Happiness turns to controversy....

I'm sure everyone has read about the birth of these octuplets recently. When I first heard of this event, I thought, that is great, a couple trying to have children through other methods, has successfully been given a family. A huge one at that.

But now more information is coming to light, which makes me ponder the situation as maybe NOT so great. This woman has SIX other children in the home, comprised of one set of twins and ranging in ages from 2 to 7. Now, this is a family with 14 children under the age of 7. What is wrong with this picture?

Apparently, she was given a choice of selective reduction, once the number of fetuses was revealed (originally thought to be seven). A procedure which was refused. With the economy being such as it is, even bringing a child into the world at the moment gives one pause, as to the expenses involved in rearing a child - much less 14. Was this couple hoping for an immediate television deal, such as the couple who just delivered their umpteenth child? Was this couple thinking that the sympathetic neighbors and friends would donate all the necessities, i.e., diapers, bottles, formula, etc.?

Apparently the husband is headed back to Iraq, as he is a contractor, and says he needs to get back to work to support his family. I'm not sure that even he can make enough money to support a brood this large. CORRECTION: The grandfather is headed to Iraq...this woman is unmarried.

I also have ethical questions. 1. What fertility clinic would avail themselves to this couple if they honestly knew that there were already six children in the home, all very young? All IVF clinics offer psychiatric counselling to gauge suitability of parents to handle multiple births. 2. How honest was this woman, since she supposedly filed for bankruptcy last year - where did the money come from for IVF treatments (and they aren't cheap)? ***There has never been a documented case of naturally conceived octuplets.

I would imagine that a lot more information will be revealed in the near future, but I would hope that this family does not end up being supported by the government, in some sort of bizarre ruse they were hoping to fulfill.

I would also hope that this woman and supposedly a husband - can physically meet the demands of 8 premature infants plus the remaining six children. The house that this woman and her children are living in, is owned by her parents, and in a cul-de-sac of three bedroom homes. This could be interesting.

I will be waiting to see how this story evolves. Curiosity killed the cat, you know!

Thedaughter is trying to get (drive) to the grocery store, but the weather is frightful. We have gotten four inches of snow since I got up early this morning - and that is on top of two inches of ice. This is when I regret trading in my 4WD.

Just who did I piss off??????

Jeebus, I wake up, turn on the computer...and my little Weather Channel icon is blaring an alarm!!! MINUS 10 degrees - wind chill alert. DO NOT go outside without covering head, mouth, hands and any exposed areas. This is the Ohio Valley for pete's sake....not the Antarctic!!!!!

Even my hairy dog (with a coat of fur to die for) is running out - doing the necessity - and charging back in the door. I may have to call the Humane Society, if one certain neighbor doesn't get their dog inside soon! But locally, that is usually a futile effort. We have no dog warden, and then we have to call the County, and they give the same dribble..."we just don't have the manpower" to make all these calls. Grrrrr. Even animals need to be taken care of in weather such as this.

As for animals...my best friend had a dog they kept in the backyard (he was the "outside" dog) and when theson and his friend decided to upgrade that doghouse one summer - it became a Herculean feat. The end result may have cost several hundred dollars, but Odie (outside dog), had a home to be proud of. This dog house had the best shingled roof, aluminum siding, and a lighting system inside - for warmth. We, the mothers, thought this would just keep the boys busy and they would slap some wood together and voila - have a doghouse. Nope, they got out the paper and pencils, started the diagramming and I'm sure there were more than enough mathematical equations involved...and then the project began. Odie, was a big mutt, who on occasion escaped from the confines of the backyard, to roam the neighborhood. Catching him was often comical...he would perk up when his name was called, and then dart in another direction. Aha, but once you got hold of him - you couldn't wait to release him - HE SMELLED SOOOO BAD!! But what a nice dog anyway, despite a few flaws.

Again, I digress! With this sub-human temps outside, my back deck is making all kinds of noises - creepy noises!!! I'm not sure if it is the wood expanding or contracting - but definitely weird.

