My Treat

My treat
Since this will be my first birthday alone I decided to treat myself to a nice hot meal tonight. I came home from work tired but I made sure I grabbed a thing of ground beef, some chicken livers, green onions and a box of Tony Chachere Dirty rice mix. Once I cooked it all up the house had a wonderful aroma. My mouth was watering and now I have enough left over to last me for lunch and dinner tomorrow. Yummy! Now I have to figure out what to do Sunday night and my Birthday because I will of course be working. Hey it's Wal-Mart you work holidays and birthdays it's expected.

Six pack

There are two giant babies that I will be responsible for until I guess mid June. Cayden and Calyse are two of the biggest Pits that I have ever met. They are not only big in stature they are the biggest babies you could ever meet. I know I can handle taking care of the house and the two little Poms but the two giants in the back yard will be a challenge for me. For one thing they are a lot to hug. I make sure when I go out there that they get hugs and petting so they do not miss Jeremy and Alexis while they are gone for their wedding and a well deserved vacation. Cayden is a giant puppy that loves to play in the water and attack the hose as you are filling his water bucket and pool. He just goes berserk when you hug him so it is like hugging a wiggling 150 pound kid. I don't know what he weights but I bet it is triple digits. Calyse is a beautiful big loving girl that loves to be hugged. The two of them must be a lot of fun together but I do not want to chance letting them out of their runs because they are not mine and I don't know if I can actually handle the strength they must have for their size. Last night Stewie decided he missed his mom so he climbed in bed with me. It was weird to reach over and put your hand on a fuzz ball when you are half awake. I don't think Mater minded sharing me because Stewart stayed near my head on one side while mater stayed near my middle on the other. Isabell just lays where she wants and she is not really social unless you have snacks or she wants to go outside. I spent the most of my day off working on my book so lets just say it has been a lazy day. I thought it was funny that with the dogs and myself we are a six pack. Three females and three males. I may not be a canine but hey I still count.

Isabell and Stewart

Snake in the grass

Today was my first official day alone. I was lucky to have it also be my first day off. After working six days straight I came home and cleaned up the kitchen. I didn't bother to eat for the second day in a roll. Oh well I will eat today. Well I got up early for a day off, 8am then my cute little pink cell phone rang and it was my baby son Justin. He rarely calls so I was surprised. He just wanted to tell me about everything he has done to his Mustang and how he is happy that Sheena has helped him so much. It is only fair that the Mustang is in her name now. When he asked what I would be doing today I told him mowing the grass. He laughed and said have fun because this is one thing Justin does not do is labor. Once he hung up I dressed and took the dogs out to potty then grabbed the gas can and lawn mower then began mowing the lawn. One thing I have discovered about this part of the Hill Country is the ground is very rocky. Of course we are just down the road from Granite Mountain which supplied the granite to build the State Capital. I guess thus the name Granite Shoals. When the front yard was done I realized that I had to cut the yard next door because this also belongs to Donald and Sharon. That was a breeze and the temp started to rise. When I pulled the lawn mower into the adjoining back yard I was amazed that the grass was almost knee deep in some place. Regardless I worked my way through the high grass one section at a time. The thin grass in the front was no comparison to the thick tall grass in the back. After moving the trampoline I tackled the thickest patch of them all and nearly had a fit when a fat snake slithered out of the tall grass right across my feet followed by two smaller ones just a few feet ahead of me. I tell you they were well fed on bugs and such because they were fat. Once the snake parade passed I completed the job then headed into the house where I sat on my bed and let Mater and Stewie lick me to cool me down. I think
I will shower and relax the rest of my day off now that I have ruined the snakes happy hunting grounds.

As Dictated by the pet

This made me think of Mickey and Domino and then I cried. They gave me their love and devotion I hope I returned it enough for them to have understood they were my life.
Cindy

As dictated by the pet.
~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you
Is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand
What you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial
For my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for
Long and don't lock me up as punishment.
You have your work,
Your friends, your entertainments. But, I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't
Understand your words,
I do understand your voice
When speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me,
I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, Remember that I have teeth
That could easily crush the bones in Your hand, and yet I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being
Lazy or uncooperative, Ask yourself if something might
Be bothering me.
Perhaps I'm not getting the right food,
Or I have been in the sun too long,
Or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old.
You too will grow old.
10. On that difficult journey,
On that ultimate difficult journey,
Go with me please.

Never say you can't bear to watch.
Don't make me face this alone.
Everything is easier for me if you are there.
Because I love you so.Take a moment today to th! ank God for your pets.Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller,
Less joyful thing without God'scritters.Please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for heaven
To be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness.

