I did something today that I haven't done in ages. I slept until almost 10am. Saturday night was not a good sleeping night for me and last night we stayed up til after midnight so I am glad I was able to catch up a little bit anyway. The birds are chirping and the sun is shining, it's a little chilly in here still but should warm up nicely.
Sometime around 1am I woke up to what sounded like a waterfall. It was pouring rain outside and I mean gully washer pouring, and I could hear thunder off in the distance. It wasn't long before the storm was right on top of us. A couple of good cracks of thunder and some very vivid lightening and it was over. I am glad the storm held off until after we were all back at home and not during the Fireworks show that went on a couple hours earlier.
Speaking of which, what a fantastic show. One of the best ever! We were all sitting around my mom and dad's house playing cards and the first explosion went off. The radio had said they would start around 9:15 and it was only 8:45. Eric, Jessie, Sara and Brad all took off running down the block to the park and my dad and Uncle Albert grabbed some chairs and headed for the corner. We could see the fireworks pretty well from the corner and except for the really low ones that didn't make it above the tree line, we had a pretty good seat.
Afterwards, we went back to our card game since traffic was going to be crazy anyway and there would be no getting out of there any time soon. We cracked open the strawberries and finished off the strawberry shortcakes Sara had made for dessert. Good job, kid. The only leftovers from dinner were a few hot dogs and some pasta salad which Eric and my brother Henry managed to finish off before we left.
I'm going to make another cup of coffee and flip through a magazine.
Happy Monday everyone.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Memorial Day
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Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead.
Just a little history lesson there...I was interested in when observing Memorial Day actually started. Now we all know. LOL
The weekend has started off quite nicely. I woke up around 7:30, which means I got an additional 3 hours sleep, and it is sunny and warm outside. The woods out back are alive with chirping and screeching and all other noises the little creatures make. I've showered and got laundry going and had a couple cups of coffee already while sitting outside on the deck. Cal mowed the lawn last night for me and there is still that fresh cut grass scent going on out there. I am not liking a section of the yard though that has become a bit overgrown with weeds and junk I can't recognize so I think I am going to stop at the flower shop down the road later and pick up a few flats of pansies and assorted colorful flowers and brighten up that area. I've got day lilies and a rose bush in that area but that stuff won't bloom for another month and I want to see some color. Everything in my yard seems to be a few weeks behind everyone else's yard for some reason. The violets and lily-of-the-valley are just now starting to bloom. The irises are tall but still have a way to go before blossoming. I've also got black eyed susans and daisies coming along. I love my neighbors lilac bush and wish I had one of my own. I think I'll go clip myself a bunch after they leave this morning. LOL
It is supposed to be in the mid 90's today which is fantastic since last weekend I had to have the heat on because it was so cold and rainy and raw. I've got the windows open and it is 77 out now but there's a nice breeze blowing and the sun hasn't settled on the house just yet. Once it does, it will get quite warm in here, but there is no humidity to worry about so it will cool down nicely this evening. I haven't installed the air conditioner just yet, I think I'll wait awhile and enjoy the fresh air for a few more weeks.
I've got a few errands to run this morning but then the weekend is pretty much free for yard work, reading and BBQing. I'm taking it easy. Last weekend was so busy and there was hardly time to breathe. I want to just slow it down and be a little lazy.
I suppose I should get the clothes out on the line and get moving. The sooner I get my chores finished, the sooner I can sit outside and start reading.
Be safe this weekend!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Welcome Home Joey!
Earlier today, the oldest son of my good friend Anne arrived in Boston after an 8 month tour of duty in Bagdad, Iraq. He joined the military 3 years ago and has spent most of his time overseas, first in England for a year and then in Italy and Germany for a bit before being deployed to Iraq. I know Anne and her husband are relieved that he is finally back on U.S. soil and I am thankful for his and all our military's service. I hope to be able to see him while he is on leave so I can personally express my gratitude.
The weather has finally taken a turn for the better around here. The last few days have been very sunny and warm and tomorrow we are expecting some 80 degree weather with possible 90's for Friday and part of the weekend. Bring on the sunscreen! I have the whole weekend off, including Friday, so I plan on working on my tan.
