More griping...

......about the weather. It's been in the 40's and sunny so the snow is melting a bit. Here are my flowers coming up...yes, they are next to the snow. They don't show up in this one, but they're here, next to several inches of snow. The weatherman says we could get light snow this weekend. :-( <)R%$#^:"+{

I got this wooden plate and glass cake dome for .50. It's for all the fancy cakes I bake....or maybe just to keep flies off food in the summer.

This plate had to come home with me too. I love the 'texture' and the color matches my kitchen perfectly.

Usually I keep fruit in it on the table........not much of a selection that day.

Random thoughts

I did something this afternoon when I got home from work that I haven't done in a while....I polished my shoes. When is the last time you did that? I can't remember. It's certainly not something I do very often (an more) but I finally got my leather shoes stretched so I can wear 'em. I noticed the toes were scuffed today so I found the polish and cleaned them up. They look nice.

And last night I did some ironing, I do that more often than I polish shoes, but still not often. I iron more in the summer (some of my capris need to be ironed). I also used to iron hubby's shirts when he was on city council and a supervisor at work. I know most things you can just hang up...but I still have some pants and shirts that need to be pressed. I'm not fond of the wrinkled look.

Since it stays light until after 7pm I find that I am more ambitious....when it's dark I think I should have my jammies on and watch TV. I know, I'm 'old'. I love sunshine, even if it is cold outside.

Speaking of being cold........do you notice that when it's 38 and sunny at the end of March it is not nearly as cold as when it's 38 at the end of October???? I didn't even wear my jacket at noon or when I left work, my car was too hot (NOT complaining) and I had a heavy sweater on anyway.

the After

I am finished cleaning my book shelves for now. I got rid of bags and boxes of books. That's hard for me to say because I love my books, but I decided that I am not going to read everything that I have. I kept some of the classics, banned books, and really old books from my parents. I added the paperback books that my book club has recommended and I still want to read. Now my headboard of my bed is clear, it looks naked! I have an ereader so I borrow ebooks too and have access to free classics there too. I cleared out a LOT of photos.............that was hard, I have so many cute ones of my grand kids...my daughter always gives me the cutest photos. But I had to put away most of the older ones. So the shelves still look somewhat cluttered b/c I had to put pictures in front of some books. I didn't go through the games.....that will come. I like to play games but we never do that anymore. I have lots of kids game too (lower left)....sometimes they play. Grandson J wants to play but is a terrible sport, he quits when he is not ahead. Grandpa is trying to teach him that it's just a game and things change. As the grands get older and are seldom here I will get rid of kids games......again. Here is the after, I am pleased that I accomplished something!!!!

Say ah............

I like listen to the radio during the day and learn a lot and watch TV in the evenings. This morning I was listening to a call in program....the caller said ah, um, over and over........and he talked so slow that I wanted to talk for him. It was driving me bananas.........I guess I talk fast and have a short attention span...just say it!!!! Am I the only one that this bothers????? OK, just had to get this off my chest.........thanks for taking the time to read. And now for Meet Me On Monday with Java:

http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/search/label/Meet%20Me%20On%20Monday Questions: 1. Crunchy or soft tacos? Ever since I OD'd on tacos in my 20's I just can eat them. 2. Do you scrapbook? I do.....and I need to do more of it. If I'd stop making cards (I like the instant gratification) I could get more done. I want to make one for each of my children (5) and grand kids (9) and for myself and hubby. So far I have 2 of my children's complete and they received as wedding gifts. 3. Do you take any daily medications? Yes, something for high blood pressure and depression. Small doses. I refuse to take cholesterol meds. 4. What is your favorite sound? I like the quiet...but a sound???? I can't think of one. I like sitting outside on my deck in the summer and maybe hearing a bird or 2. 5. Where were you born? A small town in central WI.

