Saturday, April 29, 2006

Like the fella once said, ain't that a kick in the head?

What is the big secret about this stay at home mom's life? I'll tell you....things aren't always perfect....

Let me begin by saying....she is OKAY.

Last night Betsy was supposed to work. SUPPOSED to work. However, with the intelligence of a teen who is in love and wanting to be with her boyfriend....she decided instead to feign sickness and sneak off to said boyfriend's house, a mere 25 miles away. Being that she was supposed to work until close then clean up, she said she would just spend the night at my mom's, who lives right across the street from the ice cream shop. Fast forward to 12:30....she isn't there, and mom decides to go check the shop. No car, no Betsy. Then of course, the dreaded call. "Uhhh, Sherry? Betsy isn't here....and she isn't at work." Immediately my blood pressure rises, as I know what she is up to, and I try to remain calm. I tell her I'll call her cell and get back to her. I call, she answers. "Where the $*%@ are you?"

"Mom, I'm going to tell you the truth....", well gee, thank you. "I'm at such and such an intersection. I hit something and two of the tires are blown." At this point I ask if she is okay and she says yes. Then, I let her have it...."What the f-bomb are you THINKING? You could have been killed! You could have killed someone else!What happened? Why aren't you at work?"  Then I said, "Here, you can explain it to your father!", who was sound asleep in front of the tv. He woke looking dazed and confused as I'm screaming for him to talk to HIS daughter. The look on his face as she was telling him what happened went from worry to anger in 0-60.

Long story short, mom came over to watch wee one, and we took off to check out the damage. Boy, when that girl decides to wreck a car, she wrecks it! Apparently she was at a light, waiting to make a right hand turn. Someone came barreling up behind her and she thought they were going to hit her, so she decided to turn onto the highway. THANK GOD no one was coming....however, as she turned she clipped the corner too close, and there was construction being done on the curb....there were 8 pieces of sharp metal sticking out of the concrete, so as she drove past it punctured the tires and twisted the hubcaps, blowing them out as she went. She lost control, but thankfully was able to pull into the empty parking lot next to the corner....driving on rims and mangling whatever was left. JB was able to use two donuts to drive home, and today I got 4 new tires and rims, along with a front end alignment....all for $765. Needless to say, she will be working and handing me her paychecks for a loooooooooong time.

I am so thankful that she is alright. After the initial shock, thoughts of what could have happened ran through my mind for hours. Of course, not long after thoughts of what kind of punishment she would recieve took it's place. She got up and went with us this morning to set everything up to get the car fixed....and returned with us later to pick it up. When she saw the car she said, "Oh mom! You will be driving in STYLE! Look at those rims!" I'm just standing there, looking at her as she is smiling at me. Then she says, "Hey, they pimped your ride for mother's day! But don't worry mom, it's on me...." I don't know whether to hug or spank that kid!

 

Friday, April 28, 2006

Pimpin' ain't easy....

Today is wee one's big Safety Patrol field trip. I would venture to guess she got about 10 minutes of sleep last night, as she is so excited. When I woke her this morning she said, "I didn't think the morning would ever come!" Ahhhh, youth. She got up quickly, got dressed, ate, packed her little backpack and is ready to go. I thought we were going at 7:00, but we dont' have to leave until 7:30....so I thought I'd throw in a quick entry. They get to buy their own lunch today, and according to her...."We have to buy one souvenier." Hmmmm, I highly doubt that was a prerequsite to the the trip....but more of a ploy to get me to give her an extra $10! Whatever it was, it worked....and Miss Moneybags had better not spend it on a $25 shell with googly eyes that says "Florida"!

I can't believe it's Friday already. Where did this week go? It's not like I had a busy week either. I guess since the girls only have 4 weeks of school left, things are bound to speed up. This year went by so quickly....actually, this life has gone by quickly. Next year is going to be so different. No longer will I have an elementary school student....I've been part of the elementary crowd for 13 consecutive years....and my reign as room mother is coming to an end. I can't tell you how sad that makes me. Next year I will have a senior who is graduating half-year, and a middle school student. When exactly did life pass us by? Things are changing for my girls....they are entering new and exciting phases of their lives....I know they are ready....but am I? LOL....I guess that doesn't really matter. As long as they are happy and content, I will be too.

