Odat Mumbles.....bout everything....and anything

I'm Still Alive and Well and Volunteering

2011-10-05T23:30:00.000-04:00

Here's a shot of the "Reflecting Absence" Pool and waterfalls at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
It's remarkable, it's amazing, it's holy ground. It took my breath away. It's the first time I've been there since 2001 and really didn't know how I was going to react. I found my friends' names on the wall and hung out with them for a bit...... it was healing and peaceful.

They did a remarkable job there. Hundreds of trees around the two pools make it so serene. And even though there were hundreds of people at the site, it had a silent and respectful atmosphere.
I'm glad I did it.

I decided to volunteer at the site a few times a month. I greet and lead the visitors into the site. It's nice to give back a little since so many lives were given to get this.

Peace

Bless Them All

2011-09-07T21:24:00.000-04:00

She Went To Dance......

2011-08-30T09:26:00.000-04:00

My Mom's dementia caused me to lose the person she was 12 years ago. The person she became was a child, who I cared for and loved. She didn't remember having children, but she liked me anyway, She sang and she laughed. She was one of the lucky ones if you can even use the word lucky along with dementia. Her body was strong but her mind as we knew it, disappeared.

Mom died in her sleep on Thursday. Peacefully.

She went to dance with my Dad!

Peace

Thank You.

2011-05-02T09:26:00.001-04:00

Thank you U.S. Troops......God Bless America. (Maybe now they can rest in peace).

Hello and Stuff

2011-04-26T08:36:00.002-04:00

I'm still waiting to plant my flowers and veggies!! The weather still sucks here. Damn.

I've been keeping busy doing stuff, like going to see a taping of "America's Got Talent"...lol. I actually met Howie Mandel in a restaurant after the show. Pretty cool, huh?

Peace

Joke Day

2011-03-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

Peace

A Whole Lot of Nothing

2011-03-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

Even tho we had a one day tease of warm weather, I gathered my patio furniture and cleaned it off and set it out. I straightened up the backyard and am waiting. lol. I'm like a caged animal.

I know it's still March, but it's been a really long, long, cold, cold, snowy, snowy winter!

I watched the movie "127 Hours" last night!...O.M.G.! Have you seen it? It was a well done movie, but I had to hide my eyes...(even tho I peeked) through some of it. Now I see why it was nominated for an Academy Award.

My twin great nehpew and neice are coming to visit Friday.....can't wait. I bought them the cutest little outfits Saturday and can't wait to give them to em.

I'm A Bad, Bad Mother :-(

2011-03-22T06:30:00.000-04:00

Now, it's not like I'm stressed out from work...or have lots on my mind...I am retired and live a pretty stress free life.

It was a cold, rainy day today (yeah, yeah, Happy Spring)...pffft! The only thing on the agenda was a visit to my accountant. I let the dogs out in the yard (thru my new back door). Just before I left, got the dogs in and went on my merry way.

Two hours later I come home and am greeted by two dogs....hmmm. One. Two. (I have three). ut oh....where's the Snot dog? Poor baby. I left him out in the yard.....lol. Luckily I do have an overhang and he was protected from the rain. I gave him lots of hugs to warm him up and some extra treats.....

My friend Twinhead says from now on I have to count...1...2...3.....when the dogs come in to insure all my babies are in. LOL.

How was your day?

Peace

2011-03-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

I can't wait for Spring!

I want warm weather, I want to plant my flowers and tomatoes, I want to sit out in my yard, I want to go to the beach, I want the sun, I want the salt water, I want the sand, seashells and waves. Not to mention iced tea, lemonade, hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill.

Am I asking for too much???

Peace

Kiss Me, I'm Irish

2011-03-17T07:07:00.001-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Peace

I Forgot I Blog

2011-03-01T08:44:00.004-05:00

Oops I think I forgot I had a blog. LOL. I've been very busy doing "stuff" that I actually didn't think about posting. Mom's in the hospital with pneumonia. She turned 90 in January. I just can't believe it. She's doing fairly well still too... Bless her little heart. I've been going to the hospital every day. She still doesn't know who I am, but she likes me anyway. Cute.

Peace

Tank Comes Peeking

2011-02-23T06:20:00.002-05:00

Can't I ever get any peace? :-)

Peace

Smile Day!

2011-02-22T07:21:00.003-05:00

There is a factory in Northern Minnesota which makes the Tickle Me Elmo toys. The toy laughs when you tickle it under the arms.

Well, Lena is hired at The Tickle Me Elmo factory and she reports for her first day promptly at 8:00 am.

The next day at 8:45 am there is a knock at the personnel manager's door.. The foreman throws open the door and begins to rant about the new employee..
He complains that she is incredibly slow and the whole line is backing up, putting the entire production line behind schedule.

The personnel manager decides to see this for himself, so the 2 men march down to the factory floor. When they get there the line is so backed up that there are Tickle Me Elmo's all over the factory floor and they're really beginning to pile up. At the end of the line stands Lena surrounded by mountains of Tickle Me Elmo's.
She has a roll of plush red fabric and a huge bag of small marbles.

The 2 men watch in amazement as she cuts a little piece of fabric, wraps it around two marbles and begins to carefully sew the little package between Elmo's legs.
The personnel manager bursts into laughter. After several minutes of hysterics he pulls himself together and approaches Lena ...
"I'm sorry," he says to her, barely able to keep a straight face, "but I think you misunderstood the instructions I gave you yesterday..."

'Your job is to give Elmo two test tickles..

Peace

Happy Friday!

2011-02-18T07:55:00.004-05:00

Happy Dance Friday!

It's supposed to be 60 degrees here today...so that's cause for dancing.....however it will go back down to the 30's tomorrow.....so I gotta dance as much as I can today. I've been fighting a bad cold all week...today I feel a little better so I intend to get out into the world today instead of getting in trouble at home.

Trouble, you ask? Well....I almost electrocuted myself. How, you ask? Well...I'm the type of person who thinks they can fix anything. And I proceeded to splice a cord from one of my lamps that Tank chewed thru when he was a pup. I got all the tools and spliced and taped and such...then.....I go to plug it in. Zappppppppppppp........the plug turned black and melted a little....duh? What I learned, later, is that I was supposed to split the cord and then wind the two separately....and I wound the both of them together........ya live and learn.....thank god I'm still here to learn....lol.

Hope y'all have a great weekend.

