Ladybug Crossing

He is a Cadet

2012-01-31T19:24:00.000-05:00

My #1 son has finally broken out of the VMI Rat Line and become a full-fledged Cadet. His girlfriend took this picture of him looking all "studly"... (her word, not mine). He is a Cadet - he was a boy when he arrived in August... now -- now he is a Cadet.

Breakout was HARD. They worked together and succeeded.

He is tired and dirty! Boy, am I glad I don't have to do his laundry!! Getting that red clay out of their clothes is not easy.

The Rat Mass is now officially the Class of 15!!

This honor comes with privileges! They can refer to themselves in the first person. They can walk through barracks in a normal fashion - no straining, no following the line, no pushups. They can call home whenever they want. They can eat like normal people and they can walk pretty much where and how they want. The best part? They can take afternoon naps! (Not that my boy can take naps, he's got class in the afternoons... doesn't it figure?)

Congrats, my boy!!
Thanks to Courtney and Jake for the use of their pictures!

Fractals on the Pool

2012-01-21T09:44:00.000-05:00

I love the way the ice formed on the pool cover. The texture is amazing.

I like the way you can see some leaves in the ice, too. It almost looks like the leaf is blowing off a branch.

Cars

2011-12-30T09:22:00.000-05:00

I love my car - my sweet CR-V, but it's getting old... and it's having issues...

#1 loves his car, but it's getting old and it had a big old nasty issue... His clutch gave out on the highway yesterday. (All are safe and well.) We had the 1990 Camry towed to the fixit. It will be more than $900 to get it fixed, but the car is worth it. It only has about 70k miles on it.

My car, on the other hand, has more than 177k miles on it and they want $2,000 to attempt to maybe fix it. I'd rather fix it and let my LLB drive it, but $2,000 for a "maybe it will work" is almost too much to risk. They think that my issue might be the catalytic converter disintegrating. Oh yay... not!

I've been researching cars and done a bit of car shopping. I will be purchasing a new CR-V.
I am SURE that the best pricing is happening now - as in today... I am also SURE that when Mr. finally decides that we need to purchase the new car (next month or in May) that there will be no bargains... As is what happened last time I needed to purchase a car.

Alas, this is the way things go and it makes me crazy!

Presents I've Made this year

2011-12-22T18:51:00.000-05:00

So -- I've been busy crocheting.
I thought I might show you all what I've been making.
This year I started making baskets -- It's my new thing and I'm thoroughly enjoying modifying the patterns I've found...

I modified the basket above -- I put a little ruffled edge on it and then we gave it to a very sweet friend of LLB's for her birthday.

This basket above is made with clothesline... It was such fun to make! It went to the Bus Driver -- we filled it with goodies.
The basket below is big!! And floppy!! And fun... I might keep it for myself because I love it!

The clothesline basket below went to R. She got to choose which one she wanted and she chose this little lovely.

This wee basket - perfect for pocket change - is awaiting a new home... My dresser? Your dresser? We shall see, won't we?

This little lovely went to LLB's Secret Santa person. She's a lucky girl!

I've made scarves galore and I have one more to finish for a very special lady who likes green... This purple gem is on it's way to England!

This green one is currently with a Band Mom.

I made other scarves and mittens... I have one more pair of mittens to make -- in giant size -- for a Band Dad. :-) He'll get his mittens in January (or February). :-)

I also made the cutest little purple basket...

My sister and I have decided that from now on, our gifts to each other have to be homemade... I think it will be fun to figure out something new to make her every year. This year she got an afghan in her choice of colors for her birthday. Next year? We'll see. I've got a bunch of nifty ideas up my sleeve already.

If you have ideas of things I might create, please leave me a comment and let me know.

Sea-Bands Review and Give Away

2011-12-20T09:35:00.001-05:00

I was asked to review Sea-Bands anti-nausea wrist bands. My husband - Captain Carsick - gets motion sick on a chair lift, so he was the absolute perfect guinea pig for this review. The bands are easy to use. You just put one on each wrist and go. He gets such severe motion sickness that we weren't sure this would actually work.
My husband rode around with me over country roads and highways with his Sea-Bands on his wrists and has determined that they really do make a difference. He doesn't get nauseous. He can't read in the car, but he can look for something he's dropped and bend over to get it without tossing his cookies. This is a marked improvement!
They come in a small case which we keep in the car. My husband just puts them on if he is going to be the passenger. They are unobtrusive, easy to wear, and simple to use. They don't give you cotton mouth or make you dopey like the anti-nausea medication does... This is huge because when he gets where he is going, he doesn't need to drink a gallon of water or take an afternoon nap!

YOU can win a set of Sea-Bands! Leave me a comment by December 29th and I'll pull a name out of a hat. If you win, the Sea-Bands will come directly from the manufacturer. :-)

What they say:
Keep Your Holidays Happy and Nausea-Free! Get on the “Band Wagon” and Get Celebrating with Sea-Band Drug-Free Nausea Relief Wristbands!

Nausea induced by busy and stressful days, filled with traveling and migraine triggers, are unfortunately hallmarks of the holidays. This year, stop nausea in its tracks with Sea-Band Drug-Free Nausea Relief Wristbands. It doesn’t matter whether you suffer from motion sickness, morning sickness or need nausea relief from a migraine, even chemotherapy treatment or post-surgery; it’s time for you to join the “band wagon” for drug-free nausea relief from Sea-Band!

How Sea-Band Works…
Approved by the FDA, Sea-Band is the leading drug-free remedy for, motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy nausea and post-operative nausea. Most recently, a 2010 study, carried out at a German clinic specializing in migraine and headache therapy, showed that Sea-Band wristbands significantly reduced nausea and vomiting: 83% noticed perceptible reduction and 44% found their symptoms markedly reduced.

Sea-Band works by exerting constant, gentle pressure on a point on the inner wrist known as the Pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure point. It brings effective relief within five minutes of being applied and can be used before or after the onset of nausea. The all-natural, drug-free, latex-free Sea-Band does not cause the side-effects often associated with anti-nausea medication such as drowsiness, disorientation, dry mouth or possible interactions with other drugs. It’s safe for pregnant women, children, and patients taking prescription medications. Packaged in a convenient carry-case, they are washable and reusable, and available a variety of colors in sizes for adults and children.

Don’t let feeling nauseous hold you back this holiday season! Join the “Band Wagon” with Sea-Band on Facebook to take advantage of special product giveaways at www.facebook.com/seaband ! And, for more information about Sea-Band products, visit www.sea-band.com.
Click here to watch an informative video about how Sea-Band wristbands work. In addition, the company also offers Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum, for fast nausea relief with fresh, uplifting flavor. Each piece of the great tasting gum contains 25 mg of ginger oil (equivalent to 8 grams of fresh ginger root).

Sea-Band products are available in the U.S. in Walmart, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, as well as in Canada in Overwaitea, IDA, Familiprix, Guardian and other independent drugstores or pharmacies throughout North America or online at drugstore.com and at http://www.sea-band.com/shop.

Suggested retail price is $10.99 per pair in the US, and $12.99 in Canada.

I wrote this review for Family Review Network and Sea-Band. I received a set of Sea Bands free of charge in exchange for my honest review.

Hickory Farms Goodness!!

2011-11-27T13:51:00.000-05:00

I was asked to blog about this Hickory Farms box of goodies that arrived in the mailbox the other day. Everything in it was absolutely delicious! My favorite is the beef summer sausage - but I'm getting ahead of myself.

We took the goodies to VMI when we went to visit our #1 son. We added them to the food at his Senior's tailgating table. Everyone that tried the cheese, crackers, and summer sausage absolutely loved it. I let everyone know that they were required to taste and then tell me what they thought -- good or bad -- and there was not one complaint. Well, there was one - that it was all gone and I had no more. The mustards included were also a big hit!

