At 7:30 am in morning...someone pissing me off!!!!

OK - I mentioned the HUGE package from Egypt was supposed to arrive here at my home either yesterday or today in a previous post. This package (one) weighs 440 pounds. The delivery was NOT made yesterday, so I assumed (bad idea) today would be the day. This is sooooo NOT happening.

I just got a call from the trucking company hired to deliver and the news is not good. When I spoke to the gentleman who handled this delivery as it entered the U.S., he said it would be delivered on a 25 foot truck and a small bribe would probably ensure some help in getting the heavy load onto my porch. Again - NOT.

This guy I just spoke with, is aware of our location and the truck being used is a SEMI-TRACTOR TRAILER. That would be 45 more feet of truck to try and traverse narrow residential streets - in deplorable condition due to all this snow and ice.

I explained to this gentleman, that I was told that someone might be able to help me get this onto the porch and his reply..."I am a solo driver." He then asks if I know anyone with a forklift??? Where the fuck did he come up with that one? Anyone out there have a forklift they want to loan me? Holy crap Batman...I'm ready for a breakdown.

As it stands at the moment...this guy will call me back on Monday, after conversing with his boss, to see if there can be a remedy. Theson has a full bed pick up truck, maybe I can meet the guy somewhere and OPEN this single package and place the individual pieces into the pickup. I know I will still need help in doing even that. This is so bizarre - I know theson packaged everything individually - how the hell did they all end up in ONE HUGE BOX???

I must go rethink this whole situation...my brain cells are aching! It is snowing more and a big storm is brewing - what next...an earthquake??? Don't answer that!!!

Later............

P.S. I just shot this "weather" video to add here. Brrrr....

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks to all for your concern and prayers!

Thegrandson is home now, on very strong antibiotics (so powerful no pharmacy had it in inventory), and hopefully on the recuperative road. I had to take him back to the doctor Thursday and the first thing the doctor said to me was "Do you realize how sick the little guy is?" Ask me another dumb question - because I was beginning to wonder if anyone in the medical profession truly knew how sick he was. I waffle between is/was, because he is still losing skin and his hands are like raw meat actually. He is still "molting" on feet, legs, arms, hands and fingers. we are going to have to bandage his hands in such a way as to be able to hold a pencil in school and protect the exposed skin from secondary infections. I think the meds are zonking him to a degree as he is taking naps (3 hrs) daily. He just shuts off the TV, rolls over and he is out like a light. This little guy hasn't taken a nap in over 3 years.

I received so many emails hoping for his quick recovery and for that I am so grateful. His Uncle has called a couple of times (from Egypt) and this perks him up immensely. We are trying to catch up on missed homework, but for the most part it is just "busy" work. We cover the basics, spelling and math, and we are good to go. He is very bright and will catch up quickly I believe.

To top everything off, I have either the flu or a very bad cold and all I want to do is crawl in bed and sleep - but I will put that off till I get caught up on all the work I have missed. There truly is no rest for the wicked.

More later guys....TTFN

POOR BABY - Not getting better!

The poor baby hasn't improved - actually he has gotten worse. This picture does not show how severe the rash actually is, but to know thegrandson - he is a tiny little thing. He is 7 years old and only weighs 41 pounds - skinny as hell, but fine according to all the doctors testings relating to his size. Normally, he has the skinniest, longest fingers, but this morning he woke up crying because he couldn't "make a fist or bend my toes!" He was so swollen it just made me want to cry.

I had gone to vote, before thedaughter left for work, and when I returned (after picking up donut holes for the grandson), thedaughter met me on the porch crying, and in a panic because of the swelling. She said she had called the doctor and they asked why she hadn't taken him back to the ER - DUH! - There's a no-brainer. Without arguing, I just said bundle him up and lets get the hell out of here.

I will not make a nasty diatribe on the medical profession at this time - but I ought to. We spent 3 1/2 hours at the ER again, only to be sent home to take the same meds and maybe let him soak in an oatmeal bath. Oh, they did take blood and also a urinalysis, which revealed no major virus or protein. I think we heard more complaints from the ER doctor, that he needed to be 3 people today to take care of everyone - LIKE THIS IS MY PROBLEM!

I was IM'ing with theson yesterday (he's in Egypt) and thegrandson asked me if theson would call him on the phone. How could I say no. And theson obliged, and called thegrandson within 2 minutes. That phone call made the little fart's day. It is unbelievable the love he has for his Uncle. The call had a slight healing effect also.

It took 4 people to hold the stinker down so blood could be drawn - and a promise from me "the Nina" to buy him 2 games for his PSP or PS2 - and I think he has reminded me every hour on the hour. Bless his heart. ME AND MY BIG MOUTH!

Oh well, gonna try and get some meds down the stinker, maybe some food too!

More updates later...take care and stay healthy -- TTFN!

Any Other Mutants Out There???

This picture isn't the best, but I have always had this "brown" spot in my eye, and in certain lighting situations - it really is quite noticeable.

Having had this "mutation" allllllll my life, I never think about it till I either see a picture where it stands out, or someone comments on the fact.

**** Thedaughter just informed me I must be brain dead to blog about "my eye!" I honestly think she may be right this time.

