Tink's Tribulations

In Review

2012-01-04T11:18:00.003-06:00

I know I said I would be better about this now that I can post using Chrome, but December got here and poof, it was gone. It was a fast year, 2011. So many things and so few.

I found out I have type 2 diabetes. I was sooooooo furious. It runs in Pan's family, not mine. I eat well, very little sugar (okay I do like pasta). And who gets the diabetes.... ME. He ends up with a B12 problem, in that his body isn't absorbing it. Hopefully all those shots he has to take will clear that problem up soon. And all the pills I'm taking will clear mine up, right? LOL.

November was a month of getting ready for Christmas. Cleaning house, deciding if we were going to get a new tree or not (we did). And hanging pictures (see below). And then decorating. Only the inside though until we got back from our trip.

First week of December found us at the Royal Pacific Hotel at Universal Studios where Pan attended VS Live (or some such thing). Staying at a Universal hotel gave us access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter an hour earlier than the general public and I took full advantage of it just about every day. (I missed one morning). We caught up with our nephew, T, and his wife, M, and spent the day of the 4th (which is Pan's birthday), at Universal and then to dinner at Jake's. Great fun, and it may turn out that M and I are distantly related. More genealogy research in my future, I see. More about our stay at Universal later (and pictures)

After we returned, it was definitely time to finish up the Christmas shopping. We had previously bought and sent Bomb a toshiba tablet to use in her PT classes, but the Princess kept hounding us about a laptop, so yeah, she got one. Indy came out with kinects for his x-boy and several games. Santa was good to all the kids this year. Nuke and his wife made it down. I was so excited to see them. Nuke had not been home for Christmas in about 5 years.

And I can't believe, I forgot to take my camera to my sister's house on Christmas day. All the pictures I got were from my phone. Arghhhh. I'll get them downloaded one of these days and posted.

Chrome installed

2011-12-02T17:24:00.002-06:00

And let's see if I can post now. Won't be much, but if it works will try and be better in the future.

She's alive

2011-08-10T15:41:00.000-05:00

Okay, I go through phases. And the last few months have been one of them. Summer with the grands (yippee). We had Indy for the first week of summer then had to turn him over to his other grandparents for the remainder (or so we thought). The Princess turned 12 and said I made the best smoothies ever and should market them. No way, Jose.

Then I called our daughter to see if we could meet Indy's other grandparents halfway again, the weekend before she came to get them so she wouldn't have to make an extra stop and was informed that we could make arrangements to pick him up an extra week.

We all had so much fun. Indy, the Princess, Pan and I. Absolutely great summer. Unfortunately it did not end so well for the daughter. As she was headed back home, her car blew a tire, she stepped in a bed of ants and Indy slammed a car door on her finger.

But all things happen for a reason. Once she got back, she bought a new vehicle, the swelling in her foot went down and her finger wasn't broken. And I am happy.

Project 365 Week 17

2011-04-30T12:50:00.002-05:00

Another week of Florida beach vegetation. Sorry this time I don't know the names (except, of course, as noted).
Day 113

Day 114

Day 115

Day 116Cone on a sand pine.

Day 117

Day 118Indian Blanket

Day 119

Project 365 Week 16

2011-04-23T08:45:00.004-05:00

Plants found along the beaches in my area. Some native, some invasive. Some I have names for, most I don't.

Day 106Red Bay, a member of the Laurel family.

Day 107Tree damaged by winds.

Day 108Saw Palmetto. Favorite hiding place of snakes.

Day 109If you look closely in the midst of the green you will see what I believe is a member of the Agave family, better known as the Century plant.

Day 110The Sand Live Oak is a cousin to the Myrtle Oak, but I know it better as a scrub oak.

Day 111No this is not Rosemary, but Conradina which smells like and can be used as the Rosemary herb.

Day 112A Sand Pine.

Project 365 Week 15

2011-04-16T08:17:00.004-05:00

Photos from around the area

Day 99

Day 100

Day 101

Day 102

Day 103

Day 104

Day 105

Project 365 Week 14

2011-04-09T10:42:00.003-05:00

Day 92Last week's macro challenge (which I didn't do then) was black and white. This is what is on the inside of a coffee cup that was presented to Pan and I from his sister.

Day 93Last week's P52 challenge (again I didn't do it then) was to break the rule of thirds. (I kind of like how this turned out)

Day 94Back on track, this week's macro challenge... two of a kind. I chose to use two types of pins.

Day 95This week's P52 challenge... repetition. Here you can find a close up of some crocheting, all in double crochet.

Day 96The produce bag that I crocheted this week. Fun, easy, fast and now it needs to be lined. LOL.

Day 97A fire or controlled burn. Pan and I went through a lot of areas like this recently.

Day 98Leaning tower? Or quicksand? Maybe just a house not built level.

Project 365 Week 13

2011-04-02T10:26:00.005-05:00

Day 85Some animules have it just too good. Kfkap has decided the bunk is his and to prove it sleeps with his head on the pillow and a book (albeit a phonebook) close at hand.

Day 86Our little one (not so little anymore) got to visit for a couple of days. I imagine it wouldn't be much longer before snuggling next to Pan will be a taboo.

Day 87The next morning it was who was faster... Indy or the camera. Looks like the camera won. But just barely.

Day 88No More Pictures. Click.

Day 89A time for goodbyes. I still miss him desperately. I really hope his father moves back so that we could see him more often. But I mustn't get my hopes up.

Day 90The next day the clouds echoed my gloomy feelings. The house was soooo quiet. It always is, but more noticeable after Indy has been visiting.

Day 91Such traitors, those clouds. I was still in thralls of depression and they appeared fluffy and white.

Project 365 Week 12

2011-03-26T08:50:00.004-05:00

Day 78Project 52's challenge this week was "naturally black". I chose this cute little clown fish since he definitely qualifies.

Day 79The macro was challenge was "colors of the rainbow". Here is a reflection off glass.

Day 80Remember that tree from last week and I said I would try to get a close up of the blossoms? Well, I remembered.

Day 81Here is another tree in the neighborhood. I wonder if we have changed landscaping services. Whoever is doing it now, seems to really like to shape the bushes and trees.

Day 82Old kfkap at his finest... pouting.

Day 83A rose by any other name might not always smell as sweet, considering this one if fabric.

Day 84Rattan/Wicker weave on the back of one the tiny princess chairs.

Project 365 Week 11

2011-03-19T22:37:00.004-05:00

I know, I'm running late. I got so caught up with getting my genealogy program up to day and trying to prepare for the kids, that I plumb forgot to post these. I'll try to do better next week ;)

Day 71
P52 Project at Gotta Pixel this week Was doors. Through a door to be more exact.

Day 72
Then the Macro Project was reflections.

Day 73
One of our unopened treasures... A Peter Pan toy. It is so easy to find Tinkerbell everywhere, but difficult to find Peter Pan. We were lucky to get this one. I think it was the last one they had.

Day 74
A Marine Corps coin which my son gave me to hold on to. And which he won't get back anytime soon, LOL.

Day 75
My daughter-in-law, Honey, sends me the cutest cards and boxes. This was our Christmas card from a couple of years ago. It now has a place of honor on my shelf.

Day 76
One of Nuke's works of art. It's too little and too fragile to use at Halloween so it sits next to the Christmas card.

Day 77
Trees are in bloom and every one's allergies are acting up. Beautiful tree though. I'll try to get some close-ups for next week.

Project 365 Week 10

2011-03-12T07:00:00.003-06:00

Day 64
A friend of the Bug's made this. I'm so lucky to have it.

Day 65
Nuke made this one many years ago. Who knows what it is suppose to be. Maybe he was trying for the Jade ball that he eventually picked up in his travels for the Princess.

Day 66
P52 project this week was Still Life-Beverages.

Day 67
The Macro project was "fluffy". Luckily I still has some fluff left from Halloween to use as a subject.

Day 68
The aforementioned jade ball.

Day 69
On of the hundreds of dolphins gracing the house, this one is marble.

Day 70
And one of the many lions that are hanging around.

Project 365 Week 9

2011-03-05T07:00:00.005-06:00

Day 57
Nothing like barreling down the interstate at 70 miles an hour and snapping away. I love to get pictures of old house, rambling, ramshackle and just tumbling down. And I have worked hard at getting them from the car, as Pan is just not going to stop every time I want to take a picture. But then I'm just as anxious to get home myself.