It is here now, and it has 4 feet....

Just Icing on the cake

Well with the new life in the Hill Country I ended up with a new job. Okay it is not really a new job but it is a new position. I left Wal-Mart in March because I needed to spend some time with my daughter and grandson. Well I thought I was through with Wal-Mart but I guess I wasn't. My past position there was a cashier but the Assistant Manager decided I would be a great Cake Decorator even though I have no training or work experience. I accepted the position since the pay was the same as I was getting as a cashier. Friday was my first day in the Bakery and lets just say it was a doozie. I am learning how to pipe and decorate and I actually enjoy creating messed up looking cakes. Today I airbrushed a few and they were flying off the shelf. I guess people liked my lake and hillside scenes. Maybe it was because it looked like the lake area here or just the Memorial Day weekend and people wanted a summer look on their cake. Today a customer threw a fit about a cake the cake decorator hadn't started before she had left for lunch thus getting all the Customer Service Managers and the Assistant managers all to come to the bakery and help me disassemble cakes because the cake she wanted didn't exist. Well at least I can say they know who I am now and they speak to me as they pass because they know Cindy Lou just does as she is told. One of the Managers sat and chatted with me as I took my last break a half hour before time for me to leave. He thought it was funny that I was so busy getting all my work done that I lost time. We talked about the last few people that tried Cake Decorating and quit because of the stress. I laughed and said "Well it is actually fun and I'm enjoying it" He said "I'm glad we hope you decided to stay" That made me laugh. Then one of the Managers walked up to me in the break room and ask "Who are you and where do you work?" I said "I'm Cindy Lou and I'm in the bakery" She then walked over to the smoking lounge opened the door and announced "She is Cindy Lou and she works in the bakery." I wasn't sure how to take that but thought okay they know I'm here.
Maybe this Wal-Mart is a crazy place or just all Wal-Marts are crazy places. Needless to say here I go again a Wal-Mart associate and again I am learning a new skill and I am enjoying myself. The problem with working at Wal-Mart is when you get home all you want to do is get undressed and go to bed. That means the only clothes you see when you do laundry is you Wal-Mart uniform and your pajamas. I can say this I have seen so many cakes come and go I am not interested in eating cake.

New Surroundings

Okay I am used to living in the same area for most of my life. I know the Houston area fairly well and have lived in the northern part or just out of the northern part since I married in 1980. When the husband and I separated in 2002 I moved a short distance away but ended up back in the same house. Well I did something totally out of my normal way of doing things I moved 216 miles away to stay with some friends until I get on my feet and get my own place. I don't know the area so I don't venture out much. I will be starting work soon and have learned the way to Wal-Mart and back with out a problem. The funny thing is I love this adventure. I now live in a beautiful area with great scenic views. Sharon took me out the other day for a short drive so we could both get away from the computers for awhile. She had been spending most of her days preparing the agenda and updating the address data base for her Post Polio group the Branson Goers and I had been busily going over the proof sheets the publisher had sent me on my book Out of the Texas Mist. She decided that I needed to see the area before she and her husband Donald left for their three week trip leaving me here alone with the three Poms and my BT Mater. I think she realized that I am a big home body. I grabbed my cameras and we headed out for a short drive so she could test out her newly fixed van before the big trip.

Now I have found out that I will have my own place a lot sooner than I thought. Their son Jeremy and his soon to be new wife Alexis have bought them selves their own place in Kingsland so when they get back from their wedding on June 6Th they will start moving into their new home. Sharon and Donald offered to rent me Jeremy and Alexis's old place next door. I am so excited. I have been independent in thinking and in action for nearly six years but now I will actually be independent. I will have my own place. WOOO WHOOO!

On another note I must say that Mater is loving his new home here and has fun playing or trying to play with the Poms. The funniest thing is he has actually convinced Stuart to play with him. For those that do not know Stuart he is the little Pom that Kinky Friedman rescued with the help of a friend then was unable to keep him because of jealousy issues between him and his dog Mr. Magoo. Stewie as we lovingly call him is a bossy old man whom wants things his way. He is also a ladies man and gets in your lap then demands attention and talks and rambles as you pet him. Mater was a little worried about Stewie getting his attention at first but once he saw that he was the one snuggling up next to me and night and no one else he realized that his place at my side was secure. However Stewie has now started coming into my bedroom and jumping up on the bed with me and Mater wanting a snack because he knows that Mater has goodies in the room. It is heart warming to see the old Pom chasing Mater across the living room and then coming into my room to fuss at him so he will let him chase him. Chocco and Mater play chase once in awhile but so far the 7 month old Mater has more energy than all the poms combined. I just hope Mater adjust to me being gone for work everyday and he may be stuck in his kennel because I am not sure what else to do with a hyper Boston Terrier puppy when you are at work for 9 or more hours. I guess he will be going on a lot of long walks along with the 3 Poms once Donald and Sharon are gone on their trip. How else will I be able to make up for the fact that they will be secluded to small areas while the people are at work or away. It will only be for three weeks so we will all survive.

