Thursday, July 01, 2010
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
There Should be Pictures
It was a good day today, I made it that way. I've been trying very hard to make any day a good day. So today, you get a list.
1. Planned a cute surprise for the Utah Girls.
2. Talked with Ann, about another surprise.
3. Reserved our car for the weekend in SLC, only $50!
4. My scrap pack came, the one I ordered from Scrap n Stuff in Orange Park. I love LSS!
5. We're muddling through the end of the year paperwork. I tried to make it was easy as possible.
6. Won a Cricut Cartridge, Independence Day from M-C ! How cool is that!
okay 6 is enough! Have a great hump day!
1. Planned a cute surprise for the Utah Girls.
2. Talked with Ann, about another surprise.
3. Reserved our car for the weekend in SLC, only $50!
4. My scrap pack came, the one I ordered from Scrap n Stuff in Orange Park. I love LSS!
5. We're muddling through the end of the year paperwork. I tried to make it was easy as possible.
6. Won a Cricut Cartridge, Independence Day from M-C ! How cool is that!
okay 6 is enough! Have a great hump day!
Monday, May 31, 2010
I Remember
What I remember about Memorial Day isn't so much about barbecues, beaches and fun. What I remember about Memorial Day is much more solemn than that. I remember to remember. I am the daughter of a veteran of World War II. At our house, on Memorial Day, it was about the parade, the long walk to the cemetery, and Flander's Fields.
Besides knowing that Memorial Day meant school was out for the summer, or at least it was almost time to be out. Memorial Day was such a patriotic day in my childhood. The town parade lined up across the street from our house. We'd get up early, sit on our porch and watch everyone line up. When we were old enough for the long march (a half mile) to the cemetery, we lined up too.
When it was time for the parade to begin, we would walk to the corner next door, and watch the parade. The high school band would march, the fire trucks would be blow their sirens, there would be flags and flags and flags. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the VFW and the American Legion, special people in cars, it seemed everyone in town would be in the parade. I thought it was fun! Every kid loves a parade!
But as I got older, able to march to the cemetery as a part of the parade, it became sadder to me. I realized the reason we marched. We marched to honor the men and women who died in wars. I didn't know them, they didn't know me. But they died fighting in a war for me, for you and millions of others they never knew.
I remember service people from the base in my home town, everyone saying the pledge, and singing the Star Spangled Banner. I remember the list of names of the dead that was always read. I remember taps played far off from the crowd, it's lonely sound wafting through the tombstones and trees. I remember the 21 gun salute, and to this day, when I hear that salute, it always takes me back to those ceremonies. I remember the old men in uniform and how every year there were less and less of them. I remember a high school senior read "In Flanders Fields" every year. I remember the green, green grass, the sunshine through the trees and of course, the poppies were always blooming. I remember.
So this day is always sad for me. It's not about those currently fighting in lands abroad, or those who fought in years past and came home to families. While they are important, I am grateful. This day is to remember those who gave their lives for us, the Ultimate Sacrifice. So we can enjoy our days of freedom, however we wish.
Today, I thank them for that.
Besides knowing that Memorial Day meant school was out for the summer, or at least it was almost time to be out. Memorial Day was such a patriotic day in my childhood. The town parade lined up across the street from our house. We'd get up early, sit on our porch and watch everyone line up. When we were old enough for the long march (a half mile) to the cemetery, we lined up too.
When it was time for the parade to begin, we would walk to the corner next door, and watch the parade. The high school band would march, the fire trucks would be blow their sirens, there would be flags and flags and flags. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the VFW and the American Legion, special people in cars, it seemed everyone in town would be in the parade. I thought it was fun! Every kid loves a parade!
But as I got older, able to march to the cemetery as a part of the parade, it became sadder to me. I realized the reason we marched. We marched to honor the men and women who died in wars. I didn't know them, they didn't know me. But they died fighting in a war for me, for you and millions of others they never knew.
I remember service people from the base in my home town, everyone saying the pledge, and singing the Star Spangled Banner. I remember the list of names of the dead that was always read. I remember taps played far off from the crowd, it's lonely sound wafting through the tombstones and trees. I remember the 21 gun salute, and to this day, when I hear that salute, it always takes me back to those ceremonies. I remember the old men in uniform and how every year there were less and less of them. I remember a high school senior read "In Flanders Fields" every year. I remember the green, green grass, the sunshine through the trees and of course, the poppies were always blooming. I remember.
So this day is always sad for me. It's not about those currently fighting in lands abroad, or those who fought in years past and came home to families. While they are important, I am grateful. This day is to remember those who gave their lives for us, the Ultimate Sacrifice. So we can enjoy our days of freedom, however we wish.
Today, I thank them for that.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Out on the Town
Since I worked most of the day yesterday, and hubby got his coaching bonus, we decided to go out for dinner last night. After living in a tourist town for many, many years, we've learned that going out on a holiday weekend means avoiding all the "good" places because they are slam full of tourists.
Patrick, anxious to get us out of the house for whatever reason, began suggesting all kinds of local dives, in hopes that we would go, and leave him in peace and quiet. He finally suggested a place that sounded somewhat appealing and off we went. We even invited him, but he didn't want to go.
Perhaps because I was craving fried chicken, mashed potatoes and a veggie, and I knew this place didn't serve that. I wasn't thrilled to begin with about where we were going. If there were a good place in town to get fried chicken and such, we'd have went there. But one thing this town lacks is a good fried chicken place.
It has been months since we've been to this place. Since then, it's changed owners. When we walked in the door, I was not impressed. Can I just say, I love a place that puts tablecloths on the table and this place used to, but doesn't now? But I sat down and since I knew I couldn't have fried chicken, I ordered a steak.
Now mind you, this is a dive. We knew it was a dive when we decided to go there. But the food was always good, so you looked at its diviness as ambiance. LOL!
This time my steak was awful. I took the first bite and almost spit it out awful. The waitress must have noticed because she was there right away. I sent it back and they remade it. Second steak was good, even tho it was undercooked.... The potato, so so. The salad was the best part. Afterward we ordered a piece of cake, because their cakes are delicious. Or should I say were delicious. This cake was ordinary.
All in all the entire meal was not worth the calories that I allow for "cheat Night".
Afterwards the movie and the cuddling were. And that's all I have to say about our night out on the town. We'll try again next week. When the tourists are gone....
Patrick, anxious to get us out of the house for whatever reason, began suggesting all kinds of local dives, in hopes that we would go, and leave him in peace and quiet. He finally suggested a place that sounded somewhat appealing and off we went. We even invited him, but he didn't want to go.
Perhaps because I was craving fried chicken, mashed potatoes and a veggie, and I knew this place didn't serve that. I wasn't thrilled to begin with about where we were going. If there were a good place in town to get fried chicken and such, we'd have went there. But one thing this town lacks is a good fried chicken place.
It has been months since we've been to this place. Since then, it's changed owners. When we walked in the door, I was not impressed. Can I just say, I love a place that puts tablecloths on the table and this place used to, but doesn't now? But I sat down and since I knew I couldn't have fried chicken, I ordered a steak.
Now mind you, this is a dive. We knew it was a dive when we decided to go there. But the food was always good, so you looked at its diviness as ambiance. LOL!
This time my steak was awful. I took the first bite and almost spit it out awful. The waitress must have noticed because she was there right away. I sent it back and they remade it. Second steak was good, even tho it was undercooked.... The potato, so so. The salad was the best part. Afterward we ordered a piece of cake, because their cakes are delicious. Or should I say were delicious. This cake was ordinary.
All in all the entire meal was not worth the calories that I allow for "cheat Night".
Afterwards the movie and the cuddling were. And that's all I have to say about our night out on the town. We'll try again next week. When the tourists are gone....
Friday, May 28, 2010
FRIDAY!!!!!!
It's Friday, I'm lazy, so here's a 20 questions I took from Donna. I loved her answers. She makes me really miss living a quieter life up north. Not that I couldn't live a quiet life here, but, well, she's up where it's more pastoral, peaceful, green and quiet. Okay enough rambling, I know you want me to dish on my deep, dark, emotional side.
1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
Ewwwww! Need to do something about these eyebrows
2. Do you miss anyone right now?
My boys being home all the time, my family up north
3. If you could move anywhere else, would you?
Yes.
4. If you could choose, what would your last meal be?
I'd have a buffet dinner with all my family and friends
5. What famous person, dead or alive, would you want to have lunch with?
I've always wanted to lunch with Katherine Hepburn.
6. what was the last book you read?
Dear John.
7. what was the last movie you watched?
Jurassic Park. Not my choice, but the guys were watching it and I wanted to lay on the sofa.
8. what was the last song you heard?
Wanted Dead or Alive by Guns n Roses. (I was listening to an "oldies" CD, if you can believe that)
9. what is your dream vacation?
To travel the US in an RV.
10. what is the next trip you will take?
Going to UTAH! in June with the Girls!!!!!!!!!
11. did you ever go to camp?
Yep! Boy Scout Camp every summer for about 5 years. Oh! you mean as a kid? yeah, I went to Girl Scout camp too.
12. have you ever been in love?
Still Am
13. what do you want to know about the future?
If I get to have grandkids to spoil
14. where is your best friend?
cooking burgers
15. how is your best friend?
He's getting so skinny!
