Joannie Writes About...

A While...

2009-04-26T19:59:00.002-04:00

No, I haven't forgotten I have a blog, but life has been very hectic lately. My Mom fell and broke four bones in her side and back... She is doing a bit better finally, but we are still caring for her, and I think the level of care she will need from now on is full time. Between my brothers and me, we are managing.

Lar has been laid off from his job... This is pretty stressful for him, to say the least. He's job hunting, but also trying to decide if he wants to make a career change.

I am still writing, and enjoying that. Also watching my grandkids while Chrissy takes another class since she hasn't been able to find a job in her field, either.

On the DD front, having Lar home ALL the time is not healthy for my butt. LOL The man who can't hear me answer him twelve times where something is in the kitchen, can be outside in the garage with a drill running and hear me use a certain word if I burn myself!!! Selective hearing....

Joannie

Mom and Call Waiting

2009-03-16T14:10:00.002-04:00

"One of us is getting a call...?"

"It's you, Mom," I told her.

"Well, I can't tell. I'm on this new phone, and I thought it might be different."

"Mom, you'd better switch over... Call me later if you want."

"Oh, okay..."

LOL We go through this every darn time we get on the telephone. Mind you, we've already been on long enough for me to balance her checking account for her and make sure her bank balance is okay... and for her to tell me what she thinks of the plans we've made for my brother's coming birthday. I'll probably get another call in a few minutes or an hour or two, depending on who called her... to tell me who it was who called and what they wanted. This is Mom. WEG And, she will have to tell me alllll about the 'new' telephone Paul put downstairs. The 'new' telephone is my 'old' telephone that wouldn't work when we moved here, and it was new, so I gave it to him for when they needed another. Mom, of course, doesn't remember that, so I will have to hear all about the 'new' phone.... Oh well, that is life. WEG

Nothing much to post on the DD front. I was reading through some of my older stuff, the Laurel and Joseph stories that are about Lar and I... and those always make me feel 'old' and 'lacking in spirit'. I talked to Lar about it, and he says he's glad I'm not the firecracker I was back then. I happen to miss those days.

Lar came up with a wise-ass comment to make at a meeting tonight, but of course, he won't say it. I told him I was going to say it for him, and he chuckled and dared me. I'm not sure that was too wise considering my present state of mind. WEG

Joannie (Mama is calling...)

My Dad

2009-03-09T23:26:00.002-04:00

The 'One and only W. O.' would have been 92 years old today. Hard to imagine. I learned many things from him... fairness, a good work ethic, sticking with something until you finished. My love of books came from him although he didn't make it past the fifth grade in school. Life wasn't easy for him... He was the youngest in a large family of steps, halfs, and full brothers and sisters... It was a second marriage for both his parents, and his eldest brother was 25 when Dad was born, his eldest sister, 21. Both his parents were deceased when he was a child, and he was left on his own at the age of 14. He had a hard childhood, and his young adulthood was terrible, too. He served in WWII, and lost his hearing. Still, he carried on, and did the best he could to support his family and teach us values. We lost him at a ridiculously young age of 69, and he was younger than I am now when he had a heart attack that left him a semi-invalid for the rest of his life. He had to learn patience then. For someone who'd worked hard all of his life, it was hard to live in his recliner. It wasn't until then that I learned he loved to read. I went to the library for him every week and checked out book after book. He loved mysteries and westerns, and he wanted to discuss them all with me. They were mostly books I had already read, and I enjoyed those talks. My daughter was only five years old when we lost Dad, but I am sure he would love his great-grandkids if he could see them today. :-)

Joannie

Hair

2009-02-20T08:12:00.002-05:00

Hair... I do not have what I consider 'pretty' or 'nice' hair. It used to be thick, but it is getting very thin on top, just like Mama's, and her Mama's and Aunt Jessie's. All the women in my family go through this... and trust me, it's not a big deal. I worked in a hair salon for thirty years, and know for a fact that most women are not satisfied with their hair. Some hate the color they were born with. If someone has straight hair, they wish it was curly. If they have curly hair, they want it straight. If it is thick, they hate it... If it is thin, they hate it. LOLOLOL To this day when I look in a mirror I am shocked to realize I have red hair and fair coloring. I took after my Daddy instead of my Mama, who had black hair and a darker complexion. Mom could, and still can, bless her, go outside on sunny days and not ever have to worry about a sunburn. I am like my Dad... Going outside without sunBLOCK is an invitation to burn. And freckles... Oh my... Lar even tells me I have freckles on my butt! How embarrassing! I have them everywhere else, though, so if I didn't have them on my butt I would be shocked... lol So, human nature, none of us is happy with our hair all of the time. I do appreciate mine when it is freshly cut and permed. I have the straightest hair imaginable... and of course, I like curly hair. I also keep my hair short because I look TERRIBLE in longer hair. Lar loves long hair, and I have tried to grow my thin strands out for him, but look haggard when I do, and then I twist it up and keep it up all the time... so why bother? lol He is resigned. Our daughter has gorgeous blonde/red/brown streaked hair. She is 27 years old now, and when she wears her hair long, like now, she appears to be 15... and she gets mean, disapproving looks from strangers when she is out with her children... lol She colors her hair because she dislikes the blonde/red/brown mix she was born with and other women pay dollars to have highlighted that way. I think she makes a beautiful redhead....

So, why all the hair talk...? I must go and get something done with my hair. The meds I am on do not always agree with perm solution, and one of these days, my hair will probably just break off, shocking the hell out of the poor little girl I have do my hair these days. I'll just shrug and laugh and go buy a wig... Not a big deal to me, and at least I can style my own wig and not have to go and have it done... like I do my hair. lol

I filled out a questionaire lately that asked, "Have you ever shaved your head?" I answered 'yes', and it amazed me that no one commented on that. On a dare from my husband, I colored my hair black. Once I proved my point... and yes, I DID prove that particular point, much to his shock and enjoyment, I promptly shaved off my black tresses so my natural red could grow in, and I wore a wig in my natural color for a couple of months. No one even knew, except Lar... and it was a fun secret to share. LOLOLOL It was pre DD days, but I think I did get a few very sexy spanks for cutting it all off, however.

On the DD front. Lar called from work yesterday. "How are you?"

"Not so good. My throat is all sore and scratchy. I can't breathe, I'm sneezing and coughing, and I have a headache." I clearly wanted sympathy.

"I have the cure for that."

"You do?"

"Yes, a good caning."

I laughed a bit.

"You really do have a caning coming to you..."

"I do?" in a squeaky voice.

"You do." Phone ringing in background. "Got to go and get that. Bye now. See you tonight. Be ready to bend over."

Alllll day I kept racking my brain. What did I do? Was the man joking or serious? With Lar it is sometimes very hard to tell... especially over the telephone when I can't see his eyes.

Fast forward a few hours. "Why did you say I have a caning coming?"

"I was joking... at first... but you do have a punishment coming."

"Really? What did I do, honey?" I was serious. I honestly didn't know.

"You aren't drinking enough water, and I know about your candy drawer. I haven't said much, but you're starting to eat too much of it... and the kids haven't been here to help you. No more buying candy for a while until you get this under control again..."

So, he knows about my secret stash and is monitoring it. Okay... There was no spanking last night because I wasn't up to it with this cold... but there will be this weekend, I am sure. Probably today... Ouch... And, he was right. I did hit that drawer hard one day.... I know better, but sometimes I just crave the darn stuff. He always catches me, too. Now I have to find a new place to hide the good stuff. Days and weeks can go by and I won't touch it... but once in a while, you just have to have candy or life isn't worth living.

Sooooooooooo.... to the salon I go... and to pick up the new laotop my brother ordered for me. My old one has done well by me, and I am sorry to retire her. She is missing half her keys, thanks to 'baby' Renee, and I have used a regular keyboard with her for the last couple of years. She's had two new keyboards while under warranty... and it saddens me to put 'storyteller' away, but she's earned her retirement. I've written countless chapters of at least 80 books on this little laptop, and I am going to miss her. In some ways, no... in many ways, it is like closing a chapter of my life...

love to all,
Joannie

A Mom Memory

2009-02-16T13:47:00.002-05:00

This morning I had the television on, and Regis was talking about the Empire State Building, and showing some pics, and talking in general about working there as a kid.... His story made me recall one of my proudest memories of my Nick...

