Oh, What a Night!

Yes, I’m channeling the Four Seasons here today and their beloved hit from 1976, “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)”; because although it may not be late December back in ’63, it is mid-December in 2010, and Oh, What a Night indeed.

Some of my friends and family who read this blog may know that the heater in my car, Blue, has not been working as of late. I seem to have had this problem every year for the past three years or so and every year I take it out to the mechanic in Owens Cross Roads to have the heater worked on so I can survive the winter, or at least defrost the windshield in the mornings. It sometimes takes two or three trips out there before the mechanic gets it working exactly right, but he finally does and my freezing face and hands are appreciative.

This year was no exception. Back in November when Huntsville experienced the first cold weather of the season, I thought, oh no, not again, but sure enough, the heater wasn’t working and only blowing cold air. I decided I would wait until my foot surgery before I took Blue to the mechanic because obviously I wouldn’t need a car for a few days.

I picked the car up on Sunday evening after my foot surgery and the heater still didn’t work. While I was still cold, I was mostly aggravated and didn’t feel like wasting any more money on the car right now and decided I would tough it out as long as I could.

This past Friday, after I left work, I put a full tank of gas in Blue and also had the oil changed. The rest of Friday afternoon things ran smoothly and they ran smoothly on Saturday as well when I took The Tide to the vet and went by my parents’ house.

On Sunday morning when I was backing into a parking space at church, I thought I heard a strange sound and after parking, I staying in the car with it running for a while to listen – I didn’t hear anything out of the ordinary and went on inside. When I left church later that morning to go home, the engine started overheating! I was nervous because the last thing I want is for my car to blow up! I made it home and put some more anti-freeze in it and then went inside for lunch and a nap.

All of this brings me to Sunday night – Oh, What a Night! On the way to church, the car overheated again and so I called the mechanic and told him what was going on; I then called my dad for the same reason and we decided to take the car to the mechanic after church was over. I was going to drive to my parents’ house and then to the mechanics.

We had an abbreviated service because of the weather last night and afterwards I started out towards my parents’ house. I had to pull over less than 10 minutes into my journey. I let the car rest a while and then drove for another few minutes and had to pull over again. Basically, I could only drive the car for four minutes and then had to pull over for 10. On top of this, there was no heat in the car and it was around 20 degrees outside and snowing. And the cherry on top was that I was driving down a dark curvy road with very few areas to pull over. NOT FUN!

I finally made it to my parents’ house and after talking with them for a few minutes and warming my buns by the fire, my dad and I headed out again. I thought he was going to drive my car and I his, but he jumped in his car and so I was stuck with Blue. I got maybe a half mile or so from there house before the car started to seize up and I had to pull over on the side of the road. To my knowledge the car is still there. I think my dad is calling the wrecker to bring it to the mechanic today. Good times, people, good times.

After abandoning Blue, we headed across town to my maternal grandfather’s house to pick up a truck for my dad and I took my dad’s car, which I am driving today – all of this in snowy weather. Blue really knows how to pick a night to act up.

I have no idea what the damages are going to be but I can only imagine it isn’t going to be pretty. I have done my best to keep the oil changed and keep the maintenance up on the car so I have no idea what has happened.

I will probably have to get a new car, but I just hope Blue can carry me through the end of July until I get back from my trip to France. When you are saying your prayers tonight, please remember me and my car troubles. I’ve had enough to last a lifetime and I need all the help I can get.

The Final Selection

As you may recall, a while back I wrote a post reviewing Shutterfly’s selection of holiday cards and as a result, I received 50 free cards of my choosing. Thanks, Shutterfly.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I wrote about my adventure taking photos with The Tide in the park and showed you the photo I decided on for my cards this year.

So, without further ado (drum roll please), I present to you my 2010 Christmas card. Some of you may have already received one in the mail. For those that didn’t, well, I may not even know who you are or if I do know who you are I may not have your address; but, at any rate, I wanted to share my final selection here on The Chronicles so I could wish you all a happy Christmas!

If you haven’t ordered your cards yet, there’s still time to do so and if you don’t have time to address and mail them, Shutterfly can do that for you as well!

This is the front

 And the inside.

This Post May Bore You to Tears

Having spent the last few days working and then coming home to do nothing but lie on the couch and watch TV, I don’t have much to write about today. In fact, I have nothing to write about today; at least nothing of great interest to anyone. So, I thought I would take a few minutes to update everyone on the foot and also complain a little bit.

