My book club has started up again after the holiday break. It was nice to get out and talk to other "grown ups"! I've been holed-up in the house too much lately. We're going to be reading "Tending Roses" by Lisa Wingate this month.
Yay! Something to look forward to!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Friday, January 04, 2008
On Making Resolutions.....
I really don't like making them - I'm not good at them.
But that doesn't mean that I'm going to quit hoping & trying to improve myself.
If I were so inclined, my wishes for this year would be to not only stay well, but to maybe even gain some ground healthwise - what a blessing that would be! ....And not to waste my energy chasing frivolous goals with my hobby, but to only do things that will be meaningful to friends & family with it. Creating stronger relationships is a constant goal.
I was just reading another favorite blogger's post, and this is what she had to say about the new year
...kind of gives you a new perspective - where it would be nice if we could be magically transformed into a perfect creature with the coming of the new year, for us change is more like a drip in a cave, ever so slowly shaping us into interesting formations!...for me, right now, I'm going to be glad for the things that haven't changed.
But that doesn't mean that I'm going to quit hoping & trying to improve myself.
If I were so inclined, my wishes for this year would be to not only stay well, but to maybe even gain some ground healthwise - what a blessing that would be! ....And not to waste my energy chasing frivolous goals with my hobby, but to only do things that will be meaningful to friends & family with it. Creating stronger relationships is a constant goal.
I was just reading another favorite blogger's post, and this is what she had to say about the new year
"i'm blessed because i'm ending the year with every member of my family still here. and i'm also ending it with the same ol' Husband i started the year with.
a new year is always looked at as a new beginning. a chance to start again and to make resolutions. but the cool thing is, every day we are allowed to live is a chance for a new beginning.
that is the coolest thing of all. no need to wait until December 31st to make changes. changes can begin right now. no waiting till midnight. no waiting period."
...kind of gives you a new perspective - where it would be nice if we could be magically transformed into a perfect creature with the coming of the new year, for us change is more like a drip in a cave, ever so slowly shaping us into interesting formations!...for me, right now, I'm going to be glad for the things that haven't changed.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Celebrating with the Oldies...
New Year's Eve at my house was the anti-celbration of the year.
I was just not in the mood! I sent myself to my room and popped what I thought was the new Pirate movie in the player, and didn't realize until it was almost over that it was # 2 instead (the one that I really didn't like)...it took me that long to figure out because I slept through most of it!
When I woke up, I went downstairs to watch # 3 with hubby. I guess we had it a bit loud, because we missed all the midnight fireworks on the street outside - didn't even notice that we missed the new year!
...Then, I had planned to make up the black eyed peas today, but scratched that because I know nobody here would eat them but me - so why waste the energy? (and the food!)
...Somewhere back in the past, my teenage toes would curl! Never thought I would be this boring...
Happy New Year anyway...
Monday, December 31, 2007
The Zen of Sarcasm
My friend Lucy posted this elsewhere, and I loved it - so I borrowed.
Words of wisdom for the coming year...
1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do
not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not
walk beside me either.
Just pretty much leave me the heck alone.
2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a
broken fan belt and leaky tire.
3. Its always darkest before dawn. So if you're
going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the
time to do it.
4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be
replaced, you can't be promoted.
5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like
everyone else.
6. Never test the depth of the water with both
feet.
7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try
missing a couple of car payments.
8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a
mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize
them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is
probably not for you.
10. Give a ma n a fish and he will eat for a day.
Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and
drink beer all day.
11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that
person again, it was probably a wise investment.
12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to
remember anything.
13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the
windshield.
14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know
them.
15. The quickest way to double your money is to
fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.
16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
17. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light
side and a dark side, and it holds the universe
together.
18. There are two theories to arguing with women.
Neither one works.
19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much
when your lips are moving.
20. Experience is something you don't get until
just after you need it.
21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
22. Never, under any circumstances, take a
sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
Words of wisdom for the coming year...
1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do
not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not
walk beside me either.
Just pretty much leave me the heck alone.
2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a
broken fan belt and leaky tire.
3. Its always darkest before dawn. So if you're
going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the
time to do it.
4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be
replaced, you can't be promoted.
5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like
everyone else.
6. Never test the depth of the water with both
feet.
7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try
missing a couple of car payments.
8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a
mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize
them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is
probably not for you.
10. Give a ma n a fish and he will eat for a day.
Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and
drink beer all day.
11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that
person again, it was probably a wise investment.
12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to
remember anything.
13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the
windshield.
14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know
them.
15. The quickest way to double your money is to
fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.
16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
17. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light
side and a dark side, and it holds the universe
together.
18. There are two theories to arguing with women.
Neither one works.
19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much
when your lips are moving.
20. Experience is something you don't get until
just after you need it.
21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
22. Never, under any circumstances, take a
sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
A Gingerbread Tale
(Explanation - my friend Beth coined a phrase (yon candied maid) and posted it on her blog, it captured my imagination, and as a result - this poem was born! I wanted to paint a picture to go along with it, but good grief, it's less than a week till Christmas, and I have better things to do!
So I borrowed this image from Sew Custom Embroidery)
Now, without further adieu,
The Gingerbread Maid
by Pat Taylor;
A dastardly tale of treachery and dough...
Once there was a cookie
So warm and soft and fair;
Frosting for her frockery,
Gumdrops in her hair.
Her gown be-jeweled with sprinkles,
Licorice lined the hem;
A pair of lemon slippers -
She was so proud of them!
She oft' did go a'strolling
Along the brown sugar beach;
She longed to see those places
So far beyond her reach.
One day, as she thus wandered
Down by the frothy sea,
She spied a rugged sailor
A swarthy knave was he!
His face, it smacked of mischief,
A glint was in his eye -
He said, "Ahoy, yon candied maid,
What brings yourself this way?"