Create personalized crossword puzzles

I found this site where you put in the words and clues and your personal puzzle is created. My daughter did this one year for their Christmas letter. It was really cute and fun to do.

http://www.crosswordpuzzlegames.com/create.html

the sun and Son shine

As I am sitting at my kitchen table listening to my grandson cough and cough I see a bright sunny day out my window and a poor, yet fat, robin flying about over the snow. I can't help but to think God is great, he will take care of that robin and me too! The sun will melt some of the snow and spring will come. Yesterday we attended a birthday party for our 7 year old nephew at the bowling alley. Two of my grandsons were there also. J, (almost 6) when he first heard of the bowling party said he wasn't going to bowl. He is the most stubborn kid I have ever known, having received those genes from BOTH parents. He bowled and had fun! Then we went to the birthday boys house to have pizza. All 3 of the boys got along so good (when they were younger J & N would fight). I came home earlier and J decided to stay later with grandpa (there was a time when grandpa was 'chopped liver'). At bedtime J declared that he'd sleep in our spare bedroom. He always wants to sleep in my king size bed (ANGERING MOM EXTREMELY). It didn't bother me, it's a big bed and I knew he'd sleep in the other bed when he was ready, he's a 'jewel' you know! This morning when he got up he woke me up and said he was going downstairs by grandpa....usually I have to walk him down. He is growing up....and God answers prayer. Life is good!

The view outside my window

Icicles hanging on a pine tree. Snow behind the window screen sunflower. This is the same place the squirrel was sitting http://lindaloveschocolate.blogspot.com/2011/03/visitor.html

Good Friday moning

I'm trying to think positive, so it IS a good morning!!!!! You see 'person X' (who really, really annoys me- Ive ranted in a couple of other posts) and person Y are occupying my thoughts and I have to let it go. Our temps are only in the teens, there is no sun, and everything is covered with snow again. I also have to do the dreaded grocery shopping today.



BUT....on the bright side....I have $ to purchase groceries and am able to get out today. Yesterday my bff and her cousin from Florida picked me up and we went to a couple of scrapbooking stores, it was good to be out. I only bought some paper. One of the stores is closing....very sad. It is a beautiful store, she offers classes and open scrap. It is a locally owned business and unfortunately she can't make a go of it. The store has beautiful and many specialty papers but it is in a very out of the way location. I think I was only there a handful of times. It's just too easy for me to go to Hobby Lobby, which is 2 blocks from where I work and what I need is either on sale this week or the next week.



Now for the Friday 56:
Freda's Voice: The Friday 56: "Welcome to Week 21 with me! Rules: *Grab a book, any book. *Turn to page 56. *Find any sentence that grabs you. *Post it. *Add your (url)..."





I have just started reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I borrowed the ebook so I will be reading like crazy to get it finished in 14 days.

p.56 "The media have the ability to attract the craziest people to call in perfectly absurd tips."

I am only on page 31 but so far I like the book. The financial dealings in the beginning kinda went over my head.

FIFTY WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LOVER

Do you remember that song by Paul Simon? If you're a boomer you probably do. This morning my thoughts are more like '50 ways to leave the snow'. After yet another snow storm we are buried under 10" -12" of snow...... very wet snow with icy undertones. It started on Tuesday and continued until sometime last night. Many of the roads I drove to work on were not plowed but I barrelled through. Schools, businesses, and church services were called off. When I got home from work I got stuck in my driveway, but maneuvered my way out. If you live in WI you have the 'rocking technique' down pat. Hubby had to work late, he has been every day this week. So after a 12 hour day he came home and got his truck stuck in the neighbor's driveway where he parks. His brother came over and pushed him out and the he shoveled that driveway and our back sidewalk. He came in and said to me "You're not going anywhere tomorrow". He was beat! One of our retired neighbors is an early bird and blows the snow from our front sidewalk and even up to our front door. I am so thankful, but I feel really bad that he has been doing this all winter. I am not the type of person who likes people doing things for me..... I firmly believe one should be able to take care of one's self or at least pay for it, I do not like to take advantage of people. Hubby says we will get him a thank you gift for being sooooooooo helpful.

