Nuttin honey....

You will be happy to know that tonight, I didn't fool around, risking sight and limb (power tools)....I went straight for dh's corkscrew. When I used it on the cranberry wine, the cork slid out easily, with no problem....this time however, it was an s.o.b. to get out. I guess all my prying and drilling had loosened it last time....but, not to worry! After three tries myself, and hysterics from Betsy, I sat the bottle on the floor, had her hold it with all her weight, and pulled like the dickens. After three tries it popped out! And let me say....the blackberry wine is much better than the cranberry. It's sweeter and you can really taste the fruit. You could taste the cranberry too, it was just a little tart. Of course I fixed that by mixing it with ginger ale. (wine connoisseurs across the country are passing out as they read this!)

Anyway, I've been sitting here waiting for dh to get home. He is "wining and dining" bigwigs from Johnson and Johnson tonight. So, as he salivates over some wonderful entree at a fancy schmancy restaurant, I feasted on the last of the leftover stuffing. Oooooh boy. What a dinner. Wee one had mac and cheese, while Betsy had a sub sandwich from the grocery store.

I don't know why but I keep looking at my teeth and running my tongue over them. Remember that old commercial for Pearl Drops Tooth Polish? "MMMMmmmmm, it's a great feeling!" Do they even make that stuff anymore? I miss that commercial. You know how they play old shows from years gone by (ala Nick at Night)? Well, I think they should do a show of old commercials from the 60's, 70's and 80's. I would watch that! Wee one pulled out an old vhs of Rudolph that I taped for Betsy when she was a baby. It had all the old commercials on it, and some of the local broadcasters from the late 80's. It was so fun to watch! I sang along with the old jingles and wee one was amazed that I knew all the tunes. It's funny how you forget those little things.

What are some of the things you remember that you wish they would bring back, or maybe a favorite commercial from the past? I remember wanting my mother to buy me Tickle deodorant. She eventually did, for gym class. I got the one with the pink top. Oh, and those body sprays....crud! What were they called? Someone help me remember! They were in cans, like the ones the "imposter" sprays are in now. (You know, "if you like Red Door, you'll love "Green Window"). I want to say the one I liked was a dark can with a blue butterfly on it. Okay, this is going to drive me nuts until I figure it out! Was it Body something? Image? It was probably early 80's that they were popular.

Okay, I'm off to bed....sweet dreams!

Woo Hoo! Good day at the dentist. Okay, it did hurt this time for some reason....but I only had ONE cavity, and it wasn't in the tooth that is sensitive! That one is sensitive because the gum has receeded a bit. I was horrified when she said that, thinking it might be from some periodontal disease but she said it comes with age and probably "trauma" from brushing too hard! LOL....I guess I had better settle down a bit! Oh, and when I went to pay....I had a credit from last time so NO CHARGE! Yippee! So what did I do to celebrate? Yup, I went shopping and blew quite a bit of money....but I am closer to being finished with my Christmas shopping.

Oh, and whilst at the store, I found my "winter scent"! Now, I know this is going to sound cheesy but, I have to thank Erica and all the ladies in Pine Valley because my new scent is....Enchantment! I saw it there and thought, "Hmmmm, I wonder what Erica Cane smells like...." Apparently she smells spicy....like her attitude. It's a very spicy, woodland scent, not too heavy but definately not light. I love it.

And so, that is my update for the day. Now I really have to start getting things together for the mil's visit. I'm only slightly beginning to panic....which is a good thing!

2 Days till d-day....

Yup, only two days till my mother in law arrives, and my household will go to pot. I always feel strange cleaning with company! I figure I can do two light cleanings while she is here....you know, a quick dusting and vacuuming while John takes her out for a while. And yes, I do always figure out when I will sneak some cleaning in if I have guests....so if you are planning a visit, you will know ahead of time that on at least two occasions, I'll kick you out to clean! LOL....
My sister and her husband are arriving the same day, only an hour after she does. So, we will pick her up at the airport, then have lunch at the little restaurant/bar whilst waiting for my family. My sister and her husband will be staying with my mom. You think my cleaning is crazy....she will just vacuum right around you while you are watching tv. She doesn't care if you are in the house or out! She will windex the tv while you are watching, Pledge the table while you run to the bathroom....and my personal favorite, yelling, "Don't walk in the kitchen, I just washed the floor!" as you are sliding across, arms flailing, while trying to refresh your drink. Yes, I have to say I learned from the best!
The weather has been quite nice this week. We are beginning to see the effects from the cold front, and the next seven days are looking good! With the exception of today, which is supposed to be 79, we are looking at mid 60's and a few days of rain....woohoo! Hey, at least it's something! I still can't get over the fact that it is December. I haven't even begun to shop for the girls. I am so behind! LOL....I just realized it isn't December yet. It's the 30th of November. I've got 16 hours and 38 minutes until December....whew! Just enough time to get my shopping done!
Okay, I've got to get ready for my appointment at the dentist....wish me luck! (I'll be thinking of you Julie, as I'm being scrrrrraped, poked and prodded! lol)

I can't believe it is already 11 am, and I've done basically NOTHING! Well, I have cleaned out my fridge and started to dust....but once again, I keep passing my computer, slowing down, checking my mail, then sitting here messing with my journal. I guess it's just nice to be able to sit down and not be interrupted every five minutes!

I called the dentist to see if I could get in, as it's been around 2 years since I've been there. I can't help it! I get all this work done, then I forget about it until I have a problem. I've never been one to keep up with an appointment every six months. I think I have some kind of "dental phobia". However, I am always sure to take wee one. I need to get Betsy in there, as well as John. Why is it that I put it off? I am meticulous about my dental hygine at home....always brushing and flossing, etc. I suppose I do this because I know I won't be stabbing at my gums with pointy objects....

I am actually cold today. I think I'm becoming a wimp. It's in the 60's for gosh sakes! I have sweat pants and a sweater on....and my fluffy pink slippers. It's supposed to get up to 78 for the next two days, as a warm front is coming through....then dipping back down into the 60's. I saw the weather forecast this morning and it is SNOWING HEAVILY back home in Indiana. I'm so depressed! I may have to go to the store and buy a can of snow spray and do all of my windows. Maybe I'll even get a can of flocking and do the trees outside. Wouldn't that be a hoot?!

Okay, enough of my lazing about....I must clean! I forgot to say that surprisingly, they had an appointment at the dentists office tomorrow morning at 10:30....oh joy. Alright I'm going. Now. Here I go....I'm walking away....riiiiightttt nowwwwww.....

School + Work = HAPPY SHERRY!!!!

I'm so in the Christmas spirit....can you tell? LOL.

We spent the entire day in St. Augustine, shopping and eating. I swear, over the past few days I've gained 4 pounds! I'm going to have to seriously diet when the holidays are over!

I didn't buy anything today. There really was nothing that I wanted. The weather was gorgeous....high 60's with a cool breeze off the water. The skies were a bright blue, with a smattering of clouds. The stores were all playing Christmas music, which was so pretty....except for the store playing "tropical" holiday music. You know, those drums they play in the Carribean? I told Betsy, "That's just WRONG!"

