Wednesday, December 30, 2009


Lidna at 2nd Cup of Coffee brings us todays meme:
Random Dozen


1. Do you find it gross to share drinks with family? Friends?
why yes, i do. get your own stuff to eat and drink, leave mine alone.

2. What have you learned this year? (You didn't see a question of that weight coming, did you? At least not for #2.)
colleen is more stressed than i thought. shawn needs a new bed and manda needs a safe car.

3. When do you dismantle the Christmas decorations?
no need to dismantle if you never mantle.

4. Something you wish to accomplish before the end of 2009 is:
clean edaville so they can shut the building down right away.

5. How do you feel about winter (after Christmas)?
fine.

6. Have you participated in after-Christmas sales?
absolutely not.

7. Do you have plans for New Year's Eve?
yes, i will be at work.

8. Is there anything special awaiting you in January?
not one frigging thing.

9. If your life this year was a movie, what category or genre would it be? (Romance, Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Suspense, Farcical, etc.)
my life would definately be a farce with all the players being jesters or malcontents.

10. How much time per day do you spend blogging? Please do not lie. I will know.
lately zero. today about 15 minutes.

11. Who runs your household?
ha! joke. not funny.

12. Share one hope/dream for 2010.
i hope i dont get foreclosed on or go bankrupt.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Ruby Tuesday is brought to you by Mary the Teach...


I took this snapshot the other day
when bunches of snow fell on my town.
The Shawns did all the shovelling at home
and I did no shovelling at all.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

10:43pm
earlier this evening, i fell asleep.
i woke up to the dog at my feet, the cat at my shoulder and the bird pulling at my ear.
it is true.
i don't have a picture of this.
i missed dinner too.

i did find a gift from santa.

should i open it or wait till morning?

Sunday, December 20, 2009

When you gotta go, you gotta go!


This is what my yard looked like yesterday...

This is what it looks like today...

Travis has some questions about what happened overnight...

Penny was only concerned with one thing...

Dogs have no manners!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Random Dozen time again...


1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like?
Well, I don't think I'm like Dorothy, she is quite perky and feisty. Not so much the Tin Man either. He cries much easier than I do. I am nowhere near as smart as The Scarecrow. So that leaves The Cowardly Lion. Even though I am afraid, my fear doesn't stop me from doing.

2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why?
OK. I don't have to decide what I'm going to wear. I have few clothes, so what I wear depends on what I'm doing that day. I generally do three things: work at church, work at the greenhouses or work at Edaville. If I'm going to church, I wear the clean clothes. If I'm going to the greenhouses or Edaville, I wear clothes that can get dirty. If I stay home, I wear pyjamas.

3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without?
I am not sure, but I think we need them all. Case in point: what function does the duck-billed platypus serve? I'm not sure anyone knows, but he's still here!

4. How many Christmas trees are in your home?
Today? zero.

5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it mean you didn't have to feel a heartbreak?
No, I would prefer not to be emotionless.

6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression?
Not since I quit Christmas presents.

7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music?
I enjoy "Billie Jean" and the Alien Ant Farm version of "Smooth Criminal".

8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma?
Only the real obscene and obnoxious cosmetic procedures are looked upon with suspicion. People who have injuries and need cosmetic procedures never get looked at funny.

9. Enjoy horseback riding?
Why yes, I do.

10. Shoes--practical or stylish?
Practical all the way.

11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic.
Eloise.

12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done?
I do not buy Christmas presents.

Friday, November 27, 2009


Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds
on the heel that has crushed it.


Mark Twain 1835-1910

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Lidna over at 2nd Cup of Coffee hosts Random Dozen. Slide on over and check her out!


1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinarily adventurous?
We are traditionalists. We like the traditional foods, especially beacuse turkey and all the fixin's is good and good for you. And Mum can manage it if Moe does all the heavy lifting.

2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.")
My house. My yard. I hope I never have to leave them.

3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for.
Lessons. Read here.

4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory.
My grandfather saw my brother pile a bunch of food on his plate. Papa felt the need to remind Brother he had to eat everything he took. Brother said he would be sure to do so. Very quickly Brother had cleared his plate, with the exception of a small piece of butter. Papa stopped him and insisted Brother eat the butter. Brother asked for a bit of bread. Papa refused. Brother had to eat the butter, by itself. Not very exciting, but there it is.

