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!

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.

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!

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?

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!!!

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.

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!

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?

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!

 

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!

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!

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???

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!

South Florida Morning

The long drive down here is always worth it. It's a wonderfully different world down here. Well worth the trip.
My car (a rental) didn't have Cruise control. Well, it does, but either I can't figure out how to make it work, or it's not working at all. After an hour and a half on the road, I called THRIFTY and they said I could return the car to Pensacola or drive to Jax or Tampa to return it. NO rental places in between. I decided to tough it out and proceed on. Using the cruise is only good traveling across I 10. Once I get on I 75 there's too much traffic to use cruise. Needless to say, I will not be renting from THRIFTY again. I guess there's a reason it's THRIFTY. Plus the car is older (08) and reeks of cologne. UGH!
But all I endured is worth it once I get here!
I stopped at The Villages to shop with Teri a bit. She had never been to She Scrapbooks. What a nice store! We both bought cookbook kit. Then we found a wonderful little dog store, I picked up some real Wisconsin Cheddar treats for my buddies, Max and Mudge. I can't walk in the door without something for them can I? Of course, they loved me for that. Sorry Michele, they have a new favorite "Aunt".
Finally got to Kip's. After freshening up, we headed to Harvey's for dinner. I have a new favorite place! I love the atmosphere! When you walk in the door, they had their huge, REAL Christmas tree! Just beautiful! Here's Kip by the tree, see how big it is!

 

Another picture from our table. I can't get over how big it was for a real tree in South Florida. I wonder where they got it from?

 

All the food that went by me as I was ordering looked so yummm! I decided on a Club sandwich, and truly was not disappointed! I opted for the potato salad, and usually when you get potato salad it's like, well, unh? Not this! SO YUMMMMM!!!! and of course my favorite dessert, Dill pickle! LOL! So good! I'd eat there every time I come down! That's Harvey's in St. Pete!

 

Today we're off to IKEA. I can hardly wait. Kip's never been, she's going to love it. I hope I can stay within my budget! I hope to see a few of our friends tonite. We're going out for NEW YEARS!!!! Melanie's hubby is playing in a band and we're going to go listen. HOW fun! I can't even remember how long it's been since I was out on New Years Eve!
Happy New Year everyone!!!

The last of the Christmas Adventure Photos!

ETA: I have three posts in a row that I've posted today. Of course they posted backwards so the first one is actually last. I don't know how to fix it, so just keep scrolling to see everything. I hope you enjoy the pictures! I'm being a lazy bum today, enjoying the peace and quiet after 5 days of company.
The day after Christmas, we decided to take Erica to the Naval Aviation Museum on the base. If you've never been, you need to go. If you have little boys, it's better than Disney! Lots of great history preserved there and it's free! We spent a few hours walking through looking at all the displays.
I don't care how old you are, once you get to the part where you can climb in the cockpit and pretend to be a Top Gun pilot, you have to do it! Kevin's all time favorite movie is Top Gun. When it first came out (on Beta) he would watch it every day. He has the movie memorized and says the lines right along with it. He has been doing that since he was 4. So here's Top Gun Kevin.

 

And just to prove girls look just as good in a Cockpit, here's Erica!

 

After the museum, we drove by the Pensacola Lighthouse. It was open! We had to go in. I'd never been to the top, and it's one of the things I've always wanted to do. So we did! 177 steps later and out of breath, we were rewarded with the most beautiful views. This picture looks up into the light. These are the reflective prisms of the light.

 

Just to prove I did it,(I don't like heights) I had Kevin take our picture. Don't I look relaxed? You can't see the death grip I have on Rick, or that my back is against the lighthouse as tight as I could get it. I'm not afraid of heights, I'm afraid of falling. I would be okay up there with a few people, but there were little kids and I was sooo nervous! But it was fun, I'm glad I can say I did it. All 177 steps!

 

More Pictures from Christmas

The tree, despite missing several lights, our tree was just as pretty as always. I begged the kids to take some of the ornaments home, but they refused. They said it wouldn't be our tree if it didn't have all the ornaments on it.

 

What has the world come too? We didn't light a fire in the fireplace. Didn't need too, WGN had Christmas music and a fire going all Christmas morning. It looked good on the new big screen and since we're in Florida, we didnt' need the warmth!

 

Santa Baby! Patrick looking all Santa with his hat.

 

Daniel and Erica in their new kitchen, getting ready to start dinner. They were so excited!

 

Keep Scrolling!

All the Things I've Been Meaning to Show You (til the battery died)

I know, you'd think since I've been home all week, I'd have been a better blogger. Well, I intended to. But I'd taken pictures and didn't download them. Then the camera battery was dead. I couldn't find my charger. So, last night, I finally remembered where I'd put the charger (where it belongs). So here's a few pictures from the week I've been off. Of course Blogger doesn't let you put more than 4 pictures at at time, so scroll down a few posts.
In the course of looking for rogue Christmas ornaments I've stuck here and there, I came across this box of beauties hidden in the hutch. My mom always had these for as long as I can remember. We put them on our Christmas dinner table with name cards. It felt so special. So now I have them, and the box!

 

Some doilies I found in her stuff too. We'd originally priced them for the yard sale, but I must have had second thoughts and kept them. Now, will I use them? We'll see!

 

Kevin relaxing in the recliner with Boots the cat. Boots loved having extra warm bodies to cuddle with over the weekend.

