Thursday, August 31, 2006

Thursday 13


Thirteen Things LadyBug Is Thinking About Today


1. #1 Son's first football scrimage is today.

2. It is supposed to rain.

3. LLB is having her first trumpet playing test today. She did really well in practice last night. I'm sure she'll do fine.

4. We had "meet the 6th grade teachers" last night. It was fun to see them all again - #1 Son had them all when he was a 6th grader. We meet the 8th grade teachers next week.

5. LLB has 4 text books. Wanna guess how much they weigh?

6. We brought them home to cover them last night - completely forgetting that she had to get them back to school.

7. I helped her carry them back into the school this morning. I took 2. I think I may have pulled something... Advil anyone??

8. The builders are supposed to come and finish up the house today. I'm thinking that since it is 9:30, and they aren't here, they aren't coming. They are probably buttoning up some other jobs so that Ernesto doesn't drown them.

9. After I dropped the children at school today, I came home and went for a 2 mile walk. Aren't you impressed??

10. Zebbie and Mr. Bug came with me.

11. LLB has a project due Tuesday. She has to make a "Me Box" out of a cereal box. Yesterday we hunted down some pictures. She dug up a trophy. We will try to get most of it put together tomorrow after school.

12. I have my first teachers' meeting on Tuesday at 11:15. We go back on the 11th. That gives me more time to prep than I had last year!! Yippee...

13. Ahh... finally #13. I've run out of things to say. I must be hungry.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!




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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Wordless Wednesday

The first day of school was Monday -

They get too big too fast... 8th grade and 6th grade...

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Tubing at Home Depot

Yesterday after I had coffee with the ladies, I went tubing at Home Depot.

Mr. Bug sent me to get big black corrugated pipes to take the impending hurricane rains away from our house and down to our creek - or anyplace else that doesn't involve our crawlspace.

I get to HD and look for one of those large flat orange carts. It's Monday. The parking lot is a ghost town but, there are no carts. I shrug it off and grab a regular shopping cart. I find a guy in an orange apron who directs me to the tubes. They are outside where it is 90 degrees in the shade. The tubes are in a bin thingy in the sun. Of course they are.
They are 10 feet long. I need 8.
I think I can bend them and stuff them into the cart.
I am mistaken. They don't bend that far... I tried, but I ended up flinging tube half way down the aisle as it ejected itself from my cart.
I get the tubes out of the bin one at a time and load them onto my cart. Tubes are round. They roll.
They roll off the cart.
I look like an idiot! The tubes are rolling all over the place!
It's like a scene from the 3 stooges, except I'm the only stooge there.
At that moment, every customer that was at HD that day is walking down my aisle. They all look at me like I'm nuts. I smile. Okay, so maybe I snarled...
I am now hot and sweaty...
I find some twine and tie 4 tubes together. I only need 4 more.
I get 3 out - they start to roll off the cart, too... great! I find another piece of twine and tie those 3 together.
The last tube is way at the back of this bin thing. I crawl into the bin to retrieve it. I am now hot, sweaty, and filthy.
I grab the tube and toss it on top of my two bundles.
The whole pile leaps off the cart and onto the floor.
Go ahead - laugh... it's okay... it is funny now...
I load it all back onto the cart and begin to push it towards the cashier.
The tubes are dragging. They aren't quiet.
By now, I don't much care. I get to the cashier and let go of the pile so I can retrieve my credit card.
Yup... they all slide off AGAIN!
The cashier says, "oh, sorry about that."
What's she sorry for? She didn't do anything but look at the tubes. Does she help me load them back onto the cart?
The man in line behind me wanted to help, but didn't know what to do. He was almost dancing trying to figure out how to help me.
I told him I was fine, really.
I left the cart at the curb to get my small CRV.
I put the seat down so I could stuff the tubes in.
By the time I was finished, my car looked like I had stuffed a giant octopus from the black lagoon in it.
Thank heaven I didn't get stopped on the way home. There is no way I could have convinced a cop - or anyone for that matter - that I could see out my rear window...
When I got home, I opened the rear door. My CRV puked black tubing all over my driveway...
Next time I go tubing, Mr. Bug is coming with me!

Tuesday Tidbits

#1 Son made the football team.

LLB and #1 Son survived the first day of school. They both had math homework. LLB has to write a letter to her English teacher telling about herself. That's due tomorrow. Yippee.

My first day of school was terrific, thankyouverymuch. I met up with friends for coffee - I had lemonade. I did some laundry. I walked the dog - we went to get the mail.

Today LLB is getting her ears pierced. Momma K turned me on to a dermatologist who uses surgical plastic earrings. No nickel allergy here! LLB is so excited. For those of you who don't know, LLB is allergic to nickel. She had her ears pierced and they were fine for about 4 months and then they blew up. It wasn't pretty... Her pediatrician told me - no earrings for her - they all have nickel. But, fast forward 7 or 8 years and guess what? No nickel!!

I'll let you know how it goes...

