It is hard to believe that it is December 28. The temperature today was in the 60's and the sun was shining. Too nice to stay inside. So out I went.
First stop was Bed, Bath & Beyond. Got a new container for my ceramic brushes and two candles. Like I need candles. But they were 50% off. I have a candles addiction like I have a book addition. I have a box full of tarts. A bag full of votives. And another box in my closet of jar candles. If we lose electric, I have enough candles to make people in my neighborhood ask themselves why she has electric and we don't.
I then went to a new park my co-worker told me about. It is about 30 minutes from my house. Very pretty place. It has two names, Cape May County Park North and the Cameron Wildlife Sanctuary. The story goes: Mr. Cameron purchased a lot of acreage many years. He lived and maintained the property for many years. He didn't want developers coming in when he was gone and destroying the land, so he willed it to the County with the stipulation that the land be maintained as a sanctuary. This the County has done. More to the story is when they were constructing the Garden State Parkway, they needed a lot of fill. Mr. Cameron allowed the State to use his dirt, so to speak, hence creating a lot of ponds and lakes.
The park is big. Very big. There is an asphalt walk and natural trails through the woods. Ponds and lakes galore. The only wildlife I came across today is Juncos and Mallard ducks. That's okay. I'll be back.
After I left there I decided to go to Beaver Dam and see if there was any activity at the Eagles nest. I meet four people there who volunteer at the Nature Center. We talked for awhile and the one gentleman set up his high powered scope on the nest. Right below the nest an Eagle. OMG. Majestic birds. They told me that they do an Eagle count. I asked if they knew how many nesting pairs were in Jersey. To the best of their knowledge there are 54 pairs. Jake Landing's owl watches are starting soon. That is where I seen my very first Bald Eagle. I hope to see more this year.
When I got home, I had a cookie tin on my deck. When I opened the card, it was from my neighbor's thanking me for keeping an eye on their house. How nice was this? They come down about twice a month in the winter and just about every weekend in the summer. There has been only one occasion when I had to call them. I like my neighborhood and I do for people in my neighborhood what I hope they would do for me. Oh the cookie tin. It was full of home baked treats. Umm.
Well that's all. All the warm fresh air has worn me out. Enjoy your night.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Cats Rule - Part II
I hope you enjoyed Part I of 'Basic Rules For Cats Who Run A House'.
Here is Part II.
'Play: This is an important part of your life. Get enough sleep in the daytime so you are fresh for your nocturnal games. Below are several cats games. It is important though to maintain one's dignity at all times. If you should have an accident during play, such as falling off a chair, immediately wash a part of your body as if to say, "I MEANT" to do that!" It fools those humans every time.
Games:
a) Catch Mouse: The humans would have you believe that those lumps under the covers are their feet and hands. They are actually Bed Mice, rumored to be the most delicious of all the mice in the world, though no cat has ever been able to catch one. Maybe YOU can be the first.
b) King of the Hill: This games must be played with at least one other cat. Sleeping humans are the hill which must be defended at all costs from the other cat(s). Anything goes. This games allows for the development of unusual tactics as one must consider the unstable playing field.
WARNING: Playing games (a) and (b) to excess will result in expulsion from the bed. Should the humans grow restless, immediately begin purring and cuddle up to them. This should buy you some time until they fall asleep again. If one happens to be on a human when this occurs, this cat wins the round of King of the Hill.
c) Tag: This games requires two or more cats and may include a dog. One cat is It. the other(s) chase him around the house until they catch up. Then follows the Scrimmage, after which the cat who caught the other becomes It and is chased around. Great fun but has the greatest potential for loss of dignity from maneuvers such as the Non-Carpeted Floor Skid and the Throw Rug Wipeout. Whenever such a situation occurs, all felines must immediately wash themselves. Dogs are generally too stupid to do this and may continue to play. In this case, the dog automatically becomes It and should be subject to the Pileup.
d) Tube Mouse: This is a games played in the bathroom. Next to the Big White Drinking Bowl is a roll of soft white paper which is artfully attached to the wall so that it can spin. Inside this roll is the Tube Mouse. When you grab the paper, the Tube Mouse will spin frantically as it tries to escape from you. When the Mouse is exposed, it dies of fright and stops spinning.'
I hope you have enjoyed and I know you all have a smile on your face :o)
Here is Part II.
'Play: This is an important part of your life. Get enough sleep in the daytime so you are fresh for your nocturnal games. Below are several cats games. It is important though to maintain one's dignity at all times. If you should have an accident during play, such as falling off a chair, immediately wash a part of your body as if to say, "I MEANT" to do that!" It fools those humans every time.
Games:
a) Catch Mouse: The humans would have you believe that those lumps under the covers are their feet and hands. They are actually Bed Mice, rumored to be the most delicious of all the mice in the world, though no cat has ever been able to catch one. Maybe YOU can be the first.
b) King of the Hill: This games must be played with at least one other cat. Sleeping humans are the hill which must be defended at all costs from the other cat(s). Anything goes. This games allows for the development of unusual tactics as one must consider the unstable playing field.
WARNING: Playing games (a) and (b) to excess will result in expulsion from the bed. Should the humans grow restless, immediately begin purring and cuddle up to them. This should buy you some time until they fall asleep again. If one happens to be on a human when this occurs, this cat wins the round of King of the Hill.
c) Tag: This games requires two or more cats and may include a dog. One cat is It. the other(s) chase him around the house until they catch up. Then follows the Scrimmage, after which the cat who caught the other becomes It and is chased around. Great fun but has the greatest potential for loss of dignity from maneuvers such as the Non-Carpeted Floor Skid and the Throw Rug Wipeout. Whenever such a situation occurs, all felines must immediately wash themselves. Dogs are generally too stupid to do this and may continue to play. In this case, the dog automatically becomes It and should be subject to the Pileup.
d) Tube Mouse: This is a games played in the bathroom. Next to the Big White Drinking Bowl is a roll of soft white paper which is artfully attached to the wall so that it can spin. Inside this roll is the Tube Mouse. When you grab the paper, the Tube Mouse will spin frantically as it tries to escape from you. When the Mouse is exposed, it dies of fright and stops spinning.'
I hope you have enjoyed and I know you all have a smile on your face :o)
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Cats Rule - Part 1
Wednesday night, I finally had time to go through the pile of newspapers and magazines that have been accumulating over the past week or so.
One of our free mags is called 'Shoppe'. This is something where someone places an ad for something that they want to sell or buy. They also have listings of events happening in the area and fun little stories.
This was last weeks fun little story. Anyone who has cats (I guess some of this could be for a dog too) will be shaking their heads, with smiles on your face, saying "Yup"
One of our free mags is called 'Shoppe'. This is something where someone places an ad for something that they want to sell or buy. They also have listings of events happening in the area and fun little stories.
This was last weeks fun little story. Anyone who has cats (I guess some of this could be for a dog too) will be shaking their heads, with smiles on your face, saying "Yup"
Basic Rules for Cats Who Run A House (Part 1)
'Doors: Do not allow closed doors in any room. To get a door opened, stand on hind legs and hammer it with forepaws. Once door is opened, it is not necessary to use it. After you have ordered an "outside" door opened, stand halfway in and out and think about several things. This is particularly important during very cold weather, rain, snow or mosquito season. Swinging doors are to be avoided at all costs. (My cat will reach her little arm under the door. Mewing as loudly as she can until I open the door. Once the door is open she gives me the smug look and turns and walks away. Victory in her step.)
Guests: Quickly determine which guest hates cats the most. Sit on that lap. For sitting on laps or rubbing against trouser legs, select fabric which contrasts well with your fur. For example: White-furred cats go to black wool clothing. NOTE: Velvet takes precedence over all other cloth.
For guests who exclaims, "I love kitties!" be ready with aloof disdain, apply claws to stockings or arms, or use a quick nip on the ankle.
Always accompany guests to the bathroom. It is not necessary to do anything---just sit there and stare.
