Early Merry Christmas

Well, I figured while I have a few moments I'd better update this. Work has been extremely busy and what free time I have had I have used getting ready for Christmas. I'm about done. Still have a few last minute items to pick up, but the big stuff is taken care of. Now I need to work on my house....AGH! Never enough time.

I miss cooking too. I need to try some new recipes. I think I probably have more time than I realize (in fact I'm sure of it) but I am lousy at time management. Another one of my faults. Hmm, do I hear a New Years resolution? I'll have to think about that one.

I suppose while I'm here I'd better take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry and Blessed Christmas! I hope the joy of the season fills your heart and lasts through the New Year.

I may try and post again, but.....

Oh, btw (that's short for 'by the way', for those of you not hip with computer lingo) I figured out why y'all can't hear my music. Won't go into detail, but now I have to figure out how to fix it. That's a project for another day. Take care!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I got my Christmas lights up this past weekend! If you remember last year, I never got around to it, but the weather was so nice I took advantage of it and got them up. I'm happy with how they look, but I'd still like to put a few more up. First I'm going to get my tree up and decorated. As of this morning the tree is up and I'm about to put the lights on. I've got Christmas music playing and I would be drinking eggnog, but I finished it off yesterday, and besides, I have to work later today. Also, while putting up my tree I watched a movie last night. It was a Hallmark Special and I cried my eyes out! It was called "Candles on Bay Street". It was a WONDERFUL movie! I encourage you to get it. It will be for sale on the 17th I believe at Hallmark stores. I know I'm going to buy it. And this is how bad I am....I was even crying during most of the commercials. Have you seen those Hallmark commercials? They are really sweet and touching. For those of you that know me, greeting cards mean a lot to me. I've been a bit neglegent lately, but when I DO get a card, I will go to half a dozen places to find the right one if I have to. Anyway.........

I've heard from one blogger friend who says she can't hear my music playing. Is there anyone else? If I'm not mistaking you have to have Quicktime installed to hear it. I'm not sure. Let me know if you would. (right now I have 'Feliz Navidad' playing) I also have a picture posted above. Click on it to see a really cool video of a Christmas display.

Well, back to the tree. Everyone have a wonderful week!

MI deer granted a stay of execution

No luck for the Great Hunters, but my son had a really great time. Dad says he'll take him again. I'm glad he enjoyed it anyway.

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! If your traveling, I pray for a safe trip for you. I'm going to start some of my meal tonight and get a jump start on it.

This song is dedicated to all my blog friends. *Smile!*

Watch out deer!

Well, my husband took our youngest out hunting this morning. They rose early this morning at about 4:00 a.m. AJ was so excited. He had his clothes all layed out and ready to go. It's now noon and I haven't heard anything. I don't know if this is a bad sign, or if they can't get cell service out where they are. I really hope AJ gets something. Karl has already gotten one doe and has it hanging out in the garage. He is taking it to a friends this afternoon and they are going to process it. Karl told AJ if he shoots anything then he is going to have to gut it. I really don't think he'll mind. I think it's a guy thing. I didn't even like dissecting frogs in biology. Yuk! But I do like venison, so I hope they come home with a big one! One thing I thought of this morning- I should have sent a camera with them so that if AJ got one with a good size rack they could have gotten a picture. Oh well. Next time. I'll let y'all know how it went.

*be sure to listen to audio*

Movies and music

This afternoon my son and I went to the movies. It's been FOREVER since I've been to the theatre. The last movie I saw was The Passion of the Christ. In fact I saw it twice. I can't even remember the time before that. Anyway, AJ and I went to see Santa Claus 3. It was really cute and I enjoyed the time with him. It was a nice way to spend a cold rainy afternoon.

Then upon returning home I heard a beautiful sound. My daughter was upstairs playing her clarinet. She hasn't played that in quite a while. She played in the band when we lived down south and started in the band up here, but was really disappointed in it. They were way behind what she was used to playing and it wasn't enjoyable to her. You have to understand that the band down south was the band that was chosen to go to Australia to play during the Olympics. Although she was not yet in high school to go with them, she was still under the same director. They were an awsome band. Even the middle school ranked way up there. I encouraged her to stay with it and signed her up to play at a local college with a youth orchestra they had assembled, but she was young and didn't feel comfortable playing with older people that she didn't know. It's a shame, because she has the talent. I was thrilled to hear her playing tonight! I hope some day she plays again and uses her gift.

Weather here has been really yucky. Cold, rainy. They are calling for storms tonight and a mix of snow tomorrow. Joy, joy. (can you hear my sarcasm?) I actually would love a good snow storm (sorry Ches), but not this wet yucky stuff. Oh well. I went to the tanning booth today and got my dose of sun. That helped some. How many days is it till summer?

Teenagers....Ugh!!!

I saw ths cartoon just days after having a talk with my 18 year old about letting me know what he is doing. I understand that he is of age, but he is still living under my roof and still needs to let me know what and where he is going. This is just a courtesy you live with all your life when you live with others. I try hard to give him his space but I would just like to know when to expect him home and have an idea where he is. This comic was priceless at the time! I'm sure many of you will be able to relate. Those of you with younger ones, remember this in years to come.

I cheated on dinner tonight. Yes I had soup, but it was packaged soup. I still highly recommend it for a quick but good meal. It is made by Knorr. It is their Meditterranean Style Minestrone soup mix. It comes in a green package. I add a pound of sliced sausage. It is one of my kids favorites!

Work is really becoming a mad house! Especially seeing as how tomorrow is opening day of gun season here. It's only going to get worse as the holidays approach. I don't expect it to slow down till maybe.....March. Ha! Well, to all of you hunters out there....Happy hunting and good luck. And to all of you deer widows....enjoy the quiet time!

Howdy y'all!

My goodness, what a morning! My daughter is babysitting her exboyfriends dog, well kinda an exboyfriend, they are now just friends (long story, sorry I missed filling you in on that one).

...anyway, this is a 4-5 month old puppy. A pit bull. She is really a sweetie. Wonderful playful personality. Anyway, she got a hold of a pair of scissors that were laying on the floor in the computer room. What they were doing there, I have no idea. They are the small kind used for sewing and what not. They open and close using a spring, so if they are not in the locked position then they are spring loaded open. She is running around the house with these in her mouth (didn't anyone teach her not to run with scissors in your hand/mouth?). When I saw what she had I went after her to take them away but she ran around the corner and I hear a 'yelp!' At first glance she seemed fine, but my daughter saw blood dripping. After a closer look we see that she had poked herself in her chest. It wasn't gushing or anything but none the less it was bleeding. I got a towel and applied some pressure, cleaned it up some and found it was not a huge cut but wasn't sure whether it would require a couple of stiches, simply because you can't keep a dog still. We held her for a while, applying pressure and after a while the bleeding stopped. Took her to the vet who took a quick look at her and said she would be fine. Didn't even charge us. She seems to be doing fine. My daughter was terrified though. Geesh!

Now, for the second news.....Lulu is going back. As much as I adore her, she is a nervous bird and a very loud bird. I can't spend the time with her that I would like and she gets moody and you never know when she might bite. I guess right now is not the time to be trying to adjust to a bird. The kids have lots of friends coming and going and I don't want anyone getting hurt and she gets awfully excited when there is a lot of commotion. That's ok, my friend is thrilled to be getting her back. She regretted giving her to me. All well that ends well.

Everything else around here is 'status quo'. (Whatever that means?) How 'bout this one...everthing around here is just 'ducky'! Soups will return soon. In fact tonight I think I may make some chicken soup w/homemade noodles. Better go thaw some chicken! Take care!

What 'cha got cookin? Souper Tuesday

Well, I thought this would be a good video to go with a new recipe. This is an AWSOME gumbo recipe! Even the cajuns would have to agree. Seems a bit long, but it's not really difficult. I hope you get to try it, I just made it tonight and it was as good as it ever was! Have a great week everyone!

p.s. Lulu is doing great and the kids are really enjoying her. I still hope to get a pic of her on here soon.


Cajun Seafood Gumbo

8 Tablespoons oil, divided
1 pound okra, thinly sliced*
4 Tablespoons flour
2 cups onions, finely chopped
½ cup celery, chopped
2/3 cup green pepper, chopped
1 cup green onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
3 large bay leaves
¼ teaspoon thyme, crushed
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 16-ounce can whole tomatoes, cut up
(reserve liquid)
5 cups water
2 ½ pounds raw shrimp, washed, peeled,
and deveined
1 pound claw crabmeat*
2 dozen oysters with liquid*
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
4-5 cups steamed white rice

In a large skillet, heat 4 Tablespoons oil. Add okra and cook until tender, stirring often, about 40-50 minutes. If necessary, add more oil to prevent burning.

