Maunie James

Happy Days

2009-09-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

It's really cool in Boston but going back to the eighties this week. This is the kind of weather I

love. All day it's beautiful...and then at night you may need a sweater...so terrific. After going to

the girls soccer games we go out to have a bite to eat (which means no cooking for me) what's

wrong with that. Then, sleep with the windows open...awesome.

So many people have insurmountable problems. We have ours but I wouldn't change with

anyone. Just hope and pray things don't get worse. My grandchildren are my blessings and

with all the things you hear about teens today...they are amazing. Life is good.

Hello

2009-09-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

Okay I have been absent for awhile. I discovered facebook and it's addicting. First I check

my emails and then right to facebook. You can be friends with tons of people and see even more

of their lives...so...if your on come find me. I am Maureen Vellucci...hope to add you soon.

Can a little become too much?

2009-01-31T03:42:00.000-08:00

We have a large group of friends from forties to seventys who have been friends for some years.
I have a problem with two of them. How can you tell someone that they have crossed the line,
and what they are saying is hurtful.

Not too me but to the older folks in our group the good natured joking sometimes becomes
mean.

Should I just mind my own business? Hubby says it's worse when they are golfing and it's
all in fun. I'm not so sure. Any opinions?

Penny's such a bad kitty

2009-01-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

On our way down to Florida we stopped at Virginia to see our friends and had a wonderful

couple of days. Penny was not crazy about their five grandchildren (she is the star of the world)

but didn't bother them. When I spoke with my friend she was complaining about not finding

things ie; the kids small toys, nooks, all sorts of things. I apologised and told her to look behind

chairs, under tables any place a rouge cat can fit. They serched for three days. Last night she

called us. Penny found the perfect hiding place. Stuffed in a pillow case, including the pillow

were....two babies nooks, a small gold ring, Marianne's lipstick (maybe penny liked the color)

and various other things. Thank goodness they are dear friends or we wouldn't be invited back.

We tried explaining that it was naughty to hide other peoples things but she just continued

taking her bath in her favorite sunny spot. What can we do? She is so darn cute.

We made it

2009-01-21T05:32:00.000-08:00

Do you believe it? We made it down to Florida...no humans or cats were in any way injured

on the way down. Of course I followed the doctors instructions and stayed medicated most of

the way and did lots of nodding and smiling. Leaving Virginia it was so foggy and also pouring

I talked him into stopping in South Carolina to watch the two football games. I have never slept
,
as much as on the way down. Now the awesome drugs are wearing off and Iam feeling more

normal (bitchy). But I'm so glad to see my friends here, it's all good. I will get in touch with all

of you soon but now I have to unpack and do some straightening up. I LOVE this little place

and wish you were all here

Shouldn't I be excited?

2009-01-15T06:31:00.000-08:00

We are finally leaving for Florida tomorrow or the next day. The problem is that I am so
exhausted...all the time...I go to bet early but can't fall asleep and if I do I'm up at 4 or 5.
Too much on my mind I guess. Usually I am so happy and it's bitterly cold here. Even Penny,
the most wonderful cat in the world is sleeping up against the radiator. I guess it's just the drag of packing...cleaning up this house only doing the same in Florida...Oh well my dear friends...speak to you from there...I don't know what I would do without you...

Snow again

2009-01-10T04:52:00.000-08:00

A beautiful Saturday morning. Cold but not too cold. What's this? It's going to snow again?
Apparently this is why we go to Florida. One of our friends from down there already called and mentioned that if we leave now...we can get to Virginia in eight hours and no snow is predicted for them.

The first snow was wonderful...bright sun on pristine grounds...could not wait to get out in it,
Now...enough already. Hubby is so cranky because he won't be able to see the targets at his gun club. Older son will have to plow again...usually over night because he has so much commercial stuff to do. Me, I'll bake more and get fat as a horse, round as a pig, clumsy as a hippo...well, you get the idea.