16. who is the biggest gossiper you know?
geez, hard to pick the biggest one, so they will all remain nameless......
17. what does your last text message say?
Love you too!
18. what are 3 things you've always wanted to do, that you still plan to accomplish?
Travel, Travel, Travel.
19. what is one thing you learned from your parents?
Work ethic
20. what is one thing you hope to teach to your own children?
Remember to play
So if you've read this far, you need to post it on your blog and let me know so I can learn about you!
1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
Ewwwww! Need to do something about these eyebrows
2. Do you miss anyone right now?
My boys being home all the time, my family up north
3. If you could move anywhere else, would you?
Yes.
4. If you could choose, what would your last meal be?
I'd have a buffet dinner with all my family and friends
5. What famous person, dead or alive, would you want to have lunch with?
I've always wanted to lunch with Katherine Hepburn.
6. what was the last book you read?
Dear John.
7. what was the last movie you watched?
Jurassic Park. Not my choice, but the guys were watching it and I wanted to lay on the sofa.
8. what was the last song you heard?
Wanted Dead or Alive by Guns n Roses. (I was listening to an "oldies" CD, if you can believe that)
9. what is your dream vacation?
To travel the US in an RV.
10. what is the next trip you will take?
Going to UTAH! in June with the Girls!!!!!!!!!
11. did you ever go to camp?
Yep! Boy Scout Camp every summer for about 5 years. Oh! you mean as a kid? yeah, I went to Girl Scout camp too.
12. have you ever been in love?
Still Am
13. what do you want to know about the future?
If I get to have grandkids to spoil
14. where is your best friend?
cooking burgers
15. how is your best friend?
He's getting so skinny!
16. who is the biggest gossiper you know?
geez, hard to pick the biggest one, so they will all remain nameless......
17. what does your last text message say?
Love you too!
18. what are 3 things you've always wanted to do, that you still plan to accomplish?
Travel, Travel, Travel.
19. what is one thing you learned from your parents?
Work ethic
20. what is one thing you hope to teach to your own children?
Remember to play
So if you've read this far, you need to post it on your blog and let me know so I can learn about you!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Good Intentions
My weekends don't always go as planned. Nor are they always glamorous, full of travel and fun. This is one of those weekends, a seat of my pants, what do I do next, kind of weekend.
I decided yesterday that I couldn't live one more minute in my cluttered, messy bedroom, so I started in cleaning. Then I moved on to the bathroom, then the next bathroom, then the kitchen and finally some more work in the scraproom. I was on a roll until I put a little slice in my finger washing my pineapple cutter. More later on that contraption.
I got all the bleeding stopped, put on a bandaid, and put up my feet. Heck with cleaning for the day! I had intended to do some beach time, but I just couldn't motivate to do that. Plus, I felt a tad guilty going to the beach, when Hubby is slaving away on the new deck. Not that he wants my help, but just in case, I'm here for him! LOL!
I love my pineapple slicer, btw, it's from Pampered Chef. Best invention since the slap chopper! We've eaten more pineapple in the past 9 months of having it than we did 20 years before! It works like the apple slicer, only big enough for a pineapple. I love fresh pineapple, just love it! So we slice the pineapple with the big slicer, than run the apple slicer down the two pineapple halves to make strips, a few cuts with a knife and we have nice chunks of edible sunshine! YUM!
So back to good intentions. I intended to go to the beach today. But I didn't sleep well last night, slept in til 9 this morning, did the commissary run, and then came home to quit! Well, I was going to go to the beach again. But the guilt thing settled in, and I got busy loading my iPod full of music, plus cooking collards for dinner takes awhile, and well, you have to have potato salad if you're having collards, but I drew the line at frying chicken. We're having rotisserie chicken instead.
So I've been putzing. Didn't go to the beach, didn't make any cards, and still haven't finished cleaning the scraproom. BUT the laundry is done, the house is clean enough, and we're having a good dinner. So much for a glamorous life, but it's all good and satisfying when I lay my head down for the night. It's a good life!
I decided yesterday that I couldn't live one more minute in my cluttered, messy bedroom, so I started in cleaning. Then I moved on to the bathroom, then the next bathroom, then the kitchen and finally some more work in the scraproom. I was on a roll until I put a little slice in my finger washing my pineapple cutter. More later on that contraption.
I got all the bleeding stopped, put on a bandaid, and put up my feet. Heck with cleaning for the day! I had intended to do some beach time, but I just couldn't motivate to do that. Plus, I felt a tad guilty going to the beach, when Hubby is slaving away on the new deck. Not that he wants my help, but just in case, I'm here for him! LOL!
I love my pineapple slicer, btw, it's from Pampered Chef. Best invention since the slap chopper! We've eaten more pineapple in the past 9 months of having it than we did 20 years before! It works like the apple slicer, only big enough for a pineapple. I love fresh pineapple, just love it! So we slice the pineapple with the big slicer, than run the apple slicer down the two pineapple halves to make strips, a few cuts with a knife and we have nice chunks of edible sunshine! YUM!
So back to good intentions. I intended to go to the beach today. But I didn't sleep well last night, slept in til 9 this morning, did the commissary run, and then came home to quit! Well, I was going to go to the beach again. But the guilt thing settled in, and I got busy loading my iPod full of music, plus cooking collards for dinner takes awhile, and well, you have to have potato salad if you're having collards, but I drew the line at frying chicken. We're having rotisserie chicken instead.
So I've been putzing. Didn't go to the beach, didn't make any cards, and still haven't finished cleaning the scraproom. BUT the laundry is done, the house is clean enough, and we're having a good dinner. So much for a glamorous life, but it's all good and satisfying when I lay my head down for the night. It's a good life!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
And the Problem Is "Stuff"
I think it's because I go to work early in the morning. I'm usually at work by 7:00 a.m. every morning and I love that. I was used to blogging in the morning before I went to work at 10. But since my hours changed, I don't blog in the morning. By the time I get home at night, my mind is too overloaded to blog.
In the mornings, I'm more positive, my head is clearer and not so full of "stuff" from the day. "Stuff" that weighs you down. It's little stuff, but still, it fills up and fills in, sometimes the "good stuff" doesn't get out like I want it too.
Now don't get the idea that my head is full of ucky stuff, or that I let the "stuff" get to me. I don't. But in the mornings it's easier to think of "good stuff" "happy stuff", "stuff" I really want to say.
So with that said, here's "Stuff"
Inspired Event was AWE-SOME! I loved being with Kip, Di and Julie. I loved creating! It was like being turned loose with a big, fresh, clean piece of paper and a new set of crayons. It was WOW! EVERYONE was so FRIENDLY! So down to earth! So approachable! Okay, there was ONE "Diva" but she was young and she'll learn!
I'm loving the "stuff" of Facebook. No, not the games, hearts, hugs and lists. I love all the friends I've caught up with and staying in touch with them and my relatives! I LOVE my nieces!!! On both sides of the family! It's fun getting to know them and their "personalities". One is an artist, one loves to travel, one is so young and in love, one loves to party, and the ones that are moms are so great at it! A few of them have the family sense of warped, sarcastic humor! It's fun seeing all the "traits" come out.
So, the "stuff" is good. Even tho I'm filled with "stuff" at the end of the day, most all of it is good "stuff". It's just overwhelming to sit down, relax and write about it all.
But I'm trying, I really am. So if I'm not writing here, catch up with me on FB where I'm talking about "stuff".
In the mornings, I'm more positive, my head is clearer and not so full of "stuff" from the day. "Stuff" that weighs you down. It's little stuff, but still, it fills up and fills in, sometimes the "good stuff" doesn't get out like I want it too.
Now don't get the idea that my head is full of ucky stuff, or that I let the "stuff" get to me. I don't. But in the mornings it's easier to think of "good stuff" "happy stuff", "stuff" I really want to say.
So with that said, here's "Stuff"
Inspired Event was AWE-SOME! I loved being with Kip, Di and Julie. I loved creating! It was like being turned loose with a big, fresh, clean piece of paper and a new set of crayons. It was WOW! EVERYONE was so FRIENDLY! So down to earth! So approachable! Okay, there was ONE "Diva" but she was young and she'll learn!
I'm loving the "stuff" of Facebook. No, not the games, hearts, hugs and lists. I love all the friends I've caught up with and staying in touch with them and my relatives! I LOVE my nieces!!! On both sides of the family! It's fun getting to know them and their "personalities". One is an artist, one loves to travel, one is so young and in love, one loves to party, and the ones that are moms are so great at it! A few of them have the family sense of warped, sarcastic humor! It's fun seeing all the "traits" come out.
So, the "stuff" is good. Even tho I'm filled with "stuff" at the end of the day, most all of it is good "stuff". It's just overwhelming to sit down, relax and write about it all.
But I'm trying, I really am. So if I'm not writing here, catch up with me on FB where I'm talking about "stuff".
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Tagged!!!
By Darla! I love Darla, even tho I've never met her IRL (in real life, as we say on the "net"), we've been friends for years. She's a busy mom of four and an awesome woman, staying on the go 24/7 with her wonderful family. She's a talented scrapper too! The best thing about her is her optimistic attitude. We need more Darlas!
So here's my answer to her tag.
10 Things I Like
1. My family. 99.9% of the time they are the best thing in my life. I think about them all the time, and really truly, wish they were all back home.
