What do you expect, in the way of a a complimentary breakfast, when you are traveling?
You can set your expectations too high or too low. Either of these extremes is NOT good.
Some motels only offer a basic "Continental Breakfast" of coffee, tea, cereals, milk, juice, fruit and sweet breads.
Other places will offer some type of hot breakfast. This may include some type of egg (boiled, scrambled, cooked to order), one or more breakfast meats, waffles or pancakes, hot and cold cereals, juice, fruit, milk, coffee, sweet breads, bagels, toast. Maybe even sausage gravy and biscuits.
In my experience, most will offer something somewhere in between these two.
You can not expect every motel to offer every possible breakfast option out there.
If you are on a special medical, religious or other diet, you can not, in all fairness, expect a complimentary breakfast to cater to your diet.
You can not live in the southwest where Huevos Rancheros are a common place item on full service restaurant menus, to be served on a complimentary breakfast bar.
Is it truly fair to expect a mid-range motel, without a restaurant in it, to serve biscuits, gravy, two or more breakfast meats, eggs to order, waffles and pancakes, english muffins in two or more flavors, bagels in six flavors, salsa, hot sauce, and on and on?
If have specialized needs and or tastes, when making your travel plans, please, research the motels you will be staying at. Before making a reservation, call the motel and ask what is served on the breakfast menu, including what condiments are available.
With this information in hand, you can better prepare for your special needs and/or wants for breakfast. We all have them and it is just plain impossible for a motel's complimentary breakfast to accommodate every person's "perfect breakfast wish".
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Last 2008 Update on my Brother
Well, unless something drastic or miraculous occurs!
When I went to Pau Wau I stopped at Mama & Don's both ways. Don is getting around for short distances fairly well. You can see the pain on his face at times though.
I was very surprised to see his right leg bowed out so badly. It is apparently because the hospital in Atlanta had him placing weight on it much, much too soon after the surgery.
He is still going to therapy several times a week. Sometimes we will be talking and he tells me the therapist was either hard or easy on him. LOL
The doctor recently verified that he will bee 100% disabled for the rest of his life.
Don was pretty good artist at one time and he is thinking about making greetings cards.
A lady at church that is also disabled but able to drive is taking Don to his appointments so Mama does not have to take days off work anymore. Many thanks to Laurie for doing this.
When I went to Pau Wau I stopped at Mama & Don's both ways. Don is getting around for short distances fairly well. You can see the pain on his face at times though.
I was very surprised to see his right leg bowed out so badly. It is apparently because the hospital in Atlanta had him placing weight on it much, much too soon after the surgery.
He is still going to therapy several times a week. Sometimes we will be talking and he tells me the therapist was either hard or easy on him. LOL
The doctor recently verified that he will bee 100% disabled for the rest of his life.
Don was pretty good artist at one time and he is thinking about making greetings cards.
A lady at church that is also disabled but able to drive is taking Don to his appointments so Mama does not have to take days off work anymore. Many thanks to Laurie for doing this.
Expecting A New GrandBaby!
I will have a new granddaughter in April. She's due the ninth but I'll bet my bottom dollar my Mom is praying for her to be born on the twelfth--Mom's birthday!
As with all births there is some apprehension along with all the excitement! All babies are welcome, but G. had complications during the pregnancy and birthing of her last child--a beautiful boy.
G. is in an expedited nursing program and will be graduating in April about two weeks after the babies birth. She'll be a bit strapped for about four weeks but she is conservative with her money and a good pre-planner.
Actually, she pushes herself much too hard sometimes.
Right now G. has a cold that has turned into an ear infection and is spending her Christmas break trying to rest and recover.
As with all births there is some apprehension along with all the excitement! All babies are welcome, but G. had complications during the pregnancy and birthing of her last child--a beautiful boy.
G. is in an expedited nursing program and will be graduating in April about two weeks after the babies birth. She'll be a bit strapped for about four weeks but she is conservative with her money and a good pre-planner.
Actually, she pushes herself much too hard sometimes.
Right now G. has a cold that has turned into an ear infection and is spending her Christmas break trying to rest and recover.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
firstamendmentcenter.org: news
firstamendmentcenter.org: news
Five year boy expelled from school for practicing his religious beliefs!!!
Five year boy expelled from school for practicing his religious beliefs!!!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Baby Blanket for a Friend
I have finally finished a blanket for a friend. She is expecting a boy and is doing his room in teddy bear browns.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Handicapped Parking Spots
Sometimes, people, myself included, just do not think.
I want you to take a moment and close your eyes and picture a handicapped person. What do you see?
My car, sadly, sports a handicapped license plate. I park in the handicapped parking spot at work and other places. Several weeks ago a lady came back and told another employee that she wanted to lodge a complaint--an employee was parked in a handicapped parking spot.
I want you to take a moment and close your eyes and picture a handicapped person. What do you see?
My car, sadly, sports a handicapped license plate. I park in the handicapped parking spot at work and other places. Several weeks ago a lady came back and told another employee that she wanted to lodge a complaint--an employee was parked in a handicapped parking spot.
It apparently never occurred to this woman that handicapped people have limitations and are productive, contributing citizens.
As the conversation ensued this woman expressed that surely I could not have any handicapping conditions as I was gainfully employed and did not use a wheelchair.
People, not all conditions that limit mobility are visible.
You can not see into my spinal column and see the bone spurs that are prying my vertebrae apart and at times cause nerves to be pinched thus causing excruciating pain that can and does bring me to my knees. There are times the pain is bad enough I faint.
You can not see the spinal stenosis that is causing my bony spinal column to close in around the nerves of my spinal column and that movement, such as walking, can cause the nerves to rub against those bones. Again, this is extremely painful.
You can not see the rheumatoid arthritis in my hips, knees and other joints that has been damaging these joints since I was nine (9) years old. You can not see the pain that causes me.
You can not see the rheumatism in my lungs that makes breathing difficult.
Then there was my Daddy. He had gout in the soles of his feet. It looked like someone had implanted golf balls in them. I could see the pain on his face as he would walk the shorter distances from the handicapped parking spots to the door.
I also saw the tears as people yelled at him for being lazy and taking a spot he did not deserve.
No one could see the enlarged heart beating in his chest overworked by the exercise of walking those few feet.
I continue to work because I refuse not to. My Daddy continued to go to the store whenever he had a good day.
Think before you judge someone.
As the conversation ensued this woman expressed that surely I could not have any handicapping conditions as I was gainfully employed and did not use a wheelchair.
People, not all conditions that limit mobility are visible.
You can not see into my spinal column and see the bone spurs that are prying my vertebrae apart and at times cause nerves to be pinched thus causing excruciating pain that can and does bring me to my knees. There are times the pain is bad enough I faint.
You can not see the spinal stenosis that is causing my bony spinal column to close in around the nerves of my spinal column and that movement, such as walking, can cause the nerves to rub against those bones. Again, this is extremely painful.
You can not see the rheumatoid arthritis in my hips, knees and other joints that has been damaging these joints since I was nine (9) years old. You can not see the pain that causes me.
You can not see the rheumatism in my lungs that makes breathing difficult.
Then there was my Daddy. He had gout in the soles of his feet. It looked like someone had implanted golf balls in them. I could see the pain on his face as he would walk the shorter distances from the handicapped parking spots to the door.
