Talk about 'STICKER SHOCK!?!?!"

Theson has asked me to ship a package to him in Cairo, and since mailing through the Post Office was proving to be non-useful, I proceeded to FedEx to expedite transit. Theson has a definite deadline in mind to receive this package, which is definitely NOT guaranteed, entering Egypt...but nonetheless off I head to the FedEx office.

All is going well, filling out all the necessary paperwork (the clerk and I are almost best friends as often as I am there), and then the clerk asks me, "why would he mail this through FedEx, when the shipping is almost as much as the item?" I'm like - "how much?" Check out these receipts for an item worth $400...



I can't even describe what my jaw looked like when it hit the floor. Theson will pay dearly now, as I called him IN EGYPT on my cell phone to get his thoughts on the matter.

I must say that when the clerk brought the billing up on the computer screen, the amount quoted was approximately $128 for June 1st Priority and $121 for June 3rd Economy shipping, but the final label printing out was as you see above. this clerk explained that "they were having problems with some computers and their calculations", which are scheduled to be rectified AFTER June 1st. Duh!!!! A lot of good that does us now! Anyway, I explained to go ahead and ship it and I will hold on to the receipts as evidence of the MAJOR miscalculations, and we will get it all settled at billing time.

But this truly made my day!! Enjoy!

Take care and TTFN.

Short take on Cairo traffic...

This is just a short video I was able to get as we travelled to The Citadel. You can see how the cars just make their own lanes and pedestrians literally take their lives in their hands, whilst trying to cross these wide and busy roads. You will see more cars with side mirrors broken off, because of the closeness of travel.

Another novel approach they have to "delivery" service or garbage hauling, is a small truck (i.e., Chevy S-10 or such) and load it to the sides of the bed, then take sheets of cardboard and line the bed...and keep loading whatever it is, just increasing the space upwards by adding more and more cardboard. The end result (unfortunately I don't have an ideal pic) is an unusually "top heavy" SMALL TRUCK!!! I saw 2 of these trucks on their sides at different times...I don't think the concept of "center of gravity" has ever hit home. I did find it humorous.

This is a shot of the street which runs in front of theson's apartment. You can see how narrow these residential streets are, and if you don't pull your side mirror in - WIPE OUT!! There are plenty of sidewalks, yet everyone walks in the street. A good reason for that is the condition of these sidewalks is deplorable - and the curbs vary from 9" (rare) to over 12" in some spots.

Another constant site is the "washing of the cars!"



Very early in the mornings, the hoses come out and the car washing begins. This one gentleman, must be an Egyptian bigwig, was constantly washing or "dusting off" his BMW, while in his silk suit.

Also, because of the sandy/dusty conditions, people are also often pouring water on the walkways to apartments and businesses, to reduce the dust/sand. Even the rusty, clunkers of black & whites (cabs) are being cleaned of the dust and grime - but I never saw the insides of the vehicles being cleaned. When it comes to the black & whites, I don't think that happens, they just buy air fresheners by the gross and keep hanging new ones over the old. This was a real treat.

Did I mention THE CATS?? Cats run wild throughout the city, almost feral. People will "hiss" at them to keep them at bay, they are NOT friendly domesticated felines.
The garbage is gathered during late afternoon and evening, and placed on the corners in bags such as this, and the little minions wait until the "small truck" comes to haul it all away. But in the meantime, the cats check it out to see what is there for them. In this picture there are 5 cats visible, but there is also another one down inside the pile - I watched it for quite some time, and I think it was like 20 minutes before the feline emerged from the bag. It certainly doesn't take much to amuse me!!!

I have to run for now, thegrandson has to get ready for bed, school night. Five more days of school till summer break - OUCH!!!!

Take care for now and stay well!! TTFN.

Vacation of a lifetime...thanks to THESON!

My good buddy theRuss, took me to the airport to set off on the journey of a lifetime, on Tuesday the 6th @ 2:50 pm. The flights were broken up between Washington, D.C., Frankfurt, Germany and into Cairo, Egypt. I have never been one to actually sleep in any moving vehicle...I may get drowsy but never really sleep, so after many hours of flying time I made it to Cairo on time, a little after 2 pm Wednesday (Cairo time - 7 hours ahead of our time). I tried to upgrade to Business Class on Lufthansa in Frankfurt, but a blatant NO was the answer. They actually turned up their noses when I replied that I would be putting the additional charge on my credit card...guess cold hard cash works for them. (Silly asses - the American dollar is almost worthless these days on the global market.)