5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year?
I will be served a fabulous dinner, by Mum and Moe, and I will love every bite.

6. Do your pets get any left-overs?
Noooooooo! Left-overs cause serious intestinal upset! Usually at 3am!

7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying?
No praying. There is only digging in.

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing?
Noooooooo! Football causes serious intestinal upset! Usually as soon as it appears on the screen!

9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing?
I'll take dressing/stuffing anyway I can get it.

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving?
Absolutely.

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying?
Oh, I think Mum said Chocolate Pudding Pie. I hope she has olives.

12. Do you feel for the turkey??
Feel sad the turkey is dead and cooked up and sliced onto my plate? Not in the least.

Monday, November 23, 2009


Martha and I were hanging around the shop one afternoon in September. We were having a good time discussing a horror movie we both looked at. The discussion went from movies, to the ghost hunter shows on tv, to supernatural occurrences we'd heard about. In short, we freaked ourselves out. We got up from our bench quickly. I began to water plants and Martha decided to clean up around the shop a little. That's when I noticed this stunning hibiscus. We both agreed it should be forever immortalized on film.


Ruby Tuesday is brought to you by Mary

Wednesday, November 18, 2009


I forgot to random dozen! Cruise by Lidna's to check it out!
this is from last week and there will be another in a day or so, but for now...

1. If you could master one sport, what would it be?
golf. i would like to be a superb golfer. i just love the golfing fashions, you know the short pants buckled at the knee, argyle sweaters, funny little tams...

2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision?
i don't often make major purchases. but the last one i made was definitely a spur of the moment deal.

3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name?
rendall tilden

4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?
favorite food. i need to listen to music to alter my mood since i can't be a pothead anymore.

5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference?
i would lean toward the spotty type.

6. Your favorite tree is?
alive.

7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?
i would say a low seven.

8. Has H1N1 touched your family?
not that i am aware of.

9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing?
i cant answer without knowing the true intent of the question. do you think i'm dumb or something?

10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?
i am more like an aggressive dog. bite lads, bite!

11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?
not so much any more, only one or two.

12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why?
i choose any line that seems to be moving.

I Tell You...

1. It is true. I have traveled from sea to shining sea.

2. It is true. I was there when someone died.

3. It is true. I was there when someone was born. Three times, actually. Childbirth is not fun, but in my case it was very quick each time.

4. It is true. I had four different rental cars in a 24 hour period. Tam and I went to Florida once. We flew into Tampa and got a Chevy Cobalt at the rental place. It had XM radio and we really liked it. Long story short - the A/c quit on that first Cobalt and so we traded cars at Sarasota, again at Tampa and then at Orlando. Chevy Cobalts were having difficulty with the A/C units at that time, but the XM worked fine. We just kept trading till we got a car with A/C that worked.

5. It is true. I drank Southern Comfort till I threw up. What was really gross was that I was 14, puked out a second story window, all down the side of the house. Epic embarrassment. Swore I would never do that again, and I never have. Puked down the side of a house, that is.

6. It is true. I visited Hale Telescope. It is located atop Mt Palomar in Southern California. Going up was great. Coming down was a nightmare. There were 5 of us in a Datsun 210. I hated every moment of that ride.

7. It is true. I had an operation when I was in second grade.

8. It is true. I have tested the patience of my mother - in - law. Many, many times, I am sure. But what I find really remarkable is that she loves me anyway.

9. It is not true. I never allowed my children to smoke or drink before they were of age. I have a huuuuuge problem with that.

10. It is true. I was chased around the house by a lunatic with a meat cleaver. But that slice of shite is dead now, killed by a car while walking along a dark road. I am not sorry.

Monday, November 16, 2009

No Flies Fleas on Me...

It's no secret that my family has pets, probably too many. Just now we are keeping two birds, seven rabbits, a cat and a dog. While I love all our pets, I do not love all the work or the costs associated with them. Our pets are generally happy because we all spoil them. We all let the cat and dog on the furniture and fleas are not an option. So I was psyched when I found a place to get the cheap pet meds I need.