Day 58
If you look carefully there is a house growing up in the middle of this copse of trees. Or is it the other way around? The trees are growing up around a deserted house.

Day 59
P52 challenge this week was lines. I chose siding. (It's a house thing).

Day 60
The macro challenge was faces. I really did not know that when I was teasing the Nuke and trying to take pictures as close as I could.

Day 61
There is a Cloud 365 project online. I don't participate, but I sure like looking at the pictures. Anyway, when I walked out this day and saw how surreal the clouds looked, it demanded a picture.

Day 62
Pan's grandmother was a painter. A very good one and we have dozens of her paintings waiting to be put back up. (We took them down when we were painting the walls.) She also painted a beach scene (which may be in key west) on this seashell.

Day 63
And not to let the artistic talent of the Princess get by, here is a boat she built 4 or 5 years ago. I know, I keep the strangest things, but just wait to see what I have planned for next week.

Viking Wedding - Challenge

2011-03-04T07:00:00.004-06:00

Time with the Children

Viking Wedding - The Feast Part 2

2011-03-03T07:00:00.001-06:00

Good Food, Good Times

Time to relax & don't get in a spa if you are 5 foot tall or under

Viking Wedding - The Feast Part 1

2011-03-02T07:00:00.002-06:00

A Feast to Remember

Viking Wedding - Ceremony

2011-03-01T07:00:00.001-06:00

The Ceremony

Viking Wedding - Family & Friends

2011-02-28T14:39:00.005-06:00

Wedding couple, family & friends

Stepfather of the groom, Pan.

Pan, Nuke (the groom)and Bear (uncle).

Pan, Tink, Mamma, Nuke, ddpuppies, Bear.

Nuke's father, Nuke, stepmother.

MiLady and Nuke, the wedding couple.

MiLady and Nuke.

MiLady and Nuke.

MiLady with son and friend.

MiLady with friends.

MiLady with friends.

Project 365 Week 8

2011-02-26T07:00:00.003-06:00

Wow. Look at this week 8. Two months. Patting myself on the back, LOL.

Day 50
This week's P52 was "spot of color". That's it. No explanation just using the old noggin. Mine happens to be a bit of red piping and gold buttons on a field of blue. Bet you can guess what it is too, can't you? Just call me a proud mom.

Day 51
My grandfather's martini set. Now it is just for show. But pretty cool, huh?

Day 52
A shot glass from Germany sitting in a zarf holding cocktail umbrellas.

Day 53
A mini zen garden on a shadow box shelf in my computer room.

Day 54
Fabric that I considered for Indy's viking clothes.

Day 55
This is what he will end up with. I just noticed it looks a lot like a Qui Gon's outfit. I wonder if he will see the resemblance?

Day 56
Shelf number two of the china cabinet. Opposite side of the martini set is my oriental plates, bowls and chopsticks, along with a wedding picture.

Project 365 Week 7

2011-02-19T07:00:00.004-06:00

Day 43
The macro project this week was something unexpected (although it could be stages???). What was unexpected was in searching further into my china cabinet I came across these hand-blown glass cocktail stirrers that came with drinks we had ordered at a TGIF's in Orlando about 10 years ago.

Day 44
Gotta Pixel's Project 52 this week was Still Life with food. How fortuitous that I was having a master chef salad on the very same day. Leftover roast, steamed asparagus, hard boiled egg, romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes and fresh, water packed mozzarella cheese. Doesn't get any better than this.

Day 45
Our oldest is celebrating his wedding next week with a recreation Viking ceremony. As mother of the groom, I couldn't just wear any old thing and spent the better part of the last couple of weeks making the underdress and apron dress.

Day 46
This is another one of my cork sculptures, but the protective shell had gotten broken. It is another hidden treasure in the china cabinet.

Day 47
Down below in the cabinet is a fish bowl (we bought it for the purpose of recreating Quark's Warp Core Breach drink that we had at the Star Trek Experience in Las Vegas several years ago). Now it is a catch all for a number of things. Can you figure out what everything is?

Day 48
On the shelf below the fish bowl is our holiday wear. Champagne glasses being held by skeletal hands, hot chocolate mugs, coffee cups along with salt & pepper shakers for Christmas.

Day 49
A wedding souvenir - rice tray with our champagne glasses, my and my daughter's fan bouquets, souvenir marriage certificate, wedding announcement/invitation and my headpiece. Now that I have a new chest of drawers, maybe I should hang it above it in the bedroom.

Project 365 Week 6

2011-02-12T07:00:00.004-06:00

Day 36
Godiva chocolate chips. The Gotta Pixel macro challenge this week was candy.

Day 37
The project 52 challenge at Gotta Pixel was "10 minutes from home." Ten minutes from my house and you run into the Geek Squad.

Day 38
I'm going to be doing a bit of china cabinet diving this week and next. When I took this picture, I realized I have quite a few unique items being stored here. I have a matching "Her Ladyship" coffee cup as well. They were a gift from Pan's sister.

Day 39
Hiding behind some china, I found a Mickey Mouse souvenir that we picked up about 20 years ago.

Day 40
Most people get bronzed baby shoes to remember their children or grandchildren's infancy with. My daughter-in-law and son made a molding of Ballerina's fist and made glass replicas.

Day 41
I don't recall where this tiny sand painting jar came from. Probably my brother-in-law. It only stands about 1 1/2" tall but the picture is very detailed.

Day 42
Okay, my wine glasses have a wardrobe. This is one of their shoes. Very springtime, don't you think?

Project 365 Week 5

2011-02-05T07:00:00.001-06:00

Day 29
Any guesses, any takers? Hint: after his accident.

Day 30
Shake it up. A flashlight that runs on being shaken. Nice to have around when you realize you have run out of batteries.

Day 31
The coaster that graces my computer room. A beloved gift from my daughter and grandchildren several years ago.

Day 32
One of the Project 52 challenges was saturation. I could not believe how lacking in color my home is. Luckily this "gingerbread cookie" by Indy was on the side of my fridge. He did it in preschool several years ago and I STILL have it.

Day 33
Won't the Princess be thrilled and surprised when she gets this. A friend/co-worker had bought it a couple of months ago and just found out it is too small. Lucky Princess.

Day 34
The other Project 52 challenge was to get up close to an object. Well that is the whole point of macro's right? Except this time so close you had to guess what it was. This was one of the items I was toying with. It's a crown from a Tinkerbell party collection the Bug sent me years and years ago for my birthday (yep, I'm a pack rat).

Day 35
This month Star Wars Clone Wars Legos (talk about a mouth full) by Traveler's Tales is suppose to come out for the various game systems. Need to dust of the controller and get ready. I hear tell they are coming out with another in May.... Pirates of the Caribbean.

Project 365 Week 4

2011-01-29T07:00:00.001-06:00

Day 22
The macro project for this week was one of water.

Day 23
I find it interesting to note that over the years my employers seemed to be fascinated with my interest in Star Trek. One of my first employers bought me this shuttle craft radio/alarm clock.

Day 24
Kfkap has been utterly annoying this week. Payback is sweet revenge, especially when several times this week he found himself an unwilling partner to my photography efforts.

Day 25
This was especially satisfying to take a picture of as he had been asleep. Bwah ha ha ha ha ha.....

Day 26
One of the numerous television/cable remotes floating around the house. Actually this pretty much stays put in the bedroom.

Day 27
One of the tiny planters (maybe an 1 1/2" tall)that the Princess painted when she was about 5. Oh my, I just realized that was 7 years ago.

Day 28
Ant what better way to end the week than with a close-up of a corner of a favored picture of Scamp's family wedding picture.

Project 365 Week 3

2011-01-22T07:00:00.004-06:00

Day 15
When I got home from Ladies Night this week, I found we had a new addition to our kitchen appliances. Guess Pan figured this was the only way he would get fried foods again.

Day 16
Funny, we don't eat a lot of ice cream but we seem to have more than our share of ice cream scoops (and these are just three of them).

Day 17
Can you guess? If you said a citrus fruit peeler, you would be absolutely correct. I keep forgetting I have it.

