It's mid week and I have nothing to write about but I will ramble on here for a bit just because I can. :-)
The weather has been fairly nice, a little cool today but still sunny. Getting the Fall feeling for sure. Tonight it is supposed to drop down into the low 40's. I will leave my bedroom window open for as long as I possibly can. I sleep so much better when I can feel fresh natural air blowing on me. I don't like running the ceiling fan all night. For some reason, I wake up in the morning with my nose all stuffed up when the fan is left on.
George has been going out hunting every evening for the past week. Bear season opened up on September 1st. He likes to go out but he isn't interested so much in bear. He mainly hunts deer out behind our house and he is an avid bow hunter...no shotguns for him. We have 6 acres of woods/fields out there and he has a few favorite spots to sit up in his tree stand and be one with nature. So several evenings a week, he races home and grabs a quick bite to eat and goes out until it starts getting dark. This won't last long, obviously, since it has been getting dark earlier and earlier. But for now, he's having a good time. (Although I don't know how much fun it can be sitting 20 feet high in a tree for several hours trying not to make any noise. Not my idea of fun.) LOL
My friend Leanne got terminated from work today. I am pretty sad about that but she made a mistake and at this time, the management is not in much of a forgiving mood. Looking for any reason to reduce the work force, I think. There are some people who should have been let go a long time ago because they are pretty useless but somehow they are still employed.
They've been riding our butts about time clock practices...don't punch in more than 5 minutes before your shift starts and you can't punch out any later than 5 minutes after your shift ends...etc etc. Apparently she was running late yesterday morning so she pulled her car up to the building...ran in, punched in then went back out to park her car. I know...that has wrong written all over it. No argument from me there. But I see a lot of people who are on the clock and they're in the ladies room for 15 minutes combing their hair and reapplying makeup...or hanging around in the halls killing time. One of my co workers makes an entire loop through the building 2 or 3 times a day using the bathroom that is farthest from her work station so she can kill a little time. So I don't see how this is any worse. But she was ratted out by the security guard and lost her job. I guess I am going to have to really keep on my toes. It looks like they are looking for any reason to dump a few more bodies.
I suppose I should get my supper dishes washed and maybe I can get a little reading in before George gets home.
Not sure what we are doing this weekend. So far, nothing is planned but things can change in a heartbeat around here. I know he is going to want to get out into the woods late afternoon on Saturday and Sunday if the weather is good.
Have a great evening. Hope your week is going well.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
A Quiet Friday Morning
It's my off Friday...had a nice short week with the holiday on Monday. George is working so I am making good use of my time at home alone, catching up on blogs and doing some laundry in between. I've been awake since 6:30 and I've got three loads of laundry washed and waiting on the second load to finish drying so I can put the third load in. Once that is dry I will remake the bed and my chores will be done. I plan on grabbing my book a bit later on and making a nice dent in it. I am reading Duma Key by Stephen King. I am about 150 pages into it and it is pretty good, so far. But I know how he writes and I have a feeling the story is going to take a left turn pretty soon. Hopefully I won't end up disappointed as I have been in previous books. I have had this book for quite some time and had been putting off reading it. I had been reading books by Christopher Moore lately and he is a riot to read. He has a very unique and comedic writing style and I find the silliness refreshing sometimes.
Work has been very stressful lately. A sign of the times I guess, but still scary never knowing who is going to be laid off or terminated next. I work for a government contractor who manufactures optical gear for the military. Night vision goggles, mountable flashlights and infrared sighting systems that our soldiers need to protect us and themselves. All the budget cuts have been tough on everyone. The orders have been dwindling down and so must the work force. At one time our comapny employed almost 2000 people and since the beginning of this year management has had to lay off or terminate well over 500 people. It began as getting rid of the dead weight, mainly people with negative work records, bad attitudes and discipline problems. Then it moved onto individual departments, thinning the herd so to speak. I've heard that another 150 people will be gone by years end...but that could just be a rumor. In any event, it's a little scary. No one is safe and everyone is dispensible it seems. I continue to carry on, hopefully for a long time but you never know. I've been there almost 7 years but seniority doesn't matter here either. I'll just keep my nose clean and my attitude pleasant and show up for work every day and hope that is sufficient.
It's kind of cloudy and cool today. I guess summer is over. We didn't have much of a summer this year. June and July were very rainy and the only heat and sun we had came the first couple of weeks of August. The last 2 weeks were very comfortable and sunny, but not particularly warm. I guess we saved money on electricity where the Air Conditioning is concerned but I dread having to turn the heat on. I guess it's inevitible living in the Northeast but maybe we'll have a nice Indian summer.
Of course, everyone knows today is the 8th anniversary of 9/11. We all remember where we were and what we were doing when this horrible event took place. I had just landed at Manchester NH airport from a 7:30am flight from Newark, NJ when I saw the news on the monitors at the luggage carousel. It was 8:55am...just minutes after the first plane struck the World Trade Center Tower and it didn't make sense to me until I was in the car heading to work from the airport and the reports were on the radio. By the time I got to work (which was just on the opposite side of the airport), I knew I had to make some calls because my family knew I was flying that morning and they would be frantic. I called the high school to get word to my daughter so she wouldn't freak out and I called my parents. Then I called my son, who had been asleep and was totally oblivious to what was going on. I then made a few more calls to friends who would be worried and was very tightly hugged by some co workers who were extremely happy to see me. At that time, we didn't know exactly what impact this whole catastrophe would have on our Nation, but we would find that out in the coming hours. I personally didn't lose anyone close to me but a lot of people did and for them I pray. May God Bless us all.
Work has been very stressful lately. A sign of the times I guess, but still scary never knowing who is going to be laid off or terminated next. I work for a government contractor who manufactures optical gear for the military. Night vision goggles, mountable flashlights and infrared sighting systems that our soldiers need to protect us and themselves. All the budget cuts have been tough on everyone. The orders have been dwindling down and so must the work force. At one time our comapny employed almost 2000 people and since the beginning of this year management has had to lay off or terminate well over 500 people. It began as getting rid of the dead weight, mainly people with negative work records, bad attitudes and discipline problems. Then it moved onto individual departments, thinning the herd so to speak. I've heard that another 150 people will be gone by years end...but that could just be a rumor. In any event, it's a little scary. No one is safe and everyone is dispensible it seems. I continue to carry on, hopefully for a long time but you never know. I've been there almost 7 years but seniority doesn't matter here either. I'll just keep my nose clean and my attitude pleasant and show up for work every day and hope that is sufficient.