Theson had taken a half day off to meet me at the airport with his driver Emad. Driving from the airport to his apartment was a great initiation into the driving (or non-driving) habits of the Egyptians. Cairo looks relatively modern with lines painted on the roads to designate LANES - but in reality they mean NOTHING!! Crazy drivers rely on their horns and lights to weave into and out of lanes or just make their own way straddling "lanes." Stoplights are there...all blinking yellow and trust me, there is no caution involved whatsoever. We stopped at a fruit market and got so much fresh produce (strawberries, peaches and cantaloupe) and theson stopped at another market and got Diet Dr. Pepper for me and of course some beer for him.

Theson let me take a couple hour nap, before we headed off to dinner with his co-workers, Ken, John and Ed at the Red Onion. Delicious steaks - I was impressed. John is engaged to an Egyptian girl, Basma, and she also was with us for dinner. Since we had time to kill before theson headed back to the airport to pick up theJay and theRachel, we went to the "Far East" bar. I had visions of this place before stepping in the door as they told me it was known for some rowdy fights at times...I was not far off in my impression. You walk into a very nice restaurant area (no patrons) and head to the back of the building - where all the action takes place, bar, pool tables and comely girls to attend to your needs. Basma worked at this place before becoming engaged to John. We only stayed about an hour or so, before heading home as I was super tired and needed to sleep.

I must also say, one suitcase did not make it to Cairo with me...but I was guaranteed it would be at the apartment by 3:30 am. Surprise - it was!!! Minus quite a few items though. I was pissed. Not a lot of value to the missing items, just the principle. Damn TSA - says you can't lock your luggage anymore, therefore the baggage handlers make a killing on stolen loot. Assholes!

When we all woke up on Thursday morning, Emad was making breakfast for everyone before we headed to the Egyptian Museum. (Weekends for theson are Thursday and Friday - most of Egyptians, also.) My comments on the Egyptian Museum are not all that great. For a country with such ancient history and artifacts...it is not displayed well or in any great order. From what I have read though, not a lot has been updated in the past century, other than displays relating to King Tut and recent finds. Since no cameras were allowed in the museum, this is a pic of me and theson in front of museum.

Afterwards, we headed to Khan el Khalilli, the Egyptian bazaar. Some of the shopping areas are real tourist traps, but we managed to get off the beaten path and found an interesting art studio (see Nomadic Tendencies blog.) Theson rather succinctly covers the trip, and if you go to the link to his site...it will save me time in repeating the events.

I will be back to add more soon, but am trying to relax after 2 days in a row of baseball games. We just got home from one and now have to feed the little critter at 7 pm. I cleaned my back deck this morning into early afternoon and am ready to put some meat on the grill for a cookout tomorrow. I may only have one person here or I could have more - I never know.

Everyone enjoy this Memorial Day holiday weekend! TTFN

Takes awhile...

Although I got home from Egypt late last Saturday night, it has taken awhile for me to re-acclimate myself. I am not getting enough sleep that is for sure - and I am tired as all get-out!

I have to tell everyone and anyone who may read this blog...I HAVE THE BEST SON IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE! He could not have treated me any better during my visit - the proverbial super host. I will never have a Mother's Day present as wonderful as this trip!



Is this not the most awesome view of a World Wonder? Unfortunately, Cairo rates in the top 10 cities as to being the "smoggiest!" I don't think they have ever seen a CLEAR day. This picture was taken from atop The Citadel. I also took a 360 degree panoramic short film from this high point.

The weather was quite warm (hot actually - 101 degrees one day). Very sandy and dusty, yet not humid at all. **Only 50 degrees and raining when I returned home!

I am still coordinating (drafting) a blog of sequential events, but don't want to bore everyone.

Major cleaning today (wash the curtains and get down and clean the crevices type) and I am plain old exhausted. Hopefully, I will be able to post more pics and accounts of my trip tomorrow.

I've been catching up on everyone's blogs - so now I have to get back in sync again.

Everyone stay well and TTFN.

I'm Home!!!

I am presently trying to cope with a severe case of jet lag...but to let you know, you can go to flickr site and view the pictures I have downloaded so far. I have a couple of videos I will put on here showing the CRAZY driving rituals in Cairo...totally insane! Nap time...wil be back later.

