Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Tuesday This and That

Last week I kept thinking of things to blog about; I even composed a few entries in my head. Why I never got around to making the posts I don't know.

Wednesday last week I went with Thomas to his company's annual Perfect Attendance Awards dinner. I enjoyed myself. I like seeing some of the people he works with, or meeting some I hadn't met before, and schmoozing with big shots. And that reminds me -- A few weeks ago Eler Beth and I were out and we passed by a local restaurant, a bar and grill down by the river. There were some men standing in the parking lot talking, and I recognized one as our mayor, so I pointed him out to Eler Beth. That night she excitedly told her dad about seeing the mayor.

"But isn't that a place that serves alcohol?" she asked.

We said, yes, it is a bar and grill. There's nothing wrong with having a drink at a bar. And just because the mayor was there doesn't mean he was having a drink in the middle of the day. A lot of people go there for lunch, ". . . and to schmooze." I added.

"What's 'schmooze'?" she wondered.

Hmmm. How to explain. . . . I told her it was friendly talking, usually between people who would have something to gain either politically or in business. But before I could really get that out in any coherent fashion, she said, "Must just be something grown ups do."


In other news . . .
There was a shooting here in Jeffersonville on Thursday of last week. Two police officers were shot. Both were transported to University of Louisville Hospital, one by helicopter. One was shot in the leg and the other was shot in his chest or abdomen where his vest didn't protect him. I believe he is still in the hospital, but is in stable condition. The man who did the shooting was on the run for several hours, but was finally found holed up in a house in South Louisville. There was a standoff for some hours between him and police before he finally ended his own life.

Winter came back into our area last week, but we got no ice and barely any snow. Today it is sunny and in the 40s, and tomorrow we'll see 50s. I'd like to get some yard work done tomorrow, especially since we're expecting rain on Thursday. I'm looking forward to Spring, but I can handle this kind of weather for a few more weeks -- just no more ice, please!

The economy is finally having an effect on Thomas' company. They are going to be laying off all the contractors; all will be gone by April 1, which is the start of the new contract year. Then there is a rumor that there will be layoffs of another 200 company employees. That will not be enough to touch Thomas at this time, but still we are taking some precautions. One just never knows in these times. They have plenty of contracts to fill, so I really have a feeling they'll be calling people back after the layoff. They are also offering buy-outs to several of the older foremen. Right now Thomas is working six and seven days a week, and we don't see any change coming any time soon for him. But my nephew, Jamie, is one of the contractors that will be effected.

I guess that's all the local news for now, so I'll return you to your Tuesday afternoon, already in progress . . . .


15 comments:

Beth said...

I love the conversation with Eler Beth concerning the mayor being at a place where they serve alcohol, then trying to explain schmoozing. I'm glad she doesn't have to deal with that just yet. Schmoozing really takes it out of me. :)

I'm glad both police officers are okay. It's always so upsetting to see one of them get hurt.

Sorry to hear about Thomas's company. I hope things will be okay for you all, and I SO hope we'll see things pick up soon. I'm afraid it will be a while longer before we start to see an improvement, though. I hate to say it, but I think that's how it is.

Great to get an update from you! Enjoy the weather--I don't want to jinx us, but there was a feeling of spring in the air when I was out and about today!

Hugs, Beth

Anonymous said...

A couple of places I know had to do away with perfect attendance ANYTHING since no one qualified anymore...
Ha the mayor & alcohol. I once suggested a certain medical professional to a friend and after she'd visited him(successfully, I might add) she saw him at an eatery/bar & mentioned to me he was seated at the bar & stayed there a long time. Then she stared me down.
So??? I told her she never mentioned she wanted an alcohol free doctor, only a good one-which he was.
Now EB is a child & it is a different situation....I get where a kid would be coming from with that.....but my friend was a lawyer & as I told her perhaps one of her clients seeing her in a bar might take it upon themselves to say : My lawyer shouldn't be out drinking.
Lol. I never would have given something like that a thought.
~Mary

Char said...

Lori, I know you must be more than ready for some decent weather. The ice storms in Kentucky were horrific. My daughter, who lives in Henderson, had lots of damage from fallen trees. My Mother and sisters had no electricity for about a week.

Hang in there...spring's acommin!
Take care.

sober white women said...

Dont you just love children!I have had simular conversations with my children.
I do hope that it is warming p in your neck of the woods. My girl friend told me to blow warm air your way, so I hope it gets there soon. LOL
Kelli

Leigh/BlueDragonfly said...

Kids say the darnedest(sp?) things! That would be difficult to explain, especially when you're teaching your kids not to drink-at all.

Hope Thomas's company will survive okay. I know it's downright scary now.

Thanks for the news updates, I know sometimes, it's difficult to think of things to write about when life is just so quiet(that's probably a good thing), besides the danged weather-which I AM heartily sick of....

Have a great rest of the week, Leigh

Anonymous said...

That Eler Beth is so amazing! Her thought process is just hilarious! :)

Have a blessed day!

Amanda

Yasmin said...

Love your conversations with eler Beth, and glad she got a thrill out of seeing the mayor. Sorry to hear about thomas's company, and hope everything turns out ok, this credit crunch is happening all over every day here almost people are being layed off. I have problems with finding something to write about, or I think that perhaps I should take my blog in a different direction.

Take care

Yasmin
xx

Rose said...

I always enjoy hearing local news. Seems the economy is hurting many. Three of my stepson all work for the same union and because there is not much building they will probably stay laid off for a while. Thank God my husband is a trucker and can always find work.

Joyce said...

That was a lovely conversation you had with Eler Beth...and the mayor.
I do pray the economy will change...for the better...hope the speech from last night by our President will give us all hope. Hugs and love,
Joyce

Lisa said...

What a cute chat with Eler Beth, she's lucky she doesn't have to know what schmoozing is!! I hope both of the officers recover fully, must have been quite an awful experience for all involved. I can't wait for spring, I am literally counting the seconds...yeah, I am that desperate at this point. LOL

Lynne said...

LOL, loved the commentary with Eler Beth and the mayor. Too funny!

Cathy said...

Why why why do people think they can escape "The Man"? No matter how sly, clever, or well-prepared, the cops always catch up. Yes, the weather; it's odd all over and exactly what was foretold. Can't be reversed either, we're headed into an early Ice Age bec of global warming which this time is our fault and not on a natural time-table. Anyway, it's only life.

MammawsDecorativeArt said...

I come her for the Eler Beth stuff. Naw. Jk. She is her own unique little person though, isn't she. I'm glad the police officers are okay. This story touches home and you know why, my husband's line of work.
I hope the economy doesn't affect your husband's work personally and that he doesn't receive a lay off. Hope you are enjoying your Friday!
Nelishia

Lisa said...

Sorry to hear about the layoffs... and the police officers...and the man who took his life. LOL Schmoozing... Eler Beth is going to be so smart she is always learning good things to be aware of and has the cutest comebacks. HOw about this spring weather we're having, eh?! I'm lovin' it!!!!!!!
Lisa

Gerry said...

I am glad that Thomas seems quite safe from layoff. I am finding more people to send books to from the Giving Tree, now one from India! I have yet to get her address though. I got that link from your blog. I enjoy reading Eler Beth's observations. She is an original. Gerry