Day 18
While digging through one of my kitchen drawers on another day, I came across my shrimp de-veiner. Guess I ought to think about picking up some shrimp soon.

Day 19
Another "Can you guess it?" moment. We use to use it at the table with peas or corn to drain the liquid. It actually is a mint julep strainer.

Day 20
My journal to my middle child and youngest son. I have one for each of my kids that I write in from time to time. I'm hoping they will look fondly upon them when I am no longer here.

Day 21
And just looking at these makes me want to go fix a cup of coffee. My favorite is the espresso with dark magic coming in 2nd.

Project 365 Week 2

2011-01-15T07:00:00.003-06:00

Day 8
While trying to find a place to put a Christmas tray, I found this tea set I bought for the Princess when she was about 4 years old. Made of china porcelain the cup measures about 1" high.

Day 9
Home project for 2011. Remove the popcorn texture from the ceiling.

Day 10
Japanese tea sets play a big part in my life. This one is a set my father brought back from Japan when I was just a little girl. The handle is broken off and one of the cups is shattered, still, I don't have the heart to toss it.

Day 11
When the handle broke off the previous teapot, I went in search of a new one. I bought this from a local Japanese store. Several years later the paint on the inside started peeling off and since the pot was made of lead, it no longer can be used for serving tea. I keep it around as a reminder of what to look for when purchasing pots.

Day 12
The orient seems to have played a big part of my life. I have numerous knick knacks that we have picked up over the years including this tiny cork sculpture.

Day 13
The 3D movies seem to be coming out in droves now. I remember when we bought the television, the only movie we could watch for months was "Monsters vs. Aliens". Now there are several documentaries and a lot more movies.

Day 14
According to Pan, New Year's Day constitutes a holiday and although late, he bought me a mini-notebook of my own.

Project 365 Week 1

2011-01-08T12:21:00.005-06:00

I'm really going to try this time to complete the 365 project. This time in macro. Hopefully, cross my fingers, etc., etc.

Day 1
My new Keurig coffee machine.

Day 2
A trunk Christmas party. Since Indy and his mom were not with us at Christmas, we celebrated it out of the back of her suv when we dropped the princess off.

Day 3
New Foodsaver. Santa Pan was good to me this year.

Day 4
Christmas gift from some very good friends... A Scentsy Marine warmer and scented wax.

Day 5
This is for my sisters to guess. One should know what this is, as I explained it to her. The other, maybe.... ;P

Day 6
Another test for my sisters. Can you figure it out?

Day 7
A dragon candle holder. The candle sits behind the eyes making them flicker and wink.

For those who just have to know. Day five is for pulling oven racks out so you don't burn yourself. Day six is for lifting cookie sheets and shallow pans out of the oven instead of using an oven mitt.

Release

2011-01-03T15:53:00.004-06:00

Earlier I was reading Simply Yin and she had a link to Ali Edward's post One Little Word. Each year Ali picks a word and here is what she has to say about it:

And what do you do with this one little word?

You live with it. You invite it into you life. You let it speak to you. You might even follow where it leads. There are so many possibilities.

I chose the word "release". I didn't even have to think long on it. As I was reading Yin's post, it just popped in my head.

And it is an appropriate word. This year I want to release (as in 'let go of') my frustrations, anger and pettiness, finding a new direction for them. Put them to good use if I must partake in them.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T11:32:00.002-06:00

It had been a busy December, with the kids coming in, a week in Key West and the travel to and from. Almost didn't feel like Christmas at all. But boy, did we have a great time with the kids.

And now we are at the first day of a brand new year with loads of Florida's liquid snow (i.e., RAIN). Later we will be attending a birthday party for the Princess' brother and other grandfather, then back home to burn the pictures of Key West to cds for the Bomb.

Hope you are all having a glorious day. And HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T07:27:00.002-06:00

Kind of quiet this year with all the kids gone. We will be getting the Princess in about an hour to head over to my sister's to celebrate.

Here's wishing all my blog friends the best of the holiday season and a most joyous New Year.

Happy Birthday Pan

2010-12-04T10:17:00.002-06:00

I hope you have the best day ever and I am more than thrilled and grateful that we shall grow old together. You are the best.

Love you Dad

2010-11-17T17:29:00.002-06:00

Six years, some times it feels like an eternity, others just like a few moments. But a day doesn't go by when at some point I don't think of my father. I really miss him. I miss the "bah humbug" when he answers the phone at Christmas, I miss seeing him lean up against the bar to annoy my mom. I miss hearing his voice...

And I hope that he was looking down with a smile as Nuke and his fiance exchanged vows today. Congratulations children. We are looking forward to the reenactment wedding in February.

Happy Birthday Mom

2010-11-14T07:00:00.002-06:00

I got you a card. Really I did. It's sitting right here beside me. I just keep forgetting to post it. I will get it in the mail no later than Tuesday :) But I do want you to have the best birthday ever...

Clouds rolling over the moutains
as I watch from our window at the Bellagio

More Halloween Pix

2010-11-05T11:52:00.005-05:00

Not going to give a running commentary this time. The only thing here is that I shot these with my T-100 Olympus point and shoot camera using their "magic 2" setting giving the pictures a darker, eerie look and a round vignette. Enjoy

They always come back

2010-11-02T18:12:00.000-05:00

Halloween just wouldn't be Halloween without a guest appearence from the Wicked Witch in the Snow White stories. It was an exciting start to the evening.

Bright orange and organza were apparently the "in" fashion for up and coming witches. No more ratty black and long crooked noses for these gals.

A cute little bumblebee buzzed right through the graveyard only stopping to smell the bubbles.

More parents in the fray. Not afraid to dress up in unusual costumes and parade around with their children.

So much for timing. He would jump up when no one was around, once again proving that dead men can't dance.

If you look closely into the door, past the little trick and treaters, you can see the green light of Pan's new laser light show. Skulls danced around on the floor made all the more interesting as the laser lights passed through the fog.

A sailor, Mario and Luigi. Mario and Luigi costumes sure were popular this year. They must be making a comeback after their, what, 15 year hiatus.

The little ones were so delighted with the bubbles, they didn't have the same qualms about the "scariness" surrounded them. Not so for their parents and older siblings though.

Must be getting later... the trick or treaters are definitely getting bigger.

Oh, here come some more little ones.

Back to the big ones again. Note the mother not watching where she's going.

Yep, she walked right into the spider as it dropped down on her.

Look, another guest appearence. This time by none other than Harry Potter.

The eyes see all...... Every moment, every gesture. Not these, of course, but my camera which was placed over by this bush.

I just love these kind of pictures. Bright greens and oranges among the dark of the night. Really sets the mood, don't you think?

And what is this? A skeleton all lit up. I want what he's been drinking.

Tomorrow I will try to post some pictures taken with my Olympics point and shoot. It had an interesting vignette setting that really made the pictures look eerie. Till then.

Preparations get underway

2010-11-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Even my wine bottle gets a make over with its own witch's costume.

The Princess' spider takes a break on Pan's papasan chair before the festivities begin.

And death graced the dining room for awhile before heading out the door.

One of Pan's new toys. And to think he was going to try and make one himself.

Another new accessory to the haunted graveyard scene

Had to check out the bubble machine before the night began. The breeze took them up, up and away.

It's all starting to come together now with the fencing up and tombstones all placed.

The bat found his familiar haunt but the deathly witch got moved from the trees to the front of the garage.

Looks like the spider found a good meal to keep him busy throughout the evening.

kfkap's nemesis peers around a tombstone. I don't think kfkap realizes this one isn't real.

The Borg pumpkin found a new home near the door.

Cauldron full of candy was nearly depleted by the end of the evening.

A kitchen make-over and our Halloween toasting glasses.

My world famous bloody mary. For those who want to know: Mix 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 quart v8, 1/3 quart vodka, 1/4 cup spanish olive juice and toss in 5 or 6 pepperoni slices. Stir and refrigerate.

The Great Pumpkin (aka ex son-in-law) was very good to me this year with peppermint mocha kahlua, black cherry vodka (okay what do I do with this? I don't normally drink vodka) and a bottle of pure agave tequila.

