Another Year Passes...interesting...

I'm all snuggled in the house, trying to keep warm, as it is a BLUSTERY, snowy, cold day. What a way to end a perfectly upside-down year. I fingered back through my daily logs and blogs, just to see what, of any importance happened. I discovered that my life is basically no different than most, and there were the immediate crises to deal with, financial situations, illness, deaths...and the Presidential Election, which definitely became a historical moment.

My personal account, boring as it may be:

January - I made my annual trip to Boston (which I will probably miss this year.) I turned 56 years old (woohoo), and had a temporary accounting job.

February - I enjoyed the Blue Man Group - thanks to theson. thedaughter had her "makeover" with a wonderful end result. The NY Giants BEAT the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

March - Thegrandson was hospitalized with his "flesh eating" disease. Many weeks of worry there!

April - I got my new laptop (17th) - Mom2's son was married on the 12th.

May - My "trip of a lifetime" to Cairo, Egypt, again THANKS to theson. Chickie's little Chi-Chi passed away (hey Chickie - I even made a note of this!)

June - Theson CUT his beautiful long hair - but did donate to Locks of Love!

July - Thedaughter started receiving CHILD SUPPORT - after 7+ years of nothing! Both daughters had a major dispute at JITH. Theson and Jules vacationed in Australia.

August - Sarah Palin made her ridiculous debut! My checking account was "hacked!" Major issues there. Summer Olympics began. Democratic Convention - political season going full blast.

September - Economic meltdown finally acknowledged. Major political campaigning. The names Carly Fiorina, Nancy Pfottenhauer, Tucker Bounds make me want to barf! Started physical therapy on my arm - to no avail. My Niece found me on Facebook - yippee! theson announced his breakup with Jules - and his heartache.

October - Campaigning and political arena getting heated up. "Joe, the Plumber" introduced (YUCK!) Thedaughter broke her arm. Vice Presidential Debate.

November - BARACK OBAMA, elected 44th POTUS - an historical moment! My oldest grandson turned 18. Thanksgiving and the beginning of the Holiday season.

December - Theson comes home for holidays. Christmas flies by as usual. Basement flooded Christmas Eve day. Holiday cleanup contemplated - not yet accomplished!

*************************

I will be ringing in the New Year with thedaughter and thegrandson here at home - the safest place to be. I am thawing the pork chops, the kielbasi is ready and then into the sauerkraut it all goes! The only way I will even eat sauerkraut, is with mashed potatoes, so I will start them around 10 pm. This became a tradition during the married years, as my husband followed a German tradition. My kids still love it - so we will carry on the torch.

**************************

I just watched this on the local news...and now I'm am furious. This man is what I call a "transient" here in town. We get a lot of people moving in and out all the time, as they are dodging the welfare systems or "playing" the system. Ohio pays more than WV, and they come here in droves. Apparently this man came in from Illinois. But this act - deserves immediate DEATH. And I do mean that. I am awaiting a return call from the police chief, to find out WHY they let the children remain with the mother. She certainly had to be aware of this treatment and possibly past issues. To say I am not a Happy camper is an understatement. YOU DO NOT DO THESE THINGS TO DEFENSELESS CHILDREN. I'm so mad at the moment - I can hardly see straight. This is not the way I wish to end my year.

***************************

I will end with my New Year's Resolution (which I never make/keep).

TO LOSE WEIGHT!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!!!

GRANDMA SARAH PALIN & GRANDPA TODD....

Well, Bristol Palin has finally given birth. Her son weighted 7 lb 4 oz., and has been named: TRIPP EASTON MITCHELL JOHNSTON. WTF is with all those names??? Anyway, maybe Bristol and the high school drop-out will get married in 2009 - we shall see!! End of newsflash!

Happy Anniversary to me....woohoo!

I just realized that as of today I am starting into my 4th YEAR in the blogosphere!! WOOHOO. My very first pathetic posting was on December 28, 2005 - for me this is quite an accomplishment. I still hope I can get better at this venture, as I am far from "a writer", I more or less just blather on and on! I have a moderate amount of followers - I'm sure if I were a better person with words, that would be a larger figure, but I am a satisfied individual.

***********

Since a new administration will officially take office in THREE weeks, I needed to get this last grievance out - never to be spoken of again, I hope!

Now on to "current events." Just reading about Dick Cheney makes me want to puke, but reading this, brings on thoughts of a full blown stroke. The man is totally delusional and so obtuse. Not understanding why he is so unpopular just reeks of his distance from the populace.

Let's see now, he was the primary architect of a war against a sovereign country, based on deliberately fabricated intelligence. He then turns around and lies to the American people about the threat this country poses against the United States. He (and this administration) failed to complete the military actions started in Afghanistan - thus creating a massive debt based on two wars - which future generations will still be paying!

Cheney's personal assistant was involved in the outing of a United States secret intelligence agent, all in the name of political revenge.

Aha, now we can't forget the massive failures in dealing with Hurricane Katrina.

Cheney also, a huge proponent of torture of prisoners, which goes against the general beliefs and mores of the citizens of the U.S.

Cheney and this administration turned a blind eye to the sub-prime mortgage debacle, although the warning signs were evident...and now the major economic meltdown as a result.

In his quest to "expand" the privileges of the President and Vice-President, he and Bush have managed to violate Federal law and our Constitution.

And finally - if I hear "we haven't been attacked since 9/11" one more time - I will end up in prison. Wake up assholes - 9/11 happened on YOUR watch!! I take small issue with that statement, because since 9/11, we had the D.C. sniper, and anthrax poisonings - so I feel they constitute the classification of "attacks!"

I'm not holding my breath, but Cheney and Bush should be held accountable for their treasonous acts - even after office. This is something we will have to just wait and see about.

The only salvation for this outgoing administration would be - for the "revisionists" to work overtime in re-writing this history.

I feel better now, just having the opportunity to vent a wee tad. Of course, there are always other issues that keep me awake at times, but for now...I will rest.

Have a good one all and later............

No trial...straight to prison for this guy...

Very few incidents in the news get my ire up (other than this last political season), but when it comes to children, I kick into lioness mode and want to go on my own safari. I read this article Saturday night and went belligerent. If your are squeamish, you may not want to link to the article. (Just trying to be nice here!)

OK - if you have read the article, before getting to this point, I will tell you...what possible excuse could this father have - for not changing a diaper in 30 days????? "OH, MY WIFE ALWAYS DOES THAT AND SHE'S....IN JAIL!" Puh-leeze.

I can't say it enough...children are precious and helpless - abuse like this (or any kind) should be a "go straight to jail" offense. Personally, I would make sure that this guy not be allowed the "facilities" and have to live with his own body fluids on his skin - and see how those burns feel. This poor child is in intensive care and still in a touch and go situation - my heart bleeds!

Be back later, a few things to do now. Later............

I just couldn't resist this....