(FYI: We had ham for Thanksgiving dinner and I put the Sweet Hot Mustard on my ham, as it is my favorite. It was wonderful! Don't tell, okay...)

The cheeses were disappearing - The smoked gouda was the first to go. Everyone loved the smooth smoky flavor. The cheddar - a classic - went next. The beef summer sausage was a huge hit as was the turkey. I went to get my camera to take a picture of everyone enjoying the Hickory Farms goodies, but when I returned -- literally moments later, every crumb had been eaten and enjoyed! So - unfortunately, I don't have a record of everyone enjoying the cheese, crackers, and summer sausages.

If you should need a gift for someone, don't hesitate to go to the Hickory Farms website, place an order, and sit back and wait for the complements. Don't forget that they have 3 day for $3 shipping - that's a bargain and you'll look like a hero if it arrives in time for someone's party.

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Hickory Farms and received a product sample to facilitate my review.”

For the Sake of Tolerance

2011-11-21T11:02:00.002-05:00

I received this in my email this morning and thought I'd share... If you disagree, push the little red x at the top of your screen.

I am truly perplexed that so many folks are against a mosque being built at or near Ground Zero. I think it should be the goal of every American to be tolerant. Thus the Mosque should be allowed, in an effort to promote tolerance.

That is why I also propose that two nightclubs be opened next door to the mosque, thereby promoting tolerance from within the mosque. We could call one of the clubs, "The Turban Cowboy", which would be gay, and the other a topless bar called "You Mecca Me Hot ."

Next door should be a butcher shop that specializes in pork, and adjacent to that an open-pit barbeque pork restaurant, called "Iraq o' Ribs."

Across the street there could be a lingerie store called "Victoria Keeps Nothing Secret", with sexy mannequins in the window modeling the goods.

Next door to the lingerie shop, a liquor store called "Morehammered."

All of this would encourage the Muslims to demonstrate the tolerance they demand of us, so the mosque problem would be solved. If you agree with promoting tolerance, and you think this is a good plan, please pass it on.

For the sake of tolerance, of course.

You wanted change??

2011-11-17T06:31:00.000-05:00

After two years of Obama ...

Here's your change!

The top numbers are from when he took office... The bottom numbers are current...

Avg.. Retail price/gallon gas in U.S.

$1.83

$3.44

+84%

Crude oil, European Brent (barrel)

$43..48

$99..02

+127.7%

Crude oil, West TX Inter. (barrel)

$38..74

$91..38

+135.9%

Gold: London (per troy oz.)

$853.25

$1,369.50

+60.5%

Corn, No.2 yellow, Central IL

$3.56

$6.33

+78.1%

Unemployment rate, non-farm, overall

7.6%

9.4%

+23.7%

Unemployment rate, blacks

12.6%

15.8%

+25.4%

Number of unemployed

11,616,000

14,485,000

+24.7%

Number of fed. Employees increased

2,779,000

2,840,000

+2.2%

Real median household income

$50,112

$49,777

-0.7%

Number of food stamp recipients

31,983,716

43,200,878

+35.1%

Number of unemployment benefit recipients

7,526,598

9,193,838

+22.2%

Number of long-term unemployed

2,600,000

6,400,000

+146.2%

Poverty rate, individuals

13.2%

14.3%

+8.3%

People in poverty in U.S.

39,800,000

43,600,000

+9.5%

U.S.. Rank in Economic Freedom World Rankings

Present Situation Index

29.9

23.5

-21.4%

Failed banks

140

164

+17.1%

U.S.. Dollar versus Japanese yen exchange rate

89.76

82.03

-8.6%

National debt, in trillions

$10..627

$14..052

+32.2%

Just take this last item: In the last two years we have accumulated national debt at a rate more than 27 times as fast as during the rest of our entire nation's history.

Over 27 times as fast. Metaphorically speaking, if you are driving in the right lane doing 65 MPH and a car rockets past you in the left lane 27 times faster, it would be doing 7,555 MPH!

So, tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and impressive? Can't think of anything? Don't worry. He's done all this in 29 months -- so you'll have one year and five months to come up with an answer! Every statement in this email is factual and directly attributable to Barrack Hussein Obama. Every bumble is a matter of record and completely verifiable.

And...He's started campaigning again!!!

EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS...

I WONDER HOW MANY WILL FORWARD THIS ?

And...He's started campaigning again!!!

Sources:

(1) U.S. Energy Information Administration; (2) Wall Street Journal; (3) Bureau of Labor Statistics; (4) Census Bureau; (5) USDA; (6) U.S. Dept. Of Labor;

(7) FHFA; (8) Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller; (9) RealtyTrac; (10) Heritage Foundationand WSJ; (11) The Conference Board; (12) FDIC;

(13) Federal Reserve; (14) U.S. Treasury

Football FINALLY makes sense

2011-10-25T12:23:00.000-04:00

A guy took his girlfriend to her first football game. They had great seats right behind their team's bench. After the game, he asked her how she liked the experience.

'Oh, I really liked it,' she replied, 'especially the tight pants and all the big muscles, but I just couldn't understand why they were killing each other over 25 cents.'

Dumbfounded, her date asked, 'What do you mean?'

'Well, they flipped a coin, one team got it and then for the rest of the game, all they kept screaming was: 'Get the quarterback! Get the quarterback!' I'm like.....Helloooooo? It's only 25 cents!!!!!!!!!!! '

THE BASIC RULES FOR CLOTHESLINES:

2011-10-19T13:17:00.000-04:00

(if you don't know what clotheslines are, better skip this)

1. You had to wash the clothes line before hanging any clothes -

walk the entire lengths of each line with a damp cloth around the lines.

2. You had to hang the clothes in a certain order, and always hang "whites"

with "whites,"

and hang them first.

3. You never hung a shirt by the shoulders - always by the tail!. What would

the neighbors think?

4.. Wash day on a Monday! . ... . Never hang clothes on the weekend, or

Sunday, for Heaven's sake!

5. Hang the sheets and towels on the outside lines so you could hide your

"unmentionables" in the middle ( perverts & busybodies, y'know!)

6. It didn't matter if it was sub zero weather .... Clothes would

"freeze-dry."

7. Always gather the clothes pins when taking down dry clothes! Pins left on

the lines were "tacky!"

8. If you were efficient, you would line the clothes up so that each item did

not need two clothes pins, but shared one of the clothes pins with the next

washed item.

9. Clothes off of the line before dinner time, neatly folded in the clothes

basket, and ready to be ironed.

10. IRONED?! Well, that's a whole other subject!

A POEM

A clothesline was a news forecast

To neighbors passing by,

There were no secrets you could keep

When clothes were hung to dry.

It also was a friendly link

For neighbors always knew

If company had stopped on by

To spend a night or two.

For then you'd see the "fancy sheets"

And towels upon the line;

You'd see the "company table cloths"

With intricate designs.

The line announced a baby's birth

From folks who lived inside -

As brand new infant clothes were hung,

So carefully with pride!

The ages of the children could

So readily be known

By watching how the sizes changed,

You'd know how much they'd grown!

It also told when illness struck,

As extra sheets were hung;

Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe, too,

Haphazardly were strung.

It also said, "Gone on vacation now"

When lines hung limp and bare.

It told, "We're back!" when full lines sagged

With not an inch to spare!

New folks in town were scorned upon

If wash was dingy and gray,

As neighbors carefully raised their brows,

And looked the other way .. . .

But clotheslines now are of the past,

For dryers make work much less.

Now what goes on inside a home

Is anybody's guess!

I really miss that way of life.

It was a friendly sign

When neighbors knew each other best

By what hung on the line.

A funny

2011-10-18T08:08:00.000-04:00

This came across my desk this morning...

