Writing assignments

Friday evening I finished all the articles and boxes for a tabloid for the North Iowa Home Improvement and Landscaping Show. I worked on it 16 days for a total of some 30 hours. Some of the time was because I don't have a scanner so had to retype last year's copy as well as type in copy to the Globe via email. A lot of time was spent phoning and phoning again. Got all but one of the companies who took out ads for the tabloid. The articles are free. Wasn't much journalism, as Bob Steenson pointed out, just a lot of PR.

With wind chill factor, it was 40 degrees below zero last night. Car took right off. Just a few seconds before it turned over. Heat tape kept water pipes nice and toasty. Per Counsin Jan, however, I set the alarm and got up every two hours to run the hot water, as it freezes first.

Pam is coming over to take a shower. They have cold water but no hot water.

Not doing too well getting rid of last 5 pounds or so, but don't think I've gained much, if any.

Have lost 20 pounds.

My New Wig

Joe called and wanted to go out to dinner. Since the temperature outzide is 0, and I had warmed up the car twice, I asked him to come get me, which he did. He was driving his mother's car, since his Volkswagon blew a coil. The first thing I did after he called was to get my wig and put it on. It's the same color as my hair, with lots of body and bangs. People just think I've done something with my hair. After dinner, Joe brought me home and came in and used my camera to take a picture. Will get prints. With help, of course.

Yesterday, wore my wig when I hitched a ride to Garner with Sarah Aronsen, a photographer for the Globe Gazette. The weather was supposed to be blowing snow, which never materialized. It was fun to be with someone else on an assignment. This was for the February Home of the Month. It's due Thursday, Jan. 24, because the first Friday in February is the 1st.

Actually, I wear my wig whenever I go out. But won't for my passport picture and won't for doctor's checkups because I have to take off my sweater, which means trying to readjust the wig, which is awkward.

Jessica get pictures to go on her blog. I probably wouldn't be able to figure it out.

Blasted Mozilla Firefox

Established internet sites keep going off and I have to rewrite websites on the address spot. This is aggravating beyond belief, as it's my blogspot that goes off consistently. As well as other spots I use frequently.

I have no idea why this happens. Should email Mike at Jumpgate. Maybe I'll do that.

A blustery winter day

The temperature is in the teens - before the wind chill factor. The wind is fierce. I went out with Shelly for lunch - she drove - and declined to get out again.

I don't know what we'll do Christmas Day - it depends on the weather. If my mother won't get out, I'll take stuff over to her place then go to Joe's myself later.

Tomorrow, I'm baking pumpkin pies. With heavy cream, not evaporated milk. Have to patch up one of the pie shells. I hope the pie shells taste ok, as they use vegetable oil, not lard or Crisco.

Got Joe his Boston fern. A really big one. And a large poinsettia for my mother. Checks to Annie and Jessica and Katie. Used the wrong zip code for Annie, but she got mine. Now, if she will only get the check I sent from my mother. When I copied the zip code into my address book, the pen skipped on the loop in the 9, so I thought it was a 1. Had it right on the notepad, but apparently checked the wrong one.

Haven't been to church in ages, so have been playing Christmas carols on the organ. Hope that does it.

Christmas shopping

All I have left to get is a Boston fern for Joe. Baker Floral is trying to order one for me. All Mother wanted was a poinsetta, so got her a real nice one at Baker Floral. Cost a lot more than one from Wal Mart, but it's a lot nicer, too. Have left it covered up so Boots doesn't get into it. Will take it over tomorrow.

Sent checks to Jessica & Annie & Katie. Got a copy of a picture of Jess when she was 10 and sent it to Steve.

Jessica is getting a second horse - Calabar - a former race horse with Thoroughbred hooves. She says he and Lena are both brats, which is what she likes.

Winter

Winter has arrived. It gets down in the teens overnight and stays in the 20's during the day. There is some snow on the ground with more expected today. I didn't get plowed out until Monday afternoon as there was ice as well.

Everyone in California laughs, of course, but they are getting heavy rains, which can be dangerous.
Tomorrow, I am taking my mother for a hair appointment after my hair cut. Saturday, we are scheduled at Marjorie's Tea House for lunch with friends celebrating birthdays and Christmas. Mother's sidewalk and driveway have not been shoveled, so getting her to the car is a problem.

So much for the start of winter.

Digital camera

My Canon PowerShot arrived by UPS Wednesday. Pam and I got the batteries installed and the picture clip, and I took a couple of pictures of her, but still have no idea how to use the camera. Joe is supposed to help sometime today.

Once again, my blogspot went off the short list on Mozilla, which aggravates me to no end. I guess I'll have to add to the blog every couple of days.

Yesterday I substituted at John Adams Middle School, but it was easy. A student teacher in many of the classes. All were co-taught. Monday I will only be there in the afternoon, for another teacher, but the one with a student teacher.

Have yet to find a time for an interview for the new December Home of the Month. Hope to get that straighted out today. May have to cancel more appointments.

That's the news.