My demented husband thought (or at least he told me) my brown spot was sexy and weird all at the same time. Since I was a twin, I told him the genes were all screwed up somewhere along the line - and my eye color was in doubt apparently.

Enough of this crap already - just popped into my head and to the blog I went.

Theson emailed me from Cairo, Egypt wanting me to obtain an absentee ballot for him - Ohio's Primary is March 4th. Now, not as if this is late or anything, I assumed (bad idea) that I could go to the Election Board and get a ballot and FedEx it to theson and he would fill it out, and return as soon as possible. HELL NO!!! He has to "APPLY" for the absentee ballot - although I explained that I have his Power of Attorney, I was informed that it was no good in applying for a ballot. Bullshit! Then one of the women begins asking me "why did he wait so long?" To which I replied - "to drive me NUTS!" Note, I do not like this woman anyway - and would have preferred she just butt out.

Another woman is telling me that he can download the form from their website and then mail the application back to their office. I am not stupid by any means, but are they missing the fact that I said he was in Egypt and "time" is a major factor here? ELECTION DAY IS IN 2 WEEKS!!! After much BS'ing and stupid rhetoric - I asked - what is the deadline for counting absentee ballots? Answer: TWENTY DAYS AFTER ELECTION DATE! Now, the morons could have told me that initially - then I would not have had to get my blood pressure involved. My tolerance for idiots is so terribly low - I should probably take medication for that.

Needless to say, the process is now underway, via the internet (I also explained that major internet lines had been severed, and Africa was one of the countries suffering) - and moron at window said "Oh, I have been cooped up here for the past 5 days I hadn't heard!" Of course not - it happened 2 weeks ago MORON!!!

Enough garbage spewed for now - everyone stay well (I know I hear coughing and sneezing from a lot of blogs lately) and TTFN!!

Couldn't stand the hair - Let the DOG freeze!

Now look at the sad doggie face in the "after" picture. After running my sweeper 3-4 times a day, I made the appointment to get the dog sheared. Considering most dogs her size are "outside" dogs, she must not have read the book - she thinks she is a primping poodle - you should see how long it takes her to pee and be barking to get back in the house.

Some form of transformation takes place when she is groomed also. She gets more "primpy" - if there is such a word. Granted, she is the best dog in the world (and even better when she is NOT shedding!) She prances and struts like she is really something to appreciate - and of course, we do.

Then we have this:


This is Isis, the 10 year old female Calico. Mean, vicious, psychotic feline. You can be petting her and she will be purring then out of nowhere...count your fingers. She will bite and growl and become a vicious feral thing. As I stated earlier in a blog, I probably contributed to her demeanor...and I have been a cat lover all my life. I do know that there was a lot of inter-breeding in Isis' lineage...because a friend had the sister and she was equally nasty. We have subtly been encouraging the dog to eat the cat...but that doesn't seem to be working. Guess we will have to put up with her mood swings till she craps out some day.

She doesn't like thegrandson at all, and starts growling when he is one room away - smack!

Theson finally came home today. He was in Columbus for New Years and then to Cleveland to get some necessary papers from his college to submit for an Egyptian visa. It is amazing how many hoops you have to jump through to get into another country - and we let anybody come to America. (Nasty, trite comment - so sorry!)

Looks like he will be flying to Washington, D.C., now instead of New York to submit said paperwork to the Egyptian embassy, on Tuesday and possibly flying to Egypt on Wednesday. My heart is just breaking seeing him go away for such a long period of time again.

Oh well, I have a nasty cold and think I will head to bed, and whine and complain a little too!

Everyone else, stay healthy and TTFN.

Late Christmas Dinner with oldest Daughter & Family!

Thedaughter2 and her family came over last night for a late Christmas celebration. After opening presents we all, theson and Jules, thedaughter, thegrandson and myself all went to a local Italian restaurant for dinner. My son-in-law is 100% Italian and poor lowly me - Irish. I am so not a fan of Italian food and my family has always been the opposite. Spaghetti and pizza are just desperate "fallbacks" when nothing else can be decided upon. But I must say, when theson suggested going here I was rather happy as we invariably end up at a steak house. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my marinated chicken! Everyone else did the culture thing with pizza, calzones, sausages, caciatore, etc... Me, I am a happy camper with my family together.

Jules left for home today, and we had an enjoyable visit while she was here. She and theson will hook up in Egypt about mid-February I think. Theson will be leaving probably Tuesday or Wednesday for New York to head to the Egyptian consulate to get the proper papers in order for the trip and leave directly from NYC to Egypt. With any luck he wants to meet up with Championable possibly - that would be cool, since he is such a fascinating gentleman.

Now this is the ultimate "tough guy" pic of thegrandson. He thinks he is so badass...sure!!! He loves his aunt and cousins, it is a shame with our busy lives, they can't get together more often. Stephen (my oldest grandson) is just like a little kid when they are together - or maybe thegrandson is like a big kid...hmmm...not sure about that one, anyway they have a blast.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year! I know I will, I can't remember the last New Year's Eve I "partied." It is tough to get old...I just usually sleep through all the commotion!! I really need a life!

TO ALL A HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS 2008!!