BOOOOO!! Trick or Treat Again !!!

AHA!!! The process begins...thegrandson undergoes his pasty transformation.

His white/blonde hair now black, new elongated teeth, dripping blood and fancy cape turns the little guy into.....a VAMPIRE!!! His mother (thedaughter) got in on the act also, they were quite a pair.

This year seemed like more of an event, in finding the right makeup, clothing and other necessary trinkets to scare the neighbors. We started the makeup session at 5 pm, yet the actual "trick or treat" times of going door to door, did not begin until 6:30 pm. And trust me...it took every minute to get both these guys decked out.

The trick or treaters began right at 6:30 pm, yet we did not have as many kids as we have in the past. That could be because the time was dropped to one hour instead of the usual 1.5 - 2 hours of the past. And again, very few kids live in our neighborhood and the majority of treaters were from neighboring towns.


Sans makeup, thegrandson was very proud of his jack-o-lantern also this year. This was the second that was carved as the first one was carved so very early - it succumbed to the elements.

This was just a quickie blog for the moment of the "season!" Thegrandson got to show his costume to theson via webcam, and theson was so very frightened (right?!?!?). And that is what it is all about!!!

Take care and TTFN....oh and BOOOOOOOOO!

now we get back to normal?? or as close as possible!

I have always thought that when someone close passes away the whole world should just stop! Amazing thought right?!?! I guess that is when my selfishness kicks in. But needless to say, we have been through the passing of our great friend and relative, the funeral, the wake and now we must get on with our lives.

Our lives are forever changed but we will carry on traditions and pass on memories to the best of our abilities. I had hoped to get more pictures of Jean's (Mom2) family but am satisfied with those I posted on FLICKR.COM. If interested you can click on this link to see some pics taken at the wake and a couple from dinner last Saturday. There are also various sets of pics I have posted from our trips to Boston and the Caribbean and other adventures. Feel free to peruse them if you like.

Chumpass is back in Columbus and at work, TheRuss has gone back to work a few days a week and this is a good thing for both. I will probably go up and clean out the pantry and fridge as these are two areas men are not likely to consider - and I am sure there are outdated things that may need tossed. A good dusting is also needed as there are so many baskets and bears on shelves that they have amassed more than their share of dust bunnies. Heaven knows, we loved our menageries.

Well, gonna run for now, thegrandson is home sick today and wants me to help him draw a "pirate's map!" My talents are endless!!

Love to all! Stay healthy and TTFN!

...I detest VULCHERS!!!

I am still in a depressed and lonely state - missing my buddy Jean. Theson and I have been taking great care to be there for theRuss and Chumpass during this hard time, and so far everything has gone pretty well. Of course, a new life has to begin as they now have to oversee the paying of bills and any planning that may be called for - and they are doing an excellent job.

I must digress a little, as I have lost my parents, sister, brother, husband and many others close to me, and have seen people deal with the grieving process in various ways. When my mother-in-law passed away in 1985, I was totally distraught as she was more of a mother to me than my own. But the day after the funeral service, my 3 sister-in-laws called me to say we were going to meet at my inlaws house to write out the thank you cards - no problem. When I got there I was the only one doing the cards, as my asshole sister in laws were going thru all my mother-in-laws clothes and personal belongings. They said they knew what was best - and to rid the house of her "stuff" would be better for my father in law. When they were done - there was NO sign that a female even shared the house. I was devastated. They asked me what I wanted - I said nothing - if I can't have my mother in law back I want NOTHING! The assholes weren't there at 3 am when my father in law woke me, crying "they took everything - it's so empty!" I will never forget that day.

Now, present time, 2 friends of Jean's, came to the house on Thursday and told theRuss that Jean wanted them to get rid of all her clothes if anything happened. I will tell you now - that is a LIE!!! Jean hadn't even gone thru her mother's clothes, who passed away 4 years ago. The decision to get rid of her belongings is ultimately up to her husband. Jean had even told me she wanted my daughter to "stay fat" because she had so many clothes for her. We don't care that they didn't go to my daughter - that is not the point. The point is that these 2 women are VULCHERS and preyed on Russ's grief for their own benefit - they kept the clothes. Jean had so many clothes with price tags on that could have been returned - and they took them also.