Hampering: If one of your humans is engaged in some close activity and the other is idle, stay with the busy one. This is called "helping" otherwise known as "hampering." Some rules:
a)When supervising cooking, sit just behind the left heel of the cook. You cannot be seen and thereby stand a better chance of being stepped on and then picked up and comforted.
b)For book readers, get in close under the chin, between eyes and book, unless you can lie across the book itself.
c)For knitting projects or paperwork, lie on the work in the most appropriate manner to obscure the maximum amount. Pretend to dose but every so often reach out and slap the pencil or knitting needles. Sit on the paperwork they are working on. Roll around on the papers, scattering them to the best of your ability. After being removed for the second time, push pens, pencils, and erasers off the table, one at a time. Embroidery and needlepoint make great hammocks.
d)When a human is holding the newspaper in front of him/her be sure to jump at the back of the paper. They love surprises.
e)Dart out quickly and as close as possible in front of the human, especially: on stairs; when they have something in their arms; in the dark; and when they first get up in the morning. This will help their coordination skills.
f)When a human is attempting to "make the bed," hop on it and curl up in the center, or pounce on the sheet the human is trying to rearrange. If the human tries to ignore you by covering you with the sheets, move around and try to mess things up. Protest loudly when you're evicted.'
(g)Laundry presents many opportunities to hamper. Laundry fresh from the dryer is a perfect bed, since it is warm and soft. As soon as it is put down for sorting, arrange yourself for a nap. If the human removes you, keep returning until the laundry isn't warm anymore. Now it's playtime. Pounce on anything the human tries to move around for folding, especially socks and nylons. For added fun, grab a sock and hide under the bed with it.
I hope you enjoyed part I of 'Basic Rules For Cats Who Run A House.'
If you did not shake your head. Look are your furry friend and say, "Yup. You do that." Smile and laugh, you do not live with a furry one and must go adopt one. (Bobbie I have the purrfect kitty for you :o) )
Tomorrow part II
Friday, December 26, 2008
The day after Christmas
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. And time well spent with family and friends.
Santa made a visit to my house. My baby and the kitties stockings were stuff with toys.
I think my little one likes what Santa left her. After inspecting, sniffing, drooling over the catnip ones, she attacked the mice's. Playtime over, she took a well deserved nap.
Santa made a visit to my house. My baby and the kitties stockings were stuff with toys.
I think my little one likes what Santa left her. After inspecting, sniffing, drooling over the catnip ones, she attacked the mice's. Playtime over, she took a well deserved nap.
I got a very pretty duel white frame with really nice humming bird pictures. The tiniest grater I have ever seen with cinnamon sticks. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation DVD. A memory card for my camera. A friendship candle. A really cute cast iron pan tart burner for my kitchen. And gift card to Starbuck's.
Was greeted in morning with a red-bellied woodpecker. So pretty, yet noisy. Watched him zoom up and down the tree. Later, I filled the feeders and suet. Later that night was greeted by a Carolina Chickadee. What little cuties they are.
The kitties and I feasted on turkey. Everyone was sleepy and took naps or just relaxed. Watched Ice Age 2 and Home Alone. All in all, was a very pleasant day.
How was your day?
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Just ramblings
It's two days until Christmas. Is everyone ready? I'm as ready as I'm gonna get.
I am feeling better. Still have a cough and running nose, but I have more energy. I actually stayed up until 9:30 last night. This is big news. I was pushing myself to stay awake and get things done during the day. But come 8:00, it was hard to keep the eyes open.
Went to ceramics Wednesday night and was surprised they let me stay. I guess they were in the Christmas spirit. By the end of the night, my friend Chrissy said, "Your tired aren't you?" I said, "You have no idea how tired I am. I feel like the walking dead."
But enough whining about that. I am now on the road to recovery and should be my old self soon.
Even the Wawa goose got decked out for Christmas. The gas attendant came over while I was taking the picture with a grin on his face. "Do you know how many people take a picture of that?" No. How many? "A lot of people. When they finally see it, they do what you did. Laugh and get out the camera." Good for them. Everyone needs a good laugh.
The next bad picture.
My Christmas tree. The picture is too dark, but it is my kind of tree. It is a hodge-podge of ornaments that have been given to me over the years. Each having it's own special meaning.
Well that's enough for now. Be good. Be safe. Take some time for yourself. Enjoy!!!!
I am feeling better. Still have a cough and running nose, but I have more energy. I actually stayed up until 9:30 last night. This is big news. I was pushing myself to stay awake and get things done during the day. But come 8:00, it was hard to keep the eyes open.
Went to ceramics Wednesday night and was surprised they let me stay. I guess they were in the Christmas spirit. By the end of the night, my friend Chrissy said, "Your tired aren't you?" I said, "You have no idea how tired I am. I feel like the walking dead."
But enough whining about that. I am now on the road to recovery and should be my old self soon.
*******************************
The other thing, I finally got my period today. Finally. Last one was October 23. I'm still going to go to my doctor and request a complete blood panel. Including thyroid and estrogen levels. I know women can start going through the change of life at an early age, but this has me concerned. Call me silly, but inquiring minds need to know.
*******************************
I was talking to my co-worker last week about cameras. He was going to the mall that night and I asked him if he was going to stop in the camera shop to scope things out for me. He started talking about my pictures and that I take nice pictures. I thanked him and told him I was running out of places to go. He told me about this park about a half hour from here. I finally found it on the internet. Now all I need is good weather. We are still in this nasty cycle of one day of sun. Several days of rain.
He came into my office this afternoon and was looking at my pictures. He said they are really good. I thank him and asked if he went into the camera shop. No he didn't. What's the saying. 'If you want something done. Do it yourself.' Well I guess sometime soon I will take a drive to the mall and check out the camera shop for myself.
I had a couple come into my office today. The wife sat down. The husband was looking and walking around. He ended up behind me and I turned to face him. He asked if this was my hobby. My new hobby for about a year now I told him. He said they are very nice pictures. For me a great compliment. People I know tell me that my pictures are good and I should look into different avenues with them, but I feel they are being nice. It was really great to get a compliment from a total stranger.
Now that I bragged about my pictures. Let me show you some pretty bad pictures.
Friday I went to Wawa for gas and I happened to look up at the building. Laughed and got out the camera.
Even the Wawa goose got decked out for Christmas. The gas attendant came over while I was taking the picture with a grin on his face. "Do you know how many people take a picture of that?" No. How many? "A lot of people. When they finally see it, they do what you did. Laugh and get out the camera." Good for them. Everyone needs a good laugh.
The next bad picture.
My Christmas tree. The picture is too dark, but it is my kind of tree. It is a hodge-podge of ornaments that have been given to me over the years. Each having it's own special meaning.
Well that's enough for now. Be good. Be safe. Take some time for yourself. Enjoy!!!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Christmas Party and more
Had a lot of fun at the Christmas party Sunday night. There were good stories told and lots of laughs. When your stomach hurts at the end of the night, you know you have eaten well and laughed like you haven't laughed in a long time.
We did the Chinese Auction. This was a first for me. Was a first for another girl, so I didn't feel so dumb. I said in Sunday's post that I thought it was going to be an all booze auction. I was close. All but one gift was booze. I had number 11 and the girl next to me (M.) was number 10. M. went to the table and got her gift. Candles. This is what happened next.
M. - ooh. These smell so good.
Me - What scent are they?
M. - Pumpkin Spice.
Me - Can I take a sniff?
M. - Sure.
Me - They do smell nice. You know that's one of my favorite scents.
M. - That's nice Lis
Me - You know I'm number 11.
M. - Am I going back to pick another gift?
Me - Um. Yes you are M.
What luck was this. I am not really a drinker. If I have 1/2 dozen drinks a year, that's a lot for me. Now don't get me wrong. I am not a total prude and enjoy a nice cocktail once in awhile.
The night ended and home we went. All happy and with smiles. A good night was had by all.
I don't know if you all know this, but I am a big Survivor fan. I have watched every episode since the beginning. Most seasons the person I want to win doesn't. I am always rooting for the one who is playing with the most integrity and honestly. I guess this is why my pick never wins. The person I was rooting for and the good guy won. Congratulations Bob.
We did the Chinese Auction. This was a first for me. Was a first for another girl, so I didn't feel so dumb. I said in Sunday's post that I thought it was going to be an all booze auction. I was close. All but one gift was booze. I had number 11 and the girl next to me (M.) was number 10. M. went to the table and got her gift. Candles. This is what happened next.
