So Many Years..

Nine to be exact since that eventful day which changed our lives. Things have calmed down and many go about their lives without ever thinking about it until the anniversary day arrives. We need to be ever diligent and watchful, as what happens once can be repeated again.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those families who lost loved ones and to our military personnel who continue to fight the good fight for our freedom. God bless you all.

I had a list

of memories, but think I threw it away. I'm finding that more and more often, I have to write things down or I will get distracted and forget. Guess I need to make a calendar and list what I should be doing each day and marking it off as I accomplish it. What do you think? An hour to set back and contemplate what my life had been?

When I was a child,

I thought like a child, talked like a child and acted like a child. And boy, was it fun. For years we lived at an AFB in Arkansas. Diagonally across the street was the "teen center." I don't think that was what it was originally, but by the time we lived there it was. They use to hold dances even for us little scampers.

What I mostly remember though is the free standing chimney in the back. My friends and I would go back there and gather a supply of the broken glass pretending they were jewels that we would find on our adventures. We would hide them in the cracks of the bricks and the tiny spiders would become huge in our minds to guard the treasure we so diligently collected.

I know they were glass, yet even now as I look back, I see the sparkling yellow topazes, blue aquamarines, green emeralds, red rubies and clear diamonds of my treasure. I don't see a crumbling chimney behind an old building, but a temple full of surprise and danger for our expedition.

Happy Labor Day

Well it's almost over now. I have been lazy today. Playing on the computer, playing on the playstation and working out on the Wii.

I got several runs in on the Wii Fit Plus, as well as Super Hoola Hoop, boxing, basic step, Kung Fu step, rhythm parade and a tilt game. It's now an hour and nearly 400 calories burned later and I really should go take a shower, then start dinner. I think I'm going to have the leftover margharita pizza I brought home with a salad and glass of wine. Pan can have his own pepperoni pizza and a glass of beer, LOL.

Company's coming

Which means I need to get in gear and get my Wii done, before 2 p.m. I have gradually been increasing what I am doing.

I start with the half-moon, sun salutation and warrior poses in yoga. Then I move onto the basic run short, super hoola hoop and basic step. Next comes the basic run long, boxing and rhythm parade. Back to basic run island run. Break for lots of water, then basic step, and either golf or island bike. Then a 20 minute jog around the island to round out the aerobics before I finish with the half-moon, sun salutation and warrior poses as a cool down.

And here is a look at the mighty Mississippi as seen from our room in Vicksburg's newest casino hotel. Pan had to be there for a conference with his company and I just tagged along. We met a lot of interesting people and had a good time even though we don't gamble.

No, really, it's the weekend...

And a quiet one at that. Pan is in his man cave working. I was trying to write a post for the Bug and get a some scrapbook pages done. All the while pausing to play Star Wars Legos since it apparently has not been played on the Playstation yet. Maybe company tomorrow, then again maybe not.

I need to get finished up here so I can work out on the Wii and try out my new Wii golf club. See you tomorrow. Same Tink time, same Tink station :)

It's the weekend

Well very nearly. For me it starts on Thursday, every week. Except week after next when I agreed to fill in for the receptionist while she is on her vacation.

It's good for a chuckle every week though, when clocking out and making fun of those who still have to work. Oh, I don't bring it up, but I won't let it pass either, LOL. It's all in good fun. I really like the people I work with and for. And I like just working two days a week.

Here's hoping you all have a great Labor Day weekend.

An Apple a Day

Got a doctor's appointment this morning so will try to post more after I get back and find out if I am healthy or not :)

Tuesday, Already?

It's already Tuesday and the rest of the week is just going to breeze right on by. I can feel it. Over at Stacy Carlson's blog she had a list of things to scrap about (and by golly I have lost her blog address). And I seem to get distracted easily too, as I was looking for it, I ended up reading my e-mail from one of my numerous email accounts. Go figure.

