Regardless of what you celebrate this holiday season,
May your days be jolly and your heart joyful!
Happy
Days!A little Sugar Plum flashback for those from the PPAC!
Crazy dog
12 years ago
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
I'm Back
Betcha didn't even know I was gone!
We left Saturday morning to do our annual trip East for the holidays. We always spend Christmas Eve with my dad's side.
Instead of giving you the play-by-play of who we visited... I'll just leave it at we visited with my dad's side; extended family on my grandmother's side (people from out of town who I don't know if I've seen them in the last 20 years); and my mom's mom & sister. :) It was a good visit. Always too short, but I made as much of it that I could.
The only pictures I took were today of Sami. Here they are...
Hold On Tight!
Hop High!
Tomorrow is our time with all of Keith's (immediate) family...
And my "holiday" with my mom, well, I don't know when that will be yet. Hopefully soon.
We left Saturday morning to do our annual trip East for the holidays. We always spend Christmas Eve with my dad's side.
Instead of giving you the play-by-play of who we visited... I'll just leave it at we visited with my dad's side; extended family on my grandmother's side (people from out of town who I don't know if I've seen them in the last 20 years); and my mom's mom & sister. :) It was a good visit. Always too short, but I made as much of it that I could.
The only pictures I took were today of Sami. Here they are...
Hold On Tight!
Hop High!
Tomorrow is our time with all of Keith's (immediate) family...
And my "holiday" with my mom, well, I don't know when that will be yet. Hopefully soon.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Brrr
Well, another snow day has occurred. It is currently 21 degrees, but feels like 6. Only 20 mph winds at the moment, but it could reach 55. Yay, I love, I mean loath, winter. :(
Oh yeah, my 4 wheel drive still isn't working. Keith has been working so diligently on it. Other than for watching the disappointing football game yesterday, he was strictly working on it. (This was not a happy house.) For all his efforts I hope he figures it out -- he's earned the right to say it was him. That & his labor is cheap. With his work being seasonal (tis the season for no income) & my pay being "hourly" (& less are available to use with 'snow days')... cheap is good. Cost, not quality though. But I'm sure that's everybody's story. Especially this time of the year -- between the holidays & gas money for traveling near & far... the wallet does get thin.
Only 8 more days for you procrastinator shoppers out there. (Keith's name is somewhere on that list.)
Oh yeah, my 4 wheel drive still isn't working. Keith has been working so diligently on it. Other than for watching the disappointing football game yesterday, he was strictly working on it. (This was not a happy house.) For all his efforts I hope he figures it out -- he's earned the right to say it was him. That & his labor is cheap. With his work being seasonal (tis the season for no income) & my pay being "hourly" (& less are available to use with 'snow days')... cheap is good. Cost, not quality though. But I'm sure that's everybody's story. Especially this time of the year -- between the holidays & gas money for traveling near & far... the wallet does get thin.
Only 8 more days for you procrastinator shoppers out there. (Keith's name is somewhere on that list.)
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Tis the Season
These cartoon classics are featured every winter on a local news station. I've wanted to share them for quite some time but didn't know how. Today YouTube dawned on me... obviously I was successful!
I hope you enjoy them!! :)
Suzy Snowflake
Frosty the Snowman
Hardrock, Coco, and Joe
I hope you enjoy them!! :)
Suzy Snowflake
Frosty the Snowman
Hardrock, Coco, and Joe
Monday, December 10, 2007
Photos, Part 2
Kathleen & my Mom
The pictures aren't nearly as exciting & energetic as the ones with somersaults and hopscotch... but the turn around rate for receiving them (after my latest public request) -- that's something to be amazed about!
Mom, Gramma & Myself
(Keith said something silly... I don't remember what...)
Our Photographer
The pictures aren't nearly as exciting & energetic as the ones with somersaults and hopscotch... but the turn around rate for receiving them (after my latest public request) -- that's something to be amazed about!Mom, Gramma & Myself
(Keith said something silly... I don't remember what...)
Our Photographer
Sunday, December 09, 2007
What?!? It's December!
Ok, so this month has snuck up on me. I can't believe that a week of December has already gone by. It's nearly the holiday season... Pretty soon it will be 2008! AHHHHHHH!
I'm wanting to post "Photos Part 2" from my Thanksgiving travels. I've been politely waiting on receiving the pictures from another source. (*clear throat here*) Her camera was working better than mine... (Boo hoo... I've found a fault with my camera -- low light levels.) Maybe seeing the reference to her here (*clear throat again*), will motivate an e-mail containing photos. (No hint or anything.)
Snow has arrive here. Too bad my 4 wheel drive decided not to work. Perhaps it happened this summer, I really don't know. However when I needed it Monday to get home from work, it was not there. :( Not to worry, I made it home safe & sound. It just took a lot longer to get there. Keith's been working & researching diligently to fix the problem. However it is turning out to be quite the irritating challenge. [If anyone knows anything about the workings of 4 wheel drive, push button, not lever... :) He may have already tried it, but then again, maybe it will inspire the correct answer.]
This weekend has not turned out to be the fun eventful weekend I was hoping. Still busy nonetheless, but not as expected. If you read "Under a Tree and Dreaming," you'd know what we were supposed to do... alas a death in her family occurred & sadder plans developed. (To those who were supposed to attend, I'm sorry we didn't get to hang out & KC I'm really sorry about your great aunt.) Meanwhile I worked my fingers for hours upon hours to finish creating some holiday cards to send out. (Refer back to my "What?!? It's December!" feeling.) I was under the impression that there was a 5pm postal pick up nearby, only to find out at 4:55pm that the last one was at 2:30. At least the thought of a deadline made my day productive. I didn't have enough supplies to make everyone a homemade card, but those that have come to expect & look forward to them won't be disappointed. I tried something new this year -- instead of just cut paper, I used metal rimmed tags, raised epoxy stickers & rub-on images. Hopefully they are Post Office friendly & actually get to those intended. If not, well happy holidays discarded bin at the local post office. (So if you don't get on from me... I didn't forget you, really, they were slaved over. And if I did forget you... I mean, I didn't, it's at the post office too.)
