Miss. Barboza

NOT JUST A MEMORY 9/11/01

2008-09-11T07:03:00.001-07:00

I Know I Know...

2008-08-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

I made the list. It is not that nothing has been going on actually it has been the opposite. Things have been really busy... just busy of stuff I haven't really wanted to blog about. Z spent several days with Babcia. He had a great time. He has had a difficult time learning to ride his bike so last week I picked him p some training wheels. He has been on his bike everyday since. I am so proud of him. He is doing a great job. At first the little hill in front of the house was a challenge now he can ride up it with no problem at all. Today he has gone for a ride with C I will be anxious to see how it was when I get home.

Until Later

Looking for a cure...???

2008-07-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

I have CDO. It's like OCD but with the letters in alphabetical order like they should be.

I saw this and thought is was an accurate description.

Shhhhh.....

2008-07-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

They finally got DSL to work at my house... Don't tell anyone it might jinx it... I will keep you posted if there are anymore troubles.

Z is headed to my fathers house on Sunday for a couple of days. This ought to be quited an adventure for both of them. They will be staying at Papa's condo in Ogunquit(sp). I know there is some mini golf and beach time planned. it will be fun for Z. he hasn't ever spent the night with anyone other than Babcia.... He'll be coming home Wednesday if he doesn't make Papa too crazy before then...LOL

Until Later

I know...

2008-07-19T05:36:00.000-07:00

I have probably made the list. But I was on vacation and if I am near a computer I can't not check my email and if I do that I end up doing some kind of work so I tried to aboid my machine as much as possible this week... Even if I mke the list It was worth it. I had a great vacation. Visting family and spending some time at the beach with the kids. It was really great to relax.

Vacation? Is that something you eat?

2008-07-09T05:51:00.001-07:00

I am taking a vacation. I dont realy know what I will do with myself. We are going to visit Papa and Taco this weekend and we don't have to rush back on Sunday so we will be headed home on Monday. My mommy has agreed to watch the pups and the cats will pretty much take care of themselves. We will leave them pleanty of food and water and they will be fine... It is only two days after all and we will leave the AC on so they don't get too hot.

It seems that for the last couple of years I have planned a trip to visit family on or near the weekend of my birthday... It must be because that is when I try to take a couple of days off. This year I am taking a whole week... Once we return from Mass I have some serious beach time planned with the kids... now we just have to hope the weather holds out...

Until Later

One lump or Two

2008-07-03T05:50:00.000-07:00

So my Brothers and I have a new blog. You can check it out here. I have decided to keep this blog as well at least for now. Sometimes the posts may be repeated but I will try not to let that happen often.

Let me know what you think of our new family blog...

Until Later...

Berries Berries Everywhere

2008-06-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

T and I picked a flat of strawberries over the weekend so now I am looking for some good berry recipes. If you have any good ones please feel free to send them to me. I have already made sorbe and short cake as well as milkshakes for the kids, but I am looking for something new. Turns out a flat of berries is a lot!!

Until Later

Moving?

2008-06-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

So my brother has suggested a family Blog. I think this could be fun and have agreed to be a contributor. But since I have a hard enough time posting on this one I don't think I would be able to do two. So if the Barboza Blog becomes a reality I will move my posting and send you all the new link...

I wonder... Ginny will sibling posts keep me off the list?

Until Later

No! No! No!

2008-06-20T10:11:00.001-07:00

I don't want to be on the list!!!!!

Hello, My Name is Spike and I am a Lazer Light-aholic

2008-06-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

We have one cat who is addicted to a laser light toy. each evening he sits at the foot of the sofa and just stares at us waiting for the light to come on. He is so addicted to this thing if he hears something that sounds like the click of the light he starts twitching looking for it. It is so bad in fact that any sound similar will wake him from a sound sleep. And if we cut him off for a day it is like he is "tweaking" looking for his "fix" of this light drug.

He has even stolen the light a couple of times from the table. I think he is trying to turn it on himself but it is difficult without thumbs.

We are currently planing an intervention for him. He has a sponsor now we just have to get him to admit he has a problem, because as we all know that is the first step to recovery.

Until Later

Photographic Irony

2008-06-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

So currently I am re reading C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. I haven't read this collection in years and with the movies now being made I thought it would be fun. The collection I have is all 7 books in one volume. Each night when I am done reading I set the book on the sofa. Each evening not long after I set the book down this is what you will see.

Apparently,Spike (this kitty in question) has decided it is up to him to protect Narnia in Aslan's absence.

In other news... T's disability has been approved...FINALLY! We got the findings from the hearing and the judge found fully in his favor!! Yeah!!! I may still take a little while for the money to come in but at least the whole ordeal is finally over.

Until Later

Sometimes I Sits and Thinks and Other Times I Just Sits...

2008-05-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

so I was home last night, when at about 7 pm I got a call from the answering service. One of the instructors for a big class in the Ellsworth area cancled... So I made a few calls and by 9pm I was on the road headed for the Comfort Inn. I got here about 10:30 last night. I will be here until after the class tomorrow...when I will hopefully get home in time to get to Z's spring concert.

I find I don't really travel well alone. I don't shop. I don't go out for meals. I just hang out in my hotel room and read or watch TV. So tonight I am just sitting here not making the "list" and surfing. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Until Later

WHAT?!?!?!?

2008-05-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

So last night I was watching one of my favorite summer shows "So You Think You Can Dance". They were showing the auditions. Some of the people who show up for these things are really good, some are really bad, and some...well some are just odd. One girl in particular caught my attention. She was not chosen to move on in the competition and when asked why by the interview crew she said "I think it is because I am too tall. They are racist against tall people" There is so much wrong with this statement I don't know where to begin. However, I have come to these conclusions...

1. The next time you apply for a job you do not have to disclose your height.
and...
2. I have been a victim of ageism because I am white...

Until Later

It's the 21st Century

2008-05-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

So I called the phone company yesterday and found out the DSL is finally available at my house. GOODBYE DIAL UP!! They will be coming to hook us up the first week of June. If this realy happens (I still have my doubts since I havent seen anyone working on the lines in the area) I will be very excited... I will let you know how it turns out.

Until Later

Come In...

2008-05-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

I have a new front door.(I am hoping to put a pic up soon).

I have always wanted a bright red front door and now I have one. My mom got me the door for Mother's day and we painted it. T put it in for me on Mother's day. I realy like it. Not only is it red it also has a window I am actualy tall enough to see out of in it. So if someone is on the porch I don't have to rely on the dogs to let me know. Having the window also lets so much light into the front room, it makes a huge difference.

I hope everyone had a great Mother's day.

Until Later.

It's all a Blur...

2008-05-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

So I have been out of the office three days this week. This is always difficult for me. I come back and feel so behind. It has been a crazy week with flooding, lifeguard classes and seminars... I am ready for the weekend!

NO GIRLS ALLOWED!!!

2008-04-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

So we went to T's hearning on Thursday...we should know the outcome in about three weeks. The judge wanted so additional documentation. We just have to collect it and get it to the attorney then we should hear something.

In other news... over the weekend we built Z a tree house. He has been asking for one since I bought the house in '04. He loves it. The floor is about 7 feet from the ground. At first he was a little nervous on the ladder but now...not so much. We still have a little work to do it needs windows and paint... but it is up...he has already asked if he can sleep out there one night this summer...We'll see...?

Until Later

Oh the shame of it!!!

2008-04-18T05:33:00.000-07:00

Apparently I have now made it onto more than one bad blogger list, at least according to the message from pistalwhipped…”you haven’t blogged for a while… you need to post something” So here it is

SOMETHING….

I haven’t posted lately because there really hasn’t been much to post about. Z and I started some seeds for the garden. We are hoping to get the plot read this weekend, if the weather holds. I am pretty sure spring has finally arrived, I have come to this concludion based solely on my allergies…I can’t stop sneezing…(thanks dad! couldn’t you have given me good hair instead of allergies?)

T has his disability hearing next week so please pray to whatever God you believe in that it goes through. I am worried about what will happen if it doesn’t. I will keep you posted on the outcome.

