Fun Monday - #42 - Christmas Just Past

First of all, I hope that everyone had a MERRY Christmas !!

The wonderful hostess this week is Sayre at SayreSmiles. Her assignment :

What was the most touching, wonderful part of Christmas for you this year?

AND
What was the craziest, stupidest, funniest part this year?

Christmas this year was both HAPPY and SAD ...

Let me explain ...

My son was not home (the sad part). He is in the Middle East. He won't be home until probably the end of January. He missed Thanksgiving with his family. He missed Christmas with his family. He will miss bringing in the New Year with his family. It was the first time in his 32 years of life, that his Mother was not with him at least part of the day on Christmas.

I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with his wife and three children (the happy part). It has been many, many years since I have been around children when they wake up and realize that Santa has come.

Tyler made sure that goodies were left out for Santa.

He was rather excited on Christmas morning when the bowl contained only a few crumbs !

Tori was all smiles with the presents that Santa left for her.

The most touching, wonderful part of Christmas for me this year ...

Watching Tori talk to and see her Daddy via WebCam !

I spent Christmas afternoon and evening with the other son and his family. It was tough on this Mom not being with BOTH of her children this year.

The Christmas tree will stay up and we will have Christmas once again when he gets home. Thank goodness, it's not a real one !! And it is completely decorated with snowmen - so, what the heck - it will still be WINTER !

To prove that I am totally insane (and possibly obsessive) - all the wrapping paper that I use on the gifts - YEP - snowmen ! (take a peak ...)

It was pretty special also, to see the look on Jillian's face when she opened up her American Girl Doll Gift Certificate from her Gramma. She had wanted to start shopping right then and there !! (She has Kit and got Ruthie from Santa)

And she proudly modeled the scarf that her Gramma made for her. She was tickled that it was yellow with "colored spots" JUST LIKE SHE HAD ASKED FOR.

Note:

No shots of the boys (18 and 14) - They don't do pictures !! Movement doesn't work very well.

The craziest, stupidest, funniest part this year ...

Craziest - the weather ! Not December like at all !! It was incredibly warm this year in VA.

Stupidest - Me, being disappointed that NO ONE came to my house on Christmas this year. I spent hours and days decorating with all my snowman ... DUH ! I wasn't home for anyone to come by !

Funniest - Trevor (he's 14) got a BUTT / FACE towel - one end was red and said BUTT in white, the other end was white and said FACE in red - after he got out of the shower, he said "Gramma, I wiped my butt with the face end !!

Take a few minutes, now that Christmas has passed and visit Sayre to read about everyone else's wonderful day.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

Do You Need A Last Minute Gift ...

For the blond in your life ?

Disclaimer: This is humor ... just a funny piece I found on the Internet ... If you are a blonde, PLEASE do not take it personally ... No harm is intended.

OMG! It's a Keyboard for Blondes

Blondes have suffered decades of ridicule, but it's time they embrace the jokes. When it comes to a hot-pink boost of self-confidence (or at least a few good laughs), the Keyboard for Blondes may do the trick.

The all-pink keyboard swaps out standard keys with funnier, dumber key names. The backspace key now says "Oops!" and the entire row of function keys spells out USELESS KEYS. Hit the "$" sign and you get the sound of a cash register clinking.

Blondes can even get a little technical and use special keys that type out "OMG," "ALI" (Absolutely Love It!) or "XOXO." My favorite? The caps lock key now says: "Warning! size XXL letters."

Though this fully functional keyboard would be a great gift to poke some fun at your fair-haired friends, regular computer users may find it a bit challenging. However, like the completely blank Das Keyboard, the Keyboard for Blondes might help poor typists improve their skills, since the keys are 1) a distracting pink, and 2) no longer have the standard labels.

According to its manufacturer, European Trends, the keyboard has already been released in the U.K. to some success, and at $49.95 probably only a true blonde would purchase this novelty item. It's compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux. I know what Paris Hilton will be getting for Christmas.

