The First of Six

December 13th

2009-12-13T11:24:00.000-05:00

There are only twelve days till Christmas and I'M NOT READY !!

Fun Monday - #48 - What Would I Do ?

2009-09-20T22:17:00.003-04:00

Many thanks to Sayre at Sayre Smiles for hosting again ...

Her assignment is:

If you had a WEEK with no obligation and money was no object, what would you do with it?

First, I would reserve a section of rooms at the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA. Next, I would book non-stop round trip flights from Colorado to Virginia, California to Virginia and New York to Virginia. Then, I would call my parents and all five of my siblings and their families and tell them to free up the week (for those that work [including me] - I would make sure their salaries would be paid for the week they are gone). Once the out-of-towners arrived at the airport, limousines would pick them up and head to Williamsburg. For those of us that live in Virginia, limousines would pick us up too!

That entire week would be a FAMILY REUNION with no worries or cost to anyone.

37 people - all together at once !!

Go visit Sayre and see what everyone else would do ...

A Sad Day Indeed

2009-09-14T23:24:00.006-04:00

Nobody puts baby in a corner!

Dirty Dancing

The love inside - you take it with you.
Ghost

1952 - 2009
"Ditto"

Fun Monday-#47-Yes, I'm a Bag Lady Too !

2009-09-13T22:05:00.005-04:00

Ms Cellania is our hostess this week and I send her many thanks for making this such as easy assignment. It is:

I'd like to know 'what type of shopping bag do you favour'-plastic or material? How many do you use. You could even show us what's in your bag!

Here in the United States, we too, are encouraged to GO GREEN and use reusable shopping bags. I keep a stash of them in my car ... Sometimes, when I am in a hurry, I forget to bring them in, but that's OK because the few plastic bags that I do get, I use them in my small waste paper baskets (in the bathrooms, the bedrooms and such).

Here are the ones that I brought in from the car:

I tend to reuse the paper "handled" shopping bags that you get in the department stores, also.

No pictures of the bags filled with groceries, because I was too lazy to go to the grocery store this weekend - just made do with what I already had in the cupboards and refrigerator !!

Go visit Ms Cellania and she what types of bags others prefer.
Save The Earth and GO GREEN.

Fun Monday - #46 - Your Babies

2009-09-07T11:02:00.009-04:00

Oh My Goodness - I have returned !! Maybe, it's because summer is over - officially, as of today as it is Labor Day ...

The hostess this week is Sayre at Sayre Smiles. Her assignment is:

I want to see your furbabies. Or scalebabies. Or finbabies. Whatever form your pet takes, I want to see a picture of it/them and hear the story of how it/they came to be a part of your family.

UPDATE: Don't have pets? Share your skin-babies!!!

Sadly, i have no furbabies. No scalebabies. No finbabies. BUT, I do have skin-babies (even though they aren't really babies anymore!)

So ... I present to you - my grandbabies !!

Trevor
Sophomore - Mountain View High School

Trevor - Again !

Tyler
Kindergarten

Tori
2 1/2 Years

(the youngest of my babies!)

Christopher

Freshman - Randolph College

Jillian

2nd Grade

How did they become a part of my family ??

Obvious answer !!

Except for one ...

Christopher became a part of our family when he was adopted at the age of 13.

It feels so good to be back ... it's been a long time. Take a few minutes and visit Sayre to check out everyone else's babies.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T13:50:00.001-04:00

Yes, it's been a while ... I am still here, just not very active at the moment. Too much to do and too little time to do it. Someday, I suppose.

Game 7

2009-05-11T22:06:00.004-04:00

I guess that most could care less but ...

It wasn't the best of games but the final score is what counts ...

Washington Capitals - 5

Pittsburg Penguins - 4

LET'S GO CAPS !!

Back to Washington, DC on Wednesday where

WE WILL BE ROCKING THE RED

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-09T17:05:00.003-04:00

Real Mothers sometimes ask "Why Me?"

and get their answer when a little

voice says, "Because I love you best."

Real Mothers know that a child's growth

is not measured by height or years or grade ...

It is marked by the progression of Mommy

to Mom

to Mother ...

April 16, 2009

2009-04-15T22:21:00.002-04:00

Raise your hand !

It's National High Five Day

April 15th

2009-04-14T23:04:00.002-04:00

If you make any money, the government shoves you in the creek once a year with it in your pockets, and all that doesn't get wet, you can keep. - Will Rogers

The taxpayer - that's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take a civil service examination. - Ronald Reagan

Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut saves you thirty cents? - Peg Bracken

If the Lord loveth a cheerful giver, how He must hate the taxpayer! - John Andrew Holmes

People who complain about taxes can be divided into two classes: men and women. - Anonymous

On a lighter note:

The first McDonald's opened on this day in 1955. A hamburger cost 15 cents!

Happy Easter

2009-04-11T17:52:00.002-04:00

from ME

and

the newest addition to my extended family

my niece's son

Jayden

born March 2, 2009

Chocolate

2009-03-21T22:43:00.002-04:00

C is for chocolate, h is for hand, o is for overweight, I understand.

C is for chocolate, o is for out, l is for last piece, when most of us pout.

A is for apple, t is for treat, but when we spell it, e is for eat.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T09:33:00.000-04:00

Today Is (Was) ...

2009-03-03T18:56:00.003-05:00

Square Root Day !!

For those not up on their math skills, here is how to figure it:

The square root of 9 is 3, meaning that 3 multiplied by 3 equals 9.

The whole equation in order - 03.03.09

Just thought you needed to know !

Fun Monday - # 46 - Kitchen Counters in All Their Glory !

2009-02-22T21:12:00.008-05:00

This week's assignment was rather simple, even if a bit embarrasing ! All week long, the counters are neat and clean ... come Saturday, some little gremlin must come in and mess things up. (That would be me ... I get lazy on the weekend and don't put things away) The sad thing is that if I continued cleaning up after myself on the weekend like I do during the week (this is true for other areas in my house too) - I wouldn't have to spend the weekend cleaning instead of playing !

Many thanks to Ari_1965 at Beyond My Slab for being the hostess this week.

Her assignment is:

It's time for show and tell. What does your kitchen counter look like right now? (And no fair cleaning just for the picture!) Do you have any favorite or unusual items on your counter?

This morning:

Now:

This morning:

Now:

This morning:

Now:

OH GOODNESS - I didn't realize how stained the George Foreman grill was - I guess it's time to get another one ! (It usually isn't out on the counter but I had just used it and it was still hot).

Can you guess what my kitchen is decorated with?

There are many more in places that you can't see from these photos. Some are purchased and many were made by me. Most are filled with infused vinegar or beans or pasta . And none of them have ever been used - they are for looks only.

Go ahead and say it ... I know you are thinking it - she's crazy !!

So, there you have it ... my kitchen counters in all their glory ! Hopefully they will stay the way they are tonight - well, at least until Saturday !

Wander over to Beyond My Slab and check out everyone else's counters.

Oh MY !!

2009-02-15T20:16:00.003-05:00

**Scroll down for Fun Monday**

I have fallen victim to Facebook ...

One of my "friends" posted the following link - when I opened it all I could say was
"Oh My Goodness". (Not really, but this is much nicer than what I really said.)

I would assume that the "The Sun" is a legitimate newspaper - I don't really know.

But still ...

See for yourself - I wonder if your reaction will be the same as mine !

Fun Monday - # 45 - Your Feet (Inside your Home)

2009-02-15T19:19:00.002-05:00

Gattina at Writer Cramps is our hostess this week.

Her assignment is quite simple !!

It is:

Please show us what you wear on your feet inside your home ! Do you wear slippers, flip flops, shoes or nothing ? just take a picture and show us your feet !

On Saturday - to honor Valentine's Day

But most often ...

If I need to run outside real quick (in the colder weather) ... like today !

And if my feet aren't bare, it's usually this ...

To see other's tootsies (which I am sure are prettier than mine), visit Gattina - OK?

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T10:30:00.001-05:00

Foil Wrapped and Delicious

2009-02-09T19:00:00.001-05:00

Hershey's Chocolate was founded 115 years ago today.

Have a KISS or two to celebrate !

Fun Monday - # 44 - Where Do I Live ?

2009-02-08T19:09:00.007-05:00

Pamela at The Dust Will Wait is our gracious hostess this week. Her assignment is:

Show me in pictures or tell me in words what defines the place where you live.

She wants to leave the interpretation open to include any possibility.

I live in Prince William County, VA. I live on property that used to be part of the Rippon Lodge estate. I live on Gatehouse Terrace. To read all about that - go here.

OK, so I live in eastern Prince William County. Along the I-95 corrider. The exit I take to get home is Rippon Landing. If you go the other way - Dale City. I live (basically) at the end of Dale Boulevard.

With that said ...

As reported on the news, in the paper ... earlier this week.

Linton Hall, Va. Home To Longest Commute

LINTON HALL, Va. (WUSA) -- A fast-growing Prince William County, Va. community is home to a dubious distinction: the longest average commute in the United States. People living in Linton Hall, also called Bristow by some people, commute an average of 46.3 minutes one-way each workday. The national average is 25.1 minutes.