So, I battle fleas year round. I do this because I am lazy. It's easier for me to do a little work once a month, instead of a lot of work once or twice a year. So today, I was checking out the vet medicines website . While I didn't hear any music on the site, I did find everything I use to battle fleas, at a decent discount. I like that.

I use three different products to kill fleas, topical treatments such as Frontline Plus or Advantage flea , carpet sprays and yard sprays. Used properly, they all work very well. But fleas being what they are, you need to keep up on flea control year round. And I like choices. Sometimes I like to change things up a bit to give the fleas a run for their my money. I usually use something from the pet store nearby, but at vet medicines I found some carpet treatments I'm really interested in, for less than what I pay at the pet store. The topicals are great at killing fleas in all stages of their life cycle, so I was pleased to find the vet meds site offers a Frontline Plus discount . Using Frontline ensures fleas don't keep reappearing on the pet and then relocating to me! By using a topical treatment, spraying the carpets and the areas where the dog and cat sleep, and treating the yard, I've been quite successful in keeping fleas off the pets and me!

No Flies Fleas on Me...

It's no secret that my family has pets, probably too many. Just now we are keeping two birds, seven rabbits, a cat and a dog. While I love all our pets, I do not love all the work or the costs associated with them. Our pets are generally happy because we all spoil them. We all let the cat and dog on the furniture and fleas are not an option. So I was psyched when I found a place to get the cheap pet meds I need.

So, I battle fleas year round. I do this because I am lazy. It's easier for me to do a little work once a month, instead of a lot of work once or twice a year. So today, I was checking out the vet medicines website . While I didn't hear any music on the site, I did find everything I use to battle fleas, at a decent discount. I like that.

I use three different products to kill fleas, topical treatments such as Frontline Plus or Advantage flea , carpet sprays and yard sprays. Used properly, they all work very well. But fleas being what they are, you need to keep up on flea control year round. And I like choices. Sometimes I like to change things up a bit to give the fleas a run for their my money. I usually use something from the pet store nearby, but at vet medicines I found some carpet treatments I'm really interested in, for less than what I pay at the pet store. The topicals are great at killing fleas in all stages of their life cycle, so I was pleased to find the vet meds site offers a Frontline Plus discount . Using Frontline ensures fleas don't keep reappearing on the pet and then relocating to me! By using a topical treatment, spraying the carpets and the areas where the dog and cat sleep, and treating the yard, I've been quite successful in keeping fleas off the pets and me!

You Tell Me...

Nessa brought us this game:

I have done or experienced all of the following except one. Your mission (should you choose to accept it) is to let me know here in the comments which experiences we have in common and tell me which one you think I have never experienced. There is no prize for guessing correctly which item is not true because I am cheap. Then, make up your own list on your own blog. Look for the bogus entry on tomorrow’s post.

1. I have traveled from sea to shining sea.
2. I was there when someone died.
3. I was there when someone was born.
4. I had 4 different rental cars in a 24 hour period.
5. I drank Southern Comfort until I threw up.
6. I visited Hale Telescope.
7. I had an operation when I was in second grade.
8. I have tested the patience of my mother - in - law.
9. I allowed my kids to smoke and drink before they were of age.
10. I was chased around the house by a lunatic with a meat cleaver.

You Tell Me...

Nessa brought us this game:

I have done or experienced all of the following except one. Your mission (should you choose to accept it) is to let me know here in the comments which experiences we have in common and tell me which one you think I have never experienced. There is no prize for guessing correctly which item is not true because I am cheap. Then, make up your own list on your own blog. Look for the bogus entry on tomorrow’s post.

1. I have traveled from sea to shining sea.
2. I was there when someone died.
3. I was there when someone was born.
4. I had 4 different rental cars in a 24 hour period.
5. I drank Southern Comfort until I threw up.
6. I visited Hale Telescope.
7. I had an operation when I was in second grade.
8. I have tested the patience of my mother - in - law.
9. I allowed my kids to smoke and drink before they were of age.
10. I was chased around the house by a lunatic with a meat cleaver.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Today is the day.
This afternoon, Rim will flip all the switches
and start all the generators.
He will run around like a crazy person, testing all the rides
and making final checks before the ride operators take over.
By 3:30pm, all the lights will be lighted.
4pm will show our first guest through the gate.
Edaville's Christmas Festival of lights begins this afternoon...