She shyly turned away from him,
Then blinked a lash or two.
She said "My mother warned me
Of strangers such as you!"
The sailor, he laughed heartily
At such a smart reply -
He said, "You have no trust in me -
A fine bloke such as I?"
He cast his eyes upon her,
He looked her up and down;
She looked so darn delicious
In her fluffy frosting gown!
He said, "Why don't you sail with me,
Across the milky foam?
You'll see amazing places -
Oh how you'll love to roam!"
Miss Cookie then did falter,
Her resolve, it was remiss;
Alas, how could mere gingerbread
Resist words such as this?
She gingerly stepped aboard his ship,
As it rocked to and fro;
She felt the wooded deck beneath
Her lemon frosted toe.
He led her to a cabin, such fine security!
Steel bars adorned each window -
Secured with lock & key!
He said, "You'll be safe here my dear...
(from everyone but me!)
The launch, it went just perfectly,
And e'en before you knew -
They were skipping 'cross the ocean waves
'Neath brilliant skies of blue.
They journeyed on and on,
And as they traveled so,
He told her tales of wonder
of the places he did know.
The maid, she watched him raptly,
Absorbed in every tale;
She'd n'er heard stories such as this,
Some even made her pale!
As evening crept across the bow,
She said, "When do we dine?"
"I'll serve you dinner first", said he;
..."And then, you will be mine!"
(insert evil laugh)
Full stunned, the maiden sat upright,
Her eyes grew large as dishes;
"Before you lay a hand on me -
I'll go swim with the fishes!"
Just then, the wind began to blow -
The ship began to roll;
As the sailor tried to save the ship,
The maiden took control...
She sped across the starboard side,
And climbed up on the railing;
She turned and looked him in the eye,
And said, "Ta-ta, I'm bailing!"
She threw herself into the sea -
That churning milky foam...
And cried, "At last - I'm free of him!
This cookie's headed home!"
She swam for hours and hours;
Until her heart did flutter -
She kicked and kicked and kicked so hard,
The sea, it turned to butter!
At last, she crawled onto the shore,
Exhausted, sore and dazed;
Her lovely, fluffy frosting gown
Was now only a glaze!
The moral of this wretched tale?
Of course, that's right, you guessed!
You'd better listen to your mom -
She always knows what's best!
LOL! Sooo sorry - I'll admit, I wouldn't know a pentameter from a haiku, but I had fun with this anyway! Thanks for the inspiration Beth!
(P.S. You owe me two nights' sleep!!!)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Spider Wars
As I've puttered around the yard this summer, I have noticed that we have an over abundance of spiders nesting everywhere this year. There are so many that it borders on alarming! (Did you see Arachniphobia?...I didn't, if I had, I'm sure I'd never sleep again!)
I've been on hubby's case to spray for them before cooler weather sets in and they all start moving into the house! He got as far as to buy the spray, but has yet to use it.
This does not make me comfortable.
Last week as I was cleaning on his side of the bed, (what a mess! This man was "Mr. Tidy" when I married him - things have changed!) anyway...I found a spider living in his little pen holder - a really nasty looking spider! He was in a tricky spot so I couldn't just take a shoe and smack him, so I grabbed the nearest weapon I could find, which happened to be my hairspray. I soaked him down good (which he really didn't like much)...but he made a quick getaway, and I haven't seen him since.
However....the other morning I woke up with a strange welt on my cheek. It wasn't a mosquito bite, because it wasn't itchy at all - but is a definite bite of some sort.
Could it be that our little spider remembered me and was seeking revenge?
If that is the case, I'm sure you know what this means....
WAR.
Next time I see that little buggar (or any of his kind) - he is TOAST.
I've been on hubby's case to spray for them before cooler weather sets in and they all start moving into the house! He got as far as to buy the spray, but has yet to use it.
This does not make me comfortable.
Last week as I was cleaning on his side of the bed, (what a mess! This man was "Mr. Tidy" when I married him - things have changed!) anyway...I found a spider living in his little pen holder - a really nasty looking spider! He was in a tricky spot so I couldn't just take a shoe and smack him, so I grabbed the nearest weapon I could find, which happened to be my hairspray. I soaked him down good (which he really didn't like much)...but he made a quick getaway, and I haven't seen him since.
However....the other morning I woke up with a strange welt on my cheek. It wasn't a mosquito bite, because it wasn't itchy at all - but is a definite bite of some sort.
Could it be that our little spider remembered me and was seeking revenge?
If that is the case, I'm sure you know what this means....
WAR.
Next time I see that little buggar (or any of his kind) - he is TOAST.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Harry Potter!!! (don't worry - not a spoiler)
Well, I'm about 2/3 through the book, and I had to relinquish it to my daughter...(she reads, I catch up, she reads, etc.)
I'm anxious for my turn again, it's getting so intense! Right now I'm thinking the only way this can end is that everybody dies!
But, Miss Rowling is much more clever than we - I'm sure she has more twists and turns ahead.
I've been thinking about all the mega-tons of money she's made off these books....if only I could do this "writing thing"....I mean, how hard could it be really?
(Scratching head...)
Opening scene: a classroom - two boys, Jerry Trotter and his best friend Juan, sit taking notes as their professor scratches something on the chalkboard. Juan whispers "Aren't you glad to be back at Frogsnorts Jerry?"
Jerry glances up at the professor, then whispers back: "For sure - anything is better than living under the floor at the Fursleeze!"
The Professor speaks without turning around...
"Do I hear talking behind me?"
"No you don't"
"Yes I do"
"No you don't"
"I said - I do! Now shut up!"
Jerry and Juan exchange a confused look... Juan says "What was that all about?"
"He seems to be having an argument with himself." says Jerry.
They return to their notes, but the Professor starts mumbling again...
"You must go - I need it NOW!"