Ahhhh, yes. Before I go I wanted to pimp a few of the newest journals I've been reading. They are written by four great gals....and who knew....they are from Europe!

First we have Debbie, The Life and  Times of an Essex Girl. You will immediately be taken in by her sweet personality and zest for life. This girl never sits still for a moment! She can make everyday life seem like a party....a visit to this journal is worth the trip!

Next is SalonRose, a wee bonnie lass living in the beautiful Scottish countryside. Stop by and give her a warm welcome....I just know she could kick my butt at Bash the Haggis!

Sam is quite the woman....six kids and attending nursing school! (Not to mention her two horses and various other animals!) Try and keep up with her in her busy life....a great read!

Finally we have Lyn, over at Brits Blog. She and her husband are from the UK....however they live here in Florida....and not too far from me! We share a love for Books-a-Million, and she knows the best places for me to shop for my British goods....World Market, here I come!

I know that j-land has gone through some major changes over the past year. We've lost many good journalers, either through changing of sites or through sadder circumstances, but there has also been a good side to it. I've met a lot of new people, and have enjoyed reading some great new journals. New and old, I cherish all of my j-land buddies! I'm just glad I didn't jump on the bandwagon and leave. No other place would feel quite like home.

Well, looks like it's time to head out and enjoy a day of glass bottom boats and 100 hyper safety patrol students. Wish me luck!

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Pineapples, chips and other things....

I posted the pics of the pineapple plant....as I got lots of requests to see it! It really is amazing....I've never seen a pineapple plant either. John's friend told us to cut the top off of one and then plant it in a pot. I did, not expecting anything. He told us that it would take about three years....and he was right! I can't wait to see how big it gets. I will keep track with pictures in my journal and we can all watch it grow!

Yesterday I mentioned that wee one and I bought Jays chips at Big Lots. Well, I received an e-mail from a friend who also lives in Florida (with roots in Chicago), and she said they have them there too....and that people are filling their carts with them! LOL....my family has been thoroughly enjoying her stories, and the fact that we are able to buy them now. Funny how something as simple as a chip can occupy our minds for two days! I love it though....

Speaking of Chicago....my Cubbies kicked butt last night! They beat Florida 6-3. They were down 0-3 in the 8th, and came back with three runs and a three run homer....I was off my feet, and had to catch my laptop that slid off my lap! LOL....I was thrilled to say the least. I've been walking with my Cubs hat on every day....so I guess my routine will not be changing....because you know it's the hat that is doing it! LOL....

Ahhh, I hear the delightful sounds of wee one....yelling that I need to come in and help her with her hair for school! LOL....I guess that is my cue that it's time to get off my butt and get some things done. Enjoy the day!!!!

 

Monday, April 24, 2006

Procrastinating again....

I am supposed to be writing a speech for my husband's business class....but I have put it off for a week. I hate writing speeches. And when he gets home from work, he will have to record himself and send it to the instructor. Why oh why did I leave this till the last minute? I sat down to write and then thought....hmmm, I havent' written a journal entry for a while....and of course, I decided to do this instead. Sigh....I've got until 3:30 to get it finished, and then he will be home. I have not wasted the day, however. I did 3 loads of laundry, cleaned the entire house, took my walk, got cleaned up and have things all ready for dinner....so I'm not a total slacker! Now, I don't want to give the wrong impression....this class is one that is mandatory, however, it is one that would be for people who are just starting out in the working world. A class that people who work under my husband would be taking. I help out with the homework, and he takes the tests. Between us we are getting 100%, so I guess we make a pretty good team!

Our weekend was good....we spent it working around the house. Saturday wee one and I had a shopping day together. We went all around, picking up things that we needed. We ended up at Big Lots because I wanted to see if they had any cheap gnomes for my garden. What we found was quite a bonus. We turned the corner and both of us stopped in our tracks. At the same time we said, "Are those....????" Yes, they were. A full endcap of.....JAY'S POTATOCHIPS!!!! We were so excited....people actually looked at us as we happily filled our basket with the best chip in the entire world....made in Chicago!!!! I have never seen them down here. So now, we have a pantry full of Windy-City snacks! When we got home, she set them up on a table and covered them with a bag, then presented them with a flourish to her father. He was pretty danged happy about it....as was Betsy. I know, strange how something like that can excite us....but it was like a little bit of home. I've been really missing Indiana lately. I think because I have been watching the Cubs so much. It reminds me of my childhood, my dad, good times with my family....I even said to wee one, "I want to go back home!" She agreed with me.

