Ran across this...still funny!

Just happened to be rambling around the house and I found a copy of a letter theson had written when he was in New York in 2002, and it still makes me laugh today...here goes...

Theson
Clifton Park, NY 12065


City of Schenectady
Parking Violations Bureau
Schenectady Police Department
531 Liberty Street
Schenectady NY 12305

Dear Sir or Madam:

Earlier this afternoon (January 29th), I ventured into Schenectady to go to the Schenectady Post Office to take care of some brief business. Being New York, I understand that rules will differ from place to place, which was first evidenced by the parking meter that took only quarters and tokens. Before one parks there, there are no notices/signs/billboards warning "Possible Inconvenience Ahead – Park ONLY If You Have Quarters (or Tokens)". For those of us lucky enough to have a shiny 25¢ piece in their pocket, the day can go on superbly. Still, for those of us, the huddled masses, burdened by dull nickels and tarnished dimes, possibly even ratty old dollars, a grim shadow falls on our shoulders. "Where can we peddle our measly dimes and half-dimes for these majestic bartering pieces?" we ask…but there is no answer, no map, not even a token-colored brick road to lead us to parking salvation.

I1 weighed the options. I could…
1. Track down a Token Fairy
2. Sell my body on the corner for Tokens (but that just seemed wrong)
3. Hurry inside and get business done before I feel the Wrath of the Meter Militia

So, I bounded up the stairs to the Post Office and waited in line, fear tearing through my bones. My business was done after 4 minutes (+/- 1 minute), and I dashed outside only to see Mr. MacGregor, Meter Militia's most feared soldier, reaching over my car. In the vein of online ticket services, HE summoned me to pay the 25¢ plus a $9.75 Transaction Convenience Fee2 . A moment passed, then he strode away. I whispered (in a surprisingly good Scottish accent)…

"To You, MacGregor, the Battle…to Me, the War."

__________________________________________________________________________________

No, but seriously, what is one to do? Are there drive-thru token joints or something in Schenectady? Officer MacGregor informed me that I can get tokens at City Hall, but I'd have to park to get there (more than likely instigating the Meter Militia to swoop down on me again). And I didn't need a thousand, nay, a hundred, nay, not even a dozen tokens, I needed one. I could see no change machines in the area either (and they would've had to have been drive-thrus too). Well I hope I've given you a laugh at least.


Forever & Gone.

Theson

_____________________________


1 Now wishing to differentiate myself from aforementioned huddled masses, so that they bear not the brunt of my precarious actions.

2 DAMN you TicketMaster!!! And all those who mimic you!

I have been watching a few of the "PARKING WARS" shows on A&E and just makes his letter the more humorous. He is very fortunate that his car was not impounded at that time. As usual, his sense of humor shone through and he reluctantly paid the tariff!

Theson just called me from Egypt and Chump had contacted him about not being measured for his tux for the 4-12-08 wedding. So I rummaged around theson's room and found the receipt and then contacted the Tux shop - yes, his measurements are in the system...but apparently one computer is not communicating with the other. This could be interesting. But I have assured
Chump that if their tuxedos aren't there - theson has a spare kilt.

Back to work now - TTFN all!

What a lazy, sneaky HOUND!!

Our lovely dog, Angel, really has to be one of the best pets we have ever had. Someone dropped her in the neighborhood when she was a few months old (probably because she is a female), and she adopted us.

Since it has been so cold, my weird house has NO cold air returns upstairs, so thedaughter and thegrandson sort of "camp out" in living room on super cold nights. Also, thedaughter is not quick on "redding" up her bedding, and also I didn't make the mess, it remains on the floor till she gets home from work. If I have clients coming, I will pick it all up, if not I keep on working.

Anyway, Angel now thinks that all this bedding is there for her - and even a pillow for her head!


She has a perfectly adequate blanket in my bedroom, which she has chewed a hole in (don't know when, because she actually chews nothing)! When I get ready for bed, she comes in and goes to sleep on her blanket, unless psycho kitty gets there first. Since Angel is a passive critter, she refuses to devour the nasty feline. I do believe the next few nights are not going to be as cold - so the "children" can retire to their room upstairs again.



I have to get back to work now, the grandson has taken a lot of my time - he just had to have blueberry muffins - so they are cooling on the counter for him. He wants to get on the computer, but he does not understand that my work involves ME utilizing MY computer at the moment. So he's mad at me.

