Maxine...

What kind of sweater?

You Are an Argyle Sweater

You are contemplative, brainy, and serious. You don't take much lightly - life is too important for that. You are a very determined person. You don't let anything stand in your way. You think out your actions and act deliberately. You don't waste time, money, or resources.

What Kind of Sweater Are You?

Missing Michigan

Why I Love Michigan at Christmas Time....
When it's Christmas time in Michigan , And the gentle breezes blow,
About fifty miles an hour, And it's twenty-two below.

You can tell you're in Michigan 'cause the snow's up to your butt,
And you take a breath of Christmas air, And your nose holes both freeze shut.

The weather here is wonderful, So I guess I'll hang around,

I could NEVER leave Michigan , My feet are frozen to the ground.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Lost Doctor Seuss Poem

thought provokers

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do.
Attitude determines how well you do it."
--Raymond Chandler (1888-1959), American writer

"Democracy is the worst form of government, except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time."
--Winston Churchill

"Catch a passion for helping others and a richer life will come back to you!"
--William H. Danforth (1870-1956)
--Businessman and philanthropist

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."
–-Franklin Delano Roosevelt

How is your day?

This is about where I feel I've been lately.

A month or so ago, I suddenly got a toothache like I've never had before. I was walking around with ice on my face.
The dentist sent me for a root canal. Extra anesthetic had to be used but I made it through. The endodontist took me off the antibiotic the dentist had prescribed and gave me Vicadin and prednisone.
Within a couple of days, it started hurting again. I called the endodontist who told me it wasn't supposed to be doing that! Duh! He said we'd watch it for a couple more days and go from there. Something told me to go back to the antibiotic, so I did. And that did the trick.
During this, I apparently got a case of salmonella. It hit Friday afternoon at work. I managed to get home somehow. Everytime I ate or drank, I ended up doubled over in pain. The next morning, driving Zack to his SAT was difficult. I probably should not have been on the road. I could not concentrate on what I was doing. I did not get back to work until Wednesday. Don't ever want to try that again!

A couple of faucets in the house were clogged with deposits and not flowing well (1 almost barely at all), so I got some CLR and cleaned them up.
Then we started having trouble with our hot water supply and water pressure?!?!? Was this related to cleaning the faucets? It didn't make sense but what else had changed?
In April, we had a tankless water heater installed. We shouldn't be running out of hot water!! The shower head seemed to be the main issue so I took it off again. Inside was a plastic strainer-type thing. It looked to have been dislodged so I got it back into place. Maybe it was restricting the flow too much and keeping the water heater from turning on?? Got some hot water for a couple of days before we lost hot water all together. What now? Turning on only the hot water in the laundry room sink (within a few feet of the water heater), I could see that the power light was turning on. The heater was trying to do something. At best, I could get bits of lukewarm water.
Turned out that a cut-off switch inside the unit itself had tripped. We had checked the circuit breakers but did not realize that it also had these internals switches. For some unknown reason(s), one of the internal tanks overheated so the switch tripped. Once we rest it, we had hot water again.
I also had to take it apart another time through all this to clean crud out of it. We are having major construction on the road, watermains, etc right behind us. They are probably stirring up everything that has settled in the system over the years. Regular cleanings will probably be a part of life for a while.
Then, that Friday afternoon at work, I got an email that we had a watermain break right across the street from us. What would that do to our water supply and heater?!?!? They worked till almost 11pm trying to figure out why we had water and everyone else in the neighborhood did not. It almost sounded like the system was running backwards from what they thought it did. It's repaired now, just have to get a coupke of areas in the complex re-landscaped.

The odometer in the car I drive is now on the fritz. It usually works but sometimes stops. It is usually 12+ miles to work. One day it only recorded 5.5 miles! Expensive to fix so I'll just have to track approximate mileage via gas consumption. I've always tracked gas mileage so this should not be difficult. i have the entire history since we've owned the car so i can use that as a foundation.

