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29 septembre

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Well so much for my wishes of sleeping late.  Once I woke up and the thoughts started running in my head -- oh well -- let's just say I'm waiting for my first cup of coffee.  On the bright side however, I can spend some time here this morning.  I feel not only like I've been neglecting my space, but since it brings me a feeling of connection (for lack of a better word) with people I'm interested in and enjoy, I feel I've been neglecting myself as well.  I've missed the joking around and looking at things from others point of view. 
 
I can hardly believe time is moving so quickly.   Already October is upon us and my dreaded winter is breathing down my neck.  I don't know for sure but maybe that's what has me feeling a little off lately.  I don't like being cold - or having to bundle up outside.  Shovel a path to my car only to have to scrape snow and ice off the poor thing.  I hate the extra laundry and higher utility bills. 
 
On the other hand, there is Thanksgiving and Christmas which I do love.  Oh not the shopping and such, as that's gotten easier over the years with my kids grown.  But that it's such a family time.  Family time --- hmmmmmm.  Maybe that's my problem.  Maybe I need a little me time.
 
I did play around with my camera last night.  It's so much different than my other one.  I've decided I need to either take a basic photography class or do a little research online.  I'm just not knowledgeable about some of the terminology.  I would love to do a series of photographs of Eric for my wall, but I want it to be more than just point and snap the camera.  I'd like to play around and get a real nice set.  Actually I'd like to do one of each of my childen.  Let's see, since Santa came early and brought me my camera I think I might just put in some hints about a nice photo program to go with it.   Can anyone suggest one they use?  Adobe Photoshop for example - is that a good one?
 
Well - I guess I'll read the paper and get a start on the little housework I have so I can have the rest of the day to myself.  There is a craft show down by Scotia Airport that was advertised in the paper.  Maybe I'll head over there for a bit.  Then I'll spend the afternoon on here trying to figure out what some of those damn words and buttons on my camera mean. 
 
Have a nice weekend everyone -- Again, I'm sorry to be neglecting this space and my visiting.  It isn't from lack of interest.  I miss you all.
28 septembre

Ready for the weekend

It will be nice to finally not have any specific plans this weekend.  I sure hope I get some things done, but if not - oh well.  Could be I'll just play with my brand spanking new camera all weekend!
 

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In between kicking back with a good book!

 

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I would really love to sleep late Saturday morning and Sunday morning, but it's not in my nature.  Who know's maybe I'll get lucky!

Have a nice weekend everyone.

25 septembre

Tuesday Morning Coffee

Well things are moving right along.  Fall has arrived, you can tell by the leaves in the front yard and everyone is headed to the apple orchards and craft fairs are booming.  We've had some beautiful warm days in the 80's wih nice sunshine and cooling breezes.
 
Eric's actual birthday is Thursday he 27th and I've taken off work.  I wanted to take Nik and Eric to the apple orchard but the hay there aggravates Nikki's allergies so we will do something else instead.  I want to find something to do that will let Eric run around and have a ball.  Hmmm I wonder if he would like to be let loose in Toys r Us?
 
Speaking of Eric's birthday, his party was awesome.  Nik did a fabulous planning job although time got away from her and I pitched in and did the cooking.  That's probably for the best anyway -- LOL!!  Sorry Nik. 
 
As I said earlier, our neighbor Vince did a video that was about 1/2 hour long.  He did it mostly during the cake and presents.  It was a blast watching it as I was able to see what was going on all around rather than just where I was, or what was happening while I was busy with the food or such.    There was lots of laughter and kids running all over and such.  Just what a birthday party should be. 
 
I'm at home now and the pictures are on my computer at work.  I will add the pictures we take Thursday and put them up at the end of the week, so look for them when you visit then. 
 
Well like I said things are moving along and we have some free weekends coming up.  Work on the house, winterizing the yard, closing he pool and such and much resting.  I hope anyway.  I have been much remiss in my visiting you all and feel badly.  That is what I hope to accomplish at work today.  Catching up on what is new with all my friends.  So till later!
23 septembre

This quiet won't last

It's early morning and everyone, even our early riser Eric, is still asleep.  I don't know how long it will last, but I thought I would get in a quick hello while I could.  Later between the party and football, and of course pure exhaustion, I know I won't be able to get here. 
 
Yesterday was a busy day.  Shopping, planning and preparing for today.  There are over 30 people coming and Nikki is a nervous wreck.  She is dong most everything herself, with a little help from moi --- suggestions and such.  Oh, and I helped her shop.  I mean that's what women do right?  Help each other shop.  We even snuck in a little lunch at the mall -- grandpa was babysitting.  The boys were working. 
 