We put up the tree last night. (Mulder is thrilled -- the branches make great dental floss!) I give all the credit to Keith. (Bow down to him, we're not worthy.) He was motivated & initiated the whole thing. As he added branches & strung lights, I unbent the bent branches to point in every which way. It was my best effort to turn a flattened blob into a respectable artificial tree (a year, or two [I don't remember if we put it up last year] of being cramped in boxes can make it pretty, well, unpretty or would that be 'nonpretty'...). While the star is already on top, we still have ornaments to attach and presents to wrap (I'm at least on the ball with that part -- the attaining that is, not the wrapping), but it's a start. No pressure, still have 16 more days 'til the deadline...
Today perhaps we'll get to some ornaments. Or not. Thinking about the day there is a lot going on... laundry, cleaning, bridal shower, family birthday dinner, football game (not that I'll be glued to the game, but that means Keith will not be available for anything productive). Don't forget we desperately need some groceries! The list just gets bigger doesn't it?
Oh, random bit... Yesterday I was called away from card making with an odd request. Let see how many of you get this one. "Smell the fish tanks for me. Tell me which one smells worse." So... how many of you raised your hands?
Last thing for today. (Or now at least.) In my morning internet surfing I came across an article on "regifting." Tis the season, so I thought I'd share. I don't know if you're a believer in regifting or not, either way you might get something out of the article. I think you should be able to give a gift for silliness sake, just follow up with "you can regift it if you want."
Since another hour has gone by, I should get moving. I am doing laundry as we speak, but I could & should be doing other things too. So if I don't get back to this for an undetermined amount of time. Sorry & have a happy holiday season!
I'm wanting to post "Photos Part 2" from my Thanksgiving travels. I've been politely waiting on receiving the pictures from another source. (*clear throat here*) Her camera was working better than mine... (Boo hoo... I've found a fault with my camera -- low light levels.) Maybe seeing the reference to her here (*clear throat again*), will motivate an e-mail containing photos. (No hint or anything.)
Snow has arrive here. Too bad my 4 wheel drive decided not to work. Perhaps it happened this summer, I really don't know. However when I needed it Monday to get home from work, it was not there. :( Not to worry, I made it home safe & sound. It just took a lot longer to get there. Keith's been working & researching diligently to fix the problem. However it is turning out to be quite the irritating challenge. [If anyone knows anything about the workings of 4 wheel drive, push button, not lever... :) He may have already tried it, but then again, maybe it will inspire the correct answer.]
This weekend has not turned out to be the fun eventful weekend I was hoping. Still busy nonetheless, but not as expected. If you read "Under a Tree and Dreaming," you'd know what we were supposed to do... alas a death in her family occurred & sadder plans developed. (To those who were supposed to attend, I'm sorry we didn't get to hang out & KC I'm really sorry about your great aunt.) Meanwhile I worked my fingers for hours upon hours to finish creating some holiday cards to send out. (Refer back to my "What?!? It's December!" feeling.) I was under the impression that there was a 5pm postal pick up nearby, only to find out at 4:55pm that the last one was at 2:30. At least the thought of a deadline made my day productive. I didn't have enough supplies to make everyone a homemade card, but those that have come to expect & look forward to them won't be disappointed. I tried something new this year -- instead of just cut paper, I used metal rimmed tags, raised epoxy stickers & rub-on images. Hopefully they are Post Office friendly & actually get to those intended. If not, well happy holidays discarded bin at the local post office. (So if you don't get on from me... I didn't forget you, really, they were slaved over. And if I did forget you... I mean, I didn't, it's at the post office too.)
We put up the tree last night. (Mulder is thrilled -- the branches make great dental floss!) I give all the credit to Keith. (Bow down to him, we're not worthy.) He was motivated & initiated the whole thing. As he added branches & strung lights, I unbent the bent branches to point in every which way. It was my best effort to turn a flattened blob into a respectable artificial tree (a year, or two [I don't remember if we put it up last year] of being cramped in boxes can make it pretty, well, unpretty or would that be 'nonpretty'...). While the star is already on top, we still have ornaments to attach and presents to wrap (I'm at least on the ball with that part -- the attaining that is, not the wrapping), but it's a start. No pressure, still have 16 more days 'til the deadline...
Today perhaps we'll get to some ornaments. Or not. Thinking about the day there is a lot going on... laundry, cleaning, bridal shower, family birthday dinner, football game (not that I'll be glued to the game, but that means Keith will not be available for anything productive). Don't forget we desperately need some groceries! The list just gets bigger doesn't it?
Oh, random bit... Yesterday I was called away from card making with an odd request. Let see how many of you get this one. "Smell the fish tanks for me. Tell me which one smells worse." So... how many of you raised your hands?
Last thing for today. (Or now at least.) In my morning internet surfing I came across an article on "regifting." Tis the season, so I thought I'd share. I don't know if you're a believer in regifting or not, either way you might get something out of the article. I think you should be able to give a gift for silliness sake, just follow up with "you can regift it if you want."
Since another hour has gone by, I should get moving. I am doing laundry as we speak, but I could & should be doing other things too. So if I don't get back to this for an undetermined amount of time. Sorry & have a happy holiday season!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Holiday continuation
As a brief continuation to the story...
My grandmother (dad's mom) returned home from a walk sometime when I was using the computer. So I visited with her & had some dinner (or supper, whichever you call the evening meal, we always confuse each other on our afternoon & evening meals!). . . . When my mom was done with her kibitzing over Italian sandwiches, she came over to visit with my aunt & her family -- got to meet Sami for the first time even! Then as the evening wore on I hung out more with my dad & Marcy. Got to give him his belated birthday gift. At this point I don't recall many of the specifics (I should have gotten to this sooner so it would be fresher in my mind... That & the times that I did try I was having blogger issues (as in the site, not as an adjective describing me). So the delay wasn't entirely my fault. Anywho...)
The next day we went out for breakfast, as I mentioned. Had some really good pumpkin pancakes on the breakfast buffet. Yum! My recommendation for certain. After that, I was just waiting on my ride (my mom)... I'm not used to being without a vehicle there. Oh well. Once she was available we stopped one last time to see my grandmother (her mom). Then we were off. Sort of... We stopped at a truly Berks grocery store to get some ring bologna & a very delicious Pennsylvania Dutch soft pretzel (I'd like to know what makes them that, nevertheless, it was GOOD!). But that's not all, we also stopped (for quite some time due to my repeated circling of the store) at Ten Thousand Villages. If there is one near you, & you've never been, go. Another recommendation from me. Then we were (really) on the road back to my house.
