Visitation Tribulations Part 4

Part one
Part two
Part three

This time we are doing the visiting, at NavyNuke's new home in South Carolina. He closed on it the 25th of May and we were there to see it June 1. This, of course, starts with the journey there and the arrival.

The car trip includes: myself, my son (driving), a 4 year and a 3 year old, both of whom had been given digital cameras by the uncle we are on the way to visit. Have you ever noticed that children like to take self portraits? Well they do. The unfortunate thing is that Ballerina figured out how to delete pictures so a lot of hers were lost. Indy on the other hand figured it out but left it to me to delete them, within reason.

We'll start with Ballerina's pictures first. She was after the "guest."


How do you like this picture of me? I think I'll let her takeall of my pictures from now on.


They each had subjects in one another. More on that in a moment.


Had to get a picture of her daddy driving.


She ends with a self-portrait. Okay so it is a picture of her shirt.

Now onto Indy's.


He starts his with a self-portrait.


Then he must have a picture of his yellow crocs to save for prosperity.


Now is the time for more on that matter. Pretty as she is, Ballerina just didn't like to be photographed by Indy. We got to listen to hours of her telling him to stop. Like he would really listen! Not!!!


Finally something else to focus on... Booboos.

YaaaHooo we made it, only what 9-10 hours later. We're here... But where is Nuke. Pull out the cell and start making a call. He's at his apartment just finishing his shower. It's not like we didn't call when we got into town. Oh well, it is just a few minute wait and the kids are having fun.


Playing on the front porch


A picture from the road


The back patio and looks that need to be watched.


Hey look it comes with its own jail cell for kids.
Maybe I should move there. Nah, we get along, but that might just be pushing it, don't you think?

Teenage Tribulations

Tue 6/19 Blog Prompt: Moving on in life, as a teenager what do you feel were your greatest achievements and worse mistakes? Have these achievements and/or mistakes helped to make you a better person? Or did they hinder you as you proceeded into adulthood?

Whoa. Greatest achievements as a teenager? What in the world was I thinking about? As with most teenagers I know or have known, it seemed to be a way to stay out of trouble.

All kidding aside though, I don't know if I would consider them achievements, more like strengths, and they would include good grades in school. I loved school, especially science, history, P.E., English and Latin. Oh, that just about covers them all doesn't it? Suffice it to say, I really liked school. I would have been a perpetual student if it didn't mean failing to do so.

As to mistakes, what teen doesn't manage to do that one occasionally. But I think the most embarassing one was when I asked one of my favorite teachers to participate in the Roman slave day we were having. Not thinking and not making the connection when I asked, I was most humilated when I realized why she declined. You see, she was African-American. It was a case of mouth before thought and had I taken the time to think about it, I would have never approached her for this particular event. She definitely was a better person than I that day. No she didn't hold it against me and was most understanding when I figured it out and apologized. Still it was devastating to me.

Did I learn from my achievements and mistakes? I like to think so. I have never stopped loving to learn. And each day brings forth a new discovery. And I now try to think how what I say may affect another before opening my mouth. I still fail on this one, but I try.

Visitation Tribulations Part 3

Part one
Part two

Onto the 3rd installment of Ballerina and Indy's photo journal. After a hard afternoon of playing H2O invading aliens, it was time to decide what to do for dinner. Pan had considered suggesting we go to Bombshell's restaurant but opted out as it was Memorial Day weekend and he was pretty sure the traffic was going to be horrendous.

Scamp and I had to run up to the store (for the guns, of course, and some crocs) when we noticed that there was hardly any traffic at all.

So after playtime was over, we dressed the chitlins in their Dr. Suess shirts and jeans and headed out to Bombshell's. Who, by the way, is now known as Aunt DoDo (like the bird). Ballerina was having a hard time saying her name (funny when we asked her to say it, very clearly it came out "I can't say Aunt Bombshell." She did the same with ddpup too, LOL). Anyway I may have to change Bombshell moniker to DoDo, just because.



Taking a break from work
Aunt DoDo takes Indy and
Ballerina down to the pond
to feed the baby ducks.


Waiting on dinner can
be such a pain. Must
find something to do
to entertain ourselves.


Remember how I told
you that there was a
year's difference in
their ages? Indy is
the younger of the two.


After dinner came the
free face painting, only
the artist, very wisely
chose to put it on their
arms. Indy wanted a spider
(go figure) and his name.


The Ballerina opted for
a unicorn and a cry
baby on her arm.

Look for installment 4 tomorrow

Childhood Pets = Tribulations

Mon 6/18 Blog Prompt: As a child did you have any exotic (i.e. those not indigenous to your area) or unusual pets? If not, did you have any pets at all? What kind? Did you give them standard pet names or come up with unusual and unique names?

Actually I came up with this prompt after being reminded by someone (I can't recall who) about some of the unusual pets my younger sister and I had throughout our life. Recalling their names at this time is going to be a bit hard as I just don't remember any except the Persian Pan bought me when we first married. Her name was Mini-Mutes and was named after the program he was working on. Very appropriate too, as she never weighed more than 5 lbs., even as an adult. She hardly ever mewed and when she did it was very soft, almost a whisper.

Oh, I've gotten off subject haven't I. Unusual or exotic pets. Actually I have had both.

Back when I was about 6 (maybe 7) mom took ddpup and I shopping just before Easter. There in the store they had the cutest little chicks that were dyed in bright Easter egg colors. Naturally we begged for one and mom, being mom, said no. (I can so relate now). I guess after getting tired of hearing us whine, she said that dad wouldn't let us have one and called him. Dad said yes (I'm surprised she ever talked to him again). So home we go with two little chicks. One a bright blue and one a bright neon pink. I don't recall how long we had them, but it couldn't have been for to very long. We were living on a AF base in AF housing and I am sure that chicks were not deemed appropriate pets. So off to a farm they went.

Later when I was about 10 or 11 and we were staying with my grandmother, my uncle brought home a baby alligator. This was before it was illegal to own them. It was put in a huge wash tin outside and ddpup and I were responsible for feeding it. Being that it was so young this meant hand-feeding. I held its jaws open while ddpup shoved the meat down its throat. At the time, I thought I was in the safe position; but now that I think on it, both jobs were probably not to safe. Even baby alligators have a bit of a bite.

While not unusual or exotic we did have a rabbit while growing up. Cute little thing that would hop up to the fridge to look in when it was opened. It also really liked to help out dad when he was working under the car. I don't think dad appreciated it though.

Most of my other pets growing up were parakeets, cats, dogs, a squirrel here or there, fish, gerbils and so on. You know, typical childhood pets.

Visitation Tribulations Part 2

More photo journaling of Ballerina and Scamp's visit. (If you missed Part 1, you can find it here). While it appears that Indy and the Ballerina got along just fine, most of the time they were arguing about one thing or another, LOL. I can laugh now, but it sure wasn't too funny then. They are exactly one year apart in age with Ballerina being the oldest at 4 years. And I am not kidding about the exactly one year. Ballerina's birthday is May 16; Indy's is May 13.

Being a very confident and outgoing little girl, Ballerina expected Indy to obey her every command. She is definitely an "A" personality. Indy on the other hand has an older sister (the Princess) and has perfected the knack of ignoring and brought it to a whole new artform. Needless to say it was an interesting two weeks.

Still there were times they got along perfectly and it was a joy to see them running, playing and laughing together.


Scamp decided that water guns were needed for the outside play. Indy thought catching the water in his mouth while the Ballerina shot him was most amusing. So did the Ballerina.


But soon the showdown had to commence. Indy shot back.


The Ballerina retaliated and chased Indy into the forest.


Indy gives up; but Ballerina decided it wasn't soon enough and shoots him anyway.


Close-up of Ballerina


Close-up of Indy

Word of the Week - COMATE

Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.

comate(adj)
hairy or tufted.

Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.

Visitation Tribulations Part 1

I've been busy. With guests, with traveling and with doctor's visits. But for now let's focus on the guests and traveling. Part one starts on May 25, when my son, Scamp, and granddaughter, the Ballerina, stepped off the plane and into my open arms. I know we just saw them in December. Still it seemed a lifetime away.

And it is just as well we met them at the airport (he asked us to because he wasn't sure he could find his way to Mawmaw's house), as they didn't have his rental car ready. So over to mom's house we head, with a quick call from the Bombshell to see when we would be back home. When she found out it wouldn't be until later, she decided to drive over with the kids too. A whole houseful. Lucky mom, .

On to the pictures.


The Ballerina


The Princess, Indy and Ballerina


Cousins


Cousins outside

Comparative Tribulations and More

Mon 6/11 Blog Prompt: How about we start out this week with a little research by finding the cost of a week's subscription to a newspaper, a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk, a pound of chicken or ground beef, a gallon of gasoline, the average cost of a house, the average cost of an automobile and one item of your choosing when you were born, as well as at ages 3, 5, 10 and now.

1956: bread - 18¢/loaf; milk - 97¢/gallon; gas - 30¢/gallon; avg. cost of home - $17,800; avg. cost of car - $2,100; avg. income - $5,341/year.

1959: bread - 20¢/loaf; milk - $1.01/gallon; gas - 30¢/gallon; avg. cost of home - $18,400; avg. cost of car - $2.250; avg. income - $5,976/year.

1966: bread - 22¢/loaf; milk - $1.11/gallon; gas - 32¢/gallon; avg. cost of home - $23,300; avg. cost of car - $2,410; avg. income - $8,395/year.

2007: bread - $1.97/loaf; milk - $3.06/gallon; gas - $3.10/gallon; avg. cost of home - $221,000; avg. cost of car - $23,000; avg. income - $34,334.96/year.

Tue 6/12 Blog Prompt: Did you collect anything as a child? Why or why not? What was the significance of your collection and where did you procure it? Do you still have any or all of the collection now?

I didn't really have a "collection" per se as a child. There were, of course, the Barbies and Barbie houses. Comic books and books. But most were lost (or thrown away) in moving from place to place. When I got to be a pre-teen, I started collecting lions. I am a Leo and the idea of having lions just appealed. Some of those I still have. Like the stuffed lion and clay lions my dad gave me.

There is a picture at my Improvement Tribulations post where you can see some of the lions on the top shelf.

Wed 6/13 Blog Prompt: Did you have specified chores as a child? If so, what were they? Were you given an allowance for completing them? How much? What chores did you feel were unfair? Which ones did you enjoy the most?

You know, I can't remember ever being assigned "chores." I know we had to make our beds and clean our room, but I don't think I ever considered it a chore, just something I hated to do. As we got older, my sister and I had to clean the dishes after dinner. One would wash the other dry. As for the bathroom, everyone was responsible for cleaning up after themselves. After a bath, we had to clean the tub and pick up the towels and put them in the hamper. And, of course, we were responsible for putting away anything we took out. As for which I detested the most... I think all of them equally.

Thu 6/14 Blog Prompt: Did your mother and father work outside the home when you were a child? If not which one stayed home with you? Or did you have a sitter come in or did you attend a day care center? Whether a parent stayed home, you had a sitter or attended a day care, how do you feel that affected your life, if at all?

My mom was a stay at home mom, for the most part. Although while I was in elementary school I do remember her working for a while.

We had a babysitter, Linda. One of the teenagers in the neighborhood who would watch us. We like Linda and didn't feel the least bit slighted by the fact that mom worked.

But for the most part she was home and available for us at anytime. I remember her making Barbie furniture out of milk cartons and beer cans or sewing intricate Barbie dresses for us.

Dad on the other hand, wasn't home alot. He was in the Air Force and was gone on TDY or some other thing.

I wish I could have been more like my parents; but I divorced my first husband so ended up having to work while my children were little. Fortunately I didn't have to start that though until they were all in school.

Fri 6/15 Blog Prompt: You are 10 years old. What are your thoughts about growing up? Were you anxious to be an adult or did the prospect scare you? Did you give any thought to what you wanted to be when you grew up? What was it and did grow up to your dream job?

First off, let me say I haven't realized my dream career... Yet.

At 6, 10, 20 and beyond my dream career was to be an astronomer. It was what I majored in, in college. That is until I decided to get married.

One day.... my name will be among the stars.

My Tribulations as Albus

You scored as Albus Dumbledore, Strong and powerful you admirably defend your world and your charges against those who would seek to harm them. However sometimes you can fail to do what you must because you care too much to cause suffering. Albus Dumbledore 90% Hermione Granger 85% Remus Lupin 80% Harry Potter 75% Severus Snape 65% Ron Weasley 60% Sirius Black 60% Draco Malfoy 55% Ginny Weasley 50% Lord Voldemort 20% Your Harry Potter Alter Ego Is...? created with QuizFarm.com

Word of the Week - ZAFTIG

Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.

zaftig(adj)
having a full, shapely figure; said of a woman.

Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.

A Frog's Tribulations

For those who asked.....

Warning: Never give vague instructions to a child. They take you literally. Honestly, they really do.

I didn't use the story of the frog in the prompt, because I actually think I was older than 3. I could be wrong, maybe a 3 year old can catch a frog. Okay, probably could catch a frog. OKAY... can catch a frog.

But a three year old usually doesn't have the whereforall to ask what you do with a frog that you catch. Again I could be wrong (and I am sure my mother will correct me if I am).

Back to the story. I caught a frog. Couldn't have been a very big one, but I was proud of this frog and asked my folks what to do with it. They told me that frogs like water.

Naturally to a young child any liquid can pass for water, right? RIGHT????? Well, no but the only "water" I could find was my grandmother's ice coffee. PLOP, in goes the frog. Looking back I shutter to think what must have been going through that poor frog's mind. Caffiene rush....

And fortunately for the frog, my grandmother decided she needed a drink soon after instead of 10 or 15 minutes later. Then the result would have probably been a dead frog at the bottom of her coffee cup instead of a frog jumping out of the coffee at her.

Well, maybe I was three after all....

Memory Lane Tribulations

What with the trip to South Carolina and having Scamp and the Ballerina home for two weeks, it seems I don't have time to do anything anymore, LOL. But since I am providing the prompts this month, I thought I might be a good idea if I also did the posts. Maybe next week will be better.

Tue 6/5 Blog Prompt: You are between 5 and 10. You are going on vacation (or moving). What form of transportation was used to get there? Did it take long? And what did you do to entertain yourself while traveling?

Although we did travel by plane, most of my memories are in the car. And being carsick. Something that I, fortunately, have outgrown. With dad in the Air Force we moved around quite a bit.

Mom and dad always bought the newest Superman and Archie comic books for us to read (can you imagine what they might be worth today, lol). And we had car games like license plate bingo. You actually use to be able to buy the bingo cards with windows that slid over when you got it. I tried to do a search but was unable to locate any. Shucks.

Wed 6/6 Blog Prompt: As a child did you have your own bedroom or did you have to share? What was it like? Did you spend a lot of time playing in there or was it reserved for sleeping?

Being an Air Force brat there were times when I would have my own room and times when I would not. Most time I had to share with ddpup. I didn't mind. She was just a little extension of me. I rather thought of her as my baby doll most of the time. We were always playing Barbie's or house in the bedroom. But we spent more time outside when the weather was good, making clover necklaces, playing hide and seek

Thu 6/7 Blog Prompt: Let's move up to elementary school. What school did you attend? What was it like.. big, small, etc.? Did you ride a bus or walk? Take a lunch or buy? What was your best memory there and what was your worse?