Later guys...behave and get better or stay well. TTFN!

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!

Any Other Mutants Out There???

This picture isn't the best, but I have always had this "brown" spot in my eye, and in certain lighting situations - it really is quite noticeable.

Having had this "mutation" allllllll my life, I never think about it till I either see a picture where it stands out, or someone comments on the fact.

**** Thedaughter just informed me I must be brain dead to blog about "my eye!" I honestly think she may be right this time.

My demented husband thought (or at least he told me) my brown spot was sexy and weird all at the same time. Since I was a twin, I told him the genes were all screwed up somewhere along the line - and my eye color was in doubt apparently.

Enough of this crap already - just popped into my head and to the blog I went.

Theson emailed me from Cairo, Egypt wanting me to obtain an absentee ballot for him - Ohio's Primary is March 4th. Now, not as if this is late or anything, I assumed (bad idea) that I could go to the Election Board and get a ballot and FedEx it to theson and he would fill it out, and return as soon as possible. HELL NO!!! He has to "APPLY" for the absentee ballot - although I explained that I have his Power of Attorney, I was informed that it was no good in applying for a ballot. Bullshit! Then one of the women begins asking me "why did he wait so long?" To which I replied - "to drive me NUTS!" Note, I do not like this woman anyway - and would have preferred she just butt out.

Another woman is telling me that he can download the form from their website and then mail the application back to their office. I am not stupid by any means, but are they missing the fact that I said he was in Egypt and "time" is a major factor here? ELECTION DAY IS IN 2 WEEKS!!! After much BS'ing and stupid rhetoric - I asked - what is the deadline for counting absentee ballots? Answer: TWENTY DAYS AFTER ELECTION DATE! Now, the morons could have told me that initially - then I would not have had to get my blood pressure involved. My tolerance for idiots is so terribly low - I should probably take medication for that.

Needless to say, the process is now underway, via the internet (I also explained that major internet lines had been severed, and Africa was one of the countries suffering) - and moron at window said "Oh, I have been cooped up here for the past 5 days I hadn't heard!" Of course not - it happened 2 weeks ago MORON!!!

Enough garbage spewed for now - everyone stay well (I know I hear coughing and sneezing from a lot of blogs lately) and TTFN!!

BLUE MAN GROUP - FANTASTIC, AWESOME!!!

Theson got me 4 tickets to the Blue Man Group Megastar 2.1, which is on tour, and performed in Wheeling, WV on Tuesday (2/12). I asked 2 of my friends and thedaughter2 - and we were all totally thrilled. This was one birthday present I will remember for quite some time. The link above has some pics I took, but thedaughter2 has some really great pics and I will download them to that site soon, I hope.

We made arrangements to eat dinner at River City Ale Works before the show, figuring we would get a good parking space and leisurely stroll to the Civic Center. Well hell, it happened to snow almost 4 inches earlier in the day, mixed with ICE. I was picking up my neighbor and my other friend, lives in Bethlehem (across the river and on a HILL) and was afraid to drive, so I had to pick her up also. I am sooooo not a winter driver anymore...the heart races and fear sets in. But I went slowly and mastered the roads. Thedaughter2 had to take her son to the doctor earlier in the day, so was running a little late (no problem) and met us at the restaurant. Amazing how many people had the same great idea as me - to eat at this particular place, within walking distance to the event.

We waited about a half an hour for a table, and we should have known everything was going downhill, when the little moronic hostess, led us - almost - to a table for 4, and said "wait here, I'll be back." Now, we are hovering over a group of diners, looking so stupid, when I just told the other diners, they would have to share with us - that lightened the moment. Dumb hostess reaapears, and - now we can sit at the table we were told to stand beside - DUH!?!?!

Three of us carried are Cokes with us from the bar area, and as soon as we were seated, moronic waitress appears and asks "are you ready to order?" Let's see, I didn't take a poll, but I'm pretty sure none of us at the table were speed readers, and I politely said, "give us a minute please." Thedaughter2 did ask for a Coke though, so at least moronic waitress had a task at hand. After another 10 minutes, we finally ordered. We now engaged in small talk and passed the time amiably, a half hour passes, and we occassionally catch a glimpse of moronic waitress, at a distance. Short of tripping her, we finally were able to ask if our meals would be coming soon, to which she replied, "they are probably up!"
All righty then....amazingly here comes young man, who looks like he was just pulled off the street as he passed by, with our meals.