**I think I have found the problem with my "flickr" account. I did something dumb awhile back, and will try to change that, but clicking on the site now - will show the Egypt pictures. There are 3 sets.

Many adjectives to describe Cairo, Egypt...

I have been kept busy the entire time I have been here (I arrived last Wednesday, and my body has been "through the mill!"

I am amazed most at the overcrowding and the conditions under which some people live. Where theson lives (Old Maadi) is considered a "rich" area of Cairo, and we have seen some really deplorable areas also. Everything done for you is meriting a "tip", and these Egyptians are very persistant. When we toured the Pyramids in Giza, although we had decided to give the tips to one person to be distributed, the other guides were poking us from behind asking for "secret tips." I find this so sad.

theJay and theRachel have been travelling all over the countryside in spurts. They were gone for 2 days to Sharm el-Sheikh (southern part of Egypt) and just left for an overnight train ride into Luxor (and will return by train late tomorrow night).

All the walking has been hard on me, yet probably good for me at the same time. I'm going to go for now. Much more later when I get these hundreds of pictures downloaded to my Flickr site.

Everyone take care and TTFN.

TODAY IS THE DAY - EGYPT BOUND!

Usually I am pretty well organized and can pack a bag better than most - that is if the object is getting the most in one - NOT necessarily keeping it within the baggage weight limits!

Theson has so many requests of things to bring him - and most are "weighty" items. Such as a power supply for his X-box, 2 bottles of Aveeno lotion (for Jules), 2 bottles of HOT SAUCE, blah blah blah. So yesterday afternoon after getting everything in my large suitcase, we were trying to weigh the damn thing and it kept registering at 56-59 pounds. With the luck I have, I went to the Internet to check out weight restrictions and fees - all the fees changed effective midnight LAST night. That's me - day late, dollar short! An overweight bag fee went from $50 to $100. Now doesn't that just suck? Back to the drawing board.

Thedaughter brought up 2 smaller bags (and I have decided not to take my tiny rolling carry-on) and we evenly distributed the contents. Each bag now weighs well under the 50 pound limit. Yippee! I will just carry a tote-like bag and my computer bag - and I am good to go. I never thought it would be this hectic - hell, I cruise every year and I guess it has just become a routine thing - but flying international is a new experience for me.

I may not get to Alexandria, as it is a 3 hour trip each way and theson will not be able to go with me - and I know he has a wonderful driver, but I don't know him that well and 6 hours travel time with a stranger does not appeal to me. We will see!

Still things to do, so I will try to blog from The Land of the Pharaoh's!! Everyone stay well and be back later!

Chickie - my heart goes out to you on little Chi-Chi's passing! Thinking about you.

American "sizing" charts SUCK!! Big Time!

OK - this is NOT another one of those cheesecake shots - this would be thegrandson in his new baseball socks! I ran to the sports shop yesterday to get his baseball pants and socks, and being the dwarf that he is - we buy the X-small's. Yes folks, these are XS Youth Baseball socks. I am not sure what country grows these HUGE extra small kids, but I really want to go there - or maybe not. I often wonder about these articles where women have lost 150 pounds and are now down to 140 and wearing a size 4 - now most women know this is an impossibility - but it is my one last wish before I die to get in THAT size 4! So if anyone knows where this country is that makes these "mis-sized" clothes - please let me know.

Thegrandson DID get to play under the lights, as the game started late and it was fucking COLD!!!! So I must tell you - his LONG socks did come in handy. The game didn't get over till 8:45 pm and now we head to Bob Evans for a very late dinner. I hate to inconvenience people and the sign on the door says they close at 9 pm - but we were so hungry. We were nice and made the order simple and were home by 9:45 pm. Just a note, we had the most beautiful young man (gay) waiting on us, and thedaughter wanted so bad to ask about his makeup - but didn't. She figured if she asked, he would be our new best friend and we would get home even later. But he truly was a great guy.

This was to be a short post, just about the socks, but as usual, I ramble. I have been preparing deeds and affidavits in order for theRuss to transfer his property, and got all the paperwork completed yesterday and had it checked, so he will take care of all that tomorrow. When we originally checked at the Recorders office, they allude to the fact that we must see an attorney to have papers prepared - well, duh, why pay them when it is relatively simple to prepare yourself. So I saved theRuss about $200 in attorney fees. So cool - now I can start preparing mine to transfer my property to theson. I'm so talented I often shock myself. UGH!

