If I drink my coffee without half n half or milk, does it mean it's more high test?  I forgot to buy half n half yesterday, even though I was right in the store, and some little elf drank all the milk with their cereal snack last night. 

 

Tonight is Kevin's bowling night and I have to head out to do some shopping for Eric's p.j.'s and jeans for his birthday.  His easel came by UPS las night from Ikea so that's all set.  Now I just need the dry erase markers and some chalk.  He has plenty of crayons.  All that is left after that is to get the house/yard ready for the 30 people who will arrive on Sunday - as well as Daniels mom who will be here at noon on Satuday for overnight.  Piece of cake ---    I'm sorry I havn't been around lately for updates or a visit, but this last birthday party is the end of the "summer season" for me and then things slow down pretty quickly.  Maybe some of you remember my boring, nothing is happening, whining of the previous fall. 

 

I spent most of my free time at work yesterday doing a photobook of Eric on Shutterfly for Daniels mom to take back to Florida.  I feel so lucky that I get to see Eric everyday, and she is in Florida and is missing him.  I took some of our best shots and events from Spring and Sumer, and put them in the photobook.  I guess it must have been the Photography class addiction that gave me that idea to add that chore to my already busy schedule.  Eric's actual birthday is Saturday, so we will have a little tiny celebration with just us on Saturday.  Maybe just some cupcakes and singing and pictures.  The big cake is for the party Sunday.

 

Speaking of class, I went on Tuesday night and I loved it. It felt strange at first, being in the classroom and sitting at a desk.  It's been many, many years since I've done that.  You know, checking out the other students and the teacher.  The class is being held at the High School and I thought that probably one or more, maybe all of my kids, had sat and learned in that very classroom.  It was the computer room and each desk had a computer.  If memory serves me correctly each of them took a computer class.

 

The first night we went over what he was going to teach and just how advanced digital photography has become.  He mentioned that we will get a free photo editing program with the class.  He touched on shutter speeds and different lighting situations, and went through some of the settings that actually set the camera for you for different lighting or motion conditions.  We also got to know a bit about him and about each other.  There are 11 of us in the class.  Those two hours sped by and I'm anxious to go again.

 

I don't believe I have any other self imposed assignments for today at work, so I will get my visiting done.  I see by my spaces home page that alot of you all have updated, so I want to go see what you are "up to" .  I'm headed to read the paper and get ready for work.  Have a great day everyone!

I can hardly belive it's been this long since I've posted an update.  It seems like I am forever amazed at how fast time goes.  I just know I'm missing all kinds of things you all have been doing.  But on the other hand, I finished and mailed the sales tax at work yesterday afternoon so I will have time to get to visiting today and catch up with my emails.  I was so angry Saturday morning when I did a message to Melody over my morning coffee and when I sent it, it said something about "site not available".  And no message.  I hit the back button and prayed, but it had disapeared into thin air.  I tried everything to get it back.  The most aggravating thing is that usually before I send something, even one of these posts, I usually copy it to my clipboard.  I didn't that morning and I think either my computer or Spaces knew that.  I sure learned my lesson.

 

Saturday found us busy with shopping and chores as well as taking care of Eric.  Everyone is planning portraits and such for Christmas cards and presents and such, so she had to work open till closing.  And sealcoating and yard cleanups are piling up before the season ends, so Daniel had his work cut out for him as well. 

 

Eric's big birthday party is Sunday and Daniels mom is coming from Florida to stay and celebrate with us.  Sunday I read the sale papers and took Eric grocery shopping with me.  Then Kev and I had been invited to visit some friends of ours so we headed over there.  I was only planning to stay an hour or two, as I wanted to kick back and watch some football, but we ended up losing track of time and didn't get home till 7:00.  It was fun as they used to live across the street from us and there was alot of reminising about the kids and such.  Charlie and their son Matt were best friends the whole time and we all had some pretty great adventures. 

 

By the way -- the headline this morning read "CHARGERS CRUSH JETS".....did you see it Melody?  Melody is the only other Charger fan I know, usually I stand alone out here in NY.  After the bad call last week, they deserve the word CRUSH....