Fun Monday - # 41 - Carols and Things

This week's hostess is MAMALANG and because it's an easy one ... I am actually posting way before my usual time of LATE Monday evening. Miracles do happen ...

The assignment is:

It's the Christmas season, and I want you to tell us what are your three favorite Christmas Carols and a picture of your favorite Christmas "thing". It could be a Christmas tree, or your mantle, or a church, you in a Santa hat.

My favorite Christmas Carols are the traditional ones - the ones you usually hear in church -

Away in a Manger

Silent Night

Joy to the World

We Three Kings

I could go on and on ... but I won't !! I think you get the idea ...

My favorite thing - my Christmas tree - entirely decked out with snowmen AND snowflakes. Since my tree is up but not quite decorated yet ... here is what it looked like last year.

Note: This year's tree will have a SNOWFLAKE topper (which took forever to find) instead of the angel which has been designated now for the second tree (which probably won't get put up because there just - isn't.enough.time!)

OOPS ! This must be the tree from the year before last ... I spy a few items that aren't snowmen or snowflakes !! Honestly, this year they will ALL BE!

Take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to visit Mamalang - I am sure you will be glad you did!

Happy Holidays

and

LET IT SNOW. LET IT SNOW. LET IT SNOW !

It's About Time !!

Finally, us consumers that must drive to get to work are getting a break.

Gas tank on empty. Stop at Wawa to fill er up. Less than $20.00.

$1.49 a gallon !!



Something all together unrelated ...


I caught the end of Oprah today.

Giada De Laurentii was on and the topic of her experitse was easy-to-make hors d'oeuvres. I only saw one demonstration and it definitely caught my attention.

Panini with Chocolate and Brie
Created by Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:
12 slices sourdough bread
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
12 ounces brie cheese , thinly sliced
1 bag (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup thinly sliced basil leaves

Preheat the panini grill. Brush both sides of the bread with olive oil. Grill the bread slices until they begin to turn golden, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the panini grill and place 2 ounces of cheese on 1 slice of bread (the bottom half), top the cheese with 1/3 cup chocolate chips and a sprinkle of basil. Top with another slice of bread. Continue with the remaining sandwiches. Return the sandwiches to the panini grill until the chocolate begins to melt, about another 2 minutes.Cut the sandwiches into 2-inch wide rectangles or small triangles and transfer to a serving platter.


It sounds so weird BUT everyone loved it.


I can't wait to try it - but will have to improvise as I don't own a panini grill.

Anyone got any suggestions as to what to use instead?

My first thought - a George Foreman grill ?? Yes ... No !

Today is a Day to Be Thankful for All Things ... Big and Small

Fun Monday # 40 - High Moments In Our Lives

Today would be one of those "high" days, if only I could get my act together on a Sunday and actually have my Fun Monday post ready AND not have to work so stinking late on a Monday !!

Many thanks to Mariposa at Mariposa's Tales for taking the time on her "birthday" to be our hostess. AND before I forget, HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY.

The assignment this week is as follows:

If you could share to us 3-5 high moments in your lives...this could be funny moments...the you can't believe you did it moments...the "I told you so" moments...or the times we asked the ground to go open and eat us moments! You need not write a book to explain them, the highlights will do.

OK - here we go ... it helps when you have to sit in traffic on the way home and it's raining ... it gives you time to think of things!

1. February 1963 - It was Valentines Day in the first grade AND I got the biggest valentine in the class - from a young man that I actually had a CRUSH on. (I hate to admit it, but I still have it).

2. The days (2 separate ones, of course) that my sons got to come home from the hospital. Both were premature - the older one after almost 2 months and the younger one after 13 days.