Condi Rice has made the most insane statement, I...um..I'm just speechless. The line will be forming somewhere soon - so we can offer individual THANK YOUS...to the man who cannot leave Washington, D.C. soon enough. Apparently, Rice has received the memo, that revisionism has begun - and to go forth and LIE!!

Enough said, enjoy!

****Wow, Philadelphia is kicking Dallas' Cowboys royally!

My absence has been due to PAIN!! Sorry....

Can Christmas go any faster? I truly do not think so. Even thedaughter made the comment (and she is only 29) that this holiday has just sped past. As we age, that becomes an even faster passing of the season.

After the Dec. 26th "clean-up", I was in intense pain - and I am talking my entire body (and there is a lot of that)! But we had to get some food laid out, as my oldest daughter (daughter2) and her husband and boys came over. Bless the boys little hearts, after eating and getting their presents - off they go to girlfriends and such. But, as things turned out, thedaughters made up, after having a minor disagreement in July, the son-in-law was happy, as well as me. Everyone (except me, the tee-totaler) enjoyed their beer and intoxication was underway.



As you can see here (L to R: theson - Zac, the SIL - Pete, daughter2 - Brenda and thedaughter -Carrie) are "showing their love" for each other. I have never once claimed here or elsewhere of any normalcy existing in this family - and never will. there are some other goofy pictures as well, I have added to my flickr site.

After such a hectic day, I wanted at least one family picture (even though I looked like hell garbage.) Since some of the off-spring - actually all of them, were intoxicated, it took awhile to get them to settle down, quit giggling or making faces - just to come up with a half-way decent representation of our family.



This is the best we could come up with - at the time. I'm sure a professional photographer, with wonderful "airbrush" techniques - could make me look like a pin-up - but that's so not happening.

Thegrandson was truly delighted with Santa's drop-offs. He received at least 10 PSP and PS2 games and many DVD's, trucks, coloring (crayola) stuff, Nerf gun and much more. And today, his question is "I don't have anything to play with!" Typical spoiled 8 year old - I may just smack kiss him later!!

The basement is drying out nicely, we have purchased a new dehumidifier and fingers are crossed. We have had a good deal of rain since that debacle, and "knock wood" - we are good for the moment.

I'm slightly depressed as today is the end of the NFL season, thank heavens I have a few weeks left of play-offs and then Super Bowl before I completely go nuts.

I hope everyone is enjoying family, friends and good food over the Holidays. **Note to self - must buy champagne for ME - for Dec. 31st. This week will be the buying of the kielbasi, pork and sauerkraut - yum-yum!

Theson is off to Cleveland in a little while to visit college buddy theJay, then he will be going to Columbus for the New Years celebration. He is flying back to Egypt on the 3rd of January. His visit is much too short, and his priorities are his friends - not Mom - but that's OK - he is a super son and I enjoy every single moment I do have him around.

Take care - rest up for New Year's and later..............

Christmas - WONDERFUL...Christmas Eve - SUCKED!!

I plan on blogging and adding pictures to Flickr in the next couple of days about Christmas, but chronologically, I am forced to start with the Christmas Eve Day from HELL!!

Everything was planned, we (theson, thegrandson and I) would head to Pittsburgh to finish shopping and then go to theDonald's for evening dinner and gift exchange. But oh no...as theson came downstairs in the morning, he and I were talking by the basement stairs, when the furnace kicked off - I HEARD WATER IN THE BASEMENT!! Continual rain from the evening before and forecast for the entire day - and we have a flood in the basement. My nerves do not handle a crisis like they used to. Water is coming up through the drains, through the vent to the furnace...and there is at least 6-8 inches throughout. Now, basket case that I am, I cry!! This is NOT the day to have such a problem. I call the city crews to bring a pump - and the morons didn't even have a submersible - and said there was nothing they could do, and left. So, off to the hardware store, and theson buys a pedestal sump pump, hooks it up, and we start pumping water out - but it isn't making a dent - as the water is coming in at the same speed. $%^&*()#$%^&*()!!!!!!!!

Trying to deal with the "water" issue, I beg theson to settle for running to the local mall to shop, but he has to stick to tradition and we ended up going to Pittsburgh. I thought I would have to call 911, as I was having anxiety issues myself. My sole purpose in life seems to be to WORRY. All I could think of was the pump actually doing its job and then burning our house down while in Pittsburgh. As it turned out - that was never an issue, because the water level remained the same.

Theson did everything humanly possible to alleviate this problem, and when we went to bed (the rain had ceased) the water level was down about 1 1/2 inches. When we got up Christmas morning, the pump was still running with very little change. After presents were opened, thedaughters friend came over and was scoping out the creek behind the house - as I told him approximately where the drain pipe came out into the creek. He couldn't find the damn thing, so we all went out to check - after scooping mud and debris, we located the pipe - he reached into the pipe and it was 100% blocked with creek rocks. As soon as he scooped all the rocks out, it was like a geyser - and the daughter said the water level went down incredibly fast.

I now know what neighbor kids have been playing back there, and maybe they thought that was a cute idea to "block the pipe", but I have now lost about $5000-$6000 worth of property, and no way to prove their vandalism. Furious beyond belief is one way to describe my feelings.

But thanks to thedaughters friends they were here early this morning, and we all chipped in to get the muck and garbage, and ruined items out of the house and to the landfill.

Water still pooled at bottom of stairs.
Still some water and stuff ready to go to landfill.

I had a sofa and entertainment unit, which were totally ruined - so the guys had a blast sawing both into pieces, in order to be hauled away, as seen here.

Jaime and theson really enjoyed the destruction.
Saying goodbye to entertainment unit.

We started the cleanup process about 10 am this morning and finished up 3 pm. That entailed three runs to the landfill and a lot of hard work, but the fans are running (the dehumidifier was destroyed also) and I have a workable space to finish getting rid of more "stuff" later. I now have to find someone to come in and deal with mold prevention, and what is it doing now........raining!! I'm tired and in considerable pain, but have to get some food ready for the rest of the family is visiting this evening.

More about Christmas later - hope everyone had better luck than me. Later............

Merry Christmas to all...and enjoy!

I will place a blog about the "awful" Christmas Eve day adventure and Christmas smiles, tomorrow.

Eat lots, laugh a bunch and enjoy family and friends!

HAPPY 31ST BIRTHDAY....goofball!!

Theson is somewhere between St. Louis, MO and home at this moment...that is if they have started out for the day. If I didn't love him so much...I would strangle him for sitting on my last nerve and plucking it for fun. He actually asked me last night on the phone, if I had planned a "dinner" excursion for his birthday...get a grip! Not knowing what part of the country he is currently located and/or the time he may arrive home, making plans would have been ludicrous. So, he loses on this one, he will have to wait for the group dinner for sometime between Christmas and New Year's...unless he will be in Columbus with his buddies. After all, I am ONLY Mom. (Refer to "Mom of Arc" comment in previous post.)