In a 5-quart soup pot heat remaining 4 Tablespoons oil and gradually add flour, stirring constantly until the roux is caramel brown. Add onions and celery, and sauté until tender. Add green pepper, green onions and garlic and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and seasonings; add tomatoes with liquid and blend until smooth. Add cooked okra, and gradually stir in water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Add shrimp and crabmeat, and continue to simmer covered for 10 minutes. Add oysters with liquid and parsley and cook an additional 10 minutes. If gumbo is too thick, thin with hot water. Serve in soup bowls over hot white rice.
10 Servings

*If fresh okra is not available, you can use frozen, sliced. Also, I use imitation crabmeat which works very well. I don’t add oysters, but if I was making for just myself I would!

Well, it's about time!!

Sorry for the delay y'all. I really wanted to post a pic with this, one that I took, but I guess I'll have to find one on the web that will do for now. My sister called today to see what the news is. She is an impatient one I tell you! Today is her due date and that is about all the anticipation she can handle right now, so she called and scolded me for not posting about my news. My apologies go out to all.

Ok, well I wanted to be sure before I said anything, but Friday I went and picked up a new member of our family. Her name is Lulu and she is a Jenday Conure. A conure is a small parrot. She is a sweetie (well, some of the time...we are working on it). That first night she wasn't much into being handled but the second day was better and now she comes to me and my son easy. I think she likes my son best, but he has spent the most time with her. A guy came into where I work and was giving her away. She came right to me that night and even gave me a kiss. At first my lead took her but she saw how much I really wanted her, and her husband wasn't thrilled at the idea of a bird, so she let me have her. She's a squawker, let me tell you! We have to work on that. At least at night when she is covered she is quiet. She even says a few phrases....."What you doin'?"..."I love you"... and "pretty bird". I"m not sure how old she is but she is used to being handled. She has bit us more than a few times and sometimes pretty hard, but she is getting better. She loves to sit on the top of her cage. She doesn't fly. I'm pretty sure her wings are clipped. This is what she looks like. I will post an actual pic of her when I get a chance.

I'm sorry if this isn't quite as exciting as you were hoping for, but I was thrilled. I have wanted another bird for a while, but just couldn't afford it. I guess to buy one of these they go for $300-$400. Plus I got the cage and a stand for the cage and all the feeding dishes and a couple of toys. I think she is going to work out just fine. She loves attention, and the more she gets the more trusting and easier going she will get.....I hope.

Nothing much else going on. Working full time now, so I'm staying busy. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and a great week! Hopefully I will have a new soup on Tuesday. I've had one posted on my comments (Thank you anonymous!) that sounds really good. I'll have to try it. See y'all later!

Souper Tuesday (on Thursday)

okay, so I'm a little late. First of all, it was too warm Tuesday and the few days before to have soup. We were up in the 80's! Beautiful weather. But mother nature was only playing a mean trick. Today reality came blowing in....high winds, temps in the 30's and SNOW! Yep, the first snow of the season. Nothing sticking, but snow showers none the less. So that made today the perfect day for hot soup. I made some French Onion soup for lunch. It was fabulous. Fairly easy, just time consuming. Keep in mind that you need to start this 2 1/12 - 3 hours ahead or make ahead and serve when ready.

French Onion Soup

2 Tbsp oil
3 Tbsp butter
6 c. thinly slice onion
1/2 tsp sugar
2 1/2 qts beef broth
1/2 c. dry white wine
sprig fresh thyme (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
8 slices slightly stale French bread
2 c. grated Gruyere cheese

Heat the oil in a heavy 5-6 qt pan. Add the butter. When the butter has melted, add the onions and cook slowly, covered for 10 minutes. Add the sugar and salt. Cook onions slowly until onions caramelize and turn to a rich brown color. Do not let them burn! This will take 45-60 minutes.

Add the wine and cook 5 minutes, still over low heat. Add the stock and check for seasoning. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

To serve:
Toast the French bread slices until golden brown. Ladle the soup into an ovenproof bowl, add the toasted bread and cover with the cheese. Bake at 350 degreesF. for 20 minutes or 5 minutes under a hot broiler.

Enjoy!



I have some really interesting/fun news to share with you, but I want to wait until tomorrow to be sure. I'm am SO excited, and there will be pictures (I hope). So be sure to check back. Take care and I am still looking for some new soup recipes. Please don't hesitate to share. Thanks!

Souper Tuesday

There are many reasons I like to see Autumn come around....the colors in nature, sweatshirts and sweaters and boots, and soup! I love soup in cold weather. I usually don't fix it at all through the summer but when the cold weather hits I could eat soup every day. I have hit a dilemma though. It seems I keep cooking the same ones over and over. Occasionally I find a new one I like, but I would love to find some more. Cookbooks are one way to find new ones, but I have found the best recipes come from others.

So this is what I am going to try. Tuesday is going to be my day (for a while anyway) to post a soup recipe and I would love it if any of you have a favorite, to share it here. This will also make me post at least once a week. My first one will be one of my kids favorites. I fixed this last night. Fairly quick and easy. Hope you enjoy!









Corn Chowder

8 oz salt pork, diced (or bacon)
2 onions, chopped
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/2 bay leaf, crumpled
2 Tbsp flour
4 c. water
3 c. diced potatoe
2 c. cream corn
2 c evaporated milk
salt, pepper, parsley, paprika to taste

Cook pork till brown and crisp. Remove and pour off all but 3 Tbsp. grease. Add next 3 ingredients and cook for 5 min. Blend in flour. Add water and potatoe. Bring to a boil then simmer for 10-15 min, till potatoe are tender. Add corn and milk. Heat well. Season and add pork (or bacon).

*I adjust recipe so that I use 2 whole cans of corn and milk. In this case I use a few more potatoes, 6 c. water and 3 Tbsp flour. I just couldn't see the sense in wasting what was left in a can.

Climbing Mountains

Whip me, torture me, burn me at the stake. I should be so lucky to get away with just that. I deserve all of the above and more for my lack of blogging, but in my defense, I have had some serious personal issues going on in my life. Something I don't really want to share here, please don't take it personally. But with all that is going on, it leaves little time for me to have 'fun' things to blog about. I'm ok, really I am. This is just a mountain I have to climb. I'm sure I'll make it to the other side, with God's help.

On a lighter note...........the weather here today is absolutely spectacular! It's cooling off, sky is a beautiful blue with skattered puffy white clouds and Autumn is in the air. I saw that my hot apple cider will be available soon. Looking forward to that. The local town had their annual Fall Festival, but because of work I wasn't able to go. That was a bummer. Well, there's always next year. The golf course is winding down and I am starting to put in more hours at my other job. Things there are really picking up with hunting season coming on. Then of course there's Christmas right behind that, so it's going to stay busy now till Feb or Mar.

Hope everyone is doing well and have a wonderful and blessed week!

A day off!

This mornings post was a bit too depressing for me, so lets try again....

Today is the first time in a long time that I finally have a whole day off. No Cablela's, no golf course. You would think I would take advantage of this and get a lot accomplished. Is that what I did? Noooo! I didn't do a lick today, I sat around and veged all day. After the kids got off to school I went back to sleep for a while then when I woke I put on a movie. Haven't sat and watched a movie in a long time. This one I really enjoyed too. The acting was not Oscar winning material by any means, but the story was wonderful. Had some humor and love story combined. Yes, I would recommend it. It is "Pure Country". As most of you know, I love country music, so having George Strait star in it certainly didn't hurt. I love his music. So this is the reason for this video. I love the last song of the movie but I like this one too.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

I'm still here

Still here, just a lot of stuff going on. I guess the song about says it all.

Cup of coffee anyone?

Seeing as how my site is called what it is (Caffeine Pit Stop), I have to share this story with you. Besides, it's absolutely hilarious!

One evening while my husband and I were out, my son, the oldest, decides he wants some coffee. Where this urge came from I have no idea, but he proceeds to make a pot for himself.

My coffee pot is a Cuisinart that my husband got me for Christmas a couple years ago. It is the kind that grinds the beans and then brews the coffee. It brews it into a metal thermas caraffe, as opposed to a glass one that sits on a heating element and 'cooks' the coffee. This keeps the coffee hot and fresh. One of the features of this coffee maker is that you can take the pot out while it is still brewing and the coffee stops dripping while the pot is out. Most of you are probably familiar with how this works, but a brief explantation is that the lid on the pot, while sitting in the machine, presses a button up in the brew basket releasing the coffee. When the pot is removed the button closes preventing coffee from dripping out. Keep this in mind.

