Only 363 days to go!

Until we get to do it all again! I hope everyone had a happy Christmas and you were able to be with family and friends.

And I hope you're ready for the new year that's upon us. Let's all pray that the economy will turn around, that we'll get some of our life savings back into the bank and that none of us looses our jobs. It's a tough world out there - keep your fingers (and toes) crossed that the new year will be prosperous, rewarding, happy and healthy.

Enjoy your 2009 celebration. We're staying at home like we do most years, it's safer and cheaper that way! I have a prime rib ready to roast that night and I'm hungry for it already!

Happy New Year.

Happy Christmas

I hope this finds everyone ready for Christmas and that no one has lost their minds getting there. I've posted before about how hectic the holidays are and how we try to cram so much shopping, eating and fellowship into just a few weeks. If only we celebrated our birthdays that long!

I really wanted to let everyone know that we (spousal unit, crazy cat, senile dog and 6 happy fish) extend our best wishes to each and everyone of you. We hope your holiday season is full of happiness, peace, sanity and family (can you use sanity and family in the same sentence?). We are sure that you, just like the rest of us, has had a very rough year with the economy and can only pray that with a new administration in D.C., something is bound to change.

With that in mind, let us not forget what all the retailers would like us to - that Christmas isn't really about the economy, black Friday or Cyber Monday. How much we spend or save, how many good deals we get or how much we spend on one another. It's really about letting those that mean the most to you know how much you love them. I love my entire family - from my wonderful husband of over 20 years, to my wonderful Mom (aka my best friend), to the sister I never had to my nearest and dearest friend from childhood (and you know who you are).

I love my brothers, my Dad and their significant others. I love my countless friends at home and those at work. Those friends who have moved away and those who are still here. It really sounds so cliche, but we are nothing without our friends. Those friends who are always there - who will show up when you ask, regardless of the time of day, or how trivial the matter may seem to them.

It truly is a wonderful life - but we are here for such a short span of time. Make the most of your wonderful life - tell the ones you love just how much you do love them. Make the most of your wonderful life - take time to plant a flower, talk to a child or be with someone who might be alone. Make the most of your wonderful life - forgive someone who hurt you in the past or maybe, just forgive yourself for something.

Make the most of your wonderful life.

Be happy - have no regrets - smile.

Merry Christmas to All. May you have lots of love in your heart and friends on your doorstep. We wish you a wonderful, happy and healthy new year.

Tis The Season...

To have entirely too much to do! Why do we wait until December to try and cram everything we want/need to do into one month's time? I guess we never learn, do we?

There is just entirely too much hustle and bustle in the month of December - shopping and gift-giving and parties to attend - oh my! I still think running away to the Caribbean would be the ideal thing to do (reminiscent of the current movie that's out - 4 Christmases).

I'm not sending out the normal array of Christmas cards this year - I hope all of our friends read this and know that we're not ignoring anyone. I will send a few special ones out, but I have other things to put my time and energy into this year. And I've missed my own imposed deadline of the 10th - which is today.

The family Christmas Eve dinner this year will be held at my house instead of my Mother's. It's just become too much work for her to take on. So we'll save her energy and peace of mind and have it at my place. As long as everyone gets together, it's not really important where.

I'm off to take another dose of sinus/cold/I feel terrible medicine. I came home from work to try and sleep it off but it looks like I'll need more Nyquil after dinner.

My Thanks...

Here is a re-print of my Thanksgiving post last year. I don't think any of the sentiment or meaning has changed - so I"m leaving it as is. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.



As we approach the holiday, we are suppose to reflect on what we're thankful for and pray that we have the same things next year that we can brag about. I wanted to post in this space a Thanksgiving "blessing" if you will, that I wrote from my heart probably 10 years ago expressing my thanks for everything in my life that I'm so very thankful for. But I cannot locate the paper copy. So I'll try to recall some of it from memory. I read this "blessing" as everyone was standing around the dining room table, hands joined, and mouths watering for the feast presented before us. I can remember my brothers, who are two of the most sensitive, grown men I know, sniffling and trying not to let anyone hear them. I recall saying that I was thankful and grateful for my extended family as we never turn anyone away when it comes to family fun and traditions. I had a fairly new sister in law at the time who has grown to become the true big sister I never had. And while my parents had been long divorced with Dad on the "left" coast, we never really lost touch of what family really means. It means accepting our loved ones despite their shortcomings, their faults and their bad habits - because we have them too. It means opening your heart and your home to those less fortunate - because we've had to do without at some point in our lives. It means accepting people for who they are - because you can't, or shouldn't, try to change anyone. Family to me is a feeling that no one else can take away. And for that - my family and my friends, I am forever grateful.

Have a wonderful, safe and happy holiday.

Brrrrrrr......

Baby it's cold outside! Yesterday's weather was such a tease. We had a warm wind and the temps were hovering near 80. But today, BAM! Winter (or at least Fall) has arrived. Windy, blustery, and cold. Definitely a stay inside kind of day. I'm planning to finish up some work in the art room on a few Christmas gifts. Maybe slip in a quick nap then watch the final Nascar race of the year. I think we already know who the champion is going to be but nonetheless, I'll be watching. Then I guess I'll have to fill my Sunday afternoons with football. Or - maybe I'll get lucky and find some West Wing or NCIS marathons.

The picture was taken at the outdoor nature trail at the Flamingo Casino in Vegas last month.

VICTORY!

Viva Las Vegas!

You've noticed I haven't blogged in a while and I'm going to try and get caught up with myself - no easy task. I was recently in Las Vegas for a trade convention. I was able to take the spousal unit with me and we stayed an extra two days to play. First, the convention. It was very good - but then again, I had no doubts. Out of three days of sessions, there was only one that really seemed to bomb. So I guess those are pretty good odds. I also had a personal meeting with the City of Las Vegas who recently implemented a erm program. Very nice folks. So after sitting in classes all day, we hit the monorail and the strip each evening to take in all the sights (i.e. the Bellagio fountain, the lions at the MGM Grand and the roller coaster at New York New York). It's almost too much to take and can be overwhelming. We didn't gamble much (just some long lost green backs that folks back home wanted me to gamble for them) and didn't plan to see any shows. But we had enough to keep us busy. We hit a different monorail stop every night and saw something new all the time.

The view from our balcony was looking north toward the end of the strip at the Hilton and Sahara. But we had a beautiful mountain range off to the right that was just spectacular each night at sunset.

After the convention, we took the two days as mentioned to play. The first day we drove to Hoover Dam and walked across it - what a fantastic place that was! Just incredible what those laborers were able to accomplish back in the 1930s. And we had a beautiful day to boot. Then we drove up to the LV Motor Speedway (being the Nascar fans that we are). Went to get a couple of souvenirs and I ended up taking a ride around the track through the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Thought that was my one chance to ride in a Nascar car. 3 laps at 165 - what a rush! From there, we bounced all around town getting souvenirs for others - golf balls, t shirts, etc.

Friday was the crescendo. We had a quiet morning - we went down to the Flamingo to see the flamingos! How pretty they are. They have this entire outdoor walking path with koi ponds, waterfalls, and all kinds of waterfowl. It was early in the morning (8am) so it wasn't hot yet. We took a lot of pictures there. The afternoon was our big treat. We took a helicopter ride into the Grand Canyon and actually landed down inside the canyon. Words just cannot describe the excitement, the beauty and the awestruck feeling. The we flew back over Hoover Dam and came back into the airport via the strip at dark. Talk about a light show! Overall - it was a fabulous trip. I recommend the helo trip to Canyon to everyone!

All of that aside, thankfully we only have a few days left until we have our new President elected. Quite frankly - I can't wait. I can't wait for all of these annoying ads and phone calls to end. This has been the worse year yet.

Hang in there - and don't forget to vote!

Debate Time Again!

The second of the Presidential debates is just coming on television. The "town hall" style might prove to be interesting. I am going to watch as long as I can before going to sleep. But these things just seem to drag on and my eyes can get glazed over...but I'll give it the ol' college try.

