Joannie Writes About...

Money Matters....

2011-04-10T08:50:00.003-04:00

I was on my forum a few minutes ago and saw that a friend posted a recipe for a chocolate pudding cake. It sounded simple and easy, and best of all, it sounded GOOD. No icing, either.... which is the best thing of all when it comes to 'cake' for this family. Easter is coming, and while we do steer clear of desserts normally, when we have a family dinner with the whole bunch of us, we look forward to a bit of dessert.... Gabe got his 'ask' in first for a pineapple upside down cake... and Katy's Chocolate Pudding Cake will be a nice contrast for that. I'm pleased to have that huge decision made. lol I haven't been in the best of moods. Thursday evening, just as I was preparing to go to bed, Lar decided to bring up money matters. There is NO good time to discuss money. We simply do not have the same priorities and the easiest way to make me angry is to ask me 'what did you do with all that money that was back there?' Now, before y'all start thinking that I was stealing his money, No... not that way at all. My income is all deposited into our checking account. Lar gets his check and he does his banking and brings home cash for the week; he puts household money in the same certain spot in the bedroom. We use from it during the week for gas, groceries, his bowling, bills... whatever. We try to be mindful of the other person's expenses. Well, Lar planned to use some of the money he brought home for another purpose, and he didn't tell me. I took the money and paid our dues for an organization we belong to. It was a sizeable amount because we pay for the kids, too. He was not happy with me... and my feelings were hurt. I let it be known that if he planned the money for something else he should have put it aside, and not where he puts the money I use.... Well, money discussions never run smooth with us... and this was no exception to the normal. He went off on his tangents, like he does, and I got furious, like I always do. It escalated into other areas, too, and I was just stunned at the things he was saying! Forget sleep, I was going to stay up after that because I knew I'd never be able to sleep, and frankly I was mad as hell that he had to start in with this and a bunch of other scolding junk that he's been saving up.... He insisted I go to bed. Of course he was snoring in less than three minutes, while I was awake for at least two hours, fuming. I woke up at four o'clock and got up. By then he was in his deep sleep and I could have marched through the house banging a drum and he wouldn't have stirred. Fast forward to Friday night... He announces that I need 'attention', his word for spanking. I was not happy. I didn't think I'd done one thing to deserve a spanking. He started the whole mess, and he was in the wrong..... Not me! Well, he wasn't about to be talked out of it. He used the cane to spank with, and it was a bit more than a reminder. I went right to sleep afterwards. Yes, I probably did need the spanking to find some inner control, but man I hate getting spanked when I think he deserves one, too! He tried to be nice yesterday and we went out to dinner, but the plans I made to talk were thwarted when we were seated too close to other diners to have any privacy for a discussion. When we got home I ran upstairs to do a project for him that was to take two minutes; the telephone rang, and it was my brother for me... by the time I came down, Lar was sound asleep on the sofa, and he didn't wake up until bedtime. He is exhausted from all the crazy hours he is working. I am hoping that we can find some time today for a discussion. My laptop died. And, somehow, my backups were deleted on that little thingy my brother gave me to transfer information from one computer to another. So, I am praying that my brother can do some of his magic and find a way to retrieve my files from the laptop. Nope, not my best week..... This week will be better!!!

Goodbye Stomach Flu

2011-04-07T08:06:00.002-04:00

Finally, after a week, I think it is safe to say the stomach flu has packed its bags and moved out of my home. Our little granddaughter brought it to Lar and I... For some reason, it was only the three of us who suffered. The Chris's and Gabe were untouched, and they are very lucky. This was probably the worst strain ever... and it lasted a full five days! A most unwelcome visistor, and the only blessing I could find during that time was that I thought Renee needed a nap more than we needed to go and visit Great-Gramma!!! Nee was cranky, and I put her to bed in spite of her "'I'm five! I don't need a nap! Naps are for babies!" She was soooo grumpy. She was coming down with this flu, but I didn't know it at the time. I am just so grateful we didn't take this to Mom and infect her. I'm afraid it could have put her in the hospital... When several of my friends were here recently I gathered all the implements that were downstairs and easily accessible into a large, rectangular clothes basket, and displayed them. Most of them were handcrafted by my friend John from LeatherThorn Paddles. The ladies were all amazed by the sheer number of implements... and I didn't have the heart to tell them that there was a large storage box upstairs in one of the attics that was packed full of even MORE implements. It truly looks like we have spent a huge amount of money on all these items, but with a few exceptions, they are all gifts. Apparently there are quite a few people in this world who think I am a brat!!!! LOL Now, the thing is... I am such an Angel that all of these implements are totally unnecessary... Lar couldn't use each one of them once in a year's time! I do intend to keep quite a few, but some are simply going to have to go bye bye. I am considering the options.... My favorite so far is having an auction and then taking all the proceeds and donating to one of my charities. I am sure that others of you have had this problem... Implements you no longer use or need... I don't want to insult any of the givers, especially John... (and a lot of his are among my 'keepers', since I prefer leather paddles to wooden ones any day... and the roses he has put on the ones he made especially for me.... well, they almost make a spanking worthwhile because they are so beautiful.... But, as I was saying, I do not wish to insult the gift givers... I thought if the proceeds were to go to a good charity that it might take the 'sting' away...? Any thoughts? Joannie

A Spanking Sigh

2011-03-31T09:49:00.002-04:00

Well, fiddle. Yes, I was to the point of desperately needing a spanking if I was going to stay in control of myself and not lose it all over whoever got in the way and sparked my terrible temper. But, as usual, my target seems to be Lar when I get out of sorts and he does things that I perceive rude, unthinking, and designed to upset me. His first offense of the day was in not going for milk the night before. I had a child wanting her breakfast, and there was no milk for her. I told her to wait, and Gramma would get dressed and make a fast run to the store. Lar woke up when I went into our bedroom to get dressed, but did he offer to go get the milk? No. He did say, "I guess I should've gone out last night..." I agreed with him, out loud, and in a self-righteous tone of voice. All the way to the store I kind of felt bad for snapping at him already, so as is my way, I thought to get him something special for his lunch. I was home in PLENTY of time for him to leave for work. It was a full seven minutes before he normally leaves on a school day, but he was already spastic and having a tantrum because I was taking so long! My goodness, I was gone for an entire twenty minutes! Unthinkable, I know! I guess I should have asked permission before being gone so long!!!! (Yes, that is sarcasm...) So, he was hurrying to get past the van, which is impossible because he has so much junk piled floor to ceiling on both sides of the garage, and there is barely enough room to pull the new-to-us van into the space. I thought to remind him of that, too, hoping he would take a hint and make plans to get busy sorting out his junk before I keep my promise to hire help to go through it and pitch most of it. (Yes, he did threaten dire consequences, but as all of us Angels know, some things are just worth the sore backside.) Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked... Here he was, leaving! That did not make me happy! "Hey, I got you some things for your lunch!" He turned and said, "Today is chicken day!", and he kept right on going and left! I was insulted. The reason it took me so LONG at the store was because I was adding good food for him! And he would rather have chicken!?! My rant was a good one; too bad he missed it. I immediately started plotting how he would be punished for insulting me! It was a given that he was getting chicken for dinner. After all, it was 'chicken day!' I did my best to turn off the temper; the grands are on spring break and Renee was being difficult. (She was coming down with a bug, and we just didn't realize it yet.) All day I kept thinking of all my reasons to be upset with Lar, and there were many... top of the list was working too much... I was/am worried about all of the hours he is working. I'm upset he won't take off and go to the doctor... which he needs to do. So, once the kids were gone for the day, and nothing to distract me, I allowed myself to get a full head of steam again. I clean when I am really angry... That should have been Lar's first warning when he walked inside. The living room was absent the decorations of clutter... the card table with Gabe's tools, and all of Nee's art work. Plus the boxes the new Wii and Wii Fit came in. My first words, when he came in carrying two armloads at once was not to put stuff down and make a mess in the room I'd just cleaned. Then I told him he could take out the trash, including the bag in the kitchen he'd been ignoring for days. He said, "I didn't know you had a bag you were finished with. ANOTHER pet peeve. The man can't/won't take out a bag, no matter how smelly it is until it is packed so full you can barely close it! I gave him my normal, "If it is sitting there in the middle of the floor, it is ready to take out..." Then, a few minutes later, he complimented the chicken and said it was really good. Well, I was glad he liked it... but... "You said it was chicken day, so I simply wanted to oblige you!" Yes, that little bit was said with attitude. And, yes, I was testy all evening. Since he works so late, it wassoon close to bedtime. "I'm going back to take a shower. Don't stay out here too long." "Oh...?" "You need attention in the worst way, woman. You're going to get a good spanking." I was positive he would fall asleep. He is so tired all the time from the ridiculous hours he's been working for months now. I didn't hurry. I read for a while, and when I reached a good stopping point, I did stop, and I slowly meandered off to bed. Lar was wide awake and he wasn't pleased with how long it took me to get back there. His weapon of choice was a cane, of course. It was a long time since I'd had a spanking, and it hurt. It hurt a lot. Finally, when I got used to the sting and was over the wincing and forcing myself to stay in place, he decided to spank harder... and lower. Ouch! My attitude was fading rapidly. It is amazing how a spanking improves my mood. Then, when I was able to handle that, Lar decided to get down to business. The last ten or so were terrible, and I knew he meant each one. The sting lasted until long after I was asleep. Well, the attitude is gone this morning, but the bottom is tender to sit on. I've had much worse, but this one was more than enough, even though Lar told me last night that he'd ended the spanking sooner than he intended to. My reply was to tell him I was sore enough, thank you very much! Still, it wasn't the kind of spanking I wanted or needed... Whatever happened to romance? *sigh* He is definitely working tooooo much! Joannie

An Interview on Blushing Books Blog

2011-03-30T16:47:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone. I know it's been a while, but I wanted to share that I was asked to do an interview for Blushing Books Blog. I hope you'll go and have a look: http://blushingbooks.wordpress.com/ Things here have finally started to settle down. As some of you know, I was in the hospital at the end of January with heart problems. I am nearly recovered now, and getting in the groove of writing again. Bethany was fantastic through this and gave me plenty of time to recover before I resumed my normal writing schedule, and once spring break is over, I hope to work more on a few special projects I have planned. Spring break... I thought I was mentally prepared, but the plans I made fell apart when it turned very cold. We even are having Snow today, of all things! I blame our weather man. He gets off on this sort of thing. I refuse to watch the news tonight to listen to him gloat. So, the kids are cooped up with me inside. We have had a very long monopoly game, which has spanned eight hours over three days. Gabe won. Took me out, and got his little sister two rounds later. He told his Mom this morning that he was close to building the monopoly tower... and he did that first thing today. lol Two more days of spring break... lol I hope you are all doing well, and I hope to get back to blogging. Joannie

Busy Busy Busy!

2010-11-30T17:18:00.002-05:00

It is a busy time of year again. We just finished with Thanksgiving and, like always, I wonder if I will be ready for Christmas when it arrives. I'm entering this Christmas Season feeling a bit sad. There are so many people around me that are struggling just to put food on the table this year. I've tried to help, but there is only so much I can do...

I think this is causing some added stress above and beyond the norm, and I am managing to get myself in a bit more trouble than normal. So, okay, my language turns very blue at times, and lately a few choice words have been leaving my mouth that shouldn't be leaving my mouth... especially when there is the chance that a child or two is going to decide to repeat something I said and get into trouble either with their parents or at school. Larry decided I needed to 'work' on this problem. I was spanked Sunday night and again last evening. My butt is very tender, and darned if I didn't lose it again today. I had a right to get upset, but I am sure Lar won't take that into consideration when HE is the one responsible for sparking my temper. He'd just say I am being picky, but it does frustrate me when he does things to cause me more work. He gets in a huge hurry to get it done, and rushes, and doesn't take the time to get it right. I bought one of those new steamer mops... He put it away with the wet pad on it, and the water container on it was half full! It takes two seconds to take off the pad so it can be laundered, and another two seconds to drain the water. Geesh! Anyway, I am sure he will ask tonight how I did today, and I am equally sure I will blame him for the outburst. It won't work, of course, but I can try. My butt is already tender and I honestly don't want another spanking.

I have been busy writing, and will have a collection of my western Christmas stories coming out soon. I'm also working on some new stories for Woodshed, Spanking Romance, and my own store on Lulu. I also realized that I need to change some links and rework my web site. I need to add another twenty-four hours to each day... lol

Joannie

The Case of the Missing Thermometer and Bookmark

2010-07-11T09:32:00.002-04:00

A couple of weeks ago my bookmark came up missing. This bookmark was a gift, and had an Angel attached. I use it all the time, and I couldn't imagine where it went. One second it was there; in the next second it was gone. I searched. Nada. I called my SIL and asked him to ask my grandkids, who had been here all afternoon, if either of them knew where it was. They did not. I wasn't convinced, but figured it would evenutally show up.... I cleaned thoroughly, still no sign of the bookmark.

A week or so ago my meat thermometer disappeared. I tend to wash my good knives and I place them on a town on the counter to dry. Larry had used the thermometer while grilling, and I cleaned it and put it and the plastic sleeve it goes in when not being used on the towel to dry. We needed it again, and the red plastic holder was there, but no thermometer! I searched. Lar searched. Again, I called the mother of my grands and had her ask about the thermometer, again with the same claims of innocense. I bought a new one at the store a couple days later because we really do use a thermometer a lot when cooking.

Fast forward to this weekend. Yesterday afternoon Renee spilled something all over the shirt she was wearing, and I sent her to the bathroom and her 'basket', where I keep spare clothes for the kids. She came back with a puzzled look on her face. "Gramma! Look what I found in my basket?" It was my theromometer! Now, yes, I did look in the bathroom, even glanced in the baskets, but didn't spot anything.... I just smiled and rewashed the thermometer.

Just a few seconds ago, I found my bookmark. Peeking out from under this chair. Now, I assure you, I have vaccuumed in this room SEVERAL times since that bookmark was 'lost'. This chair has been pulled out, swept under. I checked under the cushions and down the sides of the chair when the bookmark came up missing. It wasn't here. So, to suddenly find it this morning, AFTER the thermometer was found, tells me that a little mischief maker has decided to return my objects.

Not much to report on the DD front. Lar has been working twelve hours a day during the heat wave we just went through; I am working hard on stories so I am able to leave on vacation Friday! We are too tired for mischief. lol

Joannie

BUMMER!!!!

2010-06-26T19:07:00.002-04:00

I hate it when I get outbid on Ebay! It happened about a half an hour ago, and I am still pouting. Normally I don't waste time pouting over getting outbid, but I really wanted to win this item. I was outbid in the last two seconds, when there wasn't time to do anything about it. Of course, I set 'rules' for myself when it became obvious to me that winning a bid seemed to be something I just had to do. Usually, I go in and see something I want or need, decide what I am willing to pay for it. Place the bid, and life goes on. If I lost the bid, then someone else has paid more than I was willing or able to pay. Today was a little different. I'm not even sure what I was bidding on. It was something to do with airplanes... and my son-in-law wanted it as an early birthday present. When he asked for this, the price was low. While I was watching the bidding, it jumped another $10. So, I made up my mind what I could bid, added in the shipping, set my amount... and bid. I thought I would win it, but at the last few seconds was outbid. Darn. I am disappointed.

On the DD front, I spent a few hours yesterday trying to explain to a 25 year old young single woman WHY some women actually choose to obey a husband. I tried telling her that many of us still believe in equal pay for equal work, and that we are not doormats because we choose to have a husband who leads our family. The funny part was listening to my brother jump into the conversation and say with all the certainty and confidence he possesses that a traditional lifestyle is ordained by God. He also went on to say that man was ordered to respect his wife, and she to respect him... and they are to love each other. Now, my brother is not married, but I have always suspected he would be part of my forum if he was married... I didn't realize his feelings ran so deep. Of course LAST Sunday, at my granddaughter's fifth birthday party, he was VERY upset with the female our other brother is dating. My son-in-law told Chrissy not to take a picture of him up in the tree taking down the pinata. It was a simple request... not a threatening tone... He went outside, and just that quick, A looked at Chrissy and said, "Do it now while he's not looking! He'll never know!" Chrissy said, "No. We respect each other, and I won't do that to him." Paul told A that in our family, when a man said 'no' to something, that was simply the way it was done. Our Mama tried to prevent bloodshed and she said, "Well, I didn't always agree with your Dad!" Paul looked at her and asked, "But, Mom, if Dad told you NO to something, you listened, didn't you?" She thought a few seconds and then said, "Yes, you're right." Paul said, "See? Jo obeys Larry when he says no, and that is the way it is with Chris and Chrissy. I don't like it when someone sticks her nose in and tries to cause trouble!" Chrissy and I were in the kitchen, listening to this, and giggling because A was sputtering and angry. Chrissy said, "Mom, it is an issue of respect." I said, "I know, dear." She can call it what she wants to, but she still lives a very traditional marriage. I don't think that is all bad. (I don't intend to tell you about the last spanking I got. I'm still sorting it in my head.)

Joannie

Does this really matter?

2010-06-20T09:18:00.005-04:00

I have been reading a book called What To Do [When No One Has A Clue]. This book makes me feel like a fossil. It discusses all sorts of things that leave me wondering if my life is just plain boring, or if I am simply clueless about the 'real' world. I know what my Grandpa Harvey would have to say about all of this, but he was a self-assured character who always said what he thought, and to hell with whether or not anyone approved of his opinion. I like to think I am like him. If people actually worry about all of the 'modern' problems reflected in this book, then I feel they have too much time on their hands and they need to do some volunteer work in their community and quit worrying about whether or not to open a blog for their pet!!!! Who has time to blog for a dog or cat???? I barely have enough time to blog here once in a while!!! Worrying about whether or not to call a hostess ahead of time to 'present' your list of "I won't eat this or that...." is just plain rude. I was raised that when you went to someone's house as a guest, you ate what was put in front of you and said 'thank you'. Then there is the part that talked about 'adoption' and the questions you are asked... as if that is a NEW thing! People have always asked rude questions when they learn your child is adopted! I fielded some inquiries when we adopted Nick that left me feeling furious with the one who dared to ask something so damn dumb. But then, they also ask rude questions of parents who did not adopt... "Where did your baby get that red hair?" I know how I would have answered THAT one! But, my brunette Mom is a lady, and if my red-headed Dad was with us, the question didn't come up! People have always been rude, asking embarrassing questions... it isn't anything new. I don't give a fig for politically correct, either. Who decides what is pc? Maybe I don't care for their idea of pc. WEG Now, lest I give the wrong impression, the book is well-written, and there are some laughs. But, for the most part, I find it filled with stuff that I refuse to allow to upset me. It seems the more technical and advanced this world of ours becomes the less it seems we have a right to live as we choose.

So, yes, I did get a spanking last night. Lar caught me off-guard. I didn't expect him to do anything until we went to bed for the night, but all of a sudden he said, "Come on over here and we'll get this spanking over with right now."

"Now?!"

"Yes, now."

"But, out here?"

I was stalling for time. Things were not going as I expected, and I was flustered, not exactly prepared, even though he told me just a short time earlier that he hadn't forgotten. I didn't think he had, but this spanking was going to happen a full half hour or more earlier than I expected, and I wasn't in 'cooperate' mode yet!

"Yes, out here. Get over the sofa now, and be thankful I'm not walking back to the bedroom to get an implement."