Thedaughter2 was unable to eat her Southwest chicken - super dry and hard also minus the specified toppings - I asked for baked potato minus rice - that didn't happen. Visits from moronic waitress were non-existant...thedaughter2 and I have such short fuses when it comes to BAD service...we were already griping about locating a manager. FINALLY moronic waitress returns and we explain problems, she leaves and returns, stating that thedaughter 2 would only have to pay for her Coke, and the same for me --- but oh wait a minute...she didn't bring me a Coke, I had brought my Coke from the bar for which I had already paid. Oh shit - just shoot me now - I'm going to go Irish on the management. We are now waiting for moronic waitress to return, toe tapping, fingers drumming on table...lalalalala...not happening.

I lead the march to the front of the restaurant to ask for a manager, finally having this "teenage" looking young man coming to me. We explained the problem, and he said "it was her first day and we just sort of threw her out there.." such a lame excuse, since I had heard that 3 others were also having their "first day". Needless to say, they are shaking in their boots, since we told them how lousy everything was and we would never come back (they are re-working their business plan as we speak, I'm sure.)

All in all, we made it to the show just on time and started getting into the music and the humor. The 2 hours seemed to fly so quickly, I was amazed - and ready for more. They get you involved by using your cell phones and thru text messages. Thedaughter2 and I were furiously answering the texts, while friends looked on in amazement - friends aren't technically challenged, just technically challenged. Thedaughter2's husband applied to Blue Man Group some time ago, for a job as drummer and after seeing the group and knowing son-in-law - he would be perfect. Does that mean I could possibly be a "roadie?" Cool.

Enough blathering on, I was delighted, excited and totally enthralled. If anyone has a chance - don't miss seeing this group perform.

Back to tax work now..oh and...HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY all.

Stay healthy and well...TTFN.

**just a note, I worked food service and do not arbitrarily go off on bad service...just exceptionally bad service.

There's STUPID, INSANELY STUPID...then ME!

This disgusting mess resulted after I blew out a 9 oz. jar candle, and I was waving the smoke away with my hand, and...belted that damn candle across the kitchen.



The first picture is the "side" of my pie safe which I use as a pantry and also where I had placed the frigging candle. The next picture is the wall beside the pie safe, on to the kitchen counter and was all over the once clean dishes. The final shot is the front of the dishwasher.

I have most of it cleaned up (or scraped up), and thedaughter tackled the floor and fronts of cabinets. I now have most of the shit off my dishwasher, but will be cleaning it for days, I'm sure.
Oh, and I just loved having to re-wash all the cursed dishes again also.

It must be old age, but I let everything worry me. Earlier this week, we were on "flooded basement" watch, as we have had torrential rains and flood warnings for days. This makes for sleepless nights...my heart starts racing - guess "anxiety attacks" is a better description. When facing a calamity I have no problems, but to sit and wait for one to happen is downright torture. And my touch of OCD, lets this WAX debacle really set me off. Thedaughter is like, "sit down and relax, we'll get it!" But I have to tackle it RIGHT NOW! Of course I have to bitch and squawk the entire time too. I am truly a delight to be around.

Since it is tax season and I am set up in my kitchen, I like to have it all straightened up - ALL the time. So that entails double duty. Needless to say, after dealing with this shit, I am doing no more returns for the day - how could I - after scraping all this wax off and scrubbing - I HAD TO REDO MY NAIL POLISH!! I am such a bitch.

Think I'll find some kind of pill to take...everyone stay healthy and TTFN.

ALL Good Things Must End - CRAP!!

I actually enjoyed getting up in the mornings again and going to work, but we were so good, the job has been completed and no more big paychecks. Shite!!! Oh well, tax season is upon me and I have a backlog already of clients wanting their BIG BUCKS back! Funny thing is, they all say the same thing - "work your magic", but I have no magic, I just know what you can write off and encourage them to take it all! I went to Staples yesterday for supplies, and was shocked how much everything has increased in cost. Too many trees have been burned - because paper has gone from $23/case to $35/case - this sucks!! I haven't raised my prices in several years - guess I'm going to have to this year.