My brother Paul and I were visiting New York. Paul was attending a special convention that year, and was receiving an award. He asked me to accompany him, and I said 'yes', not about to turn down an opportunity to go and visit my son, who lived there at the time. It was the July after 9/11... Paul had never been to New York, and he wanted to see the Empire State Building, and go to the top (well, as far as tourists are permitted to go...) Nick acted as our guide, and we were looking out over the city, and Nick was pointing out various things he thought Paul might be interested in. I'd noticed a family who appeared to be from the Middle East, and I'd noticed that some people were not treating them very well... There was a husband, wife, and two small boys, probably in the early years of grade school. The youngest of the boys must have heard Nick talking, and realized that he 'knew' about New York. He grabbed Nick's hand and said, "Will you show me where the Twin Towers were?" My son is a polite young man, and he loves kids. He said, "The Twin Towers were on the other side, not here." The little guy was insistant, "Come, show me," he tugged on Nick's hand. Well, I was worried because I didn't want Nick walking off with someone's child, but I didn't need to worry. Nick said, "I can't take you away from your family. You need to ask permission before you walk off with a stranger." The child was probably 7 or 8 years old, but he trusted Nick. By then the Mom realized her child was talking to a stranger, and she came closer to deal with the situation, and that alerted the father. Nick explained the situation, and the Father was shocked that his child wanted to walk off with someone alone, and Nick offered to take ALL of them and show them. So, he told Paul and I to stay where we were (It was crowded up there...), and off he went to be tour guide. Like I said, some people were acting as though THIS family was responsible for the attack on the Towers... The entire family was born in this country... and it was THEIR country that was attacked. I was proud of my Nick for being the good person he is, and for taking the time to be nice to the family. They appreciated his kindness so much, and I was very proud that day. So was his Uncle. He ended up being away from us for a while, because once a few other tourists realized he was a New Yorker, they wanted 'help', too. LOL I never hear the Empire State Building mentioned that I don't relive that afternoon and get to be proud Mama all over again. Such a small thing, but life is made up of these small, wonderful moments that we can take out and savor over and over again.

That's about all for today... Just wanted to share...

We have a meeting to go to tonight. I asked Lar if I could skip it. He said 'no'... gave me THE look. I warned him that I might not survive... He'll probably spank BEFORE we go. I don't know why I hate sitting through meetings so much, but I do. I would scribble away in a notebook, except two other people sit on either side of me, and I don't let anyone read what I write as I write. I don't share my pen names in my day to day life, and when I do see someone holding one of my books and reading it... that has happened twice fairly recently.... I don't say a word to them about writing it. I value my privacy.... So, anyway, I am in for an extremely boring evening... and if Lar doesn't spank first, I'll probably do something to get into trouble... WEG Even worse... Lar's proper title at these meetings is 'worthy master'. I refuse to call him that when I have to address him to give a report... he is insisting that I do. It is becoming an 'issue'. It makes me uncomfortable, because I don't associate the word with 'president', as it is meant.... I put it on the master/slave connotation... and it's almost as bad as addressing him as 'sir', which is something that would set us both giggling... I know it is meant as a term of respect, and some couples practice this all the time. It's just NOT Lar and I. He hates being called 'sir' or Mr. K. I don't like to be called Mrs... I prefer my name, always, and so does my Lar. When I worked at the high school, the kids picked up real quick that I hated the 'mrs.' thing... and they nicknamed me Mrs. K. Much better than my whole name. I am proud to be married to Lar and share his name, but I'm not his property. We are just us... How's that for a mish-mash of silly for the day??? LOL Wouldn't a sincere, "Yes, honey," when he is scolding be better than a 'Yes, sir' that makes us both cringe??? WEG I really do NOT want to go tonight....

Joannie

Happy Valentines' Day

2009-02-14T06:31:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentines' Day to you all. Life has been busy lately... I've been totally immersed in my writing, trying to get caught up, and keeping up with deadlines. I feel so fortunate to be able to do what I love doing so much...

I have a ton of emails that need answering... again. And, I have taxes to do. Didn't I just do them last week??? LOL Man, I hate filling out all those forms, although I have to admit that Turbo Tax has made it a lot easier. I just don't like messing with numbers. I'd rather be writing... AND, Lar always hovers close by, trying to be helpful, which doesn't help at all. LOL It just earns me a spanking every year because I yell at the computer. I hate gathering all the papers I need, I hate trying to figure out the new changes in tax laws from year to year... but EVEN more than hating all of the above, I HATE going elsewhere and paying someone to do something I can do myself. Now, if you are a tax preparer, don't yell at me. Besides, shouldn't you be working on someone's taxes instead of reading THIS??? I bet you hate your job! Right? It's okay to be honest. I won't tell. WEG

On the DD front... I do try to control my temper these days, but when I do lose it, it's not good. I've struggled with this for years... and no matter what or who made me mad, I took it out on everyone around me. Just like a keg of dynamite... I blasted and didn't give a damn who got in the way of the explosion. I think the older I get the more I have learned how much my explosions hurt 'innocent' people... and I try harder to control ME. I'm not always successful, but I did handle my latest 'better'. I didn't take it out on Lar, and instead of pushing HIS buttons to earn a spanking to give me relief... I simply told him how I was feeling and asked for some help. It took two serious spankings on the same day to make me calm again, and a sore bottom that lasted several days, but at least I didn't EARN them... I asked for his help and received it. MUCH MUCH better. Not to mention that Lar is a lot more sensitive to my temper these days and just doesn't permit it to cause a rift like it used to.

Several things in the news lately have caught my attention. First of all, what a miracle Captain Sully and crew pulled off... especially in light of the air tragedies that have occured since. God bless all of those passengers and crew members from all those flights. My heart just goes out to them.

I am also very angry and embarrassed by our Congressman right now! I'm sick of turning on the news and watching him blast our new President before he even has a chance to make changes... I will be writing to him and telling him how very disappointed I am. I wish all of you would take the time to write to your representatives and tell them what you think right now. We all need to take a more active part in our country right now...

I hope you all have a lovely Valentine's Day.
Joannie

Nice, GOOD Kids

2009-01-14T16:47:00.002-05:00

We had/are having snow today. First bigger snow of the season. I considered going outside to shovel out the driveway for Lar, and just as quickly knew better.... My back wouldn't forgive me, and Lar would be upset. There was a loud knock on the door, followed by frantic doorbell ringing. I went to answer, my mind thinking... It might be the neighbor child getting home early and Mom out somewhere not realizing we have early dismissal. No, it was a couple of young teen boys, "May we shovel your driveway?" I didn't have any cash... and explained that to them... "Oh, we don't want any money. We're just shoveling out driveways for everyone because we want to!" Those two boys, and about four other boys and girls, went up and down our street, clearing out driveways and sidewalks this afternoon, having a great time doing so. THOSE are the kind of kids we have on this street... I am pretty impressed.

Now for the DD element... Larry arriving home... Inside the house, big frown on his face, and his dark eyes were not happy.

"Oh, did you have trouble driving home?" I asked him.

"It was rough, slow going, but no trouble." Still frowning.

"What's wrong, honey?" I know that look.

"Did you shovel that driveway, JoANN?"

"Oh no.... The kids did..." and I told him about the kids shoveling for everyone..

"Good for those kids... and you are lucky YOU didn't do it. I was going to spank you good." A bit more scolding, and now he is out salting the driveway... LOLOLOLOL Sometimes it just feels good to listen to that little voice that warns you NOT to do something.

Joannie

This Woman I Know...

2009-01-12T01:36:00.000-05:00

This woman I know woke up from a nap and was in a rather sexy/kinky mood. She thought about her strategy to pull her hubby away from his television and decided to take the riding crop from the drawer, and walk out into the other room and get him. She didn't bother to get dressed because they weren't going to need any clothes for what she had in mind... She moved quietly, wanting to sneak out there and see how long it would take him to see her... and the crop... and her mind was on all the delicious possibilities... Like, would he follow her back to the bedroom? Would he say, "Come here and bend over...?" She heard low voices and wondered what he was watching, and was just to the end of the hallway when she turned off the sexy thoughts for a moment and realized that her husband had company!!! His brother was in the living room. The woman turned her butt around pronto and ran back to the bedroom as fast as her short legs could carry her, and she dived under the covers and she hid the riding crop, too! She felt foolish... and embarrassed... but also had to laugh at herself. Of course, when her husband came to find her after his brother left, he thought her story hilarious... but he was more interested in her kinky plans... and what happened next is nobody's business but theirs.

Joannie

Unknown Name, Unknown Number

2009-01-11T10:26:00.001-05:00

Unknown name, unknown number = Joannie won't answer the telephone. WEG I posted about this before, but I still get some of these calls... and I seriously will not answer them, especially if I am working. Calling my house is your decision; it is MY decision if I want to stop what I am doing to answer the telephone. I let it go to voicemail if it says 'unknown name, unknown number'. The same with anonymous calls. 99% of the time the caller hangs up when they get voicemail, which tells me the call wasn't worth my time. The other percent of the time, the call might be legit, and I will return it if necessary. Yes, a few friends have told me that they have their phones blocked to prevent others from seeing their name or number... and I've asked them to send me an email telling me they are calling... I just hate to have my work interrupted for nonsense calls.... Now, make no mistake, I love it when friends call... and I'm always happy to take a break from getting some poor Angel in trouble... lol

At the risk of upsetting some folks who read here... I have never hidden the fact that I believe we live several lives to experience and please our God... I had an upsetting night last night... I was wide awake, could not sleep. Lar and I watched a movie, and it triggered 'memories'. These 'scenes' or 'memories' have been with me since I was a small child, and long before I knew anything about reincarnation and past lives.... Last evening I was giving Lar historical details, and explaining why the movie wasn't correct... and he was giving me the weird looks he reserves for me, like when he is wondering what planet I am really from. LOL Now, mind you, I know these things. Have known them forever... and no young child who can't read... and BEFORE television made its way into our house... had no way of knowing... but I did then, and still do... and damned if it doesn't spook me sometimes. I am sharing this so y'all can shake your heads and join Lar in the 'what planet' category... or you can say, "Ahhhhhhh! Joannie is like me...!" If you are, you understand the spooked feeling, even though I know we all come from God and will return to God... Today is a day to keep busy, and I am planning to torment Lar a bit... WEG

Joannie, who would love to discuss past lives with anyone who wants to talk....