It is finally raining. We desperately need the rain! Zebbie does not like the rain. He would rather have his bladder explode than go outside in the rain to relieve himself. Poor boy! He'll just have to adjust. I don't do exploding bladders around here.

The painters came to do a final touch up yesterday. The guy's name is Freddie. He is absolutely terrific. I told him that I need to save my pennies, but that he would be back to do my house. (I'm going to need that long to choose the paint colors anyway!)

Time to catch the bus!

Monday, August 28, 2006

Monday Memories



Monday Memories: Did I ever tell you About Waiting for the School Bus?


As today is the first day of school, I thought I'd tell you about the children and the school bus.

We used to live on a very busy street. The street was a short cut between two major roads. The cars backed up because of the school bus and drivers became very impatient.

We were in the driveway watching the bus make progress up the street. The children would have to cross the street in front of the bus to get on. I didn't like this arrangement much, but the Director of Transportation assured me that there would be no problems. (He was an idiot and I knew that!)

The bus pulled up and put on the flashers. The stop sign popped out and the traffic was stopped. The bus driver motioned for the children to cross. Right then, the driver of the first car decided he wasn't going to wait for the bus. He started to go. Both children were right in front of him! I had my heart in my throat! The bus driver started beeping her horn and the guy stopped. He stopped, but his bumper touched LLB's jacket. Then, the bus driver started screaming at the driver - her words were colorful, but warrented. Then she got his license plate number.

I calmly waved to the children when they were safely ensconced in the bus. The driver and I shared a brief moment of relief as our eyes met. We would speak in the afternoon when the traffic was lighter and there was more time. (She would tell me that just the day before a child had been hit on a busy street on a different route in our town. That child went to the hospital. Fortunately, mine were unscathed.)

Then I went into the house and freaked! I called the Director of Transportation. I told him that I almost lost 2 children at once and that I wanted the stop moved to my side of the street. I think I may have been a little forceful. I may have even been just a tad bit rude. I got the stop moved.

Now we live in the country where the only thing we have to worry about at the bus stop is a puddle, a couple of deer crossing, or the little white dog who wants some lovin'. There is no traffic. There are no worries. :-)

LadyBug

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Saturday, August 26, 2006

Saturday Summary

Well, the weekend is here. It has been quite a week!

We still don't know if #1 Son made the football team. They have to cut 5 kids. The coaches decided to post the list at school on Monday. As we said to #1 Son, "It's all good. If you make the team you get to stay afterschool and get picked up, if you don't, you ride home on the bus. If you make the team you play football. If you don't, you can play rec league basketball this fall." His response, "Hmmm... Basketball is good. Football is good. Yup, it's all good." He's nervous. He wants to play football because he thinks being on the team will make him "popular". He wants to play b-ball because he loves it. I don't think he really knows which he wants more.

We had the final inspection on the addition, so I figured I'd let you all see what has been happening with that. If you aren't interested in pix of the construction project - go away now...

This is the entrance. They have finally uncovered the glass in the doors. Oh how the light shines through! It is really wonderful!

Welcome to the formal living room. The sconces are a little small, but I couldn't find anything better, so I let them put these up. I think with the perfect picture above the fireplace, they will work until we find something more appropriate.

This is the kitchen. It came out great! Check out my door pulls. - Just for you D!

This is another view of the kitchen. You can see the laundry room behind.

This is our ADA bathroom complete with handheld shower and subway tile on the walls. I'll have to get the shower curtain rod and curtain up so we can try it out and make sure it all works correctly.

This is one view of the master bath - tub and shower.
This is one of the sinks in the master bath. I had to stand in the tub to get this picture. I wanted a picture of the sink and stool on the other side of the room, but I couldn't get back far enough. So - you'll have to deal with this totally exciting picture....

The guest bath has a linen cabinet. It's not what I consider a huge cabinet, but at least we got something... Just to get this little lovely took a lot of discussion. The plans called for a box called LIN. You and I consider that a closet, but the builder considers that a cabinet. Then they decided that we were just getting a larger sink base. HUH? It says LIN not SINK. So - what you see is what we got:

The bedroom and dining room are not exciting and neither is the loft. Once they have furniture in there, I'll post pix of those rooms. So, as you can see, the house is just about ready to be inhabited by some Grandbugs. When are they coming? I dunno. You'll have to ask them. :-)

Friday, August 25, 2006

Friday Feast

Appetizer
If you could have a free subscription to any magazine, which one would you like to have?
Hmmm... This is hard... I'd probably choose This Old House Magazine, Better Homes, or House Beautiful because they are somewhat practical. But, I'd really enjoy some "bubble gum for the brain" like People. :-)

Soup - Describe your living room (furnishings, colors, etc.).
Our living room was left intact by the previous owner. We just moved in the mahogany armoire that matched perfectly and added the crown moulding. Please understand that this room is hard to photograph. It looks better in real life... heck it looks better at Christmas when I put the tree in that corner.

