Thursday, April 30, 2009

Jury Duty

A month or so ago I received notice that I was being summons for jury duty. Oh great. I know jury duty is our civil duty, but I don't like it. Why? I do not feel right making a decision about someones future without having all the facts and details about the crime that may have been committed.

Anyway, back to the point. When we received a jury duty summons, there is a questionnaire that must be filled out and returned. I forgot to do this one time and they sent me a warning to fill it out and send back. Well no warning for me this time. I promptly fill it out and sent it back.

Shortly after, I received a postcard in the mail to which I assumed it was verification of receiving the questionnaire. Yesterday I received another postcard from them that I did not send in the questionnaire. 'Hello. Yes I did,' so I called them. I explained that I sent it back within days of receiving it. She said she would get my questionnaire and to please hold. She gets back on the line and says, ' this happens all the time.' Then she asks, 'Are you physically and mentally able to serve as a juror?' Yes I am. Why? There's silence. I asked her what I marked. She said I checked 'no.' Couldn't help myself. I starting laughing. I told her maybe I did answer correctly. She said, 'Sometimes we have days like that. Considering where you work, I can understand. Sometimes it's not easy working with the public.' Too which I started laughing again. I told her that sometimes someone will come into my office and I greet them with a 'Good morning. How are you today?' But they are fit for bear and start tearing into me. Then I say to them, 'whoa. Back up. I haven't done anything to you yet.' We laughed.

Anyway, she corrected my questionnaire and now I await the day that I have to call to see if I must report.

Friday, April 24, 2009

They're here and 200th post

Those beautiful little jewels of the bird world have finally made an appearance. And how fitting for my 200th entry.

I was going to go out for some sunset pictures, but decided just to stay in and try to catch up on e-mails. I looked out the front door to see something on the feeder.

Grabbing the phone, I called Bobbie to say, 'I have a hummer.' He had flown away, but soon came back. I went out with the camera and he was soon back. He left and headed up to Bobbie's. He found her feeder. She sounded like a little kid on Christmas morning. We are both very excited that they are back.

Probably not much will be getting done. I want a better picture that isn't too dark.




Our first hummer of 2009 :o)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Hodge-Podge

Well I haven't been here since Easter, so I hope that everyone had a wonderful one.



Mine was good, except that I somehow deleted my memory card. Luckily I only lost the pictures I took that day. The other bad thing was I dropped my phone in dishwater. Dried it out in the sun and it still works.



Of course I have been going crazy taking picture. I visited Bobbie's front yard and got macro pictures of her flowers.





Blurry, but I like it.





My favorite of her tulips. I love the lone yellow tulip in the background on the left.



Of course I went to the zoo. I took over a hundred pictures using some of the features on the camera.
One feature is called 'behind the glass'. The Tamaron's in the zoo are behind the glass and I have never been able to get decent pictures. Until now.
This is my favorite tamaron picture. I called it peek-a-boo tamaron.



Our zoo has a pair of Bald Eagles. I think I spent the most time there. I can tell you this is where I took most of the pictures. This is just one of many.


They have built a nest in their enclosure, but I was so focused on them, I didn't take a picture of the nest. Hopefully, there will be eaglets.
I stopped at my favorite horse farm.

Isn't he handsome?
Friday night I went to dinner with friends. We had a good time. Before dessert they start singing Happy Birthday. I started looking around the table to figure out who's birthday it was as the waitress was carrying a cake. They are all looking at me. Imagine my surprise that it was for me. This was very nice and I must say, they got me good.
Saturday was beautiful. Sun shining. Warm, but not too warm. I mowed. I was happy both the lawnmower and me made it without pooping out.
I put a fountain on my deck, got a book and sat out there and relaxed. If you have anyplace for a fountain, I highly recommend getting one. Listening to the water was sooo relaxing.




Okay back to my photos. My poor kitties have been my favorite subject thus far. Good for me, but not for them. Lots of dirty looks from them and laughs for me.


My favorite, so far of Ralphy.
I tired him out with this session.


My favorite of Yipper.
She's playing shy girl.
Of course I saved my baby for last.

This is my absolutely favorite marco of her. This is now my desktop photo here and work.
Okay enough already from me. I hope you have enjoyed some of my photos.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter

I have been having fun with my camera. I went to the zoo Friday and took over 100 pictures.

I found the marco feature and leave you with these.




HAPPY EASTER!!!!!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

New Camera & Bald Eagles

I received an e-mail today from HSN that my camera shipped. I figured I would get it in a couple of days. When I went home for lunch, what awaited me on my front step but a box. 'YES. MY CAMERA'S HERE.'