What has America become?

2011-09-30T13:41:00.004-04:00

This was in my email when I got home today. I happen to agree with what it says.

Has America become the land of special interest and home of the double standard? Let’s see: If we lie to the Congress, it’s a felony and if Congress lies to us it’s just politics. If we dislike a black person, we’re a racist and if a black dislikes whites, it’s their 1st Amendment right. The government spends millions to rehabilitate criminals and they do almost nothing for the victims. In public schools you can teach that homosexuality and lesbianism is ok, but you better not use the word God in the process. You can murder a child in the mothers womb, but it’s wrong to execute a mass murderer. We don’t burn books in America, we now rewrite them. We got rid of the communist & socialist threat by renaming them progressives. If you protest against Obama’s policies you’re a terrorist, but if you burn an American flag or George Bush in effigy, it’s your 1st Amendment right.

You can have pornography on TV or the internet, but you better not put a nativity scene in a public park during Christmas. In America, criminals are now called sick people. The government takes money from those who work hard & gives it to those who are lazy. Parenting has been replaced with Ritalin & video games. The land of opportunity is now the land of hand outs.

And how do we handle a major crisis today? The Government appoints a committee to determine who’s at fault, then threatens them, passes a law, raises our taxes, then tells us the problem is solved so they can get back to their reelection campaign.

Do you agree? Pass it on.

If you disagree, please click the red button up at the top of the page and go away.

Marzetti Caramel Dip Review

2011-09-29T12:43:00.007-04:00

I was asked to review the Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip. I have to say, I LOVE this stuff. We had it with apples at the band competition on Saturday. All the kids (and adults) ate it and not one disliked it. We fed about 50 people the Caramel Dip -- we used 2 tubs. The Caramel is smooth and creamy and wonderful!
We put the Caramel Dip on apple wedges. When we ran out of apples, the kids dipped grapes. Some even sopped up the remaining caramel with their grilled cheese sandwiches. They said, "It's sweet and yummy. We can't waste it!"
I even caught some of the people licking their plates -- heck, I licked my plate! There was not one drop of the caramel dip left.
I've found that even kids that aren't real "fruit eaters" will eat apples with the Marzetti Caramel Dip. That says a lot! It used to be if you covered food in ketchup or cheese, they'd eat anything... I'm thinking that if Caramel Dip might work better... That's pretty cool!
I have been surfing the Marzetti web site. The recipes they have are fantastic! I'm going to try the Baked Pancake with Caramel Sauce, the Caramel Banana Tiramisu, and the open faced Peanut Butter Caramel Sandwich! I make chocolate covered marshmallows, but they have a recipe for Caramel dipped marshmallows... that sounds wonderful! There are so many uses for the Caramel Dip that it needs to become a staple in every home in America... Marzetti Caramel Dip is the absolute best.
Marzetti is giving away $75k in prizes with their Lucky Pick Instant Win Game! Pick up a specially marked tub of Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip... If you get a Lucky Pick, you can enter the code on the website to claim your prize!
Oh - one more thing! I have 2 coupons for a free tub of Marzetti Caramel Dip. Want one? Leave me a comment. I'll be drawing numbers out of a hat on Sunday, 10/2.

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign my Family Review Network on behalf of Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip and received a complimentary product sample to help facilitate my review and to thank me for taking the time to participate.

The Trumpet

2011-09-20T08:38:00.000-04:00

My LLB has a new Xeno trumpet as many of you know. She needed to step up to a professional model and it has made a HUGE difference. The new trumpet requires far less air to make music, and therefore, can produce a much larger sound with less effort. We could definitely hear her on Friday night.
She used it in class last week and found that she was a bit... umm.... loud. The director kept telling her to "LLB, SHH!!! I can only hear you!"
She didn't think that was such a bad thing...

God does have a sense of humor

2011-09-19T06:27:00.000-04:00

While creating wives, God promised men that good and obedient wives would be found in all corners of the world.

. . . And then He made the earth round.

(I found this in my e-mail box this morning and just had to share!)

Friday!

2011-09-16T08:55:00.000-04:00

So tonight my LLB plays her solo to start the half time show with her brand new trumpet. I think she's nervous, but one can never tell as she hides it well. This new trumpet requires so much less air to play, that she gets amazing sound out of it with very little effort. I am SURE we'll be able to hear her quite well tonight - even if all the people in the stands can't be quiet...
Speaking of quiet - I've got to make some posters for the band dads to hold up like they do at the golf games!! I'd best get going on that this afternoon...
My dearest oldest friend is coming in for a visit today. I'm so excited! We have a great weekend planned including football, band uniforms, polo, wineries, and seeing a cow -- she want's to see a cow... It's not my idea of excitement, but if that's what she wants to do - we'll go see a cow. :-)

It's been a while...

2011-09-14T08:16:00.001-04:00

So it has been a while since I posted. Sorry about that, but life takes over when you least expect it.
My #1 is off to VMI.

He is really enjoying it - although the first 9 days were pure torture.

When we saw him at matriculation, he looked like this:

Check out the poor kids behind him... they look like they might just puke!

He took the Cadet Oath at New Market. This is a very special occasion and the first time we get to see the kids since we left them at matriculation. When we saw him at New Market, he looked like this:

His requests have been simple:
1. Mom, can you send me a Swiffer?

Now, how many college students do you know ask for a Swiffer? Yeah... mine is probably the only one. BUT - they passed room inspection with those nifty Swiffers I sent. I sent the Swiffer wet, the Swiffer dry cloths, and the Swiffer duster. There was no dust or dirt to be had in that room. I think Swiffer ought to do an advertising campaign at VMI - those kids sure do know how to clean!!

2. Mom, can you send some of LLB's cookies and some other snacks? I'm starving. The food sucks!

We have sent cookies, peanut butter cups, granola bars, slim jims, chips, and more. Friends have sent brownies. I guess mess hall food is not what it's cracked up to be.

3. Mom, can you send brass polish?

How many of you out there with college kids have ever even thought about sending brass polish? Well - I sent the best: Simichrome. I haven't had any complaints about polish that doesn't work since I sent that stuff. That stuff is magic!!

By the way, under that hat, he looks exactly like he did when he was six and had a buzz cut. He looks like this:

Towligator

2011-09-05T09:23:00.000-04:00

I was asked to review this nifty little item: The Towligator.

It is AWESOME! It's absolutely brilliant!

Basically it's an alligator clip with a long bendable tail. I use it to keep my towel on my chair. I clip the center of my towel in the clip and and then bend the tail over and hang it on my chair. If the wind blows, my towel stays put. No more chasing my towel across the pool deck. I also keep track of my swim goggles with Towligator. I clip my goggles in his mouth and loop his tail over the chair and they stay put. I always know where they are. This has proven quite useful since we've had hurricane force winds come through here and sure enough... my goggles stayed on that chair -- no problem!

He works great at the beach, too! You can clip the corner of your towel in the Towligator's mouth and then band his tail over and shove it in the sand. Thus, your towel stays put even when it's windy!
Some people stick the tail in the sand and then put their cell phone or iPod in the Towligator's mouth to keep it from getting all sandy and dirty.

We love Towligator! He is cute, fun, and extremely useful.
I currently have one in the kitchen. He is holding my dishtowel with his tail looped over a drawer pull. The drawer pull was too small for the dishtowel, but this works great! I have my dishtowel where I need it and he is so cute, too. I've gotten many compliments on my Towligator!!

This is what they said:

Toweligators are a must have for every beach bag, boat, and pool deck! Don’t miss an opportunity to order this season’s most popular, most talked about innovation. The Toweligator is NOT only seen on TV!