Gotta run - things to do (client coming later today who hasn't filed a tax return in 10 years!) Just shoot me now! TTFN - stay well all!

THIS IS SOOO HILARIOUSLY STUPID!!

This article on a 19 year old murder suspect, being "starved to death" had me rolling on the floor laughing. Smoking Gun manages to find the ludicrous and insane to cover and this young man tops the charts. You have to read his handwritten statment (even the bad grammar and spelling) and then realize what a blooming idiot he truly is. He apparently cannot connect that "losing weight" is not necessarily inhumane treatment. Thusly, he must NOT even know that he is morbidly obese to begin with. OMG - can we say DUH loud enough?

Baseball time is here again! Whoopee!

Today was opening day for the Little League teams. As usual a lot of hustle and bustle, be here-be there, parade and game between moms and kids. So tedious, but the end result is a fun day for all.

Mr. Cool Dude (thegrandson) in his shades and thedaughter posing for their annual "together" baseball portrait. I managed to get some really good pics of the day. After the parade, I stayed at the field and "watched" the team play against the "moms." Since thedaughter had to be at work by 3 pm, she wasn't there, and I'll be damned if my decrepit body is going to play ball at this stage of my life. I used to play on teams years (eons) ago, but physically I cannot endure the challenge anymore. It turned out to be a perfect day for all this - temp was about 71 degrees and sunny - the past two days would have been unbearable as we surpassed the 80 degree mark.

Thegrandsons first "real" game is tomorrow night at 7 pm, in a neighboring city (Martins Ferry) and the kids are excited beacuse they may get to play "under the lights." I didn't want to burst his bubble, but they only play 5 innings and they don't take long, sun doesn't set till almost 8 now. Boo-hoo!

I rearranged my kitchen yesterday, moving all tax files and paraphernalia back to office space in basement. Now I have room again in my kitchen. Moving my hutch from one wall to the other was a task, but I managed. My back is aching a little, but I will get over it. I continue to do stupid things on a regular basis. I do believe in consistency.


I have always LOVED rainbows - and my friend and I were coming home from Red Lobster Tuesday evening, and the rain showers were intermittent, while the sun was still shining - and voila - of course we have rainbows. This one waned and brightened between showers, but remained for almost 45 minutes. I finally got this shot from my front porch and, although it didn't film well, it became a TRIPLE rainbow. Each less bright than the original - but there were 3. Thegrandson was hooting and hollering how unbelievable the whole thing was - doesn't take much to make us happy.

Just a scintilla of what has been going on - back to cleaning something - actually folding laundry. Take care and stay healthy. TTFN. 9 DAYS TILL I LEAVE FOR EGYPT!

LIFE SHOULD BE MORE CALM!! Maybe it's just ME!

Since Tax season ended, I thought I might get a break and some rest, but this is just not happening. Between, getting thegrandsons homework, baseball practice, the needs of friends and family - there is truth to the adage "no rest for the wicked!"

On my political view, with gas prices rising at a ridiculously fast rate, groceries keeping right on pace with fuel - what is a person to do? On Wednesday, Dubya (pain in the ass to most Americans) made another brazen statement - "We are not in a recession, just an economic slowdown!" Again with the SPIN!! Are there really a majority of morons out there, that believe what this man says as gospel? And we know how I feel about these "stimulus checks" - what a travesty. We wil never be in a position to repay China for the loans we have made (not to mention the other countries) and we are supposed to sit back and recite mantras to this babbling fool. I THINK NOT!

Here in the Ohio Valley, the economy has relied on coal mines and steel mills for employment and boosts to local economy. Now we are almost ghost towns. Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel was an icon in the steel industry for decades, until most of the steel contracts started being designated to China. The steel output from China has even proven to be of inferior quality - but in someone's infinite wisdom - trade relations are far better than taking care of our own.

My theory (for what it is worth) - we need a woman in the White House. Most women are in charge of balancing the checkbook and budgeting for the household, most women are the arbiters of all squabbles and conflicts within the home, and sometimes outside the home (usually with amicable results), women know how to stretch a buck (and also get more bang for said buck), and women can accomplish more in a given day than any man. The days of being subserviant have long passed - and face it -----it doesn't get worse than it is now.