Went in and called Bobbie to tell her first, my friend in work received an e-mail from someone at the Nature Center for everyone to put out Hummer feeders. The little jewels have been spotted in the area and because no flowers are blooming, they need food. The second was my camera was delivered. I told her we were going to have to go on some road trips.




So I open the box and to my delight, it came with an owner's manual. Sorry I'm old fashion and like instructions in writing, not on a disc that I would have to load on my computer and then sit for hours trying to figure it out.




First order of business was the strap for the lens cover and shoulder/neck strap. I hope learning the camera will be easier. I admit it took me a half hour to figure that out. With not much time left, I reluctantly went back to work.




I must make a trip after work today to purchase a memory card. My loyal subjects better run and hide, because there will be a photo shoot tonight.




I'm so excited. I can't wait for the weekend.



*****************************


Bobbie sent me an e-mail that Deborah had a link for a live Eagle Cam. If you love eagles, visit here. I have also added the link to the top of my sidebar. When you go to the site, make sure you scroll down some. There is a link to more live web cams.
************************
Well I must go as I am typing this at work. Shhh don't tell anyone or they'll be sure to send a not so nice e-mail to the manager.
I'll be boring you will all the details of the camera as I learn it. Just bear with me. The novelty will wear off. Eventually :o)

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Yesterday and today

Yesterday was a beautiful day. Windy, but beautiful. I spent some time outside. Weeding a couple flower beds and filling the bird feeders. I set up a Sheppard's hook with a feeder outside my front window along with a birdbath. I figured this would give my baby something to watch.

When she's not sleeping...

she's very intently watching them. But not yesterday. Maybe she wore herself out.

Photo opportunity for me though. I must have snapped a dozen pictures. Never stirred.


Not even with a close-up. Isn't she the cutest:o) Notice, no question mark. Yes I am a proud mama.

So I woke up this morning looking at the clock. Yea I finally spent in. It was 7 o'clock. Can't remember the last time I slept that late, but wondered why it was still alittle dark. I figured it was cloudy. Got up fed baby girl, started coffee, went and fed the beasts (I say this with great affection), got paper, read said paper and hopped on the world wide web. Looked at clock on computer, 7:10 AM. A little confused, but. Started doing some chores and then took shower. While getting dressed, I looked at clock in bedroom. Huh? 10: AM. What's going on? I'm so confused. Looked at clock on phone. Double huh? 9: AM. So now I go blow dry my hair. Then it dawns on me. I'm not confused anymore and laugh at myself for being dumb.

I have one of those smart clocks in my bedroom. You know the one that automatically springs forward and falls back. Well no one told it that SOMEONE changed when the clocks change. And this morning was when we were supposed to spring forward.

So I didn't sleep in. Awake at 6: AM. Oh well. Maybe next weekend.

Went food shopping and then cat food shopping. Passing by the birds, one caught my eye. She was beautiful. Greens, oranges, blues. And those eyes. Oh my. I stopped and started talking to this beauty. One of the workers asked I wanted to hold her. I said no. I know me. We talked for a bit. Turned out she (the bird) was returned. The person who bought her brought her back saying that she bit her. Apparently after the bird bit her, the bitch throw her against the wall. Angry well up in me. How could anyone do this? We chatted a bit more, then off to the cat food aisle.

I went back to the bird. The girl was still there. She asked again if I wanted to hold her (the bird). I relented this time. What a beauty. Guess what? She bit me. Even drew some blood. Did I throw her against her cage? No. I asked her if she smelled my cats? Damn if she didn't shake her head up and down. The girl and I think the bird had such a bad experience with that bitch, that the only thing she needs is a lot of love.

She is a beautiful bird. If I knew more about exotic birds, I would have taken her. Just what I need right?

Yesterday I checked the humming bird migration map. It indicated that two hummers were spotted here in Jersey. It seems kinda early, but who knows.

Well I really have nothing more to say. I think I will go plant some flower seeds. And keep an eye out for a hummer. Try to keep my mind off that beauty at Pet Smart.

Enjoy your day.

Friday, April 3, 2009

The day after

First I would like to thank everyone who was kind enough to wish me a happy birthday.

My birthday was yesterday and I spent almost my entire day and night at work. I got home a little after 8:PM. I was happy because I got to watch my favorite realty show 'Survivor'. Yes I am a 'Survivor' junky. I have not missed an episode.

Anyway, I took today off. I had decided that I was going to sleep in. Well we all know that never works. Not to mention that my little lovely, (my baby), would never let mom sleep in when she's hungry. So anyway, as I was laying in bed with my baby mewing and pushing her face in mine, I heard the rain hitting the window. It was pouring. Doesn't matter. I'm off.

