Changes and more changes!

It seems our lives are always in a state of flux. Not that change has to be a bad thing. We have been very busy with house improvements....mostly cosmetic; paint, patching, reorganizing, packing. We are busy with my crazy work schedule; I am working as much OT as I can. Basket ball takes up 4-5 days each week. We have decided to take a break from indoor soccer this winter. My work partner, Scott G., may be relocating to the Boulder area. It is a great opportunity for him...and gives me a great place to visit. Dad is in FL for the winter. But the boys and I will be visiting for Thanksgiving. We found a great apartment for when we are ready to move. So things have a way of working themselves out.

Things That Don't Suck

After spending an entire day in tears I am exhausted and look like shit! I'm sick of feeling like this.....so I thought it was time to make a list of things that don't suck.

1. My adorable and super great kids. Not only will they still snuggle with Mom, but they are such fun to take places and so well behaved (99.9% of the time).
2. Friends...what would I do without your kindness?!?
3. Kathy's blog....always full of insight and humor!
4. S.F. caramel soy lattes.
5. The dinner table scene from Talladega Nights (soooo very wrong ya gotta love it!)
6. Books...what a great way to escape.

Disclaimer: I reserve the right to add to and/or change this list at any time, without any notice - so there!

Covered Bridge Festival

On Friday, we went to the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. The weather was perfect, the leaves were semi-colorful (not too much color to be found this year) and there was allot to see and do. We visited 4 bridges and the festival in Bridgeton. The kids ate ice cream, Scotty sampled beef jerkey and we found some little doo-dads to purchase. It was a long day but lots o' fun!

He Made It!

Alex made the basketball team at school! He had been so nervous all week. It feels so good to have a "positive" in out lives. I had really gotten into a rut of expecting all things to suck. Good things can, and still do, happen!

So as I sip my first cup of coffee this morning, I can sit and smile....look forward to the day and know that there is good yet to come!

Just The Eggs

Yes, it's us...."just the eggs." Alex, Scott and Mom. The word is out and here's the scoop; Paul wants out of our marital contract, so to speak. The divorce is in the works..moving slowly but steadily. The kids are, of course, devastated....as am I. But we have great friends who have been so supportive and kind. My dad is also being just great! We are lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives. Thanks to you....we love you!

Brrrrrr.....

I love Fall! I love the crisp, cool air, crunchy leaves and bright sunny mornings. I was lookin' hot this morning in my bus stop attire: black yoga pant, cozy hoodie and my beloved sock monkey slippers. Dont' forget the pony tail and cup of coffee. I am sure the kids were mortified that I wore sock monkey slippers to the bus stop, but that is one of the joys of cold weather. And these days, I have to find those simple joys where I can.

Tomorrow, the boys and I are going to Apple Works. I have never been....but the boys have. I think we'll make apple crisp in the evening (sgar-free of course).

Highlights O' The Past Few Days...

• Venti S.F. Caramel Soy Latte....yumm-alicious!
• Sleep (I just love my cozy bed with tons of fluffy pillows....next purchase: a feather bed topper!!!!!!!)
• Hugs from Alex and snuggles from Scotty (what would I do w/o those adorable boys?!?!??!)
  

OK..a little pouting.

But I am trying not to let myself get dragged down into the muck. Soccer was fun....the kids played their butts off. It was much warmer than I thought it was going be. My wind-damaged umbrella isn't going to last much longer.

Highlights o' the day are lame:

• It's "Nacho Sunday!"
• Scott got the dvd for Weeds: Season 3!
• Lovin' Diana's new tattoo!!!!
  

I Am Tired Of Pouting!

I guess a brief sabbatical was all I needed to see the world from a slightly different perspective. If there is one thing I have learned over the past 6 months it is that there are just something things over which you have no control....no matter how badly you want it. So...the pity party is over for now (but I do reserve the right to bust out the pity party without any notice).