Zack had a run-in at school with someone he's had trouble with before so we had a meeting with the assistant principal. Since Zack is now 18, he got to sign the 'behavior agreement' and will have to deal with any consequences of his actions.

Somewhere in this, Ditz, our 'Stupidog' started acting a little funny. Couldn't quite put our finger on it but he wasn't quite as 'prancy' as usual. Then he started having trouble getting up onto our bed and then onto the couch also. One vet visit and we were told he had hurt his back. He was prescribed some anti-inflamatory medication.
Within two days, he was having major trouble walking.
A second vet also said back injury but it would probably take hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to figure it out. Even an X-ray probably wouldn't tell anything since animals aren't good at sitting still enough to get good pictures. Maybe a broken spine, maybe a slipped disc, maybe a tumor, maybe who-knows??? And what would we be able to do about most of those problems anyway? And the anti-inflamatory was stomach irritating so he wasn't eating or drinking much. He was switched to pain meds and steroids. There was already signs of nerve damage. Steve was basically told we would have to decide by about Monday whether to put him down.
Ditz has now lost almost all use of his rear legs. He has minimal movement and no strength so he drags himself with his front legs. His tail still wags and he appears to have most bladder control but has not pottied since. We carry him in and out, up and down, wherever he needs to go.
One night, Steve woke up to thumping sounds. Ditz had gotten himself down 18 steps toward the basement and outside. Only 7 more steps to go but Steve took care of them for him and carried him outside. We are looking into doggie wheelchairs and other assorted assistive devices.

Thursay morning, I headed out to the old car to go to work and found that stuff had been stolen overnight. The cell phone charger was gone (of course!), as was my fleece with Brian's football picture button, my sunglasses, my calculator for figuring gas mileage, the gas mileage book (remember the odometer issue?), most of the goodies from the glovebox, even my insurance cards! They separated out the registration and left it on the console, cleaned out the glove box and left it open. The 2 newer cars were not touched. Neither were the neighbors' from what I could tell.

Friday, my temporary crown came off while I was at work. (I think I need to give up working on Fridays! Something always seems to go wrong.) Tuesday I go for the permanent one so I'll make due till then.

And then when I came home, I wanted to get online to do some more looking at doggie wheelchairs. I turned on my laptop and logged in. Then it went completely dead. Like someone had flipped a switch. No power, no sounds, no nothing. I tried a different, universal cord that Steve had for his work computer. Still nothing. Today, I stopped at Computer Rennaissance and the intial guess was the power plug/port had broken away from the mother board. It's fixable... to the tune of $250! I could bring it in and they could look at it to figure out for sure. When I came back home, I looked and the port did seem to wiggle. Argh!
I brought it in and it actually did turn out to be the power cord itself, not the port! $50 for a different universal cord and I was back in business. If I have to have trouble, I guess $50 beats $250!!

When do I cry 'Uncle'?!?!?!?

drawing of Jesus

Look closely and then look closer yet and then keep looking...It took me a bit to see everything so be sure to continue to look at the picture for a while.

Look at the lines the artist used to draw this picture of Christ. There are scenes from Christ's life.

The "longer" you look at this picture, the "more" you see.

Some things to think about...

"Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability."
--John Wooden, college basketball coach, winner of 10 NCAA championships


"The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions, and not on our circumstances. We carry the seeds of the one or the other in our minds wherever we go."
- Martha Washington



"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."
- Abraham Lincoln


"Laughter is an instant vacation."
--Milton Berle


"The secret to getting ahead is getting started."
-Mark Twain


"The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential...these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence."
- Eddie Robinson, 1919-2007, Grambling State University football coach.


The nearest way to glory -- a shortcut, as it were -- is to strive to be what you wish to be thought to be.
-- Socrates (469-399 BC) Greek Philosopher


Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are we doing for others?'
--Martin Luther King, Jr.