I also saw the tears as people yelled at him for being lazy and taking a spot he did not deserve.
No one could see the enlarged heart beating in his chest overworked by the exercise of walking those few feet.
I continue to work because I refuse not to. My Daddy continued to go to the store whenever he had a good day.
Think before you judge someone.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Remember to Complain, Forget to Praise
It has been a great few days but as I work with the public it is pretty much anything goes.
The boss is out of town and "Murphy" of Murphy's Law fame does live very close to the workplace and comes by to visit on occasion.
Since Friday many people have complimented me on my great customer service and all the little extra things I have done to make their experience here more pleasant.
These people did not fill out a survey card and drop it in the comments box. They did not call the corporate office and tell them how impressed they are with the company due to my wonderful attitude and customer service skills.
However, I will remember these people and their praise will stay in my heart and spur me to continue to always to my best and treat people as humans.
Today there were two complainers. One I believe was a misunderstanding and the other just wanted a freebie.
Did they call the corporate office? Well, of course.
That is fine. That is one of the reasons we have managers and supervisors.
It sure would have been nice if just one of the people that saw how I was doing all I could to be friendly and helpful would have made sure the head honchos knew that also.
Please, let the managers and supervisors of the businesses you use know when someone is doing a good job.
You never know, but if all that ever gets reported are complaints, your fav grocer checker just may get fired.
The boss is out of town and "Murphy" of Murphy's Law fame does live very close to the workplace and comes by to visit on occasion.
Since Friday many people have complimented me on my great customer service and all the little extra things I have done to make their experience here more pleasant.
These people did not fill out a survey card and drop it in the comments box. They did not call the corporate office and tell them how impressed they are with the company due to my wonderful attitude and customer service skills.
However, I will remember these people and their praise will stay in my heart and spur me to continue to always to my best and treat people as humans.
Today there were two complainers. One I believe was a misunderstanding and the other just wanted a freebie.
Did they call the corporate office? Well, of course.
That is fine. That is one of the reasons we have managers and supervisors.
It sure would have been nice if just one of the people that saw how I was doing all I could to be friendly and helpful would have made sure the head honchos knew that also.
Please, let the managers and supervisors of the businesses you use know when someone is doing a good job.
You never know, but if all that ever gets reported are complaints, your fav grocer checker just may get fired.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Brother's Shoulder Surgery
The doctor's operated on Don's shoulder this past Tuesday, the 16th of September 2008.
There was a bad rotator cuff tear. The surgery was successful and out-patient.
They also cut a small slit in his leg and removed the screw put in at the hospital in Atlanta. It was close to breaking through the skin. The Atlanta hospital had him standing up and doing too much physical therapy much too soon. This caused the already poorly repaired leg to start deteriorating before it could even start healing.
The shoulder is immovable for five to six weeks. In two to three months physical therapy can be started on the shoulder-all according to the healing process. It will be approximately six months before the shoulder will be healed.
According to how fast the shoulder heals and the therapy goes, it will be three to four months before the doctors can go in a repair the leg.
Again, we all thank you for the prayers and good thoughts.
There was a bad rotator cuff tear. The surgery was successful and out-patient.
They also cut a small slit in his leg and removed the screw put in at the hospital in Atlanta. It was close to breaking through the skin. The Atlanta hospital had him standing up and doing too much physical therapy much too soon. This caused the already poorly repaired leg to start deteriorating before it could even start healing.
The shoulder is immovable for five to six weeks. In two to three months physical therapy can be started on the shoulder-all according to the healing process. It will be approximately six months before the shoulder will be healed.
According to how fast the shoulder heals and the therapy goes, it will be three to four months before the doctors can go in a repair the leg.
Again, we all thank you for the prayers and good thoughts.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Life Gets Busy!
I haven't said much about this before, but my boyfriend and I take care of his sister, Robbie and her husband, Bob. They both have Alzheimer's.
Bob had his left leg amputated above the knee on July 30th of this year. He went to a nursing home for twenty days. He came back home on this past Monday.
He is doing pretty well. He is, understandably, afraid to stand on his one leg. At six foot tall, that would be a long fall.
He has lost the ability to know when he must urinate and wears diapers now. That sensation may return. He knows when he needs to sit on the bedside commode to defecate, but does not know when he actually does.
Robbie, bless her heart, tries to care for him, but she just isn't able to. When he wants an extra blanket, she will take the he one has and put another one on him.
He has learned that he can raise his hips and pull his own pants up.
When the staples come out of the stump, September 4th, they will start shrinking it so that he can be fitted for an artificial leg.
Please, learn the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's so that if a loved one of yours develops it, it can be caught early and treatment begun.
Bob had his left leg amputated above the knee on July 30th of this year. He went to a nursing home for twenty days. He came back home on this past Monday.
He is doing pretty well. He is, understandably, afraid to stand on his one leg. At six foot tall, that would be a long fall.
He has lost the ability to know when he must urinate and wears diapers now. That sensation may return. He knows when he needs to sit on the bedside commode to defecate, but does not know when he actually does.
Robbie, bless her heart, tries to care for him, but she just isn't able to. When he wants an extra blanket, she will take the he one has and put another one on him.
He has learned that he can raise his hips and pull his own pants up.
When the staples come out of the stump, September 4th, they will start shrinking it so that he can be fitted for an artificial leg.
Please, learn the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's so that if a loved one of yours develops it, it can be caught early and treatment begun.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Don's Shoulder Surgery
The physicl therapist has said that he is ready for the shoulder surgery.
The doctor has scheduled it for Sseptember 16th.
He is walking with a "mini-walker" now.
Mama has been able to go back to work, working her work schedule around Don's therapy and doctor appointments.
The doctor has indicated that he may still end up 100% disabled. Don is not very comfortable with that idea--he prefers working.
Again, we thank all of you for your continued prayers and thoughts.
The doctor has scheduled it for Sseptember 16th.
He is walking with a "mini-walker" now.
Mama has been able to go back to work, working her work schedule around Don's therapy and doctor appointments.
The doctor has indicated that he may still end up 100% disabled. Don is not very comfortable with that idea--he prefers working.
Again, we thank all of you for your continued prayers and thoughts.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Don Is Walking!!!
Don has been walking with a walker for a couple weeks now. He says it hurts but it feels good to walk.
He can walk from the living room to the bedroom which is about 45 feet. Says it leaves him in pain for a while but he knows it has to be done.
Once he can bear weight and walk well enough, the doctor will schedule his shoulder replacement.
Once the shoulder heals well enough Don can use his arms and shoulders to move his body weight around, the doctor will schedule the surgery to re-set his right leg and replace the knees.
So, he is progressing but there is still much healing and repair work that needs to be done.
Again, thank you for the prayers and well wishes.
He can walk from the living room to the bedroom which is about 45 feet. Says it leaves him in pain for a while but he knows it has to be done.
Once he can bear weight and walk well enough, the doctor will schedule his shoulder replacement.
Once the shoulder heals well enough Don can use his arms and shoulders to move his body weight around, the doctor will schedule the surgery to re-set his right leg and replace the knees.
So, he is progressing but there is still much healing and repair work that needs to be done.
Again, thank you for the prayers and well wishes.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
My Brother Is Out of the Wheelchair!!!!!
Well, at least part time.
The therapist has started him using a walker with wheels on it!
This is such good news.