Look, I spotted a ghostly apparition in the graveyard and Halloween festivities haven't even begun. Tomorrow I'll post some of the evening pictures.

pumpkins, pumpkins

2010-10-31T10:30:00.000-05:00

Everywhere. One with Tinkerbell, just for me. Another hiding in a corner in the kitchen. Gosh it is hard to believe that Halloween has come and gone another year already. Soon it will be Thanksgiving and Christmas and THEN a whole new year starts. I'll post more Halloween pics tomorrow, but I realized I needed to get something out today as it has been a week since I posted here. Then sometime I need to get my Vegas pictures posted too. So much to do LOL.

Not winey at all

2010-10-24T15:49:00.002-05:00

Yesterday a friend and I headed over to a wine festival at a local winery. Originally there were suppose to be 6 or 7 of us, but between unexpected company, migraines, general sickness and working to much, just the two of us went.

We had a wonderful time looking at all the wares of the vendors, listening to music from our era and, of course, wine tasting. You got about 2 teaspoons of each wine you tasted. Just enough to rest on your tongue and absorb the flavors. I tried their spumante, white zin, merlot, carbernet sauvignon, noble muscadine, wild honeyflower, blueberry, blackberry and chocolate port. Just about all their wines were on the sweeter side, except the cabernet and merlot. Much sweeter.

Small glasses (and I mean small) of the blueberry and blackberry would be a great accompaniment to cheesecake. And the chocolate port would be great with a copy of dark rich coffee. I only came home with the merlot though. I wouldn't drink enough of the others.

They had a great sangria slushie made with their noble muscadine. DC and I each had a glass of it and sat at a table to talk and listen to the music. Shortly after we headed out, buying those things we saw along the way. I got a really cute painted wine glass ornament, a copper & bronze bracelet to wear to Nuke's wedding (if I remember it) and a darling denim skirt purse for the Princess.

On the way back we stopped at a local seafood restaurant for lunch. DC had an oyster sandwich, I had the shrimp. The food was good but the service was lousy. Took nearly 30 minutes to get sandwiches. When they came there was only the seafood and bun, no lettuce, tomato or pickles. Loads of cocktail sauce and tiny containers of tartar sauce. Once I got extra tartar sauce I dove into mine with gusto.

Afterwards I took DC back home and she showed me the work she had done to her patios and what she had been doing in the yard. All with a real glass of wine, LOL.

As for the picture below, any of us who live in a certain part of the south, no doubt recognize this stretch of road and for us old fogies remember when it was the only way across the bayou.

Being Carded

2010-10-17T09:11:00.002-05:00

Well, not really. Yesterday, I went to a card making party. It was fun, it was interesting and I learned something new. Now I can put some of my paper scrapping supplies to another use. Everyone loved my little Xyron sticker maker (thanks mom) as it was perfect for applying "glue" to the back of the ribbon like pieces of paper. Now I have 20 more cards (5 of each type of card) to send out this year along with the 10 that I got from Shutterfly. I just don't think the recipients will really believe they are from us :)

More on the horizon

2010-10-13T11:32:00.002-05:00

Well, Pan's vehicle is fixed and it didn't cost an arm and a leg as I thought it would. But I guess that will make up for the fact that one week this winter we will be spending in Key West. Family reunion thing.... :) Although that was where Pan spent part of his childhood, I have never been. I wasn't really looking forward to it, but have since changed my mind. Of course, that could change again. LOL.

Whichever way, I do hope to get a lot of great photos while I am there.

Oh what a week!

2010-10-10T12:11:00.002-05:00

It appears that I need a vacation from my vacation. Ever so tired, going to bed at 9 p.m. and not even wanting to get up at 7. Ugh. I was hoping that once I started on the thyroid medication that I would start feeling a little more perky. Guess this is going to be a long term wait. Better that than overdoing it to begin with.

Pan's truck bit the dust and I had to drive forever to go get him. I was really hoping my truck was going to be paid off this year so we could get him a new vehicle. But looks like it will be next year. He so needs one. Though I told him that if he got a new model, then next truck I get will be brand new too. Only fair don't you think?

Friday night he played with one of his new toys. He had gotten his super duper professional portable bubble machine (there is one bigger but it is not portable). He filled the house and the cat's water bowl with bubbles. The cat, who I thought would be running all over after them, went and hid under the bed.

Last night he brought out his new zombie. It lays on the ground and has a foot control to make it rise. Makes a lot of noise too, LOL. I later found the cat on the bottom bed of the bunk under the covers cowering. He's such a wimp.

But it looks like this Halloween is going to be full of new toys (although not animated, I bought Pan a gravestone with a skeleton crawling over it, covered in spiders) and surprises. Only thing missing is that the children won't be coming down this year. Maybe next. Or maybe I can talk Nuke and his fiance to coming down. That would be so much fun.

I've got to get to work on getting the inside of the house ready as I'm hoping some of our friends can make it over for wine and bloody mary's while Pan is handing out the candy. Then I can get them to do the death voice over, so I don't have to.

But if you can't wait to see what we are doing this year, you can always check in periodically on the Insights of 2 Scrappy Sisters blog where I will be posting scrapbook pages of last Halloween (at last count it was going to be 11 pages long and no they won't all be posted at the same time) throughout the month.

We made it back

2010-10-06T08:18:00.004-05:00

and all in one piece. Our plane left Vegas at 1:50 Monday morning and with a 2 hour delay in Memphis, we landed at around 9 a.m. By that time I had been up for 28 hours and decided that if I was ever going to sleep at night, I needed to stay up, LOL. So walking around like a zombie (or someone who had to much to drink), I did manage to stay up until 9 that night.

This time around I really did enjoy my time in Vegas. I went to the shark reef exhibit at Mandalay Bay (where we were staying), & the Titanic exhibit at the Luxor next door. As you know we went to see the Wayne Brady show. We ate at the Golden Steer, the StripSteak and Batista's Hole in the Wall. My favorite steak was from the StripSteak, the most entertaining was Batista's.

All in all it was a good trip.

The Wayne Brady show

2010-10-03T00:52:00.003-05:00

was absolutely awesome and my feet are blistered from all the walking. I may be staying in tomorrow and soaking my feet. But grandma's viginer will forever be etched in my memory. I am so glad we went.

Why is it

2010-10-02T18:43:00.003-05:00

That when one fingernail breaks they all start breaking? I just broke the last one on my left hand and Pan has the fingernail clippers with him. At this point I really ought to just clip them all and be done with it.

On another note, G & I went to the shark reef today and it was really interesting except neither one of us figured out how to use the audio. You know how they make you take pictures up against a green screen when you enter? Well I just figured they were out to get us both. Pan has already seen the pictures and laughed his head off, now just have to see what G's wife makes of them, lol. Fortunately she has a wonderful sense of humor.

Made it by the Titanic exhibit too. No photos allowed so had to stow my camera in a locker until finished. This time I asked how to use the audio. Lot of interesting artifacts and facts. When you enter, you get a boarding pass with the name of an actual person that was on the Titanic. At the end there is a wall with the names of the survivors from each class and crew with those who perished listed below. You were then to locate the name of your passenger on the list. Mine was a survivor.

If you get the chance you really need to see the exhibit. It is my understanding it will be at the Luxor for the next 10 years before they move it on.

Tonight we are headed to the Wayne Brady show at Planet Hollywood. I really liked him on Whose Line and am looking forward to seeing him live.

Ta ta till later.

We made it

2010-10-01T09:19:00.003-05:00

Have crappy view from window, but a gorgeous room. A tv in the bathroom that we can watch while bathing, but not from the separate shower. Pan is registered and we are at Starbuck's for coffee & muffin. I'm going to hit the shark reef today and head to the Luxor tomorrow. I think they have a Titanic exhibit. Til later...

I'm slipping away

2010-09-29T17:09:00.003-05:00

Actually it seems more like I'm slipping into old habits. There really is a reason I haven't posted much the last couple of days. Work has something to do with it, LOL. I've been working a little more lately than normal, but hopefully next week I'll be back into the routine I'm familiar with and really like.