So we have had this tree dying in the front yard for about 4 years. Each year it gets a little worse. This year it is, for the most part, a goner. Our neighbors were having some tree trimming done and their tree dude made me an offer I couldn't refuse. So now my house looks naked! This gives me yet another project for spring.....what to put in the empty space. I have some scraping and painting to do around the garage and sunroom in Ocotber. Then I am going to paint OVER the wallpaper in the house. I know....I know....you are probably screaming "Don't Do It!!!!!" Well, I am going to. We have been here 8 years and "no one" has bothered to help me get the REALLY high areas figured out. So painting it will be! I mean c'mon.....it can't look much worse!

And yes...there actually were some highlights o' the day:

• talked to an old friend and that brightened my day
• made some new computerized artwork for my bedroom wall (nothing fancy...just some wise words of wisdom)
• getting ready to make valances for my bedroom out of my favorite Longaberger fabric (I'll post pics when it's done. It will brighten things up a bit!
  

I am on a blog-free sabbatical. My life has gotten completely crazy and close to unmanageable. When things become straightened out and settled, I will be back to share. Hugs to you!

I've got a fever and the only prescription is......More Cowbell!

Today was one of those days that I thought was going to be relaxing, productive and enjoyable. WRONGO! I did manage to get a pot of coffee brewed. The kids kind of got themselves to the bus stop. I had planned a little housework, some soccer planning and relaxing Di-time. That's not how things worked out. I spent most of my day working on soccer stuff. The uniforms are still unfinished...the game times I was given are wrong...and I had to send out email to the parents. I knew there would be repercussions. I finally managed to get out of my nightgown and into the shower before 4. I had a meeting at 5 and another at 6:30. Paul helped me out by meeting with the uniform guy to pick up our missing gear. I didn't get home until after 9:30 only to discover I had to go to the grocery store to get a lunch together for Alex's fieldtrip. After packing the lunch I checked my email and sure enough, there were displeased soccer parents. My head, by this point, was thobbing. ENOUGH ALREADY! BUT.....I have managed to come up with......

Highlights O' The Day:

• I made caramel custards....delectible!
• I baked bacon & swiss mini crustless quiches
• I picked up an iced s.f vanilla soy latte....two down, one to go!
• I laughed my a$$ off watching these clips I gotta have more cowbell! and Will Ferrell Montage
  

Still Holding!

This must be some sort of world record....one Starbuck's latte so far this week! Keep in mind, I drink allot of coffee at all hours of the day and night. So for me, this is a gargantuan accomplishment! I am making my own....quite delish! Hot AND cold. Yesterday was an iced s.f.caramel soy latte. A nice change from mocha and vanilla. And the ice cream making is coming along quite nicely....cookies-n-cream this afternoon (s.f. Oreos!) I know...I sound obsessed with lattes and ice cream. But gee Wally, they are so good!

Today's Bright Moments:

• The weather is gorgeous today...nice a cool....sunny with a slight breeze!
• I got out my favorite pair of jeans to wear....and they fit just right!
• Hugs from my wonderfully amazing children!
• Getting my CPR renewal out of the way (and yes, I passed again and can now go out and continue to save the world....lol)

I had a great quote o' the day from the infamous Bobby Brown, but lost it. It was a classic!

One Down...Two To Go

It's Tuesday and I finally broke down and gave in to temptation. Starbuck's. Mmmmmmm.......it was delightful, heaven in a cup, total bliss! Grande, sugar-free vanilla, soy latte. Scott G. and I stopped on the way back from Indy after totally earning a treat! We had an exhausting run earlier in the evening (but cool) and then had to take a transport WAY up north. And the best part...I still have two more lattes left for the week! Yeah me!

Daily Highlights:

• Being exhausted to the point of giddiness and getting to watch part of Talledega Nights. That movie is SO wrong in so many ways! I love it and am still giggling.
• Getting to hug my boys before sending them off to school. I miss saying goodnight and tucking them into bed on work-nights.
• Sleep! Or so I hope.....off to bed I go!

Thought for the day....The important thing is to accept the struggles as a part of the beauty of life, not as blemishes on it.

