12-31-2011

Just chillin with JoAnne & William.  Watchin Rockin New Year's Eve.  The boys are sleeping.  They had a wild night.  Played with ALL the toys.  Chased each other and ate Mimi's mashed potatoes and chicken. I made crab/cream cheese dip, cream cheese and pepper jelly, pizza rolls, and chicken satay.  That was all really hard.  NOT.  It's a chillin new year's eve.  Probably won't even make it until the ball drops.,  We're too tired to even play cards.  We all worked today.  JoAnne & William have to go to a house and remove debris tomorrow.  Happy New Year's to them.
Happy New Year's Everyone!

Almost The End of the Year

I haven't posted this year nearly as much as last year.  And no way to catch up since there is only today and tomorrow.  I'm not in an expressive mood, so I don't have much to say, really.  Christmas was very nice; here and abroad.  Enjoyed watching the boys open their gifts.  They liked tearing off the paper the best.  Had a Russell family gathering; it was great to catch up with everyone, especially my dad.
Yesterday we took everyone to Sagano's Japanese steak house.  The little guys really enjoyed the "fire show."  The big peeps really enjoyed the food.  Just catching up today.  Tomorrow we'll babysit both little guys.  Should keep us running!

On The Day of Christmas

I crashed.  :)
Busy, busy weekend.  Christmas Eve morning we celebrated as Christmas morning.  The gift opening took way longer than usual because of the little munchkins this year.  They had a blast opening their gifts.  Then I made 2 kinds of french toast, eggs, sausage & bacon for a late breakfast.  Then some basic vegetation and then prep of the holiday foods for the Christmas Eve dinner.  Tried a new recipe; corn pudding.  It was very tasty and went well with the ham dinner.  More gift opening; again major lengthening of the time involved.  The little guys fell asleep about 1/2 way in.
Peyton hadn't been feeling good for the past couple days.  Diarrhea, lethargy and slight fever and runny nose.  Then he started to get a bumpy rash.  When we got home last night we looked up the symptoms on the Internet.  Yikes, it seemed like he may have had Meningitis.  We decided to take him to ER since he wouldn't be able to go to the Dr. or anything till Maybe Monday or even Tuesday.  And the possibility of Meningitis was quite frightening.  The docs examined him thoroughly and felt that he has a virus due to the type of bumps and the fact that is lethargy was "on and off."  Thank God!
Up this morning later than usual for the lad to open his "Santa" gifts.  In the afternoon we went to see the movie, "We Bought a Zoo."  Very good movie.  A+++  I loved it & highly recommend the watching of said movie.  Then home to veg.   Watched the traditional "Christmas Story."  Sarah cooked tenderloin, scallops and twice baked potatoes.  Yumm!  Then we just had a surprise door bell ditch complete with pumpkin pie.  Thanks Lisa & Robbie, Jo-Jo and Bill!

On The Second Day of Christmas

Had both boys today ~ had a ball.
Cleaned up the house. (quick clean)
Ate at the Chineese restarurant
Going to soak the beans for the beanpot.  I make my mom's (which she got from her Aunt {pronunced Auunt} baked beans for Christmas Eve.

Waking up tomorrow for Day Early Christmas with the kids.

On The Third Day of Christmas

Winter Sostice
Just made it through the longest night
First day of Winter (bah humbug)
No snow
Grocery shopping
Days/nights are getting shorter
Gotta clean the house

On The Sixth Day of Christmas

6  dirty dishes
5 gifts to wrap
4 dirty diapers
3 rd longest night
2 loads of laundry
and a painful sinus headache!

On The Seventh Day of Christmas

I seemed to have skipped a few days, oh my.  Those days were filled with laundry, babysitting, working, even picked up the cuties across the street from school.  Syd and I colored some wooden ornaments that.............. came from, now where did they come from?  Oh yes, a house.  :)
Of course and a little shopping. I think the shopping is officially done.
 On Friday we took the little angel to see Santa for his 1st time.   He was happy and all smiles.  The Santa said he wished all the babies would be just like him!  Soo cute!  He is really turning into such a loving and funny little boy.  I am scared that my name is "Ba."  He often looks at me and says, "Ba."  We're not sure yet if he's asking for a bottle or that is my name.  Laugh out Loud.  I digress.
Friday night we had our work Christmas party.  It was very nice.  Eight people in all.  We even received gifts.  How thoughtful and a nice surprise.  Work has been a little scary slow for the past couple of weeks....
Today will be the family Christmas get-together at Sarah's Aunt's house.  We only have to bring chips-n-dip and a dessert.  whew!  The gifts have been long time wrapped.  So we are all set for that one.