Thedaughter had a semi-makeover yesterday. She hasn't changed her hairstyle - EVER - and Daughter2 and I took her to a salon for the big change. She had her hair colored, cut and styled. She is so NOT girly - but this "do" will take very little care - and she LOVES IT!!


Thedaughter had her hair "THINNED" slightly (asked if they could transplant her extras to mine - nope!) and the chunky streaks are fantastic. She couldn't wait to show it off to her friends last night - consensus was "Great!" It is an inverted cut (shorter in the back) and she would actually like to have the back shortened some more. All in all, I think it was a great move for her. It is definitely a good look also. More pics of the "process" are here.


She is going to hate me for one of these pics - too bad!!

OK - gonna watch the Super Bowl - go GIANTS!!! One can only hope.

Everyone stay healthy and TTFN!

I'm Back - Now what to say???!!

I had a super time in Boston with "the family!" More wonderful people you would never meet. I think the highlight was that the girls planned a special "dinner show" for our birthdays. The show is called Postcards from Heaven, and the woman tags herself as the "Comedian Medium!" Maureen Hancock is her name and her site gives some insight as to her abilities and talents. I have never been to a psychic/medium before and was really intrigued. There were approximately 25 tables with 6-8 people per table, and she goes from one table to another, wherever the "voices" take her. At one point she came to our table and the girls I visit and their mother were being "reached" by their late husband/father. Now, I have to tell you, this lady was spot on in what she was telling them, and had no prior information whatsoever to gain this knowledge. I was crying like a fool as were my friends. It was a unique yet wonderful experience. I was not a chosen one, so apparently all my relatives are very quiet or just don't give a shite. I think it would have been neat to talk to my twin sister...so glad my husband didn't come through - I would have had to fight with him I'm sure. I really hope when I return to Boston to have the opportunity to see her again - so very impressive.

Now check this little guy out...this past Sunday was snowy and cold, so we stayed in all day (never got out of our jammies) and on one of my smoke breaks, I caught this bushy rodent playing near the house. Actually there were many of the little critter - and I truly think they are adorable, but I always consider that they are "RODENTS" also!
The little buggers were scurrying on the fence and up and down the trees all day - they should have been exhausted!!

Sunday was a big day for all the New England Patriot fans, as they had a big send off from Gillete Stadium for the team. It was snowing like crazy, and 15,000 people braved the weather to see the Patriots off. UGH!!! I got some good pics of the stadium the next day as Jo and I went shopping....


Enough garbage for now...this was just an update. Now on to check on everyone's blogs.

Stay healthy and TTFN!!

A NEW PRESIDENT - ONE YEAR FROM TODAY!!

Almost a milestone wouldn't you say? Although this may be the longest year of our lives till Dubya fades away into the Texas sunset. My only question is - how much damage can this idiot cause in the next 365 days? If we were to dwell on it - it becomes a very scary thought. The man wants to now start a war with Iran...give citizens a $800 ($1600 couples) jumpstart check ( amazing considering how much debt he has put this country into - maybe he will print the money at the White House)...and reinforce to the "American Public" that everything is JUST GREAT.

I will be awaiting all the comments when this idiot finally makes his State of the Union address. I am sure it will be filled with fluff and flowers to mesmerize the weak minded. I sometimes wonder if Dubya just reads the words printed for him or does he retain and understand their meaning? Considering he was reading a book upside down on 9/11 - does not take a rocket scientist to figure this one out.

Oh hell, just some political fodder that crept into my brain while looking at the Bush countdown clock.

Quickie opinion now OVER.

Stay healthy and TTFN.

Seems like a lifetime since I last blogged!

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, I have been "WORKING!" Gag, almost painful to say. No, not really. A friend of mine sells accounting software and the technological support when purchased. A local county Health Department has been mandated by the State of West Virginia, to change their accounting practices because they basically had NO accountability whatsoever. So I have been shackled to a computer in an office, inputting all the data from the last 2 fiscal reporting periods. When I change to another area, I then have to train the one individual who will be doing all this when we leave. We have had to almost redo their chart of accounts, and reissue vendor ID's because they duplicated ID's and account numbers consistently. I now know why the state auditors were pissed.

The amazing thing is, when this job is completed, there is another Health Department here in Ohio under the microscope, facing a quarter of a million dollar penalty because of their lax bookkeeping practices, and a proposal has been sent to hopefully get them into this new accounting program.