Bristow / Linton Hall is in the western part of the county.

Three other communities in the Washington area make the top 12 longest daily commutes in the nation. Drivers in Fort Washington, Md. have the eighth-longest average commute in the nation with a 42.5 minute one-way drive. People living in Clinton, Md. rank 11th on the list, clocking in at 41.7 minutes. Dale City, Va. commuters rank 12th, at 41.3 minutes. The rest of the top 12 list is made up of communities in New Jersey, California, and Florida.

The information for these commute times comes from the Census Bureau, looking at survey responses over the last three years. The Census Bureau is examining data down to exact streets, the first detailed research of its kind. The Census Bureau promises this will be an annual list to be published.

No pictures - you can't very well take pictures when you are driving on the very congested interstate. In the morning ... In the evening ... not even when it isn't rush hour !

Take into consideration that the news is reporting on the "average" . Some people commute 10 minutes - others an hour or more. I live 12 miles from where I work - on average, it takes 45 minutes during rush hour - either way. And I don't drive on the interstate.

Heaven forbid if it rains, or snows or freezes - sometimes all it takes is sunshine - the commute gets extended ...

Note: Prince William County is in Northern Virginia- about 25 miles south of Washington, DC. (the part of the county where I live) Linton Hall (western end) is somewhat rural with no "big" businesses out that way. I deal with I-95 - they have to suffer I-66.

Don't forget to visit Pamela to find out about the "special place" where others live.

It Must Be The Time of the Year ...

2009-02-03T22:28:00.002-05:00

It's cold.

I'm tired.

I have no energy.

I have no motivation lately.

Is anyone else feeling this way?

It's frustrating ...

Yesterday

2009-01-28T22:43:00.002-05:00

It snowed !

It sleeted !

It rained!

Night time came and it froze!

Ice sucks !

It took me longer to chip the ice off my windows (even with the defrosters going) than it took to drive to work.

It misted rain all day today!

IT HAD BETTER NOT FREEZE AGAIN TONIGHT !!!

You gotta love Northern Virginia weather - NOT !

NO pictures of the winter wonderland - I was at work during most of nature's confusion.

And, when I got home from work and saw my yard - I wasn't pleased! Some little twerp had walked all over it. (I suspect the neighbor boy because the footsteps were small).

When nature creates a masterpiece of white, I want to see it and relish the beauty. And I want to be the first one to make footsteps in my yard ...

And because it was already sleeting by the time I got home - I didn't get to make a snow angel IN MY YARD. Disappointment ...

Is anyone else out there as weird as me?

Good Night ...

Fun Monday # 44 - The Dreaded Diet

2009-01-25T17:24:00.006-05:00

Grace - MamaRehama is our hostess this week and her assignment is:

Many people make resolutions during the month of January and they usually include diets/eating healthy/losing weight and all that good stuff. I myself decided to try the Weight Watchers this time round. My assignment is to tell us about a diet or two (Atkins, Sonoma, Weight Watchers, South Beach, the You on a Diet, Best Life, The Abs Diet, The Zone, Cabbage Soup, E-Diets, Dr Phil, Jenny Craig, The Meditteranean Diet, Nutrisystem, Slim-Fast, Suzzane Sommers or No Name diet etc etc) that you have tried and what you liked or did not like about it. You can tell us about one diet that you had so much success with, or another that was a torture to follow or both. AND/OR Photo assignment: post a photo of something/someone that makes you feel good about yourself. It could be your loved one, your pet, your part of the world, anything goes.

My New Years resolution this year has NOTHING to do with dieting because I always fail. But, a couple of years ago, I tried one and it worked pretty good ... at least for a while !!

The South Beach Diet - it can't be classified as a low-carb diet, a low-fat diet, or a high-protein diet. Its rules: Consume the right carbs and the right fats and learn to snack strategically. Confession: I just put away the Chex Mix I was munching on while putting together this post - guilt got to me !

It really isn't a "diet" - it's a life style change, in regards to the foods you eat. You can eat a great variety of foods - it's mantra - NO WHITE - stay away from white breads, stay away from white potatoes, stay away from white rice, stay away from white pasta - and sugar too - it becomes carbs.

So, it took me a couple of times to get started (phase one is a killer).

I failed time and time again. I felt tired all the time and seemed to always be hungry. My head would ache and I was a total B!tch to be around.

I then decided to Sh*t can phase one and concentrated on phase two. I plugged away and vowed not to give up.

After a while (quite a while, it seemed), people started to notice that I had lost a few pounds. My clothes started getting a bit looser - the belly fat was disappearing. I was able to buy some clothes in a smaller size. I was feeling pretty good about myself and it really wasn't all that hard. A lifestyle change - that's what it was. Being constantly aware of what you are putting into your mouth ...

I lost 30 lbs. and was for the first time in a long, long time - under that God awful curse of 200 lbs. People never believed me when I actually confessed to my weight - I am 5 ft. 10 in. and blessed with height so the weight is distributed - but I knew how much I weighed and didn't like it one bit.

I went on a cruise in June of 2007. I ate often AND like a pig. ANYTHING I wanted.

When I got back, I hadn't gained an ounce.

I was feeling so good about it and eventually sabotaged all of my hard work. I no longer paid attention to the lifestyle change that I had created for myself. I was still mindful of some of the things I ate and careless about so many others. It creeps back on - Yes, it does.

So, now I am determined to do it again and lose 30 plus pounds this time (I didn't gain it all back - but still hate myself for the pounds that I let slip back on to my body). It wasn't really all that hard once you got into a routine - you get tired of some of the same foods - over and over again. But, if you are willing to try new things, there is plenty of variety.

All of this - because I am going on a cruise again in October of this year. And I want to feel good AND look good too.

And this time, I vow not to fail - both before and after.

And now, for the photo part -

Post a photo about something/someone that makes you feel good - um ... looks like I have failed to read the rest of it !

Dark Chocolate !!

Make sure to visit Grace and see what everyone else has to say ...

YES WE CAN !!

2009-01-20T22:15:00.004-05:00

Welcome President Obama and the First Family

Washington, DC is the Place To Be ...

Fun Monday - # 43 - 2nd Anniversary Edition

2009-01-18T19:30:00.009-05:00

I am so glad that I found Fun Monday - I haven't participated each and every week but have enjoyed the weeks that I have.

Julie at Another Chance Ranch is our hostess this week - Thank You Julie !

Her assignment is:

Instead of standing in your front door and taking a photo of what you see outside, let's turn around and take one of the inside.

When you open my front door from the outside, and step inside ...

YOU SEE YOURSELF

As there is a mirror smack dab in front of you on the wall !

Lucky for all of you - you can't see me !!

Thank you flash!

Turn to the right, and currently you see that all of my Winter Wonderland from the holidays hasn't been put away yet !

Turn to the left AND there is a Christmas Tree (YES, a Christmas Tree) - still decorated and still up (but the lights haven't been turned on since January 6th)

If you are a regular reader ... you would know that my son was not home for Christmas - he was in the Middle East and I vowed not to take down the tree until he returned home towards the end of January or early February.

On the evening of January 5th, I got a very nice surprise !

So, I haven't had time ...

Visit Julie and see what is just inside every one else's door !!

HAPPY SECOND ANNIVERSARY FUN MONDAY -

MAY WE CONTINUE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.

We Are One

2009-01-18T16:57:00.004-05:00

I just finished watching the HBO:We Are One live broadcast from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. It was awesome! I can't remember any other time in my adult life that I have actually sat on my couch and watched the TV without any interruption for TWO FULL HOURS. After seeing the crowds of people who were so far back from the memorial, I now have validated my decision to stay home for the inaguration on Tuesday. And watch it on TV !! And be warm !!

If you have the chance, it is being replayed on HBO tonight at 7:00 EST. Even if you don't subscribe to HBO, you can view it if you have cable or satellite. It is well worth the time.

Obama's Speech at the Lincoln Memorial Concert

(If not interested ... go to the end)

I want to thank all the speakers and performers for reminding us, through song and through words, just what it is that we love about America. And I want to thank all of you for braving the cold and the crowds and traveling in some cases thousands of miles to join us here today. Welcome to Washington, and welcome to this celebration of American renewal.

In the course of our history, only a handful of generations have been asked to confront challenges as serious as the ones we face right now. Our nation is at war. Our economy is in crisis. Millions of Americans are losing their jobs and their homes; they're worried about how they'll afford college for their kids or pay the stack of bills on their kitchen table. And most of all, they are anxious and uncertain about the future - about whether this generation of Americans will be able to pass on what's best about this country to our children and their children.
I won't pretend that meeting any one of these challenges will be easy. It will take more than a month or a year, and it will likely take many. Along the way there will be setbacks and false starts and days that test our fundamental resolve as a nation.

But despite all of this - despite the enormity of the task that lies ahead - I stand here today as hopeful as ever that the United States of America will endure - that the dream of our founders will live on in our time.

