Life in the "Bible Belt"

Well we're still here, barely. We're still trying to move but it takes time especially with the depression. Folks losing jobs, homes *shakin head* My hubby is such a diligent and patient man. While am at home feeling tired, sleepy and cranky he's slaving away and trying to improve our situation so that we can move out of North St. Louis (and not the Central West End as the developers originally advertised *smirking*)

I've noticed that live in St. Louis is very different than what I'm used too. I just assumed cuz there's a whole lot of black folks here, it would be the same. WHY I assumed that, I'll never know. It's NOT the same. Even the Whole Foods are different (which is saying alot). There aren't hardly ANY holistic or naturalpathic medical doctors or centers. There are not places (like the Berkeley, CA flea market) to buy stuff like shea butter, hand made african crafts (like drums, masks, garments). Midwives are ILLEGAL in this state *looking into camera* There are not many cultural events (and we LIVE in the dayum CITY). There are no (except ONE) african-centered schools (public or private). There are only about 5 REAL natural food grocers but they're no bigger than a corner store. . . . . *sigh* I guess it could go on but why bother. I don't know maybe I'm just missing home. Oh and WHY is raw milk illegal to sell in stores in this state? I mean really? It's like regular sh*t is illegal here. *chuckle* Well I can say that forest park is nice. I actually really like that park and since we only live a few minutes away, that's a PLUS.

Okay, now that "negative nelly" has left the building, moving on. *chuckle* The DOD seem to like it here as well as my Hunny. I'm guessing I'm the only one complaining, everybody else is satisfied. I did find a really cool hair shop. The women there a great. And I'm also a member of the local mocha mom chapter and I totally love the women in that group as well. So I guess all is not lost. Maybe I'm just hormonal *shrug*

Anyway, I'ma close with an "old" family photo (courtesy of a bored valet) *chuckle*


*smoochies* Mamma Alyson

My 100 Year Old Home

Home life seems to be improving minute by minute and day by day. I finally had my downstairs thoroughly cleaned yesterday and I'm very happy. The Organic Maid Co. did a wonderful job on our wood laminate flooring. Among cleaning the other dust and debris that was left over from the folks that did the rehab work in our 100 year old home. So of course the downstairs had to be DEEP cleaned and since we have 3 floors I knew it wasn't going to be like before when I could have my entire home cleaned for dayum near $100. I must say, this company was worth every penny. Not to mention the fact they mean ORGANIC when they say organic and ALL natural cleaning is done on the home and it shows. Things were cleaned that I'd given up on being clean. Even tho we just moved into this home not even a month ago and it was a total rehab, thus it had not been lived in since it was completed, this mo'fo was FILTHY. Let me say it again, this b*tch was a dirty mess. It's like after they finished building, they just decided to leave sh*t like it was and not clean up. And the clean up they attempted ended in disaster. As in wood laminate flooring became sand paper flooring because chemicals were put on it to CLEAN it. *shakin head* Along with paint dripping that found their way onto the floors, and granite tiles, and lighting (I could go on). And I ain't even going to talk about the bathroom floors, that still have somebodies construction boot print embedded into the flooring. I broke 2 of my nails and severely injured another trying to clean that sh*t up. On the brighter side, I'm hopeful that the cleaning folks will be able to do what I couldn't AND without injuring themselves in the process.

I suppose you really do get what you ask for because I said I wanted a home with some character and class and style. I didn't want my home to look "Stepford homish" with 3 or 5 kits to choose from. Well on appearance below is what I got

You know The Hunny always has to be in the mix *chuckle*

I didn't even get the "spooky" old house feeling

I really like the character

update



Update
Now on the flip side, after we lived in it for about 3 days sh*t started "happening", like sinks lifting up, holes in places where none should be, cracks in windows, and so on. *sigh* So that's been the downside. Even tho the company who owns it have been SUPER responsive, the folks who are doing the work I think need some direction. As in, if you don't know what you're doing please call a professional. Simple. And please don't "hire" Pookie from up the block cuz your sister's daughter's boyfriend just got out of prison and needs a job. Simple. Who knows, maybe I'm asking for too much to want floors that I can walk on with my bare feet without fearing I'm gonna catch something. Or being able to take a bath without sitting on some body's f*cking show print that stained a BRAND new bath tub.

I must admit tho, with all the flaws in this home I suspect that's what gives the home it's character. I mean hey, how many characters do we know that don't have flaws? (dayum is Pookiems wearing off on me?) *chuckle* I do like the home and I have a feeling once the 2 upper floors are cleaned, I'm gonna love it - cracked window and all (and yes one of my windows in the living room actually has a car windshield crack in it).

Well, reporting live from "Da Lou" that's all folks. Oh and since my East Coast family is coming tomorrow *clapping* I may be off for a minute. My hubby's parents are touching down tomorrow night and I'm excited because I haven't seen them since we left Cali.

*hugs* - Mama Aly

Daddy in Saint Louis

My first night in Saint Louis

A mural at the airport.


A light fixture in my room.


This is Daddy taking a phone picture in the mirror.