Oh yeah! Be 'thankful'! I almost laughed out loud at that comment! Lar spanks harder with his hand than he does with a paddle. He doesn't realize his strength, and in his mind, a 'hand spanking' is just very mild. It might be with some men, but not with him. It hurts, and I almost begged him to go and get a paddle instead. Still, there is this little voice going, you know this is HIS decision. You asked for this lifestyle, now do what you should do, and accept the punishment you earned. But, I really don't want to. My legs don't really want to walk from my rocking chair to the sofa, but I manage to get there. It seems like it takes an hour, but since he isn't complaining, I imagine it takes less time in reality... but my mind is racing compared to my legs.

A spanking hurts. It hurts physically, and it hurts emotionally, too. It hurts to know that you did something to earn a spanking. When I question myself about 'why' I choose to accept a punishment, it is because the spanking takes away the guilt and the shame of hurting or disappointing others... or even myself. It hurts even worse NOT to get a spanking. I know that is difficult for those not in this lifestyle to understand, but it does hurt.

So, I ended up lying on the sofa, hugging a throw pillow, my nightgown pushed up, and Lar spanked with his hand, a very long time. I am tender this morning, but all is right with the world... until the next time.

Have a wonderful Sunday...
Joannie

Ut Oh!

2010-06-19T19:25:00.003-04:00

Hmmm. It would seem that I have pushed hubby's patience too far and have been told he is planning to spank me. Now, the only question that remains is 'when is this to happen'? We all know that I don't handle waiting too well. Part of me wishes he would simply get it over with. Part of me wishes he would forget all about it. Do I deserve it? Well, that is a silly question. Of course I do.

So, what do you do when you are waiting for a spanking? Are you able to act normal and simply go on with your routine until he announces it is time? Do you fret over it and try to figure out what you are going to say to make the consequences less? Do you cast blame elsewhere, preferably at him, in the hopes he will feel guilty and let your bad behavior pass? Or, do you reflect on what you did and feel remorse? Does waiting put you in an accepting mood?

Joannie

Lemons!!!

2010-06-18T09:25:00.002-04:00

I do not like lemon. Lemon anything. I especially do not like lemon added to my water. My question is this: Why do restaurants automatically put a slice of lemon in water before they serve it? It seems really stupid to me that I have to ASK them to please not add lemon to my water. It seems that if someone actually wanted lemon in their water, they could ask for it. Wouldn't that be a much simpler solution??????? After all, what harm is done to the water IF the server forgets the lemon? She or he simply walks back to the kitchen, or to the bar, and puts a slice or two of lemon into a small dish and brings it to the table. BUT, if I ask for NO lemon, and they put it in my glass anyway, they have ruined my water. I hate lemon. I don't want it near my water, near my fish, or near anything else that some people want it near. So, what does this have to do with DD? Welllllll... my temper has been a wee short lately. Lar decided not to go to grange last night because I told him I had some very definite opinions about a couple of things going on and I was going to speak my mind. He thought it would be simpler to skip the meeting and just go out for a nice dinner instead. I was pleased because he actually picked the place for a change, but we got there and it was closed. I suggested another place that I knew would be open. We were seated immediately, and for once, the AC wasn't set on 'freeze Joannie to death'. We ordered drinks... Lar got a Sam Adams, I asked specifically for ice water NO lemon. The server repeated it. And promptly came back with our drinks and mine had lemon... This has happened too often lately, and I guess I was a bit rude. I fished out the lemon and tossed it on the table with an impolite comment. I did not swear, but used the alternate word 'flippin', which means the same to me, and Lar knows it. I said, "Why can't restaurants leave the flippin' lemon OUT of my water?" Of course, the server apologized. She offered to change the water. I sipped it, and shook my head. It hadn't been in there long enough yet to taste. BUT, why should I HAVE to tell them to leave it out in the first place. Why can't people ASK for it if they want it...? So, Lar wasn't impressed and warned me that he was going to spank me if I didn't turn off the attitude immediately. HE doesn't drink water very often. "How would YOU feel if they put lemon in your beer, or in your pepsi, or in your juice?" "I wouldn't throw a fit over it." Well, no he wouldn't. He is Mr. Nice Guy. He'd wait until the server walked away and then have his fit FOR me. Geesh.

Things here have been a bit emotional lately. Mom gave us a scare that turned out to be 'nothing'. Thank you, God. Christina had a health issue that we feared could be cancer again, and I quickly placed her in God's Hands, and her problem was handled, and her tests were negative. Again, thank you, God. AND, Mother and same Daughter had a major argument that it took 'Daddy' to solve. Somehow it made more sense to Chrissy coming from Lar. My feelings are still a bit hurt over that one, but the main thing, Lar managed to change her stubborn mind and 'saved' Gabe... Admittedly, Gabe did something wrong, deserved punishment... but not 'overkill'. I think Chris was also glad that Lar talked to Christina and made her see things differently. It's been a few weeks of turmoil for me, needless to say. My bottom has paid the price, too...

One of my wishes is that I had more time to be online and read other blogs. Once in a while I do take a day and try to read as much as I can, but my spare time is going into a book for mainstream publication. And, I am still watching my grands, and loving them. If I could only eliminate cleaning and laundry... LOL
love,
Joannie

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-25T08:29:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas! I got my Christmas 'present' early... I was so worried that our son's flight would be delayed or canceled due to the weather... Nick called last night as Lar and I were just going to bed and said he didn't have to work after all, and he was on his way home, driving! He got here safely around 4 AM!!! A full eight hours of when we were to pick him up at the airport. Now that is a nice Christmas present... and another nice present is that I did as much as possible yesterday so I could make the trip with Lar to meet Nick's plane, so now I am listening to Christmas music, drinking coffee, and enjoyed a piece of fruitcake for breakfast! I feel lazy... but it is a great feeling.

I hope that all of you will have a Lovely and Happy Christmas, full of family and friends, and filled with love and joy.

Merry Christmas,
Joannie

New NAME THIS PADDLE CONTEST

2009-11-18T15:12:00.002-05:00

This is John's latest creation. John owns Leather Thorn Paddles, and he is holding another "Name This Paddle" contest. All you have to do is come up with a fun and catchy name for this paddle and send it to John and his judges. If your name is chosen, you will receive this paddle free. Please go to Leather Thorn Contest Page for details on entering. Good luck to everyone.

Joannie

Eeesh! I am in trouble!

2009-11-13T06:24:00.002-05:00

Okay, I could have permitted things to go on as they are, but I realized I needed to sit down and have a talk with Lar. My biggest problem these days is health related. As a diabetic, I need to eat right and avoid sugar. I also have an allergy to chocolate. Lately, I've been out of control and I'm not getting a grip on myself. If Lar noticed, he would spank, and the spanks were getting a wee more intense, but it got to the point that I would take the spanking, tell myself I would do better, and the 'better' lasted for a day, maybe two, if I was lucky. I was also sneaking around and hiding the evidence. Lar can't help me stay in control if he doesn't know what I'm doing. After a lot of inward struggle on the why's, I came to the realization that without Lar's help, I'm not going to fight this alone. Most of you know how it is... the more sugar/chocolate you eat the more your body craves it. There is even a drug in chocolate that gives off a false sense of well-being. The key is to go cold turkey on the sugar and drink a ton of water. The first couple of days were bad... I don't know how today is going to be, but I do feel better this morning than I did the last couple of days when I got up. It has been so difficult to stay away from the bad stuff, but I am holding my own. I know I will be good today... Lar knows and announced his plan for getting me back on track.

I confessed all to him Wednesday evening. He was disappointed, of course. He hates it when I do this to myself. He listened, asked questions, and then said he would think about it. Lar is diabolical. Yes, that sweet man who laughs easily, and is normally very easy going has a diabolical mean streak. I know him rather well after so many years together. I knew I would be in for a spanking, that's a given. I was fairly certain it would be a pretty serious spanking. I also expected to be given lines. He thinks that writing something over and over will cause me to remember it longer. What I did not expect was that he is going to restrict my computer. He hasn't said when or what or for how long. All I recall is feeling shocked because we had an agreement that the computer is off limits unless the crime is computer related. I haven't asked his reasons for this, but I am pretty sure he is thinking to eliminate stress. (If he wants to eliminate 'stress', he could ask the people across the street to move!!!! Searching AGAIN for a lost six year old in my slippers and bathrobe is pretty darn stressful!!!) I am pretty sure it will create stress and aniety if he takes away my email. I work online. I need to stay in touch with people. We'll have to talk, but when it comes down to it, it will be as he says. He also is doing his best to make this spanking and any that comes after as awful for me as possible. I am not a meek and mild person. Tell me to get in place for a spanking, I will argue. Tell me to bare, I will argue that, too. PRIDE is involved. He is going to make me ask... and having been there a couple of times, he knows that nearly any punishment spanks with a 'wooden paddle' will be multiplied until I finally have no choice but finally give in and count them,.. I can easily turn ten into a hundred by letting my pride get the best of me. If that isn't enough, he is making it a rule I have to either exercise or walk daily... no excuses unless approved by him.

I said I wanted his help, didn't I? So, if there aren't any posts here for a while, y'all can blame Lar....

Joannie

A Silly Dream

2009-11-10T06:56:00.002-05:00

I have a vivid imagination, which is great for a writer, but terrible when I am trying to sleep. I have crazy dreams all the time, so you would think I would be used to the silliness, but every so often I dream something and wake up sad that it wasn't true. I've heard other women talk of being pregnant in their dreams, or of having a baby, only to wake up and feel as though a part of them is missing. So, last night, I dreamed I was pregnant... and the dream was pretty realistic, considering the fact I am 59, and it has been medically impossible to have a child since I had a hysterectomy at age 34. The doctors were marveling at that, but our main concern was the allergic reaction I was having to something. My ob/gyn came out of retirement to deliver this baby, since I refused to consider anyone else, and then he decided I needed to go to a specialist because of the hives. I didn't want to do that, of course... Stubborn even in my sleep, I am. WEG But, Lar insisted, and we all know where that was headed... So, he took me to a prominent hospital, and my doctor walked out to see me and said, "I forgot that I am a specialist now..." LOL Oh well, I woke up grinning, and still pregnant, at least in my dreams.

Nothing else of much interest going on here. No DD reports to make unless I mention the all day spanking of Saturday... and that was just us pretending to be kids again and having fun. WEG

Joannie

Big Babies and Poor Sports

2009-11-06T05:38:00.002-05:00

I don't know anything about football, and I don't really care to know. My SIL was supposed to play in a fantasy football league, but decided he didn't want to after the teams were picked. My brother said, "Will you fill in, Jo?" Like a silly girl, I said, "Sure." Now, winning is not important to me. I am the only female in the league, and all the guys, including my Lar, love and understand football. I've always thought that big men chasing a ball and knocking everyone down in the process just plain silly. But, if others want to do that, or watch others doing that... okay. After reminding my brother not to expect too much I set out to learn the software. Wasn't too difficult. Figuring out who I should play out of all those guys wasn't so simple. Seems that my husband and my brother Paul both seemed to think I needed 'help' and 'protecting' from the other 'sharks' in the league. Now, I wanted to play MY way, which was, "I like this guy's name..." Or "I have a feeling this dude is going to do great this week." No, both the superior males feel that something called strategy and statistics is more important than whether or not I like the guy's name. I also wanted to get rid of one player. I took an immediate dislike to him. You would have thought I told them I was going to shoot Santa Claus!!!! (Well, I am not particularly obedient, now am I??? I got rid of the guy, and too bad so sad....) So, okay, I haven't done horrible. Better than I expected... The hardest week for me was the week I played Lar. Now, the man didn't want to tromp me, and since I have the advantage of knowing his mother raised him with weirdness, I knew he would cheat to lose. I cheated to lose better than him and he won, which he should have done, according to the damn statistics he is so keen on when it suits him. WEG He sputtered a lot and I got evil looks, but I was delighted to best him in the losing department. I doubt we will have to play each other again... THEN we have the poor sports and big babies of the league. Now, picture me rolling my eyes. My Lar is not a mean or hateful person. One of the guys on the team was 'legally' cheating. Lar pointed it out. Paul warned the man in a friendly way, which only encouraged him to keep taking players and putting them on waivers so the rest of the managers couldn't choose the better players when they needed someone for a bye week. (Yes, I sound like I know what the hell I just said, right??? Don't be fooled... I am repeating words...) Another player spoke up, and Paul stepped in and anythime the 'cheater' did that, he took the player off waivers and made them into a free agent. Oh no, more hostility... The guy posted something really nasty to Lar. Lar, nice man that he is, crossed his arms over his chest and assumed his Dad's 'mulish' expression and said, "That is one ignorant S.O.B! I'm done with him... Unless he says something to you... then he is DEAD!" Now, I was flattered, really... even if trying not to smile. Like I can't out badmouth anyone on that board, and type it faster, too!!!! But, it is nice to know that Lar is willing to rip the man's tongue out if he speaks to me at all. Then, out of left field (oops, that is baseball, right? Another long story... but we won't get into that today.), another guy who is soooooo great at the smack talk, decides to quit because he got beat by someone he has decided is a loser... Now, I am still trying to figure this out. He claimed it wasn't fair that the other guy's team beat his team because he doesn't happen to personally like the guy???? Ummm, I thought the whole purpose was to win, right? So, he quit, and the best of all, my idiot brother, John, posts, "If M quit, so do I!" Boo hoo hoo!!! The REAL reason John quit... He was scheduled to be my next victim this week and he was too scared to get beat by his sister!!!! LOLOLOL He is going to get a trophy from me at the end of the season... the BIG BABY trophy. M gets the POOR SPORT trophy. I get the BEST LOSER trophy.... I am sure the rest of us can now enjoy some relative peace while playing out the rest of the season. Of course, y'all might want to cover your ears when I make another of my 'moves' and get rid of another player who is supposed to be good but messes up every time I play him.... Lar and Paul just don't get it when I do things they don't understand. WEG

On the DD side of things... I am up to 'three' now. I think I have shrunk a wee bit more, and I am having to move the car seat a notch or two closer to be able to reach the gas pedals. Lar has learned to check so he doesn't kill certain parts of his anatomy before getting into the car. Each time he tries to get in and the seat isn't back, he yells a number... and last night we hit 'three'. Of course I defended myself with, "This is my car... and I didn't know you were going to be driving it next. It is a waste of my time to put it back, get in again, and just have to pull it forward." He offered to take care of the three right then, but I reminded him he was hungry. We'll see. I'm not properly scared yet.

Joannie

Glass Slippers and Halloween Candy

2009-11-05T13:57:00.002-05:00

My granddaughter does not have small, dainty feet. Nope, she is going to take after my Mama, the BigFoot of the family. WEG She is still only four years old, however, and four year old little girls like to play dress up and princess. They even have princess parties and wear their gowns and have a great time. Renee outgrew her 'glass slippers'. I looked around and saw some I thought might just fit her. The length would have been fine, but they weren't wide enough. She was so disappointed... and I felt terrible. I got online yet that night and typed in various things, looking for play heels for kids with big feet.... to no avail. Finally, in desperation, and hating myself thoroughly, I typed in 'pageant shoes for little girls'. BINGO. I suddenly had more dress-up shoes in her size than I thought existed. I found a pair that were reasonably priced. After all, these are for PLAY. The first time Nee wore them, the rubber part on the bottom of the acrylic heel came off. Okay, I fixed them, and she loves them. She's happy, I'm happy, but reallllllly, pageant shoes???? I don't want to offend anyone, but I can't see how pageants for little girls is anything more than pageants for mama's to play dress up the little girl. They should be playing and having fun making believe.
End of sermon...

Yes, I got into trouble. I was having a migraine and finally Lar added it all together and said, "Have you been eating the Halloween candy?" I didn't think I was overdoing it, but in all honesty, ANY candy is overdoing it. I always feel like such a doofus and tell myself it won't happen again. I can go for months at a time and not touch the first piece of candy, then I'll treat myself, and since that one didn't hurt me, I can have another, until I am wondering why I feel rotten. Embarrassing. This seems to be the one area I struggle most with.

Hope you are all having a gorgeous fall day. It is beautiful here, and promises ahead of a lovely weekend. Tomorrow evening is the annual banquet I will need to survive. Not looking forward to it... and praying the entertainment is musical...

Joannie

Scary

2009-11-01T02:50:00.000-05:00

I am glad Halloween is over with. Now, I love trick or treating and all the fun stuff associated with Halloween, BUT... I don't like scary stuff. Even normal tv shows seem compelled to try and scare the you know what out of you during this time of year. I especially can't handle 'zombies'. I've been this way my entire life, and scary movies were OUT. In fact, Lar made it a rule that I not ever watch movies like the ones designed to scare NORMAL people. I'm not normal, so what scares other people, gives me nightmares... and even daymares!! So, trying to be 'safe', Lar turned on HGTV yesterday. What was on? Shows about scary houses... houses they used in scary movies. And other shows to show how to decorate scary. PLEASE, give me a break! Friday evening the normal shows we watch had a Halloween theme. I gave Lar a look and he said, "Damn. We're going to have fun tonight, aren't we?"

I was serious. "You aren't allowed to leave this room unless you take me with you."

"JoANN, this is just a stupid television show. It's not real."

"Like that makes a difference. You stay right here." Well, he did... but eventually he got to his feet. He was wanting to go to bed because he got up really early and he was tired. "You can't go to bed yet!"

"JoANN, I'm tired."

"Then wait a minute. I'll shut down."

He just looked at me, but he waited. There was no way I was ready to sleep, but I sure as heck wasn't staying out here alone, either. We both went to bed. "JoANN, I'm on the edge of the bed. Move over!"

"Not unless you move this way, too." He said some insulting things, but moved closer. I am very good at making sure he gets NO sleep when I am like this. He did his best to make sure I felt safe and snuggled. He actually had the nerve to go right to sleep!!!! I wasn't having that.

"Did you hear that?" I whispered loudly, poking him to make sure he heard me.

"Hear what?" He wasn't happy.

"That!"

"It's the door, woman. The fan is making it move."

"It's scary!" He sighed, got up, shut the door tight.

"There. Now go to sleep."

"I can't sleep. I'll dream."

"Then lie awake but let me get some sleep." I thought that was rude, but I figured I could wake him if necessary.

So, okay, a few minutes pass. He is snoring... rather loudly... It's also getting warm pinned under the blankets, but I am still shaking. It is much safer under the blankets! Lar's snoring is louder, and I keep telling myself that it is okay to go to sleep. I finally close my eyes and as I am almost asleep, this damn zombie makes a growly noise and I sit straight up! Grabbing Lar, of course. He is the resident zombie-fighter. "What!" he growls. "Was I snoring?"

"Yes, but I can't sleep because the second I do, I have bad dreams. I saw a zombie and he growled at me!"

"Next year the tv is going off for a week before Halloween," he muttered. "There are no zombies in this room, JoANN. You scared them away. Now go to sleep."

I scooted closer to him, and he muttered again about it being too hot... and I said, "Tough! I'm freezing to death!"

He said, "Well curl up under the covered wagon and go to sleep under your buffalo robes." (I know that no one but the two of us understand that, and I'm not going to explain. WEG) He was soon snoring again.

