I tried posting some pics here, but they haven't shown up. Will try again.
But meanwhile.
While watching the Patriots/Bears game on Sunday I saw something that has turned me off football entirely. That was one player punching another player in the head. The punchee was down on the field at the end of the play. And the puncher, as he was getting up, took a cheap shot at him. (Yes, I know. They are wearing helmets. Still.) Even saw it in the background of the replay. Commentators didn't comment. But that's it for me. Too much unnecessary violence. I don't mind fighting during hockey or roller derby. That's part of the game. This, however, is making me rethink football. This whole mentality of if I can do without the ref seeing me, I will kick, stomp, punch an opposing player.
Personal issue. What can I say?
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
thanksgiving weekend
We left bright and early on Friday morning for the VA Beach area, just stopping for a wonderful breakfast at Aunt Sarah's Pancake House (we need to go back and try the honey dipped chicken). They were squeezing fresh orange juice and grinding fresh coffee right by the front door. Good place to eat. Arrived in VA Beach and did the first thing which was walk down to the water. The storm that had blown through here on Tues/Wed had knocked down some of the Christmas light displays and deposited sand where it usually isn't. I now I will confess that we had been having a pinball craving and where better to satisfy that than an arcade at the beach? At a place called Flipper McCoy's. Had some lunch, wandered into some of the tacky touristy beach stores. Decided to go check out our home for the night on Ft Story. The Cape Henry Inn is a relatively new place - has a hotel, separate cabins, even two log cabins. We had a 2 bedroom, living room and kitchen with an ocean view. The boys wanted to smoke cigars on the beach. And rather than ignore the notices to not walk on the dunes, we got in the car to ride back to the lighthouses, but we never made it. Because we spotted friends driving the other way. White Volvo with Vermont plates - which we were used to seeing back at West Point. We turned around and followed them and we all had a great laugh. We had just been at their house in Maryland for a party at the beginning of November, but neither family knew the other family's plans. Went out for dinner at Bubba's Seafood with them. And Tom came and slept at our cabin.
The teenage boys were planning to get up and go for a run on the beach at 6:00 a.m. But they had talked long into the night. I tried waking them up at 6:20 before I left for a walk, but apparently they didn't get up and run till 7:30. I walked all alone on the beach for about 1 1/2 hours. Enjoyed that immensely. After showers and good-byes to our friends, we left to get breakfast at the Jewish Mother in VA Beach. The boys had pastrami and swiss cheese omelets. And we shared some of Mama Rachel's Potatoe Latkes which were excellent.
We crossed the Bay Bridge over to Virginia's eastern shore and headed north to Chincoteague and Assateague. We did see some ponies in the distance, but none close enough for me to get a picture. What was amazing was the snow geese which you can see here:
http://www.chincoteaguechamber
The teenage boys were planning to get up and go for a run on the beach at 6:00 a.m. But they had talked long into the night. I tried waking them up at 6:20 before I left for a walk, but apparently they didn't get up and run till 7:30. I walked all alone on the beach for about 1 1/2 hours. Enjoyed that immensely. After showers and good-byes to our friends, we left to get breakfast at the Jewish Mother in VA Beach. The boys had pastrami and swiss cheese omelets. And we shared some of Mama Rachel's Potatoe Latkes which were excellent.
We crossed the Bay Bridge over to Virginia's eastern shore and headed north to Chincoteague and Assateague. We did see some ponies in the distance, but none close enough for me to get a picture. What was amazing was the snow geese which you can see here:
http://www.chincoteaguechamber
Monday, November 20, 2006
Demise of Tower Records
The closing of the Tower Records stores has me bummed. When I was a teen, we'd trek into Boston from New Hampshire just for the opportunity to shop there. It was a mecca of music. It was a place to see and be seen. DH and I have enjoyed passing on the joy of shopping at Tower to our children. It's sad to see them go. We just racked up our last over $100 shopping spree on Saturday. Treated our son to Jethro Tull's "Thick as a Brick." Bought someone a present (for pretty girls?) Bought several classical music DVDs. One more Oscar Peterson album. I guess I should go check out Pandora.com because there is no real life store where I'll be able to browse through so many different styles of music again.
Thanksgiving Plans
My original thought was to get out of Dodge for Thanksgiving that way I wouldn't focus on who wasn't here for the holiday. But. After some serious planning yesterday and a study of the long range weather forecast, we decided to stay at home for Thanksgiving Day. And to head to Virginia Beach on Friday. We've got a room (actually several rooms) at the Cape Henry Inn on Ft. Story. Those DoD ID cards occasionally come in handy.