The foot is healing up rather nicely. The bruising along the side of my foot is clearing up and is a lot lighter than it was earlier in the week. I am still in wonder as to why there was so much bruising but at least it is healing up.

I still haven’t intentionally put any pressure on the heel and the few times I have unintentionally done so, it hasn’t been pleasant. The ball of my foot is sore as well from all the walking I have had to do at work this week. The fact that all of this walking is on concrete floors doesn’t really help matters. To top it off, my request to park in one of the handicapped spaces was denied since I don’t have a handicapped sticker or card and so I am still huffing it from the back 40. Seriously, by the time I reach the building I am so tired I just want to sit down, but I press on so that I can place my lunch in the fridge and walk another 10 minutes to my desk. While I am thankful I have the ability to walk, it sure does make me tired these days.

So, needless to say my foot is really sore today from all the walking about and I dread getting up out of the chair – which is oddly very similar to how it was before the surgery! Maybe one day I won’t mind standing and milling about.

In other news, I don’t know much about what’s happening this weekend in Huntsville as far as Christmas events are concerned. But here are a few things that I do know about in case you are interested:

The Twickenham Historic District Tour of Homes is this Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. This is a really great event if you like looking at old houses. Tony and I did this tour two years ago and I really enjoyed it. The tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling Julia King at 256-534-0429 or Lynne Williams at 256-536-7718.

Merrimack Hall is presenting performances of “3 Redneck Tenors” this weekend. To find out more information, go here.

Not Christmas related, but unless you’ve been living under a rock then you probably know that “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Dawn Treader” is coming to theaters this Friday. I am planning on going next weekend since I’m still not very mobile right now. This weekend I plan to do nothing but prop my feet up and do well, nothing. Does anyone want to come clean my house for me? Yeah, didn’t think so.

BIG NEWS here people, BIG NEWS – Jim Brickman is playing a show in Birmingham tomorrow (Friday, December 10) night! I know you all are dying to go to see the move he makes after he tickles the ivories of the piano which I wrote about last year.

Speaking of my good friend Jim, while his post may still have the most ever comments at a whopping 12, the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert Review has surpassed Jim with receiving the most individual hits per week! Way to go Les Mis! I didn’t think it was possible to boot Jim from his reign. Should we demand a recount? See if there were any hanging chads? Nah, I think we’ll let it stand!

Ya’ll have a good Thursday.

American Idol Christmas 2010

This past Monday night, Erika was gracious enough to host our American Idol Christmas Party and we had a fabulous time. You may know since I’ve written about it before, but there’s a small group of us girls that get together once a week during American Idol season and we are therefore known as the American Idol Group or the Black Panthers, depends on who you ask. We’ve had members come and go, but there are seven of us who have been going since the beginning and are still sticking it out together.

This next year, we’ve decided not to watch American Idol now that our beloved Simon has gone and I don’t think any of us are very fond of the new judges. I suggested we watch the new Paula Abdul show that is coming out in January – it’s sure to be entertaining.

Anyway, back to the point of the post which is that we had a Christmas party this week and exchanged Christmas dish towels in a game of not-so-dirty Santa because some of us (not me!) are too nice to steal gifts. Erika cooked a dinner of Taco Soup and Brownies and it was delicious. I would like to thank all the girls for helping me out – fixing my plate, refilling my glass, etc. since I’m not very mobile these days. We spent a good three hours or so catching up and kicking off the Christmas season. I don’t know about the others, but this was the first Christmas 2010 activity for me.

I forgot my camera and the battery was low on my phone, so Erika and I took some photos with her camera. Here they are for your enjoyment:

Erika and Amy - and a pan of brownies not yet eaten

Amy and Jackie - getting ready to play not-so-dirty Santa

Kendra and Lisa - making their plan of attack

It's me with my foot propped up.

Here I am using my cane to talk abut something.

I don't remember what.

Erika was trying to get an action shot.

Amy and Lisa

Candy and Kendra - They are sisters

The Foot

As you probably know by now, I had foot surgery last Thursday. I had a heel spur that has been bothering me for a sweet forever and after nine injections in my foot (five of cortisone and four of something else) and no relief, the doctor decided it was time he cut that sucker out. I was glad too because I really was tired of being in pain every time I walked somewhere and walking is essential for getting around for most folks if you didn’t know.

