A different view this morning. (Note painting by door that gets crooked every time we go in and out. Annoying.) Normally I’m ensconced in my chair in the den. However, that chair is not good for my back in its current condition. So the laptop, camera and heating pad have moved to a new location in the living room. I’m sorry to say that my aching back is still aching. Thanks for all your advice. In case you’re thinking that I clean the siding on my house on a regular basis, let me assure you, I don’t. The side of the house where I was merrily cleaning away gets that green, mildewy stuff occasionally, especially after lots of rain. I ignored it for a long time (2 years) and that is why I was wielding a brush the other day. And the cleaning didn’t injure me…not looking where I was going was the culprit.
Okay, since I’m stuck here, I submit some rambling thoughts for your reading pleasure:
:: If my beloved Red Sox couldn’t do it, the two teams I wanted to see in the World Series are in. Love the Rangers and the Giants. Mostly, I love that two scrappy teams beat the big guys. They play with such heart! Can’t wait for the series to begin on Wednesday. I might be watching it from the floor, but I’ll be there.
:: In the “Drives Me Crazy” category: the misuse everywhere of the word literal or literally. I hear it all the time: “I literally died laughing.” “We were literally sweating bullets.” No…you weren’t. Otherwise, we would be mourning your death or watching bullets pop out of your body.
I hate it when a word gets twisted into a casual, less-than form of what it was (i.e., ‘awesome’ – that’s another post entirely.) The latest example? A commercial for Dodge Minivans that has the tag line (I paraphrase): “…this minivan literally gave birth to all other minivans.” Really? That would have been a sight to see. And this misuse was okayed by an ad agency. Someone actually signed off on the copy. Yes, I know that language changes, but it shouldn’t be cheapened for a lazy writer’s ad copy. Each of the sentences I referred to would be just as effective without the insertion of ‘literally.’
:: The kids have new clothes:
After the dogs reminded me about the dollhouse porch, I was shamed into taking a photo of the pretty display of lovely pumpkins – orange pumpkins.
:: I forgot how much I like crocheting. I’ve started a throw for the den and now that I’ve memorized the pattern, it flows and an almost-meditative feeling comes over me.
:: My Mom is scheduled to go home this Thursday. We don’t know how that is going to work out, as she is not really any better. There will be someone to help out a few hours a day. My Dad desperately wants it to work, but he’s 87 and this is enormously stressful for both of them. I’ll write more when I know more.
:: Last but certainly not least, I had to share this photo with you. It’s my husband as young boy playing the steel guitar in his godfather’s Polynesian band.
He was 11. I can’t even begin to tell you how cute I think this is: the Hawaiian shirt, his sweet face, the look of concentration, the retro starburst clock. Oh, and his haircut. I just want to squeeze him.
Have a lovely day, my friends.
Claudia so sorry about your back! I often have back problems, so I know the pain of it. Gosh I was “literally” giggling at what you wrote about literally and awesome! But, it was awesome!! Love the photo of your hubby. That’s soooo cute! Get all better soon so you don’t miss much of your fall. ♥
I know you didn’t ask, but if you put a second nail in for the picture, it won’t jump when the door closes. But not until your back is better (“
Go Rangers! (we’re pretending they’re the Angels)
hi claudia,
i am wayyyyy behind on reading posts. sorry to hear about your back. no fun at all.
love the photo of your living room. cool people live here!!
jeff just posted something on FB about a bit about the word “awesome” and it’s overuse. like, really — that hot dog was awesome? i misuse awesome all of the time. (can we blame the 80s?) my pet peeve is misused quotation marks especially on business signs. i think there’s a whole blog about that. i remember it being really funny.
hang in there. sending hugs, warm thoughts, whatever you need!
xo
elyse
I have missssssed you lady! Sorry to hear about your back but I love your post today and pooches too! Pop over and say “hey” – hugs, Jennifer jennsthreegraces
I am a die hard Texas Rangers fan and I was thrilled to death when they won our first chance to go to the World Series. I like your Red Socks too because the team has such heart. And I just love how much the fans love this team. I’m so sorry about your back, I have been there and I know how you feel. Not being able to move around or do what you want is such a pain literally.
lol…oh, those retro clocks!..
Sorry to hear your back is still aching, mine too, you’re not alone anyway.
Sending healing thoughts your mom’s way, hoping the transition to home will be as smooth as possible for she and your dad.
And.. didn’t you mean…
The dogs literally have new clothes!
I am so sorry you hurt your back and I hope it get’s better soon! I personally know that sometimes there just is not another word that would fit in place of the word awesome!!! I will never stop using that word. This is twice this week I have seen that word attacked. The other time was in Letters to Juliett…….
My Mother writes and uses proper english at all times and corrected each of my siblings so much as youngsters that I think we “literally” say things are own way just to spite. Even in our middle age years…….