As stated above, I'm an AF brat and went to several elementary schools. Spend the longest time in the one in Arkansas; but also went to elementary school in Florida and California. In both Arkansas and Florida I rode a bus; but occasionally in Ark. I could walk to school.

I am sure there were occasions when I actually took my lunch to school; but the lunches I recall the best are hamburgers on Wednesday and fish sticks on Friday.

While there may have been some bad memories (like the year, my dad made the paddle for my teacher in third grade and when I wouldn't finish my work in first grade so I didn't have to go out on the playground, or in 2nd grade when all the kids gathered around the open restroom window to try and watch me tinkle, etc.), most of them are fond and funny. Giving a Valentine card to my favorite guy in 4th grade; my fifth grade teacher telling us that paper was made with worm guts so we would stop chewing it in class; being a TOT (teacher of tomorrow) in 6th grade and having a teacher whose birthday fell on February 29.

One day in sixth grade my uncle brought my telescope up to the school and we all got to watch a solar eclipse through it. I was pretty proud that I was the only one in the class that had a telescope and one with a sun filter at that.

Fri 6/8 Blog Prompt: As a child, did you have any imaginary friends? What were their names and what did you do together? If not, do you wish that you had and why or why not?

I didn't have any imaginary friends so to speak, not like the bug anyway. I had a another little sister who I could play with and we did. Although one year I convinced her that at night I would shrink very little and visit the little people who lived in a hole in the ground in the backyard. During the day, we would gather small rocks and make furniture for the little people.

But bug was another matter all together. She had an imaginary Alligator. She also scared the pants off mom, when on the interstate on time, she started crying about leaving something on the top of the car. I'll leave it to her to complete the story.


From the FP camera that Nuke bought Indy... a picture of the Ballerina.

Tribulations of What to Title This

Since today's Prompt is about travels, I wanted to make sure I didn't give them the same titles.

We are back from South Carolina and seeing Nuke's new home (and his old rental). He already has big plans for changing it. Ripping out carpets and putting in hardwood floors. He was hoping that the two of us could go check them out but there just wasn't enough time.

Spent more money that I should have making sure we had something to entertain the kids on the way home. The cameras were loosing their luster after 10 hours up there, LOL.

It is nice to be home and back to my own bed; but it was more than wonderful to see the Nuke. We are already planning on going back sometime this summer and taking the Princess since she didn't get to go.

More later.....

Stories of Tribulations

Mon 6/4 Blog Prompt: We all have had stories told to us about our younger years. Fun, silly or embarassing things we have done. So today, think about a story that you were told about yourself that happened before you were 3 years old.

I remember one that my mom use to tell me about when we went to visit we were going to visit some friends of theirs once. I was just at that age where babies start to walk. And my parents, being the proud young parents they were, wanted me walk before getting over there. No amount of incentive could convince me that walking was worth my while.

Still happy being proud young parents, my parents took me over and proudly showed me off, when I started walking.

Word of the Week - COLLOP

Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.

collop(n)
a portion or piece; esp. a small slice of meat.

Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.

Travels & Tribulations

We finally made it to SC and NavyNukes new house. Ballerina and Indy were pretty good on the way up. For the most part. Though I am not sure I am looking forward to the return trip on Monday.

The Nuke's house is similar to mom's on the outside; but I think that is pretty much the only place. I love the taupe color on the walls in the kitchen, dining and living rooms. The main bath is long with the sink on one side and a deep tub/shower on the other with the toilet at the end. I just realized all the rooms are taupe with white trim except the hallway which is light yellow with gold feather dusting.

You can tell he is a bachelor by the very fact that is furnishings consist of a mattress to sleep on; excercise machines and computer chairs.

Well, I think while everyone is still asleep, I may go out and give my sister a call.

Memorable Tribulations

Fri 6/1 Blog Prompt: What was your first memory as a child and why do you think it stands out in your mind?

The actual first memory I have have is running out of my grandmother's house buck-naked. Why? I can't remember; but probably would have had to do with getting in trouble. I was good at that. Or possibly trying to get out of taking a bath.

Why should this memory of a 2-3 year stand out? I am sure that it has something to do about running around the neighborhood in the buff.

Thurs 5/31 Blog Prompt: Since today is Teriffic Thursday, we need something for a positive attitude today. Tell about something that made you smile yesterday or today.

Of course having the Ballerina and Scamp home makes me smile; but today it was Indy who brought the smile out. Nuke sent Ballerina and Indy Fisher Price digital cameras for their respective birthdays. While Ballerina really likes her; Indy was in love with it. He took close ups of all his toys; ran around taking pictures of Ballerina (muct to her dismay) and anything else he could think of. His favorite subject was the 3 foot spider. Pictures will be forthcoming (soon). Just to see his joy and happiness at being able to take his own pictures brought forth that smile reserved for him.

Childish Tribulations

Wed 5/30 Blog Prompt: If you could be child for one day, how old would you be and what would you do?

Are we talking here about chosing an age for one day and living in the present or having chosen an age, time would be as it was when we were that age?

If I could be a child for one day but had to live in the present, I think I would pass. I know each generation has their problems but this one seems to have them in excess. The Princess' doctor and I concur that no 6 year old should have the stress thrust upon children these day to compete academically, physically and emotionally. They should have time to relax, play make-believe and compete with one another in areas that are important to them.

But if we are talking about reliving a favored childhood memory, well then there are a lot I would choose. Only one, huh?

Then in that case I would pick to be 7 again. Only it would be early night, not during the day. Mom, my sister and I would be in the front yard, sitting or laying on the grass looking at the stars. Mom would be pointing them out and we would try to guess which constellation they were.

Learning Tribulations

Tues 5/29 Blog Prompt: I wish I could learn..... because.....

to be more patient and understanding so that maybe my stress level would be nigh unto non-existent.

And maybe I could learn to laugh a little more. Learn to see the humor that is around me each and everyday. Right now, laughter, patience and understanding seem to be taking a backseat to just managing to get by as I listen and watch a 3 year old and a 4 year old decide who is right.

The 4 year old is bossy and the 3 year old has selective hearing. And both think everything belongs to them. Pan has it the worse though.

Guests, Prompts & Tribulations

They are here. Ballerina and the Scamp have met to town. It is so good to see them again, but it has not been completely without trouble. We had to take the Ballerina to the ER last night. She has a middle ear infection in both ears. And while she and Indy have managed to play well together, there is definitely a need to compete; both for toys and for Pan. Maybe today will be better (crossing my fingers, LOL).

Wed 5/23 Blog Prompt: I wish I didn't have to eat...... I don't like this food because.....

At this point in my life, I can pretty much eat what I want and not eat what I don't like. Though I think I have never wanted to eat escargo. Not real big on clams or oysters either. Eww, slimy. Or at least that is how I think they would be. Funny though, just about all my kids will eat them. But then again they suck crawdad heads too.

Thurs 5/24 Blog Prompt: Describe the best teacher you ever had.
I don't know that I can just pinpoint it to one teacher. They all have had some kind of impact on my life. Those I remember best made learning fun. My latin/English teacher from hs... Mrs. Allen; biology teachers, Mrs. Sears and Mr. Behrens and so the list goes on.

Fri 5/25 Blog Prompt: I wish I could see...... because.....
The rings of Saturn right now. I wish I had my telescope again. Four of the planets can be seen this month and it would have been nice to gaze upon them.

Mon 5/28 Blog Prompt: How does your city celebrate this day or do you do anything special? Do you know anyone who has served in the military? If so, let us know so that we can honor all of those who serve their country.

I believe our cities are having picnics throughout our numerous parks; but then I didn't keep up with it as my own Marine son came into town with his daughter. So we will stay at home, watch Indy and Ballerina play out in the yard & water, probably; then either cook out hamburgers and hot dogs or maybe I'll fry up some drummettes this morning and we can just nibble on them all day. We'll see.

And do I know anyone who has served in the military? I should say so.