2. I love the age I'm at. Yes, I could be skinnier, less wrinkled, non bespeckled and rich. But, really, I do love where I'm at because I've learned that all that? ain't all that!
3. I like to travel. I must be a descendant of gypsies, because I like to be on the go, exploring new places, learning new things, meeting new people. Such a great nation we live in, so much to see.
4. I like to learn. I always like to learn new things, face new challenges and gain knowledge from what I've already experienced.
5. I like vintage stuff. Antiques, rustic, used and well loved stuff! I sometimes think I was born in the wrong era. I should have been born in the early 1900's. I love the clothes, the furniture, and the homes from that era til about the 1970's.
6. I like to create stuff. I love making stuff that looks worn and well loved.
7. I like the internet/facebook. How fantastic is it to keep up with friends and family! I'm blessed with so many friends and each of them is special to me!
8. I like flowers and plants. I wish it wasn't so dang hot around here all the time where I could continue working outside. I'd work outside for a living if it wasn't so darn hot!
9. I love the beach. So relaxing, time stops for me at the beach. I could spend hours there, days, weeks. But the same could be said for the mountains too. I love being out!
10. And last, but not least, I love my husband! He has given me the wings to fly, and the nest to come back to. He encourages me and catches me when I fall. He makes me laugh and makes me think. He challenges me. I would live in a shack in the woods if I could have him by my side.
5 Random Things about Me
1. I'm a great, great Aunt. And I've been one for a few years! Not many people my age can say that and I think it's a great blessing!
2. I get more angry with myself than I do other people. Usually people think I'm made at them, but I'm not. I'm mad at myself!
3. I would love to live in the country, even tho I've spent most of my life in a large metropolitan area. I love peace and quiet!
4. I love to drive fast! If I were younger, I'd probably be an adrenaline junkie. I'm no longer a chicken when it comes to trying most new things.
5. I like to be in the middle of everything. I like to be involved and active in everything I do. I hate being left out!
I Tag
1. Kip
2. Linda
3. Georgia
4. Teri
5. Julie
I hope you've recovered from the heart attack that I blogged!
So here's my answer to her tag.
10 Things I Like
1. My family. 99.9% of the time they are the best thing in my life. I think about them all the time, and really truly, wish they were all back home.
2. I love the age I'm at. Yes, I could be skinnier, less wrinkled, non bespeckled and rich. But, really, I do love where I'm at because I've learned that all that? ain't all that!
3. I like to travel. I must be a descendant of gypsies, because I like to be on the go, exploring new places, learning new things, meeting new people. Such a great nation we live in, so much to see.
4. I like to learn. I always like to learn new things, face new challenges and gain knowledge from what I've already experienced.
5. I like vintage stuff. Antiques, rustic, used and well loved stuff! I sometimes think I was born in the wrong era. I should have been born in the early 1900's. I love the clothes, the furniture, and the homes from that era til about the 1970's.
6. I like to create stuff. I love making stuff that looks worn and well loved.
7. I like the internet/facebook. How fantastic is it to keep up with friends and family! I'm blessed with so many friends and each of them is special to me!
8. I like flowers and plants. I wish it wasn't so dang hot around here all the time where I could continue working outside. I'd work outside for a living if it wasn't so darn hot!
9. I love the beach. So relaxing, time stops for me at the beach. I could spend hours there, days, weeks. But the same could be said for the mountains too. I love being out!
10. And last, but not least, I love my husband! He has given me the wings to fly, and the nest to come back to. He encourages me and catches me when I fall. He makes me laugh and makes me think. He challenges me. I would live in a shack in the woods if I could have him by my side.
5 Random Things about Me
1. I'm a great, great Aunt. And I've been one for a few years! Not many people my age can say that and I think it's a great blessing!
2. I get more angry with myself than I do other people. Usually people think I'm made at them, but I'm not. I'm mad at myself!
3. I would love to live in the country, even tho I've spent most of my life in a large metropolitan area. I love peace and quiet!
4. I love to drive fast! If I were younger, I'd probably be an adrenaline junkie. I'm no longer a chicken when it comes to trying most new things.
5. I like to be in the middle of everything. I like to be involved and active in everything I do. I hate being left out!
I Tag
1. Kip
2. Linda
3. Georgia
4. Teri
5. Julie
I hope you've recovered from the heart attack that I blogged!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Keeping it Up
What a gorgeous day Saturday was! So nice, sunshiney, almost warm. I thought it got up into the 70s, but we only had a high of 68. Now today it's overcast but supposed to hit 70s.
I finally got my book I needed, "The Secret Life of Bees". I've even read the first chapter. I think it's going to be a great read. I already like the spunk that Lily has. I like spunky people, people with a little fire under their feet. Especially when they are using that fire to make their world a better place.
I spent most of the day cleaning house. I know, not the activity I should be doing on a bright, sunny day. But it needed it. Rick raked leaves in the yard. I know he misses having those 3 boys at home this time of year especially. I've tried to help him, but my allergies get the best of me. I did get out there for an hour or so and cut down baby oak trees all over the yard. Those acorns will grow anywhere, especially along the fence line. Weedy, oak tree fence lines are a pet peeve of mine. So I get the job of cutting those oak trees down.
We went to Famous Dave's for dinner. I realized the ramification of letting your kids play nintendo ds in restaurants to keep them quiet. They grow up to sit and text the entire dinner, ignoring everyone else at the table. Not that my children were allowed to do that. This is from a guy I observed last night. He sat texting, the entire time we were there (about an hour) while his wife chatted with the friends, and his toddler daughter threw all the sugar/sweetner packets on the floor. He was oblivious to everything that was going on around him. He may not have been texting. He may have been playing a game on his phone, some things never change.
We got home and set up the baby crib. It fit perfectly! After today we'll be ready! So I'm off to finish up!
I finally got my book I needed, "The Secret Life of Bees". I've even read the first chapter. I think it's going to be a great read. I already like the spunk that Lily has. I like spunky people, people with a little fire under their feet. Especially when they are using that fire to make their world a better place.
I spent most of the day cleaning house. I know, not the activity I should be doing on a bright, sunny day. But it needed it. Rick raked leaves in the yard. I know he misses having those 3 boys at home this time of year especially. I've tried to help him, but my allergies get the best of me. I did get out there for an hour or so and cut down baby oak trees all over the yard. Those acorns will grow anywhere, especially along the fence line. Weedy, oak tree fence lines are a pet peeve of mine. So I get the job of cutting those oak trees down.
We went to Famous Dave's for dinner. I realized the ramification of letting your kids play nintendo ds in restaurants to keep them quiet. They grow up to sit and text the entire dinner, ignoring everyone else at the table. Not that my children were allowed to do that. This is from a guy I observed last night. He sat texting, the entire time we were there (about an hour) while his wife chatted with the friends, and his toddler daughter threw all the sugar/sweetner packets on the floor. He was oblivious to everything that was going on around him. He may not have been texting. He may have been playing a game on his phone, some things never change.
We got home and set up the baby crib. It fit perfectly! After today we'll be ready! So I'm off to finish up!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
So Here I Write
Who is still reading? Did you think I gave up blogging for Lent? No, I didn't. Most days my life is kind of boring. Okay, not kind of, but really boring.
So what have I been doing? hmmm. Well I went to visit Teri and her girls in South Florida. She says it isn't "south" Florida, but it is to me. Her girls are so much fun! Love being with them, such a different perspective on life!
We went to see Taylor Swift in concert. She was opening her first headliner tour. She's going to do fantastic! Oh to be so young and talented!
The next night we saw a different Taylor. We met Linda and her son, Taylor, at the Strawberry festival. Taylor is such a nice young man. So tolerant of our crazy ideas. I think Teri's girls enjoyed hanging with him. I know I did.
Teri, Linda, the girls and I saw Darius Rucker in concert at the Strawberry Fest. He's pretty awesome too! Not the showman that Taylor Swift was, but I love his music. He did his songs, Hootie songs, Johnny Cash, and Purple Rain. I loved it!
I also got to see Kip while I was down there. She took us to this fantastic place for lunch. It was a mexican place, but I can't remember the name. I know one thing it's on the corner by Whimsodoodle, and I'd love to go back there!
Speaking of Mexican. Teri made some awesome salsa one afternoon while we waited for the girls to come home from school. OMG! IT was so good and I think we ate most of it, she had to make more so the girls could have some.
HLC cooked dinner for us one night and he did such a fantastic job! London Broil! I had just started my diet, and wanted to eat it all, but I was good and ate just enough. He's a keeper!
So since I've come home from there, life has been pretty quiet and routine. We work, we come home, we workout, we eat, we watch a bit of TV, we sleep, we get up the next day and do it again.
We've really changed our eating habits. No fried food, not much red meat, no prepackaged food. NO SODA! Which wasn't hard for me, but a bit of a challenge for the hubby. He's even cut way back on the koolaid/lemonade/flavored sugar water. Mostly we drink coffee (in the morning and water all day long!
And for those of you who like to keep track of my comings and goings. Who think I travel alot and am always on the go, I've got 46 days until I go again! That's almost 7 weeks! Amazing I know!
So that's life in a nutshell. or my little nuthouse, however you want to look at it. Quiet, routine, peaceful, no drama. I kinda like it that way.