Don still has a long way to go. He needs several more surgeries and a lot more therapy.
Thank all of you for your prayers and good thoughts. They are working.
The therapist has started him using a walker with wheels on it!
This is such good news.
Don still has a long way to go. He needs several more surgeries and a lot more therapy.
Thank all of you for your prayers and good thoughts. They are working.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Don's Shoulder's
While Don was in Grady Hospital, on April 16, he told the doctor, in front of me, that his shoulders hurt.
He reply was that he had probably stiffened up just before the impact and thereby the muscles in his shoulders and upper body were sore.
Well, all the joints across his shoulders are pulled apart and he has to have surgery on both shoulders and have the right one completely replaced.
He goes for an MRI tomorrow.
He reply was that he had probably stiffened up just before the impact and thereby the muscles in his shoulders and upper body were sore.
Well, all the joints across his shoulders are pulled apart and he has to have surgery on both shoulders and have the right one completely replaced.
He goes for an MRI tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Brother Applies for Social Security
Don applied with the Social Security administration last week.
During the first part of the interview he was told he did not qualify for Disability but did for SSI.
Towards the end of the interview the lady stated that he might qualify for Disability.
We now play the waiting game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During the first part of the interview he was told he did not qualify for Disability but did for SSI.
Towards the end of the interview the lady stated that he might qualify for Disability.
We now play the waiting game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Monday, June 9, 2008
Your Next Stay at a Home Away From Home
I bet you are wondering why in the world I would be writing about this. Surely everyone knows how to check in at a motel and what to expect.
Well, no, everyone does not and the surprising thing is, it is the ones who appear to be savvy travelers that are the most ill informed about such matters.
The first thing I would like to cover is identity. For the protection of the credit card holder, the other guests, the motel staff and sometimes due to state laws requiring it--we must see your identifying information.
Without a Federal or State issued picture identification we have no idea if you actually own that credit card you are presenting for payment.
Oh! your credit card has a picture on it? Sorry. We still need the Federal or State issued picture identification for comparison. I spoke to my personal banker about this issue and she stated to me that these pictures are not intended to take the place of checking the Federal or State issued picture identification, that the bank will put any picture you request on your credit card.
In some states, it is state law that the motel staff record your Federal or State issued picture identification's number and other information on it.
I become stupefied when I ask for a picture id and payment method and the guest gets angry at me for asking for the picture id, especially when I turn the credit card over and the guest has written on it in the signature space, "ASK FOR PICTURE I.D." This scenario has occurred several times over the past few years.
Remember, when you provide a Federal or State issued picture identification card along with your credit card, you know the motel staff is looking out for your best interest and making sure those that have stolen credit cards do not use them at their motel.
Next on the agenda is reservations.
When you call in or make a reservation online, the cancellation policy is clearly explained--if not you should ask. As a general rule, motels are going to charge you for at least one night's stay plus tax if you just do not show up or call and cancel the reservation by a certain time.
Let me explain the reason for that.
The motel has been holding the room for you, based on your promise to be there. They can not rent the room to any one else and they may even loose a reservation for a longer stay by someone else because you have made a promise and so have they.
If you can not show up for the room, call immediately to let the motel know.
You can still make reservations without using a credit card but the motel will only hold the room for you until a certain time that day. Make sure you understand what time you must arrive by for the room to still be waiting on you.
To make sure you have all the information you need, be very sure to obtain a written confirmation. Have the motel email, fax or mail you one. If you make the reservation on-line, print the confirmation.
Making reservations through third party websites.
This is any website that is not directly connected to the motel such as: Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Hotwire.com, Priceline.com and many, many others. When you use these sites, you pay them, not the motel. To make changes to the reservation, you can not call the motel. You must contact the website you made the reservation with and follow their rules about changes.
Be sure to print your receipt from the website as the motel can not provide you with one. Again, you did not pay the motel, you paid the third party website.
Even though you have paid the third party website for your room, that does not cover incidentals such as: long distance calls, laundry service, room service, etc. You will need to present a credit card at check-in to cover such things.
Complaints
No General Manager, Owner nor other Staff Member wants a guest to be dissatisfied. If there is a problem with anything at all, please, report it to the front desk at once and provide the motel staff the opportunity to correct it.
Our goal is satisfied guests that have a restful, pleasant stay. This can not be achieved if you do not tell us there is a problem.
Special Needs
If you have any special needs, please, when you make the reservation, make these special needs known to the person taking the reservation. If you do not make a reservation and are what is known as a "walk-in" guest, make your needs known at the time of check-in.
Well, no, everyone does not and the surprising thing is, it is the ones who appear to be savvy travelers that are the most ill informed about such matters.
The first thing I would like to cover is identity. For the protection of the credit card holder, the other guests, the motel staff and sometimes due to state laws requiring it--we must see your identifying information.
Without a Federal or State issued picture identification we have no idea if you actually own that credit card you are presenting for payment.
Oh! your credit card has a picture on it? Sorry. We still need the Federal or State issued picture identification for comparison. I spoke to my personal banker about this issue and she stated to me that these pictures are not intended to take the place of checking the Federal or State issued picture identification, that the bank will put any picture you request on your credit card.
In some states, it is state law that the motel staff record your Federal or State issued picture identification's number and other information on it.
I become stupefied when I ask for a picture id and payment method and the guest gets angry at me for asking for the picture id, especially when I turn the credit card over and the guest has written on it in the signature space, "ASK FOR PICTURE I.D." This scenario has occurred several times over the past few years.
Remember, when you provide a Federal or State issued picture identification card along with your credit card, you know the motel staff is looking out for your best interest and making sure those that have stolen credit cards do not use them at their motel.
Next on the agenda is reservations.
When you call in or make a reservation online, the cancellation policy is clearly explained--if not you should ask. As a general rule, motels are going to charge you for at least one night's stay plus tax if you just do not show up or call and cancel the reservation by a certain time.
Let me explain the reason for that.
The motel has been holding the room for you, based on your promise to be there. They can not rent the room to any one else and they may even loose a reservation for a longer stay by someone else because you have made a promise and so have they.
If you can not show up for the room, call immediately to let the motel know.
You can still make reservations without using a credit card but the motel will only hold the room for you until a certain time that day. Make sure you understand what time you must arrive by for the room to still be waiting on you.
To make sure you have all the information you need, be very sure to obtain a written confirmation. Have the motel email, fax or mail you one. If you make the reservation on-line, print the confirmation.
Making reservations through third party websites.
This is any website that is not directly connected to the motel such as: Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Hotwire.com, Priceline.com and many, many others. When you use these sites, you pay them, not the motel. To make changes to the reservation, you can not call the motel. You must contact the website you made the reservation with and follow their rules about changes.
Be sure to print your receipt from the website as the motel can not provide you with one. Again, you did not pay the motel, you paid the third party website.
Even though you have paid the third party website for your room, that does not cover incidentals such as: long distance calls, laundry service, room service, etc. You will need to present a credit card at check-in to cover such things.
Complaints
No General Manager, Owner nor other Staff Member wants a guest to be dissatisfied. If there is a problem with anything at all, please, report it to the front desk at once and provide the motel staff the opportunity to correct it.
Our goal is satisfied guests that have a restful, pleasant stay. This can not be achieved if you do not tell us there is a problem.