Can you believe that he actually thinks he's his own man, and can make decisions on his own, without consulting MOM???? Damn kids, they are trying to drive me over the edge.

OK, that's out of my system, Happy Birthday smartie pants. How you made it to 31 I will never know. I remember telling you at 9 years old, 10 was not a given!! And here we are many moons later - you are the world traveller, and greatest young man in the world! Love you with all my heart and being - even though you are trying to put me in the ground quickly. (oops "M of A" again!) Just travel safe and get home soon. (btw...he has been out of the country it seems forever, and 2nd day back, gets a speeding ticket in Colorado. I say don't pay - let them track you down in Egypt! bwahhahahaha!!!!)

I am going to brave the idiotic, psychotic masses and try to get a few items, this morning. So far from done...but I will reach the point where, this is it - enjoy!

Have a great one and everyone shout a Happy Birthday to theson on his blog.

Later...........

Remind me NOT to move HERE!!!

Now this has to be very high up on the list "of the absurd!" I am annoying in my home, according to the other residents, so I imagine I could, on a very good day, be annoying in public. If you read closely, any of the adjectives used to describe "annoying", may be construed differently by individuals. HOW TOTALLY FUKKING ABSURD!

I'LL LET YOU KNOW IF I NEED BAIL MONEY!!!

There is just NO Way......

Theson should be home sometime tomorrow, since he is driving from Colorado, and I truly have no clue what time that may be. I was depending on his help in getting ready for "the Holiday", and that has been shot to hell and back. He honestly wants to continue our annual pilgrimage to South Hills Mall in Pittsburgh, which is an hours drive from here, on Christmas Eve Day. The only way this is happening is for us to get up quite early and get our asses on the road - shop like crazy demons and head back home as quickly as possible. I have tried to explain that I still have to get food prepared to take to theDonald's for dinner, we will have to wrap the purchases and pencilling in my breakdown is really pushing the envelope.

Believe it or not...we will do this. He is young and doesn't worry about a thing (just like his sperm pop), which totally drives me bonkers. All you women out there understand I am sure. It is our onus to be the worriers of the world. I often refer to myself as "Mom of Arc!" This goes over like a lead ballon - no lie! But I like to lay on some guilt every once in awhile. Sometimes it works - and then again - sometimes not.

The chaos will begin tomorrow. Theson will pay dearly for this, as tomorrow is his birthday, and he will just have to wait for any celebration, till after Christmas.

All rightey then...thegrandson and I are now going to make some gingerbread men. Again with the "M of A" thingy! Have a good evening and I am sure I will return.

My TWISTED "Twas the Night Before....

This is sure to be a new version for the sick and twisted, during the Holiday season. I definitely know it works for me...so don't let the kiddies enjoy my demented sense of humor!!

It Was the Night Before Christmas

It was the night before Christmas,

When all thru the house,

The whole damn family was drunk as a louse,

Grandpa and Grandma were singing a song

and the Kid was in bed flogging his dong......

***

Ma home from the cathouse,

and I out of jail, had just settled down for a good piece of tail....

When out on the lawn there arouse such a clatter,

I jumped off Ma to see what was the matter...

***

Away to the window I made a mad dash,

Threw open the window and fell on my ass...

And what to my bloodshot eyes should appear,

but a rusty old sleigh and a dozen reindeer...

***

With a little old driver holding his prick,

I knew in a moment that bastard was Nick.

Slower than snails, his charges they came...

He bitched and he swore as he called them by name....

***

"Now Dancer, now Prancer, up over the walls,

Quick now, Damnit, or I'll cut off your balls...

Then up on the roof, he stumbled and fell,

and came down the chimney, like a bat out of hell...

***

He staggered and stumbled and went to the door....

He tripped on his cock and fell to the floor,

I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,

"Piss on you all...It's been a hell of a night..."

Just a quickie Meme!!

Being a football day and having not a blessed thing to blog about...here is another meme I did about a month ago. Enjoy at your leisure.



THE NAMES MEME...



1. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names):
NMI Willard

2. NASCAR NAME: (first name of your mother’s dad, father’s dad): Frank William


3. STAR WARS NAME: (the first 2 letters of your last name, first 4 letters of your first name): BoMari


4. DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal): Blue Cat


5. SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you live):
Willard Bellaire (you laugh - you die!!)

6. SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite alcoholic drink, optionally add “THE” to the beginning): The Red Appletini


7. FLY NAME: (first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name): Maer (hmmm..)


8. GANGSTA NAME: (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite
cookie): Pralines & Cream Oreo (be careful I have a gun!)


9. ROCK STAR NAME: (current pet’s name, current street name): Isis Wagner


10. PORN NAME: (1st pet, street you grew up on): Skippy Liberty (makes ya want to spend time with me huh?? wink-wink!)


Do this if you want - it can be fun!

This is a local Christmas display....

lights to music. You can read all about this guy and what led to this project here. But this has to be one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs. I have it somewhere in the house and can't find the damn thing...so I am going to purchase it for iPod. Where there is a will there is a way! This house is on Wheeling Island (WV).




Enjoy. I'm worn out from boogeying around the kitchen.

Breakfast with Santa....actually it was fun!

Thedaughter's employer (huge corporation) Wheeling Island Hotel, Racetrack & Casino...whoo that's a mouthful...had a breakfast with Santa today for all employees. It was held in the showroom and I'm telling you it was packed. But then again, there are thousands of employees. Here are a few pics:





The lighting was terrible and I only had a brief period to snap the pictures, as other children were getting antsy, behind us. Little beastly rugrats! Just kidding.

I think I will take a break, and wrap what FEW presents I have bought so far. I still have to get theson another birthday present (the 23rd), my little Christmas present baby...he will kill me for that one!! But I like living dangerously.

Be back later..............

Perpetually PREGNANT!!! They will.....

definitely need a federal bailout, now having their 18th baby!! This woman, Michelle Duggar apparently has no job and definitely her one and only hobby is PREGNANCY. I guess with a husband named Jim Bob (and NO they are not from West Virginia), he is well versed in the sperm donor trade.

I was going to make a snide remark, that after that many births, surely this one had to slide into her mother's arms, but she had a C-section due to the way the baby was laying in the womb. And good old Jim-Bob makes the asinine statement that this is "the ultimate Christmas gift from God." Need I jump all over this comment??? I don't believe God was the sperm pop here!

Holy crap Batman...this woman is only 42 and has been pregnant constantly for over 20 years. Just a note here, there are 2 sets of twins within this brood. And ya have to love the fact that each child's name begins with a "J." Egads.

Now if I had this many children (which in your wildest fantasies would never happen), and all their names began with a "J", I think I would still strive to simplify the name of this child. If for no other reason, that someday she my lose some brain cells and simplicity works. But she gave the little girl child FOUR fukking names (inclusive of the last name).