Air Force: my father, a co-worker, numerous friends. (I live near an AF base)
Army: my cousin
Marines: Scamp, Bear, Pan's brother, my uncle
Navy: NavyNuke, my FIL, one of my other uncles.

So for my family, friends and all those who serve: THANK YOU.

Word of the Week - REFLUENT

Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.

refluent(adj)
flowing back; ebbing, as the sea.

Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.

Belated Birthday Tribulations

I have been so bad. I have been getting so excited about the Scamp and Ballerina coming for a two week visit that I completely forgot to post a Happy Birthday to her. On Wednesday, May 16, little Ballerina turned 4 years old.

So Ballerina from Pan and Tink.... A Great Big

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
SWEETHEART

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

www.ImageShack.us

A Rant of a Tribulation

Yes, I am ranting. I should actually be catching up on blog prompts but I am sooooo mad. I would like to know what happened to "the customer is always right." Anybody know? Anybody?

It started earlier this week (like on Saturday) when Pan made a call the insurance company to see about getting my windshield replaced. It's got a crack across it. And if you live in Florida, insurance companies pay the cost of replacement. (I'm sure our insurance rates are a little higher because of it, as well). Anyway they gave him the name of the company they want us to use.

Pan calls, gets perky little Wendy on the phone who says they can come on Tuesday, 1-4. We can't do it Tuesday, I work. Thursday then, 9-12 or 1-4. Again I work (he had already told her this to begin with). So let's try one more time... Friday 9-12 or 1-4. Friday morning would be great, as I am going out of town Friday afternoon.

Wendy calls me today to say they aren't going to make it out until tomorrow afternoon. "Wendy, I'm not happy about this. I have to leave tomorrow afternoon," I reply more than tersely. Well according to her this is the only time I can have it done or wait. "Can you have them there by one?" the ice is filtering through the phone I am sure. "No." "I need a time, Wendy." "No. Can't guarantee a time." "Can you at least make sure they are there before three?" as the volcano of a headache starts to erupt and the speech grows louder to compensate for the lack of my being able to hear what I am saying. "No." "I will call you back."

Pan called back and they are coming tomorrow. If they don't show until 4:00, I will be making a complaint to the insurance company, the company itself and the better business bureau and anybody else you can think of. Forget that I am going to making a complaint no matter what.

Maybe I should have mentioned to her that I worked for a newspaper and we were thinking about doing an article on how businesses fail to live up to their responsibilities and hire nincompoops to man their phones.

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.... Secrets are such Tribulations

I have a blog brother. Yep, my blog mother, real life baby sister, went and had another. Is she ever going to learn? Probably not.

His posts are a verbal creation into the mind of a father wannabe along with the trials and tribulations he and his wife are having to endure to make that vision a reality.

So without further ado, I am pleased to present my blog brother

MATTHEW of Maybe Baby

Go give him a big welcome into the Bad Example Family.

Update to Movie Meme

For those who have been taking a gander and those who just wondered the answers are now on the post Movie Plots & Tribulations of a Meme Kind. The name of the movie is below the keywords.

I really had fun with this; just wished more had played. I thought I came up with a variety of movies; all of which Pan and I own except #7 and that is soon to be added to our collection.

In the meantime, does anyone remember the name of the movie with the talking bomb which I believe was done either by George Lucas or Stephen Spielburg?

Word of the Week - VOLANT

Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's close and also nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.

volant(adj)
1. flying or capable of flying
2. nimble; agile; quick
3. [heraldry] represented as flying.

Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.

Movie Plots & Tribulations of a Meme Kind

Rachel of Pereiraville tagged me with a very interesting meme:

Pick out ten favorite movies, then look them up at IMDb. In the overview at the top of each movie’s page, there are “Plot Keywords,” usually five of them. (Plus more, if you click the link.) Take the first five, and post them. Then the rest of us get to play movie buff and see if we can guess them.

Let's see if you can figure them out:

1. Dracula; Gunfight; Synthetic Blood; Redemption; Engineer
Sundown: Vampire in Retreat
(1991) Starring David Carradine; Bruce Campbell; Deborah Foreman; M. Emmet Walsh; Morgan Brittany
2. Naval Battle; Plague; Whist; Yellow Fever; Megalomaniac
Captain Horatio Hornblower, R.N.
(1951) Starring Gregory Peck; Virginia Mayo; Christopher Lee
3. Pinball; Greek Mythology; Remake; Animated Sequence; Artist
Xanadu
(1980) Starring Gene Kelly; Olivia Newton-John; Michael Beck; Joe Mantegna
4. Independence Day; Father; Fourth Of July; Missing Child; Medical Doctor
Asteroid
(1997) Starring Michael Biehn; Annabella Sciorra; Don Franklin; Michael Wetherly; Anthony Zerbe
5. Speech; Singing In Shower; Dog; Locker Room; Stroke
Dave
(1993) Kevin Kline; Sigourney Weaver; Frank Langella; Ving Rahmes; Ben Kingsley
6. Absurd Violence; TV Show In Film; Disturbing; Bizarre; Phone
Videodrome
(1983) Starring James Woods; Deborah Harry
7. Space; Astronaut; Mirror; Space Travel; Spacecraft Accident
Doppelganger
(1969) Starring Roy Thinnes
8. Artificial Intelligence; Computer; Mathematics; Nuclear Threat; Scientist
Colossus: The Forbin Project
(1970) Starring Eric Braeden; Susan Clark; Marion Ross
9. Castration; Mansion; Hanging; Decapitation; Slasher
April Fool's Day
(1986) Starring Deborah Foreman; Jay Baker; Tom Heaton
10. Cocktail Party; U.S. Air Force; Torero; Count Down; General
Fail-Safe
((1964) Starring Dan O'Herlihy; Walter Matthau; Henry Fonda; Larry Hagman; Ed Binns

1. the Bug
2. Sticks
3. Matt
And whoever else would like to play along.

Now I guess I need to find out if we are ever suppose to post the answers.

Honestly Trib! No Whines Here

Tues 5/15 Blog Prompt: What is most important to you in a friend--loyalty, generosity, honesty--why?

Not on the list here, but trust is an important factor in my friendly relationships. I need to know that I can spill my guts, so to speak and know that my friend is going realize it is just a release. Honesty and loyalty follow in a close tie for second.

Wed 5/16 Blog Prompt: List the 5 things that annoy you the most. If you are like me, this can change from day to day, but tell me the recent annoyances that have just gotten on your nerves.

I can't think at 8:30 in the morning. Things that got on my nerves yesterday, seem to have flitted right out of my head. Maybe it is because I didn't get enough sleep. But here it goes:

1. Co-workers who think they know everything and like to let you know.

2. Co-workers who feel impelled to ply you with hundreds of baby pictures of the same baby doing the same thing. Especially when you have just gotten back from
vacation and are trying to get caught up.

3. People who say they are going to call and then don't.

4. Pans who are with the kid in one room while I'm in another and fail to tell me when said kid leaves his sight. Okay, I have to admit, Pan doesn't do this anymore, but it use to bug me.

5. Nurse-practioners who spend 5 minutes looking in your ears, your throat and listening to you breath; ask what you think is wrong and then charge $70 for your own diagnosis.

Tribulations of Me: A Scrapbooking Challenge

Karen of Scraps of Mind has posed a challenge for scrapbookers everywhere. Fortunately it is the same challenge SNL's Blast from the Past is this month. So I can peg two birds with one golf ball.

Here is a layout of me. One picture is from my marriage to Pan in 1989; the other is a picture of Pan, the Ballerina, Scamp, Honey and me on Waikiki Beach in December 2006.

And what it says:
Hopes, Dreams & Aspirations
So many years, so many dreams. By the time you have reached half a century, many of your dreams, hopes & aspirations have either been realized or discarded. But one dream still lives from childhood days. To be an astronomer. It was what I majored in at college and maybe one day I'll go back and finish.