So, back to my story.......

My son calls me on my cell and is a bit upset. Apparently he thinks he has broken my coffee machine. He explains to me that he twice tried making a pot of coffee and coffee flowed all over the counter. Both times he had to clean this up. I asked him what he did and he explained how he made it and I saw nothing wrong. So, over the phone, I went step by step with him in making a new pot. When I told him to make sure there was no coffee in the pot and to place it in position, making sure the lid was screwed on tight, he stopped me...."You mean the lid is supposed to be ON?" I said "yes" then, realizing what he had done, I absolutely died laughing out loud right there in the resturant on my phone. I was in tears. He figured the lid had to be off for the coffee to drip into the pot. Well, I guess you get the picture.

Poor kid. Having to clean that mess up twice. Well, he now knows how to make coffee.

Actually a cup right now sounds good. I have some flavored beans called 'Surfing Safari' that I got from my coffee club - boca java. It's heaven! It's vanilla, kahlua and caramel flavored.

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend and wishing you a great week!

Back again....one of my all time favorite videos!

Rainy days and Mondays

Good Monday morning! Weather is starting to cool off a bit. Days have been warm and sticky but the nights are cooling off. Almost a touch of Fall in the air. Seems like the Summer just flew by. I know it's not over yet and I'm not trying to push it out the door, but I will welcome Autumn. Love the cool, crisp air, the colors of the trees. Still have a bit of the golf season left. I think we ended up about #11 out of 18. Not too terribly bad. Still have one more Friday left to play. It is our fun day. Those are always fun. Different things occurr durring fun day. On one hole you may have to putt around a toilet lid, or have to putt with a hockey stick. Maybe one hole you have to use only 1 club the whole hole. In the past you may have had to pick out 3 clubs to play the whole game. No telling what they have planned for this Friday. Whatever it is, it will be fun.

Work has been a mad house! Hunting season is here, we are having a sale and a new promotional card has come out. Made this weekend wild. Soon I'll be having to say bye to the golf course for the year and go back to full time hours at the store. The one advantage to that is I will at least have a day or two off during the week. Brittany is LOVING her job! I'm so glad it is working out for her. Although being at work at 6 a.m. was a shock for her. They have new stock coming in and they have to sort and tag and such. Welcome to the real world daughter.

Well I guess that's about it for now. Hope all is going well for all of you. Have a great week!

Not much

Not a whole lot to post on, but I did want to change my video. I LOVE this song! He just has the sexiest voice ever. (Sorry guys)

Womens league golf is over. We came in 2nd. Oh Well, maybe next year. Gives us something to strive for. Couples league still has a few weeks and surprisingly we are not last. Actually somewhere in the middle. Not too bad considering only one of us knows how to golf. Hee, hee! I'll let y'all guess who that is. (Sorry hon, just teasing you)

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

What would you miss?

My last post left me wondering what others miss/would miss about their home. So this post is for you to open up a little bit and share.

If you have moved away from what you called 'home' ~ what do you miss most? And if you have been lucky enough to not have to have moved away ~ what would you miss most if you did have to leave?

Family is at the top of my list followed by friends, but then it gets a little tougher picking things. Like I said, I miss the food. I also miss the scenery. Hills and mountains. I miss the climate, I love longer summers! I'm sure there's more, but I'm going to turn this over to you.....

A taste of home

There are many things I miss about home, but right up there at the top is the food. Southern food is the best! Biscuits & gravy, grits, BBQ, country fried steak. I could go on and on, but the ONE thing I have really missed is Hot Boiled Peanuts. There was this small vegetable stand right at the end of our road that sold them in a brown paper bag. Every year we knew that summer had finally started when we saw the sign out for 'hot boiled peanuts'.

I decided the other day that I just HAD to have some! So off to the store I went to buy some raw peanuts and salt. Once home I started the burner out in the driveway, put water and salt in the pot, brought it to a boil, added peanuts and waited........

They have to cook 4-6 hours (at least). I could smell them in the air! Finally....

They were SO good! I think I may open a little stand at the end of my driveway. I'll let y'all know when to start looking for the sign.

Peek-a-Boo!

OK! Time for an update....hope everyone is doing absolutely marvelous!

Firstly, my daughter finally started at Cabela's and really seems to be enjoying herself. She likes everyone she is working with and enjoys what she is doing. It will take her a while to get into the groove of things, but I'm sure she'll do just great. She's got one of those perky personalities you just can't help but like. (She takes after her aunt Kathy!)

My son Zach turned 18 yesterday. My goodness! Where has the time gone? I can still remember him being a toddler and climbing everything he could get his hands on. Especially the rack to our trailor. He would scare the wits out of me. Still does, just over different things. I have faith that he will follow the right road, make good choices and become a young man I will be proud of. (He already is:))

Aubrey starts his golf season tomorrow. In fact I have to take him to get a physical this afternoon. I'm a little disappointed at his lack of enthusiasm over golf over the summer. I hope he gets back into the swing of it (get it?...'swing' of it...LOL...I crack myself up!)

I was having some pain in my right foot, so yesterday I went to see the doctor. You will NEVER believe this! I have gout. GOUT! I'm too young for that! It's in my left toe. Apparently caused by a certain acid building up in your body because of too much protein and yeast. Hmmm, yeast? I don't eat bread. Doctor asked if I had been drinking large quantities of beer lately. Moi? Any of y'all know about an unleavened beer I can find? Geesh, just give me some pills and I'll be fine. Took one last night and it was feeling better already this morning. Put me on a strong anti-inflamatory. Seems to do the trick.

Well, that's about it for now. Looks like once, maybe twice a week, for posts for me seems to work. Now, I just need to come visit y'all! I'll be there soon.....pinky promise!

Life Instructions

When life gives you a lemon.....

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Grab the salt and tequila!

The weekend

Not a bad weekend, all in all. Had to work both days, but had some fun in between. Friday had couples golf. We didn't do too terribly bad, split the points and enjoyed the company. After golf went and had a wonderful fish dinner! I don't think I'll eat fish anywhere else again. Small town near here called Bridgewater has a little place called the Bank (used to be the town bank). Really good food. If you live any where near there, I highly recommend it.

After work Sat I played euchre up at the golf course. That's always a fun time! When I got home I did something completely out of character for me (well, maybe not)....I went swimming. Here it is about 11:30 at night, nobody around, so, wearing nothing but my birthday suit, I jumped in. Had the radio on and a Mikes Hard Lemonade and swam around for about an hour. It really was wonderful, I may do it again tonight.

Sun went to church then off to work till almost 7. Got home and went for a drive into the Irish Hills looking at some campsites (I'll explain that one later) then went for dinner at Golden Nugget.

Weather has been really hot, but I'm not complaining. I love it! Only wish I could spend more time in it rather than being inside working. Tomorrow my daughter and I are going shopping at Victoria Secret. After my little swimming episode Sat night my dogs got my favorite bra. So I have to go replace it plus I needed another anyway. Then we are going out to lunch at Olive Garden. My daughter has been wanting me to take her to the 'all you can eat' soup, salad and breadstick lunch that they have. It should be a fun time together.

I love this video! The music and the dancing are so much fun. I would love to go see 'RiverDance' if they are ever near here.

Hope your weekend was great and you enjoy the rest of the week!

Burgundy. That seems to be the concensus. Most like it though, if not at least they were kind enough not to say anything. I like it, although I would really like it a bit more Auburn and less burgundy. At least this is not permanent. What?! You thought it was? Ha! Not quite that brave yet. This is one of those color jobs that washes out after 28 shampoos or so. I really may consider something a bit more permanent though after this washes out. Just not sure if I will try it myself or have it done. We shall see.

I've gone back to playing a video on my blog. Seems they have changed their format and maybe it will be a bit safer. I love music, especially country, so it just makes this blog a little more 'me'.