That evening we tortured Keith with Hairspray (just long enough to eat Chinese, then he left -- guess musicals aren't his thing!). The next day we did a little shopping & started to make my rumballs for the holidays. We didn't get through it all together since she had to be back on the road to make her way back to her own house -- another 3 1/2 hours for that one! Including a few breaks here & there, it took me nearly as long as her drive to finish the rumballs! (Sure hope they taste good after all that!)
And that's the end of the story. Hope your holiday was a good one too! :)
My grandmother (dad's mom) returned home from a walk sometime when I was using the computer. So I visited with her & had some dinner (or supper, whichever you call the evening meal, we always confuse each other on our afternoon & evening meals!). . . . When my mom was done with her kibitzing over Italian sandwiches, she came over to visit with my aunt & her family -- got to meet Sami for the first time even! Then as the evening wore on I hung out more with my dad & Marcy. Got to give him his belated birthday gift. At this point I don't recall many of the specifics (I should have gotten to this sooner so it would be fresher in my mind... That & the times that I did try I was having blogger issues (as in the site, not as an adjective describing me). So the delay wasn't entirely my fault. Anywho...)
The next day we went out for breakfast, as I mentioned. Had some really good pumpkin pancakes on the breakfast buffet. Yum! My recommendation for certain. After that, I was just waiting on my ride (my mom)... I'm not used to being without a vehicle there. Oh well. Once she was available we stopped one last time to see my grandmother (her mom). Then we were off. Sort of... We stopped at a truly Berks grocery store to get some ring bologna & a very delicious Pennsylvania Dutch soft pretzel (I'd like to know what makes them that, nevertheless, it was GOOD!). But that's not all, we also stopped (for quite some time due to my repeated circling of the store) at Ten Thousand Villages. If there is one near you, & you've never been, go. Another recommendation from me. Then we were (really) on the road back to my house.
That evening we tortured Keith with Hairspray (just long enough to eat Chinese, then he left -- guess musicals aren't his thing!). The next day we did a little shopping & started to make my rumballs for the holidays. We didn't get through it all together since she had to be back on the road to make her way back to her own house -- another 3 1/2 hours for that one! Including a few breaks here & there, it took me nearly as long as her drive to finish the rumballs! (Sure hope they taste good after all that!)
And that's the end of the story. Hope your holiday was a good one too! :)
Photo Update, Part 1
Just a few pictures with the new hopscotch...
A little bit of jumping, some napping, somersaults...
Claudia, Sami & Mommom -- such cuties!
Shake It!
Remember... Always Rock On!
Friday, November 23, 2007
So far so good
I'm sitting here with no one around... since the internet is available I thought hey, why not do a little blogging!
A recap...
We got moving bright & early yesterday, without too many delays even (our goal was 8:30 & we were out of there around 8:40 -- pretty good I'd say!). We made it to my cousin's with time to spare (first to arrive for that matter!). The small masses (dad's side of the family) arrived bit by bit for us to have our holiday meal around 1pm. After that we just hung out for quite some time. Little bit of socializing, drinking, football viewing... Sami was certainly on center stage. She's such a cutie! [I'll have to add photos later when I can either figure out my dad's computer or get home & do it there.]
I can't blame it on the turkey, so I'll have to say between the long car ride, lack of normal activity, and perhaps the turkey, I was exhausted. (Oh yeah, still not sleeping well -- that definately adds to it!) The four of us (Tami, Tim, Keith & myself) attempted to watch a movie before bedtime -- Tami & I missed some of it, but I still got the general idea. It was "The Insider" -- not one I recognized or would have thought to rent, but it was pretty good (It was all about Big Tobacco being exposed.). And since it was a long one, even with my occasional naps I could still follow the story line.
Then this morning Keith & I went to IHOP to meet my mom, grandmother & aunt (mom's side of the family) for a late breakfast before my aunt was starting her trek home. That place was crowded! It was good we got there first -- we waited a half hour outside, in the cold weather before they got there. There is no way my grandmother could have waited that long, let alone outside standing. (There was absolutely no room to wait inside -- both waiting area or between the sets of doors.) Keith's theory behind the place being so small: "If you're waiting, it has too be good. Right?" Good rationalizing dear! (Afterall, it was his pick!) And it was good. We're both fans of breakfast food. (Since I don't get to eat all the wonderful breakfast foods at breakfast (no time for all that prep work), we often have them for dinner. His sister is quite amused by that!)
Anyway... My aunt was on the road again (the tune immediately pops in my head with that phrase "on the road again...") and my mom was taking my grandmother home... so we briefly stopped in to see my dad at work. Then to my grandmother's (same one) for some kibitzing (Verb #2) and picture taking... [Again, will have pictures for this later...]
When it was time for Keith to hit the road, he dropped me off in W. Reading... with no one to say good bye to. Not at my grandmother's, dad's or aunt's... I know my dad & aunt are working, but I don't know where anyone else is. The dogs are definately over home -- they came to the door promptly when I knocked, but no one with an opposable thumb to open the door! (By the by, "over home" is simply a phrase we, the family members, have taken on to refer to my aunt's house. Which actually used to by my house too when my parents were married... so it's 'home' for us all. Geographically it is two doors down from my dad/grandmother's current house. I want to start talking about the neighborhood & structure of the row homes, but I know that would really start a ramble... So I'll cut myself off here.)
(I just think I'm getting a bit punchy. Lack of sleep. No one to talk to... Ramblings to entertain myself... sorry.)
Let's see... I was intending to use this time to do more visiting. But there's no one to visit with. Not that I really want to, but I can't even go do shopping without a car. The outlets are within walking distance, but it's cold out (& I finally feel warm). That and I prefer to shop with someone than alone. (I don't count strangers. I don't enjoy the crowd in the slightest bit.) So I guess I'll just try to keep busy until later. After dinner I know I'll get more visiting in when my mom & grandma return (they'll be off soon to visit with more family & enjoy their Italian sandwiches - part of their tradition...) to see my aunt & cousin (opposite sides of the family). So I should have more pictures then too.
