I have to blog about it...can't help myself

OK - ANNA NICOLE SMITH Died February 8, 2007 - THREE FREAKING WEEKS AGO!!

Can you imagine having a body in a morgue that long, with a cast of characters - which is totally unbelievable - prolonging her burial through amazing courtroom antics!!!!!

Finally, the 4th Appellate Court has AFFIRMED the ruling of wacky Judge Seidlin, that the guardian ad litem (representing baby Dannielynn) may take charge and arrange for her burial. I AM ECSTATIC. It appears she may be buried in the Bahamas as early as Friday now.

Cyril Wecht, forensic pathologist from Pittsburgh, PA, said today, that with extensive cosmetology work and a lot of body putty, viewing of Anna Nicole could take place, but briefly at best. To think that her very own MOTHER could prolong this necessary act is beyond comprehension. I would love to be in a room with the little butterball for just an hour. She'd definitely lose that Texas drawl in a hurry. My tongue lashing would make her mute. But my colorful opinion aside - the best part is that this judgement rendered at 4:25 pm - CANNOT be appealed.

It is a sad commentary on life, that this one individual was USED by so many - and so many still want to use her after death. Many may not agree with me (which is fine) but at this point I feel the little girl should stay with Howard Stern - Virgie Arthur should go hide in Texas, and stupid Larry Birkhead should go back to California and wait for the BIG One. Has anybody noticed that everyone says Anna said this or that, but can't document very much or anything at all for that matter?

Court TV was throwing out dollar figures today as to what these teams of lawyers are costing - and not one of the individuals involved could possibly afford any of the lawyers. We are talking hundreds of thousands of dollars. Therefore, I would hazard a guess that most of these attorneys are working pro bono and either hoping for a chunk of the Marshall trust or just fame and money by playing to the media. I can't remember any other celebrity - having this much press after death. I should hope it would never happen again either.

The next chapter will be played out in the Bahamas, where initial opinion seems to favor Howard Stern. Guess we will see. ***btw - I am soooooo NOT a Debra Opri fan!!)

On to other STUFF!! Theson has stated he is not getting married, bet that last blog threw him for a loop!!!! But he is truly delighted that thegrandson is following in his BATHROBE steps. Yippee!! I did something right again!

I am having way to much fun with all of this. Have to pick up the son at the airport on Friday - can't wait.

Everyone stay healthy - TTFN!

WEDDING BELLS?????.....NAH!!!!....MAYBE????

Haven't heard from theson since he left for Salt Lake City, Utah last Friday. He was meeting up with Jules for some Skiing and Snowboarding. Right?!?!? Can't see theson on either. Anyway... since I haven't heard from him, broke down and called, and he and Jules are driving to Las Vegas and staying at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. (Checked it out - not bad!!) ARE THESE TWO ELOPING? FORGETTING POOR MOM HERE IN THE OHIO VALLEY???? We will see. Just kidding Slyght! The thought just jumped in my mind out of the blue. Love ya guys. Safe trip!

THE NEW GENERATION OF BATHROBE BOY!!

As most of our friends know, theson, took on the persona of "Bathrobe Boy" while in his senior year of high school. No matter where he went, he wore a bathrobe (over his clothes) at all times. I think he may have had at least three different robes at the time. He even ran for County Coroner (unofficially) in his senior year, and had banners of sorts all over the robe. One flannel robe, as it got shredded by tripping on it, or shut in car doors, was repaired with DUCT TAPE. I think he even has pieces of that robe stashed somewhere, where I can't find it and throw it away.

But anyway, I present the NEW Bathrobe Boy. I figured it would be easier to start him at a younger age, so he can one-up his Uncle. Mom2 will be tickled pink, I just know it!!

When theson attended Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, even the UPS truck drivers honked and called him Bathrobe Boy. theson has his own distinct personality. That's what I love about him. He should be delighted to see his nephew now following his footsteps.

thegrandson has more clothes than anyone I know, and I tell myself that when I am shopping I WILL NOT buy him anything else. But...I happened to be at WalMart and lo and behold - here was this bathrobe...on sale...correct size...MINE!!!!! Oh well, I will remind myself next time NOT to buy him anything!! Right?!?!?!

Thegrandson has been home sick since Friday, damn chest cold won't go away, and the little snot is only 36 pounds. He is getting taller, but does not gain weight. Doesn't eat enough to keep a bird alive, as the old folk would say! Wohoo, he finally made it into the 3 percentile on the growth chart - far cry from the 100%. I only hope that when he has his growth spurt it will be quick.

I was going to comment on the Anna Nicole fiasco again, but I would rather slash my wrists. How ludicrous and pathetic the circus is!!!

Back to work now - everyone stay well and healthy! TTFN.

not much to report....BORING!!!

I really do not have much to report as my life is sooooo BORING. Being tax season, I spend most of my time preparing returns and since I am so very tight and greedy, and refuse to hire help...I have to collate and complete them all myself. No problem though, I truly have the process down to a science.

As far as my last blog (Anna Nicole), it seems that the story will be in the press for a long time. As I sit here working on returns, I have had Court TV on pretty much ALL the time. And I must say, the recent court battle over who takes possession of her body was a farce. The days of the Perry Mason courtroom are not exactly what we see. This judge "played" to the cameras the entire time, and the "actors" (Howard Stern, Larry Birkhead and Virgie Arthur) were out shined by NINETEEN attorneys. The only comparison I can make is to the Jerry Springer Show. No matter how many times I have tried to watch that show - I have to turn it off, because there is so much being "bleeped" you have no idea what is going on. During this hearing, everyone was speaking at the same time, repeating issues that were deemed "out of order" and the judge literally had no control. Heaven knows I can't afford to pull anymore of my FEW hairs out of my head, in frustration.

When all was said and done, the judge gave the rights to bury Anna Nicole to the guardian ad litem for baby Dannielynn. Good move - and all parties met on the courthouse steps to say they were in agreement (even were arm in arm), yet two hours later - the asshole mother is filing an appeal. DUH!!!! Everyone knows that soon there will be no possibility of viewing her body -as she is deteriorating (or decomposing) as we speak. But "good old mom" has to stay in the news and - oh by the way - forget the crocodile tears and best interests of your beloved daughter.

I have made up my mind - I hope and pray that no one is proven to be the biological father (not out of the realm of possibility) and that way baby Dannielynn can continue to be raised by Stern, in the Bahamas, away from all the BS publicity. I think the greedy bastards should be shot down in the press, as aggressively as they have tried to make a buck!!! Do I sound pissed???? NO DOUBT!!

Theson is in Salt Lake City, Utah at the present time. I warned him not to break his body trying to ski - he said he wouldn't because he would be learning to snowboard. All I can see is the Pillsbury Doughboy rolling down the mountain. Luv ya baby!!!

Thegrandson is sick, had to pick him up from school yesterday and he is still running a temp of 103 degrees. I think he is losing his voice from coughing too. Poor little guy. I just bundle him up and give him his PSP or he can play the PS2. What are grandmothers for??? Gotta love us.

Enough of this prattle - maybe something exciting will happen this week for me to rant about. Everyone stay healthy and TTFN.

R.I.P......I think not....

I am sure by now, everyone has formed an opinion of Anna Nicole Smith. But face it, there are way toooooo many people involved in her life (after death), to allow her to REST IN PEACE.

I, for one, always felt sorry for her. A few years back, I watched a biography on her on A & E, and was impressed to say the least. Her family is an abomination of toothless, functionally illiterate yokels. I am not making this up - they came across as supercilious fans in a way. I truly believe that the best thing Anna Nicole (or Vicki), managed, was to get as far away from these people as she could. All the relatives maintained that he/she had the closest of relations with her, yet hadn't talked to her in years. Wonder why that was?!?!?!

Now the sad part is that a judge in CALIFORNIA has ordered her NOT to be buried, as the DNA issues have to settled. Nevermind that the coroner has taken enough various DNA samples to compare to the US 983rd. And to think that there can be no period of mourning, as everyone who wants a part of her, takes their various cases to court. Another judge in FLORIDA, is also considering various aspects, such as WHO may be entitled to claim her body. For heaven sakes, she was with Howard Stern, let him handle things. Her mother, to whom she had been estranged for 15 years, all of a sudden wants to bury her in Texas with family - all the while forgetting that she has plots beside her son in the Bahamas, and she HATED THE WOMAN.

Cynical as I am, it is obvious that everyone is in it for the money and notoriety. Oh, and by the way, I encourage ALL males to opt in to the DNA pool for possible paternity rights. At this point, any one is fair game. I feel so sad for the little baby girl - she is now the object of one hell of a tug-of-war. To be honest, I am not impressed with the candidates waiting in the wings, as potential DADDY.

Bottom line, the media should BUTT OUT. Let the mechanics of the judicial system win out, and let Anna Nicole be buried with some dignity. I know the courts would never be fair in any judgement they make, for as we know money talks, BULLSHIT WALKS!!!

I guess until the next major headline hits though, we are stuck with more tabloid revelations and the idiots in the forefront.