Vacations and days by the pool are supposed to be relaxing and fun, not spent chasing your towel. No more dual role hair clips, tying knots, finding safety pins or constantly adjusting your towels. Let a team of Toweligators grip and fasten your towels right where you need them.

Originally designed to hold your beach towel securely in place, either in the sand or on your beach chair, its practical uses are endless. Use your imagination, then allow team gator to hold your glasses out of the sand and your snack bag sealed on YOUR towel.

The unique and well-researched design allows the bendable tail to attach almost anywhere to make it the most versatile and fun clamp on the market. The tail can bend around chair backs, closet rods, tree limbs, and boat decks making the Toweligator not just a beach clamp, but the everywhere clamp. The strong gator-grip jaws ensure your belongings stay where you put them. Take your Toweligators everywhere!

Buy'em for gifts, buy'em for vacations, or buy'em for laughs. Just buy'em!

I think this year, Towligator may find his way into some stockings around here at Christmas time. There are a gazillion uses for them and they are so unbelievably cute!

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign my Family Review Network on behalf of Towligator and received a complimentary product sample to help facilitate my review and to thank me for taking the time to participate.

An Interloper

2011-08-05T09:31:00.000-04:00

We found this itty bitty froggy floating on the pool thermometer this morning. I think he wanted to celebrate LLB's birthday with us today. We are a few months late celebrating -- we were waiting on the pool and then we had to wait for everyone to come home!
Hopefully, the rain will stop and the sun will come out. If not, we'll swim between the raindrops.

Affresh - Round 2

2011-08-03T20:51:00.000-04:00

I was asked to review Affresh - the stainless steel cleaner.
I have now used it for 6 weeks and I can honestly say that it is terrific! I used in on the bottom of our popcorn popper -- it's a movie theater style popper with a stainless tray on the bottom. Even with all the salt and popcorn kernels and oil spatter, the popper cleans up beautifully with Affresh. The Affresh makes it easier to clean -- the goo seems to just wipe right off. It's great!

My sink continues to wipe up nicely as do Gram's appliances. They stay cleaner longer. It's almost like magic! The water spots on Gram's refrigerator are gone and the fingerprints don't seem to stick.. I'm telling you... This stuff is awesome!
If you have stainless steel appliances, stainless steel sinks, or stainless steel that gets grungy frequently -- use Affresh! It works.

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of affresh and received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

We have

2011-07-06T11:04:00.000-04:00

Water!

Think about this:

2011-07-05T06:03:00.002-04:00

Since the Democrats have held the majority in the House of Representative for about 46 of the last 60 years since 1950 and The Senate has been controlled by the Democrats for about 40 of those 60 years and the Democrats have controlled at least one or the other of the 2 branches over 50 of the 60 years and the Democrats have controlled both Houses since 2007 until recently - exactly the period of the current Economic collapse from an all time "high" in July 2007 - how can the failed economy be the fault of the Republicans?

Democrats controlled the House 44 years
Republicans controlled the House 12 years
Democrats controlled the Senate 38 years
Republicans controlled the Senate 18 years

Happy Birthday, America!

2011-07-04T10:20:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day my #1 will be home and able to sleep in. Today I will let him sleep because I am nice and because I know that every day for the next 25 days or so, he will be up early and in class. This little tidbit brings me great joy as this is payback for all of those years he was up at 6am without fail.

Later this morning Mr. will help chop the tree that fell at the church last night. He gets to use his chainsaw -- how manly! #1 will finish packing his trunk. He has a few items that he needs to put in there like a fan, a bathing suit, and his running shoes. LLB hopes to spend the afternoon with HP playing video games and chatting it up. As for me, I hope to be sipping a mimosa and chomping popcorn with a dear friend while we watch the frogs hop around the puddle in the bottom of the pool. It's not exactly what we had envisioned -- sipping mimosas while floating around the pool on our noodles -- but it will do.

We head off to VMI tomorrow morning - bright and early. Because we are good parents, we will haul his stuff in, help him find and purchase his required textbooks, have lunch, and wave goodbye. He will have wanted us to leave as soon as we got his trunk up to his room! We have a Parent Orientation which we are required to attend in the afternoon. It will be a fun and informative day, I'm sure. :-)

On a separate note, the pool is due to be plastered tomorrow morning - beginning at 6:30. Let's hope that by the time we get home it is done and full of water. I want to be dangling my feet in there tomorrow night.

The Pool

2011-07-03T09:45:00.000-04:00

Is still empty and gray.
They did not show up to plaster it on Friday as promised.
Alas, patience is a virtue.

Yesterday I packed my #1's trunk for his first stint at VMI.
Spacebags are my friend and his. It's amazing how much one can stuff into a spacebag when one can only bring one trunk... His clothes and his comforter have been vacuum packed. He even had room in there for his lamp, his clock, his pillow - which I could probably have put in a spacebag, too -- and I still might. All that's left to put in there are his flip flops, his running shoes, and is external drive. :-) How he gets it all in there to come home is his problem.

As I was packing, I realized that I need to purchase him 2 more sets of towels - he only has 4 sets and they require a minimum of 6. This will require a C*stco run, but that's not a huge deal and I like C*stco.

We haul him and his trunk to VMI on Tuesday. He is excited. He is nervous. He will be just fine, I'm sure. This first stint is similar to summer camp with homework. He is taking English Composition. He can write. He will excel. While he is there, he will be issued his combat boots and a pair of socks - he was already told that he had to break them in. In my minds eye I picture him dressed in plaid shorts and combat boots - that's attractive -- hahaha!!! :-)

Hey! Check it out!

2011-07-01T08:01:00.000-04:00

First thing yesterday, Grandpa was out in the yard snooping around. He found this and asked if he could keep it. Hah! I should think not.

We went from this yesterday morning...

To this....

It makes the whole pool look larger and the pool area so much more beautiful.
We are very very pleased with the progress...
After speaking with the company's owner, it's thanks to his wife for pushing him to get this pool done. He and his family live across the street and are really terrific people. It seems that she made him sit and watch all the kids, cars, and people pile in here for all the events we have had. He said she made him stay up for the cast party. She made him watch for the graduation party. She makes him stay and watch the kids come up for the Wednesday Sectional Rehearsals. I had no idea they even noticed. He said it gave him perspective - he saw it from the consumer's side of things. That alone is worth the parties we had without the pool. As long as something good comes out of it - besides my learning to be patient - it was all worth it.
Now -- if they don't show up to plaster and fill today, I'll be absolutely crushed. Patience is a virtue, but I still want the kids to swim on Monday!

Pool Progress

2011-06-28T08:07:00.000-04:00

Proceeds at a slothlike pace.
Actually, this is a better than a soap opera! We couldn't make this stuff up!

They were supposed to put the concrete around the pool last week, but that didn't happen. It seems we are at the mercy of the County Inspector. He deemed one item - the grid?? - unacceptable on Wednesday and was supposed to return Friday to approve the re-do. The pool guys were here late Thursday and did the re-do -- they even showed up at 6:59am on Friday to be sure it was done and done the way the inspector wanted it for his 8am inspection. So much for that! Mr. Inspector did not show up. at. all. ahem...
Yesterday I sent an email to the Pool People asking about the inspection and this week's schedule - or as we say "this week's pipe dream".
This is the email I received from our Pool People yesterday:
Good Afternoon,
I was surprised to see your email about the inspection, since I was PROMISED it would be done Friday. I am now being told they will be out tomorrow, and I will be sure to stay on top of them about it!
We are still on schedule for concrete Wednesday/Thursday, and plaster Friday, with water being hauled in after plaster Friday.

The Saga Continues...
Will #1 get to swim in his pool before he heads off to school on July 5?
Will LLB get to swim in her pool before she heads of to camp on July 14?
Will it be done before Labor Day?
Tune in on Thursday to find out if the concrete has gone in...
See -- I told you -- this is way better than a Soap Opera!