3. January 5, 1989 - the day my divorce became FINAL ( I can't believe that it will be 20 years in a little less than 2 months)

4. July 2001 - I signed the contract for the purchase of MY FIRST HOUSE (townhouse) - my very own - not shared or paid for by anyone else but ME! I moved in on September 8 - just days before one of the biggest tragedies that has ever hit the United States - I will NEVER forget that day. On the afternoon of September 11th, I prayed that I could at least live in the house for a little while before anything else happened in Washington, DC - we just didn't know what transpire after that dreadful day.

5. June 2004 - I purchased my very first BRAND NEW CAR that no one else had previously owned and I am still driving it today.

6. Being at the birth of my youngest grandson (he will be 5 in July) and of my youngest granddaughter (she will be 2 in March). It is such a "different" experience when you aren't the one giving birth.

7. February 2006 - Myself and my brothers and sisters being able to throw a "SURPRISE" 50th Anniversary party for our parents - they had already planned to renew their vows and knew of a small reception BUT had no idea of the party and all the invited guests! WE DID GOOD ... and all 6 children were in attendance (some from across the United States).

Sorry, I got carried away ... see what happens when you are late and you have all day to think about it !

Take some time to visit Mariposa and read about other's high moments - you will be glad you did, I am sure. Hopefully I will find some time to do the same - but since I haven't had dinner yet - it will probably be tommorow - FOR SURE.

November 22, 1963

It has been 45 years.

Today is the anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

AND I REMEMBER that day.

Does that make me OLD?

UPDATE: ANGERED

A couple of days ago, I posted about a fire in my neighborhood. I mention towards the end - May God Rest Her Soul and keep her husband in his care. I take back the second part of the sentence.

As it turns out, her husband is sitting in jail with no bond.

WHY?

Because during the moments before this fire, he beat his wife into unconsciousness. Then he set the house on fire in a least two places. She died due to smoke inhalation. The police disclosed that earlier in the evening, they had received a domestic violence call and had responded.

Evidently, she had called for help. AND he killed her after the police had left. Like a coward, he stayed in the home during the fire to make it look like an accident.

May God Rest Her Soul and let his ass sit in jail - Charged with MURDER and ARSON.

Too Close For Comfort

This ...

happened in my neighborhood.

And, I slept through it all. Didn't hear a thing ...

May God Rest Her Soul and keep her husband in his care.

Police have identified the woman who died in an early morning blaze Monday. Graciela Letizia Marandino, 31, of 15281 Valley Stream Way in the Rippon Landing area of Woodbridge, died from smoke inhalation when her house went up in flames just before 1 a.m. Monday, Officer Erika Hernandez, Prince William police spokeswoman, said in a released statement. Marandino’s 36-year-old husband was flown to a local hospital with serious burns. He was treated and released, Hernandez said.
Hernandez would not give his name and said the investigation is ongoing. A volunteer firefighter who was also injured during the blaze was treated at a local hospital and was released. This is the first fire related fatality in Prince William County in 2008. A man, who refused to give his name, lives with his wife next door to where the blaze occurred. In an interview Monday he said he heard a man screaming for help during the fire but never heard the woman scream. Neighbors said Marandino was studying to become a veterinarian and worked for a vet’s office in Springfield. She didn’t have any pets of her own, neighbors said.

Fire has always been one of my biggest fears as a homeowner. Thank goodness these townhomes are built with decent firewalls and the risk of spreading through the whole section is minimal. I don't have a fireplace. And luckily (for my peace of mind), neither does my next door neighbor. BUT, this time of year and especially during these times of ecomonic woes - I shudder when I come home and see smoke rising from the stack of the neighbors that live a few doors down.

If you have a fireplace AND use it - PLEASE BE CAREFUL.

Fun Monday - #39 - Talismans

Many thanks to M at M is for Misanthrope for being the hostess this week. Her assignment is:



Do you have a piece of jewelry or other item that holds great personal significance for you, and that you wear or keep with you every day? Show us a photo of your talisman, and tell us why it is so important to you.