As for me, Anna Nicole - I hope you can someday Rest In Peace, knowing the right decisions were made.

Got that off my chest, everyone stay healthy (including Samurai Frog), and TTFN!!

DON'T PAY THE RANSOM...I am still here

I know I have been away from the blog for awhile, but had my mini vacation in Boston with "the family", and had to jump right in to the tax returns when I got home.

The trip was wonderful, as usual. We shopped and mostly sat around and gabbed. There were three of us celebrating 0ur birthdays at the same time (from 22nd to 26th) and we had one big birthday dinner and it was truly delightful.

On the way home, as Mom2 and I were heading into Logan Airport - SHE FELL AGAIN - producing another SHINER on the same eye. We have now named her the clumsy bumblefuck! Actually, her legs just gave out on her and she pitched forward - and there was nothing to do to stop her fall. The airport workers were very caring and produced a wheelchair and helped her thru security and all that stuff. When we arrived in Pittsburgh another wheelchair was waiting which made life much easier. She is in the healing process now - until the next one!! Hahahaha.

My clients have been true to form and the returns have been coming steadily. So I have been exceedingly busy. Theson surprised us when he picked us up at the airport - he also picked up his girlfriend Jules who arrived an hour earlier. She was here for a couple of days then headed to a job in St. Croix, then to Mexico, back here for 4 days - and left Monday for Antafagasto, Chile. They are such the world travelers.



We went to Boston for the christening of Tommy (center). What a terrific little boy. Always happy it seems, I am sure he has his bad moments but we didn't see any at all. This pic was taken before we all left for the church service in Quincy, MA. What a lovely family.

This ARCTIC CHILL has been a real pain the butt. then we got a little more snow last night - the schools have been closed all week so far. From what the weather reports state we are expecting a "heavy snowfall" next Tuesday, but I haven't heard how much!!! For this area, anything over 2" is considered HEAVY. We shouldn't complain though, we have not had much of a winter for the past several years. Since the damn groundhog didn't see his shadow, we are guaranteed of an early Spring now - RIGHT!?!?!?

Well, back to the returns - more later. Everyone stay healthy, TTFN.

hold on folks...STATE OF THE UNION tonight!!

I don't know if I will survive the viewing of the "big" address tonite, but I am always ready for a good laugh. Historically, the Senate and Congress members always manage to give more than enough standing ovations and major applause - yet, for once I would love to see the majority - just sit quietly and unresponsive. Considering booing and throwing things might be considered a treasonous act, with major repercussions.

I have this one recurring dream lately that the Prez has finally had enough and a major reality check has set in, he grabs Laura, dog Barney and buddy Dick, and says "let's get the hell out of here!" Kind of like the obstreperous child, throwing a tantrum, taking his football and going home.

According to CNN, Mr. Bush may propose making health insurance benefits "taxable income" - yet give families a deduction on the first $15,000 (singles $7500.) This is ludicrous. Anyone familiar with taxes know that you can only deduct medical expenses over 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), and if your income is in the higher brackets there are cut-off limits. Now for the poor lowly worker making $12,000 a year - health benefits for a family are running - on average - $500/month. You have just made that individual liable for $18,000 of income. After the 7.5%, this individual would only be able to itemize $4650. this would barely qualify for itemizing, and therefore the individual would have to pay taxes on an additional $6K they never saw.

I know I probably did not make that very clear - but my premise is - HEALTH INSURANCE SHOULD NOT BE TAXABLE INCOME. Only a moron would come up with such an idea.

Say what you will about Hillary Clinton, but remembering back when Bill took office and she made health care a priority, she was shoved into a back room. Now it seems the reality has come back "in their faces" and DUH BUSH wants to cure the problem. And we all know that curing any problem is NOT his forte. I really need to find some drugs before I watch this spectacle tonite. I can just see all of Bush's minions running around trying to see who they can seat in the gallery to make HIM look good or sympathetic. I really liked the old days when rotten vegetables could be thrown at the stage/speakers. But oh no - have to be politically correct. Kind of takes the fun out of life.

Each to his own - I plan on being the skeptic as usual - and can't wait to see what samurai frog has in his analysis. He is a young man and very astute. Three cheers for the generation behind me!! He enjoys the porn much like Slyght (the Porn King from his college days.)

Gonna take a break and reaarange some dust in the house now! Everyone stay healthy. TTFN

*** I will be leaving for Boston on Thursday (25th) and back on the 30th. So Happy Birthday to me on the 26th. Maybe we will get snowbound in New England like we did 5 years ago. One can only hope.

I am just to old for this shite...

It took TWO solid days for theson and me to get the basement cleaned up and organized. It is amazing how a basement becomes a netherworld for the "not sure where it goes" items. When I get tired of something, yet hate to send it to the trash heap, i just PUT IT IN THE BASEMENT. Well, I am here to tell you that in less than 2 years, I amassed a helluva lot of JUNK.

Let me tell you a little about THIS basement. When we bought this house in 1986, what was beneath this house could hardly be called a basement - more like a cellar, with half dirt floor (and one corner of the house held up by a tree trunk), and half concrete slabs. Whenever it rained we had a veritable swimming pool. Can't tell you how many sump pumps we burned up. My husband never made the wisest choices in purchases (this house) and NEVER seemed to fix any of the problems. He did come in handy (sort of) after he died. I used a considerable sum of the life insurance proceeds to improve this house. Ultimately, the house was on jacks for almost a month (a very scary sight), and a new foundation was poured and block wall basement put in. It was worth the $$$ and the few cracked walls.


Never having to worry when it rained was delightful...until September 14, 2004. That is when Hurricane Ivan blew as far as the Ohio Valley and we got 6 inches of rain in 3-4 hours. My basement ended up with over two feet of water and a property loss of over $20K. Cleanup took a couple of days, everything had to be tossed out into the yard and the muck cleaned from floor and walls. After that fiasco, I bought a lot of shelving and tried to keep as much as I could off of the floors and back to my rainy day worrying.

I also had my office in the basement and my desk was ruined and I lost a lot of important paperwork, plus my comuter which held a lot of irretrievable data. So for the last two years I have operated my business with the laptop from my kitchen. (Thought about removing the stove and putting in file cabinets!)

But, I digress. I started the cleanup process on Tuesday morning, and after tearing a gash in my hand, yelled at theson to get out of bed and come help. Of course it was my fault because I hadn't called him down earlier. We finally called it a day at 5:30 pm and about 2/3 completion. My body literally cried out in pain and I took Tylenol PM and rolled my fat ass in bed by 9 pm. This all seemed so much easier twenty years ago.

Again, working till 5 pm yesterday, we completed the task. My office is now usable again, an entertainment area is set up, all the junk went to the landfill today, and a run to Goodwill tomorrow will complete the challenge. Whew!! Maybe I can get some pics of the completed task and put in blog later.

I should have more interesting things to write about soon, as the political front is always heating up, because of the morons in charge.

Everyone stay well. TTFN

...and it is a good move to rent or buy!! THE ILLUSIONIST

I have so many DVD's, that when purchased I can hardly wait to view, yet never seem to get the time. I did purchase THE ILLUSIONIST last Friday and immediately watched it and was just blown away. I find it hard to even say "magic" as the term "illusion" is more apt. The main stars are Edward Norton as Eisenheim, the Illusionist, Jessica Biel as Sophie, his long lost love from childhood, who is now engaged to Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). Paul Giamatti plays chief inspector Uhl, and probably his best performance to date.

Eisenheim has managed to enthrall the citizens of Vienna with his Illusions, and Prince Leopold (who is now engaged to Sophie) seems to have one obsessive goal of exposing the Illusionist and his illusions. Chief Inspector Uhl, also fascinated by the shows, would like nothing better than to be told how they are done, while also being the sycophant to the Prince.

I would love to tell you what ensues, but highly recommend any and all to either rent or buy this film. This is definitely one to be viewed more than once. The characters are easily defined early as to who you love or love to hate. So wish I could tell you more, but I would hate it if someone revealed all the important nuances to a flick I haven't seen. Please, try to get your hands on a copy, you won't be disappointed.

We have been inundated with rain for three consecutive days, which seemed to end last night. Now the weather is supposed to turn to either ice or ice and snow. But as I have said before, my goal is to be a weatherperson - as they are 90% inaccurate most of the time, yet they never seem to lose their jobs. On an off-note, I remember when my children were in grade school, the school superintendent, who made the ultimate decisions as to whether school should be delayed or cancelled, utilized the abilities of his pet dog to make that decision. If the dog refused to go outside - NO SCHOOL/CANCELLED. If the dog hurried, did his business within a certain time frame - TWO HOUR DELAY. Now how is that for science? I don't know why he bothered to complete a college education.

This is definitely a rambling post today, but I was running short on ideas. Theson is now home from Minnesota, after tending to Jules, after her eye surgery. So I will be using his help to CLEAN the basement. Could be a bad idea, as all he wants to do is THROW EVERYTHING AWAY!! Sometimes a good thing and sometimes not. We shall see.

Everyone stay well and TTFN!!