Today is the day.
This afternoon, Rim will flip all the switches
and start all the generators.
He will run around like a crazy person, testing all the rides
and making final checks before the ride operators take over.
By 3:30pm, all the lights will be lighted.
4pm will show our first guest through the gate.
Edaville's Christmas Festival of lights begins this afternoon...


Sunday, November 8, 2009


The Strange Questions Meme Part 2

26. What color is your watch?
no watch, only a phone which is black

27. What do you think of when you hear “Australia”?
big expanse

28. Would you strip for money?
there is no one who would pay to see that

29. Do you go in a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?
really depends on how many cars are in line.more than 3 or 4, i go in

30. What is your favorite number?
silly question

31. Who’s the last person you talked to on the phone?
dot, MIL

32. Any plans today?
had plans, did what i planned, inventory, placed 2 of my 6 orders for the week

33. In how many states have you lived?
3, new hampshire, massachusetts and florida

34. Biggest annoyance right now?
my sloooooww computer

35. Last song listened to?
bobo on the corner - the in sound from way out! - beastie boys

36. Can you say the alphabet backwards?
i cannot

37. Do you have a maid service clean your house?
unfortunately i do not, so it is always a disaster

38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
i only possess 2 pairs of shoes. one smelling of mop bucket. one not

39. Are you jealous of anyone?
anyone who can pay their bills when they come in the door

40. Is anyone jealous of you?
i think not

41. Do you love anyone?
yes i do

42. Do any of your friends have children?
yes they do, most of them

43. What do you usually do during the day?
work, work, work

44. Do you hate anyone that you know right now?
hate is a very strong word

45. Do you use the word hello daily?
i cannot tell you, i suppose i do

46. What color is your car?
silver

47. What size wedding ring do you wear?
never had a wedding ring. never ever wear jewelry of any kind

48. Are you thinking about someone right now?
ya, the joker who thought up these questions

49. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
why no, i haven't. i like disney world

50. How did you get your worst scar?
they are all bad. one i hit a window with my hand. one i tripped on a power washer and mashed my knee into concrete. another scar same knee, dog knocked me down and i got three stitches. one was an operation behind my ear. one was a large shard of glass jamming into my instep. i think thats all.

The Strange Questions Meme Part 2

26. What color is your watch?
no watch, only a phone which is black

27. What do you think of when you hear “Australia”?
big expanse

28. Would you strip for money?
there is no one who would pay to see that

29. Do you go in a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?
really depends on how many cars are in line.more than 3 or 4, i go in

30. What is your favorite number?
silly question

31. Who’s the last person you talked to on the phone?
dot, MIL

32. Any plans today?
had plans, did what i planned, inventory, placed 2 of my 6 orders for the week

33. In how many states have you lived?
3, new hampshire, massachusetts and florida

34. Biggest annoyance right now?
my sloooooww computer

35. Last song listened to?
bobo on the corner - the in sound from way out! - beastie boys

36. Can you say the alphabet backwards?
i cannot

37. Do you have a maid service clean your house?
unfortunately i do not, so it is always a disaster

38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
i only possess 2 pairs of shoes. one smelling of mop bucket. one not

39. Are you jealous of anyone?
anyone who can pay their bills when they come in the door

40. Is anyone jealous of you?
i think not

41. Do you love anyone?
yes i do

42. Do any of your friends have children?
yes they do, most of them

43. What do you usually do during the day?
work, work, work

44. Do you hate anyone that you know right now?
hate is a very strong word

45. Do you use the word hello daily?
i cannot tell you, i suppose i do

46. What color is your car?
silver

47. What size wedding ring do you wear?
never had a wedding ring. never ever wear jewelry of any kind

48. Are you thinking about someone right now?
ya, the joker who thought up these questions

49. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
why no, i haven't. i like disney world

50. How did you get your worst scar?
they are all bad. one i hit a window with my hand. one i tripped on a power washer and mashed my knee into concrete. another scar same knee, dog knocked me down and i got three stitches. one was an operation behind my ear. one was a large shard of glass jamming into my instep. i think thats all.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Next Friday, Edaville comes to light!