Hubby has to go in to work soon so he won't get the driveway shoveled and there is no way I can, So I am forced to stay home and clean????? I really needed to buy some groceries but it looks like I will continue working on my book shelves. I cleaned off more last night. That is another thing that bothers me....not having the option to go anywhere. Even if I am not planning to leave I like to have the ability to do so.

Our weather is suppose to be sunny but cold, a high of 27. The average temperature this time of year is 44, so if we seem cranky and tired of winter now you know why!!!! We were seeing lots of bare ground and the flower bulbs were coming up...and now it is all buried again. Wahhhhh wahhh wahhh

Before and After and even more

Was it ambition or the nitrous oxide at the dentist's office??? I don't care, I am just extremely pleased. After a lazy start to the morning (I did not want to get showered and have a filling replaced) I accomplished a lot so far today. My dentist appointment went really well, I was anticipating a LONG visit, but filling my wisdom tooth didn't even take an hour and it was so painless. When I was finished I ran a couple of errands and then tackled my book shelves. Hubby built me this wall of bookshelves (34" each unit) many years ago. It's kind of a useless wall anyway, if I put seating there you'd be too far away to talk to any one or see the TV - hubby's purpose for the room. I cleared out 6 grocery bags of books from just this one section. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my books and have always wanted a wall of books, but I just decided that I was never going to read everything on the shelves, I have an ereader and the headboard on the bed is full of books too. If I need info or even a recipe I look on the Internet. Here is the after, i know it's not a magazine photo, but looks 100 times better in my opinion. I usually end up putting framed photos of grand kids in front of the books, I have so many pictures. In the top photo you can see on the 4th (from top) shelf a bunch of photos just tossed down and not even displayed. I have decided to put out only some of them....the milestones and of course the new school pictures. On each section the bottom 3 shelves are devoted to grand kids toys, games, and books. That's just the way it is here.

While I was waiting for the dentist I picked up a Redbook mag (I think) and found an article about selling your used electronic gadgets. Check out : http://www.gazelle.com/ Apparently they will send you a postage paid mailer and pay you for your item. Even if you don't get a lot it is more than what you'd get by just leaving it lay in the drawer.

Meet me on Monday

It's Monday morning and I look forward to the rest of the day because:
Spring is getting closer.
I have the day to myself to do what I want.
Some of the snow is gone so I can get my remaining 2 Christmas wreaths down.
On the downside:
Today is the day I get a filling in my wisdom tooth replaced. I am NOT fond of the dentist.

I had a revelation yesterday: I need to watch my carbs if I want to lose weight. Like my mom I love my bread, especially at a restaurant. And sweets? I can never get enough of them. :-( I 'gotta' have my chocolate.....how does one get over that?????


It's time for Java's Meet Me on Monday http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/2011/03/meet-me-on-monday_20.html#links

1. What jewelry do you wear 24/7?
My wedding ring and my mom's wedding ring. It's a plain gold band that I can not get off my finger for 2 reasons - my knuckle is too swollen and I've gained weight since mom gave it to me.

2. Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
I don't have any patience for twirling so I cut it! I didn't know anyone else did that.

3. How many siblings do you have?
One younger sister and a younger brother (deceased).

4. Were you named after anyone?
I think my middle name comes from my grandma.

5. Coke or Pepsi?
Neither, I drink tea, unsweetened, hot and iced, all year long.

And that's a little about me on Monday.

Happy Spring

Happy first day of spring! It's gloomy and snowy here.

I made a bracelet

I guess I am more of a bracelet person than a necklace person and I have always liked different things. I saw this video posted on Michael's face book page. (link below) and decided to try it. Easy as pie...........
supplies:
chain link (chain), about 36" long - I had a long necklace that I wasn't using.
stretchy stuff for making bracelets (I forgot the correct terminology)
and a binder clip to hold the end, and maybe a dab of glue to secure the tied ends. Just weave the stretchy band in and out of the links, don't be fussy, and you don't need nearly as much as the chain links. Pull tight, tie SECURELY and viola! a bracelet. Add charms if you wish, if you skip links when 'weaving' those links will hang down and be perfect for attaching a charm.

Mine is loose on my wrist, I used over a yard. and I am no hand model!!! I hope you can't notice that my fingernails still have a slight lime green tinge to them. I only had the polish on 2 days, and yes, I did use a base coat. I was going to try a teal color, but will not try that brand again. I have a lavender polish that doesn't stain my nails.

here is the link to the Michael's video:

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1768405423543&oid=85894279164&comments

It's a Spring thing....

This afternoon I was in my basement working on some cards and needed a spring saying....I came across this and knew it was perfect and had to post it:

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

This 'n that

Spring IS coming........I keep telling myself that. I love hearing the birds singing in the morning. All of the snow in our front yard is gone, but it's full of fallen branches from the birch tree. The back yard is a different story, we have about 2' of snow there and some bigger drifts remain. The weather 'gods' don't know what to give us this time of year............some sun for day, rain and snow later this weekend, then partly sunny & 50 the next day, with more snow or rain showers mid-week. How does one dress??? Does it pay to have my car washed and cleaned?? YES, it is a mess after all winter of driving and eating in it. :-(

This week's thrift shop finds are: a Dr Seuss book, drum sticks (that I will regret buying later), and a Red Hat cap (barely used).....all for under $2.

Last weekend my SIL gave me some Amish friendship bread mix. Thursday was my day to bake it and, of course, I didn't read the recipe until I was ready to do so. It called for instant vanilla pudding (a staple I should have in my pantry - but no) so I had to use chocolate (and you know how I feel about chocolate), I tossed in some chocolate chips for good measure :-) I had about 4 pieces between Thursday night and what I took to work on Friday. When I got home from work yesterday all I found was an empty plate - guess hubby liked it. He eats my chocolate zucchini bread too, except I don't think he knows it has zucchini in it, and we won't tell him. His twin brother won't eat scalloped potatoes but he eats 'potato casserole'...same ingredients, different name. LOL Men are so weird.

the Visitor

As I was sitting at my kitchen table checking my email I had a visitor, he sat on the fence for several minutes just wiggling his tale...wonder what that meant. At first he came right up to the window and stood on his hind legs like he was begging, but that lasted only for a few seconds. We have quite a few squirrels and even rabbits in our back yard.

Happy Friday

OK, it's not happy....I have to work. I was going to post yesterday but I was so tired all day and I don't know why, I got plenty of sleep all week. For the past month I have been much more tired than usual..... I'm a homebody and go to bed early...so what's going on? Next week I am gong to a seminar about adrenal fatigue, ever heard of that? I want to learn more.

St Patty's day is just another day for me, but I did wear my lime green shirt and polish my nails to match. Last night I watched 2 of my grandsons walk in the parade with their parents next to them. :-) SS spotted me before I saw them, and I was really searching for them. The weather wasn't bad, we had 52 during the day and a very little light rain. It was 'niceish' for the parade. Then I drove to the restaurant where we were having our book club and had corned beef and cabbage (we got the last 2 dinners). Only 5 of us were there so we visited and did get to the book a little. No one gave the ending away b/c I am only on page 50. I haven't been in a reading mood lately. Also the free ebook I downloaded to my Nookcolor has some very strange 'words', making it even harder to read. My friends ebook is OK so I am not sure why mine is like that.

Today I had to find a shirt to match my lime green nail polish...not difficult since it is my fav color and I have lots of clothes with green it them. Today starts a cooling trend again, with possible snow early next week.......make it go away!!!! Enough is enough!!!

Friend Friday

It's time for Java's Follow Friday 40 and Over!! Click on the button to go to Java's site and see who has linked up.

Who Am I?

I heard this song on my way to work yesterday and remembered how much I love it. Hope you do too!

Tuesday's tales

Here are a couple of the Stampin' Up cards I made on Monday. I love the spring like colors on this one..........so cheerful.
Of course I had to make this one.............and I do need that stamp set.