We ate at a little cafe and had the best hamburgers I had ever eaten. They were thick and cooked to absolute perfection. Afterward, the girls got "dots", they are little ice cream pebble looking things that are kept cool with dry ice. Very weird, definately a kid thing....and John and I got turtle sundaes....and yes, they were as decadent as they sound. I tell ya, I'm stuffed still, and it's after nine!

This week is going to be a busy one. My mother in law is coming in Thursday morning, and my sister and her husband are coming in an hour after that. Mil will be here for 5 days, sis for 9. It should be nice though. I'm looking forward to it.

Okay, I'm being distracted by Desperate Housewives....who in the world is going to be knocked off????

 

**Okay, I didn't figure they would kill off any of the main characters....but really, was that woman a "desperate housewife"? big sigh though....for a minute there I thought the frazzled mom was going to be gone....

The true story behind the wine....

Yes, it all sounded so cozy last night....me sitting at the computer, listening to jazz and sipping wine. Oh, but if you only knew what I had to go through to get to it....

I bought the wine, thinking it was a screw top....however, it was a cork. Being the ultra-classy lady I am, you would have thought I would have a corkscrew....however, my usual Arbor Mist wines don't call for them (nothing but the best for me! lol), so I needed to find another way to open my bottle, which was not the normal wide mouthed bottle, but had a 3 inch long neck that was half the diameter of a normal bottle of wine.

I decided to do a quick search online and typed in "how to open a wine bottle with no corkscrew". I got to a message board forum that offered a few suggestions. First there was the "try to break the vacuume seal between the cork and the bottle with something thin and it should slide out easily". Okay, that sounds simple enough. I'll just reach for my handy, dandy steak knife and shove it between the cork and the glass. It went in easily enough, however, it didn't do the job. As a matter of fact, it started chipping the mouth of the bottle, and wouldn't you know....I didn't put on my safety glasses. So, yes, I got pelted in the eye with a tiny glass projectile that bounced off my eyeball, into the pecan pie plate. After running to the bathroom to assess the damage (there was none, thankfully), I checked the pie. After three bites, I found nothing, and decided to continue trying to open the wine. 

The second suggestion was to "screw a drywall screw into the cork, then use pliers to pull it out. Be sure to grasp the bottle firmly between your thighs...." hmmmm, informative and titillating!  Out to the garage I went and got a screw and dh's drill....yes, I used a power tool....and in it went.I got the pliers, placed the bottle between my knees and pulled with all my might. However, the only thing I dislodged was the screw, and possibly my shoulder....

Suggestion number three was "use the corkscrew thingy on your swiss army knife, it works just fine". I was skeptical of this suggestion, but decided to give it a try. I went and asked dh if he had what I needed, and he did. I got the knife from his drawer, and took it to the kitchen. i wasn't sure it would work as 1.) by this time the cork was half way down the neck and 2.) I had pulled out several chunks of cork and didn't know if there was enough left to screw into. However, I was going to have that relaxing glass of wine if it killed me....so I screwed it in, gave a tug and....

It popped out!

You can only imagine my joy! So, I put the drill away, cleaned up the chunks of cork, grabbed a glass and headed for my computer. I did have a lovely evening, drinking wine by Christmas tree light and chatting with my friend, and doing some online shopping....guess what I bought?!

A plethora of pictures....and a Happy Thanksgiving....

And so another Thanksgiving comes to an end....

Wee one is asleep under the tree, dh is zonked out on the couch, and Betsy went to bed....I am sitting here with my cranberry wine, listening to the Holiday Jazz station on radio AOL, winding down from the days festivities....

We had a lovely dinner. My parents came over, as well as my grandmother and her longtime "friend".  We had wayyyyy too much food, and we all ate too much. It was delicious though. It is also my father's 69th birthday, and we had a little party for him. I got him the new Regis Philbin cd, and my mom got him the Gaither's Tribute to Jake Hess cd and vhs. So, after dinner, she put it in the vcr, and we all sat around, watching and listening to some good old gospel music. I have to say, it was quite a cozy setting! My dad started crying when the first song came on, and said how much he loved the tape. He has a hard time with his emotions due to this disease....but he loved everything, and even tried to sing along! He really enjoyed himself today, and I am thankful for that....

Speaking of being thankful, I have to say that I am so thankful for a lot of things. Food on our table, a roof over our heads, family to love and who loves me. Things we take for granted....the fact that I have clothes to complain about ironing, or a car to put that $2 per gallon gas in....when I see my father struggling to get through another day, it makes me so sad, yet thankful that he has had a long and happy life.  When I see my mother, exhausted mentally, physically and emotionally from taking care of dad, I am thankful that they have each other, and that we are here together, supporting one another.  Even in times of hardship, there are blessings....we just need to open our eyes and realize what we have. I am thankful for a Savior that loves us unconditionally, and makes all things possible. I think this verse says it all, and is what is foremost in my heart today....(thank you Erin for this reminder!)

In Phillipians it says, "Be joyful always, pray continuously, BE THANKFUL IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

And, of course, I am so very thankful for all of the wonderful friends I have met here in journal land. I have met so many spectacular, giving people who have truly enriched my life.  I feel like I know some of you better than my "in person" friends, and I am thankful that you have allowed me to become a part of your lives.

Happy Thanksgiving.....everyone!

Decorating madness....

Oh yes, I've been a busy, busy girl! I'm almost done with my decorating....but not quite. As you can see by the pictures, I'm well on my way to a Christmas wonderland. Betsy informed me that the only room in the house without a tree is the master bathroom....I haven't taken pics of Betsy's tree or thier bathroom tree yet, but I will. Big thrill, huh?

The tree I did tonight in the dining room is my "skinny tree". I used it last year, in place of our usual "fat tree", and never heard the end of it. It wasn't Christmas-y enough. Whatever! So this year it gets put in the dining room....and I must say, it does look lovely. Although, it's missing something. What? I don't know. I'll have to go to the store tomorrow and see....

Today I went grocery shopping and got my freeeeee turkey. Yup, I got that 21 lb. bad boy and he's defrosting on my counter as we speak. He will go in the fridge tonight, but needs a head start since he is rock hard. I got everything else to go with it as well....I had to go to two stores, as the first one was out of the French's Fried Onions for the green bean casserol....oh NO! It's just not turkey day without that! I got the ingrediants for punch with sherbet and cheese balls....I love that for appetizers. No fancy stuff here....I'm looking forward to cooking on Thursday whilst watching the Macy's parade. I know it sounds sappy, but I always get a tear in my eye when I see Santa at the end. I can't help it!

It was soooo warm here today....80 this afternoon. But soaring temps be damned, I put on jeans. I refused to buy a turkey in shorts! It's still supposed to rain on Thursday, and be in the low 70's, so I suppose that is better than nothing. I am so in the mood for cool weather and a roaring fire. I remember winters so cold back home, when you walked outside your nose hair would immediately freeze. Now there's a fun mental picture for you....