Michelob meets Miss Clairol

Alcohol and haircolor. Two words that probably shouldn't be together in the same sentence. I had a few beers yesterday while golfing, then a few in the club house and when I got home I got this wild idea to color my hair. Actually, I've had the box of haircolor up in my bathroom for a while but just hadn't gotten around to using it. (ok, I've been chicken) So any way, I figure this will help get my mind off of things for a while so I proceed to open box, put on gloves and read the directions. This can't be too difficult, you wet your hair and apply color.....right? Said something else about testing for correct amount of time, but who needs to go through all that. Recommends about 10 min (or whatever your test time was) plus if your trying to color grey then leave an additional 10. I figure 15 is about right. Now is that 15 minutes from when you begin applying color or 15 after you have meticulously squeezed some color onto each section that you have parted, then added remainder and massaged in, taking about 10 min in itself to do? Details, details. Ok, now that color is applied I set timer for 15 min then leave kitchen. I get preoccupied doing something and I hear "Mom! Your timer is going off!" Oops. How long has that been going off? No biggie, couldn't have been too awfully long. Now, rinse. Apply conditioner. Count to 120 or a little more to condition it good. Rinse. Towel dry. Now lets go look in that mirror and see what we have.......

I'll let you know when I can come up with the right words to describe this color....:)

No Luck

I've only got a quick minute. Needless to say, I have gotten no responses from my 'Want Ad'. Oh well, I tried.

Things around here are busy as usual. I've been putting in a few extra hours at the golf course. The owners wife, who works some evenings, is off to Notre Dame for a twirling championship with her girls, so I have filled in some.

My daughter has found a new job. Guess where? She'll be working with me at Cabela's! She's going to be in the womens/kids clothing dept. I really think she'll enjoy it and do well.

Weather has been Wonderful! Hot! Just like I like it. These Northerners don't know how to handle it though, they think I'm crazy. I only wish it lasted longer.

Well, that's it for now folks...gotta run! Hope everyone is happy and has a great week!

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Holiday is over

Holiday week is over so I guess most of you are back on a full schedule. For me it's about the same. Last week was fairly uneventful as far as the 4th goes. When the kids were little it was all about fireworks and vacation. Now that they are older they want to spend it with friends. Speaking of older, my youngest son turned 15 yesterday. I can't believe it! He is actually taller than me now, and I'm no shortie at 5'10". For a month now my kids are stair-stepped, 15, 16, 17.

Sat. night my son and I played night golf. That was a HOOT! Some of you might remember my post from last year about this. Glow balls were flying all over that course! Don't even ask my score, I didn't keep track....but I did have fun.

Nothing much else going on. Still working 7 days a week. Makes it hard to do much else, but at least I like both my jobs. Hope everyone has a great week!


Multitasking: The ability to screw up several things at the same time.

Weekends here! (almost..)

Thanks to everyone for your ideas on the meaning of my dream. I've about decided that you can pretty much read what ever you want into any dream. Dreams are the result of our imaginations and life is what ever we make it. How's that for this weekends deep thought?

I have golf this afternoon. My game is slowly improving. I seem to have more "good" shots than bad and I'm parring more holes fairly regularly. It doesn't help though when I mess up on one hole, and I mean mess it up GOOD! (a 9, with a 4 putt on a par 5....agghh!) I hope to get out and play some this weekend. I hate that the golf season up here is so short. Just as I really start to get into it and get good, the season is about over. I need to move back down south. Oh well....

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Spend time with your kids, go golfing, go fishing, go out to a lake and camp, go pick some wild flowers ;) ....whatever makes you happy! Enjoy life!

Dreams

Had a pretty strange dream last night. Actually, considering some things that happened yesterday and lately, it may not be too strange. I was flying in a helicopter, well...not 'in' the helicopter, I was actually hanging on to the tail. We were flying along fine for a while then it started getting choppy, then it started plunging downward. Finally straightened out for a bit then started spinning. That part was actually kind of amusing, because in my dream I was holding on with my arms and legs were flung out, spinning around. We stabilized again and then started plunging down again. We finally landed, safe and sound. I say "we" because I know there were others inside, but I honestly can't remember who. I think maybe my children and who else I don't know.

Do dreams say something to us? I do know that there are things going on in my life where I feel like I am holding on by a thread. Some times are better than others. Kind of ironic huh? What I just don't know is does the safe landing mean things around here will work out or just that I will land on my feet no matter what happens? The rides not over yet, but I'm not the pilot. I can't control this. I can only hope and pray for the best.

(Somewhere in this dream there were chocolates too! Someone at a mall handed me a whole tray of truffles. Yum!)

Alaska (Part II)

(day 3 cont.) After arriving in Homer we checked in with our charter for the next day, did some more shopping in the gift shops, then checked into our cabin. Went to bed fairly early since we had to catch our boat at 6:30 a.m.

Day 4 - Wednesday Bright and early we caught our boat, The Whistler, a 50' fishing boat, and headed out to sea. Weather was cloudy and threatening rain, but at least waters were calm. It was about an hour and a half ride out to the spot where we were going to fish. On board was our group of 7 and another couple from TX. Then there was the captain and 2 deck hands. I wish I had gotten a picture of them. One of them was a gorgeous girl named Brittany. Not one you would guess doing a job like this. She is working during the summer to help pay for medical school come this fall. But she certainly knew what she was doing. She was raised on a fishing boat. Anyway once we arrived at our fishing spot and threw out the anchor, we were baited up and started fishing. We moved around a couple of times, the deepest water I think was about 150'. That's a LONG way to haul a 30+lb fish up. My arms were so tired. My son caught the biggest of the family. His was 47 lb's. He brought it in all by himself too. He was so proud!

Well, I have started this at least half dozen times, so I need to just make this short and sweet.....We ended up with about 100lb's of fish (after fileting and cleaning) that was shipped home. We all had a great time fishing, despite the rainy weather. The picture of fish are some of the larger ones we caught. The largest was 97 lb's, caught by the man from TX (Those Texans have to do everything in a BIG way...LOL)My son's was the 2nd largest.

After taking care of shipping the fish we headed back to Anchorage to catch a 1 a.m. flight out. Slight problem here though. Have any of you noticed something? We have already checked out of our cabin, we have been fishing all day, now we have to go catch a plane? We look and SMELL horrid! Luckily there was a laundrymat that rented out showers in Homer. So we stopped and all got showered and cleaned up. Made it back just in time to turn in rental, got to the airport, caught plane and slept. At least as much as we could. I can't sleep on planes, so I just dozed in and out. And now we are back home safe and sound.
Sorry so choppy here at the end, but I am tired and if I don't finish this up a few people are going to have my head. Alaska truly is an awsome and beautiful state! I highly recommend going if you ever get the chance. See y'all

Alaska (Part I)

I'm back! Alaska was absolutely beautiful! The weather wasn't great, but not as bad as I thought it was going to be. Temps were in the upper 50's to low 60's each day dropping into the 40's at night. Most days it was cloudy, except for the day we went fishing, there was an on-again, off-again, light rain.

Day 1 - Sunday, after an unscheduled stop in Edmonton, CAN for a medical emergency and a 2 hour delay, we finally arrived in Anchorage. Checked into hotel, walked up to local store for beer, relaxed a bit then walked up to resturant for dinner. Good food and HUGE portions. Rental car was delivered at 8 but we were all pretty exhausted, so went to bed fairly early. Hard to go to sleep at 11 when it's still light out.

Day 2 - Monday. Great continental breakfast at hotel. First stop, Walmart for a few last minute things and a styrofoam cooler (personal joke, we have to get one of these for every trip we take with these friends). Then off to the military base for more beer. Upon getting to the gate, it is brought to my husbands attention that his military ID is going to expire the next day. Well, we can't let that happen. Have you ever been to a military/government facility to have something done? Takes FOREVER! So while we (kids and I and our two friends who went with us) sat in the car, hub goes in to get ID done. This takes 2 1/2 hours out of our morning. We head to Class VI to get the beer then to downtown Anchorage to see some sites. We went to a IMAX type place to see a presentation on Alaska, which was kinda cool, then watched a film on the 1964 earthquake. This earthquake measured a 9.2 on the richter scale and was the largest in North America and the 2nd largest in the world. Swallowed towns whole. There was also an exhibit to walk around to read about it and see pictures. It really was quite interesting. Walked around town viewing other things that I won't go into detail about, but it made for a nice afternoon. Ate lunch then headed to Earthquake park. This is a park where you can walk a trail and see much of the damage that was done. Well, we didn't get very far. No sooner did we get out of the car and head down the trail when we were swarmed with mosquito's, and I mean SWARMED! I've never seen anything like it. We literally ran back to the car. So much for that. We headed out and saw a few more sites. Ever see a 26' chocolate water fall? That was a lot of chocolate! Headed back to motel, sat around for a while then everyone called it a night. Party poopers. Light weights. Wooses. Seems the time change got the better of them. Suppose I might as well go to bed too.