I worked today....nothing too exciting to tell. For a while our phones were down....not good when you work for a plumber. After I called our phone company and fooled around with the phone the service was back. I was paranoid all day tho. When I got in my car after work I found a nice surprise....a card on my seat. In Our Red Hat group we have secret sisters and send cards and maybe a small gift to our person. I also got a neat St Patty's day pin that I will wear to the parade and then to book club. Good thing I never lock my car! :-)

It happened on Monday

If you read last Monday's Meet Me On Monday, you know that Monday is my favorite day of the week. And today proved it again. This morning I called the 800# on the Nescafe Dulce Gusto cappuccino (sitting on my cupboard) to find out how to use it in my Kuerig that I got for Christmas. Come to find out, I can't. It is a 2 part coffee drink and made specifically for the Nescafe machine. The woman I spoke to (yes, a real person answered my call) was very nice and said that it could ruin my machine....usually I would disregard that and just do it 'my way'. But I decided to see if someone else can use it. She offered me a coupon for a case of water (for my inconvenience)....I know it is not anything exciting, but hey, I drink water! So it does pay to call the number on the box/bag/container if you have a question.
What else happened?
I made some really cute cards at my friends Stampin' Up stamp-a-long. I got some housework done, chatted with SS on MSN (something I never do-but if that is how we can catch up it's OK), made supper , and am now ready to relax and probably write a letter tonight. I really should read more of Uncle Tom's Cabin, book club is Thursday night and I am on page 21.

I wasn't planning on it

That is one of my hubby's favorite sayings "I wasn't planning on it", if he doesn't want to do something. Well, I wasn't planning to go to Appleton to Archiver's on Sunday either when bff called Sunday morning and woke grandson J up. The night before he slept over at a friends and got to bed really late. Why do the parents let 5 & 6 year olds stay up as late as they want???? When my kids had a sleep over I (was mean) and made them (attempt to) go to sleep at a reasonable hour (10:30 maybe???). Ok, I digress....back to the subject at hand. So J was sleeping in and I had just gotten up when the phone rings...........It's my bff "do ya wanna go to Achiever's?" I want to, but I want to spend some time with J. I want to, but I am flat broke. Of course I go! The free make & takes were the flowers below: I only bought 2 sheets of clearance paper...but I signed up for a class. I love taking classes there....a little pricey tho. That's is why I can't do it often. Take a 11" strip of paper, most of these are about 1-1/2"wide. Score it at 1/4" intervals on the Martha Stewart score 'thingie' (which I own). Glue the ends together, flatten to a circle, glue on center circle and 'Viola'! We used hot glue b/c it dries fast. Thinking of how you could use them: Make larger and hang for party decor, write a name in the center, and some sort of stick, put in a pot (or something) and use as a place card, put your child's picture on the center and make a bouquet for mom, scrapbook pages....what else?

My bff (who was just in Florida and felt really sorry that I had to stay in WI) made (decorated) this box for me. Isn't it adorable???

There was also a shell pendant inside. I love it! Thanks Deb! :-)

Meet Me on Monday

http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/search/label/Meet%20Me%20On%20Monday
Questions:

1. Do you have a fireplace in your home?
Yes, we do. But we seldom use it. :-(
2. Can you drive a stick shift?
YES! Thanks mom for making me learn how to drive on one.
3. How many computers are in your home?
Desk top in basement, my laptop in the kitchen, hubby's notebook upstairs....and my Nook color.
4. Are your taxes done yet? Nope, owe too much $$$
Do you do them yourself? Hubby does 'em.
5. What is your favorite meal of the day?
Unfortunately I love them all (see waistline-OH, good thing you can't)

What does your name mean?

http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/

Click on the link and find out what your name means....the middle paragraphs are kinda true.


You Are Peaceful and Content
You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.
You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.
Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.
Not so sure about this first paragraph
You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia (really??) and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.
You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.
People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. perfection? I don't think so.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. aggressive????
You have the classic "Type A" personality. 'Type A'???? nah

Surprise from the UPS guy

I was talking on the phone yesterday late in the afternoon and saw the UPS truck pull up.....I'm wondering 'what did I order now?' I didn't remember ordering anything. I was tickled pink when I opened the box and found my new Kcup carousel. I had ordered it with some points that someone had given me. I ordered it last Friday and had completely forgotten about it. It's nice....now I don't have coffee, tea, hot chocolate cups just tossed into a big bowl.