I went to Bobbie's and she gave me a very beautiful mini mum. The best mini chocolate cake. We had a nice visit. She showed me how to place a picture on picture. I haven't tried it yet, but I intend too.

When I came home, I was channel surfing. Something caught my eye on HSN (home shopping network). What caught my eye. The camera I have had my eye on. The camera I have been waiting for the camera shop to get in stock. The camera that I left my name and number last month at the camera shop. The camera I have had my eye on since January. On the net I went. Next the phone call. Yes folks, I ordered my birthday present. The Olympus SP-565-UZ should be delivered to my home April 13. This camera is 10 mega pixels. But what I like most is, a 20x optical zoom. The other thing I like most, more than $100.00 cheaper then what the camera shop would have charged. So in about ten days, I should have my new camera. It will probably take me awhile to learn all the features this camera offers, but I think it will be well would the wait.

Speaking of pictures. The next two pictures are not mine. Someone sent me an e-mail and I thought they were the coolest pictures. The person who sent the e-mail did not take the pictures either.


This is my picture. I noticed these grape hyacinth in my yard. They were almost begging me to take their picture. It's not a very good one, but I like it.


I also have to say happy birthday to the kittens. Well they're not kittens anymore. I discovered the two little beasts in the shed two years ago. Hard to believe it's been two years. When I had taken Ralphy to the vet, he gave me a round about age. The age was close to my birthday, so I decided we would share. Easier for me to remember.
Well I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Compliment

Anyone who works with the public knows that at times it can be very taxing. For the most part though it is fun. One never knows what they will say. Most times we never know what they will do.

Today was one of those days. I had just walked into my office from lunch. As always the phone was ringing. I answered while taking my jacket off. The lady says, "I was wondering if you could give me information on my lot. You know setbacks and such. I am thinking about doing an addition. I'll give you my block and lot number." Me - 'address will do'. She proceeded to give me her address and I gave her the information she needed. We ended up talking for 15 minutes.

Before I left for the day, I checked my e-mail one final time. This is what greeted me from the manager.

'Thank you for your e-mail regarding Lisa. I agree that Lisa is an asset to the Township. I will let Lisa know how much you appreciated her help. Sincerely.'

Well then. I scrolled down and this is what the lady wrote:

'I would just like to take a moment of your time to advise you what a pleasant experience I have just had with one of your employees. Slightly confused by the regulations and codes for building and additions I placed a call to your Construction office and spoke with a LOVELY woman named Lisa. Not only was Lisa informative, she was pleasant, polite & professional. In this world where people are quick to criticize, I think you should know what a wonderful employee you have in this lady. She is truly an asset to the Township. Thank you for your time.'

Well be still my heart. How nice was this. I quickly printed this and walked over to my boss. He was on the phone. When he hung up, I gave him the e-mail to read. After he read it, I told him I wanted it framed. This won't happen of course, but I will white out her e-mail address and hang it on my bulletin board. I will also send my own e-mail to thank her.

It is not everyday that someone will go out of their way to write an e-mail or letter. Or call and tell your employer how helpful you were. For those of you who do, I say 'THANK YOU'.

From an e-mail

Every once in a while, someone send's me an e-mail that I find touching.

Bobbie sent me one of those e-mails today and I felt the need to share with you.

Things we should believe
A Birth Certificate shows we were born
A Death Certificate shows we died
Pictures show we lived!

Have a seat...Relax.. ..And read this slowly.

I Believe...
Just because two people argue,
Doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue,
Doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
We don't have to change friends if
We understand friends change..

I Believe.....
No matter how good a friend is,
they're going to hurt
You every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe....
True friendship continues to grow, even over
The longest distance..
Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
You can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life.

I Believe...
it's taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be.

I Believe....
You should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe.....
You can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe...
We are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
Either you control your attitude or it controls you..

I Believe...
Heroes are the people who do what has to be done
When it needs to be done, regardless of consequences.

I Believe...
Money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I Believe...
My best friend and I can do anything or nothing
And have the best time.

I Believe.....
Sometimes the people you expect to kick you
When you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.


I Believe...
Sometimes when I'm angry, I have the right to be angry,
But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe....
Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
And what you've learned from them, and less to do
With how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe...
It isn't always enough to be forgiven by others;
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe....
No matter how bad your heart is broken,
The world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe...
Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
But we are responsible for whom we become.

I Believe...
You shouldn't be so eager to find
Out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I Believe.....
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
Your life can be changed in a matter of
Hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe....
Even when you think you have no more to give, when
A friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help..

I Believe...
Credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
The people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of anything