"No, can't you see I'm busy?"
"I said NOW! I must find the last gorecrutch before someone else does!"
"Can't I even finish this lesson?"
"NOOO, you must go NOW!"
"Alright, alright, geeze - don't get your slots in a knot!"
Professor Squirrel turns and addresses the class.
"I'm sorry students, but I must dismiss class early - study chapter 3 and be ready for a quiz tomorrow."
The classroom utters a consecutive groan, and Squirrel runs from the classroom.
As they leave the classroom, Jerry and Juan are joined by their friend Germimony, she grumbles about having to leave class early, and only getting to study one chapter.
Jerry and Juan roll their eyes....
Juan says: "Wasn't Professor Squirrel acting a little nutty today?"
To which Jerry replies "No more than usual, why?"
"I've never heard him arguing quite like that before - who was he talking to anyway?"
Just then a ghost swoops up through the floor issuing a morbidly mournful moan. He is flying so low, that his knuckles are barely clearing the floor, and the bags under his eyes are nearly there too.
Juan says: "Hello Rick - how are you feeling today?"
Rick just rolls his eyes, and sinks through the floor.
"Who was that, Juan?" asks Jerry.
"That was the Sniffindoor ghost, Clearly Bedless Rick. His bed was stolen as a prank 100 years ago, and he hasn't slept since."
"Oh, yeah, I've heard of him - poor bloke." Replies Jerry.
Meanwhile, Professor Squirrel hurriedly crosses the school grounds and enters the forest. "Faster, faster you idiot!"
"I'm going as fast as I can with this extra baggage on my head! You're throwing off my balance!"
"Gripe, gripe, gripe, must you always complain?"
"That's it! I've had it!"
Professor Squirrel starts unwrapping the turban on his head.
"I'm sick of your mouthing off - you can just go find some other poor slob to leach off of!"
He points his wand at the back of his head and mutters a curse. The disgustingly slimy face on the back of his head slides off into the turban Squirrel still holds in his hand.
He sets the pile of fabric with the disembodied face down on the ground, and runs over the hill, never to be seen again, as the face shouts:
"Come back here, you half of a two faced moron! You can't leave me like this!"
But the Professor never looks back.
"Hrrrackinfrackin Bozo, Now what am I supposed to do?" Gripes the Dark Hoard.
He picks up a twig from the ground with his serpentine tongue, scoops up a berry, and utters a spell igniting a tiny fire, and begins to roast it for his supper. As he waits for it to cook, he begins to sing: "I ain't got no body, and nobody's there for me...."
Back at Frogsnorts, the three friends are facing a happy dilemma,
"Well," Germimony chimes in, "We have the rest of the day free - so what should we do?"
"Let's go visit Baghead!" said Juan.
"Great idea, Juan!" Jerry says, and they go skipping hand in hand over the grounds and into the forest to Baghead's hut.
As they near the forest, Germimony whispers: "Shhh, do you hear singing?"
The boys stop in their tracks and listen.
"Ugh!" they both grunt at once, and Juan says: "Whatever it is, it sounds like someone's stepping on it's tail!"
They tip-toe ever so softly toward the sound - suddenly Germimony gasps: "Holy cow! It's Moldywart!"
Juan claps his hand over her mouth, "Are you mental? Don't say his name out loud!"
Okay, okay, but I know I'm right, it's He-who-will-not-be-blamed!"
********************************************************************************
Ouch! My carpal tunnel is killing me, and I've got nowhere to go with this - Sorry to leave you hanging, but this is a little harder than I thought...
(Tee hee!)
Hats off to you, J.K. Rowling! You've done it again!
I'm anxious for my turn again, it's getting so intense! Right now I'm thinking the only way this can end is that everybody dies!
But, Miss Rowling is much more clever than we - I'm sure she has more twists and turns ahead.
I've been thinking about all the mega-tons of money she's made off these books....if only I could do this "writing thing"....I mean, how hard could it be really?
(Scratching head...)
Opening scene: a classroom - two boys, Jerry Trotter and his best friend Juan, sit taking notes as their professor scratches something on the chalkboard. Juan whispers "Aren't you glad to be back at Frogsnorts Jerry?"
Jerry glances up at the professor, then whispers back: "For sure - anything is better than living under the floor at the Fursleeze!"
The Professor speaks without turning around...
"Do I hear talking behind me?"
"No you don't"
"Yes I do"
"No you don't"
"I said - I do! Now shut up!"
Jerry and Juan exchange a confused look... Juan says "What was that all about?"
"He seems to be having an argument with himself." says Jerry.
They return to their notes, but the Professor starts mumbling again...
"You must go - I need it NOW!"
"No, can't you see I'm busy?"
"I said NOW! I must find the last gorecrutch before someone else does!"
"Can't I even finish this lesson?"
"NOOO, you must go NOW!"
"Alright, alright, geeze - don't get your slots in a knot!"
Professor Squirrel turns and addresses the class.
"I'm sorry students, but I must dismiss class early - study chapter 3 and be ready for a quiz tomorrow."
The classroom utters a consecutive groan, and Squirrel runs from the classroom.
As they leave the classroom, Jerry and Juan are joined by their friend Germimony, she grumbles about having to leave class early, and only getting to study one chapter.
Jerry and Juan roll their eyes....
Juan says: "Wasn't Professor Squirrel acting a little nutty today?"
To which Jerry replies "No more than usual, why?"
"I've never heard him arguing quite like that before - who was he talking to anyway?"
Just then a ghost swoops up through the floor issuing a morbidly mournful moan. He is flying so low, that his knuckles are barely clearing the floor, and the bags under his eyes are nearly there too.
Juan says: "Hello Rick - how are you feeling today?"
Rick just rolls his eyes, and sinks through the floor.
"Who was that, Juan?" asks Jerry.