I laid there for at least another twenty minutes, and literally could not close my eyes. I said a few short expletives it was a good thing Lar wasn't awake to hear, and my temper kicked in. I decided to get up and come out here and read or write or listen to Christmas music. ANYTHING to get the zombies out of my head. I read until I fell asleep, then took myself back to bed, making darn sure to get close to Lar... just in case.

Halloween is over for another year, and it should be fairly easy to avoid the 'scary' for another year. I hope. Of course, there was that episode a couple of months ago. Paul and I were on a photo shoot and I made the mistake of flipping on the television in my room when I got into bed. It seemed a normal boy gets girl type movie at first... until the monster part started, and by then I had to know what was going to happen to them. A mistake... a gory big mistake. Give me a western any day of the week.

Nothing spanking or DD related to report unless I start talking about other people... and I'm not above doing that. WEG I was in Walmart the other day, minding my own business, and saw this husband walking behind his wife, casually swatting her butt with a paint stirrer every few steps. She wasn't too happy. They weren't carrying any paint, either. WEG

Joannie (Yes, this is the middle of the night. BUT, I went to bed right after we ate dinner and I slept for five hours... so I'm wide awake now. It's the zombies' fault!)

Just another typical day...

2009-10-29T05:36:00.002-04:00

Today will be another busy day. The little ones get here around 7:30 this morning. Breakfast. If there is time, Gabe will practice his guitar before going to school. I am driving him instead of putting him on the bus today, and once he is delivered, it is time to take Renee to preschool. She has Halloween Treats to pass out to her 'friends'. Lar asked me to do his banking, so I will drive to his work, go to the credit union, and then to the grocery and IF there is time before picking up Renee, come home and put something in the crock pot for dinner tonight. Pick up Nee, drive to pick up my Mama, take them for a quick lunch in the car before taking Mom to the doctor. I will then pick up a plaque for next week's banquet for the special award we give each year... Mama home, and back to Gabe's school to pick him up. Home for a few minutes to verbally practice his guitar, and then in the car and off to guitar lessons. Home again, and hopefully the crock pot is full of chili for our quick dinner. Dress the kids into their Halloween costumes and do the finishing touchs unless Mommy and Daddy are here by then to take care of that. Hand out candy to all the ghosties, goblins, princesses, witches, super heroes, and the older kids who are sweet to bring around the younger ones for trick or treat... and then, when the porch lights go off at 8 o'clock, I might have a few minutes to sit down and rest a bit... unless my conscience forces me to clean the kitchen. LOL

DD wise... The past few days have taught me something important. It is one thing to know what you are thinking, but it is imperitive to communicate that to your HOH. I learned it is important to say the words, "I understand your feelings on this subject, and I accept your decision as HOH." Once I made that clear, Lar was able to focus on hearing me say that, "While I understand and accept your decision, honey, I can't flip a switch inside myself to turn off my feelings and emotions." Good lesson in communication. While Lar did not punish because he did not feel a punishment was warranted, he did deal effectively with the guilt and anger I was feeling toward myself. One more hurdle in this DD lifestyle handled, and now on to the next... but please to God, a day or two to breathe first. I'm a little bit busy today... WEG

If you have little ones trick or treating, please go with them and keep them safe. If you are passing out candy to the children, please sit outside and keep watch on your street. Make it a safe and fun night for the kids. AND, if this is bah humbug to you, please remember to drive safely. Kids don't always have responsible parents or grandparents to look after them, and those darn costumes make them all excited and they forget to look for cars, or they can't see with those darn masks. Please be careful....

Joannie

After a long silence...

2009-10-28T16:25:00.000-04:00

Hello again! I've taken a long vacation from my blog because it seemed as though I'd reached a place I didn't have much to say that I hadn't already said. I've had several emails lately asking me to start blogging again, so I am going to talk about my life and the DD side of my marriage. Don't be surprised if I don't have a spanking to talk about every day... I don't earn a punishment all that often these days, but I still like to talk about spanking. And, of course I will continue to share what is going on in that part of my life.

I get asked a lot about my grandkids. Gabe is now seven years old and in first grade. Our 'baby' Renee is all of four years old now and in pre-kindergarten. Hard for me to believe they are no longer babies. Renee is going to be a kitty for Halloween and Gabe a Ninja. I went with Nee's class on a Halloween Parade downtown this morning, and I am kicking myself for forgetting my camera... I begged some of the others who took pictures to please email me photos. I hope they keep their promises. Gabe is now studying guitar. He's had two lessons and wants to know when he can form his band. WEG

Mama is hanging in there. I wonder sometimes if she will ever recover from that last nasty fall she had. She fractured seven bones; four of her ribs and three vertebrae in her back. Her memory is starting to fail, too. Sad.

On the DD front. You would think that Lar and I would have it all worked out by now, wouldn't you? But, we don't. I have done a few things lately that I felt earned a punishment. Lar did not agree. He is too nice, in my opinion, but he is also the HOH and so he has final say. While I can accept his decision, living with it is difficult. Not getting a spanking is sometimes much worse than getting one. We've gone through this before and it does take a lot of discussion to come out on the other side and on the same page, but we will.

Does anyone watch Dexter? I am truly mourning Frank Lundy and wish they hadn't killed him. How odd is it to watch a show about a serial killer? Lar and I never miss watching it, and we even let the answering machine pick up when it is on on Sunday evenings.

I am still writing for Woodshed and for Spanking Romance, of course, and I've posted a lot of new things on my Lulu site. I still think it is cool that I can do something that is so much fun and share it with all of you. I love to hear what you think of my stories, too.

I've also had several people inquire if Joannie and Friends, my DD forum, is still active. Yes, it is. We have a fun and interesting group of Friends, and there is always room for one more.

I might add that my verizon email is being a pita right now, and some emails are not getting through. If you have written to me and I haven't answered, please try again at JoannieKay820@gmail.com I do answer emails.

I guess that one of the things that someone said that encouraged me most to start writing on here again is that they liked my blog because it shows a regular couple coping with life and all its ups and downs, and how DD figures into the whole. If you do enjoy reading, please let me know. I can't guarantee I will blog daily, but I'm sure I will make an effort to.

Joannie

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

Yahoo Emails Suck, take two....

2008-03-28T21:50:00.002-04:00

Hmmmm, Just typed an entire steaming post, named Yahoo Email Sucks, and this site managed to have an error and not post it!!!! LOLOL Maybe I am getting paranoid in my old age, but my memory isn't completely gone, and I can restate all my grievances.

For those of you who use Yahoo emails, I would strongly suggest you stop using them. WHY? Because they are screening all of your emails and deciding which ones you are permitted to receive. I was writing back and forth with a writer friend regarding business, and after several emails, yahoo decided I just had to be spamming her, and blocked me. When I went to their site to 'fix it', they wanted ALL of my personal information, and even more, they wanted me to copy the entire email for them to read! Now, excuse me, that email was none of their damned business. My friend now has a gmail addy, smart girl. If that isn't enough to tick you off at yahoo, one of my forum members learned that her school had been sending important announcements to parents all week. She wasn't getting them because yahoo blocked the school. In fact, all of the parents with yahoo addys did not get their emails. This is going too far. We are giving up too much control to this type of software and to these servers. We need to speak up and tell them that we are adults and fully capable of making our own decisions about what emails are acceptable to us. It only takes a second to delete something we don't want, but if we don't even have a chance to say, "YES, THAT is my child's school!" there is no freedom in that, no choice, no right at all. Doesn't it make you wonder how many emails you have missed??? And, it doesn't matter if the sender is in your address book with yahoo! I have been in my friend's address book for several years now, and was still blocked. This is taking things entirely too far in my opinion. If you have a yahoo email addy, you need to drop it and get something else, or complain loud and long until they get rid of the software they are letting set their standard!!! What is this country coming to? Are we all so lazy we have to let software and those who design it decide who we can get emails from!

Joannie, tired of all the politically correct BS governing our lives.

Too Much to Write About

2008-03-20T11:40:00.000-04:00

Goodness, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think, "That would make a good blog post..." I promise myself I'll get to it 'after I...' And then, I don't get to it. Geesh!

So much has been going on, but the great news first... I finally got the problem with my Lulu site sorted. For weeks now, only the first page was showing, although I have four pages of books offered there. I finally reached a person by the name of Rosemary who knew exactly what to tell me to do... I did it, and now all the pages and all the books are showing. I feel happy about this. It takes a lot of work to get books formatted for Lulu, and while I seriously do not mind doing the work, I hate it when all the older stuff isn't available for weeks. Now I will be posting newer stuff since I know it won't make what is there now disappear.

On the home front... we have been having some serious health issues in our family. I am undergoing tests, and praying to get answers soon so that I can start feeling great and not have this overwhelming exhaustion on a daily basis. My poor Lar is dealing with kidney stones. Our new doctor insisted Lar do some follow-up checking when he learned Lar passed a kidney stone a few weeks ago. Thank goodness he did. We've learned the problem is pretty extensive and in both kidneys. He will be seeing a specialist next week to schedule some treatment. Our daughter has a hairline fracture in her back, due to a two year old being overly happy to see Mommy! Our sofa sits a few feet from the steps. There is walk room to get to the steps, but the sofa is rather close. Chrissy was sitting on the edge of the sofa cushion, and Renee came running downstairs, "Mommy! Mommy! You're here!" She jumped from the second step from the bottom, to the sofa arm, and ran both hands into her Mommy's back. Chrissy screamed in pain... had xrays a couple days later... hairline fracture. (Almost as bad as when Lar's younger brother hugged his mother so hard he fractured a couple of ribs!) Chrissy is doing a bit better today, finally. She didn't need this, and NeeNee feels terrible.

I am working on a quilted wall hanging for Renee. It is a Dora one... My own design, which is to say, very simple and very colorful. LOL I can't wait to see it finished. I'm also doing some counted cross stitch again. I was spending too much time doing other things and not taking any time to do the things that I really love doing, and I'm trying to find some time for those things again.

The forum is doing well now. We have a LOT of new members, and I have another one or two in my inbox wanting to join. I honestly do think that there are a lot more couples looking for this lifestyle than any of us who DO live this way can imagine. I'm seeing more and more people who really want to make their marriages work and are realzing that a return to traditional ways will help. I know DD isn't an answer for all, but for those of us wired this way, it makes life happier. So, if you are wondering if we are all crazy and kinky, well, no more so than anyone else! WEG Most of us are normal people who face the same struggles that you do. We mess up at times, sometimes cross lines we shouldn't cross, and DD helps us with accountability for actions that could otherwise be destructive.

There hasn't been much spanking going on here lately... due to health issues primarily. Lar isn't one to spank if he is concerned with my health... and we've learned that the sudden bursts of irritability are due to the problems I'm having right now. Thankfully, those seem to occur more frequently in late afternoon and early evening, so Lar isn't here to get the brunt of it. I'm also afraid to act out too much because I am fearful of causing one of those kidney stones to move down and cause Lar pain. I don't want him to suffer...

The little ones are growing up so much... I think I am more excited over Easter coming this Sunday than they are! Lar and I love to color eggs with them, and they think it is neat to 'help' the Easter Bunny. We color them, then Larry has a great time hiding them. We also fill plastic eggs with money or candy and hide those, too, so the kids have a great Easter Egg Hunt. I saw something on tv's Jon and Kate Plus Eight show on TLC network that I think I might borrow. Kate made a treasure hunt for the kids, and I think Gabe and Nee would love that, too. I'm very tempted to compile some little things and send them on a hunt. Chrissy won't let them have a lot of candy, due to the diabetes in our family (smart girl), so anything else to make the day special is always welcome. My family is coming for dinner (except for Nick, who has to work...) so it will be a fun Sunday.

Hope that those of you who read here will have a very Blessed Easter.

Joannie

Contest Winner

2008-02-25T16:03:00.000-05:00

The winner has been announced for the Name the Paddle Contest on Leather Thorn Paddles. Congratulations to Paul from Ontario, Canada.

Today I feel as though a heavy weight has been lifted from me... I've been having some serious vision problems, and they seemed to come on overnight. I started to panic. I am diabetic, and I truly believed I was losing my sight. My dear friend Marie lost her sight due to her diabetes, and then her kidneys shut down and we lost her... I finally worked up the courage to go and see my eye doctor for an exam, bracing myself for the news that I needed to go and see a specialist, etc. Well, I've been praying a lot... Went in today, and was truly surprised when my doctor told me my vision had IMPROVED! He said it was normal for those of us who are near-sighted to see an improvement when we get older. I had never heard this before. I was stunned. He showed me what the new glasses would do, and showed me what my now glasses are doing. The old ones are three times stronger than the new ones will be. Whew, what a relief!!! Of course, I had to cry on the way home because I was pleased. There are no cataracs and no sign of glaucoma, and no sign of disease. The doctor complimented me on taking care of my sugar so well.... Good day.

On the DD side of things. Lar made a firm rule about using bad language. I was totally out of control again, and it needed to stop. I wanted to change this, too, so I did not protest the rule. The first week I did a terrible job. It was shocking to learn just how awful I was. I started catching myself, and now I have had several 0 days. Lar even told me I was doing well, and it made me feel so proud of myself. It's amazing to realize how much better I feel now that I'm not flying off the handle every two minutes. I'm not perfect, of course, and Lar doesn't expect that. Getting burned is always going to make me cuss a blue streak, and I cannot refer to a certain person who will be 'replaced' after elections are held without using a word or two! WEG The first two weeks, however, kept me extremely sore. Lar spanked extremely hard and I got to the point where I did NOT want a spanking, period. I managed to have a 0 day, and Lar truly didn't believe me at first. A very sore bottom can be a good motivator to stop doing something. This intense enforcement will continue through the end of March and then Lar said he will re-evaluate whether or not we need to continue. During this period it is one for each word, and I am responsible for keeping count. I actually lost count the first few days. :-( While I do not like punishment spankings, I doubt I would be doing so well without that incentive to stop. For us, spanking works.

Joannie

A Shocking Review

2008-02-03T21:55:00.000-05:00

I am 57 years old right now, and there isn't a whole lot that shocks me. I still get my feelings hurt when people disappoint me... but human nature being what human nature is, I am never shocked when people fail to live up to my expectations for them... BUT, that said, I read a book review on a new site this evening that would have knocked my socks off IF was was wearing socks...

The new site is called Christian Domestic Discipline. It is a site to read and discuss DD; there is an advice column, articles on DD, and book reviews. There is a review of the books written by Mr. Loving DD... I knew of his first book, and knew that it was composed of essays he'd written for his blog. While I felt he had a few good things to offer here and there, I found that I could not read through an entire post of his without feeling he was repeating himself over and over again. In short, I felt he was a bit boring as a writer. My opinion, and I kept it to myself. I was sure some folks would like his style... but among my friends, we weren't all that impressed. When I saw that his books were reviewed on this new site, I decided to read the review out of plain ole curiosity... WHAT a SHOCK. Based on that review I would have to tell everyone I know who is practicing DD that the ideas expressed in his second book are NOT traditional DD, and are not 'loving'. I do not think humiliation needs to be a part of DD. I would suggest you take the time to read this review.... and please, if you are seeking to learn about DD, my forum would not condone any of the practices outlined in that review. I found those techniques to be disgusting. Book Review.

My friend Chula Stone has taken an active part with articles and essays for this new Christian Domestic Discipline Site, and there will also be a link to a Lulu site featuring books written in what I refer to as a 'sweet' style. No swearing, no sexual situations that are revealing.... very moral books for those who like to read uplifting stories with a moral. I hope you will check it out and enjoy reading. (And for those of you who don't already know, 'Susan Joseph' is one of my pen names and I am happy to have my I Take Thee series featured on this new site.)

Joannie

NEW Name the Paddle Contest

2008-01-28T14:49:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone... This is the newest creation for Leather Thorn's Name the Paddle Contest. The winner will receive one of these paddles for their very own. For details about the contest visit Leather Thorn Paddles.

Good luck to you all!!!

Joannie

Moving Day Arrives Tomorrow

2008-01-24T19:20:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the long awaited 'moving day' for the kids. We are all excited, especially the little ones. It is a big adventure, and when they realized that they would still be seeing us, it seemed like fun. I keep watching Chris and Chrissy carry down box after box after box and wonder where in the world they had all that stuff!!!! I am helping out by doing some laundry for them. I packed a lot of stuff they keep down here, and I still have a few books and items in this room to pack up.

I thought my contribution to moving day would be to watch the little ones and keep them out of the way. Nope. The little kids are going to Chris's parents tomorrow and staying the night! So, I will be helping with the move. I'm not sure how my back and feet feel about this, but I'll do my best and probably get too bossy in the process... WEG Lar is helping in the morning, but has to go to work in the afternoon... He tried to con me into pulling a trailor through Dayton traffic and on the Interstate, and I flat out said "NO, I'm not doing that!" It's been years since I hauled wagons to the elevator, and I didn't enjoy driving those large things on country roads... I'm not dealing with heavy traffic and the Interstate. Lar just laughed and immediately thought of an alternate plan that will work just fine. Goodness.

I don't manage to earn a punishment too often, but I did today. Lar didn't say a lot at the time, but when he called later he asked me what set me off. I told him the truth, and he said we'd be dealing with it before bed tonight. I knew as soon as I opened my mouth that I'd crossed a line... It was uncalled for... I already apologized, but I'll feel better when the consequences are over with.

Joannie

Cathching Up

2008-01-23T07:39:00.000-05:00

To the good news... Lar seems to be recovering from his kidney stones, but our RN son is insisting Dad go in for a complete physical. The dear young man seems to think his father and I are my Mama's age. It is wonderful to know he cares so much, and loves us, and wants to take care of us, but I can see that Lar and I are going to have to take a stand and tell our adult children that we are still in charge of our lives, for the good or the bad. While I agree with Nick, I also know that his father isn't going to do any such thing. If he does agree, I'll make the appointment before he can change his mind. Perhaps I will ask son to come home and TAKE his Dad to the appointment and for the tests...? WEG (I don't expect y'all to understand that, but it involves a man who spent nearly a year in the hospital, and can't step foot inside one without having terrible anxiety attacks... and going to the doctor's office is just one step down from that... especially if the consultation room is small and windowless and the door is shut.) I pray that Lar will make the choice to go in for a physical and tests... but I won't hold my breath.

To the better news... Chris's and little ones are moving out in two more days! I am happy for them to finally reach this point. It has been a long, long struggle... both of them lost their jobs on the same day bringing them back 'home' after only six months out on their on over one and a half years ago! Then serious illness with my daughter kept them here much longer than planned. Through it all, my son-in-law perservered with his schooling, and graduated in December with a 4.0. He did this while working full/part time... Our daughter went to help a friend, so impressed her friend's boss that he hired her... and what started as an, "I'll come help you out for a day or two, Joe. I haven't started back to work yet..." turned into several promotions, and she's doing well. Not going to say she will stay with this company much longer; she is looking to improve, and eventually wants her own business, but it is a long-term goal, and she works hard to achieve her goals. I am excited for them.

And the best news... Lar and I will actually have some privacy. I'm sure there is going to be a DD adjustment... The little ones have been a great buffer, but to be honest, I am looking forward to being US again. I am probably going to need a roll of duct tape for my mouth, and since my language has turned 'blue' again, I am pretty sure Lar is going to start dealing with that. It many ways it is like starting over with the old habits we worked on years ago. Not proud of that, but most of it is honestly stress related. The last couple of months have been awful in many ways... I'm sure it won't take long to get that under control again.