Peace

(wow, I managed to get happy dancing and a monkey in one post...)

Peanuts

2011-02-15T23:34:00.001-05:00

You Are Linus

I always loved Peanuts....See who you are!!!

You are an optimistic and open minded person. You believe that everything will work out in the end.

You are very kind and forgiving. You're always willing to give someone another chance.

You are highly creative and innovative. People sometimes just don't get what you're doing.

You are brainier and smarter than people realize. You are always thinking, plotting, or dreaming.

What Peanuts Character Are You?

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

Ouch

2011-02-15T08:03:00.002-05:00

I woke up today with a sore throat! I never get sore throats...wtf? It hurts to speak! Oh nooo.
Drank some tea with honey and lemon. I haven't been sick in ages! At least since I retired. and I was just saying that to someone the other day too. Damn, I must have jinxed myself. I'm so glad I'm not a singer or I'd really be pissed.

Tank the Terror (the Yorkie) got a hold of one my Christmas tea lite candles (the battery operated ones). I was sitting watching TV the other night when I noticed this blinking light our of the corner of my eye. I looked down and there was "the Terror" holding the candle in his mouth while it was blinking green, red and white. I just laughed so hard at the sight of it....I went to grab my camera but he ran away under the bed. OMG it was funny. (ya had to be there, I guess).

Peace

Happy Valentine's Day????

2011-02-14T08:58:00.002-05:00

Hope you have a great day! :-)

Peace

Happy Friday.....

2011-02-11T10:19:00.001-05:00

What can I say...I have a sick sense of humor.....:-)))

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Peace

OMG I Have a Headache

2011-02-09T11:45:00.003-05:00

One of my many nice neighbors is on vacation this week and has her brother staying at her house....she's the one that watches my dogs on occasion. Her brother works during the day and she asked me to go over to let her dog out during the day. She has an alarm on her house and she gave me the codes and told me what to press to disarm it. Ok. sounds easy. Right? Wrong! Twice in two days, I've set her alarm off! lol. That ear splitting alarm that can make a dog and a human go deaf! OMG....I was so nervous that the fire department and the police would be coming any minute. Thankfully, she told the alarm company to call her first before they sent the police. so I got a call from her in Florida and she was just laughing. It's nerve wracking to say the least. At least she was understanding and the police didn't come. (But I think her dog is now deaf).

Peace

Movie Time

2011-02-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

Have you even been to one of those new movie theaters where they serve you dinner while watching a movie? I have. It was just too cool.

It was a rainy, foggy Saturday so I called my friend, Twinhead, and asked if she was up for going, and off we went.

The seats are overstuffed, very comfortable recliners with a table that slides in front of you. The wait staff comes with a menu and you chose your meal and drink. If you need anything during the movie you just press a button and they come and serve you! And, if you order popcorn, you get a giant bowl with endless refills! The food wasn't bad. I had a cheeseburger and it was rather tasty. You could also order cocktails and they even have a bar in the lobby.
Then they come around with a hot wet towel for you to clean up with. It was wild! and at the end of the movie they come around with a platter of chocolates.

Oh, the movie we saw was James Cameron's "Sanctum", in 3D. Was an interesting movie. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. It was suspenseful and I enjoyed it. (It was about cave diving and exploration).

(Twinhead fell asleep and was amazed that a few people were, uh, missing from the screen when she woke up. Man, she can fall asleep anywhere!)

Peace

Happy Dance Friday!

2011-02-04T09:22:00.001-05:00

I used to do a post while I was working called "Happy Dance Fridays"....Now that I'm retired, every day is Happy Dance Friday....and every day feels like Saturday!

It's been a rough couple of years, but I actually do feel like dancing every day....it feels good to feel like my old self again (not that I'm old) lol. So, my advise today is: Keep on dancing!

Have a great weekend.

Peace

Snow, Ice and Tea

2011-02-01T08:08:00.004-05:00

More snow today and a an ice storm is expected tomorrow......Gettiing my shovel arms ready...although I have to give credit to my neighbors, who always help me clear my driveway and sidewalk with their snow blowers. My biggest concern is shoveling paths in the back yard for Snotdog, Tank and Tini.....it's the first thing I do. lol. They need to see the dirt or they don't do their duty...it's a riot.

It's been sunny these last few days so I always get my ass out and about each day to just be out....it even went up to 35 degrees Sunday and actually felt warm!

I went to the mall Sunday and bought tea. I'm not a tea drinker but this loose tea from Japan was delish! I also bought a tea infuser cup with a monkey on it! lol. Do you know how many different types of tea there are? Lots! I just may become a tea connoisseur.

Peace

LOL

2011-01-30T07:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday!

2011-01-29T10:02:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to smile today!

Peace

Babies!!!

2011-01-28T07:18:00.004-05:00

I'm a great aunt! (Really). My niece had twins! Naturally. A girl and a boy!

They're three months old now and are the sweetest things ya ever did see. Originally "they" told her that she was having girls. So you can imagine everyone's surprise when she had a boy! A mad rush back to the stores to hustle and exchange some girly things for boy stuff! lol.

At first she was really nervous about it, but now she's handling it like an old pro. I give her (and all mothers) loads of credit for doing it. They are a handful, (actually, two handfuls). Her hub is a sweetie and does his share too.

I manage to see them as much as I can and it's great to see their little personalities forming.

P.S. We had 18 more inches of snow yesterday, so I got my exercise in by lots of shovelling!
So for this winter, we've had 84 inches, the most snow ever!

Peace

Haha.....

2011-01-27T07:00:00.003-05:00

Hilarious! Growing up without a cell phone

If you are 36, or older, you might think this is hilarious!

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were. When they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning....Uphill... Barefoot...BOTH ways...yadda, yadda, yadda

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in hell I was going to laya bunch of crap like that on my kids about how hard I had itand how easy they've got it!

But now that I'm over the ripe old age of forty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia! And I hate to say it, but you kids today, you don't know how good you've got it!

1) I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the damn library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!!

2) There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter - with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox, and it would take like a week to get there! Stamps were 10 cents!

3) Child Protective Services didn't care if our parents beat us. As a matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to kick our ass! Nowhere was safe!

4) There were no MP3's or Napsters or iTunes! If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself!

5) Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio, and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up! There were no CD players! We had tape decks in our car. We'd play our favorite tape and "eject" it when finished, and then the tape would come undone rendering it useless. Cause, hey, that's how we rolled, Baby! Dig?

