Empty Nest in Illinois

School - blah! I'm too old for this. Let me tell you about my classes.
First there is Graphic Design- which I thought I'd really like. Our first project was to create a self portrait using only text - about drove me nuts but I got it done, tried to upload it to show you but can't get it to go.

Next comes Programming. This one makes me think. It is actually my favorite class but also the most challenging as I've never had any experience in it. Last weekend I spent about 10 hours working on one problem. It was to create a program to prompt an operator for their birthday and then tell them their zodiac sign and their horoscope. Took me FOREVER to figure it out. I actually did a little victory dance when I got it to work! Sam thinks I'm nuts.

Operating Systems - VISTA. Can't say I'm not learning anything but do not understand why I have to learn Vista as most businesses have avoided it like the plague. I hope most of what I do learn will apply to Windows 7.

Introduction to Information Technology - I'm learning to use Office 2007. Let's create an Excel file, a Word file, Powerpoint, Access. You're kidding, right? I've been doing this for 12 years! Should'nt have any trouble passing that one. I do like the instructor though, and she has a son in the Air Force.

All in all, I guess it's not that bad. Homework is time consuming though and I've been neglecting my house a little. It stayed clean all summer long but could use a little work now. I'm done canning for the summer - did my Apple Pie filling and applesauce last weekend (after I finished the programming problem). I've canned so much this year I had to go buy two more shelves to put my jars on. I had two and had them so loaded they actually started to collapse!

Craft shows have started. Me and Marla are going in together this year with her candles and my crocheted stuff. Had our first show in Carthage last month and did pretty well. Spoon River Drive was last weekend but it was cold and we didn't do very good. We'll try again this weekend but I think it's supposed to be cold again so who knows. Next month we have the Altrusa show in Macomb then another show in Carthage right after Thanksgiving. My goal is to make money for Christmas. I worked on things all summer long when I didn't have anything else to do. I figured out that if I could sell everything I made, I'd have over $1000. I'd be happy with half of that.

The animals are all doing good. Vagrant still thinks he lives here. Richard has just about given up on him. He'll come after him, take him home and within half an hour, he's back. I think he likes it here. Kimmy enjoys having someone to play with though and he's not a bad dog - just not the brightest crayon in the box. Can't help but love him though.

I've rambled on enough. I still have homework to do and Sam is already snoring. Later...........