Salad - What does the shape of a circle make you think of?
Pizza, donuts... mmmm

Main Course - Name 3 things in your life that you consider to be absolute necessities.
Love - Mr. Bug and I have been married almost 17 years. I absolutely adore him and could not live without his love and laughter.
Family - Immediate and extended. They keep us grounded and entertained.
Mr. Bug's Cooking - He's a great cook! And, I like to eat.

Dessert - What was the last really funny movie you watched?
At the movies - RV - it was a cute and very very funny movie!
At home - The Austin Powers movies were on - they are sophomoric, but they are hysterical!!

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Thursday 13


Thirteen Things LadyBug Is Thinking About Today


1. #1 Son made the first cut for football yesterday. He's thrilled. I am happy for him. He is really doing great. (I had a funny feeling he'd be good at football - he's good at just about everything he tries.)

2. Final cuts are today.

3. Warning!! Rant!!! I don't like it when people in positions of leadership hurt my friends. I resent people who are too pig headed and stubborn to listen. I also can't stand people who have to have their fingers in everybody else's business. If someone volunteers to do something for you - and they are over the age of 20 - leave them alone and let them do it. Rant over...

4. I finished the newsletter and blog I do on a monthly basis for my newcomer's group.

5. I was asked to forward the completed newsletter to the president for final review - it seems last month there was a typo. There was a typo in this one, too! It was in the article she sent. ha.ha.ha She didn't catch it - my secret proofreader did. :-) Tee hee hee... that made my day!

6. I don't mind another set of eyes, but I mind the holier than thow attitude. It's irritating. (My secret proofreader is the best! I adore her! I hope she realizes how much I appreciate her efforts and her friendship.)

7. The scrapbooking group I have is supposed to meet today. I have no idea if anyone is coming.

8. I guess I should pick up my house a little bit in case someone shows, huh?

9. They put the handles on some of the cabinets in the kitchen yesterday. I have incredible taste! They look gorgeous!!

10. I was told that the final inspection on the addition would be on Friday. I'm not holding my breath...

11. The grab bars are up in the showers. They look great!!

12. Mr. Bug found a rug we used to have in our bedroom and it looks great in our new and improved office. It is slowly becoming flat. It has been rolled up for over 2 years now.

13. School starts Monday! Yippee!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Wordless Wednesday


Will they ever be friends??
Zebbie loves Angel. Angel does NOT love, like, enjoy, care for, or even want to breathe the same air as Zebbie. What is a dog to do? He will MAKE her like him. He follows her everywhere. He tries to kiss her. Her feelings on that? Not suitable for print.

Marmalade had another adventure. He asked me to tell you about it today.

Marmalade's Hummy Tummy

You all remember that Marmalade has no teeth and no claws, right? Okay. We can move forward. We have these huge wasps that look and sound like B-52s. They live in the ground and these are their holes.

This picture is fuzzy, but you can see the wasp at the edge of the hole. He was doing his morning chores - sweeping and dusting the front walk.. you know...

The wasps catch the cicaedas and ride them into their holes. The wasps use the cicaedas to feed their larvae. Anyway, it takes a lot of cicaedas to satisfy these wasps. Our back 40 is loaded with these holes. The wasps arrive in August and will be gone by September. (Their visits are short and effective, so we put up with them. Not that we have any choice in the matter...)

Marmalade enjoys catching and eating the wasps. He sits and watches the holes for hours on end just waiting for the perfect wasp to come along. He winds up his back feet as he gets ready to pounce on the wasp. Then he scoops it up, and tries to cram it into his mouth all in one fell swoop. The whole thing is pretty scary to watch! (Supposedly, the wasp doesn't sting. I'm not getting close enough to find out, thankyouverymuch!)

The other day, we watched Marmalade catch 3 wasps and actually eat one. We think it may have gone down whole because within 5 min. he was caughing it up. I bet it was buzzing around in his tummy. Marmalade had a hummy tummy! LOL!!

We don't actually like the thought of our cat eating bugs and other things that go crunch, but Marmalade has never looked healthier. This past spring we thought he may have been on his way out. He looked terrible. His fur was matted and gross. He had no spark. We gave him some canned food and that helped a little bit. He begged to go outside. We caved and let him out. Since he has been out hunting, he looks better than he has in years! His coat is beautiful - his whites are white and his colors are bright. There's something to be said for the extra protein in his diet...

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

The Big Bang


I was just sitting here surfing some blogs with Zebbie snoring at my feet when I heard this big Bang noise. Zebbie went from prone to standing and I jumped about a mile. Mr. Bug came down the stairs and I asked him what the noise was. He said, "My a** cheeks stuck to the seat. I took it with me when I stood up. Must have been the suction."

I'm still laughing so hard I can barely breathe!!!

Monday, August 21, 2006

Monday Memories



Monday Memories: Did I ever tell you Why My Toenails Hurt?