You Know I Love It But.....

Aaaaahhh.....my Starbuck's dilemma. I love it....more than love it. I need it, crave it, lust after it, desire it, gotta have it! As I am driving down the road, my car automatically veers towards the nearest store. I have no control over it....the car has a mind of its own. Even when we are coming back from a run to Indy in the wee hours o' the night I find that the ambulance does the exact same thing! Go figure!!!!! That round, green and white illuminated sign is like a beacon in the night....guiding me toward it. Yes, it's yet another addiction. But geeze o'pete, it's costly! I have a reloadable Starbuck's gift card which gives me free soy milk and flavorings when I use it. I put a certain amt. on each pay day and tell myself that I will only spend THAT much for the next two weeks. HA!!!!! That never happens. But using that card does drop my price a bit (notice the wussy attempt justification there?). But I am still spending ALLOT of dinero to get my daily/weekly fix.

A solution? I have the technology! Well, in this case the gadgets and ingredients to make my own lattes/cappuccinos (and btw....they DO rock!). I have an espresso/cappucinno maker, a huge variety of flavored, sugar-free syrups, soy milk, clear plastic cups WITH lids (almsot like the REAL thing) and groovy straws. I even have ice for those days when only an iced latte will do the trick. lol So my goal for the week? Good question.....I think purchasing three lattes from the BUX (as I affectionatly refer to it) is a good starting place. Not too lofty of a goal....but enough to get me through. Think I can do it? Well, do ya? And BE HONEST!!!!!

Hey! It's Friday!

Silly me! I had forgotten what day it was! OK....you have to check out SARK. She writes the best stuff....feel-good stuff. When I read it, it makes me feel emotionally lighter....happy, even! She has a newsletter that is so fun to read. And she gives lectures all over the country. I so want to go!!!! She just rocks! I think I have 3 of her books....one is a cute little daily activity "motivational" type book. Sometimes I do the activity...sometimes not. Just depends on my mood.

I have not made any ice cream today, but my second freezer bowl arrived yesterday, so I can make protein ice cream for myself and regular custom-made stuff for the kids. I am envisioning gummy worms, sour patch kids, m&m's....you name it, we'll make it! I know....I am totally obsessed. But hey....that's just the kinda girl I am!!!!! ;-)

The Ice Cream Obsession

Yes, the protein ice cream is becoming an obsession. Thankfully, it is very healthy! It contains a minimum of 40 grams of protein. I consider it a meal and my daily protein allowance. Since I have been back to work I've not been eating on a regular schedule and find that by the end of the day I have forgotten to eat a meal. So this kinda covers me. I've made Pistachio, Mixed Berry Cheesecake, Chocolate Peanut Butter cup and Espresso. A lemony one is next on my list. Yummy! I am still keeping up with the lattes though...lol (homemade AND Starbuck's). BTW....did you see the Starbuck's oatmeal????? It looks SO good! I will have to check out the nutritional info on that. How cool would it be to have a latte and delicious oatmeal? WAY!

Soccer is getting ready to begin for Scotty. He has 2 games on Saturday in Indy. We are still awaiting jerseys..the whole club is. What a disaster! But they have been promised for tomorrow night. Cutting it a little close, aren't we??!?!?!??! Alex will have his second game on Sunday. I'll take pictures so you can see the little atheletes in action!

Happy 40th Birthday, Paul!

Happy Birthday to you....happy birthday to you...happy birthday dear Paul.....happy birthday to you!

Yes, you finally caught up to my 40 years! We are worse for wear but still hanging in there. Of course there will be yellow cake with chocolate icing (is there any other kind of cake for you? And double chocolate brownie ice cream). Maybe your gift will actually arrive before you turn 41! lol

Happy Birthday!