My father was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in August of 2005. He had emergency surgery and they removed a large portion of his intestines. He started chemotheraphy shortly after and ended up back in the hospital that October - the dosage was just too much and his body couldn't handle it. A different treatment plan was incorporated AND today, 3 years and 3 months later, he is still CANCER FREE. My brothers and sisters and I ordered the Livestrong bracelets shortly after his diagnosis and we have worn them ever since.

I wear mine constantly as a personal reminder of how precious life can be and in honor of my Dad who has beat this dreadful disease.

Make sure you pay M a visit and show her some love ... and while you're at it, go visit everyone else too.

Something to Tell Your Children / Grandchildren !!

When I was your age, Pluto was a planet !

Pay It Forward

Giants Fan over at Sunny Little Blog posted a Pay it Forward event and I was the third to respond, so now I get to play, too. (Like I have lots of spare time but I know exactly what I will send !)

Here are the rules:

The exchange focuses on doing an act of kindness without expecting anything in return other than that the recipient will, in their turn, pass the kindness along and pay it forward in their own way.

This is how it works… I am going to agree to send something fun, inspiring or uplifting to the first 3 blog owners who post a comment on this entry (please leave your email address if I don’t already have it.). In turn you will then post about this on your blog, link to me, then send something to the first three people who sign up to play along through your blog. There are no cost restraints, but don’t go crazy! The little something you send can be something you made, bought, were given or found. No biggie, just a gift that will make the person smile. Maybe something unique from where you live?

And remember that kindness doesn’t have to involve money; there are untold ways to help others every single day, everywhere you go - just look around.” So there you have it! If you are up to sending out three times the love, comment here and you’re it! The first three to comment, get a little love in the mail from yours truly!

Sorry SJ - you can't play (I'm a mean big sister - aren't I?)

Five Years and One Day

November 10, 2003

That's the day I started my current job. I received a 5 year pin and a nice certificate (which does look rather impressive, I might add). And I get to pick out a gift. As I was looking through the choices, I noticed that there were gifts available to those with 60 years of service ! I can't imagine being with the same company for 60 years. The last five years has passed very quickly. (If only I would have gotten some kind of credit for the 20 plus years at a previous job - it was retail - got nothing - nothing but a notice saying that I would be unemployed within the next 2 weeks).

Anyways ...

Happy Anniversary to ME !!

A Veteran Died Today

He was getting old and paunchy,

and his hair was falling fast,

And he sat around the VFW

telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he had fought in

and the deeds that he had done,

In his exploits with his buddies,

they were heroes every one.

And though sometimes to his neighbors,

his tales became a joke,

All his buddies listened,

for they knew whereof ' he spoke.

But we will hear his tales no longer,

for our comrade passed away,

And the world's a little poorer,

for a veteran died today.

When politicians leave this earth,

their bodies lie in state,

While thousands note their passing

and proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell their stories

from the time that they were young,

But the passing of a veteran

goes unnoticed and unsung.

He was just a common veteran

and his ranks are growing thin,

But his presence should remind us,

we may need his likes again.

For when countries are in conflict,

then the military's part,

Is to clean up all the troubles

that the politicians start.

Perhaps just a simple headline

in the paper that might say:

"Our Country is in Mourning

for a Veteran Died Today ..."

- Author Unknown

AND ...

Thank you Dad for serving our country with the United States Army .

Thank you to my nephew for serving our country today with the United States Coast Guard.

AND THANK YOU to all of those who served in the past and to those who serve today.

You all must never be forgotten.

Happy Veteran's Day.

I DID !! DID YOU?

2 Hours and 10 Minutes !!

That's how long I waited in line ...

Less than a minute !!

That's about how long it took to cast my ballot ...

Now the long wait to see who won - History made, either way.

Signs of the Times

This morning as I stopped at the local 7-Eleven to get my morning coffee, I noticed a sign on their front door. It was orange and had the image of a witch on it with the words "Happy Halloween". Beneath that were the words " Masks are not allowed in this store".