I could do this type of work non-stop, but unfortunately, the area I have to work in is just not comfortable. My back is kiiling me, because of the computer positioning, blah blah blah. My friend fares worse, she is stuck in a storage area - actually I wish I was there because there are 5 other employees in the area where my workstation is located. They gab constantly, distracting me at times, and there is one guy who has his radio on RUSH LIMBAUGH all day. Being the liberal Dem that I am, I want to make comments all the time and have had to bite my tongue...GRRRRRR.

But anyway, just a brief narrative relating to my absence. I am leaving for Boston next Thursday, where we celebrate OUR (2 others) birthdays together. I will be "56" WHOOPEE! on the 26th. I am so working on being eccentric - my ultimate goal in life!! I hope to get another blog in before I leave, so hope something exciting happens to comment on...heehee!

Everyone stay healthy and TTFN!

I THINK I HAVE A DEATH WISH!! DUH!?!?

This sleek looking machine has just about "done me in!" Someone remind me to quit coming up with these brilliant ideas for either cleaning, repairing or just maintaining ANYTHING! Thedaughter helped me with this project, which involved moving all the furniture out of the living room (except for entertainment unit), and scrubbing the really yucky carpet. I have been saying for over a year I was going to hire someone and that didn't happen - so while picking up a few groceries - aha, THE RUG DOCTOR. So mis-named - because now I need a real doctor. My back and neck are killing me and my right hand just may fall off my body - this can't be a good thing.

I hurt my back in mid-October and have been in constant pain since, but still feel like I am "young" and can do anything, and maybe the pain will just go away. This isn't happening either. I guess the bottom line is that the carpet looks great and I can't wait to get this monster returned to the store and out of my sight. The other rooms will have to wait their turn on rug shampooing. This project was started at 2:30 pm and we just got done (9:00 pm). Granted, I made a pot of beef stew and watched the first football game (Packers vs. Seahawks) on breaks. Now, I am ignoring the dishes in the sink, and going to scrub my dirty self and crash to watch the rest of this game (Pats vs. Jags)...hope Jacksonville kicks the Pats asses...I am so not a Belichick fan. SORRY MY WONDERFUL BOSTON FRIENDS!

Theson left home Tuesday for Washington, D.C., to get his paperwork at the Egyptian Embassy and arrived in Egypt yesterday. I have a job working with a friend to straighten out the accounting system a county health department has managed to screw up unbelivably. My friend was awarded the contract by the State of WV, and we may be there for a couple of months. I will just have to take care of my tax clients in the evenings and weekends. For a "government" agency, I have never seen such a mess before. Our work is tedious, but hey, it's a job.

OK, the pain is getting bad, think I will cut this short for now.

Everyone stay healthy and TTFN.

Couldn't stand the hair - Let the DOG freeze!

Now look at the sad doggie face in the "after" picture. After running my sweeper 3-4 times a day, I made the appointment to get the dog sheared. Considering most dogs her size are "outside" dogs, she must not have read the book - she thinks she is a primping poodle - you should see how long it takes her to pee and be barking to get back in the house.

Some form of transformation takes place when she is groomed also. She gets more "primpy" - if there is such a word. Granted, she is the best dog in the world (and even better when she is NOT shedding!) She prances and struts like she is really something to appreciate - and of course, we do.

Then we have this:


This is Isis, the 10 year old female Calico. Mean, vicious, psychotic feline. You can be petting her and she will be purring then out of nowhere...count your fingers. She will bite and growl and become a vicious feral thing. As I stated earlier in a blog, I probably contributed to her demeanor...and I have been a cat lover all my life. I do know that there was a lot of inter-breeding in Isis' lineage...because a friend had the sister and she was equally nasty. We have subtly been encouraging the dog to eat the cat...but that doesn't seem to be working. Guess we will have to put up with her mood swings till she craps out some day.

She doesn't like thegrandson at all, and starts growling when he is one room away - smack!

Theson finally came home today. He was in Columbus for New Years and then to Cleveland to get some necessary papers from his college to submit for an Egyptian visa. It is amazing how many hoops you have to jump through to get into another country - and we let anybody come to America. (Nasty, trite comment - so sorry!)