M. - ooh. These smell so good.
Me - What scent are they?
M. - Pumpkin Spice.
Me - Can I take a sniff?
M. - Sure.
Me - They do smell nice. You know that's one of my favorite scents.
M. - That's nice Lis
Me - You know I'm number 11.
M. - Am I going back to pick another gift?
Me - Um. Yes you are M.
What luck was this. I am not really a drinker. If I have 1/2 dozen drinks a year, that's a lot for me. Now don't get me wrong. I am not a total prude and enjoy a nice cocktail once in awhile.
The night ended and home we went. All happy and with smiles. A good night was had by all.
***********************************
I don't know if you all know this, but I am a big Survivor fan. I have watched every episode since the beginning. Most seasons the person I want to win doesn't. I am always rooting for the one who is playing with the most integrity and honestly. I guess this is why my pick never wins. The person I was rooting for and the good guy won. Congratulations Bob.
***********************************
I am still sick. Been sick since Saturday a week ago. The bug has now made it's way into my chest. Haven't had a decent night's sleep in what feels like forever. I wake myself up coughing. I get up and hack and drink a glass of orange juice and head back to bed. This vicious cycle goes on all night.
I'm exhausted. Not being able to keep my eyes open, I went to bed last night around 8 o'clock, with the hope of sleeping through the night. Nadda.
*************************************
Okay - enough of that. There are eight days left until Christmas. I hope everyone is done their shopping and can kick back and relax until the big day comes along.
This cute little Christmas tree was made by me, last year at ceramics.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
A stolen meme
Stolen from Laura. I thought this would be fun.
Things I've done are in bold.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii - but I would love too
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain (actually hiked up a mountain)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang/played a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly happy
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - Not in person, but through my Aunt and Uncle's pictures.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Made a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Gotten a speeding ticket
If you think you would enjoy doing this, please copy for your blog.
Things I've done are in bold.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii - but I would love too
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain (actually hiked up a mountain)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang/played a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly happy
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt - Not in person, but through my Aunt and Uncle's pictures.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Made a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Gotten a speeding ticket
If you think you would enjoy doing this, please copy for your blog.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tennessee Christmas
I'm sure when you visit you notice the Christmas tunes. On the side bar I said if there was a Christmas song that you would like me to add, please let me know the title and artist.
Well our good blogging buddy Cliff suggested Tennessee Christmas by Amy Grant. I have never heard this song before and what a pretty one it is. Thank you Cliff.
So scroll down to the bottom. Click on it. Turn up the volume. Grab your honey. And dance away. Like me and don't have a honey. Grab your furry friend. Like me and your furry friend won't dance with you. Close your eyes and dance anyway. Dancing is good for the soul.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Doctors - ugh
Hello all! Was up half the night with a running nose, coughing and the sinus drip. So today I feel like shit. I had a doctor's appointment this morning. Not for this cold. I haven't gotten my period in 48 days. I called the gynecologist office last Monday for an appointment. Explained to the receptionist why I was calling. She scheduled the appointment for this morning. She also told me to write down the dates when I had gotten my period as far back as I could. I asked her if this was something that I should be concerned about. She asked me how old I was. I told her 41. She said that with my age, I could be starting menopause. Now I have to have some fun. "So you think I'm old? 41 is not old." She tried back pedaling, but it was to late. I had to raze her some more. She also said that I could have a thyroid problem.
So with book in hand, I go to the office. After about a 1/2 hour the receptionist calls me to the window and hands me two sheets of paper. One was questions regarding my bladder. The other about family history of cancers. One by one, the receptionist called us to the window to hand this out. I did have a question on the cancer sheet. One of the girls in the office really couldn't answer the question, but said when the doctor looks over the sheets, any questions I have I can ask. (He didn't even look at the papers.)
I finally get into an examining room. Weight and blood pressure taken. My blood pressure was 148/86. Every time a doctor has taken my blood pressure, I am told it is high, but it ends there. I know this isn't extremely high. But it is high.
The doctor finally comes in the room. I explained to him that I haven't gotten a period in 48 days. He looks at the paper where I wrote the dates of my periods. I explained that I was regular every 25 days with an occasionally 28 day. Then nothing. He does the examine. After I ask him what is going on. He tells me to get dress and he will be back in a couple of minutes. I get dress and am buttoning my shirt when he knocks and comes in. I love this. He looks. Said, "Oh. sorry." And then turns to leave. I told him to wait. I only had two more buttons. Really. The guy has just seen every bit of me and now he acts modest. I asked him if this was normal. He said that normally woman don't start menopause until 50. He said that everything felt okay. He said to keep track for the next five to six months. If I still haven't gotten my period to call him and he would run some tests. He said that one thing that could be causing this is hypothyroidism. So my question is why wait. A lot can happen is five to six months. Why not write me a script for blood work now and rule it out. No. I have to wait five to six months.
I guess what is pissing me off more than anything is he hardly asked any questions. I have looked up menopause on the net, and there are a lot of symptoms. He didn't ask if I have experienced any. He treated this as an annual check-up.
Maybe I am just cranky because I don't feel good. But does anyone else feel when they go to the doctor's, they are getting the blow-off?
So with book in hand, I go to the office. After about a 1/2 hour the receptionist calls me to the window and hands me two sheets of paper. One was questions regarding my bladder. The other about family history of cancers. One by one, the receptionist called us to the window to hand this out. I did have a question on the cancer sheet. One of the girls in the office really couldn't answer the question, but said when the doctor looks over the sheets, any questions I have I can ask. (He didn't even look at the papers.)
I finally get into an examining room. Weight and blood pressure taken. My blood pressure was 148/86. Every time a doctor has taken my blood pressure, I am told it is high, but it ends there. I know this isn't extremely high. But it is high.
The doctor finally comes in the room. I explained to him that I haven't gotten a period in 48 days. He looks at the paper where I wrote the dates of my periods. I explained that I was regular every 25 days with an occasionally 28 day. Then nothing. He does the examine. After I ask him what is going on. He tells me to get dress and he will be back in a couple of minutes. I get dress and am buttoning my shirt when he knocks and comes in. I love this. He looks. Said, "Oh. sorry." And then turns to leave. I told him to wait. I only had two more buttons. Really. The guy has just seen every bit of me and now he acts modest. I asked him if this was normal. He said that normally woman don't start menopause until 50. He said that everything felt okay. He said to keep track for the next five to six months. If I still haven't gotten my period to call him and he would run some tests. He said that one thing that could be causing this is hypothyroidism. So my question is why wait. A lot can happen is five to six months. Why not write me a script for blood work now and rule it out. No. I have to wait five to six months.
I guess what is pissing me off more than anything is he hardly asked any questions. I have looked up menopause on the net, and there are a lot of symptoms. He didn't ask if I have experienced any. He treated this as an annual check-up.
Maybe I am just cranky because I don't feel good. But does anyone else feel when they go to the doctor's, they are getting the blow-off?
Snow Globe Snowman
I got this cute little snowman at Hallmark this year. I love snowman and candycanes.
Monday, December 8, 2008
So - How is your day going??
I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was good. I think. I don't know what it is, but my memory is starting to go. It is getting harder to remember things. I know I got pine garland for my front deck and put it up. And the nice person I am, gave the left over to my neighbor. Don't worry, it wasn't a smidgen, but about 15 foot of left overs. I did my Christmas cards and put them in the mailbox this morning. Saturday afternoon I started with sinus problems. I get a sinus infection every year. Sometimes it will run it course. And sometimes I must go to the doctor for a antibiotic. I am hoping this one just runs its course and leave.
Yesterday the weather people were actually right. They said that it was going to get very windy and cold. We even had snow showers. Luckily nothing that laid. My kind of snow. With all the wind, my garland and bows survived.
I went to put my shoes on this morning and to what did my wondering eyes see? My cat was sick on and in my shoes. What a wonderful start to the day. Luckily I wear the cheap sneakers and had another pair in the closet. So this started my day. So far nothing has been able to top this. I hope your day is better.
I understand that yesterday was Dianne's birthday. Please stop by her blog and wish her a Happy Birthday. If you don't already read her blog, you will. She is funny, creative and my blogger friend up da parkway.