At my job, we were allowed to wear costumes today BUT were not allowed to paint our faces or cover them with a mask until AFTER we had entered the building.

A co-worker went to the bank this past Saturday and was wearing a baseball cap. Before he was allowed to enter, the branch manager asked him to remove his hat until his banking was done and he was again outside. The explanation was that each patron's image must be completely legible on the surveillance tape.

With the financial situation as it is and crime on the rise ...

Have you seen any of the "newest" signs of the times?

Why Dogs Hate Halloween

** confession - these images were borrowed from an email I received. **

Happy Halloween

Happy Birthday to the Sixth of Six

You aren't a baby anymore -

Now you are a beautiful woman, with babies of your own.

Happy Birthday SJ - wishing I was there to help you celebrate.

**(do her big sister a favor - pay her a visit and show her some Birthday Love)

What !

Any one dare to take a guess what these pictures are of?

UPDATE: These are pictures taken during my arthroscopic knee surgery. The first (I apologize for the darkness) is a view of the arthritis (the ridge at the top with the bumpy looking things) that appeared in my knee. The surgeon scraped it off. The second is a view of the torn medial meniscus which was repaired - the reason for the surgery.

Thank Goodness !!

I had my follow up appointment today. The stitches have been removed (band aids optional). I do not have to do any physical therapy (he gave me a list of exercises that I can do at home). He doesn't want to see me again for 6 weeks. AND ...

I have been cleared to return to work with no restrictions.

I never thought I would say this but, THANK GOODNESS !!

I get to go back to work !! It has been a long 8 (working) days. I had so many things I had planned to get done AND most of them didn't. When your mobility is limited - so are your opportunities.

Don't get me wrong - being able to sleep in was great. Going to bed as late as I wanted to was great. Not having to get dressed until noon was great. But, good grief - just how many talk shows can one watch? How many books can one read without getting bored? How many movies can be watched? Computer time was limited because it is in the basement and stairs aren't always knee-friendly. AND, once I would get down here, the desk also wasn't knee-friendly.

I never realized how tired one can get without doing anything !!

Right now - I feel great !

No pain (just a little discomfort every now and then when I do something I shouldn't have). I can drive (as long as I carefully get in and out of the car).

I have a little bounce in my step - cause I can go back to work !! (I know I sound a bit crazy, but if you have been there - You know what I mean!)

Catching Up

Wow !

This time last week, I was dead to the world - overpowered by Vicadin. Layed back on my couch with my left leg propped up on pillows.

Wow!

The surgery went well.

I arrived at the surgical center at 9, just like I was supposed to (for a 10:30 surgery). The doctor was running ahead of schedule, so ... they wasted no time. Within minutes of arrival, they had me taking off my clothes and putting on one of those very fashionable gowns. (They were operating on my knee - so why do you have to be completely undressed?) I sit (lay) down on the moving bed (gurney, I guess is the appropriate name ??) The nurse asks me a bunch of questions with the last being "why are you here?" She tells me everything matches and the doctor comes in and makes a black mark on my left knee.

Action !!

The nurse on the left sticks this clippy thing on my finger (to measure my oxygen level). Nothing ... she looks at me and says, "YOU ARE breathing". She moves it to another finger and BINGO, it shows that I do have oxygen and that the level is good. The guy on the right is jamming a needle in my arm. The lady at the end of the bed is putting those cute little paper shoes on my feet. Oh, I forgot - I had to put some goofy looking surgical stocking on my right leg, then put on a paper cap. The nurse hands me a little cup of water and 2 pills - oxycontin and an anti-inflammatory pill. They tell my sister that she can leave and they wheel me down the hall into a big room.