I keep forgetting to call my grandmother to let her know what time we are having dinner. We usually eat early, like 1 or so. I hate eating in the early evening. My mil always had dinner around 3 or 4. I think that's too late. If you have it at 1, you can have coffee for breakfast, nosh on the crackers and cheese around 12, and be ready to eat at 1. If you wait any later, you are starving, eat more of the crackers than planned, and ruin the dinner....at least that is my theory.

I did buy myself one special little thing today at the store....some cranberry wine. It just looked so good. It's made at the Tomasello Winery (www.tomasellowinery.com), and they make cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry and cherry wine. I can't wait to taste it! However, I am going to save it, cleverly hidden behind the pickles, to savor by myself, after the family has gone to bed, and I'm here online, enjoying a quiet Thanksgiving eve....ahhhhh, sweet perfection.....

TV and Me....

"Sometimes evil drives a minivan...." Okay, now did anyone else other than me, thoroughly enjoy that line from Desperate Housewives last night? I tell ya, I was cracking up....once again the show didn't disappoint. Funny yet emotional, outlandish yet close to home. Watching Lynette's reaction after her dh compared her to Bree....it was so heartbreaking. Trying so hard to be perfect and losing yourself along the way....her speech about feeling stuck in the middle....and of course Bree faced with her husband buying off her kids. The look on her face when her son said he wanted to live with his dad....I couldn't even imagine that kind of pain! And then the accident at the end....where will this story line take us? The whole Susan story is a nice mix of sweet flirtation and comic relief, as well as Gabrielle and hunky lawn boy. Seems her ability to cleverly escape from each tantalizing tryst is getting harder and harder to manage. And did mother-in-law survive the hit and run or not?  Speaking of surviving, it doesn't look as though Edie is going to survive the hit placed on her head; according to the ominous voice over during the teaser for next week....I have to say, I just love this show!

I spent my Saturday running errands around town with my girls and one of Betsy's friends. We hit a bunch of stores, and being the wonderful mother I am, allowed them to choose one item each....anything at all....while shopping at my favorite store. They were less than thrilled....being that it was the Dollar store! LOL....

I decided against the white tree. Dh asked why I didn't get it and I said that I couldn't see wasting money when we already have what we need. I made sure that the girls were in earshot of my comment....you know, a little lesson on being greedy. On Sunday we spent the day working around the house. John worked on the yard and the boat and I scrubbed the girls bathroom. I have to get it sparkling for the mil's visit....which is only a week away....ahhhhhh!

Okay, I'm off to finish my cleaning, put up a tree, make a grocery list, pick up dd from school, make dinner....you know the drill.

Have a lovely Monday....

 

Thanksgiving and Pizza and Christmas trees....oh my!

Ahhhhh, Friday.

I'm sitting here at my desk whilst (still loving that word!) wee one is coloring the above picture of a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Now, she has finished and says she's tired and wants to go to bed. It's 8:15....however, she did spend the entire day in St. Augustine on a school trip. While I am not happy with the warm weather, I have to say they had an absolutely perfect day for their trip. It was sunny and clear, high 70's with a slight breeze off the water. She had a ball. I, of course, forgot to get her a disposable camera....so at 6:15 am, we piled in the car, I dropped Betsy off at the bus stop and we headed off to CVS. We got the camera, gum, and some spending money for her day. Back home we rushed around getting ready, and I got her to school at 7:35....ten minutes ahead of schedule! I picked her up at school at 4:00, and she got off the bus quite happy and tired. I know I complain about living here, but honestly, the girls have had many more interesting things to do since moving. I mean, you can only go to the museum of science and industry so many times! I'm just glad they all had fun....

For some reason, when dh got up this morning at 4:30, my mind clicked on and wouldn't shut off. So, I was up all that time. After taking wee one to school, I came home, checked my mail, and went to bed for a few hours. I was shocked when i woke up and it was 11am....what a slacker! LOL....I ended up cleaning the house, and ordering pizza for dinner. It was pretty good....then wee one and I decorated the kitchen tree....now, here I sit.

I wanted to put up a link to a new journal that I've been reading, which is very good, but annalisa beat me to it! Still, I'm going to follow my inner pimp, and do it anyway....

Red Flannel Pajamas Micheyle has two cutie pie kids, and is a sahm in northern CA....she is adjusting to life at home, and has a great writing style....she's a newbie, so let's all make her feel welcome. Ready everyone? "Hi Micheyle, welcome!" lol....

Okay, I just put wee one to bed....she's watching Annie. I used to love that movie as a kid. Betsy was in a school production of it....it was so cute. She also had the lead in the church musical a few years ago. We have that on tape....I remember when I went to the rehearsal. I was shocked to see her on stage, belting out a solo! Boy, you couldn't pay her to do that today! (not to mention the fact she was in an angel costume....lol).

Well, I'm off to overstock.com. They have free shipping tonight, and I have a few things I'd like to order....so, off I go....HO HO HO!

Was there really ever any question?

Congratulations! You are Bree Van De Kamp, the
Martha Stewart on steroids, whose family is
about to mutiny.

Which Desperate Housewife are you? - Quizilla

Thursday....original title, eh?

Well, a week from today we will all be sitting down to tables full of delicious food, with family and friends, remembering what we are thankful for. According to my comment section, people are most thankful for green bean casserol and mashed potatoes! LOL....I have to say, I am not a huge fan of the potatoes! Isn't that strange? Most people love them. This year my mom is making a perogi potato casserol instead of mashed potatoes. I'm telling you, it tastes like one huge perogi....delicious! I caved last night and made sweet potatoes as a side dish....I was trying to hold out till Thanksgiving, but they just looked so good! LOL. I didn't prepare them like I do for the actual holiday....I just put them in a casserol dish along with brown sugar and maple syrup. I did, however, top them with marshmallows....yum!

Betsy is staying after school today to see the school play. She gets extra credit in drama class if she attends. She also told me she is trying out for the spring play. I was in theater in high school and I loved it. I think she would have a lot of fun. She was also nominated for an award for two of her pictures in her photography class. I am so proud of her! I haven't seen the prints yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing them. She is leaning toward a career in journalism, which I think would really fit her personality. She has an eye for detail and a flair for the dramatic....but then, most teens are rather dramatic, aren't they? LOL....especially when she has me for a mother....

It is going to be 79-80 for the next few days. I knew that was going to happen. I will bet you a sweet potato pie that it's 80 again this year on Thanksgiving. Yuck! Well, if it is, I just hope it is cloudy and rainy. At least that will make up for the warm weather. I like my Thanksgivings cold, wet and cozy!

There isn't much going on today....kids are at school, dh is at work, and I'm sitting here while the dog scratches himself. He really annoys me with that. He does it at night, and growls whilst doing it. It wakes dh up and I end up throwing a pillow at him. (the dog, not the dh)

I actually have a sweatshirt on! I'm so excited. Of course, I haven't been outside since I put it on this morning, so I probably don't need it anymore. Yesterday, I was sitting in the computer room, on the couch and I noticed the outside of the windows looked smudged. So, I got my step ladder and went around the entire house and cleaned all the windows. I forgot all about it until just now....dang it! I wanted to see how they looked as the sun was coming in. Now I have to wait for tomorrow morning to check the back of the house. I hate when I do that! I'm happy with this window though....it's so clear. I'm just waiting for the first bird to fly mach 5 into it. I've never had that happen before, thankfully (not just for me, but the bird too!).