Anyway I thought I would just take a jog down memory lane, before I go jog on the Wii. While I don't recall it clearly, I do seem to remember something about painting a trailer with turpentine. I'm sure if mom reads this, I'll get the whole lowdown and will be able to report it accurately later.

Now off to do some jogging in place. :) and bear it.

Happy Days

Our daughter got her Skype up and going again this weekend so we got to talk with her and the kids. Seems like I'm never going to stop missing them. :)

Indy was playing Ghostbusters on his x-box so we got a play by play of what he was doing and how he can defeat the giant marshmallow man. Though he did let it slip that he made a hundred on his spelling test. It was kind of an afterthought.

The Princess is doing well too. And was playing petville while talking to us. Then she took a break to play the piano for us. Gosh, she gets more lovely every time we see her.

Pan was working and I had to interrupt him to, but you should have seen the look on his face when he saw the kids. He misses them too. But at least we get to see and talk with them quite often.

Just a rainy day

and all's quiet on the homefront. The company we were expecting bowed out due to weather, so I could have waited until this afternoon to do my workout on the Wii. But at least it is behind me and not looming in front of me. Ten minutes of yoga, 30 minutes of aerobics (mainly running, but got to throw in some punches, hoops and steps too), then 10 more minutes of yoga. Nice thing is I don't think about anything while I'm working out except the workout. No worries, no problems. Though I have also been doing some of the golf swings and decided I need to get the golf club attachment. Maybe I can talk Pan into heading to Best Buy this weekend.

Here's another house hidden in the foliage.

Some Little Thought

Got so wrapped up yesterday between Curves, work, the Wii workout and writing a post for the other blog, that I dang near forgot this one. I remembered around 10 p.m., but was so exhausted that I just headed to bed knowing I would get something out this morning.

I think one of the reasons I find it hard to think of something to post is that the kids are gone. Been gone a year now so we don't really keep in touch like we did the first couple of months they were gone. And when they are here, who wants to blog, right? Still with just Pan and I there just isn't enough going on that is of interest.

Well, we did get a 3D television. Pretty cool. We have taken to watching the PGA Masters as it is the only thing in 3D on tv. And we do have two movies and a documentary in 3D. Can't wait for the others to start coming out. I would really love to get "Journey to the Center of the Earth" in "real" 3D. Not so sure about "Clash of the Titans" as I understand that it wasn't filmed in 3D but converted later. Have to see. And now "Avatar". Okay I know it was suppose to be good movie, but they are being ridiculous about it. Gotta squeeze it for every little penny, I guess. Makes me think it didn't fair as well as it has been made out to.

Then again, what do I really know. LOL.

Guilty as charged

I really do feel guilty. I told my mother I was going to take a shower then I got caught up writing an article for the Bug's new site. You'll hear all about it soon enough I am sure, so keep your pants on :)

Anyway, I had a wonder conversation with my mom. She is so easy to talk to about anything. I guess it helps that we share a lot of the same views too. But now that the article is finished and I have now posted here, I really am going to take a shower. :P

I just realized the church's lawn is as unkempt as my own. Wow.

A day that counts

Did you get out an vote today? I did. Was going to stop on my way to Curves but there was absolutely no parking spaces. So I stopped on my way home from work and got the deed done.

I don't normally talk politics here on my blog. But I think the time has come when we need to set term limits for our representatives and senators. Once upon a time, long, long ago, these seats were people who volunteered. Now we have professional politicians. I wonder how we go about getting that on a ballot?

There are plenty of bear crossing signs around our neck of the woods, but surprisingly enough in our journey through the back roads of Mississippi, I saw very few.

The start of another week

Hard to believe how fast this year is passing. We are now in the last full week of August which means only 4 more months to the end of the year. Where has all the time gone? And what have I done with it? If you figure it out let me know, okay? LOL.

Have a great week. Smile more, laugh often and just have fun.

He's back

After almost a week in Nevada, Pan made it back yesterday. Though he swears he spent more time in layovers than he did in the air. He's probably right. I was very nearly late it picking him up though. But the timing turned out to be perfect. He called me just as I was turning into the airport so I got to pick him up at the terminal instead of trying to locate a space in short term parking. Glad to have him back.