Also I have been doing posts for my sister, the Bug's other blog: Insights of 2 Scrappy Sisters. It was born of the idea that she had of having a place where the answers to all the questions regarding scrapping, paintshop pro and photos she has asked me over the years could be put down. She asks the questions, I write the posts. I know there are people out there who are much more knowledgeable, but apparently the Bug likes the way I explain it to her. Must be all that sighing and exasperation she hears in my voice, LOL. Anyway, you are welcome to check it out. That is where I am posting almost all my layouts now, using this one for my photos and occasionally special layouts like the brag book I am trying to make for the Princess.

Until next time.....

Oh what a wonderful feeling

2010-09-26T14:37:00.002-05:00

after spending the afternoon, evening, night and morning with our parents. We got over around noon. Pan went over to his folks, my sister came by to mom's and the three of us headed to Hallmark for the Star Trek Enterprise ornament. Then I found a Dr. Suess one for Indy; a tree ornament decorated with shoes for my daughter; 2 Star Wars ornaments from years past at 60% off; a witch's costume for my wine bottle, but could not find an ornament for the Princess yet. We have plenty of time.

When we got back the sis, showed me some apps I had to download. A wine app and a grocery app that allows you to scan in the bar codes for making a list. I can store my favorite wines in the wine app; but I love the grocery iq. With it I can make a list of things I'm running low on and then when I head the grocery store, I have it right there. Very cool.

My absolute favorite is the google sky map. Start the app; point it and it will show you which stars, planets, constellations you are aimed at. If you are looking for a particular one, it has a search and then you just follow the arrow until you locate it (it tells you when you have found it, actually it prints it at the bottom of the screen.

We took the folks to Olive Garden for dinner and, oh boy, did we have a good time. Good food, good wine and excellent company. Lots of laughing and lighthearted teasing. By the time we started home the weather turned bad. We got Pan's parents home safely but once we got to mom's the heavens opened up and we got soaked headed to the house. Still lots of laughter.

Once we got in and changed I noticed I had missed a call from Nuke. It wasn't all that late so I called him back and he put his girlfriend on the phone. It was her responsibility to tell me that he had popped the question. I am so excited for both of them. They are both big into the renaissance re-enactments so they are going for a Viking wedding. Ought to be interesting. Though he won't let me wear one of the helmets with the horns. :(

I'm going to have to start working harder to lose weight so I can wear one of those bustiers like the opera singers wear. That's allowed, just no helmet with horns. Pan will be wearing chaimmail. Said he was going to have to start practicing carrying around an additional 30 pounds.

It's been a great weekend.

A trips away

2010-09-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

Soon, like when Pan gets up and starts moving, we will be heading to visit our parents and taking them out to dinner. Hopefully I will get to see my sister as well so we can do some "geek" talk about our new phones.

I hope all you have a great day and a great weekend. Looks as if it is going to rain here :)

I just am

2010-09-24T17:23:00.002-05:00

I took Pan to dinner last night. We trade off like that from time to time. He takes me out to be romantic; I take him out because either 1) I don't want to cook, 2) I didn't want to go grocery shopping. Yesterday it was the latter. First though we were going to head to PetSmart to get some litter.

After waiting in line several minutes to get across the bridge, we figured that there must have been an accident (oh, darn, I forgot to call the office today to find out what really did happen) and as soon as we could, turned around and headed to the restaurant.

Walked to the a cheery voice asking if we wanted full service or self serve. Huh? Self serve, we fill out the menu, turn it into the kitchen and get our own drinks. Interesting. But we wanted a beer with our dinner and I don't think that's included in getting our own drinks. Besides we went to a "restaurant" to be served, right? Service was not what I would call great with their full service, but not bad either. Just not what we were used to.

But anyway, to where this is leading. As we were sitting there eating our pizzas and drinking our beer, Pan pipes (ho ho ho, that's a good one) with:

"I'm not going to work tomorrow."
Me: Oh, have you told anyone at work? (I assumed he was joking)
Pan: No.
Me: Why not?
Pan: I just now decided it.
Me: Oh

He deserves it, really. He has been traveling a lot lately. Last week was South Carolina, before that Carson City, Nevada, and next week Las Vegas. He has worked most weekends and even through Labor Day. I think he just wanted to make sure we still had a house. And I won't complain as he got some much needed yard work done and tonight he's treating me to dinner out. Can't get better than that.

Close Connection

2010-09-22T06:40:00.002-05:00

Computers have really brought us closer together and that's not a bad thing. I couldn't get back to sleep yesterday morning after taking my medicine so got up to play some games on facebook. Lo and behold, I was getting a chat message from my darling granddaughter. We got to chat back and forth for nearly 30 minutes before she had to go to school and I had to go to Curves.

Light My Fire mini book part 2

2010-09-20T13:53:00.003-05:00

Here are pages 4-8 of the Princess mini-scrapbook. Now that I have started, I am getting excited to get it down and printed out for her. I think it will make a really wonderful and personal Christmas present.

Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8

Light My Fire mini book part 1

2010-09-19T14:56:00.003-05:00

Trying to get some mojo back and am taking the "Light Your Fire" sessions given by Simple Scrapper. We are working on a mini hybrid book and I have chosen to make one for my granddaughter that highlights her aquatic summer camp this year. Maybe I can actually get it down and printed in time to give it to her for Christmas. Since this will be hybrid, I will probably place buttons, ribbons over the the printed ones, as well as some extras here and there.

This is going to be the cover page:

Page 1:

Page 2:
Credits: Template by Simpler Scrapper; "Sandy Toes" & "Whale of a Good Time" (c)Connie Prince; "Beaches N Cream" (c)Kristmess; "Footprints in the Sand" (c)Captivated Visions; "Squid Ink" (c)Creations by Rachel & Late Night Scraps; "Ahoy Matey" (c)Adriana's Cafe, Scraps N Pieces, Giggly Polka Dots, Amy Owens, Bonnie Blou Designs; Scrappin' Serenity, Designs by Snowlady, JKCreations, Jennifer McGinnis, Milly Dee Designs, Mommy Me Time Scrapper, Manda's Scrappin Creation, Sexy and Hot Mama Scrapper, Scraps By Andrea, Sheri's Scraps, Katina Curten; Font: Century Gothic

He's back again

2010-09-19T11:02:00.003-05:00

On top of working full time this past week, Pan has been traipsing around South Carolina working. He finally got back yesterday and took me to Olive Garden for dinner. It's really hard to think of something to say over the phone (especially when Indy kept calling through) so this gave us both a chance to go over the happenings of the past week.

It is nice to have him back but it is going to take some getting use to again. The extra body around the house and kfkap thinking he can go back to his old antics. Still he did sleep in his tower last night so maybe that will just become habit. I hope so.

It's been a while

2010-09-17T07:31:00.002-05:00

since I have worked full time. But it will re-enforce why I like part time so much better, LOL. It has not been a hard or busy week. Just different. Next week will be back to the same ole, same ole.

Except now I am taking medicine to supplement my thyroid hormone output. And since I have to take it an hour before breakfast and because I work out several days a week at 7 a.m., I have set my alarm for 5, reach for the pills and glass of water on my beside table. Take it and turn back over for another hour of sleep (thanks for the suggestion, mom).

I was on the phone with my little man the other night. It was late, late, late. I don't think his mother realized he was still on the phone, maybe she did, probably. But along the way our conversation about floating on clouds took a turn.

Indy (whispering): Shhhh, Tink.
Tink: What's going on?
Indy (whispering): Be quiet Tink, mommy will hear you.
Tink (whispering): What are you doing Indy?
Indy (whispering): Spying on mommy and her boyfriend.
Tink (whispering): You are going to get caught.
Indy (whispering): Not if you be quiet.
Tink (whispering): You are going to get in so much trouble.
Indy (whispering): Shhhhh.
Mommy (loudly): Indy get back in bed and close the door.
Indy (coyingly): Mommy, I need a glass of water.

Aha....

2010-09-15T07:05:00.002-05:00

Bet you thought I had gone AWOL again. Well maybe a little bit. Been a busy week so far and looking to get busier. The receptionist took the week off and the boss asked me to fill in for her. What we didn't expect was for his mother to pass away this past weekend. My heart and thoughts go out to him and his family.

So Many Years..

2010-09-11T08:35:00.003-05:00

Nine to be exact since that eventful day which changed our lives. Things have calmed down and many go about their lives without ever thinking about it until the anniversary day arrives. We need to be ever diligent and watchful, as what happens once can be repeated again.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those families who lost loved ones and to our military personnel who continue to fight the good fight for our freedom. God bless you all.