Tomorrow... Sometime after breakfast with my dad & Marcy, my mom & I will follow the turnpike to colder weather at my house... Until then, behave Keith! :)
Ok, rambling time over. Hope everyone had a peaceful & all around good holiday!
A recap...
We got moving bright & early yesterday, without too many delays even (our goal was 8:30 & we were out of there around 8:40 -- pretty good I'd say!). We made it to my cousin's with time to spare (first to arrive for that matter!). The small masses (dad's side of the family) arrived bit by bit for us to have our holiday meal around 1pm. After that we just hung out for quite some time. Little bit of socializing, drinking, football viewing... Sami was certainly on center stage. She's such a cutie! [I'll have to add photos later when I can either figure out my dad's computer or get home & do it there.]
I can't blame it on the turkey, so I'll have to say between the long car ride, lack of normal activity, and perhaps the turkey, I was exhausted. (Oh yeah, still not sleeping well -- that definately adds to it!) The four of us (Tami, Tim, Keith & myself) attempted to watch a movie before bedtime -- Tami & I missed some of it, but I still got the general idea. It was "The Insider" -- not one I recognized or would have thought to rent, but it was pretty good (It was all about Big Tobacco being exposed.). And since it was a long one, even with my occasional naps I could still follow the story line.
Then this morning Keith & I went to IHOP to meet my mom, grandmother & aunt (mom's side of the family) for a late breakfast before my aunt was starting her trek home. That place was crowded! It was good we got there first -- we waited a half hour outside, in the cold weather before they got there. There is no way my grandmother could have waited that long, let alone outside standing. (There was absolutely no room to wait inside -- both waiting area or between the sets of doors.) Keith's theory behind the place being so small: "If you're waiting, it has too be good. Right?" Good rationalizing dear! (Afterall, it was his pick!) And it was good. We're both fans of breakfast food. (Since I don't get to eat all the wonderful breakfast foods at breakfast (no time for all that prep work), we often have them for dinner. His sister is quite amused by that!)
Anyway... My aunt was on the road again (the tune immediately pops in my head with that phrase "on the road again...") and my mom was taking my grandmother home... so we briefly stopped in to see my dad at work. Then to my grandmother's (same one) for some kibitzing (Verb #2) and picture taking... [Again, will have pictures for this later...]
When it was time for Keith to hit the road, he dropped me off in W. Reading... with no one to say good bye to. Not at my grandmother's, dad's or aunt's... I know my dad & aunt are working, but I don't know where anyone else is. The dogs are definately over home -- they came to the door promptly when I knocked, but no one with an opposable thumb to open the door! (By the by, "over home" is simply a phrase we, the family members, have taken on to refer to my aunt's house. Which actually used to by my house too when my parents were married... so it's 'home' for us all. Geographically it is two doors down from my dad/grandmother's current house. I want to start talking about the neighborhood & structure of the row homes, but I know that would really start a ramble... So I'll cut myself off here.)
(I just think I'm getting a bit punchy. Lack of sleep. No one to talk to... Ramblings to entertain myself... sorry.)
Let's see... I was intending to use this time to do more visiting. But there's no one to visit with. Not that I really want to, but I can't even go do shopping without a car. The outlets are within walking distance, but it's cold out (& I finally feel warm). That and I prefer to shop with someone than alone. (I don't count strangers. I don't enjoy the crowd in the slightest bit.) So I guess I'll just try to keep busy until later. After dinner I know I'll get more visiting in when my mom & grandma return (they'll be off soon to visit with more family & enjoy their Italian sandwiches - part of their tradition...) to see my aunt & cousin (opposite sides of the family). So I should have more pictures then too.
Tomorrow... Sometime after breakfast with my dad & Marcy, my mom & I will follow the turnpike to colder weather at my house... Until then, behave Keith! :)
Ok, rambling time over. Hope everyone had a peaceful & all around good holiday!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Happy Turkey Day
Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Tomorrow morning, bright & early, we will be hitting the road to arrive just in time for a feast with my dad & family. Hopefully we'll have enough time to see & visit with everyone. I'll be returning home Saturday with my mom (she's already there) while Keith will be arriving home Friday.
For all others traveling too... be safe & enjoy the hard work of others!
For all others traveling too... be safe & enjoy the hard work of others!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Eew, gross
I was cleaning out my e-mail inbox & found a site my mom sent to me. Here's her description of the site:
So I went to check it out. Not exactly what I was expecting! The first thing I saw was a mouse-mouse on the main page. I'm sure it (the main page) looked nothing like that when she saw it... With that, it may change again when you go to check it out. Here's the Mouse-Mouse direction page so you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Gross.
You can find instructions on making all kinds of things (weird and otherwise), e.g. a toothbrush laboratory or a duct tape wallet or homemade play-doe. You never can tell what you'll find.
So I went to check it out. Not exactly what I was expecting! The first thing I saw was a mouse-mouse on the main page. I'm sure it (the main page) looked nothing like that when she saw it... With that, it may change again when you go to check it out. Here's the Mouse-Mouse direction page so you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Gross.
Monday, November 12, 2007
My visit
A day & hundreds of miles later...
Friday we had sitters & the 3 adults got to go to the movies. Two different ones in fact -- according to the ticket lady, it's the way to keep marriages going. KC & I saw "Martian Child" & Will saw "Dan In Real Life" -- thumbs up all around. Then for our late night dinner. I managed to get 4 blueberry bagels for under a buck. I guess that's the late night special! Works for us -- breakfast the next day was taken care of. (And the last day for that matter!)
Saturday KC & I managed to escape to Grove City for a little shopping. Only after we found a parking space -- that took a lot of driving to accomplish. But we did & managed to find some good buys. As well as some stores to bypass all together -- that place was crowded! (Spouses & kiddos are best at home!)
Sunday we took Mo & made our way to Ikea. We had one hour to peruse while Mo enjoyed the company of other munchkins & a pit of colorful balls. (I think she had a good time... Her grumply pants were put on with her coat when it was time to go.) KC & I were able to put our long lost techie skills to work loading the vehicle. It was a breeze! After that we were off to Max & Ermas -- thee best place for soft pretzels & cheese -- I highly recommend it!