Sunday we went to church, then spent the day on homework and just lazing around. Wee one spent the afternoon swimming at her friend's house, and Betsy watched movies. She is at work right now until close....bummer.

I took some cool pics of the yard, and the pineapple that is FINALLY growing out of my plant! I'm so excited! It's been 3 years since I planted it. Of course, the pics can only be downloaded to the other computer, and I'm not going to go in there and do it now....I have to write that freaking speech! Okay, I'm outta here for now. Have a good one!

 

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Could I get any cooler????

Aaaahhhhh yes....finally we have air!!!! The guys came in this morning around nine, and left after five....a long, hard day for them being that the air handler is in the attic, and it's about 100 degrees up there. They were sweating so bad....I felt terrible. I supplied the ice water and thankfully they made it! We are thousands of dollars poorer, but our house feels like an igloo....which makes it worth it! There was one problem however....they didn't have the right air handler and it was on backorder. The guy said if he waited for it, it would be at least a month before he could put it in, so he offered us a bigger and nicer one for the same price. WooHoo! We've got some strong winds blowing in this house! In any case, we are ready for the hot and humid Florida summer....bring it on baby, show me what you got!!!!

I have to say, it was a long, boring, warm day. I basically went from sewing machine, to washing machine, to computer over and over. However, with all that wandering about, I didn't get much done. You would have thought I would have gotten caught up on everything....but no....I pretty much wasted the day. Sigh. Of course, tomorrow will be busy and I'll have extra to do....but it's my own fault. I think sometimes I enjoy the hurried atmosphere....makes the day go by faster.

Wee one has a school carival this weekend, which she is looking forward to. Her sunburn is better....she spent Monday in the pool with her friend. I think this weekend we will open our pool. It's definitely warm enough! I have to admit, there have been a few times I've come home from my walk, and wished I could jump in! I need to go get sand for the filter, and some chemicals. Oh joy.

I am soooo loving this lap top. Of course, setting up the wirless router was a whole other story....I bought the first router and worked on it for hours....I had everything set up correctly, all the lights were burning....but I couldn't get a connection. I had had it after about the 10th try, climbing out from under the desk, hitting my head so many times that I had a minor concussion....that I poured myself a nice drink and decided to wait until the morning. When I got up, and my head cleared, I called BellSouth and they said the router I had was not compatable with their service. Well great. So, off I went to Radio Shack to get the proper router....and after only 4 tries with that one, and one more call to BS (quite appropriate I must say!), I got it going! Of course, I had a little help from my NY buddy....

Now, being that I am able to sit anywhere to use this....where do you think I ended up last night? Come on....guess. Yes, I was at my desk. I turned my mlb.com on my desktop so that I could watch the Cubs (who, by the way, are kicking ass this year!!!!), and chat at the same time. I know....pathetic. Although, I did make up for it today trying it in the kitchen, bedroom, backyard swing, and right now, the screened in porch. It's so cozy out here! I love technology....

Well, I am off to surf in various rooms of my house. Hmmmm, I wonder if I could use it in the bathtub????

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Easter pics....

I know, I know....I'm late on this....but I hope that everyone had a lovely Easter!

We ended up spending the day at my grandmother's house. We had the usual ham and potato salad....which was very good. Everyone enjoyed themselves a great deal. The girls had a great time together, which really made my day....

We went to church that morning, which was held in the Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Arena. It was spectacular! The music was incredible, and the message was as well. Our church is having a concert with the "Veggie Tales", and during the Easter sermon the pastor got a "call" from Larry the Cucumber. It was so cute. The kids were in awe....if you haven't checked out "Veggie Tales", do it. John and I love watching them! It was a wonderful morning full of praise and prayer.

The Easter bunny did visit....and everyone was happy. Wee one got a Jumanji dvd and candy, Betsy got a Family Guy dvd and candy, and JB got an Office Space dvd and....banana cashew popcorn. Ewwwww! LOL. But he says it's wonderful. I'll take his word for it....