A Relaxing Day

What a nice day I had! I awoke around 9:30 and all was quiet. The kids had been fed, Paul was out running and the animals didn't pester me. It was definitely time for coffee. I love my coffee grinder and coffee maker, so I decided it was indeed time for 6 cups of freshly ground, freshly brewed java. The weather was delightful, so I enjoyed my beverage in the sunroom. After lounging around most of the morning, Scotty was invited to a friend's house and Alex had a buddy over. I decided it was indeed time for a pre-work nap followed by a relaxing shower. Scott G. made nachos for our Sunday work-night dinner....what a great day!

Yet Another Delightful Ice Cream Experience

This is a little bit of Shelly's recipe and a little bit of mine. It was OH-SO-GOOD!

Mixed-Berry Cheesecake Ice Cream

1 C Vanilla Silk Soymilk
2 scoops Protein Powder, Maximum Protein Vanilla (found at GNC)
1 T Jello Pudding mix, SF Instant Cheesecake Flavor
1 T reduced fat cream cheese, softened
2 T SF DaVinci's Vanilla Syrup
1/2 C Frozen Mixed Berries

Combine all ingredients (except berries). Mix until frothy and pour into prepared ice cream freezer bowl. I ran mine for about 12 minutes, then added the slightly thawed berries and continues the cycle for about 5 more minutes. Scoop it into a freezer-safe container for about 30 minutes - 1 hr. and enjoy. Be careful or you might end up like this.

The Big "O"....Culinary Style!

I made my first batch of protein ice cream in my NEW, fancy-schmancy Cuisinart Ice Cream maker. Oh my! It was as good as, if not better, than I expected! Here is the recipe I used;

Shelly's Peanut Butter Cup Protein Ice Cream

1 C vanilla soy milk (I use Silk Regular Vanilla - if it's good enough for Starbuck's, it's good enough for me!)
2 scoops chocolate protein Powder (I use Whey Gourmet)
1 T melted peanut butter (Jiff, of course)
3 sugar-free Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Mix soy milk, p.b. and powder together 'til frothy. Poor into freezer and let it work it's magic. About 5 minutes before it's done, add Reeses bits. Voila!

It took less than 20 minutes to make. I wanted it a little more firm...no so soft-serve so I plopped it in the freezer for a while. I left it in too long so zapped it in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Delightful!!!!!

Tonight I am going to tweak one of Shelly's recipes and do a mixed berry cheesecake ice cream. AND Scotty wants Chocolate Frozen Yogurt. I just hopped on Ebay and ordered an extra freezer bowl. I'm gonna need it.

Hitting The Wall

Have you ever reached a point in your life where you feel you are doing all the wrong things. Despite my best efforts to be a good mom, good and wife, good employee, actively involved in the kids' activities I feel I am failing at all of them. I have a very high sense of frustration at the moment. The world, or at least my world, seems to be in a state of chaos on a daily basis. There is no regular routine at work. I run all over the region since we have no "working" hospital....only an ED that accepts "basic" level patients. Soccer rules our lives 4 nights a week....and soon to be most weekends as well. I try to keep up with the rat race, but I keep losing.

The pity party is pathetic....I know. But I needed to vent. The end.

A New Toy!

I just ordered a new toy..nooooo....not that kind of toy. Get your mind out of the gutter! It's a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. I have been wanting one for AGES! There is an amazing blog I stumbled upon titled, The World According To Eggface. She is a "foodie"and has incredible recipes she created herself that are weight-loss surgery friendly. My favorite recipes are the "bites." They are like mini crust-less quiches. So delicious!!!!! After wandering through her blog I found the ice cream recipes...all high protein, low carb (made with soy milk, protein powder, flavored s.f. syrups and other goodies) and she claims they are delicious. I decided that I will be the judge of that and ordered the ice cream maker. Being the "instant gratification girl" that I am, I want it now! But I will have to wait. Once I start making ice cream, I will let you know the results. I cannot wait!!!!! Ice cream that's good for you....go figure!

Good Ol' School Days

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Yes, back to school time! The kids were excited to get back and see their buds. They were both non-stop talkers after they got off the bus. Scotty even had Math Homework. That's just not right on the first day...lol.