So, last Thursday I went under the knife as they say. I was awake for the procedure as the doctor only numbed the foot. As you can imagine being awake during the surgery was really bizarre. The surgery itself only took about 10 or 15 minutes. The doctor was running late because of another surgery and then when he but the Novocain in my foot (I’m surprised I didn’t kick him in the face during this not so fun moment) I had to wait 20 minutes for my foot to go numb. Having a numb foot is a very strange feeling.

Once the surgery finally got under way, I could feel the doctor and two nurses tugging on my foot and leg and sawing down that pesky heel spur. I felt no pain though, which is most important. The doctor took an x-ray after he filed the spur and had to go back in and file some more two different times before he got it all – it was a doozie! Here are the before and after x-rays.

This first x-ray is the before shot. Can you see the little hook at the bottom of my heel? That’s the spur and what I have been walking on for who knows how long. It caused me a lot of pain.

This second x-ray shows the spur is gone and just like I am supposed to, I have a flat heel.

After the surgery my parents took me to get my prescriptions of pain medicine and anti-biotic filled and then we went and got a burger from Five Guys (yum!). We then picked up the medicines and headed back to their house. The Tide and I stayed with them for a few days while I recuperated. There was a lot of blood the first day – more than I ever thought there would be. The blood soaked through all the bandages and through my sock. I had to wear a plastic bag on my foot that night when I slept so that I would ruin the sheets. Actually I didn’t have to, but did to be courteous to my hosts.

All bandaged up and keeping ice on it.

On Friday morning, I woke up early as I always do and moved myself and The Tide into my parents den to watch talk radio on TV. At around 7:30 my dad got up and asked me if I was hungry. My reply was “Yes!” He said he was going to fix some pancakes. An hour and a half later, I was still hungry and without food so I got up and fixed myself an egg sandwich. This doesn’t sound very appetizing now nor did it then but folks I was hungry and just could wait any longer. Apparently my dad had gotten involved in playing a game on the internet or something and forgot about those pancakes he said he was going to make. Sometime during the day my mom suggested I use her old walker to get around the house and I pulled it out of the closet and put it to good use. I meant to ask them to take a photo of me using it but never did. It was a pretty funny sight if I do say so myself. Friday night my parents had a Christmas party for the church they attend and so I was fed thanks to the good folks at Hampton Cove Church of Christ. They even helped me fix my plate.

On Saturday morning I again rose before the rest of the house and piled my pillows, phone, etc. on a blanket and drug it behind me as I made my way to the den. At some point during the day, the walker became history and was replaced by a walking cane that my granddad had in the trunk of his car. I’m still using it today and have now tied a silk scarf to it at the request of Candy. We think this is funny because a lot of elderly ladies do that. My dad finally cooked those promised pancakes and my mom cooked dinner so I didn’t have to fend for myself much on Saturday.

Sunday I made it out to church for both services and wore pink socks with my dress. I honestly didn’t care how ridiculous it looked. I was without make-up too because I didn’t even think to bring any but could have used some because my face has decided to break out thanks to the high dosage of anti-biotic. I also forgot to bring a coat and had to borrow one from my mom. I really liked it. Mother, if you decide to get rid of that coast remember me, your daughter, the eldest of your brood.

The pink socked foot

Monday morning The Tide and I headed back to our own home and my dad came with us to help me unload the car and also went to the doctor with me. The doctor said everything is healing like it should be. My foot is really bruised and disgusting looking and I now have to change the bandage twice a day which is less than pleasant for someone like me who can hardly stand the sight of blood; but, I’m making due I guess. I get two stitches out on the 16th and the rest will be removed a week after that which means that for Christmas I can take a shower! I absolutely cannot wait! Taking a bath with one foot out of the tub is difficult, especially at my house where my bathtub is smaller than the one at my folks’.

Today I’m back at work and I think it took me about 30 minutes to walk from my car to my desk. My boss told me I can email HR and ask about parking in handicapped parking and I think I’m going to do just that because the walk from where I normally park to my desk is about 3/10 of a mile or so and any distance I can shave off of that would be much appreciated.

So, that’s the update on the foot. Hopefully I will be back at the gym and walking about before too long but for now, I’m keeping my feet propped up and trying to take it easy.