Well I guess that’s about it.

Until Later.

I’m Legal!!!

2008-04-07T06:31:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I went and got my motorcycle permit. I am legal to drive my bike…now I just need some warm weather.
Until Later

MEMO

2008-03-26T05:46:00.000-07:00

TO: Mother Nature

FROM: Father Time

RE: Recent Weather Conditions

It has come to my attention that you are still providing winter weather through many parts of North America. I understand the position you have been put in by not being able to drop as much snow during the winter months as you were busy with wild fires and tornadoes, however, it is not acceptable for you to pad your average by dropping snow this far after the spring cut off.

If you continue to work to extend the winter season I will have no choice but to place you on probation and force you to provide sunny weather throughout the summer months, as you will have used your precipitation allowance for snow.

Please take this under advisement as you plan the weather you will provide in the upcoming weeks.

Thank you

WE DID IT!!!

2008-03-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

Well we did it . We managed to get through an holiday at my house with no injuries….(however to make up for the lace of excitement when I went to get the pork loin out of the fridge I discovered it was never taken out of the freezer. So at 11 am on Easter Sunday morning T had to go find a store that 1 was open and 2 had a pork loin…he did it and the rest of the day went without a hitch…I guess than means my mother will starting coming to holiday gatherings at my house again.

Until Later

No list for me

2008-03-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

I thought I should take a few minutes and post something before I get on the “List”. I have been pretty busy over the last couple of weeks traveling from office to office.
Z’s pine wood derby has been canceled twice and is finally set to happen this Saturday. We aren’t expecting any significant weather so it should go on as scheduled. I am hoping he doesn’t come in dead last again this year. Mom is coming over for Easter dinner. I promised her no injuries; we’ll see how that goes. I will keep you posted.

Until Later

Room with a View

2008-03-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to make you all feel a little better about winter... This photo was taken out my dining room window. As you can see the snow fairies have been more than generous in Liberty this year. Hope you all have a better view than I do

Until Later

Do not stand at my grave and weep

2008-02-27T12:13:00.000-08:00

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!

Mary Frye (1932)

I read this today and it touched me so I thought I would post it.

Anyone for Sushi...?

2008-02-20T07:04:00.000-08:00

So we went to visit my dad and brothers over the weekend. We had a great time. On Saturday we went to the Aquarium, which coincidently is located directly across the street from Legal Seafood (Taco noticed first). Anyway the boys had a great time and Z loved that he knew what some of the fish were, he gets National Geographic Kids.

Also while we were there I went on the hunt for pickled onions. My mom loves these things and you just can’t buy them around here. We went to 5 different stores and no luck. I used to be able to find them near dads but I guess now I will just have to have my New Bedford connection hook me up.

While T and I were out on the hunt the boys went to Chucky Cheese with dad. It is becoming something of a tradition. T and I go shopping and they go to Chucky’s. Z really likes it and it is good for him to spend some time with Papa. Well it was nice to see the family we don’t get to see each other too often because we live so far apart. I hope we can do it again soon.

Until Later…

SOB

2008-02-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

Not much to post. I am still getting over the most disappointing Super Bowl I have watched in years. I am pretty sure the best thing about it was my chilli!

Until Later...

I forgot...

2008-01-30T11:37:00.000-08:00

We went to the motocycle swap meet over the weekend and I finally got my riding jacket. IT"S PINK!! I love it. It is a different style than the one below but about the same color.

Playing Catch Up

2008-01-30T10:12:00.000-08:00

There hasn’t been a whole lot going on over the last couple of weeks. I have been teaching a lot both in Rockland and Ellsworth. I enjoy teaching but it really wears me out.

One of the major changes is that Z has started medication for ADD. It has been wonderful. On the first day he took it he got a note home from school that said what a great day he had, as well as a great P.E. class. Since he has started the medication he has not had a behavior day below at least an 80% actually he has had three 100’s and one 97. I am so proud of him and even better than that he is proud of himself.

Other than that we are just getting ready for the big game. I am going to make a new chili recipe I think it will be good I’ll keep you posted.

Until Later…

blah,blah. blah

2008-01-26T09:40:00.000-08:00

Not much to report. been busy lots of teaching. waiting for the big game but I didnt want to make "the list"

Until Later...

17 down 2 to go!!!

2008-01-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

They did it again!!! The New England Patriots beat the Jags in an amazing game Saturday night. This was the fastest game I think I have ever seen. Both teams were amazing. There were so few incomplete passes (Brady had only 2 during the whole game) and only 4 punts I think so the clock never stopped. Both teams just kept moving down the field. The difference...We moved it futher.

Next weekend Brady and the bunch will face the Chargers in New England at the AFC Championship game. I have to hand it to San Diago, they played a hard game against Indy. Between getting beat up physically, both L.T. and Rivers left the game injured and a seemingly endless string of bad calls against them they never gave up. And even with the help of the Refs Indy still lost!!!

This is the outcome I was hoping for I really didn't want to meet Indy in the Championship game again. The last time that happened the Pats lost the game solely on bad calls that the refs later admitted were bad, and I didn't want to see that happen again.

In other news... Well I guess there isn't much other news...

Gear up for next Sunday 3 pm

Until Later...

Feeling Better

2008-01-08T06:58:00.000-08:00

I spent most of the past weekend laid up with the flu. I am feeling better now just a little tired. I did manage to watch the Playoff games.

There were two hard fought games this weekend. Jacksonville pulled it out to beat the Steelers by two. The Steelers looked a lot like the Washington Generals throughout this game. The Steelers worked hard but Big Ben still managed to blow it in the end.

Now on to the next game. Tennessee and San Diego! If Tennessee wins they will play the Pats if the Chargers take it the Pats will face Jacksonville. This was another nail biter. The Titans had the lead going into halftime then I’m not really sure what happened but San Diego came back and took the win. I think maybe the Titans forgot this was a playoff game and decided to take the second half off.

Results: Jacksonville at New England Sat 8 pm on CBS!! This ought to be one Hell of a game I believe the Pats will win but it won’t be easy, after all this isn’t Miami coming up. We will really have to work to stop the JAX run and collapse the pocket if we can do that we should be all set. I don’t think JAX will be able to stop our passing game effectively so as long as the weather holds out we should be in good shape.

In other news I made my first ever from scratch cake this weekend Devil’s Food. It came out pretty good if I do say so myself.

Other than that I pretty much took it easy and recovered from the flu.
Until Later

16 - 0 !!!!!!!!!!!

2007-12-31T06:37:00.000-08:00

The Patriots set some major records this weekend. They are the first team in 30 years to complete the regular season undefeated. They also hold the new record for the most total points scored in a season. Tom Brady and Randy Moss both set individual records, Brady for the most TD thrown and Moss for the most TD receptions. It was a great game.

In other news. I got to see both of my brothers and my father this weekend. We all met in Portland on Sunday afternoon for our own little Christmas celebration. We almost didn’t make it since T had a severe asthma attack and had to spend the morning in the hospital.

It was great to see everyone in a setting other than a funeral. I must admit however having that many of us in a room is always interesting… We keep looking up to be sure the roof isn’t going to fall in. The poor waitress…

Anyway, over all it was a great weekend

Until Later…

2007-12-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

Peanut Butter Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sugar Cookies, Gingerbread Cookies, and Kolaki (a Polish cookie). These are all of the cookies I make last weekend. I make cookies as gifts because it is something I enjoy and I think it is something people like to receive. But the process of it is a sight to behold. I have a small kitchen with very limited counter space… so I end up with cookies laid out on every flat surface I can find, the kitchen table, our rolling cutting board and even the top of the microwave. This year I made more than 12 dozen cookies…and they are now all gone.

What this means it this weekend will be more of the same… Cookies for gifts and we can’t forget Santa. I think I will not make the cutout cookies again and just do the drop cookies and Kolaki. My mom really likes the Kolaki because they have no added sugar only natural sugar from the filling. And of course I will have to make more chex mix.