Yes....SOAPBOX TIME AGAIN!!!

Watching the "Commander In Chief" (and I use the term loosely) last night, addressing the nation about seding more troops to Iraq, got my blood pressure up again. The man is an idiot!!!! Neo-con, warmongering idiot. First of all, and this has nothing to do with Iraq - can we say the word N-U-C-L-E-A-R ????? It is not NUCULAR - it is pronounced exactly as it is spelled - guess this moron never had phonetics as a youth. Really chaps my ass - cannot stand stupidity - especially if you are going to stand in front of MILLIONS of people and TRY to give the impression you might have a brain.

OK - back to the address. The people of this nation gave a definite mandate in the last election, that they have had enough of this Iraqi debacle. The prez made statements such as, Iraq has an established democracy now (I paraphrase), because of our intervention. Query me this - what democracy? An election alone does not constitute a democracy. His new "sound plan" assures the American people that if Iraq does not help themselves, we will be done with them. Right - can't see this happening. Take a country that thrives on fighting (a few thousand years cannot be changed in ten) will never become a passive democratic society. It appears that these people are only happy when fighting with another sect in their region. (DUH - since biblical times.) Hopefully this democratic Congress can save the youth of our country from having to fight a war that our CIF arbitrarliy started. And how about the ten officials (well paid I would assume) to chair the Iraq Study Group? Bush has completely ignored their recommendations. Hello - remember Osama Bin Laden? He seems to have become some detail placed on the back burner - when in actuality his connection to Al-Queda, was the catalyst for this debacle. OH God, give me a nerve pill. I view this administration almost as a dictatorship. The prez says you either do it MY way or out comes the VETO pen. I know our country was founded on REPRESENTATION. When is the last time anyone can remember - your representatives - coming to your locale, and polling the constituency, about their collective feelings on matters? NEVER. Once elected, these individuals, garner a large paycheck - for little actual working hours, and vote their OWN consciences and not the views of the majority of their voters. I have always been a strong advocate for "town hall" meetings for these elected officials - where they would be more accountable to those who elected them to REPRESENT the majority.

Well, my BP is still up, but I choose not to ramble on anymore. Theson is in Minneapolis with Jules, as she recovers from eye surgery. He is cooking (or so he says) and taking care of the basics I believe. At least he is there to cuddle with her during the healing process. Wish you all the luck Jules. No glasses or contacts - how great.

We have had a few days of COLD and now I say "ENOUGH!" I so love the tropical weather yet unfortunately live in a cold zone. Just give me the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in the tropics. I could get used to it I am sure.

Thegrandson loves the cold and we got a dusting of snow yesterday, so he was excited to wear his new boots to school. Doesn't take much to impress the young - hahaha!!

Well, I have errands to run and some house cleaning to tackle. Everyone stay healthy and TTFN.

***TheRuss is recuperating from cataract surgery on one eye and will have the other eye (imagine that he has two eyes) done next week. Recuperate nicely Russ!

Let's start the new year out right!!!! right???

OK - finally got up the nerve to take DOWN all the Christmas decorations and the tree. Since I am always the first one up in the morning (usually between 5 and 6 am.), I managed to "un-decorate" the tree, gather ALL my Santas, and miscellaneous stuff - and put in one area, so boxing them wouldn't be a problem. As soon as theson came downstairs, We jumped in and got things stowed in the basement (what a mess!). Every time he asked if "that was it", I always replied "yes" and immediately let out an expletive as I discovered something else that had to be stored. Try as hard as I might, I can never get it all together. There is usually at least ONE Christmas item that I forget, and I just integrate into my country motif - till next year. No one ever notices.

Theson is leaving tomorrow to spend a week with Jules, since she is having eye surgery and wants him to "take care of her." Could be interesting. I have to give him some easy recipes so he can nourish the cripple during the recuperative process.

It has been great having theson home, albeit off and on. He is great at helping me do some things I find "hard." Getting older is a real pain in the a**!! We got his room all cleaned and organized (hopefully he will keep it that way. Thedaughter is still cleaning her room at this very moment - and I am sure will be dog-tired when done. At least I now have the miscellaneous spoons and forks back in the drawer and the 15 drinking glasses that have been unaccounted for - for weeks. UGH!!! It is a well known fact, and she will even admit, that cleaning is not her forte. But when she jumps in and completes the task it is a good one.

thegrandson just got home and the first thing he said was "where did we get that couch?" Now, I don't think he is suffering from amnesia or anything serious, but that couch has been there for almost 2 years now! DUH!! Brain damage. Those Nerf bullets to the head may have been harder than we thought.

Oh well, this was just a quick update, will be back soon. Everyone stay well and TTFN.

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2007

I am sure everyone has made their New Years Resolutions by now - mine is the same as always - "I vow to never make New Years Resolutions again!!!" I have always found that it is a useless attempt at achievement. Yes, I promise to lose weight - until I find that perfect cheesecake. Yes, I promise to exercise regularly - as soon as I get my fatass off the couch. Yes, I promise to eat healthier - until I put that extra sour cream and butter on my baked potato...blah, blah, blah!!! Most of us have good intentions, but my "willpower" done got up and left!!! Maybe I should try hypnosis to regain the old willpower thing - or not. I wouldn't want to take ALL the fun out of my no-nothing life!

I assume the B-Town Boyz had a good time ringing in the New Year, haven't heard from theson yet, and he will be heading home from Columbus some time today. Thedaughter got home approximately 6 am, and has decided to just "stay up" all day now. Currently she is shopping at Walmart with a friend while her girlfriend (with whom she partied last night) is asleep upstairs. Hmmmm, what is wrong with this picture. I stayed up till 11:45 pm, went to bed and heard the neighbors shoot their guns and fireworks and crashed shortly thereafter. I will bet it has been 10 years or better since I went out for New Years with friends. Although a small group of us went to Red Lobster for dinner last night, there was no gala event for us.

Now the sad part comes...taking down all the Christmas decorations. As I stated in an earlier blog, I would be quite content to have the decorations up year round. I find a lot of contentment and solace just looking at a beatifully decorated tree. But then I am slightly demented.

Oh well, West Virginia University is playing in the Gator Bowl at 1 pm, so I must get a few things done before then. Everyone stay healthy and enjoy 2007. TTFN

Rosie vs. The Donald...

Anything to get me on my soapbox again. Anybody reading the news lately has to know about the feud now brewing between these two individuals. Yesterday, on The View, Rosie O'Donnell made a comment about The Donald, forgiving Miss USA on her drinking and drug binges, taking the limelight as he did. Rosie basically said she had a hard time with The Donald standing in moral judgment with his past track record of bankruptcies and failed marriages and affairs. Shock of shocks - IT IS ALL TRUE!!! But The Donald now says he is going to sue Rosie and that she lied about everything (excuse me, all facts can be verified - ever heard of GOOGLE?????)

The Donald has mastered the art of "spin" and went at it with ferociousness on Larry King Live on CNN tonite. He called Rosie all kinds of names (she did not call him any names), said he had talked to his good friend Barbara Walters and she is embarrassed by Rosie and wants to let her go, although the spokesperson for "The View" called in and denied all he said. He also said that the ratings for the show were in the cellar since Rosie came on the show - LIE - up 30%. The man, feels because of his wealth and status, he can bandy about facts and figures, that whether true or not, will be believed.

I rather hope he does try to sue Rosie, because with the facts being what they are, the end result might just backfire on the stupid, inane DONALD!!!!

OK, I feel better. I have emailed ABC, blogged and popped off to thedaughter. No one left at the moment to burden.

I am as ready for Christmas as I will ever be - theson will be coming home tomorrow after spending time with Emma and her parents in Iowa. He really likes it there and hasn't had any problems with the Fokkers as far as I know!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL - AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! My next blog will probably be in 2007, unless someone pisses me off again.

ttfn - stay healthy.

IN MEMORY OF BROWNIE 2003 - 2006

This was the first "PET LOSS" that thegrandson has had to face. I knew Brownie was not well for the past four days - his breathing was labored and he wasn't eating at all. Just getting up one of the many tubes (from his hamster-minium) was a chore. I tried new bedding, feeding him water from a spoon, but nothing seemed to work. When I took him out of the cage early this afternoon, I just let him cuddle in a dish towel, and I noticed a large tumor on his side, and this distressed me. I held him for over an hour before placing him back in his cage.

Thedaughter and I decided to head to the mall to do some Christmas shopping, and I knew Brownie would be gone before we returned. Just knowing we had to tell thegrandson was daunting. He did not take it well at first, but he is resilient and understands that at least now Brownie is not suffering. He called his Uncle, who is in New York at the moment for solace - and feels a little better now.

Some have asked me if I am getting another hamster and the answer is NO!!!!! I have a dog and a cat, which are more than enough for me. The cat is the oldest (May 1997), and a mean, nasty sort. The dog is the friendly one, but SHEDS so much. I need a break from pets!!!

Bye Brownie - rest in peace!!!

...soon, very soon IT will be here!!