Day 3 - Tuesday. Ate breakfast then headed on our way to Homer, 200+ miles to the south. Saw some beautiful sites. Even on a cloudy day the mountains were spectacular. I could have taken pictures of those all day long! Saw some Dall Sheep up in the cliffs, but couldn't stop to get pic's. We stopped at Portage Lake and took a boat cruise out to Portage glacier. That was really cool. Glacier was blue. Seems they are so dense only the blue light rays can be reflected back and this makes them blue in color. Visited the gift shop then on our way again. Drove through a Conservation Center where there are wild animals being rehabilitated then continued to Homer. On the way we saw a Moose grazing by the side of the road. A fairly common site for those that live there but we were excited!

(To be continued....)

I'm back!!

Alaska was truly awsome! I could have taken pictures of the mountains all day long. I have started a post telling about the trip but blogger is not cooperating with posting the pictures. I have to try and figure out what is going on with it. Has any one else had any problems? It is terribly frustrating. Not that my pictures are worthy of any photography prizes, but I did see a moose! No big deal to those that live in the area, they see them trotting down the road all the time, but I thought it was pretty cool. As soon as I figure out this glitch I'll get this post on as soon as I can. Good to be back!

6/07/06

I'm not one to normally be superstitious, but I have to say I'm glad 6/6/06 is over with. People certainly did seem to be overly irrate. Hopefully today will be a better day.

I'm supposed to golf this morning, but looking at the radar, it doesn't look real promising. Rain moving in, ugh. Oh well, can't be all sunshine everyday. My partner and I still hold the lead but the point spread has closed in. I need to work on my short game.

Getting close to our Alaska trip! I think I am excited. I know that sounds like an odd thing to say, but sometimes I don't know how to feel about these trips. Last night my husband canceled the trip altogether, but soon realized how much money he would lose in deposit's, so I guess we are still on. Hopefully he'll get over it. Like I said, triple 6 is over.

Happy June 7th to everyone!

My goodness! I hadn't realized it had been so long since my last post. Things with me have been fine. Busy and hectic, but that seems to be the norm these days. I work 7 days a week, golf in two leagues, try to walk daily, and still trying to run a household, but I'm not complaining. I really enjoy it. Things at the golf course are picking up now that the weather has finally gotten nice. Nice is putting it mildly. We went from needing the heater to temps in the 90's this week. I love it!!! I can't believe how many people are complaining. I've been a sun goddess when ever I get the chance.

As for my golf game....well, I've had some good days and some not-so-good days. My partner and I are in 1st place by quite a lead, but keeping it could be another story. I just don't understand how I can be so good one day and hit so well, and go to absolutely terrible, practically over night. Oh well, that's why I'm not making the big bucks! :)

Kids are doing fine (as far as teenagers go). This is their last week of school before summer break begins. They are excited. Aubrey will be hitting the golf course a lot more, Zach will be putting in more hours as work, and Brit continues looking for a new job. She is also still with her boyfriend, but they spend WAY too much time together. A job for her (and him) would be good.

OH! Here's the big news....We have a trip planned to Alaska. We are going the 2nd week of June and going halibut fishing. The kids are actually kind of excited. Our friends from Buffalo are going with us also. It is going to be a blast!! We'll be shipping back a lot of fish, but halibut is the best! I have two cook books of just halibut recipes. We will also go to a glacier park and the Anchorage zoo. I'm really looking forward to it.

Well, I guess that's about it for now. Hope everyone is enjoying life!

Jay Leno pet tricks

I wish I could get this on video or teach my dogs to do this on command but I have yet to catch them at it. My husband thinks I'm crazy, but I KNOW my dogs are doing this. Occasionally I forget to fill the water bucket and my dogs get thirsty. There is a water spigot on the back of the house that I use to fill it. There are times when this spigot is on and water is pooling in the back yard and my husband fusses at the kids for leaving it on. I tried telling him it is the dogs doing this, but he doesn't believe me. The bucket will be pushed aside, laying on it's side, and water is either dripping out or at a full flow. I KNOW one of my dogs has learned how to turn this on when they get thirsty. I'm guessing it's Sophie, my Rhodesian Ridgeback. She is an extremely smart dog. What I'd like to know is if she paws at it or uses her mouth. One of these days I'm going to catch her in the act. Trying to get these two to pose for a picture is next to impossible. This was the best I could do for now.

Peek-a-boo!

I haven't been hiding, really I haven't. But this girl went and got herself into trouble. I guess that's what happens when you go unprotected. WAIT MOM! NO, I'm not pregnant. What are you people thinking?! My computer got infected with an awful virus and was acting up something terrible. I hadn't re-installed Norton Anti-Virus from the last episode and this is what happened. I honestly don't think I like Norton. It seems to give me more problems than it's worth. If I can just keep others from going to sites that corrupt my computer I'd be fine. This actually happened a while ago, but with working 2 jobs I haven't had the time or inclination to go through the process of saving everything, reformating my hard drive and then reinstalling everything. Well, I finally got tired of my computer re-booting on me every 15 min and running at a snails pace and doing all other types of funky things....so I finally sat my butt down and got it done the other day. Still don't have everything re-installed, but I'm back on line and I can blog. Is there anything else that matters?

Not a whole lot new going on in my life anyway, so you haven't missed anything. Although my womens league golf season has started and I shot my best score since I started playing again a few years ago. I really shouldn't brag about a 42, (9 holes) but I was pretty proud of myself. It really should have been a 39. 3 of my shots were duffs that hardly rolled 3 feet. Plus one hole I three putted, and there's no excuse for that. But all in all I'm tickled. Now the season is early so I have to improve from that. The pressure is on!

I'm really sorry about being gone for so long. I have really missed ya'll! I'll be around to your sites soon!


"A bad day at golf is better than a good day at work!"

LIke mother, like son

This past Thursday was 'Take you son/daughter to work' day. My son wanted to go to work with me but I didn't think it would be allowed. After getting to work I found that my leads daughter was with her and told her my son wanted to come. She told me to call him. So I called home and had his dad bring him up. He got there about 4 and stayed with me till 8. He had an absolute BLAST! I got a work shirt for him to wear and my lead made a name badge with his name on it. He worked behind the counter with me doing different things. He learned how to process the returns from the shelf, called down customers "We can help the next person", carried merchandise back to some of the departments, got holds from the back room, learned how to do fishing licences on the DNR machine. He really picked up an awful lot really quick! And everybody loved him. He does have a lot of personality. He loved it when a customer thought he was an employee and asked him questions, like "Where are the shoes?" and he would direct them right to where they were. He hated to leave. He wanted to close with me but I get home kind of late and he had school the next morning. He'll be talking about that for a long time to come. He can't wait to turn 16 so he can fill out an application. I was really proud of him.

Things at the golf course are picking up finally so I am starting there regularly now. Between the two jobs I am keeping pretty busy. Cabela's has me putting in extra hours during the week after my golf job. Makes for a long day, but believe it or not I really enjoy it.

Couples golf league went really well the first afternoon. We shot a 40, which for us, is really good! I actually birdied the 6th hole. Came with in a foot or so of making an eagle! And #6 is the #1 handicap hole, which means it is considered the hardest to make par on. But then came the 2nd week. Geesh! What a difference! Neither one of us could hit the ball. It was terrible. Finally, after 4 holes and 3 - 4 beers I loosened up and things got better, but not before our score was down the tube. Oh well, it's just as well. The first 3 games establish your handicap and we don't need to start with too low of one! But I still enjoyed myself and I guess that's what counts. My womens league starts this Wed, I think. We play in the mornings.

Well that's about it for me (except for Sat night euchre and Jager bombs, but I don't think we'll go there!) Hope everyone is doing great!

Weirdness (or just plain strange)

I've seen this one going around and Chesneysgirl got me! This one is actually hard for me because I don't think there are a lot of weird things about me (although some may disagree :)). The instructions are to list 6 weird things about myself. Ok, here we go:

1. I eat with my left hand. This may not seem weird except for the fact that I am right handed in everything else I do. I have no idea why. I try and eat with my right hand but I just feel so uncoordinated when I do it.

2. My towels have to be folded tri-fold. Just a little pet peeve with me. When my husband or kids do laundry and fold the towels I go back and have to refold them.

3. If I go to a picnic or some function where they are serving hot dogs, I won't eat one unless there is Kraft mayonnaise. Yes! I like mayo with my hot dogs, and Miracle Whip won't do it. Has to be Kraft real mayo.

4. I don't eat them very often, but when I do, I have to eat the chocolate layer around a Little Debbie Swiss Cake Roll, then I unroll it and lick the creme filling then eat the chocolate cake part. I swear, I really do!

(break time....I have to think of 2 more....)