Reply All...

2009-01-10T09:59:00.002-05:00

I have to admit that I am curious. How many of us hit the 'reply all' button without looking at the list to see if we know or want to actually reply to 'all'. One day I realized that I was sending replies to people who wouldn't give me the time of day if I begged, and could care less if I have a thought in my head. I stopped hitting reply all unless I was willing to take the time to delete certain names. It is like putting them out of my life daily... and does invite a certain amount of pain, but some people aren't worth having in your life... I've learned that the hard way, sadly enough.

Friendship is a subject that I think about a lot. Since coming online about ten years ago now, I have seen a lot of 'friends' come and go. Some left quietly and are remembered fondly. Some left on bad terms and not so quietly, and are remembered with varying degrees of disbelief, anger, good riddance, and I hope you'll be very happy elsewhere... Some 'friends' left me feeling like I'd been stomped on; some betrayed me; some left me feeling as though I was damn lucky to escape with my life. And some left just because there was nothing in common any more and it was time to move on... sad as that may be for both of us... I've also lost friends to death. Life does go on, however, and I feel lucky to have good friends I know will be friends until the day one of us goes to the Other Side...

Today 'friends' are on my mind... I received an email from a dear friend who expressed a lot of hurt over the way 'former' friends shut her out completely. I comforted her, and told her I understand... and I really do... But, not ALL friends are 'forever friends'...

Moving on to DD... I was blissfully going about my day yesterday (Well, I'm not sure it was exactly 'blissful', but y'all KNOW what I mean, weg.), and the telephone rang. It was Lar. So, I asked in a respectful tone of voice, "Honey, the grandkids found out you will be home early today, and they want to know if they can stay and have some playtime with Grampa...? Do you have anything else planned?" There was a span of silence, and then he answered seriously, "Well, you are in for a punishment spanking today." GULP. There was no teasing in his voice, no, 'give me a sassy answer so I can promise you a playful spanking'. Nope, he was serious, and of course my mind went over all the 'bad' things of lately... A couple of which he didn't know about... I was positive... "What did I do, honey?" I was polite... not about to say, "I didn't do anything you know about..." Not smart... "The checking account... We are going to discuss that..." UT oh! He hadn't said anything about it the night before, and I was caught off guard, andknew I was 'guilty as charged'. Financial things are not my thing... and it was my fault. "Okay... well what about the kids?" The rest of the conversation was normal.... and he agreed to spend time with them. Once the call ended, I was nervous. Posted about this on the forum... was trying to figure out why he waited until the next day to bring it up instead of just dealing with it the night before. Then I recalled that I was working... and he was being 'polite' and not interrupting me while I was so involved. So, Okay... It wasn't because he was in such a temper he was afraid of spanking too long or hard... Once I settled THAT in my mind, I tried hard not to think about it. I wasn't going to make excuses. It was my fault. I was in trouble, and the only thing to do was just bare butt and bend over...

Now, Lar is a nice guy. He is always ready to give me the benefit of the doubt, even when he shouldn't. He permits me to talk circles around him sometimes... which I am darn good at... and he normally listens to my arguments with patience.

He got home, early, played with the kids, and I zonked out and took a long nap... He took the kids home, then came back. I kept waiting and waiting and waiting for him to mention the spanking, but nothing. I could tell it was on his mind, but I decided to try 'patience' for once in my life... Then Chrissy called and needed some help... (That is another story... and I'm not going there right now...)... I helped her for the next couple of hours, and then I was starting to feel tired. Lar finally asked me about the account and what happened. I didn't make excuses, just told him flat out what I did... and the why behind it. He said, "Well, I understand... It was a mistake... but you are going to have to be more careful, right?" Okay, at that point I could have said, "Yes, dear..." and that would have been that. Instead I said, "Honey, you know I will tell you I"ll try, but you also know that I've said that before. I will try... and then, being me, I'll screw up again. I don't mean to, but money just isn't my thing. I'm guilty... and I'm not making excuses for it." So, he is 'thinking'. When Lar 'thinks', it doesn't usually bode well for me. I went about my business. I needed to be patient again... Finally, he said, "I'm not going to punish you. It was an accident... I am going to give you a reminder, though." Okay... that was better than getting lines for the next million years. Then, I realized he was going to use his HAND. Now, most women living a DD lifestyle prefer it when their husband spanks with his hand... not me. Lar's hand is worse than any paddle we own. He doesn't fear 'hurting' me with his hand, but with an implement, he is very cautious of using his strength against me... So, he spanked, and I ouched a LOT. It hurt like heck... and I am very tender this morning. I earned it, though... So that is that.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend. It is icey/snowy here... a good weekend to stay home and snuggle...

love,
Joannie

Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T09:20:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to you ALL. Yes, it has been a long time since I posted here. Frankly, I wasn't in the mood to write about anything that would put a downer on the Holidays. We had another serious cancer scare with my daughter... and thanks to many prayers... she received wonderful news that her tests showed her to be cancer free. She does have a problem with her bowels that is causing the same symptoms as before, but with medication, it can be taken care of. We are so thankful... and hopefully I can concentrate once again on my writing... and keeping up a bit better with my blogs.

DD... Poor Lar hasn't had much opportunity to spank the last two months. I was pretty ill much of November with sinus migraines, etc., and then I had back issues... I finally got those cleared up about a week before Christmas. Lar did give me a 'catch up' spanking or two, and I did have such a virgin butt that I was sore for a few days after... The last spanking I got, Lar was being his usual sweet and understanding self. I was a real witch, waiting on the test results for Chrissy, and while she was at the Cancer Center getting her results, we kept the kids for her. I did pretty well during the wait, but as most of you know from hearing me rant on 'waiting for a punishment', I don't handle waiting well. Poor Lar took the brunt of my stress that morning, and I did earn a spanking... which I got later that night, in the form of a stress relief, reminder, instead of a punishment. Bless him, he does understand me a bit... huh? I felt bad for lashing out at him, but it was scary... for him, too, of course, since he loves her as much as I do. I haven't earned a punishment since then, and while I did get a spanking to end the year and one to begin the year, they were the playful kind. WEG

J & F, our DD forum, is doing well. We have a great group of people there now, and we are all trying to grow in DD together. One thing has become more and more evident the longer I am in this lifestyle, and that is 'one size does not fit all' when it comes to DD. We have lots of similarities, of course, but I honestly feel that how each couple chooses to practice DD within their relationship is based upon many variables. While something is spankable in one home, it is not spankable in another home. Levels of 'submission' or 'acceptance' vary, too. And, some S/O's fear getting rid of the 'spice'... I honestly think Lar prefers to have a feisty wife to one who 'yes's' him all the time... When I start to feel 'boring', he assures me I am not. WEG

Have a wonderful day.

Joannie

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T14:25:00.000-04:00

Last night was Trick or Treat night here in our little corner of the world. I was a little surprised to learn from a friend that not everyone does it the way we do! LOL We've always had Trick or Treat the night before Halloween, even when I was a little girl finding stuff around the house to make a 'costume' and going out with my Dad... Now, my Daddy wasn't a person who liked to get too far from his newspaper and the television, especially on a weeknight when he had to get up so early to be at work the next morning... but he made an exception to the rule for Trick or Treat... or Beggar's Night, as HE called it. I've realized as an adult that it was all the 'free' candy that had him anxious to take us walking to all the neighbors in town... WEG He kept us safe, and I was happy to take our kids out when they were little... although Lar usually went, too. My Mom never did go. It wasn't her thing, but she did help us come up with clever costumes. Lordy knows we didn't have the money to go and buy something at the store... but then, no one had store bought costumes.... One memory I do have is of my Mama getting angry with one trick or treater who came to our house late at night... at least an hour after the beggar's hour or two was over. Mama recognized the person, even though she was wearing a mask. It was an older lady who lived all alone, and Mama was furious at her for dressing up and pretending to be a child. I reminded Mom that the woman didn't have any kids to go and get candy like she and Dad did. Mom found that funny and giggled, but to this day she talks about that woman every year on Trick or Treat night. I think Mama would have seen her publicly whipped if possible! Oh the crime! LOLOLOLOL (My Mom doesn't lie or cheat... and to her it is inconceivable that anyone could do such a thing...)