I have placed heaters in the bathroom and kitchen to assist the furnace in keeping me comfortable. There goes the damn electric bill again...grrr. But I do refuse to take a shower with icicles falling on my head. (That might be a slight exaggeration.) This "freeze" is supposed to last into early tomorrow afternoon - so I will be keeping my designer body in the house until the temps get to a decent and acceptable level. That's more computer time and catch up on some DVD's.

School is closed - thegrandson got in one half day this week - and with Monday's holiday and the Inauguration on Tuesday - he will be home till Wednesday! Drugs, give me drugs now!!!!

Daughter2 and SIL thePete are coming over Sunday for a mini-football party. I am going to make either chili or beef stew and some other crap and we are going to veg out to the games. I better get on with this planning of food and all.

Enough for now - I'm going to hover over the kitchen stove for warmth now!!!!

Now wouldn't you hate to use this facility at 10 below zero?

Have a great day all!

Health Report and stuff......

OK - I went to the doctor today and he says my lungs sound good, but it will probably take about a month to totally clear up the pneumonia. Woohoo!! The throat closing problem he is ascribing to the prednisone. I should hope that gets out of my system soon, as it is a pain in the ass. Of course, I got the obligatory "you need to quit smoking", to which I replied, "I will get right on that!" **fingers crossed behind back! when he said he was going to do all the CAT scans while I was in the hospital, I was hesitant - and told him OK, but if there was ANY bad news, I didn't want to know! I'm funny that way. But he said they were perfect. Kewl! So, that means I have more time to gum up my lungs from nicotine right???? I am not an idiot by any means, and I do know the dangers, but quitting is so very hard. He said in jest, he would rather I have a 12 pack a day - and we then argued about the ramifications of weight issues with all choices. I won...still smoking!!!

I know I have said this so many times, but I have the greatest son in the world. I got an e-mail this morning for my e-tickets to fly to Boston on the 22nd (a week from tomorrow). I wasn't really going to go this year, as money is really tight, but out of the blue, he and my daughter have been collaborating on this surprise. I have gone there for many years, but for the past four years, I have always gone up for my birthday, and celebrate with my adoptive family - and there are two there with birthdays at the same time. So, they better be getting the apple martinis ready!! I will fly up on the 22nd and come home on the 27th - wonderful, I repeat, wonderful family and we always have a great time. Plus, I get to shop at the Christmas Tree stores - we don't have them here. It does not take a whole lot to make me happy.

On to other things....how about Bernie Madoff??? That fucker has to be paying off these judges. His ass should be behind bars until he is convicted and sent to "the big house." Crapola, you hold up a 7-11 and get away with $100, your ass is behind bars ASAP, do not pass go, do not collect $200. WTF....$50 billion seems not to be a big thing here. Especially when the asshole tried to mail over a million dollars worth of jewels to family members, and had checks made out for another $173 million. This entire thing boggles the mind. I guess the Feds have a few worries for his safety (hell, I'd let him run the gauntlet), and made him wear a bullet-proof vest to court today. If someone really wants him, they'll take the head shot! Boy, I'm in a mean mood at the moment it would seem.

I just have a very low tolerance from those who can "pay" there way out of scrapes. And the way the economy has turned, and I think of all the people this man has ripped off - even to the point of two suicides...my blood pressure definitely rises exponentially.

This is very short and sweet, as I am tired and heading to the bedroom, to laugh at the stupid American Idol wannabes. Please note, I never watch the show till maybe the last couple, but watching these preliminaries is hysterical.

We are getting the snow dumped as I type. We have about 4" and more coming, so I am going to crash and let Mother Nature have at it! Behave and see ya tomorrow.

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

Our FIRST snow day of the year!!! YUCK....

In all actuality, I guess we might have to call this an "ICE DAY" as opposed to a snow day school cancellation. As you can see, we honestly didn't get that much snow, but underneath this dusting is a thick layer of ice, and after a late night snowfall, more ice came down on top of all that.


Thegrandson couldn't "sleep in" if his life depended on it - so much like me (the non-sleeper)! He has been up, playing the PSP and PS2, since 9 am. I have been up since just before 7 am. Needless to say, thedaughter is still asleep (and it is now 12:16 pm). This is her 2nd day off in a row, and I need her help on getting some things completed, but since it takes her a while to "wake up" I will start by myself.

I'm getting excited, as theson will be home soon for Christmas. I believe he is flying out of Egypt one week from today. So hopefully, the drive from Colorado will go smoothly and I will see him by the 21st (fingers crossed) at the latest.

I have completed a couple of memes...which I am saving for the day that I am totally clueless as to what to base a new blog. I have many of those days lately.

I'm am NOT a snow person...anymore!!

Yesterday, thegrandson had a 1:30pm appointment to have his Christmas pictures taken at Sears Portrait Studio at the Ohio Valley Mall. Essentially, ever since this mall was built in 1975 - I have hated going there. The floors are not amenable to walking for long periods...and the track record of one store remaining there for a long period of time is next to nil (other than anchor stores). Even the anchor stores are in jeopardy now, with the economy in the toilet.

Anyway, there were just light snow fluffies when we left home at 1 pm. Considering this "portrait" studio hires seasonal workers - not really what I would call professional photographers - they couldn't keep to a schedule if their lives were at stake. There had to be at least 8 other children in a waiting area the size of a playpen, each cantankerous and bitchy..wanting this and that...whining and farting...just the kind of crowd I want to be around.

The snow "fluffies" I alluded to earlier have now turned into giant snow balls and are building up on the parking surface, just outside the door. My heart is sinking, as we drove my car to the mall, and my two front tires are BALD! To be frank, I just have not been able to afford $400 for 2 tires. The price of tires went through the roof when oil prices burgeoned - and as oil has now fallen to pre-2007 levels, the cost of tires HAS NOT dropped.

Thegrandson finally began the photography session at 2:00pm, and I just wanted it to go quickly, so we could get the hell out of there and off the damn hill - and back to the safety of home. (The mall is in St. Clairsville, OH - 10 miles from home.)

I told thedaughter to drive us home, as my nerves were shot (just from worrying), which was stupid, as she has a track record of hitting things in the snow. But luck was on our side, and we crept home, past one car accident...and once we were down off this hill, the roads were not as bad. It's times like this that I miss my 4 wheel drive.

This is a picture of the traffic tie-up, coming from the new Highlands shopping area, outside of Wheeling, WV. There is a Cabelas, Target, Bed,Bath and Beyond, WalMart and 30 other stores now in this plaza. It took the average driver 2 - 2 1/2 hours to get from the Highlands down two mile hill (I-70)to Wheeling last night, because of the wrecks and lack of salt for the highways.


I had been planning a "surprise" birthday dinner for theRuss (Dec. 1) and Toni (Dec. 8), all week - never even thinking about undesirable weather conditions. At the last minute, I realized using my car was out of the question, so I had to make calls and change all those prior arrangements. The snow had continued all afternoon, with weather alerts for treacherous driving conditions, which makes my heart skip a beat. In order to change all prior plans, I had to tell Toni that it was actually a birthday dinner for her and Russ, but Russ was still out of the loop. No problem there.


Since my best friend, Mom2 - Jean passed away, I try to include Russ in everything - since he has been lost since she passed away. Needless to say - I managed to totally surprise him with the dinner and presents. Conversation had to be rather good, because I forgot I had brought my camera till dinner was over. I had thedaughter take this picture - not the most flattering, but we are friends anyway!

Thegrandson told TheRuss, "Happy Birthday Uncle Russ! My Nina told me to tell you that!" Such a wonderful child!