5. I LOVE cold leftovers. Pizza, Italian, Chinese, Fried chicken....you name it. I would much rather have it cold than warm it up.

6. Ok people, I'm pulling strings here. I really didn't want to have to share this with you but I have nothing else. It started as a young child. I picked it up from my mom (sorry mom, I'm not going down alone on this one). When cooking anything that has ground beef in it I have to eat a bit of the raw meat. Ok, so I'm a carnivore, what can I say?


Ok, I made it through this. That's about as weird as I get. Now I'm supposed to tag someone else...Hmmm....I'll tag Kris, Libby (her's should be fun!), and Monique. If any of you have already done this I apologize.

Good morning!

What a beautiful morning! Not that the last couple of mornings haven't been nice, but this morning feels good. Ever have one of those days when you wake up and just know it's going to be a good day? I was able to sit on my front porch with out being bundled up in my robe. The birds certainly know that Spring is here. I love listening to them in the morning, and I was serenaded by one bird sitting all by himself in the tree closest to my porch. My own little concert!

The forecast has been calling for rain, but I'm hoping it will miss us. Today is the first day for our couples golf league. I got out once earlier this week and didn't do too bad. I actually hit the green on my tee shot on one hole that I seem to never be able to do that on! Probably be the only time this year I do that! (and yes, I parred it). Other holes weren't too bad, but nothing to brag about.

Well, the weekend is just about here. No special plans, but weekends are always nice, even if I do have to work. Hope everyone has a wonderful one!!

"Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious."
Brendan Gill

Trying to stop time

All right, Whoa! Somebody stop the clock! I know I've been pushing Spring and Summer to get here, but little did I realize I'm pushing something else.

I have two calendars in my kitchen. They are the dry-erase board kind, and each is a monthly calendar. So one would be the present month with the 2nd being the coming month. As a month ends I erase it and fill it in for the upcoming month. This is April and as I went to erase March I paused before filling in May. In fact I still haven't filled it in. Am I thinking I can stop it from coming? See, my birthday falls in May. Now, I had no problem turning the "Big 40", and 41, 42, 43 and even 44 were no problem. But now 45 is around the corner, which to me, is WAY too close to 50. Why is this one feeling so different for me? I know this sounds ridiculous, but suddenly I'm feeling old. Older than I want to be. I wondered if this was ever going to hit me.

Now I know many of my closest blog friends are a bit older than me, and I am in NO WAY calling you old. (I'm putting my foot in my mouth, aren't I?) But this is something that I'm sure many of you have gone through and I could certainly use some words of wisdom here. Yea, yea, yea....I've heard the one that "age is just a number", I need something a little better than that. This is down right depressing. Ok, so I'm not really depressed, at least not yet, but I'm not putting May up on that board till I hear a good reason to!

Happy Easter

Wishing you all a happy, holy and blessed Easter day!

Warm temps bring tragedy

Ok, I will finally concede that Spring hs arrived. Today and yesterday were beautiful days. Temps finally warming up. The sun feels so good on my face. Rain tonight with possible thunderstorms, but that's ok.

I am sorry to say though that the nice weather brought on a sad incident. With warm temps come motorcycles. A friend of ours, that lives right around the corner, got out his bike for the first time this year and was on his way to meet his 2 kids for dinner, when he struck and killed a dog. The dog happened to be Zowie. She was a beautiful yellow lab that would have been a year old next week. She belonged to the owners of the golf club I work for. They also have a black lab. I have never seen these dogs go any where near the road. They always stay in the parking lot or somewhere on the course. They loved to ride in the golf carts! It was a real hoot to see the two of them in there. But apparently yesterday, Zowie saw a lady walking her dog on the opposite side of the street and ran out there and our friend Dave just happened to be riding by and couldn't avoid her. He really tried. He has a large Harley so all he could do was hit the brakes and then layed the bike down. He was not seriously hurt, as bad as motorcycle accidents can be, but his right arm and ankle are shattered and required surgery today where they were able to reconstruct it and put in pins. He felt terrible about hitting the dog. His bike ended up on the right side of the road but when emergency vehicles got there he had managed to crawl over to the other side of the road to be with the dog. Zowie apparently died on impact. I hope she didn't suffer. The family is really torn up. She was a part of the family. It won't be the same with out her around.

I worked today for a few hours at the course. Quite a few people came out. It was good to see all the regulars. I've missed them. Can't wait to actually get out there myself. Maybe this weekend. Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the nice weather. Hopefully next post will be a little happier.

Just a quick update

Hi all! Sorry I haven't been around. I've just been busy and haven't had the time to sit at the computer. Plus I haven't really been inspired to post anything. But I thought I'd better let y'all know I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth.

Kids are on Spring break this week (hence, not a lot of computer time for mom) plus they are keeping me busy. Still haven't started at the golf course yet, but I expect to start there soon. I can't wait! Our couples league starts this month, so I hope this weather warms up quickly or I'll be out playing in a parka!

Hope everyone is doing well and I will try to make rounds to all of your sites soon!

Kids say the darndest things

I thought of this story after reading a post from Cheryl and thought I would share it.

Back in 7th grade, I attended a Catholic school. Most of the teachers were nuns but for one particular class we had a lay person (not a nun). She taught sex education. (Wonder why a nun didn't teach this one?) Anyway, the method for teaching this was to separate the boys and girls. On days when she taught the girls she would have one of the parents of the boys come in and watch them and on days she taught the boys, visa versa. At that age it was a big thing to have your mom be the one to come in. It wasn't until we got older that was total taboo! The teachers name was Ms. Martin. I remember one day she needed a mother of one of the girls to come in and watch us while she had class with the boys. Excitedly I run through the front door yelling "MOM, MOM! Ms. Martin needs you to come in and watch the girls while she has sex with the boys!"

What can I say?

Taking a break

Taking a long coffee break. A lot of crap life stuff going on. I'll be back when I get a chance. Miss y'all!!

Good Vibrations

I am SO excited! I'm going to be feeling some 'Good Vibrations' this summer. I just learned this morning that the Beach Boys are going to be playing at the Lenawee County Fair this year. Now I just need to find out when tickets are going on sale and get in line! Ok, so I'm 40 something, but I love the Beach Boys music and if it means sleeping in a sleeping bag all night to get tickets to see this, by gosh I'm going to do it! Anyone with me?

I've been to very few concerts. Never really been a big concert person. My first was the Bay City Rollers then John Denver. I saw Jo Dee Messina with my sister and England Dan & John Ford Coley at Six Flags. Last year was John Montgomery and the year before that at the fair was Confederate Railroad. I think that's about it. There may be one or two I'm forgetting.

But now a chance to see the Beach Boys! I'm not letting this one slip through my fingers. The fair is in August. Jimminy, August! I can't even think about August right now. It seems like forever, seeing as how temps now are only reaching 40 for the high the next week and in the 20's at night. I am sick and tired of this, but I think I've mentioned that a time or two before.

Well, I may not be Surfin In the USA, but I'm going to have some Fun, Fun, Fun. Wouldn't It Be Nice to Come Go With Me and dance to some Rock & Roll Music?

Still here!

Well, I suppose that's enough of the gardening tag. Haven't had a chance to sit down for any length of time at the computer but I've tried reading your posts.

Hope everyone had a fun and happy St Patrick's Day! I could be found at the Pub drinking green beer at 7:00 am. A local DJ was there broadcasting live and that was just his first stop. He went to 5 different locations throughout the day and for each one you went to you could enter into a drawing for a trip to South Padre Island. I made the 1st 3 but then had to come home to take daughter to get her stitches removed. (She is doing really great!). Last stop was at the Saddle Saloon which is almost an hour drive for me and I couldn't get anyone to go with me so I didn't make it. Well, I got 3 chances in there. Haven't heard who won yet.

Not a whole lot else going on. Weather is still COLD. I am SO tired of this and SO ready for Spring!!! This has me back in my winter doldrums. I could really use that trip!

I will try to post something a tad bit more interesting next time. If you have any ideas feel free to send them my way!

Tagged: Gardening Meme

Sue tagged me for this Gardening Meme:

Well this one should be fairly easy for me, seeing as how I don’t have a garden. It’s something I admire in everyone else’s yard, but I just haven’t found the time to start one of my own. Maybe after my kids move out. I’m sure I would enjoy it since I love being outdoors.

If I was only allowed to keep one plant in my garden which would it be?
Well, seeing as how I don’t have a garden this one is kind of easy. But I will say my husband does a veggie garden and if I had to pick one of his veggies to keep it would have to be the hot banana peppers because I love the recipe I have for jarring them.

