Weblog

Monday, 09 February 2009

  • Packing up and moving

    While I have been telling myself I would do this for months, I am just now getting around to it.  I'm moving my blog.  I'm tired of the ads and a few of the limitations Xanga seems to impose on readers (like firewalls blocking it).  So, while I haven't moved my archives (a daunting 34 step process that will only work with Wordpress), I'm just jumping in at my new home.  Like all new homes, it's a work in progress, but I do believe it's at least presentable to company.  So pop in any time to have a peak at life at our house.  We may not always live up to the Steventon name, but for the most part the conversation is rich in shrewd remarks, bright with playfulness and humour.
    http://imitatingsteventon.blogspot.com/

Sunday, 01 February 2009

  • Be Careful What You Wish For...You Just Might Get It

    Just a few days ago, I mentioned to a friend that I was getting pretty desperate for some time alone.  Patrick's volunteer trainings were keeping him out late, which left me to parent solo.  Kids were getting sick and my mind began to dream of time alone.   I was longing for temps that stayed above 70 for more than a few hours, sunshine for days on end and no responsibilities.  I was just wanting a break.

    Little did I know in what form my break would come.  The flu.  I did get time alone...no one wanted to be near me.  The sun has shown steadily for the last few days.  I just wasn't awake to enjoy it.  Our house was a comfortable 68 degrees (almost what I asked for).  And, the no responsibilities part, that certainly came true.  Of course I haven't been awake long enough to enjoy the fact that someone was doing the laundry, feeding the kids and keeping things humming along.

    I guess next time I should be a tad more specific in what I wish for.

Thursday, 29 January 2009

  • Just a Thought on Feminists

    This thought swirling in my head is several weeks old, but I thought I'd still throw it out and see what the reaction is.  Concerning the US Air flight that landed in the Hudson River some weeks back, I heard reports that the exodus off the plan resembled that of the Titanic...women and children first.  Isn't that refreshing?  After a divisive and often downright ugly campaign over the past year and a half, in an emergency, courtesy and sacrifice rise to the surface.  My only question is, if a die-hard feminist were to have been among those passengers, would she have insisted on hanging back with the men?  Would she have been offended and slapped the chauvinistic pig who offered her a hand as she climbed out of the sinking plane ahead of the rest of the guys.  Just wondering?

Sunday, 25 January 2009

  • On Eating Humble Pie

    The very short version of my washing machine saga is...it was all my fault the whole time; I just didn't know it.  After repair man #1 changed the control board it worked for about 3 loads and then quit again.  A very apologetic GE sent another repair man who actually  knew what he was doing. As a matter of fact, he diagnosed my problem solely on my description of the problem.   Turns out the lint filter (which I didn't even know existed...you have to remove the front lower panel of the washer to find it) was filled with this...

       

    The water wasn't draining out of the filter properly...duh...it's filled with metal...and was fouling up my otherwise smart washing machine.  Once the filter was cleaned and control board reset, it worked like a dream.  Now, having been gently chided by the repair man, I will be much more diligent to check pockets and occasionally look for treasures in the lint filter.  Btw, the owners manual NEVER mentions said lint filter, so I don't feel QUITE so badly about the whole affair.

Thursday, 15 January 2009

  • No More Excuses

    GE did overnight the part we all suspected was needed, so when our shady, little repair man showed up during dinner last night we were prepared.  He made his diagnosis and announced he'd have to order the part and come back another time.  I wish I could have seen his face when Patrick informed him we ALREADY had the part, and he could go right ahead and finish the job.  I suspect he had told his wife he had just one more quick stop before heading home for the night.  That was not to be.  Anyway, he stayed and fixed it...so I'm back in business.  Hmmm...but now I have no more excuses for why the laundry's not caught up.