I wanted to go to the mountains, but DH wanted to go to the beach. Beach is good. And will be warmer, too. And I will finally, after all these years, get to Chincoteague Island.
I wanted to go to the mountains, but DH wanted to go to the beach. Beach is good. And will be warmer, too. And I will finally, after all these years, get to Chincoteague Island.
Friday, November 17, 2006
rain, rain, went away
DH bought a tuxedo last weekend. Didn't really think about maybe he'd need a new tux shirt (he had one with his Army Dress Mess uniform.) This due to body adjustment from no longer doing PT 5-6 days a week.
Wednesday evening he informs me that he needs a new shirt and he wants to wear this Friday night to the holiday party.
So out I went in the hellacious rain yesterday. I went to the mall first where all I found were wingtip collars which he didn't want. I heard the rain start while inside the mall. That's when I knew I should have moved faster. I felt bad for the women standing at the doors with baby strollers.
Several stops later - and by now I'm soaking wet - I finally located the shirt. But of course they don't have any red bow ties (which he needs for the Chorale performance.)
That means today I'm searching for a red bow tie because he decided last night that a new black tie might be nice. Oh. *smacking forehead*
Wednesday evening he informs me that he needs a new shirt and he wants to wear this Friday night to the holiday party.
So out I went in the hellacious rain yesterday. I went to the mall first where all I found were wingtip collars which he didn't want. I heard the rain start while inside the mall. That's when I knew I should have moved faster. I felt bad for the women standing at the doors with baby strollers.
Several stops later - and by now I'm soaking wet - I finally located the shirt. But of course they don't have any red bow ties (which he needs for the Chorale performance.)
That means today I'm searching for a red bow tie because he decided last night that a new black tie might be nice. Oh. *smacking forehead*
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Mini
We were at a stop light and in the next lane ahead of us was a Mini-Cooper with the license plate
ANTIH2.
Of course, my first thought was half of water, but then I figured it out. Great plate on a small car.
ANTIH2.
Of course, my first thought was half of water, but then I figured it out. Great plate on a small car.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
what a coincidence
On my Google home page are the directions for how to save a wet cell phone.
It's basically everything my DS intuitively did. And his freakin' phone works just fine, except for the volume down button, but you can turn the volume down on the screen. So comparing his phone with his sister's phone leads to the conclusion that dropping the phone is more damaging than washing the silly thing.
Imagine that.
Now I'm off to shop for my sister's birthday! It's one of those years where her birthday and Thanksgiving coincide. (Pay attention, DD!)
It's basically everything my DS intuitively did. And his freakin' phone works just fine, except for the volume down button, but you can turn the volume down on the screen. So comparing his phone with his sister's phone leads to the conclusion that dropping the phone is more damaging than washing the silly thing.
Imagine that.
Now I'm off to shop for my sister's birthday! It's one of those years where her birthday and Thanksgiving coincide. (Pay attention, DD!)
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Which Leads Me To Do This
If you are someone easily offended don't read the post following this one. No apologies, just a slight warning.
This Post Brought to You
by Jenn of My Needleful Things (http://www.needleful-things.com/xsblog/) and the Letter F:
Comment to this message and I will assign you a letter of the alphabet. Then go to your journal and post a list of 10 words that begin with this letter and what they mean to you.
!) Frederick - (Dady-Fred)- my favorite boy's middle name - and his father's middle name - and his grandfather's first name - Originally this name brought me to Little Women and Professor Frederick, Jo's beau. Though maybe it was spelled Frederich. I don't remember. But now it's a family name from the family I married.
@) Friend - bestest friends are my hubby and my sister - and where would we be without friends? Miserable, that's where.
#) Faith - I've got none. I'm a UU who identifies as an agnostic. I see no evidence for the existence of god. I see no evidence for the non-existence of god. I'm happy here on my fence, thank you very much.
$) French - I didn't ask for the French last name - I married it. But there is no denying I've got a French Canadian heritage, too. Just not as strong as some people's.
%) Fie - Fie on goodness, fie. Fie. Fie. Fie. Or fee, fie, fo, fum. What a terrific little three letter word. I'm gonna go put it in my Nanowrimo.