BART THE FESTIVE BETTA.
Yesterday the weather people were actually right. They said that it was going to get very windy and cold. We even had snow showers. Luckily nothing that laid. My kind of snow. With all the wind, my garland and bows survived.
I went to put my shoes on this morning and to what did my wondering eyes see? My cat was sick on and in my shoes. What a wonderful start to the day. Luckily I wear the cheap sneakers and had another pair in the closet. So this started my day. So far nothing has been able to top this. I hope your day is better.
I understand that yesterday was Dianne's birthday. Please stop by her blog and wish her a Happy Birthday. If you don't already read her blog, you will. She is funny, creative and my blogger friend up da parkway.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FRIEND.
Any Boston Legal fans out there? I have watched this show from the beginning and sadly it is coming to an end tonight. This is one show I always watch and always get a good laugh. Sometimes I laugh so hard, I must replay a certain section to hear what they said. I will miss this show.
I am going to share my Christmas photos from my photo blog. So here is the first installment.
BART THE FESTIVE BETTA.
(He sees his reflection in the side of the aquarium and is displaying himself. I sit for hours and watch him. I really need to get a life.)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
If you can, please vote.
I was on the phone with Bobbie and she was visiting some of her favorite blogs. She told me to go to Daryl's blog. I said okay. She said "now."
Daryl has a very touching entry today and is asking for help for our furry friends. She has a very good friend in New York, Marilynn Teres-Cavanaugh and her husband, Dr. Paul Cavanaugh, DVM. Together they rescue animals, feed and shelter them and administers veterinarian care. Then she finds them their forever home. There is a contest in which we vote supporting their shelter and they have a chance to win $10,000.00.
Please vote. It is a good cause. Here is the link.
Daryl has a very touching entry today and is asking for help for our furry friends. She has a very good friend in New York, Marilynn Teres-Cavanaugh and her husband, Dr. Paul Cavanaugh, DVM. Together they rescue animals, feed and shelter them and administers veterinarian care. Then she finds them their forever home. There is a contest in which we vote supporting their shelter and they have a chance to win $10,000.00.
Please vote. It is a good cause. Here is the link.
Monday, December 1, 2008
More on the phone
Last night when walking by the phone I noticed the "in use" light lit and the display on the phone said, "line in use". What the hell. I turned the phone on and had static. I turned it on and off several time. At one time it sounded like someone disconnecting. When I turned the phone back on, silence. Okay Bobbie's gremlins are really messing with me. Just kidding. Now I'm thinking that maybe the phone lines got crossed in some way and I am somehow connected with someone else. This went on most of the night with the "in use" light and "line in use".
My friend from work hosted one of those 'party light spa parties'. OMG my feet never felt so good. We gave ourselves pedicures so to speak. I say this because I have never had a pedicure and don't know what all is involved. All I can tell you is my feet were soft, smooth and felt really good.
I went to bed, and I remembered to turn the cell off. I don't need another dead battery. When I got up I tried the phone and it worked. I guess it was the wind and rain that shorted out the line. At lunch time I called Verizon and actually was able to talk to a real live person. Imagine that. I told them that I called yesterday and the automated system set up an appointment for a technician to come out tomorrow between 8 AM to 9 PM. I asked her if we could narrow it down some. She said between 1 PM and 5 PM. Much better and the technician would call my cell before he got there so I could meet him and not have to take the day off. I asked her how I could have Internet and no phone? She said that even though it is the same line and number, the Internet line runs along side the phone line. Basically it has it's own line. Okay. I'm set. Tomorrow between 1 and 5 and he or she would call prior too.
Got home from work and started cutting up veggies to make turkey soup and heard a knock at the door. The Verizon technician was here. How about that. A day early. I told him what had happened and that my phone was working now. He said that he would run tests to see what was going on, but it probably had something to do with the wind and rain we had yesterday. After about a half hour he came back in. Turned out it was the weather and some exposed wires. He said that when the wind blew and/or water got in, it shorted the wires out. Problem fixed. We talked for about half hour and then he left. What a nice guy and handsome too. If only he was a little older.
My friend from work hosted one of those 'party light spa parties'. OMG my feet never felt so good. We gave ourselves pedicures so to speak. I say this because I have never had a pedicure and don't know what all is involved. All I can tell you is my feet were soft, smooth and felt really good.
I went to bed, and I remembered to turn the cell off. I don't need another dead battery. When I got up I tried the phone and it worked. I guess it was the wind and rain that shorted out the line. At lunch time I called Verizon and actually was able to talk to a real live person. Imagine that. I told them that I called yesterday and the automated system set up an appointment for a technician to come out tomorrow between 8 AM to 9 PM. I asked her if we could narrow it down some. She said between 1 PM and 5 PM. Much better and the technician would call my cell before he got there so I could meet him and not have to take the day off. I asked her how I could have Internet and no phone? She said that even though it is the same line and number, the Internet line runs along side the phone line. Basically it has it's own line. Okay. I'm set. Tomorrow between 1 and 5 and he or she would call prior too.
Got home from work and started cutting up veggies to make turkey soup and heard a knock at the door. The Verizon technician was here. How about that. A day early. I told him what had happened and that my phone was working now. He said that he would run tests to see what was going on, but it probably had something to do with the wind and rain we had yesterday. After about a half hour he came back in. Turned out it was the weather and some exposed wires. He said that when the wind blew and/or water got in, it shorted the wires out. Problem fixed. We talked for about half hour and then he left. What a nice guy and handsome too. If only he was a little older.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
I'm having a shitty day
Okay so we are back to rain. It seems like we get a couple days reprieve from the rain and then, bam, back to cloudy rainy weather. But this isn't why I am having a shitty day, but contributed to it.
Woke up this morning with a headache. Is it the weather. A migraine? Maybe both? With my migraine's, I tend to get them while asleep and then it just makes for a miserable day. No amount of Tylenol or coffee is going to help. But this isn't why I am having a shitty day, but contributed to it.
Went on the Internet this morning and things were really-really slow. Sometimes it would kick me off. I decided to read the paper and try again. Same thing. Called Bobbie to see if she was having problems. The static was unbelievable. Told her I would call back. Thinking maybe it was a bad connection. Called her back and the same. Cutting the call short, decided to water my plants. Bobbie called me to see if that would help. Much better. Really no static and she wasn't having Internet problems like I was having. We hung up and I decided to try the Internet again. No can do. Couldn't even get on-line. I have Verizon DSL and decided to check the modem. The Internet light was off. I decided to shut the modem off. Took a shower and went to make a phone call. Nothing-nada-zilch. No dial tone. Checked the other phones. Same. Check the land line. Same. Well then. Time to call Verizon. Got out my cell phone. If you guessed it was dead, you would be correct. Very seldom do I use my cell. I tend to turn it on if I am going out and then forget to turn it off. So out came the charger. But this isn't why I am having a shitty day, but contributed to it.
Went to the store and then Pet Smart. That made me feel a little bit better. There were two black labs telling one another off. Turned out they were brothers and hadn't seen each other in a week. They had a lot of catching up to do. This definitely isn't why I am having a shitty day.
Went to Wal-Mart. My friends daughter is having a baby and she is registered there. Asked the girls if the registry would print on the machine and they said it would. Went over and typed the information in. One out of the four pages printed. Page two got stuck in the machine. The one girl came over to unjam the machine and we tried again. I don't know what language printed, but it was unreadable. We tried several more times. I apologized to them. I told them it was me and explained what happened with my Internet and phone this morning. They said it wasn't me. The other lady's daughter was registered there so we tried that. Same thing. They said they didn't know what was going on. The machine would probably have to be re-booted. This would take a couple of hours. I told them I would be back tomorrow and apologized again to them. But this isn't why I am having a shitty day, but contributed to it.