So what have I been doing? hmmm. Well I went to visit Teri and her girls in South Florida. She says it isn't "south" Florida, but it is to me. Her girls are so much fun! Love being with them, such a different perspective on life!
We went to see Taylor Swift in concert. She was opening her first headliner tour. She's going to do fantastic! Oh to be so young and talented!
The next night we saw a different Taylor. We met Linda and her son, Taylor, at the Strawberry festival. Taylor is such a nice young man. So tolerant of our crazy ideas. I think Teri's girls enjoyed hanging with him. I know I did.
Teri, Linda, the girls and I saw Darius Rucker in concert at the Strawberry Fest. He's pretty awesome too! Not the showman that Taylor Swift was, but I love his music. He did his songs, Hootie songs, Johnny Cash, and Purple Rain. I loved it!
I also got to see Kip while I was down there. She took us to this fantastic place for lunch. It was a mexican place, but I can't remember the name. I know one thing it's on the corner by Whimsodoodle, and I'd love to go back there!
Speaking of Mexican. Teri made some awesome salsa one afternoon while we waited for the girls to come home from school. OMG! IT was so good and I think we ate most of it, she had to make more so the girls could have some.
HLC cooked dinner for us one night and he did such a fantastic job! London Broil! I had just started my diet, and wanted to eat it all, but I was good and ate just enough. He's a keeper!
So since I've come home from there, life has been pretty quiet and routine. We work, we come home, we workout, we eat, we watch a bit of TV, we sleep, we get up the next day and do it again.
We've really changed our eating habits. No fried food, not much red meat, no prepackaged food. NO SODA! Which wasn't hard for me, but a bit of a challenge for the hubby. He's even cut way back on the koolaid/lemonade/flavored sugar water. Mostly we drink coffee (in the morning and water all day long!
And for those of you who like to keep track of my comings and goings. Who think I travel alot and am always on the go, I've got 46 days until I go again! That's almost 7 weeks! Amazing I know!
So that's life in a nutshell. or my little nuthouse, however you want to look at it. Quiet, routine, peaceful, no drama. I kinda like it that way.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Are you jealous because I live in Sunny Florida and you are freezing away up north? Or are you in South Florida and just want to come visit?
Do you love your Cuttlebug like I love mine???? Well then, you need to check this out!
http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/2010/02/wanna-get-away-to-this-fantastic.html
Even tho it's probably only 20 minutes from my house, I'd love to spend a weekend at the beach with the Cuttlebug folks!
Do you love your Cuttlebug like I love mine???? Well then, you need to check this out!
http://cuttlebugchallenge.blogspot.com/2010/02/wanna-get-away-to-this-fantastic.html
Even tho it's probably only 20 minutes from my house, I'd love to spend a weekend at the beach with the Cuttlebug folks!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Midweek Musings
Every weekend we, hubby and me, go to the Navy base. It's become a ritual I guess, and I guess that means we're getting old. Old people like their routines I hear, and they don't like their routines to change. Okay, so it's midweek and it's been routine, I'm ready for a change.
During our routine trip to the base, we almost always check out the exchange. To you non military people, it's like our Target. A bit of everything, tho usually higher end name brands, at what you outsiders consider ridiculously lower prices. Really the prices aren't that low, unless you are a mall shopper. Then the prices are lower. But it's nice to look and it's nice to shop, and since the government is continually taking away our retiree benefits, I'm going to use mine to the max til they do!
I love going to the electronics store too. Truly that is where the bargains are to be had. I walk in there and dream of a new laptop, big screen tv, or a new camera. Then I walk back in the appliances and dream of a new washer and dryer......... you get my drift. So this week we walk in the electronics store and as I'm drooling over the digital SLRs, hubby pulls me over to the Wii games. He's finally found the Biggest Loser Wii game. We HAVE to have it, so it goes home with us.
I am a fan of BL. I think Bob & Jillian could work me skinny in a few months without a doubt in my mind. I just didn't think buying a new Wii game during the Olympics, American Idol week, plus all my other shows, was the BEST idea we've had. Can you tell I'm really a couch potato?
We started the BL Sunday night. It was interesting.. I even liked it. I broke a sweat, a big sweat. I actually felt like I'd done something when I was done. Okay, I like it. I even look forward to it. Combined with Lent (no fried food, fast food alcohol or chocolate) I've lost 4 pounds.
When I started, I was sore, wiped and hating it. The workouts have gotten easier, but are still challenging. It doesn't hurt anymore like it did the first two days. I have a bit more energy, focus and I'm sure sleeping better at night. So we'll see where this goes.
Other than that, it's been quiet at the homestead. Monday is Rick's hearing test. His mom's hip replacement surgery went well, she's been up and walking, but they are talking Sunday before she can come home. I'm excited about registering for my Inspired mini classes in May on Monday. I'm even more excited to get out of Dodge next week to see Teri and the girls for Taylor Swift in concert and a few other surprises. Do you think Jillian and Bob will miss me?
During our routine trip to the base, we almost always check out the exchange. To you non military people, it's like our Target. A bit of everything, tho usually higher end name brands, at what you outsiders consider ridiculously lower prices. Really the prices aren't that low, unless you are a mall shopper. Then the prices are lower. But it's nice to look and it's nice to shop, and since the government is continually taking away our retiree benefits, I'm going to use mine to the max til they do!
I love going to the electronics store too. Truly that is where the bargains are to be had. I walk in there and dream of a new laptop, big screen tv, or a new camera. Then I walk back in the appliances and dream of a new washer and dryer......... you get my drift. So this week we walk in the electronics store and as I'm drooling over the digital SLRs, hubby pulls me over to the Wii games. He's finally found the Biggest Loser Wii game. We HAVE to have it, so it goes home with us.
I am a fan of BL. I think Bob & Jillian could work me skinny in a few months without a doubt in my mind. I just didn't think buying a new Wii game during the Olympics, American Idol week, plus all my other shows, was the BEST idea we've had. Can you tell I'm really a couch potato?
We started the BL Sunday night. It was interesting.. I even liked it. I broke a sweat, a big sweat. I actually felt like I'd done something when I was done. Okay, I like it. I even look forward to it. Combined with Lent (no fried food, fast food alcohol or chocolate) I've lost 4 pounds.
When I started, I was sore, wiped and hating it. The workouts have gotten easier, but are still challenging. It doesn't hurt anymore like it did the first two days. I have a bit more energy, focus and I'm sure sleeping better at night. So we'll see where this goes.
Other than that, it's been quiet at the homestead. Monday is Rick's hearing test. His mom's hip replacement surgery went well, she's been up and walking, but they are talking Sunday before she can come home. I'm excited about registering for my Inspired mini classes in May on Monday. I'm even more excited to get out of Dodge next week to see Teri and the girls for Taylor Swift in concert and a few other surprises. Do you think Jillian and Bob will miss me?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Yes, I know, I haven't blogged.
So I understand if you're no longer reading my blog. But that's okay. It's my blog, for me and my thoughts such as they are. Someday when I'm senile, I'll get a nurse to turn on the computer and bring up the old blog. That way I can read about things I did, back when I still had my one brain cell.
So what have I been doing? What's going on with my life?
We had Mardi Gras here on the Gulf Coast. Patrick donned a tux for the Big Ball downtown. I've always wanted to go, but fat chance. I dance more with my husband than I have in the 23 years since I married him. They don't polka much down south....
But Patrick looked handsome, let me see if I can find a picture..
He's so handsome! but I'm a biased momma! Cleans up pretty good. That's his current girlfriend, Amber with him. They went to the Ball with her parents & grandparents. Amber and Patrick dated of and on all through high school. So I guess they are on again..
ETA: I don't know why the picture is so small. I can't get it to post large. but you get the idea!
I went to Winter Retreat with the Hilltop girls. Susie brought some of her friends. I didn't get to talk with them much, Susie was sitting between us. But they seemed like nice ladies. I had a great time as always with the girls. It was hard to pick classes, they were all so good this time. I let Susie's friend, Linda take my place in the cookbook class. I'll have to see if I have all the papers and stuff to make one. It was the coldest WR I remember. It got down in the 20's the last night. I stayed toasty warm thanks to my blankets and the hand warmers that Roz & Kelcey brought. It is amazing the heat those little boogers put out in a bed. I had serious back cramps all weekend. Thanks to Kelly's magic hands, she massaged a few kinks out. I should bring her home with me! Had a nice long walk in the woods with Michele, who looks fantastic with her weight loss. She's inspired me!!! I know that hike is alot more pleasant in February than it was the last time I walked it in August heat with the cub scouts many years ago!
Not much going on since I got home. Work, Work, Work, it is what it is. We've been watching the Olympics alot. When we aren't watching that, we've got the Wii cranked up. Wii fit is going to miss me, because as of today Jillian and Bob are in the house! Love our Biggest Loser for Wii! It was really kicking my butt tonite! But that's okay, it's what I need!