Yes, again this year has gone by so fast that we are nearing Christmas again. A never ending cycle - that as we get older comes back again, faster and faster. I would be the happiest camper in the world if we could decorate for Christmas all year long. I put up "some" little things throughout the year for various holidays, but VERY little. Theson used to help me with the exterior lights, but t has been unavailable the past two years and I have been relegated to the task myself. In the past, I have always done a pretty good job, but this year - I SUCKED. I tried something different and completely hate it. I have no lights hanging from the eaves as I usually do, just net lights (multi-colored at that) around the front porch railing. Make my house look so small.

But I did decorate my Christmas tree differently this year, the first change in probably 7 or eight years (if not longer.) In the past I have placed burgundy poinsettias and gold beads on the tree and it has always looked lovely, but I wanted a change this year - so I went to the blue-silver-white combinations. I lucked out and found the silver and blue poinsettias, and the accessories were easy after that. What do you think? If I put out ALL my Christmas decorations, you would not be able to even walk through the house. Theson wants me to discard what I don't use, but that is NOT happening. With thedaughter having her surgery and theson being out of the country till last week - I just do not have the energy to get it all out. I am going to do some major reorganization of the storage process for all the decorations, AFTER the holidays. (Of course that means a major overhaul of the basement area - that ought to keep me busy till Spring!! HAHAHAHAHA!

Theson is now in Schenectady, New York, closing out the India project with the General, and is flying to Minneapolis on Wednesday to spend time with Emma and meet her parents. He will be flying home on the 21st, in time for his birthday on the 23rd and Christmas. Then Emma will be coming here on the 27th, and they will spend the New Years in Columbus with friends. How hectic does that sound? I had to get up at 3 am to take theson to the airport yesterday morning and that really threw me off for the day!!! That's what Mom's are for.

OK - so much for the updates, will be back with more later. TTFN

ahhh...winter in New England

Isn't this just BEAUTIFUL???? We arrived in Boston, Mansfield actually on Thursday, and the weather was much like here at home - upper 60's. Our entire stay was just lovely, weather wise, we got the high winds on Saturday night, but no problems were incurred. Our hosts were delightful, and oiur stay could not have been any more relaxing and comfortable.

Mom2 and I love to head to "The Christmas Tree Store" as soon as we get to Boston. It is a "fun" store, which there are none here at home to compare it too. I always manage to find something in dishes or coffee mugs, therefore making lugging them home a real treat, but so what - it's FUN. We also visited a couple of country stores and got a few things, but for the most part, we just sat around the kitchen table, chatting and having a blast. These people are all Mom2's family, but they make me feel as welcome as if I were born into the family.

On Sunday morning we went to watch her young cousin play ice hockey. Now, that was a real treat also FREEZING. Those little boys were vicious and fun to watch. Unfortunately, we were sitting on aluminum bleacher seats and after the game was over (approximately one hour), it took TWO hours for my butt to thaw. Brrrr......!!

But back to the New England winter. We had heard that there might be snow fluffies the next morning, but when I woke up, the view was exhilarating. As long as I don't have to drive in it, I love to just take in the view. There was about 2 inches of snow altogether before it stopped. By the time we arrived at Logan airport in Boston, the snow had stopped.

I will try to add some pics later, but again my pics can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbonen/. I think that is right, but the right address is in prior blogs. I am still not in my right mind since getting home (hahaha), so much to do and not enought time to get it done.

Theson is coming home late Thursday night, then flying to Schenectady, New York, then Minneapolis, then home again for his birthday and Christmas. Aren't holidays wonderful? At least I have him home this year.

Take care and I will write more later. TTFN!!

WAS IT AN ACCIDENT???? Hmmmm...

Now we have all heard the many excuses for a shiner like this - but only MOM2 could make it a beaut!!! She did a header, after tripping on crumpled carpet, at a local hospital, and face met the linoleum tile. When she dropped by to show it off last night, I was shocked. We have such a wonderful relationship that I can joke about it as well as she can, thereby making up exaggerated stories as to how this occurred. For example:

1. The old "I ran into a door."
2. "If you think this looks bad, you should see the other guy!"
3. "I won in the third round by a knockout!"
4. "Guess he didn't like dinner!"
5. "The door really didn't hit me in the arse, as I was leaving."
6. "If it was domestic violence, he would be in the morgue!"
7. "I forgot how fast the cork comes out of that bottle!"
8. "I will never use my Red Rider BB gun again!"
9. "You know I am HEAVY HANDED, and damn near lost my eye putting that contact in!"
10. "I thought the black and blue would go nice with my pink hair!"

I am sure we will be coming up with a lot more in the forthcoming days as this shiner changes color. Hell, it pays to have a sense of humor. Since we are leaving Thursday for Boston, we know she is going to scare the heck out of all the kids up there. Could be interesting.......and lots of FUN!!!!

Later. TTFN

...I am an excellent prognosticator

Well, if you remember from my last blog - I mentioned about having thedaughter in the ER, and I predicted we would be back in the hospital before her scheduled doctor's appointment - you guessed it - I WAS RIGHT!!! On Friday, she was again planning on going to work, although still in considerable pain (she was scheduled to work 1pm - 10:15pm), and I said "no way, we are going back to the ER." She conceded, and we got to ER about 10:45 am. After more testing, it was noted that this "cyst" was now 10cm and was twisting the ovary. By 5:30 pm, she was having emergency surgery to remove the one ovary and Fallopian tube. I had thegrandson with me the entire time, and he was so scared for his mom. I got hold of Mom2 (who was on her way back from Columbus), and she stopped by the hospital and picked up thegrandson, which made my waiting a little easier. My older daughter and I got to see her in the recovery room at approximately 7 pm, and she was MISERABLE. She, of course, was in a lot of pain, and were in the process of hooking up a morphine pain drip. All she kept bitching about, was getting outside to have a cigarette. I became the bad guy, because I wouldn't take her. MEAN MOMMY!

They got her in a room by 7:45pm, amazingly enough the census in the hospital was really low and she was the only patient on the gynecology floor. Believe it or not, one patient and a staff of five, and the wait to get water and basic essentials was amazingly slow. We finally left the hospital about 9 pm. I figured it was better to leave her to the care of the nurses, plus I was exhausted.

I picked up the grandson and we both headed home and immediately "crashed!" I have never fallen asleep that quick in my life. Oops, forgot, thedaughter called at 11pm, wanting a cigarette again, for which I had no answers for her. The next call came at 6:20 am, again craving the nicotine, and she was going to drag all her tubes and accessories outside for the smoke.
As soon as thegrandson and I got to the hospital Saturday morning, she wants, food, something to drink and a CIGARETTE. rrrrrgh.... I can understand where she is coming from, but also the reality of being plugged into a system negates the possibility.

The doctor came in and said she could go home if she felt like it, she said YES, and we were out the door at 12:30 pm. SHE IMMEDIATELY HAD A CIGARETTE, and calmed down. Now consider this, she had major surgery 18 hours earlier and "BOOM" - discharged.

She is still in considerable pain, trying to poop, and all the necessary bodily processes are slowly coming back. She is having a hard time finding a comfortable position.

Mom2 and I are leaving for Boston this Thursday, returning the following Monday evening, so I think she will be able to survive on her own for that short period of time. The only arrangements she needs to make are for her son to get to and from the school bus. WHEW!!!! Enough of that shite. My fingers are almost bleeding.

Take care all - will be back on here when I return on the 5th of December. TTFN

Happy Thanksgiving...to Zac in Camelland

Another festive (somewhat) holiday, and theson is stuck in the Sahara desert with a bunch of herpes ridden (according to local scuttlebutt) camels. I spoke with him earlier on the phone (3:40 pm our time - 9:40 pm in Algeria) and the chefs fixed them a nice Thanksgiving dinner, much better than what he was served in India last year. He said he was quite "full" and going to get a shower and go to bed. Since there is NO excitement, guess that was his only alternative.

He has spoken with Emma every day, and she is currently at her parents home, in Iowa (albeit sleeping on the couch), with a houseful of relatives. I am sure she has had a wonderful day with her friends and family. No doubt, lots of food too. Happy Turkey day to Emma and her family. Gobble-Gobble!!!

My plans were to bake my 2 pumpkin pies yesterday, and get my broccoli casserole ready. Since thegrandson had no school, he always likes to help me. But as best laid plans go, that was not to be the case. Thedaughter was supposed to work 8:45am - 5pm, but as she was getting ready for work, she was doubled over in pain, with all the symptoms of a kidney stone. I made arrangements with Mom2 to watch thegrandson and I took thedaughter to the ER. After 5 1/2 hours and multiple tests, she does not have a kidney stone, but a 7 centimeter cyst on her right ovary. Considering an ovary is the size of an almond, this is rather large, and definitely painful. She was discharged from the ER with instructions to follow up with an OB-GYN, and given enough pain pills (alleve) and muscle relaxants to last 2 days. Now, mind you, we can't even get in to see the OB-GYN till Tuesday. This could be interesting. She can't sleep, can't get comfortable in any position, and the "pain" meds they gave her won't even help a headache, much less severe pain. Since she has only been at her job about 6 weeks, she is so very afraid of losing her job if she has to call off. She is supposed to work 1pm - 10pm tomorrow, and insists she is going. I have a feeling we will be back in the ER before the scheduled doctors appointment. The ER doctor wrote her a slip excusing her from work thru the 25th, but she is going anyway. I guess we will see.