I really have no huge plans for the weekend. Friday morning I have to get my car inspected but the remainder of the day is free. Sunday I am going to a BBQ and then the annual fireworks show down by the river in Manchester. It is sponsored by a local radio station, ROCK 101, and officially kicks off the 101 days of summer. This fireworks show is normally way better than the 4th of July show and is synchronized with the music played by the radio station. It should be a good time, for sure.
I'm off to the shower and then to watch the last American Idol show of the season. My opinion is Jordin will win but Sara pointed out to me that last year between Katherine and Taylor, Katherine had a much better voice and Taylor was a better showman and we all know who won, so nothing is certain until the words are uttered by Ryan Seacrest. In any event, I think several of the Top 10 will have decent careers so everyone is a winner.
I hope you all are having a good week and Happy Memorial Day to you all.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Graduation
Graduation
It's been a very busy weekend indeed.
Friday evening was Sara's awards ceremony at UNH. I would guess about 250 students were awarded various academic awards based on their credits and grade point average. Sara was awarded a white cord to wear with her cap and gown for her GPA which has stayed pretty much between 3.25-3.50.
After the ceremony her father and I took her and her boyfriend Brad out for dinner. It also happened to be my birthday so it was a nice combo celebration.
Saturday morning we were up early and headed to the University. Since the keynote speakers were the 41st and 42nd Presidents of the United States, I knew security was going to be tight and I wanted to make sure we had a decent seat. The weather was not going to co-operate so we decided we would watch the ceremony from the indoor arena. They were going to have jumbo screens set up so we could watch and I thought we would actually see better anyway. As soon as we got on campus, we were directed to a large parking facility and then boarded a bus that shuttled us to the arena. They had closed down the campus to traffic at 6am, and only necessary personel were getting through. We had plenty of time to spare so we wandered around a bit and picked a good seat. The rain tapered off right before the grads filed in to Cowell Stadium. (And no it was not named after Simon Cowell LOL) I spotted Sara in the crowd when the former Presidents were filing in. She was franticly taking pics and shook President Bush's hand.
The speeches were awesome and except for a couple of asides regarding female presidents made by Bill Clinton,(the university president is a female) the speeches were mostly geared towards the students being citizens and not politicaly influenced.
The last student received his diploma around 3 hours later and the last speech was given. Sara caught up to us after awhile and we all posed and took pics. She had to go back to her dorm and finish packing so we jumped back on the bus and got shuttled back to my car. We went to her dorm and helped her clean up, loaded my car with as much as it can hold and headed home. The rain started again right on cue as soon as we got home.
I am very proud of my baby and I know she worked really hard to get where she is today. We will have a big party for her on June 9th.
Today was supposed to be my day of rest. LOL I am so tired, I even took a nap this afternoon.
I've been helping Sara organize her room which is no easy task since she is a pack rat and her room was already packed with stuff before she moved the things from school into it. I think there will be some over spill into the spare bedroom but I am discouraging that because I have been trying to make that room into a sitting room. She seems to think every spare corner in the house is hers to fill up. NOT!
It's good to have her home again but I can already see issues that will need to be addressed. She is not the neatest person in the world and I have been used to cleaning up after myself the last 4 years and not her too. Funny how fast they return to their childhood when it suits them.
I have posted one of my favorite pics taken yesterday and that is of Sara and her big brother after graduation. Definitely a keeper.
Time for another nap, I think.
It's been a very busy weekend indeed.
Friday evening was Sara's awards ceremony at UNH. I would guess about 250 students were awarded various academic awards based on their credits and grade point average. Sara was awarded a white cord to wear with her cap and gown for her GPA which has stayed pretty much between 3.25-3.50.
After the ceremony her father and I took her and her boyfriend Brad out for dinner. It also happened to be my birthday so it was a nice combo celebration.
Saturday morning we were up early and headed to the University. Since the keynote speakers were the 41st and 42nd Presidents of the United States, I knew security was going to be tight and I wanted to make sure we had a decent seat. The weather was not going to co-operate so we decided we would watch the ceremony from the indoor arena. They were going to have jumbo screens set up so we could watch and I thought we would actually see better anyway. As soon as we got on campus, we were directed to a large parking facility and then boarded a bus that shuttled us to the arena. They had closed down the campus to traffic at 6am, and only necessary personel were getting through. We had plenty of time to spare so we wandered around a bit and picked a good seat. The rain tapered off right before the grads filed in to Cowell Stadium. (And no it was not named after Simon Cowell LOL) I spotted Sara in the crowd when the former Presidents were filing in. She was franticly taking pics and shook President Bush's hand.