But the real question is - will Sarah Palin show up on SNL this week?

Happy Politics!

Put Up Your Dukes - Let's Get Down To It!

And the debate rolls on....

Quite honestly, they are one hour into it and they loosing my interest - and I have my candidate chosen already. I say put 'em in a boxing ring (gloves optional) and really let them have at it! A good friend of mine tonight mentioned she is looking forward to the VP debate - if and when it happens. Hey, they still believe in Santa Claus, don't they? Easter Bunny? Tooth Fairy? How about $3 gas again? Yeh, right.

Is it November yet?

Pond ering Politics

So, what is it all about? Who really knows. We are either brought up one way or the other or we learn along the way what values and issues are of most importance to us. Is one party really right or wrong? Who knows. Is it a choice by the head or the heart, or a combination of both? I gots my questions.

On to more important things, like the start of the new NCIS next week along with ER. About my two favorite shows with a close 2nd and 3rd being Jon Stewart and Bill Maher. What would we do without those two guys? Where in the world would we find a reason to laugh about all of this political mayhem, where would we learn to laugh at our candidates and ourselves and without them, where would we get tomorrow's water cooler conversation? We'd have nothing to talk about.

OK, it's late (for me anyway) and I'm going to call it a night. Good night and Good Campaigning! Let's keep it clean, honest and real (yeh, right - I am from another planet!). Ciao.

Get The Ballot Ready

We're just about two months away from the most historical election in history and I just can't contain all of my excitement! Especially for all of the annoying political campaigning telephone calls. What a shame that political endorsements, etc., are exempt from the Do Not Call Registry. Now we have to endure the endless telephone ringing and those terrible pre-recorded messages that take up the entire tape or disk space on our recorders. And then there are those who are brave enough to come knocking on doors - despite the No Solicitation sign on my front door. And yes, I believe they are selling something - they're selling their candidate. Same thing to me. You just gotta love, love, love election season. And we not only have the Presidential race, we have local competition as well for Council seats and our Mayor. Signs are already sprouting up on street corners and it's only a matter of time before the mud starts slinging. Oh wait - they've already started that on the national level!

It's gonna be a long 60 days...

Whew...We Got Lucky!

Tropical Storm Hannah literally "blew" through Hampton Roads today. Actually, it was supposed to hit us overnight last night and into the morning, but upon rising today, it really didn't get into full swing here until mid-morning. We didn't get heavy rains here at the coast - but inland around Richmond and points further west got slammed! The winds weren't too bad through the duration until a little later in the day. We had some heavy limbs come off of trees and could hear lots of things going "bump" on the roof. I think overall, Hampton Roads got spared the brunt of this storm. Most locals will say we dodged another one. Which means we're going to get hit hard one of these days and probably sooner than we thought.

When does our luck run out?

2 more years...

Until the next round of Olympics. Gosh, I think I'm having withdrawal symptoms...but what a great couple of weeks? Of course there was Michael "fish" Phelps, the awesome duos on the sand in both men and women's gold finals, track and field (whoo hoo Leshawn!) and on and on. I will admit (although embarrassed to say so) that I didn't get to see much of the closing ceremonies - it was getting into my bed time. And on a Sunday night to boot! Oh well, there is always next time.

Proud of Team USA!

USA ROCKS AGAIN!

This is a late post considering, but OMG - the ladies in beach volleyball rock! The match was on too late for me last night but you know I get up real early and NBC was replaying the match. Well, my morning workout had to take a backseat so I could see Misty and Kerri kick some real US of A a--! I was so excited for them - these ladies really played a great match and WOW - what a celebration! Go USA!

USA Rocks!

OK - Olympics junky here. Right now I'm watching the woman's marathon waiting for "fish" Phelps to slice through the water and win his 8th! Just how awesome would that be? I don't know if we can stand all of the excitement that would follow. I wonder if Spitz is on hand to congratulate him? Probably not - but what a nice gesture that would be.

Had a busy Saturday - an early morning workout then lots of errands to run. Had to get pet food (they really appreciate it when you have kibble on hand at feeding time), groceries and other household stuff. Then I came home and worked on some crafty projects in the back yard. I'm experimenting with concrete blocks (i.e. as in stepping stones, only different). We'll see how well the experiment worked in the morning. Tomorrow may or may not be a trip to the beach in the morning - depends on how I feel when I get up (and how late I stay up tonight). I sort of feel like summer is winding down - which I guess it actually is. Although on the calendar, we have another full month until the official start of fall....my favorite time of year. I think October is my absolute favorite month of year.

Looking forward to the coming week...it's my monthly meeting with my gals from ARG....and it will be a special one indeed since one of our members just lost their father. Our hearts and prayers are still with you Carter. See ya'll at Macs.

OK - got to get settled in for the swimming coming up soon - let's hope it's not on too late!

Ciao...Rock on USA!

Wednesday's Child...

Is full of woe - so the saying goes. Actually, I was born on a Wednesday and I don't know that I agree with that.

Loving the Olympics and watching Phelps just shred the "water cube." Just awesome - love watching history in the making. Although, I watched on tv when the twin towers fell, but that's a different kind of history to remember. Last night we watched the synchronized diving - that just amazes me. I would think that's hard enough for one person - but the precision, the timing, the intuition....wow. How cool is that? I could never dive off of that platform - much less just jump from it. Unless someone pushed me maybe...

Rock on USA!

Olympics Night 2

WOW - what a couple of days it has been. The opening ceremonies were, without a doubt, the best I have seen yet. Just blew my mind away! Who has THAT much time to come up with all that stuff? Someone is getting paid very well. I don't know what impressed me more - the overall visual effects, the parade of nations or the lighting of the torch. OK - has to be the lighting of the torch. What a great affect that was. Got chills (or tears) just like I did when Ali lit the torch at Atlanta. Way cool.

Today (tonight on tv) the "girls" rocked in their first round of volleyball. I can only describe May and Walsh as poetry in motion...they instinctively know what they are doing. And the hand signals behind their backs help too! Michael Phelps won his first heat...wow, we're off to a pretty good start. Although the men did lose a beach volleyball round today...but, can we win them all? We can certainly try!

I'm going to loose a lot of sleep over the next couple of weeks.

Fessin' Up

A friend of mine once told me she was a "People Magazine" junkie. I have to admit it - I'm an Olympics junkie. I am all over all of the broadcasts - can't get enough of it. And as we speak I am watching the opening ceremonies in Beijing. I will also admit I was a little apprehensive about the whole thing, but so far, they are putting on a fantastic show. I am very impressed.

Now if our girls can kick butt in volleyball and swimming - I'll be happy!

Rock On USA!

Do I or don't I?

Hmmm.....my local newspaper is having a contest for DIY 2008 and one of the categories is "Best Landscaping/Water Garden Project" and I'm considering entering my feeble little pond project. I am certain it won't win because it's not a grand scale project - but I'm thinking, what the heck. I did it all myself (ok - and help from a girlfriend) from digging the hole with a shovel, laying the liner to picking out the plants. I have nothing to loose except for a postage stamp. We'll see - the deadline is Aug 22nd so I have a little time to "ponder" the situation (sorry - couldn't resist that one).

Today happens to our 20th wedding anniversary. We've actually been together 25 years but the elopement (is that a word?) was today, 20 years ago. We got married by the city's marriage commissioner at the foot of the Cape Henry Cross and had 2 witnesses with us (to take pictures to prove to my Mom that it really happened!). Has it been easy? Not all of the time - but no one said it would be. Has it been rewarding? Absolutely. Would I do it again? You bet. I love you honey....

TGIT

Thursday - which means tomorrow is Friday! Hurrah! Made it through another work week.

Boy oh boy the dog days of summer. We've had thunderstorms the past couple of afternoons which really just turns the entire area into a sauna. Can't we just have October weather year round? That would suit me just fine. It's our favorite time of the year. Something about having to put that first sweater on for the season and the smell of the crisp air.