I'm so excited....Thursday we get our air installed. I don't even mind the price after a week in the high 80's. Man, I'm melting! I can't wait to be able to crank that sucker up and actually feel the cool breeze blowing on my hot....head.

Okay, time to take wee one to school and get some sewing done....I'm out baby, I'm out!

Sunday, April 16, 2006

He is Risen....

May your Easter be blessed with His love....and know that our redeemer LIVES!!!!

 

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?

and Who told the ocean you can only come this far?

and Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening?

Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my Redeemer lives

I know my Redeemer lives

All of creation testifies

This life within me cries

I know my Redeemer lives yeah


The very same God that spins things in orbit

runs to the weary, the worn and the weak

And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken

They conquered death to bring me victory


Now I know my Redeemer lives

I know my Redeemer lives

Let all creation testify

Let this life within me cry

I know my Redeemer, He lives



To take away my shame

And He lives forever, I'll proclaim

That the payment for my sin

Was the precious life He gave

But now He's alive and

There's an empty grave



And I know my Redeemer lives

I know my Redeemer lives

Let all creation testify

Let this life within me cry

I know my Redeemer LIVES....



Friday, April 14, 2006

Nuttin honey....

Awwww, look at the cute bunny! Hmmmm, gets rather annoying after a bit, doesn't he? LOL....makes you want to bite his wittle chocowat eews off....lol

It's an absolutely gorgeous day outside....sunshine, beautiful breeze, warm temps. I really need to get out there and walk. The girls are off today so I haven't gotten out yet. However....I hit the big 2-0 with my weight loss! I'm so excited....Betsy had a doctor appointment yesterday and when they weighed her, I couldn't resist asking if I could jump on the scale for a sec. I put that puppy right at the 20 lb. mark and prayed it would level off....and it did! I do believe I'm out of the high risk level of being mistaken for a whale and accidentally harpooned on the beach this year! Go me....

Last night I made two purchases....one is a lap top! I'm so excited. I thought, what the heck, lets just do it....lol. It will be here in 3-5 business days. The second was much cheaper, but just as fun....I bought myself access to 300 baseball games a month on MLB.com! LOL....I am going to watch my first Cubs game tonight at 6:05....yippee! Last night I watched Atlanta take a painful beating....then rally in the last inning....only to choke at the end. Hmmmm, sort of like my Cubbies! Apparently you have to be a true baseball lover to be a fan of these two teams. It was great though. I'll be sitting here with my Cubs hat on, and my big, foam #1 finger....lmao. Okay, so I don't have the finger....

Betsy is working until 7 tonight, then spending the night at my mom's. She might as well since she works in the morning at 9. Mom lives right across the street from the ice cream shop. Last night wee one went to a church program with her and spent the night. Mom is getting a full dose of her girls! I think she is happy about it too....lol.

I'm not sure what is going on for Easter. We will probably end up doing something with family....sigh. No one ever plans things here. It's amazing. Now everyone wants to get together last minute....well, I'm just not a last minute type of gal! LOL. It' supposed to be 91 tomorrow and 89 on Sunday....maybe we should consider a pool party!

Okay, I need to get on this ironing and look like I've done something today!

 

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Mix it up....

Have you seen the Disney MixSticks? They are like iPod's only cheaper....and they don't hold as many songs....but man are they cool! My friend was telling me that she got her daughter one, and I have been wanting something to take walking with me, being that I look so out of date carrying my cd player with me....lol. So today whilst at Target, I picked one up for....my girls! Yeah, that's right....the girls. Okay, okay....I got it for ME. I didn't pick the Raven one, or the Tinkerbell one....I got the one that is all silver with the signature Disney "D" on it. It is really neat....and you wouldn't believe the sound that comes out of that thing! Amazing. I tried it out on my walk tonight and it was awesome. I have been wanting to add a bit of jogging to my routine, and this is going to be great....no skipping cd's! Obviously, this was very easy to set up, being that I am severely technologically challenged. I was worried for a few moments, even had JB look at it for me to make sure I was charging it correctly....turns out I did it right! Go me! LOL....Betsy was less than impressed with it, however wee one can't wait to use it. I suppose that means I'll have to download some of her music too....but that's okay. I don't mind.