Special Needs
If you have any special needs, please, when you make the reservation, make these special needs known to the person taking the reservation. If you do not make a reservation and are what is known as a "walk-in" guest, make your needs known at the time of check-in.
Many motels have rooms specially equipped for various needs. Such as wheelchair accessible showers, TDD equipment, bathrooms with extra handrails and seats on the tub, etc.
Check-Out
At check out time it is always a good idea to make suggestions to the staff of things that you feel would improve your experience staying at that particular motel. Suggestions are always welcome.
When you checked in you signed a registration card stating you agree to the stated room rate and you will be responsible for any damages to the room or property made by you or your visitors. It may also have a clause about pets.
At the time you check out you are signing that you know what the final bill for your stay is and that you agree to pay it. This is called a folio. It contains a breakdown of the room rate, all applicable taxes, and any incidentals you incurred. You are not going to be charged two times because you signed twice.
Credit Card Authorization versus Charge
A credit card authorization is provided to the motel when you make the reservation or check-in to guarantee that the motel will be able to charge the credit card for the purchase amount. This authorization will set aside funds on your credit card to cover the projected costs of your stay. A credit card charge is the actual transfer of funds from the credit card agency to the motel for the final amount of your stay, incidentals and applicable taxes.
If you are using a debit card the authorization will freeze these funds in your account.
You have not been charged twice-------you might want to have your bank or credit card company explain this to you further.
Part of a Group
If you are part of a group that has a number of rooms reserved for its members--when you call to reserve one of those rooms, the first thing you need to tell the staff person is that you are calling to book one of the "Smith Family Reunion" rooms or whatever your group's name is.
It gets very confusing and time consuming to correct if you make the reservation and then afterwards state that you are with a certain group.
Be Truthful About the number of people in your party and whether or not you have pets.
This seems like a no-brainer but it seems to be the most difficult one for people to follow.
Most motels do not charge for children under 16 or 18., but they need to know the correct number of people in the room. God forbid, but if there was a fire or tornado or other emergency, the staff will tell the rescue workers what you have said as regards the number of people of in your room.
If you have told two adults and revealed three children, then the rescue workers are only going to look for two adults in the room.
As for pets--when you do not tell the desk clerk you have a pet, it is disrespectful of the guests that will use the room after you.
Many people have allergies to pets. Allergies can be deadly.
If the motel accepts pets, they have certain rooms for them. These rooms are the same as all the other rooms on the property.
There is usually a fee for pets that is $10 or less. This is due to doing a more specific cleaning of the room.
Smoking Rooms
If you smoke, please, ask for a smoking room. If you get a non-smoking room, please, do not open the window and sit by while you smoke. Go outside.
Roll Away Beds
The local Fire Marshalls have rules about how many beds can be in a room based on its size and other factors.
Sometimes rollaways can not be placed in a room that has two beds, especially if those are queen or king beds. There simply is no room for it without blocking the doorway. Again, if there were an emergency, this would create a serious problem.
Left Something Behind
You have left the motel and you realize you have left something behind. Call just as soon as you realize you did.
Many motels will have a lost & found but they only keep items for so long. This varies from motel to motel and state to state. As a general rule, they do not keep wet items such as used swimwear but a few hours, it will mold!
Be sure to double check your room before leaving--twice!
Here are somethings that have been left behind in my long career in the hospitality industry:
- APAP Breathing Machine
- Wet Bathing Suits
- Personal Towels
- Laptops
- Cell Phones
- Cords for Laptops and Cell Phones
- Hanging Clothing
- Make-up
- Suitcase
- Coolers
- Fishing Tackle or Rods
- Credit Cards
- Driver License
- Personal Items
Comparison Shopping
When you do your comparison shopping for motels you need to ask several questions before you get the real picture of what value you are getting for the price you will be paying.
- Do you have a pool? Is it indoor or outdoor? Heated?
- Do you have WiFi? If so, is it free?
- Do you have a Business Center with Internet accessible computer?
- Do you offer a breakfast? What is on the menu? (Is it all cold items or are there hot items?)
- Can I send and receive faxes? If so, what is the fee?
- What restaurants are nearby? How close are they?
- What shopping is available within a five mile radius?
And any other questions that are pertinent to your visit.
Scamming to get room free
People will do many things to get a room for free.
They will be dis-honest about finding things left behind by other guests, odors they smell in the hallway, falling, etc.
This is illegal and you will eventually be caught. Motel's keep records of these sorts of reports and actually have databases that it goes into.
Managers and Staff check these databases on a regular basis.
Think before you do this--is the price of a motel room worth obtaining a set of silver bracelets?
The bottom line is the hospitality industry is there to make you feel at home when you are away from home. We strive to achieve this based upon your honesty with us.
Hoping your next visit to a motel is pleasurable and relaxing. . . . . . . . . . .
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Good News, Not So Good News
While my brother, Don, was in the rehabilitation hospital for two weeks, Mother had her bathroom remodeled for him to access it.
It had this huge "Garden" tub in it. She now has a shower stall in it. The man that did the work for her only charged for the materials--Blessings to him!
Don went to the orthopedist and was told he would not be able to return to work for at least a year, he is not to bear weight on either leg for six weeks and not on his hips for twelve weeks.
The right leg was not set properly in the break just below the knee. It has to be rebroken and set again. He will need knee replacement within the next year or so and decided to wait till then to have this done.
The bone is off to one side and poking his skin. The knee appears to be half missing from the outside.
He was allowed to see the x-rays--is comment was that he never knew a person could hve that much metal in them.
He can get in the hospital bed from the wheelchair and from the wheelchair to the couch and shower.
The pain is subsiding somewhat.
He is reading a lot and went to church with Mother for preaching last Sunday.
Mother was going to have her home alarm system cut off due to she is not working to take care of Don. The operator questioned her about why she was cutting it off and when she explained they gave her one month free and reduced the monthly monitoring by $11.00 for life! More Blessings!!!
Again, Don has asked me to convey thanks to all that have been sending prayers and good thoughts.
It had this huge "Garden" tub in it. She now has a shower stall in it. The man that did the work for her only charged for the materials--Blessings to him!
Don went to the orthopedist and was told he would not be able to return to work for at least a year, he is not to bear weight on either leg for six weeks and not on his hips for twelve weeks.
The right leg was not set properly in the break just below the knee. It has to be rebroken and set again. He will need knee replacement within the next year or so and decided to wait till then to have this done.
The bone is off to one side and poking his skin. The knee appears to be half missing from the outside.
He was allowed to see the x-rays--is comment was that he never knew a person could hve that much metal in them.
He can get in the hospital bed from the wheelchair and from the wheelchair to the couch and shower.
The pain is subsiding somewhat.
He is reading a lot and went to church with Mother for preaching last Sunday.
Mother was going to have her home alarm system cut off due to she is not working to take care of Don. The operator questioned her about why she was cutting it off and when she explained they gave her one month free and reduced the monthly monitoring by $11.00 for life! More Blessings!!!
Again, Don has asked me to convey thanks to all that have been sending prayers and good thoughts.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Catch-up Time
Today has been a day of catching up.
My filing was way behind. My desk was stacked to the bottom of my monitor. There was an empty box that legal size paper came in that was full. There was also a hospital wash pan full.
That is all done including scanning things from those piles onto the computer!