Zippy gets his routine grooming tomorrow evening - trim, nails, and bath. I guess I should start having his teeth cleaned but I just can't put the lady through that. Sounds like something you'd come out of with a lot of new scratch/bite marks. At least my little angel doesn't weigh 44 pounds like that porker cat on the news tonight. I think they said someone just let him go and someone else picked him up as a stray. 44 pounds? Geesh - what are they feeding that poor thing?

Schatze is still hanging in there. Her hearing is almost non-existent as is her eyesight. But she still prances around the yard every now and then. But she has gotten to where she doesn't want to go in and out of the house via the garage. Only the front door. I think the steps are steeper in the garage and my truck is usually in the way too. The front steps are wider and she has a good landing at the top to get her footing. Whatever it takes to keep her happy in what I feel are her final, golden days.

The pond is doing well. Last weekend I dug up some old hostas that were beyond repair (they've been in the bed for 10 years or so and have repeatedly been divided, etc.) and on a whim, I grabbed a handful, hosed off the root ball and stuck it in a pot with some kitty litter and rocks and plunked it in the shallow end of the pond. Don't you know that thing is doing just fine? I was rather surprised as I didn't know if it would survive in the water or not. Makes me think I should have done that a long time ago. Maybe next spring I'll put some new, fresh ones in and see how they do. Fish are fine and growing. They're getting more used to me when I go to the edge to feed them. They're finally learning that I'm their food chain! They are just too quick right now to try and get pictures...maybe over the winter when they hibernate.

Friday Eve - I think we should celebrate.

Storms, Hurricanes and Fires - oh my!

Wow, did we have a round of storms roll through this afternoon. My desk happens to be right next to a window and I gotta admit - I was a tad scared! It was quite vicious outside for a while. But hopefully all the downpours have helped dampen the Dismal Swamp fires and those tireless firefighters can take a break. That's got to be a tough job.

They are calling for more storms overnight - I'm all for it as long as we get needed rains. But we can do without the damage and destruction. Which by the way - our thoughts go to out to all of those affected on the Texas coastline by Dolly. Wow - that storm packed a punch in a hurry. Let's hope the damage is minimal and they make it through this one ok.

Any excuse will do...

It's been a while since my last post. Been busy, been sick. I could just leave it at that.

Actually, I really don't know where the past few weeks have gone. "Zoom Zoom" as the commercial would say. We all seem to be "busy" all of the time - but what do I really have to show for it? I still have walls to be painted, a front yard to re-plant, a deck that needs to be stained, chairs that need to be recovered....but I'm too busy! I'll figure it out one of these days.

The sick part has been no fun. I'm not the type to lay around all Sunday with the newspaper and old movies, but this Sundas was an exception. I have caught someones summer cold and it knocked me out for two days. Went back to work today but was dragging my feet all day. And now I'm tired and ready to go back to bed. And it's not even dark out. Either I'm really sick or really getting old!

Pond, plants and fish are all well. The shy koi are actually starting to come up to eat with the comets when I give them food - glad to see them coming around. The plants are well - I guess. They aren't multiplying like I'd hoped like they have in years past but they aren't dying either. I must still have some kind of chemical imbalance for the plants not to go wild in this heat. I'll keep plugging along and hopefully things will get better.

OK - off to put my jammies on and get my pillow all fluffed up - will try to write more often.

Belated Happy Fourth

Had a real nice Fourth of July long weekend. I took an extra day off last Thursday and enjoyed every minute of it. Hubby and I went to see the new movie Hancock. It's no Oscar winner, but it was very entertaining. Will Smith makes a funny super hero. Friday was a cookout at Mom's, Saturday was a cookout at the neighbors and Sunday was - about my favorite day of all. Rainy to boot! I gave equal time to both the sofa and my bed and never got out of my jammies. Loved, loved, loved that day! I did manage to cook us a steak for dinner in between rain storms, but that was about the highlight of my day.

The plants and grass are happy not to be burning in the afternoon sun today. The rain yesterday really helped. But it won't last long and I'm sure we could use many more days just like that to get us out of the negative on the rain gauge.

Is it July or August they call the dog days of summer? It sure is humid, I know that. We're thinking of a camping trip at the end of the month. I think we're a little crazy too. But they say it's a really cool campground located on the Chesapeake Bay up on the eastern shore. We'll see - we haven't quite made up our minds yet.

When is the next holiday?

The Pond Thrives

Well - so far anyway. Here is a pic of the pond and the new plants I put in this past weekend. I actually have blooms on the water zinnia - whoo hoo! The koi are still skittish and growing. At this rate, they'll out grow the pond by next year. I've also included a pic of the hydrangeas that are alive and well - I just love the deep blue and purple.

I had to water everything in the yard tonight as all of the plants and beds were screaming with thirst. And with the forecast of 99+ tomorrow - I didn't want to come home from work to find a bunch of shriveled up plants staring at me. Hopefully the wildfire smoke won't be so bad.

Rainy days and Mondays...

Well, we've had both today! It's Monday and we got a little bit of much needed rain. No where near enough rainfall to diminish the Dismal Swamp wildfire, but we need and will take any rain that comes our way. My plants sure appreciated it!

I put some new plants in the pond yesterday. If they "take" and stay alive, I'll get some pics. And my new fish are just now beginning to get used to me - the small shubunkins are coming up to feed and seem to be the most friendly. The koi have almost doubled in size since I put them in so they must be happy! The comets just don't really care about anything. No frogs yet, but they will come back.


Zippy is scheduled for his regular hair cut this week - and he needs it! His fur is growing like mad and he's started to get knotted and tangled again. I'm going to have her take him a little shorter than usual so he'll be cooler. And he needs to be thinned out. She'll take good care of him - she always does.


My next door neighbors had to put their beloved little Yorky down last week. It was heart-breaking for them. Nikki was about 15 - 16 years old and had a very good life. You know what most people say - if I'm reincarnated, I want to come back as my dog? Well, the neighbors should be saying that too! She was a good little dog and a lot of company for them. I called her peanut because she was just a little squirt. We'll miss you Nikki.


OK - nothing much on tv since it is summer. Time to get the paintbrushes out and get busy in the art room! Christmas will be here before I know it. Oh - I said the dreaded "c" word...sorry.


Have a good week everyone.

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

And that's not just a song title! We have two separate wildfires burning in the area and we've been inundated with smoke/haze for several days. It's not so bad except when you get to work and you can smell the smoke in your office. I was "ok" with that until I went outside to go to a meeting...my throat and eyes weren't very happy. It cleared off around noon and got a whole lot better - we'll see what happens tomorrow.

I know the season is over, but they preempted the NCIS rerun tonight with some award thing for movies. Geesh - the nerve!

Almost Friday

Thursday night and I can already taste the weekend! Of course, it's going to be a busy one - stuff at Mom's house, my yard, the pond, etc. Maybe I'll get lucky and it will rain on Sunday! My brother was kind enough to get Mom's yard cut this week - so that's a relief and one more thing off of the checklist.

I don't know how we manage to stay so darned busy all the time. Seems like items never really get crossed off of the "big" household list and all the little petty things you keep putting off just pile up until you're overwhelmed. At least we're not bored, right.

With all of the neglect given to my yard this season, this bloom caught my eye. It's in the backyard where we get the most shade. I hope I don't kill it...

TGIF

We made it once again to those two treasured days called the weekend. And we went straight from spring into middle of August-type of heat - the heat index over the weekend is supposed to be 100+ so all I can say is thank god for air conditioning. And my neighbors' pool! And the ocean.

Mom had a set back this week and she's back with us for a while. She keeps having these short black outs and her doctor doesn't want her to be alone until they figure out why. She has a carotid ultrasound on Monday so maybe that will shed some light on the matter.

Still haven't seen the new critter. And honestly, I hope he has moved on - although I wish him no harm - he's just too cute. Just don't want 'em living under my shed.