Well now that the proofs have been sent back to the publisher I am happy to say all that is left now is to design the cover for my book. I am excited about being a published author and look forward to the days to come when I see it actually in print and I start working on getting those important contacts with book stores so I can get them on the shelves and get some book signings set up. All I have to say is LIFE IS GREAT!!!

Always Remember This

Sharon handed me a piece of paper to read this morning and I thought it had such a great point I decided to put it in my blog.

Always Remember This

Somebody is very proud of you.

Somebody is thinking of you.

Somebody is caring about you.

Somebody misses you.

Somebody wants to talk to you.

Somebody wants to be with you.

Somebody hopes you are not in trouble.

Somebody hopes everything turns out all right.

Somebody wants you to be happy.

Somebody can't wait to see you.

Somebody loves you for who you are.

Somebody is glad that you are their friend.

Somebody wants you to know they are there for you.

Somebody needs your support.

Somebody will cry when they read this.

Somebody needs you to have faith in them.

Somebody Trust you.

Somebody hears a song that reminds them of you.

At Peace in the Texas Hill Country

Ready to hit the road

Mater in his nest

Friday May 9th was the big day. When I jumped out of bed I showered then dressed before heading over to the U-Haul store to pick up my truck and auto transport. When I arrived back to the house I began loading up the boxes I had packed. Tom decided to help me load the truck which threw me off a bit. Needless to say I continued to load the truck as he stopped for numerous smoke breaks and complained of the heat. I wanted to be loaded by 1pm but wasn't fully loaded until 2:30. I drove my truck up onto the transport and I was ready to go. Tom and Justin made sure my pretty red truck was strapped down before I pulled out. Placing a comforter in between the two seats in the u-haul truck and throwing in a few toys I made Mater a little nest to ride in. I went inside and bathed Mater then put his harness and leash on him for the long drive. We stopped by Kikki's house on the way out so I could hug my daughter and grandson plus say goodbye to Tulu my grand fur baby. Kikki had made a bag of goodies for Mater and kissed him goodbye. I finally hit the highway at 3:11pm. As I drove down the road I cheered Tally Ho I'm off to my new life. Once I realized that pulling a vehicle behind a big truck it not such a big deal I was enjoying the whole ride. With my driving directions in hand I enjoyed the drive with Mater sleeping most of the way. He did wake up for a little while to stand with his front paws on my leg as he watched me drive then he just curled back up in his nest and went to sleep. I stopped off in Giddings to fuel up and put a whopping $60 in the tank of the U-haul and when I tried to get Mater to come out and take a break he refused. The noise of all the vehicles at the gas station upset him so I climbed back up in the truck, put my straw cowboy hat on and hit the highway again. As I got closer to Austin I remarked out loud to myself that the scenery was beautiful. Mater looked up at me and sighed. Once I was in Austin I noticed the directions did not make a lot of sense so I called Justin and Sheena because I knew they knew the way. Once Sheena told me what to look for I was on the right road and at Hwy 281 before I knew it. That was when the scenery became breath taking. I have to say I feel the Hill Country is the most beautiful place in Texas. When my cell phone rang I answered it and it was Sharon worried about my progress. She was afraid I would have problems since I was a woman alone on a 200 plus mile trip hauling a vehicle.

"Where are you at Cindy?" she asked in a worried tone.

"I'm just coming up near Willie's" I answered as I realized that I was almost there.

"Willie Nelson? she questioned.

"Yep so I'm almost there."
"Well we have some bad weather coming so be careful."

"Yeah I see the lightning off in the distance. Don't worry I'm tough I can handle anything right now I'm on a quest."

"We will keep our eyes out for you."