I just put a blueberry cake in the oven and it smells wonderful in here, I haven't driven since December eleventh but I need ingredients and will have to sneak out when hubby leaves. The Doctor said I could drive in about a month so...tomorrow is the eleventh...right.
I do want to get back before the snow starts.

Hopefully, the fourteenth or fifteenth is the day we leave...if all goes well. I'm already sick
of snow...how could I have loved it so much when I was a kid or when my own children were small.

There goes the timer...gotta check the cake...wish I could share it with all of you.

2008-12-30T07:12:00.001-08:00

2008-12-30T07:12:00.000-08:00

I think I'm getting there

2008-12-21T03:31:00.000-08:00

It's six thirty in the morning and I'm awake. I sleep most of the day so when I am alert on any level here I am. I am doing much better but it's such slow going. I don't think I would have bothered with the surgery if I had anticipated this much pain but it's mostly over now.

I feel badly because hubby and I missed so many parties. Tonight is another one but I'm really not up to it. I could force myself but then I won't know how it effects Christmas Eve and day. These are his friends but I can't get him to go without me.

I have been so lucky. He has been amazing. Not complaining about all the boring stuff. ie:
cooking, straightening up...laundry...shopping...boy I owe him big time...now that I think of it a
couple of weeks before Christmas is not the time to do stuff like this.

Last year he was sick Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It was the first time in his life he didn't see his mother over Christmas. Maybe next year I'll just take things as they come.

With no tree and no presents Penny the pack rat has been on her good behavior. a few
missing socks and pens and things but she is lazy and hides everything in the same spot....behind the dry sink..although I am missing about four rolls of tape.

Well, the least I can do is put on the coffee...thanks for putting up with me....

Maun

What was I thinking?

2008-12-15T11:49:00.000-08:00

On the eleventh of December I went into the hospital with the highest of expectations. Last
time I had the surgery for the right legs sciatica and it was not bad at all. Yes the back was sore
but when I put my right leg down...I was fine. This time I sunk right to the floor.

The pain was unimaginable. No drugs worked...morphine...demeral...anything they had I tried.
I was taking stuff every three hours but it only took the very top layer of pain away. I have never, ever experienced anything like this. The pain shoots down my leg and the toes on my left leg tingle...horrible...then the spasms start. I never slept more then an hour at a time and woke up ready to scream every time.

They finally sent me home late Sunday night with percodens and Valium for the spasms. I am
also taking a sleeping pill and sleeping in my own bed, I managed three hours.

I always thought I had a high tolerance to pain...so much for that. The Doctor says we will try
giving it a couple of weeks and then maybe more X rays and another MRI...he said it was too bad I had such an easy time the first time...and this is not uncommon...sure...anyway enough of me
belly aching just don't expect me around too much...you guys have always been so wonderful so a prayer or two can't hurt...love you all...Maun

Today's a happy day

2008-11-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I was a little down yesterday
But today, things are back to normal
Apparently I had a little glitch that
we all seem to suffer with, but back
to the old happy me today.

Also, I go for my acupuncture
this morning and I love that
I also polished off three loads
of laundry (young son is home
until he finds an apartment)

Because I am the worst Mom
in the world...this is what's
bothering me...I know, I know
you will have to take my name
off the ballet for Mom of the year

Everything else is status quo
I'm a little sore and achy but
will feel better after my acupuncture.
so don't cry for me Argentina
I am sorry for upseting anyone

2008-11-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

I'm having one of those days
you know the kind...I'm sort
of moody for no good reason,
depressed, for no reason
and very very witchy

Counting my blessings is not
working...being kind to others
not so much, my Mom used to
say I was "spoiling for a fight"
yup, that's it...I am spoiling

I'm very blessed. I have
wonderful family and friends.
I have all I need although not
all I want. Sometimes we just
feel selfish..and a little nasty.

Yup that's me today, so stay
outa my way...I'm spoiling
for something...feeling sad
and sorry...tomorrow...I
will be fine. Wish it was morning

Penny's always right

2008-11-07T05:50:00.000-08:00

I am trying to get my beautiful cat Penny
off so many treats. She cries for them
whenever someone walks into the kitchen.