Husbands, Kids & Pets
Two husband, 3 kids, 3 grandkids and numerous pets have wandered through my life. Glad to be rid of husband #one and fortunate to be married to Hubby #two. Three fabulous kids who by their acts make me proud to be their mother. Two granddaughters & one grandson are my world now.

Birthday Tribulations of 3 Year Old & a Special

Birthday wish to Love2Scrap, whose birthday apparently coincides with Indy's, both of which occurred on Mother's Day.

Indy turned 3 years old yesterday and I swear he grew a foot taller. Then again I haven't seen him in a week.

The young man he is with here is a whooping 8 years old. (I don't know if you can make out what is on the shirt but it says "I tried to be good but I got bored." Indy needs a shirt like that.)

Since Indy is obsessed with Star Wars, he naturally had to have a Star Wars party; complete with blow up lightsabers that glowed when you squeezed the handle to a cake decorated with his favorite character. I love the DV candle holder. And did you notice the snacks being served at this toddler's party? No candy; a few cookies; but mainly chips and salsa with a couple of veggie trays.

Not one to wait, Indy promptly put his plate on the floor and started eating, sans a fork. Once he started there was no stopping for fork, spoon or guests trying to get by.

Now isn't that just a satisfied face for a three year old?

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY INDY

Foolish Tribulations

Mon 5/14 Blog Prompt: What do you think is the most foolish thing you’ve done in your life?

Gosh there are a number of them and I am sure that my mother can add to my list as well. Quitting college; marrying my first husband, and so goes the list. So I am having a hard time thinking of just one really foolish thing.

Okay, there is one. But it is a private one that I will share with no one. Now you can just use your imaginations and decide what you think the one foolish thing was....

A Belated Friday Tribulation

Fri 5/11 Blog Prompt: Where would you prefer to be right now--mountains, desert, beach--and why?

Antartica would be a nice start. It is already starting to get hot here with the highs in the 90's during the day and being near the water, that means lots of humidity too. And did anyone (Loony especially) notice that we have already had a named subtropical storm? While I am not on the east coast, these means that hurricane season is getting started a little early. I can only hope they stay out of the gulf.

And when did they start naming sub-tropical storms?

Word of the Week - VICINAL

Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's close and also nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.

vicinal(adj)
1. neighboring; nearby
2. designating a road that is local and not a highway
3. [mineralogy] designating faces on a crystal that approximate or take the place of fundamental planes.

Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.

Tribulations of Superman's Mom

In my Tribulations of a TV Mom, I chose Martha Kent from the Lois & Clark television series.

Karen of Scraps of Mind (if you haven't ever checked out her blog, you should) made this comment:

"How can you say that Superman would have been hard to raise Tink. The boy never put a foot wrong. Never got into trouble with the law. Never brought undesirable girlfriends home. Never was seen in disreputable place. And, perhaps most importantly of all, could lift up the couch when she was vacuuming."

And my response:

Have you seen him when he has gotten ahold of red kryptonite? What about as a youngster while being instilled with the morals and values that he was raised with? Can you imagine having to deal with a super toddler having a temper tantrum? (and if there is a toddler out there who hasn't had one, I'd like to meet them.) You may end up with matchsticks of a couch to vacuum up and at that point you wouldn't have to have him lift the couch for you. Raising a "super" child, to me anyway, would seem to be an impossible task.

Then there are the teenage hormones to deal with. To get a good idea of what Clark Kent may have been like as a teenager, you really should watch "Smallville." In one episode, against his parents objections, he joins the football team. (Sound like any kids you know?); in another, under the influence of red kryptonite, he races to Las Vegas and gets married to that 'disreputable girl'. Yep, I think the Kents had their hands full with a "super" child to raise.

Tribulations of a TV Mom - Martha Kent

Wed 5/9 Blog Prompt: Since Mother's Day is approaching, who do you think was the best TV mom and why?

Martha Kent from Lois & Clark is the best television mom. She is strong, sure of herself and is not afraid to try new things even as she gets older. She sees the best in everyone; but not to the detriment to her own values and morals. Besides she raised Superman; no easy feat I would imagine.

Safety Tribulations

Tues 5/8 Blog Prompt: What makes you feel safe?

Confidence in my abilities; wisdom to see what I need to do; the love of my family; Pan love and trust in me. All of these make me feel safe.

Scrapbook Tribulations of a Comically Dinner Ghost

Thurs 5/3 Blog Prompt: You have heard that the President and his wife of an obscure country is coming to visit and picked you (and your family if you want) to have dinner with. You can decide to cook for them or order in or take them out. What 5 dishes would you want them to taste? They can be any part of a meal (appetizers, main dish, vegetables, salads, desserts) or all of one type (all desserts for example).

What a great prompt. And for at least one dish I have something to fall back on. When Scamp was visiting his in-laws in Japan, he called me for the recipe for Chicken and Dumplings. My list would then look something like this:

Chicken and Dumplings
Turnip Greens with scallions and cornbread
Meatloaf
Pan's hamburgers and finally
Grilled steaks with Heritage tomato & mozzarella salad

I think I'm getting hungry.

Fri 5/4 Blog Prompt: Tomorrow is Free Comic Book Day where I live (see http://www.freecomicbookday.com/ch_timeline.asp) Hopefully this will be easier for y'all. Who are your 5 Favorite Comic/Cartoon characters?

Okay, I have to admit, I love Superman, okay, not really Superman, but Clark Kent. Yeah I know he is not the super hero; but to have to keep such a secret and still act normal. That is amazing. We watch Smallville and have the Lois and Clark series on dvd. Oh you want 4 more? Ohhhh and they don't have to be superheroes? Not that that really helps.

2. Batman
3. Jughead
4. Smurfs
5. Green Arrow

Weekend Blogging 5/5-5/6: I posted a layout to commemorate National Scrapbooking Day brought to us by Karooch.

I didn't get to participate on any online activities or even paper activities since I had been on the road and at Universal Studios that day. Though if you look below you can find a layout I did of my nephew, Tot.

Mon 5/7 Blog Prompt: What do you think about ghosts?

Not much as long as they leave me alone. Actually I'm not really sure how I feel about them. Being as that I have never really seen one, I can't discount that others may have.

Universal Tribulations

Well we made it. Even though we made around noon, they had a room ready for us. Not a great view, but a nice enough room. After settling in we headed over to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Great thing about staying at a Universal hotel is that your room key is a fast pass to all the rides. No waiting in line; so we actually rode just about every ride they had.

Well I didn't ride the Hulk, but Pan did. And for the Bug, we tried to win a Spiderman doll for the boys. It was taller than Tater. Sorry we didn't win it, the boys would have probably loved it.

That night we ate at Captain Jack's here at the hotel. Talk about the quantity of food. Pan was in heaven. He likes his steaks well done and his was absolutely perfect. Well done and still tender and juicy.

Yesterday, I stayed around the hotel as it looked like it was going to rain. Finally that afternoon it did. Thunder and lightning. Glad I stayed in. This morning I will head over to one or both of the parks to take pictures, so that I can go one day without the camera.

Anyway, be good and when I get back today I will take a look at the blog prompts and maybe get some posted.

Word of the Week - WHIFFET

Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's close and also nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.

whiffet(n)
1. A little whiff or puff
2. [var, if whippet] a small dog
3. an insignificant, esp. young, person.

Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.

Trips and Tribulations

You kids be good. I'm off to south Florida and will be back next week.

Trekkie Tribulations

Just something fun as I rush around getting packed for my trip.

The Worf Song

Sandy Beaches and E-mail Tribulations

Well sis, I tried emailing this to you. The full size one that is and it just wouldn't go through. But I thought you might just like to see it.