Affresh Stainless Steel Review

2011-06-21T09:10:00.000-04:00

I was sent a bottle of Affresh Stainless Steel cleaner.

I have a stainless steel sink that I can never seem to get clean. Gram gets really annoyed by smudges and fingerprints on her stainless steel appliances. I thought that this might be a great product for us to try.

Gram used the Affresh on her appliances first. (She had fingerprints, water drips, and smudges and since I had a sink full of dishes -- She won!) She sprayed a soft cloth with the Affresh. She rubbed. The smudges and fingerprints came right off. The drip stains from the ice/water in the door where people dribbled took more than one application, but nothing else has ever taken them completely out until now.
The company claims that the cleaner stays put where it is sprayed... not so much on a smooth vertical surface. Gram put paper towels on the floor to catch the drips from when she sprayed the water stains on the fridge. But honestly, it's not a huge deal.
Gram's dishwasher front was kind of a mess. With one application of the Affresh, it looked like new. No smudges. No drips. No nothing. And a week later it still looks great. Ditto for the fridge. I don't think it has stayed as clean looking ever...

I emptied my sink and proceeded to clean my sink. Affresh works well. The scent is wonderful and clean. My problem is that the minute I get the sink clean, someone comes along and fills it up or runs water or just gets in my way. That said, it seems to stay cleaner longer - you know? The stains don't seem to stick to the sink the way they did before. I did notice that when I sprayed the sink, the Affresh didn't seem to run down it as fast as I thought it would. It did sorta stay where I sprayed it. I wonder if it's because the sink is a different kind of stainless than the fridge...

What they say:

Affresh® Stainless Steel Cleaner gently cleans the fingerprints, smudges, and residue left behind from daily use. The cleaner combines commonly used cleaning agents with special ingredients that, when used as part of a normal maintenance program, can help prevent the formation of residue that can build-up on stainless steel surfaces.

The durable, distinguished look of clean stainless steel can really make a kitchen shine. Keeping that look, though, has always been a chore, until now.

To ensure maximum performance, Whirlpool recommends a monthly maintenance and cleaning routine detailed in the product’s Use & Care Guide. With the new Affresh® Stainless Steel Cleaner, consumers have even more cleaning power to help resolve the build-up residue.

Anyway - we'll continue to use it and let you know if we still like it in a few weeks! Although, since we cleaned the appliances last week, they've stayed clean... This stuff seems kind of expensive - $6.99 per bottle - but since you use so little and the clean lasts so long, it's a great deal!

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Affresh and received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

It's Fathers' Day!

2011-06-19T08:57:00.001-04:00

Happy Fathers' Day!!

We have a huge surprise happening here a little later.
It involves the two fathers in the family - of course!
Now I need to run and clean up this house while my Mr. is off strumming his guitar at church.

I found this ladybug family picture and thought it was so cute!

How can it be Saturday?

2011-06-18T07:37:00.000-04:00

This week as absolutely flown by...
They came to fix the air conditioner. It's still not fixed. They had to order a compressor for the second unit. They said 3 days. I suspect they will be back on Monday. If not, I will be calling them... It's getting hot again and I don't mind not having air when it's cool out. Somehow, I do mind not having air when it gets hot and sticky.
The pool progress continues to be slothlike. The electricians came and were done in a couple of hours. For this they made me wait two weeks? sigh...
The pool people sent an email stating that the concrete around the pool is going in next week. It's supposed to rain next week... of course it is.
It will be interesting to see what they do or don't do. It would be nice if #1 could actually swim in the pool before he leaves for college, but I'm certainly not holding my breath.
LLB had her Brass sectional here this week. There were trumpets and horns and tubas! It sounded really really good. I have to admit, I was impressed. They worked on marching skills. They worked on music. They worked on standing and breathing, too. Next week we do it all over again and I can't wait! I just would be so much better if the pool were done so they kids could enjoy it. Alas... patience is a virtue -- or so they tell me.
Polo tonight! I'll be sitting on my rear end watching polo drinking a mimosa... Be there!

On the upswing...

2011-06-12T08:12:00.000-04:00

So, Mr. took the car in yesterday and for $272, it has been fixed. It had a bad V-Tech valve thingy. They wanted to replace the catalytic converter for $1900. Ahem.. um... no.

Yes, there are reasons to replace the catalytic converter - emissions and better gas mileage... But there are reasons not to replace said item - about 1900 of them.

I will continue to drive my sweet car until it croaks.
I can only hope it isn't too soon... I've got 170k miles on this car... I need another 100k out of it.

We shall see...

When it rains...

2011-06-11T09:07:00.001-04:00

It pours...
This is my week:
Pool - not done and there has been very little progress this week.

Air Conditioning - guy came to fix it and now it's still broken. They will be back on Monday to fix it.
My Car - the transmission seems to be on the fritz. It is going in to the shop today. I hope it is an easy and inexpensive fix.
So - I got no pool. I got no A/C. I got no car.
Where is the hidden camera??

It's the little things....

2011-06-09T07:50:00.000-04:00

I was reading Fatal Abstraction. I enjoy her blog immensely.
Today she posted about the most wonderful TP holder I have ever seen.

No more springy holder thingy. It's is a lever... How absolutely brilliant!
Those of you who receive Christmas gifts from me -- you just might be receiving this. If you don't know what to get me - this would be an awesome stocking stuffer. ahem...

Overheard in PE Class...

2011-06-03T07:26:00.000-04:00

LLB has PE. Right now they are working on a "Health" unit.
The class is a co-ed class.
The teacher was talking about bacteria. She has a very pronounced southern twang...

"Bacteria thrives in a dark, warm, moist environment. Girls - y'all are a walkin' petrie dish!"

I don't think I've ever laughed so hard...

Graduation...

2011-06-02T07:47:00.000-04:00

It's time...
My #1 is graduating.
The Band Moms and one Band Dad got together and made surprise scrapbooks for this year's seniors. We filled them with pictures and keepsakes...
Since my sister and my in-laws are far away and probably won't get to see the book - I thought I'd at least share the letter I wrote to put in #1's book.

Dearest #1,

Your senior year at Highschool is over. You are graduating in a few days. It seems like just yesterday you were getting on the kindergarten bus. Time just flew ~ How did that happen??

Thanks to the US Army, you have been given the opportunity to follow your dreams, study at VMI - your first choice school, and serve your country. This is the beginning of the next step of a wonderful journey! Just think - You are going to learn, see the world, do great things, and have awesome experiences! As my Gram used to say, “The world is your oyster”. I can’t wait to see where it all leads. That said, Dad and I are in need of a destination vacation, so choose your deployment assignments with your dear parents in mind, okay?

College is a time to grow. You’ll grow in ways you never expected and I’m not talking about biceps. You’ll be pushed and pulled in many directions – some good, some exciting, and some difficult. It’s your level head and your faith in God that will keep you on the straight and narrow. I can only hope that you remember your roots and your small town values as you move in new and unfamiliar circles. Temptation comes in many forms – you’ll be tempted to try things, go places, and do the stupidest most moronic things you’d never think you’d do. The question is – which path will you follow? The choice is yours, but the repercussions are like a pebble dropped in a lake. They affect more than you alone and most, both good and bad, will follow you well into adulthood.

Success in life comes down to 4 simple rules:

1. Keep your head up, your mouth closed, and your eyes and ears open.

2. Always tell the whole truth – no matter what.

3. Think twice before you speak or act.

4. Don’t shame your mother.

(If you follow rules 1 - 3 to the letter you won’t have to worry about rule number 4.)

We love you.

We are proud of you.

Love,

Mom and Dad

That says it - right?