 

This coming weekend is the last one for the Eagle Mills Craft Fair and I was hoping to go, but I just know that with company coming Saturday and so much to do before Eric's party Sunday I won't be able to go.  I'll still try but it's not looking good.  So I'm scouring the papers for another one as I love craft fairs.  And I need to plan a trip to the Apple Orchard. 

 

Well - time has run out.  I was hoping to replace my message to Meelody and get over and see the new developments with Cindi's pictures, but that will have to wait as I have to get to work.  With the summer pretty much over, I was hoping that things would slow a bit, but not yet anyway.  So till later -- have a great day!

 

It's been a semi busy week so far.  We are only 2 weeks away from closing the Accountng period at work.  Also, Sales Tax has to be in on Monday and my quest to pry Tax Exempt certificates from my customers, so I don't have to pay their sales tax and go thorugh the hassle of requesting a credit later, continues in earnest.  We also had another BBQ yesterday and the weather was perfect for it.  This time Apple Crumb and Blueberry pie for dessert.  (They had better have saved me a piece of leftover apple yesterday afternoon to go with my coffee this morning or heads will roll).

 

Nikki has had to work 2 afternoons in a row and Daniel has worked till 7, so I took care of Eric's dinner and bath both nights.  Plue a trip to get the car inspected.  Yes, I'm an airhead and it was overdue.  I shuddered when I realized I had driven to NYC in an uninspected car.  Honestly it doesn't seem that long ago that it was inspected the last time. 

 

When Nikki and I went to lunch last week, we went to the Christmas Tree Shop after lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.  For those of you who haven't heard of it, it's not just a Christmas store.  Near as I can figure, they named it that because it feels like Christmas when you are in there.  Sorta like "wow, all this great stuff is priced so low, it feels like Christmas!"  Anyway, you all know my quest for keeping myself in reading material.  I do not like buying books at full price, considering they are so darn expensive and I read so much.  Although if I see a favorite author's new book, I obsess until I give in and cash in some of my change to buy it.  Anyway, while in Wally World one day I was browsing the book section and saw a few books I would have like to have.  One was Stephen King's book "Duma Key".   The price was $19. and change (.87 or something like that).  Of course you know where I'm going with this.  At the Christmas Tree store, they had a book section and it was like I was in heaven.  Books for $1.49 to $2.99.  And there sat "Duma Key" for $2.99.  Ahhhh  - good name for that store -- it did feel like Christmas. 

 

I'm halfway through it already and I love it.  Has anyone else who reads Stephen King noticed how sometimes he writes a story within a story?  I love when he does that.  You really don't connect them in the beginning of the book, but the further you go, it will suddenly hit you, and I love trying to figure out how the two will connect at the end. 

 

Anyway -- I just wanted to touch base and say hello.  I have to catch up with my visiting and I am hoping to do that today.  Meanwhile -- have a great Thursday!

 

 

Once again the week has flown by and it's Friday already.  Nothing on the agenda this weekend but for some painting and window washing.  Yeah I know, how exciting can I get right? 

 

I'm looking forward to lunch today with Nikki - it's been awhile since we have spent any time together, just the two of us.  We used to go on Saturday's but she works every Saturday, so that's out.  I don't think they will miss me at work this afternoon.  Friday's are usually slow and all I have to do is some invoicing and take care of the mail and bank.  We are having another BBQ at work next Wednesday, so I need to see to that as well.  Hmmm I wonder if Doug is will to talk his wife into one of those fabulous jello cakes again.

 

Saturday is supposed to be the nicest day of the weekend, near 80 degrees, so I think it would be nice to use the grill one last time before Kev packs it away for the winter.  Ewww, did I just say winter?  We will be closing the pool next weekend and probably mowing the lawn one last time before the leaves cover it.  They are already falling fast. 