Slooooooooow Down

Yes, it's that time again. Back-to-school, PTO, soccer and back to work (for me). Despite my pledge not to over-extend myself, I find I am falling back into those old habits of saying "yes" and volunteering for things before I think them through. I love volunteering and helping out. ButI have spent the day on the computer getting Scotty's soccer team info organized (I am their team manager) and the details are changing daily, sending emails for Back-to-school night (even though I am not the Market Day Diva this year), double checking our supply list and prepping for meetings. I am feelin' the stress! I find I am a bit of a perfectionist with these things and want to get it right. God forbid anyone think I am incapable or a slacker!!!!! Character flaw? I think so! I have even taken to screening my home phone calls. We don't utilize caller ID on the home phone so I just let it roll to voice mail. Slacker!

7 Strange Things

Thanks to Kathy over at Life With The Riddles, I have been tagged to share 7 "little known things" about myself. So here it goes. Please don't judge me by my oddities! lol

1. I have always had a secret (or not so secret) lusting after Tom Selleck. Why? He's tall, dark and handsome...has gorgeous eyes...and well, he's just SCHMOKIN' HOT!
2. My new snack food of choice is melted cheese. Weird? Probably....but mmmmmmm.
3. I can make an iced latte that is as good as - or better - than Starbuck's!
4. I am an incurable bookworm. I really LOVE to own, rather than check-out books from the library. But the library is MUCH cheaper...so most of the time I make due with borrowing-approach.....sometimes.
5. I am the "instant gratification girl!" I want what I want...and I want it now! Watch out Tom! lol
6. Watching my children play, read, sleep,etc. fills me with such emotion that I am sometimes moved to tears. I never knew that one could love so deeply.
7. I truly feel that lattes ought to be a food group....see #3.

OK....not too weird, huh? Some things are just not meant to be shared....too much info is never a good thing! lol

Livin' the Life!

OK....that might be exaggerating things a bit, but we have had a fun couple of days! Yesterday, Scott G. came over and brought a "professional" tie-dye kit for us to play with. We had the best time creating cool looking designs. Yes, the whole family has one including Snickers (the dog). I will post a pic as soon as we can all stand in one place long enough to snap one. The colors are so vivid!!!!! We can't wait to make more! I think I'll tie-dye underwear, sheets....anything that will sit still long enough. lol

This evening the guys went to a Cincy Reds game. They made it in time for batting practice and Alex snagged a "home run" ball. As Paul tells the story via txt message, he leaned over the wall and snagged it right out from under some other kid's glove (this kid had already caught one). There was an older gentleman standing next to Alex and gave him a huge high-five! I wish I could have seen it! They did have a rain delay but the game started around 8:00pm. Oh yeah.....and it was FREE BOBBLE-HEAD NIGHT! lmao

More Pictures From the Open Road

I thought I would share a few more pictures of the kids while on their RV trip. Scotty had an adventure at Grant's Farm. He was in a balloon blowing-up contest with an elephant. Surprise....the elephant won! lol Alex loved rock climbing and cave exploring. The St. Louis arch was their favorite destination by far!

Quote O' The Day:

As one goes through life one learns that if you don't paddle your own canoe, you don't move.
~ Katharine Hepburn

They Are Home!

The boys arrived home Sunday! Yippeeeee! I missed them....and have a sneaking suspicion that they missed me too (although I am not sure they are willing to admit it). I was able to talk my dad into staying for dinner before he boarded the RV to head home. I made a peach cobbler with fresh peaches from Hackman's Market. They were SO good! We also cooked corn on the grill (our newest method). I am awaiting pictures from my dad so I can post a few more. The boys came home with all sorts of souvenirs...flattened pennies, posters, finger flashlight, penguin magnet, meerkat stuffed animal....the list goes on and on. I have been doing endless loads of laundry....icky sweat-dried, sunscreen, bug sprayed caked pieces of clothing. Yuck! Both boys spent two quiet days inside mellowing out. Today, however, they both have friends over for lunch-n-play. What a change from last week's serenity. But it's enjoyable for all of us!