Yesterday we painted our new office. It is the room that connects our house with the addition for the GrandBugs. We chose Benjamin Moore Powell Buff for the walls and China White for the trim and doors. I started with the trim because that is the hardest stuff to do and I hate it - Oh and because it was a hideous shade of colonial blue. I had primed most of it a couple of weeks ago, but the blue just didn't want to go away. Mr. Moore and I fixed that!! An hour or so later, I finally finished the trim. (I know you usually do the walls and then the trim, but we did it backwards this time!) Mr. Bug told me that he'd help with the walls.

We did two coats on the walls with only a couple of mishaps. We were painting the walls and we were on the first coat. I mentioned that the builder we are using told me that he could have someone come and paint the whole interior - including all the lovely blue trim that can be found in every single room in our home - for about $5k. It sounded pretty reasonable to me. (Unfortunately this room just couldn't wait for a year or longer for us to save up.) Mr. Bug asked me if we could just have them paint the ceilings and we could do the rest. Not 2 seconds later, he stepped on my paint tray and flipped it. He immediately changed his mind and told me to hire someone to do the rest! I think his exact words were, "Who am I kidding? I'm a walking disaster!" We laughed, wiped up the mess, and started saving!

We have two closets with bifold doors in that room. We got the doors off no problem - it was a matter of seconds and we had them off and in the garage. I painted them in the garage - it was hot and humid out there - because I couldn't risk dripping any more paint on the brand new hardwood floors. I was getting tired, but I wanted that foolish room done! Okay - I was exhausted... I did two coats on each door. Mr. Bug and I hauled them back in a couple of hours later - after I did 2 loads of laundry.

Between us we have enough education to enlighten just about anyone. It took us at least 15 minutes of serious contemplation to figure out how those stupid doors went back on! I was pooped and had no patience left. He was feeling totally inept. Fortunately for us, he was on the right track. (No pun intended!) Once we got the first door up, the second should have been a little quicker... It was... a little bit... that one didn't line up as nicely, so it took us a few tries to get it right.

The room is done! I even put the valance up on the window before I hauled my tired and sorry butt up the stairs to bed. I flopped onto the bed and that's when I felt it. My whole body was tired, but my toenails actually ached. There was no physical reason for them to ache. I didn't wear tight shoes - I wore Tevas all day!! They were throbbing - all 10 of them. Not my toes. Not my feet. My.Toenails. Geeze, I sure am an oddball!! I told Mr. Bug about my affliction. Mr. Bug looked at me with that "OMG, she's finally lost it" look. Then he grinned and shook his head. I think that's when he finally realized he's married to a nut!

Today every muscle hurts and I ache all over, but my toenails are fine thankyouverymuch!!

LadyBug

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Friday, August 18, 2006

The Doctor is IN

FYI: I didn't go to Med school. I am not a doctor and I never played one on TV.

HEALTH QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?

A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.


Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?

A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.


Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?

A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?

A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.


Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!


Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?

A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!!... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?


Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?

A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.


Q: Is chocolate bad for me?

A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!


Q: Is swimming good for your figure?

A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.


Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?

A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!


Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride "Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God."

Weirdness

Nicole snagged me!
I have to post weird things about myself...

1. I love chocolate cake. I love oreos. I don't like chocolate candies - well, except for Lindt white chocolate truffles.

2. I don't care if I eat a real dinner or a real lunch. I'm happy with cereal or a fried egg.

3. My whole house can be a cluttered mess, but I need to have my counters clean, sparkling, and buffed up.

4. If it isn't on sale, I'm not purchasing it. I'm just too cheap!

AND NOW THE RULES!!!!

Here's The Game: The first player of this game starts off by thinking of as many weird things as you can come up with about yourself. Max number is 6. After you have your number of weird things then take that number and tag that many people. The people who get tagged need to write a blog about the same as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose your friends to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says, "you are tagged" in their comments or mail and tell them to read yours. BTW - NO TAG BACKS!

Tag ~ Lazy Daisy, Suzy, Cozy Reader, Flip Flop Floozy

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Thursday 13


Thirteen Things LadyBug Is Thinking About Today


1. The first football meeting was last night. It looked like a million kids showed up to try out.

2. #1 Son and his friends got their big old red helments and ugly black mouthguards.

3. Practice starts tonight. I hope it is hard and miserable!

4. Zebbie has fit right in to our family. He's a terrific dog - sweet, easy going, and potty trained if we keep him confined to the kitchen and family room.

5. The cicaeda killing wasps are back. They sound like B-52s when they dive bomb you, but they don't bite.

6. LLB got her schedule yesterday and it looks good.

7. LLB figured out how to work her locker, found her classes, and is ready to get back to school.

8. I have to get myself ready for back to school! My handbell classes will be starting after Labor Day. I guess I should pick some music, huh?

9. Mr. Bug is trying to get a DVD to burn on his computer... It is very frustrating when technology doesn't work the way it is supposed to...