It was a great visit. I hope the future ones aren't too far & few inbetween. :)
Friday we had sitters & the 3 adults got to go to the movies. Two different ones in fact -- according to the ticket lady, it's the way to keep marriages going. KC & I saw "Martian Child" & Will saw "Dan In Real Life" -- thumbs up all around. Then for our late night dinner. I managed to get 4 blueberry bagels for under a buck. I guess that's the late night special! Works for us -- breakfast the next day was taken care of. (And the last day for that matter!)
Saturday KC & I managed to escape to Grove City for a little shopping. Only after we found a parking space -- that took a lot of driving to accomplish. But we did & managed to find some good buys. As well as some stores to bypass all together -- that place was crowded! (Spouses & kiddos are best at home!)
Sunday we took Mo & made our way to Ikea. We had one hour to peruse while Mo enjoyed the company of other munchkins & a pit of colorful balls. (I think she had a good time... Her grumply pants were put on with her coat when it was time to go.) KC & I were able to put our long lost techie skills to work loading the vehicle. It was a breeze! After that we were off to Max & Ermas -- thee best place for soft pretzels & cheese -- I highly recommend it!
It was a great visit. I hope the future ones aren't too far & few inbetween. :)
Saturday, November 10, 2007
What A Week
It's been a crazy week. I feel like I'm all over the place -- mentally, physically, the whole kit-n-kaboodle. (What does that mean anyway?)
A few weeks ago I was planning and looking forward to a trip to visit a friend over the upcoming long weekend. Then plans were changed for my sister-in-law renewing her vows (short story version). Still could travel, just had to delay things. But hey, that's a happy reason, so I can't complain. As the work week approached there was just a mental craziness, trying to adjust my schedule to make up some hours for the short week (added on top of an atypical routine for the child I work with, thus a strange routine for myself as well...) I don't know about you, but Sunday morning rolls in & I'm already thinking about work. (Just can't ever enjoy the last day off -- why is that?!?!) Anyway, get myself settled into my "odd" week, the as I'm getting myself ready for bed Monday night, we have sad news hit... Keith's Grandmother passed away. Painlessly & with a long loving life behind her. And with many, many loved ones to cherish her in their memories -- 9 children of her own, their children and her children's children. (I think there were 26 great-grandchildren mentioned in the newspaper.)
After the large (& by that I mean HUGE) gathering of people to celebrate Leona's life I was able to continue with my travels & visit loved ones. Now I sit across the room as KC sleeps off a headache -- nothing exciting, just motherhood... that & a late night of sharing a good movie & (an attempt at) highlighting her hair.
It's been a long week.
A few weeks ago I was planning and looking forward to a trip to visit a friend over the upcoming long weekend. Then plans were changed for my sister-in-law renewing her vows (short story version). Still could travel, just had to delay things. But hey, that's a happy reason, so I can't complain. As the work week approached there was just a mental craziness, trying to adjust my schedule to make up some hours for the short week (added on top of an atypical routine for the child I work with, thus a strange routine for myself as well...) I don't know about you, but Sunday morning rolls in & I'm already thinking about work. (Just can't ever enjoy the last day off -- why is that?!?!) Anyway, get myself settled into my "odd" week, the as I'm getting myself ready for bed Monday night, we have sad news hit... Keith's Grandmother passed away. Painlessly & with a long loving life behind her. And with many, many loved ones to cherish her in their memories -- 9 children of her own, their children and her children's children. (I think there were 26 great-grandchildren mentioned in the newspaper.)
After the large (& by that I mean HUGE) gathering of people to celebrate Leona's life I was able to continue with my travels & visit loved ones. Now I sit across the room as KC sleeps off a headache -- nothing exciting, just motherhood... that & a late night of sharing a good movie & (an attempt at) highlighting her hair.
It's been a long week.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
A Chuckle To Share
EMBARRASSING MEDICAL EXAMS FOR ALL YOU MEDICALLY MINDED PEOPLE!
1. A man comes into the ER and yells, "My wife's going to have her baby In the cab!" I grabbed my stuff, rushed out to the cab, lifted the lady's Dress, and began to take off her underwear. Suddenly, I noticed that there Were several cabs -- and I was in the wrong one.
Submitted by Dr. Mark MacDonald, San Antonio , TX
2. At the beginning of my shift, I placed a stethoscope on an elderly and slightly deaf female patient's interior chest wall. "Big breaths," I instructed. "Yes, they used to be," replied the patient.
Submitted by Dr. Richard Byrnes, Seattle , WA
3. One day I had to be the bearer of bad news when I told a wife that her husband had died of a massive myocardial infarct. Not more than five minutes later, I heard her reporting to the rest of the family that he had died of a "massive internal fart."
Submitted by Dr. Susan Steinberg
4. During a patient's two week follow-up appointment with his Cardiologist, he informed me, his doctor, that he was having trouble with one of his medications. "Which one?" I asked. "The patch, the nurse told me to put on a new one every six hours, and now I'm running out of places to put it!" I had him quickly undress, and discovered what I hoped I wouldn't see. Yes, the man had over fifty patches on his body! Now, the instructions include removal of the old patch before applying a new one.
Submitted by Dr. Rebecca St. Clair, Norfolk , VA
5. While acquainting myself with a new elderly patient, I asked, "How long have you been bedridden?" After a look of complete confusion, she answered..."Why, not for about twenty years -- when my husband was alive."
Submitted by Dr. Steven Swanson, Corvallis , OR
6. I was caring for a woman and asked, "So, how's your breakfast this morning?" "It's very good, except for the Kentucky Jelly. I can't seem to get used to the taste," the patient replied. I then asked to see the jelly, and the woman produced a foil packet labeled "KY Jelly."
Submitted by Dr. Leonard Kransdorf, Detroit , MI
7. A nurse was on duty in the emergency room when a young woman with purple hair styled into a punk rocker Mohawk, sporting a variety of tattoos, and wearing strange clothing, entered. It was quickly determined that the patient had acute appendicitis, so she was scheduled for immediate surgery. When she was completely disrobed on the operating table, the staff noticed that her pubic hair had been dyed green, and above it there was a tattoo that read, "Keep off the grass." Once the surgery was completed, the surgeon wrote a short note on the patient's dressing, which said, "Sorry, had to mow the lawn."