So, back to the dinner. I ended up making the pies and stuffing last night, with the help of the grandson. The pies turned out wonderful, after we removed the eggshells he managed to break, into the mix. Bless his heart. So here's to you Son, pics of the meal you missed and your mom slaving over the hot stove.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbonen/
so there - that's the best i can do.

***damnit can't get the pics loaded. help!!!! will work on figuring this out -- TTFN.

Football Saturday...on to football Sunday...

I really do need a life I guess. I love professional football, but have been watching college football a lot lately. I love WVU and Ohio State and have been following Rutgers lately as they are in the top 10 now and my father graduated from there (mind you, he would be 100 years old this Dec. 17th were he still alive!) So, he graduated quite some time ago from Rutgers (Poughkeepsie, NY).

OSU is beating Michigan with 3 minutes left in the game by a score of 42-31, although Michigan is moving down the field to possibly score again. Oh, by the way, the Bellaire Big Reds won big last night against new Lexington, on their way to the Ohio State Semi finals, score was 45-7. They will face their arch nemesis Youngstown Cardinal Mooney this coming Friday, in Steubenville I believe, at Harding Stadium. I could be wrong on that one, will know for sure Tuesday.

I am totally amazed at the crowd for the OSU-Michigan game. The figure given for attendance is 105,708 - WOW!!!

Theson is still in the desert in Algeria, and technologically starved. He is having to email his blog posts to Emma, and have her post them for him, as the shite internet service takes forever to perform. The good news is, he is hoping to be home shortly after Thanksgiving, and be here for Christmas. He originally asked for the holidays as vacation time, since he was forced to stay in India last year - for ALL holidays. Now that he has new managers, hope they will abide by the commitment.

Ruh-roh, Michigan just scored and going for a 2 point conversion - ugh made it, now it is 42-39 with 2:16 left in game. Gonna be a real nail biter. Onside kick not successful - YEA!! GAME OVER AND THAT IS THE FINAL SCORE. Now the debate (annual) begins again, over who is truly No. 1. Blah-blah-blah.

Gotta run for now, I am babysitting and thegrandson (now 6) wants to play.

Everyone stay healthy, TTFN.

...theson has left the country

Theson has finally had to "go back to work", and I assume he is in Algeria by now. I haven't heard from him since he boarded the plane in Atlanta for Gatwick Airport near London, on Thursday evening.

He was home since Aug. 13th, which was almost a 3 month stay. I get so used to him being here, I hate to let him go, but he is a big boy and has a job to do. He managed to spend a good deal of time doing what he likes to do also - visiting his friends in Columbus, "flying" to various locations to be with Emma (for weekends), sharing in the engagement of his best friend http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbonen/Chad and Jackie. These pics were taken after we all went to dinner at the Roadhouse and all met at Flanagan's for the big surprise.

As soon as I hear from him I will let everyone know - or keep watching his NOMADIC TENDENCIES blog for updates. Since he has been home - our blogs have been far and few between, so maybe now we can get it back together again.

OK - HOW ABOUT THE NOV. 7TH ELECTIONS????? As anyone can guess, I am on Cloud 9. Now that the Democrats have the reins - let's see them do positive things. Make us proud. I have heard enough of the "conservatives" and "liberals", let's get centered and work for the good of the PEOPLE. Enough of the big bucks going to the mega corporations and start making them responsible for their fair share of tax debt. The middle class has borne this burden for way too long. And how smart is Bush??? If he had FIRED Donald Rumsfeld 2 weeks before the election, the results would probably have been quite different, but the dunderhead fired him the day after. DUH!?!!?! Now let's get rid of Condoleeza Rice, and get someone at the helm to initiate Middle East talks again. In order to even consider some peace in that region, it has to begin with an accord among the warring nations. And needless to say, those countries have no respect for a WOMAN. Let alone, one who might want to discuss PEACE. Argh!!!!

Well, it is a "take it easy" Saturday, the BIG REDS won their playoff game last night, after scary me a wee bit in the 4th quarter, so all is well in town today.

Behave and stay healthy, TTFN.

NOVEMBER 7TH VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! YOUR RIGHT - YOUR DUTY

Theson has already blogged about voting - he just happened to beat me to the punch (I truly was shocked!)

Since I am the most outspoken political advocate in the house, I can see it has rubbed off. This election, albeit a midterm one, is going to have long lasting effects. For the past Bush years, we have become mired in a financial boondoggle that our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have to bear. The Republicans and their love to spend, spend, spend has created such a large deficit that their is NO LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. The senior citizens have been screwed with the crazy Medicare overhaul, and now we have to face the realities of the mess in Iraq. The Republicans keep saying that the Democrats have "no plan" to deal with Iraq, -well DUH!!! It is quite apparent that the Republicans had none either. Redeployment and out! That is my suggestion - for warring sects that have known no other life than death and war for hundreds of years, to even presume the Americans can set them on a path of Democracy is ludicrous. enough of that for now though.

I feel that everyone should cast their vote - I have never missed a single election since I was 18. I choose not to listen or give credence to those who fail to cast a vote. That is called apathy - and I have wee tolerance for that. To sit back and just accept what is happening around you and to you - is wrong. Your vote can make a difference.

I only hope that with the electronic voting the hackers have not already set the outcome of this election. How is that for a skeptic?

BOTTOM LINE - POLLS ARE OPEN 6:30AM - 7:30PM - HAUL YOUR BUTTS OUT THERE AND CAST YOUR VOTES!!!

...ruh roh SOAPBOX TIME AGAIN!!!

OK, since we are in a highly political climate at the moment - with midterm elections only 10 days away - I have been espousing the ruin that "cutting taxes" has and will cause in the future. Now, I don't like paying taxes as much as the next person, but being reasonable and fairly intellligent - one only has to think - while spending billions you also need to have the funds "coming in" in order to make such expenditures. This article caught my attention and I have been saying pretty much the same things to anyone who will listen, yet the DEFICIT never seems to be an election issue. This is a rather lengthy article, but it could not make the situation any clearer.

Politicians at the moment are making a staggeringly large salary for very little work. The last figure was 100 actual days of work in Washington, D.C. I would definitely love to get paid $165,000 a year for a little more than 3 months work. Granted, the politicians say they are back home working for their constituency but pragmatist that I am - nope don't think so!!! I truly believe that our elected officials need to be held accountable for their time and our representation. There are many sound practices available to slow this deficit and bring it under control, if only the people INSIST and SPEAK OUT to your representatives.

You will notice that health benefits are mentioned in this article, and due to the rapid increases in the health care prices, the economy can not keep up with the program. DUH!!!! Does this not infer that we need to prioritize expenditures and controls in that area? I may not have the answer, but I do know that the answers are out there if delegated to the proper experts.

Oh well, just wanted everyone to see this article and stop and think for a moment about what may become a very personal issue for us, the baby boomers!!!

Take care and stay well, gonna watch the Steelers in a little while (oh God, let us win). TTFN>

...am I livid??? You bet your ass!!

OK - now I have to get on my soapbox again. In the news today, Rush Limbaugh was reported to have made derogatory remarks about Michael J. Fox "FAKING" his parkinson's disease in a television ad for a political candidate. Now let us consider that the fat bastard (Limbaugh) managed to squeak out from under "drug" charges because he has friends in high places and money talks. He is not a poster child for virtue by any means. Apparently he is not well versed on the subject of Parkinson's disease either. I have a very good friend, who is in her mid 40's and has been progressively getting worse, suffering from this nasty disease. One needs to understand that this disease is of a neurological nature and manifests itself primarily with "tremors" and uncontrollable spasms. In very late stages, we are talking total incapacitation and loss of verbal skills. This disease progresses differently for each individual.

For this IDIOT and I mean that, to think he has the right to condemn someone so handicapped, bespeaks total stupidity and lack of human compassion. And for what, the voice of the Conservative Right??? When you have noted religious figures (like Pat Robertson) but we won't mention names, making absurd remarks which make the news regularly - one only has to use the brain you have to decide who is right and who is VERY WRONG.

Since the Republican party is in such bad straits at the present, they only have to rely on personal, injurious attacks and scare tactics. By the scare tactics, I am referring to the TV ad to run next week, showing Osama Bin Laden (or OBL as we call him) and his cohort in crime, making statements about the ruin and decimation of the Americans, with all the past war footage in the background. Please remember that some of these statements are from several years ago and are directly aimed at scaring people. Are we so stupid not to realize that there have probably been terrorist cells in the US for decades? This ad is so reminiscent of LBJ's ad - now referred to as the "Daisy" ad, which ran in the mid 60's. Again, as a scare tactic.