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas

I'm not getting much done.  Babysitting and he is being very needy today.  However I am eating mini pitas and hummus from Trader Joe's.  Yumm.  I wish we had a TJ's closer.  Henceforth I decided to make the trip down to Novi every 6 weeks to stock up.  It will be worth it.  I did buy a lot of nice things this weekend.  Their prices are VERY reasonable too.

 To make things worse [ about today] we just had to order a $500 pool cover to cover a stupid pool.  In Flint of all places.  Who has pools in Flint?  A week and a half before Christmas, no less.  Ah, well things could always be worse.  Still need to do all those things I listed yesterday.  Ah well.  My voice (which I lost and couldn't find) is coming back a little today.

On The Twelfth Day of Christmas

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas ~

• Two more gifts to buy
• Groceries to get for the various celebrations
• Gifts to wrap and get ready for the USPS
• Gifts to take to the USPS
• Clothes to wash (and iron if wrinkly)

 Not in bad shape at all. (I think)

Tis The Season

For catching a cold, stuffing your face, etc.   Well, actually I don't think I exactly have a cold.   My siuses (well yuck) and making my throat sore.  Went to Frankenmuth last nite and over-stuffed.  I gained back the pound I lost.  Overall though,  at least my weight is stable and I'm not gaining.  I better be careful though.
Yesterday I started the day by going swimming in the River Walk at the Livonia Rec.  It is way cool, I wish we had one around here.  Best we have is the pool at the local gym.  Probably going to join that; it's only 10 bucks a month.  The BUNCO party was "rave" and I think everyone had lots of fun.  Now, it's back to the daily grind.  Lot's to do this week.  The annual work Christmas party is Friday.  Whoo hoo.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Wednesday, December 7, 2011


Wednesday Hodgepodge


1. Will you be hosting any house guests between now and the end of December? Does that thought make you happy or crazy? Do you do anything special to make your house guests feel welcome? How long should a guest stay?

No house guests per se, however I am the loverly hostess of a holiday BUNCO party.  Which commences on Friday, this.  I am thinking it will be loads of fun.  Lots of fun women attending.  Thanks to niece Kris for directions!
Walter Elias Disney was born this week back in (Dec 5) 1905...what's your all time favorite Disney movie?

So many to choose.  But, I do love The Little Mermaid.  Love the music and humor, and well I've always loved the ocean.

3. What's the last thing you purchased that you realized was a mistake after the fact?

hmmmm.  That's a hard one.  Maybe the Mustang, maybe not.  Kind of not very practical, but it was a good deal.

4. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done online?
Not, much, maybe 10%.  Only shopped 2 places online.
5. Amaryllis...snowdrop...poinsettia...your favorite winter blossom?

White & red poinsettia.


6. What is one thing on your personal wish list this year? I think we all want peace on earth so let's make this an actual item.

New slippers.



7. If you could only use one word today what would it be?
Nap.  ha ha   I need a nap.  My days have been very busy.  Taking care of a cripple, an 8 month old, the household chores, and trying to do a little work.

A Doozy of the Last Day of November

First rain, then ice, then finally last night about 6 p.m. the snow started pouring down from the sky.  We ended up with about 6 inches total.  Good thing though, it stopped some time in the middle of the night so I guess they were able to plow the roads.  No snow days.  And the crew was able to go to work.  I of course remain cozy and tucked in.  Didn't even take the outgoing mail, out to the mailbox.  And lucky me, we got a package that wouldn't fit in the mailbox, so the nice mailman brought me the mail.  I should have given him the outgoing, duh.  I think I will stay IN for most of the WINTER!

Thanksgiving Ever After

What I've been doing since Thanksgiving ~
Shopping
Made the traditional day after "creamed turkey"
Wrapping gifts
Eating out
Shopping
Watching sappy Christmas movies
Being thankful for the beautiful weather (& enjoying)
took the 'stang' out
Putting the fall decorations away
Putting up the tree

Odds ~ N ~ Ends

We went to the SC dinner theatre last night.  They presented a musical called NunSense.  It was cute and funny.  It sure was weird being on the other end of things and just watching.  I would never have been able to wear that nun habit on stage.

Read my last post on 4Months2DoIt today.  I'll just be updating from time to time on this blog.

Today's high temp of 57 degrees was at 5:oo a.m. this morning.  Weird!