What gives me that hope is what I see when I look out across this mall. For in these monuments are chiseled those unlikely stories that affirm our unyielding faith - a faith that anything is possible in America. Rising before us stands a memorial to a man who led a small band of farmers and shopkeepers in revolution against the army of an Empire, all for the sake of an idea. On the ground below is a tribute to a generation that withstood war and depression - men and women like my grandparents who toiled on bomber assembly lines and marched across Europe to free the world from tyranny's grasp. Directly in front of us is a pool that still reflects the dream of a King, and the glory of a people who marched and bled so that their children might be judged by their character's content. And behind me, watching over the union he saved, sits the man who in so many ways made this day possible.

And yet, as I stand here tonight, what gives me the greatest hope of all is not the stone and marble that surrounds us today, but what fills the spaces in between. It is you - Americans of every race and region and station who came here because you believe in what this country can be and because you want to help us get there.

It is the same thing that gave me hope from the day we began this campaign for the presidency nearly two years ago; a belief that if we could just recognize ourselves in one another and bring everyone together - Democrats, Republicans, and Independents; Latino, Asian, and Native American; black and white, gay and straight, disabled and not - then not only would we restore hope and opportunity in places that yearned for both, but maybe, just maybe, we might perfect our union in the process.

This is what I believed, but you made this belief real. You proved once more that people who love this country can change it. And as I prepare to assume the presidency, yours are the voices I will take with me every day I walk into that Oval Office - the voices of men and women who have different stories but hold common hopes; who ask only for what was promised us as Americans - that we might make of our lives what we will and see our children climb higher than we did.

It is this thread that binds us together in common effort; that runs through every memorial on this mall; that connects us to all those who struggled and sacrificed and stood here before.
It is how this nation has overcome the greatest differences and the longest odds - because there is no obstacle that can stand in the way of millions of voices calling for change.

That is the belief with which we began this campaign, and that is how we will overcome what ails us now. There is no doubt that our road will be long. That our climb will be steep. But never forget that the true character of our nation is revealed not during times of comfort and ease, but by the right we do when the moment is hard. I ask you to help me reveal that character once more, and together, we can carry forward as one nation, and one people, the legacy of our forefathers that we celebrate today.

AND... when Beyonce performed at the end - All I could think of was "Single Ladies - Put a Ring On it (thank you "That Chick" - see the end of her January 17th post)

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr ....

2009-01-16T20:54:00.002-05:00

I have come downstairs to catch up on blogs. And I even contemplated posting something. My computer is in the basement and it's just too damn cold down here - the temps outside are 7 degrees (and that's not factoring in the wind chill). Maybe tomorrow - if the sun decides to come out.

History in the Making

2009-01-13T19:22:00.003-05:00

The inauguration is one week from today. I live about 25 miles from DC. I would love to be a part of it - in person ...

The local newspaper is reporting that I-95 North could be backed up as far south as Richmond on January 20th. The Metro (subway) is opening up at 4AM. The security checkpoints will be opening up at 7 AM. All the bridges going into DC from Virginia are being closed to traffic. All traffic will be diverted around the Beltway at the Mixing Bowl (Springfield). Various close-in Metro stations will be closed so the chartered buses have a place to park. Dulles Airport is shutting down one of their runways so that private jets have a place to park. The media is telling everyone to walk to the Mall or the Capitol or the parade route - driving will be impossible. And once you get there, stay put or you will most definitely lose your spot. It's absolutely CRAZY!

The swearing in ceremony doesn't even start till 11:30. The parade starts at 2:00. And the weather is supposed to be in the 20's. And we could have snow flurries !

There won't be a million and one cars on the road that morning ... because the "one" is staying parked in her parking spot.

I am taking the day off from work.

And I will witness this historical inauguration - from the comfort of my home, on my couch, in front of the TV with all the modern conveniences - like a bathroom and food and drink. And best of all, I WILL BE ABLE TO SEE EVERYTHING without losing my spot.

The Best of Surprises ...

2009-01-05T22:23:00.003-05:00

Any plans that I had for this evening ... quickly went by the wayside !

My daughter-in-law called me late this afternoon asking what time I would be home from work. She told me she wanted to stop by to pick up a gift I had exchanged for her, because she would be in the area.

About 7:00, the doorbell rang and in came my daughter-in-law and the 3 grandchildren.

A few minutes later, the doorbell rang again ...

I turned to her with a puzzled look then opened the door ...

There stood my son -

MY SON IS HOME !

HE IS BACK ON AMERICAN SOIL !

I CAN ONCE AGAIN WATCH THE NEWS AND READ THE NEWSPAPER WITHOUT WORRYING ...

I need to go to bed because I have to work tomorrow. The first day back to work after an extended weekend is always a killer ... I am so tired.

BUT I CAN'T SLEEP !

I AM SO EXCITED (AND RELIEVED).

MY SON IS SAFELY HOME !

The answer to every mother's prayer.

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T12:05:00.001-05:00

Fun Monday - #42 - Christmas Just Past

2008-12-28T23:08:00.011-05:00

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 ...

2008-12-21T15:50:00.004-05:00

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

2008-12-07T22:32:00.005-05:00

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 !!

2008-12-05T18:59:00.003-05:00

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

2008-11-27T10:05:00.002-05:00

Fun Monday # 40 - High Moments In Our Lives

2008-11-24T19:55:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-22T20:09:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-22T19:56:00.003-05:00

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

2008-11-18T23:29:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-17T19:26:00.004-05:00

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 !!

2008-11-15T18:08:00.001-05:00

When I was your age, Pluto was a planet !

Pay It Forward

2008-11-11T19:58:00.003-05:00

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

2008-11-11T19:09:00.004-05:00

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?

2008-11-04T20:14:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-31T22:31:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-30T20:39:00.017-04:00

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

Happy Halloween

Happy Birthday to the Sixth of Six

2008-10-26T12:35:00.004-04:00

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 !

2008-10-25T17:44:00.005-04:00

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 !!

2008-10-24T18:42:00.003-04:00

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

2008-10-22T22:17:00.002-04:00

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 !!

2008-10-17T22:48:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-13T21:14:00.005-04:00

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

2008-10-04T11:06:00.001-04:00

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

2008-09-30T20:47:00.013-04:00

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

2008-09-29T21:05:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-11T07:09:00.004-04:00

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 !!

2008-09-09T21:20:00.002-04:00

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 !!

2008-09-07T19:54:00.003-04:00

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 ?

2008-09-06T14:00:00.004-04:00

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 ?

2008-09-01T11:35:00.004-04:00

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 ...

2008-08-27T22:45:00.003-04:00

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

I Have A Decision To Make ...

2008-08-21T22:42:00.002-04:00

When?

Now or later? or not at all ?

Are you confused yet?

I went to a follow-up doctor appointment with an orthopedic ...

I have a torn meniscus in my left knee.

Do I live with the pain (which isn't constant but there none the less and rather intense at times) or have arthroscopic surgery?

Has anyone had this situation and what did you decide to do?

Pros and cons ??

Like I said above ... I have a decision to make and I'm not quite certain as to what to do.

Any comments are welcome.

Fun Monday - # 35 - Questions or Birds

2008-08-18T18:31:00.009-04:00

Lisa at Lisa's Chaos is hostess this week and her assignment is:

What is one thing you would like to ask your readers? Come up with a question to pose to your visitors and throw it out there on Monday. As we’re all visiting each other’s Fun Monday posts we should answer the various questions we come across.ORShow&Tell me about a bird, I’m easily made happy.

When I woke up this morning, my creativity must have stayed in bed !!

So, instead of a question ... you get a bird ! Not the adorable kinds of birds that Lisa photographs, but a BIG BIRD. And I will warn you in advance ... my photography skills are NO WHERE NEAR the caliber of Lisa's. Hers are fantastic !

This bird lives in a pen with a bunch of it's relatives down in the woods of Spotsylvania county. It is a special kind of bird because one of it's parents was of the albino variety. And this particular offspring has a look of it's own ...

Take a look -

Isn't he handsome?

To see the vibrant colors (which I didn't seem to master), pop over to a post that my sister did in March.

Also, take some time (and put on your thinking caps too) and go visit Lisa - there are some awesome questions out just waiting to be answered !

See That New Thingy On My Sidebar

2008-08-17T22:54:00.002-04:00

The one that tells about the Freedom Walk ...

I am walking in DC on September 7th ... (no falling this year !!)

Check out your town and see if they are having one too ...

We must never forget ...

And for the troops ... America Supports You !

I'M BACK Once Again !!

2008-08-10T12:03:00.002-04:00

It's been a while ...

Life has gotten in the way lately and it didn't help that I had an internet connection problem (really a software problem). Many thanks (yea, right ... it's their job) to the folks (whom I had trouble understanding) at HP way over in India who were able to reestablish my IP address and graciously took up 2 hours of my time and a small chunk out of my budget! BUT, the mission was accomplished and regardless of their urging, I don't need to purchase a new CPU.

So, while I get my act together - I leave you with this tidbit of advice ...

Consuming a lot of chocolate doesn't just help the chocolate manufacturers. It's also a real boon to health clubs, diet centers, and the guys who make control top panty hose.

So, enjoy some chocolate and know that you are helping to boost the economy !!