Looks like he will be flying to Washington, D.C., now instead of New York to submit said paperwork to the Egyptian embassy, on Tuesday and possibly flying to Egypt on Wednesday. My heart is just breaking seeing him go away for such a long period of time again.

Oh well, I have a nasty cold and think I will head to bed, and whine and complain a little too!

Everyone else, stay healthy and TTFN.

"Get her a 'little something Steelers' for Christmas"!! Right!?!?!?

This has to be the best Christmas present I received this year. The Russ, not a real shopper, delegated the duty to Chumpass and his fiance to accomplish the deed this year. According to Chump, theRuss said to get me a "little something Steelers", and here it is:




The chuckles around the room when I opened the package were neverending. One has to only visualize "my ass" in a thong to have a good belly laugh. Hell, I have been pulling wedgies out of my butt for the past 56 years, I certainly can't imagine deliberately putting something there. But understand also, this was a gag present and I enjoyed it more than anything else.

But I do hate to see things go unused - so I have found a good use for this fine piece of apparel...




I guess one would have to understand that theRuss is a Cleveland Browns fan and I am a die hard Pittsburgh Steeler fan...and we manage to clash quite often, all in good fun though (I hope!). Where we live, I would say it was evenly divided between the 2 teams as to their fan base...so some good, fun loving times can be had during the NFL season.

For now, my Steeler bear will reside in a comfortable place of display, wearing the lovely Steeler thong - FOR ALL TO SEE!!

Thanks for the lovely, thoughtful presents theRuss, Chumpass and Jackee.



Everyone stay healthy and TTFN!

A FAREWELL TO 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This is a boring day in my house. New Year's Eve has been for theson and thedaughter to celebrate, as I really don't go to the bars at all. If I manage to stay awake...I may go out on the front porch and bang a pan and make some noise. No doubt, I will immediately retreat back to the safety inside, as our local idiot Police chief lives 2 doors away and always shoots off his guns at midnight. DUH!?!?! What goes up, must come down...and no one has stopped him in all these years.

I have to think back about 2007 to reflect on what has transpired.

Jan. 25-28, to Boston to visit with "family."
**4 trips to Pittsburgh Airport
February - Busy tax season begins
**3 trips to Pittsburgh Airport
March 4 - begin Tanning sessions for cruise (can't go pasty white)
March - Very busy full month of tax filers
** No airport runs
Mom2 got her first tattoo, me my 2nd! (Rebellious old broads)
**2 trips to Pittsburgh Airport
May 12 - thegrandson's very first baseball game
**2 trips to Pittsburgh Airport
June 2-10 Caribbean cruise (plus day ahead in Ft. Lauderdale)
**1 trip to Pittsburgh Airport
July 19-22 Jamboree In The Hills
**1 trip to Pittsburgh Airport
August 20-26 theson to Bristol for NASCAR race
**3 trips to Pittsburgh Airport
September 14 - made up with my very best friend Mom2
September 28 - Mom2 to Ohio State University Hospital
**2 trips to Pittsburgh Airport
October 12 - Mom2 home from Pickerington (skilled care)
October 17 - Mom2 passes away - worst day of my life!
**2 trips to Pittsburgh Airport
November - stayed in depression - nothing exciting at all.
**3 trips to Pittsburgh Airport
December 1 - 3rd Tattoo in memory of Mom2 (Fire at Country Square)
December 23 - theson turns 30
December 24 - Mom2's family remains together for a wonderful family event
**3 trips to Pittsburgh Airport

Wow - it appears my biggest accomplishment for 2007 was a total of 26 trips to the airport. Like I have said before - I really need a life.

Most of all, I wish all my friends and fellow bloggers the best 2008 possible. Good health and fortune (hopefully)!

With these good wishes, I am signing off till next year - so everyone stay healthy and TTFN!

Late Christmas Dinner with oldest Daughter & Family!

Thedaughter2 and her family came over last night for a late Christmas celebration. After opening presents we all, theson and Jules, thedaughter, thegrandson and myself all went to a local Italian restaurant for dinner. My son-in-law is 100% Italian and poor lowly me - Irish. I am so not a fan of Italian food and my family has always been the opposite. Spaghetti and pizza are just desperate "fallbacks" when nothing else can be decided upon. But I must say, when theson suggested going here I was rather happy as we invariably end up at a steak house. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my marinated chicken! Everyone else did the culture thing with pizza, calzones, sausages, caciatore, etc... Me, I am a happy camper with my family together.

Jules left for home today, and we had an enjoyable visit while she was here. She and theson will hook up in Egypt about mid-February I think. Theson will be leaving probably Tuesday or Wednesday for New York to head to the Egyptian consulate to get the proper papers in order for the trip and leave directly from NYC to Egypt. With any luck he wants to meet up with Championable possibly - that would be cool, since he is such a fascinating gentleman.

Now this is the ultimate "tough guy" pic of thegrandson. He thinks he is so badass...sure!!! He loves his aunt and cousins, it is a shame with our busy lives, they can't get together more often. Stephen (my oldest grandson) is just like a little kid when they are together - or maybe thegrandson is like a big kid...hmmm...not sure about that one, anyway they have a blast.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year! I know I will, I can't remember the last New Year's Eve I "partied." It is tough to get old...I just usually sleep through all the commotion!! I really need a life!

TO ALL A HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS 2008!!

A HAPPY HOLIDAY TO ALL!

It was a beautiful Christmas for sure. the grandson is happy, theson made it to Florida (16 hour drive) by 2:30 am, and no speeding tickets either, and all is well with the world.

I have taken oodles of pictures from our Christmas Eve at theDonald's and this morning watching thegrandson open all of Santa's packages. I could watch everyone open all their stuff and be in puppy heaven - to me it so much fun!

Theson amazed me again. I enjoyed all the time on my deck this past summer and have said many times that I would like to make it more homey...he got me an outdoor table fireplace - so cool! Also, a really neat outdoor speaker that has a radio in it and will also adapt to my iPod...I am tickled to death. Of course the old standby...a daily BUSHISM calendar, and this one is a "countdown" calendar also. Of course we know the days cannot go fast enough.

Now, as I play with a turkey in the oven, thegrandson is seeing if he can play with ALL his new stuff in record breaking time.

Hope everyone had a super Christmas and can relax now and get ready to celebrate the New Year in a week. (It all goes so fast!)

Stay healthy and enjoy your loved ones!

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY TO THESON!

Theson has hit another milestone today...the big 3-0!! And I am amazed he has made it this far with some of the antics and scares he has put me through. No, honestly, he has been a wonderful son, doing the strange things "kids" do - to keep their parents on their toes.

To meet him in person, he truly does not appear as he really is. He marches to his own drummer, is quite intelligent, and hilariously funny.

I am also amazed he has made it to this ripe "old age" and still hates to initiate - PHONE CALLS. I think he would rather have a heart transplant than to have to actually call someone to finesse a deal, make an appointment or just shoot the shite.

He is an engineer for a large corporation and travels all around the world - as a matter of fact, he will be leaving for Egypt (for a year) the first of the year (January).

I just want everyone to know how proud I am of my son. He is honest (almost to a fault), loyal and monogamous. To have him as a friend is truly a delight. To have him as a son is pure JOY! He is the best "Uncle" to his nephew (thegrandson), and a true buddy to B-Town Boyz. Emma gets a big chunk of his heart also!

Guess this all sounds like a proud mother's ravings...so be it....enough said.

LUV YA BUNCHES! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MERRY CHRISTMAS, blah, blah, blah!!

...It's ANGEL ELF!!!

This is our Elf, Angel. She was "dropped" in our neighborhood almost 4 years ago, and several neighbors watched her all day long, never wandering far. After dark, I was coming home from the store and she was still wandering around, and as I came in the front door, she came in also; she jumped on the couch with thegrandson who was sick with a fever at the time and decided she was HOME. Behind me was another neighbor with a plate full of food for her, hoping she would come to their house, but alas, I was the lucky winner.

A more behaved, loving dog you would never meet. She walks right by my side with no leash and comes on command. (*She has also been thegrandson's "guardian" since she moved in with us). Any other "tricks" would be highly limited. I am guessing she was almost a year old at that time and now would be almost 5. She LOVES everyone, and gently raises till she has her paws on all unsuspecting shoulders. She is also quite the chicken shite. I also have a ten year old psychotic calico cat - and this dog is so intimidated by the feline. I have been trying to get her to "eat" the cat - but she is not doing well at this task.