I had a list

2010-09-09T16:23:00.002-05:00

of memories, but think I threw it away. I'm finding that more and more often, I have to write things down or I will get distracted and forget. Guess I need to make a calendar and list what I should be doing each day and marking it off as I accomplish it. What do you think? An hour to set back and contemplate what my life had been?

When I was a child,

2010-09-08T07:54:00.002-05:00

I thought like a child, talked like a child and acted like a child. And boy, was it fun. For years we lived at an AFB in Arkansas. Diagonally across the street was the "teen center." I don't think that was what it was originally, but by the time we lived there it was. They use to hold dances even for us little scampers.

What I mostly remember though is the free standing chimney in the back. My friends and I would go back there and gather a supply of the broken glass pretending they were jewels that we would find on our adventures. We would hide them in the cracks of the bricks and the tiny spiders would become huge in our minds to guard the treasure we so diligently collected.

I know they were glass, yet even now as I look back, I see the sparkling yellow topazes, blue aquamarines, green emeralds, red rubies and clear diamonds of my treasure. I don't see a crumbling chimney behind an old building, but a temple full of surprise and danger for our expedition.

Happy Labor Day

2010-09-06T17:47:00.002-05:00

Well it's almost over now. I have been lazy today. Playing on the computer, playing on the playstation and working out on the Wii.

I got several runs in on the Wii Fit Plus, as well as Super Hoola Hoop, boxing, basic step, Kung Fu step, rhythm parade and a tilt game. It's now an hour and nearly 400 calories burned later and I really should go take a shower, then start dinner. I think I'm going to have the leftover margharita pizza I brought home with a salad and glass of wine. Pan can have his own pepperoni pizza and a glass of beer, LOL.

Company's coming

2010-09-05T11:34:00.004-05:00

Which means I need to get in gear and get my Wii done, before 2 p.m. I have gradually been increasing what I am doing.

I start with the half-moon, sun salutation and warrior poses in yoga. Then I move onto the basic run short, super hoola hoop and basic step. Next comes the basic run long, boxing and rhythm parade. Back to basic run island run. Break for lots of water, then basic step, and either golf or island bike. Then a 20 minute jog around the island to round out the aerobics before I finish with the half-moon, sun salutation and warrior poses as a cool down.

And here is a look at the mighty Mississippi as seen from our room in Vicksburg's newest casino hotel. Pan had to be there for a conference with his company and I just tagged along. We met a lot of interesting people and had a good time even though we don't gamble.

No, really, it's the weekend...

2010-09-04T14:50:00.002-05:00

And a quiet one at that. Pan is in his man cave working. I was trying to write a post for the Bug and get a some scrapbook pages done. All the while pausing to play Star Wars Legos since it apparently has not been played on the Playstation yet. Maybe company tomorrow, then again maybe not.

I need to get finished up here so I can work out on the Wii and try out my new Wii golf club. See you tomorrow. Same Tink time, same Tink station :)

It's the weekend

2010-09-03T09:00:00.003-05:00

Well very nearly. For me it starts on Thursday, every week. Except week after next when I agreed to fill in for the receptionist while she is on her vacation.

It's good for a chuckle every week though, when clocking out and making fun of those who still have to work. Oh, I don't bring it up, but I won't let it pass either, LOL. It's all in good fun. I really like the people I work with and for. And I like just working two days a week.

Here's hoping you all have a great Labor Day weekend.

An Apple a Day

2010-09-01T08:21:00.001-05:00

Got a doctor's appointment this morning so will try to post more after I get back and find out if I am healthy or not :)

Tuesday, Already?

2010-08-31T14:56:00.003-05:00

It's already Tuesday and the rest of the week is just going to breeze right on by. I can feel it. Over at Stacy Carlson's blog she had a list of things to scrap about (and by golly I have lost her blog address). And I seem to get distracted easily too, as I was looking for it, I ended up reading my e-mail from one of my numerous email accounts. Go figure.

Anyway I thought I would just take a jog down memory lane, before I go jog on the Wii. While I don't recall it clearly, I do seem to remember something about painting a trailer with turpentine. I'm sure if mom reads this, I'll get the whole lowdown and will be able to report it accurately later.

Now off to do some jogging in place. :) and bear it.

Happy Days

2010-08-30T10:06:00.003-05:00

Our daughter got her Skype up and going again this weekend so we got to talk with her and the kids. Seems like I'm never going to stop missing them. :)

Indy was playing Ghostbusters on his x-box so we got a play by play of what he was doing and how he can defeat the giant marshmallow man. Though he did let it slip that he made a hundred on his spelling test. It was kind of an afterthought.

The Princess is doing well too. And was playing petville while talking to us. Then she took a break to play the piano for us. Gosh, she gets more lovely every time we see her.

Pan was working and I had to interrupt him to, but you should have seen the look on his face when he saw the kids. He misses them too. But at least we get to see and talk with them quite often.

Just a rainy day

2010-08-28T15:24:00.003-05:00

and all's quiet on the homefront. The company we were expecting bowed out due to weather, so I could have waited until this afternoon to do my workout on the Wii. But at least it is behind me and not looming in front of me. Ten minutes of yoga, 30 minutes of aerobics (mainly running, but got to throw in some punches, hoops and steps too), then 10 more minutes of yoga. Nice thing is I don't think about anything while I'm working out except the workout. No worries, no problems. Though I have also been doing some of the golf swings and decided I need to get the golf club attachment. Maybe I can talk Pan into heading to Best Buy this weekend.

Here's another house hidden in the foliage.

Some Little Thought

2010-08-27T08:33:00.002-05:00

Got so wrapped up yesterday between Curves, work, the Wii workout and writing a post for the other blog, that I dang near forgot this one. I remembered around 10 p.m., but was so exhausted that I just headed to bed knowing I would get something out this morning.

I think one of the reasons I find it hard to think of something to post is that the kids are gone. Been gone a year now so we don't really keep in touch like we did the first couple of months they were gone. And when they are here, who wants to blog, right? Still with just Pan and I there just isn't enough going on that is of interest.

Well, we did get a 3D television. Pretty cool. We have taken to watching the PGA Masters as it is the only thing in 3D on tv. And we do have two movies and a documentary in 3D. Can't wait for the others to start coming out. I would really love to get "Journey to the Center of the Earth" in "real" 3D. Not so sure about "Clash of the Titans" as I understand that it wasn't filmed in 3D but converted later. Have to see. And now "Avatar". Okay I know it was suppose to be good movie, but they are being ridiculous about it. Gotta squeeze it for every little penny, I guess. Makes me think it didn't fair as well as it has been made out to.

Then again, what do I really know. LOL.

Guilty as charged

2010-08-25T17:03:00.003-05:00

I really do feel guilty. I told my mother I was going to take a shower then I got caught up writing an article for the Bug's new site. You'll hear all about it soon enough I am sure, so keep your pants on :)

Anyway, I had a wonder conversation with my mom. She is so easy to talk to about anything. I guess it helps that we share a lot of the same views too. But now that the article is finished and I have now posted here, I really am going to take a shower. :P

I just realized the church's lawn is as unkempt as my own. Wow.

A day that counts

2010-08-24T15:16:00.003-05:00

Did you get out an vote today? I did. Was going to stop on my way to Curves but there was absolutely no parking spaces. So I stopped on my way home from work and got the deed done.

I don't normally talk politics here on my blog. But I think the time has come when we need to set term limits for our representatives and senators. Once upon a time, long, long ago, these seats were people who volunteered. Now we have professional politicians. I wonder how we go about getting that on a ballot?

There are plenty of bear crossing signs around our neck of the woods, but surprisingly enough in our journey through the back roads of Mississippi, I saw very few.

The start of another week

2010-08-23T08:51:00.003-05:00

Hard to believe how fast this year is passing. We are now in the last full week of August which means only 4 more months to the end of the year. Where has all the time gone? And what have I done with it? If you figure it out let me know, okay? LOL.

Have a great week. Smile more, laugh often and just have fun.