Came home and tried the phone again. Still no good. Called Verizon and had the automated system. That checked the line and they reported, "the Verizon Network is working properly." Oh yeah. Well if it is working properly, why don't I have a phone. It asked if I checked the system from the outside. No. Well you cannot do this in the rain. Well it's pouring outside anyway. Then it said I needed a screw driver. Okay. Now I draw the line. Don't I pay Verizon to do this shit. I had to call twice before they would set up an appointment for a technician to come out. Guess when. Tuesday between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Are you fucking kidding me. I'll call tomorrow and see if I can't get a person. I turned the modem back on and guess what? I had Internet service. So I checked the phone. Still dead. I don't understand. It is the same phone number. Same line. How can I have Internet connection and no phone? I have unplugged the phones from the jack, waited awhile and plugged them back in. Still nothing. Even the line land didn't work. Now I am carrying my cell around attached to my hip. If I don't, I won't hear it ring. I have it set on the highest volume level, but still can't hear it unless I am right next to it.
So I ask you, What the hell is going on? I did get a new phone. A VTech 6.0 and hooked it up yesterday. I used it yesterday with no problem. I now have my old phone charging to see if that one will work. Any idea's about what could be going on? Any idea's why my Internet is now working, but my phones don't. I think Bobbie has sent her little gremlins down to my house to mess with me. If this is the case, I am sending them right back to you. I don't need them and I don't want them.
So it is the combination of all of the above why I am having a shitty day. I hope your day is going better.
Woke up this morning with a headache. Is it the weather. A migraine? Maybe both? With my migraine's, I tend to get them while asleep and then it just makes for a miserable day. No amount of Tylenol or coffee is going to help. But this isn't why I am having a shitty day, but contributed to it.
Went on the Internet this morning and things were really-really slow. Sometimes it would kick me off. I decided to read the paper and try again. Same thing. Called Bobbie to see if she was having problems. The static was unbelievable. Told her I would call back. Thinking maybe it was a bad connection. Called her back and the same. Cutting the call short, decided to water my plants. Bobbie called me to see if that would help. Much better. Really no static and she wasn't having Internet problems like I was having. We hung up and I decided to try the Internet again. No can do. Couldn't even get on-line. I have Verizon DSL and decided to check the modem. The Internet light was off. I decided to shut the modem off. Took a shower and went to make a phone call. Nothing-nada-zilch. No dial tone. Checked the other phones. Same. Check the land line. Same. Well then. Time to call Verizon. Got out my cell phone. If you guessed it was dead, you would be correct. Very seldom do I use my cell. I tend to turn it on if I am going out and then forget to turn it off. So out came the charger. But this isn't why I am having a shitty day, but contributed to it.
Went to the store and then Pet Smart. That made me feel a little bit better. There were two black labs telling one another off. Turned out they were brothers and hadn't seen each other in a week. They had a lot of catching up to do. This definitely isn't why I am having a shitty day.
Went to Wal-Mart. My friends daughter is having a baby and she is registered there. Asked the girls if the registry would print on the machine and they said it would. Went over and typed the information in. One out of the four pages printed. Page two got stuck in the machine. The one girl came over to unjam the machine and we tried again. I don't know what language printed, but it was unreadable. We tried several more times. I apologized to them. I told them it was me and explained what happened with my Internet and phone this morning. They said it wasn't me. The other lady's daughter was registered there so we tried that. Same thing. They said they didn't know what was going on. The machine would probably have to be re-booted. This would take a couple of hours. I told them I would be back tomorrow and apologized again to them. But this isn't why I am having a shitty day, but contributed to it.
Came home and tried the phone again. Still no good. Called Verizon and had the automated system. That checked the line and they reported, "the Verizon Network is working properly." Oh yeah. Well if it is working properly, why don't I have a phone. It asked if I checked the system from the outside. No. Well you cannot do this in the rain. Well it's pouring outside anyway. Then it said I needed a screw driver. Okay. Now I draw the line. Don't I pay Verizon to do this shit. I had to call twice before they would set up an appointment for a technician to come out. Guess when. Tuesday between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Are you fucking kidding me. I'll call tomorrow and see if I can't get a person. I turned the modem back on and guess what? I had Internet service. So I checked the phone. Still dead. I don't understand. It is the same phone number. Same line. How can I have Internet connection and no phone? I have unplugged the phones from the jack, waited awhile and plugged them back in. Still nothing. Even the line land didn't work. Now I am carrying my cell around attached to my hip. If I don't, I won't hear it ring. I have it set on the highest volume level, but still can't hear it unless I am right next to it.
So I ask you, What the hell is going on? I did get a new phone. A VTech 6.0 and hooked it up yesterday. I used it yesterday with no problem. I now have my old phone charging to see if that one will work. Any idea's about what could be going on? Any idea's why my Internet is now working, but my phones don't. I think Bobbie has sent her little gremlins down to my house to mess with me. If this is the case, I am sending them right back to you. I don't need them and I don't want them.
So it is the combination of all of the above why I am having a shitty day. I hope your day is going better.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Just ramblings
Wednesday I went to Shoprite to get a centerpiece for my friend. I was going to her house for dessert Thanksgiving. Across the way was a gentleman and an older woman looking at the poinsettia's. A girl that works there was walking toward them with another centerpiece. The older woman asked the girl if she bought one poinsettia was is $1.99 like last year. The girl said, 'no. If you only buy one, it will cost $2.99.' Very indignantly the older woman says, 'What? $2.99?' The girl said yes and walked away. Let me just say that the girl was very friendly. The older woman started to stomp away. Slowed and yelled over her shoulder, "I hope they all die." If only the camera could have captured the look on my face and the gentleman's face. It would have been a look of shock. Disbelief. Speechless. The girls walks over to the gentleman and asked if she had something to say. He said yes and told her. She kinda yelled, 'and a Happy Thanksgiving to you too.' She said to us, 'people think we make up the prices. We just tell you what the prices are.' We started talking to her and then joking with her. Very nice girl. I picked the centerpiece I liked and as I was walking away, stopped and wished her a Happy Thanksgiving, thanked her for being so professional and to apologize for the woman's rude behavior. She told me to wait and came back with a beautiful ceramic pumpkin for my centerpiece. She said, 'I only give these to the special customers.' How sweet was this.
Thanksgiving Day was pretty uneventful. I finished the book I was reading. One down a couple hundred to go. My turkey turned out great. Ate like a pig and went to my friends. Her dad has a black lab, Midnight. He is such a sweetie. So is her dad. They were getting Midnight's dinner ready and put his bowl down. He stood and stared at them. When they said 'go for it boy', he wolfed it down. They said he will not eat his food unless you tell him he can. She said that once they forgot and he was standing there looking at them, pleading with them to tell him it was okay to eat. Another friend said she was going on the trolley ride the next night in Cape May to look at the houses that were decorated for Christmas. She said that a couple of years ago she was going to go, but ended up following the trolley. How we razed her about this. My friend was going shopping Friday and asked if I wanted to go. I thanked her, but declined. The reason. They leave and get to the mall at 9:00 AM. Not to bad. They get home around 1:00 AM. Very bad. I can't shop that long. Hell I can't shop at all. I am not a browser. I know what I want. Get it and leave.
I did just that yesterday. Michael's had a 25% coupon off the entire purchase. So I got brushes for ceramics. Bed, Bath and Beyond was handing out 20% off coupons when you entered, I got a new clothes hamper. I went to a couple other stores and then called it a day. All local stores I went to.
I was watching on TV how people were standing waiting for the doors to open at the malls. How it was like a stampede entering the store when the doors opened. The guy who was kill during one of the stampedes. And the people hurt, including a pregnant woman who tried to help the guy. What could you possibly want or need to act like this? Two people who shot one another at a Toys R Us, I believe in California. Just another reason why there should be tighter policies on guns. Maybe it's because I don't like to shop, but I just don't understand the Black Friday frenzy.
So anyway, I'll get off that topic.
So how was everyones Thanksgiving? What are your traditions for Thanksgiving? Inquiring minds want to know.
Well that's enough rambling for now. My house work is done. The last load of laundry is in the dryer and I am debating with myself to put up some Christmas decorations or read. I'm thinking read, but you never know.
Well I don't know who won the debate, but I put up Christmas decorations. Every room got a little something. Even the aquarium. Bart the Betta isn't to happy about it. He'll get over it. If not, it will be fun to watch him spread his beautiful red tail and act all tough. I think now I'll read, before I start another debate with myself.