If there was only one thing invented in the past 100 years that I was permitted to keep, what would it be?
This one it tough. Sue and the one who sent it to her both said their computer, and that was my first thought, but I think I’d be ok with out it. I’d hate it, but I’d live. I am having a hard time deciding between my washing machine and radio. I can’t possibly imagine doing all my laundry by hand, but my love of music runs deep. I’d have to ponder on this one to decide.

Name 3 animals you saw yesterday (excluding cats and dogs).
Squirrels, horses, and llamas. I often see deer, opossum, raccoons, skunks and an occasional fox. We have a guy around the corner who raises llamas, so it’s not strange for me to see them.

Which season do you like the most?
I have to say Autumn in the south. It’s still fairly warm and nothing can compare to the colours in the mountains of north GA.

Name the person who imparted the most wisdom into your life?
Most definitely my mother. She not only taught me the wisdom of life but the wisdom of God. I have my mother to thank for my deep faith, and it is through my faith I learned true wisdom.

I’m tagging: Okay, I’m going out on a limb and tagging - Pirate, Suzy, Libby and David. Only if you guys and gals are up for it! :)

What next? Bread from heaven?

With in a 24 hr period we have gone from thunderstorms with tornado watches, to 65+ degree temps and sunny sky, to windy (really windy!) to snow showers. Weird. Then I'm sitting here and here the radio call for a high of 65 tomorrow. I was so excited till I realized I was listening to my internet station out of Peachtree City, GA. Bummer!

On another note, my daughter didn't make it to school yesterday. She woke up with her mouth hurting, but she did go today. Since I don't have to work today she thought she would try it and I could come get her if she got to hurting again too bad. Slowly getting better, but it will still be a while before she can eat 'real' food again. Once she gets to feeling up to it, the tooth fairy promised her a trip to Victoria Secrets. A long way from leaving a quarter under the pillow!

That's about it for today. Things are slow around here, sorry not more exciting post. Time to go throw another log on the fire. Till next time.....


Weather forcast for tonight: dark. Continued dark overnight, with widely scattered light by morning.
George Carlin

Thank you

Just a quick post to say 'Thank you' for all your thoughts, wishes, and prayers for my daughter. She is feeling much better now. The first 24 hours were the worst! Nausea and pain made for a very miserable little girl. She is at least now able to keep down some food, if you want to call Ramen noodles food, but it's her favorite. Her dentist sent her a HUGE, beautiful bouqet of flowers the following day. That really perked her up. I can't believe how big it was! He was so good with her. The pain comes and goes, I imagine she will be on the pain pills for a few days. She got up moving around today and says that she feels up to going to school tomorrow. She is a bit concerned about her chipmunk cheeks though. They are still a bit puffy. I hope none of the kids tease her.

Well that's it for tonight. I am going to try to get to bed early tonight (before 11). Today was a long day at work. Only 4 hours, but that shift does not allow for a break so it was non stop on my feet the whole time. And I picked today to wear my boots. My feet are exhausted!

Thanks again everyone! Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Wisdom teeth agony

It's days like this that make being a parent so hard. No, the kids didn't get into any trouble. They are not driving me crazy. Nothing like that.

My daughter had her wisdom teeth taken out today and she is in SO much pain! I would gladly trade places with her if I could. She was not put to sleep for the procedure, which I am kind of glad of. She got a local with laughing gas. The doctor must have given her at least a dozen shots! Then during the procedure he hit a nerve or two and gave her some more. She had all 4 removed at once. Thank goodness, because had she only had two removed I would never be able to get her to go back to get the other two removed! The two top ones weren't too bad, but the bottom two were buggers! They were impacted and growing sideways, pressing on the molars. Laying right on top of the nerve at that. He (the doctor) had to drill and cut, drill and cut. They came out in pieces. He literally had to 'break' them up. Just the sound of it was enough to send chills down your spine! My daughter was a real trooper. She did really well and the dentist was really good with her. The worst part of it was when the Novocain started to wear off. He had given her a prescription for Vicatin and said she could take 2 to start out with, but it didn't seem to be doing any good at all! She was hurting SO bad. I felt terrible that there was nothing I could do for her. She is finally sleeping now on the sofa, but I suspect she will not sleep great tonight. She still has a lot of bleeding and we have to change the gauze, and she will need her medicine every 3-4 hours. I hope she's feeling better tomorrow.

Beauty tips

I received this in an email and rather than forward it on I figured I would share it here.

Below is a wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked to share her "beauty tips." It was read at her funeral years later.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness...
For lovely eyes , seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure , share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone...
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." Helen Keller

Hide and Seek

I'm back in camouflage! No, I didn't join the army again as I threatened a few posts ago. Today I went with my husband to Cabela's. That is the store where I work. For those of you unfamiliar with it, it boast's itself "the worlds largest outdoor outfitter" for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear. But the clothing department has much to offer and my husband needed some new shirts. As we were walking around we found ourselves in the womens dept and I pointed out some lingerie to my husband. It was a camisole and short set made out of silk. Not something you would expect to find at an outdoors hunting store, but here's the thing - it was camouflage! It's called "Hide and Seek Silk Sleepwear". He actually liked it and said it would look good on me. Now he's not the Victoria Secret's kind of guy, so when I can get him to show an interest in any kind of intimate apparel I'm not going to be one to crush his spirit. Now he just has to wait till hunting season! ;)

I am blessed

I woke this morning to a beautiful sunrise. As I sat on the front porch, with a steaming cup of hot coffee and the cold morning air kissing my face, I couldn't help but think of all the blessings in my life. I don't live in a new, fancy large house, but I have a quaint old farm house that I call home. My husband and I have had our differences over the years, but I know he loves me. Three teenagers that try my patience to no end, but they are healthy, they know the difference between right and wrong and for the most part make good, moral choices. I have a loving, supportive family, who may live miles away, but in my time of need would be right by my side in a heartbeat. I have made some wonderful friends, some who I have moved away from but still keep in touch with, new ones here up north, and all of you that keep me smiling with your witty and humorous stories and stories of faith and inspiration. But mostly I am blessed to have my faith. Faith in a Father that loves me and gives me the ability to see and appreciate all that I have. All I have I give to Him, because He has given me all that I have.

Thank you Lord, Amen.

What color is God?

I am really peeved today. Someone had the audacity to pollute my newsbox with some literature that I find very disturbing. It was a monthly newsletter put out by the KKK. In all my years of living in the South I was never insulted with such things but I move up north and look what happens. I'm hoping that they are weak and this is their way of looking for new members. Well, they are not going to find one here!!

God created us all in his image. ALL! Not some. So what color is God? God is the soft colors of generosity, compassion, and forgiveness. The bright colors of joy, kindness, and benevolence. The pale color of humility and charity. God is the color of LOVE.

Enough said.

20 years and counting

20 years ago today, I married my friend, my soul mate, my companion for life. We have shared good times and bad, laughed and cried, argued and made-up. It hasn’t been a “happily ever after” story, but it’s a story that we have lived together and plan on ending together.

I thought I would share our wedding day with you. Stick with me through the mushy stuff, you won’t regret it.

We were married at St Johns Melkite Church in Atlanta, Ga. This is an Eastern Rite Catholic Church. I mention this because the ceremony is a little different than a regular Catholic wedding. It is full of symbolic rituals. It was a small wedding, just family and a few friends. I wore a white dress with fur on it. Yes, fur. And I wore a veil. My father walked me up the aisle and with tears in his eyes (I think they were tears of joy, he's finally getting rid of me...only 7 more to go) gave me to the man I was to spend the rest of my life with. Now you have to understand that my husband is not Catholic but agreed to be wed in the Catholic Church because it was important to me. The first ritual that stands out are the crowns Monsignor placed on our heads. These were exchanged between us three times, then we had a procession around the alter 3 times. (The number 3 being symbolic of the Trinity) On the 3rd time around my dear husband leans over to his father (who is his best man) and quietly says “Put your money on Pat, she’s in the lead” I squeezed his hand to make him hush. After this came the ring ceremony where we exchanged rings 3 times. It really was a beautiful ceremony. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. We said our vows then he kissed me gently and we proceeded down the aisle. There is a picture of him looking at his watch as he is walking down. I’m sure he’s thinking (okay, it’s Miller time, lets get this show on the road!)