I'm so glad I'm not cooking the turkey this year.  Just mashed potatoes, fresh cranberry relish, rolls and pickles.

Trying to organize a BUNCO game.  Never played it, but I know people that do.

Cold Weather Has Set In

(I hope not for good.)  The wind is making it feel so icy.  I went out to work today.  Several layers.  Took my gloves off for a few and boy it didn't take long.  At least the sun was out!!  That makes it so much better.  We made a quick veg/beef soup yesterday for lunch out of a leftover piece of frozen beef from the freezer.  That was so nice & warming.  Found the Canada Dry "hOlIdAy SoDa" at WallyWorld in Grand Blanc.  Yumm, haven't had any of that for a few years.  Going to have a BUNCO party.  Just bought the set at Kohl's.  Don't know how to play but should be a fun time.  Maybe Kristen can give me some pointers in her "spare" time.  LOL

I've got to get busy on the car and condo rentals for FLA.  Christmas shopping, etc..

Poor lil Peyters is teething really bad.  He's a cranky butt.  His first tooth is popping through.  Drooling, sneezing, coughing, lil fever, not sleeping.  Yuck.

From 11-11-11

I am a few days late with this post.  Better late then never.  We headed up north by about 10 am.  First stop was the outlet mall at Birch Run.  Big mistake.  Forgot it was "deer widow" weekend.  We quickly left.  I thought maybe the outlets at West Branch would be better.  I was right.  Did some shopping.  One item for me, one Christmas gift.  One item for me, one Christmas gift....  It was a beautiful sunny day.  Arrived in Boyne around 4 and checked in to the hotel.  Water Street Inn.  It's new - right on the water.  Very nice!!  A good find.  I have mom's skills.  Walked around downtown in all the familiar shops.  Dinner at Red Mesa. (of course)  Then, back to the hotel to read by the gas fireplace.
Got up early, Breakfast at "One Water Street."  Then a very nice visit with my dad.  He was having a good day ~ sure was great to spend some time with him.  Headed to Petoskey for the afternoon.  Had a great time shopping there.  Lunch at a new place (for us) Mitchell Street Pub.  It was pretty good.  I had white chili.  Late afternoon hot beverages at Roast & Toast.  Then to the park for some pictures.  (my batteries died in the camera :(    Back to Boyne for some relaxing by the FP, then dinner at Boyne Mountain.  We chose that because we read that there would be an entertainer.  Read that in the local "Graphic."  Get it every time we're there.  The guy sang and played the guitar.  We really enjoyed that.   The food was tasty too.  A bonus.  A very enjoyable weekend.

The Day After Day Light Savings Blues

I think I invented a new disease.  It's called:  "The Day After Day Light Savings Time Blues."  I could swear I feel like this every year.  Blah.  That's a word that describes how I feel.  My sleep is all messed up.  I woke up (wide awake) at 3:00 a.m.  So I got up and did some work.  Went back to bed at 5 am. then slept restlessly until I got up again at 8 am.   Plus, the sun is gone, very cloudy and just kind of icky.  The leaves are almost gone.... So sad.  I'm thinking I'm just going to take a hot bath and a nap and see if I can shake these ole blues. 

A Get Er Done Kind of Day

I'm so glad the weather cooperated.  We had planned to put all the yard toys, decorations, planters and all "summer stuff" away.  It was a beautiful afternoon.  RJ was here so we took him outside to "help."  Syd the kid came over so that helped with RJ.  For the most part we got everything stored in the shed.  :(  I always hate putting it away.  I looked into the woods and was surprised to see that almost all the leaves have fallen.  I also hate that.  It was a nice warm sunny day however.  I decided to take some pictures of RJ, since he will be one next week. 

Speaking of RJ turning one, we hare having his first b'day party here.  There are 17 people coming.  So, we decided to have the party downstairs.  Sarah quickly painted some of the walls that needed painting.  We rearranged the carpeting and furniture, tacked the hanging wires up into ceiling boards.  AND I got to go shopping at Kohl's and pick out some new decor for the walls.  It looks pretty good.  All that really needs to be completed is to put in a ceiling and floor and door moldings.  Maybe some time this winter....

Getting Ready For Daylight Savings

The end of Daylight Saving Time -- this year scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 6 -- makes people groan and complain, as the sun begins to set earlier and late afternoons grow dark, but researchers say that the return to natural rhythms can be healthy.