6) We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal, that's it!

7) There weren't any freakin' cell phones either. If you left the house, you just didn't make a damn call or receive one. You actually had to be out of touch with your "friends". OH MY GOSH !!! Think of the horror... not being in touch with someone 24/7!!! And then there's TEXTING. Yeah, right. Please! You kids have no idea how annoying you are.

8) And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your parents, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, the collection agent... you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

9) We didn't have any fancy PlayStation or Xbox video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! Wehad the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'. Your screen guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination!!! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen.. Forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

10) You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your ass and walk over to the TV to change the channel!!! NO REMOTES!!! Oh, no, what's the world coming to?!?!

11) There was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying? We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little rat-bastards!

12) And we didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove! Imagine that!

13) And our parents told us to stay outside and play... all day long. Oh, no, no electronics to soothe and comfort. And if you came back inside... you were doing chores!

And car seats - oh, please! Mom threw you in the back seat and you hung on. If you were lucky, you got the "safety arm" across the chest at the last moment if she had to stop suddenly, and if your head hit the dashboard, well that was your fault for calling "shot gun" in the first place!

See! That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled rotten! You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1970 or any time before!

Regards,
The Over 40 Crowd
(Send this to someone you'd like to make smile)

Let it snow!

2011-01-26T11:50:00.002-05:00

It's snowing! Wow...what else is new.....

Today I'm just going to exercise and get myself ready to shovel...(again)!

That's all I got...

Hope it's a little warmer and sunnier where you are.

Peace

A Simple Life

2011-01-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

Hub passed away three years ago January 8th. I can't believe that much time has passed. Of course I still miss him terribly, but with the support of good friends and doing the things that were suggested, I managed to move forward and find peace within. I'm grateful for that.

And, we all have within us what it takes to get us through the tough times, if we just keep it simple, and believe that this too shall pass.

All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten

by Robert Fulghum

Most of what I really need
To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned in kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top
Of the graduate school mountain,
But there in the sandpile at Sunday school.

These are the things I learned:

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life -
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.

Peace

P.S. I got my Kindle yesterday!! So far, I'm loving it!

Oh Well, Some Other Time

2011-01-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

I ordered a Kindle the other day.....I'm excited!

On Saturday a box came in the mail and I saw it was from Amazon. So as I was bringing into the house, I was singing to the dogs (yeah I do that) "I got my kindle! I got my kindle! la la la la la la."
I opened it and saw it was only the case for the kindle...lol. So the dogs said:" Nananananana! you didn't get your kindle!"

Peace

Have a Great Weekend

2011-01-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

Today....Relax.
Let go of a worry.
Relive a happy memory!

(I have this saying hanging in my new "sitting" room.)

Peace

Old and New

2011-01-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

Old bathroom, violet and ugly

New Bathroom!! Where I want to live! LOL
I'm very happy with the way it turned out!

Peace

Don't Kill Me for This One :-)

2011-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Like I said before, I'm easily amused:

A guy gets shipwrecked. When he wakes up, he's on a beach. The sand is dark red. He can't believe it. The sky is dark red. He walks around a bit and sees that there is dark red grass, dark red birds and dark red fruit on the dark red trees. He's shocked when he finds that his skin is starting to turn dark red too.

"Oh no!!" he says, "I think I've been marooned!!"

:-)

Peace

The "Three" and The "Door"

2011-01-18T08:02:00.003-05:00

Tank, Tini, and Snotdog(Spud)

As part of my house renovation, I had a back door installed on my house. I used to have to take the dogs out to the back yard via my side door. I have a very long driveway, so this entailed putting leashes on Tank and Tina (cause they have a habit of running out to the street to say hello (bark) at the neighbors or passing cars, putting on my coat and shoes (or boots, depending on the weather), exiting the side door to enter the yard thru the gate. Now, however, all I have to do is roll out of bed and open the back door to the yard!!! This comes in very handy, especially on a day like today, where we're having a bit of an ice storm.

I know this doesn't sound like much, but I am very exited about it. Anything that makes my life easier is always good!

Peace

I'm Really Sorry....Not!

2011-01-17T07:00:00.002-05:00

Where we were:

Some will say that I'm the one responsible for the three feet of snow that fell on New York City over the Christmas weekend. I say Pffft! (I kinda wished that there would be a snow storm while I was away, but I really didn't wish for that much!)

It was always a wish of mine to go to a warm climate during the cold weather, so I did!!

I can't help it if I was laying on a beach in Puerto Rico, enjoying high eighties temps, snorkeling, kayaking, eating great food and such!

Notice the monkey in the tree! (it was fate that I was there! lol)

We snorkeled and kayaked every day, laid on the beach, took a dip in the pool, then mingled in the hot tub, where we met some great people from all over the country!

Had a great time and thanks to my neighbors who shoveled for me so I could get into my house with the suitcases upon returning home. (we were delayed for three extra days due to the snow storm (poor me!). lol.

Peace

It's a Dog's/Cat's Life

2011-01-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

Having three dogs today and being a cat owner in the past, I can attest to the following, which I thought was cute......

Pet Diaries

Excerpts from a Dog’s Diary……

8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm – Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm – Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat’s Daily Diary....

Day 983 of my captivity…
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. Bastards.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow—but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now……………

Peace

Ramblings

2011-01-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

I dropped in on a few blogs over the holidays to say hello and I was shocked to see that one of my best blog buddies passed away :-(, Buffalo Dick. He was a great cook and published his recipes. I just cooked one of his recipes and went to tell him and I saw the post his son left. I was so saddened to see that because Buff offered me wise words when my hub passed. I'm going to miss him!

On a brighter note....I finished renovating my house!!! It's beautiful and I love it and I love being in it and I love looking at it.......are ya getting that I love it?? (sorry, can't help it).

The Three (dogs) Spud, Martini and Tank, are doing great too...they provide me many hours of entertainment as well (I'm very easily amused).

Peace

Heyyyyyyyy

2011-01-13T11:20:00.002-05:00

OMG! I'm back! (if just for now).........

Happy New Year....It's been quite a while since I've been here.....thinking of returning......I'm going to think on that.....Hope all my blogging buddies are well and healthy and happy!!! I miss you guys....Hope to see you soon!

Something to Ponder

2010-06-14T17:07:00.002-04:00

This comes from 2 maths teachers with a combined total of 70 yrs. Experience.