"That was the Sniffindoor ghost, Clearly Bedless Rick. His bed was stolen as a prank 100 years ago, and he hasn't slept since."
"Oh, yeah, I've heard of him - poor bloke." Replies Jerry.
Meanwhile, Professor Squirrel hurriedly crosses the school grounds and enters the forest. "Faster, faster you idiot!"
"I'm going as fast as I can with this extra baggage on my head! You're throwing off my balance!"
"Gripe, gripe, gripe, must you always complain?"
"That's it! I've had it!"
Professor Squirrel starts unwrapping the turban on his head.
"I'm sick of your mouthing off - you can just go find some other poor slob to leach off of!"
He points his wand at the back of his head and mutters a curse. The disgustingly slimy face on the back of his head slides off into the turban Squirrel still holds in his hand.
He sets the pile of fabric with the disembodied face down on the ground, and runs over the hill, never to be seen again, as the face shouts:
"Come back here, you half of a two faced moron! You can't leave me like this!"
But the Professor never looks back.
"Hrrrackinfrackin Bozo, Now what am I supposed to do?" Gripes the Dark Hoard.
He picks up a twig from the ground with his serpentine tongue, scoops up a berry, and utters a spell igniting a tiny fire, and begins to roast it for his supper. As he waits for it to cook, he begins to sing: "I ain't got no body, and nobody's there for me...."
Back at Frogsnorts, the three friends are facing a happy dilemma,
"Well," Germimony chimes in, "We have the rest of the day free - so what should we do?"
"Let's go visit Baghead!" said Juan.
"Great idea, Juan!" Jerry says, and they go skipping hand in hand over the grounds and into the forest to Baghead's hut.
As they near the forest, Germimony whispers: "Shhh, do you hear singing?"
The boys stop in their tracks and listen.
"Ugh!" they both grunt at once, and Juan says: "Whatever it is, it sounds like someone's stepping on it's tail!"
They tip-toe ever so softly toward the sound - suddenly Germimony gasps: "Holy cow! It's Moldywart!"
Juan claps his hand over her mouth, "Are you mental? Don't say his name out loud!"
Okay, okay, but I know I'm right, it's He-who-will-not-be-blamed!"
********************************************************************************
Ouch! My carpal tunnel is killing me, and I've got nowhere to go with this - Sorry to leave you hanging, but this is a little harder than I thought...
(Tee hee!)
Hats off to you, J.K. Rowling! You've done it again!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Beautification Project
This wasn't on my list of things to do today, but I was feeling ambitious and wanted to get out of the house. I feel so sad every time I look at my poor lawn that had been trampled by that nasty old backhoe - I had to do something to perk it up a bit.
I moved the tree slightly closer to the house - I want to get some shade out of this deal one day! I would have moved it more, but I got tired of chopping at all those monstrous roots that were left by the last tree that occupied this space.
This is my "Before" shot...
...after adding the blocks....
...some top soil and a few little flowers...and Voila! "Fini"
These are some of the roots I had to contend with. I started chopping at these with my shovel, then deciding that was for the birds, I loosened them up a bit, and then yanked them out with my bare hands!
It feels good to accomplish something like this, and my yard is a happier little place!
(Now to get some grass growing over that gaping wound...)
I moved the tree slightly closer to the house - I want to get some shade out of this deal one day! I would have moved it more, but I got tired of chopping at all those monstrous roots that were left by the last tree that occupied this space.
This is my "Before" shot...
...after adding the blocks....
...some top soil and a few little flowers...and Voila! "Fini"
These are some of the roots I had to contend with. I started chopping at these with my shovel, then deciding that was for the birds, I loosened them up a bit, and then yanked them out with my bare hands!
It feels good to accomplish something like this, and my yard is a happier little place!
(Now to get some grass growing over that gaping wound...)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
My new toy...
Finally got it out of the box - and it works!
Feels good to be stitching again! It will take me a while to figure out all the in's and out's of this machine - but I'm back in buisness!
Friday, June 08, 2007
Water Woes
Oh such a fun day today! (not!)
They finally came to replace our broken water line. I don't know why our builder used such crappy pipe here - we've watched all of our neighbors have to go through this over the years. I think we're the last ones.
My daughter in law brought the girls over because she thought they'd enjoy watching the backhoe dig up the yard - and they did! They both had to get up close and look into the hole etc.
The trickiest part was that our fibre optic cable runs diagonally right through the yard (how dumb is that?) so they had to be careful not to break that in the process - but they were pretty awesome - they did it.
(if you look closely at the 2nd photo, you can see the cable going across the hole)
They actually did it pretty quick - it only took a couple of hours! We have water again, and are good to go. The guy promised us that this new line would last us forever (which is pretty hard to believe, because it just looked like plastic garden hose!) They even popped out my old dead tree stump to boot! I had bought a new tree to plant there, and I wondered how I was going to get that out!
Ohhhhh but so much for a nice green lawn this summer!
They finally came to replace our broken water line. I don't know why our builder used such crappy pipe here - we've watched all of our neighbors have to go through this over the years. I think we're the last ones.
My daughter in law brought the girls over because she thought they'd enjoy watching the backhoe dig up the yard - and they did! They both had to get up close and look into the hole etc.
The trickiest part was that our fibre optic cable runs diagonally right through the yard (how dumb is that?) so they had to be careful not to break that in the process - but they were pretty awesome - they did it.
(if you look closely at the 2nd photo, you can see the cable going across the hole)
They actually did it pretty quick - it only took a couple of hours! We have water again, and are good to go. The guy promised us that this new line would last us forever (which is pretty hard to believe, because it just looked like plastic garden hose!) They even popped out my old dead tree stump to boot! I had bought a new tree to plant there, and I wondered how I was going to get that out!