To say I am livid is an understatement. I have not slept for 2 nights as this has upset me so much. I spend more time planning my revenge (for which I should be ashamed - not), but I will let them know at some point in time how I feel and how they literally ROBBED Jean. When Jean needed help neither women were around - but one managed to stay by her bedside constantly, after not having been around for more than a year. PATHETIC!!

OK - I have vented, and feel a little better. I can sleep with a clear conscience, that I did what I could to take care of my sister/friend, to my best ability - and I am satisfied for the memories I have. Her belongings are just "stuff" - nothing like the wonderful, fun, happy memories that will stay with me for a lifetime!!

Please, everyone stay healthy and well...TTFN.

***OK Slyght - now I'm consistent...everyone now knows they were assholes then and now!!

MY FRIEND, MY SISTER HAS GONE AWAY!

MOM2 (Jean) July 8, 1944 - October 17, 2007




I have lost my very best friend and sister and feel so lonely right now. We have known each other since our sons started school, yet became best friends when our sons went off to college. Our common bond was our love for our sons (daughters don't be offended please) and how we relished their accomplishments and shared their pain. As mothers, we could not have been any prouder.

We shopped together, went out to eat, and traveled to Boston to visit family and cruised the Caribbean. So many memories, so much fun, we have mourned the passing of family members and "been there" whenever needed. We even had "sibling" spats (unfortunately this last one lasting 3 months), but ALWAYS got back together as if nothing had happened at all.

My family has dwindled to just myself and kids, and we adopted and were adopted by Jeans large family. Her brother, nieces, nephews, cousins are like my own now. Until Jean's mother passed away a few years ago - she was the matriarch of the family - passing the honor to Jean. She was the glue holding the family together. We hope that we can carry on her love of family and pleasure with friends as well.

Jean's passing came 19 days after being diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer. She had been mis-diagnosed (actually non diagnosed) by her local physician for almost 2 1/2 years. It was only after going to Ohio State University James Cancer Center that the terminal diagnosis was made. All the "I wish we had done this and that sooner" comments mean nothing now. But we all know that once we knew what she was facing, we could have done nothing more than stand by her and love her as always to help her as much as possible. We have no regrets, we were with her at all times till she passed - now we have to deal with such a huge void in our lives. At this moment I am finding this so very hard.

She was by my side when my husband died, she was by my side when my twin sister died - and now I don't have her by my side and I am so lost.

I have so many wonderful memories of our trips, our talks, all our experiences, but it doesn't seem like enough.

Helping rid my basement of water after flooding in '04.

Enjoying the sun in the Caribbean!

Jean and I at her sons Engagement dinner.

As we reached our "mid life crisis", she wanted a nose ring more than anything (a small stud) and truly enjoyed the compliments she received afterwards...then on to the ankle tattoo... which she had copied from a henna tattoo we had done 2 years earlier. She saved the henna copy all that time in her wallet, that was determination.

I can't even begin to list all the things I will miss most, because it is quite lengthy.

There are many past blogs which detail our relationship and too much to say at this point. This is cathartic for me...just wanted to share the beauty of my friend and sister with any who might drop by here.

"DEATH LEAVES A HEARTACHE NO ONE CAN HEAL...LOVE LEAVES A MEMORY NO ONE CAN STEAL!!" from a headstone in Ireland

I can't say anymore....Good bye Jean, my friend forever.

I am NOT slacking....promise!

I really don't have a lot to write about, but MOM2, my best friend has some serious health issues and she is 2 hours away, and not being able to be there is driving me nuts!!! I encouraged her husband (and her) to take her to Ohio State University hospital, as she was not being treated well locally - but the end result was not what we wanted to hear - yet she can be treated by much more qualified people there.