Here is a little something someone sent me that is indisputable mathematical logic. It also made me Laugh Out Loud.

This is a strictly mathematical viewpoint...it goes like this:

What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%. How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:

If:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

And

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But ,

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

And,

B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T
2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%

AND, look how far arse kissing will take you..

A-R-S-E-K-I-S-S-I-N-G
1+18+19+5+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 122%

So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty, that While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, its the Bullshit and Arse kissing that will put you over the top.

Peace

The Family

2010-06-06T12:30:00.002-04:00

Not a great shot, but it's the only one I could get before they all jumped down and went their separate ways. But here's the family......Tank (the Terror), Spud (Snotdog) and newly rescued Martini (Tiny Tini). It's been two and half weeks since I rescued Tini and she's doing great. She needs to lose a few pounds (she eats like there's no tomorrow!!) The only problem I've encountered with Tini is that she howls and cries when I leave the house! I hope she realizes that I'm planning on keeping her and I'll always come back...poor babee!

Peace

Here, Have a Martini.....

2010-05-23T12:26:00.003-04:00

It was an ordinary Saturday. Doing errands. Stopped at Petco to pick up dog food
and then an extraordinary thing happened! I saw Martini. She was sitting with a dog handler from the animal rescue group in my area. She looked as tho she was going to cry and was shaking so hard she was a blur. Apparently her so-called owner had just come in and dropped her off and left!!!

Now, I usually have the ability to walk past all the dogs up for adoption. I usually look around and say hi and continue on my way. After all I have two dogs and I'd be out of my effing mind to get another dog! Well, consider me out of my mind. I took Martini home.

Martini (I call her Tini) is a 7 year old female pug dog! I agreed to become her foster Mom for the time being, but I have a funny lil feeling I'll be keeping her. She is just tooooo good! She follows me all over the place, sits on my lap, eats like a lil piggie, and has got the sweetest personality I ever saw.

Spud and Tank took an instant liking to her also! She looks a like like Spud!

I haven't had the chance to get pics yet, but I want to take all three of them together and then I'll post it.

I really need my head examined!!! :-)

Peace

Face Book

2010-05-18T13:55:00.001-04:00

By the way, I have deleted my Facebook account! I really have no need for it.

Peace

Chocolate Ice Cream

2010-04-24T11:33:00.002-04:00

CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM

One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a short, balding golfer type about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch.

When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate.

I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Jim added, completely unabashed.

We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time.. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.

I couldn't take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldn't believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim. I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait.

I smiled. He asked if he amused me.

I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me.

How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible? He laughed and said "I'm tasting all that is Possible.

I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good.

This year I realized how old I was. (He grinned) I haven't been this old before."
"So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored.

I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven't fished. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead.

There are too many golf courses I haven't played. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes.

I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.

I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most.

I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again.

So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired.."

With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind, " I said. "I want what he is having, only add some more whipped cream!"

Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we like and respect. Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM SINGS!

Peace

A Pledge for All...

2010-03-31T11:09:00.002-04:00

I thought this was just so cool! (Thanks Twinhead :-)

Hello.

2010-03-28T08:58:00.004-04:00

Have you ever wondered why people blog? Neither have I. But.....I was just thinking why I started...and how it evolved and really, how it died. I started this blog in 2005. I was going through a little rough period in life and figured this was a good way to vent. But I wound up liking this world and liking the people who lived here and wrote here. I even became good friends with a few of you and met some of you too. I just wrote stream of consciousness type "stuff"....mostly silly things. Now, I do not consider myself a creative writer or a comedian or even a little talented in anything to do with writing....but I wrote and carried on and got silly and looked forward to seeing everyone and reading what you wrote every day. I blogged daily for a good long time.
Now, tho, so many things have happened. I retired, hub went to heaven. I got lost for period of time. Then I came back from that edge of darkness, different. It's like I look back on this blog and see someone else must of written it. Weird. But anyhoo, the life I lead today is a good one. I wouldn't change anything (cept maybe having hub back)....I'm happy, content and look forward to every day I wake up to and am grateful for every day that I get. It's really indescribable. But it lives here, in my heart. And for some reason, I just don't feel the need to blog every single day, so I stop in every once in a while...look around...drop some words to say hello....it's enough for me

Peace

Joke Day

2010-03-18T09:57:00.001-04:00

The 4th Wedding

A woman was being interviewed by the local newspaper on the eve of her
fourth wedding ---- at age 84!!!

The reporter asked what her new husband-to-be did for a living and she
replied that he was a funeral director.

That made the reporter curious to know what her three previous husbands'
occupations had been.

She had to think for a bit, but then she remembered that she had married a
banker in her twenties, a circus ringmaster in her forties, and a preacher
in her sixties.

The reporter asked why in the world she had married four men with such
wildly diverse interests in life.

"Oh, that's easy," she replied.

"I married one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and
four to go."


Peace

Joke Day

2010-03-02T17:31:00.002-05:00

A little boy got on the bus, sat next to a man reading a book, and noticed he had his collar on backwards.

The little boy asked why he wore his collar backwards.

The man, who was a priest, said, 'I am a Father.'

The little boy replied, 'My Daddy doesn't wear his collar like that.'
The priest looked up from his book and answered, ''I am the Father of many.'
The boy said, ''My Dad has 4 boys, 4 girls and two grandchildren and he doesn't wear his collar that way!'

The priest, getting impatient, said. 'I am the Father of hundreds', and went back to reading his book.

The little boy sat quietly thinking for a while, then leaned over and said, "Maybe you should wear a condom, and put your pants on backwards instead of your collar."

Peace

Where I'm From

2010-02-25T08:05:00.003-05:00

I am from trees growing out of concrete, from bottled milk deliveries, black and white TV and Irish stew. I am from the rail road room,three story house, noisy, neighborly, with summer breezes blowing through the screens tossing the curtains over my face, cooling the house.

I am from the tomato plants, rose bushes and swing sets in the back yard, the small patch of grass, cool under my feet.

I am from large Sunday dinners, pranksters and beer drinkers, from the Irish with their brogues and the Germans with their beer.

I am from those who don't know how to stop talking, laughing, crying and praying.

From the fear of the bogey man in the closet and Daddy's bedtime stories and brothers who made me eat worms.

I am from a variety of religions, yet, calling none of them my own. My spirit is one with nature.

I'm from the northeast, corned beef, sauerbraten and lasagna.

From the the mailman and the waitress who fell in love quickly and loved to dance and laugh, the grandmother who bought me nice clothes, the father with curly hair, the other grandmother who disliked Mom because she was Republican!

I am from the black and white wedding picture that now hangs on the wall of my mom's nursing home room, the urn of ashes on the fire place, the songs that still ring loud in my heart. The memories are what I have, some bad, but mostly good as I see their smiling faces in my mind and still feel their love in my heart. That's what keeps them alive, the memories.

Where are you from?

Peace

Spud

2010-02-21T23:30:00.004-05:00

Spud and Tank got new bones....and since Tank, my Yorkie, is such a brat he tries really hard to steal anything that Spud has. Here's Spud (affectionately known as the Snot Dog) trying to hide his new bone.

Peace

I've Met My Fifth Blog Buddy!

2010-02-16T10:54:00.007-05:00

I have met my blogging buddy, Rick Rockhill of the Palm Springs Savant blog!

Rick was in NYC for the National Dog Show and we met up for lunch. I've been reading Rick for a few years now and his blog is just so informative and upbeat and he has two of the most adorable dogs and one of the most unique cats you ever saw....check his blog out!!
Rick also blazed the trail for me when I went to Greece...I went thru my google reader the week before I left and noticed he was posting from a cruise thru the Greek Isles!!! So I asked him to call me when he got back to tell me about the hot spots to visit. He did and I went and it was one of the most beautiful trips I've been on.

Rick is just as I pictured him to be...he's sweet, friendly, and has a great sense of humor. Thanks for lunch Rick!!

Snow is beautiful, I've had enough now....

2010-02-11T19:16:00.002-05:00

My sad lil snowman....
Built just for you....
My mind left me today.

A Lil Sumpin....

2010-02-01T09:08:00.002-05:00

Peace

Never....

2010-01-21T08:44:00.002-05:00

Things I said I'd never do and did:

Buy an Ipod.
Go on Facebook.
Get an SUV.

All these things require learning new skills...I thought I was done with that when I retired. Lol.
But I'm having fun with them. So now when I hear myself saying "I'll never do that...." I should watch out.

Peace

Gen Y

2010-01-06T12:22:00.002-05:00

What is Generation Y?

- The Silent generation are the people born before 1946.

- The Baby Boomers are people born between 1946 and 1959.

- Generation X, are people born between 1960 and 1979.

- Generation Y, are people born between 1980 and 2000

Why do we call the last group Generation Y? (I never did know).

Recently a cartoonist explained it very eloquently below....
And I learned something new today!

Peace

Waiting for Santa......

2009-12-24T13:43:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MERRY CHRISTMAS...

2009-12-03T10:01:00.001-05:00

T'was the month before Christmas*

*When all through our land,*

*Not a Christian was praying*

*Nor taking a stand.*

*See the PC Police had taken away,*

*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*

*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*

*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*

*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*

* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '?*

*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*

*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*

*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*

*Something was changing, something quite odd! *

*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*

*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*

*As Target's were hanging their trees upside down*

* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*

*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*

*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*

*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty*

*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*

*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*

*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*

*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*

*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*

*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*

* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*

*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*

*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*

*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*

*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*

*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*

*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,

NOT Happy Holiday!*

Please, all Christians join together and

wish everyone you meet during the

holidays A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Jesus is The Reason for the Christmas Season!

pEACE

Flash Fiction

2009-12-01T06:00:00.003-05:00

This is an oldie but a goodie...from my days of writing Flash Fiction (telling a story in 55 words).

"WHO'S OUT THERE?"

I was asleep when it happened.....
I awoke suddenly...sitting straight up in my bed!

The noise came from the living room.

My heart pounding,
grabbed the baseball bat kept by the bed.
Looked down the hall.
The noise getting louder!
Lifting the bat, getting ready........
Slowly peaking around the doorway..

Santa was eating cookies!!!!

2009-11-30T09:43:00.007-05:00

Peace

Vestal virgins :-)

Santorini from the cable car

The isle of Eugenia, home of pistachio trees.

A woman making rugs in Turkey..

What I loved about being in Greece and on the sea was the peacefulness and beauty of it all. Seeing the whitewashed houses tucked in on the hills of the isles we visited just invited one to romanticize about living there, eating cheese and olives and taking a swim in the Mediteranean Sea every morning. Ok, I just woke up from that dream. Oh well.

Seeing the ancient ruins like the Parthenon, built in 432 BC! Just touching the marbled stones gave me a chill to think I was standing where ancient Greeks orated and fought and honored their gods and goddesses.

One of my favorite places was Santorini, a small island in the Aegean Sea which was formed by a volcano. Its village sits on top of the small mountain. As we pulled into port and debarked, we learned that the only way to the village was by cable car of donkey! I chose the cable car because I felt bad for the lil donkeys...but that's their job and I suppose they do it well.

All in all, it's a beautiful country....the food is good...the people are nice....what more could one ask for?

Peace

2009-11-25T09:36:00.001-05:00

Have a great Turkey Day!!! Gobble, gobble!

In spite of what life has handed me these past months, I have plenty to be thankful for and for that I am grateful, and especially to all my blog buddies!
Thank you.

PEACE

The Flu.....Be Careful!!!!

2009-11-23T18:48:00.004-05:00

2007 - Chinese year of the Chicken- Bird Flu Pandemic devastates parts of Asia !

2008 - Chinese year of the Horse- Equine Influenza decimates Australian racing !

2009 - Chinese year of the Pig- Swine Flu Pandemic kills hundreds of pigs/humans around the globe.!

Next year......

2010 - Chinese year of the Cock - what can possibly go wrong?

Peace

I'm Backkkkkkkkkkkk.....

2009-11-19T07:38:00.007-05:00

Santorini, where you had to take a cable car or a donkey ride up into the city on the hill.

Santorini .

The Aquamarine.

Greece was absolutely beautiful. We arrived in Greece, via London, on November 7th and after a few minor set backs (one of my bags stayed in London, but caught up with me on the next flight), we boarded the Aquamarine for 5 days of sunny sailing to Mykonos, Santorini, Turkey.
We stayed four extra days in Athens and did day trips on the one day little ships to every other island...Poros, Hydra, and Eugina.....and of course we walked the entire city of Athens and did a little (ok a lot) of shopping.