I still have a lot left to do:
My filing was way behind. My desk was stacked to the bottom of my monitor. There was an empty box that legal size paper came in that was full. There was also a hospital wash pan full.
That is all done including scanning things from those piles onto the computer!
I still have a lot left to do:
- Scan a 500+ page document into .pdf format. (It's something that needs sharing with people and its faster and cheaper to share in electronic format as opposed to making copies and mailing.)
- Writing letters concerning a medical discount program scam that cost me close to $200.
- Sending out catalogs for one of my businesses.
- Organizing my craft stash.
- Taking pictures of my completed projects and getting them up here and on Chakwaina's Creations.
- Figuring out what is wrong with a HP Business Inkjet 1200n printer a friend gave me. Even though it is set to print in black it prints nothing. If I set it to print in grayscale it all comes out in blue.
Then to relax, I bought some jewelry wire and am planning to make it into some necklaces.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Finally In Rehabilitation Hospital
Don was moved to the Rehabilitation Hospital this morning.
They are teaching him how to do things for himself. He says they are actually trying to help him unlike at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
The patients go to a dining room for meals. His pain is being managed with a time released medication along with another medication being given every four hours.
Tomorrow they will teach him how to shower himself and use a toilet. He must keep his legs straight out in front of him when sitting to facilitate the proper healing of the hip.
He again thanks everyone for the prayers and good thoughts being sent his way.
They are teaching him how to do things for himself. He says they are actually trying to help him unlike at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
The patients go to a dining room for meals. His pain is being managed with a time released medication along with another medication being given every four hours.
Tomorrow they will teach him how to shower himself and use a toilet. He must keep his legs straight out in front of him when sitting to facilitate the proper healing of the hip.
He again thanks everyone for the prayers and good thoughts being sent his way.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
My Brother Enters Rehab
Don enters a rehabilitation hospital next week.
Mother called them about getting physical and occupational therapy. After she told them about his accident and his subsequent discharge from Grady Memorial Hospital.
The staff at Greenwood Regional Rehabilitation Hospital were very surprised, to say the least, that my brother had been discharged from Grady without these services in place.
He was discharged home (he lives alone so Mother had him transported by a private ambulance service to her home) without the ability to move about and no skilled care of any sort arranged. He was given strict instructions to not "drop" his leg when moving from the bed to the wheelchair or back as if he did so he would never walk again.
He had been hospitalized for nineteen days without having had a bowel movement, encountering two bouts in the operating room, the last was for twelve hours. He was only properly bathed once while there by the staff.
Note--this is a Workman's Comp claim and the Medical Social Worker kept telling Mother and I that we had to file for Medicaid for him.
At least now i can rest easier knowing that our seventy-one year old Mother will not be moving him around and risk hurting herself or him. He will get the skilled nursing care he needs and intensive therapy.
Many thanks to all those that check these updates and continue to pray for him and our family.
Mother called them about getting physical and occupational therapy. After she told them about his accident and his subsequent discharge from Grady Memorial Hospital.
The staff at Greenwood Regional Rehabilitation Hospital were very surprised, to say the least, that my brother had been discharged from Grady without these services in place.
He was discharged home (he lives alone so Mother had him transported by a private ambulance service to her home) without the ability to move about and no skilled care of any sort arranged. He was given strict instructions to not "drop" his leg when moving from the bed to the wheelchair or back as if he did so he would never walk again.
He had been hospitalized for nineteen days without having had a bowel movement, encountering two bouts in the operating room, the last was for twelve hours. He was only properly bathed once while there by the staff.
Note--this is a Workman's Comp claim and the Medical Social Worker kept telling Mother and I that we had to file for Medicaid for him.
At least now i can rest easier knowing that our seventy-one year old Mother will not be moving him around and risk hurting herself or him. He will get the skilled nursing care he needs and intensive therapy.
Many thanks to all those that check these updates and continue to pray for him and our family.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Beaded Amulet Bags
I have just completed two very cute beaded amulet bags:
This one is made of beige 100% cotton thread with different colored, metal lined, glass beads.
This is made from variegated cotton thread with different colored seed beads.
Each of these are for sale in my shop on Etsy.com
Update on My Brother
Don, as the family calls him, is doing better. Right now, it appears that he will be discharged on Wednesday, 30 April, 2008.
He was on the operating table for almost twelve hours on the 23rd. The doctor's had to rebuild his left hip joint, put a pin in the ball of the joint, placed numerous screws in both legs and they discovered a hernia right above the left hip and fixed that also.
The physical therapist explained that in the wreck his left hip joint came out of place and then the ball jammed into the socket so hard it crushed the joint.
Here is a picture of a healthy left hip joint:
He was on the operating table for almost twelve hours on the 23rd. The doctor's had to rebuild his left hip joint, put a pin in the ball of the joint, placed numerous screws in both legs and they discovered a hernia right above the left hip and fixed that also.
The physical therapist explained that in the wreck his left hip joint came out of place and then the ball jammed into the socket so hard it crushed the joint.
Here is a picture of a healthy left hip joint:
Again, his knees are in pretty bad shape and it appears that in the wreck, the extra keys hanging down on his key ring, entered his left knee--doing damage.
He already had much pain in both knees.
Here is a picture of the left knee:
He will not be able to place any weight at all on his hip for at minimum of two months. When discharged he will probably be transported by ambulance from Atlanta, Georgia to Ware Shoals, South Carolina (that is not the exact town as I do not wish to put my family's address on the Internet.)
This will be a long, hard recovery process for him.
Mother is looking into him being able to go to a Rehabilitation Center until he can at least get around on crutches a little bit.
I'll keep you all posted as he progresses.
If anyone wants to send him prayers, good thoughts, etc. please do so through here and I will print and send to him.
Snail mail can be sent to:
Cha'kwaina
Attn: Don
P.O. Box 22
Bon Aqua, TN 37025
Thursday, April 24, 2008
My Brother's Disapperance
My brother, Don, was in a bad car wreck on Friday, 11 April, 2008.
He had been working in Nashville, Tennessee and was headed home to North Augusta, Georgia. They were sending him to work in Columbia, South Carolina. He was so excited that he would be able to see Mama on her birthday, 12 April and had planned to take her out to eat on that Sunday.
Mama called me at work on Saturday, 12 April, 2008 very upset. Don had not called her yet. She had last spoke to him at 7:56 p.m. the night before. He had told her he was having problems with his cell phone and that he would be home in a little bit, he’d call her when he got home.
That call never came.
When she got off work on Saturday, he had still not called so she drove down to his apartment from her home in Honea Path, South Carolina. Not only was his car not there, there was no evidence he had been in the apartment.
She contacted the local law enforcement and filed an “Overdue Motorist Report”. The Missing Persons-NCIC had to be filed in Tennessee.
When I left work I filed the Missing Persons-NCIC here in Tennessee.
On Sunday, my estranged husband, his girlfriend, and his parents all rallied at Mama’s house. We all know that Don would never miss a day calling his Mama nor would he, under any circumstances, not call her on her birthday. She had turned seventy-one by searching for her only son.
At some point that day they loaded up David and Diane in one car and Mama and Bob (David, my estranged husband’s Father) in another and headed back to North Augusta.
David and Diane drove down I-20 to Atlanta checking for possible wreck sites along both sides of the interstate.