Having to be here for my grandson while his mother works has made my making regular visits quite difficult. Theson may be home Wednesday or Thursday, and hopefully we will be able to work someting out to get back up to Columbus. I spoke with Mom2 a few minutes ago and she is quite depressed (expected) and that puts me in a funk.

This is just an update and hope to get back to some regular postings at some point.

Everyone stay healthy and TTFN.

MISTRIAL - IN PHIL SPECTOR MURDER CASE

For those of you unfamiliar with this lunatic - you can google various sites for pics. But during this trial his appearance changed at least 3 distinctive times. Phil Spector (and this was his 2nd "look") is a psycotic, narcicistic bastard. He has a history of pulling guns on women, as they tried to leave his house in the past, made many statements that women are c**ts and deserve to have their f'in heads blown off...yet this jury became "hung" 10-2 favoring guilty yesterday.

As theson states in his blog - I have been watching this trial from start to finish, involved in a chat room (now all very dear friends...lol) and essentially become a nervous wreck throughout this 5 month trial.

Some basic facts:
* Lana Clarkson was shot (in the mouth) in Phil Spectors house 2/3/03.
* Phil Spector came to door of his house with gun in hand, yelled at his chaffeur "I think I killed somebody!"
* 14 phones in house and he (Phil) never called 911
* Chaffeur called 911 - Police did not enter home for over 40 minutes - not sure whether a hostage situation existed
* Spector tasered by police for not cooperating - stating to police "I shot her but it was an accident. I can explain."
* Gun now laying at Lana's left foot (she is right handed). No prints on gun - wiped with wet diaper - same diaper used to wipe her face - by Phil. By the way, he wettened the diaper in a toilet to wipe all this.
* One more admission at police station - before Robert Shapiro (lawyer to stars) has him clam up.

And four years later - the trial begins. Spector has the big bucks and his defense team changed noticeably during the trial. One expert witness, Dr. Henry Lee, a forensic expert was declared "not credible" by the judge for hiding/losing a piece of evidence. One defense lawyer, Bruce Cutler (John Gotti's lawyer) was seldom seen in court, till he finally resigned a month ago. Please note that Cutler was accused of buying off jurors for Gotti.

I won't go into more detail because my fingers would be bleeding profusely in the end. But in the Court TV chat room, I made friends from all over and we all watched and analyzed testimony and evidence. (I even learned how to use mIRC.) Since we were privvy to the same things that the jurors were, the overall concensus was GUILTY. Needless to say, we were all irate and dumbfounded after yesterdays mistrial declaration.

The good news is that the LA District Attorneys office will be re-filing charges against Phil Spector and there will be another trial. I doubt that I will be watching it as avidly, maybe daily updates from CTV, because I hate to get this worked up over something that does not personally affect me - yet it is the basic premise of justice not being carried out due to celebrity in California. **Plus the smug attitude of Phil Spector, a schizophrenic, burned out, disgusting, Napoleonic troll.

I must say that, after reading numerous transcripts from his arrest to lawsuit against Shapiro, one question was asked of him, and his answer was, "well they say I am a genius...therefore..." DUH!!! LET'S GET THIS CORRECT - the term "musical genius" was applied because of the "wall of sound" he created - HE WAS NOT EINSTEIN!!! I would have preferred the term "innovator."

I could discuss this case for hours on end...but will not - aren't you happy now! We will see how the retrial goes and if JUSTICE CAN BE SERVED!

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

Mom2 is home from hospital, and to go thru outpatient therapy while awaiting an appointment with neurology team.

I must say at least while the jury was deliberating it gave me time to get some resumes out and submit a few job applications - so far the phone isn't ringing. I may have to end up at McD's soon.

Everyone stay healthy and TTFN.

I don't like spiders and SNAKES....YUCK!!

