I know, it's been a while. Yes, I've been more busy at work, which tends to affect the length and frequency of my posts. I'll be in meetings most of this week, so we'll see.
Evenings are going to be busy too, as I get ready to go to South Carolina this weekend (my nevvy Jackjack is getting blessed). I did think about going to Utah instead, but financially this is the right decision.
Why would I go to Utah instead? Especially since it would only be for the weekend? Well, my Grandpa finally gave up the ghost; the funeral is on Saturday. He's at peace now. He passed away in his sleep on Friday morning. I was at home on Friday due to the ice storm (no work, yay!) so was sitting at my home computer when the email came. My dad was going to call me but thought that I would be at work. You know, I think I grieved about 4 weeks ago when I first heard. And then again two weeks later when I hadn't heard anything and freaked out. It really is a good thing--Grandpa was in his 90's, Grandma passed away almost 5 years ago, and all his children are older and self-sufficient. Lots and lots of grandchildren, lots of great-grandchildren and more on the way. He was so healthy his body took a whole month to release him.
A little about my Grandpa. He was a schoolteacher, a principal, a farmer, and a blacksmith. He served two missions later in life with his sweetheart, one to Bolivia, and the other to Nauvoo. He was the one who first started using the Blacksmith Shop as a real Blacksmith shop, building wagons and handcarts to keep busy in the slow winter months. He even built a handcart for the Winter Quarter's Visitor's Center, and in 1997, when they did that 150-year celebration/trek to Salt Lake City, someone took that handcart to Utah. I beleive it or one of its brothers is on display in one of the Church Buildings around Temble Square. To be sure, lift it up and see if you can find the stylized A on the bottom--Grandpa Allan's brand. One of his great-grandparents was a blacksmith in Nauvoo as well. Cool, huh? He was always so worried about me not being married. I hope he knows not to worry; I really am ok. I love you Grandpa.
Last weekend I went to the Home and Garden Show at the Dulles Expo Center with a friend. We had fun, and managed to find way too many ideas for our budgets. I'm thinking a nice patio in my back yard, and some lilacs by the side of my house, to cover up the rather ugly-looking concrete. And make it so I don't have to mow that side anymore. I found a shed at Home Depot that I want to get (small, rubbermaid, but still looks like a shed). I also found a free-standing porch-swing that I could really get behind. When my tax return comes in, it may not last long... then again, I suppose I have to file my taxes before I can get them back.
My friend also helped me find a new toy for Padme Kitty--a lure with feathers, on a string attatched to a stick. She loves to chase it as I flick it around. She looks at me like, "Isn't it time to play now?" At least she gets more exercise this way. We've been doing pretty well.
Wishing all of you out there in blog land the very best. And if you're bored tonight, come to Arundel Mills Mall by 8:15pm and see U2 3D with me.