Though individuals may see their biological clocks reset, and will get an "extra hour" of sleep or rest over the weekend, researchers say that the stress caused by time changes can be bad for the body.  Those vulnerable to sleep deprivation should be extra careful.     (ABC NEWS)

All I know is, I don't like jumping time back and forth.  It messes up my sleep patterns for days/weeks.  I do like that it is lighter in the morning.  I don't like that it gets darker earlier in the evening.  I guess it only benefits the early risers.

Not Wednesday Hodgepodge

I just couldn't get into the Wed. H.P. for this week.  Maybe because I am surrounded by skunk smell.  Bailey got into a skunk last night. PEE- Eww.  Sarah washed him twice.  He still stinks.  Our groomer said to use, peroxide, baking soda & Dawn dish detergent.  So he will get that treatment tonight.  Just me and Peyters hanging out today.  Not sure how we got to Wed. already.  Well, Monday was taken up mostly with my stress test, then Halloween stuff.  Yesterday I got a flat tire in the Mustang, so that kind of killed my afternoon.  Last night I went to genealogy meeting.  So here we are at Wednesday.  Here are some pics from Halloween.

Just Plain Hodgepodge

 Hodgepodge





*What gives you goosebumps?

Music sometimes.  Cold weather!


* Halloween-are you a lover or a hater? Okay, that sounds harsh…Halloween-yay or nay?

Not so big on it, really.  I have a few decorations around that will come down immediately.  I like to hand out candy.  Don't go to halloween parties, I think they're dumb.  Mostly, I have memories from when I was a kid.  Making the "homemade" costumes and running from door to door with friends ~ aka the Laukkas.

* Can you respect someone you do not trust, and can you trust someone you do not respect?
No I don't see how you could really.  They are pretty hooked together.  I definately can NOT respect someone I do not trust.
 *Apples or oranges? Yes, you have to choose.

Oh man thats a tuffy. (ha)  I guess I would pick apple over orange because they're easier to eat.  But, I do love a juicy orange.  Just had to put that in.

* What is something you wish was in your town? (shop, restaurant, attraction, etc)
Olga's Kitchen.



*What non-food item is in your refrigerator or freezer?

A bottle of vanilla spray cologne.


* Are you at all superstitious?

Nope.

A Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Sunday we decided to take the fam to the pumpkin patch.  We started with breakfast at OCB.  Then proceeded to Spicer's Apple Orchard in Fenton.  What a beautiful day.  Everyone else thought so too.  The guys had fun, they really seemed to enjoy it.  They played in the "corn" box.  Saw the animals.  Went on a train ride and then a tractor hay ride out to the pumpkin patch.  RJ would only go to the pumpkins that had green on them.  He would walk up to them and then sit up on top of them.  So cute.  We did not buy any cider, doughnuts, or apples because the lines were toooo long.  Ran into one of the teachers from LCA, she has two little ones now.  Good too see her.  I only have one pic. so far, but I will upload more when I get them.  ~ I forgot the camera.  :(

In Search OF

the perfect cup to keep coffee hot.  I have tried:

metal travel cup
plastic
plastic insulated
ceramic mug
glass mug

None of the above seem to really be able to keep the coffee hot longer than say, 15 minutes.  Then you have to warm it back up in the microwave.  I've been wanting to try the new double ceramic cups.  So, yesterday I splurged and bought one at Kohl's.  If that doesn't work I will have to try something else.  I know there are several different kinds of the double ceramic.  Perhaps the $20 cup from L.L. Beans.

A Very Mini-mini 1/2 Day Vaca

I was supposed to go out to some jobs on Friday, but we decided to scratch that and take a mini vaca.  First stop was the Parshalville Cider Mill in Parshallville, near Fenton.  It is a historic site in MI.  I got hot cider and a doughnut.  Next stop was the Spicer Orchard.  A sign posted said that they used to have orchards at Haggerty Rd. in Northville.  I'm thinking maybe this is where we went to get apples and cider as kids.?  Anyway, they had wine tasting, so I tasted a few real sweet fruit wines.  Didn't buy any. :(  But I did buy some kettle korn.  Yumm!  Then we went on to Brighton and ate at a nice little Bistro.  Almost got killed going around in circles's on those darn round-a-bouts!  Then I remembered a quaint little shop in Dixboro, so we decided to venture out and see if it was still there.  Indeed, we were rewarded for the venture.  It it still there, a little general store that was all decked out in Halloween decorations.  We decided we would like to go back for their Christmas decorations!!  Back to Brighton to the Barnes & Noble for some hot beverages and a couple hours of reading and relaxing.  Finished up the day with dinner at Olga's Kitchen.  Yum-O!