Okay, time to get down to business. I think I'll go get my book, sit my lazy butt down, and read for a while. Please! No one call 911, I'm alright....I am actually going to relax for a while....I know, I'm just as amazed as you are, but it does happen occasionally!

Have a good one....

 

Odds -n- Sods....

I can't believe Thanksgiving is only a week away. I got my grocery store flyer and if I spend $75 on groceries, I get a turkey for free....any size. I forgot about this deal....I got one last year for my "second Thanksgiving dinner". My sister and her husband were here for the holidays last year, and my mother hosted the festivities....however, she had ham instead of turkey. While the dinner was wonderful, I couldn't let the holiday go by without a turkey, so the day after Thanksgiving, I cooked an entire dinner for my family....free turkey and all. This year, I am hosting the festivities and you can bet your drumstick we are going to have one huge turkey. I've always wanted to cook a 21 pounder or bigger. I believe this will be the year! I have to start making my list of things to buy. My mom is doing two side dishes and pies, and I get the rest. I can't wait!

**Question of the day: What is one side dish that you could never do without on Thanksgiving....

I would have to say broccoli rice casserol. We have had this since I can remember, and it's always the first to go. I don't make it at any other time of the year, although sometimes we do it at Christmas. Mmmmmm, I can't wait for some of that!

I went to feed the dog today, and there is just enough food to scrape out a bowl tomorrow morning. I hate when that happens. Am I the only one around here who can buy a bag of dogfood? Sheesh! We keep a plastic tub in the pantry,and empty the bags into that, so his food stays fresh. You would think someone would have noticed it was getting low. But no....and of course I forgot all about it when I went to the store yesterday. *Sigh.

I had a bunch of stuff I wanted to write about today....but my mind is blank. I really need to keep a notebook with me at all times. Or one of those little tape machines. Then I could walk around all day recording, saying, "Note to self...." I've always wanted to do that.

Oh! I do remember one thing I was going to mention. Last night I was watching VH-1 at 10, and there was a show called "Motormouth". Has anyone seen this? OMG....I was laughing so hard that my pillow was wet from crying. John was laying behind me and kept telling me to quit because I was shaking the bed. The premis is that someone sets up a friend by putting a video camera in their car, and it records them singing with the radio. OMG....some of these people were hysterical! Seeing them try to be cool, or forgetting the words, or really off key. The funniest things though, were the 19 year olds that would sing all the words to Tom Jones or Frank Sinatra or the Carpenters. I'm telling you, it was hysterical. And then when the accomplices get into the car and try to get them to really sing....I was hysterical. I would highly recommend this show.

Okay, that's it. My mind is officially blank now. I'm going to go clean. Have a good one....

Oh my back! or It's He** getting old....

I'm sitting here trying to study, however the pain in my back is making it hard to keep my mind on the subject.

This morning whilst sitting at the bus stop with wee one, we were enjoying a conversation when the bus pulled up. Wee one has this fear that somehow she will be left behind (even though my van is about 10 feet from the bus), so she jumps up and out the door and knocks my purse into the grass. I tell her don't worry and she runs off. Well, instead of getting out of the car and walking around to the other side to pick it up and close the door (I didn't have my lip gloss on today Jaime, just the glasses!), I decide to lean over the passenger side to close the door....big mistake. As I rose up, or tried to, I felt an ominous "riipppppp" just below my shoulder. Since then, I've had a constant throbbing pain that, at times, makes me nauseous. However, being the trooper that I am, it didn't stop me from getting my sewing done, or my wash, or banana bread baked, or groceries bought, etc., etc....

Other than that, not much went on today. It's been rather quiet. And the weather....dear Lord the weather....a gorgeous, chilly day was had by all! Wee one actually wore a long sleeved shirt to school today. Of course, she didn't need it by the time she came home, but I'll take what I can get.

I think I'll make this entry short and sweet tonight....as I've got a double date tonight....with Mr. Tylenol and Mr. Ben Gay...."not that there's anything wrong with that!"

The Secret Life....Evening Edition....

The doctor appointment went very well this morning/afternoon. I tell you, I've never seen such a well oiled machine as that hospital. It's a childrens hospital, and I must say that looking around at all the kids there, made me send up a prayer of thanks that my kids are healthy. There were so many children there with such serious problems. A little boy with no hair, holding his daddy's hand while walking to the pharmacy, a little girl crying in her mommy's arms with an ear implant, and many children suffering with neurological defects....it breaks your heart.

We got in and up to the fourth floor in plenty of time for our appointment. For a while there I was thinking it was an appointment to sit and wait....but at least we had some nice scenery. As I said we were on the fourth floor, and the hospital overlooks the St. John's river. The windows were as long as my entire house, and the view was spectacular. We sat and watched the clouds roll by....the sun move from east to west....night begin to fall....no, I'm kidding. We waited about an hour to be seen. The doctor was very nice and said that he saw a few "small things" which he said may or may not be stones. So....we go back in a month for an ultrasound and an x-ray, and go from there. In the meantime, if she has any pain, we go to the ER.

After the appointment, dh suggests lunch. I really was hungry after my "yogurt episode", but didn't want to spend the money. However, dh and dd won, and we ended up going to a new Japanese restaurant near his work. It was a spotless restaurant with lots of room and ambiance. It reminded me of the restaurants in Chicago. I just couldn't get over how clean it was....I mean clean! Anyway, we ordered the chicken teryaki don and Betsy got the shrimp don. We started out with salads....I got the ginger dressing wich was ok, and it also came with miso soup. Now, I've never had miso soup before....and I never will again. The only thing I can compare it too (both smell and taste) would be if you let your fish bowl sit for a week or so, then pour the water into bowls, with a little seaweed and tofu, and then warm it up. Ewwwwwww. But the chicken....it was wonderful! It was grilled to perfection with a delicious t-sauce and crisp-tender vegetables, all on a bed of steamed rice. Delish! I probably wouldn't make it a monthly stop, but maybe twice a year. There were people there eating sushi, which I think looks interesting, but I don't know if I'm brave enough to try it. Anyone ever have it? I did try some one time that was just rice and avacado with wasabi sauce ("Wasaaaaaaabi!"lol). Man that stuff is HOT. We had a nice time though, talking and laughing.

The rest of the day was rather boring. I didn't get to babysit, as the meeting my friend was to attend was cancelled, so I cleaned instead. I just finished actually, although I have to get the sheets out of the dryer and put them on the bed. I hate that job! I always buy king size sheets and comforters, even though we have a queen size bed. I just like the extra coziness. Of course I hate it when I'm tucking the dang things in....drives me nuts! I need to get some of those corner holders.