After this latest heat spell subsides a tad, I have to spend some serious time in my yard weeding and planning. I still don't know what I want to do to the front since we graded it this year. I'm giving myself until September to develop a plan. Then at least I'll have a plan, right? Don't like to rush things!

New fishes are still with us. They are hiding under the pump box and haven't figured out that I'm the food wagon yet. But they will catch on. Having some issues now with plants - in that they aren't growing and spreading. It's always something, isn't it? Just get the water cleared up and new fishes, and now the plants don't want to grow. Maybe I need new plants.

Have a safe and air conditioned weekend....
Ciao.

Reruns

Well, if we have to watch reruns, I guess it's ok if they are of Gibbs and gang. We'll suffer through the summer somehow. Right D?

I haven't seen my new little yard critter since Friday night's first sighting so I'm not sure what the little guy is up to. Still haven't figured out if he's on his own or not. Maybe this week will provide our answers. We have a new delimenna though - over the weekend I was awakened around midnight to the sound of little scurrying feet in the gutters. This went on into the wee hours of the morning so I was not a happy camper come morning time. Maybe Zippy can scare them off for us!

Mom did well at the mall on Saturday. A real trooper. We walked the entire mall before we decided where to eat and she did very well. Then we made two other stops after that so it was a good day and she enjoyed getting out and about.

Well, we're almost to hump day yet Friday sounds so far away. It's my weekend to tend to Mom's yard but I can relax and hang out at the beach on Sunday.

Have a great week.

Babies in the Yard

What a beautiful night to end the week - asbolutely great weather to sit outside on the deck, feed the Blue Jays peanuts and the Robins grapes. While sitting and enjoying the cool temps on the deck with Schatze and Zip, I look over and walking along the rocks is this baby possum. Actually, I guess they call them opposum. I took Schatze in so she wouldn't go after it - that is , if she could see the thing! I then approached it to see if it was sick or something and it looked fine - just scared to death with this huge human monster hovering over it. So I followed it into the corner where the ivy is and took this picture. Cute little thing, isn't it? Then I scared the poor thing even more and it "froze" in place. So I left it and came back later. When I finally caught up with it a tad later - it was making its way toward my shed. Lo' and behold - it disappeared under the shed. They had chewed a hole in the chicken wire we have around the bottom. We don't know if momma is around, if this little guy was left behind - or what. But this isn't the first time they've moved in under the shed so we'll have to make sure they're gone and re-do the wire fencing.

Fish are doing well - as soon as they get big enough (and start coming to the surface) to take a pic of, I'll be sure to post. I found out tonight that they're hanging out underneath the box holding the pump. I guess there is just enough room for them to get under that box since they are still rather small. But the water is clearing and things are looking better. Keep your fingers crossed.

Happy Weekend to All!

Ciao.

Quick Post

What a wonderful holiday weekend it was....for once, I did nothing except absolutely relax. I did no housework, no chores, no laundry, nada - zilch - zero! And it felt good. I spent all 3 mornings at the beach with my bocce ball group at Sandbridge. The wind was a challenge for 2 days but other than that, very nice weather and an overall great weekend. We did put up flags around our "post" at the beach in honor of those who have served and sacrificed.

This weekend I will spend Saturday with Mom. We're going to MacArthur Center for lunch and a little retail therapy. With her being on oxygen, I don't know how long she'll last, but at least we'll give it the ol' college try.

New fish are fine - no floaters. But they aren't coming up to eat - they haven't quite caught on to the routine yet. When they get hungry enough, they'll surface. I can see them in the bottom. And my lily is sprouting - signs of improvement and progress. As soon as there is something to really photograph, I'll post a pic or two.

Well, I said I'd keep it short. Gonna call it a night and I'll try to post over the weekend.

Ciao.

Memorial Day

I just realized that I have put a post up for almost a week - geesh! Where does all my time go? Am I really THAT busy? Hard to say sometimes. I do know I come home tired each night and wait for it to get dark so I can go to bed. Silly rule, huh? My sister-in-law coined that phrase years ago - as long as it's dark outside, you can go to bed!

My favorite show had its season finale this week and what a trip! I just hate when they leave so many cliffhangers - come on, it's just not fair! They left us with a dead director of the unit and Gibbs with an entire new crew. And we don't like the new director - Leon. I agree with my friend - he has to go! And we can always hope that they do get rid of Leon and put Gibbs in charge of the unit. Now that would be fun! They didn't tell us what happened to Abby, so I assume she's still with us for next season.

My other favorite show did the same thing with the cliffhangers - but then again, if they didn't do that, how would they get you to come back in the fall? ER had it's season finale last week but unlike NCIS, we don't know which staff member bit the dust in the ambulance. September seems so very far away.

It's a holiday weekend and we're supposed to have wonderful weather! Might even go get my toes wet at Sandbridge on Monday - that will be the warmest day of the three.

Remember the reason for our holiday (that treasured day of sleeping in) and shake the hand of a serviceman when you see them and tell them Thanks!

Happy Memorial Day.

TGIF

Made it to yet another weekend...how sweet! And we are finally supposed to have a nice weather weekend...sunny and in the 70s - perfect for all that yard work that still needs to be done. And I finally bought some flowers/plants for the deck and will get those re-potted. I feel so far behind the 8 ball with my yard/deck this year. Life just keeps getting in the way!

I took Mom back home tonight - I think she was ready to get back in her own bed. I'm still a tad concerned about her little dizzy spells but she promises me she won't drive for a while. I can live with that. And she promises to take her meds, use her oxygen, eat right, etc. Just to appease me? Actually, I think she wants to do the right thing and get better. She tried really hard while she was here to help out and go with the flow - and she did a great job of it too! She was able to keep the Zip in line with going outside, etc., during the day - so she gets a gold star.

It's been a long week and I'm looking forward to a relaxing (sorta) weekend yet getting some things done around the homestead. Little things like sweeping up the dust bunnies in every corner and getting my flowers re-potted! And my neighbor is going to help me get some of my fish back in the pond - that will be a relief. I need to get them back in to get the whole ecological system built back up. I have some plants in the pond but I need the fishes to really get it back on track.

Happy Weekend - Enjoy the Weather and Enjoy Your Loved Ones.

Ciao.

Let's Go Racin' Boys!

Saturday night racing with Nascar! Tonight the boys are in Darlington, SC to see how many will leave with a dented fender or a completely broken car. Darlington is famous for the "Darlington Stripe" wherein a car gets a stripe of black down the right side from the driving scraping the wall. We just hit halfway and I think it's going to be a long night.

Today was spent doing Mom's yard - I rotate the duty with my two brothers. Mom went over with us to get out of the house for a little while. She seems to be doing better but then again, I'm not always so sure. She seems a little confused on taking her meds and is still unstable on her feet. She wants to go home tomorrow, but I'm not convinced yet. She hasn't quite gotten into the habit of using the oxygen and I have to keep reminding her - that and taking her meds.

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish my Mom and all of my "mom" friends out there a very happy, safe and loving Mother's Day.

Hugs to all.

Hump Day

We made it to Wednesday. It's been a busy week carting myself back and forth to the hospital for Mom, but, if all goes well this morning, I'll be bringing her home today. She's had about every pulmonary test you can have, ultrasounds, etc., so I don't think they can do anything else. Now we wait for results and the plan of attack.

Thanks to all of my friends for your kind words and support.

Another Tiring Saturday

Today was spent in the yard - again. I guess that's really the norm for us "weekend warriors" who only really have Saturday/Sunday to get all of that yard maintenance done. Today I worked on the bed next to the driveway. I transplanted some pachysandra I got from a neighbor. Then I scrubbed the swing with bleach water to get all of the mildew off of it (in prep for the Mother's Day Cookout next weekend). Then we finished (whoo hoo!) the waterfall by packing the dirt around the waterfall, putting the fern back in place and filling in all round it with rock. Hubby did a great job with the waterfall rocks and the flow of the water is just fabulous! I think we're done (I hope we're done!). Tomorrow (weather permitting) I'm going to pump a little bit of the water out and get some of my neighbors "good" water so the ecosystem can get a jump start and maybe I'll get fish in there before the end of the month. I'll get a pic of the waterfall up soon.