Funny story, we usually go commissary shopping on Sunday morning. We always see the same people when we shop, creatures of habit I guess. We always see our friends Sue & Greg, usually about halfway through the store. Well, today Rick said, "let's go to the commissary today" So off we go. We went in the exchange (PX) first, and who do we run into? Sue & Greg! We chatted for a bit then they headed to the commissary. We all laughed about it. We saw them in the commissary too. We got a great deal on our favorite hard sausage. We love Old Wisconsin Sausage. The commissary has been carrying it since right before Christmas and on each package was a coupon for $3 off your next purchase. Well today they had all the sausages marked down to $2.50. At first the checker was confused because the coupon was worth more than the price of the sausage. She said she'd have to check with her manager. I thought Oh great, she's only going to give us $2.50 off and I'm going to have to be a bitch. But, she came back and said, I guess we're paying you to eat this sausage today. Wooo HOOOOO!!! We had two coupons, so we got $1.00 for buying sausage. Which makes up for the high priced organic eggs I bought. LOL!
So that's life in a nutshell. I'm home for a few weeks til I head to Teri's in Tampa to see Taylor Swift in concert and a few other surprises!!! I can't wait!!!
So what have I been doing? What's going on with my life?
We had Mardi Gras here on the Gulf Coast. Patrick donned a tux for the Big Ball downtown. I've always wanted to go, but fat chance. I dance more with my husband than I have in the 23 years since I married him. They don't polka much down south....
But Patrick looked handsome, let me see if I can find a picture..
He's so handsome! but I'm a biased momma! Cleans up pretty good. That's his current girlfriend, Amber with him. They went to the Ball with her parents & grandparents. Amber and Patrick dated of and on all through high school. So I guess they are on again..
ETA: I don't know why the picture is so small. I can't get it to post large. but you get the idea!
I went to Winter Retreat with the Hilltop girls. Susie brought some of her friends. I didn't get to talk with them much, Susie was sitting between us. But they seemed like nice ladies. I had a great time as always with the girls. It was hard to pick classes, they were all so good this time. I let Susie's friend, Linda take my place in the cookbook class. I'll have to see if I have all the papers and stuff to make one. It was the coldest WR I remember. It got down in the 20's the last night. I stayed toasty warm thanks to my blankets and the hand warmers that Roz & Kelcey brought. It is amazing the heat those little boogers put out in a bed. I had serious back cramps all weekend. Thanks to Kelly's magic hands, she massaged a few kinks out. I should bring her home with me! Had a nice long walk in the woods with Michele, who looks fantastic with her weight loss. She's inspired me!!! I know that hike is alot more pleasant in February than it was the last time I walked it in August heat with the cub scouts many years ago!
Not much going on since I got home. Work, Work, Work, it is what it is. We've been watching the Olympics alot. When we aren't watching that, we've got the Wii cranked up. Wii fit is going to miss me, because as of today Jillian and Bob are in the house! Love our Biggest Loser for Wii! It was really kicking my butt tonite! But that's okay, it's what I need!
Funny story, we usually go commissary shopping on Sunday morning. We always see the same people when we shop, creatures of habit I guess. We always see our friends Sue & Greg, usually about halfway through the store. Well, today Rick said, "let's go to the commissary today" So off we go. We went in the exchange (PX) first, and who do we run into? Sue & Greg! We chatted for a bit then they headed to the commissary. We all laughed about it. We saw them in the commissary too. We got a great deal on our favorite hard sausage. We love Old Wisconsin Sausage. The commissary has been carrying it since right before Christmas and on each package was a coupon for $3 off your next purchase. Well today they had all the sausages marked down to $2.50. At first the checker was confused because the coupon was worth more than the price of the sausage. She said she'd have to check with her manager. I thought Oh great, she's only going to give us $2.50 off and I'm going to have to be a bitch. But, she came back and said, I guess we're paying you to eat this sausage today. Wooo HOOOOO!!! We had two coupons, so we got $1.00 for buying sausage. Which makes up for the high priced organic eggs I bought. LOL!
So that's life in a nutshell. I'm home for a few weeks til I head to Teri's in Tampa to see Taylor Swift in concert and a few other surprises!!! I can't wait!!!
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Wii and Me, Part II
Back in October, I bought the Wii Fit Plus Game. As you may remember, we bought Wii Fit at Christmas of 08. Well, I started with good intentions, and did what I was supposed to, felt better and lost a bit of weight. Then I got lazy, or busy, probably just lazy.
After watching 4 weeks of Biggest Loser (has it really been a month?) mostly while eating something not good for me, I've decided I need to hit it again. So tonite, after using the old Wii fit last night, I plugged in the new Wii Fit Plus.
I like it! It has a bike game. I love it! I rode 2 miles. It was a good little work out. I did my yoga, some balance, some aerobics but no strength training. I just couldn't bring myself to do that. Just not feeling THAT.
We're (Me and da hubby) are also watching what we eat. He had his VA physical about a month ago and was told he needed to do something. We had a one on one appointment with the dietician last week and decided to change our eating habits. Of course, he's done better than me. Why are guys like that???
So here it goes. We and Wii. I think we can do it.
After watching 4 weeks of Biggest Loser (has it really been a month?) mostly while eating something not good for me, I've decided I need to hit it again. So tonite, after using the old Wii fit last night, I plugged in the new Wii Fit Plus.
I like it! It has a bike game. I love it! I rode 2 miles. It was a good little work out. I did my yoga, some balance, some aerobics but no strength training. I just couldn't bring myself to do that. Just not feeling THAT.
We're (Me and da hubby) are also watching what we eat. He had his VA physical about a month ago and was told he needed to do something. We had a one on one appointment with the dietician last week and decided to change our eating habits. Of course, he's done better than me. Why are guys like that???
So here it goes. We and Wii. I think we can do it.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Good Days and Belly Laughs
Started out Friday night after a long week of work, the weekend was here and I was ready to enjoy it. I had four things on my agenda. Scrapping, Cleaning, Shopping and Relaxing. It's only Sunday noon and I've accomplished all three.
Friday night was a small, local crop at my friend Nathalie's house. There were 13 of us invited, but due to a thunderboomer, only 8 of us showed up. Yes, it was sprinkling when we unloaded but it was fine. I was so proud of myself as I only brought 4 isis containers, my scrapbag and a satchel with tools. It rained and stormed outside but we had a great time! I worked on my birthday swap cards and got them all done but the stickles. I got to see my friends Kelly & Karen and my BFF, Sharon. We had so much fun and Karen was scrapping her NYC trip, so now I really, really want to go there. We had a great dinner and lots of laughs. Kelly has such great hospital tales to tell and girl scout tales to tell. She kept us rolling all night.
Saturday I slept in a bit, but then headed out for the Cheese Farm and Gigi's. I think the Cheese Farm has been here almost as long as we have lived here, but I've never gone. I've always wanted to go, but never have. It's only open on Friday & Saturdays, and I always seem to be going by there at the wrong time of day. So I made it a mission.
It's a very quaint place with fields surrounding the little farmhouse and factory. All 14 cows are grazing right there so you can see them. They make all the milk for the cheese. When we got there, the two cars in front of the little store had Wisconsin plates on them. Now that alone should tell you it's got to be good cheese!
Sharon and I went inside and there were four people in the store that is no bigger than my kitchen. The little old man and his wife were handing out samples of cheese to them from behind the counter. We waited our turn and looked at all the other jars of delicacies they had to offer. Yummy stuff, including homemade bread!!!
Finally it was our turn and we sampled all the cheeses we wanted. I had already tasted their Fenugreek cheese and knew I wanted that. It has a creamy, nutty taste that is so yummy. I also got the Elberta cheese which is another creamy yellow cheese. Not sure what the flavor is. The man did tell me that the Fenugreek was made with hickory nut. I bought Patrick the habenero cheese after sampling it. I doubt I'll eat any of that, it was so good going down, but my right tonsil burned for about 5 minutes after eating it.
Our trip to Gigi's was fun and we both found stuff there to buy. Imagine that! I got some papers to do a school book using my granny's school pictures, my mom's school pictures, and some school pictures of me, my brother and sister. It's made by October Afternoon. She's never carried October Afternoon papers before, so I was glad to see her do that! She's also carrying Tim's stuff now, but Linda and GA have me covered there.
One the way home, we stopped for lunch at my favorite pizza place in Alabama, Chubby's!. It's a whole in the wall place where they make all their pizzas fresh to order. Sharon had never been and she agreed, it was worth the drive! The drive isn't all that far since it's just over the bridge and a block up. Just as long as it takes for us to drive to any other pizza place in Florida. I even brought some home for Rick and he was happy! Of course I didn't take my camera, I'd taken it out of my purse to charge. I guess that means I just have to go back!
On the way home, Sharon and I got to laughing so hard I thought I was going to have to pull over. We were talking about the first time I'd ever seen Sharon lose her temper and how our friendship turned a corner that day. Looking back now it is funny. She wasn't mad at me at all, it was someone else. But she'd let out a good tantrum that I didn't know she was capable of throwing and it amazed me. LOL!
Got home and Sharon went home too. I spent the rest of the day cleaning, purging and scrapping. Just what I'm going to do now. Have a great day!
Friday night was a small, local crop at my friend Nathalie's house. There were 13 of us invited, but due to a thunderboomer, only 8 of us showed up. Yes, it was sprinkling when we unloaded but it was fine. I was so proud of myself as I only brought 4 isis containers, my scrapbag and a satchel with tools. It rained and stormed outside but we had a great time! I worked on my birthday swap cards and got them all done but the stickles. I got to see my friends Kelly & Karen and my BFF, Sharon. We had so much fun and Karen was scrapping her NYC trip, so now I really, really want to go there. We had a great dinner and lots of laughs. Kelly has such great hospital tales to tell and girl scout tales to tell. She kept us rolling all night.
