COURAGE DOESN'T ALWAYS ROAR

Nice fall weekend....

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:22:55 GMT

Ok, so I caved -- I put the heat on for a bit last night. First I made Kevin go around and close all the storm windows. That didn't help much. I put on my heavy sweats -- no deal. It happens every year -- I swear I won't turn it on till November but end up turning it on much sooner. Just to take the edge off, I say, and we can shut it off again. So the whole monh of October usually consists of on, off, on, off. Drives Kevin crazy.

We went last night and looked at new matresses and halleluiah -- we bought one. It was a super great price and when I laid on it in the store I thought I was in heaven. Kevin has been complaining of a spring sticking in his shoulder. The bad part of this purchase? Now I want all new furniture. All the cushy sofa's and recliners --and the gorgeous dining sets. Kevin tried really hard to hurry me out of there, with his eyes rolling and deep sighs. Eventually he gave up though and like a little puppy followed me from tables, to chairs and bed frames, dressers. I even caught him trying out a few of the cushy recliners. Hmm - wonder if Santa brings recliners. It's a dangerous thing for me -- walking into a furniture store.

I was getting ready to mail Daniels mom her photobook, and since I wanted to send some pictures of Eric's birthday party along with it, I went in and started to download the pictures to be printed up at Walm*rt and decided to make her a collage poster of some of the pictures of her and Eric and Daniel. I can't begin to tell you how much I am enjoying my Photography class. I know that you can do alot with pictures with Photo programs online, but to learn to do it with the camera is even better. For the first time in my life I am wishing for homework.

I have no particular plans this weekend, much to my relief. Nik has to work all day and so does Daniel, so my little guy is hanging out with me and his pop-pop today. I have laundry to do, which Eric loves. I bring it upstairs to fold, and he dumps out the clothes on the floor and plays with the basket. Kev and the boys are going to get the bed (it has to be picked up at the Albany store) and I want to give the bedroom a good dusting and vacuuming. I really want to redecorate the whole thing, but I have so many projects going right now, I came to my senses and decided to wait till they were done. Besides, I haven't figured out a way to afford a new bedroom set and curtains and comforters and such.....lol!

Sunday, Kevin is deserting me for the first football game and is headed over to Charlies to watch it with him. I was invited, but it's a man thing so join Nik, Daniel and Eric if they go to the Apple Orchard. Might be some great photo opportunites there. But Kev will be home for the second game so there will be a roast in the crockpot and I can kick back and relax.

Well, it's still early and quiet around here. A perfect time to catch up on my visiting and see what you are all up to. Have a nice weekend everyone...

Brainless Rambling

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:20:44 GMT

The afternoon has calmed down a bit so hopefully I can spend some time playing with my space and updating and doing some visiting.

Eric's party was great -- everyone had fun and the weather held right up until the end when the rain started. I was able to watch a little bit of football before I collapsed in exhaustion. It was another non-stop weekend. Daniels mom made it on Saturday and she helped get things together. It was great to spend some time with her and I know she loved being with Eric. Unfortunately the photo book I ordered didn't come in time (it arrived yesterday), but I can mail it to her along with some pictures of the party. Eric had a great time and was so overtired Sunday night, yet up early (5:00 a.m.) the next morning.

This week Nik has an open house to attend at the school and on the 9th is going to the Pumpkin Patch as a chaperone with Eric's class. That sure brings back memories. I remember her dad and I taking turns going on her field trips. I think it was Kevin who did the Pumpkin Patch when she was in first grade. He also did the Catskill Game farm the day it was 95 degrees outside. I think I arranged that well. All that heat - all those animals....

I finished Stephen Kings book "Duma Key" sometime last week. I would recommend that any Stephen King fan read that book. It was great. It reminded me of the first books he wrote, and I had a hard time putting it down. It has taken it's place among my favorites.

Well, I know this is not much of a "catch up" but it's toward the end of the day and I still have some bills to pay so I should get to those. Besides, I feel I'm just rambling on in order to get something written here so I won't feel badly for not having been around. It's not that I don't care -- just that life sometimes gets a bit overhwhelming and I get brainless for a bit. So till later -- take care and have a pleasant evening!

Thursday - Early a.m.

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:34:07 GMT

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!

Time sure does fly..

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:19:23 GMT

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!

Hey everyone!

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:24:33 GMT

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!

FOOTALL BABY!