Since Don had left Tennessee I had the number twenty-three stuck in my head. David made a special effort at every incidence of that number. It would be later before the significance came out. (Don was born on the 23rd of December.)
On Sunday night at eleven, the CBS affiliate, WRDW, in Augusta, Georgia carried a news report on Don’s disappearance. We wish to thank them for doing so.
By this time we had contacted the FBI, Tennessee Law Enforcement, Georgia State Patrol, Aiken County South Carolina Law Enforcement and anyone else we thought might could help.
Until you have been in this situation you can nver understand the thoughts that enter your mind. All the most terrible scenarios are the only ones that enter and linger.
On Monday, 14 April, 2008 we finally located him. A lady from the financial office of the hospital, Grady Memorial, called Don’s work and asked if he was there! His supervisor questioned the lady and discovered that he had been admitted on Friday, 11 April, 2008 after a car wreck and she wanted to know if he had medical insurance.
Don had been in a head on collision.
He is doing better. He had his second surgery on 23 April 2008 and has a long road to full recovery.
The doctors had to put a plate in his hip. The injuries are: right leg broken in four places, left leg broken in three places, left knee busted up badly (it appears, the keys on his key ring went into his knee), pelvic bone broken, one kidney bruised, laceration to the top of his head requiring seven staples.
I had to cancel the NCIC Missing Persons Report as for some reason, he was never matched to it.
We thank all those that have gone so far above and beyond to help us-Grady Memorial Hospital Staff, The Members of the Hodges Church of God, The Bob Harvley Family, the Staff of Quality Hotel on Luckie Road in Atlanta, Georgia, the Staff of Quality Inn of Dickson, Tennessee, Staff of The Hot Spot Honea Path, South Carolina and all the members of the immediate family and friends.
I will blog about Don as he progresses through his recovery.
You can click in the "TAG" list (left lower sidebar) to see all posts regarding him.
Here are a few pictures of this very special man Grandfather chose to be my brother:
He had been working in Nashville, Tennessee and was headed home to North Augusta, Georgia. They were sending him to work in Columbia, South Carolina. He was so excited that he would be able to see Mama on her birthday, 12 April and had planned to take her out to eat on that Sunday.
Mama called me at work on Saturday, 12 April, 2008 very upset. Don had not called her yet. She had last spoke to him at 7:56 p.m. the night before. He had told her he was having problems with his cell phone and that he would be home in a little bit, he’d call her when he got home.
That call never came.
When she got off work on Saturday, he had still not called so she drove down to his apartment from her home in Honea Path, South Carolina. Not only was his car not there, there was no evidence he had been in the apartment.
She contacted the local law enforcement and filed an “Overdue Motorist Report”. The Missing Persons-NCIC had to be filed in Tennessee.
When I left work I filed the Missing Persons-NCIC here in Tennessee.
On Sunday, my estranged husband, his girlfriend, and his parents all rallied at Mama’s house. We all know that Don would never miss a day calling his Mama nor would he, under any circumstances, not call her on her birthday. She had turned seventy-one by searching for her only son.
At some point that day they loaded up David and Diane in one car and Mama and Bob (David, my estranged husband’s Father) in another and headed back to North Augusta.
David and Diane drove down I-20 to Atlanta checking for possible wreck sites along both sides of the interstate.
Since Don had left Tennessee I had the number twenty-three stuck in my head. David made a special effort at every incidence of that number. It would be later before the significance came out. (Don was born on the 23rd of December.)
On Sunday night at eleven, the CBS affiliate, WRDW, in Augusta, Georgia carried a news report on Don’s disappearance. We wish to thank them for doing so.
By this time we had contacted the FBI, Tennessee Law Enforcement, Georgia State Patrol, Aiken County South Carolina Law Enforcement and anyone else we thought might could help.
Until you have been in this situation you can nver understand the thoughts that enter your mind. All the most terrible scenarios are the only ones that enter and linger.
On Monday, 14 April, 2008 we finally located him. A lady from the financial office of the hospital, Grady Memorial, called Don’s work and asked if he was there! His supervisor questioned the lady and discovered that he had been admitted on Friday, 11 April, 2008 after a car wreck and she wanted to know if he had medical insurance.
Don had been in a head on collision.
He is doing better. He had his second surgery on 23 April 2008 and has a long road to full recovery.
The doctors had to put a plate in his hip. The injuries are: right leg broken in four places, left leg broken in three places, left knee busted up badly (it appears, the keys on his key ring went into his knee), pelvic bone broken, one kidney bruised, laceration to the top of his head requiring seven staples.
I had to cancel the NCIC Missing Persons Report as for some reason, he was never matched to it.
We thank all those that have gone so far above and beyond to help us-Grady Memorial Hospital Staff, The Members of the Hodges Church of God, The Bob Harvley Family, the Staff of Quality Hotel on Luckie Road in Atlanta, Georgia, the Staff of Quality Inn of Dickson, Tennessee, Staff of The Hot Spot Honea Path, South Carolina and all the members of the immediate family and friends.
I will blog about Don as he progresses through his recovery.
You can click in the "TAG" list (left lower sidebar) to see all posts regarding him.
Here are a few pictures of this very special man Grandfather chose to be my brother:
My Nephew, Fred (Don's Dad), Don
Don with his daughter
Mama and Don
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Prayer Cloth for my Brother
I was checking out some blogs of others on CrochetList at Yahoo! Groups and found this pattern-Filet Prayer Cloth Pattern.
With a few changes as to hook size and yarn, the below picture is what my finished project looks like:
Yarn used: "Silkine" Pearl Cotton, Mercerized, #5 by The American Thread Company in a yellow.
Hook Used: Steel #3
With a few changes as to hook size and yarn, the below picture is what my finished project looks like:
Yarn used: "Silkine" Pearl Cotton, Mercerized, #5 by The American Thread Company in a yellow.
Hook Used: Steel #3
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Storage Building Damaged!
Yesterday I got a call from the owner of the place where I rent a storage building. Seems a county sewer cleanup truck had broke down and they had pulled it into the parking lot in front of the storage place.
Somehow it slipped into gear and started rolling. No one was in it. It hit the unit my stuff was in!!
Here are the pictures:
Somehow it slipped into gear and started rolling. No one was in it. It hit the unit my stuff was in!!
Here are the pictures:
I Am Selling My Crafts Online!
Someone sent me a link to their shop on etsy.com to look at their stuff. Well, I started exploring and decided to open a shop there.
It is so wonderful. Every shop there sells handmade items or supplies to make things with. Cottage Industry has itself a home on the Internet!!!
Everyone there is so friendly and helpful. They have groups of members that are either regional or they do similar crafts. There is even one group for homeschoolers that sell handmade items!
If you want to buy handmade and support cottage industry, etsy.com is the place to go!!!
It is so wonderful. Every shop there sells handmade items or supplies to make things with. Cottage Industry has itself a home on the Internet!!!
Everyone there is so friendly and helpful. They have groups of members that are either regional or they do similar crafts. There is even one group for homeschoolers that sell handmade items!
If you want to buy handmade and support cottage industry, etsy.com is the place to go!!!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Lakota Creation Story
Creation Story - Lakotaby: Author Unknown, Source Unknown
The Creator gathered all of Creation and said, "I want to hide something from the humans until they are ready for it. It is the realization that they create their own reality."
The eagle said, "Give it to me, I will take it to the moon."