More news... Bethany has opened a new site for those of you who like to read the milder type DD stories... the 'sweet romances' as they used to be called. The new site is called Christian Domestic Discipline, and my friend Chula is taking a very active part with articles and such. There will also be a link to a Lulu Store front where books may be purchased in downloads or book format. If you love the sweeter type of books, with a moral tone, gentle language, and traditional values, please check it out. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Today is going to be busy... Gramma has promised Gabe and Renee we would pack up all their toys and belongings this morning. Gramma had to giggle in bed last night when Grampa swatted her lightly and said, "I want you to get me up early so I can get the little ones' toys sorted and packed, JoAnn. I want to be sure their parents move 99% of them!" "Yes, dear... I already told Gabe and Nee I would help them in the morning..." Great minds think alike... and four of us want to make sure the toys GO... and four of us know Daddy and Mommy well... WEG The toys are going in the van FIRST thing Friday morning, while Mommy and Daddy are picking up the keys and Uncle Matt to come and help... Yes, grandchildren and grandparents are SMART.... lol

Hope you all have a great day.

Joannie

Just a note of apology

2007-12-30T10:18:00.000-05:00

If any of you have attempted to contact me about my DD forum in the last few weeks, please go to the Forum Description page, click on the link at the bottom, and try again. I remembered this morning to change the email addy there. I am sorry if this has inconvenienced anyone.

Likewise, if you have written to any of my rr email addies, and did not get a reply, please try again with my new addy. I am sorry if anyone had hurt feelings due to my change of Internet providers...

Joannie

I'm Baaaack! Finally!

2007-12-29T15:18:00.000-05:00

A belated Merry Christmas to you all. I'm really sorry I have been absent for so long. I changed Internet providers and was without service for about three weeks. We are finally hooked up again, and I am so pleased. I learned three things after telling Time Warner that it was time for me to do business elsewhere... 1. It was nice to just have my cell phone to communicate with the world, as it prevented all of the interruptions of 'you may have won!' Or the free offers of magazines and trips... I have no patience for that, especially if I am trying to work. 2. I watch more television than I realized. However, it was fun to get caught up on all the videos we have that we never watched. My brother won a bet with me over a movie he gave me. I couldn't possibly imagine I would like it, and truthfully, it was fantastic. We played more games as a family, and television did not interfere with decorating the little one's gingerbread houses. 3. I don't ever want to be without Internet again! MAN, what a hassle in terms of work... I had to go to my brother's to send stories to Bethany... I couldn't get online to check my bank accounts. AND, the worst of all, I had to go shopping in the crowded stores because I disconnected everything before I hit send to order my Christmas gifts for most of the family. Talk about a bummer. Thank goodness for stores that stay open late... and for our local bookstore's owner who was very happy to lead me around the store and put books in my hand when I gave her titles and authors off my shopping list. All in all, not too bad. AND, my dear husband took me grocery shopping for our Christmas dinner late Sunday night/Monday morning. It was two A.M. when we finished and left the store. There were only a handful of customers, and the employees were so bored they were anxious to help us in any way they could. VERY pleasant experience. Now that Lar is working nights, it was a great time for us to go. Anyway, I missed my Internet, my emails, my sites, my forum, and my online friends. I missed getting to read the updates on Woodshed and Spanking Romance, too. In short, I felt very trapped without my window to the world.

Have you ever met someone and years later come to realize that this person was meant to cross your path throughout your life? There is a Police Officer in the next town that has been like this with me. He was the Officer who came when my daughter flipped a jeep eight years ago and luckily was uninjured. He sat with us at the hospital while we were waiting to learn how serious she was hurt, and was polite and kind to us. He came to the house the next day to ask questions of Christina, and I was fixing dinner. Chrissy sat at the kitchen table, as did he to fill out his report. He did get a bit pale when I took a large chef knife out of the drawer, and I just had to tease him a bit (Did I mention he is very young...?). "Don't worry, this is for the onion..." He smiled, but he was a bit nervous until my brat child got a bit snippy over a question he asked and I scolded her and told her to knock off the attitude. She did. He left. The next time I saw him was at Wal-Mart. I was getting a new large skillet, and he came into the aisle, recognized me, and asked for some help. His wife asked him to pick up a frying pan on his lunch break... and he didn't have a clue what to get. I helped him. Some time later, we met in the same store, and he was shopping for a gift for his wife this time, and when he spotted me he grinned and said, "I just knew you'd be here. Can you help me pick out..." I did, of course. It's been like that for the last eight years. I see him a lot, just out driving, or in stores. He introduced me to his wife one time, and told her, "This is the lady who is always here to help me." I thought that was cute. Today, I saw him again... A woman pulled out in front of me, in a big hurry, and her van died. My brakes worked, thank God, and I was able to keep from hitting her. My friend was there, too, but not on duty. He was behind me and saw the entire thing, and was able to stop in time to keep from rear-ending my van. He gave me a smile, and proceeded to chew her up and spit her out. No other point to this... I just think it is amazing how we cross paths with other people...

Yes, there have been a few DD moments over the last few weeks. Our friend, John of Leather Thorn Paddles, sent us a new paddle for Christmas. We haven't had the opportunity to try it out yet, but hopefully we will have some time together soon.

I wish you all a Happy and Blessed New Year filled with wonderful things.

Joannie

My Friend, Kenny

2007-12-11T10:15:00.000-05:00

This morning I read the story of ‘Shay’ again. For those of you who haven’t seen this, it is the story of a mentally challenged little boy who is invited to play baseball with two teams, and the boys give him the opportunity to play when bases are loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning… They gave Shay the opportunity to make a Grand Slam homerun and bring in the winning runs and be the hero of the day. The story always makes me cry, and it always makes me think of our dear Kenny.

Kenny was a year older than my Lar, and a big man. He was also mentally challenged, and a lot of people made the mistake of thinking him incapable of understanding. Kenny understood more than people thought. His speech was most affected by his retardation, and he didn’t speak to many people. Lar and I were part of his select group. Larry grew up with Kenny; they were in 4-H together, and they were good friends due to that. My relationship with Kenny didn’t begin until Lar and I were married. Kenny treated me like a stranger at first; he didn’t trust me at all, and there were times I felt he was watching me to make sure I was nice to Lar. I didn’t mind. I understood that I needed to earn his trust and respect, and it would take time.

We were at a gathering one day, and in this hall they had a room they used to put ‘extra’ food. We were selling pie that day, and I was asked to go and cut more pieces. They were in that room, and I went in there to do my job. Kenny came in behind me. I said ‘hello’ to him, but he didn’t answer, which was normal then. He watched me curiously. One of our elderly ladies, a truly sweet woman, came hurrying into the room and started scolding me. “You shouldn’t be in here alone with him! You have no idea what he will do to you!” Okay, I was shocked. This lady was one of the nicest people I knew at that time, and looking back, probably one of the nicest people I will ever know… I was blown away by her attitude… I couldn’t believe she was talking about Kenny like that and right in FRONT of him! I was embarrassed for her… and too stunned to be angry at her behavior. I actually felt pain that she would be so cruel to Kenny. I said, “Maggie, Kenny is my friend! He would NEVER EVER hurt me!” She made a couple more comments, which I have done my best to delete from my mind, and she finally left the room when she could see I wasn’t going to listen to her. Kenny’s face was red… I’ve always thought it was more from embarrassment than from anger. “Kenny, I know better. You’re my friend. Don’t you worry about what Maggie said. I trust you.” He nodded, and then walked out of the room. From that point on it was, “Hi, ‘oAn’. Ere’s ‘arry?”

Kenny could be quite persistent when he wanted something. After several minutes of trying to tell him that Lar was busy at the far end of the fairgrounds, and watching him grow more agitated because he wanted Larry NOW, I excused myself from helping with food, and went to find Lar and drag him back to Kenny. Kenny’s parents were always within watching distance, and his Mom and Dad were embarrassed that Kenny sent me to find Larry and bring him. Turns out that Kenny didn’t like it because I was ‘alone’ and Larry needed to be WITH me. Kenny was trying to make sure I was protected.

Kenny also came with the group from our county to our organization’s bowling tournament. He would keep an eye on me, share his scores with me, and follow me around a bit… not to be annoying, but to make sure I was ‘okay’. I went to get a bottle of water one time, and they’d run out, but were getting more. I decided to wait, and went back to our table. Kenny came a couple minutes later, his Mom in tow with a puzzled look on her face, and Kenny handed me a water from his bag. I thanked him and explained to Gladys what was going on. She just smiled and said, “Kenny said you needed water. I thought you were ill, and came to see if I could help.” Another time some of the children were following Kenny and heckling him. I could see he was frustrated, but Kenny knew right from wrong, and he wasn’t going to tell them to knock it off. So I did, of course. I gave them a good scold and talked about respect. Those kids apologized and treated Kenny well after that. I will also say that the other bowlers from all over the state were kind to our Kenny. He would sometimes get so involved he would forget to wait until another bowler finished before stepping up to take his turn. Someone on his team would gently remind him, or his parents would say something quietly to him, but NO ONE ever got impatient with him or was cross. I watched to make sure of that.

Kenny got angry with Larry once because of me. We were doing a ‘show’… Why any of those people thought we had ‘talent’ was beyond me, but with no funds to hire real entertainment, a group of us would humiliate ourselves…. Lar and I did a ventriloquist routine that I stole from my brother John, who is a REAL vent. Lar played the ‘dummy’ and I did the straight guy. Kenny was very, very, very angry with Lar once the show was over. He came to me, wouldn’t talk to Lar, and said, “’arry ‘urt. ‘eavy?” It took me a while to figure out that he was upset that Lar was sitting on my lap and was hurting me because he was too heavy for me to hold that way. I said, “Oh, no, Kenny! Larry wouldn’t hurt me. He was pretending to sit on me. He had all of his weight on his legs. He knows he’s too heavy for me!” I made Lar show him, and Kenny finally understood and then he was fine… but boy, he was not happy for a while. Larry told him, “I would never hurt JoAnn, Kenny. You know me better than that.”

My last special memory of Kenny happened just a few months before he passed away. We were all at bowling tournament again, and his brother Marvin brought him. They lost their Mom a short while before, and Marvin took Kenny to live with him and was trying to keep his life fairly normal. Kenny had developed diabetes, and Marvin was trying to help him control it, but it was new to them, and they were having a lot of trouble regulating his sugar. Marvin didn’t know me very well, and didn’t know that Kenny had a special bond with me. Of course, Kenny came and sat with me, and was showing me his tester, and explaining how it worked. I understood because I had to do the same damn thing all the time. Marvin was a whole lot surprised that Kenny was talking to me, but pleased that I didn’t mind being with Kenny, and he walked away to speak to someone else he knew. Kenny was very quiet and was looking sad and he said in his special way of talking, “JoAnn, my Mom died.” I nodded and told him I was so sorry. He cried, and I hugged him for a long while. He pulled himself together a bit later and went up to take his turn bowling. Of course, I was a mess. Sitting there crying. Marvin came over, and didn’t know what to say, but about that time Kenny staggered and almost fell. We got him to the table, and I suggested testing his blood sugar. It was super low… and I had Marvin get Kenny some milk. We had him feeling better shortly, and Kenny kept on bowling. Marvin was feeling guilty. “I don’t know why that happened. He ate breakfast and had a snack, too.” I told Marvin that it was stress, and explained about Kenny getting upset over their Mom, and he looked at me and had tears in his eyes. “That is the first time he’s talked about Mom dying. We weren’t sure he understood. He actually told you about it?” I nodded. “That’s why I was crying when you came back to the table,” I explained. “Kenny was so upset, and crying, and it made me cry, too.” Marvin said he knew something happened, but he could tell I was too upset to talk… and then Kenny needed our help. Marvin treated Kenny well, and took good care of him, but we lost him a few months later. I will always treasure the fact that I was the one Kenny came to for sympathy over his Mother. I was touched that he felt he could trust me to understand and care. Our friendship was truly special, and I miss Kenny.

Much love,
Joannie

I'm Shrinking....!!!

2007-12-03T16:33:00.000-05:00

I had a banquet to do this morning, and stopped by my daughter's place of employment to get ice. She is the manager of the place, but still waits on customers, etc. She was ringing up a woman's coffee and all of a sudden I realize that she is tall. Very tall. Taller than I thought she was last night. I'm thinking, What the heck is going on? Did I shrink again? "Chrissy, are you standing on something?" I demanded. She gave me a look, and said, "Yes, there is a platform back here, Mom." "Good," I mumbled, "I'm not shrinking!" For some reason, Chrissy and a couple of her customers thought I was being 'funny'. At my height the idea of shrinking any more IS a bit scary, and the thought I'd shrunk at least six inches more was enough to cause real panic. lol

The banquet/luncheon went very well today. Poor Lar stayed home and worried about me. He is so over-protective. He was afraid I wouldn't have enough 'help' show up. I had plenty. Those I asked were there, and a couple people I didn't ask showed up to help, too, and made our job even easier. I made the entree, and it turned out very well, and I got tons of compliments on the luncheon as a whole. One couple showed up in time to help clean up, and all in all, for my first time in charge of this event, it went super well. Chrissy said her Daddy was growling around after she got home from work and just worrying about me lifting hot things from the oven that were too heavy, having all the cleanup to do alone... You name it, he was fretting about it. He was relieved it went well. Our group received a nice tip from the organization, too, so it was even a bit profitable, even though this particular luncheon is considered more of a 'community service' than a profit maker. Good thing, too. I drew the line at paying what the supermarket wanted for pretty napkins!!! The funny part, the ladies loved my 'napkins'. They were pretty Christmas paper towels and I folded them like dinner napkins. They had snowmen on them, and went well with the decorations the ladies had. WEG. You just never know. I have such a practical streak it annoys my family some times. When we were shopping for this banquet, Lar said, "JoAnn, it's not your money you're spending." I looked at him and said, "My money or not, these napkins are ridiculously expensive, and I wouldn't buy them if I only needed one package!" We looked elsewhere, and for some reason... the stores here don't have them, or are already sold out...?????? My idea worked, the ladies thought them cute, and since I DID use MY money to buy the paper towels, I will have 'napkins' for our Christmas, too!!! My Mom insists we use paper plates... and I am always eager to please her. WEG

For the DD part... there are times that listening to people talk is just plain fun, and you learn a lot, too. A group of women can tell some pretty good tales (gossip). I personally don't know the people they were discussing, but apparently the wife in the situation is 'out of control'. The more they talked about her behavior, the more I was thinking about how they could benefit from DD. I had no intention of saying a word. The only guy there came out into the area in which we were working, and his wife stopped talking. He said, "What were you talking about?" His daughter-in-law said the people's names, and he shook his head and stated, "He should take a stick to her butt." A couple of the ladies giggled, his wife turned red, and his DIL said, "Oh, you'd never to that to Mom!" He frowned and looked at his wife and said, "I would if she acted like that woman!" His wife's face was beet red, and if I was a betting person, I would almost bet she's had her bottom spanked a few times over the years. And, the funny part, if anyone would have ever said that he would be a spanker, I would have laughed. I also kind of got the feeling that a couple of the ladies more her age 'knew' the truth already, but DIL didn't have a clue. Interesting, huh? I love to study people...

Have a great day...
Joannie

Lar Amuses Me

2007-12-02T12:05:00.000-05:00

I have the fortune to be married to a man who likes to help. I know I complain once in a while that I hate tripping over him in the kitchen, but I also have to say that when it comes to cooking and serving a banquet there is no one else I'd rather have with me helping.

Tomorrow I have to serve a small group of twenty elderly ladies a Christmas luncheon. The menu is not the least bit difficult, and since I am used to cooking for that many without a bit of help, I'm not worried. There is help coming, and it will be easy work... but...

We have a sick little guy. Our Gabe is going to have to go to the doctor tomorrow... unless he is completely better and over this by morning. His temp has spiked twice in the last twenty-four hours, and I am keeping a close watch over him. His Mommy has a special financial report she has to go in to work at 2 AM tonight to do, and she will work until 10 AM and come home. Chris has his new job and will be gone, too. It is just one of those times that Gramma is the one who needs to look after our Gabe. His Mommy called every so often today for reports, but she didn't have anyone who could come in so she could be home, and she does trust me to make sure Gabe is getting the care he needs. Goodness knows I've taken care of her for nearly 26 years now!!!

Lar is freaking out about the banquet tomorrow. We had planned to take the children with us... We obviously cannot do that now. For one, it wouldn't be best for Gabe, and second, those elderly ladies do not need to be exposed to this bug. Lar is upset that he is going to have to stay home with the kids. In all honesty, I think he is so worried about me handling it without him that it would be easier on HIM to go and do the banquet and leave me to care for Gabe!!! He's worried about getting stuff in and out of the oven, making coffee, you name it. LOL The funny thing is I cook HERE all the time. I feed that many on holidays, and on special occasions. I don't panic. I set a list and follow it. In all honesty, if I had to, I could do this meal by myself, serve it, and clean up, and not feel pressured or stressed. I have three other ladies coming to help! THREE!!! I have two more people coming later just to help clean up! Oh my!!!! I have been worried about too many people tripping over each other and standing around bored because this meal is going to come together easily. And here is my dear husband, worried because he isn't going to be there to 'take care of me and help me'. I think that is very sweet.

Want to bet me that between now and morning he figures out a way to get Chrissy home asap tomorrow so he can race over to our Hall and help me? He will panic all morning because I am out of his sight doing this. Even if it was there, I would be 'bossing' him around...

It will be all right... and since the weather here is supposed to be really crummy.... I won't be surprised if these elderly darlings call and cancel. And, I won't be cross if they do. I'd rather have all that food to deal with than have one of them injured on slippery roads.

I am very proud that I finished my first Children's book. It is for Gabriel, and is a story designed for pre-school age children. (Nee will get her Christmas book next year....) My brother did the artwork for me. It isn't on my regular JoannieWrites on Lulu, but on a new site for strictly vanilla work. If you are interested, let me know and I will give you the url.

Off to bed; sleep has been scarce lately, and in spite of taking a nap once Lar got up to take over with the kids, I'm already needing to get to bed.

Night everyone,
Joannie

Making Excuses....

2007-12-01T17:56:00.000-05:00

I am constantly amazed by people and the way they deceive themselves. When dissatisfied on a forum, it is very easy to look for an excuse to rationalize what you want to do in the first place... move on. When you are convinced that you are better than other people; superior to them in education, social standing, and economically, it comes through loud and clear in your posts. That snobbish disapproval, and that feeling of "I'm better than you are," makes perfectly normal and wonderful people feel like they are less in some way, and eventually you will find that someone will call you out and tell you that your words are extremely hurtful. Most people appreciate being treated with kindness and consideration, especially on a forum. Honest, raw feelings are exposed, and even if it doesn't meet with your approval, and you look down your nose at the person posting, it is still their reality. The tone of disapproval and contempt underneath carefully written words still comes through... and wounds. When you reach the point of feeling dissatisifed on a forum, don't blame everyone else. Don't take umbrage with the ones who tell you the truth, and don't fabricate excuses to make yourself feel justified in leaving. Don't blame other people because you no longer are happy and feel you are better informed than everyone else there simply because they have their own way! Don't go around gossiping and trying to stir up trouble to justify what you want to do, and what you've been wanting to do for a while. We aren't going to accept the blame for your behavior, and NONE of us is going to feel guilty for your choice to leave.