The speeches were awesome and except for a couple of asides regarding female presidents made by Bill Clinton,(the university president is a female) the speeches were mostly geared towards the students being citizens and not politicaly influenced.
The last student received his diploma around 3 hours later and the last speech was given. Sara caught up to us after awhile and we all posed and took pics. She had to go back to her dorm and finish packing so we jumped back on the bus and got shuttled back to my car. We went to her dorm and helped her clean up, loaded my car with as much as it can hold and headed home. The rain started again right on cue as soon as we got home.
I am very proud of my baby and I know she worked really hard to get where she is today. We will have a big party for her on June 9th.
Today was supposed to be my day of rest. LOL I am so tired, I even took a nap this afternoon.
I've been helping Sara organize her room which is no easy task since she is a pack rat and her room was already packed with stuff before she moved the things from school into it. I think there will be some over spill into the spare bedroom but I am discouraging that because I have been trying to make that room into a sitting room. She seems to think every spare corner in the house is hers to fill up. NOT!
It's good to have her home again but I can already see issues that will need to be addressed. She is not the neatest person in the world and I have been used to cleaning up after myself the last 4 years and not her too. Funny how fast they return to their childhood when it suits them.
I have posted one of my favorite pics taken yesterday and that is of Sara and her big brother after graduation. Definitely a keeper.
Time for another nap, I think.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mother's Day
I had a very busy weekend so far. Starting on Friday, which was supposed to be my day off, I had to attend a class at work on time management. I am still not sure exactly why I was included because almost all of the other people in the class were managers, supervisors and group leaders, but I figured, why not, let's see if I can play with the big dogs. The class was an all day affair and actually was pretty informative. There were lectures and then hands on implementation of what was taught, work simulations, etc. After our last exercise, we were given a clock that we built during our simulations. So, the benefit for me was, a free lunch, a clock, and some hands on experience of what managers do to try to make the work flow easier and keep the wasted time to a minimum. Oh and 8 hours of overtime.
After class I went to visit my Mom and ended up staying for dinner. My brother BBQ'd and we played cards before and after dinner. Not a bad evening and I figured I would just get my banking, food shopping and other various errands done on Saturday. I would be wrong. LOL
Saturday morning I got up early and started on my laundry. I got tied up on the phone though, and never made it out of the house on time. So I skipped the grocery shopping and banking, and decided I can do that on Sunday, since the rest of my day was pretty full. I made my way to the post office and then to Manchester to pick up a birthday gift for my friend Elaine. She and I went to High School together and her birthday is on the 28th. We were having lunch at noon so I wanted to make sure I had her gift with me. I had planned on picking that up last weekend, but got lazy and never made it to the Mall. I wandered around the Mall for 20 minutes before I saw the perfect thing. She has 4 grandkids and she's always bringing photos of them for me to see when we get together so I picked out a pretty photo album that holds 48 photos. It's got a bright yellow sunflower on the cover. I also filled a gift bag with various chocolates and a Powerball ticket. I hope she remembers me if she gets lucky.
Anyway, we met at Cactus Jack's Restaurant, which serves very yummy Mexican food. It was awesome to see her again, and since we figured out it had been almost 2 years since we last managed to pull this off, we ended up sitting at the restaurant after lunch for about 2 more hours, chatting away. Of course, she pulled out her envelope with recent photos of the kids and grandkids, so she was thrilled when she opened her gift bag and saw the photo album.
By the time I left the restaurant it was after 3pm and I headed home to take the dog out and make sure he was fed. I then headed over to Eric and Jessie's new apartment. They moved in about a month ago and Jessie called earlier in the week and asked me to come hang out with them. Jessie had prepared a wonderful dinner and we then played Monopoly for several hours. I got my butt whipped, but that's ok. Right before I left, Eric handed me a box from Zales Jewelers ^insert eye popping here^. Inside was a beautiful, delicate tennis bracelet with Opals (his birthstone) and tiny diamonds. I was floored! Sooooooo pretty. It is a combination Mother's Day and Birthday gift. He said he knew my birthstone is Emerald, but I already have a lot of Emerald stuff (he's right) so he decided on the Opal. He couldn't have made a better choice. It's lovely and although I don't wear much jewelry, I will wear this. He was a little disappointed that I didn't cry. He said he always goes for the tear factor. I will be sure to brag and show it off every chance I get.
So, that brings me to today. I still have to pick up some groceries and I did my banking online already. The rest of the day will be relaxing and hanging out with Cal. I spoke to Sara on Friday and she 'might' stop in for a visit this afternoon, but she still has 2 more finals to take so she's got a ton of studying to do. She also has to start moving out of her dorm soon since Graduation is next week.
On Friday, I am taking a half day off work to go to her Academic Awards Ceremony. She will be getting an award for maintaining a 3.5 average and I think she gets a special colored cord to wear with her cap and gown. Then Saturday morning is the BIG DAY! I'm so so excited. I am sure it is going to be a three ring circus since Bill Clinton and George Bush Sr. are the Commencement speakers but I wouldn't miss it for the world. Pictures to follow! ;-)
I hope all you mom's have a Happy Mother's Day today.
After class I went to visit my Mom and ended up staying for dinner. My brother BBQ'd and we played cards before and after dinner. Not a bad evening and I figured I would just get my banking, food shopping and other various errands done on Saturday. I would be wrong. LOL
Saturday morning I got up early and started on my laundry. I got tied up on the phone though, and never made it out of the house on time. So I skipped the grocery shopping and banking, and decided I can do that on Sunday, since the rest of my day was pretty full. I made my way to the post office and then to Manchester to pick up a birthday gift for my friend Elaine. She and I went to High School together and her birthday is on the 28th. We were having lunch at noon so I wanted to make sure I had her gift with me. I had planned on picking that up last weekend, but got lazy and never made it to the Mall. I wandered around the Mall for 20 minutes before I saw the perfect thing. She has 4 grandkids and she's always bringing photos of them for me to see when we get together so I picked out a pretty photo album that holds 48 photos. It's got a bright yellow sunflower on the cover. I also filled a gift bag with various chocolates and a Powerball ticket. I hope she remembers me if she gets lucky.
Anyway, we met at Cactus Jack's Restaurant, which serves very yummy Mexican food. It was awesome to see her again, and since we figured out it had been almost 2 years since we last managed to pull this off, we ended up sitting at the restaurant after lunch for about 2 more hours, chatting away. Of course, she pulled out her envelope with recent photos of the kids and grandkids, so she was thrilled when she opened her gift bag and saw the photo album.
By the time I left the restaurant it was after 3pm and I headed home to take the dog out and make sure he was fed. I then headed over to Eric and Jessie's new apartment. They moved in about a month ago and Jessie called earlier in the week and asked me to come hang out with them. Jessie had prepared a wonderful dinner and we then played Monopoly for several hours. I got my butt whipped, but that's ok. Right before I left, Eric handed me a box from Zales Jewelers ^insert eye popping here^. Inside was a beautiful, delicate tennis bracelet with Opals (his birthstone) and tiny diamonds. I was floored! Sooooooo pretty. It is a combination Mother's Day and Birthday gift. He said he knew my birthstone is Emerald, but I already have a lot of Emerald stuff (he's right) so he decided on the Opal. He couldn't have made a better choice. It's lovely and although I don't wear much jewelry, I will wear this. He was a little disappointed that I didn't cry. He said he always goes for the tear factor. I will be sure to brag and show it off every chance I get.
So, that brings me to today. I still have to pick up some groceries and I did my banking online already. The rest of the day will be relaxing and hanging out with Cal. I spoke to Sara on Friday and she 'might' stop in for a visit this afternoon, but she still has 2 more finals to take so she's got a ton of studying to do. She also has to start moving out of her dorm soon since Graduation is next week.