Already slipping

back into old habits. LOL. Looks like I forgot to post anything yesterday. Must have been busy, but for the life of me I can't remember doing anything of any great importance, except the Wii fit and answering the phone.

Today's not much better. Sat in front of my computer most of the morning, waiting for calls from my beloved, who I get to see tonight. Providing he doesn't miss his connection in Atlanta.

More barn pictures from Mississippi. This one is nearly hidden by the wheat planted in front of it, while you can just see the top of the shed.

One of those days

Got up, got dressed, ate breakfast and got out of the house by 7 a.m. and to Curves shortly thereafter. Managed my 30 minute workout without dying. But that's where it ended.

I lost my earbud for my bluetooth. Looked everywhere for it. Finally found it in the kleenex box on my floorboard. Jumping up and down for joy, til I realized I couldn't remember where I put my glasses. Found them in the cup holder next to me. Now all I had to do was start the car... reached to turn it on and the keys were not in place. Dang, what did I do with them? They, at least, were in a place they should be... my purse. Car is started, I back up and head out of the parking lot and turn left at the street when I should have turned right. And this is where it ended.

Got to work before 8 a.m. Payroll finished. "See me's" taken care of, tickets entered. Deposits entered. Calls made. Research completed and out the door by 11:30 a.m. and headed for home, sweet, home. Of course, we still have the rest of the day and something else may go wrong. But I'm hoping not

Just a barn I saw on a back road in Mississippi.

Oh what a night!

Soma and I sat together at the end, just in case we wanted to go with a bottle of wine. She ordered the filet, I got double portions of the shrimp and we went back and forth from each other's plates. I may just have to go with the filet next time. Melted in your mouth it was so tender.

Afterwards, it was decided we would head over to England's house for another glass of wine (btw we decided against the bottle at the restaurant, this time). Soma, England and Di rode with me and we stopped at our favorite wine store for the wine. I got an excellent chianti and Soma picked up a very smooth chardonny.

After a lot of interesting conversations, we finally broke up our little party around 10:30 p.m. I so look forward to the nights out with girls.

As for the photo, can you imagine what this house must have looked like when it was first built? I would have loved to have found out when it was built. What do you think? The 30's, the 70's?

Oh, it's Ladies' Night, oh what a night

Don't know what I should title this. Especially since this will probably be nothing more than a bunch of rambling statements.

Tonight is the Ladies' Night meet and we are meeting for dinner at one of my favorite Japanese restaurants. Shrimp, veggies and steamed rice, here I come. Yummy. Pan gets to have pizza. Hey, don't look at me.. He picked it out.

One of the hard things about trying to take pictures while you are on the road, it making sure you can get it before you are past it. Pan just wasn't going to stop every 15-20 minutes for me to get pictures. So I had to figure out how to get them, while heading down the road at 70 miles an hour. I took a lot of pictures. Tons and only a few really make the cut. I do like how the old barn is nestled in among the trees on this one. One that I nearly didn't get.

6 days & 3 weeks

Six continuous days with Wii Fit Plus (I love the boxing) and 3 continuous weeks with Curves. I really should have never stopped going. I am really going to try better this time. Now I have to decide how to manage three days a week instead of two. It's just that I hate making the 8 mile trip into town unless I am going to the office. Suck it up, I say. LOL

Loved this old house, broken boards, no curtains on the windows. A real gem from another decade, until I noticed the satellite dish on the eave.

Getting old(er)

It's odd what a difference 1 year can make. Last year at this time, I had lost 10 pounds in month. This year, nada, well, 8 pounds, but still. And this year I not only am back at Curves but doing the Wii Fit daily. Perseverence... Yeah, that's what I need to remember. I am going to do this....

The picture is a gravesite at an civil war cemetary in Greenwood, Mississippi, that we checked out while in town. The library in Greenwood was most helpful as we tried to track down family that had lived there since the 20's, at least. They helped me locate and print out copies of my great-grandparents obituaries. Hats off to a wonderful staff.