I have always said that men suffer from short-sightedness. They (as a rule - but not all) generally make decisions as to how said decisions will effect themselves or others, for the immediate time - never for what the long-term effect might be. That must be a throw-back to men's need for immediate gratification....YUK YUK! (...and I'm serious!)

Hell, I am leaving in less than 2 weeks and haven't even been near my suitcase. I have decided not to take a lot of clothes, as theson has a washer and dryer - and I know how to use them. Lugging heavy suitcases is not my idea of fun. I learned long ago though, always carry a change of clothes (AND MAKEUP) in the carry-on - as luggage can always be lost. I leave on May 6th - I will probably pack...hmmm...that morning. I really hate to rush into anything. **my "woman" theory again...even when I pack last minute - I remember everything! I am the greatest!

Gotta run - things to do...take care and stay well...TTFN!

I ENJOYED A SHORT BREAK - RIGHT?!?!?

Tax season is now over and I have taken a few days break from blogging - although I have tried to keep up with viewing the rest of my fellow bloggers sites. Thedaughter is working a steady 3-11:30 pm or 1-9:30 pm shift, so babysitting is all I seem to do. The mother challenges fall back on me, with seeing that the homework is done and that we make it to baseball practice. Of course while the little stinker is in school, there is always houswork to do - something thedaughter never accomplishes.

When I return from Egypt, I am going to tackle "the basement." I imagine that will be at least a 2 day job. My basement has turned into a netherworld of "not sure where to put this" items. When in doubt - pitch it to the basement. Out of sight - out of mind. But it is driving me nuts, because I at least like organization. Since I am looking forward to my trip, I have come to the conclusion that it would be better to tackle this job AFTER I return, as I will probably throw my back out, or have a massive coronary. Ha!

My new Dell Laptop arrived on Thursday, and I have been going nuts transferring data from the old laptop to this one. Yesterday I tried to find a USB to USB cord for easy file transfer, and was unable to locate one, so I have been using my 2GB flash drive, going back and forth from one unit to the other.



I have told thedaughter she may USE my old laptop, I am not giving it to her, as I have data on there that still needs transferred, also, she isn't known for taking very good care of "stuff." I set up an account for thegrandson, so he can play his games and go to the math site for help. First, I am teaching him the proper way to open and shut down. Sometimes he just likes to hit all the keys, but he is learning very quickly. He likes the fact that he has his own password and no one else will know it - but for the fact that he tells everyone - so funny.

I have cleaned both closets in my bedroom and have so much stuff to donate to Goodwill, and thedaqughter says "NO way - I am having a yard sale." I don't have a problem with yard sales, just that hauling all the stuff in and out is too tedious. The last yard sale thedaughter had with her friend, left my front porch loaded with all their crap for over a month. My thoughts are that what doesn't sell - immediately goes to Goodwill. We shall see how this project evolves - till then, my "stuff" is headed to THE DAMN BASEMENT!" Argh!

I have to get my nails done today and finish up some laundry - so I am going to get started. Everyone have a great weekend and TTFN.

Mom2's Son married today!

ENOUGH SAID! LOVE YA JEAN! **Wedding pics are on Flickr site (on right)

Teenagers run amok!!

There has been a video running around the internet and on all the major news outlets, of a gang of teenage girls beating up one of their "friends." Two young men were also arrested (along with 6 girls), as they were the official "look-outs." I have listened to all the various opinions of this situation and feel slightly different than what I have heard. Psychologists, psychiatrists, child advocates, all seem to blame "technology." The trend should now turn to censorship for our youth, of internet capabilities.

I have never considered myself "old fashioned" but I blame the entire situation on LACK OF DISCIPLINE! When I was growing up, our teachers had us for 8 waking hours of the day - our parents maybe 3-4. We learned fear and respect in schools because our teachers had total control over us. Teachers today are basically high paid babysitters and should probably even get hazard pay for what they have to endure. Teachers can no longer use "corporal" punishment (as in paddling) or they will face the wrath of the ACLU. These parents who say they have never even smacked a child on their butt, and have tried all the "time outs" and "hugging" therapy, will soon reap their rewards.