With a flip of a switch, and 5 weeks of hard work and determination, by just a few dedicated and creative people, Edaville will come alive with millions of lights, decorative displays and music!
With the Christmas Festival of Lights our guests will enjoy everything the team has been creating since the first weeks in October. Kudo's to Rim Grazulis, Donny Degowin, Josh Shaw, Rick, Darlene, Jack, Bob, Scott, Mike and everyone else who kicked a**
getting it all together.
No one ever thanks them enough for everything they do...

I'm pretty sure I stole this snapshot from Rim Grazulis
Next Friday, Edaville comes to light!

With a flip of a switch, and 5 weeks of hard work and determination, by just a few dedicated and creative people, Edaville will come alive with millions of lights, decorative displays and music!
With the Christmas Festival of Lights our guests will enjoy everything the team has been creating since the first weeks in October. Kudo's to Rim Grazulis, Donny Degowin, Josh Shaw, Rick, Darlene, Jack, Bob, Scott, Mike and everyone else who kicked a**
getting it all together.
No one ever thanks them enough for everything they do...

I'm pretty sure I stole this snapshot from Rim Grazulis

Sunday, November 1, 2009


The Strange Question Meme, Part 1

1. What is the color of your toothbrush?
white and green

2. Name one person who made you smile today.
dave, he im-ed me to ask me to ring his mobile, had misplaced it

3. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
sleeping

4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago?
talking online to my sister Peggie about blogging

5. What is your favorite candy bar?
skybar

6. Have you ever been to a strip club?
nooooooo

7. What is the last thing you said aloud?
"ok talk to you when you get home"

8. What is your favorite ice cream? How to choose?
black raspberry, jimmies, how to choose? easy say "black raspberry -jimmies"

9. What was the last thing you had to drink?
fruit juice, strawberry-kiwi

10. Do you like your wallet?
i do not own a wallet

11. What was the last thing you ate?
noodles, cheese, salt and pepper

12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
nope

13. The last sporting event you watched?
sports! ha!

14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn?
corn?

15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to?
Tam - was going to store, asked if i wanted to go

16. Ever go camping?
many, many times! Fransted, great family camping

17. Do you take vitamins daily?
no, i don't

18. Do you go to church every Sunday?
no. i go to church every monday through thursday

19. Do you have a tan?
fading

20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza?
everyday

21. Do you drink your soda with a straw?
not usually, i gulp

22. What did your last text message say?
k

23. What are you doing tomorrow?
work at church, then work at edaville

24. Favorite color?
green

25. Look to your left; what do you see?
shawn's cabinet, missing a wheel

The Strange Question Meme, Part 1

1. What is the color of your toothbrush?
white and green

2. Name one person who made you smile today.
dave, he im-ed me to ask me to ring his mobile, had misplaced it

3. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
sleeping

4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago?
talking online to my sister Peggie about blogging

5. What is your favorite candy bar?
skybar

6. Have you ever been to a strip club?
nooooooo

7. What is the last thing you said aloud?
"ok talk to you when you get home"

8. What is your favorite ice cream? How to choose?
black raspberry, jimmies, how to choose? easy say "black raspberry -jimmies"

9. What was the last thing you had to drink?
fruit juice, strawberry-kiwi

10. Do you like your wallet?
i do not own a wallet

11. What was the last thing you ate?
noodles, cheese, salt and pepper

12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
nope

13. The last sporting event you watched?
sports! ha!

14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn?
corn?