I tried to fool her with her own food in a
treat bag. She lifted her tail and ambled
away...a look of disdain on her adorable face.

The vet said she is getting a little heavy
I know, I know how dare she. My little
Penny is just perfect. Okay, some times
she behaves like a pack rat hiding things
all over the house. But gee...so what.

My neighbor thinks I am too nuts over
my cat...hummm...you should see him
with his goofy dogs...and by the way...can
you actually love someone or something
too much? I don't think so.

It's Wonderful

2008-11-07T03:33:00.000-08:00

I have come to the conclusion that acupuncture is wonderful for all that ails you.
It's awesome for stress, and at least for the day, the pain is gone. I can't believe
what a difference I feel when I leave. Now if it lasted all the time it would be
terrific.

Monday was acupuncture, Tuesday was my regular doctor's appointment.
When I told him how great I felt the day before, he manipulated certain sites
on my back and leg and that felt wonderful too.

This whole business is to alleviate having more back surgery. I just had it about
four years ago and I don't want it again. Not that it's so painful, just, when does it
end. I don't want surgery every few years, even though the doctors and staff at Lahey
are wonderful, I'd rather try alternative medicine.

But that's just me...what do you think?

Happy Father's Day by Maunie James

2008-06-16T03:36:00.000-07:00

From Santa in the North Pole..with all his elves...to all the other Dads everywhere the very happiest of fathers day's.

This new generation of fathers is awesome. Both sons were hands on with their babies. Unlike our hubbies, for the most part. My hubby worked sometimes sixty hour weeks and waseven called out in the middle of the night. At that time he was a foreman in the telephone Company. He wasn't there to change diapers and give bottles but occasionally he did. My oldest son was holding his daughter the first time we saw her. Her Mom had a cesarean birth and was out of it most of the time. He did all the feeding and changing in the hospital and a lot of it at home. His second baby was born in January so he worked very little except for plowing and he took over with her too. I was amazed.

Young son spent every moment he could with his son. So different from the way our Dads and Hubby's interacted, but much better. So....all you hardworking and hands on dads...the happiest and most relaxing day to you all, you deserve it.

Another Fine Mess by Maunie James

2008-06-16T03:35:00.000-07:00

My two sons are not getting along. That's putting it mildly. Ands on father's day. What to do? We were all supposed to go to daughter-in-law's house for dinner. Then, older son declared taking young son would ruin another holiday for him. He made me so nervous that we decided to go out to dinner. Older son said "well you made your choice...are you happy?" Of course I haven't made my choice. And I am assuredly not happy.

Since they were small they argued and fought..we thought it was just sibling rivalry but now it has escalated into a form of pure hatred..It's so hard to try to make a holiday peaceful and hubby is taking the brunt of it today. So the three of us will go out and sidestep the big gathering, it's such a shame.

Hubby is getting concerned about his weight..he's not really large he just has a huge belly and sort of looks like that guy who is carrying the baby. It would be so nice if all men followed suit.Of course, there would only be one child per family but still, it would be nice. I can see all women smirking at the very thought. Then, they will find out how difficult it is...especially in the summer.

Well, that's my new rant for the day..happy fathers day to all of you wonderful Dads.

Money Woes by Maunie James

2008-06-16T03:34:00.000-07:00

You will not believe it. I'm not kidding you absolutely will not believe this..hubby...has put me on an allowance...me...on an allowance...are you as flabbergasted as I am? It started on Monday but I luckily had a few bucks put away because by Wednesday I was flat broke again. Now that's gone too!!! he will not relent...and claims I spend too much money. I haven't been on an allowance since...never...I have never been on an allowance or a budget or anything and I do NOT spend too much money.