Submitted by RN, no name
AND FINALLY!!!............
8. As a new, young MD doing his residency in OB, I was quite embarrassed when performing female pelvic exams. To cover my embarrassment, I had unconsciously formed a habit of whistling softly. The middle-aged lady upon whom I was performing this exam suddenly burst out laughing and further embarrassing me. I looked up from my work and sheepishly said, "I'm sorry. Was I tickling you?" She replied, "No doctor, but the song you were whistling was, "I wish I was an Oscar Meyer Wiener."
Doctor wouldn't submit his name (Can't blame him!)
1. A man comes into the ER and yells, "My wife's going to have her baby In the cab!" I grabbed my stuff, rushed out to the cab, lifted the lady's Dress, and began to take off her underwear. Suddenly, I noticed that there Were several cabs -- and I was in the wrong one.
Submitted by Dr. Mark MacDonald, San Antonio , TX
2. At the beginning of my shift, I placed a stethoscope on an elderly and slightly deaf female patient's interior chest wall. "Big breaths," I instructed. "Yes, they used to be," replied the patient.
Submitted by Dr. Richard Byrnes, Seattle , WA
3. One day I had to be the bearer of bad news when I told a wife that her husband had died of a massive myocardial infarct. Not more than five minutes later, I heard her reporting to the rest of the family that he had died of a "massive internal fart."
Submitted by Dr. Susan Steinberg
4. During a patient's two week follow-up appointment with his Cardiologist, he informed me, his doctor, that he was having trouble with one of his medications. "Which one?" I asked. "The patch, the nurse told me to put on a new one every six hours, and now I'm running out of places to put it!" I had him quickly undress, and discovered what I hoped I wouldn't see. Yes, the man had over fifty patches on his body! Now, the instructions include removal of the old patch before applying a new one.
Submitted by Dr. Rebecca St. Clair, Norfolk , VA
5. While acquainting myself with a new elderly patient, I asked, "How long have you been bedridden?" After a look of complete confusion, she answered..."Why, not for about twenty years -- when my husband was alive."
Submitted by Dr. Steven Swanson, Corvallis , OR
6. I was caring for a woman and asked, "So, how's your breakfast this morning?" "It's very good, except for the Kentucky Jelly. I can't seem to get used to the taste," the patient replied. I then asked to see the jelly, and the woman produced a foil packet labeled "KY Jelly."
Submitted by Dr. Leonard Kransdorf, Detroit , MI
7. A nurse was on duty in the emergency room when a young woman with purple hair styled into a punk rocker Mohawk, sporting a variety of tattoos, and wearing strange clothing, entered. It was quickly determined that the patient had acute appendicitis, so she was scheduled for immediate surgery. When she was completely disrobed on the operating table, the staff noticed that her pubic hair had been dyed green, and above it there was a tattoo that read, "Keep off the grass." Once the surgery was completed, the surgeon wrote a short note on the patient's dressing, which said, "Sorry, had to mow the lawn."
Submitted by RN, no name
AND FINALLY!!!............
8. As a new, young MD doing his residency in OB, I was quite embarrassed when performing female pelvic exams. To cover my embarrassment, I had unconsciously formed a habit of whistling softly. The middle-aged lady upon whom I was performing this exam suddenly burst out laughing and further embarrassing me. I looked up from my work and sheepishly said, "I'm sorry. Was I tickling you?" She replied, "No doctor, but the song you were whistling was, "I wish I was an Oscar Meyer Wiener."
Doctor wouldn't submit his name (Can't blame him!)
Monday, October 22, 2007
Random Bits
I survived the first week of my dreaded paperwork at work. I think I'll live. Enough of the good news... That tone (if you could hear the voice in my head) directly relates to how I've been feeling lately. Feeling Blah, Blue & Green in general.
First for the "Blahs". I've had headaches since last Thursday. I made it through Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday last week with no headaches. And each morning there was fog. (Fog usually translates into sinus headaches -- pressure in the atmosphere, means it's in my head as well.) Well Thursday morning driving to work I actually pieced that together & felt pretty good. (The lack of headaches that is.) Looks like I jinxed myself, because a doozy of one hit me not too much later. Had it still Friday. And had it again Saturday. Not that I'm heartbroken over it, but I guess I missed out on a fun social event right outside my backdoor that night. I was content resting in the dark & quiet, so I'm fine with that.
I don't really recall having a headache yesterday. I may have, but all it really amounted to was the "Blues" for me. I just felt so down in the dumps. No matter what I did I felt miserable. I tried to get some of the unfinished cleaning done, but didn't get very far. (Fortunately I put a good dent in it Saturday.) ... Has house cleaning ever made you mad? I don't mean simply angry, but drove you slightly crazy. That's where I was at yesterday. I got to the point where I had to stop because I felt even worse than before I started.
As usual for a Sunday night, I had a hard time falling asleep. Needless to say, I didn't get enough. So today I was tired & I had another headache. Yippee.
Back to the feeling "Green" part. I'm so ready for a vacation. And what do I get to see, but fun filled vacation pictures from others...
my dad was in Niagara & my 
cousin was on a cruise. All I can do is continue to look forward to our Florida trip in January. When we were in the planning/booking stage, I was definitely excited about it, but that's all done, so all I can do is count down the time. Two months & 27 days to go.
My grandmother sent me a photo of my (other) cousin's little girl, Jasmine. It's only the second picture I've seen of her... Cutie, isn't she?
So tonight I heated up some cider for myself. I do my typical doctoring to it -- make a spice mix of cinnamon, allspice & clove to give it some more flavor. When I broke the cinnamon stick to get it to fit in my tea ball some paper came out of it. Odd. Then as I unrolled it, I realized there were 
words on it. But not in English. Any thoughts? I think it's very strange. 
Smelled good though.