Is is just the males in my life or what??!?!?! They all seem to be in a "mood." I need to check the moon...is it full? WTF?!??!??!?!?! Is anyone else having that issue (notice I diplomatically said "issue" rather than problem)?

I am back into my jewelry making obsession. I sat up until 1:30'ish last night making a double-stranded necklace and matching bracelet. The bracelet needs some revamping as I ran out of beads to make it double-stranded also. I'm watching the sale ads for Michael's, JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby for supplies. I simply refuse to pay full price when things go on sale every other week or so.

Quote O' The Day: - I got nuttin' to share. Sorry

RV Adventures

The boys have been on an week-long trip with their grandpa. They've been traveling by RV and living the wild life out on the open road. They started their trip with a visit to Mammoth Cave and then headed to visit relatives in Illinois. They are photographed with Camel Rock in the background at Garden of the Gods in SE Illinois. After that, they headed to St. Louis, MO to see the Arch, visit the zoo and science museum. They will be heading back home Sunday and I am SO ready for them to be home! I miss them horribly! But what a wonderful opportunity...I am jealous of their adventures. Mommy wants to travel too!

When I Grow Up I Wanna Be a Scarf!

Yes, friends...it's true! I am trying to learn to knit. Julie W. tried to teach a group of us YEARS ago...but my attempt ended with less than stellar results. Although I did laugh so hard I probably should have been wearing Depends (I know...much too much information!). But I thought I'd give it another try (w/o Depends again...brave girl that I am!) and got a lesson at Cottage Knits. Not only is the building adorable (former Neon Cupcake location), but everyone is SO nice and patient there!!!!! When I showed up for my lesson, the "instructor" asked if I wanted to make a baby blanket. EEEEEEK! Can you imagine how much time and yarn would be invested in that?!?!?!? I politely declined (in a panicky voice) and asked for a more small-scale project. We agreed on a scarf. So far so good. She showed me how to "cast on" (sounds more like fishing terminology to me) and then patiently sat with me for an hour while I struggled to get the hang of it. She had another class after to teach, so I went into a spare room with comfy chairs and friendly folks and kept at it. One woman was working on some sort of doggie hat, while a girl who could not have been any older than 17 was crocheting the most gorgeous sweater! And here I sat with my lovely little creation that dreamed of one day becoming a scarf. I felt a little silly, but hey, everyone has to start somewhere. This picture shows how far I got on Tuesday. I have completed a bit more and it IS looking a little more scarf-like...maybe.


Quote O' the Day: "Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment" ~ Oprah Winfrey

My "Relocated" Artsy-Blog

I had to relocate my artsy-fartsy blog since I couldn't access it. Hopefully, it will soon be filled with new creations and old favorites. Here is the link to My Creative Nest. It's my cozy, creative spot on the web.

And on another train of thought....I found this quote and loved it;

"How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone"
Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel

My Latte "Addiction"

I am such a fan of Starbuck's Lattes....hot and cold....as most of you know. And I have perfected (at least in my opinion) the art of the home-latte. I have quite a collection of sugar-free flavored syrups and have experimented with a few for the cold version of my latest obsession. White Chocolate...yuck. Kahlua....not bad. Mocha is still my favorite. I do have a "peppermint patty" flavored syrup to try, although the color is vivid green and will look nasty in a clear cup. I know....don't judge a book by its cover.....but eeeew! I have a hard enough time eating or drinking blue things...can you imagine sludge-green?!? I will give it a try and let you know how it turns out.

BTW.....I made another book cover last night. CUTE! I tweaked the original design a bit. It still needs more tweaking to make me happy, but it sure is adorable and crafty!

Indiana Storms

I wanted to share some of these pictures with you. We've had some amazing storms lately...although the pictures of THESE storms never amounted to anything other than wind and an amazing view....not a drop of rain (hard to believe). Once again, my talented photographer is Scott G. (work partner and dear friend o' the Hammonds).