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 13:50:07 GMT

I'm just getting ready to head to the store for some fooball munchies. I'll finish up some laundry and then hubby and I will kick back and watch some football. I've always enjoyed our lazy football watching Sundays - stuffing myself with munchies and the kids sometimes dropping by and joining in. We all have our teams so it's always pretty interesting around here during football season. So have a nice Sunday everyone -- I'm planning to. Oh and

P. s. -- I'd like to see the Chiefs and Browns win too!

~~

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:48:23 GMT

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.

What a great Sunday

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:14:13 GMT

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!

Brief weekend visit

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 11:29:14 GMT

I'll be pretty busy this weekend, so I'm just taking a minute in this quiet morning, to say hello and wish everyone a nice weekend.

We have an 80th birthday party to go to this afternoon, although it is supposed to rain and thunderstorm all day, so I don't know how that's going to work. I don't know if the house we are going to is big enough for everyone. I wonder if they will try to put it off till tomorrow, which is supposed to be nice. If that's the case we will be in NYC so we won't be able to go. It's raining now -- but still so muggy.

Jaime landed in NYC last night about 9:30. It's nice to have him at least on the same coast as me. I don't know if I will ever get used to him being so far away.

I also want to introduce you to my friend Melody. She and I went to H.S. together, even rode the same bus and lived "down the road apiece" from each other. We had many mutual friends and accquaintences. It's been such fun reminising and getting to kow each other again after all these years. She decided to start an MSN space after I told her how much I loved it and how many wonderful friends I have made. Here is the link to her space -- go say hello. Maybe she will tell you how crazy we made our bus driver Pastor Kellogg? LOL!

Eric is up -- I hear him jumping up and down upstairs so I will go rescue him for his mommy so she can get ready for work. You all take care and I'll "talk" to you soon!

HOT MEN AND BIRTHDAYS....

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:36:50 GMT

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....

Also I want to take a minute to wish my oldest Jaime a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I wish I could see you - but I'll call later -- I'd do it now, but the time difference in Cali will find you sleeping and you may be a bit crabby about me waking you up to sing to you. LOL! I miss you and can't wait till Sunday.

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.

UPDATE:

Notice photo album on right -- for Jaime's birthday and Erics bus ride ...

Back to the routine........

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:36:28 GMT

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!

Good Heavens

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:11:52 GMT

I texted Jaime this morning to see if he left for NY yet from Cali -- this is what he texted back:

"It's next weekend mom -- I said that" ---

I DON'T THINK YOU DID JAIME VINCENT!!! EVEN WHEN I MENTIONED LABOR DAY TRAFFIC!!!!

and then...

"Can you still come next weekend? Lola (his girlfriend) bought a dress for brunch. I told her we were going casual, but she wants to look cute for you"

AWWWW HOW SWEET -- OF COURSE I CAN COME NEXT WEEKEND.

Quickie update

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:45:29 GMT

Yesterday morning while I was waiting for my hubby to get ready to leave for work I flipped through the Continuing Education flyer that had arrived Tuesday with the mail. Guess what??? They had another Digital Photography Class listed! Remember last year when I signed up too late and they had no room for me? Well not this year. Miss Procratination got off her duff, wrote the check, filled out the registration and mailed it on the way to work. Ha - - bet I'll be the first this year. Go me.....

Oh and remember when I said I was having a relaxing weekend doing nothing?? Well it seems Jaime's girlfriend bought him a ticket to NYC for his birthday and they both will be there this weekend. He called and wants us to drive to the city to have brunch with them Sunday and go to Central Park. She has never been to NYC and wants to see it all. LOL! Of course I won't miss out on that opportunity to see him. It will be a 2 1/2 hour drive both ways, but I'll survive it. After all - no work Monday. And even if I won't see him on his actual birthday (Wednesday) I will get to see him. Yep, life is good. Remind me of that when I start whining again.

Time to hit the shower and see what today brings. Kevin's free night of bowling is tonight so I have the evening to watch something other than baseball. I also have to visit the new little one that Nikki's friend Bri brought home from the hospital this week. I just love babies. Someone else's that is.........

Have a great day!

Just stuff

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:14:10 GMT

It's another early morning and I'm waiting for the paper to arrive. I don't think it will get here before I have to shower and dress for work however. My usual paper guy is on vacation this week so it's been late to arrive.

So what does everyone have planned for Labor Day weekend? I'm hard pressed to come up with anything that I really want to do, other than stay home and relax. The last few weeks have been busy and I would enjoy not having to be anywhere. I do miss the days when we would grab up the kids and head to Collins Park or Grafton for a Labor Day picnic. Or head to my sisters or a friends for a BBQ. Those things seem to be missing in my life the last few years with the kids all grown and having plans of their own or having to work. Somehow it's just not the same with just Kev and I.