The weather was nice (in the 70's and 60's). What I loved the most was the food! The Greek salads are to die for as well as their Mousakka. Everything is soooo fresh!

(See ya in a few days.....)

Peace

I will post some more pics later and tell you more detail when I catch up with some sleep and get adjusted to the time change.

Vacation Land.............................

2009-11-06T19:58:00.002-05:00

Off to Greece....see ya!!!

Peace

Boooooooooooo....

2009-10-31T00:48:00.003-04:00

Be careful out there :-)

Peace

Random Things....

2009-10-29T12:38:00.004-04:00

I'm getting excited....look at my countdown over there...8 more days until my VACATION!!!!!!! I'm also getting sad because I have to leave lil old Snotdog and his Bro, Tank the Terror, home. I'm not worried about anything else cept for that....

I just can't wait. It's been a long time since I traveled outside the country. I'm not sure if I'll blog from there. I'm not bringing my laptop to Greece but I understand there are lots of Internet Cafe's there.

I'm only bringing one suitcase. Do you know how hard that is? I'm going to do it!!

So it's a week before my vacation and I get an abscessed tooth. The dentist tried to save it but I had to get it pulled yesterday. ( I don't want any teeth problems overseas. ) Oh, last night I made escarole and beans and as I was eating the phone rang. Now with my tooth being pulled and my mouth a little numb I said I just sat down to eat my escarole and beans and the person on the other end of the phone thought I said "eskimo" and beans....lmao.

Peace

What Can I Say, I'm a Kid at Heart.....

2009-10-23T10:37:00.001-04:00

Halloween Toys & MySpace Layouts at pYzam.com

Just saying.....

2009-10-21T23:17:00.000-04:00

Peace

Laugh Day

2009-10-19T06:57:00.000-04:00

One year, a husband decided to buy his mother-in-law a cemetery plot as a Christmas gift...
The next year, he didn't buy her a gift.
When she asked him why, he replied! ,
"Well, you still haven't used the gift I bought you last year!"
And that's how the fight started...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I asked my wife,
'Where do you want to go for our anniversary?'
It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation.
'Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!'
she said.
So I suggested,
'How about the kitchen?'
And that's when the fight started...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My wife and I are watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire while we were in bed.
I turned to her and said,
'Do you want to have sex?'
'No,'
she answered.
I then said,
'Is that your final answer?'
She didn't even look at me this time, simply saying
'Yes.'
So I said,
'Then I'd like to phone a friend.'
And that's when the fight started...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I took my wife to a restaurant.
The waiter, for some reason, took my order first…
'I'll have the strip steak, medium rare, please.'
He said,
'Aren't you worried about the mad cow?'
'Nah, she can order for herself.'
And that's when the fight started...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping the channels.
She asked,
'What's on TV?'
I said,
'Dust.'
And then the fight started...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary.
She said,
'I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 200 in about 3 seconds.'
I bought her a scale..
And then the fight started...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My wife and I were sitting at a table at her high school reunion, and she kept staring at a drunken man swigging his drink as he sat alone at a nearby table.
I asked her,
'Do you know him?'
'Yes,'
she sighed,
‘He’s my old boyfriend... I understand he took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear he hasn't been sober since.'
'My God!'
I said,
'Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?'
And then the fight started...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I rear-ended a car this morning.... So, there we were alongside the road and slowly the other driver got out of his car.
You know how sometimes you just get soooo stressed and little things just seem funny?
Yeah, well I couldn't believe it... he was a DWARF!!!
He stormed over to my car, looked up at me, and shouted,
'I AM NOT HAPPY!'
So, I looked down at him and said,
'Well, then which one are you?'
And then the fight started...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE BROKEN LAWN MOWER:
When our lawn mower broke and wouldn't run, my wife kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed.
But, somehow I always had something else to take care of first, the truck, the car, playing golf… Always something more important to me.
Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point.
When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors… I watched silently for a short time and then went into the house. I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again I handed her a toothbrush.
I said,
'When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway.'
The doctors say I will walk again, but I will always have a limp.
Peace

Have a Great Day!

2009-10-16T09:52:00.001-04:00

Peace

Goodbye Warm..........

2009-10-14T17:05:00.003-04:00

I was still wearing flipflops last weekend, had the A/C on. I just heard on the news that we're expecting a Nor'easter over the weekend with a possible chance of snow!!! Geeze, Louise!

That's all folks.....

Peace

I Am Here......

2009-10-12T00:33:00.003-04:00

I've walked through a new land called Grief.......

I've been here for a while now.....
When I got here the darkness was totally consuming....
Scary, as if I'd never be able to breath again or get out of this place.
But I kept on walking and
a little light began to shine through, and some air.

I took some breaths and walked slowly, resting at some places.
Not a good rest, but a paralyzing rest.
I had to be rescued or I would have stayed there.
This was a new land and I didn't have a map.

But others did.

And they guided me. And supported me. And held my hand.

The road was bumpy but it lead me in the right direction.
Towards bright tomorrows. They were a long time coming.
I got here! I'm going to be alright.
Changed by the experience, but alright.

There is no end to this, no completion, just acceptance.

Peace

2009-10-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

Random thoughts from people our age…

-I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

-More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can
think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell
my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves
me.

-Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you
realize you're wrong.

-Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're
going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to
be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the
direction from which you came, you have to first do something like
check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to
yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're
crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

-There is a great need for sarcasm font.

-How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

-I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than
take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

- I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear
your computer history if you die.

-The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to
finish a text.

- Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

- Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in'
examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete
idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and
said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

-What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and
instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

- MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I
know how to get out of my neighborhood.

- Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

-If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring
would probably just be completely invisible.

- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not
seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't
want to have to restart my collection.

--The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw
they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words,
someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think
about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people
eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by
myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastard
before dinner.

Peace

Ha Ha...

2009-10-05T12:05:00.000-04:00

Happy Dance

2009-10-04T13:17:00.001-04:00

Since I've retired, every day is Happy Dance Friday....enjoy!

Peace

My New Front Door.....

2009-09-29T21:04:00.002-04:00

So? How do you like it? I happen to love it, but then again, I have very strange tastes. This is my new front door! It's going to be great on Halloween, when I open the little hatch with my skeleton mask on.......Boooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Peace

New Exercise Program

2009-09-25T06:00:00.001-04:00

New Exercise program

The older we get, the more important it is to incorporate exercise into our daily routine. This is necessary to maintain cardiovascular health and maintain muscle mass.