Thanksgiving Day was pretty uneventful. I finished the book I was reading. One down a couple hundred to go. My turkey turned out great. Ate like a pig and went to my friends. Her dad has a black lab, Midnight. He is such a sweetie. So is her dad. They were getting Midnight's dinner ready and put his bowl down. He stood and stared at them. When they said 'go for it boy', he wolfed it down. They said he will not eat his food unless you tell him he can. She said that once they forgot and he was standing there looking at them, pleading with them to tell him it was okay to eat. Another friend said she was going on the trolley ride the next night in Cape May to look at the houses that were decorated for Christmas. She said that a couple of years ago she was going to go, but ended up following the trolley. How we razed her about this. My friend was going shopping Friday and asked if I wanted to go. I thanked her, but declined. The reason. They leave and get to the mall at 9:00 AM. Not to bad. They get home around 1:00 AM. Very bad. I can't shop that long. Hell I can't shop at all. I am not a browser. I know what I want. Get it and leave.
I did just that yesterday. Michael's had a 25% coupon off the entire purchase. So I got brushes for ceramics. Bed, Bath and Beyond was handing out 20% off coupons when you entered, I got a new clothes hamper. I went to a couple other stores and then called it a day. All local stores I went to.
I was watching on TV how people were standing waiting for the doors to open at the malls. How it was like a stampede entering the store when the doors opened. The guy who was kill during one of the stampedes. And the people hurt, including a pregnant woman who tried to help the guy. What could you possibly want or need to act like this? Two people who shot one another at a Toys R Us, I believe in California. Just another reason why there should be tighter policies on guns. Maybe it's because I don't like to shop, but I just don't understand the Black Friday frenzy.
So anyway, I'll get off that topic.
So how was everyones Thanksgiving? What are your traditions for Thanksgiving? Inquiring minds want to know.
Well that's enough rambling for now. My house work is done. The last load of laundry is in the dryer and I am debating with myself to put up some Christmas decorations or read. I'm thinking read, but you never know.
Well I don't know who won the debate, but I put up Christmas decorations. Every room got a little something. Even the aquarium. Bart the Betta isn't to happy about it. He'll get over it. If not, it will be fun to watch him spread his beautiful red tail and act all tough. I think now I'll read, before I start another debate with myself.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
An Award for my Friend
I really don't pass awards on and usually don't. I usually offer the award to everyone who visits and/or thinks someone would appreciate it.
I was visiting some blogs and came across an award that The Fishing Guy had received. He has a cool blog and wonderful pictures. Please visit him. I think you'll enjoy his blog. As soon as I saw the award, I thought of my friend Bobbie . One reason, she loves butterflies. The other, she has a cool blog.
I was visiting some blogs and came across an award that The Fishing Guy had received. He has a cool blog and wonderful pictures. Please visit him. I think you'll enjoy his blog. As soon as I saw the award, I thought of my friend Bobbie . One reason, she loves butterflies. The other, she has a cool blog.
Bobbie and I have been friends for quite awhile now. I met her when I started working at the Township. She taught me everything I know. I used to tell her that the house up the street from me would be perfect for her daughter Rita. Instead Bobbie moved in. It has been great. I call her just about everyday to seen how things are going and to rant if I had a bad day at work. Which happens quite a lot with the back stabbing idiots I work with. She has gotten me even more interested in birds, flowers and nature. The biggest thing she got me interested in is photography. When she talks about her pictures, there was something in her voice. Joy, happiness, contentment. To try and understand, I bought a digital camera. I now understand and thank her for this. We have gone on many outings together with cameras in hand. It is a lot of fun to be in the company of this wonderful lady. It is also a lot of fun to see what she took pictures of. She is a great photographer.
So with all this said and much more that I could say, I am awarding the "Butterfly Award 'For the coolest blog I ever know'" to my very good friend Bobbie.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Snow. Or should I say slush
In my previous post I said how much I love this weather. Even the occasional snow. Well I think either my dad, mom or brother, or maybe all of them, may be having a bit of fun. Yesterday morning we had some snow showers. Very pretty. Didn't coat the ground. My kind of snow. Last night I was watching the weather channel and they were calling for some freezing rain and snow. A slushy accumulation of less than a 1/2 inch. This is why I don't like snow. We rarely get what I call real snow. You know the light fluffy stuff. We get the heavy wet snow that is a bitch to shovel and get off the car. When I went out this morning, it had started to snow. The heavy wet shit.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
I'm loving this weather
I love cold weather. I love the crispness in the air. I love going outside and breathing in the freshness in the air. I love how the sky seems even bluer. I love snuggling under the covers. I love that my cat will snuggle with me. That she will wake me in the middle of the night to cuddle and to warm her little body. I love the smell of line dried clothes. I even love the occasional, and I mean every once in a great while, snow. I do wish that we could have a white Christmas. Just once though. Oh okay. Maybe twice. Oh my love list could go on and on, but I think you get my point.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Weigh in Day, sunshine & politics
Well we are not talking about weigh in today. Oh yes, I weighed myself and I really think the scale is broken. There is no way that someone could gain that much in seven days. I have a scale in work that I will weigh myself on tomorrow.
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The sun is shining in Cape May County today. Oh happy days. We haven't seen the sun shining since Monday. After I am done here, I am spending as much time as possible outside.
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So this morning while watching the news, they said that gun sales were up before President-Elect Obama was sworn in. They fear that he will not allow them to purchase guns.
We have the right to Bear Arms. I am not against this right. But here is my problem. People are not purchasing normal guns. Not that there is a such thing. But they are purchasing semi-automatics, fully-automatics and assault rifles. Why? One gentleman said, "I must protect my family." If you must have one of these high-powered guns to protect your family, something is wrong. Maybe you take a look at your life.
If when President-Elect Obama is sworn in and he addresses the type of fire power that one can purchase and one cannot purchase, I say good for him. I feel that this should be regulated. There are already too many killings from shootings.
Onto another thing that has been bothering me. Politics in general. We have republicans, democrats, independents, conservatives, etc. All are fighting against each other.
I had made a comment to my boss once that maybe we would be better off not having government. He said we need government. He is right of course. So now here is what I am thinking. I am probably wrong. When it comes to any type of political aspect, I usually am. But here I go anyway.
Politicians are our problem. We hear that the republicans have the majority or the democrats have the majority. Why should it be about that? Why, because it is all about power. Who has it and who doesn't. Well it should not be about power. It should be about working together no matter what your political affiliation. It should be about working for the people and in the best interest of the people. If we don't learn to work together soon, well.
I think people vote for Barack Obama because he gives us hope. Hope for change. Hope that people can work together. Hope for a better America.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Working with the public
In previous posts I have said that I work in the municipality in which I live. Working with the public has been funny, interesting and frustrating. I have made many friends and enemies. Well not enemies in the worst way. These are people who want to do something with their land and I sometimes have to tell them that they cannot without board approval. They get pissed and yell at me. For the most part, I can understand, but hey I just tell you what the rules are. Some people I can calm down. Others not so much. They then make it personal. When this happens, all bets are off. I am a person first. Township employee second.
So with that said, I thought I would share a couple of stories with you.
I took a call from a woman who said she just moved into the Township. She had previously lived on Yacht Avenue. 'And you know when you think of Yacht Avenue, you think of beautiful boats.' She moved to the corner of Shore Drive and Hollywood Avenue. She had a Hollywood Avenue address and wanted to change it to a Shore Road address. 'You know when you think of Shore Drive, you think of the beautiful shore, beaches and ocean. When you think about Hollywood Avenue, you don't think of a beautiful Holly tree. You think of the ugly dirty Hollywood in California.' Uh-huh. Well then. 'Well I can't change anyone's address. You will have to contact the assessor's for the address change.'
Another time I had a guy come in, (I did not like him at all). He lives behind a self-storage facility. He wanted to put up an above ground pool. So I told him what the setbacks were. He then told me he wanted to put the pool on the self-storage property. I told him he couldn't put anything on someones elses property. The argument ensued. The more belligerent he got. The more belligerent I got. Oh. Did I forget to say he had his young son with him. I could feel myself ready to explode, so I went to get my boss. I told my boss that if he didn't come deal with this guy, I was going to fucking deck him. My boss came up and the same with him. The guy started to cuss. My boss said, 'Ah. Nice you talk like that in front of your son." This got the guy and he walked out. He never came back.