After all of that, we visited Mom in the hospital. Long story short, I took her to the ER on Thursday and she was admitted with what turned out to be congestive heart failure. Her ankles looked like big ol' sausages! They immediately put her on a powerful diuretic and an IV. She is doing better but they are still concerned about the fluid in her lungs. She saw a pulmonary specialist today who wants to run a scope into her lungs to see what else might be going on. But I'm waiting to talk to my aunt (who is a nurse) and the doc himself to see if it's really necessary.
All things said, she looks better, sounds better, is eating and hopefully we can get her home on Monday. She will probably come home with us for a few days to get her back on her feet.

We are supposed to get rain late/overnight and into the majority of the morning. If you know me at all, you know how I love rainy Sundays. It would be really nice to chill in the morning, enjoy that cup of joe, really read the newspaper front to end and get caught up on some shows we've put on the DVR....let's see if mother nature cooperates with my ideas!

As I write, I'm watching the Nascar race. My kid brother is in Richmond for the event and I don't envy him at all. My favorite spot for any race is now on my sofa! No crowds, no unruly drunks, no traffic driving home. Gosh, I sound old.

Been a long day. I'm going to crawl up into bed and see how much of the race I can watch. It's 9:36 and they are just half-way through the race. Oh - they just red flagged the race due to a major wreck. Looks like a long night for the racing boys.

Ciao.

Stormy Weather

Wow - did we have a round of storms this afternoon. Started with the radio announcements about tornado warnings in Suffolk and it didn't take long for the "warnings" to turn into the real thing! The pictures on the news tonight (which the local coverage is still on now!) looked like something you would see out of Kansas or Oklahoma. Terrifying devastation! You just have to feel sorry for all of those who lost so much - houses just completely gone and ripped off of their foundations. Even the chopper pilot was having a hard time putting it into words. Just a sad, sad situation.

Family and Politics

That's a loaded headline, isn't it?



This past weekend we went to the burbs of Philadelphia for hubby's uncle's 85th birthday celebration. On the way there, we decided to stop by another friend's house just a few miles from where we were staying. Said friend happens to live about 2 blocks from the Paoli Train Station that we drive right by. Little did we know that Barack Obama was having a "whistle stop" rally at the station when we arrived at the site. So we got to our friend's house and walked back over to the train station to listen to the candidate. Very exciting! I would have never guessed I would get that close to the man. We only caught about 10 minutes of his speech before he roared away on the train. But, how cool was that? Here's a picture I was able to snap before secret service men made me "keep moving."


The birthday celebration was wonderful. There were 12 folks at the dinner which was held at everyone's favorite restaurant in Paoli - San Nicola. We had a semi-private room in the back of the restaurant and were there for hours and hours. The chef himself came out to wish our guest a Happy Birthday. And of course, the red wine was flowing freely and the food was magnificent! The birthday "boy" was very touched by everyone being there (we surprised him - he didn't know we were coming) and really enjoyed his special night.

The road trip to Philly is never any fun. It took FOREVER to get up there Saturday - we've never seen traffic like that. Coming home wasn't as bad, but you're always ragged out on the drive home. You know the feeling - like you're never gonna get there. But we did so I'll stop whining now.


This weekend (if Mother Nature will cooperate) will be spent in the yard and the pond. I have some ideas for the front flower beds and I have a lot of work to do. And the pond still needs that final tweak on the waterfall. And we now have to fish out all of the pollen balls in the bottom of the pond too! It makes for very dark water and is not so pretty right now. As soon as everything is up and running properly and fish are thriving, I'll post some new pics.


Gonna check some email and get some dinner. Buon Appetito!

Spring Fever

What a beautiful day this has been. The sky was crisp and clear, there was a good breeze - although a tad chilly - and everything is in bloom. It's good for the soul to see the renewal of nature around us - all of the trees pushing out their new leaves, the perennials poking through the ground and the flowers in bloom.

So far, the pond is working fine - or should I say the waterfall is working fine. We're going to let it go another week or so then we'll go in and "adjust" the waterfall a tad. It's working fine, but it needs to be a little bit wider than we have it now so it lines up with the edge of the waterfall box. We'll get it all straight in time to put some fish in there this year. I miss my fishes. Not that I got so attached to the other ones, but it is very soothing watching them sliver around in the water. I think Zippy misses them too.

Gosh - it won't be long before we're whining that it's too hot outside, right?

Hello Sunshine!

We finally saw the sun again! Hallelujah! I was beginning to feel like a mushroom because it's been rainy and drizzly for about the past 5 or 6 days. But yesterday, the sun came back to visit. Sure made for a great day and lifted everyones spirits. However, the weather doom and gloom folks on the local news are predicting yet more rain tomorrow (another Saturday shot?) and again the first of the week. At least we're getting some of that rain we were wishing for a few months back

Spring is upon us and we haven't done much of anything around the ol' ponderosa. "Hopefully" we will get to repair the tilted waterfall in the pond tomorrow before the rains set in. And I am really behind in getting all of my potted plants out - I usually have all of that done by Easter. Although, Easter was early this year so I don't feel quite so bad. I am hoping to get it done before the end of the month if the weather will cooperate. I'm going to try and keep it simple this year (that's way I say every year) and just put out my favorites: a few geraniums, maybe some begonias, a pot of basil, a pot of rosemary, some petunias for the front steps and maybe a tomato plant (I'm thinking some cherry tomatoes or sweet 100's this year).

Schatze is really showing her age. She is having a real hard time negotiating the three steps in and out of the house and garage. She likes the front steps better because they're wider and she has more of a landing to get started on. She slipped going up the garage steps the other day and all she could do was just kind of hang there until I could get to her and pick her up - only a matter of seconds, but it must have felt like an eternity to her.

Well - at least if it rains tomorrow we can catch the NCIS marathon on USA Network! Here's hoping for good weather (I think - that's a toss up!).

Rainy days...

Another rainy weekend day - just like I like 'em. But didn't get to relax too much today - it was rather busy around the ol' homestead. We had the carpets cleaned this morning at the same time the groomer showed up for Zip and we decided to give Schatz a bath too. A tad chaotic, but we got through it. But before anyone showed up, it was up early at 6am and moving all of the "small" furniture out of the way. Then there was the vaccuming and when the carpets were done it was mopping the wood floors, cleaning house, dusting, etc. Just entirely too busy for a Saturday. So tomorrow, I'm gonna relax. We're having brunch with a few friends and then we're gonna come home and chill out and watch the Nascar race. Going to relax on my Sunday.

Whoo Hoo - a NCIS marathon today on USA Network. Just gotta love it!

It's only 9pm, but I'm feeling tired. Must be my age showing.

Hump Day

Well, we've made it to mid-week. And again, we're on that weather roller coaster ride. We had 75+ temps yesterday and today it barely reached 60. Will it ever end? I know, I know - I'll be belly aching in a few months that it's too hot, right?

One of my very dear friends at work who broke her wrist just got a new cast this week. She was in a full length arm cast up to her shoulder and now it's just below the elbow. She can actually bend her arm now. And I know she's hurting - maybe trying to do too much? But it's a pretty lime green cast - one that you wouldn't dare write on.

I have spent the last couple of nights looking for a B&B in either NC's Crystal Coast or the Eastern Shore around Cape Charles for a little weekend getaway here sometime soon. But with prices of just about everything out there climbing up and up, we might put that on hold. Maybe a quick flight to NYC - we can fly free and hubby has a cousin in Long Island City - so lodging is not a cost. We'll see. I'm just getting that itch to get away for a few days. It's been a long, tiring winter and I could use a change of scenery.