10. Mr. Bug and LLB are going fishing this morning. I'll let you know if they catch anything other than mosquito bites.

11. The construction site is really quiet... nobody has been here... I have yellow sticky notes - that are now falling like snowflakes - all over the place to designate the flaws I want fixed. They are minor flaws that if I had done the work myself would be okay, but we are paying, so I want them fixed... :-)

12. Our badminton net is up. We've been playing a lot this week. Drop over for a few swings and a beverage!

13. #1 Son got his braces on Monday. He's had them before, and this is the final push now that most of his baby teeth are out. He is doing well and should only have to deal with them for about a year. Yippee!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!




Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Wordless Wednesday


What is it?
LLB and her friend A, were mucking around in the creek yesterday and came up with this little item. It stands on 3 feet. It is probably made of iron as it is extremely heavy and rusty. As soon as it dries out, I'm bringing it inside to use as a stand for the other lovely I found last year:

LLB wants a metal detector for Christmas. I'm thinking it might be a good idea....

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Puzzle Time

We love puzzles!
This is our latest adventure. It is 1000 pieces and it seems like a million.
LLB and I were trying to get the outside done last night and she said it so perfectly,"Mom, it's all right here in front of us, we just have to see it."

Yup, and now we have to put it all together if we ever want to eat in the dining room again...
If you are looking for me - I'll be here... Come on over and find me a good piece, k?

Monday, August 14, 2006

Monday Memories



Monday Memories: Did I ever tell you About the Time We Went Tubing?


Yesterday we went tubing down the Shenandoah River with some friends. The river was low, but we had no idea what that really meant...

We hopped on our tubes and immediately hit the first set of "rapids". They weren't real rapids, just places where the river was actually moving a little quicker. We bounced through - no problems. Then we stopped.dead. We floated around for a while and then we realized that this 3 mile trip was going to take a little bit longer than we expected.

We decided to paddle a bit more... We finally started moving again and hit some more "rapids". This time, the rocks under the water were just barely under the water and we got a bit stuck. We had to get off of our tubes and push them along. Fortunately the water was warm. We laughed, we chatted, we had a great time, but the 1.5 hour ride took a bit longer than we expected.

There are campgrounds and picnic areas along the riverbank. Our friend, J, decided he needed to relieve himself and climbed up on a small island in the river. He was just about to um... pee, when he realized that there were people on the riverbank - less than 50 feet from him... We howled! Ooopsy!!

We got through the last set of rapids and again, came to a complete stop. I think we were a mile to a mile and a half away from the landing site. LLB was getting tired. She grabbed onto my tube and I pulled her along as I swam the rest of the way. It was a great workout, but man was I tired!! #1 Son and Mr. Bug made their own way to the landing - I wasn't pulling them, too! I haven't swum that far in years - but it sure felt good!

When we finally reached the landing there was a long walk straight up the hill to the parking lot - with tubes and lifejackets in tow. I definitely got my exercise!! I will do it again, but I'll make sure the river is a little bit higher or I'll bring some fins! Mr. Bug says he'd do it in a canoe...

LadyBug

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Sunday, August 13, 2006

Mr. Bug and the Giant Peach

#1 Son has a summer job picking peaches and corn at a local farm on the weekends. It's hard work and he's realized the benefits of good grades and a college education. Mr. Bug goes up to the farm and volunteers his time while #1 Son is there. I try to get up there and volunteer for an hour or so with LLB. She and I only pick peaches. The corn picking is hot hard work and we don't have the hand strength anyway. (Phew!!!)

Yesterday was no exception. We were up there picking peaches - it was a gorgeous day and you could see forever - the view up there is spectacular! The peaches are to die for! They are as big as your hand and wonderfully sweet and juicy. They have 4 different varieties - all wonderful! You can go up there and pick your own if you are looking for a day trip to No. VA. They have vegetables and flowers you can pick as well. It's just a terrific place!! (Those of you who live close and want to visit, email me and I'll send you directions!)

Anyway, Mr. Bug picked a giant peach!
It must weigh a pound! It is a perfect peach... It is simply gorgeous!
When is he going to eat it? Probably today - for a snack. I'll be sad to see it go, but I'd rather see it get eaten than watch it rot.

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Another Funny

I know that I don't usually post funnies and 2 in a row is highly unusual, but my Auntie S sent me this one just now and it made me blow coffee out my nose...

If you have raised kids (or been one), and gone through the pet syndrome including toilet-flush burials for dead goldfish, the story below will have you laughing out LOUD!

Overview: I had to take my son's lizard to the vet. Here's what happened: Just after dinner one night, my son came up to tell me there was "something wrong" with one of the two lizards he holds prisoner in his room.

He's just lying there looking sick," he told me. "I'm serious, Dad. Can you help?"

I put my best lizard-healer statement on my face and followed him into his bedroom. One of the little lizards was indeed lying on his back, looking stressed. I immediately knew what to do.

"Honey," I called, "come look at "The lizard!"

"Oh my gosh," my wife diagnosed after a minute. "She's having babies."

"What?" my son demanded. "But their names are Bert and Ernie, Mom!"

I was equally outraged. "Hey, how can that be? I thought we said we didn't want them to reproduce," I accused my wife.

"Well, what do you want me to do, post a sign in their cage?" she inquired. (I actually think she said this sarcastically!)

"No, but you were supposed to get two boys!" I reminded her, in my most loving, calm, sweet voice, while gritting my teeth together).

"Yeah, Bert and Ernie!" my son agreed.

"Well, it's just a little hard to tell on some guys, you know," she informed me. (Again with the sarcasm, you think?)

By now the rest of the family had gathered to see what was going on.

I shrugged, deciding to make the best of it. "Kids, this is going to be a wondrous experience," I announced. "We're about to witness the miracle of birth."

"OH, Gross!", they shrieked.

"Well, isn't THAT just Great! What are we going to do with a litter of tiny little lizard babies?" my wife wanted to know. (I really do think she was being snotty here, too. Don't you?)

We peered at the patient. After much struggling, what looked like a tiny foot would appear briefly, vanishing a scant second later.

"We don't appear to be making much progress," I noted.

"It's breech," my wife whispered, horrified.

"Do something, Dad!" my son urged.

"Okay, okay. " Squeamishly, I reached in and grabbed the foot when it next appeared, giving it a gingerly tug. It disappeared. I tried several more times with the same results.

"Should I call 911?" my eldest daughter wanted to know. "Maybe they could talk us through the trauma." (You see a pattern here with the females in my house?)

"Let's get Ernie to the vet," I said grimly. We drove to the vet with my son holding the cage in his lap. "Breathe, Ernie, breathe," he urged.

"I don't think lizards do Lamaze," his mother noted to him. (Women can be so cruel to their own young. I mean what she does to me is one thing, but this boy is of her womb, for God's sake.)

The vet took Ernie back to the examining room and peered at the little animal through a magnifying glass.

"What do you think, Doc, a C-section?" I suggested scientifically.

"Oh, very interesting," he murmured. "Mr. and Mrs.Cameron, may I speak to you privately for a moment?"

I gulped, nodding for my son to step outside.

"Is Ernie going to be okay?" my wife asked.

"Oh, perfectly," the vet assured us. "This lizard is not in labor. In fact, that isn't EVER going to happen... Ernie is a boy. You see, Ernie is a young male. And occasionally, as they come into maturity, like most male species, they masturbate. Just the way he did, lying on his back." He blushed, glancing at my wife. "Well, you know what I'm saying, Mr. Cameron."

We were silent, absorbing this.

"So Ernie's just...just...Excited," my wife offered. "Exactly," the vet replied, relieved that we understood. More silence. Then my vicious, cruel wife started to giggle. And giggle. And then even laugh loudly.

"What's so funny?" I demanded, knowing, but not believing that the woman I married would commit the upcoming affront to my flawless manliness.

Tears were now running down her face.

"It's just...that...I'm picturing you pulling on its...its...teeny little..." she gasped for more air to bellow in laughter once more.

"That's enough," I warned.

We thanked the Veterinarian and hurriedly bundled the lizard and our son back into the car. He was glad everything was going to be okay.

"I know Ernie's really thankful for what you've done, Dad," he told me.

"Oh, you have NO idea," my wife agreed, collapsing with laughter.

2 - lizards - $140...
1 - Cage - $50...
Trip to the Vet - $30...

Memory of your husband pulling on a lizard's wacker .... Priceless !

Friday, August 11, 2006

It Tickled My Funnybone

Mr. Bug sends out a joke list to a few people on Fridays. I got this one today and simply had to share with all of you...

I was in Wal-Mart buying a large bag of Purina for my Labrador Retriever and was in line to check out. A woman behind me asked if I had a dog. On impulse I told her that no, I was starting The Purina Diet again,although I probably shouldn't because I'd ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out most of my orifices and IVs in both arms. I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry and that the food is nutritionally complete so I was going to try it again.
I have to mention here that practically everyone in the line was by now enthralled with my story, particularly a tall guy behind her. Horrified, she asked if I'd been poisoned and was that why I was in the hospital. I said no....I'd been sitting in the street licking my b*lls and a car hit me.
I thought the tall guy was going to have to be carried out the door.

Have a great day!

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Thursday 13


Thirteen Reasons Why LadyBug Hasn't Posted Much This Week


1. Ebay - I am selling a lot of LLB's things this week.

2. I had a tea to attend.

3. I went for a walk with Mr. Bug.

4. I slept in until 7 when I had to get the children up and moving to catch the bus to camp.

5. Did I mention my Ebay stuff?

6. Zeb needed me to sit and watch Dr. Phil with him.

7. I had errands to run for the addition.

8. I went out to lunch with Mr. Bug. We had a real date and went to a real restaurant - not just pizza at Costco!!

9. Oh, yeah... my Ebay stuff... Mailing takes a long time... And, I need the money to pay for LLB's new things - which I did, BTW!!! I am SO excited about that!!

10. I cannot say laundry because my pile is HUGE!!

11. I did some bills... eeww, I know...

12. I had to go through some stuff with Grambug regarding the addition.

13. Oh - ummm... my Ebay stuff... It's almost all sold now, so I will be able to get back to all of you.
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Monday, August 07, 2006

Monday Memories



Monday Memories: Did I ever tell you About the Summer I Toured Europe in a VW Bug?


Sounds really laissez faire and a bit hippyish for me, huh?
Well, I was 7 - almost 8. We lived in Spain. My parents decided that a family vacation was the only way to see Europe. They invited my cousin, J (she was 12 or 13), to come with us. J arrived at the airport having NO idea what trauma she was in for. Do you have any idea how small the back seat of a VW Bug is? Do you have any idea how much smaller it gets the longer you are in the back seat?? Did you know that in 1972 VW Beetles didn't have air conditioning? Now you do.

My mom was pregnant with Auntie Bug - she was due in December. We left Spain and headed for Andorra. It was beautiful and we met some really nice people. Then we went off to France. I saw my first ever nudie beach. Mom wasn't happy about that, but I don't think Dad was too traumatized. From there it was Switzerland and Italy. That's a long way in a VW Bug with your cousin and no A/C.

My cousin will tell you that all we did was look for dolls from all the countries we visited. She lies! We did that and more. We did all kinds of neat stuff. We took a gondola ride in Venice, we saw the leaning tower of Pisa, we played in the snow in Switzerland, we ate a TON of chocolate, we saw the countryside. We saw the mountains. We saw the sea. We went to zoos and museums. We ATE like PIGS!!!

Our favorite breakfast was in France. We must have eaten at least a dozen each. We thought they came with breakfast because the waitress kept bringing more and more. She brought them so we ate 'em. Oh... I can almost taste their buttery goodness now... ahhh... Oh, yes. ahem... We went to pay the bill and they asked us how many we had eaten. Excuse moi? We all looked at each other and shrugged. To this day, we aren't sure how many we ate. We certainly didn't count! We just ate! We took a wild guess. Daddy paid and we took off! We still laugh about how many we ate!

Switzerland was the best - they had the fluffiest beds, chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and SNOW in the middle of July! I got a cucoo clock in Switzerland. It hangs on my living room wall. I smile every time I see it. It doesn't cucoo any more - it needs a good overhaul - but it brings me joy to see it there. I also got a gold cucoo clock and a gold chalet for my charm bracelet. I wanted a real chalet, but I had to settle for that one. It seems I don't come from a wealthy family... nor do I come from a family that just buys chalets because the little girl wants one. Bummer.

Italy was okay. There were a gazillion pigeons everywhere - eew. Venice, although very interesting, was very hot and very smelly. The art was phenomenal. We saw the bronze doors in Florence. We saw paintings and statues and all kinds of neat stuff. Basically, we saw it all! It was really hot in Italy that summer. We ate a lot of gelato. The food in Italy was yummy! The food made up for the pigeons and the smell.

We drove and drove. The more places we went, the more stuffed our VW Bug became. We would get local bread and cheeses for lunch as we passed through little towns. It was really quite an adventure!! Our car was a celebrity - it was yellow with MA plates. It was cute and different and everyone loved it. (Sure, they weren't crammed in it with their cousin all day!)

Yes, J and I still speak - amazingly enough. I'd even say we are still friends! We laugh about the "stupid dolls" and about how we got in "big trouble" for jumping on the beds in Switzerland. If I could do it again, I would, but I'd do it in a VW BUS with air conditioning!

LadyBug

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Saturday, August 05, 2006

Take it for Granite


Well, the granite guys showed up yesterday and installed the countertops in the kitchen and laundry area. If you peek off to the far right corner of the picture below you can just see the laundry area. I tried to get a picture of it, but it didn't exactly work... I am really happy with it and I think that Grambug will enjoy it, too. I'm eager to see all the appliances and the fixtures installed. (Am I never happy with what's there? I always want more more more!!)

I installed Meebo on my blog. I'm not sure how it works. I had one person stop by and use it to chat with me, but I never did figure out who that was... I was so flustered I could barely type coherent sentences and I came off looking like a doofus! I'll leave it up for a couple of days to see what happens with it... I usually only use chat to talk with Grambug while we shop - A brilliant use of chat if I do say so myself!! I would prefer to take an afternoon and spend it shopping and chatting in person, this works pretty well for the moment. Basically, that was a long winded way to say I'm an ichat novice.

LLB and I ordered her school clothes this morning from Hanna. I got enough cash from my ebay sales to cover her order. She's gonna be one cute chick going off to school in a couple of weeks! She had on a linen outfit yesterday and wow! She's getting really gorgeous. I'll have to find a big stick to use to keep the boys at bay. It's either that or a rifle. Those of you who know me, know that I'd probably shoot myself in the foot, so a big stick is better - I'll only poke my eye out with that thing!!

#1 Son just left for his football physical. I was hoping he'd sleep through the time and miss it and not be able to participate. Ha! Why do I have this feeling that he's going to make this stupid team? UGH!

Why is it that Mr. Bug's work people have cookouts on Fridays? Why not Saturday when we could all make the drive? I'm sulking because they had steaks last night and I had pasta - not that I like steak, but I would have liked to have gone to put some names with some faces. I guess ignorance is bliss!!

Well, my laundry pile is calling my name... I best get to it.

Friday, August 04, 2006

TGIF

It's Friday!
We've had a good, but hot, week here. The children have had enough of me and are ready to go to nature camp next week.

Zeb has adjusted to life here quite well. He sleeps the night. He goes out to pee. He is happy to sit and be with you. He loves a nice walk. He's a lazy bum at heart. He has a favorite spot on the couch and loves a good nap -- at any time of day. I do so love this dog!!

The cats are slowly adjusting to life with Zeb. Marmalade has been so sweet! He walks slowly so that he won't startle Zeb. He greets Zeb whenever they go in our out. He puts up with being kissed - doggy kisses are wet!! Marmalade has really been trying. Angel, on the other hand, is much slower to warm up. She spent most of the week ensconced on LLB's dresser. If Zeb came into the room, her tail became a bottle brush and she hissed at the poor boy. This morning, she actually walked by the couch while Zeb was napping. This is really big!

The guys are here working. I think they are putting the last couple of cabinets in the kitchen and downstairs bathroom. The painters left a light on last night and I have to say, the house looks really pretty when it's lit at night. (Okay, so it was one light, but it was really cool!!)

It is almost 9am and the children are still sleeping. I never thought I'd see the day! They were both early risers as babies. The latest they slept for years was 6am. They are both exhausted - they did a hip hop class last night and they worked really hard! They were both a dribble of sweat when they came out. Did they have fun? You bet!

I've got to get my rear in gear and get some things done. Mr. Bug is at the office and you know the old saying - While the cat's away...

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Thursday 13


Thirteen Things LadyBug Is Thinking About Today


1 I think Zeb is the smartest dog on the planet. He hasn't made a deposit in the house and he totally gets us.

2 The floors are done. The fumes have dissipated. I'm still relatively sane.

3 The chimney will be finished today.

4 LLB and #1 Son are off to a free - yes FREE - nature camp next week.

5 My ebay sales have gone really well.

6 Because of that, LLB will be receiving the clothing she wants for school this year.

7 The girl who said she'd never wear Hanna Andersson again has a full cart waiting to be paid for.

8 I just happened to pop over to their website and saw some cute things. I called LLB over to see if she liked anything. Hah! She did!

9 #1 Son is doing his back to school shopping in October. He wants to wait and see what the guys are wearing this year. Does he really think that they are going to deviate that far from jeans and a t-shirt? He will be doing his shopping at Lands End. I have some gift certificates he can use. He has perused the site and the catalog, but... he's just not ready to commit. (Can you see me rolling my eyes?)

11 The males in my home have conspired against me. Despite Grandpa Bug's football horror stories, nightly viewings of Discovery Channel ER Stories, and my disapproval #1 Son is going to try out for football.

12 "Mum, it's only middle school football. They don't allow hard tackles." Yyyyah... Right! What am I, stupid? (Are you all feeling my annoyance and my disgust?)

12 I am NOT happy. I told Mr. Bug that he was on his own. He has to get the physical, get the cleats, go to equipment night, and take the boy to tryouts. I will be home praying that he doesn't make the team. I expect y'all to help me out with that, k?

13 What am I going to do if he makes the team? Go, take pictures for the scrapbook, and cheer, I guess... Lets just pray he totally blows it and doesn't make this stupid team!

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Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!



Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Wordless Wednesday

Grambug asked me for a picture of her pergola from up high. I took this from my bedroom window. If you enlarge the picture you can see a bit of the chimney as well as The Chimney Guy. (AKA Blister Butt) I am loving the chimney! He said it will be done by Thursday. I can't wait for the scaffolding to come down so I can get a good picture of the the west wing and the back of the house. We were up on the hill yesterday and - Wow! Our house really looks terrific - If I do say so myself.
Our sweet Zeb fits right in, dontcha think?? He's on the couch with LLB watching cartoons. He gave me a beautiful smile!! (The yellow bandaid on his paw was from when the vet drew some blood for tests. He's fine and the bandaid is off.)

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Perfect Post

Lucinda, MommaK and I would like to welcome you to the 6th edition of the Perfect Post Awards - “the power to the blogger awards” because you make it all happen.

The Perfect Post Awards are a chance to read some of the best stuff written each month- and to spread a little warm fuzziness, too. If you’d like to present an award yourself next month, e-mail MommaK or Lucinda and they’ll send you the latest award button code a few days before September 1st.

My award goes to This Mom Blogs. She is funny, witty, and just plain normal. Drop by and give her some love. This particular post struck me because I've been there!! Maybe I'll write about it some Monday...