It's kind of cloudy and cool today. I guess summer is over. We didn't have much of a summer this year. June and July were very rainy and the only heat and sun we had came the first couple of weeks of August. The last 2 weeks were very comfortable and sunny, but not particularly warm. I guess we saved money on electricity where the Air Conditioning is concerned but I dread having to turn the heat on. I guess it's inevitible living in the Northeast but maybe we'll have a nice Indian summer.
Of course, everyone knows today is the 8th anniversary of 9/11. We all remember where we were and what we were doing when this horrible event took place. I had just landed at Manchester NH airport from a 7:30am flight from Newark, NJ when I saw the news on the monitors at the luggage carousel. It was 8:55am...just minutes after the first plane struck the World Trade Center Tower and it didn't make sense to me until I was in the car heading to work from the airport and the reports were on the radio. By the time I got to work (which was just on the opposite side of the airport), I knew I had to make some calls because my family knew I was flying that morning and they would be frantic. I called the high school to get word to my daughter so she wouldn't freak out and I called my parents. Then I called my son, who had been asleep and was totally oblivious to what was going on. I then made a few more calls to friends who would be worried and was very tightly hugged by some co workers who were extremely happy to see me. At that time, we didn't know exactly what impact this whole catastrophe would have on our Nation, but we would find that out in the coming hours. I personally didn't lose anyone close to me but a lot of people did and for them I pray. May God Bless us all.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Happy Labor Day
Happy Labor Day to all of you! I hope it has been a relaxing day for everyone.
I decided to spend the day relaxing and not doing a whole lot of anything since we have been on the go since first thing Saturday morning. We got up fairly early and I had to get a batch of brownies into the oven even before I jumped into the shower because I was pressed for time and I know the border patrol is always waiting on me as I cross over into Maine. I am not allowed in the state without a pan of brownies. LOL (That is according to Rick and Mazz and of course I always comply)
George headed for the dump while I showered and then got back home to load up the car for our 300 mile trip. Rick and Blossom were planning a pool party for the unofficial last weekend of the summer and we would not miss it for the world. As soon as the brownies came out of the oven we were ready to hit the road. I was riding shotgun this trip and I grabbed the camera because it was a gorgeous day for a ride and we were going to go through the White Mountain area and I knew I could get some awesome shots. As you can see...I did just that. The sky was so blue and it was just a pretty day.
It took us 5 hours to get to our motel. We checked in, freshened up and headed right over to Rick's house. I wish I had taken some photos of the room we had because it was really nice...and HUGE! We could have easily stayed there for a week and not been uncomfortable. It had two beds,(not that we needed two), a sofa with recliners and a really nice kitchen area with a table and chairs, s microwave oven, stove top and fridge. The bathroom was quite large as well with a walk in shower which was really nice.
Anyway...we got to Rick's and the first person I spotted was Tweetie! She wasn't able to make it the last time we were there so it was great to see her. During the course of the afternoon/evening she and I spent a lot of time chatting and catching up. Mazz was also there with his wife April and their son Andy. Rick's son David was there too with his girlfriend Jaime. Blossom's sister and brother in law also were there with their grandson. Pup-Pup, Gene and Nikki were there along with Gene's cousin Wanda. It is always great fun hanging with these bunch of mainiacs...that is for sure.
We had a bite to eat, all was delicious of course, Rick is a fantastic cook, and the drinking and partying commenced. It got really chilly outside once the sun went down so we got a fire going in the fire pit, then after awhile we went into the basement to listen to music and Karaoke. George and I laughed all night long and had a wonderful time. We left there around 11:30 and went back to the motel to unwind and get some sleep. We were planning to go back to Rick's for breakfast but never got up until after 9 and decided we had better get back on the road soon. We took the overland route home back through the mountains and made a few stops along the way for lunch and to stretch our legs. We made it home around 4pm. A whirlwind trip but lots of fun and always great to be with wonderful people.
Tweetie, Rick, Gene and Mazz
Rick and Mazz
Mazz
Today was a lazy day. All I did was laundry and read a bit, then made a quick supper. George and his buddy are out in the woods at the moment doing a little bear hunting. He enjoys that activity...I cheer for the wildlife. Hunting doesn't do much for me, but hey it keeps him out of my hair for awhile! LOL As long as I don't have to clean anything he brings home...
The Mighty Hunter
It will be back to work tomorrow...whoopie. The best thing is I have Friday off too so hopefully the 3 days I have to work won't drag.
Hope you enjoyed the little slide show. Have a great evening!
I decided to spend the day relaxing and not doing a whole lot of anything since we have been on the go since first thing Saturday morning. We got up fairly early and I had to get a batch of brownies into the oven even before I jumped into the shower because I was pressed for time and I know the border patrol is always waiting on me as I cross over into Maine. I am not allowed in the state without a pan of brownies. LOL (That is according to Rick and Mazz and of course I always comply)
George headed for the dump while I showered and then got back home to load up the car for our 300 mile trip. Rick and Blossom were planning a pool party for the unofficial last weekend of the summer and we would not miss it for the world. As soon as the brownies came out of the oven we were ready to hit the road. I was riding shotgun this trip and I grabbed the camera because it was a gorgeous day for a ride and we were going to go through the White Mountain area and I knew I could get some awesome shots. As you can see...I did just that. The sky was so blue and it was just a pretty day.
It took us 5 hours to get to our motel. We checked in, freshened up and headed right over to Rick's house. I wish I had taken some photos of the room we had because it was really nice...and HUGE! We could have easily stayed there for a week and not been uncomfortable. It had two beds,(not that we needed two), a sofa with recliners and a really nice kitchen area with a table and chairs, s microwave oven, stove top and fridge. The bathroom was quite large as well with a walk in shower which was really nice.
Anyway...we got to Rick's and the first person I spotted was Tweetie! She wasn't able to make it the last time we were there so it was great to see her. During the course of the afternoon/evening she and I spent a lot of time chatting and catching up. Mazz was also there with his wife April and their son Andy. Rick's son David was there too with his girlfriend Jaime. Blossom's sister and brother in law also were there with their grandson. Pup-Pup, Gene and Nikki were there along with Gene's cousin Wanda. It is always great fun hanging with these bunch of mainiacs...that is for sure.
We had a bite to eat, all was delicious of course, Rick is a fantastic cook, and the drinking and partying commenced. It got really chilly outside once the sun went down so we got a fire going in the fire pit, then after awhile we went into the basement to listen to music and Karaoke. George and I laughed all night long and had a wonderful time. We left there around 11:30 and went back to the motel to unwind and get some sleep. We were planning to go back to Rick's for breakfast but never got up until after 9 and decided we had better get back on the road soon. We took the overland route home back through the mountains and made a few stops along the way for lunch and to stretch our legs. We made it home around 4pm. A whirlwind trip but lots of fun and always great to be with wonderful people.
Tweetie, Rick, Gene and Mazz
Rick and Mazz
Mazz
Today was a lazy day. All I did was laundry and read a bit, then made a quick supper. George and his buddy are out in the woods at the moment doing a little bear hunting. He enjoys that activity...I cheer for the wildlife. Hunting doesn't do much for me, but hey it keeps him out of my hair for awhile! LOL As long as I don't have to clean anything he brings home...
The Mighty Hunter
It will be back to work tomorrow...whoopie. The best thing is I have Friday off too so hopefully the 3 days I have to work won't drag.
Hope you enjoyed the little slide show. Have a great evening!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Quick Update
Not much to post. Last weekend's BBQ at Eric and Jessie's went very well. Sara was there along with Della and Jay, Jessie's parents. My ex didn't show. Apparently he had no way to get there (he lost his license years ago for DUI and has no car) and rejected my offer to pick him up. He said he wasn't comfortable with the idea and that is fine, I can understand that. he will go over at another time I guess and meet with Jessie's folks.
We had a wonderful meal and discussed wedding plans. nothing written in stone but ideas flying across the table. Some things have been set like the date (8-28-10)and the Country Club is where they are having the ceremony and reception. They have also started planning a honeymoon in Hawaii. The color scheme has been selected but not sure if that is a definite.
It's been a busy week at work. And it's been very hot and humid outside of work. Today is a transition day weatherwise, cloudy and overcast with thunderstorms blowing through on ocaission.
Tonight we are going to see The Moody Blues in concert so I am pretty psyched about that. Otherwise, it is going to be a quiet day.
Hope all is well with you all.
Enjoy the day!
We had a wonderful meal and discussed wedding plans. nothing written in stone but ideas flying across the table. Some things have been set like the date (8-28-10)and the Country Club is where they are having the ceremony and reception. They have also started planning a honeymoon in Hawaii. The color scheme has been selected but not sure if that is a definite.
It's been a busy week at work. And it's been very hot and humid outside of work. Today is a transition day weatherwise, cloudy and overcast with thunderstorms blowing through on ocaission.
Tonight we are going to see The Moody Blues in concert so I am pretty psyched about that. Otherwise, it is going to be a quiet day.
Hope all is well with you all.
Enjoy the day!
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Moving and Moon Pics
Another Sunday morning and I am feeling a bit lazy. I know the day is going to fly by so I will get dressed after I finish this post and enjoy the sunshine.
Yesterday was a rather busy day for me. George and I went to my old house and did some much needed work there. We made 2 trips to the dump and got rid of some furniture no one wanted and disposed of about 400 pounds of junk. The place just needs a good cleaning now and we should be set to put it on the market. Eric and Jessie came over to help out and we got quite a bit done. Next Saturday Sara is coming to get the remainder of her junk and my ex husband is supposed to clean out the toolshed on Friday since all of the stuff in there is his.
After we finished at the house, we cleaned up a bit and went to a BBQ at George's former brother and sister in laws house. They have one huge bash every summer (Bev and Rick's Summer Extravaganza) and I was surprised that we were invited since it is Donna's family, but Rick has always felt like George was another brother of his so we were included. Surprisingly Donna and her new husband weren't there so I am thinking we only got invited when they found out Donna and Pete weren't coming but whatever. We went and had a wonderful time. I personally didn't take any pics but I know Nikki and Nicole did so I will grab some of their pics and post them at annother time.
We didn't get home until 8pm but the party was still going strong when we left. I suspect it went on well into the night.
Earlier in the week, George went Kayaking with his two boys on one of the smaller lakes around here. George mainly just went paddling around but the boys went fishing and caught some nice lake trout and a couple of bass. George took the following shots before leaving the lake that evening. The moon was almost full.
Next weekend we are going to Eric and Jessie's BBQ with her family. It is a time when we all will get together to discuss wedding plans and it might be a little stressful since my ex is going to be there and I haven't seen him since Sara graduated from college. But if our son is going to get married, then we need to both be in the same place at once and we'll have to deal with it. I personally have no issue with him but I know he still blames me for tossing him out and basicly ruining his life. Never mind that he is an alcoholic who never takes responsibility for his own actions. He knows I am remarried now and I am not sure if he knows just who I am married to but he does know George from our younger days and I hope he can do the right thing and not humiliate himself and his son at this informal gathering.
I guess that is it for now. It's time to get dressed and do something. Not sure what, but I need to take advantage of the sunshine while I can.
Yesterday was a rather busy day for me. George and I went to my old house and did some much needed work there. We made 2 trips to the dump and got rid of some furniture no one wanted and disposed of about 400 pounds of junk. The place just needs a good cleaning now and we should be set to put it on the market. Eric and Jessie came over to help out and we got quite a bit done. Next Saturday Sara is coming to get the remainder of her junk and my ex husband is supposed to clean out the toolshed on Friday since all of the stuff in there is his.
After we finished at the house, we cleaned up a bit and went to a BBQ at George's former brother and sister in laws house. They have one huge bash every summer (Bev and Rick's Summer Extravaganza) and I was surprised that we were invited since it is Donna's family, but Rick has always felt like George was another brother of his so we were included. Surprisingly Donna and her new husband weren't there so I am thinking we only got invited when they found out Donna and Pete weren't coming but whatever. We went and had a wonderful time. I personally didn't take any pics but I know Nikki and Nicole did so I will grab some of their pics and post them at annother time.
We didn't get home until 8pm but the party was still going strong when we left. I suspect it went on well into the night.
Earlier in the week, George went Kayaking with his two boys on one of the smaller lakes around here. George mainly just went paddling around but the boys went fishing and caught some nice lake trout and a couple of bass. George took the following shots before leaving the lake that evening. The moon was almost full.
Next weekend we are going to Eric and Jessie's BBQ with her family. It is a time when we all will get together to discuss wedding plans and it might be a little stressful since my ex is going to be there and I haven't seen him since Sara graduated from college. But if our son is going to get married, then we need to both be in the same place at once and we'll have to deal with it. I personally have no issue with him but I know he still blames me for tossing him out and basicly ruining his life. Never mind that he is an alcoholic who never takes responsibility for his own actions. He knows I am remarried now and I am not sure if he knows just who I am married to but he does know George from our younger days and I hope he can do the right thing and not humiliate himself and his son at this informal gathering.
I guess that is it for now. It's time to get dressed and do something. Not sure what, but I need to take advantage of the sunshine while I can.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
His And Hers Rocking Horses
Years ago, 1981 to be exact, George and I were working for the same company, as we had been since 1975. He worked in one department, and I worked in another but we sat just 15 feet away from each other. We had been friends before I started working there, hanging out in the same neighborhood and knowing the same people. In fact, many of our friends worked for this company at one time or another. It was the best place to get your feet wet as far as part time jobs in the 70's when we were all still in high school. For George and myself, it was our first job. Anyway, by 1981 we were both still working there and we were married to other people. There was also a young guy that worked there named Roger who was very crafty and enjoyed doing a lot of woodworking on the side. One day he brought in a rocking horse that he had made for someone. I couldn't believe how cute it was and I asked Roger if he could find some time to make one just like it for me. He said he had been taking orders all day and he was happy to have the business. So I placed my order and waited patiently for the day he brought it into work for me. I don't remember how long it took before I had my rocking horse but I do remember taking it home and finding the perfect place to set it, in the corner by the bay window of the apartment where I lived with my then husband, Dave.
It moved where we moved and each time I made sure it had the perfect spot to be seen and admired. Eric was born a year later and once he was old enough to climb on, he rode that rocking horse for many many hours. Sara followed suit when she was old enough and soon it had plenty of scratches and knicks on it. When we wmoved to our house in 1990, both kids were too old to be bothered with it anymore so I covered up the rocking horse and put it in the attic.
Last month while cleaning out the attic, my son had me close my eyes and then set my rocking horse down in front of me. When I opened them, I had a smile from ear to ear. I pretty much had forgotten about my rocking horse until then. George asked if that was made by Roger and I said it was. He started laughing and said he had one just like it in his basement. Roger had made one for him in 1981 when his wife Donna was pregnant with Nicole.
When we got home that day I had him bring it upstairs and now we have both rocking horses sitting side by side in the corner of the spare room. I can't help but smile every time I look at them.
It's really weird, but it's just another little piece of history from our separate lives that prove to me that we really belong together.
Pay no attention to the dust LOL
It moved where we moved and each time I made sure it had the perfect spot to be seen and admired. Eric was born a year later and once he was old enough to climb on, he rode that rocking horse for many many hours. Sara followed suit when she was old enough and soon it had plenty of scratches and knicks on it. When we wmoved to our house in 1990, both kids were too old to be bothered with it anymore so I covered up the rocking horse and put it in the attic.
Last month while cleaning out the attic, my son had me close my eyes and then set my rocking horse down in front of me. When I opened them, I had a smile from ear to ear. I pretty much had forgotten about my rocking horse until then. George asked if that was made by Roger and I said it was. He started laughing and said he had one just like it in his basement. Roger had made one for him in 1981 when his wife Donna was pregnant with Nicole.
When we got home that day I had him bring it upstairs and now we have both rocking horses sitting side by side in the corner of the spare room. I can't help but smile every time I look at them.
It's really weird, but it's just another little piece of history from our separate lives that prove to me that we really belong together.
Pay no attention to the dust LOL
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Elaine and Jean's BBQ
Today we went to a BBQ at the home of some very old and dear friends. I have known Elaine and Jean since High School and coinsidently, George knows them and so does his brother Ray and my sister in law Diane. So we were all invited to the family and friends/grandson's 11th birthday party.
There was more food than I have ever seen at one gathering and about 45 people were there. Various family members, some I knew, some I didn't, and many friends, again some I knew. I was reintroduced to someone I haven't seen in 38 years at least...and she is now a real estate agent/broker. I told her about my house and she is willing to help me get it on the market as soon as I am ready. What a stroke of luck that her district is right where I used to live.
Anyway we had a great time catching up. There was mountains of food to eat and I had my share. LOL Fruit salad, veggie tray, chips, dips, burgers, hot dogs, steak tips, chicken and ribs. Potato salad, popcorn, pretzels, cheese balls, birthday cake and ice cream, OH MY! Everything I had was very tasty but I really didn't overdue it, although I did have several fresh ripe strawberries and seconds on the potato salad.
Timmy is Elaine's 11 year old grandson and his birthday is in 2 days so we celebrated that while we were all together. It was really nice. The perfect summer day with great company and lots of food and drink.
I've posted a few pics...Enjoy!
Jean (pointing), his brother Mike and their Mom
Eli isn't he a doll?
My brother in law Ray and sister in law Diane
George and Diane hitting the food table
My friend Elaine and her granddaughter Alyssa
My sis in law Diane and to the right...Marie, an old friend
Some of the family
Timmy and his SpongeBob cake
There was more food than I have ever seen at one gathering and about 45 people were there. Various family members, some I knew, some I didn't, and many friends, again some I knew. I was reintroduced to someone I haven't seen in 38 years at least...and she is now a real estate agent/broker. I told her about my house and she is willing to help me get it on the market as soon as I am ready. What a stroke of luck that her district is right where I used to live.
Anyway we had a great time catching up. There was mountains of food to eat and I had my share. LOL Fruit salad, veggie tray, chips, dips, burgers, hot dogs, steak tips, chicken and ribs. Potato salad, popcorn, pretzels, cheese balls, birthday cake and ice cream, OH MY! Everything I had was very tasty but I really didn't overdue it, although I did have several fresh ripe strawberries and seconds on the potato salad.
Timmy is Elaine's 11 year old grandson and his birthday is in 2 days so we celebrated that while we were all together. It was really nice. The perfect summer day with great company and lots of food and drink.
I've posted a few pics...Enjoy!
Jean (pointing), his brother Mike and their Mom
Eli isn't he a doll?
My brother in law Ray and sister in law Diane
George and Diane hitting the food table
My friend Elaine and her granddaughter Alyssa
My sis in law Diane and to the right...Marie, an old friend
Some of the family
Timmy and his SpongeBob cake
Friday, July 17, 2009
Random Things About Me
Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Have fun and be truthful!
1 What is your occupation right now? Group Leader/mechanical-electrical/multidisciplined assembler/test technician for a government contracting company
2. What color are your socks right now? Not wearing any socks.
3. What are you listening to right now? World News Tonight with Charlie Gibson and the rain falling on the air conditioner
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Spaghetti and meatballs
5. Can you drive a stick shift? can...but don't
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Karla
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I stole it from Deanna's blog and YES I like her very much
8. How old are you today? 52 years and a couple of months
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Baseball which reminds me I better hurry cos the Red Sox are on at 7pm
10. What is your favorite drink? Diet Coke with or without the rum
12. Favorite food? steak on the grill
13. What is the last movie you watched? Bedtime Stories
14. Favorite day of the year? Thanksgiving
15. How do you vent anger? I used to slam things around and yell but I have very little to get mad about these days. Although George being duped into taking a week of without pay has made me a little pissed off, not at him but at the management where he works. He's too freeking nice about it...looks like I have to get mad enough for the two of us.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbie dolls
17. What is your favorite season? Fall
18. Cherries or Blueberries? I really prefer strawberries
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? No need but please blog your answers if you wish
20. Who is the most likely to respond? Karla
21. Who is least likely to respond? No idea
22. Living arrangements? husband and almost 10 yr old chihuahua
23. When was the last time you cried? last friday
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Georges hunting bow and arrows, a few pairs of shoes, not sure what else.
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest? Heidi I met her when we were 4 and she lived acros the street from me. We are still friends today although she lives about an hour away now.
26. What did you do last night? played on the computer for awhile, went to bed early and the rest would be TMI
27. What are you most afraid of? Fire...but my husband would say I am afraid of not having enough money, which he is right but I have lived like a pauper and never want to do that again if I can help it.
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Cheese with ketchup, pickles bacon and onions.
29 Favorite dog breed? Siberian Husky
30. Favorite day of the week? Friday
31. How many states have you lived in? 1
32. Diamonds or pearls? diamonds
33. What are your favorite flowers? Wild flowers, day lillies and daffodils
1 What is your occupation right now? Group Leader/mechanical-electrical/multidisciplined assembler/test technician for a government contracting company
2. What color are your socks right now? Not wearing any socks.
3. What are you listening to right now? World News Tonight with Charlie Gibson and the rain falling on the air conditioner
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Spaghetti and meatballs
5. Can you drive a stick shift? can...but don't
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Karla
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? I stole it from Deanna's blog and YES I like her very much
8. How old are you today? 52 years and a couple of months
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Baseball which reminds me I better hurry cos the Red Sox are on at 7pm
10. What is your favorite drink? Diet Coke with or without the rum
12. Favorite food? steak on the grill
13. What is the last movie you watched? Bedtime Stories
14. Favorite day of the year? Thanksgiving
15. How do you vent anger? I used to slam things around and yell but I have very little to get mad about these days. Although George being duped into taking a week of without pay has made me a little pissed off, not at him but at the management where he works. He's too freeking nice about it...looks like I have to get mad enough for the two of us.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbie dolls
17. What is your favorite season? Fall
18. Cherries or Blueberries? I really prefer strawberries
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? No need but please blog your answers if you wish
20. Who is the most likely to respond? Karla
21. Who is least likely to respond? No idea
22. Living arrangements? husband and almost 10 yr old chihuahua
23. When was the last time you cried? last friday
24. What is on the floor of your closet? Georges hunting bow and arrows, a few pairs of shoes, not sure what else.
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest? Heidi I met her when we were 4 and she lived acros the street from me. We are still friends today although she lives about an hour away now.
26. What did you do last night? played on the computer for awhile, went to bed early and the rest would be TMI
27. What are you most afraid of? Fire...but my husband would say I am afraid of not having enough money, which he is right but I have lived like a pauper and never want to do that again if I can help it.
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Cheese with ketchup, pickles bacon and onions.
29 Favorite dog breed? Siberian Husky
30. Favorite day of the week? Friday
31. How many states have you lived in? 1
32. Diamonds or pearls? diamonds
33. What are your favorite flowers? Wild flowers, day lillies and daffodils
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Please Don't Faint
Yup it's been awhile. Not too much going on around here. I was on vacation last week but we spent several days over at my other house doing some repairs before it goes on the market. George put in a new kitchen sink and a new faucet and shower in the bathroom. I really wish I had the money to put in a new tub but I don't so whoever buys it can decide if they want to or not. There is nothing wrong with it except for the disgusting color of the tub, that pukish olive green of the 70's. Apparently green was a very popular color for bathtubs/sinks back in the day. Actually the entire bathroom needs a makeover and that is something I planned to do years ago after we paid off the house, but then I got divorced and was a single mom to two teenagers and well nothing got done due to lack of funds. Anyway, someone ambitious enough to do a make over in the bathroom can go ahead and do the honors. At least the faucet won't leak anymore.