Yesterday, thedaughter and I went to the shed out back, looking for something (which we did not find) and very hastily thedaughter said "get out of here - just get out!" She was almost shoved up my ass getting out the door and stupid me - I am asking "what the f**k"" She said "SNAKE!" Ohhhhh Nooooo - if you want to see a short, chubby, lady run - it is not a pretty picture. I asked her what kind of snake and she said it wasn't actually a live, slithering snake she saw - it was this:



Please note that is not the "snakeskin" running across the picture (electrical wire), but note how the skin is wrapped around two beams in the shed. Now I have a few things I would like to get out of the shed - but can't see that happening in my lifetime. Guess everything will just have to rot away now - because "this" lady is done!! DONE - I repeat DONE, with storing anything out there.

As far as the title of this blog (from song) - spiders do not get me as upset as snakes - as long as the spider is smaller than my fingernail. I would rather play with mice and rats!

Mom2 is recuperating in a skilled care unit of the hospital - with a prescribed 21 days of OT and PT. Hopefully after that course is run - the neurologist will see WHY the weakness is in her arms and legs. (**I still think it all stems from spinal cord injury of 2 years ago!) We will see.

OH, and I am an avid "chatter" on the Court TV site, and for some reason I have been BANNED! I have not even used one single bad word I know - and not yelled at anyone and yet, they have banned me from the site. I don't know if this like a "time out" where they make me suffer for 24 - 48 hours or what. I am not a happy camper - as I have been following the Phil Spector trial - and am addicted to the chat we have all been having for 5 months - and NOW - while the jury is out and could come back with a verdict at any minute - I HAVE BEEN OSTRACIZED!!! I may need lots of drugs to get over this. I've even tried to access the site thru mIRC, and NOPE - my IP address is a no-no. Hope I survive this.

While I try to get over this despondency - everyone stay well. TTFN!!

***Just found out I was banned for saying "time to ignore someone" in chat room. How was I to know you couldn't use the word "ignore!" Go figure - someone is arguing my "case" but no guarantee of ban being lifted.

...and we can't have our opinions???

Kathy Griffin, a hollywood comic won an award this week and in her acceptance speech she took a whole different approach - and omg the backlash. In watching this video - the spokesperson for the Catholic church is so far off base - I just wanted to throttle him. At one point, he refers to Bill Maher (my idol) as a huge bigot - excuse me, he is so not bigoted, he just happens to claim he is an atheist - which is his right. Is the Catholic church so afraid that some people question their archaic teachings? They even have a pope now who wants to drag the church back to the dark ages - what's next "the Inquisition?"

Kathy Griffin made her speech, tongue in cheek, and this man is claiming that what she said is WORSE than the Don Imus statement - I think not. I don't approve of a church, any church for that matter, dictating what may or may not be appropriate, when it comes to a persons opinion or statements. Could it be that the Catholic church is having so many financial problems of late (due to the sexcapades of the celibate priest), and their only concern is $$$ at all times? This is a neverending subject - and I won't go any deeper - but I feel it is wrong for this self appointed God spokesperson to chastise Kathy Giffin for her statements. I am amazed that someone has not made a similar statement sooner than this. I say "people in glass houses" to this gentleman - and clean up your own house before entering others.

Whew, that feels better, hope Bill Maher jumps on this one tomorrow night.

I could say so much more - but will save it for a later time.

Everyone stay well and TTFN.

So final...so sad!

This beautiful tree has stood tall and proud outside the front of my house (across the street) for the 22 years we have lived here...and today that era ended. When our neighbor passed away last winter, it broke my daughters heart, as when she would be gounded and sent to her room (younger years), she would open her bedroom window and yell across the street to John D, for consolation. John D was in his mid 90's when he passed, but a very likeable gent on the block. I asked him many times if he was ever worried about this tree, as it was soooo tall and in a good wind I had seen it almost touch the ground. His one word answer was "nope!" Now, the family is preparing to put his house on the real estate market and are doing some exterior and interior repairs (John was a retired contractor but did very little in updates the past 30 years), to make it more marketable.



