Sunday, October 12, 2008

Just a Mum?

Post 520 ~ ~ ~ Sunday, 12th October, 2008.

Update on a couple of birthday girls ~~ Yesterday was Mary s special day and today 13th it is Pea s
day. I hope you had a wonderful day Mary. And Carole, I hope you have a wonderful birthday. Two very special Canadian ladies. It is also their Thanksgiving. So Happy Days, Girls.

Hello again my Friends ~~ The photos loaded OK and I even managed to move them down to say Hello before we get to them. I hope all is well with you and that you are having a great weekend. It has been quiet here today, dogs excluded, so that was a nice change and and I got some cooking done and put away.
I baked some Lamb steaks for a change, and they turned out yummy and of course lots of vegies to go with them. Some in the fridge, freezer and some for Michael, who will call for them tomorrow. It is strange without John in the city for the next three weeks. I hope he rides safely, as I expect him to do, and that no-one else does the wrong thing near his motor cycle.

He bought me a nice new Gazebo for Christmas, but did not have time to put it up before he left.The little
dogs sit at my back door and wave their ears and tails whenever I look and speak to them. Then I have to go and pat them. You can't pat ONE of them -- it's both or look out. They would lick me to death I think.

I feed them and have a poop- picker- upper run. A long handled plastic shovel and a rake and that takes care of that. It has been quite hot here today, around 30C which is about 86F and yesterday was about the same. I notice the dogs are laying flat out on the cool concrete, instead of the mat. I will soon have to put some water on my new plants, the tomatoes, parsley and chives and rosemary. And also the pot plants.

The first three photos are some of my lovely Pelargoniums which are very similar to Geraniums, but nicer.
More to follow in the next post.




The next one is the
female doggy named Fluff.


This one is the male doggy and his name is Buddy.

Both doggys, Buddy at the back and Fluff in the front. She is never still for long.

They are great company and are so different, Buddy is a calmer natured dog and rarely jumps up on me
or the back door, while Fluff is forever running, jumping up on the back door and/or me. She will get down when I tell her to. John was scared that she would trip me over, but I am being very careful. They have had two lots of puppies, before John had them doctored. Their pups were beautiful and John sold them.

Now to get on with the post. Tonight's story "Just a Mum?" was sent to me by my dear friend Gwen.
Thank you so much Gwen.


A woman, renewing her driver's license at the Motor Registration office, was asked by the counter clerk to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the counter clerk, "do you have a job or are you just a. . .?" :Of couse I have a job," snapped the woman, "I'm a Mum."
"We don't list "Mum" as an occupation, housewife covers it," said the clerk emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation at our own Medicare office
. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it? I do not know, The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations." The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared in wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionaire.
"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what do you do in your field?"

Cooly and without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field. (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already I have four credits (all daughters)."

"Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it.) But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the voice of the clerk as she completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into the driveway, buoyed by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7.
and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, ( a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy !! And I had gone on record as someone more distinguished and indespensable to mankind than "just another Mum". Motherhood !!

What a glorious career!! Especially when there's a name on the door.
Does this make Grandmothers "Senior Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" and Great Grandmothers . . . "Executive Senior Research Associates." I think so. I also think it makes Aunts "Associates Research Assistants."

May your troubles be less, Your blessings be more, And nothing but happiness comes through your door.
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First tonight is a list of Twenty Eight Lines to make you smile. Thank you Linda L.

1. My husband and I divorced over religious differences. He thought he was God and I didn't.

2. I don't suffer from insanity -- I enjoy every minute of it.

3. Some people are alive only because it's illegal to kill them.

4. I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.

5. Don't take life too seriously. No one gets out alive.

6. You're just jealous because voices only talk to me.

7. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.

8. Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.

9. I'm not a complete idiot. Some parts are missing.

10. Out of my mind. - - Back in five minutes.

11. NyQuil, the stuffy, sneezy, why-the-heck-is-the-room-spinning Medicine


12. God must love stupid people; He made so many.

13. The gene pool could use a little chlorine.

14. Consciousness : That annoying time between naps.

15. Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?

16. Being "over the hill
"
is better than being under it.

17. Wrinkled was not one of the things I wanted to be when I grew up.

18. Procrastinate Now.

19. I have a degree in Liberal Arts. Do you want fries with that?

20. A hangover is the wrath of grapes.

21. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance.