This would be a picture taken after #17 popped out. My first question would be to Jim-Bob, "what job do you have that enables you to support this many people?" I must research this and find out what he actually does, if anything. Apparently, they must get a check from TLC for the TV program (reality) "17 and Counting" which will be changing that number for their new season.

Many years ago, when women were not in the workforce in the numbers of today, there were many families with scads of kids everywhere. I remember going to school with a girl who was one of 14 children, and she hated the family situation. There was not much money in this family with a drinking husband/father, and a mother who fell into the belief of subservience and obedience to the patriarch. UGH!!!

Can you imagine having a child in every single grade of the school system? Having to change diapers continually for two decades??? Call me spoiled, I don't care. I love my children, but if I had had my own football team plus 2nd string, I would have considered a way out of that situation.

Each time I see a picture of this woman AND her husband I think of Andrea Yates, the woman who drowned her children in Texas. Her husband insisted they have all those children, knowing his wife was not psychologically capable of taking care of their needs. Not that Mrs. Duggar is like that, I am referring to the resemblance between her husband and Mr. Yates. Sure, let's have another baby, it is not physically wrecking his body. He is not the one who will lose bladder control at a much younger age. No, by all means Mr. Duggar, keep your wife barefoot and pregnant. And Mrs. Duggar, try these words "not tonight, I have a headache!"

Onto other glorious things now....theson is in Colorado Springs with his friend, and I just spoke with him on the phone. Mommy being ecstatic time. He may not head home till Sunday now, as he is going to Pike's Peak tomorrow and tour the area. I just want them to get on the road before bad weather. Grrrr.... I know, I know...he is going to be 31 years old this Tuesday, and I am just MOM!!!

Not to get excited here, but I did a teeny tiny itsy bitsy....bit of Christmas shopping today. Actually, it was more like, "this looks good, I 'll try one of these, someone will like this" and throw them in the buggy....now breathe. Truly wore me out!

OH, lest I forget (another 2 cents here), thankfully, they finally announced that the bones found in Florida were indeed those of Caylee Anthony. I'm sad about this, but from the beginning I felt it was an inevitability. I say, drag that slut of a mom into court, get rid of the "dream team" and fry her ass. Does that sound callous and cold...hmmm, could be! the little bitch has been ordering from the commissary like they crazy, snacks, playing cards, nail polish, girly things, to the tune of $300+. Apparently, this family has gotten rich during the past 6 months to afford all these attorneys, commissary needs and publicists. Nope, I'm sick of it all. She's guilty, and I said so. Justice done. Oh OK, have the damn trial...but make it very quick.

Enough of my trivializing for now, so have a good evening and weekend. Later..........

A little commercialization....

On December 1, 2007, I blogged about this. It was a devastating fire, which resulted in a lucrative business loss to our town. I did a great deal of shopping in Country Square, as I was there from its inception.

Here we are just over a year later...and unfortunately, much of the burned out shell of this building is still standing. This is due to low insurance coverage and a "fly by night" contractor who did not complete the demolition, get the proper insurance coverage, pay his help and left a lien on the property for unpaid equipment rental. The townspeople are in an uproar, but the owners did everything required of them, and the courts can't get "blood from a turnip" in suing the asshole contractor.

Be that as it may...Country Square has opened in a new location (different town) and are trying to get back up and running.

Click here to Link

Their pricing is excellent, they accept all major credit cards and PayPal. Just take a gander, if you are so inclined, at the site and check out what they have to offer. I stopped in one day last week, and they say sales are steady, but thought I could help them out a wee bit through this blog. I do so much ordering online anymore - and they are realizing the benefits of this type of sales also. A wonderful site for Country & primitive items.

So that is all I have to say. I'm going to add a permanent link on the sidebar, so in the future if anyone would like to gander at their wares...have at it. Thanks for allowing me this one commercial moment.

Later...............

This is one brave young lady...a real ball buster...

and I mean that literally. As you can read here, she took matters into her own hands (no pun intended) and did what she felt she had to do to survive.

I have heard and read where some police authorities tell a woman to survive, do not resist. I have a hard time with that one. I think words like that come from a chauvinist male - with sympathy for his fellow MAN.

Hell, if there is a possibility I am going to die at the hands of some pervert - I'm going to get as many licks in as possible - hopefully the kind that will make future attempts fruitless. If I were this woman - sorry for all you men out there - I would have made sure those puppies popped before he could even consider running out of the house. Neutering comes to mind!

Woohoo..all I can say is...SUCKS DONKEY BALLS TO BE THIS GUY!!



Everyone is more than welcome to take a stab at the preceding meme. Because it is long, I completed it weeks ago, saving it for a "blank" moment.

Later..................

A Meme...since nothing to say today (so far!)

Since this is a long meme...but somewhat insightful, thought I would save it for the day I have nothing running through my head (there's a joke!) Maybe something insightful later...or not!

1. Bought everyone in bar a drink...
Yes, and I did it twice, for my son's 21st birthday. Cost me a pretty penny, and 3 days in bed (so sick), but well worth it at the time!

2. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive...
Sure, what sane, rich person do I know that would let me behind the wheel of a very expensive car??? Not.

3. Been inside the Great Pyramid...
Thanks to the Son, I can say I have been to and toured around the Great Pyramid, but I did not go inside. It was quite hot and air does not circulate well there.

4. Held a tarantula...
Held - NO, Had one thrown at me in school - yes.

5. Taken a candlelit bath with someone...
C'mon, that only happens in movies - showered with someone and had fun, yes - but no candles.

6. Said "I love you" and meant it...
Yes, many times.

7. Hugged a tree...
Now would there be a valid reason for me to "hug" a tree? I may have grabbed on to one, so as not to slide down a hill - but never have I hugged a tree - intentionally.

8. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise...
Yes, whenever we went to the beach - it became almost a tradition. Now, I just stay up, because I have insomnia.

9. Seen the Northern Lights...
Nope. But as soon as Sarah Palin sends me an invitation to Alaska - I'm sure that would be a possibility.

10. Gone to a huge sports game...
Yes, I've been to several Pittsburgh Steeler games, also to playoff games.

11. Touched an iceberg...
Do, I look like Rose, from the Titanic movie? I live in Ohio - no icebergs.

12. Changed a baby's diaper...
Duh...I have children and grandchildren. I am the best diaper changer east of the Mississippi.

13. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon...
No trip...but I have gone aloft while tethered in a hot air balloon, many years ago at Jamboree in the Hills.

14. Gotten drunk on champagne...
Ya just had to ask that one..champagne is my favorite and I have enjoyed it to the point of inebriation on occasion.

15. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope...
Yes. Didn't have a clue what I was looking at - but the eyeball met the lens as it were.

16. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment...
I think I may have, but the memory is almost gone.

17. Had a food fight...
Of course, hasn't everyone?? We still have them occasionally - when theson is around. He is the instigator.

18. Bet on a winning horse...
Yes, but no system or handicapping - pure gut instinct. Won big bucks years ago - on a horse named "Widowed Mary", a longshot, but I felt sorry since she was a 'widow."

19. Asked out a stranger...
Yes, but that was almost 40 years ago...he remained "strange."

20. Screamed as loud as you possibly can...
Of course, I come from a long line of "screamers."

21. Ridden a roller coaster...
Yes, and I would rather have a heart transplant than to ever do that again!

22. Danced like a fool and didn't care who was looking...
Refer to above question on champagne - I'm sure this happened while under the influence.

23. Adopted an accent for an entire day...
Not intentionally, but many years ago, my parents sent my twin and I to a "fat farm", and being around this girl from Raleigh, NC, day in and day out - we picked up a southern drawl of sorts.

24. Actually felt happy about your life, even just for a moment...
Yes - no matter what, we are dealt a hand and we have to play it. Life has been good, bad, and this is what "it's" all about.

25. Had 2 hard drives on your computer...
Yes, our PC has 2 on it at present.

26. Visited all 50 states...
I've travelled, but have not made it to all 50 states yet.

27. Taken care of someone who was drunk...
Did I mention my long married life to an alcoholic? Not my favorite past time.

28. Had amazing friends...
ALL my friends are amazing - be it in person or online!!

29. Danced with a stranger in a foreign place...
Funny you should ask. Yes, in Cairo, Egypt on a Faluca boat ride. The "skipper" of the boat was a dancing fool and we all danced with the idiot at various times.

30. Stolen a sign...
Well, I'm not putting my address here, so I guess I can tell you about the "stop" "yield" and various other signs in my storage shed. My lovely children may have FOUND these signs...I'm never really sure.

31. Backpacked in Europe...
Does traipsing through an airport in Germany, with luggage count?

32. Taken a road trip...
When I was just out of high school, my girlfriend and I would get in her VW and head anywhere.

33. Been heartbroken longer than you were in love...
Seems like it. I had a cheating, alcoholic husband, and all the years I loved him - the feeling was a lie on his part. Now I enjoy being alone.

34. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them...
What an interesting statement - I can't imagine this happening - unless this stranger invited me over and was picking up the tab.

35. Visited Japan...
Nope, not in this lifetime.

36. Alphabetized your CD's...
Being old, my collection is small enough, there is NO need to alphabetize. I might have like...30. The younger crowd, who have massive quantities and OCD, do this.

37. Pretended to be a superhero...
In my "pretend" days - all we had were comic book superheroes. I might have pretended to be Betty from the "Archie" comics - and she was not a superhero.

38. Lounged around in bed all day...
Yes. After my triple bypass, I could not get comfortable sitting, standing or otherwise - and spent a good deal of time in my bed. Later, the reason for the discomfort was found to be - an allergy to the wire used on breastbones - therefore my breastbone never healed. (Funny thing - it "clicks")

39. Played touch football...
Yes, in my early years of marriage, we had many touch football games at family events.

40. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken...
I've stated this before - yes, my heart breaks easily.

41. Toured ancient sites...
I believe I told you I was in Cairo - I saw the Pyramids, Sphinx and various sites.

42. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight...
I always considered that a "guys" game and NO, never played it once.

43. Gotten married...
No, all my children are bastards...just kidding, I got married in July of '75.

44. Crashed a party...
Many. Most vividly was in the early 70's, and my girlfriend and I made it a point to crash as many Christmas parties as possible. We were relatively successful.

45. Gotten divorced...
I refused to give him a divorce. He left me in '97 and died in '00 - his loss.

46. Gone without food for 5 days...
WTF?!?! Apparently you haven't seen my body. Now, I know I have while in a hospital while hooked up to life sustaining fluids - but to do it intentionally - I would get violent.

47. Made cookies from scratch...
More so years ago - now I only make pumpkin cookies at Holiday time, no wide variety.

48. Won first prize in a costume contest...
I honestly can't remember being in a costume contest!

49. Gotten a tattoo...
I have three (3) and have drawn what I wish for a fourth. Woohoo - second childhood!

50. Rafted the Snake River...
And the Snake River would be where???

51. Been on a television news program as an expert...
Not on television, but did a weekly radio show during tax season, with hints of tax cutting ideas.

52. Performed on stage...
Do childhood recitals for piano and ballet count?? Those were wonderful experiences at the time.

53. Been to Las Vegas...
Yes. I was having trouble getting pregnant (ha) and decided we needed to get away, so we spent 3 days in Vegas and 7 in Hawaii - turns out I was pregnant already as I puked my way through the entire trip.

54. Recorded music...
Not as a solo, but our A Cappella choir in high school made a Christmas tape (no CD's then)

55. Eaten shark...
Yes, while in Boston we went to a seafood restaurant and it was rather tasty.

56. Kissed on a first date...
Hell back then I kissed on any date.

57. Gone to Thailand...
Nope, didn't lose anything there, and the way things are now, I don't believe that would be safe.

58. Bought a house...
Yes, two of them. Bought and paid for - it's all mine now. (Actually, putting it in my son's name soon.)

59. Been in a combat zone...
Yes, I know I mentioned my alcoholic husband. Our house was a combat zone quite often.

60. Buried one/both parents...
Yes. My father in 1979, my mother in 2001. My biological parents passed away before I could meet them.

61. Spoken more than one language fluently...
Not fluently. I can speak enough Spanish to find a bathroom.

62. Performed in Rocky Horror...
Only in the confines of my own home.

63. Raised children...
Raised two. The daughter I gave up for adoption did not come into my life till her early 20's.

64. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour...
Who could ever afford to do that???

65. Passed out cold...
I may need to refer back to the champagne I love so much.

66. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country...
would that be an "exotic" bicycle or an "exotic" foreign country - NO!!!

67. Picked up and moved to another city just to start over...
I'm spontaneous, but not THAT spontaneous.

68. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge...
Never been there.

69. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was watching... Hell yes..what do I care what someone else thinks.

70. Had plastic surgery...
No, but I'm sure some people may think I should!

71. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived...
Knock wood, I've never been in a serious accident at all.

72. Wrote articles for a large publication...
No way, I am not that good of a writer.

73. Lost over 100 pounds...
Not really, I lost 94 pounds with my first child and close to the same with the following. The amazing part, is that once I delivered, back to eating I went and put back on those lovely pounds.

74. Held someone while they were having a flashback...
No. I have been with someone when they "flash backed" to Vietnam experiences and it was sad and scary.

75. Piloted an airplane...
I cannot see this as ever happening or that it could happen. I will fly, with great apprehension at times, but let's not push the envelope.

76. Touched a stingray...
That would be a stupid thing to do, but I have had one brush up against me, which made my fat ass run for shore rather quickly.