That's it - that's all I remember until I wake up in a room that is cold, ICE COLD. You know those little cotton blankets that hospitals use? They aren't very warm. Even when you have several of them on you. That same man that stuck the needle in my arm - comes in and gives me a dose of morphine. At this point, I am thinking SHIT - with all the drugs that they are giving me - this is going to hurt like hell when all of it wears off. I stayed there in that room for what seemed like forever (the nurse was rather chatty, though). I looked up at the clock on the wall and it isn't even 10:30 yet - the time my surgery was scheduled for. It's weird the things I remember - for all I know I was telling everyone my deepest, darkest secrets !!

I get moved to another room and they give me a cup of water and some saltine crackers. I was starving by that point, but do you really know how difficult it is to swallow dry crackers when your mouth feels like a desert? Choking down another vicadin wasn't that pretty either.

My sister shows up to retrieve me. I get dressed - baggy legged capris (which my knee just barely fit into), a XXL t-shirt (from The Raven Bar in VA Beach) and a pair of bright pink crocs that I had bought because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month ! A fashion statement, indeed ... just a step better than the backless gown that I had just gotten out of (but at least my butt was now covered when I stood up !)

I got the pleasure of cruising down the hallways and out to the driveway in one of those fancy, dancy wheelchairs. Getting into the car was a piece of cake because of the drug induced state my body was in - my brain was functioning properly though - I knew where I was and what I was doing.

Next stop was the grocery store to pick up the prescribed meds - then home. I don't remember much after that ...

And now, its a week later ...

I feel pretty good.

I am in no pain ... that is - unless I carelessly forget what has been done and I step down extemely hard with the left leg or kneel on it ( I have done that at least once each - no more - cause it hurts like hell!). I gave up on the crutches by Friday morning. I only took 3 of the pain pills (twice the first night and one the next). My knee is still rather swollen but there are only 3 battle scars - each covered up by a bandaid.

To be continued ...

I Survived The Date !!

And now have a lot of catching up to do ! Just today, I am trying to navigate stairs (this contraption is in the basement). It has been a long 3 days ...

Be back tomorrow.

Fun Monday - #38 - Doodles

The hostess this week is {i} Post at 9 Acres: 20 Miles North of Nowhere.

The assignment is: Your job is to doodle this week. Keep a piece of paper near the phone or grab a scrap of paper while you are watching TV. Start with the number 9, for Nine Acres, of course. Draw the number 9 in red and then use a different color for the rest of your doodling. That way we can all see where the original 9 was in your doodle. It is up to you how you incorporate the 9 into the doodle. It can look like something we know, or it can just be shapes. It can be colorful, or can be one color, besides the red 9. When you are finished your doodle, take a picture of it or scan it and post it on Monday.

I don't doodle when on the phone or when watching TV because I just don't have time !! I am always doing something else (multi tasking is the name of my game).

BUT ... put me in a meeting and make me go through charts on the screen and I WILL DOODLE on the hard copy agenda in between each presentation (2 1/2 to 3 hours of sitting through total boredom). So, today that is what you will see (with the actual work related part cut out). And I think one of them actually has a 9 in there somewhere (you might have to look closely)

Doesn't look like I followed the rules, does it?

Bottom right hand corner - just might be a 9 !!

AND then, {i} Post gave us access to the Doodle Analysis ...

So ... I decided to give it a whirl !!

Arrows: Arrows indicate a person who is aggressively ambitious

Boxes: Boxes are usually drawn by men. Stacked boxes indicates methodical thinking. Closed boxes signify self-centredness, and a desire for privacy. Open boxes may be a reflection of a wish to welcome someone. Alternatively, they may represent a desire to escape from a restrictive situation. (Usually, but not in this case !)

Dots: Dots forming a pattern or picture are sometimes the doodles of a fragmented personality. They can also indicate an extremem state of anxiety or a lack of stability.

Flowers: Most flowers are doodled by women, and are romantic in nature. Indicating a desire to blossom and be fruitful in life.