Your cottage room looks like such a beautiful place to be stuck in! Love the pictures!
Hope you get better soon, back pain is the worst.
Sherry
Hi Claudia!
Ouch! I’m so sorry to hear about your back, but it sounds like you’re doing all the right things.
And yes, YAY Rangers! I’d say it’s awesome, but I guess I’d better not. ;-)
I too have a fur child that always look pissed off in photos. Luckily, my cat Winnie is an attention ho, so she can always be counted on to pose happily whenever I shoot.
Have a great Tuesday!
Anne
Hi Claudia,
Sorry your back has you laid up. It is a beautiful time of year in your neck of the woods but if you cannot get out much your cottage looks to be a nice and cozy alternative. Take care!
Cheryl
Claudia, LOL! I think I just “might” be guilty as charged with the use of the word literally. I think it comes from being Southern where we gravitate to the use of exaggeration to make a point. ;-) I stand corrected.
My FIL detested the use of the word “olde” as he felt it was an affectation. He wouldn’t shop in an antique store that included “olde” in the name, or eat in a restaurant that used it, either.
I’m so sorry your back isn’t better, but I enjoyed your thoughts for today. The babies look so cute in their scarves, and your husband is adorable in that shot. And the wee pumpkins are ADORABLE.
PleAse keep us posted about your parents. Sending love and all good wishes to your whole family today. I’ll be sure and play catch-up with I return.
Have a wonderful week…
XO,
Sheila :-)
P.S. The Typo Queen Rides Again! Please disgregard the hoofprints she left in her wake…
if you stay in pain any longer, you will have a book written and we will all LITERALLY die laughing because YOU ARE SO FUNNY!!! hahaha.
hope your back gets better soon. i have green moldy crap on the side of my house too, but i will let the army people clean it when we move. haha.
i also have pictures and stuff around the house that shifts and moves when we close doors. drives me batty too.
i have a bunch of pictures that hang in on my stairwell wall and the kids are always moving them sideways, so they are literally as crooked as your aching back. you poor thing. i hope you feel better soon, but until then, i will enjoy your narratives. you are so funny.
good luck with mom and dad. i worry about my mom all the time. life is so stressful.
the kids scarves are super cute and your house looks like the perfect place to rest an aching back.
good luck claudia. hang in there.
i’ll be looking for minivan births out there in random driveways!!! i’ll be sure to bring hot towels and lots of chamois!!
lol
sue
HI CLAUDIA,
SO SORRY YOUR BACK IS STILL ACHING. I WISH YOU ALL THE COMFORT THERE IS. YOUR HUBBY’S HAIRCUT IS ADORABLE, I LOVE YOUR HOME, SO WARM AND INVITING. RILEY AND SCOUT ARE TWO CUTIES. TAKE CARE CLAUDIA, FEEL BETTER. RIZZI
I mis-use and twist words all the time. I guess if I can’t have fun with my blog then at that point I will stop blogging…literally stop blogging! LOL
Love the boys’ new scarves. Our pups only get new ones when the visit their doctor as they are always sent home wearing new neck wear by the girls in the back room.
Handsome also requires a sneak attack to get a good photo of him. Wonder why dogs are so funny about cameras?
Di
Love your new vantage point, but sorry to hear why it is necessary. Feel better soon!
Go Rangers! Those of us here in the DFW metroplex are overjoyed, especially after last night’s Cowboy game.
Oh dear…sorry your back is still acting up…mine too…had to take a day off school today. Usually it does take a while..I really think I am being tested..I am not one to sit still..or in my case stand still..still can’t sit.
Hugs!
Claudia, your ramblings are always relevant and well stated. I also enjoyed and laughed at all the comments. Scout does appear to be a tad irritated. I have a cat who frowns loudly. ♥O
You are too funny Claudia. I think I’ll invite myself over to watch my beloved Giants win the World Series. You can lay on the floor and I’ll sit in that cozy chair and pet Riley! I hear dog kisses will “literally” get rid of back pain. hah!
Sorry to hear you’re still down with that ole back :( But you’re post was literally awesome. (couldn’t resist!)
That pic of Scout with your tag line is still cracking me up.
And I love pics of my hubby as a boy. I always fall in love with him all over again. Playing a steel guitar at 11 in a band? Holy Moly!
I’m sorry about your back! I must have missed a post this week. Life has been getting somewhat back to “normal” around here. I use quotation marks, because I don’t know what normal is.
Some things about the way people misuse the English language, punctuation, etc….. drive me nuts, too. I hadn’t thought of the overuse of literally, though.
Your dogs look cute in their new clothes!
Love the little pumpkins.
I finally got around to buying some from our local Methodist youth.