Frankly, I don't care how much money someone has, or if they are uneducated, or actually have to clean their own home; if they own their business or can't find a job; if they are feisty as can be, or meek and mild... as long as they are willing to make a committment with their partner to live a loving DD lifestyle, then I will be happy to have them join my forum of Friends. I already know from years of doing this that we all progress at our own rate, and that what works for one couple might not be the answer for another couple. I also know that I was an absolute hellion and BRAT when I started DD a few years ago... I've changed, slowly, and I am still growing in this lifestyle. I will not find fault with anyone who has to go through this phase of learning self-control. It is more difficult for some people than for others for many, many reasons. I will not apologize because you feel my forum is not filled with the "right" people, or with people that you would associate with in real life. We ALL face the same types of problems in this world and in this lifestyle; THAT is the reason my DD forum exists. There is a time and place for everything. A time to come... and a time to go....

Joannie

Taking the High Road

2007-11-27T01:28:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I posted about hurt feelings. The anger of that is passed now, but the hurt feelings continue. A 'friend' I valued made the choice not to believe something I had to tell her, but put off telling her for far too long because I didn't want to hurt her feelings. In short, she felt I lied to her, and instead of offering the apology I felt I deserved, she permitted herself to believe the worst. Those who know me well know that I don't lie. I don't lie because I cannot abide being lied to. I understand that miscommunications can occur online, and I've been on both sides of that happening... This is not one of those times. I can prove myself by producing email evidence... but at the expense of others whose friendships I value, too. I won't betray their confidence and trust in me just to prove how 'right' I am. I will take the high road, and simply let it go. It is my decision, and while I know it is the right and moral decision, it is one that comes with pain.

Life goes on....

A friend posted on the forum today that her baby granddaughter is now twelve months old!!! It is so hard to believe; it seems like yesterday that we were anxiously awaiting word of the birth and to hear that all went well... And then I look at our two babies, and goodness, they aren't babies any more. Renee has grown so much over the last few months. She is 29 months now, and SOOOO tall. I put a nightgown on her tonight that was down to her ankles when we bought it last spring, and it is to her knees now.

My husband just came to tell me to come to bed NOW. He asked me why I wasn't sleeping... we talked a bit and it helps... He agrees with my decision to take the high road, and now it is time to say good night.

love,
Joannie

Our Thanksgiving

2007-11-23T23:55:00.000-05:00

First of all, we had a loverly Thanksgiving... but...

I had a bad case of 'messy'. Shortly after midnight on Thanksgiving, I was mixing Gabe's meds. It is a powder, and we mix it with koolaide. I make a couple week's worth at a time, and it has to sit for ten minutes, and then stirred again to make sure it is dissolved. Since I am the one who gets up with the kids in the morning, I am the one who takes care of his meds. While putting away the clean dishes, I managed to knock over the container. Cherry koolaide meds all over the counter, down the cabinet, all over the refrigerator, on the floor beside, behind, and UNDER the fridge. Larry had to pull it out for me to clean. I had to use a bleach cleaner to get out the red stain from the white counters. A mess.

In the morning I was rinsing the turkey and getting it ready for the oven... I managed to give myself a bath in turkey water in the process, and soaked the floor. I spilled oj, and syrup, and dropped many things. After all of our guests arrived, and I was putting the food on the table, I moved one of my favorite glass dishes, full of cranberry sauce... and knocked it right off the table and on the floor. Broke the dish... and cranberry sauce EVERYWHERE. The 'worst' side of this, not so nice words flew out of my mouth... extremely loudly!!!! I said, "Son of a BITCH!" In all honesty, I don't do that very darn often. I might whisper a word once in a while, but yelling that way is just not me... especially with a house full of people. My son-in-law came running, thinking that Renee did it. I'm sure he was worried Gramma was angry with her... and coming to save her... but he had an "I'm going to spank" look on his face!!!! I put her behind me immediately, and when he said, "Come here, little girl," I just knew... I said, "No, she didn't do it, Chris. I did it myself, and I was mad at me... Not the baby." He was relieved, and I could see she was safe then... So, I gave her over so I could clean up the mess without her 'help'. lol I felt bad that he was blaming her, though. If she'd done it, I wouldn't have cussed like that. I think he was relieved I wasn't going to lose it with her... It is kind of funny that we were both wanting to protect Nee...

I had several other messes after that. It was one of my clumsiest days ever.... BUT... it was also a lovely day. Nick got home a day early, and Mommy was able to get him feeling better before he went home. Chris starts a new job on Monday. Lar's work is looking a little better, too, and his promotion is doing well so far. Dinner itself turned out wonderful and there was plenty to eat for everyone... My brother Paul told me a couple of days ahead that he was really hungry for turkey, and he thought it one of the best ever. Chris said it was better than his Mom's and ate a lot... I was flattered. It was a nice evening...

Nick left for home today, and got home safely... and I took a day to sleep in a bit and rest a lot. I wanted to decorate for Christmas today, but will do it tomorrow. I just enjoyed the 'day after', and hope that ALL of you had a lovely holiday, too.
love,
Joannie

Happy Thanksgiving to All

2007-11-21T18:52:00.001-05:00

Wishing you all a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving filled with love.

Joannie

NAME THE PADDLE CONTEST!!!

2007-11-17T21:26:00.000-05:00

It is time for the NAME THE PADDLE CONTEST!!!! John has come up with a new design, so please go and take a look and enter soon. Who knows, you might be the one to win this year. Good luck. Click HERE to be taken to the contest page.

Joannie

The Power of Words

2007-11-16T23:15:00.000-05:00

I am in a pensive mood this evening. Time to take a day or two away from online activities and prepare for holidays. I was reading some older posts from last year... and I was surprised to realize I could copy/paste a post right here and it would be accurate. This is my 'clean the house for the holidays' weekend. I'm not excited about it... I never am. I can swear that Lar has totally made a catch-all out of our bedroom again... and tomorrow I am going to start throwing away. I know Lar won't be pleased but I will have to distract him. I sure hope the Chris's want to pitch in, because they are going to. So are Gabe and Nee. They have some toys to pick up.

I need a new Christmas tree this year... and briefly considered getting a real tree. I regained my sanity, however, and won't put myself through dealing with Lar and a real tree. I remembered the last time we tried that and I'll go out after Thanksgiving and get a new artificial one.

I'm dealing with some hurt feelings this evening... so better to say goodnight and simply go to bed.

Happy weekend to all.
Joannie

Open letter to: Selvakumary Popat

2007-11-14T13:10:00.000-05:00

----- Original Message -----
From: Selvakumary Popat
To: joannie@woh.rr.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 12:27 PM
Subject: tletnah

in a perfect world we would all have big dicks but you dont!

Dear Mr. Popat,

You are quite correct; I do NOT have a big dick. And you are quite right when you say this is not a perfect world. I would like to thank you for your concern, but reassure you that I am quite content NOT to have a big dick. In fact, I am very content to be a woman. You may take me off of your mailing list, and stop expressing your concern. I am sure I will live the rest of my life quite comfortably without a big dick.
Sincerely,
Joannie

Mind Reading 101

2007-11-13T20:12:00.000-05:00

Oh goodness! I was looking up an old post for someone, and since I am a master at avoiding work, started reading old blog posts. I discovered something that makes me shake my head and LOL at myself!!! Unless you know me personally, or are on my forum, you probably resort to a LOT of Mind Reading... or Reading Between the Lines... to figure out what is going on in my life! I jump from post to post and wade right in without realizing that I forget to post some MAJOR stuff once in a while... Stuff that would make a difference, and help my dear readers know what the heck I am talking about!!!! :-0

One example of this is about Lar and his work. I mentioned several posts back about his being off on Thursdays, but didn't tell that they were having a slowdown at his workplace... and that they've been going through some major issues with firing people, letting go the deadweight, and basically trying to get more production out of workers... SOme of it has been extremely trying to someone like my husband who is a hard worker... I, and most of us here at home, did not feel he was getting the respect he deserved. We were angry about it. His boss kept begging him not to get another job... but we were urging him to go elsewhere. A couple of weeks ago, Lar was home on his Thursday off, and got a call from his boss... He was promoted to foreman on the night shift. Meant more money, and he would be working more hours. Lar wasn't excited at the prospect, and was pretty nervous about it. He knew how those people felt about the guy who was foreman... They hated him, had no respect for him, and he was an abusive person. If he disliked you, he did everything in his power to make life hell... and get them fired. Not good. I guess the bosses could see this... and Lar was immediately agreed upon by everyone who had a say. When he went in that first night, the people on that shift clapped and stood up, and were excited. The bosses are thrilled with how things are going. THe production is up... and the workers are telling them that they love Lar because he treats them with respect. He also works WITH them, and so far so good. He's not real happy with his work schedule.... and it isn't what we are used to. I'm hoping that we do better in a week or two. I am with the kids alone a lot more now, and that is hard on my writing time because Renee needs a constant eye... or you have lotion all over the bathroom. (A brand new bottle!!!!!! What a mess! She came down from her nap, and I was asleep right here while trying to work... She didn't wake me. Gabe came down, and he woke Gramma right away. I was just ready to ask if Nee was still sleeping, and she came from the back... covered in lotion! MAN! We had a talk about waking Gramma and not going into the bathroom and getting into anything. This child needs to turn three early. Please!!!!)

One other 'story' that I ranted about and didn't finish... my idiot brother John and taking Mom to a baseball game. It didn't happen. I fumed a couple days, Paul called, and sensed something. I filled him in, and he said, "What baseball game? I already told him 'no'. We aren't taking Mom there. He knows that I am boycottiing baseball until Pete Rose is admitted into the Hall of Fame!" I said, "He said you were all for it!" "He lied, and what else is new with him?" I was a wee bit relieved, and then said, "Well, Lar won't go, and if I have to take Mom, I'm going to need help. We'll need a wheelchair for her, and I'm still going to need help to get her up and down steps when she has to go to the bathroom. You know John can't..." "I don't think Mom will go, Jo. You need to just call her and ask her. I'm sure she told John 'no', and he's probably not paying attention to anyone because he wants to go." I called my Mom. "Mama, I don't want to spoil a surprise, but honestly, I'm not sure of your feelings, and I don't want you to be caught off guard.... (Forgot to say that John was wanting to just get her in the car, kidnap her, and tell her on the way where we were going... SURPRISE!!!)" "WHAT is going on now... John?" she knows us well. "Yes... He was here and is planning to take you to a ball game. It's to be a surprise, and if you want to go, I'll come and help you to the bathroom and stuff... But, I'm not going to be party to this if you don't want to go. Paul said you told John 'no'." Mom was irritated. "I DID tell him 'no'. I don't want those steps. That alone is a nightmare, and you know my other issues. And, you HATE baseball!" "Yes, I hate baseball, but I love you, and if YOU want to go, I will make it possible, Mom." "I am not going. If you all want to do something, I'd like to go to LaComedia again." "I was SO relieved. I promised we would go... We haven't done it yet. Nothing appeals to Mom, so we will try to find something else special to do with her soon. She didn't want to go when it was really hot... and then Paul had his accident... and it has taken him months of physical therapy... and he is still having issues. John is an issue, too. And, Mama has put off making plans several times because she wasn't feeling up to par. ANYWAY, no baseball game and life is good. WEG

I've also promised to tell a few times when I posted something new... I've done better at that on my Writing Blog... I am working on Christmas Stories now... and have a Thanksgiving Story coming up on Spanking Romance. It is a fairly sweet story... family, falling in love... about life. I enjoyed writing it. Thanksgiving is my favorite Holiday. I have a lot to be thankful for...

love,
Joannie

Snickers and Awwwwwww Moments

2007-11-12T09:27:00.000-05:00

I know.... I should be working right now since I am so far behind, but can't let these two moments in time pass without recording them somewhere....

Gabriel is learning to use the computer now. He is hilarious, because everytime he discovers a new feature, he has to tell anyone who comes to the house, "Hey, Debbie, did you know you can watch TV on the computer!?" It is fun to watch him exploring the preschool sites on there, and believe me, Gramma is keeping an eye on him constantly (and getting up to fix little problems, too). Yesterday, it was time to get off the computer, and pick up toys. Gabe wasn't pleased, but he's already learned that throwing a tantrum over getting off the computer results in NO computer at all the next day, so he is getting a little bit better in respecting the boundaries. He clicked on the big X's to close out of his programs, and pushed the chair back a bit to get up. The furniture in here is pretty close becase there is really too much junk in here.... When Gabe got up, his sister was standing on the left side of him and the desk chair, the desk chair in front of him, and my little table on the right side. He'd effectively pinned himself against the computer desk. lol If he moved the chair, he was going to hurt Renee, and sometimes he is nice and refuses to do that... weg He looks at me, and I will admit I was trying to work and ignor the general chaos around me, "Gramma, I'm all knocked up!" I blinked, not believing I'd heard what I thought I heard, and trying to keep a straight face. "What did you say, Gabe?" I asked him, and I know my eyes were wide and I was struggling not to laugh openly. "I'm all knocked up, Gramma!" he complained. "Help me!" Okay, I lost it. Grampa was on the sofa, and he lost it, too. We knew what Gabe meant, of course, but we couldn't help it... we started laughing. Gabe was a bit puzzled, and of course, we were getting him out of there. Then he smiled real big and said, "Dohhhhh, I wasn't knocked up, I was LOCKED up! I mean LOCKED up, Gramma. What's so funny?" I just told him that the word he used was funny how he used it...

Now for my awwwww moment... Renee loves to be held and rocked, and no matter how busy I am, I try to take a few minutes each morning and evening to rock her. She seems to need that extra cuddling. This morning was no exception... and after a while I told her it was time to get down so Gramma could work. We were just having our normal type conversation, Gramma trying to let her know she is special and loved. I said, "You aren't a baby any more, are you, honey?" She said, "Yes, I am a baby." I said, "You are?" She was so serious, and nodded, "I'm YOUR baby, Gramma!" Now how precious is that!!! I melted, of course.

To work now... :-)

love,
Joannie

On My Mind....

2007-11-11T10:35:00.000-05:00

Goodmorning... It's a rainy fall day here... We can use the rain, so I won't complain, although it looks dreary outside... and pretty much matches my mood of the moment.

On the DD front, things are a bit better. Lar seems to be getting back into a more normal HOH roll now that his work schedule has changed and he seems to be home more...? I know that isn't so, but he is awake in the morning, and here, and noticing things I wish he wasn't noticing. Caught me redhanded the other day doing something I shouldn't have been doing... and promised a spanking for it that night when he got home from work. I ended up driving him to work, but Chrissy picked him up. Lar wasn't too happy to learn I wasn't up waiting for him, but when he came into our room, I was awake... and watching television. Probably kept me from getting into big trouble. He wouldn't have been thrilled to find me asleep after he promised a spanking. He used the cane... and simply because I don't know who is reading this blog for the first time, I will state once again... Lar does NOT use a cane full out like you see in movies, etc. Lar spanks with a short cane... Hurts, but it's not a full blown caning, so don't freak out... It's just a spanking. He ended it with a paddle I'm not too fond of, but not the one he wanted. He couldn't find it, and before you all smirk... NO, I did not hide it. Honest. He didn't need it. The one he chose hurt more than enough. The only disturbing thing about the whole ordeal was the fact that I used the words, "It's not fair!" before he spanked. He stopped and asked me why it wasn't fair. Instead of hemming and hawing, I DID speak up and told him why I didn't think the paddle he promised at the end of a serious spanking was fair... I'd confessed to doing the same thing a while back, and he didn't even spank for it... much less add super hard extras at the end. I wanted to know the difference between that time and this one. He was shocked. He admitted that he must not have been paying attention to me when I told him... He didn't spank for it, though, because he felt I did my job, and was honest with him at the time it happened. The explanation was enough... so no more fussing... Just a spanking that really hurt and burned most of the night and made sitting 'fun' the next day. DD is not easy, and it seems we are constantly working on improving ourselves. I would like to get to the point where I don't use the words, "It's not Fair!" However, that is a huge part of my personality. I can't abide things that aren't fair, and, as we all know, Life is NOT fair!...

And that brings me to something that has been bothering me for days. I want to offer my opinion on Dog, The Bounty Hunter.... and on Dr. Phil. If you expect me to come down on Dog, then stop reading. I won't do it. If you expect praise for Dr. Phil, then stop reading. I'm really pissed at Dr. Phil.

Did Dog behave well? No, he didn't. Should he use the N word? Of course not. He knows that, too. But, while the world is condemning him for what he said, I am looking beyond that... WHAT right do any of us have to judge him for having a conversation that was supposed to be private with a son he loved and trusted? I am positive that there are not too many public figures out there who haven't said something less than stellar to someone they loved and trusted in PRIVATE, including Dr. Phil. They are just lucky that the person wasn't deliberately setting them up and recording it to sell for money. Do I think Dog should have lost his show? No, I don't. He was talking to his son over a personal issue. It's none of our business. Think how the man must feel right now! Not only has he lost his show... but he was betrayed by his own son. That has to hurt. I know how I would feel if Nick or Chrissy treated me in that way. I would be devastated.

As for Dr. Phil... What right does he have to DEMAND that anyone appear on his show? Why should anyone have to appear on there to defend themselves? Who is Dr. Phil to set himself up as Judge and Jury and perpetuate this on national television... even to the point of playing a conversation that was private???? I lost any and all respect for Dr. Phil by his own actions....

I think we all need to wake up in this country. Our own privacy does not exist any longer. Respect for other people's privacy is a thing of the past. Today it is Dog who is being condemned for something he said to his own son, not in public, but in a private conversation. Who will it be tomorrow? People in this country spend a LOT of time minding other people's business and criticizing what other's do, and they don't spend any time at all tending to what they should be tending to, and that is keeping their OWN lives straightened out... Being good spouses, and raising families to be proud of. I'm not saying we should neglect things that occur in public, but if we start crucifying people for what they say in private, then we have crossed a serious line... NONE of us is perfect. That includes Dog and Dr. Phil and me. Stop and think a minute... how many times have you said something that would raise eyebrows in politically correct society? How often have you said something that would be misunderstood if people didn't have all the facts behind what you said? Are we all going to have to stop, even with family, and weigh every word for fear of offending the entire population? Or if you have what you consider a private conversation with a coworker on a bad day and vent, are you going to have to worry if they will be recording it to play back to your boss? When we permit private conversations to become public we are setting a precedent that is going to take away our freedom of speech.

My opinion... my thoughts for the past week or so. You might not agree, and that is your right, but I will ask you to keep your opinions to MY thoughts... not to what Dog said in his conversation. I've already stated that I don't condone the use of that word.... but it was done in private... not in public. The one who needs to be ashamed is Tucker... and I hope he someday understands how wrong he was to treat his own father so shabbily. There are better ways to resolve a situation of this kind. What I think we all need to focus on here is the serious breach of personal privacy that we are all entitled to. As a DD'er, I value my right to have discussions on spanking and issues that concern me. There are a lot of public figures who practice DD... if it becomes common practice to run around recording private conversations, what is to stop this country from becoming one mindless bunch of idiots trying to please the few 'politcially correct' who want to tell everyone how to live, what they can do, and what they can say... even in private. Think about it.