"See ya soon Sharon bye"

Once I hit Marble Falls and crossed the bridge over the lake it started to sprinkle a bit. Once I found my turn that would take me to Granite Shoals I was nearly there. The sprinkling became a light rain. Making my turn onto the country road at the entrance of their neighborhood the rain became steady. When I found their road and made my turn I let out a long breath because I was almost there. When their home came in sight all hell broke lose. Tree limbs started flying at me followed by a wall of water. I could not see a thing. When I was able to see I pulled up and parked in front of their house and called to let them know I was there but stuck in the truck because it had began to hail. I had arrived at my destination right along with a straight line wind and a storm that blew past fairly fast. Once the rain had left there were four strong men to help me unload. I drove my truck off the transport and parked it in the driveway and we were done for the night. I was tired and so was Mater so we slept very well on an airbed that folded us up like a taco. Saturday morning I had to be at Wal-Mart for my interview. By the end of the day I had a job, a futon bed and a new life opening up for me. I am excited to say that I am here in the beautiful Texas Hill Country and I am happy and at peace. Oh and Mater loves it too.

Mater needs a Moon Pie

With the move getting closer I have been watching Mater play with his brother Noodle. They have a great time but after awhile one gets cranky and a fight ensues. I have decided that Mater being my only baby may be a good thing but what about him being alone once I get my own place and am off at work. I decided that I would get him a playmate from a rescue but I'm not sure if I should get another male or a female. Last night I had a dream that I had went to Utopia and picked up a rescue and her name was Moon Pie. I thought that was so cute of a name that when I do find him a playmate I want to name him or her Moon Pie. Here I am making plans and I haven't even finished packing. The move had to be changed from today to tomorrow because I have to wait for my last paycheck so I can get the uhaul and car toter. That is okay now I just have one more day to pack up more useless junk that I will need once I get my own place. Wow I am so excited about the whole getting my life straight thing and starting my new life in the Hill Country. Now I just need to learn to stay away from the men or at least not get attached.

Where did this stuff come from?

I have set the tentative moving day for Wednesday. This morning I went to Wal-Mart early in the rain and grabbed as many boxes as I could but I had to be careful because of the fear of them getting wet. The nice associates told me the best time to come was at 3 am so that is what I will do tonight. I have been going through the kitchen stuff and dividing everything equally because Tom said take everything you want because the rest will be thrown away. I did not realize that we had so much Tupperware. Since I will not need the kitchen stuff for the first month or so I have packaged it and labeled it for the storage space I will have to lease. Well at least I will not have to start from scratch. I am a bit leery about the whole nice future x deal so I am glad that he works everyday until the weekend. I hate to say it but it's scaring me. I'm not sure how trust worthy he is.
One thing I have learned from this whole packing deal Mater gets frightened as I pull the tape onto the boxes. The sound of the tape being pulled off the roll scares him and he hides. I have to stop what I'm doing to go find him and soothe his fragile nerves. I noticed his brother Noodle jumps too. They are both afraid of cars too. This is strange since they have lived a sheltered life here with us since birth. Maybe it is the whole big change thing that is bothering them. Mater will have to get used to this because there will be a lot of change in his life for the next few months. Heck there will be a lot of change in my life for the next few months. The great thing is I am excited because I know I have a great future and I am finally taking those first steps. WooooWHooo.

One week down one to go

This week went by fairly fast but not fast enough because I just want to be gone. I have to admit I had forgotten how tiring it is to work at Kroger especially in the Deli. My back hurt so much today I was taking pain pills every two hours and they really didn't stop the pain. I enjoy meeting new people and the other associates are a blast. I have chatted with them all I believe and they mostly know everything about me because Tom works there in the produce department so they were told about me before I even started. What he failed to tell them is we are separated and I will be moving soon. This doesn't matter because I am already gone. I spent a few hours the last couple days packing more boxes until I ran out of packing tape. You never realize how much junk you have until you try to figure out what you can take and fill a small room with and what needs to be left behind. The part that kills me is I will have to leave most of my sewing and craft stuff behind. Tom promised it would be here when I came back for it but this is from a man that does not know how to tell the truth.
As I was sitting down for my break today he came by to tell me he was off work and heading home. When my cell phone rang and it was one of my old friends from the other Kroger he got pissed off as I chatted with her. When he heard me tell her I was moving in a week he came unglued. I was told I was being stupid and he was the only reason I had a job. I explained no Kroger will hire any warm body to do the work that was probably why he had a job.
He left then came back up a half hour before I was to get off and he was as nice as can be. I didn't know what to think but just said hey what are you into. He was shopping for himself and he wanted me to see that. Heck he could have shopped at the store close to our house but no he went ten miles out of his way so I could see him shop. I guess he thought that mattered.
I still treat him with respect even though there are time I feel like strangling him. I am a good person and I deserve some happiness and if moving 200 plus miles makes me happy then that is what I will do.