Dh is at school taking a quiz. He was not happy about it either. And "we" (read: me) have to do his finance homework. I didn't do it over the weekend, which means another little something for me to do this week. Although it might be fun, as I get to pick some stocks! WooHoo! I think I'm going to look into SC Johnson. With as much Pledge as Kara and I buy, it's bound to be on an upswing!

Nighters....

Dr. Monday....

Today is dr. appointment Monday. Betsy finally has her urologist appointment for the kidney stone she had over a month ago. I don't know what we are going to find out that we didn't already know. Betsy has been perfectly fine ever since the incident, so hopefully the scans will be clear and she will receive a clean bill of health. (And I will receive a bill as well....)

After the appointment I'll have to rush home, as my friend down the street needs a babysitter for her 3 1/2 year old daughter. She usually has her mil watch her, but she has a doctors appointment too. I don't mind though. It will be nice to have a little one around. She is so cute too....calls me "Miss Sherry". That is one of the hardest things to get used to down here in the south....being called either a.) M'am (I hate that one) or b.) Miss Sherry. I feel like and elderly woman who should be driven around....

Wee one didn't know that she was coming over this afternoon because she wasnt' at home when my friend called. I told her about it this morning and she said, "Oh. Well, what is she going to be playing with?" to which I replied, "Well, I thought she could play with some of your toys." to which she replied, "Oh, well she can play with some of my toys from when I was a toddler....you know mom, I am saving those for my child some day." I suppose that was her little warning that they had better not become damaged in some way....lol.

We took the girls to see The Incredibles yesterday afternoon. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed that movie from beginning to end. I thought it was cleverly written, moved at a quick pace, and was one of Pixar/Disney's best movies in a long time. The girls enjoyed it as well. I think it would be a hard movie for young kids (6 and under) to sit through, being that it is long and there are no "cutsie" characters. But for our family, it was perfect. The coming attractions for "Madagascar" and "Cars" looked teriffic too.

I have a canker sore on my gum and it's driving me nuts. I hate that. A good friend of mine recommended I put a solution of maalox and benadryl on it. At first I was like, wth? But guess what? In her infinate wisdom.....she was right! It works like a charm....and apparently, it's a well known remedy, according to a lot of web information. Well who knew!? Apparently she did, and let me just say, she is *quite the fountain of knowledge! (*enter sarcasm here) pmsl.

I had "fruit on the bottom" yogurt this morning. I was thinking it was the kind that you had to mix up because the yogurt on the top was plain, but it wasn't (I found this out as I opened the protective covering on the top and the yogurt splashed up into my face and onto my lips). So, I decided not to mix it up, but save the fruit for the end, because you know how stingy they are with the fruit....and it was a store brand. Well, apparently this particular store brand is not stingy on the fruit, and I had tons of it....so much in fact that it was too sugary....if that is even possible. However, I managed to force myself to eat it....

I couldn't sleep last night, and ended up playing 5 games of Slingo. I just love that game....it's addicting. And it's calming as well....almost zen like. I played two games this morning, but couldn't find my "groove". So, I quit. How's that for an interesting bit of JBCoupe knowledge? I have really taken liberties with using the italic button this morning. I love that button. Of course, some would say, "Could you use that button any more? It's really annoying." To which I would reply, "Well this is my journal. If you don't like it you could move on...."

My addiction....

Hello. My name is Sherry and I'm a Christmas treeaholic. Oh dear Lord won't somebody help me? I have this weakness for Christmas trees. My obsession this year is getting a white tree. I want to decorate it like a candy cane. What is wrong with me? I see the displays at the store and my eyes glaze over....I become hypnotized by the flashing lights and haunting holiday music. I already have the one I want picked out....now I just have to find a place to put it....oh, and talk my husband into it. Well, actually he really doesn't mind, since I'm the one who does all the decorating. If I can get the white one, I will have a tree in every room....oooh, except the screened in porch. Hmmmm, maybe a live one out there? But I digress....I really have a problem with this. It's all I've been thinking about! Here is a picture of the tree I want. Isn't it lovely? Can you just imagine it with red lights and glittery ornaments? Oooooh....ahhhhhh.....

Okay, enough of that. I'm getting into the mood for the holidays. Even though the weather isn't cooperating (it's still in the upper 70's), I'm forcing myself to think winter. I bought one of those white spiral trees for the outside, to go with our lighted deer....now, before you say anything....let me explain. Our Eckard pharmacies are all being taken over by CVS, so we had some awesome coupons sent in the mail. I got a bottle of Love's Baby Soft, a bottle of Flintstones vitamins, a box of female products, a 4 pack of Maybelline eye shadow and the outdoor 3 foot tree all for....drumroll....$10.47! So, it was a good deal after all....

I have been to K-mart two times in the last 24 hours. I went yesterday to get the ink for my printer....and ended up spending well over my intended limit. I found some great clothes for wee one on the sales rack, and a few other sundries. The purpose for my trip was twofold. To get the ink, which I did, and to get a gift for wee one's birthday party, which I forgot. So, today I had to go back. I got what I needed and on the way home Betsy called and said she needed the feminine products.  Being that I was fighting the traffic and wee one was hungry, I told her I'd get them later so I could use my wonderful coupons. Fast forward an hour, and we (John, wee one and I) are at my parent's house, putting up a bathroom bar for my father. My mom asks what I got today at K-mart and I tell her. I also got two pair of jeans for wee one, since they were on sale. (And yesterday I had gotten wee one the clothes, and two dvd's that were on sale for $2 each). Well, my mom is horrified that I didn't pick something up for Betsy and says, "You mean you went to the store again and didn't get Betsy anything?" Wee one looks at her, and says in an irritated voice, "Jeez Gram, we're getting her tampax on the way home!" Out of the mouthes of babes....

 

Ahhhh, freshness with every flush....

I just finished cleaning the girls bathroom, and I must say, every surface sparkles and shines....and every flush now brings a lovely, refreshing swirl of crystal blue water flowing into a gleaming porcelain bowl. Yes, God is in His heaven, and all is right with the world....

I decided to take a break for a few moments....well, actually, I was on my way to the kitchen for the mop, and I got sidetracked here at the computer. You would think I would know better than to walk through the computer room whilst cleaning. I could just as easily have walked through the family room....but something called me here. I have a sneaking suspicion my computer is sending me subliminal messages as I clean. There is a Dean Koontz book called "Demon Seed" in which the main character slowly becomes the object of her compter's obsession; which, according to the book jacket is "to learn everything there is to know about the flesh...." Now, I don't think my computer is planning some strange, techno-love thing with me, however, it does seem to have some sort of ability to draw me to it whenever I'm doing something else. (Still, I think I'll keep my eye on it, just to be safe....)

Last night's dinner was a hit. I don't know if I should be happy or insulted. Everyone raved about the hamburger helper. It was the "cheezy potato" flavor. Kind of like scalloped potatoes with hamburger meat. I did add a can of cream of celery soup for extra flavor, so maybe that's what made it so good. Yeah, I'm going with that. It was my special touch that made it palatable. I only had a few bites, as I'm not one for ground beef....but everyone else ate it up. Well, it's good to know I have something I can whip up in a jif if I've had a busy day....OH COME ON!!!! I feel ashamed just typing this! I should never have made that, let alone let it in my pantry! I can just see Debbie shaking her head at me...."Hamburger Helper Sherry? I'm so disappointed in you....you can't use your kitchen aid with that!" My "martha meter" is regestering pretty low today....lol.

