital, praying for my dad. I do not want to lose him, but I also do not want him to continue to suffer and gasp for every breath. (Have all smokers stopped yet???)

..spent $4.50 for two mochas for son and I. Lunch was free...and there were enough leftovers for a lite dinner after I got home.

My lunch date is all set for tomorrow with my former boss. He suggested the country club which is always a nice treat!!

I am anxious to see what options are available...

Things have changed so much since my transition to working at home two years ago....now, re-evaluating, it makes sense to reconsider working again.

My dad's health continues to decline...COPD is no way to live...if you smoke, please consider quitting TODAY. If my dad goes, my moms financial situation is bleak...another reason for me to pump up my income now.

Since both of my eldest daughters are available/willing to help care for my parents now, it is more of an option to re-enter the workforce.

They are opening a new branch within about 10 minutes from my home (I live out in the country)..so the commute would be very short and easy.

And finally, long term goals for H and I are geared towards me working, and him notching up his wood business and eventually becoming self-employed.

The kids' business is doing great...but it really only needs one office worker for now...so DD1 can run things while being here to keep an eye on nana and papa. She will also be here in the afternoon for DD3.

So...I will see what transpires during lunch tomorrow...and then start making decisions.

I never thought Id be doing this so soon...funny how life changes course on us...isnt it?

Well, my January habit was to walk more...and I have not succeded in doing that....but I have been watching what I eat and following a 40-30-30 eating plan very closely...and I am now 27 pounds lighter than I was at the beginning of December! Of course, some of the weight loss came from stress...but now I am just eating healthy, doing lots of stair climbing, drinking lots of water, and moving around alot more...I will continue to incorporate more walking into the habit for February.

Again, my overall goal is to get off the blood pressure meds...and I feel I am well on my way!

I tried on that new top for DD1 this morning and her jaw dropped and said it really looked good on me!! which, of course, made my day! I am going to wear it for real on February 3rd, which is the 18th anniversary of meeting H and we are going to dinner that night to celebrate.

I emailed my old boss again and let him know dates I am available to meet for lunch and am waiting to hear back from him....I am eager to hear what options are out there!

Money continues to be short right now. I opted to give DD1 my last paycheck for helping in the office...and we have 3 January birthdays...some medical bills, the new well pump, and we now need tires on the travel trailer....and I have just spent lately...I guess that is my aftershock therapy...not a healthy one---but I am now trying to figure out how to get the finances back on track. Perhaps a better paying job is a good option.

I guess we shall see!

Hello, My name is Thrifty Ray and I spent too much money yesterday (hangs head)

$138 at Costco (ouch)---big mistake to take H with me.

$6 on lunch for H and I

$62 at Kohls...new top for me! and a gift card and gift for a friend and her daughter.

$14 on dinner with said friend.

Luckily, H made an extra $200 last week in overtime...but it should have went towards the new well-pump bill but was spent on frivulous do-dads instead....although, that NEW TOP sure looks cute on this thinning body!!

I have emailed the CEO at my old job and let him know I might be interested in coming back to work...He wants to get togerther for lunch and talk about options.

Why the change of heart?

Well, the business is doing good...but still not good enough to support DD1 and I both in the office...and DD1 would be better off here where she can have GD most of the time.

If DD1 is out here fulltime, she can be here for nana and papa...and will also be here when DD3 comes home from school.

I could start paying down those debts we've incurred with the wood business faster and save money to help nana if something happens to my dad...(it sucks when medical insurance is not carried on for the surviving spouse)

And it would get my career back in swing with some new responsibilities.

So...we shall see what transpires from lunch and subsequent discussions...

hmm.