Now the tree is gone...so final and sad. This company contracted to undertake this task has done a wonderful and speedy job, I must say. I am getting an estimate to "top" some trees in my back yard that are unbelievably tall, and if a good wind would topple them - they would be in my living room. So there may be some good in this.

Things to do...just thought I would post for posterity. LATER

Now, let me rethink this a minute...NOT!!

Sen. Larry Craig has had a new vision apparently - and is having his lawyers try to "take back' his guilty plea for solicitation. This supposed ultra-conservative now has the backing of Sen. Arlen Specter and feels he has been railroaded and will regain the backing of his fellow political hacks. Did I miss something along the way...are they now going to use all their $$$ and connections to ruin the career of the police officer who arrested him (not entrapment)in a legal manner?? I see no other option in order to overturn his guilty plea. "Hey Larry!! Wake up, admit you are gay or bi and go on with your life!" Oh, but let me see, you can't do that because you have sat in judgement for so long against the gay community - you would be ostracized from both camps - might get lonely out there, huh?? I will be utterly pissed if he can pull enough strings to get his conviction overturned...but we know it is definitely possible for his Washington cronies to pull such a stunt.

I would also expect Bush to chime in in some manner with one of his asinine statements. I have been pondering all his phrases since the inception of HIS war - "Bring it on!", "They'll greet us as liberators", Mission Accomplished" and his latest "WE'RE KICKING ASS!" I can't wait to watch the grilling Gen. Petraeus is going to meet with, when he goes before Congress this week. I have a feeling they will paint him in to a corner and make him look like the lackey he is. The propoganda from the right wing has to stop - this is an ugly war with senseless deaths of our young men - for what??? For Bush to feel like a macho, powerful idiot?? No matter, the Democrats are just going to have to prepare themselves now, for the massive "cleanup" of this administration, when they take over in 497 days.

Now I have to take a Tagamet, since I got my ulcer in an uproar - just needed to vent so early in the morning.

Everyone stay healthy and TTFN.

Some people are truly UNGRATEFUL...or asses!

The hometown Bellaire Big Reds football team has produced several outstanding athletes, who have gone on to fame in the NFL - one such individual is Joey Galloway. He wears #84 as a wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Bucaneers, formerly with the Seattle Seahawks. Ever since joey left Bellaire and started developing in the NFL, he never forgot the high school football coach who helped him and the school athletic program. For many years now, Joey has donated $$ for various projects to benefit the young boys in the athletic program, such as outfitting a weight room (cost approx. $100,000) and the now retired (this season) coach had given Joey his own key to this weight room to utilize whenever he may be in town.

Joey was in town several weeks ago (before spring training) and was working out in the weight room, when the new football coach (not liked by many at all) came in and told him to leave, that the students would be coming soon. Joey asked if the coach might want him to speak to these young men, as he has in the past, and coach told him emphatically, "NO- just leave!"

Needless to say, it has been learned that Joey will probably not be endowing anything more for the athletic program as long as this coach is in control. I find this very sad. I am not a fan of the new coach, as there has been an outbreak of viral meningitis, and it originated with the football team, yet the coach still had some of these students playing. I worry about siblings of these players and it filtering down to the elementary and middle schools. One would have to understand that this school puts all emphasis on sports and minimal emphasis on academics - for that I have always been furious.

Anyway - just wanted to vent a little. I just feel you never look a gift horse in the mouth and now we have a new coach that just as much "killed the horse." Joey has taken advantage of good financial advisors and is part owner of the Arena Football team, Columbus Destroyers, and will probably go into broadcasting when his NFL career ends. Small town boy DID make good - and for that he deserves a lot of credit. As for the new coach - RASPBERRIES.

TAKE CARE AND STAY WELL - TTFN.

theson is currently in Trinidad, another tropic zone for him, but should be returning home approx. Oct. 10th.