The pond has been put on hold until it gets a scad warmer...it's rather chilly to be playing around in water that's been sitting outside all winter. Brrrr. Maybe this weekend if it doesn't rain too much. But I love rainy weekend days to just lie around and do nothing.

OK, time to make the coffee for the morning and get ready for bed...4am comes awful early!

Ciao.

Weather Roller Coaster

The seasons can't make up their minds - yesterday the high was 78 - today I think we might have hit 50. It's enough to make you crack - but then again, it is Spring. Silly Season, if you will, why the climate gods try to work it all out.

Got up early and went to my Mom's to do the first cleaning of the year in her yard. Mom is in her early 70s and just can't quite do all that work anymore. Not that she doesn't want too...she will try to do anything herself first, and call in the troops when she can't. But the yard is another thing. The siblings and I have been rotating yard duty for a couple of years now. It was quite cold this morning but once you started moving - it wasn't too bad.

This afternoon I actually got back into the "art" room and picked up my paintbrushes which I haven't seen in quite a while. I used to paint ALL the time, but work, life and whatever just seem to get in the way. But I'm determined. And tonight I may get on the ol' pc and do some genealogy work.

I Jinxed It

Well, I had a feeling that I was bragging too soon about finding the leak. We still don't have a leak, but apparently the waterfall box has settled unevenly and we have a small spillway off to one side. It's an easy fix that we can do this weekend. Other than that, everything is fine and the water is clear as can be. That will all change soon with the pollen season upon us.

There was a Robin at the pond edge today on a flat rock that is just barely in the water and she was having a grand time splashing around taking her afternoon bath. I miss that activity and glad to see the songbirds have found the water again. It's quite entertaining to watch them - just ask Zippy!

E U R E K A !

We found the leak today! We started at noon. Drained the pond to just a couple of inches in the deep end. There was something slivering around in the muck and we found out it was a bullfrog who has made himself at home over the winter. We had decided that since the waterfalls were turned off and the pond was holding water that the leak had to be in the waterfalls themselves or the hoses running to it. So that was our first point of attack.

I found the beginning of the hose where it comes out of the pond and started digging it out of the berm we had buried it under. Hubby decided that using a hand trowel was too time consuming and got a shovel out. We came to find out that the small pine tree growing next to (and hanging over - it looks like a huge Bonsai tree!) the pond had grown so much that the trunk was pinching off the hose (which ran underneath the trunk) and caused a crack! WHOO HOO! We found it!

Now we had to dig the rest of it out so we could get the waterfall box out and replace the hose. What a chore. I forgot how heavy some of the rocks and slate pieces were - my back is really talking to me right now! We got the waterfall box out, cleaned all of the frog eggs from the sidewalls, cleaned the leaves and pine needles out the bottom, I ran to Animal Jungle and got new hose, we reconnected the waterfall box, rebuilt the waterfall (with the help of a neighbor who has a real knack for that kind of thing), refilled the pond, found the frog in the flower bed and put him back in the pond, turned the pump on, and WOW - everything worked. We just had no idea when we started at noon that it would take until 7pm to get it all done! Hot showers and pain medicine were definitely next on our list. Oh, and maybe some food!

We'll know more in the morning if we were successful - if so, I'll take some new pics and put upload them. It will be a couple of weeks (or longer) before I even attempt to put fish back in there. The whole ecological system has to rebuild itself. But my neighbor is willing to help by letting me have some of his pond water which is already steady. I'll keep you posted on our progress and when new fishes arrive.

Whew...what a Saturday. I'm ready to call it a day. I hope everyone has a wonderful, happy, safe Easter. I hear a pillow and a pain pill calling me.....Ciao!

TGIF

For some reason, this has been an unusually long week at work. Each day seemed to never end and the workload doesn't get smaller or go away - somehow it just grows and grows. OK, I know, I'm whining and I probably need some cheese with that. And I'll take it gladly.

So - it's Friday night and finally a chance to unwind. Spousal unit and I decided to start on the pond tomorrow afternoon - weather permitting. We're going to drain the whole thing, disassemble the waterfall - which basically means disassembling the entire pond, research the leak, fix it, and fill 'r up again! I think we should go ahead and get everything done, let it run and get re-balanced from an ecological standpoint, and see what happens. I have to have fish for the spring and summer....it's oh so every relaxing to sit and watch them. But with the falls off for a couple of weeks now, it's just looking really ugly. And we need to take care of things before mosquito season starts so the water is constantly moving. I'm looking forward to a "spring cleaning" with the pond, getting all the gunk and leaves out and starting anew. I think there's a frog in the pond because sometimes when you walk by, the water ripples a little and I see bubbles...so SOMETHING is in there. Like the Lock Ness Monster...only smaller.

So spring is here - time for renewal and rebirth and mulch and mowing and ......oh god, I forgot how hard it is to be a homeowner over the winter. Time to get moving!

Happy Easter to All. Be safe - be happy and most of all, be with the ones you love and let them know it.

Wednesday's Child

Is NOT full of woe! I just had a wonderful evening out with some friends of mine. We get together once a month come hell or high water. We went to the first watering hole that we started our little group at. We sat out on the patio and just had a very nice time. I just adore these women who have come into my life, enriched my life and made me understand what's really important in day to day life. It's not what you earn or what car you drive. It's how you look at life, how you look at yourself and how you deal with the hand you're given. And if any of you have half of the friends that I do - you'll go a long way. We shouldn't measure our life success by what we have, but rather by what we learn from those around us. And tonight, I learned that I have a very special group of friends who value my friendship and trust me, that goes both ways!

St. Patty's Day

The "storm event" Saturday night was a bust! Geesh - got all worked up for nothing. Just some rain. But we'll take it - we need it. All the flowers and trees are budding and getting ready to bust at the seams! I think Spring has arrived! Although you wouldn't know it by today's thermometer...brrr.....with a stiff wind. But relief is in sight.

As soon as the water warms up a bit, we're going to drain the pond and basically start over. We've determined that the leak is in the waterfall. We've had the falls turned off for a month or so now and viola! No Leak! That means disassembling the waterfall structure. Which basically means re-doing the whole pond. We'll get it done eventually - I miss my fish! And the birds are quite ready for the net to come off so they can get back in the "shallow end" and splash around for their afternoon baths. And the frogs will come back, and the dragonflies, and the squirrels - all of God's little creatures.

Stormy Weather

As I write, yet another frontal boundary is fast approaching the Hampton Roads area. They are calling for strong storms, high winds and of course, a lot of rain. We still need the rain so I say bring it on! Although I can do without the earth-shattering lightning and thunder in the middle of the night. The type that wakes you up because your windows rattle. But, if we must endure a little unsettling to get the rain, I guess I'll have to learn to deal with it.

Today was another beautiful day. I, like a fool, had to go to the oceanfront to visit a store (its only location) and of course, got stuck in all of the Shamrock Marathon traffic. They had the main strip closed off (Atlantic Avenue) and traffic from Pacific back a few blocks was just awful. But again, I got through that. Got my goods and managed to make my other stops during the day and get home by 3pm. Got to see my Mom too! A bonus. I called her and stopped for a cup of coffee. 'Twas a good day.

Visited the new "Super Target" store a few blocks away. I have to say I was not impressed. I guess the "super" part is a small food section with mostly freezer cases and some "grab it on the way home stuff" like milk and eggs. But with Wal-Mart right next door, I would most likely stop in there for the convenience (I know where everything's at in the store) and the prices. Other than that, it was just another Target store. And now we get to enjoy yet even more traffic around the neighborhood. Hubby and I were talking the other day about how we felt so far away from everything when we moved here 15 years ago. Now it's like fighting traffic around a major shopping mall at Christimas - every weekend. Best get out and do what you have to do before noon and get home before it gets too crazy! We pride ourselves on our sanity so far.

I think I'm going to get in the art room for a little while and work on some of my "slumped" bottles. I miss my paint brushes!

Ciao.