Last night I made fudge. It came out pretty good, a little soft because of the snow but firm enough. I made peanut butter and chocolate I will give a few pieces of this to family members as well as part of their gifts. And I have a bag of the peanut butter for my friend Tony. He loves it.
Well I guess that’s it for now

Until Later…

2007-12-11T06:57:00.000-08:00

So all morning I have been humming the theme song from the Indiana Jones movies, for no particular reason other than this is the song that got stuck in my head today...or so I thought. Then I opened this!!

For those of you who don't know this is my baby brother's blog. Talk about relative!!

Until Later...

O Christmas Tree

2007-12-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

So I was looking over my calendar and saw that this weekend is the weekend we will be getting our Christmas tree. I look forward to this event every year. We go to a small cut your own tree farm near Waldoboro. T the Kids and I go traipsing through the fields of trees looking for the perfect one. The last couple of years this excursion has taken place not long after a snow fall this year will be the same. This almost guarantees, that, at some point there will be a snowball fight. I usually get pummeled. I am not a very good snowball maker, I don’t have the greatest aim, and I throw like a girl.

Once we find out tree the kids take turns using the saw to cut it down. We drag it back to the truck and head home to decorate it. This will be the first time in three years we will only have one tree. We have been getting two, a big one for the front room and a small one for the living room. I like to be able to see the tree from the living room and the way the room was set up I couldn’t see it. We have since rearranged the living room so I will be able to see the tree so we won’t need two.
I will try to get pictures once the tree is up. I hope you all have a wonderful warm weekend.

Until Later…

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A Little Late

2007-11-29T07:16:00.000-08:00

I know, I know it is a little late but I thought I would let you know how our Thanksgiving went. First of all this year I DID find the bag of giblets and remove it before I cooked the turkey and I DID NOT set the turkey on fire. Yeah Me!
So this year was the first year since we started having thanks giving at my house that nothing went wrong. It was uneventful…just how I like it.
We did the whole spread again this year we had turkey stuffed with apples, oranges, onions, pomegranate, garlic and spices. I don’t like bread stuffing in the bird so I always stuff it with fruit and veggies it helps to keep it moist and hold its shape while adding some subtle flavor.

I also made “stuffin’ muffins” this year. Basically what I did was instead of cooking my stuffing a casserole dish I cooked it in a muffin pan giving everyone an individual serving. It was a nice day.

Mom and I decided we would get up and do the “Black Friday” thing again this year. Every year the stores open earlier and earlier. Soon we won’t even have to go to bed we’ll just go from thanksgiving dinner to shopping. Anyway we were at J.C. Penny at 4am. Can you believe that? Then we went to Wal-Mart at 5 am. We got some good deals on a couple of things for Christmas. After mom went to work I went home woke up T and we were in Augusta by 7am shopping at the K mart sale. It was really a fun day. I was tired and ready for lunch by 9am but it was still fun.

Well this should keep me off the list...

Until Later...

To All

2007-11-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

I wish you all a happy and safe Thanksgiving!!

Another fast weekend...

2007-11-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

So this weekend flew by… I was not feeling well Friday so I left work early went home and hid myself in a cave. I had a migraine so I covered all of the windows, and buried my head in the blankets. I was feeling better by about 9 pm so I got up and had a snack and then went back to bed.

6 am came early. The answering service called to let me know my instructor had cancelled so I was up and I came to Rockland to teach that took up most of the day. After the class I picked Z up to head home. That was a fun ride he decided we needed to sing Christmas songs…I know can you believe it. I think I got all of the words to “Frosty the Snowman” right I’m not sure however, that they were in the right order.

Sunday the boys and I worked on cleaning the house. After that they went outside to play while I made dinner. T was working with a friend to get some things ready for winter. Oh yeah, it snowed at my house over the weekend yuck…I’m not ready to shovel and scrape and be cold all the time …. Can’t it wait another month or so (although I will admit I would love a white Christmas).
The Pats won again, 56-10 against the Bills. I was ridiculous. One of the announcers said “with the exception of the Colts, the Patriots have managed to turn every other team they have played this year into the Washington Generals.” I think he got it right.

Until Later…

10 and 0…The Welker show

2007-11-05T09:51:00.000-08:00

The Patriots had to overcome two Tom Brady interceptions, 141 yards in penalties and a raucous Colts crowd to put this one away but in the end it was Brady leading a furious charge to come back from 10 points with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and a 24-20 win.

Wes Welker, who was signed from Miami in 2005, where he was mostly used on special teams, was crucial to the win, in the 4th quarter he had a couple big third down conversions including the one that led the Pats to the 2 min warring giving the colts no way to stop the clock and securing the Patriots win. When playing against the Patriots on October 10th, 2004 with Miami, Welker became the second player in NFL history to return a kickoff and a punt, kick an extra point and a field goal, and make a tackle in a single game.

Rosie Colven also made a big play in the end by picking Manning and getting Brady and gang back on the field.

All and all it was a great game. Of course as is becoming the “norm” for the Pats, Colts games there were some extremely bad and unfair calls made by the refs, but watching the Pats come back from a 10 point deficit with only 9 mins left in the game was outstanding.

This win was important going into the bye week and we are now positioned for a 16 and 0 season.

In other news…

We rented the house!!! Hooray!!! We still have a little work to do. The new inside door has to be hung, we need to take out the stove a refrigerator, they are bringing their own, and the patches on the walls need to be sanded. But other than that it is livable and they will be moving in soon. The renters are even going to paint so we don’t have to worry about that. As a matter of fact they have already started. They haven’t given us the deposit yet but even if they don’t the worst that we will end up with is a free paint job. I guess we can live with that.

Until Later…

Windy, Rainy, and Football...

2007-11-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is my kind of weekend… We are watching a class 1 hurricane that is suppose to hit eastern New England this weekend. Current predictions are calling for up to 6 inches of rain and winds gusting 50 - 60 mph to me this sound like a perfect invitation from a good book but it is not likely that will happen.

I am very much looking forward to the Pats game Sunday. For those of you who do not follow…The Pats are playing the Indiannapolis Colts. This is the first time these two teams have met since the AFC Championship game last January, when the Patriots were cheated out of the Super Bowl by bad reffing. This is not solely my opinion, for those of you who do follow football you may remember that after the game the ref team admitted that the game was poorly called and the bad calls may have affected the outcome of the game…

So anyway, we are playing Indi this week. Now with this storm coming I really wish we were playing here at Gillette and this is why:
1. Indi doesn’t play well in the rain
2. Indi doesn’t play well in the cold
3. The wind will would have a huge effect on Adam Vinatieri’s (Colt’s kicker and Patriot trader) ability to make long field goals.

However, we will be playing in Indi which will lead to more favorable weather for both teams…But I would really like the unfair advantage of the weather.

Saturday we are going to be working on the house in Friendship to get it ready to rent. Then in the afternoon we are showing it to 5 people who have called interested in it. I am praying that someone wants it and wants to move in ASAP.

I have also volunteered to be on alert as an ERV driver should the ERV need to travel further south due to the incoming storm.

Stay warm and dry

GO PATS!!!!!!!

Until Later…

WOW!!!

2007-10-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

So the party went well. There were about 25-30 people there I don’t really keep count I just measure by how many left overs I have. Not too many this year. It has only taken me 8 years but I’m finally getting the hang of this monster party thing. I finally know what I have to make on which days so I’m not running around like a crazy person Saturday morning trying to get it all done.

Z had a great time and took in a pretty significant haul. It looked like Toys r Us threw up in my living room. Taco bought him a couple of really cool transformers… he loves them!! These things amaze me I am convinced you need an engineering degree just to change them from car to robot. After watching a couple of people do this for him Z can now do it on his own.

Now let me tell you about the crazy part of the party. Z has a classmate who came. This little girl is a horror. Now I have worked with kids with some behavior issues in the past and they were nothing compared to this girl. She was mouthy, bossy, and just plain awful. After decaling loudly, that she wanted to be in every picture… she started telling Z what gifts to open next. Then what they should do after the gifts were open. When she didn’t get her way she started being very mouthy to some of the adults at the party, including telling one of them to “shut your half white pie hole”. Now of course I did what I could telling her that in my house we don’t talk to people like that I she calmed down a little at that point. She got riled up again when Z was sitting between two older girls on the couch watching one of the movies he got. “She’s not your girlfriend, I am” she so delicately shouted at Z, to which he responded. “No you’re not!! You’re not even a good friend!”

Z being the considerate boy that he is gave an invitation to every child in his class because he didn’t want anyone left out. Even though he doesn’t really like everyone in his class. Originally when he told me this I commended him. What I nice thing to do I was so proud. Immediately after this Girl’s parents picked her up Z came to me and said “See why I don’t like her! That is why I was hoping she wouldn’t come”!

Until Later…

Ice Cream? Check!

2007-10-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know I am getting ready for my son’s birthday party. This is something of an annual event at our house. We invite everyone we know, eat lots of food and cake and then after the school friends go home, out comes the booze. This event usually starts off as a kids party and gradually works its way into an adult gathering as the kids all go to watch whatever movie Z wants to watch first.

We have cleaned the house so that is all set. I live with three boys so my house seems to be in a constant state of clutter.

This week I am working on getting all of the food ready for Saturday. I have already made the ice cream for the ice cream cake tomorrow night I will be making 4 dozen ice cream cone cupcakes. Here is the rest of the menu for this “little” party:

Kale Soup
Sweet & sour meatballs
Egg salad
Tuna salad
Taco salad
Veggies and dip
Pasta salad
Chips / pretzels
Cheese & crackers
Ice cream cake
Ice cream cone cupcakes
I may or may not add another hot dish. I am torn between honey lemon chicken eggrolls and chicken enchiladas

As you can see I still have quite a bit of work to do. But most of this stuff I can’t start too early because it won’t last long enough and the last thing I need is all of the kids is Z’s class sick because the mayo in the tuna turned.

I’ll let you know how it all goes.

Until Later…

I’m almost healthy…

2007-10-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

So I went to the Dr. this morning for a follow up to the illness I had earlier this week. All is well on that front I am feeling much better. I am pretty sure that can directly attributed to the drugs they have me on but who am I to complain.

But here is the best part about my appointment this morning…I found out I am almost HEALTHY!!! Can you believe it? My blood pressure was 138/72. Not too shabby for one who usually sits around 140/100.

Now here is the really great part…my cholesterol was 243… Yes I know that is still high, but if you compare it to the 364 I had last time I would say that is quite an improvement. This is like going from having pure lard running through my veins to softened vegetable spread.

Until Later…

Whirlwind weekend!!

2007-10-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

What a busy weekend. The wedding was beautiful. Troy and I rode the bike there and home. It was pretty cold in the morning but on the way home it was gorgeous. The sun was shinning and the colors of the trees were really vibrant. Sunday we went down to the rental house…out tenants are moving out…what a mess. There are broken windows, smashed in doors, and at least one home in a wall in every room. We defiantly have our work cut out for us to get it rentable again. That is our big plan for the up coming weekend. Patching and painting. We are hoping to have it available to rent Nov. 1. I’ll let you know if we succeed.

Until Later

Just to Get Off the List

2007-10-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

Just to get off the bad blogger list I though I would let you all inow i am looking forward to a kid free weekend. We are going to a Wedding tomorrow morning. I will let you all know how it goes later.

Until Later

Payback for the Apple

2007-09-19T09:52:00.001-07:00

I have decided that God’s real punishment for the apple is women’s physical exams. At no time throughout the rest of our existence are we placed in a more vulnerable position then when you put your feet in the stirrups.
I know it is said that we will suffer through pregnancy and child birth….but really which is worse?

Until Later...

An apple a day

2007-09-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

We had a slow weekend this time. Nothing much Friday night then Saturday we went grocery shopping. It is always quite an adventure when the kids go with us so let them stay home. We rented a couple of movies Troy and I both wanted to see, Zodiac and the Shooter they were both pretty good. Sunday we cleaned the house and went apple picking.

The kids like apple picking they like to find the biggest apples. I think this is great until I have to carry the bags that they put them in. This year we picked 31 pounds of apples in about 15 minutes. When we got home, I made apple crisp and apple pie…well I tried to anyway what I ended up with was apple sauce crisp and pie. I used Cortland apples and I think I cooked them too low too long. I will try again next time I will set the oven at a higher heat and cook them for less time.
I also made my own pie crust, usually I buy the ready-made kind, I have learned that homemade pie crust doesn’t bake to a “golden brown” like ready-made. It bakes to more of a grayish brown.

Both taste good… they are just a little mushy….
I’ll let you know how the next batch turn out

Until later.

Some days I really hate "progress"…

2007-09-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

So I don’t have a prescription card. I haven’t had one since I started. But because of some changes going on at home I need to get one. I called the 1 800 number I was given to get a new card… here is where things got difficult. In order to get through the system you have to know your member ID number that is on the card that I don’t have. I went through this about three times before I just started pressing buttons… Eureka I was connected to a real person. I ordered my new card and got some additional information I needed…What did I learn today?… If you get pissed off enough and push enough buttons you can get through an automated phone system. Yeah me!!!
Until Later…

In Memory

2007-09-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

I meant to post this yesterday but I didn't get a chance... So Here is is:

Ragged Old Flag by Johnny Cash

I walked through a county courthouse square

On a park bench, an old man was sittin there.

I said, "Your court house is kinda run down,

He said, "No, it will do for our little town".

I said "your old flag pole kinda leaned a little bit,

And that’s a ragged old flag you got hanging on it".

He said "have a seat", so I sat down,

He said, "is this your first time you been to our little town"

I said, "I think it is"

He said "I don’t like to brag, but we’re kinda proud of

"That Ragged Old Flag"

"You see, we got a little hole in that flag there,

When Washington took it across the Delaware.

It got powder burned the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it, writing

"Oh Say Can You See"

It got a bad rip in New Orleans, with Packingham & Jackson tugging at its seams.

It almost fell at the Alamo beside the Texas flag,

But she waved on tho.

It got cut with a sword in Chancellorsville,

Got cut again at Shiloh Hill.

There was Robert E. Lee and Beauregard and Bragg,

And the south wind blew hard on

"That Ragged Old Flag"

On Flanders Field in World War I,

She took a big hole from a Bertha Gun,

She turned blood red in World War II

She hung limp and low a time or two.

She was in Korea, Vietnam, She went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam.

She waved from our ships upon the briny foam,

And now they've about quit waving her back here at home.

And here in her own good land,

She’s been abused, burned, dishonored, denied and refused,

And the very government for which she stands

Has been scandalized throughout out the land.

And she’s getting thread bare, and she’s wearing thin,

But she’s in pretty good shape, for the shape she’s in.

Cause she’s been through the fire before

and I know, she can take a whole lot more.

So we raise her up every morning

And we bring her down every night,

We don’t let her touch the ground,

And we fold her up right.

On second thought
I do like to brag

Cause I’m mighty proud of

"That Ragged Old Flag"

Another big weekend

2007-09-07T08:42:00.001-07:00

I have big plans for this weekend…nothing!!! No, that’s not really true. We will be putting the finishing touches on the floor. And I will be cleaning my house, Whoo Hoo. Isn’t that exciting? I think I am going out with some friends again Saturday night. That should be fun then on Sunday a couple of our friends are coming over for dinner. The kittens are getting bigger everyday…we have been getting much more sleep now that they are eating soft food as well as the formula.
Well I guess that is all for now
Until Later…

A Ballroom of my own

2007-09-05T10:23:00.001-07:00

Where to begin…Let’s see. Well we got the floor just about done all that is left is some trim work it came out really nice. I like it a lot, Zach thinks it makes a great floor to race his cars on.
The kittens are getting big they have finally started to eat solid food…yeah sleep. They still need some formula but not as much and not as often. That is really awesome. They have also started exploring the rest of the house. Peanut has no fear and likes walking up to the dog and hissing to see the dog run away. It is really quite comical.