The Creator said, "No. One day they will go there and find it."
The salmon said, "I will bury it on the bottom of the ocean."
"No. They will go there too."
The buffalo said, "I will bury it on the Great Plains."
The Creator said, "They will cut into the skin of the Earth and find it even there."
Grandmother Mole, who lives in the breast of Mother Earth, and who has no physical eyes but sees with spiritual eyes, said, "Put it inside of them."
And the Creator said, "It is done."
The Creator gathered all of Creation and said, "I want to hide something from the humans until they are ready for it. It is the realization that they create their own reality."
The eagle said, "Give it to me, I will take it to the moon."
The Creator said, "No. One day they will go there and find it."
The salmon said, "I will bury it on the bottom of the ocean."
"No. They will go there too."
The buffalo said, "I will bury it on the Great Plains."
The Creator said, "They will cut into the skin of the Earth and find it even there."
Grandmother Mole, who lives in the breast of Mother Earth, and who has no physical eyes but sees with spiritual eyes, said, "Put it inside of them."
And the Creator said, "It is done."
Found Some Pictures
I was organizing some pictures on my hard drive and found some pictures of things I have made.
Hope you enjoy.
Hope you enjoy.
This is the blanket I made for my granddaughter Di'Chariah.
This is my Regalia. I made all but the cocunut shell belt and my son, Pistol Ball gifted me the raccoon skin.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Have a Stole in Mind
Well, I have been thinking on what to do with all that yarn I have left from the baby blnket, also posted in this blog.
A STOLE!
My shoulders get cold in the winter time so I plan to make a stole with it. I have 5 full skeins and almost a whole 6th left--that should be enough.
Right now I am planning on using the same stitch pattern.
Have to finish a filet cross first. It's for Mother for her birthday on eight days! I have had to rip it out twice now.
A STOLE!
My shoulders get cold in the winter time so I plan to make a stole with it. I have 5 full skeins and almost a whole 6th left--that should be enough.
Right now I am planning on using the same stitch pattern.
Have to finish a filet cross first. It's for Mother for her birthday on eight days! I have had to rip it out twice now.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Urban Legends
This is another of my pet peeves, getting all sorts of warnings in my e~mail that are nothing but hoaxes and urban legends!
Why do people pass these things along?
What on earth makes most of them anything near believable?
Why do people not take the few minutes it takes to check them out?
Here are some links for you to use to double check those things BEFORE you pass them along:
Why do people pass these things along?
What on earth makes most of them anything near believable?
Why do people not take the few minutes it takes to check them out?
Here are some links for you to use to double check those things BEFORE you pass them along:
If I Could Live It All Over Again
If I could live it all over again, starting at about 13, I would have put all my earned income in a savings account.
When I married, I would have went off the grid then, not planned to sometime in the unforeseeable future.
More of my children would have been born at home and each of them would have been fed as naturally as the first. (At 22 she still refuses salt because she never tasted till she was 3.)
We would have had our own organic food to eat and share.
I would have truly listened more often. Not just heard what was said but not have been thinking ahead while the other person was speaking. I would have shut off my mind and preconceptions and just heard every word, every inflection of their voice and thereby been able to understand and be more compassionate.
I would have not tried to please so many other people by being what they wanted me to be. i would have searched my own heart, at a much younger age, and discovered me, long before I did.
When I married, I would have went off the grid then, not planned to sometime in the unforeseeable future.
More of my children would have been born at home and each of them would have been fed as naturally as the first. (At 22 she still refuses salt because she never tasted till she was 3.)
We would have had our own organic food to eat and share.
I would have truly listened more often. Not just heard what was said but not have been thinking ahead while the other person was speaking. I would have shut off my mind and preconceptions and just heard every word, every inflection of their voice and thereby been able to understand and be more compassionate.
I would have not tried to please so many other people by being what they wanted me to be. i would have searched my own heart, at a much younger age, and discovered me, long before I did.
Monday, March 31, 2008
New Crocheting Books
WOW! I got several new crocheting books and pamphlets this past Saturday.
The first is Candy Crochet by Candi Jensen. It has the most adorable outfits, booties, blankets, hats, etc. in it. My grandbabies are going to be wearing a lot of these.
The next one is 100 Crochet Projects by Jean Leinhauser & Rita Weiss. It again has lots of really great designs but for adults. Tops, sweaters, afghans, doilies, even earrings and prom purses!
Look out birthdays--I'm going to be ready!
Purchased a wonderful crochet reference book in 200 Crochet Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets by Jan Eaton. I'll never run into a problem or a pattern I can not decipher again.
The two pamphlets are Sunny Day Dresses for Babies and Toddlers by Diane Simpson. It only has three dress patterns in it but they are all simple, elegant and beautiful.
And lastly, The Bernat Tiny crochet Baby #542023.The dress is beautiful but I bought this for the bonnets and booties. The blanket is very pretty but it's baby colored grannies. Everyone knows that one.
Looks like this here blog is going to be filled with more and more posts of crocheted items I have made for my grands!
The first is Candy Crochet by Candi Jensen. It has the most adorable outfits, booties, blankets, hats, etc. in it. My grandbabies are going to be wearing a lot of these.
The next one is 100 Crochet Projects by Jean Leinhauser & Rita Weiss. It again has lots of really great designs but for adults. Tops, sweaters, afghans, doilies, even earrings and prom purses!
Look out birthdays--I'm going to be ready!
Purchased a wonderful crochet reference book in 200 Crochet Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets by Jan Eaton. I'll never run into a problem or a pattern I can not decipher again.
The two pamphlets are Sunny Day Dresses for Babies and Toddlers by Diane Simpson. It only has three dress patterns in it but they are all simple, elegant and beautiful.
And lastly, The Bernat Tiny crochet Baby #542023.The dress is beautiful but I bought this for the bonnets and booties. The blanket is very pretty but it's baby colored grannies. Everyone knows that one.
Looks like this here blog is going to be filled with more and more posts of crocheted items I have made for my grands!
What to blog about?
I have thought about what to blog about for a time now. This blog is sort of generic. Its not about one aspect of me or my life, but its about ME!
Over the years I have discovered, and at first these discoveries were hard ones, that many people do not agree with me and what I have to say or think.
These discoveries are not as hard now. It does not hurt my feelings when it comes out that people think I am "weird", "crazy" or whatever word they wish to label me with. For those people I have but one thing to say, "GET A JOB LABELING JARS, NOT PEOPLE!"
Being myself is not meant to offend anyone. Its just me being me. Its one of those unalienable rights that we are born with and no one can take from us, nor can we give it away. Its not just an unalienable right--it is a duty for each of us to be ourselves and not even try to be someone else.
So, if you are easily offended, it may just be time to stop reading my blog.
Over the years I have discovered, and at first these discoveries were hard ones, that many people do not agree with me and what I have to say or think.
These discoveries are not as hard now. It does not hurt my feelings when it comes out that people think I am "weird", "crazy" or whatever word they wish to label me with. For those people I have but one thing to say, "GET A JOB LABELING JARS, NOT PEOPLE!"
Being myself is not meant to offend anyone. Its just me being me. Its one of those unalienable rights that we are born with and no one can take from us, nor can we give it away. Its not just an unalienable right--it is a duty for each of us to be ourselves and not even try to be someone else.