What? No Sugar-Free Mocha??!?!?!

I am in the midst of a major crisis. Starbuck's may have discontinued their sugar-free mocha syrup. I love the hot venti sugar-free mocha soy latte.....but have become ADDICTED to the iced version. And NOW the store in Greenwood informed me it was no longer available. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK! But.....since that bombshell, all of the Starbuck's in Columbus (yes, all 3) have not heard a thing about it. I am SO getting on their website and investigating and sending them an email. I was in such a panic that I sent Paul out to buy bottles o f the syrup.....he only came home with 2 even though there is more out there. I guess love comes with a price....lol.

Yes, the craftiness continues. I made two sterling silver bracelets and an anklet (is that what you call a bracelet for your ankle? ). And get this.....I signed up for knitting classes! Does anyone remember the crafty Mom's Night Out at my house years ago where Julie W. tried to teach us to knit. Carol M. and I ended up in hysterics. We should have been wearing Depends....almost! Anyway, I am going to give it another shot. I'll keep ya posted....and NO, I am not going to knit a tree cozy.....lol.....maybe just a dog cozy! Just teasing! I'll be lucky to create a pot holder or wash cloth thingy.

Our Trip To The Zoo

Last Thursday, we made our first trip of the summer to the Indy Zoo. The weather couldn't have been better. Scott G. went with us and we have him to thank for the awesome photos! We got there early in the morning and left around 12:30....perfect timing. Not too many people and the temperature was just right. Scotty's favorite exhibit at the zoo was the Penguins. Alex's favorite was also the.Penguins. Mine would have to be the Jellyfish. Watching them is so magical and soothing....not to mention freakin' cool! lol I would have chosen the Koalas, but they were in their 18-22 hours of daily sleep. Cute, but not entertaining. Not very Zen-like....like the jellies. Don't you love Scott G.'s pics of the jellies??? I would have to venture a guess that Scott's favorite would be anything fluffy....he doesn't go for the slimy, scaly creatures...lol. The dolphin show rocked! So intelligent, cute and entertaining! We packed a lunch, ate that and then headed home. Next time, we'll head for the "Plains" animals and the apes.

The Craft Bug Is Biting!

Yes, I know it's been ages since I've posted. And even longer since I actually posted a sampling of my craftiness. So here ya go! Necessity, being the mother of invention, inspired this little goodie. I have a paperback book that I am reading....and will be re-reading and want to keep it protected. SO......I made a book cover. It's made from colorful card stock covered with clear contact paper for added durability and has coordinating ribbon for a closure and attached "book mark." I am thinking I could do the same thing with fabric and iron-on clear coating. Imagine the possibilities! I think on my next book cover, I will make a "title plate" for the spine and cover that says "Don't judge a book by its cover." I know....my wit is lame!

The Color Purple!

I love my rhododendron bushes! We planted these the first year moved in (after cutting down and removing a ton of overgrown yucky stuff). Each year the bushes get more lovely! I did have to prune some out of the the one pictured on the left....ice damage.

Today brought more rain. It is gloomy and miserable....fits my mood. Although Snickers and I did get a nice, long walk in prior to the precipitation. She is such a bitch....14 pounds of sheer terror! lol Every dog we passed got growled and barked at. She SO takes after me, except I weigh WAY more that 14 pounds and I growl and bark at people.

Hope your day is bright and sunny.....and warm!!!!!

What An Amazing Day!

Notice Scott's NEW glasses!!!! So handsome!

Not only is the sun shining (for a brief change....thunderstorms predicted), but check out the "shining" things that happened on this day in history!

1976 - 28th Emmy Awards: Mary Tyler Moore Show
1986 - "Chicken Song" by Spitting Image hit #1 on the UK pop chart
1989 - Longest Cab Ride Ever: 14,000 miles cost $16,000!
1990 - Cheers' star Kelsey Grammer sentenced to jail for 30 days for DWI

Wow...and you thought today was just like any other day!

It's been AGES!