Ancestry Dot Com

I had some "free time" ? last night so I decided to get back into my genealogy research.  I realized I had some cool records that I had found on my "genealogy trip" that I went on last spring to the Ft. Wayne Library.  I had found  some kind of registration cards, census records, US depart. of Labor Manifest, all for my paternal grandfather, Robert J. Russell. So last night I dug around and found his Naturalization record, then I found out the ship he sailed from Ireland and have an actual copy of the Passenger List.  I found out that he sailed on the ship Columbia from Londonderry Ireland which left on 25, September, 1920.  The ship arrived on 5 October, 1920 in New York, New York.  So I thought wow, that must have  been Ellis Island.  So I looked up the record for Ellis Island and found out that is where the ship landed.  Pretty exciting stuff.

Fall, Fall, Falling

I love Fall, but it seems to quickly it's been here and gone.  I havn't even been able to have a minute to take some new pictures.  These are pictures from last year.  sigh.  Now the wind is kicking up and we are expecting rain.  Next look, the leaves will be all gone.  sigh.  We are going to send a box of leaves to our little friend in Fla. who doesn't get to see the leaves change colors.  I think she'll get a big kick out of that.    Brace yourselves one and all for the onslaught of colder weather.  Hmmm, please wb and give me a few of the nicer aspects of cooler weather.  PLEASE!

Books That I Would One Day Like to Write!

I have some great ideas for some books I would like to write.  Here they are in no particular order:

• The role of siblings, Sibling interaction, or sibling rilvary etc.. even among adults
• My experiences at Living Science
• Kids and the funny things they say
• I raised a baby wallaby( or maybe that would just be a chapter in the LS book above)
• Recipe book, probably for diabetics or just healthy eating, but tastes good

Way Back When-sday Hodgepodge

Way Back When-sday Hodgepodge

1. What’s your favorite meal to serve on a chilly autumn evening?

Probably spaghetti, white chicken chili (which everyone loves) or maybe soup.


2. Are you a creature of habit? Explain.

I would say mostly.  Other people would say definately.  It's more a matter of:  I like everything done my way.  I  like things to fit inside my own little box.


 3. What food product (no longer readily available) do you remember and miss from days gone by?
I can't really think of anything specific.  Like give me an example here.

4. What’s something you’ve lost that you’ve never been able to find? Any theories as to what happened?

I'd have to say my sanity.  I can't seem to find it anywhere.  I'm not really sure what happened to it.  Life happened to it.  LOL  I hate to lose things.  Oh yeah and my temper.  It's gone.  I lost it.

5. Zoo~circus~ carnival…your favorite?



The ZOO for sure.  Don't really care for the circus or carnivals.  Love the zoo.  Can't wait to take the boys!


6. What song makes you feel instantly happy?

Many many songs.  I love music!!   Too many to list.  sorry.


7. To what extent are you an argumentative person?

Ha, what word means "more than extremely?"  I was born to argue I think.

Some Things I Love About Fall

• Colorful landscapes and trees.
• Carmel Apples
• Cider and doughnuts from the Cider Mill
• Sunny - warm days
• Clear crisp nights
• Taking a Fall trip
• Great sleeping weather with the window cracked open
• Pumpkin spice latte
• Taking a walk on a beautiful clear day
• Warm spicy cider w/ a cinnamon stick
• The smell of burning leaves

• kicking through a pile of leaves

October

October's Bright Blue Weather


by Helen Hunt Jackson



O sun and skies and clouds of June

And flowers of June together,

Ye cannot rival for one hour

October's bright blue weather;



When loud the bumblebee makes haste,

Belated, thriftless vagrant,

And goldenrod is dying fast,

And lanes with grapes are fragrant;



When gentians roll their fringes tight,

To save them for the morning,

And chestnuts fall from satin burs

Without a sound of warning;



When on the ground red apples lie

In piles like jewels shining,

And redder still on old stone walls

Are leaves of woodbine twining;



When all the lovely wayside things

Their white-winged seeds are sowing,

And in the fields, still green and fair,

Late aftermaths are growing;



When springs run low, and on the brooks

In idle, golden freighting,

Bright leaves sink noiseless in the hush

Of woods, for winter waiting;



When comrades seek sweet country haunt

By twos and twos together,

And count like misers hour by hour

October's bright blue weather.



O sun and skies and flowers of June,

Count all your boasts together,

Love loveth best of all the year

October's bright blue weather.