Fun Monday - #34 - What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

2008-07-20T18:17:00.004-04:00

This week's host is Irish Coffeehouse. The assignment is:

Careers- Then and Now

THEN: As a child day dreaming of what your future would hold for you, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you ever pursue or achieve it?

NOW: If you could be trained and placed in any career beginning tomorrow, what would it be?

THEN:

For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a teacher - an elementary education teacher. One who could mold the little ones from the start of their venture into learning.

Did I pursue or achieve it? NO.

What did I do? Not what I should have done ... I got married. I had 2 sons. I became a single-parent with two little ones to raise alone. I worked to make ends meet. I never went to college ...

I raised those kids. They are both married now and have kids of their own. I now work for a well known Department of Defense contractor as a Administrative Support Specialist (sounds impressive, but it ain't !!)

NOW:

If with the click of a finger and the blink of an eye, I could be (or do) anything I wanted - A teacher it still would be!!

Go over to the Irish Coffeehouse and grab a cup (with a muffin if you would like). While enjoying the brew, be sure to check out everyone else's careers - then and now !

Some Days are Better Than Others ...

2008-07-14T21:29:00.002-04:00

And today hasn't been one of the better ones - nothing catastrophic happened (thank goodness).

The problem is that nothing happened - I did nothing. I had the day off from work and the best of plans, but I basically did nothing. NOTHING, I am beginning to really dislike that word. Like a lot of other folks, I am in a funk (A feeling or spell of dismally low spirits).

The weekend was great and busy (SJ and her family were in town). I will post pictures later as they haven't been downloaded yet and blogger was being difficult earlier this evening. SJ and her family have left Virginia (to go back to her in-law's place for a few more days) and that makes me sad. Real sad ...

Back to today ...

I didn't get out of bed until 10:00 this morning.
I didn't get a shower until 1:00 this afternoon.

By then, the day is basically shot because any momentum one would possibly have - is gone.

I did get one thing done - and it wasn't part of the original plan. But, I don't know anything more now than I did before I went. Only that I am $60. poorer (and there will be more to come). My knee has been bothering me for quite a while. It hurts from time to time (well, to be truthful its hurts quite a bit of the time, but not all the time). There is a sharp pain when I get up from a sitting position or when I proceed to sit down. Going up and down stairs is a killer. It aches at night when I am trying to sleep (my legs are not straight when I slumber). It is swollen in weird places. So, I took a chance that my doctor would have an open appointment today - and he did. Of course, because I didn't do anything all day, it didn't hurt when I got there. He poked and prodded and bent it every which way AND probably thought I was a nut case for being there because I failed every "Does this hurt?" test that he gave me. But, he did notice the swelling. And sent me to get X-rays. And they, had me put my knee(leg) in some pretty odd positions. The x-ray tech must have seen something ... she told me to make the next appointment sooner than later. AND NOW, my knee definitely hurts. Goodness only knows when the next doctor (of the orthopedic variety) will have an open appointment. Oh, Joy ! More pain, more money to spend and time off from work that isn't scheduled (which will have to be made up because we no longer get paid sick leave or paid time off for personal business).

In anticipation of the weekend visitors (who spent the night), I tried to somewhat childproof my childless house by putting some things away and out of reach. I moved plants so the pull out sofa bed could be used with nothing in it's way and a path around it so one could get in and out of it without stepping in a potted plant. I moved the TV in my bedroom. I removed a lot of stuff from around the bathroom sink to make room for others to use it. I emptied off the day bed (usually covered with pillows and such), so I could sleep on it.

Tonight, everything is still where I moved it to. NOTHING got put back in it's place. I am a bit of a neat freak, so things out of place would normally drive me crazy - but I'm in a funk, so I don't care (at least not for right now).

The ice chest is sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor. The sink is full of dishes. The laundry has not been done (I never realized how many bath towels get used when you have 6 house guests plus yourself !). Pillows and bed sheets are in places other than the linen closet or on a bed. I haven't eaten a decent meal all day ... YEP, I'm in a funk that's for sure.

This morning (afternoon), before getting into the shower, I attempted to remove a wooden bead bracelet (really a necklace that was too small for my neck) from my wrist (explanation is needed so you guys don't think that I've lost it - my sisters and I (SJ included) each donated a dollar to a street person yesterday for some cheaply made wooden bead necklaces - LB gave hers to her daughter and SJ and I made ours into a bracelet) for at least 20 minutes. It has a screw type clasp and I couldn't get it off - I burst into tears !! Needless to say, it is still on my wrist and luckily the green and blue beads didn't bleed all over my arm.

Friday morning, I got my hair cut and I hate it. It is shorter than what I asked for. It will grow back ... in the shower this morning (afternoon), while washing it - AGAIN, I burst into tears !! Then I felt stupid ... why in the hell, am I crying over such petty little things ... I am definitely in a funk !!

I don't hate my job, but right now (lately) I hate my job. It is such a chore to get up in the morning to get there and stay for 8 hours. The OVERTIME hours during the last few weeks burned me out somewhat. I desperately needed a day or two off - and what do I do when I have one - NOTHING!

Let's hope that tomorrow is one of the BETTER ONES ...

Bridal Bouquet for "J"

2008-07-14T19:22:00.004-04:00

Giants Fan , (who is the virtual maid of honor for her bbf, J ) over at Sunny Little Blog is having a bridal bouquet contest - you cannot, I repeat cannot use real flowers !!

Here is my humble attempt ....

If I knew the colors that were being used, I could have picked more appropriate BUTTONS !!

Sneak preview ...

SJ was in town this weekend !!

Everyone Loves A Parade

2008-07-04T17:33:00.011-04:00

Free Flags

Salute the Flag

PWC's Finest

Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty

The MUST HAVE firetrucks !

BUT ...

too many POLITICAL REFERENCES !!

Now that I watch a parade through the eyes of an adult instead of that through a childs ....

The local hometown parade this year was a bit disappointing ...

Bring back the military marching groups, the boys and girls on their decorated bikes, the marching bands, the floats (homemade ones used to be so creative), the Brownies, the Cub Scouts, the baton twirlers and such ....

And tell all the political groups to stay home !! I know that we are in the midst of campaigning for the elections coming up, but when the politcal groups outnumber the rest of the 2 hour parade - it gets a little boring - I can imagine how the children felt.

Have a Happy and Safe

Fourth of July

Finally - As Promised !!

2008-06-28T14:38:00.002-04:00

A while ago, I wrote that I would tell about "a weird occurrence in the neighborhood".

So, here goes it ...

A few weekends ago (the one that was incredibly hot and humid), my next door neighbor (NDN) and I were sitting on my porch chatting (complaining about the heat) and we saw a red cab pass us by and then it did it again (around the island to the right of where we live). Not really a strange occurrence but it caught our attention because it pulled up in front of a neighbor's house across the way and one of the occupants of that house got out after a few minutes and went into his house. Almost immediately, a yellow cab pulls up in front of his house and out he comes and leaves again.

A few moments later, another neighbor (the elderly woman who is a busy body) comes out of her house (a few doors down from the male neighbor) and hollers for us to come over. So, NDN and I walk towards her house. As we are making the trek across the parking lot, NDN notices some bags in the parking space next to where the taxi cabs had just been. She, being the nosey person that she is, says "I wonder what kind of groceries he left in the street" and heads over to them. She peeks down inside the larger bag (much bigger than a paper grocery bag) and lets out a yell - OH MY GOD - IT'S MONEY !!

Elderly neighbor and I don't really believe her, so we walk over to take a look. By God, she was right. Sitting there on the pavement, is a large brown bag with a bunch of coins and bills inside (not neatly folded or wrapped, just thrown in there all willy nilly). On the top of all the money is a bottle of liqueur (clear like vodka). Next to the brown bag, are 5 or 6 Wendy's bags (from the restaurant). I pick one up to peek inside and it is full of coins. As a matter of fact, all of them were full of coins. AND all of this is sitting in the middle of the parking spot with no one around.

I turn to NDN with a weird look and she looks back at me with a similar look wondering WTF ? (note to add - we both know that this particular neighbor is a manager of a Wendy's in a town up the road*).

WHAT WOULD YOU THINK AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO???

NDN called the police (non emergency, of course!) and reported that there were bags of money sitting in a parking spot in our neighborhood. Elderly neighbor retreats back in to her house and tell us not to mention her name or presence, because she doesn't want to be involved. They said they would send someone out as soon as possible.

So, NDN and I sit down on the curb (on the island) with the bags in our sight and wait. And waited ....

After what seemed like forever, which was really only about 15 minutes or so, the yellow taxi returns and the male neighbor gets out and heads to his house with a clear grocery bag in his hand. He doesn't say a word (I'm sure he saw us sitting on the curb) and neither do we. We can clearly make out the contents of the grocery bag - a six pack of beer and a carton of cigarettes. He goes inside. A few minutes later, he comes back out to the parking spot and picks up the brown bag, which he struggles with because I am sure it is quite heavy (seeing that it is full of loose coin) and walks it up his sidewalk and plops it down just barely on his porch. He makes a few more trips out to the parking spot and picks up a bag with each hand, each time and drops them on the ground right at the end of his sidewalk.