 

On the bright side of that, there are the craft fairs and apple picking and football.  (GO CHARGERS!)  I have to find out the date for the Eagle Mills Craft fair -- Melody?  Kathryn?  Any idea?  Melody, you can meet me there and tell me how to make all the craft things I want to buy. 

 

We will be headed to Bowman Orchards as well for apple picking and cider donuts.  Summer may be my favorite season, but if it has to end, Fall is a nice way to do it.  And the good part is that my photography classes start on the 23rd, so maybe I can practice my picture taking at these things.

 

Eric's birthday party is Sunday the 28th - I can hardly believe he will be 3 already.  Hopefully the weather will be nice that day so everyone can enjoy outside.  Daniel's mom will be up from Floida to help us celebrate.  I bought him an easel from Ik*a as he loves to draw and scribble all over.  I just hope he doesn't try to climb it -- it's all he is into nowadays -- the higher the better.  I thought I saw a gray hair on Nikki the other day.  I know mine have increased.  He has ripped through 3 screens in the front window in the last week, trying to climb outside onto the front porch.  He does it quick while Nikki goes to the kitchen for a fruit bar or milk for hs snack.  He knows it's a no-no.  Sometimes you can actually see him looking out the corner of his eye to see if you are still in the room if he is by something he wants to climb.  Needless to say - the window stays closed now.  He loves sitting indian style on the dining room table as well. 

 

Well - like I said, not much to ramble about.  I just wanted to touch base and say hello to everyone.  Cindi - good luck to your Chiefs -- they need it.     -- kidding -- You know I'll root for them unless they are playing my Chargers.  Take care everyone - enjoy the weekend.

Wow the days sure do fly by don't they?  Yesterday morning started rather dramically with a big thunder and lightening storm just as I got to work.  It felt like I was working at night.  I just love storms.  It's pretty easy to see we are fast heading into the fall weather.  Today will only be in the 60's.  Therefore my work wardrobe will be easy to choose today.  A sweatshirt without a doubt.  I'm cold in any weather under 70.

 

The trip to NYC was great.  The drive wasn't too bad, not much traffic on the way there or back.  We missed the George Washington Bridge twice on the way back - darn thing just wouldn't stay in one place -- LOL!  Actually it would have been fine if I hadn't listened to my passenger and trusted my own instincts.  I mean really - shouldn't you take the exit off the Parkway that says "George Washington Bridge"???  But no -- he said it must be the next exit because it didn't say "upper level" -- Um .... it probably says that after you get off the exit right?    By that time we were past the exit.  After spending time navigating the downtown traffic once again to get back on the parkway, I was looking for the entrance to the parkway North.  He says -- no Jaime said take South.  Ummm Kevin - we have to go North to get back to the bridge.  He was making such a fuss that I did what he said, looked in my rearview mirror and saw the GW bridge behind us.    Never again -- and I do mean never will I let him believe he has any sense of direction.  Actually I know he doesn't, but sometimes it's just easier to let him think he does than argue.

 

Jaime's girlfriend Lola is such a sweetheart.  Very much a family oriented girl.  It was such a pleasure to see him so relaxed, happy and smiling and know that he has someone who cares about him in California.  She surprised me with a matted Sepia photo of the NYC skyline as a momento of our day.  I have the perfect place to hang it after I get the frame. 

 

We had lunch at Bouchon's which is in the Time Warner Building and is a combination of a high class mall with the open  restaurant.  Jaime's best friend Jimmy is a four star chef, trained in Paris and is the head chef there.  He treated us to all sorts of wondreful culinary delights, ending with a huge dessert platter to die for. It was so good that as stuffed as we were, we managed to almost finish it.  The service there is fabulous and we were treated like royalty.  Jimmy came to say hello and it was so good to see him again.  He was recently married and his wife is such a great person.  After a visit to the kitchen to thank Jimmy, we walked toward Central Park and hopped on one of the horse and carriage's for a drive through Central Park.   I snapped a few pictures while we were walking back to their hotel where we parked our car in a parking garage.  Before leaving we went to the Hotel's roof where there is a beautiful place with tables, and soft cushy chairs and such to sit and relax.  The view of the city is fabulous and the plants and flowers give such a soothing atmosphere right in the middle of the city.