"Every worthwhile accomplishment has a price tag attached to it. The question is always whether you are willing to pay the price to attain it - in hard work, sacrifice, patience, faith, and endurance."
--John C. Maxwell

Interesting Quote

"It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer."

Albert Einstein
1879-1955, Physicist

VIP from earlier in the season

Weekly V.I.P.'s
Name : Brian Huffman

Family-Karen, Steve, Zack

Favorite food-chickenHobbies-video games (Call of Duty 4, NCAA Football)

Favorite teacher-Mr. Poggi

Why Mr. Poggi?- " I just really enjoyed being in his class"

How do you feel about high school? (What are you looking forward to/not looking forward to?) "Overall, I am not really looking forward to it but I am looking forward to the 1st week only.

"If you were coach for the day, what would you do? All tackling drills

Anything else-“I’m awesome”

A word from Coach Christman: "Brian has the potential to be a very, very good football player for us this year. His got great speed and skill could lead to him excelling at either running back or corner back. For the team's sake, hopefully it's both!"

My Homecoming Royalty

Brian, being his usual flirty self...

and then out with the guys for dinner...

Knitting fix...

Most things are just posted directly to Ravelry lately but here are some of the most recent FO's:

(not) Becky by Berocco in Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton.

Galaxy 3 in Regia Galaxy that Steve brought back from Canada last year.

Wag and Ringo from Knitted Critters for Kids to Wear by Jean Adel. 2 more expectant parents at work!

Do things ever change?

http://theanchoressonline.com/2008/09/27/545-people-with-too-much-power/

Thank you Duke Energy!

Yesterday afternoon, they told us they did not expect to have us back on line till Saturday morning. Overnight, the power went on and off several times until it finally stayed on at about 3:30 a.m.

Steve has power at work. I do not but I get to do some work in the dark while others stay home (and probably get paid more than me!).

Brian v. Loveland

Last week's game was against Loveland.

Kings won 25-10.

Brian had 2 rushing touchdowns, 5 or 6 carries, and about 150 yards.

Steve says he'd like to have Bri on his Fantasy teams!!

NEW TORNADO POLICY

for the Cincinnati and nearby areas

In case of possible tornadoes sweeping through the Cincinnati and nearby areas, we ask that all residents take shelter at Paul Brown Stadium. We are certain that a touchdown will not occur there.

Thank you for your cooperation,

National Weather Bureau

In the Dark

I know, I should be used to it, but...

this time it's literal. I am currently posting from Steve's work desk since they have power. Power at home was first reported out at 1:06 pm yesterday afternoon (Bengals fans, what happened to Brian Utecht?).

It is still out. I think the current numbers are over 600,000 still in the dark. They have restored 250,000 so far, are working around the clock, recalling crews from Texas as well as calling in help from the Carolinas, etc.

And still, they do not expect to get us back up and running until....





are you ready????








Sure????







9:00 am





September






20th!!

That's Saturday folks!! Almost a full week!

Healthy Living My way

The lighten-up approach to living long, healthy lives.

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it . . Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass(green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies,your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program? A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! . . . Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle? A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle,it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach. Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. And remember: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"

AND . . . . .

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION:Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

Bored gym teacher

THIS IS AMAZING!

It must have taken forever for him to get these tricks just right!!

This guy is incredible.

Click on this link... Snotr

Thought of the day

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.

--William James

Senior eye test

(and I did see sheep..at first. Then I looked closer to see if I recognized anyone!)

Olympic Knitting Trial

Icarus was to be my Knitting Olympic Trial. cast on no earlier than opening ceremonies and finish by the time the flame is put out. Each knitter is supposed tyo choose something to be a personal challenge. Icarus had been on my 'to do' list for a while. And the yarn was sitting in the stash. When MIL commented on my old 'chain mail' shawl and mentioned how she could use one, I figured it would be a good project for Olympics.

I tried, but didn't even medal.

I do like the finished project tho!

It is worked on US3 Addi lace circs out of some cotton cone yarn I inherited from a friend a few years ago.

Since the cotton was not going to stretch as much as a wool, I worked about 6 extra repeats before starting the edge patterning.

Had I worked the number of repeats called for in the pattern, I probably would have finished by closing ceremonies.

Instead, I finished late, late Saturday night. Blocked it last evening/overnight (strung out and pinned to our back deck). I consider it a success!

Are we bad luck?

During wrestling season, Brian claimed I was his bad luck charm and did not want me to go to his meets.

For football, I went to 1 out-of-conference scrimmage during which he scored both touchdowns for Kings.

Steve and I went to their first game (also out-of-conference) last Saturday. Rough day. Kings could not keep Springboro from getting through the line to save the day. They also couldn't stop the Springboro offense. Brian got the ball for Kings a couple of times but was taken down immediately. Kings lost miserably.

Wednesday was their next game but it was approximately an hour away, at 5pm. Tough to do for those of us that have to work. (Steve went to his first Fantasy Football draft and also missed the game.) Brian ran back a punt and made a regular touch down. Kings won easily.

I think this weeks game is at home, again on Wednesday. Do we go or do we let him do his thing on his own?!?!?

Touchdown!!

Football season has started. Brian is on the 9th grade team, primarily as a running back. Sometimes he's put in on defense or even special teams.

The first scrimmage was a week ago against Glen Este. Steve went to that one and watched as Brian apparently had butterfingers.

Yesterday Kings traveled to Withrow HS. Interesting ride down into Cinci. We picked up Brian's brother along the way so he could watch, too. Withrow is apparently an old school but it has the coolest stadium I think I've ever been in!

Kings won 14-12. And Brian actually scored both TD's for Kings!
Should be a fun season...

Internet yuck!

Well, we're back.

We think.

We've been through umpteen phone calls and 3 service calls but it looks like it's finally working.

A laundry list of excuses:

*bad modem

*wrong power cord for new modem

*service 'off'

*forgot to reprogram service for the new modem

*splitter on line for cable was interfering (been there for 2+ years since we switched to satellite)

*bad wiring before the modem

and my favorite:

'We don't know what's going on.'

We even replaced our wireless router somewhere along the way. Is there anything else left to replace?!?!?

A post from work - don't tell the boss!!

We've been having internet problems at home lately and they have gotten progressively worse. We now have no internet at all. Steve called Time Warner who told us the modem had gone bad. Drive over to Tri-County Mall and trade it in. I did that. They don't have the speediest customer service reps there so it took longer than I expected. Finally got the new one and brought it home. Steve plugged it all in but it looked like it was still acting up. He tried resetting it and giving it some time. No luck. Called Time Warner again. Spent over 90 minutes on the phone with them (most of it on hold) before they determined that they couldn't even detect the modem, almost like service was 'off' and they couldn't restart it. They think there's something wrong with the wiring before the modem. Can't get out to even look at it until Wednesday!

In the meantime, I am restricted to using my work computer which does not allow me to access any of my personal email accounts (yahoo or roadrunner). If you have sent any messages there and I haven't responded, I apologize!! I'll get to them as soon as I can.

If you are on Ravelry, I can access those messages from work (at least till corporate figures out what it is!). Look me up as 'Kaparoo' if you're there....

Yum - Starbucks!

What Starbucks drink are you?

You scored as a White Chocolate Mocha
You are mostly like this drink because this drink looks like regular coffee on the outside, just like you seem to be normal. In reality, you are both really great and sweet.

White Chocolate Mocha
75%
Frappacino
75%
Espresso Shots
63%
De-Caf Latte
63%

What Starbucks drink are you?
created with QuizFarm.com

Breakfast Cookies

An old recipe from S.H.A.R.E. Michigan, tweeked by Steve...
YUM, YUM!

2 cups Bisquick
1lb ground sausage
~12oz shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 cup milk


Brown and drain the sausage then place in a large bowl
Add Bisquick and cheese and mix well
Add milk last and mix again until all the Bisquick is moist
Place teaspoon-tablespoon size balls (depending on how big you would like them) on a greased cookie sheet
Cook ~15 minutes @ 350F


Chef's Notes: I typically double up the recipe and use a maple and spicy sausage mix. It gives you a nice sweet and spice contrast. You can add more or less cheese for your desired tastes, I usually use sharp cheddar.

Quote of the Day

"Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em, 'Certainly I can!' - and get busy and find out how to do it."


Theodore Roosevelt
1858-1919, Twenty-Sixth U.S. President

Surprise, surprise!

26 As a 1930s wife, I am Poor Take the test!

New Additions

Do we really need more pets?!?!?!?
Probably not but.... Brian's friend's family was looking for a home for 2 parakeets.
We now have 2 - Thunder (darker grey/blue) and Lightning (white with hints of lt blue).
Guess I need to get some pictures to post.
(Does anyone know whether I can mix doves and keets in the same cage? I've been thinking of getting a larger cage anyway...)

We made it!

Yesterday was Zack's appointment to take his driving test. (1:45pm)

In the morning, we picked up this month's AngelFood order. We had Zack drive there and back just to 'warm up' a little.

When we got home, I squeezed the groceries into the freezer and then Zack wanted to head to the testing station early to make sure we had all the paperwork required and spend a little more time driving the course.

We got there and got another copy of the list of paperwork needed. The same list that was on the appointment reminder I printed from the web scheduler. Out to drive the streets and somehow, we ended up in an area I was not very familiar with.

And then I looked down at the list of paperwork again. This time I noticed that the 50 hour affadavit was supposed to be notarized!! Oh no!! Quick, to a bank for their notary. We went to the one in the grocery store since we have accounts with them.

She's not in today. Did I want her to call down to the bank-mart across from home? 'Don't have time.'

To the bank located out in the shopping center parking lot.

Nope. She's off today also.

Where else can we go? They suggested the bank in Walmart and gave directions to get there.

I'm really getting worried at this point that I've ruined Zack's big day.

Into Walmart and to the bank. Notary?? Please!?!??!

Yes, but.... Her renewal isn't in yet so she can't help. 'But DMV has one.'

What?!?!? That's what we're trying to get this done for!! Why didn't the others tell us that when we explained what we were trying to do?

Now, how do we get there from here? Left at the light out of the lot, then left on 48. Sounded easy enough.

We headed back to the entrance/exit we came in at. No light and no left turns allowed. Quick, turn through that other lot and back toward Walmart. We managed to find a different exit that had a light! (Hopefully the right one.) Took a left and were able to see the next intersection and it was 48! We're on the right track. It is now about 1 and we were supposed to arrive 15 minutes early for his 1:45 appointment. There should be enough time to get it done before his test.

I pulled out the driver's book and found the phone number to the testing station. Do you really have a notary?!?! No, but the license office next door does. And they are open till 2.

Yes, we should be able to make it! And it was closer than I thought. Soon we were there.

Into the lot and pick a spot. Zack and I were't quite communicating so it didn't quite look like he'd done much driving at all when we pulled through the lot and passed the various examiners heading in and out to the cars.

We picked a spot and he backed in so he wouldn't have to potentially back out into traffic with the examiner.

To the licence office and get the form notarized and we find out that the testing department doesn't even check it. It's checked afterwards at the license office when you actually get your license.

What time is your appointment, they asked. 1:45. Well, hopefully, you'll be done and able to get back here before we close....

Ugh!

It's now about 1:10 so we have plenty of time to sit and wait. We check in and settle in for the long haul.

1:15 and Zack is called!! Out they go and I start climbing the walls.

At about 1:30, he comes back in, following the examiner. 'Mr. Eyeore' isn't showing much. Did he pass or not?!?!?