My on-again-off-again blogging seems to be "on." lol I have been doing allot of reading lately...most of which I am really enjoying. I've branched out from my usual serial-killer books (i.e. Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson, John Sanford) which I truly enjoy. I have emailed a few friends, asking what they are reading or have read. Please let me know what YOU are reading or loved reading in the past. Some of my recent "reads" are;

• Wicked
• Son of a Witch
• Beautiful Boy (which every parent should read)
• The Memory Keeper's Daughter
• The Quickie
• Possible Side-Effects
  

Send me a list of your favorites, "top 10," or must-reads.

I have a stack of several books to read;

• 1776
• Hillary's book
• Pride and Prejudice
• Howard's End
• Magical Thinking

My friend, Marti, has a list she keeps each year of her favorite books she's read that year. Since I can't keep track of what/when I read I try to remember my favorites and why they are such. I think I'll work on a list and post it ASAP.

Off the book subject.....I am watching the Today Show. And yes, New Kids On The Block still suck! They may have aged....not sure they matured....lol. Just my critique on their performance thus far. I wasn't a fan in they hey-day.....obviously I am still not. lol

Blogging WITH Photos....Getting Less Lazy!

OK....here are some pretty flowers in my yard. This has been the best Spring for the blooms, I think. Everything looks so gorgeous! I wish I had more flowering things in my yard....next year I shall!

Blogless

I've been at a loss for inspiration and information to put in the blog lately. Our lives are the same as usual; soccer 4 days a week, baseball 2 days a week, my crazy work schedule (hence sleeplessness follows), etc. My dad did come for a weekend visit.....finally! It was so nice to see him again. I forgot to take photos though. I meant to.

I've been working in my flower beds...weeding, pruning shrubs, etc. This year I decided to put down that weed blocking fabric stuff. It was actually pretty simple....and the weather was outstanding! PLUS, I did it all by myself......very peaceful! I think I'll put in some cone flowers and Shasta daisies....and probably some Gerbra (sp?) daisies....they are so pretty and colorful! I've not planted any of these before, but I think they would make a nice addition to the boxwoods that are thriving.

I guess our big news is our summer vacation trip to Cocoa Beach in mid-June. My sister-in-law owns a time share and won't be using their time this year. We are planning beach time, a trip to Kennedy Space Center, kayaking with the dolphins and manatees among the mangroves and perhaps a trip to Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum in St. Augustine. I know the "shelling" won't be as spectacular as it is on Captiva Island, but hey....it's a beach! FUN!

Easter!

We had a quiet Easter at home this year. We colored eggs and had a wonderful brunch. Paul and kids made a yummy dinner....roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, etc. Last Easter was spent making memorial service arrangements for my mother, so this Easter was a big improvement.

Today (Monday) we are back to our regular schedule. The kids are back to school and I am back to work. Our weekly routine is in the midst of change though. Both kids start soccer practice...Scotty has one weekly practice with his first game on Saturday. Alex has two weekly practices with his first game being a week away (I think). They are still doing wrestling at North when there is no soccer interference. AND it's baseball time as well. PHEW!

My dad is headed back home after spending the winter in Florida in his RV. It will be nice to spend a weekend, here and there, with him. We all miss him so much!

Yesterday's Spring Weather

Yesterday was so nice! It was bright and sunny all day....the kids were out playing in the warm Spring air. Today, however, is a different story. It's gloomy, drizzly with a bit of snow mixed in. What's up with that? But while the weather WAS nice, I took a few pics of the lovely crocuses that come up each year under my horrid "gum ball" tree. I thought I would also include one of Snickers, the Cave Dweller. She makes caves or nests out of any blanket she can get a hold of.

We have had a house guest for several nights.....my work partner Scott G. He is renting a house out in the sticks in the middle of a cornfield. It's adorable, but there is one drawback.....his cellar fills with water when it rains allot. And when I say fills....I mean FILLS! He has been w/o heat and water most of the week. It's been nice having him around....the kids adore him!!!! And he always brings wine! lol