Joannie

A Nice Day

2007-10-25T23:58:00.000-04:00

Lar isn't working on Thursdays right now due to a work slowdown. When the little ones got up and came down, they were delighted to find Grampa still in bed with Gramma. I got up, and decided it was chilly enough I needed to turn on the furnace for the first time this season. Of course, Lar thought it was too soon to do so, but I picked up little Nee and said, "Feel how cold this baby is!" Of course THAT settled the argument and the furnace stayed on until the chill was off the house... and I wrapped her up in a nice soft blanket to warm her in the meantime. Chrissy made homemade bread yesterday, and I made the little ones some cinnamon toast for breakfast. They told Mommy how good her bread was when she got up. Grampa and I had the day with the babies. Mommy worked; Daddy had a job interview and school... Grampa got to take Gabe to prekindergarten... and both little ones were happy to have extra play time with him today. Naptime came and went... and I was dreading going to the store to buy groceries. I hate shopping. Chrissy called to check in, and asked if I'd gone yet. I said no, and she said, "If you wait until I get off, I'll go with you. I have to have a costume for work tomorrow..." I reluctantly agreed. I do not like shopping, and I knew my daughter would take forever and a year to pick just the right costume. However, I waited for her... and we went...

She checked out all of the costumes. FINALLY picked out a female vampire one. It was a wee bit snugger than she wanted, and cut a bit too low for work... but... it was all she found. She got teeth, makeup, and a wig. I saw another costume I liked... and point it out to her. She had to try it on. It was way too big, and she wasn't busty enough for it. We put it back. She tried on another costume we found after that... and it was WAY too big... She decided to be the vampiress... We started across the store, and my TOO practical mind kicked into THINK gear. I just didn't like that costume, and knowing my son-in-law and how conservative he is, I knew he was going to have a cow when he saw her in the darn thing... Chrissy said, "Mom, why are you frowning?" "Chris isn't going to like this constume, baby." "I know, but it's about the only thing I can work in, Mom." "Well, I do have another idea, but I'm being super practical now, and you might think it's silly." "What?" she asked. "Well, you could go as a little girl," I said. "Wear some cute pj's and slippers... and put your hair into two ponytails.... carry a teddy bear... and it would be cute, and you could use the slippers and the pj's later, and not be throwing away all that money for a silly costume..." I was shocked when she loved the idea. "Mom, that is such a great idea! I've been needing a new pair of pj's just to relax in at home... and I need new slippers, too!" She looked until she found something cute that could look little girlish... and then got some slippers that are really cute. I'm going to get up super early to do her hair for her and help her with her make-up... We're going to paint on rosy cheeks and freckles... The best part, she will be able to work in this, and still go to her meeting later and it's just plain practical and usable afterwards.

She has to take food to the manager's meeting.... and decided she wanted to take something different than she planned. She went to the book section of the store, looked up a recipe in a cookbook, and wrote it down in my notebook (I never leave home without one...)... We got home, and she asked me if I would get her onions ready. Chrissy might be a chef, but she cannot peel and chop an onion without crying her eyes out. While I was helping her, the phone rang. One of her employees set off an alarm by accident and she had to go in to work with the only key to shut it off. I debated on whether or not to go ahead with her second dish... The first is a salad, and it was done... I decided I would chop the onion for the second dish... and I washed the crock pot she was planning to use since it was stored, and dusty... I found her recipe, and thought about what else I could do to help her, and hoped I wasn't stepping on Miss Chef's toes. By the time she got home, I was almost done chopping apples for her. She was delighted. Made my whole day. "Mom, thank you so much! All I have to do is mix it all together and make the sauce!" It was nice to have a pleasant evening with her....

This morning Lar was helping me put away clean dishes from the dishwasher. Our grandson was at prekindergarten and Renee was supposed to be in the living room watching cartoons. Normally, the show is her favorite, and she doesn't move when it is on... Lar was being Lar, and teasing me, and smacking with woodens spoons, spatulas, and everything he was taking from the dishwasher. I was picking right back, of course... He grabbed, and was spanking, and I was giggling... When he let me go, we saw Renee standing there. Her eyes were big and solemn, and she had her hand over her mouth. She looked like she was wanting to giggle, but didn't know if she should. She just kept looking and staring at me, and I think she was expecting me to start crying because I got a spanking! lol I quickly said, "Grampa was teasing Gramma, honey. He's silly!" Lar started pretending he was a monkey and told her he was going to get her next.... He made monkey noises and took off after her, and she was laughing and running to get away. Of course he caught her and tickled her tummy a bit, and gave her a pat on the bottom in fun. The kid probably thinks her grandparents are crazy, chasing each other around and acting like kids.... WEG

All in all, a good day. I need to shut up now and go and sleep a bit. I have three hours until I have to do Chrissy's hair for work. I can't believe I agreed to that! lololol

Joannie

Oh MY!!!

2007-10-23T19:10:00.000-04:00

Do you have any idea at all how much mess a two-year-old with a bottle of red food coloring can make?

Joannie

A Poll...

2007-10-22T09:20:00.000-04:00

Goodmorning... I posted a question on my Joannie Writes About Writing Blog on which story to continue next. I hope you will take a moment to go and make your selection. I would like a lot of input from my readers before going back to work on a new story.

Lar and I had one of our 'not so great' weekends. Seems that no matter what I said or did it was wrong. We were cross with each other, and it finally erupted into one heck of an argument. He felt I was at fault, and I felt he was at fault. Once we talked yesterday, we both realized that our stress levels were responsible for our moods. I know that we both wanted reconnection last evening, but it didn't happen because I was hurting physically. Hopefully tonight... It always amazes me how a spanking can serve to put things back on an even keel for us. Sometimes we both just need the feelings that go with a spanking to feel right again...

Joannie

I've Got A Secret!!!

2007-10-19T09:38:00.000-04:00

But, I have permission to share it here.... My friend John is planning another Name the Paddle Contest!!! For those new readers who aren't familiar with 'John', he is the owner of Leather Thorn Paddles, and his leather goods are exceptional. He has created two new paddles, and I'm not sure if he is going to hold a contest for both of them, or for just one... Both of the designs are different from anything else he has done before, and one paddle will come with a choice of a handle or no handle! John plans to start the contest in November sometime, so keep watching for details. He is planning to mail one to me to test it out for him... and I will offer a report... Of course it will have to be used for a good girl spanking, since I am too much of an Angel to earn the OTHER kind. WEG

Last night at an organization Lar and I belong to, the members did their annual 'Planning Meeting/Trick or Treat' night. Members bring children and grandchildren, in costumes, of course, and everyone brings treats. The little ones walk around and are given way too much candy. LOL Well, normally there is a pretty large turnout for this, but we had storms and Tornado watches, and a lot of members are elderly and didn't come, and to be honest, Lar and I had the only little ones there!!!! Gabe was dressed as Spider Man and Nee as Didi Doodle of the DoodleBops... Lar and I talked to them on the way to the meeting about 'manners' and reminded them to say 'thank you'. Gabriel, being his normal self, which is TOO much like his Uncle Nick at times, asked, "What if they try to give me something I don't like?" "Then you still take it and say thank you and be polite. It's rude to tell someone that you don't like what they brought," I told him rather sternly, knowing his propensity for telling it like it is. "But, Gramma, shouldn't I just say, 'No, thank you, I don't like that!'?" "No, honey, you take it, and say, 'Thank you.' Be polite, Gabriel. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean you should be rude." Well, he didn't know if he liked that idea, but Grandpa told him that if he didn't behave like a nice little boy he might not get to go trick or treating around the neighborhood when the time comes. So, we get to the Hall, get the little ones into their costumes, and all those people fussed over them. Well, Gabe and Nee were the ONLY ones there, so ALL eyes were on them the entire time they made their rounds... The lady sitting beside me just learned SHE is to be a Gramma, so she was studying them intently, trying to decide how she was going to handle being 'gramma', and she poked me and said, "OH NO... Look at my Mom! She's single handedly going to make those kids sick!" I looked, and sure enough, 'Mom' was holding two hands together, full of candy bars and put all of that candy into Renee's bag. She did the same for Gabe. By the time those kids made their rounds, their Trick or Treat bags were 3/4 of the way FULL!!! Entirely too much candy... and I knew their Mommy was going to freak when she saw it. If they were out walking on trick or treat night, she would have stopped them and come home way before their bags got that full... LOLOLOLOLOL When we got home, I said, "Do you want to see what the kids got tonight?" She came and looked, and the expression on her face was hilarious. "MOM! Where did they get all of this? Those people didn't give the kids ALL of this, did they? Were they the only kids there?" she demanded. I admitted they were. She just moaned and groaned. "They gave the kids all they had with them so they wouldn't have to take it home, right?" "Pretty much," I agreed. LOLOLOLOLOL The little ones are HAPPY as can be, of course. And, don't worry, the candy is now under strict 'Mommy control', and put up high. Chrissy is pretty strict when it comes to sweets and candy. I respect that, too. We are hoping to end the cycle of diabetes by teaching these little ones good habits. Of course... we'd given the kids a treat at the Hall... they are children and wanted 'something' right away. Then, one member won the doorprize, and Nee pulled his name, so he gave her another candy bar.... and she had it open just that quick... He gave Gabe one, too, to be 'fair', and I was thankful my daughter wasn't there. lolololol Oh yes, almost forgot... Both Gabriel and Renee were very polite and said 'thank you' to everyone without having to be reminded, and luckily, Gabe 'liked' everything they brought!!!! I honestly think the older people enjoy this more than the children do....

On the DD side of things.... We are gaining a few more members on my forum, and I'm pleased to see husbands joining, too. As those of you who live this lifestyle know, it is not always easy and can be a challenge, in fact. I am pleased to see my Lar joining in more and more, and reading nightly. He's getting to know the members, and I enjoy watching him sit and giggle when something tickles him. WEG I am also aware that he is learning a few things from reading, and that he has been a bit quicker to lay down the law lately. I also learned that my mouth has lost its 'censor'... I'm so used to making little digs because with the family here I can get away with it. They were all gone last Saturday, and Lar and I were doing some things here around the house that needed doing, and I honestly lost count of the number of times my mouth got me into trouble. I was pretty tender by bedtime, and I believe that was mostly due to a stress relief on Friday night that was pretty intense compared to 'normal'. When the kids do move out, I am positive we will be going through a pretty serious adjustment period. Lar is already planning some time for us this weekend, too. And I don't imagine he's talking about cleaning the carpet....

Joannie

Makeup, Race Cars, and Dodge Car!!!!!

2007-10-15T16:25:00.000-04:00

What do I like about driving? Listening to the radio... I used to love to drive, but not any more. People are just plain crazy. I feel like I need to wear a protective suit while driving, and have my head on a swivel to see who is going to come at me next! First of all we had the young girl in the FAST lane, driving 45 to 75 MPH while putting on her make-up. She was weaving on and off the road and into the center lane as well. Extremely dangerous. She wasn't paying a bit of attention to the traffic around her. She was too busy getting all beautiful for work. We also had a man about my age who was in one huge hurry this morning, playing dodge car. He was weaving in and out of lanes, driving at least 85 mph, and passing cars, and squeezing between vehicles to get just a little father down the road. And then we had the kid, a boy who probably got his license within the last year or two who thinks the on ramp is a drag strip to the Interstate. He came barreling as fast as he could down that ramp, and the semi in the right lane was forced to either cut me off in the middle lane or end up causing a terrible accident with the kid who simply was NOT going to stop. My brakes worked, and the trucker waved at me later when I passed him. He trusted me to help him avoid that scary, stupid kid. All of these incidents happened in one fifteen minute drive from here to Dayton this morning. I saw one more man playing Dodge Car this afternoon... and one woman decided that blocking three handicapped parking spaces while she ran inside to pick up her lunch was a good idea. :-0 We had an 18 year old girl from my Mom's town killed in a traffic accident a few days ago, and her 17 year old passenger is still in critical condition. The girl was text messaging when she lost control of her vehicle. A nurse friend of ours who works in the ER told us that between the seat belt and the steering wheel the girl's body was nearly cut in half. I wish people would wake up and think before they get behind the steering wheel... and slow down.

I wrote a book in the science fiction/futuristic category in which traffic violators are pulled over. They cannot flee or try to outrun the officers because there is an automatice device installed in every car that gives the officer the ability to take control of the car and pull it off the side of the road. Until he/she released the car, it isn't going anywhere... Offenders are ticketed, and they are publicly paddled... right there, bare butt, on the side of the road for all to witness. I couldn't help but wish there was an Officer who could pull over Make-up Girl and deal out a public paddling to her for being so foolish. AND, I think that playing Dodge Car should be paddled and then made to sit on the side of the road for an hour afterwards... And as for that kid who thinks the on ramp is a race track... I wish he was mine for a while. I guarantee I would take away his car keys for a long time and he would be doing some volunteer work, helping to rehabilitate accident victims....

Sorry this is such a long rant... I left all the tailgators alone today... but I think THOSE people need a good paddling too. There are so many more people on the roads these days... and it amazes me that more aren't killed every day out there. Okay, I'm done now. If you're reading this and see yourself, don't take offense... just please slow down.

hugggs,
Joannie

Grumpy Gramma With a Sore Tushie

2007-10-13T08:04:00.000-04:00

Our little two year old granddaughter has the "I'm Scared's" at night. It is a struggle to get her to sleep when we put her to bed, but that is mostly her parents' problem. From that point on, however, it seems to be Lar's and mine. Renee will wake up at least once before I go to bed, and since the rest of the household is normally down by then, I put Nee back to bed, reassure her she is safe, and get her back to sleep. I honestly don't mind that... IF I am awake. When it happens and I've just gone to bed, it does not bode well for the house if I have to get up. I'm awful if I get woke up within the first couple of hours... always have been this way. Lar and my daughter are the opposite. They can get woke up right away and function and be 'nice' about it. Morning is their grump time... and not for me. That is why I get up with the little ones in the morning. And, most of the time, I am great... Since Renee started with her night "I'm scared's", Gramma hasn't been getting any sleep. Chrissy goes in at 4 AM most days... And no one could wake Christopher with dynamite! To make it worse, HE has to have a fan in their room, and it is so loud they can't hear the kids in the next room. I know that Chris does this because he is impossible when HE doesn't get any sleep. (Fact, trust me. You don't want to live with him when he doesn't get eight hours. He makes monsters look like tame kittens then...) Still, when Nee wakes up, starts crying in fear, and runs downstairs and to our room and goes, "I'm scared! I'm scared!" and her little body is trembling, her Grandpa and I are incapable of doing what her Mommy wants and putting her firmly back in bed. Nope... We pick her up and tuck her in with us. Sometimes we get lucky and she makes it all the way to 4:30 AM before this happens. Then, there are times like last night when she comes in around 2 AM. seeking safety and comfort. She has no trouble going back to sleep... part of her on Gramma and part of her on Grandpa. My back is suffering and is aching ALL the time. And, even worse, I am GRUMPY... Grumpy in the morning when I get up. It is a lack of sleep... Lar isn't doing so well either, but let's face it, I am the one who gets spanked in this relationship... It isn't even 8 AM... and I know for a fact that the three tantrums I've had already this morning have put me on the 'Just wait until they leave today' list. The bright spot of my morning.... knowing that NeeNee will be going to her other Grandparents tonight... WEG Since I am completely grumpy this morning, I can only say THEY deserve to lose a night's sleep in dealing with Renee and the Monsters in the Dark.

Lar decided last night that I needed stress relief and that it wouldn't wait until today when we are alone. MAN! I was expecting a mild spanking, one meant to induce a peaceful sleep! I got a spanking that felt more like a punishment and was very ouchy! (It feels like it this morning, too!) When I said, "Lar, TOO hard....!!!!" he spanked even harder! I was burning by the time he was through, and wide awake, and I'm sure a good many of you will relate to this next part... That burn quickly turned into something else... (I think Lar was counting on THAT happening!!) All I can say is thank goodness Nee waited for her first Monster call of the night until she did! Mommy and Daddy were gone to my brother Paul's house to learn to tie a tie... so naturally, she was our little one to care for right then. Grandpa got up, and tucked her back into her bed, and her Mommy came home then and took care of her. It was nice to snuggle and go to sleep, even if it did only last for a short time before the Monsters came in full force to Nee's room.

So here it is, not even eight o'clock, and I've had THREE regular tantrums today... all over important matters. The most imporant of which that one of the Chris's (the odds are on 'topher') took the REST of the TP upstairs to their bathroom, and didn't leave ONE roll down here... Now I bought that TP, and I expect there to be at LEAST one roll left down here for my bathroom! Someone has to make a Walmart Run this morning... That is probably grounds for the FOURTH tantrum of the day...

I hope you all have a wonderful, un-grumpy day...
Joannie, the Grumpy Gramma

LOL Love Our Lurkers

2007-10-11T19:06:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 12 is Love Our Lurkers Day... I get emails all the time from folks telling me how much they love this blog... and I am always amazed at how many faithful readers I have, although I might go a couple weeks at a time without posting. The comment I get the most often is that people love seeing DD incorporated into a 'normal' household. Lordy knows we sure aren't perfect, but I shudder to think how awful life would be without the loving hand of domestic discipline in our marriage. It is a constant, reminding us both to be respectful, and to treat each other with love. I am the only one who is spanked, but to be perfectly honest, I am the one who NEEDS to be spanked. Lar is much better behaved than I am... not that he is perfect, but as a dear friend by the name of JT always says, "That Lar is a Saint." He's pretty darn close...
Anyway, tomorrow is lurkers day, and I would honestly love to hear from you... even if you just find this site for the first time. Reading your comments keeps me posting...

On the home front... We just celebrated, and will celebrate again on Sunday, Gabe's fifth birthday! It seems like just yesterday that this tiny baby was born, and his Gramma was the one who realized he was cold and in spite of his Grandpa and Mommy's protests that he couldn't possibly be cold, wrapped him up in the soft blanket I made for him and held him and stopped his crying... He is such a special little boy... Full of intelligence and a thousand questions each and every day. We can't spell in front of him... He's too darn smart... He's in pre-kindergarten this year, and loves school. He is ALSO an S/O in the making! Geesh! "Grandpa, Gramma needs a spanking. She said a bad word in the kitchen!!!" "Grandpa, Gramma has a SECRET. She bought CANDY!" Brat... WEG He is a darling boy, and we love him. He's already raked in the good stuff from us here at home... Mommy and Daddy got him car stuff... a neat race set and a car to put together... Lar and I got him puzzles, which he loves to do, a child's very cheap watch to learn to tell time, a car carrying case, and a movie he wanted. The real party is this Sunday... and he has it all planned. He wants us to serve salad, pizza, and my Christmas fruit punch. I simply want to wiggle my nose like Samantha the Bewitched... and clean this house. WEG

Nothing much in the spanking area going on. Not that I've been good. I haven't. We just haven't had any time alone to deal with such things. One of these days....

Have a great weekend, and Love to all my Lurkers....
Joannie

So much to say.

2007-09-18T23:45:00.000-04:00

Sorry it has been so long since I've posted. We went through a rough bout with the stomach flu, and I have to say this strain is the worst I have ever had in my life... no contest! Chris brought it home first, and little Nee caught it next. Of course, Gabe followed, then my loving husband who swears 'I never get anything!'. My daughter was next, and while she was still on antibiotics for pneumonia... and still putting in 70 hours at work because two of her employees quit without notice on the same darn day! I came down with it last, and I don't know what I would have done if Lar hadn't stayed home that day. I thought we were all through with the throwing up and horrible diarrhea, but NO... Lar and the two little ones ate something for lunch on Saturday, and we went for round two from something in their meal... We are all well now and back to our normal routines, thankfully.