Yesterday I came home from the grocery store, after having spent $77 and change for 3 days of groceries, dinner and lunch. A head of lettuce is $1.99 for petes sake. And I do shop the sales, it's the reason for my list and coupons. And people that's just meals -- I bought no snacks or cereal like I ususally do. And yes we did need the toilet paper and asprin. I'm filling up my gas tank today before the prices skyrocket for the Labor Day weekend. Things have to change -- somehow. How do people manage?

Nikki didn't get the Customer Service job at the bank, but they are interviewing her for a tellers position Friday. Hopefully that will pan out for her. If not she will try for more hours at the studio. Eric has become extremely restless these past two weeks. We believe he misses school and hopefully that will help him transition from his old one to the new one. I miss his little drawings and projects hanging on the fridge when I get home from work.

Well - thanks for listening to my ramblings this morning. I hope you all have a great Wednesday and lots of plans headed into the Labor Day weekend. Take care!

Oh yes - I survived...

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:42:19 GMT

It was a great party and a busy weekend -- I survived. I'm gonna get me a new T-shirt that says I survived Nikki's 21st Birthday. Ha -- I'll get her one too. Honestly though it was a fun party. Some friends of ours from the bowling alley showed up, as they have known Nikki since she was just a kid "lugging" her bowling ball around when bowling in the Jr.s and the traveling league. Yep, her nickname for awhile there was "lugger" Then family and the little ones starting arriving followed by her "crew" and other school friends.

It was a busy time for me - but I did manage to sit back and relax toward the end of the evening with a drink or two and take part in the celebration. And no -- I will not put those pictures here. Let's just say my friend "Dude" -- saw some action. Bet none of you remember "Dude" do you? He is a major part of our football watching Sundays. Nik and Charlie managed to get a good laugh at their mom - the falling down can't stop laughing kind. Me? I have no clue what they were laughing at. Their explanation makes no sense to me. Something about me sounding like a pirate.

Sunday was spent cleaning up, burgers on the grill with leftover salads and such. We had Nikki's cake that day as she didn't want to have it Saturday night. Kev and I watched a movie that night and I barely stayed awake for it. Last night Daniel took Nik to dinner while we watched Eric.

Next week on September 3rd, Jaime will turn 29 (a fact he refuses to discuss - lol). It will be the first time I don't have a celebration to plan for him. Usually there is cake, family and presents - but he is in Cali this year, and it will be the first year I don't see him on his birthday. I gotta tell you I'm not liking that so much.

Eric starts his new school next week and bowling starts next week also - Kevin bowls twice a week. We are gearing up for the end of the accounting period at work, which is the end of Sepember - lots of work for me. Eric celebrates his 3rd birthday at the end of September. And do you believe Labor Day weekend is but a few days away?? Yep, these are all my signals that it's time to start thinking about the fall. The weather here has been cooling off some, especially in the evenings. I'm sitting here in my sweatshirt as we "speak".

Well, I gotta jot down a quick grocery list, as I was so focused on the party that I didn't get anything to cook this week for dinner. Yes Jane, I know it's only 4:30 a.m. -- but hey -what can I say. I am a morning person. I just have to learn to accept it. Ha -- you all know it's rare, if not completely unheard of for me to sit here and chat with you in the evening. I mean really -- do any of you remember an evening post?

Have a great day every one -- I'll be around to say hello as I know I've been terrible at that lately. Forgive Me?

MY FRIEND --- "DUDE"

Milestone

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 06:52:45 GMT

Eric said his own name yesterday. Nik brought home his wall portrait that she made at work. It's beautiful...shows Eric in 4 different poses and in 3 it looks like he is in a bubble floating - and in the 4th he is looking at himself in the bubbles. It's really great. Anyway Nik was showing his speech therapist and she turned it to Eric and said "who's that Eric?" and Eric pointed and said "Ek" I sure wish I could have been there. It's a truly great milestone. The therapist says that many Autistic children identify themselves in the third person. He's learning -- we are so excited.

Here are a few pics of him when I put the bubbles in his pool this past weekend. He adores bubbles....took us forever to get him to come inside.

Hey - you mean I get to play in these?

Pop-Pop spraying me with the hose.....

Come on - do it again.......

Yeah like that!

I'm just running out of titiles......

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:53:14 GMT

I just wanted to say a quick hello. I'm just about caught up at work, and Nikki's 21st party is coming together. We are hoping for nice weather that day and so far so good. Yesterday it said 90degrees, today it's downgraded to 87. O well -- we have the pool if it's one of the hot days. Other than that, there really isn't much to tell.