Of course the men are complaining that the party is during football.  Hey -- it's not like we don't have a tv or something they can check up on the game.  The party is only 2 hours with eating, cake and presents.  The nice thing is that our neighbor Vince want's to take a video for Nikki to have of the party.  Remember I told you what great neighbors I have -- he is one of them.   
 
Of course Murphy's Law raised it's head yesterday.  I wanted to get Eric a Sponge Bob table and chair set for his room.  The had them at K-Mart and Walmart both.  So while at the mall, we popped over to K-mart to pick it up == oops they were all gone.  Oh well, we'll take a quick run to Walmart on the way home.  They had plenty of them. I think you can guess what happened.  There must be quite a few little ones getting Sponge Bob tables this weekend.  But because Grandma procrastinated, it won't be Eric.  Oh well, all that means is that he gets a different present and still gets the table when they restock.  His room is decorated with Sponge Bob -- although I think Patrick is his favorite character.  
 
Also - I'm sure there will be plenty of picures.  Oh speaking of pictures, I get my bonus at work next week -- it's the end of the year for us at work.  Speaking with Kevin - we decided that since my camera is broken and I don't want to keep using Nikki's we could spend a little of the money on a nice camera for me.  He knows how much I enjoy taking pictures and commented that I would definately get some use out of it.  I'm always snapping pictures.  Whoopeeee - I am excited.  I camera shopped in the papers this morning but there wasn't much there.  I do want a Kodak though.  The one I was looking at is nice - $249.00.  I am going to continue to comparison shop though.  Even that is the fun part. 
 
Ok - it's still quiet so I'm going to take advantage of the empty bathroom and take a shower.  Lot's to do today.  I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.  Till later!
 
19 septembre

Fun Weekend

I spent most of yesterday trying to get pictures together.  Unfortunately alot of the wedding pictures were too dark -- the lights were low and such and the same with some of the Christening pictures.  I was using Nikki's camera and I must not have had it on the right setting.  I was so frustrated yesterday I was ready to delete the whole bunch of them.  Anyway - I did save a few as you can see - very few.  A new camera is in the works -- HEAR THAT SANTA!!!
 
It was alot of driving Saturday and on the way there it was raining of course.  The place where the wedding and reception was held is beautiful.  It's in Newburgh, NY and called Pier 9.  Fountains and a beautiful pumpkin carriage are on the outside with elegant rooms inside.  The DJ rocked and the food was fabulous.  Of course it had to be an open bar -- and I had a long drive home so I did very well with just 3 glasses of draft Bud Light and tons of great food.  We arrived home about 6:30 p.m. and I was in bed at 8:45.  LOL!  Full belly long drive and I was out like a light.
 
We were up early once again the next morning and this time it was more hectic than the day before.  Add 4 more people to the "have to get ready" list.  Chaos reined. But we managed and made it in time.  With a stop of course to tie Kevin's tie.  As you can see, they don't dress up much.  In fact, I don't think Charlie has ever wore a tie before.  He's dressed up for graduation and such, but I don't remember a tie.  He was so proud to be Baby Kevin's godfather.  His niece and nephews love him to death - he is so good with them.  I wish I could get a video of him jumping up and spinning for the kids.  They laugh like crazy. 
 
Sunday is Eric's 2nd Birthday party.  We hope we will be fortunate enough to have it outside.  So far so good.  We have a bouncy bounce for the kids to play in and of course if the weather does turn hot there is always the pool.  Although even if the adults don't want to go in there is always Eric's little pool and the sprinkler which they love.  Nikki is planning the party on her own.  She did it last year too and now she is a nervous wreck again.  She want's everything to be perfect.  I know it will be as she is a detail person.  She says "Mom I don't know how you did birthday parties with all of us all those years.."  Hmmm - I don't know either. 
 
It will be great no matter what though because it is family mostly.  Even my dad is coming which I'm very excited about.  I've been missing him alot lately.  I want to go visit but there never seems to be enough time and the weekends are so busy.  I made plans to go see my sister, but between us both being busy we couldn't find a weekend that worked.  Oh well - summer is pretty much over and the fall always seems a bit slower. 
 
Ok - off to work -- I'm going to be busy there today with Sales Tax,  but I'll still do some visiting.  Take care all !
14 septembre

Weekend Rambling

Well it looks like it's time to dig out the fall/winter clothes.  It's been cool and the evenings, as far as I'm concerned, are cold. I'm not to crazy about that but otherwise I enjoy the fall and change of routine.   
 