I hadn't been spanked in a very long time, and managed to push Lar's buttons before all this flu set in. I have to admit that I was a bit upset because there hadn't been much in the way of DD for a long while, and all of a sudden he was sitting up in bed and taking out a cane and having at my butt. There wasn't much discussion prior to this. Just the order to get over the bed. I had no clue he was planning to spank, either, and was going to bed because I was super tired. I had a terrible time staying in place... but the spanking happened, and I was extremely sore the next morning... Since then we have talked quite a bit, and I was surprised in a good way to learn that he was as upset with me that DD had been on the back burner... He told me we are going to make more of an effort to tend to us, and so far he is taking a lot of initiative to make this happen. My mood brightened considerably when I learned that he was missing the closeness of DD... It put US on the same page again and took away most of the anger and frustration I was feeling toward our living situation.... We'll be fine.

I love my kids, of course... but Lar and I haven't kept it a secret that we are looking forward to having them move out in the next couple of months or so... (I am aware it could take a bit longer...) My SIL told me this morning that they decided not to move... I was so shocked and disappointed and kind of upset... but I found out later in the afternoon that HE was trying to tell me he'd decided they weren't going to move out of state. To be honest, I already knew they wouldn't... so my mind wasn't 'thinking' in that direction... and I thought he meant they were planning to live here another several months/years... NO.... My daughter assured me they will be moving out, just staying close to here. Whew! I said, "Thank God for that!" And then had to say, "No offense, honey, but your Dad and I are ready for some time to ourselves." She just laughed at me. Hopefully, Chris will have a new job by the time he graduates and they will be able to save up, move out, and if my daughter gets the bonus she is expecting, that could be in a couple of months.... We are all ready.

On the work end of life, I've added a few more selections to my Lulu store, and hope to add a few more by the end of the week. Thanks to all of you who've gone to take a look. I really appreciate it very much.

Joannie

New Store on LULU

2007-09-02T09:14:00.000-04:00

If someone would have told me a couple of months ago that I would be opening my own stores, I would have laughed in their faces. Honestly and truly. But, that little seed got planted, and first I opened a small store on my website that is going to grow, (and M... I DO need your help with the typing... I'll be in touch....) and the last few days I have been opening my own store on LULU.

For those of you not familiar with Lulu, it is a site where you can order stories in book form, and once they are printed, they are mailed to you. They tell you to allow a certain amount of time, but I have never had to wait that long for an order to arrive, and the books are very nice. I am doing my very best to make the formatting as nice as possible and on par with what you would expect if you went to a regular bookstore. And, I am using simple graphics on the covers so you will be able to take these books anywhere you go without fear of embarrassment if the wrong person should see them. Please go and check out the site, (YES, I need to learn HTML so I can make the site pretty.... Right now it is very plain and basic, but it does get the job done! LOLOLOLOL I need Paul to come over and help me with graphics, too.... Another day!)

On a personal level... My grandchildren are growing up! The things we discuss each day just blow me away. Gabe, especially, seems so much older all of a sudden. Both of them have had a growth spurt making new clothes necessary right at the end of summer! Thank goodness the clearance racks are full... and perhaps they will be able to use these to start off next summer? (Yes, a fantasy...) We are making sure the other family members all know to up the sizes for anything they might be thinking of getting them for upcoming birthdays, etc. (Nee just had hers in June, but we have 'shared birthdays' for little ones in the family... Gabe got presents on HER birthday, and she will get presents on HIS birthday...)

Nothing to report on the DD front. I am just too darn good AND boring lately. Seriously, I hate it when I am like this and it's definitely time to shake things up. You know it's bad when your S/O comments that 'you never do anything to be punished for any more'. Isn't that just about disgusting... and boring. I need to get my nose out of books long enough to torment him... or do SOMETHING!

Happy Labor Day Weekend to all of you.
Joannie

Vegas Shows

2007-08-27T09:33:00.000-04:00

The highlight of the trip to Vegas for me was the shows Paul and I went to. On Monday evening, we went and saw Wayne Brady's show. It was funny, and the music was good. If any of you watched "Whose Line Is It?", then you would have a pretty good idea of how the show went. Wayne started off by singing and dancing, and then did a bit of standup comdedy. He is, however, at his very best when doing improv. Paul and I laughed, and I was very relieved that he enjoyed the show as much as I did since he wasn't familiar with Wayne Brady and booked the show as a birthday treat for me. Well worth going to see, and just for information purposes, there isn't a 'bad' seat in the place.

On Tuesday evening we went to see Lance Burton, Magician. My brother is also a professional magician, although he hasn't been pushing this career lately to have more time for his photography. He, of course, has seen Lance perform countless times, but wanted to make sure and catch his show. It was at the same hotel we were staying in, and we splurged on a fancy dinner, and then went and enjoyed a wonderful show. Yes, I know how a few things are done, but for the most part, I don't have a clue. Paul won't tell, either. LOLOLOLOL This is a very kid friendly show if you are planning to have children with you. (I'll do my take on THAT later...)

Wednesday was our last full day in Vegas. Paul got us tickets to see Jublilee, and it was, by far, our favorite show of the three!!! Oh goodness! The costumes, the sets... the music and dancing... The timing... the entire show was absolute perfection. It is nothing short of spectacular and fabulous. Not something to take kids to, of course, but this is a must see if you go to Vegas.

More about the trip later. WEG

Joannie

A Lot of Work...LOL

2007-08-18T08:53:00.000-04:00

I'm tired out. I redid my website, Joannie Writes. Just changed the colors and the fonts. Took a LOT of time to get this all done, and to add all the stories that weren't on there. The last time I worked on the site was before Christmas and I was still featuring a Christmas Story as my Free Story! (WHY didn't someone point that out and say, 'Wake up, Joannie!') I apologize for that. I guess I get too caught up in life sometimes. Anyway, there is a new story there. And, I realized that I am running low on ones I haven't already posted. So, I need to get cracking and write a few more. WEG If you get a minute, go and look at the site and tell me what you think. Now that it is done, I'm not too thrilled about the background and I'm thinking of changing it... But would like to know what you think. I love the store site the way it is, for now. Once I add a couple more stories, I will have to format it a lot differently to make it easier for readers to find what they want. I hope to have a new time travel/western posted in a couple of weeks. It will be another full length novel... with spanking, of course... just not in every chapter. There are lots of threats in this one, of course. WEG And, it's one that I didn't feel suitable for Woodshed.

Now, as for WHY I suddenly decided to update my site... A friend of mine, Jade Alanson, has opened a store site, and plainly, hers looked so nice and professional, that I had to make mine look a bit better. WEG Jade has been writing spanking stories for a long time and has shared a few of her Brady stories with us. Now she has them compiled into book form, and into several collections. She also has a few more novels on her site, and I've read almost all of them. I'm not finished with EarthQuest yet (and I know there is to be another volume or two to continue the adventure), and can't wait to read it in its published form. The name of the site is Squeek-by Graphics, and I hope you will go and take a peek. There is truly something for everyone there.

On the home front, I feel like I escaped a serious punishment by the skin of my teeth the other day. Long story short, Lar laid down the law on some spending. I KNOW he is right, but knowing it and abiding by the decision are two different things, especially when it affects my grandbabies. While I did not out and out disobey him, I did pay off a bill for my daughter so that Gabe could start pre-school. I made the decision to do this knowing full well I would have to face the consequences. When Lar asked a couple of questions, I was totally honest with him. To my surprise, he agreed with my decision, but woe unto me if I pay his tuition fees now that they are all caught up, etc. I've made my daughter aware that I cannot help her with this, and she promised she won't ask. I feel like I got a reprieve, and for once, I am thankful. I did get Gabe new shoes, and on the way to the register to check out, he spotted a Bengals book bag he 'had to have'. I knew Mommy had gone over budget for some new clothes (he'd outgrown all of his clothing since school ended last year...), so I put back something I wanted and bought his book bag. He was so excited and couldn't wait to show Grandpa (a die hard Browns fan!!! weg) and his Daddy (a Bengals supporter big time!!!!) his new bag. They both agreed it was a nice bag, and Chris couldn't resist jabbing Grandpa just a bit. LOL Gabe loves the Bengals, too. Anyway, he is excited about starting school on Tuesday, and if new shoes and a new book bag make him feel special and confident, I'm all for it. AND, both his shoes and the bag were on sale. It pays to go and shop in a community where school started three weeks ago. The same bag in the same type store up here cost 60% more! I wouldn't pay that much for a book bag, trust me, and I was excited I could get it for Gabe. And no punishment, either! Chrissy was a bit concerned that I was doing this for Gabe... and was feeling a bit bad that I was spending money for things she thought she should get... I shared with her that her school shoes and supplies always came from MY Mom, and when I was little, my Grandma bought my shoes, etc., every year. I told her that she would be buying for her grandchildren some day... it all evens out.

I'm going to Vegas on Monday, which happens to be my birthday. My brother invited us to go, but Lar won't fly... Lar told me to go ahead, and since Paul and I love to travel together, I agreed. He's doing a couple of photo shoots, and has tickets for three shows. We are going to be non-stop busy while we are there, and that is what I love most about going with him. We pack a lot into a trip, have fun, then come home. I'll be back late Thursday night... Worn out, of course. WEG As to the gambling question... Yes, I am going to try a slot machine or two. I am NOT a gambler, but I can't go to Vegas and not try a slot machine! WEG Paul has been there three other times, and he knows where he wants to go to eat. Since he is the very picky one when it comes to food, that is always his choice, lol My overprotective husband knows that Paul is just as overprotective as he is, so at least he won't be worrying about me while I'm gone. Lar is always quick to assure me that it's not ME he doesn't trust; it's the rest of the world. I sometimes feel a bit 'smothered' by the two of them... When Paul and I went to Houston last year, I said I was going to go and get some bottled water and something to munch on. He was setting up for his photo shoot, and very reluctantly let me go alone. LOL His words, "Don't go out of the hotel by yourself, Jo!" Well, turns out the only place to get water, etc., WAS outside the doors, right next door. I decided that Paul was my LITTLE brother, not my husband, so I went and did my thing, and was just fine, of course. LOL Every so often, I just have to be independent. The difference between Paul and Lar... I wouldn't have made it out the door of our room in the first place without Lar. WEG Gotta love him and all his overprotective ways. It's nice to be that loved.

You all have a great day, and if you have time, go and check out Jade's site. There is truly something for everyone there.

hugggs,
Joannie

Unknown Name... Unknown Number

2007-08-14T11:27:00.000-04:00

Does anyone else get these 'unknown name, unknown number' calls? I hate them. I refuse to answer them. I hate it when the telephone rings, interrupting my train of thought if I am working, and I go to answer it and look at the Caller ID, and find it is that same 'unknown name, unknown number'. I won't answer those calls... not at all... not even if the caller keeps ringing back. It is my right to choose to answer the telephone or not, and if someone doesn't have the balls (I'm ranting...) to say who is calling, then don't expect me to answer and be polite. If a caller has to be so secretive, then they must be trying to sell something. I don't want to talk to them. I'm on the DO NOT CALL list, which hasn't seemed to help with some solicitations. I'm not interested in 'free vacations' I have 'won', and if I want to donate money to an organization, I'm a big girl and will do it on my own. I pay my telephone bill so that I can get calls from family and friends, and from people I do business with. I do not wish to pay to be harassed in my own home by telemarketers. If I want a product, I will not buy it over the telephone; I promise you that. I also will not 'hold for an important call'. If it is important, a person can call me back and talk to me. Those are MY rules for MY telephone.

Joannie, ranting, and angry that all the calls this morning haven't been from anyone FUN to talk to!

My Mom on Dog

2007-08-13T17:13:00.000-04:00

My Mom is a character. She's 82 years old, and getting more and more interesting every day. She's got a great sense of humor, but I have to admit she surprises me once in a while. Today I casually mentioned watching Dog, The Bounty Hunter, and she got all excited. "I love Dog!" she exclaimed! (For those of you who don't know who Dog is, you can do a Google Search.) Mom spent the next hour regaling me of tales of the Dog... and what she loves about the show, and telling her that my brothers make fun of her for watching Dog. She got all indignant. "It's okay for them to watch what they like, and I like Dog... At least he's a real person," and off she went again. LOL Now, I'll admit, I did NOT expect to hear my Mom is a Dog fan. In fact, I was fully prepared to defend myself for enjoying the show IF she even knew who Dog is! LOL The funny thing is that I was mentioning it as one show I like, but don't think is suitable for Gabe and Nee to have on while they are awake. Gabe takes everything to heart, and just wouldn't understand, and at his age it is a bit hard to explain about the 'bad guys' needing to be arrested, and about the crimes they have committed. Also, the language isn't always the best.

The truly funny thing is that my sweet Mama thinks Gordon Ramsey on Hell's Kitchen is just awful because he swears so much, but she finds it perfectly acceptable out of Dog because of his profession. LOLOLOLOL I love my Mom's logic. Now, I have to admit that I take the language in stride on both shows. I even get a secret little kick out of watching Lar out of the corner of my eye when a certain four letter word gets used. WEG If I cannot use that particular word, the next best thing is living vicariously through others and letting them jerk Lar's chain and push his buttons a bit. WEG

When I called my brother Paul to fill him in on Mother's doctor visit today (and to get backup because she was a bit miffed I sided with the doctor on giving her a tetanus shot, and agreed to making an appointment with an ear specialist; If Paul and I give Mom a united 'we just are trying to take good care of you' then she is mollified.); Paul was telling me a funny story about Mom telling him what the cat was thinking. We've both noticed that she is making up stories all the time now. She can't hear conversations clear across the restaurant, but she will tell you exactly why other customers aren't happy, or what they are thinking, and that the server doesn't like that table there because she muttered as she walked away. It is the world through Mama's eyes, and we are truly enjoing her. Forget taking her to see the Reds play ball; she'd rather go and meet Dog in person! LOL

Joannie

Cursewords, Foiled Again! (I'm not allowed to type what I really want to call this post!)

2007-07-25T08:22:00.000-04:00

I had a fit last night. Life can be such a PITA at times, and when you least expect it. Last evening was one of those times. My 'idiot' brother stopped by last night right after dinner. This is the brother who has always been able to infuriate me in less than one second!!!! John moved home about a year ago, and I've truly done my best to stay out of it. I was against Mom letting him do this, but he has some serious health issues, and once a Mom, always a Mom. (Now you all know where I get it!) I offered John dinner, which he declined, stating that Mom would be offended if she had a plate ready for him and he didn't eat it. I know this to be true, and to be honest, he got 'points' for that. He and Paul eat Mom's cooking more than I could handle. We all LOVE our Mama, but she can't cook, and never could, God Bless HER for trying!!! They also buy take out a lot and take it home to 'surprise' her and 'give her a night off', which Mom loves. She gets a pink face and smiles with pleasure each and every time, even if something is thawing when they call to say, "Don't fix dinner, Mom!" She likes to be pampered, and to be honest, Paul has made it possible for Mama to stay in her own home. Bless HIM. Anyway, I'm rambling and not telling the horror story.

John came by on his way home from work because he wants me to sew some patches on two shirts. I don't mind that, honestly. But, then he said, "We are taking Mom to a ballgame, Joey, and you have to come, too." Well, I Do NOTdo baseball. I hate it, in fact. I don't see any sense at all in driving to a stadium, climbing a thousand steps, give or take several hundred, and sitting through crotch scratching, spitting, and drunk fans drinking beer that costs $8.00 a pop. God... that is such torture for me. Then John said, "You have no choice; Mom will need you to help her to the bathroom, and Paul and I can't do that!" I said, "FUCK!" and Lar said, "JoANN!" I said, "Fuck!" again... Well you get the picture. I told Lar later... "IF I have to go, then you are going, too." He said, "NO, I'm not! It's your family. I'm not going to any baseball game." He hates it as much, or more, than I do. Now, if it was football, he would go. You all KNOW I will end up going. I won't disappoint my Mom... but DAMN it all to hell and back!!!!! I don't WANT to. And what is even worse, I can't go and bitch the entire time, either, or it will spoil the event for Mama, and I won't do that. But, DAMN IT!!! Why did John have to get this in his head? Mama loves watching the game on television and listening on radio. She's told me over and over that she doesn't want to go to the stadium. We will have to get a wheel chair to take her, and then she will still have to do steps. I know the guys will help with that, but taking her to the bathroom will not be easy with steps to navigate... even though I am sure the guys will help... DAMN! It's none of that that is a problem. If we were taking her to a musical or something FUN, I would be excited... but a baseball game. Oh just shoot me now! Torture. And I can't even go and complain about any of it. I really think Lar should go, too. I mean, I think he should go! Who is going to help me control my temper if some damn fool spills beer on me and I have to sit and smell the stuff all that time? Don't laugh... the last time I was FORCED to go to a ballgame, the drunken fool behind me spilled his beer down my back just because some player got a homerun...! I was a little kid then, and I still told him off! Can you imagine NOW? Oh Lordy..... Not fun, and no date yet to dread. If it was anyone else but my Mom, I wouldn't even consider it. That is a fact.

Joannie, who needs sympathy... and a top that is beer proof.

An Evening to Remember

2007-07-24T00:43:00.000-04:00

A couple of months ago I bought tickets to go to a lecture given by someone I really like and respect, and someone whose books have given me a lot of insights to human nature, myself, and God's hand in all of this event we call 'life'. My views are very spiritual, and my daughter shares many of the same beliefs I do. Naturally, I bought a ticket for her as well, hoping she would drive. WEG

I didn't exactly know what to expect. Frankly, I don't do things like this very often, but I didn't even permit myself to talk me out of doing something I really wanted to do because the money could be put to better use, or I should stay home with Lar, or it's a weeknight, and... etc., all of the normal excuses I make to talk me out of doing something.

The doors opened at 4, for a lecture that wasn't to start until 7!!! I thought, surely no one will get there that early, but we left around 3:30 and were there by 5! The room was already filling up! I was amazed, and so was Chrissy. We found seats, and I held them while she went and got us a sandwich and bottles of water. The room was filled with interesting people, and there was a sense of expectation that was wonderful. Chrissy said, "Mom, this room feels good, doesn't it?" It really did. Both of the speakers were fantastic. We knew the one lady would be excellent, but the lady who spoke first was new to us. She was amazing and had us all in stitches the entire time. Of course, the other woman held us all spellbound, and I poked Chrissy a couple of times and said a name. She poked me once and said, "Grandma K". I nodded. LOLOLOL We enjoyed the experience.