Christmas Decorations at Hacienda Parker

I’ll write an update on the foot later on once I get some pictures taken (not gory ones mind you); but for now, I wanted to share with you the Christmas decorations at my house – thanks to Candy for the suggestion.

This sign that says “Happy Holidays from Natasha and The Tide has been placed in the yard for about the past four years or so. This year it broke, but I propped it up for a photo op and I can only guess that when I get home it will have fallen over again. I need to borrow a drill and repair it. So for now it just stays propped up – as long as the wind isn’t blowing.

This is the outside of the house in the day time. I have white lights around the railings and of course neglected to take a photo of it lit up because I am awesome like that.

My Christmas tree sits in the doorway between the living room and my bedroom. That way I can enjoy it from either room. I’ve always put it here and think it looks nice in this location. I have a lot more ornaments than are currently on the tree but didn’t want it to get overcrowded so didn’t put them all on there.

Candy gave me a gift last Wednesday night before my surgery of a new ornament. Since I don’t have a tree topper, I placed it at the very top because of my love of the ornament and what it represents. Can you guess why?

I don’t know for sure, but this may be the best gift of 2010! Well, unexpected gift anyway! Thanks Candy. This ornament rocks! I will treasure it always!

My Dr. Seuss How The Grinch Stole Christmas collection sits in my living room as well. This is a collection that my mom started for me a few years ago and she gets me a new piece every Christmas. I love it. It is my favorite of all my Christmas decorations.

This is my favorite piece in the collection. I love the details of the bag of toys and it’s after the Grinch has a change of heart and returns everything back to Whoville!

This piece is when the Grinch is tying antlers on his dog, Max. Hilarious. Just a note – I would never do this to The Tide.

The piece in the back lights up but genius that I am, I didn’t turn it on. The one on the right is a hinge box and the one on the left has a gift with my name on it. Thanks, Grinch!

Here’s a scene from when the Grinch is sending Cindy Lou Who on back to bed after she wakes up and thinks he is Santy Claus.

This tree is really neat as is has different Whoville items dangling from each of the limbs.

Here’s The Tide who is less than thrilled about having a Christmas tree in the spot where she usually lies on her blanket.

So, that about sums it up for the Christmas décor at hacienda Parker. I have a snowman face hanging on the front door of which I also didn’t take a photo. I have some other decorations but didn’t get a lot out this year. How about you? How do you decorate?

Python Printables Christmas Pack Review

Can you believe today is December 1? Wow! Seems like it was just yesterday that I was sweating it out while operating the lawn mower and today I’m in a turtleneck (which is driving me bananas) and boots! Time sure does fly!

I had intended to take some photos of my Christmas decorations for you, as was the suggestion of my friend Candy; but, I was lazy last night and didn’t take any. Then this morning I was rushing around and didn’t have time and I also didn’t want you all to see the mounds of dog hair on the floor since I hadn’t vacuumed in like 12 hours. So, I have every intention of taking some photos tonight to share with you tomorrow or Friday – provided I’m not high on pain medication. The foot surgery is tomorrow if you remember.

Instead, today, I’m presenting you with another Python Printables Review. This one is for the Python Printables Christmas Package which has over 70 printable games and activities for you and your friends and family to enjoy during the holiday season. It retails for $19.95, which means you will be paying less than 28 cents per game! Plus, you can print as many as you want or need once you purchase!

The Christmas Package comes with trivia games for specific and general holiday movies, including one each for Charlie Brown and A Christmas Story. There are also trivia games for the kids as well as drawing games. The pack also comes with holiday mad libs (my favorite), including a mad lib song sheet which is sure to bring a lot of laughter to your holiday gathering. This set also includes some thank you notes that would be good for children to send as well as a letter from Santa. Personally I don’t know why there’s a letter from Santa as I’m pretty sure he can take care of that type of thing himself, but what do I know? There are games and activities for both Christmas and New Years Eve and there are activities for both young and old. I plan to print some of these out and take with me while I’m recouping at my parents’ house; hopefully we can play a few of these and I’m sure they may use a few of them at their upcoming church party as well.

These Python Printable games are a great way for families to spend time together in the days leading up to Christmas and New Years and a good way to keep the children occupied so that they aren’t snooping around for their presents! If you are looking for some fun activities to do around the house while waiting for that jolly old fellow to show up then try Python Printables! I think you will be pleased with the games and it will provide you with hours of entertainment.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.