15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to?
Tam - was going to store, asked if i wanted to go

16. Ever go camping?
many, many times! Fransted, great family camping

17. Do you take vitamins daily?
no, i don't

18. Do you go to church every Sunday?
no. i go to church every monday through thursday

19. Do you have a tan?
fading

20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza?
everyday

21. Do you drink your soda with a straw?
not usually, i gulp

22. What did your last text message say?
k

23. What are you doing tomorrow?
work at church, then work at edaville

24. Favorite color?
green

25. Look to your left; what do you see?
shawn's cabinet, missing a wheel

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

what say you?

cat: quit whining! i told you it would stop raining!

dog: alot of good that does, no one is due home for two hours and i have to pee!

cat: go pee on the floor by the door.

dog: right! i was brought up better than that! i've haven't peed the floor since i was a baby.

cat: well, you sound like a baby now. shoooosh! you're giving me heartburn.

dog: you got heartburn from that bird you murdered this morning.

cat: i didn't get to eat it, it was ripped from my grasp.

dog: that's what you get for being a murderous wretch.

cat: you are so dumb, you carry stuffed animals around in your mouth, you don't even try for the real ones!

dog: i wish they left the tv on, i'm missing matlock.

cat: i'm missing lunch at the neighbors place.

what say you?

cat: quit whining! i told you it would stop raining!

dog: alot of good that does, no one is due home for two hours and i have to pee!

cat: go pee on the floor by the door.

dog: right! i was brought up better than that! i've haven't peed the floor since i was a baby.

cat: well, you sound like a baby now. shoooosh! you're giving me heartburn.

dog: you got heartburn from that bird you murdered this morning.

cat: i didn't get to eat it, it was ripped from my grasp.

dog: that's what you get for being a murderous wretch.

cat: you are so dumb, you carry stuffed animals around in your mouth, you don't even try for the real ones!

dog: i wish they left the tv on, i'm missing matlock.

cat: i'm missing lunch at the neighbors place.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Random Dozen

Linda over at 2nd cup of coffee hosts this meme,
so check her out!


1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?

Do not want.

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you’re not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)

I do not recall this conversation. I was about 13 or 14 when we met and didn't date until a couple years later.

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?

No, it's not likely, I like variety. And beef and chicken and fish and cheese and egg and eating and food in general. I even like non- food like soda and candy and chips...

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?

Yes actually, I have. It was my dog, Lucy and it was Halloween. I found and old clown costume and I took the neck ruffle and I put it on her. She greeted the trick or treater's with me and I told them she was a trained circus dog. I showed them her trick. I would say "Wag your tail Lucy! Go ahead, wag your tail!". And wag she did. Lucy was a hit!

5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people’s heads with your fist and “It’s the Great Pumpkin” airing only once a year).

I miss not really knowing that there were real responsibilities. I miss playing so hard, I was tired at the supper table. I miss thinking my dog was clean. I miss being able to wander around all summer with a bathing suit, a towel and grody Keds as my only attire, and it being OK. I miss Mendes store, where Mr Mendes would let the good kids behind the counter to pick out their own penny candy. I miss the excitement of chasing the ice cream truck on bikes. I miss swimming at Minot, Egypt and Rocky Beach. And I did this all without adult supervision.

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?

No. Never won a trophy. Never won a prize. I deserve a trophy for being fabulous!

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?

I do believe the appropriate time to play Christmas music is on Christmas Eve. Yes! Christmas Eve! That is the ONLY time I am willing to listen to it. The inappropriate time is before December.

8. What’s your favorite board game?

I do not play board games much. I would have to say something short and quick like Sorry! or Parchisi or checkers. But, If you want to include cards and boards, it would be cribbage, hands down!

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?
A windfall - right on! Anything else - right out!

10. Is it easy for you to say, “I’m sorry?”

Depends on whether or not I am actually sorry.

11. What is your favorite candle scent?

A candle...hmmmm. I so worry about fire, I don't especially love candles.

12. October is traditionally “open house” time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?

Well, the mess in my house would uniquely represent me the best. Every thing about me is generally a mess. Knowing that, do you still want to come to my house for light snacks? Why do I have to cook? I cook all day. Sometimes for thousands of people. I really do not love to cook anymore. So it would have to be stuff I could do the day of the show, so I could procrastinate. Probably a couple good sized displays, like a fruit and cheese display, maybe one with dessert items and a beverage display. All that stuff I can blast out quick, by myself and cleaning up would be simple.

Random Dozen

Linda over at 2nd cup of coffee hosts this meme,
so check her out!


1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?

Do not want.

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you’re not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)

I do not recall this conversation. I was about 13 or 14 when we met and didn't date until a couple years later.

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?

No, it's not likely, I like variety. And beef and chicken and fish and cheese and egg and eating and food in general. I even like non- food like soda and candy and chips...

