Aunt Terry

ARRGGHHHHH!!!

I had a tooth pulled a week ago...it still hurts. Called the dentist today, but there was no answer; I left a message. I fear he may be gone for Labor Day weekend. I plan to call the emergency number tomorrow and hopefully get a scrip for antibiotics.

Sunday Morning

It looks like it might rain today, which I wouldn't mind at all. It's been a VERY long time. Bit by bit I'm chipping away at the list that's been building up inside my head for the last month or so - cleaning projects and such. The yard is almost done, too. We have maybe 10 blackberry roots left to dig up. Yesterday I went out and trimmed back the branches sneaking into our yard. I was pleased to see that no new plants were growing over by the shed where I dug out all those roots. I think it will be fairly simple to maintain once we finish up back there (as long as we keep on top of it). We have used the backyard so much this summer. It is great to be able to go outside and still be at home. And now that D can walk so well I have a feeling we'll be out there throughout this next year, rain or shine.
I plan to thoroughly enjoy this Sunday. Tomorrow I'll be getting on the horn to figure out all this student loan business. We'll see what they say... And then to contact SOU about graduate courses. Once that's out of the way, I'll be making appointments that have been on my "list" for quite some time. Then I'll feel better. But for now, I will enjoy today (and hopefully finish digging up those roots).

*sigh

So, yesterday we met with the mortgage guy. The student loans have gotten in the way once again. My homework is to call Direct Loans and find out if we can get our monthly payments lowered. Blech. As Dad pointed out, I should count my blessings. And I do, but this is all a bit scary and very stressful. And it has also got me thinking about the schooling I need to keep my license - and how to pay for that. *sigh... I know it'll work out, but I also know nothing will happen if we don't figure it out (aside from my teaching license lapsing). With all of this going on in my head, it is tempting to pull the covers over my head and hide. Actually I did take a nap yesterday...

Word UNchallenge

So, I am sitting here with the computer. At this time of night I usually play a few rounds of Word Challenge before heading to bed. I am not playing Word Challenge this evening, and this is why: It is no longer a challenge. The other night I started 1 game. 2 and a half hours later it finally ended. My high score is some "not humanly possible" number (in Dr. Phyl's words). I got totally burned out. So I won't be playing it again for quite some time. Thank goodness for Sudoku and Variety Puzzle books. And blogging.

Our Trip to Austin

We just got back a week ago from a wonderful visit to see my brother and his family. And it was indeed WONDERFUL!!!!

Jon and Tiff went to Switzerland while Daniel and I spent a week with Lucy and Brendan. We had an awesome time together. It was very special to be able to spend such good-quality time with my niece and nephew. We played in the backyard with the wading pool and sprinkler, we went to Extreme Fun, we went to the library, and Lucy and I even had a fashion show. We had a fabulous week and made some lasting memories together.

And things just got better. Jon and Tiff returned a week later, and Daddy Robot arrived the next day. Sunday, Jon took me and Mr. Robot on a driving tour of Austin. Then we got to eat at the Salt Lick...great food! We took it easy on Monday and then on Tuesday we went to a waterpark, and Baby Robot went swimming for the first time. He seemed to enjoy it tremendously. That was a great day. I can't think of anything more enjoyable than watching those kids play and laugh.

Wednesday night Mr. Robot and I went out to celebrate his birthday. We went to see Star Trek at the Alamo Theater. That was a cool experience. We went in, sat down, and ordered food from a menu by writing it on a little piece of paper and sticking it in a clip. Then someone came and took it. Our dinner and drinks came right to us as we watched the movie. Then we walked a few blocks down to Saxon Pub. We walked in and got to hear 3 bands play. Great music. We were amazed at how we could walk into some place on a Wednesday night and have an experience like that. We took a cab ride home and got in around 2:15am. I really enjoyed being out with him; this was our first date in about a year.

Thursday was our last full day together, and it was also awesome. Jon got off work early, and we all went over to the YMCA. They have an outdoor pool there. It was perfect for all three kids. Once again, making memories. After swimming we went out to the "good" Rudy's for one last night of Texas BBQ. And although they advertise themselves as "the worst BBQ in Texas" it was still quite tasty.

The next day we had to leave. Although we were sad to say goodbye, the trip had been very satisfying. We had loads of fun together.

Our journey home was a bit complicated. Our flght from Denver to Medford was cancelled. We ended up flying to SF and staying a night there. Dad booked us a room at the Embassy Suites, which was quite luxurious!! Daniel was overjoyed to run free throughout the suite and play on the big bed. When D and I went down for the night, Daddy Robot was able to stay up and watch the tube in the other room. Unfortunately we had to leave early the next morning for more plane rides. We flew to Portland and then finally Medford. Daniel did extremely well, thank goodness. To say the least, we were very happy to finally return home. Mr. Robot had left the place nice and clean. It was very relaxing.

And now we have a visit from Jon and Tiff to look forward to here in a few weeks! I cannot wait to see them!!! And then we'll be off to Des Moines for our visit to see Grammy, once again to make even more wonderful memories!!! What a GREAT summer (and it's only June)!!

Here are some pics from the trip. I didn't have the camera the whole time, so not everything is here.

The Blackberry Bushes Kicked My Butt

So the blackberry bushes kicked my butt today.

I called it a day after this: