For the big kid, too! :o)

http://www.zefrank.com/byokal/kal2.html

GOOD FOR YOU, NYPD

Saw on the news tonight how the NYPD has a special task force, 500 strong, in a secret location to watch the city .... monitoring bridges, airports, subways, etc. The report also said they are not waiting for the FBI to follow-up leads on Al Qaida. And, they've set up offices abroad and have shown up before the FBI even arrived to investigate a train bombing overseas. Now, Los Angeles PD (and another large city police force) are visiting New York to see the operation. The NY police commissioner basically said his job is to protect the city and he's going to do what it takes, and if the FBI doesn't like it, too bad. MAKE ME PROUD, NEW YORK!!

Thanks a lot

Hubby fried the motherboard on his company laptop last week. He's had to use my laptop until today, when he received his replacement. At least a year ago, I changed my preferences so that everything was larger. Yes, it was weird at first, but then I got used to it. I changed it for a job I was going to do and it was part of their requirements (...long story). Every once in a while over the course of the year, hubby would hop onto my computer to get on the internet, and every time he'd complain about my settings. I would let it go in one ear and out the other because, afterall, it is MY computer! Well, he's had to use my computer for almost a week, so I've heard the complaint more than usual. Which means, I've ignored his comment more than usual.

So, what do I discover when I log onto my computer today? HE CHANGED THE SETTINGS. I feel like I'm squinting to read everything. Who does he think he is? Why did he have to change them? Who asked him to? And, he changes them the night before he receives his own laptop back? Why use my laptop on my settings all week and THEN change them when you're not even going to use it anymore?

GGGRRRR He can make me angry sometimes. What do I have to do? Slap his hand and say, "Don't touch" ????? LOL

Ripley's IQ Game

http://www.ripleys.com/games/iq.html

Another Day of Togetherness

This one was spent spreading pine straw all along that darn hill in our backyard. Two trips to the landscaping place, filling the bed with bales both times. It was a long and hot day, but I can't imagine if only one of us did it. ugh, that would have been hell.

I liked last Saturday's "day of togetherness" (shopping) MUCH better. LOL

TAG, I'm It

Okay, S will bug me to no end until I do this, so I might as well get it over with....


Total volume of music files on my computer: None

The last CD I bought was: can't really remember...it's been a while ... at least a year... I think it was Andrew Lloyd Weber, a medley of his Broadway hits

Last acquired: Again, it's been a while ... I think the last CD hubby gave me was "AC/DC Back in Black" ... using a gift certificate that I gave him. LOL (he got a couple CD's for himself ... I'm not that bad!)

Songs I listen to a lot: Whatever is playing on the radio, really. I listen to a variety of music, as if you can't tell by previously mentioned CD's. (I'm either deeply complex or deeply confused....)

or that mean a lot to me: Even if I wanted to list a couple songs that mean a lot to me, I would get the title wrong or wouldn't know the name of the person/band who sings it. Oh yes, I am one of those people. You could ask me if I like "insert title here" and I'd say "I don't know. How does it go?" and you'd have to sing a few bars. LOL Or, you could ask do you like "insert name of band here" and I'd say, "Never heard of 'em." Then, if we're sitting there and the song came on the radio and you said, "that's the song/band I'm talking about," I'd most likely say, "Oh yeah, I know this song/them. I like it/them!"

There's No Place Like Home

I have lived away from home for many years. Home is interpreted differently by all. Home for me is my childhood home, where my parents still live and where my brothers and most extended family still live nearby. There was a period of time when I couldn't wait to get out, and when I got out, I made myself very scarce. I guess, in a way, I regret that. Probably because I don't have the luxury of hopping in the car and being there in two hours.

Now it is a 16-hour drive for me to go home. Of course, there is always flying, but still, I'm beginning to really feel the distance. I don't know why. Is it because I no longer have the luxury of going any time I want? Is it because the older family members (parents, aunts, uncles) aren't getting any younger? Is it a feeling of being left out of the occasional family picnic? Is it guilt of not going more often when I lived so close? Or, perhaps I miss the "simpler" life?

Whatever it is, I dislike the feeling. I'm not looking for sympathy; I'm just trying to figure out why now, all of a sudden?

I recently received an invitation to hubby's cousin's bridal shower. Of course, I am not attending. But, fortunately, they jotted down the wedding date so we can start making some travel plans. At first, to be honest, I wasn't thrilled with the idea of getting together with his family. You know, the typical family nonsense. Then I realized I'm not involved in any of it, and I can overlook it anyway. Then I started getting excited at the idea I'll be seeing everyone is one fell swoop. THEN I looked at the calendar to realize she is getting married on a Saturday and my mother's birthday happens to be that Sunday. It will have to be a quick trip -- in on Friday night and out on Sunday night -- but, I'll be able to get visits in with both sides of the family.

I am looking forward to it, but I have to wait 3 1/2 long months. I don't know why I feel weird about being excited, but at least it's a good thing!!

This is What Love is All About

Dear Bloggers, I received this in an e-mail and thought it was nice.
Author unknown:


It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 a.m., when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On examination, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?"

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there are some that come along that have an important message, and this is one of those kinds. I just had to share it with you all.
Oh, by the way, peace is seeing a sunset and knowing who to thank. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. (Amen to that!)

Please share this with someone you care about - I JUST DID.

A Day of Togetherness

My husband was away all week, getting home around 9:00 last night. This morning, he asked me where I was going today and I said, "Run a bunch of errands. Why? Do you want to go?" To my surprise, he said yes, so off we went. The moaning and groaning started soon after --- once he realized where all we were going. I had a long list. But, I later learned, he had motives of his own. You'll see....

First stop Kohls. I saw a short-sleeve lightweight sweater that went on clearance. I knew I should have picked it up when I saw it, but no, I had to wait a few days and then panic that they'd be all gone by the time I got there again. To my relief, some were still there. Um, not only the color I originally saw, but two other colors.... and I ended up with all three. I'm not usually that bad, but on clearance? Why not! In case you're wondering, the colors are (1) beige (2) coral and (3) periwinkle (special note to BabynTeens: that's blue).

As we left and I told him the next stop, the whining started. He wanted Dunkin Donuts coffee. *sigh* That's clear at the other end of the series of strip malls. I had my route mapped out and intended to go in order instead of wasting time criss-crossing back and forth. So, detour number one.

Okay, on to some other stores ... Petsmart, where we watched and laughed at a pair of kittens playing with each other's tail, then over to Walgreens where the girl at the cosmetic counter applied a whole bunch of store and manufacturer coupons that she had to the items we purchased. A savings of $18! (I'm definitely going back to that location. No other Walgreens has ever done that for me before!!)

Insert another detour here. We had to go to two truck accessory stores. He is looking for a soft cover for the bed of his truck. After that, we were back on track. I survived those stops, kept quiet and got payback because he then learned our next stop happened to be one of the stores he dislikes the most. LOL

Linens N Things. I don't know why he has such a hard time with this store. This one and Bed Bath and Beyond. On a good day, I torture him by taking him through both. LOL Actually, today was just as bad for him, because the first location didn't have what I was looking for --- and there was another Linens N Things in the next town over, where we happened to be going next :o) But, he really escaped the first LnT by leaving and going into Borders next door... so it wasn't so bad for him.

We get to the next town and stop for lunch. After that it was Linens N Things number two (*snicker*) and then Costco. Oh and we also stopped at some store that was giving a free men's watch with the purchase of a fragrance (he picked up after shave).

Despite his complaining (all in fun, mind you), it was a good day of togetherness. And, don't feel bad for him because he got something in every store, with the exception of Linens N Things :o)

It's funny ... I always end up a lot lighter in the wallet when he tags along. LOL

QUICK !! someone alert the media

.... there is news other than Tom's engagement !!!

Please, give us all a break.

Look at this darling little boy!!!!

Isn't my GM the best?