22. Stupidity is not a handicap. Park elsewhere.

23. They call it PMS because Mad Cow Disease was already taken.

24. He who dies with the most toys is none-the-less DEAD.

25. A picture is worth a thousand words, but it uses up 3,000 times the Memory.

26. Ham and Eggs. A day's work for a chicken, a lifetime commitment for a pig.

27. The trouble with life is there's no background music.

28. I smile because I don't know what's going on.

Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends.
Life is too short and friends are too few.
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One from my dear friend Patty. Thank you Patty.

Breaking News:
In 2009 the government will start deporting all of the weird old people.
I started crying when I thought of you.

Run, my friend, Run !!!

Well, what can I say? Someone sent it to me and I'm not going alone.
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Typical macho man married a typical good-looking lady and after the wedding, he laid down the following rules. "I'll be home when I want, if I want and at what time I want and I don't expect any hassles from you. I expect a great dinner on the table unless I tell you that I won't be home for dinner. I'll go hunting, fishing, boozing and card playng when I want with my old buddies and don't you give me a hard time about it. Those are my rules. Any comments?"

His new bride said, "No, tht's fine with me. Just understand this ...there will be sex here at seven o'clock every night . . whether you're here or not."
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Husband and wife had a bitter quarrel on the day of their 40th wedding anniversary.
"When you die, I'm getting a headstone that reads "Here Lies my Wife. Cold as Ever."

"Yeah," she replies, "When you die, I'm getting you a headstone that rreads : "Here Lies
My Husband -- Stiff at Last."
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An old man decided his old wife was getting hard of hearing. So he called her doctor to make an appointment to have her hearing checked. The doctor said he could see her in two weeks, and meanwhile there's a simple, informal test the husband could do to give the doctor some idea of the dimensions of the problem.

"Here's what you do. Start about 40 feet away from her, and speak in a normal conversational tone and see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet and so on until you get a response."

So that evening she's in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he's in the living room, and says
to himself, "I'm about 40 feet away, let's see what happens."
"Honey, what's for dinner?" No response.
So he moves to the other end of the room, about 30 feet away and says, "What's for dinner?" No response.

So he enters the dining room about 20 feet away, "Honey, what's for dinner?"
No response. On to the kitchen door only 10 feet away. "Honey, what's for dinner?"
No response. So he walks right up behind her, "Honey, what's for dinner?"

"For the fifth time !! Chicken.
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I know a blonde so dumb that she got locked in a bathroom and peed in her pants.

A man asked his doctor if he thought he woud to be one hundred. The doctor asked him,"Do you drink or smoke?" "No," he replied, "I've never done either."

"Do you gamble. drive fast cars and fool around with women?" inquired the doctor.
"No. I've never done any of those things either."

"Well, then," said the doctor, "What do you want to live to one hundred for?"
<><>
A few classic Quotes about fools. From the local paper.

You don't have to fool all the people all the time; you just have to fool enough to get elected. ~ ~ ~ Gerald Barzan.

The best way to convince a fool that he is wrong is to let him have his own way.
~ ~ ~ Josh Billings.

A fool always finds a greater fool to admire him. ~~ Nicholas Boileau.

Get the fools on your side and you can be elected to anything. ~~ Frank Dane.

Never argue with a fool. People watching may not know which of you is the fool.
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Well, that's it for tonight, my friends. Take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.
Love and best wishes to you all. Cheers, Merle.

Post 520 ~ ~ ~ Sunday, 12th October, 2008.
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21 comments:

Winifred said...

Oh Merle you get such great stuff. Really makes me laugh.

Glad you've had a good weekend and haven't fallen over the dogs. I have to keep my eye out for the cats, they're so quiet I don't see them.

Your pelargoniums are lovely, mine have all died off now. Got the winter flowering pansies in. Pretty but not as showy.

Never mind roll on spring. Wish I could hibernate like a hedgehog.

Take care

Patty said...

Dear Merle,
Sounds like you're enjoying the doggies visit. Yes be careful you don't trip over them, they can be fast at times.

Loved the Mum and her driver's license. Also the fool quotes. And that poor dumb blond that peed her pants, let's hope no one is that stupid in real life. LOL

Have a great new week.
Love,
Patty

Joy Des Jardins said...

Dear Merle,

I'm so glad you posted pics of Fluff and Buddy....they are so adorable. I can see why you must be having a good time with them...they are just too cute.

I just love your beautiful Pelargoniums...those colors are so gorjeous.

It looks like you have been pretty busy lately with the pups and all. Please do stop by my blog. I have some special things there for you. Lots of love sweetie.... ~Joy

Lady Di Tn said...