He's back

2010-08-22T15:01:00.003-05:00

After almost a week in Nevada, Pan made it back yesterday. Though he swears he spent more time in layovers than he did in the air. He's probably right. I was very nearly late it picking him up though. But the timing turned out to be perfect. He called me just as I was turning into the airport so I got to pick him up at the terminal instead of trying to locate a space in short term parking. Glad to have him back.

Already slipping

2010-08-21T13:41:00.002-05:00

back into old habits. LOL. Looks like I forgot to post anything yesterday. Must have been busy, but for the life of me I can't remember doing anything of any great importance, except the Wii fit and answering the phone.

Today's not much better. Sat in front of my computer most of the morning, waiting for calls from my beloved, who I get to see tonight. Providing he doesn't miss his connection in Atlanta.

More barn pictures from Mississippi. This one is nearly hidden by the wheat planted in front of it, while you can just see the top of the shed.

One of those days

2010-08-19T12:12:00.003-05:00

Got up, got dressed, ate breakfast and got out of the house by 7 a.m. and to Curves shortly thereafter. Managed my 30 minute workout without dying. But that's where it ended.

I lost my earbud for my bluetooth. Looked everywhere for it. Finally found it in the kleenex box on my floorboard. Jumping up and down for joy, til I realized I couldn't remember where I put my glasses. Found them in the cup holder next to me. Now all I had to do was start the car... reached to turn it on and the keys were not in place. Dang, what did I do with them? They, at least, were in a place they should be... my purse. Car is started, I back up and head out of the parking lot and turn left at the street when I should have turned right. And this is where it ended.

Got to work before 8 a.m. Payroll finished. "See me's" taken care of, tickets entered. Deposits entered. Calls made. Research completed and out the door by 11:30 a.m. and headed for home, sweet, home. Of course, we still have the rest of the day and something else may go wrong. But I'm hoping not

Just a barn I saw on a back road in Mississippi.

Oh what a night!

2010-08-18T15:05:00.004-05:00

Soma and I sat together at the end, just in case we wanted to go with a bottle of wine. She ordered the filet, I got double portions of the shrimp and we went back and forth from each other's plates. I may just have to go with the filet next time. Melted in your mouth it was so tender.

Afterwards, it was decided we would head over to England's house for another glass of wine (btw we decided against the bottle at the restaurant, this time). Soma, England and Di rode with me and we stopped at our favorite wine store for the wine. I got an excellent chianti and Soma picked up a very smooth chardonny.

After a lot of interesting conversations, we finally broke up our little party around 10:30 p.m. I so look forward to the nights out with girls.

As for the photo, can you imagine what this house must have looked like when it was first built? I would have loved to have found out when it was built. What do you think? The 30's, the 70's?

Oh, it's Ladies' Night, oh what a night

2010-08-17T13:43:00.003-05:00

Don't know what I should title this. Especially since this will probably be nothing more than a bunch of rambling statements.

Tonight is the Ladies' Night meet and we are meeting for dinner at one of my favorite Japanese restaurants. Shrimp, veggies and steamed rice, here I come. Yummy. Pan gets to have pizza. Hey, don't look at me.. He picked it out.

One of the hard things about trying to take pictures while you are on the road, it making sure you can get it before you are past it. Pan just wasn't going to stop every 15-20 minutes for me to get pictures. So I had to figure out how to get them, while heading down the road at 70 miles an hour. I took a lot of pictures. Tons and only a few really make the cut. I do like how the old barn is nestled in among the trees on this one. One that I nearly didn't get.

6 days & 3 weeks

2010-08-16T15:03:00.003-05:00

Six continuous days with Wii Fit Plus (I love the boxing) and 3 continuous weeks with Curves. I really should have never stopped going. I am really going to try better this time. Now I have to decide how to manage three days a week instead of two. It's just that I hate making the 8 mile trip into town unless I am going to the office. Suck it up, I say. LOL

Loved this old house, broken boards, no curtains on the windows. A real gem from another decade, until I noticed the satellite dish on the eave.

Getting old(er)

2010-08-15T11:02:00.003-05:00

It's odd what a difference 1 year can make. Last year at this time, I had lost 10 pounds in month. This year, nada, well, 8 pounds, but still. And this year I not only am back at Curves but doing the Wii Fit daily. Perseverence... Yeah, that's what I need to remember. I am going to do this....

The picture is a gravesite at an civil war cemetary in Greenwood, Mississippi, that we checked out while in town. The library in Greenwood was most helpful as we tried to track down family that had lived there since the 20's, at least. They helped me locate and print out copies of my great-grandparents obituaries. Hats off to a wonderful staff.

Birthdays come and go

2010-08-14T11:55:00.002-05:00

Last year I spent my birthday wandering around the state of Mississippi with Pan as he had to do installs for the company he works for. It was interesting to see all the old houses that we passed on our journey through the backroads.

This year I get to spend it alone as he will be heading out for Nevada the day before. It's okay. I'll have a nice quiet time with a good book and a glass of wine to pass the time.

More of me

2010-08-13T11:59:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile, I know. Life just seemed to take on a life of itself. Literally. In the last four months, I have been to Vegas, Atlanta and Charleston.

Pan attended a conference in Vegas and I tagged along. We stayed at the Bellagio and the room was nice. But most of the shows that we wanted to see were closed for their own vacations. Oh well.

Indy and Princess came down at the start of summer vacation. The Princess stayed as her daddy lives here. There was camp for her as part of her birthday present.

Then we decided at the last moment to attend a wedding in Charleston and talked Nuke and his girlfriend into joining us there. We stayed a week, they just 3 days. Still we got to tour the Yorktown, go on a ghost tour and visit the Hunley. Always an interesting time if you can learn history along the way. Especially when it is your son giving you the history lesson. Way to go Nuke.

I think I will devote more of this blog to my photos especially those I will be modifying to b&w and possibly printing out to adorn my walls. If you see any that you think would really look good that way, let me know. There are so many and I only have so much room, LOL.

I-10 at sunrise

Who's First?

2010-04-18T06:00:00.002-05:00

You have seen Pan in his chair, you have seen the chair in the living room, but before it made home, the Princess had first go at sleeping in it.

Elves at work

2010-04-11T06:00:00.002-05:00

It sure is nice now that both kids are old enough to distribute the presents allowing us "old" people to sit back and enjoy.

Little (?) Miss Muffet

2010-04-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

The Bomb makes a big deal out of the RC spider Indy got for Christmas

Princess Random Photography 5

2010-03-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

Another photo I probably would not have taken a picture of, but the Princess found interesting. The shelves in my bedroom.

Princess Random Photography 4

2010-03-21T06:00:00.003-05:00

Thanks to the Princess I now have a photo of the ceramic village we put out each year.

Princess Random Photography 3

2010-03-14T06:00:00.002-05:00

Is it so random when you are taking a picture of yourself? I think not.

Princess Random Photography 2

2010-03-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

KFKap was again the center of attention as the Princess snapped this photo of him perched on this throne.

Princess Random Photography 1

2010-02-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

The princess has always been interested in photography and when she had a chance to use my camera over the holidays, nothing was sacred. But in this case she arranged the shells to meet her purpose.

Pan's new love

2010-02-21T06:00:00.002-06:00

He eats, sleeps and lives in his new chair when he is not working. Guess mom and Nuke did good this year. Photo by the Princess

Political Surveys

2010-02-17T12:13:00.003-06:00

Been a while, huh? Even with excellent blog prompts I just have not been able to pull my brain together to come up with anything decent to write. A lot has to do with trying to figure out the eoy at work as we changed formats several times during the year and now nothing works out right. Oh well.

But the main purpose of today's post (at the behest of my sister, onehappydog) is to share with you a letter my darling husband, Pan, wrote. We are of the republican persuasion, and tend to keep a low profile because, as with religion, our politics are a very personal to us. But with a little tweeking this letter can be used across the board for any platform, and maybe it should be. So without further ado, take it Pan:

To Concerned Republicans in charge of the various committee’s (Republican National Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee, etc)

Please stop wasting time, money and effort sending out moronic surveys with questions that clearly any rational Republican would answer in only one way. They are an insulting waste of resources. This time, money and effort needs to be placed in letting Americans know what Republicans plan to do to solve our economic difficulties, balance the budget, and protect American interests abroad. Simply opposing the Democrats plans at every turn is not sufficient to return the white house or congress to Republican control.