What else….hmmmm… Oh yeah we went to the Windsor Fair this past weekend. That was fun the kids had a great time. I lost my cell phone there however. I guess someone found it and turned it into one of the booths because when I called it the guy said yup I have it right here, unfortunately by the time I got there it had disappeared again. The guy was pretty upset by this because now he is nervous that someone may be stealing from him. I don’t know but I felt so vulnerable and naked without my phone that I had to go and get a new one yesterday. My old phone has been shut off and I still have the same number so I guess it has all worked out ok.

I also went out this weekend with a couple of friends. I had a really good time it has been quite a while since I have gone out dancing at all so I really enjoyed it. And Lately I have been feeling a little let down by those who I consider to be my friends so I was good to see some of them and hang out.
Well I guess that it for now

Ginny I’m not on the list…Yeah me!!!
Until Later…

It's a Bird...

2007-08-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those days when you wish you could flip someone off via e mail...today is one of those days!!!
Until Later

A Blanket, a Book and an Nap...

2007-08-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

So far today has pretty much been a wash. It is a rainy, cloudy Friday and what I would really like to do is take a nap. I have managed to answer some email and shuffle some paper around today but really that is about it. I came into the office at 7:30 this morning because we have a volunteer who is hoping to go out on a disaster and she wanted to leave her car at the office, so she would need a ride to the airport. She called me this morning to tell me there was a problem with her flight and she wouldn’t be headed out when she thought she would. It takes me a while to get to the office from home so I was almost here by the time she called and just kept on my way. So at about 7:15 I started my day here. Being here that early allowed me to get my email answered early and to go through some of the other stuff on my desk.
Troy fed the babies this morning since I had to leave so early. He said they ate pretty well, he had to mix up a second batch of formula for them. I think we will try and introduce them to some soft food this weekend as they are now 4 weeks old. I’ll keep you posted on how that goes.
We have decided to redo the floor in the front room of the house. We are going to rip up the carpet and put down laminate hard wood. Now all we have to do is figure when either this weekend or next. I think we will probably start this weekend and finish next. At least that is what I hope will happen.
Until Later…

Time to get up…

2007-08-23T07:10:00.001-07:00

So Here they are my little alarm clocks…

Peanut Butter

Jelly

Spike

And Arcy

Untill later

Just 5 more minutes…

2007-08-22T12:28:00.000-07:00

It’s like having a baby all over again. Currently we are bottle feeding 3 kittens. As some of you may know we have had some animal issues as of late resulting in 3 orphaned kittens. We have another mother cat who has done her best to adopt the orphans, now named Spike, Peanut B & Jelly, however, because her kitten was older and she only had one she wasn’t producing enough milk to nourish them. They got a little rough with her including biting her so badly she lost one of oh nipples and got and infection. We took her to the vet and he said she can still mother the kittens but she can NOT feed them. So every morning we feed them then mom cleans them. We repeat this several times throughout the day and evening, and the babies have responded well. They have developed into cute little round fluff balls. Fluff balls that want even more food more often and cry loudly to let you know about it, regardless of the time, and as we all know cats can obviously tell time or why would they want to go out at 3 am, or eat at 4 am…
Any way each time I a awakened with this loud high pitched request for more food I am reminded of what it was like when Zach was born and having to feed him every few hours… I remember the tired, dragging, crank person I was and how much every one loved that side of me. To avoid this as much a possible this time around Troy and I are taking shifts mine before I go to bed and his in the middle of the night. This arrangement is working very well with one minor exception…He doesn’t hear them cry so I have to wake him up to feed them… I will put up some pic of the little fur balls as soon as I get a chance.
Until Later…

Are We There Yet

2007-08-20T10:29:00.001-07:00

So I went to bed last night at 7PM. Results I was up at 1 am. I had asked Troy to get me up in an hour but apparently I didn’t really want to get up then so he let me sleep…translation I was done at 1 am so I got up for a while read a little and went back to bed about 3. Then I was up again at 6 am to feed the kittens. I guess I would sum this up as a not so good night of sleep. Due to this I seem to be a little punchy today.
However, I also seem to be rather productive either that or I just can’t remember what else I have on my to do list. Already today I have sent out full service contracts for all of our upcoming classes. Set up the full service schedule to send to instructors, completed an evaluation, replied to all of my weekend email, returned calls, and found an instructor for this upcoming Saturday class in Ellsworth. Whew!!!! The only I only have a couple of things left on my list for today so I thought I would take a couple of minutes to blog…I don’t want to end up on the list again…
We didn’t do much this weekend but we are taking the kids to the fair tonight…it’s bracelet night, and we made a deal at the lobster festival. The night we were there the line for tickets was oh I don’t know a quarter of a mile long for tickets to go on any of the four rides they had to offer. So the deal was this…if we don’t go on any rides tonight we will go to the Union fair on bracelet day and you can go on all the rides you want….so of course every day since August 1 I have heard…
“When is the Union Fair?”
“August 20.”
“ How many days is that?”
“fifteen”
“is that a lot?”
“No”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes”.
“Okay”
So today is the day…I must admit I am looking forward to some fair fries…they are my favorite I will keep you posted on the rides…
Until Later

Rainy days...

2007-08-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

So here I am Saturday morning in the office. I am getting ready to teach a community class today. It’s ok I guess the kids are both gone off this weekend so if I were home I would probably just waste the day doing something foolish like cleaning or relaxing or maybe even baking…. Who would want to do that?

I really don’t mind teaching, it gives me a chance to keep up on my instructing skills and work with the people in my community I also find it to be a great networking opportunity. Sometimes we can make really good connections for the chapter through these classes.
I haven’t really blogged much this week it has been pretty busy the FOCUS report was due so I had to get that together so it could be uploaded. I have been working on some policies and procedures for my department as well. Add to that bottle feeding kittens every morning afternoon and before bed and you get a pretty tired Lynn.

We are also puppy sitting this weekend. Harley is an 8 month old chocolate lab. He is very cute, hyper, loud and loves to chew but very cute. His dad will be picking him up on Sunday.

Well I guess that is about it…time for my class to start.
Until later…

…We all scream for …

2007-08-13T09:21:00.001-07:00

You guessed it Ice Cream!!! For the first time in my life I made homemade ice cream and sorbet this weekend. We made vanilla ice cream (Zach’s fave) and strawberry and lemon sorbet (Troy and Charlie like these). They all came out very yummy, I am pretty proud of myself too.

This weekend felt strangely long. Friday night we watch the Patriots lose…I am not too worried yet as this is only pre-season and Bill is still working out his rookies and third stringers. After that we fed the kittens… mamma went to the vet Friday and she is not able to nurse them anymore so we have to bottle feed them. They are doing pretty well with it the runt however did not make it he died this morning. We were surprised he made it as long as he did, he was very, very small and weak. But even the bottle feeding didn’t seem to bring up his strength unlike the others who seem to think that if the climb up my clothes and ram their heads in to my mouth I will be able to feed them faster.

Saturday we went for a bike ride. I am getting much more comfortable on my bike, I worked on shifting and matching road speed with engine speed. At the end of our ride I went into a corner a little too fast but I handled it well I did just what I was supposed to do and came around the corner just fine T was pretty impressed I even got up to 40 mph. That is pretty good considering when I started I would barley get out of first gear….

Saturday night we went to Lisa’s for dinner it was yummy. She made slow cooked pork chops, mashed potato, and corn. And Tony had brought Cheese cake for desert…my favorite.

Sunday, we went and got the ice cream maker, and then the kids played in the sprinkler while the ice cream was churning. We have a new resident at El Casa Gato her name is Cindy and she is huge. A friend of ours asked if she could stay with us for a while because her previous owner could not care for her any more. I asked what happed and it turns out Cindy pulled her owner out of her wheel chair while trying to be affectionate. Again I say this Cat is HUGE like Garfield huge. She must weigh somewhere around 25-30 lbs. She is friendly but scared of the other pets right now so mostly she is hiding. I am sure she will come around soon. Well that’s it for now
Until Later

Is It Drink Time Yet?????

2007-08-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

So I’m not what you would call a great drinker. I occasionally like to have drink here and there to unwind. This is especially true when I spend time in strange places…like, oh I don’t know Presque Isle, which some of you may already know.
Most of the time I don’t drink because I don’t really care for the flavor of alcohol, but times they are a changin’… For my birthday I received a bottle of X-Rated Fusion Vodka…Can I just say YUM!!!! This stuff is very good. I prefer it on the rocks. Check it out at http://www.xratedfusionliqueur.com/pages/home
My big plan for the weekend is to Watch the Pats play tonight then relax the rest of the weekend maybe go for a bike ride, and after that have an X-Rated or two.

I’ve been listed…

2007-08-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Ginny got after me today because I haven’t blogged in a while, so here goes.
I haven’t had much “good stuff” to report and I don’t really like sharing the bad stuff, it just makes me sad all over again. So I am going to try and find some of the bright side…
This past weekend was ok we went to the lobster festival parade on Saturday; this kids had a good time and came home with plenty of candy. We took Nico, our Rottweiler, with us; he seemed to have a good time too. He only got upset when the pony walked by. I think he may have thought it was a big dog…
On Sunday we spent the day at the beach. We went to Damariscotta Lake State Park. That was fun there were 3 families in our party so all of the kids had someone to play with and the adults had someone to chat with. After the beach we went to one of the families homes for a cookout.
When we got home Sunday night that is when things started to go downhill. Again I don’t want to really get into it all I can really say is if you have pets in the Rockland area please do not take them to Rockland Animal Hospital. They are much more concerned with their bottom line than the health of your pet. The silver lining is that one of the recent cat moms at our house has adopted the kittens of the sick mom and it seems as though they are all doing well.

Until Later

Wardrobe Malfunction

2007-08-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

So this morning I got up and went through my normal morning routine…shower, dress, breakfast, hair, makeup (time permitting) and headed off to work. I knew I would be headed to the Lobster Festival after work so I wore a comfy pair of Capri’s so I wouldn’t get to hot walking around there. When I got to the office I went to the ladies room…I couldn’t get my pants unzipped. It seems my zipper broke in the up position…I don’t know exactly how this happened but I couldn’t get my pants un done and I really had to pee. So I did what any self respecting woman of the ten’s would do…I cut through my zipper then called my mommy. I don’t have my car with me because Troy is meeting me after work so we can take the kids to the festival. So I called my mom and asked her to take me the JC Penny’s so I could get some new pants. She did. I found a cute pair of Capri’s and a new top (of course the one I was wearing didn’t match) for about $17.00 not too bad if you ask me.
So here is the lesson of the day… always make sure your zipper works both ways and if all else fails call mommy.

Until later…

What a weekend…

2007-07-31T07:33:00.001-07:00

I had a very up and down weekend Friday night was ok we mostly just hung out and watched TV with Zach while Charlie headed off to his aunts house. Saturday morning I was out on the porch and I heard Tasha, out 18 year old husky making a strange sound. I went to check on her and she was laying half in her dog house panting unable to get up and walk. I got Troy and he carried her into the house. We trimmed her fur hoping she was hot, and gave her some water. We had an errand to run and by the time we returned she had passed. We spent the rest of the day digging a grave a burring her. That night some friends who had come up to help with the digging hung out we watched some TV and just hung out.

Sunday morning my 17 year old cat Keasha also passed. Both animals had outlived their expectancy and they will be missed. Keasha had been ailing for a while and is now at piece. Sunday afternoon out last pregnant cat finally went into labor she had a total of 5 kittens 2 orange and 3 black. Please let me know if any of you know someone who is looking for kittens I have plenty….

Yesterday, I spent the whole day at the court house in Bath. I was there to testify as a witness for a friend of mine. She ended up winning the case but it took all day. Not much else has been going on.

Until later…

Crash but no Burn....

2007-07-23T05:10:00.001-07:00

I took the Basic Rider course this weekend….lets eliminate the suspense I did not pass, I did not fail either. Actually I didn’t finish. I crashed….. Into the bike next to me while I was trying to stop. I know what happened, I didn’t shift into neutral and started to get off the bike of course the bike started to move when I let out the clutch and I panicked. That’s it in a nut shell. I Panicked. I couldn’t reach the clutch to pull it back in and my feet were on the ground do I couldn’t reach the brake either.

Now it is important to know I could have stayed and finished the class yesterday but I was pretty shaken, so I spoke with the owner. He has agreed to work with me privately. So I still have a chance to get my license. I just didn’t think it was a good idea for me to be back on the bike at that time. I haven’t given up.
I was the only person in the class who had never been driver a bike before, so I immediately felt like I was behind anyway, because of this, it took me longer to grasp some of the skills and then I felt like I was holding everyone else back. The instructors didn’t make me feel this way it was pressure I added on myself.
On the flip side I did drive a motorcycle for the first time. I learned how to shift up to third gear and back down, I learned how to take off and for the most part stop. I even got to work on some turning. I will let you all know how I progress.

Until then

The Kind of Week I've Had...

2007-07-20T09:30:00.001-07:00

They're coming to take me away, HA HA
They're coming to take me away, HO HO HEE HEE HA HA
To the funny farmWhere life is beautiful all the time
And I'll be happy to seeThose nice, young men
In their clean, white coats
And they're coming to take me away, Ha-haaa!
To the happy homeWith trees and flowers and chirping birds
And basket weavers who sit and smile
And twiddle their thumbs and toes
And they're coming to take me away, Ha-haaa!

Work has been nuts… between e mail and strange cases I don’t feel like I have really accomplished much.

I am getting ready for two meetings for the beginning of next week. One in Lewiston on Monday and then in Ellsworth on Tuesday.

Add to all of that I am taking my motorcycle class this weekend that will be 8-5 both days. And I have to admit I am a little (ok a lot) nervous.

So when I put all of this stuff together I get a whole lot of CRAZY hence the beginning of this post.
Until later

I have been a bad, bad blogger

2007-07-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

I know I know, I have been kind of lax in my blogging lately. I don’t really have any excuse other than I just haven’t had the time. Things in the office have been pretty busy as well as at home.

We met with MSAD 3 the other day to ask them to pay for the educational component of Charlie’s new school. We didn’t get a direct yes or no but I think we at least made some head way. I am sure they are clear on the fact that we are not “playing” with them. I let them know that I have hired an attorney and we will take this as far as we need to. I should have something resembling an answer by next Thursday, I will let you all know how it progresses.

In other new only 2 more days until I start my motorcycle class. I am a little nervous, I hope I do well I would really like to get my lisence and my own bike so Troy and I can ride together. I am most worried about clutch control. That is the issue I have when I drive a standard car. I have faith in my instructors I am sure they will be able to teach me, (but keep your fingers crossed for me just in case).
Until then

WHAT IS THAT????????

2007-07-13T06:30:00.001-07:00

I woke up this morning very confused…there was a bright light outside shinning through the window. What is that? A beautiful blue background surrounded the light. I wonder what that means. And to top it off there were no white fluffy things…WHAT IS GOING ON IS THE WORLD COMING TO AN END???? I AM FRIGHTENED.

Oh wait a minute…. it’s the sun!! It has been so long since I have seen it I didn’t recognize it especially with the background of a cloudless blue sky. Not a bad way to start a Friday the Thirteenth.

So far the “day of the damned” hasn’t been to bad, no worse than any other day. Of course that may be directly related to my lack so superstitiousness. Yes I know that is not a word, but you all know what I mean.

In Other News

We don’t have much planed for the weekend other than”
Strawberry picking
Grocery shopping
Relocating one of our dogs…she is being moved to the other side of the house
Extending the back deck

See not too much going on if we get all of this done we may even take on redoing the floor in our front room…. As if. See I do not live with people I would describe as motivated more like…ummmm…let me think…how about procrastinators. Yeah I think that describes them pretty well. Most of them don’t do anything unless I am there to direct. I seem to have an affinity for people who aren’t overly efficient, which of course I like to think I am…. hence the difficulty in any major project…

I will let you all know if we get the weekend list done…
Until then…

I will miss you

2007-07-12T08:19:00.001-07:00

For those of you who don’t know we had applied for Charlie to attend Good Will Hinckley to finish his high school career

A Little Background

Most of the time Charlie is a great kid. He is caring, playful, empathetic and energetic

Charlie is a special needs child. He has several disabilities including reading, writing, social development and emotional development. He has a short memory dysfunction and some impulsive behaviors…in other words he can be a handful.

He has had some trouble at school both with his academics and social relationships. He has served several detentions, he has been suspended and his father and I do not feel as though the school is really doing what they should be to support him. So we applied somewhere else.

HE GOT IN!!!! We are so proud of him. This school is designed to work with youth that encounter many difficulties from learning disabilities to behavioral problems this is what they deal with. Charlie is very excited about the opportunity and we are happy for him… But we will definitely miss him.
Good Job Charlie I know you will succeed if you put your mind to it.

The Dangers of DUI (Dialing Under the Influence)

2007-07-10T07:46:00.001-07:00

Name a Shot…

Now let me give you a little history. About a year ago I was awakened around midnight by the ringing of my phone and I like many answered in a panic, because we all know that if the phone rings in the middle of the night it must be bad news.

“Hello”
“Hey” I hear my brother voice. I immediately think something is definitely wrong. “Name a Shot”
“What?” Now I am really confused
“Name a shot”
“Like tequila?”
“No something more sophisticated”
“Do you know what time it is?”
“Yes, now name a shot”
“Why?”
“Nick* is trying to pick up this girl, I am his wing man, Name a shot.” (some names have been changed to protect the innocent)
“How about a Lemon Drop” I say
“No we tried that. What about a kamikaze?”
“What about them?”
“Are they blue?”
“They can be”
“Ok we’ll go with that. Thanks good night”
CLICK!!!

Now again this happened in the middle of the night which entitles me to pay back…but of course, after all he is my brother….

Move forward a few months I am in Las Vegas city of lights and it is 3 hours earlier there. My Turn…I called my brother and did the same thing “name a shot”. He spoke with me but he was somewhat incoherent, i.e. still asleep. The next morning he called be back asking if I had called him I told him we spoke but he didn’t remember it…
This entitles me to a do over!!!!

Fast forward to this past weekend. I was visiting family in Mass. I had had a couple of drinks so I was feeling pretty good, and I think now is my chance….I pick up the phone and dial my brother…

“Hello”
“Name a Shot” I say
“Name a Shot?”
“Yes, name a shot”
“What”
“Are you coming over here?” I ask meaning my father’s house
CLICK

It was at this point I realized I had dialed the WRONG number.

So here is the lesson If you Dial Drunk Check the number first.

It worked!!!!

2007-07-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

I know you all have been on the edges of your seats so I will keep you in suspense no longer...The rain gear worked!!! I am a bloody genius, the waterproofer did it’s job. We stopped once under an overpass not because we were getting wet but because we could no longer see to drive. So we just hung out with three guys from Peabody MA for a while until it cleared.

The ride was good but long so we made quite a few stops to stretch and move around a bit. I will tell you all more about the trip once we get home.

Until then

2007-07-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

$4205.00

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I am worth more than Taco. Check out his "worth" at pistalwhipped

Not much longer now...

2007-07-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

Just a few more hours until I head off for a mini vacation…if you can call it that. Tomorrow I will get up and go to the parade with the kids then back home then back to Thomaston for the fireworks. Once we fight the crazy traffic to my mother house to drop Zach off then we will head back home again. Thursday morning Charlie has an interview with the school we have applied to. It is a residential school and I think it will really be good for him. He is pretty excited about the idea of going “away” to school. After that we head back home again.

Friday we head to my father’s for the weekend (this is when the real vacation starts) I have located a Tabinaki restaurant not too far from his house. Troy had never been so I thought I would be fun to take him we are planning that for Friday night. We’ll chill and visit on Saturday and then get back on the bike to come home on Sunday… By then I should be thoroughly exhausted … Because I will be away please don’t expect too much blogging I will attempt a shot post here and there if I get the chance.

I hope you all have a spectacular Holiday. And think of those who are fighting for freedom just as our fore fathers did before us.

Until then....

It’s raining…It’s pouring

2007-07-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Troy and I are getting ready to take a road trip on the bike. We will be heading out Friday to visit my brother and father in MA. Because of this we have been watching the weather channel to see what we should expect. They are predicting rain… or rather thunder showers, of course I do not put a lot of stock in this as rarely does the Weather Channel get the weather right for our part of the nation unless we are experiencing some type of extended weather…like a three day snow storm. Usually by the third day they can predict the snowfall. Anyway just in case we have been looking at motorcycle rain gear. Can you say expensive $$$$$ I am pretty sure it would cost less to stop ever ½ hour or so at a laundry mat and dry our clothes there.

However while researching all of this rain gear I noticed something…. Most of the rain suits are made of nylon with a waterproof covering…. why can’t I do that myself? So that is exactly what I have begun to do. We each have full tracksuits and I have begun spraying them with waterproofer, you know the stuff you use for tents. I didn’t know tents weren’t waterproof when I bought one either but that is a different story. But because I once had to waterproof my tent I did know that such a thing existed and that I could use it on nylon. I will be headed to Wal-Mart after work this evening to buy more water proofer…I have decided to go with 2-3 coats just in case, I will let you all know how my plan works out. And if tracksuits sprayed with waterproofer work well as rain gear…

P.S. We got the traksuits on clearence for $3 each... what do I have to lose

Shhhhhhh………………

2007-06-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

Can you Hear it…. it’s peace and quiet…. Now don’t get me wrong I love my cousin Lisa very much and she is welcome in my home anytime, But now she has her own apartment so she and Jon (her boyfriend) and her son Leo (he’s 2 ½), will be moving out this weekend… I don’t mean to sound so excited but I am looking forward to having my own space back.

They have been pretty good guests they helped with the cost of food and other things the house needed. Lisa helped with cleaning and cooking and she would watch the kids when Troy and I would want to go out for a little while…that part I’m going to miss. So all and all it was pretty good I mean there were days when we were all under each others feet and couldn’t get our of our own way never mind anyone else’s …but there were only minor blood spills and temporary losses of consciousness involved. I haven’t found any new writing on my walls or furniture like I did the last time I had extended house guests, as much as I admire children’s art work I really prefer it on paper and not my walls.

So it looks like I will be spending my weekend pushing, pulling lifting and tugging on heavy furniture…. I will let you all know how it goes…assuming a large piano doesn’t land on my head….
That’s all for now

Where did the Week Go?????

2007-06-28T10:45:00.001-07:00

Thursday already, I can hardly believe it. It has been something of a start and stop week. It seems as though everything is coming in fits. It will be busy for a while then it will drop of to the resemblance of a ghost town…. I think I just saw a tumbleweed. This is my busy season and the worst is just about over so even though I know it is busier than it was this winter because of the big let up it seems kind of slow, like when your driving on the highway for a while then move onto route 1. You know your not going as slow as it feels like you are.

Next week is the Fourth of July…Summer has seemed to fly by this year…I am certain it has something to do with the extreme length… snow in April can really put a damper on Spring. Usually by now we have been swimming almost every day, we have only recently begun to be able to do this.

Yesterday Troy and I rode the bike to Bangor. Something had to be delivered there and I volunteered us to go. It was a great ride albeit a little warm. Not too bad only like walking through the gates of Hell. But we had plenty of water and later in the day it cooled down some. When we got back we went straight to the lake in which I am pretty sure the last piece of ice melted just before we got there…. It was cold.. not sort of cold very cold the kind of cold that hurts. Of course we went in anyway…because we were already the kind of hot that hurts so when we were done we were just about right….
That’s it for now…..