Perfective Ceuticals Review

2011-05-25T08:31:00.000-04:00

I was asked to review this product:
Perfective Ceuticals Divine Age Guardian Cream with Growth Factor

It is a moisturizing, wrinkle reducing, fine line erasing cream for your face.
I think it actually works.
I have the worlds most sensitive skin and I didn't itch when I put it on. It has very little scent if any and that scent is a clean smell. It's a very light feeling cream. It goes on, soaks in, and some of the tiny lines went away. My face felt nice and smooth after applying the cream. It didn't feel sticky like there was still cream on my face, you know.

I am using the cream as my daily moisturizer and after a week of use, I do see a difference.

This is what the company says about it's magic cream:
Discover the science of luxury: leading edge anti-aging technology combined with exquisite indulgence. Divine Age Guardian Cream with Growth Factor is a rich, nourishing cream infused with high strength anti-aging ingredients to rejuvenate skin from the inside out.

Its proprietary complex of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl), Ginseng Extract and Emu Oil specifically help reprogram the aging process of skin cells, repair fine lines, wrinkles and sagging by stimulating cell turnover, microcirculation and the production of Collagen and Elastin. Combined with time released hydrators, anti-oxidants and skin lighteners to enhance health and radiance, the skin feels brightened, lifted and toned. Anti-inflammatory. Non-comedogenic. Scientifically proven.

Directions: 1. Apply a small amount to the face and neck with gentle and smooth circular movements. Wait five minutes for absorption. 2. For best anti-aging results, use after Divine Age Guardian Serum with Growth Factor, and follow with Anti-imperfection Eye Therapy with Growth Factor. 3. Apply twice a day or as directed by physician. 4. Use as a daily moisturizer or after a beauty procedure; microdermabrasion, radiofrequency skin tightening treatment or laser skin resurfacing treatment. 5. Apply a sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection before sun exposure. 6. Best for normal, dry, combination, sun-damaged and sensitive skin.

I like this cream very much and will continue to use it. You use so little at a time that I'm sure that the container will last quite a long while. That said, I love the container - it is a lovely blue ball sitting on my dresser. A blue ball containing magic cream that makes me look younger... I like that!

Perfective Ceuticals has a line of anti-aging products, and I am considering trying the other products. Why? because my skin is so incredibly sensitive, and to find a product that I can put on my face is nothing short of miraculous. Normally, I can only use water on my face -- no soap, no make-up, no nothing... Since this is cream works for me, I think that the other products will be just as gentle.

If you need a good wrinkle reducing miracle cream, try the Perfective Ceuticals line.

“This post was written for Family Review Network & Perfective Ceuticals who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.”

Name Game

2011-05-18T12:06:00.000-04:00

LAST NAME GAME......PLEASE don't spoil it for others!
Rules:
It's harder than it looks! Erase my answers, enter yours and
send it on to 10 people, including me. Use the 1st letter OF YOUR LAST
NAME to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real
places, names, things. Nothing made up. Use different answers if the
person in front of you had the same 1st initial. You can't use your name
for the boy/girl question. Have Fun!!

1. What is your last name? Crossing
2. Name an Animal..... Cat
3. A Boys name.... Charles
4. A Girls name ... Catherine
5 An occupation....Cook
6. Color................ Coral
7.Something you wear.. Coat
8. A beverage...... Coke
9. A Food..... Carrot Cake
10. Something found in the bathroom.... Cabinet
11. A place ............ Chicago
12. A Reason for being late..... Constipation
13. Something you shout.......Come!!

The only thing better than Hairspray....

2011-05-17T08:03:00.000-04:00

That's my boy! Corny Collins!!

It was a phenomenal show!!!

Hairspray!

2011-05-03T08:41:00.000-04:00

Our high school's production of Hairspray is this weekend. My #1 is Corny Collins. My LLB is in the orchestra -- we do live music for our spring musical :-)
I can't wait to see the costumes, the show, the kids, the props...
I was at school yesterday dropping off some stand lights -- I'll fill you in on that mess when I have a few more minutes -- and I saw all of our furniture used for props! #1's old book case was ready and waiting to be hauled on stage.... as was the telephone table. It was hysterical to see Gram's couch up there on stage! I almost laughed out loud!!
So - if you need something to do this weekend or next - check out Hairspray!
Clap for my boy... clap for my girl... cheer for my furniture!

Got Hacked!

2011-04-18T06:35:00.005-04:00

My gmail account got hacked - by someone in China. Gmail allows you to see who accessed your account and when. Grrrr!!!
For any of you who got an email - supposedly from me - please disregard.
I find it incredibly annoying and absolutely 100% frustrating that some Chinese dude thought my gmail account needed to be hacked. Trust me, I don't need or want my account hacked.
I think this goes back to the Epsilon data theft... Thanks, Epsilon.
So much for that, huh?
So sorry for any inconvenience that this Chinese hacker may have caused you.
Hugs!!
LBC

Universal Laws

2011-04-14T06:37:00.000-04:00

I received this in an email and thought it was terrific!

1. Law of Mechanical Repair - After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch.

2. Law of Gravity - Any tool, nut, bolt, screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

3. Law of Probability -The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act

4. Law of Random Numbers - If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.

5. Law of the Alibi - If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire..

6. Variation Law - If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).

7. Law of the Bath - When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.

8. Law of Close Encounters -The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

9. Law of the Result - When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.

10. Law of Biomechanics - The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

11.. Law of the Theater and Hockey Arena - At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle, always arrive last. They are the ones who will leave their seats several times to go for food, beer, or the toilet and who leave early before the end of the performance or the game is over. The folks in the aisle seats come early, never move once, have long gangly legs or big bellies, and stay to the bitter end of the performance. . The aisle people also are very surly folk.

12. The Coffee Law - As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.

13. Murphy's Law of Lockers - If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.

14. Law of Physical Surfaces - The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor, are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet or rug.

15. Law of Logical Argument - Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

16. Brown's Law of Physical Appearance - If the clothes fit, they're ugly.

17. Oliver's Law of Public Speaking - A closed mouth gathers no feet.

18. Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy - As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.

19. Doctors' Law - If you don't feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better. But don't make an appointment, and you'll stay sick.

Busy? Who me?

2011-04-13T08:32:00.000-04:00

I was recently asked to sub in a Community Handbell Choir for a month. I emailed the director and told her that I could make the Sunday evening rehearsals and that LLB could also sub in for the second person she was missing.
I asked if there were any performances planned, because we have a very busy weekly schedule -- especially for the month of May.
I got an email back that said they wanted to do a performance either the first or second Friday in May. That doesn't work for us. The high school play - Hairspray! is those weekends and we are hosting the cast party as well. I also mentioned that I was busy on Sunday May 1st, and that rehearsal on that night was going to be impossible...
Then I tried to think of all the other dates I couldn't do.
The list is too long to print here, suffice it to say I'm booked solid.
I want to help this lady out, but it doesn't look like we are the people to do it.
I thought things were supposed to wind down at the end of the school year -- except they aren't. We have spring break and then it's May. Then we have Memorial Day and it's June. One week after Memorial Day, my son will be a high school graduate!
So -- I thought I had time... and now, I realize that I don't. I have parties to plan, gifts to purchase, events to attend and that is just the extra stuff on top of all the other normal stuff I have to do.
I guess it's a good thing that I got the dishes done and the laundry started early today, huh?

Fighting City Hall...

2011-04-12T12:24:00.000-04:00

I was at a meeting yesterday. One of the administrators made a comment that kinda got my knickers in a twist, so I wrote this letter. I sent it to the person, and many others. Personally, I'm hoping it shows up in my local newspaper, too. Names have been changed to protect the guilty and the innocent.

Ms. Person,
I was at the Renovation Meeting yesterday morning.