I've developed a head cold and plan to buy stock in a tissue company. Yea, right - just like I planned to buy that lottery ticket but never did.

Have a great day everyone - I have to get ready for work. Now that I"m caught up, I might just be able to get a decent blog in here and get more visiting done. I also need to answer a long email that I got from a friend I used to go to school with. Poor Melody - if you are reading this, I haven't forgotten -- I'm just short on time. Today, I promise!

Saturday at last

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:21:47 GMT

Good grief it's 3:30 a.m. -- I so looked forward to sleeping in this morning and darn it here I am. Kevin and I changed our hours this week from 7:30 to 4 and are going in now at 7 to 3:30 so Nik doesn't have to drop Eric off to us at work at 3:30 when she has to work. For some reason I'm having a hell of a time trying to get up a half hour earlier. Me, the natural early morning riser. But here it is Saturday, no work and I'm wide awake at 3:30. I swear I'll never understand myself.

Yesterday was Eric's last day at his school and Nik had to go pick him up early because he was sick. Poor little guy. He seemed better last night. No fever, but he couldn't keep anything down, much to the complete dismay of his daddy who is a wuss at cleaning up those messes. He begged Nic to stay home from work so she could do it. Well Nic believes in equal opportunity parenting, therefore armed Daniel with a few old towels and some anitbacterial wipes and headed out. Both he and Eric fell asleep on the couch for an hour.

Nic had a job interview this week for a customer service rep at a local bank. Her final interview was yesterday and she says it's looking good. It is an late afternoon/evening position, and they are changing her hours so she can keep her photography job. Eric will be in school for 4 hours every morning, and rather than just sit at home she will keep the job to bring in extra money.

Nic's 21st birthday party is next Saturday, so I'll be doing extra cleaning this weekend and picking up ingredients for salads to make during the end of the week. Hopefully we will get outside in the sun today. I've decided to fill Eric's pool with bubbles for him if we do. He loves bubbles. Have a great weekend everyone!

Week is flying by

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:26:57 GMT

It turns out that the week Kev and I took our vacation was the busiest week of the whole summer. I am buried under a ton of work. Bear with me folks, I'll update as soon as I get the time! Meanwhile - I hope you are all having a great week!

Dog Days

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:16:21 GMT

Well it's back to work tomorrow and amazing enough I'm looking forward to it. It's been a quiet weekend, chatting online with Cindi and Michelle - watching on the webcam as Michelle showed us her owl she has. Amazing Michelle -- I would flip out if an owl got in my house, nevermind holding it and petting it and such. Spend outside time with Eric, did some cooking, made brownies, etc.

Jane mentioned something in my comments yesterday about the "Dog days of summer and I was curious so I googled it and found the following:

The phrase Dog Days or "the dog days of summer", refers to the hottest, most sultry days of summer. They are a phenomenon of the northern hemisphere that usually falls between early July and early September but the actual dates vary greatly from region to region, depending on latitude and climate. Dog Days can also define a time period or event that is very hot or stagnant, or marked by dull lack of progress

I'm going with the second defination because the first sure doesn't apply here. It's not sultry. Stagnant and dull lack of progress -- yep that's it! That's how I'm feeling. This summer has been traveling much too fast, and like Dana, I guess I expected a bit more from it. Now I'm seeing the "back to school" ads, and all the summer things are discounted, if you can even find them in the stores at all. Where does time go?

I'm missing summers of the past, where we were so involed in family activities, the kids were young and it was an adventure with the six of us going here and there, making memories. Even towards the end of summer, there was school clothes to buy, shopping adventures and the excitement of the first day of school. Now that they are grown, they have other activities that don't include us. It finds hubby and I looking at each other and saying "what do we do now"......

On that note, as I'm trying to pull myself out of my "blue-green" funk, I can say there are still quite a few things to look forward to in these last weeks of summer. Nikki will turn 21 and we are having a party for her on the 23rd. Friends, family, kids, etc. - the yard will be full. Last hurrah party of the summer. Also Eric will be starting his new school and I'm sure many adventures will come of that. Hubby's aunt turns 80 and there is a family get-together for that shortly after Nikki's party. His family members from Florida will be there and it will be nice to see them all.

Kevin and Jamie are in the process of purchasing their first house and you all know how much of a adventure that can be. He's already enlisted dad's promise of help to do some necessary work on it, should the deal come through. Guess I had better get him moving with the last bit of stuff I need done around here, before he gets busy elsewhere.