Last weekend we drove up to Maine to see all the Mainiacs. We missed a few, due to short notice Tweetie wasn't able to make it and we never got in touch with Cricket to let her know I was going to be there. Cricket was in Maine for a few weeks but I suspect she had a lot of family to catch up with so maybe we can see her next time she is back from British Columbia. George fit in quite well and we enjoyed our visit there. We partied at Rick and Blossom's house with Mazz and his wife, April, and their son Andy, Rick's son David was there with his girlfriend and PupPup and her husband Gene were there also with their daughter Nikki.
We arrived just in time for supper. Rick is a fantastic cook and he had quite the spread laid out. Roast pork, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, salad, rolls, I think there were a few other dishes too but I didn't have enough room on my plate. I brought brownies for dessert, of course. I had to because I am not allowed into Maine without them. After supper we went outside to sit around the fire but the rain came pouring down so we moved the party into the basement. It was a fun evening of conversation and karaoke. We left around 11:00 and headed to the Motel where we spent the night. Apparently the remainder of the crew partied long into the night.
We hit the road Sunday afternoon and made the 5+ hour trek back home. Thankfully the weather was better going home than it was going to...and it was an enjoyable drive through the mountains.
George
Me
Mazz, Andy and Rick
Hmmmmm
I had several more pics to post but blogger is experiencing some technical difficulties so I will try again at another time.
Yesterday we spent the day at George's son's condo. George and Jon were busy putting in a hardwood floor and Nikki and I entertained ourselves watching the food network and looking at pictures from their wedding. The floor is looking pretty good but they didn't get it finished so George is back there today helping out. I decided to stay at home and do the necessary chores before we go back to work, laundry and grocery shopping. Alreday done the shopping, now I just have to fold another load of laundry and I will be done. I am watching a movie at the moment, Dr. T and the Women. Richard Gere, Helen Hunt, Kate Hudson, and Farrah Fawcett. It's pretty good...but I don't think I could go to Richard Gere if he was my OB/GYN. He's too hot. LOL
I guess I am going to make some chicken for dinner. I am marinating it in Italian Dressing at the moment and I think I will make a baked potato for George and make a salad for myself. It should be quite good. :-)
Well tried to post some more pics again but it's not gonna happen now. I will save them for another post I guess. Hope everyone is having a beautiful Sunday...the weather sure is nice here for a change. Looks like a good afternoon to grab my book and go sit outside for awhile.
Ciao!
Last weekend we drove up to Maine to see all the Mainiacs. We missed a few, due to short notice Tweetie wasn't able to make it and we never got in touch with Cricket to let her know I was going to be there. Cricket was in Maine for a few weeks but I suspect she had a lot of family to catch up with so maybe we can see her next time she is back from British Columbia. George fit in quite well and we enjoyed our visit there. We partied at Rick and Blossom's house with Mazz and his wife, April, and their son Andy, Rick's son David was there with his girlfriend and PupPup and her husband Gene were there also with their daughter Nikki.
We arrived just in time for supper. Rick is a fantastic cook and he had quite the spread laid out. Roast pork, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, salad, rolls, I think there were a few other dishes too but I didn't have enough room on my plate. I brought brownies for dessert, of course. I had to because I am not allowed into Maine without them. After supper we went outside to sit around the fire but the rain came pouring down so we moved the party into the basement. It was a fun evening of conversation and karaoke. We left around 11:00 and headed to the Motel where we spent the night. Apparently the remainder of the crew partied long into the night.
We hit the road Sunday afternoon and made the 5+ hour trek back home. Thankfully the weather was better going home than it was going to...and it was an enjoyable drive through the mountains.
George
Me
Mazz, Andy and Rick
Hmmmmm
I had several more pics to post but blogger is experiencing some technical difficulties so I will try again at another time.
Yesterday we spent the day at George's son's condo. George and Jon were busy putting in a hardwood floor and Nikki and I entertained ourselves watching the food network and looking at pictures from their wedding. The floor is looking pretty good but they didn't get it finished so George is back there today helping out. I decided to stay at home and do the necessary chores before we go back to work, laundry and grocery shopping. Alreday done the shopping, now I just have to fold another load of laundry and I will be done. I am watching a movie at the moment, Dr. T and the Women. Richard Gere, Helen Hunt, Kate Hudson, and Farrah Fawcett. It's pretty good...but I don't think I could go to Richard Gere if he was my OB/GYN. He's too hot. LOL
I guess I am going to make some chicken for dinner. I am marinating it in Italian Dressing at the moment and I think I will make a baked potato for George and make a salad for myself. It should be quite good. :-)
Well tried to post some more pics again but it's not gonna happen now. I will save them for another post I guess. Hope everyone is having a beautiful Sunday...the weather sure is nice here for a change. Looks like a good afternoon to grab my book and go sit outside for awhile.
Ciao!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Meet The Pooch
I took some pics of Hunter a couple of weeks ago and finally loaded them onto the PC. I think he's really cute and looks a lot like Deanna's dog, Whiskey. Thank goodness he doesn't have the demon dog personality though. LOL
just hanging around
curled up in my favorite chair
looks like it's Hunter's favorite chair too
after a bath he looks like a drowned rat
trying to dry off
Hunter is a pretty good pooch. He's a Chihuahua, born on October 4th in 1999 so he will be 10 years old on his next birthday! He lost his eyesight for an unknown reason about 2 years ago and has adapted to his surroundings quite well. We just don't rearrange furniture around here very often.
He loves to got for walks and rides in the car and has fun hanging out on the back deck with us. And he would do just about anything for some raw, fresh green beans. LOL So that's my Huntababes. :-)
Enjoy!
just hanging around
curled up in my favorite chair
looks like it's Hunter's favorite chair too
after a bath he looks like a drowned rat
trying to dry off
Hunter is a pretty good pooch. He's a Chihuahua, born on October 4th in 1999 so he will be 10 years old on his next birthday! He lost his eyesight for an unknown reason about 2 years ago and has adapted to his surroundings quite well. We just don't rearrange furniture around here very often.
He loves to got for walks and rides in the car and has fun hanging out on the back deck with us. And he would do just about anything for some raw, fresh green beans. LOL So that's my Huntababes. :-)
Enjoy!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Rain Rain Go Away
It's an 'off' Friday here for me and it's raining out pretty steadily at the moment so I think it will be a good day to stay indoors watch some tv and post on blogger. The only good thing about the rain is everything is so darn green outside. We've certainly had a lot of rain the last couple of weeks and the grass and plants are growing like mad.