All In The Past

  This is my post from Sept. 29, 2007
Number Three

Surgery that is. In a 13 month time span that is. The Doc says my gall bladder must come out. Soon! Very Soon! I many small gallstones and apparently I am passing them. So he is afraid they might get lodged. Going to see surgeon on Tuesday. Can you believe it? My body is falling apart. I'm just trying to catch up to Marlene, HA! So, I guess it's a no big deal surgery, but it's just the whole process of getting the surgery.  (every time I have to write down my surgeries i forget the date.  Now I at least know what year they were!)  See, blogs are good for something.  )

Here is the one from 2010:
Weighty Matters ~ Week 3

Minus 2.6 lbs and total WL of 4.6 It's a start down the long and winding road. Dude on Biggest Loser lost 41 lbs. this week. Yikes! That sounds scary. It barely made a dent tho cuz he was over 400 lbs. Today's focus at the WW meeting was about how to shop smarter at the grocery store. Come on, is there any more smarter shopper than I? I could've guest taught the lecture. LOL I will look for some way in which to improve. You have to look at the total picture especially the fiber.
Upcoming Events:
Going to the Northville Farmer's Market with my sistopher
Getting my hairs cut
Garage sale this weekend
Going camping next weekend ~ FALL COLORS!
(hmmm, interesting. ~ oh and almost had a GS this weekend, but the weather is too crapy.)

1. Do you like chili? Red or white? Beans or no beans? Spice or no spice? Toppings?

I like both really.  Beans in both.  Spice in both.  Cheese and crackers on the red.  Cheese, cilantro and tortilla chips on the whte.


2. Red~Orange~Gold…your favorite fall color?

Love the fall colors.  Love fall.  Probably orange.


3. Who did you idolize when you were growing up?
John-boy Walton?  My sister?  Betsey Ross?  Clara Barton?  I guess I  didn't.


4. When was the last time you did something ‘arts and craftsy’? Share please.

Um, hmmm.  I can't even remember.  I guess that would be scrap booking.  That's not really a word is it?



5. What’s a place that makes you really nervous?

Tall bridges. Yikes.  the doctor's.  Hospitals. I once drove over the Golden Gate by myself.

6. Horse back riding…yay or nay (neigh?)
. Used to like it, but not so much anymore.  Once took a horseback ride in the Mountains in Gatlinbur.


7. What is your favorite cliche?
Time flies when you're having fun. Time is money.  Hmm.      Maybe I am obsesed with time.  YIKES.  So maybe "The acorn doesn't fall far from the treeeeee." ................





8. Insert your own random thought here.
blank here.



































Thanks for stopping by, see you next Wednesday!

So...

My stress echo test came back positive.  I had to meet with the Dr. today to discuss the results.  Of course he scheduled a new test.  Another type of stress test.  There is a possibility that I have the begining of a small blockage.  Yikes!  Time to stop messing around with the whole diabetes thing.  Ya think?  Been very busy, thus no blogging.  I had to go out to work the nasty houses for a few days.  And even mowing.  blah.  Grass everywhere.  So........... I'm not real chatty just now.

Blue Skies Here In The North

Decided to go up to Tawas for the weekend.  Weather man said it would be a bit more sunny north of the Tri's.  Should've taken the rag-top.  It's sunny and pretty warm.  Especially after all the clouds, cool & rainy weather we've been having.  Thinking about going canoeing.  There is a Triathelon competition here this weekend.  Darn, I should have enrolled in that.  NOT.  Just gonna mostly chill.  Brought a couple books.  Love to just sit and look at the water.

So, Yeah I Couldn't Resist

It was a price too good to be true.  I keep getting stuck at home without a vehicle.  And well you know.  I have wanted a Mustang, probably since I was a kid.  My brother had an awesome Red one when he first started driving.  I thought it was so cool.  It's probably gonna turn out to be a gas hog, and well it's not real smart to have a ragtop in Michigan.  But again, the price was right.  It's in very good shape.  It was hard to sell because it's a 5 speed.  Kids today can't even drive those.  But, I can!  It will be fun!

Is It All Down Hill From Here?

Weather wise?  You never know.  We went from near 100 degrees to only 60 degrees in the span of about 48 hours.  So, we could still have some warm day.  Not sure so much the nights.  Just got back from the Third Annual Labor Day Camping Trip at Myers Lake.  Didn't do a thing on Saturday because it was just too darn hot!  Had a couple storms, mild in nature and a bit of rain.  Got back yesterday early because it was just too darn cold!  LOL.  Felt sorry for the people in tents.  Did my grocery shopping for the week, then chilled out and watched a movie in the evening.  Today, it's just Peyter and me for a couple hours while Nicole goes to school and fixes her schedule and finds her classrooms @ Mott.  Nothing special this week; just going to try and catch up on all the work I've been neglecting.