Your husband was adorably “awesome” looking. Ha
I am so sorry you are still in pain, and laid up. I have to say you are smart not trying to push yourself. I think you should consider this a mini vacation. Watch some movies that make you smile. Perhaps a picture book of travel with beautiful pictures, or a stack of fun crafts.
I wanted to thank you for all the comments you have left on my blog, they have been very incouraging
I hope you are feeling tiptop soon,
cyn
Claudia, I’m so sorry to hear that your back is still not better. At least you have a pretty, cozy place to spend your time.
The kids look adorable in their sweet scarves!
And, I am LITERALLY in love with that sweet little blue chair with the orange pumpkins! hehe
Great post!! Now, take it easy and get better! HUGS
P.S. I would love to have seen the minivan in birthing action too! lol
Hope your back is feeling better soon! Love that pic of your hubby!
Jillian
Bella Rosa Antiques
I can relate to that back pain Claudia and the disruption and frustration it can cause.
I hope the move back home for your mom is something that works out and bless your dad for being a spectacular spouse under duress. I know how hard all this can be for everyone.
Epsom Salts? Has that been suggested? If nothing else, you get to soak in a tub, read a book and perhaps sip a glass of wine (muscle relaxant for those who like or are able). Hope you feel better soon. Ann
That back thing can be really trying. I’m sorry it isn’t better. I like that photo of Don too. He is concentrating so hard, it appears! I like your rambling. It’s better than most people’s non-rambling posts. Speaking of which, I haven’t been online at all today. Was busy cleaning up my garden room and rearranging. Surprised? Didn’t think so. I’ve rearranged the computer desk three times since we “hacked” it apart.
Brenda
Hope your back starts to get better soon, Claudia! It’s hard to recuperate! Love the pics of the dogs in their finery…
The dogs look so cute in their new clothes! And what a great picture of your husband – very cool. I hope things go well with your mom.
Thank. you. I have had enough of the “literal” stuff, too. And how ’bout this . . . It’s “I couldn’t care less.” NOT, “I could care less.” If you COULD care less, that means you care, which is NOT what people mean when they say that. Drives me nuts. That and “supposably.”
I love posts like this and I loved yours. Felt like we were just chattin’. And yes, that IS an adorable photo of your hubs. I hope that back straightens out soon.
Hi Claudia….Your cottage is so warm and inviting. I am sorry you are having back trouble…my husband puts his out all the time and has to be careful how he lifts or moves for that matter! New doggie kerchiefs are adorable! Obie would never keep one on! Hey I went to linkwithin and got hooked up on my blog with it…thanks so much!! At first it didn’t work and then I went back and linked from someones blog and that worked. That photo of your husband is adorable!! It reminds me of our family photos when we were kids. My dad started us early on ukulele’s. I loved the first part of your blog.,,,your rambling thoughts are thoughts I have had quite often. The overuse of expressions like awesome really get to me too. As a matter of fact…you’ve gotten me thinking and I am going to put it into a post!! Great blog Claudia!
So, I was “literally” think about you just this morning… only kidding about the “literally” part. I was wondering what you’ve been up too. Sorry, to hear about that painful back. I’m guess I will be the same soon, after racking up all of the leaves from yesterdays storm.
So, I can’t think of anything better for you to do today in the rain….than pick up that hook and a ball of yarn. I’m “die’ing” to see what you are going to be working on.
Stay in that chair right where you are. There is no place else you should be, “literally”….he-he…
Toodles,
Kate
Oh your aching back! Sorry to hear that..
my peeve? It is not ALOT it is a lot. It is misused so often I believe Websters will soon post it as accepted… AND that will literally tick me off a lot!
xxx
z
You have me laughing aloud while sneaking a peek in my office. I’m so sorry your back is not cooperating, but at least you are using your sense of humor to make us all grin.
Your husband is definitely a cutie. Go ahead and give him a squeeze, but don’t hurt your back.
Oh Claudia, hee hee,
“I hear it all the time: “I literally died laughing.” “We were literally sweating bullets.” No…you weren’t. Otherwise, we would be mourning your death or watching bullets pop out of your body.”
I almost fell out of my chair when I read that! I’m glad your aching back hasn’t affected your sense of humor. The picture of your hubby is precious! Thanks for sharing, I hope your back feel better soon, Nan
Go Giants!! I’m not really into baseball, or watching sports but I’m cheering for the Giants because they’re practically (not literally) in my backyard.
Yes, I butcher the english language and overuse certain words. It’s, like, totally more fun. Kind of like singing off tune even when you can sing well. Okay, maybe that’s just me.
I love the pups’ scarves. Hagrid has been sporting a scarf with skulls on it this week. He’s one tough poodle.
I hope that your mom’s transition to home goes smoothly and that everything works out. I’ll be thinking about them…
Hugs,
Jill