So, if you are easily offended, it may just be time to stop reading my blog.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Another Crocheted Bookmark!!!
I did this one last week at work. Its fans and V's. I really like it but the pattern was hard to follow. Too many words. I may re-write it for my own personal use so that it's easier to follow.
I plan to do several more in other colors with tassels and some with beads.
The pattern can be found here. I did not do the edging she has, just sc around.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Baby Outfit & Bookmark
I finished the outfit for my grandson Isaiah. He's 6 months old. I'll see him Friday & Saturday of this week and hopefully get pictures of him in it.
And here is my first ever filet crochet. It's a bookmark. Probably will thread a ribbon through the center and give to my Mom for her 71st birthday next month. She is still very active. She works two jobs, travels and reads a lot!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Pet Peeves
We all have them, pet peeves, little things or even really big things that just get us right where the voice inside us is saying, "Here's Your Sign!"
- Pull Skeins of yarn that do NOT pull.
- Prejudice.
- Innocent people being accused of things they did not do.
- Guilty people not being prosecuted.
- Cruelty to animals.
- Cruelty to children.
- Cruelty to the helpless.
- People who preach their religion as the ONLY true path.
- Christians who lie, steal, cheat and gossip.
- People that think they can trample the rights of others and then scream when theirs are trampled upon.
- Judgemental people.
- Refusal to learn.
- People that have children and don't really want them.
- Grandparents who aren't.
- The state of health care in America.
- The blatant disregard of the Constitution of America.
- Computer programs that don't live up to their claims.
- Any products that don't live up to their claims.
- Infomercials.
- History as it is taught in public schools and the majority of all schools.
- The inability of public school teachers to teach because they have to "teach to the test".
Native Americans and Tribal Cards
First of all let me say this, no one living in this time period can ever, nor should they be expected to "make up for the wrongs of their ancestors".
Not all people of any one race are bad nor all people of any one race good. There is a goodly mixture of both.
I am appalled that the current government nor recent past ones have even begun to fully honor the treaties with the descendants of the indigenous/aboriginal/native peoples of this land.
Now on to my subject matter.
I am very proud to carry a tribal membership card. It is the proof I need to prove who I am. Who my ancestors were and are.
Who needs this proof?
Me? No. I need no card to prove to myself who I am or what DNA runs through my body and soul.
It is to prove it to all the doubting Thomas' out there.
Now, I will not state my position on this, but ask yourself this question: What race of people, in America, is required to PROVE their race other than the Native/indigenous/aboriginal people?
Your list will be very short indeed.
Not all people of any one race are bad nor all people of any one race good. There is a goodly mixture of both.
I am appalled that the current government nor recent past ones have even begun to fully honor the treaties with the descendants of the indigenous/aboriginal/native peoples of this land.
Now on to my subject matter.
I am very proud to carry a tribal membership card. It is the proof I need to prove who I am. Who my ancestors were and are.
Who needs this proof?
Me? No. I need no card to prove to myself who I am or what DNA runs through my body and soul.
It is to prove it to all the doubting Thomas' out there.
Now, I will not state my position on this, but ask yourself this question: What race of people, in America, is required to PROVE their race other than the Native/indigenous/aboriginal people?
Your list will be very short indeed.
Wandering
My soul wanders in the night.
It wanders in the day.
It wanders in and out of time & space.
It is not I that am lost.
Could it be that the wanderings are a learning?
Could it be that the world--the universe is wandering also?
It wanders in the day.
It wanders in and out of time & space.
It is not I that am lost.
Could it be that the wanderings are a learning?
Could it be that the world--the universe is wandering also?
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Finished a Baby Blanket
Finished a baby blanket!
This is 100% wool purchased from Yarn Treehouse on eBay. The color is CK21.
It's the first time I have worked with 100% wool. I wish I had bought more of this as it would make a beautiful sweater!
It took four skeins and just a touch of a fifth.
The pattern I used can be found at Lacy Small Afghan Pattern. I recommend only doing 131 for the beginning chain. About.com recommends in many patterns to just do a chain, then cut off the extra after doing the first few rows. I think that would make it more likely to unravel. (I have noticed this in several books now also.)
For the edging I just did a 3dc shell around, doing a shell in each corner.
Earrings I Made
I have dabbled in making jewelry. I happen to have pictures of some pieces.
The crocheted pieces came about due a dear friend/sister. She ordered me some crochet "cotton" on eBay, thinking it was worsted weight and I could re-coup from a recent illness by crocheting washcloths.
Well, it was thread, mostly #10.
The beaded pair are the results of combining beading and Dream Catchers.
The pair here was made for my second daughter. They are also the pair I submitted, by detailed photo, to the Arts & crafts Council of my Tribe to become a certified Native American Artisan. (I also submitted my profile picture as that Regalia was made by me and a leather bag I made. They'll be posted if I ever discover which CD they are stored on.)
Granddaughter's Easter Outfit ON HER
We got it on her!!!!
She was a bit feisty about it--see her Daddy works on the road and he had just gotten home that day and she is most undeniably a Daddy's Girl!!!
But I promised pictures when she got it on so here is the one we were able to get.
Isn't she just adorable??????
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Things I Like To Do
- Learn about my heritage of being Waccamaw. You can learn more about the Waccamaw Indian Peoples of South Carolina by clicking here.
- Typing in the Courier Font.
- Working my part-time job of Night Auditor at a motel.
- Spending time with my grandchildren.
- Telling the stories of my children's births and childhoods.
- Living naturally.
- Planning to set up the tipi a friend made for me.
- Learning how to be spiritual as opposed to being religious.
- Listening to music--all genres--Big Band, Old Time Rock, Celtic, Native American, Country (new & old), and pretty much all the rest of it!
- Working with all those that have joined my Talking Circle at Native Pathways.
- Crocheting
- Knitting
- Sewing
- Gardening
- Cooking
- Ironing
- Hanging the laundry on an outside line to dry.
- Reading
- Collecting
- Origami
- Going dancing--or dancing in the living room, yard or wherever I happen to be when the mood hits!
- Spending time on Care2.
- Reading random articles at Wikipedia.
- Helping people.
- Beading
- Making Leather bags
- Being in nature
- Being with my loved ones.
- Finding bargains.
Handmade Easter Outfit
I was waiting on a friend to have surgery and of course, although it was a simple surgery, it was an all day thing.
I had obtained a pattern called "Sweetie Dress"(click the title to be taken to the pattern), intending to make it for my 3 year old granddaughter.
The pattern printed on four pages. After crocheting for a while, putting it down umpteen times to talk with doctors, nurses, etc. and picking it back up, I thought I was on the last page and finished the dress off.
Uh-oh!!! I was only about half way through.
Time for the thinking cap!
It became a top. I decided to get some denim and make her skirt to wear with it.
So I proceeded to Wal-Mart to get the required denim. While I was browsing through the yarn (after having obtained the denim) I noticed this plain, pink cowgirl hat discarded in the yarn bins.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm, Kimberlee loves hats. So in the buggy it went.
Then I had to get something to dress it up, so through all the spools of yarn rick-rack, and everything else to decide what to trim it with. Purple and white.
This entire thing is totally handmade. I have sewing machines, but nowhere to set one up. (We have two Alzheimer's patients in the house and that is another story.)
So here is the resulting outfit. I am going out to visit next week and will take pictures of it on her.