He told me to get a part time job...in the summer...with the pool open...and the beach ten minutes from the house...I don't think so...and who will feed the hungry hordes who come to the pool every day...doesn't he know how much it cost for sandwiches and drinks and fruit? Of course he doesn't...but that's kind of why he took my cash access away...gee...he said if there was a poor house anymore we would be going to it...and me...because I am the cause of all this would have to have a room without a window...because I'm claustrophobic...see how mean he is...he said he will buy groceries on Tuesdays and when we run out of food oh well...oh well..my poor hungry grand children and their friends could starve to death...

I am thinking about options...maybe robbing a bank...or a gas station...that's where all the money is these days...who's up for helping me? I'm a great driver so I will drive the get away car. I will also write the note...not that I am a better writer but I am much more menacing...Now, we just need someone to wear a costume and do the physical robbing. Come on I know one of you can be up for it...and we will split...70 for me 30 percent for you cuz after all I thought of it.

Who's with me?

The Mess in my Head by Maunie James

2008-06-16T03:33:00.000-07:00

When I woke up I was so cranky...not really like me...My allergy is bad and I ache all over...I'm really not a cry baby but today is not a good day...

Hubby and young son are still replacing the fence that surrounds the pool and they are cranky also...and the weathers wonderful...and we have a nice breeze..we should all be sent to the island of cranky ingrates. Anyway, no matter what I do I am triping over them...I was doing laundry and they had to be down stairs...changing the bed and they are needing clean towels from the linen closet...now my neighbor comes in exclaiming about the stupid people who actually buy into the whole bottled water thing...just another thing to get hubby going...look...I can't kill everyone...so let's narrow the list...Hubby for obvious reasons...young son..again needs no explaination...now my favorite neighbor...what to do..so many suspects only one spare bullet.

Do ya think I can talk them into lining up...one after the other?

Another Fun Day by Maunie James

2008-06-16T03:32:00.000-07:00

I think I'm accident prone. I'm not kidding I am the biggest klutz in the world.

I was talking to my granddaughter and we were talking about when we visited my nephewJim and his family. Oh yeah Nana said she, remember you threw yourself in the bushes? Well Idon't quite remember it that way. I tripped and fell in, and her father, my oldest son, was so surprised he pulled me up with one arm and yelled at me for falling...MEN!!

But the funniest time was when you didn't let go of the bowling ball and fell down the alley. Oh my gosh Nana that was really a riot...well I do aim to please.. I thought

How about when you were in Florida and you were holding Penny and Grampy came at you with the new toilet and you hurt yourself rather then hurt Penny..by now you could tell she was going to wet her pants she was laughing so hard...serve her right...anyway Grampy was not threatening me with a toilet..he didn't quite see me and I was trying to get out of the way!!!

Oh, oh, oh, what about the time we forced you to jump in the pool and you almost swallowedhalf the water...gasp..gasp..okay sweetie I think Nana has entertained you enough for one day..tell Mom I will call her later...good thing she is cute as a bugs ear...at least if she hurts other peoples feelings they will still love her too..

Spring Time by Maunie James

2008-06-16T03:30:00.000-07:00

It's spring in Massachusetts and I have proof...it's warm and wonderful and I have bought tons of plants and herbs to plant and I can't wait.

One tiny problem...I can't breath outside...not an exaggeration..I can't even see that well...my eyes are all swollen..my nose runs...I cough and sneeze...and I can't take anything that may effect my a- fib.

If hubby ever finds out how much I have spent on flowers and things...well...I may just have to move in with one of you guys...I know perps...I promised no more credit card use but it's spring!

I was just thinking...is pollen as bad at night? Of course trying to plant, even in the barrels may be awkward if it's dark...and I'm such a scarredy cat anything in the dark frightens me...wish spending money and dealing with hubby scared me...I'll tell him about the wonderful sales I found...do you think he will buy that?

Unfortunately seeing them all nicely lined up in the garage is not making me happy...I even need more potting soil...think I will ask older son to drop some off for me...and if he's not too busy maybe he can plant some of them...after all... I am his loving Mom right?

Oh well...it's worth a try...excuse me for now...I'm baking hubby's favorite dessert right now..no reason...