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?

Yes actually, I have. It was my dog, Lucy and it was Halloween. I found and old clown costume and I took the neck ruffle and I put it on her. She greeted the trick or treater's with me and I told them she was a trained circus dog. I showed them her trick. I would say "Wag your tail Lucy! Go ahead, wag your tail!". And wag she did. Lucy was a hit!

5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people’s heads with your fist and “It’s the Great Pumpkin” airing only once a year).

I miss not really knowing that there were real responsibilities. I miss playing so hard, I was tired at the supper table. I miss thinking my dog was clean. I miss being able to wander around all summer with a bathing suit, a towel and grody Keds as my only attire, and it being OK. I miss Mendes store, where Mr Mendes would let the good kids behind the counter to pick out their own penny candy. I miss the excitement of chasing the ice cream truck on bikes. I miss swimming at Minot, Egypt and Rocky Beach. And I did this all without adult supervision.

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?

No. Never won a trophy. Never won a prize. I deserve a trophy for being fabulous!

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?

I do believe the appropriate time to play Christmas music is on Christmas Eve. Yes! Christmas Eve! That is the ONLY time I am willing to listen to it. The inappropriate time is before December.

8. What’s your favorite board game?

I do not play board games much. I would have to say something short and quick like Sorry! or Parchisi or checkers. But, If you want to include cards and boards, it would be cribbage, hands down!

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?
A windfall - right on! Anything else - right out!

10. Is it easy for you to say, “I’m sorry?”

Depends on whether or not I am actually sorry.

11. What is your favorite candle scent?

A candle...hmmmm. I so worry about fire, I don't especially love candles.

12. October is traditionally “open house” time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?

Well, the mess in my house would uniquely represent me the best. Every thing about me is generally a mess. Knowing that, do you still want to come to my house for light snacks? Why do I have to cook? I cook all day. Sometimes for thousands of people. I really do not love to cook anymore. So it would have to be stuff I could do the day of the show, so I could procrastinate. Probably a couple good sized displays, like a fruit and cheese display, maybe one with dessert items and a beverage display. All that stuff I can blast out quick, by myself and cleaning up would be simple.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Monday, October 12, 2009

home…

years ago i bought a house. a cottage really, two small bedrooms, a tiny bath and an area that could be construed as a kitchen and a living room. this cottage was set on a third of an acre in a neighborhood of other cottages just like it, near a fresh water pond. i spent a winter remodeling and we moved in, the four of us, the next april. with no furniture other than beds, we proceeded to make ourselves at home.

we arrived, after dark, in a rainstorm. the three were hustled in first. at six, three and one, they were over tired and cranky from the half hour ride. i had just taken them from “home”, my mother-in-laws place, where we’d been living for nearly a year. i got the various groceries and the last of the bed clothes and kitchenware in. i fired up some macaroni and cheese and hot dogs, and set the three up at a child’s sized plastic picnic table. as they ate, i got laundry together, filled the tub and quickly put sheets and blankets on mattresses strewn about the living room floor.

declaring dinner over, i whisked the girls away to the tub, and left the boy at table with some cars and transformers. he used them to knock paper cups and plates onto the floor while i chipped mac and cheese off the girls. emerging from the tiny bath wrapped in towels, the girls were red and shiny and loud. after i jammed them into pajamas, i ran the tub for the boy and went to work getting the dinner mess picked up and the television going. as 9 pm came into view i had the three laying down in the living room in front of the television. The Tracey Ullman Show played on Fox. this would be the beginning of my love/hate relationship with The Simpson’s.

with the three settled, i started the washer, mopped up the tiny bath, laid out clothes and peeled potatoes for supper the next day. i put together snack for the boy and i began to unpack. i filled cabinets with plates and pots and pans. i filled drawers with flatware and utensils. i made a shopping list. i measured for curtains, vaccumed my bedrooms and put bed frames together. i switched my laundry. around midnight, i crammed onto one of the mattresses and slept.