Monday Already…?

2007-06-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

Gifts: $500
Lobster for 25: $1000
The look on your brother’s face at his surprise party: PRICELESS

Sunday was a fun day. We got up early and drove to Kittery for my brother’s surprise birthday party…. The look on his face alone when he saw all of us (his friends & family) standing there was priceless.

It was very difficult for me not to spill it as I usually “chat” with Taco (my brother; this is another story) at least once a day. So the "what are you doing this weekend" thing was not so easy for me this time…. Those of you who know me already know I am not really good at keeping my mouth shut!!! But I did it. And it was great. His girlfriend really out did herself. He was happy…after the shock wore off…and a good time was had by all.

Zach had fun cracking his own lobster but I think he got tired after a while. They were hard shell and it can be a lot of work as most of us “Mainers” know, but it was fun to watch. We were all pretty tired when we got home so we just relaxed for the remainder of the evening.

Friday we got the news that Charlie has an interview for the school we have applied to. He is very excited at the possibility of attending a residential school. I am impressed…I though there would be some hesitation, not a lot, just some, like we had asked him if he wanted to volunteer to be target practice for a firing squad. Not because he gets home sick just because it would be something different and he does not usually work well with change he has to warm up to it. Kind of like the melting of the icebergs… it will happen it just might take a few thousand years.

Saturday we mostly hung out at home Troy tried to teach me some clutch control on the old Yamaha we have. It went really well; of course that is only if you consider the measurement of well to be I only dropped the bike once…. I had a difficult time because me feet didn’t really reach the ground well I looked like a toddler on a 10 speed. I definitely need a lower bike. After that he took me for a ride nowhere special just a little jaunt. Then we played cards most of the evening. I really enjoyed that, it’s not often we have the time to do things like that together one of us always seems to have something that needs to be done.
Until next time…..

I thought this was great.....

2007-06-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

Pearls of Wisdom
"Fourteen Things That It Took Me Over50 Years To Learn"

by Dave Barry

Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
You should not confuse your career with your life.
Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
Never lick a steak knife.
The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.
The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above-average drivers.
A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)
Your friends love you anyway.
Thought for the day: Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.

I’ll only hit snooze one more time…..

2007-06-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind the 8 ball so it seems…I worked in Ellsworth yesterday and for some reason could not sing into my blog ARC Girl will have to show me how sometime. Last night I taught a First Aid class in Bar Harbor it went really well but it made for a late night. I tried to convince ARC Girl she should teach it but she was not susceptible to my powers of negotiation. Apparently I have not been spending enough time working on my super powers and the ability to control other’s minds is on the fritz….

I had a good time in the class; the sunset alone was worth the trip. It was the most beautiful sunset I have seen in quite a while. I’m sure that gorgeous sunsets happen often I just don’t seem to have a chance to pay attention to them, but last night I saw it and it was amazing. I gave me an opportunity to just take a minute and appreciate the things around me that I tend to miss due to this thing I have called life…. We all know how that goes.

Anyway the class was fun I had about 20 people ranging in age up from 18. They were a good group with lots of good questions. That lets me know they are listening…. I like that. I taught the class on a boat…A first for me…I don’t get sea sick but I don’t really have “sea legs” either so there were a couple of stumbles through out my night… but in the end I stayed on my feet, YEAH ME!!!!

I got home around 11:30 and then of course I couldn’t go right to sleep I had to unwind a little first so about 1 am I went to bed…I am a little tired today… I have a challenge exam actually 2 this evening at 6pm after that it’s home again…. I haven’t seen my boys since Tuesday so I miss them and I am looking forward to seeing them if even for a short time tonight….
That’s all for now…

ARRRRRHHHHH..................

2007-06-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

All I can really say is it’s June…..Work is crazy! It’s lifeguard season. And swim lesson season… Translation, everyone needs something everyday and sometimes we have to be really creative to make it all happen. If it weren’t for the top notch H& S people I am surrounded with I don’t know how any of it would get done.

Today I started my day in Ellsworth, the internet was down so I couldn’t get a lot of stuff done there, but I needed equipment from the Bangor office for a class on Thursday so off I go. I grab the equipment then it is off to Rockland, my home base, where I have been able to get quite a lot done this afternoon. There are only two weeks left of June…I think we may survive……………

In other news
The kids are getting out of school….goodbye sanity….. those of you who know my kids know what I am talking about. No more feed them and send them off for the day. (Please interpret the following with the proper amount of sarcasm.... ALOT!!!) Now we will have to do things with them…like swimming, and playing out side and feeding them lunch…my oh my the work involved. Thank goodness I work outside the home I don’t know what I would do if I were forced to enjoy the summer weather at the beach or the park I would just be beside myself with confusion.

VROOM......

2007-06-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

So I have decided to get my motorcycle license ….. Can you picture it, me on a bike? The more I have been riding this summer the more I have thought about it. So I’m going to try it. I am planning to take a class in Bangor in July…. I will keep you all posted on my success…. Assuming I pass I am thinking about getting a Honda Rebel next spring. It is a smaller bike and my feet reach the ground well. Eventually I may move up to a Harley but I need something small and light to start with…

In other news…. I had a very nice weekend. We went out on the bike, then to T ball practice. From there we all went for a little dip at Stephen’s Pond. The water was a little cool but nice. The kids had a great time.
Sunday we just hung around the house all day and relaxed….that was really great. I didn’t have to go anywhere all day. We watched Ghost Rider and had a thunder shower and a BBQ for dinner….

BUSY, BUSY,BUSY...

2007-06-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

It is June….translation….every summer camp between here and Canada is training their summer staff and they all need something from one office or another. Not that this is a problem or even unexpected….just hectic….

In other news… Lisa and Jon are going to look at an apartment today…. It is in the same place where Monica lives so I will have plenty of reason to visit just remember that even though I may have good reasons it doesn’t mean I’ll do it. I should visit people more but by the time I get home after work it is time for dinner and I am tired and the kids have to get to bed so we tend to just stay home. We probably will visit more in the summer because the kids don’t have to get up before the sun and can stay up later. We’ll have to see.

Fathers day is Sunday and I have been caught completely off guard. How is that the no not told me about this…I mean it’s not like it happens every year at the same time or anything like that…I am totally out of sorts about what to get for my father….I’ll probably end up with the same thing I usually send…A card…but I am sure it will be a funny card…Don’t I get points for that. Troy is easy…he gets wax and a rag.
That’s it for today……

I give up!!!

2007-06-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

Okay…Okay I give up. Several people have told me I should blog here on Blogspot so I thought I would give it a shot. I don’t really think I have all that much going on in my life that is of interest to anyone but here goes nothing….

Let’s start with something that may be of at least some interest. I spent the past weekend with three of the strongest most intelligent, formidable women I know, Ginny, Gretchen and Hillary. We were in Presque Isle. Yes really…Presque Isle. We were there for work. We ran a mini disaster institute…. I think it went pretty well all in all. We were very tired when we headed back but it was a good time.

The accommodations left much to be desired. The Hotel was very reminiscent of another hotel a very famous one where a man named Norman lived with his mother…(cut to shower scene). It is a pet friendly hotel so you can bring your dog if you so choose but you can’t smoke. Now I am a smoker and usually this is not really a problem for me, I can just step outside right? Nope, sorry ‘fraid not, if you want to some you have to go to the smoking shack. This is exactly that, a shack with three yes 3 walls facing the hotel, not the road in the middle of the lawn across the parking lot from the hotel. It is positioned so all of the hotel guests or at least any who are interested can look out their windows and condemn those of us who have to nerve to enjoy a little nicotine…. it’s not like we are selling small children into slavery…it’s a cigarette. One of my co-workers took pity on me and brought me a chair so I could at least sit while the folks visiting the county stared at me.

All in All the weekend was uneventful, which I think is almost always good when traveling. I had a good time getting to know the potato blossom girl and the nurse and spending time with Ginny while we were there. I am still a little freaked out from the crows but that is another blog altogether…..