Okay....I can hear Judge Larry Joe starting his last case of the morning, which means I need to get my rear in gear and clean this place up. I've got to run to the store later for a birthday gift. **procrastination alert** I've only had a week and a half to get something for wee one's friend....nothing like waiting till the last minute, huh? Have a good one!

Silence is golden....

I just love Pilrgims ....aren't they cute?

Today turned out to be quite a relaxing day for me. Last night Betsy went to her friend's house to spend the night, and ended up going to St. Augustine for the day with them. Wee one went to church with her friend last night, and when they came home, she asked if she could spend the night at R's house. Whoopie! She stayed there until 2:00 this afternoon....so I was alone most of the day. The weather today has been rainy and cool....which only adds to the coziness. I made a double batch of rice krispy treats so my family will have something fun for dinner tonight....being that I'm making hamburger helper. I know, I know....I can't believe it myself! But I figured I'd give myself an entire day of slacking off....

Can you believe it's only 43 days until Christmas? I really need to make my lists and decide what to give this year. I am trying to think of a good gift for wee one's teachers, as this year I have a man to buy for. I think I'll get them both gift certificates from the school supply store. I am pretty sure I know what I'm getting my mom and dad....but I won't tell since she reads this. John's mom will get the "fruit of the month club" membership again, since she raved about it last year. That leaves my kids, my husband, and two family grab bag gifts. I would love to make something this year. What? I don't know....I just have the urge to be "crafty".

There are people across the street, looking at the house for sale. I wish a nice, normal family would move in. Someone with two kids who loves to cook, stays home, has a husband interested in cars....

Wee one is in her room watching "The Babysitters Club" movie. It was Betsy's movie when she was younger. Wee one is reading one of the books for school, and decided to see what the movie was like. She's laying on her bed, covered up with juice box in hand....oh, how I remember those lazy days as a kid. I was thinking about it yesterday whilst watching her walk down the street with her friend. They were laughing, walking/skipping along, not a care in the world. I wondered what they were thinking about....probably what they were going to do at church that night, or maybe where they would go for dinner. Just watching them made me feel happy, and brought back memories of being a kid and playing with friends. I also remember that feeling of after being at a friend's house, coming home and flopping down on the bed, safe and secure in my own home. I hope that is how my kids feel when they come home. I have a feeling it is, as wee one came up to me about 5 minutes after being home, gave me a hug and a kiss and said she missed me. Awwwww, I love being a mom!

 

A day with the dh....

My hubby decided to take the day off today and spend some time with me. How sweet....

We started our morning together at Cracker Barrel. He had his usual (the oldtimers breakfast), and I got the fruit topped pancakes with blackberries....can you say yummy? Oh man were they good. We also had bacon and hash brown casserol. It was a lot of food, and I felt rather guilty as she set it all out before us....however, not guilty enough to leave any on my plate! Okay, I did leave some of the pancakes....

After that we headed off to Joann's fabrics to look for the proper thread for my sewing. As we pulled in to park, he says, "Man, these people can't park worth ****!" I said, "Darling, you have to remember, most of the customers in this store are over 70." He did come in with me, and as I suspected, was the only man in the store. He did good though, and I even caught him looking at things rather than crossing his arms and staring at the ceiling all "man like". From there we checked out the clinic where I need to take Betsy for her urologist appointment on Monday. I wasn't sure where it was, but we found it with ease. It's a gorgeous, tall building right on the riverfront.

We began heading home when he suggested going to the big antique mall. He had never been in this one and was curious as to what it looked like. We used to antique all the time in Indiana....so we headed over to the shop. It was all decorated for Christmas with trees and garlands. It's a really nice shop with high end antiques and primitive country crafts. It was funny because he said, "Wow, this place doesn't smell like an antique shop!" I found some great furniture there that I would LOVE to have....and a hoosier cabinet, in prime condition for only $350! I couldn't believe it. Apparently they are not as popular here as they are up home, where a broken down model will cost upwards of $600, and the kind I wanted was well over $1000. My mom had one that had belonged to my grandmother (dad's mom) when we lived up north. It was absolutely perfect....and she left it with the house! The lady asked if they could buy it with the house because it looked like it belonged in there. Being that my dad was sick, and she was doing the bulk of the work herself, she said yes. Anyway....I ended up buying two bottles of homemade "room fragrance". One smells like autumn, with hints of hazlenut and spice, and the other smells like Christmas trees....they are wonderful! John actually picked the first one out, and after smelling the second, we decided to buy both.

After leaving the antique shop he asked what I wanted to do, and being that I was beginning to get a headache, I asked if we could go home and take a nap together. He said that it was such a gorgeous day outside....he wanted to get some work done....wanted to paint the bricks in the back....blow the leaves off the driveway....yet, in the end, guess who won? Uh-huh....go me! So, we laid down together, and I fell asleep for an hour, all cuddled up next to him. It was great! Of course I woke up with a pounding headache and feeling a bit nauseous....but I'm sure it wasn't from him! LOL....actually I think it was probably from taking the antibiotic and then immediately laying down. When will I learn?!

So, here I sit whilst he is outside working....but we had such a nice, relaxing day. I have a million things to do, but I think I'll take him a glass of tea and sit on the porch as he works....he deserves it.

Jive Turkey....

Why is it when I sit down to start my entry, someone inevitably calls....

Okay. It was my mother....she is wallpapering and taking a break. She has done three of the four walls in her family room, and is halfway done with the third. The woman is a decorating maniac I tell you! It looks really good though. I stopped by yesterday to visit my dad and see her progress. She is one of those women who just have "the touch" when it comes to decorating.

This morning I've been sewing my fingers to the bone. I've got 100 waist straps done, and I'm about to begin the shoulder straps. My eyes are blurry....yesterday at Walgreens I was actually looking at those reading glasses they have. I chose a pair that, funny enough, looked pretty good! (Well, as good as old lady reading glasses can look, anyway.) I didn't buy them, but I'm thinking of going back and getting them. Oh man, where has my youth gone?

I have broken two needles today, and taken my sewing machine apart to clean out the thread dust. I bought one of those cans of air to clean out the insides, where the dust tends to collect....you know, that air could possibly get one high, if used in a not-so-well ventilated area....I can't believe I spent $4 on a can of air....but it does the job.

My house is clean, the wash is folded and dinner is thawing on the counter. I'm making chili tonight. I figured the spiciness of it would be good for our stuffy noses. Last night I whipped up a batch of cornbread hotdog muffins....they will go good with dinner tonight. 

You know how you start working on a project, really get into it, then sit down for a minute and immediately get tired? Well, that is what I just did. Dang. I'm ready for a nap. Why do I do this to myself? I have no idea.