Tribulations of Dressing for a Visit and Salary

Mon 4/30 Blog Prompt: Since this week will start the month of May, I thought I'd do lists of 5 this week: You are in charge of giving out a major award to the 5 Best Dressed People of the Year. Who are they?

Well not me.... I go for comfort not style.

First on the list though would be my sister, ddpup. She knows how to dress and look perfect for any occasion. Wish I had her fashion sense. For special occasions, I try and let her pick out my clothes.

Second would be my oldest, NavyNuke. He doesn't always follow the newest fashion trend; but is always tastefully dressed. He's more relaxed these days; but you can still find him sporting about in silk shirts and tailored pants. He is a believer in that real men can wear pink.

Third would be my daughter, Bombshell. That is when she tries. She is a lovely woman (guess I can't really call her a girl anymore at 27); tall, lanky with long legs. She can wear just about anything and look good in it.

Fourth would be other son Scamp; although he is more like me and goes for comfort. Still he can look pretty good especially in that Marine Corps uniform or in his khaki slacks and polo shirts.

Fifth would be Pan. Again he is like me and goes more for comfort; but when he was a contractor for the base and had to wear a suit, he would make any woman swoon when he walked by. Then add his trench coat and you had another James Bond in the making.

Tues 5/1 Blog Prompt: You won the travel lotto! You will get an all expense paid trip for you and your family to 5 places anywhere in the world. List the 5 "Must See" places in the world you would go see.

I have been pretty lucky in life having visited some really wonderful places; the Redwood Forest; the Painted Desert; the Meteor Crater; Grand Canyon; Cape Cod; Orlando; New Orleans; Atlanta; New York; San Fransico; Sacramento; Omaha; Memphis; just about every little town in Alabama and Mississippi; Guam; Hawaii; Hong Kong; Germany; Austria; Rapid City, SD (birthplace) and the list goes on - so narrowing it down to 5 is going to be hard. But here it goes:

1. The Keys (Pan use to live there and I would like to see them for that reason)
2. Rapid City, SD (would like to see it as an adult)
3. Australia and New Zealand (because didn't get the chance when we lived in Guam)
4. Alaska (to see the ice floes and the whales)
5. Ireland (ancestral home of Pan's mother) & Scotland (ancestral home of Pan's father and possibly of my own father)

Wed 5/3 Blog Prompt: You have been appointed the head of the Department of Labor and plan to set salaries according to how important an occupation is. What do you think are the top 5 most important occupations?

Boy, Loonyhiker really knows how to pick them doesn't she? This one is tough.

1. Elementary, middle school and high school teachers would be on the top. They are the people who shape our children for the future.
2. Non-commissioned military personal would be the second most important. They are out there defending our nation and deserve to be paid accordingly.
3. Astronomical research personnel. We are depleting our resources and need to expand our horizons, literally.
4. Pediatric surgeons. What is a child's life worth?
5. Hospice personnel. They do a wonderful job but such a hard and difficult one.

Word of the Week - WELKIN

Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's close and also nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.

welkin(n)
the vault of heaven, the sky or upper air: now chiefly in 'make the welkin ring,' to make a very loud sound.

Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.

Thoughts of May Bring a Different Sort of Tribulation

Weekend Blogging 4/28-4/29: Post here if you update your blog! Leave a prompt if you have one!

Unlike Snowmoon, I don't have the luxury of seeing hummingbirds zip through the yard (yet). But thoughts of May do bring a different sort of luxury.

The month of May is when Pan and I travel to Orlando for a week. This year will take us to Universal Studios instead of Disney. We haven't been there in 5 or 6 years so it will be a change. Still I had gotten pretty comfortable at Disney. I knew my way around.

May also heralds in a score of birthdays. My sister's is on the first; Indy's on the 13th and the Ballerina's on the 16th. ddpup will be 49 this year; Indy will be 3 and the Ballerina will be 4. Gosh the little ones are growning so fast. Too fast.

Scamp called me last night to let me know that whenever the Ballerina wants to do something and he says "no," she tells him that Tink and Pan had said it was okay. Slick little imp. Gotta love her.

Then Indy has developed a liking for Darth Maul and knows exactly who he is and can say his name. He knows the others too if you ask him to point them out; but if you point to one and ask him who it is, he is not quite as sure.

Yes they are growing up way to fast.

Tribulations of a Comedic Sort

Friday 4/27 Blog Prompt: Let's finish the week off with a laugh. Tell a funny story or your favorite joke.

When she was younger one of the jobs Bombshell told us she wanted was to be a stand-up comic (the other was a physical therapist to the elderly). She use to dress up with her trusty side kick and in would bound Wonderwear and Underbra. (Underbra was either the cat or the gerbil, depending on which one she could catch). One night at dinner she was regaling us with her newest routine. It was a story that went on for nearly half an hour. That is what I was going to share; but I can't seem to find where I saved it at or where it is located on my sister's blog. If I find it, I will share; but in the meantime this will have to do. (JASN: Bombshell really would have made a great stand-up comic).

The other day Bombshell called Pan and needed him to come back over and look at her surround sound. She lost the instructions he left for her when he finished installing it and she couldn't get it to work. So over we head.

Indy was absolutely thrilled to see him as Bombshell picked up the kids before Pan made it home that day. On top of which Indy had been watching the Backyardigans that day and Uniqua wanted to be a stand-up comic and tell knock knock jokes. (see a pattern here?)

Pan is looking over the remotes when Indy comes up and knocks on his forehead. Pan looks up in shock and Indy says "knock knock." Pan is still in shock when I hiss "say who's there?" So he does and Indy comes back with banana

Pan: Banana who
Indy: Apple
Tink: Indy, that's suppose to be orange
Indy: Knock knock (raps him on the head again)
Pan: Who's there
Indy: Banana
Pan: Banana who
Indy: Knock knock (raps him on the head yet again)
Pan: Who's there
Indy: Orange
Pan: Orange who?
Indy: Orange juice

You know this really loses a lot in the translation. One, you really had to see Pan's face everytime Indy rapped him the forehead. Secondly you would have had to see his face when Indy did his comebacks. I don't Pan really understands knock knock jokes as he would get this glazed look on his face. Then again, I guess, it could just be a symptom of being hit in the head repeatedly.

A Tribulation to Success

Thursday 4/26 Blog Prompt: Great job on the poetry yesterday, ladies Today's is....What is your definition of 'success'? Do you know any 'successful' people who inspire you?

suc·cess (sƏk-sĕs)
n. 1. The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted


I guess by this definition I am pretty darn successful. There are few things that I have attempted that I have not achieved. I have a successful marriage; a successful relationship with my children; successful careers, etc.

And those that have helped make the above so successful are the ones who inspired me to achieve those goals: Pan, my children, my parents, my sisters (and their families) and my grandchildren; with a smathering of friends thrown in for good measure.

Tribulations of a Creative Cookie Haiku

Monday 4/23 Blog Prompt: Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Here's todays - Is there a time of the day when you feel most creative?

Of course there is.... When I should be doing something else, in fact. Like dishes, making the bed scrubbing the toilet, etc. Isn't every more creative when they are trying to get out of doing something they dislike? Or is it just me?

Tuesday 4/24 Blog Prompt: How about food? I love talking about food and I've been hungry for homemade cookies. What's your favorite cookie? Do you make it? Does someone else? Do you buy it?

Wow. I haven't had cookies in ages. My mom use to make wedding cookies that I really liked growing up. They were crumbly and rolled in powdered sugar. And I even like Chocolate Crinkle cookies; even though nowadays, I don't care for chocolate. These days I really like the oatmeal cookies the husband of a friend of mine makes. Yummy.

Wednesday 4/25 Blog Prompt: Let's write a poem. Try a haiku, rhyming, or any other style you like.

Seems I have done this before and at that time it was about Indy as well. But here it goes:

Running rapidly
through the house, undeterred
by the obstacles

Word of the Week - VELITATION

Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's close and also nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.

velitation(n)
a hostile encounter; skirmish or dispute.

Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.

Tribulations of a Boring, Lyrical, Life

Thurs 4/19 Blog Prompt: What is the most tedious or boring part of your daily routine/job? What is the most creative?

The most tedious part of my daily routine is constantly picking up after Indy. It seems that no matter how much I pick up he finds something else to pull out. And the most creative, is trying to find ways to keep him entertained while I try to do other housework (doesn't work, lol); ie, get Thomas the Train sets down for him, run into the kitchen to clean a few dishes. "Tink, Tink, come look." Around the corner I peek. He is sitting in front of Pan's computer with the Civilazation III disk in his hand. "Indy, what are you doing?" With a big smile on his face he opens the cd drive and there sits a coupon. Arrrrrggggghhhhhh, Pan is going to kill us both. "Indy, that's a no-no, put the disc back into the drive." With the smile dropping into a quiver the coupon comes out and the disc goes back in. Anybody want to trade days?

Friday 4/20 Blog Prompt: How about a fun one to end the week? Think of one person in your life. Then pick a song that you think 'fits' them. (Of course if you want to do this for every person you know, who's going to stop you?) Happy Friday!

What a neat prompt and one that is actually fairly easy at this point since I have been doing an ABC album for the Princess which incorporates songs. So without further ado I will introduce you to the songs and the Princess who inspired me to use them:

Anything But Ordinary by Avril Lavigne
Me & I by Abba
Ocean Girl by Neil Young
Remember Me This Way from Casper the Friendly Ghost

Weekend Blogging 4/22-4/23: How about a prelude to June? Spend 5 minutes writing about your advice for having a fulfulled life.

First and foremost you have always heard that you will see the world through new eyes if you spend time with a toddler? In all honesty that holds true for all ages. First you see the world at a height of about 3 feet; but at 5 school starts and it is another whole new world. First grade brings in the start of really growing up and changing and seeing the world in a light that incorporates other people. And so it goes on for each age. Because as your children (grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc) are getting older, so are you. Stop, slow down and look at the world through each age of your child. Miracles are always there.

Listen, do you hear it? Shhhhhh..... there it is again. The wind in the trees are soothing. The bleak grey day is comforting. The sunny white sand of the beach is calling you play. Listen to the sounds of your day.

What is that you just said? Another time to listen. Listen to what is being said. Really listen.....

Colorful Tribulations

Wed 4/18 Blog Prompt: What's your favorite color? Describe it. Has it always been your favorite? Why is it your favorite?

I'm still thinking on yesterday's. :)

Well I told the Princess my favorite color was periwinkle. I have always liked pale purplish blue hue; not quite as bold at lavender or purple itself, but rather subtle, just outside the eyes vision. When I think of periwinkle, I think about some of the shells we use to collect at the beach (when there actually were shells to collect). More than anything, though, I just like the name

Tribulations of Gi-normous Proportions

Tuesday 4/17: Today we'll put on our thinking caps and get a little creative. Here's the background: I heard someone use the word "gi-normous" the other day (obviously a mashing of 'gigantic' and 'enormous') and it made me think how descriptive it is. So your assignment is - Make up a word--a blending of two or more words -- that describes your best qualities.

I came up with one, but was told my higher powers (my mother) that it really isn't what a made up word. I had called her to ask about words to describe my best qualities and she came up with things like dependable, trustworthy and communicates well. Okay that last one is two words.

But I decided to use dependable and communicate to come with a new word to describe myself and came up with.... Are you ready yet?

Communicable.

A Caveful of Crystal Tribuations

Monday 4/16 Blog Prompt: Since we haven't done a reading prompt in awhile, let's talk about books (one of my most favorite topics!). Are you currently reading anything that you'd recommend? Or maybe you have an old favorite that you recommend to everyone.

Okay so I was getting a little silly with a title. But I am currently re-reading " The Crystal Cave" by Mary Stewart. I also realized today that I cannot find the second book "The Hollow Hills," I found the third and fourth books though. Still it just wouldn't be the same if I couldn't read them in order.

I have always loved The Crystal Cave and the research she put into her book on Merlin. He loses none of his mystique by being portrayed as a man instead of a magician. Well, okay, he has visions, but many people throughout history have. You can relate to him as a person; one who has had a difficult childhood and amazing adult life being a counsellor to kings.

I have always been an Authurian fanatic; having read just about all the books about King Arthur I could find; but I have that Mary Stewart has put the stories into a more realistic light. After reading the Crystal Cave you just don't look at Merlin the same way anymore.

Tribulations of a Childhood Pastime

Weekend Blogging 4/14 - 4/15: What was your favorite pastime as a child? Did you prefer doing it alone, or with someone else?

I don't ever really remember doing anything alone as a child. My most memorable pastime was when we were living in Blytheville, Arkansas. During the summer we used to play hide and seek until after dark. There were about a dozen of us kids and we had the run of the neighborhood. In the spring the field between the houses was alive with clover and honey bees. I remember we would go into the fields and pick lots of clover then string them together to make a necklace and bracelet. Winter was snowball fights and building snowmen. Sitting in the living room with hot cocoa and watching Jungle Jim on Saturday mornings. Autumn brought in a new school year and less time for playing or maybe it just felt that way.

Superstitions and Tribulations

Friday 4/13: Friday the Thirteenth!!Are you superstitious? Does the thought of 'Friday the 13th' make you nervous?

I didn't even realize it was Friday the 13th until Pan told me about half way through the day. Guess you could say I am not very superstitious; at least I don't believe in throwing salt over your shoulder or that walking under a ladder is bad luck. But neither do I carry a good luck charm around. No horseshoes and at my wedding we shoot the guests with high powered water guns.

Though in an untraditional way, I guess I am superstitious. Like when I got pregnant with my daughter.... My mother kept telling me I was pregnant and I kept denying it. Finally just to appease her I went to the doctor and had the test done. Yep, I was pregnant and it was all her fault. If she had not said anything, I wouldn't have been.

A Tag of Tribulations

Thursday 4/12 Blog Prompt: Tagged!!

Four jobs I've had:
1. Wife
2. Mother
3. Legal Assistant
4. Graphic Artist

Four movies I've watched over and over:
1. Hunt for Red October
2. Independence Day
3. Asteroid
4. All three of the LOTRs

Four places I've lived:
1. South Dakota
2. Massachusetts
3. Arkansas
4. Guam

Four tv shows I like(d) to watch:
1. Stargate SG-1
2. Eureka
3. Smallville
4. NCIS

Four places I've been on vacation:
1. Orlando
2. Hong Kong
3. New Orleans
4. Honolulu

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Shrimp, steak and veggies cooked on a teppan table
2. Spaghetti
3. Italian Tomato & fresh mozzarella salad
4. Cherry or Italian tomatoes stuffed with chicken salad

Four people I'll tag
1. You,
2. You,
3. You,
4. And, oh, you.

Word of the Week - VIATOR

Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's close and also nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.

viator(n)
a traveler; wayfarer.

Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.

The Tribulations of being an Older Sister

Wednesday 4/11 Blog Prompt: Where I am, it's still April 10th and I was informed by my little sis that today is Siblings Day!In honor of Sibling's Day, talk about your relationship with your siblings. If you don't have any, tell us how you feel about that.

Strange that this one should come up now.... I have a very good relationship with both of my sisters. We can talk to one another and we have interests that are in common other than just being family. More than anything I happen to like my sisters. They are fun, witty and smart. The bug actually set up my blog and got me into doing it. And she has kindly consented to letting me post a picture of her. So it is years old and she doesn't really look like that anymore, except for the expression.