Earlier this morning a woman came over to do an appraisal of our house. We are hoping to refinance, the rates are really good right now, and we also want to get George's ex-wife's name off of the mortgage. I couldn't believe that they want to charge us $2000 to simply remove her name. George can obviously afford to pay the mortgage by himself since he was doing just that for 10 months before I moved in, but there is so much red tape involved, it is just ridiculous. So I figured, if we are going to have to pay to remove her name, then we may as well go ahead and get the most bang for our buck and do a re-fi. I know that my credit is excellent so that can only help in the mortgage department. Anyway, the woman arrived on time, was here for approximately 15 minutes, and she was gone. Hopefully we will know something by Tuesday.
I don't really have anything planned for today. I have completed the laundry and cleaned the bathroom, baked a cranberry nut bread and have little ambition to do much else. The pup is sound asleep on the sofa, wrapped up in an afghan, and I think it looks mighty inviting. I just might join him in a bit.
Father's Day is fast approaching and I would like to take my Dad (and Mom if she wants to come) for lunch on Sunday.
There is a seafood restaurant that he likes called Newicks in Dover Point, NH so I think that is a good choice. It's one of my favorite places to go too. My Dad can be very stubborn and onery but it's ok, he is 79 years old and is entitled. He is also the cutest old guy I know. LOL Here he is on the far right at my wedding, along with my Mom and my kids.
My dad is known around the neighborhood where he lives as the neighborhood gossip. If you need to know anything, just call my Dad. He has connections all over the West Side of Manchester. I always say there is telephone, telegraph ane teleLeo. (His name is Leo) LOL
He used to work construction for a very prominent construction company before he retired in 1989. He did everything from running a jack hammer to cleaning up the finished school/addition/building once the job was complete. He is a jack of all trades, from carpentry to masonary, sheetrocking to painting. He's always been a hardworking guy and still is. Since his retirement from the construction business, he has taken a job part time at a neighborhood law office doing security, maintainance and cleaning. He works about 15 hours a week after the office is closed. The office is within walking distance of my Dad's home so he got lucky there. I think my Mom wishes he worked a few more hours a week to keep him out of her hair but it is what it is.
He also is chief babysitter these days for my grandneice, Kendall. She adores him...and always wants her great grandpa before anyone else. He can pretty much match her as far as energy goes, he's a pretty hyper guy. He likes to keep active. He says the day he stops moving is the day he dies. I have to believe him there.
So here's to you Dad...keep on keeping on. He drives me crazy but I couldn't ask for a better father. I love him to pieces.
The rain has stopped temporarily, the sky is brightening some to the west but it still looks rather blah out there. I may get my shoes on and get the mail...but then again, I may not. Kind of a lazy day, looks like a good napping afternoon.
Til next time...hope you are all well and Happy Father's Day to all the Pop's out there.
Earlier this morning a woman came over to do an appraisal of our house. We are hoping to refinance, the rates are really good right now, and we also want to get George's ex-wife's name off of the mortgage. I couldn't believe that they want to charge us $2000 to simply remove her name. George can obviously afford to pay the mortgage by himself since he was doing just that for 10 months before I moved in, but there is so much red tape involved, it is just ridiculous. So I figured, if we are going to have to pay to remove her name, then we may as well go ahead and get the most bang for our buck and do a re-fi. I know that my credit is excellent so that can only help in the mortgage department. Anyway, the woman arrived on time, was here for approximately 15 minutes, and she was gone. Hopefully we will know something by Tuesday.
I don't really have anything planned for today. I have completed the laundry and cleaned the bathroom, baked a cranberry nut bread and have little ambition to do much else. The pup is sound asleep on the sofa, wrapped up in an afghan, and I think it looks mighty inviting. I just might join him in a bit.
Father's Day is fast approaching and I would like to take my Dad (and Mom if she wants to come) for lunch on Sunday.
There is a seafood restaurant that he likes called Newicks in Dover Point, NH so I think that is a good choice. It's one of my favorite places to go too. My Dad can be very stubborn and onery but it's ok, he is 79 years old and is entitled. He is also the cutest old guy I know. LOL Here he is on the far right at my wedding, along with my Mom and my kids.
My dad is known around the neighborhood where he lives as the neighborhood gossip. If you need to know anything, just call my Dad. He has connections all over the West Side of Manchester. I always say there is telephone, telegraph ane teleLeo. (His name is Leo) LOL
He used to work construction for a very prominent construction company before he retired in 1989. He did everything from running a jack hammer to cleaning up the finished school/addition/building once the job was complete. He is a jack of all trades, from carpentry to masonary, sheetrocking to painting. He's always been a hardworking guy and still is. Since his retirement from the construction business, he has taken a job part time at a neighborhood law office doing security, maintainance and cleaning. He works about 15 hours a week after the office is closed. The office is within walking distance of my Dad's home so he got lucky there. I think my Mom wishes he worked a few more hours a week to keep him out of her hair but it is what it is.
He also is chief babysitter these days for my grandneice, Kendall. She adores him...and always wants her great grandpa before anyone else. He can pretty much match her as far as energy goes, he's a pretty hyper guy. He likes to keep active. He says the day he stops moving is the day he dies. I have to believe him there.
So here's to you Dad...keep on keeping on. He drives me crazy but I couldn't ask for a better father. I love him to pieces.
The rain has stopped temporarily, the sky is brightening some to the west but it still looks rather blah out there. I may get my shoes on and get the mail...but then again, I may not. Kind of a lazy day, looks like a good napping afternoon.