 

Erica and I watching classic Christmas movies, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians!. How did I ever grow up and not see this classic Santa movie. OH MY! Talk about cheesy! It was so bad we had to watch. What a classic.

 

Cookie Party 09

Last night was the Cookie Party. So much fun! I can't tell you EVERYTHING that goes on, as you can see we were reminded at the door......

 

But I can tell you we have a great time, eating and drinking or drinking and eating, playing a few games, winning a few prizes, exchanging a few cookies, telling a few stories and having more fun than should be allowed. Ann gives us a theme every year, and we were supposed to color coordinate with the theme. Well, this year Ann switched the theme in October, so some of us had the theme she told us from last December and some had the new theme. I had a combination of both. My cookies were packed in the Light blue, turquoise and Purple snowflake theme of last December. My gifts followed the 12 days of Christmas theme she decided in October. It was all fun no matter what the theme. Next year we are "goin' Green"
Everyone has to tell about their cookies and the recipe. Last night there were a few crazy tales, stressed out bakers and lots of laughs. OH MY GAWD! LOL! Here's the table full of our creations. Everyone boxes theirs up and at the end we all go through and take a box.

 

Here are all of us from this year. Usually, it's mostly the same people, but sometimes you aren't asked back, sometimes we add new people. We didn't add any one new this year. There were a couple who couldn't come. But basically this is us. We're all wearing our new aprons that Ann gave us. They say, "what happens at the cookie party, stays at the cookie party!" Some people won mugs or ornaments that say that too. We also got bags with the same thing on them, filled with the 12 days of Christmas, Ann Style. That's another blog post!

 

We play greedy Santa, and we also bring one gift to put in the big prize basket. At the end of the night one person gets to take home the big prize basket. This year Natalee won, here she is with her prize basket. She got some cool stuff, yankee candles, a cutting board, lotions, soaps, socks, and a few other cool things.

 

It was a fun night, and despite our pre stress, well worth all that we go through to find the perfect cookie, the perfect presents and it ends in a perfect night. Thanks Ann for all that you do!

Christmas Break!!!

I MADE IT!!!! Christmas Break is here and I've survived with most of my hair intact and not grey. Even with the business that is going to happen the next few days, it's going to be a wonderful two weeks.
I say that because really, I have no plans. I have cookies to bake, presents to wrap, cards to send, and parties to attend. Most of the time, when I'm off work, I'm not home. I'm off on an adventure. Not that there won't be a trip worked in somewhere this break, but for the most part, I'm home.
My kids will be here too. This year Erica is coming home with Kevin. We're excited about that. We're all going to Daniel and Felicia's new house for Christmas day. Daniel is doing the cooking, but I'm sure momma will have to help. Somewhere, somehow, I have to be in the kitchen. I managed to get in there during Thanksgiving, I'll get there for Christmas too. I just don't like others doing for me.
I can't believe it's less than a week til Christmas. I've so much to do! But I'm ahead of where I was last year at this time. Just a few more presents to buy. I know what I'm getting those people, except one or two.
I'm rambling. Time to get moving, time to make the magic happen! I love making the magic happen!

The Rain Didn't Rain on My Parade!

To say that it rained this weekend would be a huge understatement. I contemplated building an ark! This morning it poured! I mean can't see the street in front of the house poured! Puddle upon puddle raining going on here! But I didn't let that stop me.

We got the tree up. Not without panic mind you, but it's up. We got what I thought were all the ornaments onto the tree. Remember sticker sneeze? Yeah, we have ornament sneeze. Then I found ANOTHER huge tin full of ornaments. I thought we were missing some, but I couldn't remember what, until I found the tin. So we worked some more on the tree. Now it looks like ornament elephant sneeze.

But I was in a panic. I thought some of my, I hesitate to use the word vintage, but they are, ornaments were missing. Specifically the reddish pink, Silent Night ball that's been on every single Christmas tree our family has had since probably before I was born. I just couldn't find it. After two days of searching, fretting and worry, there it was. Right in front of me the whole time, if it would have been a snake it would have had several opportunities to bite. So it's on the tree where it belongs, and my heart is at rest.

So the tree is done. The Nativities are up (we have 3), the snowmen are in their places, the santas are in the hallway and the angels have taken roost in the dining room. In a few more days, I'll have the stuff put here and there and I can call it DONE. But at least the tree was done on the 12th, didn't want to break that family cardinal sin.

Patrick thought it was a sin that his dad put up the one Nativity. He considers that his Nativity and his job. Oh well, he should get out of bed before noon. We got to talking about that Nativity and Rick said he can always remember having that Nativity at home. So he called his parents to see how long it had been in the family and where they got it. They didn't even remember having one! So I took a picture and sent it, that jogged their memory about having it, but don't remember how long or where it came from. LOL!

Putting the tree up put me in the Christmas mood. We played Christmas music all day long, it was fun. So since I was in the mood, I did some shopping, mostly online. OH how I love that!!! Found what I need mostly with free shipping, shopped in my jammies with my coffee right here! Rick even kept it filled for me! I just love that!

I saw Kevin's girlfriend, Erica, on FB, and she gave me some great ideas for his Christmas. Went from FB to online shopping, ordered his gifts, and was done in 10 minutes. Still in my Jammies! Love it!

So with my shopping spree today both online and at the Navy Exchange, I am almost done. One kid left and a few odds and ends and I'm done! YEAH!!!! All I have to do is wrap once UPS comes.

All that, dinner and movie with the hubby, a Packers win, and it was a great weekend. So what if it rained! Not on my parade!