Birthdays come and go

Last year I spent my birthday wandering around the state of Mississippi with Pan as he had to do installs for the company he works for. It was interesting to see all the old houses that we passed on our journey through the backroads.

This year I get to spend it alone as he will be heading out for Nevada the day before. It's okay. I'll have a nice quiet time with a good book and a glass of wine to pass the time.

More of me

It's been awhile, I know. Life just seemed to take on a life of itself. Literally. In the last four months, I have been to Vegas, Atlanta and Charleston.

Pan attended a conference in Vegas and I tagged along. We stayed at the Bellagio and the room was nice. But most of the shows that we wanted to see were closed for their own vacations. Oh well.

Indy and Princess came down at the start of summer vacation. The Princess stayed as her daddy lives here. There was camp for her as part of her birthday present.

Then we decided at the last moment to attend a wedding in Charleston and talked Nuke and his girlfriend into joining us there. We stayed a week, they just 3 days. Still we got to tour the Yorktown, go on a ghost tour and visit the Hunley. Always an interesting time if you can learn history along the way. Especially when it is your son giving you the history lesson. Way to go Nuke.

I think I will devote more of this blog to my photos especially those I will be modifying to b&w and possibly printing out to adorn my walls. If you see any that you think would really look good that way, let me know. There are so many and I only have so much room, LOL.

I-10 at sunrise

Who's First?

You have seen Pan in his chair, you have seen the chair in the living room, but before it made home, the Princess had first go at sleeping in it.

Elves at work

It sure is nice now that both kids are old enough to distribute the presents allowing us "old" people to sit back and enjoy.

Little (?) Miss Muffet

The Bomb makes a big deal out of the RC spider Indy got for Christmas

Princess Random Photography 5

Another photo I probably would not have taken a picture of, but the Princess found interesting. The shelves in my bedroom.

Princess Random Photography 4

Thanks to the Princess I now have a photo of the ceramic village we put out each year.

Princess Random Photography 3

Is it so random when you are taking a picture of yourself? I think not.

Princess Random Photography 2

KFKap was again the center of attention as the Princess snapped this photo of him perched on this throne.

Princess Random Photography 1

The princess has always been interested in photography and when she had a chance to use my camera over the holidays, nothing was sacred. But in this case she arranged the shells to meet her purpose.

Pan's new love

He eats, sleeps and lives in his new chair when he is not working. Guess mom and Nuke did good this year. Photo by the Princess

Political Surveys

Been a while, huh? Even with excellent blog prompts I just have not been able to pull my brain together to come up with anything decent to write. A lot has to do with trying to figure out the eoy at work as we changed formats several times during the year and now nothing works out right. Oh well.

But the main purpose of today's post (at the behest of my sister, onehappydog) is to share with you a letter my darling husband, Pan, wrote. We are of the republican persuasion, and tend to keep a low profile because, as with religion, our politics are a very personal to us. But with a little tweeking this letter can be used across the board for any platform, and maybe it should be. So without further ado, take it Pan:

To Concerned Republicans in charge of the various committee’s (Republican National Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee, etc)

Please stop wasting time, money and effort sending out moronic surveys with questions that clearly any rational Republican would answer in only one way. They are an insulting waste of resources. This time, money and effort needs to be placed in letting Americans know what Republicans plan to do to solve our economic difficulties, balance the budget, and protect American interests abroad. Simply opposing the Democrats plans at every turn is not sufficient to return the white house or congress to Republican control.

Give us a real plan for energy independence, not slipshod band-aids of more drilling, more coal. Give us a plan for a Manhattan Project effort for a hydrogen fuel economy. Get the oil companies on board by granting them stimulus for the transition, and the same for the auto industry. Create a plan for this to happen within a decade, not a hundred years when the oil has run out and we’ve bankrupted our country for what little was left. Turn us into an energy exporter and let us sell clean fuel to the world. What would happen to the funding of terrorist if oil suddenly became a pollutant that only backward countries would want to burn? Wouldn’t it be nice to tell the rest of countries at the next climate conference they aren’t doing enough, but we’ll be happy to sell them clean fuel and auto’s to do better?