Nik and Daniel are making rumbling moves towards getting their own place. That is as it should be. Nik and I have a tendency to drive each other crazy sometimes and I know she wants her own home to care for. By the way, Charlie is still doing well with his own place. It was so good to see him yesterday -- and of course he left with doggie bags of brownies and such, and a big container of Shells and Sauce. Jaime is doing well in Cali -- has a new girlfriend, is saving for a car and still loving his job, although he gets sressed quite a bit.

Ok - I've rambled on enough for one morning. Thanks for listening you all -- I really am working on my state of mind. Hopefully soon I'll be back to my usual chirpy self. I am chirpy right? What is chirpy anyway? Perky? How about perky? LOL!

Have a great Sunday you all - I'm headed for the sports section of the paper to see if my Chargers beat Charlies Cowboys last night!

Photo Album: Eric's Birthday Party 2008

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:58:00 GMT

Eric's Birthday Party 2008

I'm three years old now

Mom is giving me a party - I think I'll take this with me.

It's my Party

Getting the yard ready - darn the pool is covered

Balloons!

Look at all these balloons!

Haha Boo-boo - I get my hat first

Hey - wasn't there a balloon in this hand?

Destiny resting

King of the Party

More Photos...

Photo Album: Eric will be 3 Sunday

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:20:24 GMT

Eric will be 3 Sunday

Eric Daniel

Loves to laugh

and make funny faces

Such an angel

still and angel

Photo Album: Sunday in NYC with Jaime and Lola

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:22:03 GMT

Sunday in NYC with Jaime and Lola

Cool bus

Trump tower - I loved the silver and black

Taking a walk

Jaime trying not to be a tourist

Just follow me...

Lola wanted a white horse but someone beat us to it

Riding in the carriage

These things were weaving in and out of traffic everywhere and driving me nuts

Central Park

Jaime loves these glasses...

More Photos...

Photo Album: Eric rides the bus to Cloverpatch

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:28:57 GMT

Eric rides the bus to Cloverpatch

You and picture Mom -- geesh

This is a name what?

What's it for?

Come on dad - tell me what's going on...

A bus? What's it look like?

Ohhhhh that's bus..

I'm getting on?

Ok - done. Now what?

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BYE BYE???

Photo Album: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAIME

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:52:27 GMT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAIME

Little Jaime & Mom

Jaime in Costa Mesa

Jaime's passon is cooking

Jaime - Age 28

When he lived in Manhatten

At a Yankee game at Yankee Stadium

Jaime Christmas

Photo Album: Jaime - My Chef

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:51:13 GMT

Jaime - My Chef

Jaime and Jimmy

Damon, wife and Jaime

Jaime, Damon and Jimmy

Ceremony

Jaime Damon Jimmy

Jaime2

Jaime

Little Jaime & Mom

Photo Album: My Kids

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:48:44 GMT

My Kids

Jaime - Age 28

Lives In Manhatten

Loves the City

Friends and a Yankee Fan

Kevin - Age 24

Kevin and Ms. Kevin

Daddy's Girl KK

Kevin and Kevin Jr.

Another Yankee Fan

Nikki - age 20

More Photos...

Photo Album: Nikki's 21st Birthday

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:43:07 GMT

Nikki's 21st Birthday

Birthday Girl

Hannah Sweetie

Bean and Kev

Bean, Kaelynn and Kev

Whoo - what was that I choked down Kenny?

Pops, Kenny and Kev

Everybody eating

What's funny?

Teresa and Nik

What is Anne doing?

More Photos...

Photo Album: Reading With Grandpa

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:11:02 GMT

Reading With Grandpa

I'll read you a story Grandpa

Hmmm - something's wrong here

Bad Book

I'll figure it out

Let's read it this way - it looks better

COURAGE DOESN'T ALWAYS ROAR

Nice fall weekend....

Brainless Rambling

Thursday - Early a.m.

Time sure does fly..

Hey everyone!

FOOTALL BABY!

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What a great Sunday

Brief weekend visit

HOT MEN AND BIRTHDAYS....

Back to the routine........

Good Heavens

Quickie update

Just stuff

Oh yes - I survived...

Milestone

I'm just running out of titiles......

Saturday at last

Week is flying by

Dog Days

Photo Album: Eric's Birthday Party 2008

Photo Album: Eric will be 3 Sunday

Photo Album: Sunday in NYC with Jaime and Lola

Photo Album: Eric rides the bus to Cloverpatch

Photo Album: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAIME

Photo Album: Jaime - My Chef

Photo Album: My Kids

Photo Album: Nikki's 21st Birthday

Photo Album: Reading With Grandpa

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