Scot's wedding is an afternoon wedding and with ceremony, reception and even the 2 hour drive we should be home by 5.  I really don't even think it's a two hour drive.  I think Kevin told me that so we leave early enough to get there on time.  The wedding is at 11 and we are leaving at 8:30.  If we do get there early we can stop and get a quick breakfast.  I'd like the chance to clean up and decorate my front porch Saturday. 
 
The last few evenings have been nice and relaxing. I went shopping for a wedding present last night and had no luck.  (Yes Grace - I'm quite the procrastinator -  LOL!)  It's very hard looking for a present like that for someone you know only at work.  And I've met Scot's fiance a few times, but I'm not sure of what she likes.  She is very, very nice and has a wonderful sense of humor like Scot.  I guess I'll go with everyone else at work and give them money in the card I bought.  I did however get myself a nice top to wear with my black dress pants at the Christening.  Speaking of the Christening I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.  It will be a busy weekend, but a nice busy. 
 
Then of course because the Christening is at 10:30 a.m. and the reception at 12 noon, the guys are crying because they will miss the first part of football.  But it will be nice to get home, put on comforable clothes and kick back to watch (I read also).  I'll have to think of something for the crock pot.  Chili maybe and Italian bread.  That should do it.  I was getting tired of BBQ food.  Although it was nice that the men did most of the cooking.
 
Kevin and Charlie did their bowling thing last night.  I guess Charlie beat the pants off everyone in their two lanes.  He had a high triple of 697.  He was pretty proud.  Actually so was Kevin.  Kevin got his bowling shirt for his Monday night league and it was Kiwi Green - he is mortified.  It's a good thing everthing goes with jeans.  I'll have to wear my sunglasses to wash it every week.  Wink 
 
I hope everone enjoys their weekend.  Till later!
12 septembre

Nothing Noteworthy

I think I will spend some time playing with this space since I cannot come up with anything much to blog about.  My brain seems to be mush and I hardly think you all want a play by play of my day.  It would be the same sentence everyday.  Woke up, went to work, came home, made and ate dinner, went to bed. 
 
But I'm here and if you see some strange things on my space when you visit -- it's just me messing up and fixing it.   I put some pics of the kids up for now though, and I'll still visit so see you later!
 
 

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11 septembre

Early A.m. Ramblings

After work today, I think I'll go through the hall closet and the basement to pull out all the fall things.  Summer is winding down and the days and especially the evenings are much cooler.  Oh, we'll probably get another hot day or two, especially after Kevin closes the pool, but fall is definately in the air in Upstate NY.  Time to dig out the afgans and boxes of sweatshirts and jackets.
 
It will be fun seeing Eric play in the piles of leaves and it will be his first apple picking trip.  It's his 3rd Halloween and I'm wondering if he will still look bewildered and confused when Nik dresses him up in his costume.  It's funny to see his little face.  Last year he was a bumble bee and had antenna's.  You should have seen him look at himself in the mirror.
 
As for me I'll be taking some more "me" time.  I think I've spread myself pretty think lately and it won't be over till the end of the month with weddings, christenings and birthdays.
 
Speaking of weddings, I have no clue what to get for a wedding present for my co-worker Scot and his new bride.  They are both in their early thrities and are combining households.  Scot has two children from a previous marriage.  I think cash is too impersonal -- I'd like to get them something that they bring to their household to share - that is something that was given to them both.   Any idea's out there.  I was thinking of a nice collage frame - with a card saying "For your new adventures and the memories they make".....  Then they all can pick and choose the pictures that go in it of them together.  Is that not enough?  I saw a some great ones that were about $30 - $35.00. 
 
I dropped Kevin off at bowling last night and went to the newly opened Goodwill store to scout around for goodies.  I bought 3 hardcover books for 99 cents that are now sitting on the ottoman next to my chair waiting for me.  I found some brand new never used chair cushions for my dining room chairs for 99 cents each that match the room. Yeah, I know -- you are wondering why I'm telling you all this.  I Love finding bargains - I love adding to my home and believe me in my current financial state - 99 cents is heaven.
 
Other than that I am considering returning to the gym, but I have my doubts about that.  I am all gung ho in the beginning but start to slack off after awhile.  Laziness?  Not sure -- let's just say I prefer the comfort of home.  Maybe I could set up an area here to exercise.  I'll have to give that some thought.
 
Ok - I'm done rambling for the morning.  I'm all coffee'd out and it's time to get the day started.  Have a great Tuesday everyone!
 
P.S.  Today being the anniversary of 9/11 - I will remember the hero's of that day and their families throughout the day.   I hope you all will join me.
10 septembre

Monday Morning - very early

Yes this first cup of coffee sure tastes good.  It's 5 a.m. and besides enjoying my coffee, I love the quiet.  Just the hum of the computer and an occasional car going by.
 