Happy Mothers day to me

2008-05-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

I had the nicest Mothers day...the nicest in years and I am so grateful. Hubby took me to the Outback where we had an early lunch..It was awesome and I discovered a new pinot griego that is now my very best favorite.

Next we picked up a plant for my mother in law and for me. I had picked up a lovely card for her, hubby added a check and off we went to visit her and stayed about an hour..to find daughter in law #1 and youngest granddaughter had just been there..that was a special gift to hubby.

We started off to young granddaughter's soccer game and got thoroughly lost in Beverly, Hudson, Windam all over Ma. we got there to find they had lost. My older granddaughter lost her only lacrosse game when we were there..we seem to be bad luck.

Then back to son and daughter in laws for Chinese appetizers, and they gave me a huge hanging plant in addition...I felt loved and blessed. And hubby's Mom was thrilled to see so much of the family during the day..

I certainly hope, the rest of you wonderful mothers had a terrific kind of day, the kind of day that you love. Blessings and peace until fathers day.

2008-05-08T06:37:00.000-07:00

Simple Kindness
Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Simple Kindness
My beautiful granddaughter was installed into the National Honor Society at Biship FenwickHigh School last week...the ceremony was lovely and the students were happy and excited but the thing I came away with was a speech by the Essex District Attorney, Jonathan Blodgett.He talked about the decisions they will make in their lifetimes and what will happen because of them. He also talked about something everyone can do and that is simple everyday kindness to each other and strangers. Let someone go before you. Hold the door for someone. Check on a neighbor. The kinds of things we all should do but forget in our everyday busy lives.This morning, running around doing errands, I had the opportunity to put this in motion. I noticed a young mother ahead of me in line putting stuff aside because she found she couldn't afford all the things she had put in her carriage. She looked like a normal but harassed young mother, three children from about one to age five and she was pregnant. Oh my gosh. Of course, it was none of my business, but that has never stopped me. I was going to buy a few outside plants and had an extra twenty dollars on me so I walked over to her and the cashier,how much is she over I asked quietly. The poor women was red as a beet and just put her head down and mumbled she would come back later and get the rest of the things. I think it came to about eleven dollars so I gave the cashier the money and the mother the change. I told her to pass it on. Sometime when she saw another person who needed a hand maybe she could give it to them. I felt so good. Much better then the poor women or anyone else who was getting cranky because of waiting extra time in line. So really, pass it on. Let someone go before you in traffic. Pay the toll for someone in line after you. Not huge amounts of money, but just enough to let you feel good.
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Can this family be saved?

2008-05-04T04:22:00.002-07:00

Good Sunday morning everyone...for some strange reason I have been waking up at 4:30 every
morning. Usually I can just rest or doze until 6 thirty or even 7 but something was persistently waking me up..I thought it may be close so I got up.

This morning I could hear the turkeys who live up on the hill. They roost in the low trees up there and wander around all day...They seemed partially loud this morning so they forced me to get up. Until I got downstairs, I was looking out every window trying to find the culprit. Can
you just imagine my surprise when I saw hubby, with a turkey caller and a fat female turkey lure on our front lawn ...It was 5:00 a.m. Can you get arrested for that?

Anyway my poor penny (our beautiful cat) was frightened..and hiding under the dining room table telling him to stop!! (well she doesn't speak English) but I can pretty well interprete whatever she says..And then hubby started running all over the neighborhood with this turkey thingy...looking for the wild tom....hubby's hair was standing straight up (and it wasn't a fashion statement) he was wearing the old summer shorts and a t shirt of young sons, that he had slept in...he had on hunting boots he grabbed when he got his turkey caller. No amount of urging would get him to come in until I lied and said I saw the police coming.

What on earth gets into men...at seven thirty he left and down came the tom and he has been prowling around the house ever since...I would shoo him away but penny is having such a good time watching him I'll let him stay...I'll get rid of him before the great white hunter returns...

Can this family be saved?

2008-05-04T04:22:00.001-07:00