Ohhhhh but so much for a nice green lawn this summer!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
One step forward - ten steps back...
The good news is that I have seedlings coming up in my garden.
So far there are Sunflowers, banana squash, and some pumpkins - yay!
The bad news is that our culinary water line broke during the night Monday - we've got a veritable bubbling spring coming up out of the lawn, and running down the street!
We've had a weird storm front come through today - it's so cold and wet - it feels like November, not June!
I've been so antsy and depressed all day....I went and rented a whole pile of videos to keep my mind off how gloomy it is!
In other news - I got an invitation to my 35th class reunion today! Incentive to lose 30 lbs., or fuel for the fireplace?....Hmmm...
So far there are Sunflowers, banana squash, and some pumpkins - yay!
The bad news is that our culinary water line broke during the night Monday - we've got a veritable bubbling spring coming up out of the lawn, and running down the street!
We've had a weird storm front come through today - it's so cold and wet - it feels like November, not June!
I've been so antsy and depressed all day....I went and rented a whole pile of videos to keep my mind off how gloomy it is!
In other news - I got an invitation to my 35th class reunion today! Incentive to lose 30 lbs., or fuel for the fireplace?....Hmmm...
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Busy Weekend
I went to Logan with my two of my sisters, a brother in law, and my daughter this weekend. My nephew graduated from High School, so we made a party of it.
I put off getting ready until the night before, (as is typical of me) and as I tried to sleep that night the thought occurred to me that I hadn't taken time to make a card for him yet. I went over the list of things I still had to do in the morning, and I knew I would never get them all done, so I got up at 3am and made the card.
We got there around 2pm. We had reservations at the famous "Bluebird" restaraunt at 4:30, so we just walked around Main Street, and saw the sights until then.
The Bluebird is famous because it has been around since about the 1920's. It's pretty cool inside - high ceilings, the old fashioned counter with the soda fountain behind it - but rather than try to describe it, here are some pic's...
My sister could only get enough tickets for herself and her son for the graduation ceremony, so the rest of us entertained ourselves by going shopping at Border's (bookstore) for a few hours, then we just went to our motel room and my daugher and I had some mom & me time.
The next morning, we went to a park that was a mini zoo. We had fun looking at all the animals...
I'm sure these two were discussing who they like in the next presidential race...
Jenny hanging with her emu (not to be confused with EMO) friend...
Another eagle - this one was a golden eagle - I just liked this shot (Jenny took this one)
My 2 sisters and my BIL looking at the ducks...
The swans were kind of hilarious - they were such posers! We were watching the cayotes pacing around thier cage, and they would just casually swim past, as if to say "this moment of peacefulness was brought to you by..." Or maybe they just thought that we had been ignoring them long enough and wanted to cut in...pretty funny nonetheless.
We met Susie's boys at a pizza place for lunch, here's my sis and her hubby sitting outside...
Then we drove out to Hyrum where there is a beautiful "hidden" lake (you can't see it at all from the road)...and we hung out there for a while.
Tried to get me some "artsy" looking shots here...
The boys being boys (the blond is the graduate)
It's a good thing we had this peaceful afternoon, because the drive home was a nightmare - road construction and then rush hour traffic turned a 2 hr. drive into 3 1/2 teeth clenching hours. I thought when I got home I would have some quiet time, but hubby arrived home from his buisness conference about an hour ahead of me, my son dropped off his 2 girls for a sleepover at grandmas while they went camping, my newlywed son came back up to stay and work....
*Sigh*
I put off getting ready until the night before, (as is typical of me) and as I tried to sleep that night the thought occurred to me that I hadn't taken time to make a card for him yet. I went over the list of things I still had to do in the morning, and I knew I would never get them all done, so I got up at 3am and made the card.
We got there around 2pm. We had reservations at the famous "Bluebird" restaraunt at 4:30, so we just walked around Main Street, and saw the sights until then.
The Bluebird is famous because it has been around since about the 1920's. It's pretty cool inside - high ceilings, the old fashioned counter with the soda fountain behind it - but rather than try to describe it, here are some pic's...
My sister could only get enough tickets for herself and her son for the graduation ceremony, so the rest of us entertained ourselves by going shopping at Border's (bookstore) for a few hours, then we just went to our motel room and my daugher and I had some mom & me time.
The next morning, we went to a park that was a mini zoo. We had fun looking at all the animals...
I'm sure these two were discussing who they like in the next presidential race...
Jenny hanging with her emu (not to be confused with EMO) friend...
Another eagle - this one was a golden eagle - I just liked this shot (Jenny took this one)
My 2 sisters and my BIL looking at the ducks...
The swans were kind of hilarious - they were such posers! We were watching the cayotes pacing around thier cage, and they would just casually swim past, as if to say "this moment of peacefulness was brought to you by..." Or maybe they just thought that we had been ignoring them long enough and wanted to cut in...pretty funny nonetheless.
We met Susie's boys at a pizza place for lunch, here's my sis and her hubby sitting outside...
Then we drove out to Hyrum where there is a beautiful "hidden" lake (you can't see it at all from the road)...and we hung out there for a while.
Tried to get me some "artsy" looking shots here...
The boys being boys (the blond is the graduate)
It's a good thing we had this peaceful afternoon, because the drive home was a nightmare - road construction and then rush hour traffic turned a 2 hr. drive into 3 1/2 teeth clenching hours. I thought when I got home I would have some quiet time, but hubby arrived home from his buisness conference about an hour ahead of me, my son dropped off his 2 girls for a sleepover at grandmas while they went camping, my newlywed son came back up to stay and work....
*Sigh*
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Labor of Love
I have been trying to get someone to help me clear out our hidden corner (lovingly dubbed "the jungle") for years and years now - well, today my son singlehandedly tackled and subdued it! It is now a spot where I can plant a garden! I plan to fill it with several different kinds of squash and pumpkins - Yay!