Give us a real plan for energy independence, not slipshod band-aids of more drilling, more coal. Give us a plan for a Manhattan Project effort for a hydrogen fuel economy. Get the oil companies on board by granting them stimulus for the transition, and the same for the auto industry. Create a plan for this to happen within a decade, not a hundred years when the oil has run out and we’ve bankrupted our country for what little was left. Turn us into an energy exporter and let us sell clean fuel to the world. What would happen to the funding of terrorist if oil suddenly became a pollutant that only backward countries would want to burn? Wouldn’t it be nice to tell the rest of countries at the next climate conference they aren’t doing enough, but we’ll be happy to sell them clean fuel and auto’s to do better?

If however, you feel the best effort is to continue to generate surveys, with fixed outcomes so you can proudly say to one another, yep see here we’re on the right track, please remove me from your mailing list. If the Republican Party can no longer come up with a better plan then “NO” the Republican Party is lost and it is time someone form a viable third party.

All from the man who wanted us to fund our war by allowing businesses and individuals buy ad space on the bombs we were dropping on the al qaeda instead of using taxpayer money. Somewhere many moons ago I posted that one too. Can't seem to find it though. Bug, how about you?

No Photos....

2010-02-14T06:00:00.001-06:00

Indy hasn't changed much when it comes to having his picture taken. You would think he's a world famous icon with the paparazzi after him. Okay to me he is :)

The Princess

2010-02-07T06:00:00.003-06:00

It was so good to have the kids home for the holidays, although the Princess spent most of her time with her dad. She is growing up so fast and is now nearly as tall as I am and taller than her other grandmother.

A complete makeover

2010-01-31T06:00:00.002-06:00

You have now had a 360 degree look at the changes made to the living room. This one includes the fireplace mantle that Pan built which houses even more dvds and blu rays, along with his Wii games.

A Full Bookcase

2010-01-24T06:00:00.003-06:00

Our collection of dvds and blu rays which were mentioned earlier this week and this isn't all of them

Papa loves his papasan

2010-01-17T06:00:00.002-06:00

A real treat for Pan was when he got the chair he wanted for Christmas.

Make a Wish Upon a Star

2010-01-15T06:00:00.001-06:00

Fri 1/15 Blog Prompt: Today is Make Your Dreams Come True Day. What is a dream that you wish would come true?

That is a two edged sword, because I would wish for the kids to be here, but I have gotten so use to having my house to myself (along with Pan, of course). So I guess my wish would be that my daughter hurry and get her nursing degree and move back here so that she and the kids are closer to home. And I wish that Scamp and family would visit again real soon, I miss them so much.

Organizational skills

2010-01-14T06:00:00.002-06:00

Thurs 1/14 Blog Prompt: Today is Organize Your Home Day. What could you do today that would help organize your home. How will you organize this stuff?

If I'm going to be perfectly honest (and I shall), my best bet would be just to hire someone to show me how to be organized. What I really would like is some of the dvd/Blu Ray cases like my sister has, but I would need a minimum of 10 and that is just getting a bit pricey at this time. (Guess we could stop buying dvds and blu rays... Not, lol),

But if I am going to do it today, then I probably should start by going through some of my lower kitchen cabinets and throwing out whatever I haven't used in the last couple of years. That would definitely free up some space so that I could more effectively arrange what I do keep. It will have to wait until tomorrow though, as I have to go to work today.

A list of 10

2010-01-13T06:00:00.002-06:00

Wed 1/13 Blog Prompt: List the Top 10 products you use.

1. Clorox Clean-Up. I use it to clean my porcelain coated dutch oven, the counter tops, the floors, etc.
2. Pantene shampoo. I'm not real picky about the shampoo I use, but I do tend to pick up Pantene when I have to buy it.
3. Dawn dish detergent. Just like it best.
4. Cascade dishwasher detergent. Easiest to find.
5. Dial soap. Like the fresh, squeaky clean feel after showering.
6. Tide clothes detergent. Recommended for our he washing machine.
7. Arm & Hammer toothpaste. Same reason as I like Dial soap. Fresh feeling.
8. GE light bulbs. Find they normally last longer.
9. Carbona Clean It stainless steel cleaner. Because nearly all my appliances are stainless steel.
10. Lysol Concentrate. Love the smell.

All that's hard

2010-01-12T06:00:00.003-06:00

Tues 1/12 Blog Prompt: Today is Work Harder Day. What is something you would like to work harder at and why?

Getting back into cross stitch. I love to cross stitch and really need to find the threads and beads to finish the angel I started for my mother. I tend to change the patterns somewhat making them very definitely mine. Besides I think Nuke wants a cross stitch piece too, as he mentioned I should strive to get back into it.

Of course, I should be saying something along the lines of I need to work harder at cleaning house (my bane in life), but lately with the kids gone, new furniture and a new dishwasher, it seems to be taken care of. Though I would take a messy house any day, just to have the kids here.

Got Milk?

2010-01-11T06:00:00.002-06:00

Mon 1/11 Blog Prompt: Today is Milk Day? Do you like milk? Why or why not? If you do, do you like it plain or with added flavors?

Like milk? You have to be kidding. I would live off it, if I could. Along with turnip greens, field peas and avocados, milk is at the top of my favorite foods. I could drink a gallon a day, which is why I limit how much I buy it. I prefer just plain milk most of the time, although I do like mine with Ovaltine too, both hot and cold.

Bubble Man

2010-01-10T06:00:00.002-06:00

While the Princess practiced her archery, Indy tried his hardest to get bubbles out of this. Eventually he did too.

Merry and Bright

2010-01-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

Merry and Bright (c)Andrea Gold; template (c)Andrea Gold

A Week of Blog Prompts

2010-01-08T06:00:00.001-06:00

Fri 1/1 Blog Prompt: What traditions do you follow for the new year? Do you eat special things or do special activities?

A toast of champagne at midnight and red beans & rice some time during the new year day. This year we managed the toast but I forgot to get the red beans and rice as there were two other things occupying my time most pleasantly. But next year red beans and rice will be on the menu.

Mon 1/4 Blog Prompt: Today is Trivia Day. Please share a tidbit of trivia that you think no one else knows.

This is a toughie as I am sure whatever trivia I know, most others know as well. And dern it all, we just played a trivia game last night. And why is it that I can spout out useless trivia at any time except when asked? I tell you. One that is well know within the Star Trek world but maybe not amongst others is the appearance of R2D2 in the new Star Trek movie. Look quick though or you will miss him. I think he has a two minute appearance.

Tues 1/5 Blog Prompt: Today is National Bird Day. What native wild birds are flying around your area and which ones are your favorites?

Seagulls and I don't have an affinity for those nasty things at all. Then you get the snowbirds here who think they have to feed them. So they are constantly screaming and diving at you.

I like the little sea terns though. They leave the cutest impressions on the beach as they run around looking for tidbits that are brought up as the waves crash. Pelicans are pretty cool too, if you get a chance to see them flying close overhead.

Wed 1/6 Blog Prompt: January is National Soup Month. What is your favorite soup and why?

Campbell's Tomato soup made with milk. Loved it since I was a kid. And then I love homemade vegetable soup with cabbage in it. Wait to the last few minutes to add the cabbage so that it only wilts slightly and doesn't overpower the soup. Yummmmy. I think I will head to the store this weekend to get the fixings for homemade vegetable soup (which I make with chicken stock, so does that negate the vegetable part?)

Thurs 1/7 Blog Prompt: Tomorrow is Bubble Bath Day. Do you like bubble baths? If so, what is your favorite kind? If not, why?

Oh sure I like bubble baths. I just tend to take showers because they are suppose to be better for you. It doesn't matter which bubble stuff I use as long as there is a glass of wine, tons of candles and my darling hubby with me as I soak and relax.

Fri 1/8 Blog Prompt: Today is Elvis’s birthday. What is your favorite Elvis song and what memories does it bring back?

Happy Birthday Elvis. Wish you were still here. My favorite all-time song by Elvis has to be "Blue Suede Shoes." I actually owned a pair of blue suede shoes when I was in high school. Loved those things. They were so soft and every time I hear the song, those shoes come to mind.