First for the "Blahs". I've had headaches since last Thursday. I made it through Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday last week with no headaches. And each morning there was fog. (Fog usually translates into sinus headaches -- pressure in the atmosphere, means it's in my head as well.) Well Thursday morning driving to work I actually pieced that together & felt pretty good. (The lack of headaches that is.) Looks like I jinxed myself, because a doozy of one hit me not too much later. Had it still Friday. And had it again Saturday. Not that I'm heartbroken over it, but I guess I missed out on a fun social event right outside my backdoor that night. I was content resting in the dark & quiet, so I'm fine with that.
I don't really recall having a headache yesterday. I may have, but all it really amounted to was the "Blues" for me. I just felt so down in the dumps. No matter what I did I felt miserable. I tried to get some of the unfinished cleaning done, but didn't get very far. (Fortunately I put a good dent in it Saturday.) ... Has house cleaning ever made you mad? I don't mean simply angry, but drove you slightly crazy. That's where I was at yesterday. I got to the point where I had to stop because I felt even worse than before I started.
As usual for a Sunday night, I had a hard time falling asleep. Needless to say, I didn't get enough. So today I was tired & I had another headache. Yippee.
Back to the feeling "Green" part. I'm so ready for a vacation. And what do I get to see, but fun filled vacation pictures from others...
my dad was in Niagara & my 
cousin was on a cruise. All I can do is continue to look forward to our Florida trip in January. When we were in the planning/booking stage, I was definitely excited about it, but that's all done, so all I can do is count down the time. Two months & 27 days to go.My grandmother sent me a photo of my (other) cousin's little girl, Jasmine. It's only the second picture I've seen of her... Cutie, isn't she?
So tonight I heated up some cider for myself. I do my typical doctoring to it -- make a spice mix of cinnamon, allspice & clove to give it some more flavor. When I broke the cinnamon stick to get it to fit in my tea ball some paper came out of it. Odd. Then as I unrolled it, I realized there were 
words on it. But not in English. Any thoughts? I think it's very strange. 
Smelled good though.
Monday, October 15, 2007
My day
I was picturing Ziggy opening the blinds one morning, only to find the sun giving him a raspberry. But I couldn't find it. This is all I could really find. (If you know the character, you may be able to picture the comic I'm thinking of.)
*Sigh* I really, rEaLlY, REALLY dislike my new paperwork.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Hi, I'm a Blog Slacker
I admit it. I've been slacking as of late. No rhyme or reason for it. Simply an observable consequence of the behavior. Blogging behavior being the target behavior.
Ok, so some bitterness is escaping from me. This would be from the new paper work we received in the mail the first week of October. Then addressed at our training on the 6th. I have to start using it tomorrow. Lack of excitement on my part. I won't go into anymore detail because that wouldn't be very professional of me. Let's just leave it at 'the paperwork is not thrilling me.'
I did come across something good this week: oven baked french toast. Not only was it nice to use the oven on these suddenly colder days (um, what is up with that!), but it tasted really (REALLY) good. Plus there was no flipping involved. For some reason I have problems with making french toast. It just doesn't turn out the way I want it to. Since it was a very tasty recipe, I will share it with you.
[Personal variations: I sprinkled the slices with more cinnamon & sugar because the first slice always has the most cinnamon & the others get jealous! (I like them to have a lot of cinnamon.) And instead of cutting pieces of butter, I cut a very thin slice & put it on the middle of each piece of bread. (I'm sure the cut pieces make it a tad healthier, but I was going for ease.)]
I haven't been doing much with the garden as late. I think I burnt myself out with all the rock digging. Basically I accomplished what I wanted to, moving the things in the back about. However, I would have liked to have moved some things from the front to the back as well. The cold weather is not encouraging me to get out there though. (Plus we've had some rainy days & I'm not into playing in the mud.)
I was bummed that I missed out on going to the Fall Foliage Festival in Bedford this year. I haven't been there for quite some time & thought this might be the year to get back. It was the same weekend of the training. That & the Applefest in Franklin. A fellow blogger had posted about it & I thought it looked promising. It too was the same weekend. And I realize there's more than one day in the weekend, but I don't like spending all day Sunday traveling in the car. I think it's a mental rebellion for having to get up & go to work the next day. I like to be in my PJs for a good time before getting moving on Sundays. (I get a lot of house work done in my PJs!) . . . So let that be known to people who want to plan events that are out of my area (that want me to attend that is) -- Saturdays are my day trip days. :)
With that, I think my washer is ending it's spin cycle... Laundry calls.
I will try to be less of a slacker. Hopefully I'll have some exciting (or at least less than dull) events to write about. That always makes it a bit more motivating.
P.P. (Post Posting, versus Post Script)
I went back to add links for the festivals & realized the Fall Foliage Festival was also this weekend!!!! ARGH. I did not know that. The cruelty. The irritation. Ignorance was much less irritating.
Ok, so some bitterness is escaping from me. This would be from the new paper work we received in the mail the first week of October. Then addressed at our training on the 6th. I have to start using it tomorrow. Lack of excitement on my part. I won't go into anymore detail because that wouldn't be very professional of me. Let's just leave it at 'the paperwork is not thrilling me.'
I did come across something good this week: oven baked french toast. Not only was it nice to use the oven on these suddenly colder days (um, what is up with that!), but it tasted really (REALLY) good. Plus there was no flipping involved. For some reason I have problems with making french toast. It just doesn't turn out the way I want it to. Since it was a very tasty recipe, I will share it with you.
Baked French Toast
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 tsp. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 slices of bread, thick
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- -- --- -- -
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Lightly beat eggs with a fork in a shallow bowl. Whisk in milk, sugar, vanilla & cinnamon.
3. Soak bread in egg mixture, then transfer to baking sheet. Sprinkle with butter and bake until golden, 8 to 10 minutes.
[Personal variations: I sprinkled the slices with more cinnamon & sugar because the first slice always has the most cinnamon & the others get jealous! (I like them to have a lot of cinnamon.) And instead of cutting pieces of butter, I cut a very thin slice & put it on the middle of each piece of bread. (I'm sure the cut pieces make it a tad healthier, but I was going for ease.)]
I haven't been doing much with the garden as late. I think I burnt myself out with all the rock digging. Basically I accomplished what I wanted to, moving the things in the back about. However, I would have liked to have moved some things from the front to the back as well. The cold weather is not encouraging me to get out there though. (Plus we've had some rainy days & I'm not into playing in the mud.)