Last night I was the designated 'treater'. Larry had to be at work, and of course, Chrissy and Chris were doing the Mommy and Daddy thing and taking Gabe and Nee out Trick or Treating. Chris's brother, sister-in-law, and their little girl came along to go walking with Gabe and Nee.... That left me, the diabetic, the candyholic, in charge of the basket of candy treats. I worried ALL day long that I would crack. I mean, I don't buy candy of any kind because I can't stay out of it, even if it has coconut in it..... or is something I detest. If it is candy, and I know it's around, I have to have it. I am my Daddy's daughter for sure..... (When he was a semi-invalid, on oxygen for his heart, the man would wait until I took Mama out to do her weekly shopping, and he would unhook himself from his oxygen, and walk three blocks to the closest mini grocery, buy candy, and sneak it home and hide it in the table beside his recliner/rocking chair. Instead of throwing the candy wrappers in the trash can beside his chair, he would shove them inside his chair.... thinking he was fooling all of us. Daddy was deaf, and didn't realize that Mama, or others, could hear him open the drawer on his table, rustle the bag, and open the piece of candy. And, I guess he didn't realize that Mama DID clean his chair, and under and inside the cushions when she cleaned while he was still in bed. WEG) Anyway, I pulled my old wooden rocker from my bedroom and outside... I always sit ouside to pass out candy. I think it makes the street safer for all the kids if an adult is outside watching over them... I wrapped up warm, took out my lighted jack-o'lantern, turned it on, and grabbed my basket of candy, prepared to be good and stay out of the candy. Well, I don't think we even had 25 kids show up last night, and most of them were here within the first half hour or so. What else would any self-respecting candyholic do except try a piece or two of candy to make sure it was 'good'? And by then, it was, 'well, you're already in trouble, so make it worth the spanking you're going to get!' I ended up with a headache, but the sugar did keep me up until Lar got home for the first night this week!

Our neighbors had a 'haunted house'. Tim tried to sneak up on me and scare me... but I don't scare easy on Halloween. I mean, I know people are going to dress up. I did warn him, however, not to try that any other time. After the first scare I would get mad as hell and try to kill him... thinking he was out to hurt me. He's been warned. He did that to his Mom a week or so ago, and gave her a bad fright. Of course, she was here last night to help out, too. She sounds exactly like a witch, and her cackle is really perfect... and scary. Well, kids were scared to go in, and they did their best to scare the ones who did. Not the wee ones, but the older ones.... When the Chris's brought Nee and Gabe, they wanted to go over and see. So, I took them. Seriously, there was NO reason to be afraid. It wasn't that frightening, but little kids scare so easy. Gabe freaked when he saw Tim in his constume and yelled, "RUN, GRAMMA, RUN!!!!" He tried to pull me out of there. Well, I kept talking to him calmly, and Tim spoke to him in his normal voice. Shea came and said who she was. And they did all they could to make it NOT scary for the kids... but Gabe and Nee were NOT happy with me. I told them that Gramma would never take them someplace they could be hurt... that it was the neighbors, and reminded them they LIKE the neighbors. LOLOLOLOL Chrissy did not help matters by laughing her head off at, "Run, Gramma, Run!!!" Anyway, my babies are better now, and reassured that the 'haunted house' is a normal garage once again. I think the most important thing, however, is that Gabe and Nee DID trust me and let me lead them through the rest of it to get their light on a string and some candy. They know Gramma would protect them. WEG

So, last night I expected to get in trouble for the candy... I didn't. I got spanked for swearing when I burned my hand, though. Not fun. I guess the 'candy' is on for this weekend. I'm in big doo for that. I think Lar was the ONLY one who didn't see THAT coming. He said, "But, you've been doing so well, JoAnn!" Well, duh... I haven't had any candy in the house, either. A friend gave me a great idea. For no more kids than we have now, I'll just get something besides candy to pass out. It might just save my butt. Getting an 'all day' spanking isn't my idea of 'fun'.

Writing news.... I am pleased that Bethany has a new blog to feature different writers and the stories and books we are offering. I'm going to post the link to it on my side bar after I make this post, and I will also put it on my Writing Blog. I have written two Halloween Stories this year... One is called The Haunted House, and it is featured on Spanking Romance. The Second is a continuation of the first, with an added twist... and is called Scaring the Pants Off Halloween... It is featured on Bethany's Woodshed this week. Nope, that wasn't Bethany's idea... All mine. I wanted to write a Halloween Story for the Spanking Romance site, and it just kept growing, and I'd promised to write a Halloween story for Woodshed, so I asked Bethany if she minded if I used the same characters and finished the story. Yes, each is complete in and of itself... but I hope that you will read them both....

In DD news... Lar had a mishap last night when spanking, and caught my hipbone. It still hurts. We had a discussion on the subject, and I hope I finally convinced him that trying to get a spank in BEFORE I am in position really is a BAD idea. I have a bruise, and the pain from something like that is a lot more painful than any spanking soreness.... It also ticks me off. So, please, all you S/O's, be careful of us tender Angels. Spanking is okay... but make sure it lands where it's supposed to! That spanking was for using bad language. I burned myself and said a few loud words that Lar doesn't approve of... I didn't really think it should count, but he did.... I think he is planning to deal with a bill I forgot to pay tonight.... and Saturday is the candy issue. I'm going to be very sore by Sunday. It's a good thing that Halloween is only once a year.

Joannie

Gabe's Birthday Party

2008-10-09T20:30:00.002-04:00

Gabe is six years old today. Impossible, but true! LOL Like most six year olds, he gets very excited about his birthday, and was thrilled when his Mommy told him she'd invited friends to come for a party. It turned out to be a small gathering, but I honestly don't think we could have handled any more rowdy little boys. They were all pumped up and wired to have FUN! That meant cake and ice cream and candy... lol I helped clean the house before... and Chrissy did the rest. I decided to just let her go and butt out... figuring if she needed help she would let me know... and she did. I'd offered to fix the hotdogs, etc., and she asked me if I was doing it yet, DESPERATION in her voice. "MOM, what time is it? They're going through everything I have for them to do already!" I laughed. Fixed food, and that occupied them for a while, then they did cupcakes and icecream. I laughed because my daughter was smart. She got a carton that was half vanilla/half chocolate. It is amazing how kids that young have such definite preferences already. Chrissy was in a panic, "Mom, there's a half hour left. What now?" "Bring them inside, let Gabe open his gifts, and then I'll tell them a story." She nodded.... Well, Gabe got some nice presents... He was excited, of course, and I was pleased he had manners and thanked everyone. It made the kids happy to be thanked, too. I asked a couple questions about their teacher and their kindergarten class... and then asked if they knew Sylvester Flusterbottom... They didn't... so I told them a nice story, and it was Superman to the rescue (That was the theme of the party. weg) They sat and listened, and I let them interact with the story a bit. Chrissy was amazed. LOLOLOL After the kids all left, she said, "Mom, you got them to sit there for twenty minutes and just listen to you!" Yep... Gramma is good for something... lolol It was fun, and Gabe had a great time. So did his guests. They all left happy, and the Mom's all seemed to be relieved that the kids had a fun time. They got to take their paintings home, too. I'm glad the family party is Saturday. That will be a cake from Walmart (SpongeBob this time... lol), and pizza... We'll buy them, and bake them ourselves. Will be much easier... and no party games. WEG

On a DD note: Lar told me I had a punishment coming last night. He called from work to tell me to 'get ready'. I was a bit mouthy... Well, he had a rough time yesterday. Had a car problem. I had to call Chrissy late at night. No, Lar didn't have HIS cell, but a woman let him use hers... Chrissy went and got him, he came here, got what he needed and went back to fix/get the car. On the way home, a cop pulled him over... No ticket. Lar hadn't even had a beer. The cop thought he was driving too careful. LOLOLOLOLOL So, finally home and it was late late. I didn't think he'd spank. I am having some back issues, so he used the infrared heat thingy on my back, and I was about to drift off to sleep. THEN he got out a cane and used it. I think my butt got a bit more than he'd orginally intended because he'd had such a rought night. I couldn't sleep after... I wasn't upset, just couldn't relax, so I got up to read... and didn't go to bed until 3:30!!! Yes, I did get up early to take care of my little ones.... but I have no intention of staying up late tonight, even though I really should go to the grocery. But, I let myself have a treat for Gabe's birthday. I'm not sure Lar will okay that since I didn't ask, but I honestly did work it into the diet and it should be all right... I don't want another punishment spanking tonight... believe me!!

I'm still working on the dresses. Have fittings scheduled for this coming Sunday. Lots of work to do to get ready for that. I'm going to be BUSY!!! But, it was fun to take today off for Gabe and help make his day fun. He came to me after his party and said, "Gramma, I really love you so much!" Now, what is more important than that??? I love him so much, too. (Yes, Nee, Gramma loves you too, honey!)

Joannie

Grumbles this morning...

2008-09-13T09:33:00.000-04:00

Time does things to our body, and while I won't claim to 'like' all these changes, I pretty much take them in stride and accept that I'm a Gramma and not a new bride any more. BUT, and there always is a but with me....