I did my bunny shopping today. I decided to go with dvd's all around. I got a solid chocolate bunny for each, peeps and jelly beans. Oh, and I did get some Butterfinger and Cadbury caramel eggs to round things out. I confess....I did eat an egg....but I'm happy to say that it wasn't as spectacular as I remembered them to be. Yes, sugar and I are taking a "break" in our relationship. I know, it's shocking to hear....but we need some time apart. We've been close for so long....but things have changed recently. So much so that....and this is for the ladies, men turn your heads!....I had to buy new bras!!!! I'm so excited. I went down a cup size! Of course, my cups still runneth over....just not as much. I was thrilled....lol.

Wee one is fighting a cold right now. This morning she took 10 minutes to deliberate weather or not she wanted to go to school. She wants to have perfect attendance....so she ended up going. She has been going to bed early though, with a stuffy/runny nose, sore throat and sneezing. Poor kid. Betsy is working until close tonight, which means a late night for her. Luckily her friend got his buddy's parking pass (because UN-luckily for him he got his liscense suspended), and is picking her up every morning for school. She gets a whole extra 10 minutes to sleep now! And I get a half hour since I don't have to drive her to the bus stop. Yippee!

We got our third and final estimate on the air today....and it was more than the first. So....we are going with the first guy who came out. I'm glad too....he's a really nice guy, early 40's with his own business. Apparently last year his wife died of lung cancer....very sad. We are just waiting for the callback to schedule the signing away of our savings....sigh. But, it is quite the necessity here in Florida!

Okay, it's late and I'm gonna settle in on the couch whilst waiting for Betsy. Later gators!

Sunday, April 9, 2006

From Sweaty to Shivery Sunday....

When I took my walk this afternoon, I was sweating when I came in. I just walked outside in my shorts and now I'm freezing! Apparently that cool front came through. I tell ya, Florida has a lot of trouble making up it's mind when it comes to the weather. Of course, after it finally decides to be hot....it sticks with it!

Today has been a relatively quiet day. We started out at church, then headed off to WalMart, being that I forgot paper towels on my last excursion. I can't believe I forgot them. I thought for sure I had some....but no. They are turning our store into a Super WalMart, so I had to walk from one end to the other, in high heels no less, to find the dang things! I did find them though, so please do not worry that my mirrors won't have their trademark shine tomorrow, after I windex. We went home after that and I took off to walk whilst the girls picked up the house and JB worked outside. Since then I've helped JB with his homework and the girls have both left. Betsy to the mall and wee one to church with her friend. My mom came over to visit for a bit....which was nice. I can't believe it's after 7 already.

We have one more guy coming to give us an estimate on the air conditioning unit....and then we make our decision. I think we already know who we are going with....but I already had this guy scheduled to come out. Thank goodness it's supposed to be in the 70's all week! I wonder how long it will take to schedule this. Not as long as it will take to drain my savings! LOL.

Okay, I'm out of here for now. I think I'll spend a leisurely evening in my room, relaxing and watching tv. I hope everyone has had a lovely weekend!

Friday, April 7, 2006

We are the champions....

As you can see, wee one's play day went really well! Their class won first place in 8 of the 14 events. The kids were so cute....running around in their t-shirts they had made, having a blast. They made one for me too....so when I got there I put it on and was ready to cheer on the class. Of course, the grand finale of the day was the tug of war. Each year a trophy is passed from class to class and it is apparently quite an honor if you win. Well, maybe not an honor....but you do get a week with no homework! LOL. We didn't win this year though....our class has some pretty small kids in it. The winning class had kids that looked like they were in middle school already. But good sportsmanship ruled the day and everyone was happy.

I carpooled with my girlfriend and her little boy today. The same little boy who I babysat this week. He was so cute....he asked if he could come in so that I could babysit him again. We played outside at the school for a bit, and I teased him by burying his feet in the sand. He is such a doll! On the way home he was sitting in his car seat and I heard him say, "Sherry?" I said, "Yes?" and he said, "Do you have a boy that wants to marry you?" LOL....I told him I did and he thought for a minute and said, "But does he have blonde hair like ME?" LOLOL....I just love that kid. He cried when he left because he wanted to stay with me. Ohhhh, how I remember the days when my kids loved me like that! LOL....