Not once during all the roundtable discussions on this beating - did anyone place the blame in the home. All the blame was placed on the internet and access to all it has to offer. Considering this beating began because of a "posting" (nasty comments on friends) on myspace...the retaliatory stance from those affected was to make a video and then post it online as well. Wow, this could continue ad nauseum.

I still feel that discipline needs to return to the schools - kids of all ages need to realize that there are consequences for their actions...as things stand now, these kids know that mom and dad will bail them out of their messes and they will continue their same patterns.

That is my opinion and I stand by it. I am tired of the kids feeling that the world OWES them a living or anything else without honestly EARNING their way in the world.

Have a great day...I have waaaay too much to accomplish today and not enough hours. (I'm praying for rain to cancel out ball practice to free up some time...mean grandma!)

thesons DILEMMA?!?!?!?!?

theson hasn't cut his hair in at least 14-15 years and I LOVE it long. He has been running a poll on his blog, as to whether to cut or not to cut. I had even gone so far as to try and stack the poll in favor of NOT cutting, but I got tired of rebooting my computer. Needless to say, the majority is favoring a shearing. If he does cut his hair, he is donating his tresses to "Locks of Love." That makes this a worthy effort.

I envy ETW on her Canon Rebel XT camera, but I purchased slightly lower than that. I bought the Canon PowerShot S51S today (picture above taken with new camera.) It has all the features I could possible need, and hopefully theson will help me play with it later this evening. I'm really excited just to be upgrading...I will let thedaughter use my little Sony Cyber shot.

On another note I just read that Condoleeza Rice is interested in being McCains' VP...now, has anybody noticed how little (if anything) this woman has done while in her position? And won't Bush be jealous losing her to another man? OOPS...can you tell I am not a Rice fan??? Just a thought.

So much for all I have to say tonight. Be back later. TTFN

THE CONSUMATE HUNTER!!

If my husband were alive, and we could afford a hot tub....this is how he would have hunted!!! So funny!

I call it SPIN or at least "How to sound like a moron!"

I have read this article several times and always go back to the 2nd paragraph and what the idiot, moronic anonymous law enforcement officer was quoted as saying; "in case they're involved in sensitive areas that could escalate into a negative reaction." Maybe it is my midwestern life, but we call a spade a spade...we don't pussyfoot around and try to make every statement "flowery."

I now believe that all law enforcement personnel are taking courses in HOW TO ADDRESS THE PRESS! I have listened to our local police officers and I KNOW how stupid they are, but when addressing the media - they use phrases that a) have no pertinence to the situation, b) use fifty cent words that they have failed to look up in the dictionary c) actually try to look like they are making an astounding and intellectual presentation. NOPE - THEY ALL LOOK AND SOUND MORONIC!!!!

As to the quote I have referenced above - wouldn't it have been much easier to say "we have medical and police backup in case we fuck up like the Koresh/Davidians mess in Texas!" No, I'm not a rocket scientist, but in order to cover their collective asses, I guess it is much easier to make a flowery non-sensical statement.

Amen...I am done for today...
TTFN - more later.

Oh My ACHING Back!!!....

This is the time when I like to sit back and relish "the accomplishment!" That accomplishment being - cleaning thegrandsons TOY ROOM...
Thegrandson spends a great deal of time in this room, playing PS2 games, watching TV, coloring, whatever. He has his mothers genes though when it comes to cleaning. I finally started throwing things the other night when I could not get into my storage closet (hidden on left). Thegrandson is great at taking things out yet never putting them back. Thedaughter is constantly yelling at him to get it cleaned, and "grounding" him when that isn't done. When she left for work today, she said to make sure HE cleans the room - and that she would be able to tell if I did the job. BIG WHOOP! I can't get her to understand that he is seven and he will not entirely clean anything on his own, YOU have to have him help. He helped sort through all the colored bins, and amazingly threw out a lot of stuff, while I sorted them. Then we tackled all his books, and he discarded all the ones that were too young for him. While he "took a break" I managed to discard quite a bit of other junk - when he can't find it later, well, my answer will be "haven't got a clue!"

The downside to all this is my back is now KILLING me! I am not a stupid person and know I have a bad back - but the job needed to be done. Now, if I can only get him to find the missing DVD's and PS2 games. I've got the cases - no contents.