My hair is really pissing me off. I have never liked my hair because it is so fine and straight. For years I simply permed, and that helped a lot. Wasn't so bad. But now, thanks to all the meds I'm on, perming my hair does not have good results. My hair burns and I end up with frizz. And, before y'all post to go to a 'professional'... I AM a professional!!! I retired several years ago, but I started doing hair over 40 years ago now (as a child, mind you...).

Okay, I can live without perms. I know how to cut, how to style. I can look decent as long as I keep a short cut. My issue is my hair color. I have always had red hair. I have always had brown eyebrows. My hair and my eyebrows have never matched.... it is a family trait inherited from my Dad's side. My cousin Jimmy had blond hair, and the brown eyebrows. My Dad, red hair, brownish red eyebrows. I lived with it. Just used an eyebrow makeup to add a bit of red, and went with it. Forward to getting a couple of gray hairs.... I started coloring, matching my red. Worked fine. To now... Redheads have a tendancy to turn either dark or mousy before they turn gray. I now have hair that matches my eyebrows, a brown, which I hate with a passion. The thing is, with all the meds, coloring is iffy at best. I am sitting here this morning, planning to leave for the day in a couple more hours, and debating on 'to color or not to color'. I really HATE the brown I've let it grow out to be. I don't recognize myself in the mirror. The gray isn't an issue. I still have the same amount of gray I've had for twenty years... and if I do as my Dad did, I won't gray much more for at least another ten years... and so what if I do? I'm a Gramma now! And, damn it, I earned all the gray and I'd rather have gray than this damn brown stuff.

So, okay. To color or not to color? I think I've decided, and now I need to get moving so I'm ready to leave when my friend picks me up... I'm going to go and put some red on my hair and make me ME again!!!!

Have a great day... Oh, I meant to tell you about the spanking I got a couple nights ago. Let's just say I managed to turn a stress relief spanking I asked for into a punishment the next night! I'm still a brat at times... WEG I am still sore in a couple of spots, too! It was really a hard spanking, although given with a grin by Lar. I had it coming, and it DID get rid of the stress for a few moments, anyway... but that is another story, and I need to go and get my hair done.

Joannie

Breaking Eggs with Nee

2008-08-27T14:57:00.000-04:00

Nee is at loose ends with brother in school every morning. Her Mommy has the cold they are passing around, and decided to lie down. I couldn't put the TV on for Renee because the TV was down for some reason. (It finally did come back up.... when it was almost time to leave.) So, I asked Renee if she wanted to help Gramma in the kitchen. She said 'yes'. All of you Moms and Grammas know what 'help' from a three year old is like. LOL It takes at least double to triple the time to do something when they help, but it is how they learn, and it is fun, too. I was making a meat loaf, and Renee helped me gather the ingredients. I chopped some onions, and she helped put them in the bowl... and a few seconds later she was crying. She'd rubbed her eye with her hand... onion juice. I 'fixed' her, and explained we never rub our eyes until our hands are washed really good. Then she wanted to wash her hands every two minutes. lol Finally we put some thawed ground beef in the bowl. She helped put in the seasonings I use, and I am experienced enough to yell 'stop' a bit before there is enough because you know they aren't going to stop just then. WEG Then it was time to add eggs and she wanted to crack the eggs. I decided I had enough patience to deal with the mess, so I agreed, and made sure there was a placemat under the bowl, just in case. She picked up the first egg and instead of tapping it gently to crack it, she smashed it on the table, and of course the egg went all over the placemat instead of reaching the bowl. Her eyes got so big. "I'm sorry, Gramma!" She thought she was in trouble, but I just told her it was okay. We got the shell out of the egg, then used the placemat and dumped it in the bowl. (Plastic Dora placemat. I told Nee that Dora was helping her... She thought that was funny.) We washed hands... again... and I showed her how to do an egg gently, and then use her thumbs to break the shell apart above the bowl. She took another egg, tapped it gently and slightly cracked it, held it over the bowl, and put all the strength she has into using her thumbs to pry it apart!!! LOLOLOL Egg flew EVERYWHERE! In her hair, face, clothes, the table... and most of it in the bowl... Again, the look on her face was priceless. I told her that eggs are easy to break and she didn't need to be so 'strong' the next time. We washed hands again, and hair, and clothes... (And told Mommy later a good shampoo was needed before bedtime...) I use oatmeal in my meatloaf, and Nee got to put that in while I mixed it in. She did managed to get most of it in the bowl, but afterwards she dusted off the table, then got the broom and dustpan and cleaned up the rest. It took us at least 45 minutes to mix up that meatloaf, and she was so proud of herself because, "I cooked dinner for everyone, Gramma!" She managed to sneak into our bedroom a few minutes later to wake up Grampa and tell him she cooked him some food. When we were done eating she asked me, "What are we going to cook tomorrow, Gramma?" What have I started? lol

I took on a special project last night. A friend of mine is responsible for a drill at State Convention for our organization. Someone else had given her suggestions for what to make, but she didn't want to do the work. My friend came to me. She knows I don't sew professionally any more, even though I did have a business in the past. She wanted to know if I could possibly help her. I love the challenge of creating a pattern to fit 12 different young girls, ages 14 - 21. I hated the pattern the other woman suggested. It looked like something older women would wear, not young girls. I drew a quick sketch of my own, and my friend loved it. I'm going to enjoy seeing this through, from shopping for fabric, measuring and cutting, and then fittings, and then going and watching the girls do their drill. Lar was a bit surprised when I told him, but as usual, very cooperative and agreed to drive me half way across the state to do my own measuring while they are at a practice. I will also admit that my doing this had a lot to do with WHO asked me for help. She's been a friend of ours since before either of us had children... She needed help, and the challenge will be fun.

I was supposed to get a spanking last night, but as sometimes happens, I fell asleep out here and ended up going to bed before Lar got home. He knew I didn't sleep at all the night before, so wasn't upset that I was asleep. He asked me if I would be up tonight when he gets home from work, and I promised I would certainly try. Not that I am anxious for that spanking.... but I have to be fair. I think it's nice of him to let me sleep instead of waking me for a spanking... And if I want that kind of consideration from him, I have to be fair and not take advantage.... Right?

Have a good one.
Joannie

Gabe Starts Kindergarten

2008-08-25T14:48:00.000-04:00

Today was Gabe's first day of school... He started kindergarten, and is in a morning class. He woke up ill yesterday, and we were so afraid he wouldn't be able to go today, and even though his Mommy had doubts, he was determined not to miss his first day of school. He wanted to ride on that school bus! LOL Chrissy had him dressed in a new shirt and shorts that I bought him, and he looked so grown up and handsome. He was proud of his new backpack, and showed it off at the bus stop. Grampa, Gramma, Mommy, and Nee all walked him to the bus stop, and Mommy had her camera. She took lots of pictures. Gabe told her not to 'embarrass him'. I was proud of him for telling her that because she used to say that to me. WEG Only fair, you know... lol He got on the bus, and the bus driver was doing her job well. She asked his name and checked her list to make sure she didn't miss any little kindergarten kids. (The older kids all started last Wednesday.) She had all the k kids sitting in the front seats where she could take care of them, three in a seat. Gabe looked out the window at us and waved, and we waved back. I teared up... and so did Grampa. Our little baby was just born yesterday and we put him on a bus for school and let him go ALONE! Oh, that was hard. Mommy called Daddy and Lar and I pretended we didn't hear her sniffling. WEG Of course, the morning was not without humor. First it was, "Grampa, I'm cold!" So, Lar ran (Literally. Lar never walks if he can run...) all the way back here to get Nee a jacket. A couple minutes later... "I need a tissue!" Lar ran home again, and came back with tissues. Then it was, "Dad! My camera batteries are dead! Oh no!" He ran faster this time because the bus was already running late... He got back, and she put the batteries in and was able to get more pictures of Gabe getting on the bus. All morning we watched the clock. "Do you think Gabe is okay, Mom?" "Yes, they would call if there was a problem." "I hope he isn't feeling terrible. I think he lied about feeling good enough to go today." "He wanted to go, and if there was a problem, they would call you. He's probably having a great time, honey." Then, when she couldn't hear... "Lar, do you think the baby is all right? I'm so worried about him today. Do you think he's scared?" "No, he makes friends easy. He'll be fine." When it was almost time for school to end, we breathed in relief. No calls from the school. We went down to the bus stop a few minutes early because we didn't really know what time to expect the bus. We waited, and waited, and waited some more. "I'll bet it's slower today because the little ones don't know when to get off the bus. (Our K kids go 1/2 days... but 5 days a week...)" "Yes, Mommies are taking pictures, too." Well, finally those comments turned to, "Do you think he got on the wrong bus or something? He should have been here ages ago!" "Daddy is at the house. If something like that happened, they would be calling us to come and pick him up. He's fine, just slow going today." FINALLY the bus turned on the main street. We waited for it to stop, and the bus driver called Gabe's name... He got up to get off, and I noticed he didn't have his book bag. I said something, and Chrissy asked him where his book bag was. He had to get back on the bus and go and get it. LOLOLOL He looked SO tired. He said it was hot at school, hot on the bus, and he was just hot and wanted a drink of water. School was fun. He enjoyed recess, and his teacher is nice. He had a really nice picture he colored in his bookbag, but my SELFISH daughter took it home to put on HER refrigerator. lol (Of course she did!!!) So, we survived Gabe's first day of school... (Paul told me later that Lar was having a worry-fit because the bus sat at the end of the street so long, and he was ready to run down there to see why Gabe wasn't getting off the bus... Once we said Gabe had to go back for his backpack he calmed down, but he thought they'd lost Gabe for a couple of minutes... Aren't we a bunch of nutcases? LOLOLOL)

Of course, while this was going on, my two brothers came over. Paul was going to help Lar with something on the computer, and I conned John into selling a couple of things on Ebay for me. He loves to do that... I don't. So, if he sells it, I'll split the profits with him.