I am taking Betsy to the local supermarket to apply for a job. I'll let her fill things out whilst I shop. I love the word "whilst". It seems so elegent and classy....so unlike myself.....

Okay....my break is over and I must get back to my work. Have a lovely Tuesday....

 

Phun at the Pharmacy....

I spent my morning and early afternoon at the doctor's office and pharmacy. The doc's office was packed. Seems strep is running rampant in the sunshine state. They've even had a few cases that have advanced to scarlet fever. However, I have nothing as dramatic as that thankfully....just a sinus infection. I was blessed by the "antibiotic gods" and given a prescription, which I took straight to my local Walgreens. I got there at 11:10 and was told, "Give us about 20 minutes." Apparently their definition of "about" is quite different than mine. Around noon the guy at the counter asked my name again and said, "Did they tell you we are out of one of the medications?" I just look at him...."Noooooo, they didn't." Well, he went back and checked and apparently they weren't out, they didn't have the correct dosage. The problem, however was fixed, and I took my purchases up to pay. I had picked up some Sudafed for wee one who woke up coughing and sneezing, and some cough drops. The guy rings it up and, of course, asks if I know how much the Sudafed is because after his 73rd scan, it still won't register. I looked at him and said, "I think it was on sale for a dollar," to which he replied, "You know, I think you are right." Gooood answer my man. So, I ended up getting my $6 bottle of Sudafed for a buck. Not bad.

So here I sit, my poor, sick little self....eating a happy meal from McDonalds. It was pretty good, and I even got an Incredibles toy! I will, of course, give it to wee one....although I'll have to explain why I have it in the first place.

Tonight is school night for dh, which means leftover night for the kiddles....yippee! I've got the night off from slaving over a hot stove....

Okay, I'm outta here....have a good one! 

What the????!!!!

I just got used to my computer room being dirty, when I came in and saw this. I had to ask wee one what was going on. She said that she caught the dog chewing on one of her barbie shoes, and she wanted to protect them from being eaten. So what does she do? She gets my roll of plastic wrap, and hermetically seals each pile so that the dog won't get to them. What a nut....

FYI....

I just thought you might like to see my living room this afternoon. Wee one decided to get her barbies out and play while I was online. This is the result....amazing, isn't it?! LOL.

Studying Saturday....

Right now I am being the "good wife". I'm sitting outside on my porch, enjoying the gorgeous 70 degree day....while taking notes for my husband on finance. I'm taking a break after two hours of highlighting and definition writing on individual notecards. Not only are they individual, but they are sorted by chapter and subject. Mmmmhmmmm, I am definately expecting some kind of gem to bejewl my finger this Christmas season.

However, while doing this for him, I've discovered something about myself that is rather surprising. Apparently, I'm not as smart as I thought I was. This is a hard freaking class! I tried my hand at figuring out a problem using the CAPM, or "Capital Asset Pricing Model". I almost got it right....but not quite. I am now referring to it as the "Confusing And Periodically Mindnumbing" equasion.

It really is nice outside right now. I slept with the windows open last night, and my bedroom was so cozy. Of course how good that was for my cold is yet to be seen. I am going to the doctor on Monday, because I'm beginning to think this may be bacterial....

As for the rest of today, I'll probably do some sewing until dh gets home from work, then he wants to go to Lowes for some porch paint.  Oh joy. Why can't he just go there on his way home from work? Well, I suppose it would be rather hard carrying 2 gallons of paint home on his motorcycle. But he does have bags....although I wonder if it would throw off his balance. Guess it is a better idea that he goes after he gets home.

I've decided on a more soothing musical choice for my journal. Kind of classy....the music, not the journal.

Okay, I'm off to finish "my" studying and sewing. I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

This N That....

You know, I really should read the instruction manual to my camera. I've had it for over six months and still I'm taking dark, shadowy pictures. I'll bet Monica cringes when she sees them; resisting the urge to touch them up, or at least write to me with some basic pointers....

I never wake up hungry, sometimes not realizing I haven't eaten until lunch time rolls around. For some reason I was starving this morning. So, I had a lovely bowl of Apple Jacks. Why? I do not know. I'm not an AJ kind of person. I'm more of a Lucky Charms girl (someone's always after me Lucky Charms!), but alas, we are out. I haven't had any taste, literally, for days now. This cold has made everything taste the same....bland. I made cheezy cauliflower soup last night and everyone raved about it....but I couldn't taste it. I must have put half a salt lick in, but nothing. I suppose I should take this time to jump start a diet....but, I don't want to. **procrastination alert** I'll do it in January.

It has been so sickening warm here lately....however last night a "cold front" moved through, and this morning it is crisp and cool outside. This is what I heard on the news yesterday. I couldn't believe it.
Weatherman: "Enjoy our 85 degree day today because it will be the last summer day before the weekend. We've got a cold front coming through and it's going to bring some cold, fall weather. Tomorrows high will ONLY be 72...." OMG....I had better break out the sweaters! Where are the kids mittens?! Who's got the winter coats? What about the children? Won't somebody think of the children?! It's like Florida goes into a massive panic attack if the temps fall below 80. Sheesh! You should see it if there is a chance of frost....they will actually break in to our regular programming to warn us. "Folks, you are going to want to go out and cover your plants....we are under a SEVERE FROST WARNING!" Dear Lord where are my sheets? What about the seedlings? Won't somebody think of the seedlings?

Oh Florida, don't get all mad....I kid because I love.....

Anyhoo....I need to get on with my day. It's almost bus stop time and I need to get wee one ready. Keep warm....I know I will....I'm going to go start a pot of coffee, and put another log on the fire....yup, hunkerin' down here in FL. Gotta fight off those bitter winds....

Shoppin' Sherry....

Yesterday I went shopping with my mom and dad, at a home store near us. I ended up getting 4 Christmas candles and 2 Christmas kitchen towels. The stores look so pretty with all the decorations....I just couldn't help myself! Although, I have to say it is weird shopping for Santa's and snowmen when it's 85 outside. Anyway, after we went there, we went to Linens&Things. I wasn't looking to buy anything, just browsing. Well, you know what happens when you "just browse". You end up "just buying".

I don't know why, but mom suggested we walk down the kids bedding aisle, and we came upon the perfect bedding for wee one's room. She is still using her purple Power Puff Girl's comforter, which doesn't really go with the yellow and green! I found a yellow "bugs and butterflies" comforter, as well as pillow shams and a valance for her window. They are absolutely perfect, with the same yellow and neon green as her room. Now, here's the part that makes me happy....the comforter was $59.99, the pillow sham $20.00 and the valance $20.00. What did Sherry get them for? Oh, I am so glad you asked. The total for all of them was....drumroll please....$26.81! Woo-freakin-Hoo, Homer Simpson style! Can't beat a 75% off sale. I didn't even realize it, until my mom pointed it out to me. "Um, Sherry, isn't that on sale?"
"Huh? Where do you see that?"
"Well, the big sign hanging above it kind of gave it away."
"Oh, yes, I suppose it did."

Mind you, I still have a cold and was drugged up on cold medication....okay, okay. I probably wouldn't have noticed it anyway and my mother once again saved the day, as I was going to walk past it. Sheesh!