Spring Fever

Today was an absolutely wonderful day - I think we reached the upper 60's, had light winds, the sun was out, the Bradford Pears are blooming, daffodils are showing off - what's not to like? Tomorrow is supposed to be a carbon copy of today - I wonder how many folks will call in sick (or well?) and play hooky for the day? I wish I could, but I have too much to do for a Friday. Oh well...there will be other days.

...and the Blustery Day

This day reminds me a Winnie The Pooh story - what a wind event we're having today. We had a front move through (after a day or so of much needed rain) and the wind is just howling. It's almost spooky to be outside as if you're just waiting for a tree limb to snap and hit you in the head. Reminded me of a tropical storm in years past. Even Mr. Zip wouldn't stay out but for a few minutes at a time. He lived up to the term "scaredy cat" today.

And after a day or two of unseasonably warm weather - there's a definite chill in the air tonight. Supposed to go down into the 30's overnight - something we have seen for a while. This winter has certainly spoiled us. Makes me a little apprehensive about what the summer will bring.

I'm still fighting a cold and a sore throat but I'm near as bad off as my friend who just broke her wrist and is in a cast up to her shoulder. Sounds like no fun at all. My heart goes out to her.

Tomorrow is Sunday - the day of rest. And I think we'll do just that. Even with the head cold, I got up today and cleaned house, washed rugs - all that wonderful domestic goddess stuff. So I think I will rest tomorrow. A few friends are going out for brunch but I think that is going to be the extent of my effort for the day.



Think I'll take a hint from Mr. Zip and see how many "cat" naps I can get in tomorrow. After all, we loose a hour tonight with Daylight Savings Time.

How Time Flies

I can't believe it has been over a week since I posted to my blog. Can I possibly be that busy?

Actually, it has been a crazy week. My Mom was in the hospital ER on two different nights and they finally admitted her Wednesday with pneumonia and a 101.5 fever. Not good. They got the fever under control and ran all of the other standard lab tests and body scans and finally sent her home Friday. She's got quite a collection on antibiotics and inhalers to take now.

Work just seems to stay busy busy busy. There is absolutely no getting ahead anymore. Even if you do go in on Saturday for 3 or 4 hours. Just doesn't seem to put a dent in it. And it's not just me - anyone you talk to is up to their elbows in alligators. And the City, as of today, has implemented a hiring freeze so any vacant positions won't be filled for 6 months. That could hurt a lot of folks. Luckily, my co-worker and I had already filled one vacant position and she interview this week for the other one. We'll be ok for now, I guess. We have no other choice.

It's already March - can you believe that? I really don't know what happens with my time. Month after month just keeps tickin' off faster and faster. Time is just flying! But I'm ready for a tad warmer weather (spring would be fine - I don't want to go from 35 outside to hazy, hot and humid overnight!) so we can get back in the yard and start cleaning and sprucing up. We have our entire front yard to re-do since we graded it last fall. Had to take a tree down and the yard was actually two levels with a 3-4 high layer of landscape timbers separating them. So, when the damaged tree came down, we graded the whole thing. Now it is a nice, big, flat, green canvas to do something with. Better get my design books out!

Daffodils are in bloom and the Robins are getting active so I guess spring isn't that far behind.

Happy March everyone.

Weekend Eve

Well, it IS my weekend as I have taken tomorrow off. Sometimes we just need a "me" day to do whatever we want to do - or not. It's supposed to rain and I love rainy days so I may just lay on the couch and sleep all day with my four legged friends.

Tonight I'm having some friends over for dinner. This is a wonderful group of ladies that I formed a very special bond with. We get together every month for our own little hen party, some adult beverages and a lot of laughter! We usually meet at one of our favorite watering holes but we recently started rotating amongst our homes. I host tonight and they're gonna love it. I made a bit crock pot of Chicken Merlot and we're going to have some wonderful crusty bread from La Bella Italia paired with a plate of yummy EVOO and freshly grated romano cheese. I guess we'll have salad so we can say we ate healthy. And a good glass of nice chilled Pinot Grigio. They'll be here in two hours and I can hardly wait. The smell in the house from the chicken cooking all day is starting to get to me!

The birds are starting to show up in force (grackles and starlings) which means Spring can't be far behind. I know when my bird feeders get raped of all their food in one day, that the black birds are back. But I'm getting some Red Wing Blackbirds which are very pretty in flight. It's really cool to see a whole flock of them take off and the big ribbon of red that follows. I've noticed male Red Bellied Woodpeckers who are in full mating color and the cardinals are as red as ever. We'll have little fledglings before we know it.

The pond for some reason is holding water now. Of course it would - just to torque us a bit. As soon as the weather breaks, we'll drain it completely, trouble shoot the leak situation and get it ready for some new fish. My neighbor says the fish are happy in her pond so I doubt I'll get them back.

OK. I'm off to stir the chicken and get the rest of dinner ready. Bon Apetito!

Thank Heaven for Weekends

What a great weekend this has turned out to be. After last weekend with all the back-breaking work with painting the bedroom, I was determined to make this weekend a more relaxing, slower paced 2 days.


A co-worker and I drove up to beautiful Mathews County to visit a former manager of ours. After a half-hour detour to check on a possible leaking rear tire, we arrived just before noon. What a beautiful drive it was. Route 17, while it has its share of stop lights, is really a nice drive. Our friend lives just a stone's throw away from the Piankatank River and what a view that is. This picture isn't one I took, but gives you a real good idea of what we saw. It was rather (ok - very) chilly standing on the river shore, but worth every minute of it. Lunch was wonderful and filling, the sangria was most tasty (evident of the empty jug at the end of the day) and the hospitality unmatched. This dear friend was a role model for me, a mentor for me and most of all, a true friend. I miss her presence each day at work and treasure the time we can get together.


Today is going to be slow-paced. I plan to relax the rest of the day, read the newspaper, see what's on sale this week, and enjoy the Great American Race at 2pm. I have always wondered why NASCAR has their "super bowl" of events as the first race of the season. Seems it should be the other way around, doesn't it? Oh well. The first race of the season is always an exciting one and true NASCAR fans will tell you that you never know what will happen and it ain't over until it's over. All it takes is one - one hundreth of a second to cross the finish line first and visit Victory Lane. Check out NASCAR if you're new to the sport - see what you think.

Enjoy your Sunday, be kind to your loved ones but most of all, be kind to yourself. Relax, refresh and renew - because it is all about YOU.

The Dog Days of February

Now, that doesn't sound right does it? Oh well. It's been a very long week at work, it's been raining all day and my feeble little brain has had enough. Gosh, and it's just hump day.

You will be happy to know that the bedroom is spic and span with a shiny (well, not really, I chose a flat finish) new coat (or two) of paint - ceiling too! Don't get too excited - I went with very natural, neutral colors for now. I did paint one wall as an accent but it's very subtle. But the wall is an easy one to get to and move a few things out of the way, so I can "bump it up a notch" later when the mood hits me to get wild and put a real color on the wall. I'm just too afraid of taking a risk with too much color - and have to repaint it again and again. Chicken little I am I am.

Zippy didn't get any paint on him but he kept coming into the room and walking around - I think he like the sound of the tarps squishing under his feet. Either that, or he's just a little weird. Ok, I think we know the real answer here.

Schatze could have cared less. Mr. Wonderful too for that matter! Although he was a great help getting the room put back together, the ceiling fan blades on, dressers moved into place, etc. I couldn't have done it without him. I think I'll keep him (and no Diane - he doesn't hire out!). And sorry, but I forgot the before and after pics - I do hope no one looses sleep over that.

So, the writers stike is over! Yipee! How long before a new NCIS comes on? Bummer though that we have to wait until '09 for a new season of 24....my new favorite show (after Mr. Harmon, of course). I'm sure we'll benefit from this strike in some form or fashion - like, maybe they will keep any new reality shows to a minimum...ugh! So over those.

OK, I've rambled enough. Until next time - Ciao!

Now What?