Not a word is exchanged by any of us during this entire time. He doesn't even acknowledge that we are sitting right there watching him. He goes back inside. We sit there on the curb dumbfounded and continue to wait for the police. He steps back out on to his porch, removes the liqueur bottle from the brown bag and goes back inside. We still sit and wait, wondering where the heck is the police officer.

After, again, what seemed like forever (and because it was so stinkin hot), NDN and I head back to our respective houses with the thought that she had given her name and address to the police when she called, so when they finally showed up, they would know where to go since the bags were no longer sitting in the street. And sure enough, we had barely gotten back to our houses and the officer shows up so we go over and meet him across the street. He listened to us telling him what had happened. He tells us that the police had gotten a call to the same address earlier in the day (but didn't tell us why). He told us that the guy had told them that his car had broken down earlier in the day.

Didn't make much sense to us - but what the hell !!

When the officer got there, NDN made it a point to tell him that people leave their trash in the parking lot all the time and that is why she checked out the bags - because she thought it was trash - WHAT A HUGE LIE THAT WAS !!!

(and she had even casually mentioned to me that we should take the money and not say anything to anyone - that was said to me before she called the police). NOT THE RIGHT THING TO DO !! (in my humble opinion, that is).

Anyways, he thanked us for being good citizens and told us that he would go pay the guy a visit. He did and then we watched him drive away. Never did find out what was going on ....

The bags were no longer outside the next day and I didn't dare to look that night - since the neighbor knew that we knew about them. No one else would have even known to look for them!

*My immediate thoughts - since when does a manager of any establishment bring home the money - loose coins and loose bills at that. Wouldn't they lock it up in a safe or take it to the bank for deposit?

Rumor has it - from the elderly busy body - that the neighbor and his sig other (which is also male) have spent the last couple of weekends in Atlantic City .....hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Your thoughts and/or comments are welcomed ...

What Is It With All The Thunderstorms Lately?

2008-06-23T21:56:00.007-04:00

I think the storms have finally passed for the night. I worked late again tonight and got stuck in one on the way home.

This will be a quick post (the other ones that I have lined up (in my mind) will come soon).

I had a quick visit from some of the grandchildren yesterday.

So, for SJ and Mom and Dad (it sucks that they live on the other side of the United States) - (and "D" too, if he still reads)

Pebbles

(better known as Tori)

Tyler

(who begged me to take his picture - then gave me a face like this!)

Trevor

(I can't believe he will be a freshman next year!)

Bits and Pieces

2008-06-18T20:41:00.016-04:00

Lets see how good my memory is ... it's been a while !!

5/26 Memorial Day

My neighbor put together a little BBQ ... just a few of us single gals in the neighborhood. She served this "limeade" from a pitcher. It tasted awful damn good - after a few glasses, I figured out why - she put tequila in it !! Did me in for the rest of the day. I was sure glad I didn't have any plans to go anywhere.

5/28 - 5/31

I dog sat for a former co-worker at her house. The commute to work was heavenly cuz she lives just a few miles away (10 minutes if I hit all the lights AND stopped for my morning coffee). They have 4 computers in their house and I couldn't get on to a single one!! Damn password protection !! I was having withdrawal symptoms within the first evening ...

While there, a hellacious thunderstorm rolled through. The hail was the size of golf balls. All I could think was that a tree was going to fall on the house and it isn't even my house !! Luckily, that didn't happen but a tree did crash down into the street. I pretended I had a four wheel drive and navigated around it. Why not ?? Every one else was !! At my house - not a drop of rain fell (at least that is what the neighbors said).

June 1st

I volunteered at the Vintage Virginia Wine Festival in Centreville. I do this twice a year. The production company donates money to the Make A Wish Foundation on behalf of each volunteer. It is for a good cause and it is usually a fun filled day - this time didn't disappoint. The only downside is that you can't "sample" wines when you are working - so, no sippin' for me.

June 6

Kindergarten Graduation Day

What a Proud Gramma, I was !!

June 7

National Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

This year, instead of walking the race (my knee has been bothering me), I volunteered. My assignment was at the finish line which was pretty cool (the weather wasn't - it was already 85degrees and extremely humid at 8 AM).

This man finished first - running 5K in 14 minutes 24 seconds

Renee Syler from The Early Show participated in the race ...

and so did Gabrielle Union from Ugly Betty.

An estimated 40 thousand people showed up and participated in the God Awful Heat ! (since I was at the finish line I didn't get to see the masses of people until they were finished). My job was to collect the tab at the bottom of the bib as they came across the finish line and they came in fast and furious so I didn't have any time to snap pictures. This picture is where the pre-race activities took place and since I had to be there REAL early, this shot doesn't show the crowd.

I came home, showered and promptly took a 3 Hour NAP !

June 14

My nephew returned to the states on June 9th, after a year long tour of duty in the Persian Gulf . After his medical evaluation, he was able to return to his family in the Shenandoah Valley (at my brother's home).

My sister and her daughter, Hannah came to stay with me Friday evening and we headed up to the Valley for a Welcome Home party on Saturday.

As it has for days, thunderstorms were abundant on that day. But we carried on by improvising and grilled burgers, hot dogs and brats.

Fun was had by all ...

and Lee even brought home with him -

a little bit of the Middle East !

And in true 'Ty" style ...

Welcome Home Lee, Welcome Home !

AND ... just for you SJ, come back later to read about the "weird occurrence in the neighborhood" !

The Best of Intentions ....

2008-06-17T21:21:00.002-04:00

I'm still around ... really I am !!

Between working longer than usual hours, falling asleep on the couch when I get home, thunderstorms wreaking havoc with the electricity, having a house guest and busy weekends lately .... this blog has been neglected. (I hang my weary little head in shame).

I have material .... yes, I have things to share !! With pictures, even. What I lack the most lately is TIME. (Does any one have any to spare?)

It will come ... in time.

I have been reading and being a BAD commenter, but don't give up on me - OK?

Sadly, it is 9:32 EST and I haven't had anything to eat yet and I am a bit hungry .... A PB&J sandwich even sounds pretty good right about now (how sad is that?)

So, as Arnold says - I'LL BE BACK !!

ONCE AGAIN ...

2008-06-09T22:19:00.003-04:00

I don't have my act together and FUN MONDAY is going to be late ... something like FUN MONDAY on a Tuesday !!

Plus, there is this past weekend, the weekend before, a special graduation, a weird occurence in the neighborhood ... to blog about.

I'll blame it on the heat and humidity - my brain is fried !! Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler - only 85 degrees with lower humidity. I don't believe the weather man anymore - DO YOU?

This is What You Post When You Haven't Had any Time All Week !

2008-06-05T20:59:00.003-04:00

The temps in Northern Virginia

are supposed to be in the 90's this weekend ...

which wouldn't be so bad

if it wasn't for the humidity !!

Fun Monday - # 33 - Vacation Edition

2008-05-26T16:16:00.027-04:00

Happy Memorial Day to all of those residing in the US of A. Today is the beginning of vacation season for many of us. RDH Mom is the wonderful host this week and her assignment is:

Vacations...this is the time of year when most of us go on vacations. Show us and/or tell us about your favorite vacation - where you went, what you did, etc. Pictures would be great. Let's all take a trip around a the world via our FM friends!!

As a child (and also a military brat), my family didn't go on vacations to exotic and far away places. Basically, we would make the yearly trip to visit extended family - like in grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

As a young single mother to two boys, we, also, didn't go on vacations to exotic and far away places. I just didn't have the money or resources to do so.

Rest assured, many memories were made during those years - we just stayed close to home to make them.

Now, as an adult (with no children at home), the vacation of my choosing (when money and time allows) is CRUISING to those exotic and far away places. I have been on 4 different ones with a 5th one planned for October of 2009.

I have been to San Juan, Puerto Rico - and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands - and St. Croix, Virgin Islands - and St. John, Virgin Islands - and Barbados - and Curacao - and St. Maarten - and Antigua - and Aruba - and Trinidad - and St. Lucia, Virgin Islands and Martinique.

And the latest one (June 2007) - Bermuda !!

I got such a kick out of this ... normal work attire ... Sport coat, shirt, tie and bermuda shorts !! We saw men everywhere in such attire.

Chocolate martinis - absolutely delightful !

Unfortunately ... the trip had to come to an end.

Oops ... I may have gotten a little carried away with the pictures. My bad.

Next adventure: Bahamas in October 2009.

Make sure you take a few moments and pay RDH Mom a visit and see how everyone else has spent their vacations. Happy Traveling !!

Where Does The Time Go ?

2008-05-25T18:41:00.017-04:00

It is May 25th - I can't believe that the month is almost over. It's been a busy one, that's for sure!! I didn't forget everyone because I snuck in reading time, but just never got around to posting. The whirlwind of my lost time really started on Saturday, April 26th.

That is the day that my parents flew into town from Colorado (many thanks to LB for going to the airport and picking them up ) and I had a previous commitment ... I participated in Rebuilding Together (formally known as Christmas in April).

I had it somewhat easy this year ... seeing that I'm not a plumber or a carpenter. I got to scrape then paint the porch two coats even) with a couple of other women. We let the men do the hard stuff !!