Merle
I love the big print. I had to lol when I saw those cute little dogs. The flower is beautiful and I love the color. Good story and the jokes especially the 28 had me in stiches. Peace

Sue Seibert said...

Love the puppies...and those flowers are amazing! I wish John a safe trip.

desert dirt diva said...

As a mother of 5 the first story is to cute.. and thanks for sharing buddy and fluffs pictures..

Christina said...

your flowers are lovely. I love the joke about the hearing test (LOL). Have a great week!

love,
Christina

Mary said...

Meryl,

Thank you so much for the birthday greeting. Since I'm visiting on Sunday evening here, it's still my birthday and one I won't forget for a while. I've been sick with the flu since last night. *sigh*

I enjoyed your 28 lines, especially 3, 5 and 12. They pretty much say it all.

I would love to see your gazebo. I have wanted one for a long time. Maybe next year.

Take care, my friend. I have missed being in touch. Life this summer was very hectic with all the renovations, but we are just about done. Just a couple of odds and ends and the carpet is being laid on Tuesday.

Blessings,
Mary

Puss-in-Boots said...

Loved those 28 lines. I hope you don't mind but I printed them out to show Ken, Jane's father. He'll really appreciate them.

Your pelargoniums are beautiful, as are the little dogs. How nice that they're such company for you. I'm sure John will be safe, someone is looking after him.

Hugs.

Rob said...

Hi Merle, it sounds like you're having fun with the dogs. I thought about you yesterday when I was watching the Bathurst 1000, I don't know how far away it is from you but the weather was really nice there too. The Pelargoniums are nice, I always have trouble with whitefly on mine. Bob.

audrey` said...

Hi Merle

The dogs are so cute.
Bel's friend's dog is called Fluffy =)

The pics are very nice.
Take care.

Praying for a safe trip for John =)

Jeanette said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jeanette said...

Hi Dear Merle,Im so pleased you like Penny's area, Ive taken some more photo's of the back will post soon as I can. I picked up a bug after getting so cold last tuesday but today on the mend again. Been picked in the team to play Pennant tomorrow playing at home club against Corowa..
Love the pics of Fluff and Buddy, please be carefull they dont get under your feet. Love the Pelargoniums will have to get some small pieces off you next time I visit.. Well dear Merle im off to bed having early night. Love Janxxxxx

Jeanette said...

Dear Merle that was my deleted comment it went on twice... Love Janxxxxx

Lucy Stern said...

Merle, I never looked at myself as "just a Mom" either. Moms wear so many hats, taxi driver, teacher, nurse/doctor, cook, maid and etc. I know several women who went to work because they couldn't handle the work at home.

Jim said...

Hi Merle, you have lovely flowers. You weather now is like our fall weather here this week. Our highs are in the mid 80's with the lows in the mid 60's. This is about typical for our fall season until it turns rainy in November or December (through part of February).

Yes, please watch where Fluffy and Buddy are laying or walking. Our Billy Graham had a very bad fall when he lost track of his dog and stumbled over it.

Your next joke: "Why did the blonde lock herself in the bathroom?"
Cheers,
..

auntpearl said...

Oh I just love your photos of your flowers. Such a beautiful color.
Hope you are doing well.

Take care,
Hugs,

Carole Burant said...

Dearest Merle,

Thank you so much for the birthday wishes, as well as the Thanksgiving wishes:-) I have lots of turkey leftovers so c'mon over! hehe

How wonderful to get a gazebo as a Christmas gift! That's something I've always wanted, they're so great to have. Especially here with all the mosquitoes and blackflies!!

Your flowers are just gorgeous and the dogs are adorable! I'm sure they're keeping you busy but they are good company for you as well:-)

Enjoyed reading the rest of your post...you always make me smile!! xoxo

raccoonlover1963/Lisa Myers said...

Hello dear Merle. Cute doggies and very pretty flowers! The "Breaking News" was sent to me in an e-mail from my friend Glenna. I don't know if I sent it directly to Patty, or if Nancy sent it to Patty. I know I definately sent it to Nancy. The little blue guy on my sideboard was part of that e-mail.
Have a great week and take care.
Lisa

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Merle,

My daughter and I enjoyed reading your blog together tonight and had a good laugh at your jokes.

I like the deaf wife and the dumb blond the best I think.

Have a great week.
Janice~

Dave said...

Great post Merle, and the pictures of the flowers and the dogs are priceless! *S*