Bottom line, this Bush administration has not made us any safer, the moral conduct is reprehensible (I'm sure Democrats are just as guilty), and the waste of taxpayers dollars and lives is inexcusable. DO NOT BELIEVE THAT WE NEED REPUBLICANS TO KEEP US SAFE AND TAXES LOW. Keeping the taxes low, just increases the deficit by billions a day. I would never have overdraft charges at the bank if I just let the government run my checkbook.

OK - jumping off the soapbox, figure the government will be knocking at my door momentarily. Since they can eavesdrop on phones and emails and blogs, mindless of our freedoms. HEHEHEHE.

***theson is still here - Algerian embassy had to close for Ramadan and apparently are not the speediest or efficient of people.

theson will be leaving again - soon!!

Well, theson has been "home" since August 13th, yet it seems like only a short while. he will be leaving (providing all the visa info is received) for Algeria (N. Africa) on Thursday. Supposedly, this job will be for approximately 60 days. One must remember that the job in India was only supposed to last ONE month and the total duration was over 19 months. The amazing thing is that theson would much prefer cool climates and invariably gets sent to "tropical" climates. POOR BABY.

Theson has been a truly helpful soul during his stay at home, managed to get a lot of "Stuff" taken to the dump, cleaned the backyard, taught thegrandson how to ride a bike and just before we had a torrential downpour last week, I suggested we try to clean out the gutters. Every time it rained, the water just poured out of the gutters on the back deck like a waterfall. Thedaughter and I had tried to clean it last fall, to no avail. Well, with a little help from "his buddy" the challenge was a success. Now if I can get the damn pics to upload - brb.

And remembering that theson was out of the country for Thanksgiving and Christmas last year, we promised him a Turkey Dinner. If anyone can recall, the son had pics of the Thanksgiving dinner prepared for him and Emma in India, which really didn't look all that bad, except for the "stuffing soup." You would have to look back on his Nomadic Tendencies site (Nov. or Dec. '05) to relive those wonderful pics. But he captured this pic of his feast at home last week.

But I will definitely be adding more blogs in the future, as theson's stay at home is now at an end. He is leaving Thursday (19th)for Hassi Messaoud, Algeria, North Africa. Again, I will miss him terribly, but we always have our internet connection and video cams and of course THE BLOGS.

Gotta run - have to get him to VOTE (absentee) before leaving the country. Everyone better get out and vote in November or this country is done for. Me and my political stance - change is needed quickly.

For now, everyone stay healthy and TTFN.

...and all those around me are QUITE HAPPY!!!

Just a quickie - to let those who haven't heard from me since Thursday, know the reason why. I HAVE SEVERE LARYNGITIS. Anyone who does know me, that when I go thru a severe cold it always transpires in the same stages. First - the stuffy head and more junk coming out than any human should have to endure. Second - the sore throat and cough. This all started a week ago yesterday (Saturday) and now from all the coughing - LARYNGITIS. I mean the voice is completely gone and all I am left with is a squeak. Now this is NOT FUNNY. Thegrandson, asked me "Nina, how come your cough is louder than your voice?" Quite a question coming from this 6 year old. This is the 3rd day of silence and thedaughter is loving it - although she has to be my translator. I haven't even been able to talk on the phone - DRAT!!!

If someone says something funny, I laugh, go into a coughing spell and I am done. It is a good thing that I have a wonderful sense of humor about the whole thing. Another thing, and this may be way too much information but...DO NOT GET OLD. I have had so many internal organs removed, I have come to the conclusion that everything left is just free floating around inside me and definitely NOT where it is supposed to be. The reason for this announcement is because...sneezing and coughing allow me to PEE myself quite easily. Oho - the DEPENDS generation, I have finally reached it. My kids find this totally hilarious, but I feel that if there is a more powerful being guiding our lives, that they too, will someday suffer from the same malady. So there, my curse on the kids!!

Until I have my voice back (hopefully soon), I will just sign off here and hope the rest of you remain well. TTFN

...local football rivalry???

Ever since we moved to Bellaire, the hard nosed fact was that Martins Ferry was our utmost rival. Well, last week when we played St. Clairsville, a local radio commentator (D. Blomquist will remain anonymous) and a local police officer, made a bet over the outcome of that game. As Bellaire won (barely), Mr. Blomquist therefore, had to come to Bellaire, run thru town painted in Bellaire colors and then be tazered by said police officer. Since I am having trouble loading the pics, go to www.flickr.com/photos/mbonen. For one reason or another, pics just don't want to load at the moment. Drat, curses, rats!!!

Back to the bet though. When Mr. Blomquist came to town, a crowd appeared at Flanagan's and the local PD officer, tazered Mr. Blomquist in the bar (a low dose no doubt.) Then the run began -- Mr. Blomquist trotting behind a Blazer, which was continuing his radio show, live. He made it to the upper part of town, and stopped at a local county official's house, where he was greeted by the official's wife, who slipped a $20 bill in Bloomers shorts, and he trucked back to the Police Department. The Police Officer, after much consultation with his superiors, decided against further tazering, as Mr. Blomquist's heart was racing after the run, and for health reasons (possible death) it was deemed NOT a good idea. It was all in good fun, and the weather was great, and no one got hurt - who can ask for anything more???

Well, that's all I can bear to write right now, as my Pittsburgh Steelers are breaking my heart. Cincinnati is walking all over them. BOOHOO!!! 28-17 with 7:05 to go in the 4th quarter. Damn turnovers.

I have a terrible, terrible cold and am going back to bed AGAIN. I have been in bed, off and on since Friday night. Can't breath, smell or eat. I've been thru a box of Kleenex already - shite!!!

Everyone else, stay healthy, more later. TTFN.

***HAPPY 27TH BIRTHDAY TO THEDAUGHTER*** Sorry I am sick at the moment.

now we have to get back in the BLOG groove...

Well the month that theson was home was slow at first, then it seemed to zip by during the last week. Theson is now in Florence, Italy for a two week training in Oil and Gas I believe. Then he will be off to who knows where. At some point he has to go back to India to get all his belongings left behind. That should be a real treat.

Emma was here for a week, well, not here exactly the entire time, but here about. She and theson spent several days in Columbus, Ohio visiting his buddies and clubbing. I truly enjoyed meeting and getting to know Emma. Such a lovely young lady - and theson seems enamored also. Bottom line: she was a big hit with the entire family.

Fall weather has come upon us with a bang. Quite chilly today - didn't even reach 60 degrees. Actually this is my favorite time of year, cool weather and Steeler football (although we will not discuss the Jacksonville match last Monday night.) C'mon Ben - get healed and back in shape. Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday, they looked good against Cleveland last week.

OK, will be back later, everyone stay healthy. TTFN

...chaos and bedlam of late

It has been quite awhile since I last was here, but I must explain. My best friend has been "in and out" of the hospital three times, my son came home from India, his girlfriend has now come for a visit. Therefore, non-stop craziness. I could not be any happier than to have my son home for this length of time (a month) and will dread the time when he leaves again (Sept. 15th.)

Theson and Emma (thegirlfriend) are a wonderful pair. She is a true delight and beautiful to boot. We all went to dinner at the Roadhouse the other evening, unfortunately, Mom2 and her family could not make it, as she was still in the hospital and her family functions better as a whole than in parts.

The first pic at the top is theson, Emma and Colton at Colton's 6th birthday party on the 4th. (Labor Day baby - literally.) This next pic was taken at the Roadhouse, where we had a wonderful time. Such a "cozy" pair.





All in all, with Mom2 being hospitalized so many times, all the trips to the hospital, theson being home and thegirfriend arriving, I have not had time to even turn around. But it is all definitely worth every minute.

I feel like I take advantage of theson while he is home, but he is such a big help. We managed to get my outside "shed" cleaned out and numerous trips were made to the "dump" with all the stuff I have hidden away there for years. There were several boxes or bags I didn't even look in - as I haven't done it in years and if I haven;t missed something important, I figured "get rid of it!" Theson loves for me to discard everything, he thinks I packrat a little too much sometimes. After our house was destroyed by a fire in 1984, I never saved anything, under the belief that it can all disappear in seconds. That lasted for about ten years and then I started hoarding again it seems. I shall try to do much better in the future.

Theson and Emma are in Columbus, Ohio at the present time enjoying theson's friends and sporting events for the weekend. They should return Monday or Tuesday.

Enough rambling for now, so everyone stay healthy and I will try to get back here more frequently. TTFN.

thegrandsons first day of school....boohoo

It has been more than 22+ years since I sent a little one out on their first day of school - I cried then and I cried again yesterday. Thegrandson has been more than ready for this - I guess I just thought it would happen "later." He was up and out of bed by 7 am (he never gets up before 10 am) and oh so ready to go to school. Bless his little heart. He couldn't wait to get that red apple around his neck so he could be "sorted" out on the school bus and his teacher could get him to the right room when he arrived at the school.

His mom wasn't as bright eyed and bushy tailed, but she escorted him to the bus stop and I managed to get a few pics as they left the house:


Before you know it he will be graduating from high school and off to college (hopefully).