Intricate Patterns: Very detailed doodles are often drawn by people who have an obsessive nature, and who simply will not let go of their ambitions or loved ones. They are also likely to be jottings of highly introverted people.

Zigzags: This repeated pattern may signal a need for comfort, or a need to regress to childhood in order to escape from the harsh everyday reality.

It also explains:

The starting point of a doodle can also be relevant.

More introverted people, will tend to start their doodle in the centre of a piece of paper, work outwards, and then move inwards again.

The intensity of the ink/pencil marks can also indicate the mood of the person. Lighter strokes indicating a good day, but dark, heavy strokes can sometimes signal depression. (I guess the mood changes throughout those long ass meetings !)

What this all boils down to is:

Doodles are expressions of the subconscious mind.

(Meetings are boring ...)

OK - my doodles don't make a lick of sense !!

Go over and visit {i} Post to see if anyone else's do.

Duh ... I just realized that she (as in {i} Post) is one of my neighbors (kinda) - East Coast, in somewhat close proximity to Washington, DC (MD - VA with DC in between - who pays attention to miles)... that counts for something, doesn't it ??

I Have A Date

With an orthopedic surgeon !!

October 15th.








Update: Oh, how I wish it was a REAL DATE !!

Fun Monday (on a Tuesday) # 37 - Let Me See Your Closet

Cassie - RDH Mom's daughter was the hostess this week - I say WAS because I am LATE !

Her assignment was:

I want to see the inside of your closet!! I want to see if your closet is as messy as mine!!! You can't organize it before you take the picture!!

I must be a freak of nature ... a minority, at least ...

Here are my closets:

My bedroom

Top part of Linen Closet

Lower part of Linen Closet

Left side of 2nd Bedroom Closet

Right side of 2nd Bedroom Closet

2nd Closet in 2nd Bedroom

Top Half of Coat Closet


Bottom Half of Coat Closet

OK, there you have it ... I was late BUT I promise ... I didn't touch the closets last evening - I was sleeping (way before bed time, even).

WARNING: Stay out of the basement cuz IT AIN'T PRETTY!! (cluttered and messy beyond the wildest imagination)

You have probably already visited Cassie and all the others, but in the small chance that you haven't - Please do !!

Fun Monday - #37 - Let Me See Your Closet

This is an easy one ... but mine will be late - Fun Monday on a Tuesday it will have to be !!

I had a busy weekend ... and then a rough day at work. I get off at 4. I was home by 5. I fell asleep on the couch while attempting to watch the 5:00 news ... just woke up - it's 9:00 AND the camera battery is dead. So, tomorrow, it shall be ...

Not an excuse, folks ... just the facts.

September 11th - Seven Years Later

One hundred eighty four lives were lost in a single moment at the Pentagon – one hundred eighty four individuals forever linked through the horrific events that unfolded on September 11, 2001 .

Thousands of others lost their lives and suffered injury that day while millions wept. That day was simply incomprehensible. It jolted us into a different world, a tragic reality that just did not seem real.

I shall never forget.

*Each bench is affixed with a nameplate. If the Pentagon building is in the background while you are reading the name of the victim, the person was in the building the morning of Sept. 11. If the sky is in the background, the person was on Flight 77.

The memorial park will officially open to the public at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2008. It's opened 24 hours. *

I Am STILL Shaking My Head !!

I got a phone call about an hour and a half or so ago.

From an acquaintance of mine.

Who lives on the 14th floor of a high rise apartment complex.

Just a few miles from the Pentagon.

Who obviously has a vivid imagination.

And is definitely paranoid !!

First, she asked me if any terrorist alerts had come across my desktop at work in the last few days? (I work for a large Defense Contractor company).

NO ...

Then she proceeds to tell me that her apartment complex is conducting a "blinds" (as in those things that cover your windows) check tomorrow.

She is convinced that the local Police Departments have received an alert from the government.

AND that the "blinds" check is a cover.

Because they are really looking for evidence of terrorists in high rise apartments.