...I'm so excited, I've even already bought the seeds!
I wish I had taken a "before" photo, because without it, you can't possibly understand what he was up against.
Our neighbor has a cherry tree that has been dropping pits over the fence for years, and there was a veritable orchard in there - plus knee-high weeds, rusted overgrown bicicles, and other various discarded items....a bit of an archeological dig!
(He even found some of my 29 year old's toys from days gone by!)
He also discovered a pretty little Maple tree that has come up from seed - I'm going to try to re-locate it to another spot in the yard.
Here's the evidence of the debris that has been pulled out of my corner...
Brad had to work a swing shift on Mother's Day, and wasn't able to be here for the festivities, so he said this is my gift from him - he'll never know just how much I appreciate it!
(I'm planting some zuchini for his wife!)
Thanks Brad!
...I'm so excited, I've even already bought the seeds!
I wish I had taken a "before" photo, because without it, you can't possibly understand what he was up against.
Our neighbor has a cherry tree that has been dropping pits over the fence for years, and there was a veritable orchard in there - plus knee-high weeds, rusted overgrown bicicles, and other various discarded items....a bit of an archeological dig!
(He even found some of my 29 year old's toys from days gone by!)
He also discovered a pretty little Maple tree that has come up from seed - I'm going to try to re-locate it to another spot in the yard.
Here's the evidence of the debris that has been pulled out of my corner...
Brad had to work a swing shift on Mother's Day, and wasn't able to be here for the festivities, so he said this is my gift from him - he'll never know just how much I appreciate it!
(I'm planting some zuchini for his wife!)
Thanks Brad!
Almost ready for Summer...
Hubby and the boys have been busy working on the yard over the last few weeks - the transformation has been amazing! We had our first outdoor barbeque for mother's day, I think we're really going to enjoy this!
Our boys built the pond - I think they did a great job!
We've always joked about having a crystal chandelier out here - but this year we did it!
We had to get a different pool this year because of damage to the old one - we're still waiting for the water to get warm enough to stick a toe in!
Our boys built the pond - I think they did a great job!
We've always joked about having a crystal chandelier out here - but this year we did it!
We had to get a different pool this year because of damage to the old one - we're still waiting for the water to get warm enough to stick a toe in!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
It's Over
The fat lady has sung, it's over - fini. Today was my last day at work.
For some reason, I woke up with vertigo today. So bad that I fought with nausea, and struggled to even walk a straight line - yuck! I hate that feeling! I had stopped on the way to buy dougnuts to treat everyone, and I was so sick all day I couldn't even join them.
We had plenty of work to keep us busy, but as 4:00 came around, people started trickling down the stairs - with boxes filled with thier personal effects.
I don't leave until 5, so I was the last one to go (other than my 2 supervisors), so I had to watch every last one of them walk out the door - forever.
Ouch.
We all exchanged email addresses, and they say we are planning to have a "girls night out" in a couple of weeks to find out where everyone has gone. I sure hope it works out - I really want to keep in touch with these people!
The photos below are from our "Farewell / Retirement" party last week. (The company's founders officially retired.)
The party was so nice - they served us a yummy lunch, and surprised us with a fun video of all of us (being silly). Then Liz gave us all necklaces. Each necklace has a little heart charm next to the clasp that was engraved with "Thank You" on one side, and the name of the store on the other.
Pretty nice gesture, I thought. Most places would just give you a pink slip and say "don't let the door hit you on your way out."
I haven't done much about finding a new job. I'm going on a little weekend vacation (for my anniversary,)this Friday, and I've been looking forward to it for so long, that I don't want anything to interfere with it.
Boy do I need it!
Hopefully it will give me some time to figure out what I want to do next, then I'll be digging out the ol' resume, and hitting the streets.
Farewell, dear friends!
My crew.
For some reason, I woke up with vertigo today. So bad that I fought with nausea, and struggled to even walk a straight line - yuck! I hate that feeling! I had stopped on the way to buy dougnuts to treat everyone, and I was so sick all day I couldn't even join them.
We had plenty of work to keep us busy, but as 4:00 came around, people started trickling down the stairs - with boxes filled with thier personal effects.
I don't leave until 5, so I was the last one to go (other than my 2 supervisors), so I had to watch every last one of them walk out the door - forever.
Ouch.
We all exchanged email addresses, and they say we are planning to have a "girls night out" in a couple of weeks to find out where everyone has gone. I sure hope it works out - I really want to keep in touch with these people!
The photos below are from our "Farewell / Retirement" party last week. (The company's founders officially retired.)
The party was so nice - they served us a yummy lunch, and surprised us with a fun video of all of us (being silly). Then Liz gave us all necklaces. Each necklace has a little heart charm next to the clasp that was engraved with "Thank You" on one side, and the name of the store on the other.
Pretty nice gesture, I thought. Most places would just give you a pink slip and say "don't let the door hit you on your way out."
I haven't done much about finding a new job. I'm going on a little weekend vacation (for my anniversary,)this Friday, and I've been looking forward to it for so long, that I don't want anything to interfere with it.
Boy do I need it!
Hopefully it will give me some time to figure out what I want to do next, then I'll be digging out the ol' resume, and hitting the streets.
Farewell, dear friends!
My crew.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Available and Currently Seeking Employment...
I'm still in denial about losing my job. Each day that brings that final day closer makes my heart feel a little heavier.
Every day, the conversation topic centers around where everyone is going and what they'll be doing.
This white-board has told the story of our numbered days ever since we were told the news. (the photo was taken 5/9/07 - I added the "will scrap 4 food" sign.)
For some of the younger girls, the situation is a springboard for new and exciting adventures - one is for sure headed to Boston, and to graduate school, one is see-sawing between moving to Arizona or California (and a job at Disneyland).