Saturday I slept in a bit, but then headed out for the Cheese Farm and Gigi's. I think the Cheese Farm has been here almost as long as we have lived here, but I've never gone. I've always wanted to go, but never have. It's only open on Friday & Saturdays, and I always seem to be going by there at the wrong time of day. So I made it a mission.
It's a very quaint place with fields surrounding the little farmhouse and factory. All 14 cows are grazing right there so you can see them. They make all the milk for the cheese. When we got there, the two cars in front of the little store had Wisconsin plates on them. Now that alone should tell you it's got to be good cheese!
Sharon and I went inside and there were four people in the store that is no bigger than my kitchen. The little old man and his wife were handing out samples of cheese to them from behind the counter. We waited our turn and looked at all the other jars of delicacies they had to offer. Yummy stuff, including homemade bread!!!
Finally it was our turn and we sampled all the cheeses we wanted. I had already tasted their Fenugreek cheese and knew I wanted that. It has a creamy, nutty taste that is so yummy. I also got the Elberta cheese which is another creamy yellow cheese. Not sure what the flavor is. The man did tell me that the Fenugreek was made with hickory nut. I bought Patrick the habenero cheese after sampling it. I doubt I'll eat any of that, it was so good going down, but my right tonsil burned for about 5 minutes after eating it.
Our trip to Gigi's was fun and we both found stuff there to buy. Imagine that! I got some papers to do a school book using my granny's school pictures, my mom's school pictures, and some school pictures of me, my brother and sister. It's made by October Afternoon. She's never carried October Afternoon papers before, so I was glad to see her do that! She's also carrying Tim's stuff now, but Linda and GA have me covered there.
One the way home, we stopped for lunch at my favorite pizza place in Alabama, Chubby's!. It's a whole in the wall place where they make all their pizzas fresh to order. Sharon had never been and she agreed, it was worth the drive! The drive isn't all that far since it's just over the bridge and a block up. Just as long as it takes for us to drive to any other pizza place in Florida. I even brought some home for Rick and he was happy! Of course I didn't take my camera, I'd taken it out of my purse to charge. I guess that means I just have to go back!
On the way home, Sharon and I got to laughing so hard I thought I was going to have to pull over. We were talking about the first time I'd ever seen Sharon lose her temper and how our friendship turned a corner that day. Looking back now it is funny. She wasn't mad at me at all, it was someone else. But she'd let out a good tantrum that I didn't know she was capable of throwing and it amazed me. LOL!
Got home and Sharon went home too. I spent the rest of the day cleaning, purging and scrapping. Just what I'm going to do now. Have a great day!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
If You Build It, He Will Come
One of the most memorable lines from one of my all time favorite movies. You may think it strange that a movie about baseball in cornfield would be one of my All Time Favorite movies. But it's not just about baseball. Of course, if you'd seen it, you know that.
It does have a field full of baseball history. It covers the infamous "Black Sox" scandal. It's full of vintage players and uniforms. Once you've seen it, you'll never look at walking in a cornfield the same way again.
Of course, it's good on the eyes. Young Kevin Costner plays the delusional farmer who almost loses his farm pursuing his dream, his field of dreams. He's such a hottie!
I have other memories of the "field". In the early eighties, when my two oldest boys were small, we were on our first family vacation, a camping trip in Wisconsin. Field of Dreams was filmed across the river in Iowa. At the time we didn't know that, but in our travels home from our trip, we were taking the scenic route through Iowa. We came across the filming of the night scene of the cars driving to and from the Field of Dreams, along a two lane highway in Iowa. We didn't know what was going on, until we got up to the security blocking traffic. All they told us was they were filming a movie. We knew a few years later when we saw the movie, which movie it was.
I love the line in the movie when Shoeless Joe asks, "is this heaven?" and Ray (Kevin Costner) replies, "no, it's Iowa". Well, if you've been to Iowa, (I was born there) you know how true that is. It's quiet, serene, relaxed, and all things seem possible there.
My other memory of the field is that it's a real place. Another family vacation, in Iowa no less, and we came across the Field of Dreams again. We were on our way to the Ertl toy factory in Dyersburg Iowa, when we found out we could visit "the Field". So over country roads and in the middle of nowhere, we found it. Truly, in the middle of nowhere. We drove up to the farm. I admired the window that was Kevin Costner's bedroom in FoD. We went onto the Field with our 3 boys and all the other people that were there. It was amazing!
Some people were in the field, playing the bases. Others waited their turns to bat. Everyone played baseball together. People from all over the world, took turns. They batted, then they took the field. There was no arguing balls and strikes, outs and safes, no arguing any calls. It was baseball as it was meant to be played. It was the closest thing to world peace I'd ever experienced. Everyone got along, everyone cheered everyone else. Some watched and smiled. Some walked into the cornfields....
Most of all, we felt that you can believe the impossible and follow that dream. If you believe it, you can see it and it becomes real. I think we all need a little of that, don't you?
It does have a field full of baseball history. It covers the infamous "Black Sox" scandal. It's full of vintage players and uniforms. Once you've seen it, you'll never look at walking in a cornfield the same way again.
Of course, it's good on the eyes. Young Kevin Costner plays the delusional farmer who almost loses his farm pursuing his dream, his field of dreams. He's such a hottie!
I have other memories of the "field". In the early eighties, when my two oldest boys were small, we were on our first family vacation, a camping trip in Wisconsin. Field of Dreams was filmed across the river in Iowa. At the time we didn't know that, but in our travels home from our trip, we were taking the scenic route through Iowa. We came across the filming of the night scene of the cars driving to and from the Field of Dreams, along a two lane highway in Iowa. We didn't know what was going on, until we got up to the security blocking traffic. All they told us was they were filming a movie. We knew a few years later when we saw the movie, which movie it was.
I love the line in the movie when Shoeless Joe asks, "is this heaven?" and Ray (Kevin Costner) replies, "no, it's Iowa". Well, if you've been to Iowa, (I was born there) you know how true that is. It's quiet, serene, relaxed, and all things seem possible there.
My other memory of the field is that it's a real place. Another family vacation, in Iowa no less, and we came across the Field of Dreams again. We were on our way to the Ertl toy factory in Dyersburg Iowa, when we found out we could visit "the Field". So over country roads and in the middle of nowhere, we found it. Truly, in the middle of nowhere. We drove up to the farm. I admired the window that was Kevin Costner's bedroom in FoD. We went onto the Field with our 3 boys and all the other people that were there. It was amazing!
Some people were in the field, playing the bases. Others waited their turns to bat. Everyone played baseball together. People from all over the world, took turns. They batted, then they took the field. There was no arguing balls and strikes, outs and safes, no arguing any calls. It was baseball as it was meant to be played. It was the closest thing to world peace I'd ever experienced. Everyone got along, everyone cheered everyone else. Some watched and smiled. Some walked into the cornfields....
Most of all, we felt that you can believe the impossible and follow that dream. If you believe it, you can see it and it becomes real. I think we all need a little of that, don't you?
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Come on In!
One of the things we got accomplished this past weekend was the installation (FINALLY!!) of our replacement door handle. I won't say how long we've been without a door handle. I know it was before Christmas...
When the door handle was first broke, we looked for a replacement. Everything we looked at didn't seem to quite fit. I found it hard to believe that we couldn't find a handle. Our door is made by a major manufacturer of doors, a reputable company, nationally known. We looked everywhere!!
When I was in Tampa over New Years, we happened to be in Lowe's and I thought I'd give it a look. I found a handle that I thought was very similiar, that I thought would work. Of course, I didn't buy it. But I was armed for the discussion we'd have here at the house. I would take Rick to Lowe's and show him the one I'd found.
When I got home, Rick and I went to our Lowes'. Of course, I couldn't find that exact handle, the store here was not set up like the one in Tampa. But it got him in the store again, and looking around. We went back by the doors similiar to ours. Someone asked if they could help.......Well, me, not afraid to speak up, said, "we're looking for a door handle to fit our ____ storm door. "Well! I can help you with that!" He said. He said all we needed was the model number, that he probably had a door or door handle in back that he could pull a handle off of. If not, all we had to do was contact the door company with the model number, and they would help us. WHAT?? Help??? He even gave us a card with HIS name on it...
Off we go to the house, we open the door, and sure enough, right on the inside of the jamb is the model number. Hmmm, thought I said that once, but what do I know? Long story short, the store didn't have a handle to fit, but when we contacted the company, they did!
I won't tell you what we were using as a handle, but it would qualify us for "you might be a redneck if.." But now we're good to go! I introduce to you our new front door handle!
Come visit! The door's open!
When the door handle was first broke, we looked for a replacement. Everything we looked at didn't seem to quite fit. I found it hard to believe that we couldn't find a handle. Our door is made by a major manufacturer of doors, a reputable company, nationally known. We looked everywhere!!
When I was in Tampa over New Years, we happened to be in Lowe's and I thought I'd give it a look. I found a handle that I thought was very similiar, that I thought would work. Of course, I didn't buy it. But I was armed for the discussion we'd have here at the house. I would take Rick to Lowe's and show him the one I'd found.