This is one of my favorites. A guy called and I answered the phone like always. "Good afternoon. Lower Township Planning & Zoning. Can I help you?" He said, 'I was wondering if it had been windy here.' Me, 'excuse me?' Him, 'has it been windy here?' Me, 'why do you ask?' Him, 'well I have been away and when I came home my driveway gate was wide open.' Me, 'and you thought to call Planning & Zoning to find out if it was windy?' He snickered and said yes. Well now I laughed. I told him that it had been windy. Winder then it has been in awhile. We chatted awhile and hung up.
These are the calls that I like best.
Now for yesterday. My boss was at an all day seminar, so I was in the office myself and went to lunch my normal time.
In the afternoon the phone rang. I answered with my norm spiel. This woman said that she was in the office to look at an application that was to be before planning board and I was at lunch. I said yes. She said that no one in the office could help her. Okay. Well what application was it you were in to see. She tells me and then proceeded to piss me off. She said 'well the notice says to come in during normal business hours. I came in during normal business hours and no one could help me. I guess you are entitled to go to lunch, but still.' I say, 'yes. I am entitled to go to lunch. This is a two person office and my boss is at a seminar. So for one hour this day, the office has no one.' She said, 'well what time do you go for lunch?' Normally 11:30 to 12:30, but sometimes I don't get out of here at that time. Her, 'well why not.' Me, 'well if I am helping someone at that time, I am not going to tell them they must go away because I have to go to lunch.' She asked what our hours were. I told her I would be in the office until 4:30 today. She said, 'well I am not coming now. I was there already and you weren't there.' Me, "well we've been through that already haven't we. Drop it. That's old new. In the past. Get my drift. I will be in the office at 7:30 Monday morning.' She said 'I won't be coming in there at that time.' Me, 'whatever. I leave at 3:30 and someone will be here until 4:30.' Her, 'well will you be going to lunch at 11:30.' Depends. If a customer is here or if I am on the phone. No.' She went back to the notice she received. She said, 'there is nothing on this notice that says when people go to lunch.' I said, 'are you saying that the notice should have the times we go to lunch. When we won't be in the office. When we have to go to a seminar. And when we are on vacation.' She actually said yes. I said, 'Now how are the people sending out the notice supposed to no when my boss and myself are not here?' Her, 'they should ask you.' Me, ' you have to be kidding. How stupid is that. Do you hear what you are saying? I have a better idea. Why don't YOU call before you come to make sure someone is in the office.' She didn't like this idea. Well to bad.
So sometimes, one must deal with people like this lady. And I have a hard time with people like this. For the most part, people are friendly and you can have fun with them. But there is the odd one.
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Just a follow-up on my previous post "CR-V vs. bollard. I checked my car this morning. There is a small dent that you really can't see.
Friday, November 7, 2008
CR-V vs. bollard
I was backing up into a parking space and knew there was a concrete bollard, but it was below my rear view window. Guess what happened?
CR-V - 0. Concrete bollard - 1.
I know there is a dent, but don't know how bad. I'll check tomorrow.
CR-V - 0. Concrete bollard - 1.
I know there is a dent, but don't know how bad. I'll check tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The people have spoken
This is the first time that I really got into an election. Maybe I am a bad American, but other elections just didn't seem as important as this one to me.
For me, it was all about change. We couldn't keep going the way we were going. We couldn't afford to keep going the way we were going. Both on a federal and local level. I am tired of the spending, good old boy club and many other reasons.
I am happy to say that everyone I voted for WON.
I think this election should be a wake-up call to the powers that be. The message, "We are not going to take it anyone."
For me, it was all about change. We couldn't keep going the way we were going. We couldn't afford to keep going the way we were going. Both on a federal and local level. I am tired of the spending, good old boy club and many other reasons.
I am happy to say that everyone I voted for WON.
I think this election should be a wake-up call to the powers that be. The message, "We are not going to take it anyone."
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Award and weigh in day
Gretchen of Gretchen's Travel gave me this award. I love the meaning behind this. I have met many people that I consider friends through blogging. We become close through our words and pictures. Sharing the fun and heartaches. Our friends and family. Our good and bad moods. So here is what this awards means:
To translate the gift from Portuguese to English, it means: "This blog invests and believes, the proximity" [meaning, that blogging makes us "close" - being close through proxy]. "They all are charmed with the blogs, where in the majority of its aims are to show the marvels and to do friendship; there are persons who are not interested when we give them a prize and then they help to cut these bows; do we want that they are cut or that they propagate?"
I generally rebel when it comes to the rules of passing onto others. But not this one. So today I am going to pass this along to.....
1. Bobbie - Almost There
2. Dianne - Forks Off The Moment
3. Mme - Mme Benaut Occasional Blog
4. Kay - Musings
5. Kelly - America As Seen By Kelly
6. Michele - Rocky Mountain Retreat
This list by no means are the only people I would like to pass this award onto. I offer this award to everyone who visits.
Thank you again Gretchen.
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Who would have thought that with me on vacation this past week, making a couple pumpkin cakes (and par-taking in some. Okay a lot of slices), pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, breakfast sandwiches and left over treat-or-treat candy. And I must not forget about last night. Last night I went to Cold Spring Village for their luminary walk. They open several of the buildings for tours. Each building offered something good to eat. The Welcome Center(c. 1894), cheese, pepperoni and crackers. Dennisville Inn(c. 1836), pulled pork sandwiches, potato chips and pickles. Spicer Leaming House(c.1800), chicken wings and celery sticks. And the Country Store (c.1722) desserts. That I wouldn't gain anything. Obviously I didn't lose anything, but woo-who I didn't gain anything either. Total weight loss still stands at 26 pounds.
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Well, that's about it for now. I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and the extra hour.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Phillies & DWTS
By now everyone knows that the Phillies won the World Series. Well good for them. My neighborhood had a little life last night. We had some fireworks and cherry bombs. Could have done without the cherry bombs though. I went outside to watch the fireworks and you could hear people yelling and screaming.
So now let me poo-poo the happy event. I don't think that game was fair. I don't think that they should have started game 5 from where it left off. This in not a book, where you read a couple chapters and put it down only to pick up later where you left off. The game should have begun at the beginning. Yes it should have started in the 1st inning.
So anyway while I was out and about today listening to the radio, Philadelphia had two fires, a car overturned (how pissed off would you be if that was your car?) and I thought I heard that a store was broken into too and luggage was stolen. Guess they're planning a trip and needed the luggage.
So now let me poo-poo the happy event. I don't think that game was fair. I don't think that they should have started game 5 from where it left off. This in not a book, where you read a couple chapters and put it down only to pick up later where you left off. The game should have begun at the beginning. Yes it should have started in the 1st inning.
So anyway while I was out and about today listening to the radio, Philadelphia had two fires, a car overturned (how pissed off would you be if that was your car?) and I thought I heard that a store was broken into too and luggage was stolen. Guess they're planning a trip and needed the luggage.
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Yesterday I posted that Cloris Leachman is no longer a contender on Dancing with the Stars. My friend Dianne left a comment that Susan and Tony should have went before Cloris. I agree. Susan is boring as hell to watch. I do like Tony, but he can only do some much. Dianne asked who was my favorite. Again we agree. Warren Sapp is so fun to watch. He has great facial expressions. When he dances you can see how much fun he is having. You can't help but love him. And for such a big guy, he has some moves. I would like to see him win, but I think he has some competition between Brooke Burke and Cody Linley.
Tonight my favorite reality show is on. "Survivor." I have not miss an episode since the show started. That's it for my reality shows. Oh wait a minute. There's one more "The Mole." If only Anderson Cooper would host it again.
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Last night I didn't feel like cooking so I order dinner out. When I went to pick it up, three guys were working. They were joking and kidding around with one another. One guy said to me that you have to have fun at work. Yes you do, but you have to have fun people to work with. This place also sells gasoline. The one guy proceeded to tell me that if his friend was game they were dressing up for Halloween. I asked him what he was going to be. Get this. A french fry. I laughed. I asked him what his friend was dressing as. This is even better. A seagull. Now I'm belly laughing. He said that if his friend would do it, his friend would be chasing him around the parking lot.