The reception was held in a hall right behind the church. Everyone proceeded back there where my mother had done a wonderful job setting up a banquet sized table with lots of food and goodies. My cake was made by the mother of a friend of mine. The whole wedding ceremony and reception was caught on video tape, so I can prove all of this is a true story. This is where it gets good. My husbands friend was there playing his sax up on the stage and alternating with playing the piano had everyone out on the dance floor. He can play the sax like no other!! Any instrument for that matter. When it came time for the toast my husband and I were standing at the table and our drinks were poured and we waited for everyone else to have their glasses filled. My other half decides that he doesn’t want to wait for everyone else and takes a sip of his glass. I quietly tell him to stop and wait. He takes another sip. I jab him, Then in the back ground you hear his Uncle say “He’s been tasting it for 2 years now!” Oh I wanted to cringe. Then my husband starts to make some toast that goes something like this…”Heres to the breezes that lifts the skirts above the knees’es” I don’t know the whole thing but I hushed him up real quick. I don’t even recall the ‘real’ toast.

Some time after that I find that my brothers are putting on a fashion show on the stage. It was a hoot how they were describing their suits and shoes. Everyone had a good time. As the last few people are leaving I decide it is time for me to go back to the church and change out of my gown. My best friend, who was my maid of honor, goes with me and when I finally get done I come out to find the reception hall locked and everyone has left. Everyone! I go back to the church to call my mom (who lived right around the corner) to ask her to come and pick me up. She asks where I am and I told her "stranded at the church!" Seems she thought I was with Karl and I don’t know who Karl thought I was with. Apparently he had gone back to the hotel with his buddy and they had passed out. So, here I am sitting on the front of the church steps with my wedding gown draped across my lap and my mother comes to pick me up and brings me back to her house. A little while later dear hubby shows up with his buddy. A few other people had gathered at mom’s house so we continued with some merriment, piano playing and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon there.

Well it starts to get late so hubby and I bid our farewells for the night and head back to the hotel. My wedding day is about to come to an end. Because of work schedules we were not able to take a true honeymoon immediately following the wedding but at least we had our own room for the night. Maybe I should stop here. No? You want details? Ok, you asked for it. Hubby fell asleep while I stayed up late into the night watching “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” True story.

It may not have been the most romantic wedding day ever, but it is a day I will always remember!

A Pirate to the rescue

When your down and out and in a funk, it's nice to have someone to pull you out of it. Friends are like that. I've been suffering the winter doldrums these past few days. Many of you out there in Blogland live in the south where the sunshine is starting to warm things up, my sister in Florida is telling me of 80 degree weather down there and even my husband has turned on me. He is still in TX, but having to suffer through 70+ degree days with a high tomorrow near 80. I told him not to come back unless he brought some of that with him!

Anyways.....as I was saying....I was in a funk today, but a friend pulled me out of it, if only for a few hours it was nice. He brought to mind some good old music I haven't listened to in a long time. I am a music geared person. Not that I play any instrument or have a degree or anything of that nature, it's just that music is in my soul. I have to say my favorite and most listened to, is country, but my music enjoyment is a hodgepodge of many styles. From classical to country, blues to jazz, oldies to rock, they all strike a cord with me at different moments of my life.

Today I needed some of that good rock to jolt me out of this. My Pirate friend turned me on to some good ole' Lynyrd Skynyrd. I was rocking to Sweet Home Alabama, What's Your Name (Little Girl), and my favorite - Give Me Three Steps. Then I pulled out a couple of old albums, (yes albums, NOT CD's) and cranked up the old turn table and played some Foghat, ZZ Top and even some Boston. My living room floor became my dance floor. Rockin' the night away!

I needed that today. Thanks Pirate! I owe you one.

Just clothes?

The Original The Savior, twelve disciples,
And a fishing boat.

Luke 5:4-6

I admit it, I'm pathetic

I am so ashamed. I know I shouldn’t expose this but I really need to openly confess. I am only human. I have been exposed to temptations that a woman cannot walk away from. Desires that my body hungers for. I knew it was wrong, but I was weak.

The worst part is I liked it and would probably do it again! It was like I found heaven on earth. And I waited until my husband was out of town. I am shameless.

A commitment broken….
Trust lost…..
I ask for forgiveness…..

But……………

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It was SO good!! Fried Cheesecake is absolutely delectable!
On the first one I drizzled some caramel. Mmmm!

Then, just for the benefit of you, I thought using a raspberry topping might make a better presentation so.........

They were both 'to die for'! And it is so very easy to do, but will leave your guests talking about it for a long time to come. I will post the recipe on my other site in the next day or so.

So much for my diet huh? Well I may just have to (bite my tongue) exercise. But it was well worth it! Every luscious bite!

**Update - Recipe has been posted here**

"When I grow up, I want to be...."

I'm trying to remember what I wanted to be when I grew up. I know I thought about being a lawyer at one time, but then found out how much schooling that would require and changed my mind real quick! Foolishly, I was not interested in going to college. I wish I had gone, but I can't say that I really regret that I didn't. I guess I really did get what I wanted....to be a full time mom. It's a job I have loved! Although I really would have liked a few more children, it takes two, so I think the three I have is what it was supposed to be.

I'm hoping my children have higher expectations of themselves. Not that there is anything wrong with the path I took, I would like to see them go into a career of some sort. My daughter is gifted with an artistic talent. It would be ashame if she didn't use it some way. Here is a sketch she did recently for a school report. (Click on image for a better view) She keeps a sketch book and draws in it often. She also did this painting for me when she was only about 9 or 10 yr old. Granted, it's paint by number, but she did a beautiful job with it.

My youngest son used to say that he wanted to build things. I've tried telling him he wants to 'design" the building, ie architect, but no, he wants to build it, ie construction worker. Hmmm. He does like working with his hands. He is taking wood shop in school and has made me a few nice things. Here is a picture of a few of his projects. But lately he is now considering becoming a chef. He's quite handy in the kitchen.

My oldest son on the other hand has no clue. The only 'career' that he has ever mentioned is as a sniper. Great! He's going to be a hired assasin. Maybe get on with the SWAT team. I honestly believe he'll end up going into the service, which is ok by me. He can learn some responsiblity, get an idea what he wants out of life, get help paying for school and possibly learn a career there. I think the military is a good way for many kids to go. It was the best thing that ever happened for me.

Art, good food and protection. At least I'll be taken care of in my old age!

I'm a winner!

I won! I won! I can't believe it, I never win anything. Except those concert tickets last year for being the 9th caller, and the time I guessed # of jelly beans in a jar and won a 6 foot submarine sandwich, and....ok, well I hardly ever win anything.

Boomer Chick had a contest to win a copy of her book "Romancing the Soul" All you had to do was tell her what you thought having a soul mate means to you. There were lots of good answers. Check it out I'm looking forward to getting the book but I'm a little concerned too. My husband and I have been married almost 20 years (8 more days), I hope he's my soul mate or we're in trouble!

Warming by the fire

I think I may go to Jamaica today, or maybe Cancun. Not sure which. Anyone want to join me? It might be kinda cozy though, those tanning booths are pretty much made for one. Hee hee! That is how the tanning salon my daughter goes to names their rooms. Each room is named after a tropical paradise. She went yesterday and it sounds really tempting. I am naturally tan and in the summer really get dark, but the tanning rays may temporarily alleviate these Winter blahs. I am so tired of the cold. There is one advantage to the cold weather and Winter season that I enjoy though. Here is a picture to warm all of you up. This is in my kitchen. Being an older farm house, the fireplaces were built in the kitchen. We don't have one in the den. But seeing as how this is where everyone gathers any way it works out nice. There is a fan that blows the heat out and it really helps to keep the rest of the house pretty warm. I just like the ambiance. Grab a chair and a cup of coffee and feel free to join me.

Watch out on the road!

Earlier this week I took my daughter to take her drivers test. The night before we spent in the parking lot of the local grocery store practicing parking. This seemed to be the most challenging part of driving for her. She couldn't pull into a parking spot straight to save her life. I was a bit worried for her about this part of the test but she pulled it off with flying colors. She was so proud of herself for not knocking over one flag! After that part of the test the rest was a breeze. Except for the one curb she ran over on a right turn. Ooops. But she passed. Whew! A few more gray hairs on mom. She was really upset though that the Sect. of State office was closed though and she couldn't go directly to get her license. So I let her check in late the next day to school so that we could go get it. It was Valentines Day after all, so that was my treat for her. Two down, one to go. My youngest is counting the days before he can start drivers training. Sometime in April. That is going to be an experience!

Well, it's that time of year again. Taxes! Got ours done today and we are getting back a nice little lump sum. Enough to pay for our yearly property taxes, which makes me happy. Trust me, here in MI that's not peanuts!

Have a great weekend everyone!