For us older gals with families, it's more - who's hiring in the area. The emotional ups and downs are so wearing on the mind & body. I come home and go right to bed at night (not like me at all) just because I'm so worn out by it all.
As I've been listening to the young girls dream up their futures, I've been thinking about what I would want to do if I were young and had no restrictions - here's a few things I came up with:
1) Travel Companion.
Seeking rich individual who loves to travel, but doesn't want to go alone.
I am currently available to visit all the exotic places in the world with you. Must insist on separtate private room, but am willing to engage in occasional light chit chat. Will also take photographs for a nominal fee.
2) Mattress Tester.
Need someone to try out newest models in mattresses? Then I am your girl! Must be allowed a full 8 hrs. to give proper analysis. Will not test in display window.
3) Bowling Alley Polisher.
Need your alley polished? I can make it shine! Will provide my own "Swifer" slippers. After-hours access to music a must - disco ball optional.
4) Chocolate Quality Control.
I know chocolate! Will give critique on any brand. Must insist on free enrollment to Weight Watchers.
5) Lighthouse Keeper.
Seeking employment as live-in lighthouse keeper in remote beach location. All that is required is a private room, small kitchenette, and well stocked library!
If you know of openings in any of these feilds, please let me know ASAP!
Every day, the conversation topic centers around where everyone is going and what they'll be doing.
This white-board has told the story of our numbered days ever since we were told the news. (the photo was taken 5/9/07 - I added the "will scrap 4 food" sign.)
For some of the younger girls, the situation is a springboard for new and exciting adventures - one is for sure headed to Boston, and to graduate school, one is see-sawing between moving to Arizona or California (and a job at Disneyland).
For us older gals with families, it's more - who's hiring in the area. The emotional ups and downs are so wearing on the mind & body. I come home and go right to bed at night (not like me at all) just because I'm so worn out by it all.
As I've been listening to the young girls dream up their futures, I've been thinking about what I would want to do if I were young and had no restrictions - here's a few things I came up with:
1) Travel Companion.
Seeking rich individual who loves to travel, but doesn't want to go alone.
I am currently available to visit all the exotic places in the world with you. Must insist on separtate private room, but am willing to engage in occasional light chit chat. Will also take photographs for a nominal fee.
2) Mattress Tester.
Need someone to try out newest models in mattresses? Then I am your girl! Must be allowed a full 8 hrs. to give proper analysis. Will not test in display window.
3) Bowling Alley Polisher.
Need your alley polished? I can make it shine! Will provide my own "Swifer" slippers. After-hours access to music a must - disco ball optional.
4) Chocolate Quality Control.
I know chocolate! Will give critique on any brand. Must insist on free enrollment to Weight Watchers.
5) Lighthouse Keeper.
Seeking employment as live-in lighthouse keeper in remote beach location. All that is required is a private room, small kitchenette, and well stocked library!
If you know of openings in any of these feilds, please let me know ASAP!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Strange things happen....
...When I'm not home.
When I came home from work today, it appeared that my furniture was partying while I was out:
...all this can only mean one thing - Bradley is home! :)
(My newlywed son has moved in for a few weeks, strange things always happen when he's around!)
When I came home from work today, it appeared that my furniture was partying while I was out:
...all this can only mean one thing - Bradley is home! :)
(My newlywed son has moved in for a few weeks, strange things always happen when he's around!)
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Cheerful banter of the doomed...
Today's been kind of an odd day. For a crew who is soon to be disolved, everyone seemed to be farily cheerful today. It seems that everyone has been on edge for so long, knowing that something was off, but afraid to say anything. Now that it's all out in the open, it's kind of a relief in a strange sort of way. I kept thinking of that scene in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" when the magazine staff is having thier meeting to discuss ideas, and one of the ladies chimes up and tells about the horrific disfiguring cosmetic surgery story, and how it is still "strangely....upbeat."
Our supervisor will be attending the "Prom" for the release of the new vampire book "Eclipse," soon, so she borrowed some dresses from a co-worker to wear to it. She took them home to try them on yesterday. One of the girls asked her which one she liked, and she said that only one of them fit well enough, but it made her uncomfortable because it had a slit that went clear up her thigh - one of the ladies piped up and said "just wear a garter - wear a garter that says "bite me!"
We've all read these vampire books (thanks to the prom-goer) and let me tell you - we all got a pretty good chuckle out of that!
4 of the ladies are leaving for Disneyland this week one just returned from there on Monday, - one is going to Washington to see a new grandaughter who was just born today! (as we all listened on her cell phone) and one is headed for the "prom" in Ariz. I think I'm going to be working all alone on Friday!
It felt like the last few days of school - remember those? When everyone is sad to leave thier friends for the summer, and yet excited for the coming vacations they have planned. The only really sad comment someone made was "usually when you leave a job - at least it is still there, and you can go and visit." There will be no place for us to come back to once we are all gone.
My hubby came home and told me that he has arranged a new job for me already!
One of the departments at his work has an opening, and is willing to take me right in. Hmmm....not exactly what I was thinking, but it will work - it's only 20 hrs. a week, but it pays a little more per hour, so I should come out about the same - and I can car-pool with either hubby or my daughter (she works there too) so it will save us money on gas. So, as usual, it sounds like he already has my life planned!
I was praying pretty hard last night, but I didn't expect such an immediate answer!
Our supervisor will be attending the "Prom" for the release of the new vampire book "Eclipse," soon, so she borrowed some dresses from a co-worker to wear to it. She took them home to try them on yesterday. One of the girls asked her which one she liked, and she said that only one of them fit well enough, but it made her uncomfortable because it had a slit that went clear up her thigh - one of the ladies piped up and said "just wear a garter - wear a garter that says "bite me!"