Theson is in New York state visiting with thegirlfriend Emma, and having a wonderful time I imagine. Had to break the news to him that Mom2 was back in the hospital (congest. heart failure) which is not uncommon after recent cath and stent implants. Hopefully they will get her into fighting shape this time.

This is a brief entry this time, have to get ready to head to the hospital again. More later. Stay healthy all!!! TTFN.

***Glad to see Paul is alive and well (I assume). Keep those comments coming good buddy!

sorry it has been a while...

Theson finally came home and I have been completely remiss in contributing to the blog. He was home for 3 days then left for Columbus to be with the BTownBoyz, returning the following Sunday in order to catch the Nascar race with friends here t home at the local watering hole. He then packed a bag and he and the BTBoyz headed to Bristol, Tn for the Nascar race event for the following week. Unfortunately, problems arose at home, and theson, his friend Chad and Chad's dad headed back home on Friday, as my best friend (Chad's mom) had a heart attack yesterday and had to undergo a catheratization with 3 stents implanted. I had no choice but to call them home.

This was one of those situations where there is no second guessing, you jump in the car and head home. My friend (Mom2) is now recuperating well in the cardiac step down unit for which we are very happy. You have to be tickled by her, no matter what, the reality of the situation is always denied by her. She will not outwardly admit that she actually had a "heart attack", it will be -- "when I was in the hospital" type thing. Smack, smack, Their cadre of friends are towing their camper home also, for which they are very grateful.

Mom2 may return home tomorrow, but I am not sure of that yet. The doctor hasn't seen her as of today (cardiologist or personal) and she is not eating nor is she walking around yet. these are two necessary functions for her recovery...we may have a lot of work to do in those areas.

Well, I am gonnna crash for now, I am totally exhausted. Everyone stay healthy and I will be back soon. TTFN.

.. theson is HOME

OK - it has ben awhile since I last blogged, but theson arrived home last Sunday and we have been doing everything. Basically gabbing alot. Since the airports all went into HIGH alert two days before he flew home, I was very worried. I don't know why since from this article , as you can see - someone, somewhere has been a little lax with all the HIGH SECURITY. I love the theory of building a better mousetrap. Speaking of which, leave it to the news media to let all nations and terrorists know what we are doing and WHY. I am a super news junkie, but really now, some things need to be kept out of the media. Enough is enough.

We are cleaning thesons room this morning, actually we started yesterday, and since this is turning into an annual event, it does take some time. You have to understand - my bedroom is on the first floor and the "kids" rooms are upstairs and I NEVER GO UP THERE. Since theson orders off the internet all the time and there are always box after to box to deal with his room becomes quite cluttered. This is such an event we enjoy - RIGHT!! It will cost plenty at the landfill.

Gonna go for now, everyone stay healthy, TTFN.

...theson's on his way

Well, theson has left Rahjahmundry and is headed for Vizag (sp) I believe. His flight out of Delhi is on Sunday (India time) at 12:15AM. That is about 3:15 pm our time Saturday. This gets really confusing. I am so excited, he will have a little over a month here in the states and has so much he wants to do. First he has to get over the jet lag and acclimate a little - then just "jump in!"

Thegrandson is on cloud nine - he loves his Uncle Zac more than anything in the world. He wants to camp out in the woods with his uncle and have him teach him to ride a bike. I am sure there are many other things he "wishes" but he is going to have to learn to share his uncle with everyone.

The weather has abated a little and we are no longer scorching or being beaten by the high humidity. He may appreciate that a little, since it is over 100 degrees daily in India.

His travel home may be a little uncomfortable with all the recent changes in carry-on baggage rules and such. Maybe he can just sleep thru most of the flight and wake up in Chicago. That would cure the boredom problem.

Sunday cannot come soon enough for me and all his friends and buddies. We will all be scampering for his time - but it will all be worth it!!

More later, everyone stay healthy. TTFN.

my baby is coming home....

Theson has made his flight arrangements and will be landing in Pittsburgh next Sunday, Aug. 13th at 10:25am. He has managed to get a month (plus a couple days) off. This is terrific, I last saw him when I took him back to the airport to return to India the end of April.

He will be cramming so much "American" activities into a short time. So many people he wants to see and things he wants to do. There is never enough time. I am so afraid it will go by way to quickly.

This pic was taken more than a year ago, but thought it would look good on here. He is quite a hunk. thegrandson is so excited about his "uncle Zac" coming home and being here for his 6th birthday too!!! Yippee!! He said "he will be here when I start Kindergarten too". There is no doubt how much thegrandson loves his Uncle.

I will take advantage of him a little and soup up this blog. I know the various sites to go to to get things, but am a complete boob at applying them. Well, this is short and sweet, some house cleaning to do and beef stew on the stove - more later. Stay healthy all - TTFN.

***have to read his blog, re: snorting chili powder - sometimes he is such a dork!!

...baby it's hot outside!!!

trying to get pics of thegrandson and friends running thru and playing in the neighbors sprinkler yesterday. Let's see if this works. thegrandson is the one in the red shorts and blonde hair. two more pics of my 15 and 11 yr old grandsons w/ colton at their last baseball game (last weekend.)

The weather has been unbearable, so the kids really had a blast with the sprinklers. Today the temp registered 101 degrees. Supposedly tomorrow will be much like today, utility companies are asking for voluntary conservancy of electric usage. I can understand that! All I want running is the AC and everyone knows how I hate to receive my electric bill. But I just can't suffer the heat anymore. Old age is a wonderful thing!!! IT SUCKS!!!

Theson is trying his hardest to get out of India for a month R & R. he wants to hit the NASCAR race in Bristol with his buddies, and cram a lot of america into his short time in the states. He needs the break.

More later. gonna crash for now. stay healthy all. TTFN.


*** just an observation but I have had over 237 visits from a site in Reston, Virginia. Curious hmmm, where is the CIA headquarters. I might be bugged. hahahahahaha

it's SOAPBOX time....

Anyone who is not politically motivated, may not even care about this blog, but leave it to me to opine a little.

Last week Dubya decided to use his veto power (the first of his tenure) and go against "expanding funding for stem cell research." Now first one has to recognize that Dubya is so anti stem cell research, he said years ago he would never support the cause. Does anyone else recognize the wording of the bill? Keywords "expanding funding" - haha guess what there is already federal monies going to research, which happened under Dubya's watch.

States are so adamant about the research venue they are coming up with additional funds on their level. Privately funded research in this area is also growing. Questions arise about the idiot (oops), he is such a contradiction - since he says "destroying an embryo is murder" (thus the veto), yet he still supports fertility clinics which destroy the excess embryos by the thousands. DUH?!?!?

Week before last, he managed a photo-op with "cute babies" adopted from embryos. Statistics are: 128 out of 400,000 frozen embryos (.032 percent) have ever been adopted. (Newsweek, July 31, 2006, Jonathan Alter). This amazes me. There are thousands of children available for adoption, which most couples prefer, rather than picking out an embryo to culture and adopt as a viable dependent.

The scientific breakthroughs so far, have been incredible. Scientists are actually finding other ways to retrieve and culture stem cells, i.e. simple skin cells. Umbilical cord and placenta blood are prime targets that need to be banked. Ultimately, we (the scientists) need these stem cells to hopefully be able to cure diseases and replace vital bodily services. But apparently, the Dubya groups would rather not be able to save the lives of their constituents, just brainwash them during their brief term on earth.

Religion has to be removed from the scientific field. As long as the conservative's "sanctity of life" platform prevails, there will be NO cures.

Just a bit of humor now, I certainly do not have any memories while I was in the embryonic stage (since I did share that with a twin), and doubt anyone else has memories either. A small piece of protoplasm, smaller than the head of a pin, contains the possible cure for so many dreaded diseases, yet strikes fear in the minds of the Christian right.

OOOH, do ya hate me now. Wish I could get that Bush clock to move a little faster. Ta-da I am done!!

TTFN, everyone stay healthy.

stinking, lousy summer cold....

I still have the damn cold/flu thing going on and really feel like crap. Now I have this icky eye infection thing going on - guess I will have to give in and call the Doc and get a miracle drug of sorts.

We (Mom2, herson and fiance, the daughter and I) went to E.J.'s wedding last Saturday at THE BARN in Moundsville, WV. And take my word for it it was A BARN. Bright, shiny red paint on the outside and a rustic ambience inside. The ceremony took place on an outside patio (quite windy) and the reception was held inside. After the intense heat we have been having - they lucked out and after a few rain drops in the morning - it remained sunny and cool the rest of the day. I actually was cold.

E.J. went all through school with mydaughter and spent a good deal of time at our house during her grade school years. Once in high school, she and theson became great friends. She also dated Mom2's son for over a year. Now she is married to a 14 year Air Force veteran and living in Colorado Springs. Good luck E.J. (They are honeymooning in Jamaica at this very moment.)