I was bummed that I missed out on going to the Fall Foliage Festival in Bedford this year. I haven't been there for quite some time & thought this might be the year to get back. It was the same weekend of the training. That & the Applefest in Franklin. A fellow blogger had posted about it & I thought it looked promising. It too was the same weekend. And I realize there's more than one day in the weekend, but I don't like spending all day Sunday traveling in the car. I think it's a mental rebellion for having to get up & go to work the next day. I like to be in my PJs for a good time before getting moving on Sundays. (I get a lot of house work done in my PJs!) . . . So let that be known to people who want to plan events that are out of my area (that want me to attend that is) -- Saturdays are my day trip days. :)
With that, I think my washer is ending it's spin cycle... Laundry calls.
I will try to be less of a slacker. Hopefully I'll have some exciting (or at least less than dull) events to write about. That always makes it a bit more motivating.
P.P. (Post Posting, versus Post Script)
I went back to add links for the festivals & realized the Fall Foliage Festival was also this weekend!!!! ARGH. I did not know that. The cruelty. The irritation. Ignorance was much less irritating.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Humorous
*Post Posting Direction for Reader's Benefit: Scroll down, click on the play button to initialize it, the push pause. That way it's closer to being viewable by the time you get to it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry folks, I see it has been a while. Unfortunately I don't really know what I've been preoccupied with. So I can't offer any fascinating stories to fill in the gaps.
I do however, have some humor to share. This past weekend Keith & I went to Ikea to do some perusing for bedroom furniture. He's been wanting that for quite some time. And I have to admit, it would be nice to have my clothes all in one room. (Much of my stuff is located in the "little room" as I like to call it. Or you can call it the computer/craft/guest room. Whichever is easier for ya!) Anywho... (where was I?) We've been looking locally and can't find much. What I really (REALLY) like, is entirely too expensive, and what is priced right, is pretty ugly. Ikea to our rescue. We found stuff we liked, did measuring & guessing on what we could use, brought back catalogs galore & got to work figuring out, well, what would work. So hopefully one of these weekends we'll get back & actually get something brought home with us.
Oh yeah, had a funny to share, that was more of what occupied my time... (I'm tired, forgive me.) On the way to Ikea we weren't in the best of moods & I found a pick me up in a unexpected place -- my tea bottle! I'll let it speak for itself. Ok, it doesn't really talk, you'll have to read it...
My other bit of humor is TV related. I've seen two episodes of The Big Bang Theory & I've been quite amused with both of them. Tonight we were up at Bed Bath & Beyond and came across a voice changer. I immediately started laughing & had to tell Keith about the scene with the OCD roommate cleaning the neighbor's apartment with his "low voice" to keep her from waking. I can't explain the whole episode, but I did find a clip that is a good overview (& you can hear a bit of his LOW VOICE!)
(Everybody walk around talking in their LOW VOICE -- you know you want to!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Post Posting PS of sorts: When I went to check the post, I tried clicking on the tea label to make it larger & thus readable, but it wouldn't work... In case you can't read it too:
Heavenly Honey Green
We won't sweet talk you. We'll just say two words: Epigallocatechin gallate. It may not have the ring of "sweetheart" but EGCG is the most potent antioxidant around, and our organic green tea is packed with it. Sure, we added a kiss of honey to our tea, but not enough to gross you out. If we wanted to do that we'd tell you honey is flower nectar that bees regurgitate. Hey, we're Honest Tea; we don't lie. ... PS Organic apiaries must be at least two miles from any pollution source -- even a golf course -- so bees won't be exposed to pesticides and fertilizers. Golf balls are another issue.
Then on the back of the label it says: "Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic." -- Unknown
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The bane of my existence
... ROCKS (for this past weekend anyway).
It all started a few weekends ago. Trimming under the pines & moving the hostas back to make room for others. Catch a few rocks here and there. Then the big ones started... Had a little time the next weekend to get some more. Not looking any better. Then this weekend was the worst. I spent about 8 hours digging Saturday & another 6 Sunday. Even though I had gloves on my hands were aching & blisters were starting. Here's what came of it...
These are the ones I was able to toss.
It all started a few weekends ago. Trimming under the pines & moving the hostas back to make room for others. Catch a few rocks here and there. Then the big ones started... Had a little time the next weekend to get some more. Not looking any better. Then this weekend was the worst. I spent about 8 hours digging Saturday & another 6 Sunday. Even though I had gloves on my hands were aching & blisters were starting. Here's what came of it...
These are the ones I was able to toss. (Underhand. my aim is bad with overhand -- wolloped a few plants in the process!)
So far I've found a spot for one large on in the bed.
So far I've found a spot for one large on in the bed.It looks like a good one for butterflies to rest & take a sip from.
My goal is to rearrange nearly every plant in the back section to make room for several iris & day lily plants we bought at the family auction.
- -- --- -- -
I just don't understand how there are so many rocks in the ground. When I originally dug back there I removed a LOT. I think they are growing & multipling. That or something is pulling them from the center of the earth to the surface.
- -- --- -- -
... Makes me think of Magneto ...
Metal is to Magneto as rock is to ?WHAT?
Saturday, September 08, 2007
A Comment
My friend posted this a little while ago. Click here to see the post.
At the time I couldn't think of much to say, but I did have an image I wanted to display. Try as I might, I couldn't figure out how to put a picture in the comment. (Maybe it's not even possible, I don't know.)
- -- --- -- -
This is the photo comment that I would have liked to have added.
If no one else recognizes it, KC should.
:)
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Reunion
The busy weekend continued...
Sunday was Helen's family reunion at Idlewild Park... Here are a few pics from our time there.
Gum Tree... yuck.
The apple of my eye.
Sudden stop ahead... actually NOW!
Dizzy Lizzy, where you find tears of silliness.
Confusion Hill, where water runs up & people are falling all over.
Stand up straight already!
Camera Man, Camera Man (to Spider Man tune)...
Oh so busy... NOT!
The cooks... now they're busy.
There were many more photos taken, but that was the extent of our experience since we left after dinner (to be ready for my mom's arrival in town.) Others stayed to close the park. Another good day. :)
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