Sunday, December 28, 2008

A warm December day...

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.

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)

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"

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.


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

MERRY CHRISTMAS


FROM MY HOME TO YOURS, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Monday, December 22, 2008

Mr. & Mrs. Santa


My Auntie Violet made these for me. She was a very crafty lady.

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.

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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.
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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.



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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.



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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.
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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.


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.

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?

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.

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.

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.