77. Broken someones heart...
No - I would never do that.

78. Helped an animal give birth...
Many times. Lot's of cats and dogs in my home over the years.

79. Won money on a TV show...
If I had, I wouldn't be doing this silly meme.

80. Gone on a photo safari...
Get real. I'm doing good to just TAKE a picture.

81. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears...
No as of this moment, although I am fighting hard NOT to get a nose piercing. But anything can happen.

82. Fired a rifle, shotgun or pistol...
Yep to all three. I loved to shoot. I got rid of all my guns years ago. I broke down and bought a .22 rifle though, about 5 years ago. Now I want to get a handgun.

83. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild...
Nope, can't say that has been on my "to do" list.

84. Ridden a horse..
I grew up riding horses regularly. I rode a horse in Egypt - but everyone was worried about the old lady and wouldn't even let me have the reins.

85. Had major surgery...
I will not bore you to tears, but my body looks like a veritable road map. I have had more major surgeries than you have time to listen to. Eyes, feet, heart, hysterectomy, gall bladder, etc... Let's put it this way - I can't sign an organ donor card - nothing useful left.

86. Had a snake as a pet...
My mama didn't raise no fool!!! No way!

87. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period...
Only while in the hospital on drugs.

88. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states...
Can't say that that is possible. I'm not the "world" traveller, more on the domestic side.

89. Visited all 7 continents...
Can't you read - I'm NOT a world traveller. Even stopping over at airports only puts me at 3 continents.

90. Eaten kangaroo meat...
Why would I eat something that can beat me up???

91. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days...
No. Many canoe trips of short duration, nothing extended though.

92. Eaten sushi...
No. The desire to eat raw fish is not in me.

93. Changed someones mind about something you care deeply about...
Yes. Recently to boot. A person who was of a staunch anti-abortion belief and I got into an argument. their argument of "under NO circumstance should an abortion be performed - was shot to hell by me. After my logical explanation of various aspects - he began to rethink his policy.

94. Gone back to school...
Yes, I have taken courses sporadically over the years, relating to tax law.

95. Parasailed...
Again, something which I have no control over, is not a sport for me. I saw a parasailer "smack" into a building and die in Mexico, no way, no how will I ever do that.

96. Touched a cockroach...
Not without first being introduced. The answer is a sound NO!

97. Eaten fried green tomatoes...
I know this is supposed to be delicious, and I would not be averse to trying, but I have never enjoyed fried green tomatoes.

98. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey.....
Bits and pieces many years ago, but I don't consider it light reading.

99. Selected one "important" author who you missed...
Not sure what this means, but I don't think so.

100. Skipped all your school reunions...
Let's see. I missed #5 and #20, made it to #10, #25 and #30. We didn't have a #35, and #40 is coming up - I may go, but considering there were over 1000 in my graduating class, and we are getting older, the attendance has gotten much smaller.

101. Communicated with someone without sharing a common language...
Excuse me...WTF???

102. Been elected to public office...
Yes. Elected to the Board of Trustees of Public Affairs in 2000. The local council abolished the Board in favor of a Village Administrator in 2005. Lovin' it!! The village has lost money big time and everything is a mess, because of this individual. More people call me still - to correct problems. I'm having the last laugh.

103. Written your own computer language...
that would be a silly thing to do. I'm fine with the language I have now.

104. Thought to yourself that you are living your dream...
Hello...economic downturn, recession, job losses, U.S. totally screwed up - I DON'T THINK SO!!

105. Had to put someone you love into hospice care...
Yes and no. I did not have the final say, but I was allowed input and YES, my very best friend was put into hospice last October. Unfortunately she was only there for a few short hours before passing away. Such a hard thing to do.

106. Built your own PC from parts...
Let's see, small parts and pieces - are not my friends. NO way could I do this.

107. Sold your own artwork to someone you didn't know...
If I had artwork to sell, I'm sure it would be to someone I didn't know. Art is not my forte'.

108. Had a booth at a street fair...
Not my own, but I have helped quite a few at different times with their wares.

109. Dyed your hair...
I'm a woman, what do we do...we DYE our hair. Not anymore though, I love the white of my hair - I earned each and every white hair on my head - and there are only a few hairs left.

110. Been a DJ...
Now there's a laugh. I listen to music, I don't KNOW music.

111. Shaved your head...
Hahahaha. I'm hanging on to each and every hair left for heaven's sake. I have thought about shaving the damn thing to see if maybe, just maybe, my hair would grow back in fuller - but those thoughts leave quickly.

Have a great day...Later...............

Do not have me committed....but just a thought...

As I just blogged about a local family's fire, and I did refer to the fire that destroyed our home in 1984...it brought back something I just want to get out. Not my fire itself, what I feel was a "premonition" in a way.

We all have dreams, good, bad, funny, sad and recurring. Recurring dreams often reflect a personal fear, traumatic event possibly, but usually they remain constant or become enhanced in some way.

I had a recurring dream from the time when I was maybe 8 years old. It was vivid, always the same and very frightening. After quite a few years, I became used to this dream, as I always knew there was NO end or conclusion, it just stopped...as I made myself awaken. Bear with me and I will walk you through this dream. First I will lay some ground work.

Our family built our home in 1957, it was a red brick colonial, with enormous white pillars to the main entrance. Going through school, I was taunted by students that I "lived in a mansion", but it was just home to me. There were 4 bedrooms upstairs, my twin sister and I had a huge room in the front of the house, three baths, finished basement, integral 2 car garage - just huge by '50's standards. The main staircase was located in the central part of the house, and at the top, you could take 2 steps to either the left or the right, but still access all bedrooms and baths. To this day, I could diagram every nook and cranny in that house.

OK, on to the dream. I would be asleep in this shared bedroom, and bells would be sounding, not loud, but constant. I would be looking out each window (there were three) to see if I could locate this sound and finally I would see this huge figure, coming towards the house and it was like a carnival stilted man - only dressed as Uncle Sam. Don't ask me, I have no clue why Uncle Sam would be after me.

As he approached the house, he seemed to get larger, to the point when he was directly in front of the house, he could bend over and peer into the windows. I would try to get away but he would just reappear in another window. I would be crying and asking what he wanted, but there were never any responses. This continued, it seemed for hours. Slowly, the room would be getting brighter and brighter. Thinking daylight was upon me, I wasn't really paying much attention. This is when Uncle Sam would start poking on the windows, finally breaking the glass and reaching in to take me out through this opening. I would then look behind, into the room and there were flames everywhere - he was trying to get me away from the flames. My sister's bed would be empty - so I knew she got out..........and that was how it always ended.

It almost became an automatic response from me, and I would tell people that I knew how I was going to die...in a fire. That was how this recurring dream impacted my life. Of course, it was laughed off by just about everyone, to the point I just put up with the constant nightmare and never mentioned it again. At least until May 15, 1984.