I had a nice weekend.  Yes Rita, Saturday was hot and muggy all right.  I didn't get in the pool though.  Kevin was vacuuming it and messing with the filter and doing all those man pool things they do.  Eric and I were playing in his little pool with the hose and toys.  We ordered pizza and grilled wraps for dinner and it was definately worth the money spent not to heat up the kitchen and for me not to cook.  It didn't cool off till sometime in the middle of the night when I had to get up and turn off the fan.
 
Sunday was chilly and rainy.  Nic and I did the grocery shopping early in the a.m. and she, Daniel and the baby headed up North to see some of Daniels relatives.  Charlie was watching his brother Kevin play football.   He is on one of the Capital District Flag football teams and lives for the season.  Took him all day Saturday to find a pair of gray socks to go with is uniform.  Guess they had to be a special kind.
 
I made a Pot Roast in the Crock Pot, read and watched football all day.  HEY HOW ABOUT THEM CHARGERS HUH??  I finished Daniel Steele's "Kaleidoscope" (I just had to get up and get the book to see how to spell that one) - and it's a fabulous book.  I discreetly had to get up and blow my nose and wipe my eyes toward the end.  Kevin gets such a kick out of how emotional I get.  I'm embarrasing sometimes.  I can actually cry during Hallmark commercials and once teared up at a McDonalds commercial where the big brother comes home from college and takes his little sister to McDonalds.  Eye-rolling
 
Next weekend will be a crazy one, and yes Rita I do need to slow down.  My body has been feeling the stress of the last few weeks.  We have my co-worker Scot's wedding in Newburgh (2 hours away from here) on Saturday and we have to drive right back because Baby Kevin's christening is Sunday.  I would have liked to stay overnight but the Christening is at 10:30 not to mention the finances are slim.  A wedding present and Christening present in one week, and Eric's 2nd birthday party is the following weekend.  
 
Bowling season has started, and Kevin will be bowling Monday's and Thursday's this year.  Yea!  Me time!  He's on a league with Charlie this year which they have been waiting to do for awhile.  Last year was Charlie's last year of Juniors.  It feels weird not to have a kid in Juniors this year.  We've always had one, two or more for the last 20 years.  Jaime started at 8 and he's 28 now.   Two of them (Nikki and Jaime) were on the high school bowling teams, and Jaime was on the college team (SCC) for a year.  Two were also on the Capital District Pro Teams (Nikki and Charlie) of which Kevin was a coach.  They played every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. somwhere in the Capital District.  It sure does seem funny not to live in a bowling alley every weekend with one child or another. 
 
Well the paper is here -- I'm reading that before I have to get the day started.  It will be fairly busy at work today because it's Monday, but I will get some visiting time in and maybe even a few games of Zuma.  Till later!
 
 
 
 
6 septembre

Hey - It's almost Friday again

So did ya miss me?  I sure missed being here and I bet that I've missed a ton of things happening with all of you. 
 
It was a busy, busy Labor Day weekend, with all my kids home.  Add to the fact that they like (no make that "are addicted") to the computer also - I couldn't get to you!    Also I was busy being domestic, washing many dishes, cooking, wiping down the bathroom (we had 8 people take showers in one morning), drying towels for showers and people who were getting out of the pool, running (actually I drove) to the grocery store...well, you see where I'm going with this.  When I did get on one morning - the thing froze.  Stupid low memory cheap Dell computer. 
 
There were so many cell phones going off that no one knew which one to answer -- Jaimes, Nikki's Daniels, Kevin's, Jessica's Charlies girl), Aprils (Jaime's girl)...well you get the picture.  I don't know how I did it when they were all home.  I simply don't have a clue.  And how did I afford it???  I simply must have been a basket case every day and just didn't realize it. 
 
But yes - you all know I was in my glory to have my kids home. Best of all, I had two (yes TWO) Top Notch fine dining chef's in my kitchen preparing the BBQ.  People came to blows over the potato salad, no lie.  It did raise my eyebrows a bit to see the corn on the cob soaked in milk.  Hmmmmmm?
 
Tuesday and Wednesday was busy at work.  Combination of end of month and preparing for the end of the year (our books close at the end of September).  Yea!  Bonus time!!! Whoopeee.....
 
I wanted to put some pictures up, but Nikki downloaded them all on the other computer.  Grrrrrrr -- I wanted them here where I use them.  So maybe I can get them emailed to me sometime in the next century.
 
So now that I've checked in -- I'm gonna go visit while I have the chance.  Till later!