For mor pics of the wedding go to www.flickr.com/photos/mbonen.
I even took a good pic for a change.

thegrandson has totally amazed me lately. Yesterday morning, when he got up the first thing he told me was, and I quote, "nina, did you know gravity keeps us on the ground, and there is no gravity in space!" omg, you could have knocked me over. And yesterday afternoon, he started tellingme all about "hall monitors" in the schools and what they do. He doesn't even start school till the end of August. DUH!?!?! And before going to bed, he gave me an in-depth detailed description of "cloning!"
I think I better sign him up for Harvard now!! Or a more scientific college like Stanford. He never ceases to amaze me. Took him to his cousins baseball games Sunday, and he had a blast with his 15 year old, 6' 2" cousin. Stephen just picks him up and hauls him all over the place and teeny tiny Colton tries to keep up with him - it is funny.

Just IM'd with theson in India. Damn, infernal place. He was supposed to be there for one month and it is now going on 19 months. His girlfriend was there for a year and she just left this past Monday (for good!) Keep up the good spirits, you two will get together soon.

OK - will put more on here later, nap time again!! TTFN. I promise to blog more often.

pity, pity, pity me!! ....

I HATE SUMMER COLDS!! Damnit. I've got it all. Took thedaughter to Ohio State University Hospital for her monthly checkup (following bone removal), and before we left, I knew I was getting the sniffles. Well, by the time we got home (5:30 pm), I got my clothes changed and thought I would prefer death. No head should hold this much stuff, sore throat, and puking my guts out. YUCK!! And to kick it all off, the weather is staggeringly HOT and HUMID. Just throw the dirt on my face now!!

Mom2 went with thedaughter, thegrandson and myself to Columbus. Trips are always fast when she is with me, because we NEVER SHUT UP. We can talk about anything and (god forbid) anyone! We stopped at The Andersons, a general store off Brice Road on the way home. We were told it was an awesome place. More of a step-down Super WalMart. I didn't see any super bargains. Got myself and thegrandson doo rags, so now we are COOL. Got him a basketball game and a kids chair in a bag. Sorry Slyght, I can't resist getting stuff for him.

I set up another blog site to share all the juicy details about "my lovelife" with theson. It won't be published here, as yet, because of privacy issues. HAHAHAHA. theson is aware of his status and wealth, and we decided to keep this in the family for now. hey son, promised you a wonderful daddy - you may just get one!!! BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!!

theson has been having troubles with his blog lately, some indian jerk may have banned certain areas of his blogsite. could be just a glitch also, once he navigates thru another system, he then can see his and other blogs, so keep commenting on his site, he will get them. Hopefully, he will be leaving India in the very near future. Talking about heading to Kazhakstan - ouch!! I wasn't all that thrilled when he was in Turkmenistan. Oh hell, moms always worry.

Did y'all hear Dubya use the word "shite" on TV? He is human after all. A jerk maybe, but human. He is probably staying up nights figuring how to get our troops into Israel now!! I don't think he is happy unless we are involved in other countries problems - literally! Idiot!!

Gonna go flush my head out now!! Everyone stay healthy and TTFN!

see if this works...

As I said, Brownie scampered off the keyboard and back to his palatial digs. Let's see if this works this time.

Now, as for theson, stuck in a hellhole in India, I worry about the train explosions and monsoons in his part of the world. It is just a mother's job to worry. I can't wait till he gets to a civilized part of the world. Being exposed to the lesser work motivated people he has in the past 18 months, I don't want any of that to rub off on him. He is far too intelligent for that. Have to check out his blog (on right) Nomadic Tendencies and Emmas (also on right) Saddle Tramp - to see the latest swimsuit fashion in India. It is SO NOT Emma. Amazing what a pair of scissors can do.

OK - gonna try to go back for a nap - take care and stay healthy all. Later.

yes...i do need a life!

Good morning all! Such a shite morning, cloudy, mother nature trying to decide whether to start torrential downpours or just sputter all day. Now, mind you, Jamboree In The Hills starts today at 3:50 PM, and this is the 30th anniversary of this "get down and dirty" weekend country music weekend. I did 26 years of attendance, and now it is up to the younger crowd to carry on. JITH has always been the third weekend of July, as they did extensive weather studies upon its inception and found that throughout history, the 3rd weekend of July has proved to be the best weekend of the summer. By that I mean, very little rain and sunny conditions. I guess, for the most part they have been accurate 75% of the time. I think it was the summer of '94 when it was Jamboree In The Mud. OMG what a mess, I had to pay some guy with a tractor $50 to pull my car out of the mud. This guy probably retired on the windfall he had that year from just towing cars with his John Deere. Total attendance for the weekend has been estimated as high as 200,000 people. No accurate figures have ever been released.

thedaughter went to the shed last night to get one of our "chairs in a bag" and ran back in the house because she encountered a spider the size of Texas. I hate that shed and want it totally torn down. It sits close to the creek running behind out house and is constantly damp and yucky. I have so much junk in it, would rather see it implode at this point.

Anyway, thedaughter is going to JITH for 4 days (comes home at night), is broke, but still going. I bought her the 4 day pass for Christmas, but told her then she would have to provide her own, beer, food, parking and incidentals. This weekend can be quite costly as everyone knows. She is doing it on a shoestring.

Enough of that garbage. I have been up since 4 am (this not sleeping thing is getting to be a PITA) and been on the computer (of course) since that time. BORING!!!

So here is the product of my boredom. BROWNIE THE HAMSTER.

I decided to bring thegrandsons pet hamster, Brownie, out to play with me. After a quick run across the keyboard, he just wanted to run around and sniff. How a nose can twitch that fast, amazes me. He couldn't wait to scurry off the computer. Oh hell, all of a sudden I can't put anymore pics in this blog. going to publish this one and then add last two pics in another entry. So ttfn, stay healthy all.

told ya so...

I am totally amazed... pictures of the robins on last blog were taken on Thursday and today is Saturday and look at them now.
I wasn't satisfied with this picture, so I came in the house and got a stool to stand on, and as I was getting ready to step onto the stool - ALL 5 BABY ROBINS FLEW OUT OF THE NEST. Scared the shite out of me. So I guess there really are NO flying lessons, they just automatically know what to do with their feathery arms. Now we will wait and see if they fly back home to the nest. I think I really pissed them off anyway. This is just a quick update on the birds... More later. Stay healthy all. TTFN

about ready to fly - i hope...

OK, momma robin has this second "brood" now living in a spoon basket on my back porch. There are five babies crammed into this teeny tiny nest. The one in the back has its mouth open waiting for a worm to be dropped down its gullet. It is not a pretty scene when all five decide they want the worm at the same time. But apparently mom and dad robin have it down to a science as to each finding and delivering the meals. In the early morning, both robins are in the side yard listening and then attacking their prey (poor worms never knew what hit them).

The first brood was nested in early May and there were 4 eggs then. Mama robin went overboard this time and had 5. It is so amazing, because one day (probably in the next week) the nest will be EMPTY. You don't get to see any early flying lessons at all - boom, they are gone.

My plan is to strip this basket when they are gone, put new "artificial" flowers in and then rehang. At the present time there are four nests, one on top of the other. Although, this same nest was used for the last two broods. I have been amazed how the robins apparently mate for life, and take the responsibilities equally. All marriages should be so good.

Not much going on here, the valley is gearing up for Jamboree In The Hills which begins next Thursday evening. the campgrounds open this weekend I believe. After 20+ years of attending, I now watch most of it on TV. I did my duty for a good many years, trudging thru mud and all. Now, it is up to the younger crowd to carry on.

Took my dog Angel, to Mom2's house this evening to let her and Heidi get acquainted. Heidi is an Alaskan huskie (I think), and very territorial. Angel is "just happy to be here." Had to take her up on a leash, she originally turned around and went back home on the first attempt. When I left I figured she would run back home, but oh no, straight across the street and onto the neighbors porch for a visit, and then crawl up the backs of the people walking down the street, before finally back into the house. I probably should try some sort of obedience training, but that would take all the fun out of it.

That's good enough for some lighthearted blogging this evening. Everyone take care and stay healthy... has anyone heard from Paul - he is playing absent blogger again!!! TTFN

...a little time with HOMER

the daughter, thegrandson and i spent saturday at Uncle Windy's for a picnic and plain old fun. we have known for the past year that he has a pet deer named HOMER, but finding the time to get to his place has been difficult.

we got there about 1 pm, but homer was playing shy and hiding in the woods somewhere. the grandson was beginning to get very upset. at least there were a few other children to play with, so that allayed some of his anxiety. i was at the back of the house with some friends when someone came running out and yelling that Homer finally appeared out front and colton was ecstatic.

Bless his little heart, he was so excited he kept wanting to run up and play with the deer, but Homer thinks the kids want to wrestle and he starts head butting. when Homer was smaller that was not a problem, but now he has the start of his adult rack (velvet like nubs) and they can hurt. we had to tell colton to "stand still" several times, so Homer wouldn't send him flying.

there are several more pics you can view at www.flickr.com/photos/mbonen. now i have to figure out how to get the movies downloaded. i know i will need to get a dvd burner at some point. the camera is awesome.

Taking a break, my damn feet keep swelling and I have to put them up. Stay healthy all, more later.