Then he cracks a small smile!!

We collected the papers and read the letter to parents and headed back next door to the license office. We check in and sit down to wait again. A few minutes and we're called. It's looking like we'll make it before closing and then some.

Then the license machine goes down. And they are fighting with it, and making calls, and threatening the sledge hammer, and...

Then they start turning people away saying they didn't think they's get it up and running again before they closed. Some asked if they could take their papers to another office or if they had to process them at that location. They could take them elsewhere but the other offices close either at 2 (only a few minutes away) or they closed at noon.

More waiting and sweating.

Then they get the machine working again!

The first person waiting to have his picture taken does, and then it goes south again. Turns out his license is suspended so they can't actually renew it till after it expires. He's not happy and there is yelling back and forth across the office. Eventually he leaves.

Now it is after 2 and they're supposed to be closed. What about the rest of us? They kept working!

Zack has his license!!

I have left a message with the insurance company to find out how much more money I have to send them.

And Zack took his first drive all by himself today. He didn't like wearing my sunglasses when he drove and wanted a $13 pair the other day. Ace Hardware had sent a flyer advertising assorted sunglasses for 99 cents. Today was the last day of the sale. He drove across the street to Ace and also to pick up a paper at the grocery store for me.

Steve laughed at me when I took note of what time Zack left so I would have an idea of when he should be back. I watched him pull out of the driveway. I had asked him about calling me when he got there but it turns out he forgot his phone.

I kept myself busy so I wouldn't climb the walls too much.

And before I knew it he was back!!

Tomorrow, Brian has weight lifting at school and Zack wants to get a parking permit for school so they will be out on the road again. I'll have to make sure they have their phones with them...

quote for today

"Four short words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd: a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more."

--A. Lou Vickery

Boy update:

School finished the day after Labor Day (snow make-up day) so now they are home being bums.

Zack:

-finished his junior year of high school and has been accepted to Sinclair Community College. This is the school that sponsors the Digital Media Arts Academy program at his high school that he has been in the last couple of years. Supposedly, as long as he completes next year's class (which he is signed up for and is looking forward to), he will receive a scholarship to Sinclair to continue!

-is scheduled for his driving test Saturday the 28th.

-is headed back to his psychologist to work on his anger and resentment that really seems to have blossomed since his father's death last year.

-is nursing an ill gecko. For some reason, Twilight and her cage-mate stopped eating and lost a lot of weight. I tried various remedies from the pet stores but we did lose Oopsy. Twilight made a $100 trip to the specialty vet (same one that I took Angel to last year) and is on a special food via syringe after soaking in a warm bath several times a day since. She has been more active and has pooped more since so I'm thinking/hoping it all might be helping...


Brian:

-finished 8th grade and will be headed to the high school in the fall.

-was part of the 4x200 realy team that broke the school record this year.

-volunteered at a track camp for younger elementary kids and was voted 'Best Counselor' and 'Best Piggy Back Ride Giver.'

- is finishing up helping at wrestling camp this week.

- received the 'Health Award' and a President's Fitness t-shirt at the end of school.

-Has managed to break yet another cell phone. (I think he's on #6 and counting...)

quote of the day

"There are two types of people who never achieve very much in their lifetime.
One is the person who won't do what he or she is told to do and the other is the person who does no more than he or she is told to do."

--Andrew Carnegie

Change is Coming...

The buzzword of this election is 'CHANGE.' All candidates toss it around without
saying what they want to change to. Just that we need CHANGE!

This brings to mind the following illustration.

Years ago, there was an old tale in the Marine Corps about a major who
inspected his Marines and told the 'Gunny' that they smelled bad. The major
suggested that they change their underwear.

The 'Gunny' responded, 'Aye, aye, sir. I'll see to it immediately.'