I did manage to irritate Lar while they were here. My sassy mouth again. I have given my opinion to him several times regarding these folding tables we have. He gets them out ALL the time for the little kids, and then I end up having to put them away. It makes me mad... especially since I managed to feed the kids their lunch for several years before HE was home at noon and NEVER used the darn things. He asked me again today if I wanted him to get out those tables, and I ignored him to keep from saying something awful. He wouldn't let it rest, or take a hint. SO, enter my mouth, and worst part, my brothers were here to hear it, and laughing their butts off. So, Lar made sure they heard him promise me a spanking tonight. They laughed at that, too. Oh well... That's life.

Joannie, getting to work now, and enjoying the quiet.... Tomorrow should be easier....

Gabe and Gramma

2008-08-15T21:12:00.001-04:00

Today was unplanned, but so much fun. Chrissy was here so we could run some 'school' errands this morning. We had to go to the school board office and get a paper, fill it all out, and take it to the building he will attend. We got that done without a hassle. Chrissy had had a previous 'talk' with the lady in charge a few months ago, and it did not go well. I called her, and couldn't understand Chrissy's problem. Chrissy told me it was my age... Well, Billi and I hit it off in person today... My daughter just shook her head when we came out of there. "Mom, I don't understand it. That woman was so mean to me, and she fell all over herself to help you!" "Darlin', you didn't pick up the picture of her grandkids and tell her they are adorable, which they are... and you didn't point out that we have a 'Grandpa and Grandma' frame just like hers... Geesh!" lol We went to Nee's preschool, and took care of the details there, too. We were already 'late' for the first payment!!! I do not know why they didn't call us sooner, but Nee was 'first' on the waiting list, and we just learned on Wednesday that she is in the school we wanted for her. I didn't want anything to go wrong, so we took in paperwork and the check for her registration fee, her 'supply' fee, and the first month's tuition. There was a meeting of the Red Hat ladies there, and believe it or not, my daughter had never heard of them. When she saw all the red hats she had a fit of giggles. LOL I told her that a friend of mine just joined, and I want to be a red hat lady, too, just so I can wear a cool red hat. Chrissy totally lost it..... WEG After that, we had to go to Gabe's school building to drop off the paper from Billi giving permission for Gabe to attend this school district. The street was blocked and we couldn't get to the school. We tried to come up on it from the other direction... nope. There was no way into that building.... so we came home to take care of more pressing matters, namely finding out what we were going to have for lunch. We made telephone calls to deal with a few things, and Gabe's school told Chrissy the street was now open to the school from the town direction. We decided to drop off that paper, then hit Taco Hell for lunch. We brought Nee with us... At the school, Chrissy saw the lists for the classes on the door, so she stopped to read to see who Gabe's teacher will be... We'd already received a postcard telling us he was in PM kindergarten, so Chrissy looked at the afternoon classes. His name was not there! So, she checked the AM classes, and yes, there he was!!! We went inside, turned in the form they needed for Gabe, and Chrissy explained about our postcard, and the list.... We just wanted to know WHEN to send him to school. The secretary knew immediately what was wrong.... Gabe's whole class was sent PM cards when they are all AM!!! Their teacher teaches AM at our building and PM at another building. She put her class in the 'wrong' spot on the list she turned in, and it caused a confusion. The secretary thanked Chrissy for bringing it to her attention so she could call every one in his class and give them the correct information. Can you just imagine 20 kids not showing up in the morning... and then wondering 'where' the school bus was at noon???? Anyway, that is all settled.

My daughter was ready to go home... and Gabe asked her a question. Chrissy said, "Mom... if I take her home with me, can you keep him tonight?" I said, "Sure." Gabe and I get along well, and I have tons of patience for his endless questions... my daughter does not. She is the one who has tons of patience with the girly stuff Nee does, like changing her clothes four or five times a day, and wanting her hair done again and again.... Gabe and I manage well.

We took Grampa to work... then we went to WalMart and did a bit of school shopping for him. We also got some games for here... and then we went and had Cold Stone Ice Cream. It was fun. We had to taste each other's icecream. We went for a short hike in a park close by, then we spent an hour in a pet store just looking at all the animals. He surprised me by telling me what most of the animals are... He knew the snakes by name, all the lizards, frogs, and some of the fish. The puppies didn't interest him.... the MICE were his thing, and he begged me to buy him some of those. I told him that if he could convince his Mommy to let him have them, then I would buy them. MICE! Of all God's creatures, the one that frightens me most is Mice. I hate them.... They jump out and startle me. He wants them, no arguing with him on it. I tried my best to convince him to get goldfish, but those are just boring and more suitable for me... His words. LOL He wants the mice who play on the wheel all the time. He was laughing so hard that everyone in the pet store was looking at him, and laughing too. It was hilarious. Once that was done, we took the scenic route to get dinner for Lar and take it to him. There is a restaurant not too far from where he works that he loves. Gabe and I decided to get carry out from there and surprise Grampa. We went through 'construction'... and drove and drove, just to get there and learn the place went out of business. I said unkind things... and some woman about killed us when we pulled out of there. She was racing in a construction zone... and ran a red light as I pulled out. I said more unkind things. I picked another place that Lar loves. Got there just to find out the construction made it impossible to get to their business. I didn't think they were allowed to do that.... but, the business was closed for the day. I feel sorry for them. I was not happy, and drove all the way back to where Walmart and the Pet store are located... and I got Lar some food. Gabe got something 'small', and so did I. We weren't hungry since we ate icecream earlier, but knew we had to eat something not sweet.... Lar enjoyed having us come back so he could eat with Gabriel. We are home now, resting from the day. We'll go and pick Lar up later... and Gabe said, "Mommy is going to be mad at you for letting me stay up late, Gramma! She won't like that!" I told him not to worry about it. I called her when we got back, and she was pleased I got him some much needed shorts to start school... and she didn't mind at all that I am keeping him up late tonight. This isn't 'babysitting'... this is a fun Gramma day. He told me he's had a GREAT day! I think so, too. But, boy am I tired out now! LOL

On the DD side... Yes, I'm in trouble for the Ice Cream and was told to expect a spanking tonight. Little Gabe innocently tattled on the 'chocolate' in the bowl. *sigh*

Joannie

My New Necklace

2008-08-11T21:00:00.000-04:00

I have a pretty new necklace. It is red, orange, yellow and white, and is made of bendy straws and has a pretty Dora sticker for the center front piece. LOL I've been wearing it all afternoon and evening since it is a gift from Renee and she made it all by herself! Now isn't that precious. We are to go to her new preschool tomorrow, and I am wondering what those people will think of my latest jewelry... I can't wait to show Lar when he gets home.

I haven't kept the kids for a while... and was looking forward to having them overnight tonight. The key word in that sentence is 'was'. Four spills, one broken glass, and several clean shirts later... I am not so sure! LOLOLOL Goodness. Nee is no longer a baby or a toddler. She is definitely a little girl, and very much into picking out 'school clothes'. She wants a Dora backpack (A real one, not the toy....), so we will be shopping for that this week. I asked Gabriel what he needs/wants for school. "I'd better have a lunch bag, Gramma, in case they don't have food there." I explained that he will be going half days and eating lunch at home either after school or before school. We don't know yet when he will be attending. Hopefully they will tell us soon since school starts here on the 20th. (I do think Kindergarten starts the next week, however... I guess they want the older kids all settled before bringing in the little ones.)

On the DD side of things... I got one really "I mean business" type of spanking last week. Lar used a cane to spank with, and I was tender for a few days. It did help to settle my temper and angst, and saw us through getting the fair booth put up. I really do not enjoy those types of things, but as I've said before, Lar has no qualms about volunteering to do things, which means he expects ME to help him. We did well, got first place with it. The man is already talking about 'next' year. I have turned in my resignation, but he just laughed and said, "You know you don't mean that." One thing we both agree on... We need a break this coming weekend. Between my neuropathy and his injured toe, we have been two very grumpy people... and there hasn't been any spanking or cuddling or other activity that our kids wouldn't believe we engage in... WEG

Joannie

Sad for Mama

2008-08-10T14:18:00.000-04:00

I am feeling sad for my Mom today.... She is 83 years old, and the youngest in her family. She has lost her parents and siblings and her in-laws with the exception of one sister-in-law, who has recently been moved into assisted living out of necessity. Of course Aunt Kate's 'children' are out there every day, spending time with their mom... They have always been a very close-knit family, so Mama isn't worried that she is neglected. She simply knows that Katie's heart is bad and it's just a matter of time for her...