With that I leave you. Have a good one.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown & DWTS
I just finished watching "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown." Is it me or does anyone else find this show cruel? Lucy calling her brother "stupid and block head". Being nasty to Charlie Brown. Charlie Brown only getting rocks when treat-or-treating.
Bobbie and I were talking about it this afternoon. We both agree that the part with Snoopy playing the "Red Baron" is kind of violent.
This is a cartoon for the children. I just think that children shouldn't watch this. Every year I watch this and every year I feel the same way. I'll never learn.
Bobbie and I were talking about it this afternoon. We both agree that the part with Snoopy playing the "Red Baron" is kind of violent.
This is a cartoon for the children. I just think that children shouldn't watch this. Every year I watch this and every year I feel the same way. I'll never learn.
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I have to say that Halloween is my favorite holiday. I like the decorations, the scary shows, the unexplained. What I enjoy most is the treat-or-treaters. Not that I getting many. If I get ten, it is a good year.
I love the little ones. One year, I heard my gate open. I went to the door to wait. I heard the father said, "Now when the door is opened, say 'treat-or-treat'". I opened my door to the cutest little witch, who promptly said, "I need candy." How can you not enjoy this? I laughed. The dad was embarrassed and apologized. No need.
Halloween has really changed a lot over the years. But haven't all the holiday's. The real meaning of the holiday's are long gone. They have become reasons to party. They have become commercialized. What a shame.
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Now for Dancing with the Stars. Last night was Cloris Leachman last night. Sorry Dianne, but I am glad. Don't get me wrong, she is a great entertainer and did great for her age and I really enjoyed watching her antics. But when someone like Toni Braxton (last week was her last) is gone, something is wrong. I know Cloris stayed longer because of the public vote. Well this week the public spoke.
Let's just hope that come election day, the public votes based on the candidate they feel will lead this country. Help this country. Not because of race, age, past friendships, middle name or any other lame excuse that doesn't have anything to do with the job ahead of them.
Last night & Spirits
Well we don't have rain today, but as I said yesterday, we still have wind. Reading the paper this morning said that we had some wind gusts over 60 MPH. A roof blow off a hotel in Wildwood, trees down and power outages.
Last night on my way to the library for the "Spirits from beyond the grave" thing was somewhat of a challenge. The strong wind was blowing my car around like a match box car. What was eerie was along with the strong wind, most of Route 47 was without electric. When I got to the intersection to turn, there were cops. With the flashing light, I couldn't tell if the intersection was opened or not. I stopped and asked one of the officers, who said it was. He proceeded to tell me to drive slow because there wasn't electric. Well no shit Sherlock. Luckily the library still had electric.
There was a magic show for the kids when I got there. It must have been great cause you could hear them screaming and laughing. It was cute to watch them after the show. Most were dressed in their Halloween costumes.
The weather didn't keep people from coming out for the magic show or this class. The room was packed. There were picture boards of the different areas that they had been and photos of orbs. They talked about some of the places that they had been and had recordings of spirits. That was kind of eerie. There was also some video of orbs and mist. All in all it was pretty interesting. They have a website which they say has some video and recordings. I haven't checked it out yet, but if your interested, here is the site.
There are some who do not believe there are spirits amongst us, but I do. After my dad died, I came home from work. At the time I was working in a restaurant and after work, well you stunk. I had put the TV on and settled on a movie. I hopped in the shower and when I was getting dressed, I was listening to the TV. What was being said had nothing to do with the movie. They were talking about sharks. Great White sharks. When I went into the living room, the TV was on a different channel. My dad knew my love of sharks, Great White sharks, and I believe he changed the channel.
When my house was being renovated, Danny came over everyday to check on the progress. He died before the renovations were done. After I moved back in, sometimes at night when I was watching TV, I would get this sudden chill (this was in August) and feeling that someone was around. I would walk around the house and outside checking to see if anyone was there. No one was. This happened several times. The last time this happened, I said, "Alright Danny. I know it is you. I hope you like what I have done with this place." I never got the feeling again.
So yes, I do believe in spirits. They do walk amongst us.
Last night on my way to the library for the "Spirits from beyond the grave" thing was somewhat of a challenge. The strong wind was blowing my car around like a match box car. What was eerie was along with the strong wind, most of Route 47 was without electric. When I got to the intersection to turn, there were cops. With the flashing light, I couldn't tell if the intersection was opened or not. I stopped and asked one of the officers, who said it was. He proceeded to tell me to drive slow because there wasn't electric. Well no shit Sherlock. Luckily the library still had electric.
There was a magic show for the kids when I got there. It must have been great cause you could hear them screaming and laughing. It was cute to watch them after the show. Most were dressed in their Halloween costumes.
The weather didn't keep people from coming out for the magic show or this class. The room was packed. There were picture boards of the different areas that they had been and photos of orbs. They talked about some of the places that they had been and had recordings of spirits. That was kind of eerie. There was also some video of orbs and mist. All in all it was pretty interesting. They have a website which they say has some video and recordings. I haven't checked it out yet, but if your interested, here is the site.
There are some who do not believe there are spirits amongst us, but I do. After my dad died, I came home from work. At the time I was working in a restaurant and after work, well you stunk. I had put the TV on and settled on a movie. I hopped in the shower and when I was getting dressed, I was listening to the TV. What was being said had nothing to do with the movie. They were talking about sharks. Great White sharks. When I went into the living room, the TV was on a different channel. My dad knew my love of sharks, Great White sharks, and I believe he changed the channel.
When my house was being renovated, Danny came over everyday to check on the progress. He died before the renovations were done. After I moved back in, sometimes at night when I was watching TV, I would get this sudden chill (this was in August) and feeling that someone was around. I would walk around the house and outside checking to see if anyone was there. No one was. This happened several times. The last time this happened, I said, "Alright Danny. I know it is you. I hope you like what I have done with this place." I never got the feeling again.
So yes, I do believe in spirits. They do walk amongst us.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Ughhhh! The weather
Wouldn't you know it. I'm on vacation this week and what did I wake up to this morning? A Nor'easter. Anyone that knows anything about nor'easter's know it's at least a three day event. So we have high winds and wind driven rain. We will probably have winds for the next three days, but I hope not rain.
So what does a girl like me do on a day like this? Well one thing I could do is curl up on the couch and read a book with a nice hot cup of tea. But not today. Today I decided to make a pot of (my version of) hearty pasta figioli soup.
Umm. Here's my recipe. Saute onions, garlic, carrots and celery in olive oil. When tender add tomato sauce and water. To this I added a chicken bouillon cube, parsley flakes, Italian seasoning, fresh ground pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, (I like a little kick). Then diced potatoes and lima beans and simmer. When this is almost done, boil pasta (your choice) and add to soup. Enjoy with bread or crackers. (I do not no measurements. I just add to taste.)
I didn't stop there. Next was pumpkin cake. The best thing about this cake. The recipe makes not one,
but two cakes.
This is a great cake for this time of year. This would be nice served with some whipped cream with cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice sprinkled on top. Oh how about a-la-mode. Endless possibilities. Or you can eat it like me. One big slice with a tall glass of ice cold milk.
If you would like the recipe, you can find it here. This cake can also be frozen. I generally freeze the cake in halves and thaw in the refrig. I actually enjoy the cake better this way.
So most of the morning was well spent in the kitchen.
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Tonight our library is offering a, oh I don't know what you call it, but the name is "Spirits from beyond the grave". Sounds spooky doesn't it. When I was at the library for one of the classes I took, I wanted to sign up for this, but they told me it is a show up - first come first serve thing. They told me to get there early because last year, they were turning people away. I don't mean to be mean, but I hope the weather is still bad tonight and people don't feel like going out. This is my type of thing. The only thing that would be better is if it were in a spooky house.
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When I was finding the recipe for the pumpkin cake to share with you, I noticed that I am coming up on my one year blogging anniversary. My very first post was November 4, 2007. It doesn't seem like it has been one year. Still haven't found my niche yet and I probably won't, but that's me.
Well must go now. Time for soup and dessert. :o)
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