The Friday 56

Here's a fun thing I found while surfing:
http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/


Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.

Here's my contribution from The Secret Lives of Dresses by Erin McKean
"Grim-faced, beautifully dressed, adorned with several shades of diamonds, she shrugged off Dora's diffident offer of assistance and continued her march through the store."

Never Growing Old: Follow Friday 40 and Over!!#links#links

Never Growing Old: Follow Friday 40 and Over!!#links#links

It's Friday.....time to meet the over 40 bloggers.....stop by to say "Hi" and link up.
Soon I'll be off to have breakfast with friends but before I do I have time to catch a few blogs. Have a great day! The sun is shining & we'll have 40+ temps so I'm happy :-)

Two pairs for less than the price of one

This morning, on the way to my massage, I stopped at the thrift store.....I can't help it, my car just turns in.......... Anyway I got 2 pairs of Land's End shoes for $4.....and the other pair is just like this 'cept the left is tan the the right navy.................amazing, huh? They are good quality, comfy, and worn VERY little. I am lazy and love slip on shoes and no socks. If spring ever comes I'll get to wear them!!!

I also got 2 t-shirts, a small flower pot, basket with a liner, and a binder. Total cost? $7.93. Some days ya just get lucky :-)

Gotta Have It? or Make It Go Away!!!

If you've ever watched Fashion Police on E! you'll get it.......
Another snow storm in the 2nd week of March - Make It Go Away!!!! Overnight and throughout the day we got about 5" of really wet, heavy, slushy stuff; making the morning drive to work go slowly.


Teens wearing hoodies and shorts in the snow storm - Make It Go Away!!! It's not that unusual to see young men/boys wearing shorts in the winter around here. I am not sure what the temperature has to be for that to happen....this morning it was 33F on my way to work and there was some kid walking to school in shorts, but he had his hood on! :-)

Pixie Dust Paperie: March Kit Preview Day

A good chance to win some scrapbooking / cardmaking suppies. Check out her blog.
Pixie Dust Paperie: March Kit Preview Day: "Teasing you just a tad with what is to come tomorrow....... This kit will definitely make you dream........... * ~ * ~ ~* ~~*~* * P..."

Reading, puking, sewing, what a weekend!

I bet you can guess that reading would be my favorite activity of the weekend! I am reading The Secret Lives of Dresses by Erin McKean. I stumbled across it when blog surfing. I like it, it's kinda light, but not "fluffy". The story is about a college student who was raised by her grandma and takes over the vintage clothing store. The dresses have stories.........I am halfway through and would recommend it.

Puking? I am sure you want to know about that???? Our grandson spent the night on Saturday and after church on Sunday he complained about a stomach ache. He even took a long nap and felt better...well that didn't last long, he threw up on my good living room carpet (grandpa caught most of it in his hands and I grabbed a throw, held it under his mouth, and walked him to the bathroom). We cleaned up took him home (mom was here to get him but he was napping) and found out that his mom and older brother had been sick too. Now hubby is home sick from work. I really hope I don't get it!

It's not really sewing, but I did get 31 money pouches (for church) done yesterday. Only 14 more to go. I will get them done today.

The remaninder of today will be spent dropping things off at the consignment shop (among other things). I have to pay for last week's shopping spree, remember???

>

Meet me on Monday

This is kinda fun, from Java @ http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/
Questions:

1. What is your favorite way to eat potatoes?
2. What was the last package that was delivered to your house?
3. What is your favorite scent that you love to smell?
4. Do you smoke?
5. Are your parents married or divorced?

My Answers:

1. What is your favorite way to eat potatoes?

I could live w/o potatoes and did when I was cutting carbs, but if I did it would be twice baked.