When I got home, Rick and I went to our Lowes'. Of course, I couldn't find that exact handle, the store here was not set up like the one in Tampa. But it got him in the store again, and looking around. We went back by the doors similiar to ours. Someone asked if they could help.......Well, me, not afraid to speak up, said, "we're looking for a door handle to fit our ____ storm door. "Well! I can help you with that!" He said. He said all we needed was the model number, that he probably had a door or door handle in back that he could pull a handle off of. If not, all we had to do was contact the door company with the model number, and they would help us. WHAT?? Help??? He even gave us a card with HIS name on it...
Off we go to the house, we open the door, and sure enough, right on the inside of the jamb is the model number. Hmmm, thought I said that once, but what do I know? Long story short, the store didn't have a handle to fit, but when we contacted the company, they did!
I won't tell you what we were using as a handle, but it would qualify us for "you might be a redneck if.." But now we're good to go! I introduce to you our new front door handle!
Come visit! The door's open!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Has It Been a Week?
My brain is burned out. It's been Hell week at work with registration, grades, data survey edits, and just day to day questions. I apologize for not posting. I came home every night having used every brain cell I own. Which aren't many!
I have been enjoying my tv. Grey's is off to a good start for me. Didn't Alex shock Izzy when she came back? I liked them together. And McSteamy with little Grey? He slept with Addison, she slept with Alex, and he didn't like that at all! The whole him being a grandpa thing kinda creeps me out. I'm just wierd I guess
Oh Addison! first she sleeps with McSteamy. Last night as Private Practice was ending and she and Ty Diggs were sitting on the deck with wine at the beach, Rick says to me, "are they ever gonna get it on?" I told him I hoped for my sake they do. Man if I were on that deck with wine and Ty Diggs, I would have rolled him all the way into the surf...!
So it's the weekend, and I'm going to get the mundane stuff out of the way early tomorrow. Then I can scrap, and watch football. I just can't cheer for the Vikings, as much as I love Brett, I can't do it. GEAUX SAINTS!!!
Short post, short week. Still recouping from that fabulous weekend!
I have been enjoying my tv. Grey's is off to a good start for me. Didn't Alex shock Izzy when she came back? I liked them together. And McSteamy with little Grey? He slept with Addison, she slept with Alex, and he didn't like that at all! The whole him being a grandpa thing kinda creeps me out. I'm just wierd I guess
Oh Addison! first she sleeps with McSteamy. Last night as Private Practice was ending and she and Ty Diggs were sitting on the deck with wine at the beach, Rick says to me, "are they ever gonna get it on?" I told him I hoped for my sake they do. Man if I were on that deck with wine and Ty Diggs, I would have rolled him all the way into the surf...!
So it's the weekend, and I'm going to get the mundane stuff out of the way early tomorrow. Then I can scrap, and watch football. I just can't cheer for the Vikings, as much as I love Brett, I can't do it. GEAUX SAINTS!!!
Short post, short week. Still recouping from that fabulous weekend!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Exhaustion is a Good Thing
I am wiped. I'm wiped emotionally and physically. I'm overcome from being wiped out. What a weekend! So much fun, so little time and I'm overwhelmed by it all.
I'm overwhelmed that Linda, Kip AND Elle drove 8 hours to scrapbook on the beach all weekend here in Pensacola. They arrived Thursday and we went non stop all weekend. They met and mingled with my Pensacola Scrappy friends and fit right in. We sightseed, and scrapped, ate and shopped. We slept very little.
My words will never do this weekend justice. I was just in awe that three such fantastic people joined my fantastic sister, one of my BFFs Ann and I for a weekend on the beach. It was rainy, gloomy and cold most of the weekend, but we didn't let that stop us. I was too busy having fun to take pictures. I have such great memories in my head, I don't think I'll ever forget.
We ate soooo much food. Good seafood, every night. We ate at the World Famous McGuires Irish Pub. We heard the bagpipes, we wanted to lift the bagpipers kilt to see if the rumors are true. He wouldn't let us get close (I think he knew). Kip and Linda had the McGuire's bathroom experience. We ate Crabs one night, and Pensacola Pygmy chicken wings AND shrimp. Yummy, yummy shrimps! Oh and how can I forget the fried pickles!! Fried pickles two nights!
My Pensacola BFF, Ann fit right in with our group, as I knew she would. I think she's even going to go to Utah with us in June! I warned her that Hilltop Girls have such fun it can become addicting!
Linda clearly won the award for getting the most scrappy stuff done. She did 4 complete projects from start to finish! She never gets to be scrappy at crops, she's too busy feeding us, taking care of us, and playing mama hen, it was nice to see her ENJOY a crop.
After Ann left us Sunday and we packed up our scrappy stuff and came to my house. Kip wanted Linda and Elle to see Perdido Key, so off we went there. The waves were beautifully huge and rumbly due to storms in the area. They all got some great pictures. We were amazed at the surfers out in the water. We started down the beach to explore, and ended up in ALABAMA! Elle was so excited, she called Bob and said, "Bob, I'm in Alabama!" LOL! The beaches there are almost as nice, but lots of high condos so we really couldn't see the beach like in Florida. We found Starbucks inside of Target, so drinks were in order to hold us over til dinner. We invaded Walmart so that the girls could get knitting looms to make scarves and hats like we'd seen Sandra make at the crop. Then back to the house to get Rick for dinner. Poor guy, 5 women and him. He had the best time! He wanted to cook, but the girls insisted on treating him to dinner.
Full from dinner, we were back to the house for knitting lessons and watching the Golden Globe procession of gowns. Linda was a knitting fool and had her scarf two feet long before I went to bed. I wonder if she'll have it finished by the time she gets to Tampa?
I think the earliest I got to bed was midnite on Thursday night. Friday and Saturday it was after 2 a.m. and last night was after midnight, I know. I took a two hour nap already today and I could easily take another right now.
I know I'm exhausted, because I cried after everyone left, I miss them so much already. I'm overwhelmed from good exhaustion. From the thought of such great friends that I know I'm very so very blessed to have. I used to dread getting older, thinking things would never mean as much or be as fun as my times I had when I was younger. But I find that the older I get, the deeper and greater the friendships I have, and how blessed I really am to call these women friends, Including my sister!
I'm overwhelmed that Linda, Kip AND Elle drove 8 hours to scrapbook on the beach all weekend here in Pensacola. They arrived Thursday and we went non stop all weekend. They met and mingled with my Pensacola Scrappy friends and fit right in. We sightseed, and scrapped, ate and shopped. We slept very little.
My words will never do this weekend justice. I was just in awe that three such fantastic people joined my fantastic sister, one of my BFFs Ann and I for a weekend on the beach. It was rainy, gloomy and cold most of the weekend, but we didn't let that stop us. I was too busy having fun to take pictures. I have such great memories in my head, I don't think I'll ever forget.
We ate soooo much food. Good seafood, every night. We ate at the World Famous McGuires Irish Pub. We heard the bagpipes, we wanted to lift the bagpipers kilt to see if the rumors are true. He wouldn't let us get close (I think he knew). Kip and Linda had the McGuire's bathroom experience. We ate Crabs one night, and Pensacola Pygmy chicken wings AND shrimp. Yummy, yummy shrimps! Oh and how can I forget the fried pickles!! Fried pickles two nights!
My Pensacola BFF, Ann fit right in with our group, as I knew she would. I think she's even going to go to Utah with us in June! I warned her that Hilltop Girls have such fun it can become addicting!
Linda clearly won the award for getting the most scrappy stuff done. She did 4 complete projects from start to finish! She never gets to be scrappy at crops, she's too busy feeding us, taking care of us, and playing mama hen, it was nice to see her ENJOY a crop.
After Ann left us Sunday and we packed up our scrappy stuff and came to my house. Kip wanted Linda and Elle to see Perdido Key, so off we went there. The waves were beautifully huge and rumbly due to storms in the area. They all got some great pictures. We were amazed at the surfers out in the water. We started down the beach to explore, and ended up in ALABAMA! Elle was so excited, she called Bob and said, "Bob, I'm in Alabama!" LOL! The beaches there are almost as nice, but lots of high condos so we really couldn't see the beach like in Florida. We found Starbucks inside of Target, so drinks were in order to hold us over til dinner. We invaded Walmart so that the girls could get knitting looms to make scarves and hats like we'd seen Sandra make at the crop. Then back to the house to get Rick for dinner. Poor guy, 5 women and him. He had the best time! He wanted to cook, but the girls insisted on treating him to dinner.
Full from dinner, we were back to the house for knitting lessons and watching the Golden Globe procession of gowns. Linda was a knitting fool and had her scarf two feet long before I went to bed. I wonder if she'll have it finished by the time she gets to Tampa?
I think the earliest I got to bed was midnite on Thursday night. Friday and Saturday it was after 2 a.m. and last night was after midnight, I know. I took a two hour nap already today and I could easily take another right now.
I know I'm exhausted, because I cried after everyone left, I miss them so much already. I'm overwhelmed from good exhaustion. From the thought of such great friends that I know I'm very so very blessed to have. I used to dread getting older, thinking things would never mean as much or be as fun as my times I had when I was younger. But I find that the older I get, the deeper and greater the friendships I have, and how blessed I really am to call these women friends, Including my sister!