If you're over 40, you might want to take it easy at first, then do more repetitions as you become more proficient and build stamina. Warning: It may be too strenuous for some.

Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program!

SCROLL DOWN.......

NOW SCROLL UP..

That's enough for the first day. Great job.

Have a glass of wine.

Peace

2009-09-22T21:47:00.001-04:00

Sometime this year, we taxpayers will again receive an Economic Stimulus
payment. This is a very exciting program. I'll explain it using the Q and A format:

Q. What is an Economic Stimulus payment?

A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.

Q. Where will the government get this money?
A. From taxpayers.

Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
A. Only a smidgen.

Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is for you to use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.

Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?
A. Shut up.

Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the US economy by spending your stimulus check wisely:

If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money will go to China.

If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to the Arabs.

If you purchase a computer, it will go to India.

If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala.

If you buy a car, it will go to Japan or Korea.

If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan.

If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.

Instead, keep the money in America by:

1 Spending it at yard sales, or

2 going to ball games, or

3 spending it on prostitutes, or

4 beer or,

5 tattoos.

(These are the only American businesses still operating in the US..)

Conclusion:

Go to a ball game with a tattooed prostitute that you met at a yard sale and drink beer all day.

Peace

Spaghetti

2009-09-21T06:00:00.002-04:00

Spaghetti

For several years, a man was having an affair with an Italian woman.

One night, she confided in him that she was pregnant.

Not wanting to ruin his reputation or his marriage, he paid her a large
sum of money if she would go to Italy to secretly have the child.

Also if she stayed in Italy to raise the child, he would also provide
child support until the child turned 18.

She agreed, but asked how he would know when the baby was born.

To keep it discrete, he told her to simply mail him a post card, and
write 'Spaghetti' on the back.

He would then arrange for the Child Support Payments to begin.

One day, about 9 months later, he came home to his confused wife.

'Honey, 'she said, 'You received a very strange post card today.'

'Oh, just give it to me and I'll explain it later,' he said.

The wife obeyed and watched as her husband read the card, turned white, and fainted.

On the card was written:

Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti.

Three with meatballs, two without...

Send extra sauce!
Peace

Happy Fall

2009-09-19T10:19:00.002-04:00

Happy Fall to Y'all...(even though it's not officially Fall, it feels like it here)....I love this season!
I'm the happiest at this time of year (cept for my alleVrgies :-( (Oh, just for you info. I just heard on the news that it's also "Wife Appreciation Day", just saying.....).

I've been cleaning up my garden and getting ready to batten down the hatches for winter...since I planted a load of perennials this summer and want them to survive. I decided to trim my hedge that runs along one side of my house....and.................a few days later find my arms itching and welting up......POISON effing IVY!!!! I knew it was there but yet forgot it was there when I was cutting up the hedge (is that like cutting up a rug?) I was really into zip zip zipping with the hedge trimmer and completely forgot about it. Damn.....it's real ugly too and itchy as all hell. Oh well.

On a lighter note, I am making reservations to take a cruise in the Greek Islands in October!
I feel it's time to get away. Up until now, I just didn't have the travel urge. I just wanted to stay home. But with time and good friends it feels like a darkness has lifted and I'm ready to come back into the light!!! SHINE ON!

Peace

Bless Them...

2009-09-11T11:18:00.000-04:00

God Bless Them All......We miss you....

Ain't I Cute???

2009-09-10T18:35:00.003-04:00

This is Tank at 7 months. Snotdog (his brother) has gradually allowed him to live in our house. Let's just say Snotdog(Spud) tolerates him now. Tank is a little terror. Did the word terrier come from terror????? :-) I still love him to pieces though. He really has gotten a little better with time. Let's just hope he calms down when he goes to the vet's next week for a little surgery.....(snip, snip)....sorry lil guy.

Peace

Worth Repeating

2009-09-04T21:45:00.003-04:00

It's all good!!!!

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch..

5.. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck..

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life.. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38.. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come..

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44.. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Monkey Monday Revisited

2009-07-29T00:07:00.002-04:00

(Remember "Happy Monkey Mondays"???) When I was working I needed a boost to get me going on Mondays, so every Monday was Happy Monkey Day. Now that I'm retired, every day is Happy Monkey Monday! :-)

Peace

Happy Songs????????????????????????

2009-07-17T00:30:00.004-04:00

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Ok...who voted these in as the 10 top happy songs, huh?????????
I liked one or two.....but all 10??? Come on!
Peace

HeHe Signs

2009-07-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

Yeah yeah, I know you've all probably seen these before but I just saw them for the first time and feel like sharing them with you......:-)

Peace

Out with the Old, In with the New (Kitchen)

2009-07-08T16:14:00.006-04:00

Here's the old kitchen

New Kitchen....which I'm am soooo happy with.......

It took a while and a little inconvenience, but it's finally finished. I'm am so enjoying it!

Peace

My Lion, Pt. 2

2009-06-08T09:00:00.001-04:00

I bought the picture of the lion after hub died and hung it up in my living room because there was something about it that made me think of him. Not that it looks like him at all, but because it touched my heart and I felt him in that lion. The words you used in your comments from the last post, strong, wise, pensive, thoughtful, intense, determined, sad, powerful, doing what he wanted.......all of these words describe my hub. Thank you. And Lois, when you said you said you saw an angel, the hairs on my arms stood straight up and only reinforced my love of this picture. Not only is his essence in the picture, but his spirit as an angel watching over me is there now! Wow.

Peace

My Lion

2009-06-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Tell me what you feel when you look at this picture. (I'll tell you why in my next post).

Peace

Rain N'Shit

2009-06-05T15:12:00.002-04:00

Rain, rain go away!

My new kitchen is complete and looks absolutely beautiful! I'm so happy with it I want to sleep in it! I made my first dinner already....hot, hot chili! Was really good! I should really post some pics and I will as soon as I take some.

The weather has been horrible. Rainy and chilly. One day of sun interspersed here and there.
I'm waiting for some days that are hot and sunny so I can start going to the beach and live the retired life as I planned.

I'm working now on my backyard patio.....then I'll have some BBQs...to which y'all are invited!

Hope you're all well and PEACE.

Whadda ya mean I'm not ready???

2009-05-09T11:38:00.003-04:00

I took a free golf lesson. The instructor analyzed my technique and thought it best for me to start on the beginner's course!! :-)

Peace

No Cattle Prodding Allowed!!!!

2009-04-28T20:50:00.005-04:00

I've never been poked by a cattle prod. Why, do you ask, am I telling you that? I've been threatened by my blog buddy, Buffalodick, that if I don't put up a post he's got one with my name on it!! Is this something I should report to Blogster? Am I being harassed? Just because he cooks great food and puts up pictures of it and makes everyone's mouth's water and want some....doesn't give him the right to cattle prod me! :-) So......rather than having my name branded on my ass or someplace, here's a post for y'all.

My last home project is almost done. I gutted my kitchen and the contractor is putting it in now. When that's done, I'm going to take a break and start living like I'm retired! It seems all I've done is work, work, work...but I'm doing things that I love doing, that's what makes the time fly. I don't post here because I just don't sit down anymore at my computer that much and I apologize to all my buddies out there that I've not gotten around to commenting. I do catch up a lot on my goggle reader so I've not forgotten ya! :-)

I'm still missing hub....I keep his picture in a little frame and carry it around to each room I'm in so he can see what I'm doing in the house. He and I had complete opposite tastes in decor....so i'm sure he's rolling his angel eyes at how I'm decorating and the colors I'm using to paint the house with. :-)

I finally got some flowers planted in the front of the house. I'm trying to start a perennial garden. Hub was the gardener, so I'm hoping the flowers will grow!!!

The new pup (Tank) is getting a little bigger. All he does is bother Snot dog who is getting on in years (like me) and all he wants to do is snooze the day away. But he tolerates Tank and they do look sooo cute when they're both sleeping.

So...maybe someday I'll be back here blogging daily....but not right now. I wish you all peace and love.

Peace

Hoppy Easter!!!

2009-04-10T16:42:00.003-04:00

Hope you all have a peaceful and happy holiday!!!

Test Time!

2009-04-06T19:45:00.001-04:00

Your Blog Should Be Purple

You're an expressive, offbeat blogger who tends to write about anything and everything.

You tend to set blogging trends, and you're the most likely to write your own meme or survey.

You are a bit distant though. Your blog is all about you - not what anyone else has to say.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Your Blogging Type is Pensive and Philosophical

You blog like no one else is reading...

You tend to use your blog to explore ideas - often in long winded prose.

Easy going and flexible, you tend to befriend other bloggers easily.

But if they disagree with once too much, you'll pull them from your blogroll!

What's Your Blogging Personality?

The Nice Stranger

2009-03-26T22:36:00.002-04:00

I wrote this awhile ago for Flash Fiction 55 (a story in 55 words). This one, however is not fiction.

The Nice Stranger

She sits now and smiles.
Sings too.
Doesn't know to who or why.

She even knows my name.
Asks me the same questions,
over and over again.
It's ok though. I answer,
over and over again.
She's my child now, as I was hers.

Mom has Alzheimers.

Peace

Just saying.....

2009-03-23T10:52:00.000-04:00

:-)

Peace

Spring Has Sprung....

2009-03-20T07:43:00.003-04:00

Happy Spring!!!

It's snowing!!! :-(

We had one nice day here this week, almost 60 degrees, so I got the taste of spring in my soul and wanted to get out into the garden and start getting my hands dirty. When I looked at my window this morning, I had to do a double take.....Nooooo, it just can't be snowing!!! It is.

Oh well.

Peace

Happy St. Paddy's Day.....

2009-03-16T08:36:00.000-04:00

A nice version of the song......Enjoy!

Peace

Meet Tank, Snot Dog's New Friend

2009-03-06T18:33:00.004-05:00

Tank, the two pound terror, is now a member of the family. Snot is tolerating him for now. But I think one of these days, he just may kill Tank.

One of my neighbor's dog's had puppies. Tank is a male Yorkshire Terrier (terror, as the case is). I've never been a fan of this breed, however, I just couldn't resist. He's 7 weeks old now and finally sleeping throught the night.....It's just like having a new born baby for crying out loud! I think I must be crazy to take on this responsibility now, with the house stuff going on and everything else in my life, but as much as a terror he is, he's just so lovable!!!

See y'all soon!!!

Peace

Just Checking in Cause Buffalo Told Me to......

2009-02-12T12:13:00.006-05:00

WHEN LOVE SPEAKS, THE VOICE OF GOD MAKES HEAVEN DROWSY WITH THE HARMONY.......(Shakespeare)

My blog has not been calling to me lately, therefore I haven't posted....But ....don't you worry I have been watching and reading you guys from my Google Reader so I know what's going on out there. Hehe.

It's almost a year already since I retired, and I haven't regretted that decision. It's given me my time to grieve and work through things and get started on many projects, the house being the major one. The holidays have passed and I made it through. I'm content being in the house and know that hub is smiling down (or up) at me knowing that I'm doing things that make me happy.

Valentine's Day happens to be our wedding anniversary so it'll be a sad day (maybe). I'm just glad I got to spend the time I did with him. He made me laugh and everything I do has a memory connected to it that makes me smile because of him. There's something in grief that makes one change, of course, and I'll never be my old self again. But we live and we grow through our experiences and are given choices to sit in our shit or move on. I'm moving on my path, one baby step at a time, one day at a time, and will come through the clouds of my grief to greet the rainbows that await.

Peace

Hawk Hawk

2009-01-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

I wish I had my camera....or I wish I was there to see it from the beginning.

I opened the gate to the backyard.......to let Snotdog run in the snow. It took my mind a minute to grasp what was happening. A hawk type bird was de-feathering a large bird (one that he most likely killed I'm assuming) and when I opened the gate he grabbed the carcus in his talons and flew away!!! Was a pretty big bird too that he carted off! I went over to the feathers to see if I could determine what type of bird he killed....I don't really know....but judging by the feathers, it was a pretty big one....Not only did he leave the feathers, but he left the beak too!

It's nature taking it's course. It didn't gross me out or anything. Kinda made me glad to see that the wild life is still around (not the people kind either). hehe. Hub would have been delighted to see that too.

Peace

Happy Dance Monday!

2009-01-12T01:47:00.001-05:00

Time to start dancing again!!!

Peace

An Oldie But Goodie Fairy Tale :-)

2009-01-07T09:32:00.005-05:00

One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who did not whine, nag or bitch.

But it was a long time ago, and it was just that one day. The End.

Peace