On Friday, I am taking a half day off work to go to her Academic Awards Ceremony. She will be getting an award for maintaining a 3.5 average and I think she gets a special colored cord to wear with her cap and gown. Then Saturday morning is the BIG DAY! I'm so so excited. I am sure it is going to be a three ring circus since Bill Clinton and George Bush Sr. are the Commencement speakers but I wouldn't miss it for the world. Pictures to follow! ;-)
I hope all you mom's have a Happy Mother's Day today.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Apple News
Apple Computers announced today that it has developed a computer chip
that can store and play music in women's breast implants. The iBreast
will cost between $499 and $599.
This is considered to be a major breakthrough because women are always
complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to
them.
Thanks to Apple, everyone is now happy
that can store and play music in women's breast implants. The iBreast
will cost between $499 and $599.
This is considered to be a major breakthrough because women are always
complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to
them.
Thanks to Apple, everyone is now happy
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Saturday Musings
It's the weekend...Yahoo LOL
The week was a tad bit long for me but I muddled thru. Things have been pretty slow at work since we've caught up on all our backlog. We were so used to having more work than we knew what to do with and 11 hour days were the norm for me and now we're back to our regular schedules with more people than we need. So three girls have been transferred to another department, and we've had all overtime cut for the time being. Yesterday I was asked if I would want to give my Supervisor a hand and do the daily production reports, line status and some general computer entries. It would give me an additional hour or two of work a day and frankly, all I want to do is keep busy because trying to make 4-5 hours of work last for 8-9 hours makes for a very long and tiring day. I also see this as a stepping stone to a promotion. I have my yearly review in December and it would be really nice to move up another notch.
I took the dog to the groomers this morning for his perdicure. They are so good there, very quick and accomodating. He got the award this morning for being the cutest white chihuahua they've seen today. Kind of funny since we were the first appointment. He has to make his rounds when he gets there and goes behind the desk to visit the ladies especially if they are busy and ignoring him. They also have a few cages with animals up for adoption and we always go and check out the new arrivals.
Casper is a white persian male cat that lives there and he wasn't having any of Hunter's hyper activity this morning. After three attempts to make friends and getting his nose swatted each time, Hunter decided my lap was a safer place to hang out. I think he was a little sad.
It's a little overcast and chilly this morning but the sun peeks out from time to time. It's going to be mid 60's by the afternoon and that is fine with me. I've got laundry out on the line and another load in the washer. Most of the housework is done for a change. I've just got the bathroom to clean and make up the bed once I get the sheets off the line. I am going shopping this afternoon for an outfit for Graduation. I've only got this weekend and next so I better get a move on.
Well that's about it for now. Such an unexciting life I lead. Take good care.
L
The week was a tad bit long for me but I muddled thru. Things have been pretty slow at work since we've caught up on all our backlog. We were so used to having more work than we knew what to do with and 11 hour days were the norm for me and now we're back to our regular schedules with more people than we need. So three girls have been transferred to another department, and we've had all overtime cut for the time being. Yesterday I was asked if I would want to give my Supervisor a hand and do the daily production reports, line status and some general computer entries. It would give me an additional hour or two of work a day and frankly, all I want to do is keep busy because trying to make 4-5 hours of work last for 8-9 hours makes for a very long and tiring day. I also see this as a stepping stone to a promotion. I have my yearly review in December and it would be really nice to move up another notch.
I took the dog to the groomers this morning for his perdicure. They are so good there, very quick and accomodating. He got the award this morning for being the cutest white chihuahua they've seen today. Kind of funny since we were the first appointment. He has to make his rounds when he gets there and goes behind the desk to visit the ladies especially if they are busy and ignoring him. They also have a few cages with animals up for adoption and we always go and check out the new arrivals.
Casper is a white persian male cat that lives there and he wasn't having any of Hunter's hyper activity this morning. After three attempts to make friends and getting his nose swatted each time, Hunter decided my lap was a safer place to hang out. I think he was a little sad.
It's a little overcast and chilly this morning but the sun peeks out from time to time. It's going to be mid 60's by the afternoon and that is fine with me. I've got laundry out on the line and another load in the washer. Most of the housework is done for a change. I've just got the bathroom to clean and make up the bed once I get the sheets off the line. I am going shopping this afternoon for an outfit for Graduation. I've only got this weekend and next so I better get a move on.
Well that's about it for now. Such an unexciting life I lead. Take good care.
L
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
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