Theson referenced my trip to Egypt on his blog, yet got the dates way wrong. I think he has been in the desert sun too long maybe. He commented that "with my sternum" problems, camel riding may be precarious. I must explain, when I had my triple bypass 5 years ago, my breastbone never knitted together. Apparently I am allergic to the wire they used and my skin/tissue pulled away instead of together. I can move my shoulders or take deep breaths and I can feel the bones overlapping and rubbing. I "hear" a clicking sound, which I know is not audible but I don't know how to explain it otherwise. Theson and others have said to have it fixed - now I have had my chest cracked open once and boobs flopping off a table - I can't see me going through all that again - I will just deal with it. Beside I have a beautiful, almost un-noticeable scar - I'd hate to get a butcher a second time.

I have to feed the little urchin, so I better attempt to move - OUCH! I will take some Tylenol and a hot bath also!

Still looking at different cameras - not sure I need the Canon Rebel XT - but may end up there - having lots of fun looking though.

Take care all and be back later...TTFN!

WOOHOO - Travel plans made for Egypt!

I have the best son in the entire world. He is flying me to Cairo, Egypt for a visit/vacation! We talked online this morning (if you can call his shite internet connection "talking") and he was making the flight reservations at the same time. He was shocked at the Business class rates ($4000-$8000), so I am flying economy. I have visions of sitting next to a grossly obese, hairy, smelly guy with a chicken in his lap - but hey, nothing lasts forever.

I am leaving Pittsburgh Airport May 6th to Washington, DC, to Frankfurt, Germany and on to Cairo. This is going to be so great. My friends can't believe I travel alone, but doing things (dining, shopping, travelling) alone has never bothered me. Theson was trying to send me through Amsterdam, but was worried about his mother getting stoned and missing the plane...DUH!! Took all the fun out of that! Did I mention how liberal we are??? I will be returning home on May 17th. Considering travel time of a day each way - this is super.

I started my tanning last week (late for me) so I won't burn to a crisp. Now I have to get on the stick and buy my new camera. I may go the way of ETW, and purchase the Canon digital camera. I don't know that I need the additional lens at this time, but we will see. Amazingly, my fellow bloggers and I have trudged along with our Sony Cyber-shots, but now we want quicker shutter speed for better pictures for our blogs and posterity. We are such an eclectic group.

Now, the big question...do I get on a camel or not? I think that would be so cool also, just to say "I have been on a camel", but do I want a saddle sore like the son? Oh, the decisions I have to make. Thesons'college roomate and his wife will be visiting at the same time, so I know we will have fun. I always got along well with theJay! When my husband died, thesons college friends were right here for him - which was a terrific act of thoughfulness.

I am so excited right now, I could jump out of my skin. I have been telling everyone I am going to Egypt, but no plans were actually made - NOW THEY ARE CARVED IN STONE!!! Hell, pull me off the ceiling now!

Gotta clean this house (always falls down around my ears during Tax Season), work on returns (have to pay for new camera), and maybe throw in some laundry. Thank heavens, thegrandson can entertain himself - or I would go completely bonkers. The sun is shining, travel plans made and I am happy - what more could this old bag wish for?!!?!?!?!

EVERYONE HAVE A SUPER, WONDERFUL, HAPPY, MARVELOUS WEEKEND....TTFN!
OH - STAY HEALTHY AND WELL.

***Just an aside...thegrandson has always called me NINA - and now he is in to this "GRANDMA" thing...we can't have this. I may duct tape him to the wall later.

...and I am NOT too old!! No matter what they say!

I took a break from tax returns, clients, sick grandson and did something for ME! Check this out - who cares that "60" is around the corner - I'm cool! I have wanted some colored "chunks" in my hair for awhile, but last year the stylist rather inferred I was "too old" for the look, and I went with her decision. Oh hell, I decided to do it my way this time and I love it, actually I would be happier had she put the chunks of color all over - she only did the top of my hair. No problem, I will have her rectify that in about 6 weeks. But I do love the look. My daughters are pretty happy with it also.

Thegrandson is still rashy and scaly. Our family doctor is now sending us to a dermatologist - and thedaughters health coverage does not cover this doctor - so I will be paying for these trips. Thegrandson has been having increasing pain in his legs and arms and this is just being brushed off. HEALTH CARE IN THIS COUNTRY SUCKS!! BIG TIME!! Doctors do not care about individuals...just payments. I am really fed up with the whole situation.

This is just a quickie (such is my life), heading for bed - tons of work tomorrow. Everyone take care and TTFN.