I was appalled that you would think and publicly say that the members of the public who were at that meeting did not care about academics, have an agenda, and are trying to sabotage the HS construction project. That was extremely unprofessional and insulting! Nothing can be further from the truth. Mrs. Other Person was right - we are not there to sabotage. We are there because we care about the students at HS and the project. We have every right to tell you what we don't like about your project. We have every right to want only the best for our students. The best does not involve water walls or water reclamation systems. The best does involve a safe facility, excellent teachers, and a well rounded education for our children.

I believe this is all a matter of perspective. You don't have students at HS. You don't have students in the system. We do. Our children are involved in Band and Theatre as well as Athletics. Our children are not the lower academic students, but the students who have GPA's above 4.0. We are in the building on a regular basis because we volunteer to help when asked. We see what the students and faculty need. We see what they don't have. We see the teachers and students struggle with storage, lighting and acoustics. We see them make do with what they have knowing that across the county there are two schools who have it all. We see our music students come out of rehearsals with ringing ears. We see a stage and an auditorium that SHOULD be the gold standard in the county, but is run down and in disrepair. The HS Performing Arts department does amazing things with what they have. They could do so much more. Our students are the students who represent the county. It's time the county stepped up and represented them.

Our perspective is that of parents and a tax payers. Our perspective is that we don't see you in our school. We don't see you asking the faculty and staff who use the facilities what they need. We see you giving them what you want them to have. Is this really what they need?? You want us to spend $25 million of our tax dollars on a project that does not address or come close to meeting the needs of the students and faculty at HS. You want us to be happy that you are putting up a big beautiful building when the Performing Arts wing doesn't have a fire suppression system, handicapped access, decent restrooms, adequate classrooms or storage.

Now, at the last minute, it seems that Performing Arts is important. You mentioned that Architecture Firm would design the new Performing Arts classrooms. No offense, but shouldn't those who are going to be teaching in those classrooms be involved in the design? Music and Performing Arts classrooms are not simply square classroom boxes. They need high ceilings. They need their own HVAC. They need acoustic design. They are not an average classroom. Let those who will use the facility tell you what they need and be involved in the design.

I am not sabotaging anything, Ms. Person. I'm simply trying to make sure that our students, faculty, and staff have what they need.

Prom...

2011-04-11T08:16:00.000-04:00

Was this past Saturday. #1 is 18 and told me that I can put his image on my blog. So -- here is the boy. I love this picture!

Here are the flowers he got for his date:

Here he is with his date - who does actually have a lovely face... Her dress is perfect for her personality. She is fun and a bit on the gothic side... They are good friends who eat lunch together every day.

I worked the After Prom Party - as usual. We arrived at the school at 11:30pm and finished up at about 5:15am.
The kids had a great time.
#1 didn't win anything, but he had fun anyway.
What I found a bit irritating was when we were leaving, a kid backed into me and didn't stop to see if he had done any damage... Yes, I know... my car needs a bulls eye painted on it.
So - kid with the red car - next time you back into someone, do the responsible thing and get out to see if you did any damage. By leaving, you have made yourself a hit and run driver. (This is not something you want on your resume, I'm sure.) Take responsibility for your actions. Fortunately for you, my rear door and bumper suffered no damage. I can still open and close said rear door and there is no dent in the bumper.
#1 and I arrived home shortly after 6:15am. (He absolutely had to go to McDo for breakfast with his friends -- the ones he'd been with all night...)
When LLB got up for the day at 7:30, I was still awake. She asked me if I was going to be at the After Prom party for her next year and the year after. What kind of crazy question is that? Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world!
Although, we will be glad when she's a senior because it will mean that our all-nighters will be all done! We are MUCH too old for that stuff anymore!

The Circus is Back!!

2011-04-10T18:38:00.002-04:00

The Greatest Show On Earth just got Greater with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Presents BARNUM 200^SM. Featuring 130 performers from six continents, almost 100,000 pounds of performing pachyderms, cowboys, pirates, and mermaids, BARNUM 200 is a super-sized spectacle so massive you just can’t miss it! This monumental, once in a lifetime event celebrates The Biggest Birthday Bash in Circus History that can only be experienced at The Greatest Show On Earth^®, Barnum’s living legacy!

Step right up and see the Flying Caceres attempt to complete the elusive quadruple somersault on the flying trapeze; a feat that hasn’t been mastered in over three decades. Watch the Puyang Troupe from China dazzle with a stunning display of dexterity as they bounce, flip, and twirl to new heights on a two tiered trampoline. Be amazed as you witness the impossible contortions of the body benders who fit three humans in a cube the size of a milk crate. Enjoy the wondrous ability of the Mighty Meetal, the strongest man in the world as he lifts over 1,200 pounds. And savor the stupendous skills of the hand balancers featuring Duo Fusion, a married pair of performers with a twist; the wife does the heavy lifting.

And one hour before show time, families can meet the performers, get autographs, and see an amazing elephant that paints at the All Access Pre-show –FREE with a purchased ticket!

Where/When:

Patriot Center, Fairfax VA, April 14 – 24
Thursday, April 14 – 7:00 pm
Friday, April 15 – 10:30 am, 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 16 – 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 17 – 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm
Tuesday, April 19 – 7:00 pm
Wednesday, April 20 – 7:00 pm
Friday, April 22 – 1:00 pm, 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 23 – 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 24 – 1:00 pm, 5:00 pm

VA Ticket Prices: $15.00/$9.00/$7.00 (Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP available)
For additional information about Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, please visit www.ringling.com

So - Come out to the circus!! It's a great time and believe it or not, it's cheaper than the movies!

Got Pipes?

2011-04-07T09:15:00.000-04:00

We've got pipes!!!
We've got skimmers!!

It looks more like a pool every day...

Irritating...

2011-03-27T10:57:00.000-04:00

You know what I find incredibly irritating?
You get a sale ad from a company and you see something you want to purchase. You click on the ad to take you to the item. Then you get an error message. You click again -- same error message. You try to go to the main page of the site, only to get another error message or a site that hangs...
Now I'm irritated and I don't want the item -- actually I do still want it, but I'm annoyed, so I save my $1.49 and move on...
They lost a sale and I'm not happy. If their site had worked correctly, they would have made a sale -- I probably would have spent more than $1.49 -- and I'd be happily awaiting the arrival of the UPS guy in a couple of days.
Instead, I'm harping about it to you. :-)
Enjoy your day.

Half Days

2011-03-25T08:44:00.000-04:00

I love half days of school!
I don't have to make lunches.
I can just get up, hug the children, and shoo them out the door to school.

Later this afternoon #1 has a scholarship interview at VMI - Mr. is taking him... yippee!!! We're hoping he does well - because the more money he gets in scholarship funds means the less we have to come up with. His tuition is covered with is ROTC scholarship, but his room and board is not. For those of you not at the college stage yet, let me put this little bee in your bonnet: Room and board costs more than tuition.

LLB has a rehearsal this afternoon, so she'll need to be picked up later. That gives me time to get #1 out the door for the second time today as well as get some things done for my bell ladies. I might even have time to squeeze a swim in today -- even though it's cold out and my fire is on and it's toasty here.

The pool is still a big old hole in the ground. We thought they'd come and put the re-bar? in this week, but we had some rain and the guys didn't show. sigh... Let's just say that even if our pool were finished today, I'd not be swimming in it -- it's COLD out there!

I've been quite productive this morning. The bed is made and the dishes are done. The kitchen is clean. I washed 3 windows - insides only -- I'll get to the outsides once it warms up next week. I've dusted the family room. The laundry is going. Zeb has had his morning treat... I'd like to get the kitchen floor washed, but with all the mud outside, it just doesn't seem worth it... It will be all mucky kitty and doggy prints in 30 seconds or less... Maybe I'll just haul the few remaining Christmas decorations up to the attic - they've been piled in a corner for so long that I don't even see them anymore. Yeah -- that's productive and it's a quick job...