If however, you feel the best effort is to continue to generate surveys, with fixed outcomes so you can proudly say to one another, yep see here we’re on the right track, please remove me from your mailing list. If the Republican Party can no longer come up with a better plan then “NO” the Republican Party is lost and it is time someone form a viable third party.

All from the man who wanted us to fund our war by allowing businesses and individuals buy ad space on the bombs we were dropping on the al qaeda instead of using taxpayer money. Somewhere many moons ago I posted that one too. Can't seem to find it though. Bug, how about you?

No Photos....

Indy hasn't changed much when it comes to having his picture taken. You would think he's a world famous icon with the paparazzi after him. Okay to me he is :)

The Princess

It was so good to have the kids home for the holidays, although the Princess spent most of her time with her dad. She is growing up so fast and is now nearly as tall as I am and taller than her other grandmother.

A complete makeover

You have now had a 360 degree look at the changes made to the living room. This one includes the fireplace mantle that Pan built which houses even more dvds and blu rays, along with his Wii games.

A Full Bookcase

Our collection of dvds and blu rays which were mentioned earlier this week and this isn't all of them

Papa loves his papasan

A real treat for Pan was when he got the chair he wanted for Christmas.

Make a Wish Upon a Star

Fri 1/15 Blog Prompt: Today is Make Your Dreams Come True Day. What is a dream that you wish would come true?

That is a two edged sword, because I would wish for the kids to be here, but I have gotten so use to having my house to myself (along with Pan, of course). So I guess my wish would be that my daughter hurry and get her nursing degree and move back here so that she and the kids are closer to home. And I wish that Scamp and family would visit again real soon, I miss them so much.

Organizational skills

Thurs 1/14 Blog Prompt: Today is Organize Your Home Day. What could you do today that would help organize your home. How will you organize this stuff?

If I'm going to be perfectly honest (and I shall), my best bet would be just to hire someone to show me how to be organized. What I really would like is some of the dvd/Blu Ray cases like my sister has, but I would need a minimum of 10 and that is just getting a bit pricey at this time. (Guess we could stop buying dvds and blu rays... Not, lol),

But if I am going to do it today, then I probably should start by going through some of my lower kitchen cabinets and throwing out whatever I haven't used in the last couple of years. That would definitely free up some space so that I could more effectively arrange what I do keep. It will have to wait until tomorrow though, as I have to go to work today.

A list of 10

Wed 1/13 Blog Prompt: List the Top 10 products you use.

1. Clorox Clean-Up. I use it to clean my porcelain coated dutch oven, the counter tops, the floors, etc.
2. Pantene shampoo. I'm not real picky about the shampoo I use, but I do tend to pick up Pantene when I have to buy it.
3. Dawn dish detergent. Just like it best.
4. Cascade dishwasher detergent. Easiest to find.
5. Dial soap. Like the fresh, squeaky clean feel after showering.
6. Tide clothes detergent. Recommended for our he washing machine.
7. Arm & Hammer toothpaste. Same reason as I like Dial soap. Fresh feeling.
8. GE light bulbs. Find they normally last longer.
9. Carbona Clean It stainless steel cleaner. Because nearly all my appliances are stainless steel.
10. Lysol Concentrate. Love the smell.

All that's hard

Tues 1/12 Blog Prompt: Today is Work Harder Day. What is something you would like to work harder at and why?

Getting back into cross stitch. I love to cross stitch and really need to find the threads and beads to finish the angel I started for my mother. I tend to change the patterns somewhat making them very definitely mine. Besides I think Nuke wants a cross stitch piece too, as he mentioned I should strive to get back into it.