In Memory of KILLER - will be sadly missed!

My friend from Boca Raton, Fl., told me last night that "Killer" his cockatiel had died earlier in the week. I would get to play with Killer, when I got the opportunity to visit with Jim (before or after annual cruise). Killer would walk all over my shoulders, peck at my fingers and pull at the hairs on my head. Killer was unique, in that thru some event he lost most of his feathers - and they never came back. Such a tiny bird, with a very loud screech at times. Oh, and by the way, Killer loved to shite down my back, as if it were some sort of initiation.

Jim's 2 companions were Killer and Gator (a very large, loud Macaw I believe.) I told him now he would have to get another playmate for Gator. I will have to search my pics - I think I also have some good pics of Gator.

But for now --- Killer, I will miss you. Jim, I know how you feel and it will get better...after awhile, you can consider maybe getting another bird. We will chat later baby - take care.

someone remind me to beat my son...

I truly do not know that many people who would be excited about working in a "hurricane zone" except theson!!! He is actually sad, i believe, that he has missed Hurricane Felix as it now reaches Category 5 and is headed to Nicaragua and Belize. Personally, I have been thru smaller hurricanes, but never a large one and prefer NOT to. But, theson, ever the adventurer, would like to keep me worried till I die.

Theson called at 10:30 am and the guys are now on their way home from Myrtle Beach, and hope to arrive in Columbus around 8 pm. So I will have to get on the road around 6 pm in order to pick him up and get home to start his laundry and all that fun stuff! This could be a late night - and we will have to leave by 8 am tomorrow morning to head to Pittsburgh Airport for his flight to Trinidad. I think I will definitely need a nap tomorrow. Whew!!!

On the lighter side, the news agencies are all reporting about Bush and his unesxpected trip to Iraq, on his way to Australia. Duh must be trying to improve his image again - not working on me.
He made the comment on Friday, in regards to homeowners affected by the ARM mortgages and how they are going to lose their homes, because "these people bought homes they COULD NOT afford!" Such an asshole statement. These people, for the most part, knew they would be paying a changed amount once the ARM's changed in 2-3 years but NONE expected the sub-prime to allow for a 30% jump. Bush is still, and will always be - A COMPLETE MORON!! I am scared, just knowing that he will still be in office for the next 500+ days. Considering all the damage he has done in the past - can you imagine what is left for him to screw up?!?!?! Even though Karl Rove is not in the White House (supposedly resigned), he is only a phone call away, and can still micro manage the White House and stomp all over the Constitution! Be afraid - be very afraid...both are scary individuals.

My friend, who had emergency surgery, is still in the hospital and not doing well. He had to be placed back on the ventilator Saturday, as he has developed pneumonia. So I am still hoping for his quick recovery.

THEGRANDSON, will be 7 years old tomorrow - and is sad his Uncle will not be here. But he is having a party at school and we are taking him out to dinner and a movie. (Not to mention his presents!) No home parties for awhile - I got tired of cooking a bunch of food and laying out the $$ for a nice party and all his friends came to indulge in the free food and failed to even bring him a present - NO MORE - at least for awhile.

RICH|CHAMPIONABLE is "starting anew" literally - and I suggested "Rich's Female Army" to come to his aid - but he managed to get through it all on his own. Have no fear - we are a mean bunch of females (with spikey toed shoes) who "have his back!" AND HE KNOWS IT!! Good luck Rich!!!

Thegrandson and I are baking cupcakes in a little while for him to take to school tomorrow - so have to get some things done before we start.

Everyone stay healthy and TTFN.

And he is off and away...again!

Theson is currently in Myrtle Beach, NC., with his buddies for a bachelor party, and will be heading to Trinidad, on Tuesday. This is going to be a whirlwind few days for him, as I will pick him up in Columbus on Monday evening, maybe get home 9-10pm., do all his laundry and pack - then head to the airport Tuesday morning for his flight. I am not even going anywhere and that will wear me out!! Plus the fact that he will be in the Caribbean area - AND I WON'T! He will be close to Venezuela, so he will have to watch out for Cesar Chavez and his communist cronies (can you tell I can't stand the a**hole?) HAHA!

I don't have too many details yet as to how long he will be there - so will add more on that later. He will miss thegrandsons birthday, so we will be sad as will thegrandson. He won't even get to enjoy his new truck either. I will have to finalize the title and license transfers while he is gone. Mother's work is never done!! But I'd do anything for him and he knows that!

I will give more details later - so again - stay healthy and TTFN.

Just a get well message for an old friend...

Profile Graphics - hitupmyspot.com


An old friend, Steve Sorvalis, has recently undergone serious intestinal surgery...and I just want to wish him a speedy recovery. he hasn't been doing very well so far, but a turn for the better is hoped for soon.

Steve and I (and a group of friends)used to "party" together years ago, when he owned a local pub. He has tried many ventures since he sold the pub 22 years ago - and now currently owns a Roadhouse Restaurant, which does quite well. Thegrandson calls it the "peanut place" as he can throw the shells on the floor - or at other people!

Although, the operation and necessity for it are very serious, and he has not fared well in the beginning - I feel he will make a quick recovery and be back at his favorite haunt soon.

Just this quick note for now - more later...everyone stay healthy and TTFN!

Last pre-season game...then the race starts

The preseason has been good so far 4-1 (loss to Green Bay 13-9) and tonite's game is the final preseason game against Carolina Panthers. Granted, you can't gauge much from these early games as it is the time to pare down the rosters, but I do so love NFL football. (Especially MY Steelers) So, my friend, Circuit City better have your big screen TV fixed or replaced by 8pm tonite or we will camp out on Circuit City's doorstep till they make it right!! A good protest never hurt anyone!

Theson has been in New York since Monday afternoon and will be leaving this afternoon for Columbus, Ohio (flying) to head to Myrtle Beach with the guys for a bachelor party (for T). He is totally enjoying this vacation time by travelling "everywhere." He stops at home long enough for me to do his laundry - wouldn't change it for the world. Hopefully, when he returns home everything will be ready for him to transfer title, pay taxes, and transfer plates - then drive his new truck!!!

HEY JEN...HOPE YOU DROPPED BY TO CHECK OUT THIS SITE!!! THESONS IS "NOMADIC TENDENCIES" ON RIGHT - CHECK HIS OUT TOO!!

...and Rich|Championable...I mean it - we can amass an army for you!!

Everyone take care and stay healthy...TTFN!

OH NO...another first day of school!!

Well, thegrandson has been seething with anticipation these past few days, over the start of a new school year. Bless his heart, that attitude will change in a few years. Getting the new shoes, a few new outfits and supplies were the epitome of bliss for the little tyke.

We have been trying to readjust his bedtime in preparation for "school hours" to no avail...the little fart does not like to go to bed ALONE or be in the DARK. This, we will be working on - theson just ignores his crying but weak hearted Nina (me) caves every time.

Here is the little guy on the way to the school bus this morning...


What more can I say!!!

Theson is in Bristol, TN for the NASCAR race and informed me 2 nights ago that he "dropped" his cell phone (he is technological equiment challenged) and cracked the face of the phone. I "google earthed" for AT&T locations near Bristol and came up with a location approximately 20-25 miles from Bristol, in Kingsport. I emailed directions and address to him - but don't even know if he has internet access - so he is literally on his own. I have faith in him...since he had a $500 phone, I am sure if his can't be fixed he will buy another equally expensive model...maybe this one will have an added feature he lacked before.

So very hot and humid, I have been catching up on things around (inside) the house...almost too unbearable to even go outside.

Everyone stay healthy and well and TTFN.

C'mon Rich|Championable - get a new host site and get back to blogging - withdrawal setting in.