A Day Late And A Dollar Short

Wednesday Hodgepodge (Ok, So Thursday)


1. Do you think the world became a more dangerous place on September 11, 2001 or did we just become more aware of the danger? How has your own life changed as a result of that day?

I think maybe we just became more aware of the danger.  That was very personal to many people and was maybe even more horrific because we watched it on live TV and then again repeatedly in reruns.  It affected us in other ways, air safety, foreign travel etc.  I flew to Nashville later that year and there were armed guards at the airport.  That was pretty weird.  I think I am more jumpy now when I fly or travel and now think twice about traveling to certain areas, like Washington DC, New York and overseas.


2. Did you think your parents were too strict when you were growing up? How about in hindsight?

Ah, maybe yes a little.  But I think they did the best they could under the circumstances.  My dad was an only child raised by really strict christians and my mom lost her mother at age 12 or 13.
3. Share one random but candid fact about yourself.


I like to be in charge; nuff said?

4. Would your nearest and dearest describe you as simple or far too complicated?
Uh, pretty sure WAY far too complicated.  One never knows when I'm going to be nice or have an explosion.  ha ha

5. What is your favorite stadium or carnival food?
Nachos with halepeno's.  Hot dog at the ball park.



6. Tornado, hurricane, earthquake...how many of these natural disasters have you experienced? Which event do you think would be the scariest?

Tornado came close thrice.  Like in the basement under the table.  couple blocks away.  or in the hospital ~ out in the hall with all the patients they moved (beds) into the hallway.  Couple streets away.  Or with the school kids in the hallway, arms over our heads.  Again couple streets away.  But, NEVER actually been through one.  Hurricane would freak me out ~ all that flooding.  Earthquake would freak me out.  I freaked out last week when I felt the tremors in Cleveland from the one on the East Coast.  I thought it was me, so I had a HUGE panic attack.

7. Labor Day weekend is approaching so a work related question seems appropriate. Growing up, did your parents assign you regular chores? Were you paid for doing those chores? If you're a parent do you assign chores to your own children? Why or why not?
Yes, I had chores.  Dishes every night.  Clear and Clean-Up.  or Rinse and Load.  Clean the bathroom and my room every Saturday.  I don't remember being paid.  But, I'm glad I had those because I think it made me appreciate being neat and clean.  I'm a bit freakish about it, but "hey."  Yes, kids had chores.  They need responsibilities.

Last Day of August

Who would believe it?  Just haven't felt much like blobing lately.  One reason is, I have been in much PAIN!  I did something to my back/hips.  My hips are out of joint.  Went to Chiropractor 3 times, and even had a massage yesterday.  Woke up very sore today.  I think the Chiro used too much force yesterday.  So, now I kinda hurt worse then ever.  I'm sitting with a heating pad in my chair today.  We have been crazy busy at work, I have had to go out on the jobs more than I would like.  I think maybe that's how I threw my back out.  We are supposed to go camping for the Labor Day weekend.  Third annual "group" camping trip out to Myers Lake in Argentine.  I hope my back gets to feeling better.  Pain makes me crabby!!

Signs That F%LL is Approaching

Nights are getting cooler
Flowers are looking faded
It's time for the safeguard conference
Labor day camping is only 2 week-ends away
The grass is growing again
The lawn mowers are breaking down
I'm in the mood for spaghetti, chili, stuffed peppers
           and even soup
Berry then apple season

Just a Chillin' Kind of Day

Got up, walked the dog and decided I wanted to go out to breakfast.  Found a country place called "the Hotspot" in Coloma, Mi.  Not bad.  Drove around seeing the sights on the Blue Star Hwy.  Stopped at a dunes beach and walked down to Lake Michigan.  What a hike back "up" the sandy trail.  Went to a fruit market.  There are literally millions around.  So many fruit jams, spreads, salsa's, toppings, sauces" it's so hard to pick!  Then went to an Antique place that had everything including the kitchen sink.  They had 2 or 3 barns full and a yard.  It all smelled moldy to me.  LOL  Then went to another winery.  This one only sold fruit wines.  Very sweet and yummy.  Bought 3 bottles.  Only 2 for me; one for a friend.   Came home (back to the camper) made tortlilini with alfredo sauce and a mandrin orange/almond salad with "Salad Expressions" dressing.  I did indulge in 1/2 of the dark orange truffle.  Very good!  Some lucky person is gettting a 2-pack.  Tonight is homemade sloppy joes and probably all the leftover veggies etc...Dessert is blueberry/peach pies cooked over the fire.  I know I'm eating too much sugar~ Well it IS vacation.  I'm trying to still go "easy."