Of course, I should be saying something along the lines of I need to work harder at cleaning house (my bane in life), but lately with the kids gone, new furniture and a new dishwasher, it seems to be taken care of. Though I would take a messy house any day, just to have the kids here.

Got Milk?

Mon 1/11 Blog Prompt: Today is Milk Day? Do you like milk? Why or why not? If you do, do you like it plain or with added flavors?

Like milk? You have to be kidding. I would live off it, if I could. Along with turnip greens, field peas and avocados, milk is at the top of my favorite foods. I could drink a gallon a day, which is why I limit how much I buy it. I prefer just plain milk most of the time, although I do like mine with Ovaltine too, both hot and cold.

Bubble Man

While the Princess practiced her archery, Indy tried his hardest to get bubbles out of this. Eventually he did too.

Merry and Bright

Merry and Bright (c)Andrea Gold; template (c)Andrea Gold

A Week of Blog Prompts

Fri 1/1 Blog Prompt: What traditions do you follow for the new year? Do you eat special things or do special activities?

A toast of champagne at midnight and red beans & rice some time during the new year day. This year we managed the toast but I forgot to get the red beans and rice as there were two other things occupying my time most pleasantly. But next year red beans and rice will be on the menu.


Mon 1/4 Blog Prompt: Today is Trivia Day. Please share a tidbit of trivia that you think no one else knows.

This is a toughie as I am sure whatever trivia I know, most others know as well. And dern it all, we just played a trivia game last night. And why is it that I can spout out useless trivia at any time except when asked? I tell you. One that is well know within the Star Trek world but maybe not amongst others is the appearance of R2D2 in the new Star Trek movie. Look quick though or you will miss him. I think he has a two minute appearance.


Tues 1/5 Blog Prompt: Today is National Bird Day. What native wild birds are flying around your area and which ones are your favorites?

Seagulls and I don't have an affinity for those nasty things at all. Then you get the snowbirds here who think they have to feed them. So they are constantly screaming and diving at you.

I like the little sea terns though. They leave the cutest impressions on the beach as they run around looking for tidbits that are brought up as the waves crash. Pelicans are pretty cool too, if you get a chance to see them flying close overhead.


Wed 1/6 Blog Prompt: January is National Soup Month. What is your favorite soup and why?

Campbell's Tomato soup made with milk. Loved it since I was a kid. And then I love homemade vegetable soup with cabbage in it. Wait to the last few minutes to add the cabbage so that it only wilts slightly and doesn't overpower the soup. Yummmmy. I think I will head to the store this weekend to get the fixings for homemade vegetable soup (which I make with chicken stock, so does that negate the vegetable part?)


Thurs 1/7 Blog Prompt: Tomorrow is Bubble Bath Day. Do you like bubble baths? If so, what is your favorite kind? If not, why?

Oh sure I like bubble baths. I just tend to take showers because they are suppose to be better for you. It doesn't matter which bubble stuff I use as long as there is a glass of wine, tons of candles and my darling hubby with me as I soak and relax.


Fri 1/8 Blog Prompt: Today is Elvis’s birthday. What is your favorite Elvis song and what memories does it bring back?

Happy Birthday Elvis. Wish you were still here. My favorite all-time song by Elvis has to be "Blue Suede Shoes." I actually owned a pair of blue suede shoes when I was in high school. Loved those things. They were so soft and every time I hear the song, those shoes come to mind.

Archery Practice

On a weekend just before the kids left we headed over to mom's and the Princes got a chance to practice her archery again.

Aquatic Camp

Remember You (c)Doreen Stolz; Ready for Spring alpha (c)Andrea Gold; template (c)No Reimer Reason; Fonts: Century Gothic

Aspirations for a New Year

Happy New Year to all. The end of one year and the start of another always brings forth those resolutions we never seem to keep. But in time honored tradition....

Thu 12/31 Blog Prompt: What are your aspirations for the new year?

To mail more letters and cards to my little ones. Spend more time with Pan. Aim for a trip to Hawaii in this year or the next. To visit Hogwarts.