Of course, Mom has lost her youngest child in a car accident due to a drunk driver when Mark was only twenty-one... and she lost her husband over twenty years ago... It's hard to be the 'last one' of her generation...

This week she lost her best friend, Laverna. Laverna and Mama walked to school together on their very first day of first grade, and were best friends all through their school years. Laverna married a classmate of theirs, and moved to several different states over the years. She and Mama wrote to each other faithfully, and when Laverna and her husband were close by, they always spent a day with my Mom. They talked on the telephone, but the majority of their adult friendship was spent in writing long, newsy letters. I think that in some ways Mama was closer to Laverna than to her own sisters. To make the news even sadder, Laverna's husband died the very next day. There was a double memorial service yesterday.... Mom went, of course. Both of my brothers took her... She called me today to talk, and I could tell she was sad... and trying not to let me know that she was crying. It has to be hard for her right now.

I'll post more upbeat tomorrow...
Joannie

The Kids

2008-07-18T09:43:00.000-04:00

I haven't written about our grandchildren lately... They are growing up, of course, and they make me laugh every day. I love that, and I love the different things they say and come up with.

Gabe is now five and a half years old, and can ask some exceptional questions. It amazes me the different things he comes up with. I'd cut up a watermelon the other day, and we were having some for lunch. Two pieces were completely stuck together... and I watched him looking at it for a while. Then he said, "I have a magic trick, everyone. Without using a knife or a fork, but just saying the magical words known only to me, I will separate this large piece of watermelon into two pieces." He made sure we were watching him, and then he moved his hands over the watermelon, and muttered some garbled words, and then he showed us there were two pieces of fruit on the plate. We clapped, of course. I actually thought he had his patter down to a tee! ("Patter" is all that talk magicians do during a show. WEG My brother IS a professional magician...) Of course, Gabe being Gabe, and having the scientific brain he has, whispered to me, "Gramma, the melon was already cut apart. It wasn't really magic, so don't be scared." LOLOLOLOLOL Those solemn eyes, so very serious. I said it was okay, I wasn't scared.

Gabe has also reached that age where he is more sensitive to other's emotions, and he was born with with that same desire I have... wanting to 'fix it' for everyone. It's a hard lesson to realize you can't always fix things. BUT, he also has his scientific brain... This means he will offer sympathy, but in the next second tell you why you shouldn't be sad.

This morning, he made me laugh,and in his 'I know I'm being sooo silly' voice. Nee brought me an airplane to 'load'. It's just a simple little plane made out of a lightweight material, and a 'gun-like' thing is how you 'shoot' it across the room. She can't load it herself, so I did it for her, and it shot off by accident. I didn't think much about it, just thought I didn't have it hooked properly... and since it went off in my hand, no one was hurt.... no big deal. I reset it, carefully, and was going to hand it to Renee, when it went off again, thankfully aimed other than at someone....! Gabe looked at me in surprise, because they are not permitted to shoot in that direction because of my glass knick-knacks. I said, "Ut oh... This thing has a hair-trigger!" Gabe wanted to know what a 'hair-trigger' is, so I explained, and said the toy was no longer safe to play with, and said that I felt lucky no one was hurt when it shot off like that. He gave me his 'duh' look and said, "Yes, Gramma, it could have gone in my ear and clear through and out the other ear!" I had to laugh. He was using his 'super-silly' voice, so we wouldn't take him seriously... but trust Gabe to come up with the humor.

Renee is three now, and her latest thing is telling us jokes... "Why is the chicken chicken?" "Because it's CHICKEN!" I still don't get it, but she thinks it hilarious for some reason. She loves to sing to us, only she scrambles the words to songs, and that is funny, too. Mary had a little lamb, who followed her to school... A-B-C-D-E-F-G...

Nee also loves to embarrass me, and she does it well... with just the right touch of innocence in her sweet little face while her eyes are laughing at me... I took her with me to do some shopping, and decided on the spur of the moment to stop by the Dollar Store. I parked, and held her hand to walk through the parking lot (Gramma rules. Any child without express permission MUST hold hands with Gramma and Grampa in all parking lots and while crossing the street. No exceptions unless Gramma says so, and THEN there will be a substitute rule like 'keep your hands on the bascart while Gramma pushes'. Only the oldest child needs to do this because Gramma can push with one hand and hold onto the smallest child with the other hand. One of my biggest pet peeves is small children on their own in parking lots....) Back on topic. Nee was holding my hand to walk to the store when a truck pulled into the lot. I wasn't about to walk out in front of him, but Renee put up her hand, yelled LOUDLY (and I do mean LOUDLY) "STOP, TRUCK!" He stopped, and no, he did not HAVE to stop... He did it because of my bossy granddaughter. I was embarrassed, but when he motioned us on, Nee pulled me over to the other side. I turned to thank the man, my face was red, and he was laughing SO hard. "She'd make a great traffic cop when she grows up!" Oh yeah, she would. Second look at the guy... a cop driving his own vehicle. I'm glad he was amused.

Nee has her Mommy's temper, too. Fortunately, I had MY temper before either of them were born, so her temper doesn't phase the Gramma and more than her Mommy's did. Nee is slowly learning that breaking something of Gramma's just gets HER into trouble, not Gramma. Gramma, the meany, took something of hers and put it up to replace something Renee broke because she was 'so mad'. She had to work for Gramma to earn it back. I feel sorry for any kids silly enough to think they can pick on her... She'll flatten them without blinking. My granddaughter, for sure.

Not much to say on the DD end of things... We did have a pretty humerous moment the other evening. Lar wasn't impressed with my attitude during the day, and called me from work to tell me to 'be awake' when he got home because we needed to deal with it. I said, "Okay." Was I awake when he got home? I tried, honest I did. I fell asleep here in my chair about ten minutes before he got home, and he said he knocked on the door several times, and when i didn't come to let him inside, he went to the van, used the garage door opener and let himself in that way. (Good to have a backup plan that works...) I woke up when the garage door opened, and was pretty embarrassed to learn he'd been at the front door for several minutes... It's only about fifteen feet from this chair. I swear I didn't hear him... He sent me on to bed, said I was too tired to appreciate a punishment spanking, and that he wanted me awake for it. I guess it isn't too flattering to read on the forum that your wife actually sleeps through spankings... but it is the truth... when I am that tired.

I waited up for him the next night, and I was awake this time, but said, "IF you want to discuss something, then best you talk now because you know how quickly I fall asleep this time of night." It was embarrassing for us both to realize that neither of us could remember what he picked for the summer challenge we are doing. I looked it up on the forum, where I wrote about it, and read the post to him. We both went, "That's right!" LOLOLOLOL No spankings yet, however. I don't think HE was in the mood, and last night when he came home, I was in bed and asleep. I didn't feel great and went to bed early for that reason. Maybe this weekend we'll make time for a connection. I have the kids all day today, but we will have some time for us this weekend. We are going to visit with friends we haven't see in TOO long, and we're both looking forward to it. Won't be any spanking going on, of course, but before we leave... or when we get home... It will work out, provided I can stay away that long. WEG

Hope y'all have a great weekend....
Joannie

Reoccurring Dreams

2008-07-11T09:47:00.001-04:00

There are times I wish I was like one of those people who claim they never dream. I not only dream, I dream in many different ways. I have dreams in black and white, which are extremely annoying to me. I have dreams in color, which I much prefer. I have dreams that are sad, some are hilarious, and some are just plain strange. I dream historically, futuristically, and dreams that take place in the present. There are no lines for me when I dream; people from the past mingle with people who exist today. I have dreams full of anger, and some full of helplessness, and dreams in which I behave as I wouldn't dream of behaving in reality. In short, I have so much imagination that it spills over into my dreams... and sometimes I wake up angry, crying, or laughing so hard that Lar demands to know what is so funny. I've also picked up my pillow and bopped him due to a dream, and he's found himself in the doghouse for no apparent reason... until he talked me down and made me realize that what I dreamed did not truly happen. Oh, I have also had dreams that are so real, I would take the witness stand in court and swear it happened... like the orange chair!!! (For those of you who haven't read that story in the Laurel and Joseph tales.... Lar said 'no' to buying two chairs just alike to go with a sofa we were purchasing. He said one would do. I was really disappointed... the room was huge, and needed the other chair... I actually 'dreamed' he told me in bed to go ahead and get the chair... so I did, thinking he changed his mind, and I was very pleased with him. When he came home from picking up the furniture, he was really angry and upset with me for blatantly disobeying him... we had an HOH marriage from the get-go.... I was so confused and said, "But you told me to call the store and add it to our order!" He insisted he didn't. I dreamed that conversation, and it was so real... No, he didn't get angry, and we kept the chair. To this day when something of this sort happens, and it does occasionally, we will say 'orange chair', and just shake our heads. He doesn't spank for this, either, since it truly is not deliberate and he knows that I won't disobey him on purpose over something so silly as making a purchase...) AND, I have reoccurring dreams...