Camping, Storms & Blueberries

We are camping again, this time with our friends the Hinspeters in South Haven.  We're at a KOA where they have full hook up ~ Yay.  So you can run the water all you want and "potty" to your heart's content.  My niece Karen would appreciate that.  Woke up to a nice thunderstorm about 7 am Sat. morning.   It is Blueberry season, so thus the Blueberry Festival.  You can pick blueberries everywhere and even right here at the campground.  We picked 5 lbs on Friday at a "U Pick" farm.  A buck and a quarter a lb.  They're quite tasty too.  I'm going to freeze them.

 We had blueberry pancakes at the campground sponsored breakfast on Saturday.  We also went to a vineyard and did a little wine tasting.  Bought one bottle of a white wine that was quite tasty.  Then we went to a Chocolate store called the Chocolate Garden.  Apparently it's famous and rated in America's top chocolates and has been featured on the Cooking Network channel.  Someone I know is getting a tasty, yummy treat from there!  Then a storm blew up so we headed back to the campground.  Upon arrival we saw tents and other things that had been blown around or blown over.  I'm kinda glad we were in town. 
Today's events may include going back to the Blueberry festival in town and picking peaches and perhaps raspberries or blackberries.

Christmas List 2011

Here it is folks, hot off the press.  This year's Christmas Wish List!  What's that you say, I must have too much time on my hands?  Contrair.  I'm multi-tasking.  Babysitting, (he's asleep), working, laundry, shower, dishes, etc.  While I was in the shower I was thinking about stuff I might need. (want)  he ha ha

• Barnes & Noble Gift Card (for Nook)
• Queen Bee charm from Pandora
• Ceramic coffee mug 12 oz or 16
• Scarf-like belt (to wear with jeans)
• New jeans in a new size! (probably 16)
• Coffee pods for Keureg maker
• July Birthstone charm from Pandora
• Airline Ticket to Florida (just thot I'd sneak that in)
• new bedspread

Wednesday Hodgepodge ~ A Day Early!

Hodgepodge
1. Share a favorite song lyric:
Oh my word, music is always circling in my head.  So a fav. lyric?  Ummm

BROOKS & DUNN "He looked at me and smiled, said

I raise my hands, bow my head
I'm finding more and more truth in the words written in red
They tell me that there's more to life than just what i can see
Oh i believe"



2. When was the last time someone yelled at you?
Not sure, people don't yell at me; I yell at them.

3. Money, fame, happiness…are they mutually exclusive?

I don't even know exactly what that means.  I don't think they go together if that's what this means.

4. What is your favorite dish to prepare for family and friends that doesn’t require turning on the stove, oven or an outdoor grill?

This is very limiting.  Let's see.  I guess that would be fondue.  Everyone loves when I make that!

5. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week. What is one thing you could do this week to simplify your life? Will you do it?

Hmmm.  I can't think of something for this one.  My life is not that complicated, LOL.

6. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being 100% and 1 being not at all) how tuned in are you to your country’s national political scene?

IDK, maybe a 5.  Right in the middle.  I try and follow the main events.

7. What are your final parting words to the month of July?

Why were you so HOT?  Normally, I love you July, but not this year.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have to get tons of work done this week, because I am WAY behind!  Leaving again for camping @ Grand Haven for the weekend.

Sunday, Sunday

I made myself a veggie egg white omelet and coffee, Ahhh.  Then a trip to the Swartz Creek Farmer's Market.  Whoo, hoo!  It's small but I do like buying local.  There is a farmer that always has nice fresh picked produce and his farm is only a couple miles away.  I got peaches, red skinned baby potatoes, green beans, pickling cukes, a red onion.  Was supposed to have blueberries, but somehow they were left behind.  I decided to try my mom's recipe for "freezer pickles."  Going to make a batch tonight.  The blueberries were for some bran muffins, but I think I still have some in the freezer that I can use.  There is a pot roast in the crock pot.  Smells pretty good.  Then we went to a neat restaurant in Grand Blanc,  Brick Street.  We ate outside, very nice.  Then a stop at Meijers to get some supplies for the pickles.  Think I'm in for the day now.  Still battling the wicked cold that keeps hanging on.