Product Tribulations

Tuesday 4/10 Blog Prompt: Free Advertising!! Are there three products in your life that you just love (favorite scrapping designer? a cleaning product that does what it claims? or your favorite restaurant?)? Tell us about them! (Add links and maybe we'll decide we can't live without them either)

I just love my rice bowls and chopsticks. I have several sets of chopsticks but my favorite is the set from my DIL's parents. My rice bowls have covers that also serve as sauce bowls.

I also love my steel griddle that fits over four burners that I use for teppan style cooking. We finally brought my dad's grill home and I have discovered that it came with a smaller griddle and that my big one will fit on it as well; so I can cook outside without smoking up the house

There is a cleaning product that I have found really, really works. I hate cleaning toilet bowls; and when I finally found Bowl Blaster in the store I shop, I picked it up to try it. And I works like a charm.

Springy Tribulations

Monday Blog Prompt 4/9: Spring always means change or growth. Any changes or growth going on in your life?

Before I get onto the prompt, I earlier told you about a surprise.... Well, now it is official. Loonyhiker, gracelikerain and myself are talking over the blog prompts for Meg. I am so excited to be working with two great persons as them.

Now on to the prompt. Well this spring has definitely brought on a change hasn't it? LOL. And I hope that I am continually growing as a person. Biggest change right now has been moving my computer into another room other than the living room. I find that I spend more time with my family playing games and watching television than in front of the monitor. Except the last couple of days when I didn't have the kids and could just relax.

Word of the Week - XYLOGRAPHY

Disclaimer: All words that I choose come from the 1968 edition of the Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd college edition. It's close and also nearly 40 years old so we may come across some words that are no longer in general use or have completely changed definitions. But that is part of the fun.

xylography(n)
the art of making woodcuts or wood engravings.

Why not take a moment and see what you can do with it. Use it as a jump start for a short story; if applicable, find a picture of it; let us know how you would incorporate it into your daily life. Whatever you do, post a comment or a link so I can check it out and put a link back to your post. And have fun.

UPDATE to a Week of Blog Prompts

If you read my list of "A" words, then no doubt you will have realized that this has not been a most productive week. Pan suggests that I add annoyed to it as well. What a great "A" word and it did not even cross the hemisphere of my brains.

What prompted this post though is one of the fundraising solicitors for the police department. They have been calling all week. They called at 8 a.m., the one morning that Pan took a day off to sleep in. The guy I talked to today swears it wasn't his organization; but his is the only one I have been solicited by in the past month.

Let me say this first (just in case the rude guy I was talking to, hey I was rude first, but I wasn't asking for money, is reading this), I, probably more than most really respect our law enforcement officers (that goes for paramedics, firemen, etc). They do a hard job and don't get nearly the credit they deserve. So I really resent these fundraising solicitors who "collect" money for the organizations and then keep some of it. Sorry in my mind they shouldn't keep any.

Way back, when I lived in P'cola, the fire department and police department who had people living in the neighborhood would come door to door with identification to solicite for their organizations. Honey, let me tell you I was the first one with cash or check in hand to help them out. These gals and guys were doing this on their own time; devoting a couple of hours to support their organizations. I love them. Even if it meant going without dinners out or a month's worth of cigarettes (I smoked then); it was something I was willing and still willing to do.

Now though we have these fundraising companies who keep half the money. In the midst of the conversation today, though, I specifically asked that I be sent a detailed report on how the money would be allocated. That if I deemed it to be of value and that the police (or their families) would be the real beneficiaries of the donation, then I would most certainly consider donating. Where he sent me was to www.flstatefop.org. Nope, didn't work. So on my own I researched and found www.floridastatefop.org. Surprisingly enough I could not find anything about how the donations were applied.

So if you are an officer of the law reading this, I applaud you and all that you do; but please understand that I will be heading down to my nearest law enforcement office with check in hand to be devoted entirely to your organization and not to some fundraising facility supposedly representing you.

Surprises & Tribulations

I have a surprise and I'm not going to tell you, nahnee, nahnee, nahneeeee.... :P

At least not yet. You will have to stay tuned to see what it is......

Satin Steel Tribulations

As I was, in my sorrowful state, surfing through Digital Scrapbook Place, I came across one of the challenges that really looked fun. One that requires the use of the plug-in, Virtual Photographer. One that DSP Muse and moderator, Ann Maree is hosting. First you need the plug-in and install it. Then every two weeks she picks one of the presets for you to use. Designer Tina Chambers, kindly provided a before & after template. Now, of course, I missed the first two; and found it as they were starting on the 3rd preset.

But I thought I might go ahead and upload my tries with the Satin Steel preset here. I made two with landscapes and two with portraits.





This is a very nice one for that dreamy look. I think it looks better used on the photo of the Princess, because there seems to be better contrast throughout the photo than on the others.

I think I am going to have some real fun with this plug-in. But now I'm going to get off the computer for awhile and go play Star Wars.

The Week in Blog Prompts and Tribulations

I have been just so blah lately. Can't seem to get into a mood for anything or anyone for that matter. :(

Mon 4/2 Blog Prompt: Blow out the candles and make a wish! What did you wish for and why?

Blank, I'm totally blank. Guess I wish my daughter would quit believing Indy's dad each time he says he's going to pick him up. When he calls with more excuses or tries to blame the miscommunication on her, it just upsets her and me, since I am the one who usually ends up having to change my plans.

Tues 4/3 Blog Prompt: I decided to do another letter of the day. Since I enjoyed so much doing the letter "G" last week I decided to start with letter "A" Boy, it took me longer than usual to think of 10 words that start with A. Letter of the Day is "A" (thanks to mom2triplets04)

Angry. See above

Abeyance. Does seem that my time is always in abeyance to the needs of others. I need to take a stand, put my foot down. And I won't.

Antacids. What I really need to buy in bulk.

Adamant. I am adamently opposed to men who just want to see their kids to upset their mothers, who tell their kids they are going to pick them up then call the mother at the last minute to say they are coming and it is up to her to tell them.

Aggravated. That I am still here waiting for the idiot to show up. Why don't I just get Indy dressed and leave? Shortly I will.

Ashamed. That I am being so petty and grouchy this week.

Altruistic. I really wish I wouldn't be so. Constantly trying to look out for others and doing what is best for them is trying on oneself.

Ability. I need to work on my scrapbooking and journaling ability more. I need time to do so. I need...

Active. Definitely need to be more active in obtaining my goals. Need to let go of those things that don't facilitate my emotional growth and gather close to me those that do.

Abject. More of how I feel this week. Notice a flow here?

Wed 4/4 Blog Prompt: So, in reference to my yesterday.... What do you do when you find yourself overbooked? Are you someone that pushes through and collapses at the end? Cancel out selectively and give yourself breathing room? Or maybe curl up in the fetal position and cry?

Boy, do I really want to go here after the last one? I push on and on and on. Holding it all in until one day I explode. Then do I ever feel guilty afterwards. Even if I was in the right.

Thurs 4/5 Blog Prompt: Muse: a source of inspiration; especially : a guiding genius. What would you consider to be your muse? Why?

Got to admit that the grands really are a source of inspiration. Their ability to look at the world with eyes full of innocence and love. The sparkle that gleams from their eyes from a new bug or even a stick. I'm not talking just about Indy and Ballerina; but even from 7 1/2 year old Princess. Each age sees things in such a different light and I love to listen to them talk about it or just look at it.

Friday 4/6 Blog Prompt: Okaaaaaay, so yesterday's prompt was a bust! Oh well, let's do an easy one for Friday. How about a weekly wrap up and also your plans for Easter weekend.

If you have gotten this far down, then you can pretty well tell how my week went. Badly... Badly, because I let it get that way instead of taking the initiative to make it better.

As for the Easter weekend, Pan and I will probably stay around the house and wish the kids were here with us instead of with their fathers and other grandparents. We will try to relax and enjoy the weekend anyway and reflect on the ways we can improve the house and play video games together. Maybe even find some time to talk.