In any case, it looks fabulous, and wee one was thrilled. I did find the cutest set for Betsy, but she wasn't as excited as I was. It was a surf motif, with the old hula ladies on it and palm trees....now, I'm not into the surf motif, however, the bedskirt was actually a grass skirt, which is what sold it for me. It was adorable! It was also $90....so I suppose I would have to wait for another sale. Betsy reminded me that it wouldn't go with her celestial theme. Well DUH, I knew that. It was just so dang cute! (Oh, and yes, my MOTHER pointed that one out to me too. Now that she has a decent computer, and reads my journal, I can't get away with taking the credit for *some* of my great deals!)

Let's see....what is on the docket for today. Ummmm....sewing? Yes. Studying? Yes. Wash? Yes. Oh, and I have two prescriptions to pick up as well. Dang. I was hoping not to have to go out today. *Sigh.

Okay, it's time to get wee one ready for the bus stop. Have a lovely Thursday!

Oh what a night....

 

You know what they say...."out of the mouthes of babes". This morning the first thing wee one asked was "who won?" I told her, well, we will have to wait and see, but it looks like George Bush is in the lead. Being that we are Republican, she was happy.

However, on our way to the dentist this morning, she asked me, "Why do people say they hate Bush or they hate Kerry? I mean, they are just people who want to be President." This is the issue that I find so sad about this particular election. So many people saying the word hate. While on our field trip last month, there were posters that said something to the effect of "hating" Bush. The two little girls behind me read the sign and said, "It's not nice to say that about someone." Funny how the kids get it, but the 'adults' in their fight to be right, don't.

I may not agree with Kerry on the issues, however, if her were to be elected President, I would stand behind him. I would give him the respect that he deserves as our President. It is what I would do as a moral human being, and as a role model to my children. It saddens me that so many people out there are so hateful. I think it's quite telling of society today, that I would have to tell my child that we need to be respectful of our President, rather than her seeing it by our words and actions.

I believe that both sides fought their hardest, and both sides had good and bad points. Now that it is over, we as America need to regroup and stand together as we face the coming years. And I can say with complete honesty, that I would have said this whomever the people had chosen....

God Bless America

 

Just another entry....

I love turkeys. I don't know why, but I just do. I have a few of them sitting around the house right now. Something about them just makes me feel good....

Anyway....not much happening around here. I think I'm in a slump. I've got the usual apppointments scheduled for the kids, (dentist, doctor, etc.), my never ending sewing, my crabby husband....nothing new or exciting. Sometimes I think I am a desperate houswife, but no one would want to watch an hour of my life. First of all, I'm way over the weight limit for that show (what is it with all those beautiful, almost-anorexic housewives? Do they really exsist? Have you ever seen one? And I mean a REAL skinny housewife, who actually works around the house....not the "My husband is an executive and I drive the beemer to the manicurist every day" kind!  The show is definately written by a man, or at least cast by one....) Secondly, I don't know my neighbors well enough to be invited into their homes, let alone just walking in and striking up a conversation. And thirdly, there are absolutely NO hunks on this street worth flirting with! So, I suppose it won't matter that I am sneezing and coughing, and look like crap warmed over....as I doubt producers from ABC are going to be knocking down my door any time soon.

I need to make a "Halls" run today....nothing sooths my sore throat and cough like a "Halls Mentholyptus". (Hmmmm, advertising in journals. I wonder if I could get paid for that?!) But it's true....sometimes I even sleep with them tucked safely between my cheek and gum. I just ate my last one, and my throat is so scratchy. Weird thing is dh just called and asked if we had any lozenges because his throat is scratchy. Guess which one of us will be out buying a bag today? The one who is already dressed and at work, with a wee little sore throat, or the one who is home in her pj's, sneezing her way through a box of kleenex? Uh huh....and I'll have to buy two bags because he likes the strawberry flavored ones (ewwwwww), while I prefer the cherry (yummmm). Although I will alsogo with the honey lemon, or original flavor. Do they still sell them in the individual square shapes? I used to love those as a kid. I don't know why. I'm rather picky when it comes to a throat lozenge. They have to taste medicinal to work....or at least that is my personal theory. My mom likes the ones that taste like a piece of hard candy....Smith Brothers I think. I'm like, why don't you just suck on a tootsie pop? At least then you get some chocolate in the deal! I tried the Riccola....can we say gross? Those were just nasty. There is one other kind that I will take as a substitute. They are the Celestial Seasonings Herbal Throat Drops in orange. They are very good....but hard to find down here.

Well, the girls are at school, dh is at work, and the house is quiet. I suppose it's time to do a quick pick up, take a shower and head out to run errands. That or get back in bed....hmmmmmm....

Rascal Rebel....

Yes, my father will henceforth be known as the "Rascal Rebel". Last night, we had this bright idea that my dad would use his new electric wheelchair to pull wee one around the neighborhood while trick or treating. He's got a really great ride, tricked out with a captain's chair and 5 speeds. It even has a seatbelt (apparently some elderly folk are into "extreme wheelchairing"! lol). Anyway, they took a few practice laps in the cul-se-sac at various speeds and decided that "3" was just right; not too slow, not too fast. Now, as I pulled into their driveway earlier, I had decided not to park in the street, to avoid any collisions....

About ten minutes before trick or treating was set to start, dad and wee one had just come off their last practice lap, and were turning around in the driveway. I don't know what happened, but as I turned all I could see was my dad in his rocket red chair, speeding toward my van, not showing any signs of slowing down! I have to mention that the disease he is suffering from directly affects his eyesight, and we had all just been marveling at the fact that he was navigating the street so well, with only a few "left, right" commands from wee one. As I turn, so does my mother who begins shouting, "EDDIE! STOP!" at which point he panics and pushes the joystick/steerstick further forward which rams him into the van. I am telling you, the whole thing shook! So, the van is rocking, his wheels are spinning and we are all trying to get him to release the joystick! Luckily he was okay....there was a piece on the front of the chair that lodged into the bumper which saved his legs from being bruised....we were all laughing with relief at this time. Needless to say, I ended up walking around the neighborhood after that....as it shook him up a bit. Everyone is fine though....and now that we know he's okay (I talked to mom today and he's fine), it WAS pretty funny!

We ended up going all around my mother's neighborhood and wee one got quite a haul. Her feet got pretty sore skating to the houses, so by the end I was pulling her with her broomstick. Afterwe were finished, we had our traditional chili with my parents, then went home to relax. Well, they relaxed while I took most of the decorations down. (And yes, I take the Christmas decorations down the day after....and only leave the trees till New Years Day). I'm glad I did it all last night because I'm still under the weather with this cold.

So....on to Desperate Housewives....another good show! Now I'm wondering if the "note" was meant for the mother or the son? Maybe he did something bad and she helped cover it up? Hmmmmm. I loved Bree's reasoning regarding trying the recipes before the holiday, "That way if the recipe is wrong, I can fix it!" Lmao!

Okay, I'm off to the wonderful world of sewing....catch you later!