A Dictionary Please

I must be uninformed about what the word mediation means. I kind of thought that to mediate means to bring people together who have opposing points of views, discuss the issues and with the benefit of an unbiased 3rd party, try to find common ground and reach a resolution. Silly me, I also thought that when you mediate some thing that a little give and take is some how involved.

Well, all the components were there this morning including the unbiased 3rd party mediator. Except the Nimbys, who requested the mediation, didn't seem to understand that they might be expected to give and take a little. They were asking for plenty, but just couldn't seem to come up with any meager concession on their part. After six and half hours, the mediator decided that it was evident nothing would be resolved through mediation.

We are going to arbitration.

P.S. It wasn't all bad, we got a free lunch out of it courtesy of the Nimby's law firm.

Too little, too late.

I've refrained from posting about my neighbors, the Nimbys, because there really hasn't been any thing worth writing about.

However, with the mediation scheduled for bright and early Monday AM, the Nimbys decided yesterday might be a good time to turn off the Christmas lights on the pergola and remove the pink flamingo that's been roosting in their yard since summer. Even though it's pleasant to not have twinkling Christmas lights and a pink flamingo as daily reminder of the ongoing issues they have, it's too little, too late. I guess they are hoping we'll be all nice and cheery on Monday morning due to their token of "getting along".

But the addition last week of surveillance cameras mounted in their windows that face our home, the neighbors home next door and the home of the ARC chair (all named in the mediation) doesn't help to contribute to our friendly, let's all just get along attitude.

Invitation Only

A post or so ago, I invited you to go on over to my daughter's blog to check out photography. She politely informed me that her blog is by invitation only.

So if you want a look see, you'll have to let me know and I'll have to ask her and she'll have to invite you to her party.

Thank you, Blackbird!

All you mothers or, soon to be mothers, need to go to Blackbird's blog today. If you want to know how to have the final word with your kids, she's got the ultimate response.

And to my kids - you're not to old for me to use this line. ;^)

Craigslist, Schmaigslist!

I've had stuff posted on Craigslist off and on for the past few months. This is pretty decent stuff . But I've haven't even had a nibble. I guess my marketing skills are not on the same par as my brother, Al.

Anyone interested in -

Grace Company Hand Quilting Frame? I know this is rather bizarre looking. But if you're in to quilting you might like this adjustable frame. I'm throwing in an accessory cart too.


Or how about these?


Or these?


Or how about this warm, soft, cozy queen size comforter set? One of my daughters is using the queen size bed it was on and bought her own bedding.



And this picture frame alone is worth more than a few bucks.


Make me an offer. Let's talk. You know you really want this stuff.

Or Al, maybe you can help me with better copy and photography? After several months of posting and reposting on Craigslist, it's obvious I need some help.

Happy Valentine's Day

Both of these blogs will at least make you smile and give you a warm fuzzy feeling.

Check out my daughter's blog - it's filled with lots of love for Valentine's Day. She's the photographer of all the pictures you see. I think she's pretty good.

Go on over to Blackbird's blog to get your groove on this morning. I love moving and grooving with John Travolta.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Good News Minute

In my church's Sunday women's meeting, a minute is alloted to share good news. Since this is a group of young women between 18 and 30, the news usually is about going on a date, getting a new job, taking a trip somewhere, or a new niece or nephew being born.

Since my posting ideas are kind of stagnant right now, I'm borrowing the idea.

Some of my good news for the past month:

1. Unlike last winter when I had a back problem, fell on ice and got somewhat laid up for about a month, I've been accident free this winter...so far, anyway.

2. For the past 3 days, the temperatures been over 40 degrees and the sun's been out. Yay!

3. With only 3 people living in the house, the grocery bill has gone down.

4. I got a pedicure today. Love my red toenails!

5. A new season of "Survivor" has started.

6. My husband actually remembered that Valentine's Day is this week He seems to have some kind of plan that doesn't involve one of the kids running to the florist at the last minute because Valentine's Day wasn't on his radar. Kelly and Pat - I think you are off the hook this year!

7. Brother bought a new motorcycle helmet this week. I guess that means he's serious about coming west for a road trip this summer.

What's your good news?

Hope for Spring?

Current snow conditions, February 10:

This is a big change from 5 days ago.

A terrifying thought!

I had a comment on my previous post about the possibility of flooding due to a rapid thaw in the spring.

I just thought of something else. With the ground so wet and saturated, if we have a wet and rainy spring, along with a quick melt, could it be possible that the Nimbys entire back yard, pool and all, might end up in my family room!?!?

Too much of a good thing?

On December 1, 2007, I posted this picture. It was the very first significant snowfall of the season.


This was yesterday, February 6:

Randomocity...

I need to step up the blog posts a little. I've hardly had any comments lately. It's probably because people are tired of me bragging about my talkative two year old grandson, or reading about the Nimbys. That does get old, doesn't it? Since my life has been rather routine in the last month, I guess I just might have to make things up to get a few comments.

On a completely unrelated note....

Over a year ago, my oldest son was working for a local computer company. He was so excited to build us a new, state of the art computer. He got us all set up with the fastest, best, system including a wireless keyboard and 18" LCD monitor.

So why is it that the wireless keyboard quit working (yes, we replaced the batteries) and the LCD monitor developed a weird color problem? Today, I have the old school keyboard and monitor connected up to the computer. (I'm glad we kept them!) They work just fine.

Eventually, I'll probably take the new keyboard and monitor to the shop to find out what the problem is. But I'm in no hurry to be told that it will cost more to repair them and I should just purchase new ones. I'll just stick with the old school for now.

Final note...

Well, I'm off to vote in the Super Tuesday Primary. Our polling place was changed this year. It's at a funeral home. What kind of message is the county clerk's office trying to send the voters in my area? Maybe since I live in a predominantly Democratic district in a predominately Republican state, the clerk's office is hoping to scare away some of those liberal, no good Democrats. ; >)

Animal Sounds

Grandson, Aidan, and I are watching a commercial on television with a lion.

I ask my grandson: "What does a lion say?"

Grandson: "Roar"

Me: "What does a horse say?"

Grandson: "Neigh"

Me: "What does a cat say?"

Grandson: "Meow"

Since these are easy questions for him, I decided to ask him a little harder one.

Me: "What does Aidan say?"

He thinks for a minute and responds: "Talk, talk"