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Opening a Soup Kitchen
This cooler, okay who am I fooling?, FRIGID, weather has me thinking soup. Anything to keep us warm and toasty, and preferably low cal, okay, lower cal than normal. So maybe I should open a soup kitchen.
Sunday, I made veggie soup. I make veggie soup by browning up some stew beef, only I cut mine in smaller chunks. Then I cheat and add veggie stock, the kind that comes in a box. Add onion, and celery. Then I open the freezer and grab whatever veggies are in there. But this time, since I didn't have any veggies in the freezer, I bought a bag of mixed veggies, a bag of "winter" veggies,and baby limas. So I had peas, corn, carrots, potatoes, squash, broccoli, corn and I'm sure a few others I forgot. Into the pot they went. It still needed something so I added two cans of tomatoes. Still not what I wanted so I found two cans of white corn, added them, then a big can of green beans, and then tomato paste. I was running out of things, but now that I think of it, I should have added some Worcestershire sauce. I always like that. So now we are on day three of the "soup". And there's still enough for three more days!
So tonite, because I know it's going to get even colder the next couple of nights, I boiled a chicken to maybe make dumplins AND I browned hamburger, onion and garlic, to make chili maybe? Spaghetti? Oh that sounds good too!
So then I watched Biggest Loser, and felt guilty thinking about so much food.
Wanna come help me eat some???
Sunday, I made veggie soup. I make veggie soup by browning up some stew beef, only I cut mine in smaller chunks. Then I cheat and add veggie stock, the kind that comes in a box. Add onion, and celery. Then I open the freezer and grab whatever veggies are in there. But this time, since I didn't have any veggies in the freezer, I bought a bag of mixed veggies, a bag of "winter" veggies,and baby limas. So I had peas, corn, carrots, potatoes, squash, broccoli, corn and I'm sure a few others I forgot. Into the pot they went. It still needed something so I added two cans of tomatoes. Still not what I wanted so I found two cans of white corn, added them, then a big can of green beans, and then tomato paste. I was running out of things, but now that I think of it, I should have added some Worcestershire sauce. I always like that. So now we are on day three of the "soup". And there's still enough for three more days!
So tonite, because I know it's going to get even colder the next couple of nights, I boiled a chicken to maybe make dumplins AND I browned hamburger, onion and garlic, to make chili maybe? Spaghetti? Oh that sounds good too!
So then I watched Biggest Loser, and felt guilty thinking about so much food.
Wanna come help me eat some???
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Happy New Year!
I know it's three days into the New Year, but I've been busy! It's hard for me to fathom that I have to go back to work tomorrow and we start second semester registration tomorrow. Where did the two weeks go???
Let's see. First I cleaned house. Whenever I'm off, I have to clean house. I can't truly relax when it's messy. I also had the Cookie party to attend, so I had cookies to bake and dessert too!
I also shopped a bit, even tho most of my shopping was done online. Shopping required me to wrap presents, so I did that for a day. Then there was cooking. I had to make Cheeseballs, some cookies and a few desserts. But I like cooking and baking, when I don't have to go to work.
I'll have to agree with the rest of the family and say it was one of the best Christmas' we've had in awhile. All the kids were here, including Erica, her first Christmas with us. We went to Daniel and Felicia's new house for Christmas day. It was nice to have them entertain us. Daniel is a fantastic cook as is Felicia, and they work well in the kitchen together. Dinner was very, very yummy!
The day after Christmas, we played tourist in our hometown, showing Erica the Naval Aviation Museum and the Pensacola Lighthouse. We climbed all 177 steps to the top! Famished from all that activity, we finished the evening at Mellow Mushroom eating pizza.
I spent a few days of the break watching football, which was really nice on the new big screen TV. I think we made the right decision to get it! Rick went back to work Monday, so I did my clean house, do laundry and cook routine for a few days. I truly am happy living that life. Throw in a few lunches with the girls and I'd be set for life! Lunch was followed by a trip to Hobby Lobby where, Surprise! I bought stuff. I hadn't been in Hobby Lobby for weeks. I was due.
Wednesday I was off to Tampa/St.Pete to see the girls. I made a stop at She Scrapbooks with Teri. We found lots in there we needed, including an adorable recipe book that I'm going to work on during the beach crop. Teri has finished hers already, so now I'm dying to do mine. I got to Kips and she took me to Harvey's for dinner! I think I have a new favorite restaurant in St. Pete!
New Years Eve day was a trip to IKEA, a first for Kip. We needed a big breakfast to be ready for such a big shopping trip so a trip to Skyway Jacks was in order. SOOOYUMMMMY! Then off to IKEA to break in the virgin Kip. She was so funny! She'd see something she liked and write it down on the list. Then she'd take two steps, see something else, cross off the last thing and write that down. She finally settled on a new TV stand, a laundry hamper, some yummmy Krusballs and a few other little things. A quick Publix run and then home for a nap to rest up for our big night out with the Stones!
Phenomenal! The Stones are a cover band for Rolling Stones music. If you didn't know it wasn't the real Mick Jagger up there, You'd swear it was the real Mick. We had so much fun being the band groupies, watching the band, dancing, and cutting up. We had the perfect seats for the fireworks at Channelside too! We made it home safe and sound well after midnight.
Sleeping in was on our agenda for New Years day. I was supposed to leave, but decided to postpone it a day. Not because I was hungover (I wasn't) but to "help" Kip put her new TV stand together. Plus Linda had promised us the night before that she would make black eyed peas for dinner, so I had to stay for Good Luck, right? I wasn't disappointed. The black eyed peas were so good, as was the pork loins, rice and the cake was so good, I had TWO pieces!!!
The trip home was routine. Once I was off the I75 raceway the drive on I10 was relaxing. I was home in a little over 7 hours with no trouble. Got home, rested a bit, then began taking down Christmas. Here I sit 24 hours later and it's done. So now I'm off to scrap a bit.
Tomorrow morning is coming wayyyyyy too soon!
Let's see. First I cleaned house. Whenever I'm off, I have to clean house. I can't truly relax when it's messy. I also had the Cookie party to attend, so I had cookies to bake and dessert too!
I also shopped a bit, even tho most of my shopping was done online. Shopping required me to wrap presents, so I did that for a day. Then there was cooking. I had to make Cheeseballs, some cookies and a few desserts. But I like cooking and baking, when I don't have to go to work.
I'll have to agree with the rest of the family and say it was one of the best Christmas' we've had in awhile. All the kids were here, including Erica, her first Christmas with us. We went to Daniel and Felicia's new house for Christmas day. It was nice to have them entertain us. Daniel is a fantastic cook as is Felicia, and they work well in the kitchen together. Dinner was very, very yummy!
The day after Christmas, we played tourist in our hometown, showing Erica the Naval Aviation Museum and the Pensacola Lighthouse. We climbed all 177 steps to the top! Famished from all that activity, we finished the evening at Mellow Mushroom eating pizza.
I spent a few days of the break watching football, which was really nice on the new big screen TV. I think we made the right decision to get it! Rick went back to work Monday, so I did my clean house, do laundry and cook routine for a few days. I truly am happy living that life. Throw in a few lunches with the girls and I'd be set for life! Lunch was followed by a trip to Hobby Lobby where, Surprise! I bought stuff. I hadn't been in Hobby Lobby for weeks. I was due.
Wednesday I was off to Tampa/St.Pete to see the girls. I made a stop at She Scrapbooks with Teri. We found lots in there we needed, including an adorable recipe book that I'm going to work on during the beach crop. Teri has finished hers already, so now I'm dying to do mine. I got to Kips and she took me to Harvey's for dinner! I think I have a new favorite restaurant in St. Pete!
New Years Eve day was a trip to IKEA, a first for Kip. We needed a big breakfast to be ready for such a big shopping trip so a trip to Skyway Jacks was in order. SOOOYUMMMMY! Then off to IKEA to break in the virgin Kip. She was so funny! She'd see something she liked and write it down on the list. Then she'd take two steps, see something else, cross off the last thing and write that down. She finally settled on a new TV stand, a laundry hamper, some yummmy Krusballs and a few other little things. A quick Publix run and then home for a nap to rest up for our big night out with the Stones!
Phenomenal! The Stones are a cover band for Rolling Stones music. If you didn't know it wasn't the real Mick Jagger up there, You'd swear it was the real Mick. We had so much fun being the band groupies, watching the band, dancing, and cutting up. We had the perfect seats for the fireworks at Channelside too! We made it home safe and sound well after midnight.
Sleeping in was on our agenda for New Years day. I was supposed to leave, but decided to postpone it a day. Not because I was hungover (I wasn't) but to "help" Kip put her new TV stand together. Plus Linda had promised us the night before that she would make black eyed peas for dinner, so I had to stay for Good Luck, right? I wasn't disappointed. The black eyed peas were so good, as was the pork loins, rice and the cake was so good, I had TWO pieces!!!
The trip home was routine. Once I was off the I75 raceway the drive on I10 was relaxing. I was home in a little over 7 hours with no trouble. Got home, rested a bit, then began taking down Christmas. Here I sit 24 hours later and it's done. So now I'm off to scrap a bit.
Tomorrow morning is coming wayyyyyy too soon!
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