Tonight is a quiet one. Wee one is spending the night at her friend's house and Betsy is holed up in her room watching movies. She was going to go out with her friend but there was a change of plan at the last minute. JB spent the evening power washing the driveway in preparation for sealing tomorrow, and he also washed my car....which badly needed it! It's been sitting out for the recommended 5 days whilst the garage floor dries. He repainted it and it looks pretty dang good. He should be asleep in front of the tv within the hour.

So, that leaves me with a free evening and a free computer! Hmmm, perhaps I should go shopping....ebay here I come!!!!

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

When it rains....you aren't in Florida....

Today I had all the windows in the house open....because sadly, our central air passed away two days ago. (In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for the new $4100 unit!!!!) It's been really warm here lately, although today was rather cool. So cool in fact, that I was cold and went outside to sit in the sun for a second, whilst letting the dog out. Yes, that was the plan. Unfortunately, I fell asleep. And now the top of my chest and my hands (I had a light sweater and jeans on) are a lovely shade of red. I tell ya, I can't win for losing.

Speaking of losing....three weeks since I've started and 18 lbs. are GONE!!!! I couldn't believe it when I stepped on the scale. I mean, I was floored! I knew I had lost some, being that my "new" jeans won't stay up anymore....but wow. I'm thrilled beyond belief....and determined to keep it up. Which is why I'm gonna need that air conditioning....after walking in 80+ degree weather, you really need to come home to a cool house.

We got two estimates today....$4100 and $4500....and we have one other guy coming out Tuesday. I knew we were going to have to have this done this year. We nursed it through last season....but, unfortunately, old age took it's toll and the old sundial is no more. We are getting a trane....woowoo! LOL....the guy did say it will be much easier on our electric bill....and who am I to turn down a cool house and cool cash?

Wee one had her field trip to the middle school yesterday. She was thrilled with it. She said it was "awesome". I, however, did not attend. Why? Because she asked me not to! Man, not even out of elementary and she doesn't need me! So instead, I watched my girlfriend's three year old. What a little nut! We had a great time. I just can't believe wee one is growing up so fast. Where have the years gone?

Thursday night I've got an orientation meeting at the middle school and Friday is the 5th grade "play day". That pretty much means I'll be standing around watching the class run and play all day. The kids love it though.

Okay, I'm gonna get to these bills that I've been putting off. Yes sir....I'm gonna get riiiiiight on em. Yup. Hereeeeeeee I go....

Monday, April 3, 2006

Monday morning....

I get my DSL back and then completely slack for the rest of the week. My procrastination is getting worse and worse!

As you can see from the pics, the girls got a very special gift last week from a very special friend....all the way from England! Jules sent the girls English Easter eggs....and I can't believe they made it all the way here, over an ocean no less, and didn't break! I can't buy them at Walgreens and make it home without crushing at least one. I have to say, I was just as excited to see my "Royal Mail"....lol. I save the postal stamps to look at when I'm feeling especially British. A big thank you to Jules for sending them....you are such a wonderful friend!

I also included pics of London's trip to the beach. She had a good time, but we took her to a different beach than we usually do and it wasn't as nice. If you look at the pic of the ocean, it looks like the sand meets it....but actually there was a 5 ft. drop off, and no way to get around it unless you kinda slid down. And not at a nice, sloping angle either....it was a straight shot. I knew if I got her down there, I wouldn't be able to get back up with her....so she didn't get to swim at all. Not only that, but as I was walking her, I came across a sign that said, "No pets on beach"....lol. So, we packed up and went home. Next time we will take her to our usual spot, where dogs roam freely! I can't wait to see how she will react to the water. I'll bet she will love it.

Yesterday JB and I went grocery shopping. We were out of EVERYTHING. I hate when it gets like that. The girls were thrilled this morning when they opened the pantry to a plethora of cereals displayed before them. Betsy decided on the strawberry mini wheats....which I must say smell awesome. I could smell them when I walked into the kitchen this morning. They were on sale buy one get one free, so I thought I'd try it. Glad I did!

Today I'm going out to lunch with JB and two other guys from work. The boss is out of town, so we are going to go have a nice, leisurely lunch. We are goingto a restaurant I've never been to, that specializes in spectacular salads. At least, that's what I'm told. I don't know how spectacular a salad can actually be....but I'm looking forward to seeing what all the hubbub is about.

Okay, I'm outta here for now....I have to get going on all the things I've let fall to the wayside....later gators!