After, I had gotten everyone out of our house, while it was burning, I did refer to this dream. Again, people were quite dismissive of such as a premonition...but as an epilogue...I have never had that dream again...not once.

NOT at Christmas time....never a good thing...

Last night, my phone rang off the hook, with people wanting to know "how bad is the fire?" Being the well-informed person that I am, I reply "what fukking fire????" Just because I live in the West part of town - it is assumed that I must know what goes on in this residential area at all times. (Usually I do, nibshits like me, have antennae!)

This house is approximately 2 blocks away, and I know the family well, that lives (lived) here. There are seven children, ranging in age from 3 to 17. That is as personal as I will get, as I could actually say more about these people (actually the mother) but I am restraining myself. No matter what issues people may have, living through a fire is a very traumatic event, and can possibly affect many years of your life.

Luckily, NO one was home when this home became engulfed (probably due to a faulty wood burner in their basement). The father was at work, and mother and kids were Christmas shopping. From what I gather it started (or was noticed by neighbors) around 6 pm last night. The fire department was on site again at 4 am this morning as it had rekindled.

The good news is, all their Christmas presents are safe, as they were wrapped and stored in their garage...and they do have good insurance coverage. They will have places to stay, although I am sure they will be split between homes of grandparents and such.

The upside is, the family was not in the home and will recover from the loss of "stuff" that is replaceable. In our case, when our home burned in '84, we were in the home, surrounded by flames and toxic fumes, but managed to get out safely. (Except for my 21 year old cat - who awakened me to the fire). But that trauma stays with you forever.

When thedaughter viewed this scene last night, she had flashbacks to what she remembered (she was 4 at the time), and the smells. These are things that stick in your memory for quite some time.

We live in a "giving" community - and this family will have a good Christmas I am sure. It is just a tragic incident in and of itself...combined with the season.

***Just a note, that is a swimming pool in the front yard of this house which abuts right onto the main street. Not a great landscaping theme, but that was them!

More later...getting excited, theson will be home soon!! Have a good day all!

Later...........

Closing a chapter...but the fight goes on!

I just finished watching the press meeting with John & Reve Walsh, the parents of a murdered child. I remember vividly when their son Adam was kidnapped from a shopping mall, and the lackluster attention from the police, as the Walsh's were put through a multitude of polygraphs.

This occurred on July 27, 1981 in Hollywood, Florida. Long before Amber Alerts and DNA testing. But thanks go out to the Walsh's for their doggedness in their pursuit of answers. Adam Walsh's case has officially been closed as of today. His (suspected) murderer is considered to be Otis Toole, who died in prison, while serving time for an unrelated crime. Toole was a drifter and a convicted pedophile - and one can only help that if there is a hell - he is burning as we speak.

I have always admired the Walsh's - John is seen weekly on America's Most Wanted, and is driven to find these vile criminals and see that they are brought to justice. His wife Reve, has worked tirelessly, as in initiating the "Exploited and Missing Children" foundation. The Amber Alerts were a result of their efforts also. Think of all the abducted and missing children's families who have been helped by these systems - it is wonderful.

I am really happy that there is a resolve to this tragic case, although closure is not a word John Walsh will ever use. As long as children are being abused, kidnapped or murdered - we can be thankful that national attention is received almost immediately - thanks to these people's efforts.

Well, the snow is coming down again (supposedly another 2" expected), so we are definitely "in" for the night. No snowman creations from me!! Have a good one.

Later............

#500 coming up....

I just noticed that this will be my 500th post...woohoo. I should make it exceptionally good, but I am NOT a writer by any stretch of the imagination. I just "calls 'em as I see's 'em!"

I mentioned before that there is an automated phone calling system, for school delays and cancellations. Today, having maybe 2" of snow on the ground (and our street appears clear) the phone rang at 6:15 am, and I didn't even answer, I let thedaughter pick it up, as I "assumed" it would be a 2 hour delay. I sleep with my TV on all night (and have mercy on the goof who dares to turn it off), and the "2 hour delay" scroll at the bottom of the screen had not changed, so being the smart granny that I am - I figured this phone call was stating just that fact. Then we get another automated call at 8:50 am, and I am figuring, "they must be cancelling school now!" No, it is to inform us of the change in scheduling for the 3rd grade Christmas program. DUH!!!

Thegrandson just came downstairs and I told him to dress warm, and he says "No, there is no school!" Get this...the TV "snowbird alert" is still saying "delay" and I'm arguing with an 8 year old, before I have even had my coffee.

Aha...Internet!! I check three sites and all say CANCELLED!! I have already fired off a phone call to the television station, telling them to pull their heads out of their collective asses - and get the information corrected immediately. the girl took this tirade quite well, she at least let me "almost" finish before she hung up on me! But I always feel better when I have completed the deed. **theson might just have a few comments on being around me when I get fired up. Maybe.

Now thegrandson is running around yelling "I TOLD YA SO, I TOLD YA SO!" He may not live till Christmas at this rate. Oh crapola...I just gave him the wrong cereal - he is going to be tough all day, I can just see this coming!

Thedaughter works 1-10:30 pm today, so at least thegrandson has his PSP and PS2 games to keep im busy. Plenty of books, games, toys and LEGOS!! He will be in puppy heaven. He is really a great child. If I need help with anything - he pulls on his "big boy" pants and jumps in and becomes my aide. We have conversations about everything - and when he gets to the annoying stage, my hand goes up - he gets that snarled mouth and stomps away. And all is well with the world.

I should imagine that theson is getting excited about now...he will be leaving shortly to head home for Christmas. As I stated before, he will be flying to Colorado, and driving (24 hrs.) home with an old school friend. With all this freaky weather, as a MOM, I will be on pins and needles till he gets here. then he will have to play a "rush" game with me, to help me finish shopping. I can get everything done in one day - at least I used to - as long as he is patient with my severe aches and pains. I have such a high tolerance for pain and I don't whine - at least not much, but this year has truly been a challenge.

Gonna run for now, but I will return today, I am sure. But first, what is with all those who have WordPress?? I am having trouble leaving comments on most, or maybe they just don't like me anymore. Curses!

I just took Chili out of the freezer for later today - what a perfect day for chili and corn bread..woohoo! Behave and enjoy the day. Later................

This man has ISSUES....

Now, Dick Cheney is saying Obama will appreciate how he and Bush expanded the Executive powers...what am I missing here??? I should hope and pray that criminal charges are brought against this moron, and soon! No matter the argument, Cheney is a self-serving asswipe. He needs to just "go away" and enjoy the millions he has raped from this country and others through Haliburton. If I never hear his name again I would be quite happy - unless it is on an indictment.



I now have eight dozen Frosted Pumpkin cookies prepared. Thedaughter now says she want some Chocolate Chip cookies. Honestly, it will have to wait a couple of days, as my back is killing me. I hate feeling this way. I need to shop for Christmas and I can't even walk for any great amount of time, let alone stand. This is miserable.