Mistaken?

Wed 12/30 Blog Prompt: Has anyone ever made a mistake that you promised yourself to never make? Did you keep your promise to yourself?

I am sure there have been plenty over the years, but I can't think of a single one. I am probably one of those people who made the mistakes others swore they never would make, LOL.

A challenge

Tue 12/29 Blog Prompt: What was the greatest challenge you faced?

There have been a few, but I think my biggest challenge was to leave my ex-husband and file for divorce. It not a challenge, then it was certainly one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make, as it was not going to only affect my life, but those of my children.

Sing a song

Mon 12/28 Blog Prompt: What songs did you sing as a child? Where did you sing them?

The ones I remember best are the ones we would sing in the car as we traveled. And the most well-sung of the all was "100 bottles of beer on the wall."

A Princessly Pose

Santa's Little Helpers

Rustic Fields (c)Doreen Stolz; Template Set 5 (c)Doreen Stolz; Word art (c)JAB Digital Designs

Merry Christmas everyone

Fri 12/25 Blog Prompt: How do you intend on spending the day?

First we will head over to Pan's parents home to wish them a very Merry Christmas and sometime around noon we will then head over to my sister's house for Christmas dinner and the opening of gifts. That evening we will head on back home full of food and good cheer.

Egg nog anyone?

Thu 12/24 Blog Prompt: National Egg Nog Day. To have or have not? Got a great recipe?

Never have been one to drink egg nog except occasionally. I don't have a recipe for it but would certainly be willing to try one that is posted.

The Prank of a Lifetime

Wed 12/23 Blog Prompt: What was the meanest prank you pulled on a sibling/friend?

Actually I'm going tell you about the prank I pulled on my father, instead of a sibling or friend. Maybe I will tell about one of those later :) I don't know if it would be considered mean or not at this point, but for nearly 25 years I would send my dad anonymous birthday cards from all over the country, that made fun of his age and/or sex life. He use to get so mad and the first year had everyone type out his name and address so he could compare it to the address on the envelope. After a while he would get anxious if it was late.

Out and about

Tue 12/22 Blog Prompt: When your parents would go out what would you do?

I think I will have to ask my mother about that one. Too many years ago and the memory is fading, LOL.

Bah Humbug

Mon 12/21 Blog Prompt: Humbug Day. Are you or anyone you know a humbug? (Do you know what a humbug is?)

Something devoid of sense or meaning; nonsense is what comes to mind when I think of humbug. Every year during the holiday season, my dad would answer the phone "bah, humbug." He never really meant it, but there was something comforting in hearing him say it.

Action in the pool

Indy loves for his Pan to throw him up in the air into the pool.

A dream come true

Scraplift of "A Little Rebel" by kelseyll; Pink Parfait (c)Andrea Gold; Font: Century Gothic

Take the Plunge

Fri 12/18 Blog Prompt: I had to stop and consider this but today is Wear a Plunger on Your Head day. Would you, could you?

If I was feeling foolish or silly enough and it had not been used, why not? Sometimes we have to take a moment to do something entirely ridiculous to put life in to perspective. And if that means wearing a plunger on my head... I'd go for it.

On another note, we go pick up the grands tomorrow. I'm so excited (I keep hearing Bee from Transformers singing that, LOL). More than half of the interior of the house is painted and the tree is up.

Underdog to Save the Day

Thu 12/17 Blog Prompt: Underdog Day. Are you the underdog?

You must be kidding. Underdog? Me? Defender of the helpless, strong arm of the weak. That would more likely describe me. Besides, there are times when I don't know when to shut up when I see what I perceive as an injustice. Sometimes, I need to take a moment to see both sides of the equation.

Chocoloate Covered....

Wed 12/16 Blog Prompt: National covered chocolate day. What would you have chocolate covered today?

Absolutely nothing. Although I do eat chocolate on occasion, it is not one of my favorite sweet treats.

Parenting Skills

Tue 12/15 Blog Prompt: Do you feel as if you are as good or a better parent than your own?