Can I open it, mommy? Or do you like the wrapping job too much?


rrriiiipp ---- my favorite part. heh heh heh


It's just what I wanted!!!

rainy day post

I saved the following post for a rainy day. Well, it has been raining for a week now, with no end in sight. I figure this is as good a time as any. I really can't believe I am admitting to being a part of such a nerdy thing, but hey, what the heck, none of you know me, accept for one person, and she knew - and liked - me back then, so it's okay :o)

I like reading little snippets of peoples' past in their blogs. It helps shape the picture of who the individual is. Afterall, we are who we are, and our experiences shape who we become. So, here's another snippet of my life.

Enjoy, but try not to laugh too hard :o). It was a fun time in my life, and I was young. Come to think of it, I only did it for a year, maybe two, but boy did we have a good time...

15 Minutes of Fame

During a vacation, my husband and I visited Mt. Vernon -- the home of George Washington. As we walked along the grounds, memories came flooding back of a trip I made with a fife and drum corps. I asked a park employee how often drum corps perform, mentioning that I had once marched up through here (pointing the way). He looked perplexed and said they don't. He explained only one corps is allowed to do that, and it's a corps steeped in history and tradition. I know the corps he's talking about ... they escorted us in and we performed on the lawn. A "mini parade" of sorts. I never knew as a kid, but we apparently had a special invite to do this. I can only assume someone in our corps knew someone in their corps.

So, as hubby and I strolled around the grounds, snapping pictures as we went, it occurred to me that somewhere out there are photographs of me during that event. I remember, after our performance and still in uniform, we were allowed to break off and run around (as kids do) and people were asking to take our picture. My friend and I would look at each other as if saying, "what on earth do they want our picture for?", just said, "Okay" and smiled.

So that is my claim to fame. I didn't have a clue people looked at us as a tourist attraction. How hysterical to think our pictures are in photo albums as part of their vacation memories! I believe I have a couple pics of that day. I'll dig them out and post them ... maybe someone out there will recognize us. LOL

Escorting us in.

Us on the lawn.

Their drum major in front of Washington's home.

Not much to post ....

but since I've made the "big time" and am a link on some more blogs, I figure I better post something :o)

Nothing terribly exciting going on. It's been raining, raining, raining, oh, and did I mention raining?

..........Get the picture?

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

I had a splitting headache this evening, took some Advil, and layed down for a nap. I don't think I actually fell asleep, but when I opened my eyes, my headache was better and I decided I wasn't going to lay here all night. So, out I went for a walk. 45 minutes later, I'm back, sitting with my laptop and a glass of iced tea.

This is the first day this week without rain. It was overcast most of the day, but the sun finally popped out around 4:00. It was a bit humid, but started to cool in the evening. Wow, it turned out to be an extraordinary evening for a walk. There was a nice cool breeze. As I started out, there wasn't a sound except the trees rustling in the wind. Had some pleasant conversations with neighbors sitting out on their front porches. As night fell, everyone retreated into their homes, with the exception of the neighborhood kids. I passed various groups hanging out on driveways. Every once in a while, a parent would pop out the front door and check the whereabouts of their child.

At one point, I passed a couple older boys throwing a football by the side of the road. Then a couple girls came out of a house and the boys ran over talking excitedly. The girls talked back just as excitedly. No crushes going on there. LOL

Of course, walking through the neighborhood brought back memories of my childhood in my old neighborhood. Hanging out in front of someone's house, acting all crazy when the cute boy was around (not me.... that was Wendy with Kevin... LOL), running home when our parents called.

The only thing missing tonight were the fireflies....

To hubby: "Okay, just because I attended two baseball games with you last month does not mean I am suddenly interested in the sport."

Yes, bloggers, I am humoring my man at the moment--OH WAIT--they just announced at this very minute that the game is over. yippee! Anyway, back to my blog. I'm sitting here tapping away on my laptop, and had to look up at the screen in time to see replays of extraordinary plays on the field... I can't help but smile. He's so excited and, I believe, truly enjoys "sharing" this excitement with me.

I now know how he felt walking around a cemetery the other day, humoring me.