Now, I have "cookie" tins all over the place - at least in the kitchen. I will now get a few decorative boxes and make up some "goodie" bags for friends. I guess this is an almost "done" job.

Now, that we have finished dinner - I need to get my hands wet all over again, by doing the dishes. Mothers work is never done, as they say.


I have to get off track again for just a moment. Has anyone else noticed how Dubya, thinks the shoe throwing incident was "cute?" I truly believe that it has completely gone over his head that this act, is the ultimate insult from an Iraqi. Can I please use the word moron again...please, please, please!!!

Got to get my "chores' finished, so I can head to a HOT bath!! Later..............

2922 DAYS.....a pair of shoes for every day....

Yes, I believe that the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at Dubya had a great idea. Take into consideration that the Bush/Cheney regime had no qualms whatsoever relating to torture...I think on THEIR last day in office...they should be subjected to SHOE THROWING.

So, I am talking about 5,844 shoes to be thrown at each criminal. So this will involve quite a few people and their left-over, cast off shoes. I may have to ask Change.com if I can use his internet mailing list to ensure success here!

So, please practice in your back yard, throwing shoes at....something as a target. C'mon...shoes are not considered lethal weapons, unless you have fuses coming out of the soles - which I highly do not recommend. So what is a minor assault charge??? And wouldn't you feel just a wee tad better in the long run???

Hell, it's all just a thought. All for shits and giggles. Later..........

Very strange morning...

My morning was progressing as normal, other than the fact that I had the occasional duty of making sure thegrandson is up and get him to the bus stop, and then I finally get to read my e-mail.

Theson has sent me a sad one...the mother of his driver in Egypt, Emad, has died. I really like Emad, as he was so very helpful to me when I was visiting Egypt in May. He was my translator, chauffeur, cook, and aide. He is young, mid 20's, has a college degree in civil engineering I believe, but can only find work as a driver for the giant Company that employs theson. His ultimate goal is to make it to America to find work. I honestly hope that works out for him someday.

Apparently Emad's mother had surgery a few days ago, and possibly due to complications, did not survive. I sent Emad an email relating to him how sorry I was, and to hold on to his memories. But, as a mother, I just want to reach out and offer a hug or something.

This is a picture of Emad and his fiance' Sale', which was taken on our Faluca boat ride on the Nile. He is such a very good-looking young man, considerate, and dutiful. My heart goes out to him right now.

Twice since I returned home, I had a chance to chat with him via Skype...which was rather comical - because he has a fairly good understanding of English (which has only improved since working with theson, I'm sure), but there still remains some words that confuse him.

I will never forget the present he got ME for Mother's Day, while I was there. It was a lovely watch with interchangeable faces. I was dumbfounded that he felt he needed to even get me anything, as they don't celebrate MD there. In Egypt, the Mother is revered constantly.

So Emad...I love you and my heart is going out to you!

As thegrandson and I were waiting for the school bus, we both noticed this:


I can't remember ever waking up to a rainbow first thing in the morning. It was so very bright and vivid. The kids were having an argument as to which end, the pot of gold would be....hilarious. I am not sure if this is a good sign or not. The temps are 50+ degrees, yet we have a winter weather advisory issued already...for tomorrow night. That is weird. Supposedly, we are going to get maybe an inch of ice and sleet mix, which could be treacherous. Now I will have to worry about thedaughter getting home from work at 10 pm tomorrow night. With my bald tires, I will not be going anywhere.

enough for now, I am going to start these Pumpkin cookies, come hell or high water! I'm sure I will be back....later..............

OK - Holiday Mix is done....

I just can't get up the energy to start on the Pumpkin cookies. I think I may just do them tomorrow while thedaughter is at work, and thegrandson is at school. I had three batches of this Holiday mix at various spots in my tiny kitchen, waiting for the chocolate to cool, in order to break it into pieces. Surprisingly, I hate regular Chex mix...but add white chocolate to it, and this is delicious.

This is one of the containers full of the mix, ready for me to divvy up to a few friends. I forgot to get more green & red M&M's at the store, so I had to make do with what I had left here in the house. I approximate about a quarter of a bag short, so it could be a little more colorful. Oh, well...it's still good.

My Steelers are looking like crap at the moment. Therefore, no way am I going to start another cookie project, as it would take away from me yelling and screaming at the TV. Interceptions, fumbles...it's enough to make my hair fall out...oh - it already has!!!

Enjoy the end of the day, I will still be here screaming at the boob tube. So Later.............

"Went to Iraq...and all I got......

were these lousy SIZE 10 SHOES!!!!" I was rolling watching Dubya duck from the thrown shoe projectiles...his response time is quite slow!!! My laugh for the day!!

WTF!!! And this was Breaking News at.........

eleven o'clock last night. According to the article, this fire happened late Friday evening. Either someone was asleep at the wheel at CNN, AP, UPI, Fox and all the other blathering idiotic news agencies, or they considered this NON-newsworthy. I suspect the latter.


This is the church - which looks more like a warehouse - that Sarah Palin attended in Wasilla, AK. The now infamous site of the "witch doctor blessing!" According to sources in Wasilla - this apparently is a suspected act of arson. I guess someone was really pissed.

Palin released a statement after this inferno as follows, offering an apology:

"if the incident is in any way connected to the undeserved negative attention the church has received since she became a vice presidential candidate."

Many moons ago, I was a secretary at an ultra modern (architecturally) church, and we came into the office on a Monday, to discover that late on Sunday, the church was broken into, totally trashed, and someone had left their own personal donation in the pulpit (excrement). I found this totally senseless. The culprits were found, all teenagers, and were given something like community service. Churches, no matter what denomination, are still sacrosanct - and should be respected as such.

I am an agnostic, but have no problem with age-old religions and newer off-the-wall sects. I feel you leave me alone and I will do the same. Some parishioners in various houses of worship consider these "buildings" their homes and should be treated as such. So if this were an act of arson - against Palin (which I doubt), the punishment should fit the crime.

I think what gets under my skin is that Palin - again turns this story to HER. She was eagerly wanting to start attacks on Rev. Jeremiah Wright vs. Obama...but was reined in by the McCain powers. There is no doubt that Rev. Wright is a whack-job, but what can I say about Palin's witch doctor..."hey, he's like the guy next door??" I don't think so.

OK - collect your million dollars of insurance and build a bigger and better site for the visiting witch doctor. Enough already.

I have to get dressed (yes, real clothes) and head to the dollar store (dog & cat food) and go Krogering for "cookie stuff." I think I am going to make my pumpkin cookies today and a Holiday White Chocolate Chex Mix. I will be muti-tasking as I bake and watch NFL football. Great games today. Steelers have to kick Baltimore's ass - for sure!! So, I may take some candid shots of the mess I will have while baking. My work space is so limited, it becomes rather crazy in this kitchen.

Later..........