Reoccurring dreams are awful... They are never funny, usually very dramatic, with a sense of impending doom or terrible danger. However, once I reach a conclusion of the dream, I never have it again! This happened again last night. A new 'character' was added to the dream... my son-in-law. I needed someone to take a risk... a very big risk that would mean their life if they 'lost', and Christopher wanted the challenge. He asked me to have a nice meal ready when he returned because he was so 'high on adrenalin' he would need to eat once the even was over. I was worried about him; I didn't want him to do this thing. My daughter shrugged and said, "You know Chris, Mom. He's going to do it whether you agree or not. He'll be fine!" The rest of the dream occurred quickly. Chris did well, saved the day. Mind you, I've been having this dream for years... a combination of the old (Indians) with the futuristic... and the now. CRAZY! It's done now, thank goodness.

We had a lovely forum chat last evening, and it was a great opportunity to get to know some of the newer members a bit better, and a chance to say hello to older friends. I rarely turn on IM to chat... with the little ones here, I don't feel it is fair to someone to say, hold on, I need to see what the kids need, or hold on, they're fighting... AND, if I turn it on when I should be working, I end up visiting and not getting my work done. But, I do so love to chat, and am going to have to make a bit more time for that.

I also want to say hello to a couple of NEW friends who have written to say hello to me in the last couple of weeks. It is so nice to hear from you, even if you don't wish to post on here. I do understand, and it makes me feel special to get such lovely emails. Thank you.

I hope all of you are enjoying your summer. Lar and I have been busy with HIS projects. He volunteered to do a float and now he is working on a fair booth!!! The booth is one for an organization we belong to... we have to have a theme, and carry the theme into the booth. There are also all sorts of requirements to make the booth 'judgeable'. The competition isn't as stiff as it used to be when we were much younger... but Lar still enjoys this too much! We are having our committee here Sunday for a cookout and to plan. Lar takes this seriously... and, as usual, I get roped into helping, even though I don't especially want to. I don't mind having friends over for a meal. THAT is FUN! But, when I think of making all the stuff he will want made for that booth.... Man oh man. I can hear him now, "Oh, JoANN will do that for us, won't you, dear?" Then those eyes... those beautiful brown eyes... look at me and I find myself agreeing every darn time.

Have a great weekend!
Joannie

Too much going on

2008-06-23T23:52:00.000-04:00

Things here have been a bit crazy lately, and to be honest, I just haven't felt much like posting about it. Chrissy had to have surgery, and we were all, including her doctor, afraid that more cancer was involved. Thankfully the biopsys came back negative. She has had problems since getting home, however, and we've taken her back to the ER twice now. Her surgeon is out of town... and we are not one bit pleased with the treatment she received Saturday night. Last night, when her temperature spiked again, we took her to a different ER... and tomorrow she has an appointment with my family doctor. Obviously there is a problem somewhere. My RN son is having fits... So far today, Chrissy seems to be doing better.

We've had the grandchildren... and while all of this is going on, we had a birthday party for Renee, and Christopher has Jury duty. He explained to the court what was going on at home, and they refused to dismiss him. So, we are dealing with it.

The last year or so I've noticed a huge change in DD. Less punishments; I don't act out like I used to... unless I'm stressed, and Lar tries to deal with that when he sees the signs. Mostly we are 'fine-tuning' now. Lar is coming up with a few things that I didn't even know bothered him, and asking me to make some changes in how I deal with a few things. I'm trying. Mostly it is a matter of knowing that he is upset that makes me want to change. There are a couple of things that I don't see myself being able to change, but it isn't for lack of cooperation, it it mostly of matter of good intentions going south in the moment. A spanking hurts... and it's very difficult to always stay in place and not move a muscle when it is happening... especially if it's been a long time since one happened! I know it isn't ideal to try to crawl away, or try to stop him from spanking the same spot over and over... but it hurts, and I can't stop myself. I just can't see that changing... The need to protect yourself is a very strong one.

Joannie

I know... I know...

2008-06-10T23:11:00.002-04:00

I know... I keep promising to post more often, and then time gets away from me and then it's a long time in between. I do apologize.

I've had a lot going on. Lar kept me very busy for a couple of weeks with a project of his... and I've been writing, too. It's nice here, now, and the little ones want to be outside more, and that means constant supervision when they are in their pool.

We had a few weeks off from DD activities for health issues, but things seem to be picking up. The last couple of months Lar has picked challenges that are really trying. He is getting into the spirit of participating in the Monthly Challenges on the forum, and the longer we live this lifestyle, the more difficult the challenges. I am learning that it is much harder to accept the challenges that threaten behaviors I've had for over 50 years! A few things I didn't even realize bothered Lar. I am making an effort to improve, but I doubt I will ever be a complete Angel. WEG

I hope your summer is going well....

Joannie

Spank Books

2008-04-25T09:37:00.002-04:00

Goodmorning. Some of my newer readers have asked me where they could find my older work, and I'm pleased to say that my earlier work from Bethany's Woodshed is now being posted on a new site called Spank Books. I am very excited about this and hope you will go and take a look. I never dreamed I would have so many books in print, and I love every minute of creating new stories for all of us who are into this lifestyle to enjoy. You can always keep up with my newest works on my Joannie Writes About Writing Blog... but just wanted to take a moment here to let you all know about Spank Books.

I had to do THE haircut yesterday, the one I've been dreading for some time now, but knew was inevitable. Renee cut her own hair. This is an affliction that strikes small children, and she did it while I was busy cutting Grampa's and Gabe's hair. She sneaked a pair of children's scissors that Gabe was using on a project and left lying in her reach... and chopped a huge hunk off the top. I knew her Mommy and Daddy would be devastated. Most parents are... and Chrissy said, "Mom, what are we going to do?" Well, I told her gently that we needed to cut her hair. She discussed it with Chris, and yesterday I cut her hair fairly short in comparison to where it was... It brought back a flood of memories, prevalent of those the time my Nick cut Chrissy's hair... I remember the shock I felt when I saw her and sitting down on the steps and crying for about an hour before the hairdresser in me took over and decided what needed to be done to fix it. I gave Chrissy a pixie haircut... it was the ONLY way to 'fix' Nick's cut... When Lar came home, he didn't recognize our little girl... and when he did figure it out, the look I got was sizzling, and if we'd been doing DD then, he would have spanked me sure. And, Grampa didn't much like Renee's haircut yesterday, either. But, she looks cute, and the shock will wear off, and when her hair grows out, it will be beautiful again, just like Chrissy's was. Believe me, I 'fixed' lots of haircuts given by children when I worked in the salon; this is more normal than not... WEG

Yesterday was Gabe's kindergarten testing. He is growing up... and he just lost his first tooth as I was typing this post. My babies are not babies any more.

Joannie

I DID Answer YOU!!

2008-04-06T10:52:00.003-04:00

Oh my goodness.... If you have a yahoo addy and have written to me lately, I PROMISE I have replied to you... Yahoo is NOT letting my email addy through to you at all. I do write and send quite a few emails, but I am not spamming anyone. I find yahoo's new spam controls offensive as can be. SO, if you have written to me, and did not get a reply, PLEASE try again, let me know... and I will find a way to make it work.... This is so frustrating, and I intend to write to them again today and tell them what I think.

I slept until after 10 AM for the second day in a row! My goodness! What is wrong with me? I almost never sleep THIS late, ever!!! I consider sleeping until 8 o'clock to be very lazy for me. Guess I was exhausted!

On the DD side of things... Lar hasn't been spanking much because of health issues. We still do not have definite answers from my tests, and it will be another two weeks before we test again and the doctor makes a decision on whether or not to do a biopsy. I know Lar is worried and isn't spanking for that reason. My mind understands and appreciates this consideration from him, but emotionally I still NEED the DD experience to feel like me. I'm doing fairly well in controlling me, but every so often something just slips out of me... Yesterday, he made a comment about, "Watch that tone or I'll spank." Now, that came back in a teasing way because ALL I'd done was be honest about something dorky he suggested on a craft. It truly wasn't a spankable situation, but my mouth took control and said, "OH Yeah, right. Like you even remember how to spank!" Shall we say TROUBLE? I got THE look, but he made a joke and we went about normal stuff... until he needed something and insisted I go with him to pick it out. I agreed. Of course, I was having a lazy day, and not dressed yet. I went to get dressed, and Lar was talking, putting on his shoes, etc. He got done while I was still taking off my robe and gown and next thing I knew, he grabbed me and bent me over the cedar chest at the foot of our bed and started spanking me with his hand. OW! "So, you think I've forgotten how to spank?" He was teasing, but there was a touch of outrage in those words, too. I had a very warm bottom to take with me on errands. I thought that was the end of it, but last night when we went to bed, he flipped me over and spanked again. Now mind you, none of this was 'punishment', but was certainly harder than any spanking I've had since all this health stuff happened. LOL

Off to Mom's today. Lar finally decided it won't kill me to do the touch up in her kitchen that has been waiting on me for weeks now!

Joannie