I got the cat for my twin sister in 1997, and I guess I contributed to the psychotic personality this cat developed, through teasing and taunting. It was fun at the time, because it was her cat - not mine. Then my sister passed away in 2001 at 49 years of age and I have the cat. Now my sins are coming back to me. Maybe I will get a picture of Isis on here soon. Mom2 called her Basketball, since she has a dropped belly and looks rather round!

Theson came home today and Angel went nuts when he came in the door, but running and jumping, I now have another pound of dog hair to pick up. That is her biggest drawback - the HAIR!!! In the summer I have her scalped regularly, and I would do the same in the cooler months except I haven't found a dog coat large enough for her. I will post a "bald" picture in the Spring.

Just a quickie post to highlight our Christmas Dog. She seems to get slighted sometimes in our basically uneventful lives.

Stay healthy and well and TTFN!

'Tis The Season...I guess!?!?

Amazing what you might see when you open your front door on a cold and blustery day.... must be a Christmas "Hayride" I guess.

It sure isn't the Budweiser Clydesdale's, that's for sure. I finally got a good shot of the wagon coming down the street (after it passed 3 previous times.) I kept telling thegrandson to tell me when it was coming, but the Cartoon Network took precedence. My dog Angel, finally alerted me to getting a good shot. We had a "quick" downfall of snow earlier and now it has changed to an icy rain - lovely. I don't think we are going to get the snowfall predicted (2"-4"). Fine with me. Here's a good shot of the horses... thegrandson went nuts seeing HORSES on our street - in this weather. Several of the people who were riding in the wagon - yelled at me to come take a ride...now first of all that would involve getting out of my lounging wear, putting on makeup (wouldn't want to scare anyone) and give up my cookie baking project. NOPE - not happening!

As for the cookie baking thing...I must be hitting my dementia period, because Thursday I started baking Peanut Butter Cookies and Oatmeal Chocolate chip Cookies, at least 4 dozen of each. Yesterday, I made up my mind to bake Pumpkin Raisin Cookies...this was Mom2's (Jean) favorite cookie recipe and she always gave me a paltry dozen every Christmas. Many times I told her she was a tight ass - a dozen is good for one sitting - DUH!?!?! I like to evenly distribute the weight between each hip and I definitely need more than ONE dozen. Well, she gave me the recipe last year (finally) and I started in yesterday. I kept thinking this is a TON of cookie batter....I quit counting at a million dozen. Of course I jest, but I will have no problem with the weight distribution this year. I have never made them before and I have to say...they are as good as Jean's.

I even put up another lighted garland today...Christmas shopping is close to being completed and theson and thenephew (Jim) will be flying in next week, and before you know it - another Holiday Season is a memory.

Gonna run for now, everyone stay healthy and TTFN!

My 3rd and FINAL tattoo...I think !!!!

The rose beneath the butterfly is my newest addition. I discussed having the rose done with my kids and they all said it was a neat idea. There is a method to my madness though...Mom2!

Since I lost my friend in October, I can hardly think of anything else, and above all, we had discussed having roses woven through our butterflies, as we know, tatts are addictive. Mom2 was ecstatic after she got her butterfly in April, and as for me having this one done, it is all for my friend Jean. I had one petal colored red, which signifies my friendship and bond. As I explained to the kids and the artist who did the tatt - this would mean absolutely nothing to anybody but ME.

The funny thing was when we went to get Jean's butterfly, afterwards, when we had the entire staff rolling on the floor laughing...she told Chad (the artist) that she was seriously considering coming back and having him do a BATTLESHIP across her chest. Chad said if she would allow it - he would do it for free. Needless to say, Chad remembered my friend and was very sad to hear that she had passed away. Jean and I left a definite impression wherever we went...maybe not always good, but memorable.

Our big snowfall is all gone now as it has been raining non-stop for 2 days and the temps have been rising steadily. Tomorrow is going to be close to 60 degrees.

I guess theson won't be here for Christmas, as he and Jules will be driving to Florida Christmas Eve. That makes me so sad, because he will be leaving for Egypt Jan. 2nd for heaven knows how long. He was home last year for Christmas, but in India for 2005. I don't see how I can ever allow him to move away and have his own family - toooo traumatic. I may need lots of medication.

So much for now, going to snuggle in and watch TV - football night. Damn New England Patriots - sorry my Boston friends. The Steelers looked like shite for sure. Falcons and Saints tonite.

Stay healthy and TTFN.