Hopefully, I can get all my Santa's up today and the inside will be done - as much as I am going to do. Thedaughter is off again - so I need her help. But here are the outisde decorations.
Thegrandson loves his reindeer!!!
After dark - GREAT!
This was just at dusk!

So much for now...it is bitter cold again - and I'm going to make breakfast - or brunch for the little one...finish decorating before the Steeler game at 4:15pm! Steelers will be beating the Dallas Cowboys on their home turf - after watching them overwhelm the Patriots - I could not be happier.

Have a good one, kick back and enjoy the last of the weekend. Remember, 67 years ago today - Pearl Harbor.

GLOBAL WARMING - Missing us!?!?!

The SNOW started about 7:30 last evening, and only picked up "speed" till at least 3 a.m. this morning. At one point the powder was coming down at the rate of 1/2" an hour. Although the heavy snow has subsequently stopped, we are now getting an icy rain. LOVELY!! Our street was plowed by "neighbors" on 4 wheelers from midnight till about 2 am. We have yet to see a city snowplow - and since schools were finally cancelled at 6:30 am, they will take their good old time hitting the streets in our area.


Thedaughter has been out, clearing the snow off her car in order to head to work, but this becomes a quandary also - the county has issued a Level 3 - which means you can be cited for driving on the roads unless with permission or an emergency. Since thedaughter has just started her new job - she doesn't want anyone to question if she would call off. Bureaucracy sucks!! A bunch of over-paid idiots making rules and regulations without considering any backlash or repercussions. Oh well, she is on her way and will call me when she makes it to work.

Since school has now been cancelled, I am in "babysitting" mode. Thank heavens, thegrandson entertains himself so well. Also, the fact that he has more toys and games than most, the PS2 and PSP will keep him occupied for awhile. He is also into Lego creations. Did I spell that right? Hmmm... I may be able to get some tax returns completed after all.

I am going to take theson up on his offer of flying me to Cairo, Egypt. It is a place I would never go on my own and will never have the opportunity again...so what the hell. As long as it is sunny and I can relax - could be super.

I know some of my fellow bloggers are being struck down with this nasty flu- and wish them all a speedy recovery. Knock wood, I haven't been attacked yet - and I didn't get my flu shot this year - which means nothing since the vaccine was not suitable for the strain knocking everyone to the ground. So everyone drink your OJ and take your vitamins and regain your health!!! A certain person is even getting "skinny ankles" from this bug (and you know who you are).

Have a good day and try TO STAY HEALTHY. TTFN!

thanx Juddy - this was too much fun!

I went to BTownBoyz and one of the guys found a cute site from Office Max - where you can become ELVES. I couldn't resist and made a Christmas dance "video" of my family. Thegrandson was laughing wildly, just tickled that he had become an Elf. I was going to do others, such as a Boston family one - but didn't want anyone getting mad at me. This was definitely for shits and giggles.

Yesterday was a pain in the ass. 1-3" of snow predicted and we received 7". Cars could not get up our street because of the ice which fell first. This new system, where we receive recorded phone messages on school closings is also a pain in the ass - the first call came at 4:40 am, saying there was a 2 hour delay, then at 7:05 am, another stating schools were "now closed". I don't have a problem with the 7 am call, but since I have a hard time sleeping, I don't appreciate the 4:40 am call. As of this moment, it is 14 degrees and schools were finally cancelled for today at 7:30 am.

Freaky weather is here now, because the temps are going to go up over the next few days and will be in the high 50's by the end of next week. I honestly think with the snow yesterday, it was the biggest snowfall we have had in a couple of years. My favorite was on my birthday, January 26th in 1978 - theson was one month old - and the prediction was 2-4" of white stuff and we received over 18". Locally, we have always hired the best meteorologists.

It appears Theson will not be spending Christmas here...he and Jules may be spending the holiday in Florida with her family. Theson also has 2 half brothers there also. And he is definitely going to Egypt (see blog - great location) after the first of the year.

Enough rambling...just wanted to put the family elves on here.

Stay healthy and TTFN.