^) Feet - as in happy feet. As in if you're feet ain't happy, you are miserable. No more foot surgery for me. Once was enough. Unless some drops an anvil on me.
&) Fantabulous - fantastic and fabulous in one word. Isn't language fun? Look, there's a bonus word: FUN. Also Fanta. Not the stuff sold in the U.S. of A. but the wonderful Fanta we used to get in Germany. Big orange drink heaven.
*) Fried - so bad for you, tastes so good -fried food! Look, another one crept in - Food!
() Fancy - as in flight of, as in fantasy. Way too many F words which brings us to:
)) Fuck - best F word ever. Fucking, fucker, fucked.
"Roses are red, violets are blue, turkeys are for Thanksgiving, let's fuck!"
You don't really need an extended soliloquy. Just make up your own. And now you're fucked.
Bye-bye!
*)
Comment to this message and I will assign you a letter of the alphabet. Then go to your journal and post a list of 10 words that begin with this letter and what they mean to you.
!) Frederick - (Dady-Fred)- my favorite boy's middle name - and his father's middle name - and his grandfather's first name - Originally this name brought me to Little Women and Professor Frederick, Jo's beau. Though maybe it was spelled Frederich. I don't remember. But now it's a family name from the family I married.
@) Friend - bestest friends are my hubby and my sister - and where would we be without friends? Miserable, that's where.
#) Faith - I've got none. I'm a UU who identifies as an agnostic. I see no evidence for the existence of god. I see no evidence for the non-existence of god. I'm happy here on my fence, thank you very much.
$) French - I didn't ask for the French last name - I married it. But there is no denying I've got a French Canadian heritage, too. Just not as strong as some people's.
%) Fie - Fie on goodness, fie. Fie. Fie. Fie. Or fee, fie, fo, fum. What a terrific little three letter word. I'm gonna go put it in my Nanowrimo.
^) Feet - as in happy feet. As in if you're feet ain't happy, you are miserable. No more foot surgery for me. Once was enough. Unless some drops an anvil on me.
&) Fantabulous - fantastic and fabulous in one word. Isn't language fun? Look, there's a bonus word: FUN. Also Fanta. Not the stuff sold in the U.S. of A. but the wonderful Fanta we used to get in Germany. Big orange drink heaven.
*) Fried - so bad for you, tastes so good -fried food! Look, another one crept in - Food!
() Fancy - as in flight of, as in fantasy. Way too many F words which brings us to:
)) Fuck - best F word ever. Fucking, fucker, fucked.
"Roses are red, violets are blue, turkeys are for Thanksgiving, let's fuck!"
You don't really need an extended soliloquy. Just make up your own. And now you're fucked.
Bye-bye!
*)
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Another Nice Day - new product to make stitching nicer
Boys are outside washing and waxing the cars. Who knows when we'll see 70 + degrees again. I finished out front digging in the dirt which I prefer to do gloveless. Which meant I did th dishes to make it easier to remove the worst of the blackness. And then used my new favorite cuticle softening hand product.
Not affiliated, blah, blah. Surgeon's Skin Secret. I found the best price at QVC and ordered from them. First time I ever ordered anything from QVC. Comes in a push up tube and is made of beeswax and lanolin. Not to be used right before stitching. I started using the stuff on Wednesday and by Friday the skin around my nails is soft, all signs of hangnails gone. I'm using it once in the a.m. and again at bedtime.
Not affiliated, blah, blah. Surgeon's Skin Secret. I found the best price at QVC and ordered from them. First time I ever ordered anything from QVC. Comes in a push up tube and is made of beeswax and lanolin. Not to be used right before stitching. I started using the stuff on Wednesday and by Friday the skin around my nails is soft, all signs of hangnails gone. I'm using it once in the a.m. and again at bedtime.
SB Question of the Week: re: Floss
How many different brands of “complete” embroidery floss sets do you own? How do you keep track of it? (i.e., spread sheet program, index cards, palm pilot, etc.)
Only complete set I own is DMC. And I'm sure some of it is 20 years old. Have I ever used that bright blue that 's in the 900s? Nope. Pretty, but way too bright and I've never had a pattern that called for it either. My DMC is all in Floss Away bags on rings in a big Rubbermaid tote.
My Anchor is in a Ziploc bag. My GAST (everytime I get close to having all these, they make more) is in its own plastic bin, same as Weeks. My silks are all in a big plastic bag. My metallics are all in a plastic bin. My flower thread is all in a plastic bin. My DMC #5, #8 all in their own bin, too.
How do I keep track of them? I don't. Why not? because a floss toss is a chance to fondle. Especially the silks. Of course if I get much more, I'll probably organize it all nicely. Someday. When I need to procrastinate on something else.
Only complete set I own is DMC. And I'm sure some of it is 20 years old. Have I ever used that bright blue that 's in the 900s? Nope. Pretty, but way too bright and I've never had a pattern that called for it either. My DMC is all in Floss Away bags on rings in a big Rubbermaid tote.
My Anchor is in a Ziploc bag. My GAST (everytime I get close to having all these, they make more) is in its own plastic bin, same as Weeks. My silks are all in a big plastic bag. My metallics are all in a plastic bin. My flower thread is all in a plastic bin. My DMC #5, #8 all in their own bin, too.
How do I keep track of them? I don't. Why not? because a floss toss is a chance to fondle. Especially the silks. Of course if I get much more, I'll probably organize it all nicely. Someday. When I need to procrastinate on something else.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Holiday
First - a salute to all the veterans who have served the U.S.A. Thank you.
DH had today off. DS didn't. But the poor boy caught the cold that we had 3 weeks ago.
And thus he was home and spent the day on the couch with a box of tissues watching the History Channel and its cousins.
DH and I took down the gazebo. I need to see if I can clean the roof with a weak bleach solution. The outdoor rug was wet, so it's draped over the swing. All that hard work, then I went out front and weeded and amended soil and planted some tulips for the spring. It was a lovely balmy 70 degrees and highly enjoyable to be outside.
DH had today off. DS didn't. But the poor boy caught the cold that we had 3 weeks ago.
And thus he was home and spent the day on the couch with a box of tissues watching the History Channel and its cousins.
DH and I took down the gazebo. I need to see if I can clean the roof with a weak bleach solution. The outdoor rug was wet, so it's draped over the swing. All that hard work, then I went out front and weeded and amended soil and planted some tulips for the spring. It was a lovely balmy 70 degrees and highly enjoyable to be outside.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Carriage House Samplings
Um. What can I say? I totally should never have gone to their website before hitting the LNS.
Besides the Dainty Housewren, the Strawberry Blonde and Fall's Gifts jumped into my bag. And I ordered The Gingham Dog and Calico Cat Sampler.
LOL, enablers.
Besides the Dainty Housewren, the Strawberry Blonde and Fall's Gifts jumped into my bag. And I ordered The Gingham Dog and Calico Cat Sampler.
LOL, enablers.
Sheesh
I went to LNS Tuesday afternoon. And on Wednesday I of course get the e-mail that the chart I wanted is in. Carriage House Sampling "Dainty Housewren." Now I'm having a brain cramp. Who blogged this finished piece? I want to see the picture again. If you're reading this, please point me in the correct direction. Many Thanks!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
I voted
DH voted. And DS is working the polls for 6 hours today. I nagged DD last night to remind her to vote at college.
Now, go forth and participate!
Now, go forth and participate!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
ah
The irony of doing a Heart Walk and then eating a heart attack sandwich isn't lost on me. But at least I didn't bring dunkin donuts to the walk, nor was I smoking. Unlike some people there.
missed posting yesterday
And I figured that I would. Posting every day in November. That lasted a long time.
Son took SATs for last time. DH and I went into D.C. to participate in the Heart Walk. That was kinda cool. Ate lunch at our favorite deli where the Reuben will probably kill you, but it tastes oh so good. If I didn't have teeth, I could still eat that corned beef, it's that tender. And there's what? 3/4 of a pound on each sandwich? Yum.
then we had a promotion party to attend. Which was fun. Some people drank too much - not me. I was good as I knew I was going to drive home.
Woke up this a.m. with a killer headache and have been avoiding doing anything ever since. Surprised I've lasted this long on the computer. But definitely need to search out more ibuprofen now.
Son took SATs for last time. DH and I went into D.C. to participate in the Heart Walk. That was kinda cool. Ate lunch at our favorite deli where the Reuben will probably kill you, but it tastes oh so good. If I didn't have teeth, I could still eat that corned beef, it's that tender. And there's what? 3/4 of a pound on each sandwich? Yum.
then we had a promotion party to attend. Which was fun. Some people drank too much - not me. I was good as I knew I was going to drive home.
Woke up this a.m. with a killer headache and have been avoiding doing anything ever since. Surprised I've lasted this long on the computer. But definitely need to search out more ibuprofen now.
Friday, November 03, 2006
stitching blogger's QOTW 11/2
SBQ: How did you decide on the title of your stitching blog? Was it random, or does it have a special meaning to you or about you?
I started my blog in 2003 one year after moving away from the needlework shops of Washington Capitol Area. (Is that what the sign says as you leave Dulles Airport? I can never quite recall...)
In NY, I felt like I had left stitcher's paradise and arrived in a wasteland. Except for the friends I made in my local EGA chapter. All stores were at least one hour's drive away. There wasn't even a bookstore (though a Barnes and Noble did open in Newburgh right before we moved away.) Everyone shopped online. Or at CATS Hershey. Thus, needleworker not in paradise.
I did contemplate renaming when we moved back to the Washington Capitol Area last year. But 1) I'm too lazy and, 2) I kinda like the bitchy tone of this name.
I started my blog in 2003 one year after moving away from the needlework shops of Washington Capitol Area. (Is that what the sign says as you leave Dulles Airport? I can never quite recall...)
In NY, I felt like I had left stitcher's paradise and arrived in a wasteland. Except for the friends I made in my local EGA chapter. All stores were at least one hour's drive away. There wasn't even a bookstore (though a Barnes and Noble did open in Newburgh right before we moved away.) Everyone shopped online. Or at CATS Hershey. Thus, needleworker not in paradise.
I did contemplate renaming when we moved back to the Washington Capitol Area last year. But 1) I'm too lazy and, 2) I kinda like the bitchy tone of this name.
Throwdown on posting
Can I post at least once a day for a whole entire month? Probably not. At least not while trying to write a 50,000 word mini-novel. And considering that I don't always turn on the 'puter on weekends. But I can try. Even if it's too late to register.
http://www.fussy.org/nablopomo.html
Thanks, Anna!
http://www.fussy.org/nablopomo.html
Thanks, Anna!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Nov. 1st
First day of NaNoWriMo. I was doing quite well. Had nearly a thousand words done. Realized that it was getting late and I needed to review DS's college application essays. He asked me to look at them. That was a totally different type of writing. I couldn't go back to my novel. LOL
But we did accomplish a lot yesterday. DS and I got his essays corrected for spelling and grammar and submitted his early decision application to the College of William and Mary. We also found a suit that fit him. Sure, the stores sell men's size 50s, but 38L - good luck finding that. We were close to spending big bucks at Men's Wearhouse. They had one - just one size 38L in Penneys. Any place else we looked had none. Because we found a deal, I bought him a second pair of dress pants and a cordouroy blazer. Shades of my past. There was my son standing there dressed in black shoes, jeans, white dress shirt, and a brown cordouroy jacket. He looked just like any of my fellow preppies from 1978. Just missing the tie hanging out of the jacket pocket. Major flashback for Mom.
Stopped at Wegman's to shop for dinner. Coudln't resist buying some cannoli shells and filling. Yumm. Watched Lost. Need to catch up with Top Chef today. And now it's time to go write 3,000 words. Yeah. Right.
But we did accomplish a lot yesterday. DS and I got his essays corrected for spelling and grammar and submitted his early decision application to the College of William and Mary. We also found a suit that fit him. Sure, the stores sell men's size 50s, but 38L - good luck finding that. We were close to spending big bucks at Men's Wearhouse. They had one - just one size 38L in Penneys. Any place else we looked had none. Because we found a deal, I bought him a second pair of dress pants and a cordouroy blazer. Shades of my past. There was my son standing there dressed in black shoes, jeans, white dress shirt, and a brown cordouroy jacket. He looked just like any of my fellow preppies from 1978. Just missing the tie hanging out of the jacket pocket. Major flashback for Mom.
Stopped at Wegman's to shop for dinner. Coudln't resist buying some cannoli shells and filling. Yumm. Watched Lost. Need to catch up with Top Chef today. And now it's time to go write 3,000 words. Yeah. Right.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
NaNoWriMo
This is National Novel Writing Month.
You can see it all here:
http://www.nanowrimo.org/
I'm up to 650 words. Only 49,350 to go!
Officially crazy.
You can see it all here:
http://www.nanowrimo.org/
I'm up to 650 words. Only 49,350 to go!
Officially crazy.
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