I'm in the back row - on the left !

After all my hard work (not really, it was a piece of cake this year), I headed further south to my brother's house because it was my nephew's birthday AND I would get to see my parents.

The following weekend, my niece graduated with a BS in Sports Management from Methodist University in NC and I didn't go because, once again I had a previous commitment early on that following Sunday morning !!

I participated in:

It was a very pleasant day for walking (once I actually "woke" up since I had to be in Washington DC rather early).

Me ... back row in the middle !

Again this year, I walked in memory of a former co-worker who passed away 2 years ago this March after a valiant fight. He passed away 18 months after his brain tumor diagnosis.

His daughter ran the 5K ...

I walked ...

This year, not only did I walk in memory of Jeff Chewning ...

but also for Wendy's father, Ken Thomas and a little girl that lives in the Washington, DC area named Emily Mandell.

I almost forgot ...

This gentleman ... walked the entire 5K course (THE ENTIRE 5K COURSE !!) playing the bagpipes - almost constantly. He must have a lot of hot air !! I greatly admire his dedication to the cause ... I got winded towards the end ... he walked the same course as I did and played at the same time. He totally inspired me. I was in awe of his ability again this year (he was there last year also).

Brain tumors/cancer can happen to anyone of any age ... Senator Ted Kennedy (isn't he like 80 something?), Jeff Chewning (50 something), Ken Thomas (30 something) and Emily Mandell (18 months old). At the end of the festivities of that day, an announcement was made ... an anonymous donor (she wished to have her identity kept secret) presented a check for ONE MILLION DOLLARS to the Brain Tumor Society. With gifts like that and the tireless work of many, Emily will hopefully be alive to see her grandchildren grow up.

Once again, I headed south ... to attend my niece's graduation party.

I went to work on Monday morning and about 3:00 (2 hrs later than planned), my co-worker and I got into a rental car and headed to Valley Forge, PA to attend a conference. We stayed at this fancy looking hotel ....

The conference was a success, we kept busy, but ... can you just imagine how cranky a blogger can get when she can't check in on her internet friends - FOR THREE DAYS. I was having major withdrawl symptoms - not pretty! To make up for the uncomfortableness (is that a real word), we had lunch at The Cheesecake Factory. before heading home Wednesday afternoon. The cheesecakes are to die for and of course I had some - Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple. And, NO I didn't share.

My parents were on the East Coast for 3 weeks but not all of it was spent in Virginia - they had places to go and people to see !! They were up north in NY and VT when I got home from PA, so I took off a couple of days the following week to spend some time with them. We made the trek to the Shenandoah Valley to visit my brother and his family (including the twins whose Daddy will be coming home (for good) on June 9th.) His year assignment protecting our country abroad is coming to a close. Remember this post ... soon they won't have to say good bye to him again.

This is Kendall

And this is Zoe

Help me out PopPop ... did I get it right?

They change so much every time I get to see them. June 14th will be the last for a while (the big Welcome Home party takes place that day) as they will be stationed in upstate NY shortly after their Daddy comes home.

Sadly, just a few days later, I had to say goodbye to my parents as they made their trip back home to Colorado - SJ - Take good care of them, OK?

In between all of the activity above, the contractors finished up on the work that I was having done to the outside of my house, I kept up (at least tried to) with the housework and laundry, did some much needed yardwork (MOM, my backyard looks awesome) and went to work (almost) every day (with way too many OT hours).

Splattered in there was some blog reading and of course, I had to watch all the season finales (and the episodes leading up to) of my must watch TV programs. The list is way too long - but what the hell - I had to see them and I am saddened that they have all come to an end for the season. As pathetic as it sounds ... I just had to watch American Idol (David Cook ROCKS), Extreme Makeover - Home Edition (it makes me cry every time but I watch anyway), Greys Anatomy (McDreamy and Meredith will have another chance to make it work), Desperate Housewives (it ended a bit weird, IMO) and Brothers and Sisters (much happened on that show this season). Now, it looks like I just might have some time to enjoy my nights and weekends.

And this morning, I got to once again witness an awesome sight - Rolling Thunder. One of the staging areas is just south of where I live and I stood out on my deck and watched and listened as the bikes went by on their way into DC for TWENTY MINUTES. There was a solid stream of bikes for the entire time (and this is only a small portion of participants) and the ROAR was a spine chilling experience.

Happy Memorial Day

May we never forget those who have served / are serving for our country.

Another Quote for Another Day

2008-05-03T12:34:00.002-04:00

Chocolate is not to be taken lightly !

A woman once set her husband on fire because he ate her chocolate Easter bunny.

A Quote For Today

2008-05-01T22:11:00.003-04:00

Stress would not be so hard to take if it were chocolate covered.

Happy May Day!

(Did you dance around the May Pole today?

I didn't - too much stress !!)

(Make mine dark chocolate - OK?)

Aw Shucks !!

2008-04-28T20:56:00.002-04:00

I had a major "senior moment" and completely forgot to sign up for Fun Monday this week.
So, I am swiping this from Wendy instead !!

Where did you grow up: all over the place (Army brat) until I was ten and have lived in Northern Virginia ever since.

WHAT DO YOU CALL:

1. A body of water, smaller than a river, contained within relatively narrow banks: creek

2. What is the thing you push around the grocery store called: shopping cart

3. A metal container to carry a meal in: lunch box

4. The thing that you cook bacon and eggs in: frying pan

5. The piece of furniture that seats three people: couch

6. The device on the outside of the house that carries rain off the roof: downspout

7. The covered area outside a house where people sit in the evening: porch

8. Carbonated, sweetened, non-alcoholic beverages: soda

9. A flat, round breakfast food served with syrup: pancakes

10. A long sandwich designed to be a whole meal in itself: sub

11. The piece of clothing worn by men at the beach: swimming trunks

12. Shoes worn for sports: tennis shoes

13. Putting a room in order: straightening up

14. A flying insect that glows in the dark: lightening bug

15.The children’s playground equipment where one kid sits on one side and goes up while the other sits on the other side and goes down: see-saw

16. How do you eat your pizza? pick it up with your hands

17. What’s it called when private citizens put up signs and sell their used stuff? yard sale

18. What’s the evening meal? dinner

19. What do you call the thing that you can get water out of to drink in public places? water fountain

20. What do you call the clothing covering for legs worn on the outside? pants

Is this what you call these things where you hail from (or were brought up) ?

Wendy is from up north (and that is where my parents were raised) - some of our answers were actually the same ... imagine that !!

Look What I Got !!

2008-04-24T19:52:00.005-04:00

I participated in the Tax Relief Swap and recieved my goodies from the fabulous Julie at Abbily Ever After. The package arrived with a little note and some wonderful gifts.

See ...

She said -

"Here are a few things to help make your tax day a little happier" (The Willow Tree figurine is titled "Happiness" FREE to sing, laugh, dance and ... create!), "Brighter" (Little Miss Sunshine DVD) "& yummier" (Ghiradelli Chocolate - Dark 60% Cacao). Also in the package were a gorgeous pair of earrings (the picture doesn't do them justice - they are awesome!).

Girl, YOU ROCK !! Thanks so much for your generosity and creativity.

Itchy !!

2008-04-20T14:51:00.002-04:00

Never in my life, to the best of my recollection, have I ever had a reaction to poison ivy - that is ... UNTIL NOW ! Of course, I didn't even know I had touched the stuff until way after when the blisters and itching began. It's not pretty ...

Anyone out there got any remedies on how to get rid of it FAST ??

Day of Remembrance

2008-04-16T22:42:00.006-04:00

Ross A. Alameddine
Christopher James Bishop
Brian Roy Bluhm
Ryan Christopher Clark
Austin Michelle Cloyd
Jocelyne Couture-Nowak
Kevin P. Granata
Matthew Gregory Gwaltney
Caitlin Millar Hammaren
Jeremy Michael Herbstritt
Rachael Elizabeth Hill
Emily Jane Hilscher
Jarrett Lee Lane
Matthew Joseph La Porte
Henry J. Lee
Liviu Librescu
G.V. Loganathan
Partahi Mamora Halomoan Lumbantoruan
Lauren Ashley McCain
Daniel Patrick O'Neil
Juan Ramon Ortiz-Ortiz
Minal Hiralal Panchal
Daniel Alejandro Perez
Erin Nicole Peterson
Michael Steven Pohle, Jr.
Julia Kathleen Pryde
Mary Karen Read
Reema Joseph Samaha
Waleed Mohamed Shaalan
Leslie Geraldine Sherman
Maxine Shelly Turner
Nicole Regina Whit

Fun Monday - #32 - Double Nickel 5 & 5

2008-04-13T22:18:00.009-04:00

The fine people over at Nekked Lizard Adventures are the gracious hosts this week (their First Ever Hosted Fun Monday) and I think we are all in for some great adventure !!

The assignment is:

FIVE PICTURES - FIVE WORDS PER PICTURE.

Any 5 (FIVE) pictures, any subject, and any 5 (FIVE) words to describe and/or explain each picture.

I THINK I CAN DO IT !!

My Big Brother Loves Me !