2. What was the last package that was delivered to your house?

The wand scanner mentioned in last Monday's post.

3. What is your favorite scent that you love to smell?

I love Lily's of the valley, they are so sweet but don't last long. I love clean babies too....ditto my comments on Lily's of the Valley.

4. Do you smoke?

NO

5. Are your parents married or divorced?

My father passed away before I was 2.

What I learned in school

I was thinking the other day (something hubby says I do too often-and he is not funny) as I was jotting down some thoughts in an outline sort of way. I do that often; whether it's for my Red Hat club, posting for my blog, or any number of other things. I learned that in grade school and still use it to organize ideas! And you probably did too (if you are a baby boomer). Is there anything that you have brought into your adult life from grade school? other than reading, math, etc......... Today I still sound out words sometimes when I am spelling a word that I don't use every day. Remember "I before E, except after C"? How many times I have repeated that mantra. I also remember having to put our heads down on the desks to listen to the music. No, I don't do that anymore; but I think it was a great idea. Two of my grandsons had a music teacher who is also a semi-professional musician (meaning he writes and plays & directs local performances). He is a fabulous teacher....the kids just don't sing kid songs, sometimes they do movements he has choreographed to the music, for Valentines Day they sang an Elvis song, they count to 100 in song. I will miss his concerts......the kids only get one year with him.

ShipGooder and other websites

No, that is not a typo and I cringed when I typed it. If you ship/mail things you might wanna check it out. http://shipgooder.com/ This site compares rates for USPS, UPS, and Fed Ex. If I had done that before mailing my package I'd have used a smaller box.

Another site I visit often is Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ The first Tuesday of the month they have a guest reader reading a children's book (of course the whole book is shown). It's really cute and I bet your toddler would love it.

If you shop online you might want to check out Ebates http://www.ebates.com/ You earn rebates by using them.

Another useful place is Kim Komando, "America's Digital Goddess" http://www.komando.com/ She has a 3 hour radio program on Saturday mornings that I listen to religiously. Lots of info about anything digital.

These are just a few places I find helpful, Hope you do too.

Phone problems/dream interpreter needed

I need to get to the bottom of this.......for as long as I can remember I've had this dream that I can't call anyone, most of the time it is for help. This morning it was to call my SIL. I won't go into the details of my strange dream, but I was trying to make a call on my cell phone and I didn't have any bars and I should have (in that area). At first I had trouble with a rotary phone and now (with technology) my dreams have moved onto cell phones. If you can tell me what this phone thing means I'd certainly appreciate it!!!!

Shopping frenzy, among other things

Today I was off and had a lot on my calendar: I dropped off the items for church and found out that I have to have all 60 money bags sewn by Ash Wednesday :-0..........I hope my bff will help me; mailed my Big Shot back for a replacement; and got my teeth cleaned. My regular gal is off on maternity leave and the one who was there was rough! My mouth still hurts. There's a filling in a wisdom tooth that needs to be replaced. They asked if I could come back in the afternoon to do it.....a split second later I replied with a decisive "No". Hey, I need time to work up to that.

Then I was suppose to take my nephew to work but didn't have to. On the way home I had planned to stop at a gift shop to look at totes.........so I did. Ever heard of Marie Osmond bags? I hadn't either........ they look like Vera Bradley knock offs. I hemmed and hawed...but at 50% off I decided to get this one. It's like big purse....the size I wanted...and at a little over 1/3 of the Vera Bradley I saw on Monday it was affordable. I like it. It doesn't have all the inside pockets that the Vera's do; only 1 inside and 1 on the outside, both zip and so does the bag, that is what I wanted.
Today the UPS guy was here early in the morning, he usually comes in the late afternoon. He brought me my Magic Wand scanner from HSN, mine is purple. I know, I have a scanner, but this one is portable and I can take it anywhere and scan just about anything. It was a TODAY'S SPECIAL VALUE.

Then I decided to check out the Birkenstock sandals.............and viola! I found this black shoe on clearance. The black ones I have are pretty grungy looking......I bought them (used) on Ebay several years ago.