Til next time...hope you are all well and Happy Father's Day to all the Pop's out there.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
...just thinking
I know it has been awhile and some of you are probably just now picking yourselves up off the floor after seeing a new post listed. Sorry about that, just not a whole lot of anything interesting to blog about. There isn't a whole lot to talk about today either, but I have a couple of minutes while I sit here at my desk at work. There isn't much to do around here these days either. We completed an order yesterday this isn't due to ship until June 26th and we are about a week ahead of schedule on July's order, but that's ok because the company is contemplating shutting down for a week in July and if that happens we will still be on track for the month. Orders and work has been slow in most areas of the company and they have laid off about 150 people in the last month. I am thankful to have a job so I do very little complaining. I really don't want to be on the outside looking in right now. I think I would have to go in a completely different area if that happens because manufacturing these days is just not the place to hope to get hired. That had me thinking about what I would like to do given a chance to be retrained/educated in another field and I had a hard time coming up with something. I think I would probably like to get back into child care, but not run my own business like I did many years ago.. I would have to go back to school and get certified, which wouldn't be a bad idea. But then I got to thinking about how wiped out Callissa and Alex got me a few weekends ago and maybe that wouldn't be a good idea. I think I need something a little more quiet and sedate. I know, I could get a job proof reading manuscripts and other creative writings. Or being a movie critic...yeah I would like that. How about a taste tester for a chef writing cookbooks? LOL
OK so I guess I really have very little ambition and maybe I had better get off this computer and get busy doing something I actually get paid for doing.
Have a great day everyone. I hope the sun is shining where you are.
OK so I guess I really have very little ambition and maybe I had better get off this computer and get busy doing something I actually get paid for doing.
Have a great day everyone. I hope the sun is shining where you are.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Sleepover At Grampy's
Last Saturday night we had two of the cutest guests sleep at our house. It was a long awaited visit, mainly because we just couldn't co-ordinate schedules with all the weddings, birthday parties and trips to Canada and Disney World that have taken place in recent months. But the day finally came to Callissa's (and my) delight.
We had ice cream sundaes, watched Ice Age, played dress up, legos and cars, took Hunter for a walk. It tired me out but those little rugrats have boundless energy. They finally did get to sleep around 9:30 but only after Alex wore himself out jumping on the mattresses that were laid out on the floor in the spare bedroom. He has proven himself to be quite the actor as well, flying back into bed when we snuck up on him and turned the light on, even rubbing his eyes like the light had just woken him up. You can't do anything but laugh, they were a real treat to have here and very entertaining.
Sunday morning at literally crack of dawn, I was awakened by the chatter of a 3 and 5 year old, wondering where Grampy and Elaine went. It was funny to hear them, like we had been taken away by aliens or something. All they had to do was walk another 5 feet to get to our bedroom.
I got up and made them pancakes and bacon for breakfast. I prettied up the pancakes by adding some colorful sprinkles or jimmies to the batter. Callissa thought that they were just the best thing she has ever tasted.
We made a fort out of blankets and chairs after breakfast then got the kids dressed and ready for the day. Matt and Nicole arrived around 10 to get them and they were a little reluctant to go home but I promised them they could come back anytime and sleep over. It was a lot of fun, but I certainly understand why we have our children when we are young. LOL I was ready for a nap by noon!
Caught by surprise
How high can you go?
I know I'm cute
Alex and his 'computer'
All ready for bed
Nighty Night
We had ice cream sundaes, watched Ice Age, played dress up, legos and cars, took Hunter for a walk. It tired me out but those little rugrats have boundless energy. They finally did get to sleep around 9:30 but only after Alex wore himself out jumping on the mattresses that were laid out on the floor in the spare bedroom. He has proven himself to be quite the actor as well, flying back into bed when we snuck up on him and turned the light on, even rubbing his eyes like the light had just woken him up. You can't do anything but laugh, they were a real treat to have here and very entertaining.
Sunday morning at literally crack of dawn, I was awakened by the chatter of a 3 and 5 year old, wondering where Grampy and Elaine went. It was funny to hear them, like we had been taken away by aliens or something. All they had to do was walk another 5 feet to get to our bedroom.
I got up and made them pancakes and bacon for breakfast. I prettied up the pancakes by adding some colorful sprinkles or jimmies to the batter. Callissa thought that they were just the best thing she has ever tasted.
We made a fort out of blankets and chairs after breakfast then got the kids dressed and ready for the day. Matt and Nicole arrived around 10 to get them and they were a little reluctant to go home but I promised them they could come back anytime and sleep over. It was a lot of fun, but I certainly understand why we have our children when we are young. LOL I was ready for a nap by noon!
Caught by surprise
How high can you go?
I know I'm cute
Alex and his 'computer'
All ready for bed
Nighty Night
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Canadian OCHA's
I saw a few things in Canada that immediately made me think of IntenseGuy so I grabbed my camera and took a few pics before I got caught. I am not really sure what Canadian OCHA's are like, especially ones who are lined up trying to cross the border. They could have gone nutso on me for all I knew so I snapped fast but this is what I got. These are especially for you Iggy!
I saw these OCHA's trying to cross the border into the USA but the Canadian officials were having no part of that. They were lined up one by one for about a mile while the Canadian officials searched their belongings for proper Identification.
This one was happy to pose for a picture.
One good thing was the drug sniffing dogs that are usually all around the Inspection Station were all busy searching a non OCHA vehicle so they didn't have time to lift their legs on the OCHA's (although I think that would have been quite funny.)
The next pic is of an American OCHA sitting on the road in New Hampshire. He was also in a long line but didn't seem too upset about that.
The rest of his friends were all waiting for a moose sighting so they could tell their families all about it. It certainly would have made their trip up North well worth while!
This totally answers any questions about whether or not OCHA's reside in foreign countries. I am not really sure if they were trying to escape or just visiting. I guess that would be a good thing to investigate next trip into Canada. :-)
I saw these OCHA's trying to cross the border into the USA but the Canadian officials were having no part of that. They were lined up one by one for about a mile while the Canadian officials searched their belongings for proper Identification.
This one was happy to pose for a picture.
One good thing was the drug sniffing dogs that are usually all around the Inspection Station were all busy searching a non OCHA vehicle so they didn't have time to lift their legs on the OCHA's (although I think that would have been quite funny.)
The next pic is of an American OCHA sitting on the road in New Hampshire. He was also in a long line but didn't seem too upset about that.
The rest of his friends were all waiting for a moose sighting so they could tell their families all about it. It certainly would have made their trip up North well worth while!
This totally answers any questions about whether or not OCHA's reside in foreign countries. I am not really sure if they were trying to escape or just visiting. I guess that would be a good thing to investigate next trip into Canada. :-)
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