Coming home in the car, she finally admitted to a few things that happened to her during her first marriage that she didn't think I knew about. Of course I knew... I am her mother. She also told me that Christopher is wanting to move out SOON. I told her that Dad and I felt the same as Christopher, and that it is time. It was a peaceful moment with no hard feelings. Lar and I had decided it was time to speak up and tell them of our feelings... and it was kind of interesting to learn that Christopher and I have pretty much the same 'fed up' button that kicks on at the same time. We do care about each other, but it is harder for he and I to live together than it is for the rest of the others. The moving out is necessary before one of us 'loses it'. I am so glad we were able to have the conversation without any negative feelings rising. Part of me will miss having them with us, the other part of me wants to 'dance naked in the kitchen and make love on the table', to quote an old country song. WEG

On the DD front... Lar is well aware how I feel about some things to do with the organization he is president of in this county. I love most of the people, but I get so bored with the sameness of everything year after boring year. I detest sitting through meetings, and I don't like doing things like putting up fair booths. I did one for the little kids for many years when our kids were younger. I enjoyed it, but I DID that, and don't want to do it any more. Lar, on the other hand, LOVES this kind of stuff. The people in our local group who normally are chairmen of the fair booth couldn't do it this year and asked Lar to be the chairman. The reason they asked is health related, and simply put, the man is too ill with cancer to do it, and his wife is caring for him during his treatments. Under those circumstances, I agreed to be helpful. Like I said, I do like the people, just not the activities... My dear hubby decided he needed to have a meeting with the rest of the committee, and invited them all here. It was to be a cookout and a planning meeting. I was okay with that since HE would be grilling and I only needed to make a side dish or two. But, it didn't work out that way. Lar had to go to a viewing with a friend from work for another co-worker's parent... and that left ME to handle the meal. I don't grill. I never learned how to do it because Lar LOVES to cook out. The menu change made more work for me, of course, but the food was good, and it was appreciated. Lar was pleased, and admitted that he was worried about the whole deal... and thought he was going to end up spanking me if I wasn't 'nice'!!!! Geesh! I enjoy cooking for people, and I had a wonderful excuse not to sit in here while they 'bickered' about how to do things. I was happy... LOLOLOL

That's the end of my report... Guess I could tell one of the little one's latest capers. They get up to something almost daily... Gabe is the one who thinks up all the hare-brained stunts, and Renee is the fearless one who will do anything... I heard noise at the top of the stairs when they were supposed to be playing in their room. I asked them not to play there, and to get back to their room, but they didn't listen. I was a bit frustrated, just picturing Nee falling down the steps because she wasn't paying attention to what she was doing. I got up, went to the steps to scold, and about DIED!!! I started yelling, "NO! NO! NO!" while running up there as fast as I could go. Gabe had pulled a matress off of Renee's bed, had it at the top of the steps, and was waiting on her to climb on so they could slide down the steps!!!!! Lordy! I ran fast, and as calmly as possible, explained how dangerous that was and told them NOT to do that again! It wasn't until later that I realized that if she'd been a second faster in getting on that mattress, Gabe would have shoved her off, right into ME, and I was the one who would have been hurt! It's a wonder I don't have gray hair (and never will...) LOL

Joannie

I DID IT!!!

2007-07-14T12:54:00.000-04:00

I did it! For some time now I've had readers asking me for longer stories like Hiding Miss Peaches, so I opened my own store! There is only one story offered at this time, but I promise there are many more to come. A lot of us wish and long for the romance novels we used to buy and devour with the strong hero who would at the very least threaten to spank!!! My heroes do a lot of threatening, but they also carry out those threats once in a while.

LAST CHANCE is the first book offered on my site. It is a very long western... twenty chapters in all, and I originally wrote this story about twenty years ago! I fell in love with Samantha, Cort, Melanie, and Philip then, and I still love them. Samantha decides to run away from home rather than marry the man her Uncle chooses for her. She's all dressed up as a boy at her cousin Melanie's suggestion, and when she saves Cort's life, he mistakes her for a runaway kid. By the time Uncle Franklin catches up, Cort has spent several days and nights with the 'kid'. Franklin gives Sam an ultimatum... Marry Cort or marry Carson Edwards (The bad guy...) Sam's not dumb... She chooses Cort, of course, and proceeds to dump their wedding cake all over him after he announces he is taking her away to live in a small tackroom in the barn on his property.

The second story in the book deals with Melanie and Philip. Melanie is one unhappy woman, married to a man she considers a milquetoast... but Philip has a deep, dark secret he is trying to keep hidden.

I hope you'll go and take a peek at the first chapter of Last Chance. I hope you love these characters as much as I do.

Joannie

Good and Bad

2007-07-09T08:27:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone... The last couple of weeks have been especially hectic, moreso than our normal hectic. lol Our daughter has her Dad's work ethic, which means she has been working double shifts to cover a shortage at work. Last night was her last shift at that particular store, and today she started in her own store. I'm hoping that she has more stable help in this new place. Her little ones are missing her, and Gramma and Grampa are worn out. Renee has reached her 'terrible' or 'terrific' two's... whichever phrase you choose to use. She is at that age where she is growing a lot, and very clumsy, and I really wonder sometimes if she will make it to her next birthday without hurting herself seriously!!!! Today so far, she's fallen twice, and it's not even 7:30 AM as I type this. I've fixed booboos already, and know that she will have a couple more bruises to add to the collection. I dread taking her out of the house sometimes for all the bruises she has. And, of course, she is into everything, with the "I DO IT!!" attitude. She terrifies and delights me at the same time with her "I WANT TO HELP" philosophy. I just hope she's as eager to help out when she is big enough to actually help. WEG

Along with the busies with the kids, I am working on a new project for my website. I'm going to offer some longer novels there very soon. The first is called Last Chance and tells the story of Samantha and Cort and the story of Phillip and Melanie. It is the first western BOOK I wrote, and still my very favorite... well, maybe. I'll share more about this when I have it all ready. The rewrite is taking a bit of time, especially with the little ones taking so much of my time.

Larry and I did get a weekend away with friends, and had a wonderful time. August is going to be our crazy month, though. The first weekend or so, Lar is taking some vacation time and we are going north for a get together with some of our forum members. I've been looking forward to this since last year's get together. We also have our county fair... and while I won't necessarily class this as 'fun', I do know that we will be busy with a fair booth we took over because our usual chairman is under cancer treatment, and we stepped in to help. They are good people, so we will do our best for them. Our organization also has a small restaurant on the grounds before and during the fair. Home cooked food, and the fair regulars come there to eat food they know is 'safe'. The 4-H'ers are permitted (with parental consent, of course) to come in and eat and run a tab the parents can pay on the last day of the fair. Parents like this because they know where their kids are eating, and they don't have to leave a lot of money with them... But, it is a LOT of work, and I'll be honest and admit I don't like to work in a restaurant. My daughter is probably going to go and work FOR me... She is a chef, and this is right up her ally. I'll be Gramma and watch the little ones.

On the DD side of things... The last spanking I got was one of those spontaneous ones that really hurt physically and emotionally. I lost my temper because of interruptions while I was trying to work... Lar took it personally... and hauled me back to our room, and even though he used his hand, I was sore for three days from that one. He was not happy, and let me know it. I was in tears when he stopped... and mad as hell!!! I really don't think the whole thing was fair, and made my point on the subject this weekend. After thirty-five years of marriage, we still do have our moments! Anyway, I will try harder not to 'lose it' at the interruptions and use that kind of language... and threaten to poison their food (of COURSE, I didn't MEAN it!!!!)... and they will try to respect the fact I do need to get some writing done when there is another adult home to watch the kids so I can concentrate completely.

Speaking of the mouth saying things you don't really mean..... Man oh man!!! I was teasing Nee the other day, and she giggled, and Lar was right here... We were all laughing... and then, while I was typing this... (It's only taken an hour to get to this point with the interruptions... lol....) The Garbage Truck started rounds on this street. Renee freaked out! I was so shocked. I pulled up the mini blinds to show her it was the 'nice men who take away our trash', and she got ALL upset! "I trash! I bad girl! I trash!"
I felt terrible. I picked her up and said, "No, you are a good girl, you aren't trash, honey!" She kept repeating that... and I remembered that we were picking up and throwing away papers and stuff, and Grampa had a trash bag and I was teasing about throwing her away!!! We were all laughing, and I was rocking and hugging her... I never DREAMED she was taking me seriously! Made me feel like sh**!!!! Of course, I held her and calmed her, and kept telling her over and over that Gramma was just 'tickling her with words'. She finally believed me, poor baby, but I feel guilty as sin right now! I still remember being really little and hearing my Grandma and Mom talking about Mom's brother being 'fired'. I cried and cried... I thought they really threw him into a fire. Finally, Mom got me calmed down and explained that he'd just lost his job. I do feel terrible I scared my little one, though....

Please forgive me if my posting is a bit scarce right now. All sorts of things happen with the little ones that would make great blog posts, and I tell myself to post about it... (Okay, the Trash Guys are back... picking up the recycle stuff... and Nee is waving at them, not screaming that they are going to take her away with the 'trash'. I guess she understood my 'tickling with words'...) I will try to post a bit more if I can.

love,
Joannie

Snoring!!!!

2007-06-15T01:27:00.000-04:00

My Lar snores. Most of the time, his snoring is rather peaceful and after 35 years of it, I'm rather used to it... and I don't sleep well unless he is right beside me, snoring away. It is comforting... most of the time.

Then there are times like tonight! Tonight his snoring is extremely loud, and accompanied by gurgles, and other sound effects. Even some talking that I can't seem to make out, and sounds foreign. Okay. The man works hard. I'm not about to wake him and say, "You are snoring too loudly!"

He's used the spray, and it does help some. He's used the nose thingy's... they don't seem to help as much. And, no, he won't go to a doctor for this. Forget it. His snoring doesn't bother HIM. WEG He will settle in another hour or so, and I will try our bed again.

Also, I will have you know that my 'potato salad is gooder than pizza!' This is according to my grandson. I am also the 'bestest cook'. Considering his Mommy is a chef, I am kind of grinning. lol

I started a new feature on my DD forum, Joannie and Friends. I opened two private forums on my board; one for S/O's and the other for Angels. We have always had a high average of men who post on the forum, and contribute fairly regularly... but the men seem to love the added privacy of posting to other HOH's, and a couple of guys who have been fairly quiet up to this point, and reading and posting... Including my LAR...

Yes, MY Lar is learning to use the computer. After all these years of offering to teach him, and his saying "NO" all the time, he came home from work one day, and said, "JoAnn, I want to try something on the computer if you will show me how. One of the guys told me that I can go to this Google place, and look up anything at all!" He was excited. I told him I knew about Google and used it to research for my stories all the time. Lordy, if I knew the man was obsessed about doing Google searches, I would have showed him how to do that years ago. He is getting better at using the computer, even though Chrissy is still giggling behind his back when she sees him actually sitting at the desk top, engrossed in using it. I have to show him things from time to time, and he has a notebook in which he writes down how to do every little thing. I'm thrilled he is having fun on there. BUT...

And, the 'but' is... it is a bit unnerving to have him posting on the forum now! I've nursed so many Angels through the embarrassment and unease of 'what is my husband going to say next'... and now it is MY turn. Talk about anxiety when I glance over to the desk top and see the forum up on the monitor, and he is engrossed in reading the posts. I guess I've had and used a lot of freedom in posting, fairly positive he wouldn't read anything I wrote on there. I have always tried to tell it straight up, but perhaps a bit more straight up than I would if I thought he was going to read my words. I wouldn't want to embarrass him by revealing more than he was willing to share. Of course, this is Lar, and he doesn't embarrass too easily. WEG Wish me luck. This new found desire to post on the forum without me begging him to do so is kind of shocking... and darn scary.

Joannie

Good grief!!!!!!!!

2007-06-07T11:34:00.000-04:00

I just learned that paris hilton was released from jail early... and sent home. They are claiming medical reasons, but if it was anyone else, they'd be taken to the infirmary and put right back in jail!!! You know, Lar said she wouldn't have to serve that time because of all her money, and damned if he isn't right? I am really upset about this. For one thing, she's been spoiled rotten and raised to believe that only other people have to obey the law. How many other people are doing time right now for the same thing? What makes her so special she doesn't have to do what they have to do??? I cannot believe that our society permits this kind of BS. Paris, you not only need to serve jail time, you need a damn good spanking given to you in public for whining and acting like a spoiled brat! House arrest? Big flippin' deal!!!! I hope that others are as outraged by this as I am. I have utterly no respect for this spoiled brat...

Joannie

Cathcing Up

2007-06-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning... I've thought of posting a lot of times lately, but as usual, I've a million excuses not to sit here and just get to it. LOL Lar is at the end of working nights, and I celebrated the event in my usual style. I slept all afternoon, and when we went to bed last night, I slept so soundly that I doubt I would have heard anything... WEG I don't sleep well when he isn't home, obviously. It's amazing what a good night's sleep will do for a body.

On the DD front... Lar and I went through a period of 'not much happening'. I tried to talk to him about my feelings, but he says I didn't try hard enough to communicate how I was feeling inside. As a result, things built up within me until I was miserable to live with. He used a cane to break through the wall of silence, and once I was completely honest with him, he punished me for not doing a better job of communicating! I told him I was tired of his being nice and overlooking behavior that normally doesn't fly. He is a very nice man, and he thought that giving me patience and understanding while we were dealing with Christina's cancer was the right thing to do. As those of you wired the way I am already know, when things are crazy, you need the safety and security of DD even more than normal. I think Lar understands this a bit better now, and I am trying to stop the mouth from getting my butt in trouble. Lar promised me another spanking last night after I sassed him over something and then refused to shut up after a warning... I was so sleepy and tired I think he knew it was pointless to attempt a full fledged punishment, but he did give me one very hearty smack with his hand that burned like crazy. Ouch! I had a smile on my face when I went to sleep, however, and it really did feel like I'd been punished. It's amazing how even one spank can be a punishment if the mindset is there.

The little ones are full of it, of course, and doing things to keep us smiling all the time. Nee's latest is asking, "Whatcha doin"?" And Gabe made an innocent comment that made all of us dirty-minded adults cackle like hens for the next hour. When he was trying to figure out what was so funny, Gramma tried to explain that he said something that meant something very different to adults. Kids... never a dull moment.

A friend from Australia sent an email the other day, and I have been thinking on the subject, and yes, fuming a good bit, ever since. It would seem that they also have a show called 60 Minutes there, and they did a show on couples who are living a DD lifestyle. The reporter was obviously VERY much against the idea, so of course the couples portrayed were not 'normal' or good representatives. The men were shown as selfish controlling bastards, and the women as mindless dumbasses. And, of course, they had an advocate for women's rights who claimed that all women interested or practicing this lifestyle were setting back women's rights by hundreds of years. It makes me furious that the couples shown were obviously picked to damn the rest of us. The show was based on the book, "The Surrendered Wife", which I will admit I have not read. I am hoping that if 60 Minutes does a portrayal of this lifestyle in this country that the producers pick a couple or two who will tell it like it is, and not choose people to portray the rest of us in a bad light. What does give me hope, however, is that apparently there are enough couples stepping up and insisting on living their marriage within more traditional guidelines and are proving that DD does work. As I wrote to my friend:
There is a huge difference between controlling and leading. My husband leads; he does not control. I follow out of choice, not out of fear.

Have a great day.
Joannie

The Dog Did It!!!

2007-05-19T18:45:00.000-04:00

Our little granddaughter came down the steps carrying her little stuffed doggie. "Doggie, peepee," she told us.

"What?" we asked, not understanding what she was trying to say.

"Doggie peepee," she said again.

Christina told her to come to her, and check to see if she had an accident... and took her back to the bathroom right away. Yes, she'd soaked herself, and the little doggie somehow, and she kept insisting that 'the doggie peepeed!" LOLOLOLOLOL

For those of you who have asked about my health since stopping the use of Sucralose... I am doing great. I feel so much better than I have in a very long time, and I've come to the conclusion that this substance has been affecting me for ages, and I was simply blaming the symptoms on the diabetes. Others are asking what I am doing about the 'sugar', and what I am now drinking since I'm not doing the splenda thing... Very simple, I am drinking water most of the time. I had my first cup of coffee since this started this morning. I made myself cut back the normal amount of sugar I normally use, and hopefully, I will get to the point I can drink my coffee with just a bit of milk and no sweet. Tea I will sweeten with honey. I think the key is just not to overdo, and since I don't drink too much coffee or tea this time of year, I should be fine. Thanks to all of you who have expressed concern or asked questions. I sincerely hope all of you who use this substance will give your body a two week trial without it to see if you feel better. Hopefully, you won't go through what I did. Now that it's been three weeks without sucralose, I am amazed at how good I feel.

love,
Joannie

Splenda is BAD, contintued...

2007-05-12T07:22:00.001-04:00

The hives are almost gone now. Morning is the worst, and I only woke up with four of them today! Itchy monsters they be, however. In the evenings, there is no evidence of them at all... I can only imagine how much better I will feel in another week or two off of this substance. It is truly a night and day difference already, and I am so thankful I figured out what was causing the hives... and that eliminating Splenda/sucralose from my diet has helped with a mulitude of other problems.

AND, since this is a DD blog, I'll get back on topic a bit... WEG... Yes, Lar decided I was hives free enough last night that he could spank. I honestly think it was more of a stress relief spanking... HIS stress... lol. Not a word was said, but his hand and the riding crop Mrs. Santa gave us a couple Christmas's ago... followed by doing what married couples do. *smile* It's nice to feel better.... I'm sure Lar will get around to dealing with the nasty stuff later, but then, since he realizes what was causing it, he might let it all go, but woe unto me the first time I do one teensy little thing wrong... That's my Lar. lol

You all have a wonderful weekend... AND, in case you didn't know, Bethany extended the writing contest on Woodshed by another week. There is still time to enter...

Joannie

Joannie Writes About...

Money Matters....

Goodbye Stomach Flu

A Spanking *Sigh*

An Interview on Blushing Books Blog

Busy Busy Busy!

The Case of the Missing Thermometer and Bookmark

BUMMER!!!!

Does this really matter?

Ut Oh!

Lemons!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

New NAME THIS PADDLE CONTEST

Eeesh! I am in trouble!

A Silly Dream

Big Babies and Poor Sports

Glass Slippers and Halloween Candy

Scary

Just another typical day...

After a long silence...

A While...

Mom and Call Waiting

My Dad

Hair

A Mom Memory

Happy Valentines' Day

Nice, GOOD Kids

This Woman I Know...

Unknown Name, Unknown Number

Reply All...

Happy New Year!

Happy Halloween

Gabe's Birthday Party

Grumbles this morning...

Breaking Eggs with Nee

Gabe Starts Kindergarten

Gabe and Gramma

My New Necklace

Sad for Mama

The Kids

Reoccurring Dreams

Too much going on

I know... I know...

Spank Books

I DID Answer YOU!!

Yahoo Emails Suck, take two....

Too Much to Write About

Contest Winner

A Shocking Review

NEW Name the Paddle Contest

Moving Day Arrives Tomorrow

Cathching Up

Just a note of apology

I'm Baaaack! Finally!

My Friend, Kenny

I'm Shrinking....!!!

Lar Amuses Me

Making Excuses....

Taking the High Road

Our Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to All

NAME THE PADDLE CONTEST!!!

The Power of Words

Open letter to: Selvakumary Popat

Mind Reading 101

Snickers and Awwwwwww Moments

On My Mind....

A Nice Day

Oh MY!!!

A Poll...

I've Got A Secret!!!

Makeup, Race Cars, and Dodge Car!!!!!

Grumpy Gramma With a Sore Tushie

LOL Love Our Lurkers

So much to say.

New Store on LULU

Vegas Shows

A Lot of Work...LOL

Unknown Name... Unknown Number

My Mom on Dog

A Spanking Sigh