 

It was time to say goodbye too soon, but alas the real world of work and responsibilities await (not to mention the 3 hour drive home).  It would have been 2 1/2 hours but for the GW Bridge fiasco.    I've put up a few of the pictures, and will put up a few more when Jaime gets around to putting his and Lola's on the computer.  They have tons more pictures than I do, and since I haven't taken my photography class yet, mine leave something to be desired as far as I'm concerned.

 

Take care!

 

I thought that title might get your attention!  I just visited Caroldee and she mentioned something about hoping the guy who installed her cable was a cute guy.  That got me to thinking about the new office supply place I'm trying out.  One of the reps came by the office about a month ago and we sat and he gave me some great prices on some of the things I use alot of.  He mentioned that whenever I called for these items, this would be the price I would pay for them. 

 

Has anyone heard of W.B. Mason office supply stores?  Either they're relatively new, or they have just started making themselves known with new advertising.  If you watch baseball, you can see their bright yellow signs sometimes hanging on the wall behind the players.  I've also seen one of their commercials.  It says they will deliver your the supplies you order the next day, guarenteed.  Even if it is only a pen or one box of paper clips.  They show two office women whispering and watching the door, when in walks this good lookng, sexy guy, asking who ordered the box of paper clips.  They then show the two giddy women looking longingly at the delivery guy with their mouths hanging open and dreamy looking eyes - well you get the picture.  

 

Well last week I had ordered 4 toner cartridges to have on hand as back ups for when our printers run out.  Like I said I am trying them out as they have very competitive prices and my boss insists on HP cartidges only which are pricey.   I saw the truck pull up out front, and was standing behind my desk when in walks this hot looking guy (girls, I think my mouth actually dropped to the floor) with my cartridges.  Took me a minute to realize he had set them on my desk and was holding ot the clipboard to me.   I actually craned my neck to watch him walk back to his truck.  So -- I'm just wondering is this a new gimick?  Hot delivery guys?  If so I'd say that along with the competitve prices, they just might make this work.  I'm all for it.  Caroldee if you are reading this, I hope you get his twin brother.  You are in for a treat then.

 

I'm getting ready to start the day.  I'll be coming home this morning to take pictures of Eric getting on the bus and console Nikki as she is quite emotional about it.  I'm not -- he'll do just fine....

 

 

Take care everyone and have a wonderful day.  Watch for Eric's bus pics as I may get a chance to add them is afternoon.

 

 

The three days off were nice, but I'm liking getting back to the routine.

 

Saturday I ran some errands and stocked up on stuff we needed (shampoo, soap, dish soap, etc.) and Kev and I went to Lowes for the tile we needed to finish the kitchen.  We ended up going into Albany as the one here was out of the tile.  Kev finished the floor.  I'm hard pressed to come up with anything constructive that I did, other than the usual weekend stuff like laundry and such.  We did burgers on the grill one day, and yesterday Charlie came by for the steak his dad promised on the grill, and the curtains I picked up for his bedroom.  Like I said in a earlier post, Labor Day weekend just isn't the same since the kids all are grown and have their own plans or work now.  Hey - but the kitchen floor looks great - brightens the whole room.

 

Nikki is having Eric's birthday pictures taken today.  He starts school tomorrow so it will be a busy week for him as well.  We are all nervous as he will be taking the bus to school and his hours are much longer the the two he was going.  He will be at school from 9 to 1 and then at the daycare for another two hours, so Nik can work day hours to help with their quest to get their own place.  I'm not so sure the longer hours will work with him, but we will see.  The daycare is geared for children with special needs, and is highl recommened.  If the longer hours seem too much for him, he will take the bus home at 1:00 and Nik will go back to evening hours.

 

There's not much more to tell.  This coming weekend will be much busier - a 80th birthday party for Kevin's Aunt, and Sunday NYC to see Jaime.  After I finish up my work this morning, Ill be around to visit --- see you then!