He went into the tent and said, 'The major thinks you guys smell bad, and he
wants you to change your underwear Smith, you change with Jones, McCarthy,
you change with Witkowskie, Brown, you change with Schultz .'
'Change, now get on with it'

And the moral is:

Any candidate may promise change in Washington ...but the stink remains!

Eva in her Sunflower Sundress

I only gave this to her Dad on Monday and he already sent me a pic of her in it!

Isn't she adorable?!?!? (I just wanna squeeze those little legs!)

A bit of stash knitting

Up-Down Spiral Socks (a.k.a. Purple Rainbow Socks):

Leftover Cherry Tree Hill wool sock yarn, 2 strands at a time in a slip stitch pattern. Fun!

Toe-Up Circular Seemless Baby Booties:

left over Sockatta cotton sock yarn from my Mock Wave Cable Socks

Minnowknits' Sunflower:

using stash Plymouth Wildflower DK and stash buttons

Peachy Baby Sweater (the designer's was in a peach yarn):

worked top down, also out of stash Wildflower DK

And don't get any ideas about the baby items!! I work with a bunch of young kids that all seem to be starting families.

Transparent Butterfly (Absolutely gorgeous! )

It comes from Central America and is found from Mexico to Panama. It is quite common in its zone, but it not easy to find because of its transparent wings, which is a natural camouflage mechanism.

A butterfly with transparent wings is rare and beautiful. As delicate as finely blown glass, the presence of this rare tropical gem is used by rain forest ecologists as an indication of high habitat quality and its demise alerts them of ecological change. Rivaling the refined beauty of a stained glass window, the translucent wings of the Glasswing butterfly shimmer in the sunlight like polished panes of turquoise, orange, green, and red. All things beautiful do not have to be full of color to be noticed: in life that which is unnoticed has the most power.

To the praying women in my life...

Live your life
in such a way that,
when your feet hit the
floor in the morning,
Satan shudders and says,
"Oh, no....she's awake!!"

Car lust

Recently I fell in lust with a new car. I used to drive small hatchbacks and really liked them. When I bought my last 2 cars, there weren't really many offered. And a small 'wagon'?? That was an evil word on car lots! We have, as I'm sure we all know, a 1993 4-door Saturn SL, a 2004 Saturn Vue (toy SUV), and a 2007 4-door Saturn Ion. Nothing wrong with any of them. Till I saw one of these on the lot (they're so cute in person!):



More pics available at:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-saturn-astra-1/153905/


And then this week, Steve sent me an email saying Ford would be bringing back the Fiesta! The old Fiesta was probably one of my all-time favorite cars. Couldn't kill 'em, great gas mileage (40+/-), fun to drive, and plenty of room, especially for a small car.


More pics here:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2x0y0z9-ford-fiesta/

Since I'm still paying on 2 of the current Saturns, I'm not sure I need a 3rd. And the Fiesta won't be in the states till next year. Guess I'll be dreaming for a while!

...just someone's feelings up in Jamestown NY!

Thank You Ruth!

My second beautiful set for the Stitch Marker Exchange came from Ruth in Seattle! And with some Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate - can't wait to try it...
Turns out, Ruth and I traded as I sent to her as well!
Thank you, thank you!

A requested Angel update

I do like to take her outside for fresh air and sunshine.
And a little 'cuddle' time.
Yes, she still sits in my hand, usually.

She hasn't been out in the grass in years. What would she think?

The grass apparently tickles. Angel spent a lot of time trying to groom herself, and the grass!


I even took her over to the ground below the birdfeeders and gave her some wild bird seed to peck at.
She just enjoyed the weather. There is always seed back in the cage!

As long as I squatted or sat down, she was fine. If I stood up, she got spooked and tried to get away. She still has trouble walking on flat ground, walking on the grass was even tougher! She also tried to fly a couple of times. She can get a couple of feet off the ground and then comes crashing down, face first. I don't think she did any permanent damage, just lost a few feathers and damaged ger pride a little. But she did seem to enjoy being out again!