Wishing I Was There Again ...

Can't You See We're Busy ?

Gramma, I Lost A Tooth !

My Feet Are Killing Me !

Don't forget to pay a visit to the Nekked Lizards - you wouldn't want to miss this one !!

Think About This .... TAX Rebate

2008-04-10T22:25:00.002-04:00

The federal government is sending each and every one of us a $600 rebate.

If we spend that money at Wal-Mart, the money will go to China.
If we spend it on gasoline it will go to the Arabs.
If we purchase a computer it will go to India.
If we purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala.
If we purchase a good car it will go to Japan.
If we purchase useless crap it will go to Taiwan, and none of it will help the American economy.

The only way to keep that money here at home is to buy beer, since it is the only product still produced in the US.

Thank you. (to my brother - for sending me this !)

Fun Monday - # 31 - Your FIRST Celebrity Crush

2008-04-07T13:23:00.009-04:00

Goodness, gracious !!

This is going to be soooooooooo embarrassing ! (but lots and lots of FUN)

Jo at JoBeaufoix is our hostess this week and what a great topic she picked!

Her assignment was:

“I want to know about your first ‘celebrity’ crush. You know, the one you fancied from that band, or that film, or who read the news, or who won Gold at the Olympics.
Did you have their pictures on your wall or in your locker?
Did you dress like them, style or colour your hair like them, follow them, meet them, marry them? (It could happen.)
Photos of THEM would be good, photos of YOU at the time you liked them would be even better.
Also, if you have time, I’d like to know whether they had any influence over your life, the person you became, or if they were just an embarrassing blip you would kind of rather forget about.”

Drum Roll, please .....

Bobby Sherman

Are any of you out there OLD enough to remember this heart throb?

When I was in middle school - he was the man !! I only had two of his albums but I listened them to them all the time (notice, that I said albums? that's vinyl for those of you who know of nothing but cassettes and CDs). I proudly hung the album covers (and the posters that came with them) on the wall of my bedroom.

Here Comes Bobby

1970

(This album cover folded out so that it showed his entire body)

With Love, Bobby

1970

OH, and I still have these albums, just no record player to play them on !!

I don't remember most of his songs except for JULIE, DO YOU LOVE ME?

After checking out YouTube (which I still can't seem to embed), a couple more all of sudden sounded familiar !!

Like, Little Woman and Easy Come, Easy Go (this video clip is from a much older Bobby !)

And, I must not forget ... Bobby Sherman played Jeremy Bolt on Here Comes The Brides

Of course, he sang the title song "Seattle" for that show ....

So, where is Bobby now?

Bobby has fathered 2 sons and has found a respectable niche as a medic/policeman in Southern California.
He has served as Captain on the LAPD, teaching CPR & First Aid and most recently as Sheriff on the San Bernadino Police Dept.

AND ... he has his own foundation.

And, if the above hasn't been embarrassing enough ... here I am in the summer of 1974 !

Make sure that you go visit Jo - I guarantee it will be worth your time !!

My Mother Didn't Name Me Grace for a Reason !

2008-04-05T22:32:00.005-04:00

Scenario -

* Come home from work Thursday evening feeling like a Mack truck just ran over me.

* Make a mess on the counter while cleaning a baking dish that I had left to soak in the sink.

* The water slopped over onto the counter.

* I move some of my decanter type bottles out of the way to clean up the slopped water.

* I set them on top of the cutting board to get them out of the way.

* While cleaning up the mess, I notice the water has gotten under the cutting board.

* Not thinking, I lift up the cutting board.

* This lovely (and rather heavy) bottle decides to fall to the floor because of my stupidity.

But ... before hitting the floor -

It landed directly on my toe .

(The big toe nail is still discolored from my last lack of grace, a few months ago)

OUCH !!!!!

The nail instantly turned blue.

The pain was rather intense (you know, the kind that makes you sick to your stomach?)

It has been real fun trying to find a pair of shoes to wear that dont' cause major pain ...

Fun Monday - # 30 Inspirational Quotes

2008-03-31T18:49:00.006-04:00

Many thanks to Robin @ Pensieve for being the hostess this week. She always has "a way with words" and I am truly envious !!

Her assignment for this week is:

Quotable quotes and words that inspire.

Each morning when I get up (and make that trip to the bathroom - hey, doesn't everyone make that their first stop?), one of the first things I see is -

It hangs right beneath the mirror in the bathroom. A reminder (which I sometimes desperately need ...)

Believe in yourself.

and what others

think won't matter.

-Emerson

Next is one I have learned the hard way ...

A daughter is a daughter

for life.

A son is a son

until he takes a wife.

I have two sons ... who don't always think of their mother first ....

Now ... just a bit of randomness

"Dance as if no one were watching,

sing as if no one were listening,

and live every day as if

it were your last"

- Irish Proverb

May the road

rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always

at your back,

May the sun shine warm

upon your face,

And the rains fall soft

upon your fields,

And until we meet again,

May GOD hold you

in the palm of his hand.

- An Old Irish Verse

May you blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,

and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.

My goal in life is to be the person my grandchildren think I am.

Home is where the heart is.

Friendships are tied together with heartstrings.

I don't need love ... just chocolate!

Housework makes you ugly.

I hate 7 letter words - *Cooking* *Washing* *Dusting* *Ironing*

I serve 3 meals - Microwave, Frozen, Take-Out

Cherish today, Dream tomorrow, Live today.

Love, Laughter and Friends are always welcome.

Friendship, like love lasts Forever.

Live well, Laugh often, Love much.

So ... just how many frogs do I have to kiss?

You're never fully dressed til you wear a smile.

Dear GOD, If you can't make me skinny, make all my friends fat!

Do you want to speak to the man in charge or the woman who knows what's going on?

I can only please one person a day and THIS ISN'T YOUR DAY !

Sisters are friends for Life.

The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference.

The game of love is never called on account of darkness or rain.

Most of us need love the most when we're the most unlovable.

Now, some seriousness ...

Love is patient

Love is kind

Love does not envy

Love does not boast

Love is not proud

Love is not rude

Love always trusts

Love always hopes

Love never fails.

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

- John F. Kennedy

Today, I pray for peace in the hope that tomorrow I won't have to.

Make sure you take a few moments to visit Robin and see what everyone else has chosen as their favorite quotes and inspirational words.

Just Because !

2008-03-26T19:24:00.002-04:00

It's almost 7:30 in Northern Virginia

The daylight is staying around longer

It's almost Spring !!

I NEED IT ... BAD

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T15:07:00.004-04:00

Hope that you find all of the Easter Eggs!!

Happy Easter

Happy Spring

Happy Everything !

I Will Be Back ...

2008-03-16T16:31:00.002-04:00

If you haven't already noticed ... I haven't been around much lately. I have been busy with work and just life in general and just haven't had the time or energy to blog. I have tried to read though ... and maybe, comment just a little.

Then, I got put in a situation that hasn't been very pleasant and it just makes me very angry and sad. I am in no danger .... other than, maybe, feeling like I have failed as a mother (and grandmother). I need to get through this week, then maybe I can get it all out in the open and I will feel better.

This next weekend can't get here soon enough.

Everyone - take care AND I'll be back.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY to my family and friends (especially if you have Irish blood).

Say It Isn't True

2008-03-05T22:35:00.006-05:00

Swayze Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer

May the GHOST

be able to continue DIRTY DANCING

for a long time to come.

These are 2 of my all-time favorite movies, ones that I have watched over and over, time and time again. And, the lead actor is one of the reasons I like them so well.

I could probably tell each and every scene from the movie Ghost - before it actually happens. I attempt to sing along with each and every song (as long as no one is around to hear - you definitely wouldn't want to hear me try to hit the high notes in Unchained Melody!!). The scene with the penny coming up the door ... I cry every time I see it.

Patrick Swayze is the person who made these movies worth watching ... my humble opinion, of course.

I am truly saddened to hear this news ...

Can someone tell me how to embed a video from YouTube? I haven't been able to master doing so - not that I haven't tried... and tried ...

Love - Hate: Sunday, March 2nd Edition

2008-03-02T21:09:00.004-05:00

LOVE: Verizon FIOS Telephone service with Caller ID
HATE: Now, I have to buy a phone that actually has Caller ID !

LOVE: Verizon FIOS TV
LOVE: DVR with the FIOS
LOVE: ON DEMAND
LOVE: Lots and LOTS of channels
LOVE: The awesome sharpness of the picture
HATE: The remote has LOTS and LOTS of buttons that I don't know how to use yet!

LOVE: I will get a 19" HDTV in 8 - 12 weeks (FREE)
HATE: One of my older TVs might not last that long - the picture is blue - until it warms up after about a 1/2 hour !! (But the picture looks awesome - eventually)

LOVE: Verizon FIOS Internet
LOVE: It's fast .................
HATE: I was without the Internet for the entire day on Saturday !!

LOVE: Wireless capability
HATE: I had to go buy a wireless adapter for the computer because the hookup is in the basement and the computer is STILL in the dining room ...

LOVE: That the insurance company fixed the damages in the kitchen.
HATE: The kitchen, for some unknown reason*, has dishes in the sink - and the dishwasher works now!