***P.S. Spoke with theson and he did find an AT&T store in Bristol (so much for google earth) and paid $600 for a replacement phone - and they don't even offer insurance for the contraptions - go figure. He is also buying a truck when he returns home - a good move for him.

...had a nice weekend - ALL ALONE!!

This past weekend was just great. Theson was in Cleveland with Jules and college buddy, thedaughter went to Virginia and thegrandson was at the sitters...and I had the house all to myself. This doesn't happen very often and I just relished the moment. I planned on cleaning a closet...but that notion quickly passed. It wasn't a task that actually HAD TO BE DONE...just one where I get in the mood for rearranging and sorting. As plans go...pfft...didn't happen. On Saturday I just hopped in and out of bed, sometimes napping, and other times watching TV. It is nice when you don't actually have to be anywhere or do anything for a change. My friend called later in the evening and had brought home dinner for me so I went to their house and we watched the Steelers beat Washington Redskins (although I had my doubts for awhile.)

Theson is in Bristol, TN for NASCAR race this weekend and he will be updating his NT blog as well as The Bristol Experience site - so stop by those two sites for updates.

Thegrandson is so excited to be starting back to school on Thursday, he has all his supplies and has been getting back to an earlier bedtime. We are going to let him walk home after school, when he gets off the bus this year (except for inclement weather), and now he realizes he is becoming a "big" boy. This is great.

Enough for now - everyone stay healthy and TTFN. More later.

Fun day...a "Bonding" time

It is a beautiful day and thegrandson decided he wanted to "get at it" with theson. They had planned to "camp" out on Tuesday, after we went to Cabela's and theson spontaneously purchased an 8 person tent. Thegrandson had some discipline issues and had to forego the privilege of camping out on Wednesday night. After adhering to his punishment (grounding) -- he could not wait to get started with the project this morning. And voila - theson, thegrandson and tent are pictured here.


It is in the mid 80's and although theson wanted to come in and cool off, thegrandson got his way again and the two ended up target shooting with the bow and arrows, theson purchased whilst at Cabela's. I think Cabela's is now our new favorite spot. Thegrandson even tasted boar meat ( we told him it was ham - which isn't far from the truth) and he liked it.) Here are the "archers" having fun.


Well, theson is off to Cleveland on Thursday to visit his college friend and Jules will be passing thru town at the same time - so they may all get together. Then theson will be heading to Bristol, Tennessee on Monday for the Nascar races with his buddies. He definitely has an eventful schedule ahead.

The only downside to me - is his manager told him yesterday that he will be leaving in November for Kuwait and will be there for a year. Again, I won't have him for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years or his birthday - I am not a happy camper. It's a MOM thing though.

So much for now - everyone stay healthy and TTFN.

Steeler football season is back...hurray!!!

Well, we have seen the second preseason game for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it wasn't quite as good a game as last weeks, but then again, this is the time where they sort the good players from the bad, to pare the roster.

Third string quarterback for the Steelers, St. Pierre, I didn't think performed as well as last week, and he was in the game for almost 3 1/2 quarters. As for Green Bay, Brett Favre appeared to be outplayed by Rogers - their second string QB. This is probably Favre's last year - retirement is looming.



Since this is the 75th anniversary season for the Steelers they have prepared a new logo (seen here) and adopted a "MASCOT!" I don't think I am really impressed by this large steelworker mascot, now named STEELEY MCBEAM. We only saw this mascot during the opening of the game and never after that - but I assume he will be prancing around the stadium during games.

During two of the seasons games the team will be wearing "throwback" uniforms, which are not that different other than the "yellow" helmets.

NOTE: For anyone wondering why there is a "green dot" on the back of the QB's helmets - after googling this question I found out that this designates which player has an "earpiece/mic" in their helmet - as by NFL rules there is only allowed one player from each team on the field to have this appliance.

Have to accomplish some things today - so must run for now - everyone stay healthy and TTFN!!