Because, as we all know, Thursday is September 11th .....

And the terrorists wouldn't strike in the same place twice.

And that high rise apartments would get lots and lots of people at one time ...


I kept thinking to myself as I was listening to her ramble - WHY ME?


She asked me to call her, tomorrow, with a cryptic message if I hear anything (because the phone calls from my job might be monitored) - WTF ??

I don't work for Homeland Security !! (not to imply that they monitor phone calls)

She told me to make sure I brought a "To Go" bag with me when I head out on Thursday morning. (Huh?) She has hers already packed.

And, as she proceeded to hang up (so she could watch one of her favorite shows, which by the way, I believe tonight is the premier of said program - so how could it be her favorite already?), she told me that I have been a great friend to her and to wish her well in her next life -

In case she perishes in a terrorist bombing of her apartment complex on Thursday !!

YEP - It Was Flooded !!

I live on a road off to the right at the top of the hill. This intersection always floods somewhat after a heavy rain and yesterday it was 3 feet deep !

And was for quite a few hours ...

The back way up to my house - you turn right just past that green highway sign.

NOT Yesterday !!

TODAY, it was gorgeous outside.

Pictures from the Freedom Walk in DC, coming soon.

Am I Going To Have To Build an Ark ?

Tropical Storm Hanna (formerly known as Hurricane Hanna) is kicking our butts here in Northern Virginia !!

No pictures ... I refuse to go outside in this rain.

I have been watching the news reports all morning ... Weather Bug is reporting almost 5 inches has fallen this morning (from the reporting system at a school just about a mile away from where I live).

1:30p.m. EDT:WeatherBug Tracking Station in Manassas, Va. has recorded 6.34 inches of rain so far today.

I am definitely cursing the contractor who did some work at my house a few months ago ... areas that he "supposedly" fixed, have sprung a few leaks ... and of course, he isn't answering his phone !! Small claims court just might be hearing from me if he continues to avoid my calls.

UPDATE: 9.46 inches of rain has fallen so far in Manassas (which is not far from here) - it's now 2:30 - check out how much they were reporting at 1:30 !! ALMOST 10 inches PEOPLE - 10 inches !! I am so ready for this to be over ...

ANOTHER UPDATE: I just realized that there hasn't been any traffic on Route 1 for the last couple of hours ... this just might be the reason why !

09/06/2008 0300 PM
Dale City, Prince William County.
Flash flood, reported by trained spotter.
3 feet of water over Route 1 from neabsco creek.

09/06/2008 1250 PM
Dale City, Prince William County.
Flash flood, reported by Emergency Mngr.
1 water Rescue.
7 roads closed.
10 roads threatened due to flooding.

Fun Monday # 36 - Where Do I Blog ?

The assignment this week is an easy one - no major labor on "Labor Day" here in the United States of America.

The hostess this week is Gattina at Writer Cramps. Her assignment is:

As I am a very curious person, I just want you to show us a picture of your blogging place ! Your room or bed or whatever space(s) or place(s) you have to write your posts.

Up until about a month or so ago, my computer was on my dining room table. I finally got my act together and moved it downstairs where it is supposed to be (it's only taken - about 4 years to do so !!)

Nothing fancy - so here it be ...

Be sure to visit everyone on the list - I am sure you won't be disappointed.

Happy Labor Day!!

The good thing is that it's a day off from work.

The bad thing is that summer is officially over.

Keep all those that may be affected by Hurrican Gustav in your thoughts and prayers.

I Must Be Crazy ...

Like I really have any extra time on my hands ...

I never seem to get anything accomplished lately.

So, what did I do?

I attended a volunteer orientation last night.

For Special Olympics in Virginia ...

I'M GONNA DO IT !!!

I think it will be sooooooooo rewarding.

"Let me win; but if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt."

Camp Shriver Photo Gallery Photos Courtesy of Special Olympics © 4/4/2007