The Super Bowl is over, Super Tuesday is over and the ground hog saw his shadow. Whatever will we do for the next six weeks of winter? Although, if the weather is like it is now (we hit what, 75 today?) I don't think we'll have anything to worry about. I've seen daffodils peaking through the dirt and the birds are out in full force in the mornings...no one seems to know what season it is. The flowers will get out and bloom and we'll have an ice storm and it will kill them and anything else budding/blooming that thinks it Spring already. Poor little songbirds won't know what to do.

It's decided - I'm going to paint the bedroom on Saturday. Mr. Wonderful has agreed to help me move furniture out of the room Friday and I'll get it taped off and ready to roll - literally! Should only take a couple of hours as long as the dog and cat don't decide to help. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on the progress. Before and after pics? We'll see.

Hey - it's Tuesday night. That can only mean one thing - NCIS!

Ciao...

February Already?

Wow - where does all this precious time go? Tomorrow is Ground Hog Day already. What's the little guy gonna do this year? Sunday is Super Bowl. We have Valentine's Day this month as well as President's Day - it's a happen' month!

It has been a hectic couple of weeks. I promised myself that when the Learning 2.0 thing was over with, that I'd spend more time investigating some of those wonderful tools that I learned about. NOT! I just don't know what happens to my time. I always thought I was pretty organized and detailed, but some days I have my doubts. But my "to do" list at works never really seems to shrink (just the opposite), and the ATP list at home hasn't gone anywhere in a couple of months and I still have pond issue to deal with.

Speaking of the pond. We've filled it once again (sans the milk) and turned the pump off to see how much water we loose. It's just been one week and so far, ok. It's a complete mystery to us. All good things come to those who wait. And wait, and wait...

Hmm...what else is going on? Now that I have my Mom's den painted, I think I'm going to tackle my bedroom next weekend. No time like the present, right? Why put it off. Like working on the backyard this weekend. Sunday is supposed to be "warm" for this time of year (mid-50's) so I think I can get out there and clean out the bird pit, clean up the lower deck, trim some perennials and clean up the potted plants. After all, it will be Easter before I know it and time to put new stuff out. Schatze will enjoy a day outdoors as well.

My poor little Schatz....we both feel like it won't be long for her. She seems like she's on her last legs which actually give out on her going up and down the 3 steps from the garage to the house. She's had a wonderful life (I always said that if I'm reincarnated, I want to come back as my dog!) so we can't get but too upset. Then there's Zippy - he's, just, well, he's a cat. What else can I say?

Be good - or be good at it! Ciao.

Web 2.0 Euology

Well, it's not quite dead....let's just say it's taking a break for now.

The Library Department has finished its Web 2.0 learning initiative. And what a long, strange trip it's been. Back in November when this whole thing started, I never would have thought I would have my own blog or have set up so many internet accounts for online collaboration. Quite a trip indeed.

I can honestly say that I have enjoyed the 2.0 experience. I have learned so many things, connected with so many people and have so many more things I want to investigate. I can't say that I want to set up a "My Space" account, but I'll at least learn more about it. I did set up a Flickr account (probably my favorite of them all so far) and a Library Thing account (probably one I won't use so much - or ever) and del.icio.us (which I just love) - just to name a few.

Web 2.0 has taught me to keep an open mind and try not to show my age too much. Just because I don't want to set up a My Space account, doesn't mean I can't visit friends who have done so. I love all of the tools, engines and creator/generator tools available - how cool are some of those? I have come to learn that our only limits are our own imagination - or fear of not knowing something. You have to put yourself out there (to some degree) to experience these learning tools and then you make a decision if they are right for you or not.

On the other hand, some of those in library land (I'm thinking information staff) may be required to use these tools in the future in order to productively communicate with our customers and effectively deliver the services they demand. Time will tell, but I do know that we can't keep sticking our heads in the sand and ignoring these technologies and whatever else comes down the pike next month, or next year!

The future is now - we have to adapt, accept, and change if we are to survive.

Dicey Ice

My oh my...what a commute to work this morning was. I work just 3 miles from my house and would you believe that it took me 2 hours to get there due to ice on the roads? In Virginia Beach? Holly Hannah! We had overnight temps in the upper 20's and a very brief rain shower at 5am that commenced to turn every back road in the south part of the city into an ice rink! The last I heard on the radio there were 23 accidents just in Va. Beach. Geesh!

So of course, the whole day started off behind the 8 ball. But I managed to get some stuff done on top of a 3 hour software demo. Just another day? I think not.

Paneling and Painting

Silly me - I agreed quite some time ago to paint the paneling in my Mother's den. It's a small room and the dark panels really made it like a little cave. Well, we put it off since before the holidays so I decided that now as good a time as any. Last weekend, I spent two days scrubbing it down (the den is right next to the kitchen - think greasy stuff) and sanding and taping off the wood trim. Whew...that was enough in itself. Then this weekend, I got the paint cans out and got to work. Started Saturday morning at 9am and finished that night at 7pm. Ended up doing the whole job myself. I put on two coats of primer and two coats of latex and rolled the ceiling. My back felt like someone had hit me with a 2 x 4, my hand was cramped from holding either a brush or roller all day, and my feet - we won't even go down that road!

Then it was back over there today to take all the tape off - move the furniture back in place - put face plates back on outlets, hang the vertical blinds, etc. I thought it would never end. But we have success - a nice, bright room that will cheer her up when she's sitting and watching her San Diego Padres or Chargers play (too bad the Chargers lost today). I guess I should have taken before and after pictures, but my mind was just on getting the job done.

She's happy with it and I like to help her out because she can't quite do all of the things she used to do - and she's the most independent person I know. But she has some issues with being on a ladder the holding her balance, so it's best she doesn't attempt these kinds of things herself. Don't need her in the ER with broken body parts.

After that, came home, turned on the fireplace and the Patriots/Chargers game, had a glass of wine, got my favorite blanky and took a little nap. But my back and feet still hurt.

Playin' Around

I was playing around with a magazine cover generator with a picture my neighbor took in Key West last year....pretty cool, eh?

Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

Subscribe to National Geographic Magazine at a 30% discount!

Odds and Ends

I thought it was time to put something new on this here 'ol blog of mine. I think I already mentioned that our Learning 2.0 is basically complete - we just have to blog about the whole experience. I'll do that at a later date. Here's a picture of an asparagus fern on my deck trying to hang on a few more weeks. And I posted a new pic of Zippy at his new favorite spot - right in front of the sink by the dishwasher. Will add more later - when life slows down a hair...yea, right!

Rolly-O

Where do they come up with these names? First off, hate the red color theme of Rolly O - it's very annoying to me, but hey, that's just me. Second, this seems a lot like del.icio.us to me - just in a different format. Isn't that what del.icio.us is - a catalog, if you will, of your favorite web sites? LIke my last post, this would be just one more thing to maintain with logins, passwords, etc.

Library Thing

Another lesson this week was to visit a site called Library Thing wherein you can set up your own personal catalog system of books that interest you. And of course, you can share your catalog "thing" with others very much like delicious. I'm probably one of the few people in the library department that doesn't read a lot - I know - I should be ashamed. On a personal level, I don't see a need for this tool. It is one more account, login, password, and list to maintain and keep current and quite honestly, I'm in overload as it is. While I've enjoyed every bit of Learning 2.0 (I never would thought I'd have my own blog!) I just don't see myself using this particular tool. But here is the link to My Library Thing if you care to see it. Don't get too excited - there's only one book there at the moment.

Generators

WOW - what cool stuff! I just started on our 2.0 Thing lesson this week and the first one is about online image generators. My oh my we've come a long way and what a variety of stuff that's out there! I have marked the Generator Blog to my delicious account as I can see myself visiting this quite often to explore new things. I played around a bit with the Calendar feature in FD Toys and see where this could be quite beneficial. I have in the past sent photos out on CDs to have calendars made or gone to Kinkos - now I can do it from home! Cool.