We've all read these vampire books (thanks to the prom-goer) and let me tell you - we all got a pretty good chuckle out of that!
4 of the ladies are leaving for Disneyland this week one just returned from there on Monday, - one is going to Washington to see a new grandaughter who was just born today! (as we all listened on her cell phone) and one is headed for the "prom" in Ariz. I think I'm going to be working all alone on Friday!
It felt like the last few days of school - remember those? When everyone is sad to leave thier friends for the summer, and yet excited for the coming vacations they have planned. The only really sad comment someone made was "usually when you leave a job - at least it is still there, and you can go and visit." There will be no place for us to come back to once we are all gone.
My hubby came home and told me that he has arranged a new job for me already!
One of the departments at his work has an opening, and is willing to take me right in. Hmmm....not exactly what I was thinking, but it will work - it's only 20 hrs. a week, but it pays a little more per hour, so I should come out about the same - and I can car-pool with either hubby or my daughter (she works there too) so it will save us money on gas. So, as usual, it sounds like he already has my life planned!
I was praying pretty hard last night, but I didn't expect such an immediate answer!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Stupid Criminals
As I drove past the Credit Union on my way home yesterday, I was reminded of an incident that took place there recently, and I just had to shake my head....
About a month ago, and 18 year old kid tried to rob it - in broad daylight, right after school - one of the busiest times of the day on that street. He wore no disguise (they said on the news that the pictures that the security cameras got of him were the clearest photos on record)....and he was from here!
Why oh why, please tell me, would you rob a bank in the town you were from? Especially in a town this small where everybody knows everybody! As I remember, he was in a stolen truck, but on his way out several people saw him who knew who he was...and where he lived, his uncle jack with the 3 legged dog, (ok - I embellished on that last part, but I'm just trying to make a point) The kid didn't make it to the next town.
Then, a few months before that, the truck stop where my son works was robbed - by a couple of high school kids - from here - at 4 in the afternoon - when the place was swarming with truckers - with a BB gun!!!
There were truckers in line behind him waiting to pay when he pulled out his "weapon" and demanded money. The trucker in line behind him said "not today sonny" and threw his hot coffee in his face, while two other truckers wrestled him to the ground and held him there until the police came. His girlfreind who was waiting in the car saw what happened, and peeled out and tried to get away, but two police cars blocked her off before she even got out of the parking lot!
Kids - stay in school - PLEASE!!!!
About a month ago, and 18 year old kid tried to rob it - in broad daylight, right after school - one of the busiest times of the day on that street. He wore no disguise (they said on the news that the pictures that the security cameras got of him were the clearest photos on record)....and he was from here!
Why oh why, please tell me, would you rob a bank in the town you were from? Especially in a town this small where everybody knows everybody! As I remember, he was in a stolen truck, but on his way out several people saw him who knew who he was...and where he lived, his uncle jack with the 3 legged dog, (ok - I embellished on that last part, but I'm just trying to make a point) The kid didn't make it to the next town.
Then, a few months before that, the truck stop where my son works was robbed - by a couple of high school kids - from here - at 4 in the afternoon - when the place was swarming with truckers - with a BB gun!!!
There were truckers in line behind him waiting to pay when he pulled out his "weapon" and demanded money. The trucker in line behind him said "not today sonny" and threw his hot coffee in his face, while two other truckers wrestled him to the ground and held him there until the police came. His girlfreind who was waiting in the car saw what happened, and peeled out and tried to get away, but two police cars blocked her off before she even got out of the parking lot!
Kids - stay in school - PLEASE!!!!
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Happy Easter!
We had a really pleasant Easter weekend. The weather was actually nice for a change!
My mother in law hosted an egg hunt. She has a huge yard, so it's a fun place to go for family activities. She is rapidly losing her eyesight, but she still managed to make a large paper-maiche egg for each and every child, filled with goodies!
We had a picnic lunch on the lawn, and relaxed a bit (I caught my son & 2 daughters playing a game of basketball - I don't think this has ever happened before!), while the little girlies drove the mini-Hummer around the yard.
I got a fun group shot of my kids and grandkids all in a pile (one son is missing - he worked graveyard and was sleeping it off)
Then we drove up in the hills to roll eggs.
After Eastering, hubby and I went looking for a new dishwasher. Our old one is so bad, that when you open it up, you can't tell if it's been run or not without close inspection - not healthy I'm thinking!
So Sunday, while I was trying to prepare my Easter feast - hubby was on the floor under me, trying to install it.
But dinner was fabulous in spite of it all! (if I do say so myself!)
Church services were pretty low-key this year - almost left me wishing for a little more, but here's a little reminder of why we celebrate in the first place:
Happy & Blessed Easter greetings to all!
Three little pig-talied cousins...
My mother in law hosted an egg hunt. She has a huge yard, so it's a fun place to go for family activities. She is rapidly losing her eyesight, but she still managed to make a large paper-maiche egg for each and every child, filled with goodies!
We had a picnic lunch on the lawn, and relaxed a bit (I caught my son & 2 daughters playing a game of basketball - I don't think this has ever happened before!), while the little girlies drove the mini-Hummer around the yard.
I got a fun group shot of my kids and grandkids all in a pile (one son is missing - he worked graveyard and was sleeping it off)
Then we drove up in the hills to roll eggs.
After Eastering, hubby and I went looking for a new dishwasher. Our old one is so bad, that when you open it up, you can't tell if it's been run or not without close inspection - not healthy I'm thinking!
So Sunday, while I was trying to prepare my Easter feast - hubby was on the floor under me, trying to install it.
But dinner was fabulous in spite of it all! (if I do say so myself!)
Church services were pretty low-key this year - almost left me wishing for a little more, but here's a little reminder of why we celebrate in the first place:
Happy & Blessed Easter greetings to all!
Three little pig-talied cousins...
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