LOVE: That the insurance company is going to repair the hole in the ceiling of the basement.
HATE: That it isn't done yet - hence, the reason the computer is still in the dining room

LOVE: That the insurance company is going to paint the ENTIRE basement
HATE: That it hasn't been done yet - since the hole is still in the ceiling!

LOVE: That the insurance company is going to paint the ENTIRE basement
HATE: The basement is still in total disarray - since the hole is still in the ceiling!

LOVE: My Home Owners Insurance Company
HATE: That I am getting impatient !!!!!!!

LOVE: That I received several gift cards for my birthday (Thanks Mom and Dad and SJ)
HATE: That I couldn't find a single pair of jeans that fit me properly.

LOVE: That I received several gift cards for my birthday
HATE: That I came home with ONLY 2 blouses !!

LOVE: That I had money (gift cards) to spend ...
HATE: That I couldn't spend it ALL - TODAY !!

LOVE: That I am going to take my dieting SERIOUSLY again starting tomorrow.
HATE: That I am going to probably be hungry and cranky for the next few days.

LOVE: That I have a new (to me) digital camera (just like SJ's old one)
HATE: That I haven't had time to even look at it and figure it out.

LOVE: That I have blog friends who have given me awards.
HATE: That I haven't posted about them and given out the proper thanks.

LOVE: That I have blog friends who have tagged me for a meme.
HATE: That I haven't done them yet.

LOVE: Fun Monday
HATE: I didn't sign up this week (the assignment scared me - I'm not all that creative when it comes to writing a story) AND it is supposed to be a movie trailer about your life (didn't want to scare anyone else!)

* I have been greatly overwhelmed lately (work, family, home, normal every day things ... really) - I don't seem to have enough time in a day/week to get everything done that I need/want to get done. I get frustrated (and the tears sometimes just fall too easily) and I don't know where to start. It's a slow and never ending process ...

Happy Leap Year Day !!

2008-02-29T08:18:00.003-05:00

You won't have another chance to

eat chocolate

on February 29th

for 3 more years.

Do you want to let an opportunity

like this go by?

Dark Chocolate ROCKS !!

Public Service Announcement !!

2008-02-27T23:08:00.003-05:00

Digital Picture Frames Contain New Trojan Virus

A computer security vendor has identified a new data-stealing Trojan Horse virus coming from different brands of digital photo frames made in China. The Mocmex virus infects PCs when connected to the digital frames sold at Best Buy, Costco, Target and Sam's Club stores. The virus is programmed to steal passwords for online games. But Computer Associates has analyzed Mocmex and found it can do more damage to PCs because it is immune from anti-virus software from more than 100 security vendors and can penetrate firewalls of the Microsoft Windows operating system. It is believed that Mocmex can capture something and leave no traces. (AllHeadlineNews 19Feb08)

Fun Monday - # 29 - Names and Plates

2008-02-25T21:26:00.008-05:00

This week's hostess is Mariposa (AKA Ms. Butterfly) of Mariposa's Tales. (when you post late in the day as I most often do, you can check the already posted posts and it is amazing what you learn! (I never knew what Ms Cellania meant - now I feel rather SLOW because I had never figured it out on my own!)

The assignment is:

(1) Please share to us how the NAME of your BLOG was made? I can't wait to hear interesting funny stories!

(2) Please share to us (in words or photo, though a combination of both will be a bonus!) your favorite/ most common dish!

(1) The name - not real original - just a fact !! I am THE FIRST OF SIX children in my family.

I have 3 brothers - LM (who somehow has cleared out all of his posts, then became lazy, I guess - well ... this week, he is on a cruise with his wife, celebrating their 30th Anniversary, so he has an excuse!), DM (non-blogger, but I think he reads) and SM (another non-blogger whom we haven't crossed over yet!).

I have 2 sisters - LB and the baby of the clan (and who started it all for us) - the infamous SJ !!

That's it - in a nutshell !!

Now I just need to convince (at least) the three of them to become FUN MONDAY ers.

(2) The plate - since I am supposed to be dieting ... I didn't prepare my favorite dish, in fear that I would eat it all in one sitting.

So, on one of my favorite dishes (how convenient that Valentines Day just passed) is a "dish" that is currently a favorite - it is allowed (in moderation) on the South Beach Diet ....

DARK CHOCOLATE HERSHEY KISSES

and

DOVE DARK CHOCOLATE

Almost Heaven !!

I just ate two of the Dove chocolates ... these are "Rich Dark Chocolate with Almonds". Just a wee bit disappointed though ... the original "Rich Dark Chocolate" ones (in my opinion) are SO much tastier!

And the PROMISES messages were:

Go against the grain.

Discover yourself.

Make sure you go and visit Mariposa to check out everyone's story. It's going to be late night for me (reading) ... I just know it!

Observations

2008-02-24T21:39:00.003-05:00

When your nails haven't seen the light of day in ten years plus ...

because you have had them covered in acrylic all that time ...

and you get lazy and don't go to have them "filled" ...

and they start falling off (or you peel them off) ...

then you decide to let them grow naturally again ....

and they are paper thin ...

DON'T put post earrings in your ears ...

Because it is almost impossible to get them out !!!

(I don't know what hurt worse ... my nubby fingers or my ears !!)

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

When you are walking around antique shops just for something to do ...
And you see a sign for vintage clothing ...

DON'T STOP IN AND TAKE A PEEK ...

Because the clothes they are calling vintage -
ARE JUST LIKE THE CLOTHES ...
I WORE IN HIGH SCHOOL !!!

(Clothes from the 70's aren't quite vintage in my opinion!)
... and I could be quite wealthy if I still had them ...

I'm a Guilty Neighbor - Kinda!!

2008-02-20T19:43:00.006-05:00

Remember this from back in the early part of January?

As of this morning, it looks SO MUCH better !!

The contractor was supposed to be here this morning between 7 and 7:30 AM. The phone rings at 7:32 AM and a very apologetic voice tells me that he is sorry that he is late, but he is stuck in traffic on I-95. I told him "No problem, I deal with the same thing each and every weekday morning." I settle down on the couch and wait. I catch a glimpse of a work type van pull into the neighbor's parking spot and immediately think, "Oh SH*T!". Shortly after, the door bell rings. The very nice gentleman comes into my kitchen to take measurements, then goes back out to his van to cut the wood. I hear a vehicle start up and immediately think to myself - OMG, she's come home! (I never knew what time she returns in the morning, because, well, I am already at work!)

He returns, with a silly little grin on his face. I say to him "She made you move, didn't she?" He asks me if she is for real? He was out in his van, cutting the wood (he intentionally parked where there were no cars, so that the sawdust would not get on anyone's car), neighbor pulls up - very snottily (his words) asks - AND what company are you with? He politely tells her and she says back to him - YOU ARE PARKED IN MY SPOT - MOVE IT OR GET TOWED. He very politely says OK and moves over to my other neighbor's spot (she doesn't have issues like the other one does).

He finishes his work and gets ready to leave. Neighbor's car is the only one out there in that section. He turns back to me and says "I hope she gets snowed in".

It tried to snow ....

Such a disappointment !!

Kids Say The Darndest Things !

2008-02-20T19:31:00.002-05:00

Saw this in the newspaper today - in a column titled "Apologies to Art Linkletter" ... Just had to share !!

"When my daughter was 4, she would often help feed her baby brother. With the first spoonful, she would cheerfully say. "Bone up to eat!"

After many feedings and many discreet chuckles on my part, I finally decided to gently correct her one day and said, "Honey, it's actually "bon appetit'"

She scowled and stubbornly insisted: "No it's not! It's 'Bone up to eat!' I said: "No, really. It's 'bon appetit.' It's French."

She pauses and then declared, "Well, I'm saying it in ENGLISH!""

- Cindy Holliday, Springfield

Fun Monday - # 28 - Things That Make You Laugh !

2008-02-17T17:25:00.004-05:00

Sayre from Sayre Smiles is still in the groove from last week's FUN Fun Monday and wants us to have some more FUN!! -

Her assignment to all of us is:

Every day as I go to work, I see things around me that make me laugh. Usually these are in the forms of signs. So take your camera with you as you go about your business and take a picture of the things that make you laugh along the way (but it doesn't necessarily HAVE to be a sign).

This isn't a sign ... but it makes me laugh each and every time I see it !!

I live in a townhouse community and each of us have 2 parking spaces reserved for us to use. My next door neighbor (across the common area) lives next door to a young lady who just happens to have a LOT of company coming and going!

SO ....

she parks her vehicle ACROSS BOTH SPOTS just enough so that no one can park in the extra spot !!

She only has one vehicle.

I rarely see anyone come to visit her.

AND she works at night !!

But, it really ticks her off, if someone parks in her spot. She even asks if we have seen any one park there when she isn't home !

There are so many more important things in life to be concerned about - so, I chuckle to myself EACH and EVERY time !!

Please take some time to visit Sayre and laugh with everyone !!

Is it wrong that I knew ALL the words to the song in the video that is on Sayre's Fun Monday site ??

Happy President's Day !!