we four, still live here, 20 years later. we are all much bigger and i think we outgrew this house about a year after we moved in. since we’ve been here we’ve buried loved ones, human and otherwise, gone to school, had a zillion mac and cheese dinners and laughed and cried. we’ve procured furniture and used it up and tossed it out. all manner of things, animals and people have come through here. we’ve had new washers, dryers, water heaters and wells. we’ve made a ton of messes and cleaned up only half of them. we almost never made a bed. although it’s tiny, and we don’t have traditional furniture, i’m happy here. this is the first and only place i’ve ever felt at home.

home…

years ago i bought a house. a cottage really, two small bedrooms, a tiny bath and an area that could be construed as a kitchen and a living room. this cottage was set on a third of an acre in a neighborhood of other cottages just like it, near a fresh water pond. i spent a winter remodeling and we moved in, the four of us, the next april. with no furniture other than beds, we proceeded to make ourselves at home.

we arrived, after dark, in a rainstorm. the three were hustled in first. at six, three and one, they were over tired and cranky from the half hour ride. i had just taken them from “home”, my mother-in-laws place, where we’d been living for nearly a year. i got the various groceries and the last of the bed clothes and kitchenware in. i fired up some macaroni and cheese and hot dogs, and set the three up at a child’s sized plastic picnic table. as they ate, i got laundry together, filled the tub and quickly put sheets and blankets on mattresses strewn about the living room floor.

declaring dinner over, i whisked the girls away to the tub, and left the boy at table with some cars and transformers. he used them to knock paper cups and plates onto the floor while i chipped mac and cheese off the girls. emerging from the tiny bath wrapped in towels, the girls were red and shiny and loud. after i jammed them into pajamas, i ran the tub for the boy and went to work getting the dinner mess picked up and the television going. as 9 pm came into view i had the three laying down in the living room in front of the television. The Tracey Ullman Show played on Fox. this would be the beginning of my love/hate relationship with The Simpson’s.

with the three settled, i started the washer, mopped up the tiny bath, laid out clothes and peeled potatoes for supper the next day. i put together snack for the boy and i began to unpack. i filled cabinets with plates and pots and pans. i filled drawers with flatware and utensils. i made a shopping list. i measured for curtains, vaccumed my bedrooms and put bed frames together. i switched my laundry. around midnight, i crammed onto one of the mattresses and slept.

we four, still live here, 20 years later. we are all much bigger and i think we outgrew this house about a year after we moved in. since we’ve been here we’ve buried loved ones, human and otherwise, gone to school, had a zillion mac and cheese dinners and laughed and cried. we’ve procured furniture and used it up and tossed it out. all manner of things, animals and people have come through here. we’ve had new washers, dryers, water heaters and wells. we’ve made a ton of messes and cleaned up only half of them. we almost never made a bed. although it’s tiny, and we don’t have traditional furniture, i’m happy here. this is the first and only place i’ve ever felt at home.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Ruby Tuesday...Updated

Ruby Tuesday is brought to you by Mary the Teach.
Cruise by to check it out...

Fresh dry harvested berries, in season (in Carver anyway) now...
Berries harvested using the dry pick method are sold in bags, in the produce department or at farmers markets. Around here they are popular and will keep in a fridge for about 3 months.


These berries have been harvested by flooding the bog with water, and then using a funky machine to gently slap the berries off the vine. Once floating, the berries are corralled and pumped into a truck and shipped to the screenhouses for sorting.


I found this fella hanging out by the edge of the bog.


The farmer uses this contraption to pump the berries off the bog and into the truck.


I like this snapshot because it shows swirls of color.


The light and shadow of this snapshot is interesting.





Ruby Tuesday...Updated

Ruby Tuesday is brought to you by Mary the Teach.
Cruise by to check it out...

Fresh dry harvested berries, in season (in Carver anyway) now...
Berries harvested using the dry pick method are sold in bags, in the produce department or at farmers markets. Around here they are popular and will keep in a fridge for about 3 months.


These berries have been harvested by flooding the bog with water, and then using a funky machine to gently slap the berries off the vine. Once floating, the berries are corralled and pumped into a truck and shipped to the screenhouses for sorting.


I found this fella hanging out by the edge of the bog.


The farmer uses this contraption to pump the berries off the bog and into the truck.


I like this snapshot because it shows swirls of color.


The light and shadow of this snapshot is interesting.