Not by a long shot. Even today with my children all grown up and doing well, I feel inadequate as a parent. I feel as if the problems I experienced growing up were of my own doing, but feel responsible for the problems my own children have faced.

Happily we skip along

Mon 12/14 Blog Prompt: What would you do to make your parents happy as you were growing up?

Gosh, that was so long ago. Try to be good would be a start, though I know I failed in that respect on more than several occasions. Play nicely with my siblings, etc. Okay one sibling, since the Bug didn't make the scene until I was eight. And by the time she got to an age to play with I was noticing the opposite sex (which probably dismayed my parents).

A dip in the cool, I mean warm

The Princess also enjoyed the opening of the pool with a swim across.

Christmas Thoughts

Making Spirits Bright (c)Dancing Princess; Fonts: Century Gothic, Yukon Gold

Happy Hanukkah

Fri 12/11 Blog Prompt: Happy Hanukkah. How do you intend on spending the day?

Like every other Friday, but I am going to make an effort to read more about the Hanukkah season and traditions. I am sure that I will learn something that I can incorporate into my own life.

Human Rights

Thu 12/10 Blog Prompt: Human Rights Day. Do you think we have made in strides in human rights since the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights in 1948?

I like to think that we have made a great deal of progress in the line of human rights. Make that I believe we have. I realize there is still a long way to go but it will have to be an effort on everyone's part and not be just one-sided.

A Seal of the Season

Wed 12/9 Blog Prompt: The first Christmas Seals were released in 1907. Did you get them as a child? Do you still?

I remember getting them as a kid and they went on the back of Christmas cards sent out. I have not seen them in ages but do know that you can get them for the American Lung Association website. Maybe I'll just order and sheet or two.

What is in a brownie?

Tue 12/8 Blog Prompt: National Brownie Day. What is your favorite brownie?

Brownie is chocolate and I'm not much with chocolate, but occasionally I do like a hot brownie right out of the oven. Those are the best.

A Day to Remember

Mon 12/7 Blog Prompt: Today is Pearl Harbor Day. What do you remember learning about it?

Pearl Harbor Day happened many years before my birth, but I have watched all the documentaries and even visited the monument when we went to Hawaii. Tears well when I think about all the lives lost, both American and Japanese. And I wonder how the world could have come to such straits.

Cannonball

Flashback to July and the day the pool first opened after a long wait. Indy got to christen the pool with the first cannonball.

December Desktop

Christmas Convoy (c)MitsyBells; Photo template (c)Designs by Ali

Hi Ho Hi Ho

Fri 12/4 Blog Prompt: Did you hold down a job in high school? How would you describe the job and how you felt about it?

We were living in Guam for most of my high school years and I did a lot of babysitting. Can't complain as I was able to buy a lot of things that I really wanted. By the time we moved to Illinois for my senior year, I was spending a lot of time doing volunteer work. Especially for the POW/MIA organization. Didn't pay but was worth every minute I put into it.

Thu 12/3 Blog Prompt: Did you have classes in driving or were you taught by a parent? In either case, describe the experience.

The school I attended up north, required that you take driver's ed which include quite a bit of time in simulators. I really loved going to the class and getting in the pretend cars that kept track of what we were doing while driving along the movie. Gave us some time seeing what the road was like before actually getting behind the wheel of a real car.

Prized Possession

Wed 12/2 Blog Prompt: What was your prized possession as a child?

I am sure there were many, but the one I remember the most is the stuffed panda our uncles gave us one year. Pups and I would lay on it to watch the Flintstones on Wednesday night or Shirley Temple on Sundays. Then there was the walking doll that shared the pups clothes because they were the same size.

Oh so sweet treats

Tue 12/1 Blog Prompt: As you were growing up did you get a lot of treats to eat? What kind did you get and what was your favorite?

I think the one I recall the most is Fudgsicles. I loved them and the ones sold today just don't seem to be the same. Not as good and seems to be more water than the milky sweet of years gone by.