Have a great weekend! Stay warm!

Mini Kitty

2011-03-23T08:58:00.000-04:00

Our Mini Kitty isn't so mini anymore but she is still as impish as ever.

She looks innocent enough, but it's all an act. She's simply naughty!
Today it's a raw, cloudy, dank kind of day. She doesn't want to go outside...
What she does want to do is sock hunt.
She finds socks in drawers that are open but a half an inch. She very patiently works them out of the drawers. Once she gets them out, she deposits them in a far more useful place like my kitchen floor or the family room couch.
She found a dirty athletic sock in the laundry basket and has proceeded to deposit that one in the middle of our front stairs. It's far more attractive in that location where everyone can see it.
There are wool socks in the dining room.
There are dress socks in the family room.
There are striped socks in the kitchen and on the upstairs landing.
The list goes on.
I hear her up in LLB's room. She's trying to find a way to get her paw into the top drawer to reach a sock without falling off the dresser. She'll manage. She always does.

Tshirt Printing Review

2011-03-22T08:42:00.001-04:00

I was asked to review a screen printed t-shirt from tshirtprinting.net. I don't have a picture because my camera is on the fritz. If and when I get it working, I'll post a picture...
It is AWESOME! The shirt is 90% cotton. It is very soft and is a little longer than most t-shirts, which is good for me because I'm a bit long waisted. I can raise my arms you don't see my aged belly because the shirt is long enough!!

The screen print is terrific, too. It doesn't have that "screen print smell" that most screen printed items have. I wore the shirt and didn't have to take it off because it smelled funny. This is GREAT!!
The screen print is very bright and it didn't peel at all. I've washed the shirt and it is as beautiful as when it came out of the envelope! The screen print is also very "pliable" in that it isn't stiff and moves with the shirt. I am duly impressed!
I wore the shirt on Saturday at a bell conference and got a lot of compliments on it. Most liked the way the shirt looked - it fit great, was long enough, and seemed to be more than "just a t-shirt". I think it may have been the way the shirt was cut. It was more feminine or something. Many loved the "cheeky monkey logo". I think they were monkey fans! Needless to say, I gave the website address out a lot!!
If you need screen printing, check out tshirtprinting.net.
Oh and don't forget -- they have more than just t-shirts -- they have hoodies, sweatshirts, hats and more!

“This post was written for Family Review Network & TShirtPrinting.net who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.”

Life in General

2011-03-20T13:58:00.000-04:00

Spring is almost here.
Petite Minou is out and about looking for something to chase...

Zeb is enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather, too. He loves to nap in the sun. I honestly think he may have been a cat in a past life.

Our days are busy... sometimes busier than we'd like, but it's all good!

#1 was accepted to yet another college - Grove City College in PA. He is currently 5 for 5 -- we haven't heard from UVA - that's number 6 on the list. As you know, he has decided on VMI for sure, but still, it's nice to have options. He is looking forward to the end of the school year, his graduation, and his matriculation to VMI. We have his matriculation date - August 20th. On that date, we'll have a Rat in the family!

People have asked me if I'm ready to see him go. Well, it's like this: It is time. He is definitely ready. How do I know? Well -- #1 and I were chatting the other day about kids who do stupid things. The subject of underage drinking came up and he told me about a conversation he had with another senior. The kid was talking about drinking at parties and such. He asked my #1 if he had tasted alcohol. He told this other student that he had indeed tasted it, but that it wasn't his thing. The student asked why. His response was, "Listen, I have way too much to lose. I've got the world at my fingertips. I have a scholarship to college. I have a career just waiting to be had. Why screw it up?? Besides, you don't need to drink alcohol to have a good time." He has his head on straight. I can only hope he keeps it that way...

LLB is currently pouring over the music for Hairspray. The parts are HARD! She described the trumpet part like this: Take a flute part - the kind with a gazillion notes above the staff - hand it to the trumpets and tell them to play it. She calls it, "Screamin' Trumpets". Yup - it's that hard! LLB is looking forward to summer - swimming and relaxing by the pool, spending time with friends, and going to camps.

Speaking of the pool, it's coming along - although it doesn't appear to be much more than a hole in the ground right now. We are looking forward to cookouts, pool parties, and refreshing dips after chopping wood and mowing the lawn!

Mr. won the HOA Chili Cook-off this year! He entered his award winning chili - against 9 other entries - and came away with the trophy for his efforts! He gets to keep the trophy for a year... We'll see if he can up the ante and win again next year!

My molasses/ginger cookies are a hit with one of our neighbors. He is obsessed with them and wants me to make them commercially. He tried my chocolate chip cookies yesterday and told me that they are better than anything he's ever tasted. (I have to say, they were pretty good!) He knows someone who has a professional bakery and makes goodies for restaurants and such. He wants to be my agent and introduce me and my cookies to this person. I told him that I'd think about it. I just may take him up on his offer... Who knows... I may be the next cookie magnate!

Pool...

2011-03-16T06:54:00.000-04:00

We are getting a pool!
Before:

During:

There is currently a large pool sized hole in our back yard!

Zippies

2011-03-04T12:32:00.000-05:00

Zippies are the best invention ever!
They are resusable water bottle ID tags.
My kids are on the swim team and in marching band. There are always a bunch of water bottles lined up on the edge of the marching field and on the edge of the pool. They all look the same, but they aren't the same! My kids' germs are different than your kids' germs. I'd rather they not share germs...
Zippies attach to the water bottle so that you can immediately distinguish yours from everyone else's. There are 10 different animals and more are due to be released shortly.

Of course, you can use Zippies to identify more than water bottles. You can hang it on your keys, put it on your child's favorite stuffed animal, camping equipment, your luggage, and more. There is a place on the back for you to write a name and a phone number. Perfect!

Here is what they say: Zippies give kids a fun and easy way to keep track of their stuff while parents rest assured that emergency contact information (last name and parent’s phone number) is with them at all times. Use the rubber loop - or detach it to clip the pal on a key ring. They can even help prevent the spread of germs by identifying water bottles and teach children the importance of being responsible for personal belongings. These kid collectibles can also prevent constant arguments over their belongings.

This little guy is my favorite! You'll find him hanging on my water bottle. Check out the other choices. I'll wait. See? Aren't they terrific? The tiger? Yeah, he's my other favorite... LLB's, too. He's hanging on her bottle right now. LLB has mentioned that she'd like to give them to her trumpet section at Band Camp. I think it's a terrific idea!

Do yourself and your kids a favor. Before summer camps and summer activities start, order some Zippies! You'll make sure your kids comes home with their own items -- including their own germs!

This post was written for Family Review Network & Zippies who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

A funny...

2011-03-01T07:20:00.000-05:00

Gram sent me this. I found it hysterically funny! It was one of those things that tickled my funny bone... I can only hope you find it as funny as I did.

While conducting some business at the Court House, I overheard a lady, who had been arrested for assaulting a Mammogram Technician, say, "Your Honor, I'm guilty but.....there were extenuating circumstances."

The female Judge said, sarcastically, "I'd certainly like to hear those extenuating circumstances." I did too so, I listened as the lady told her story.

"Your Honor, I had a mammogram appointment, which I actually kept. I was met by this perky little clipboard carrier smiling from ear to ear and she tilted her head to one side and crooned, "Hi! I'm
Belinda! All I need you to do is step into this room right here, strip to the waist, then slip on this gown. Everything clear?"

I'm thinking, "Belinda, try decaf. This ain't rocket science."
Belinda then skipped away to prepare the chamber of horrors.

With the right side finished, Belinda flipped me (literally) to the left and said, "Hmmmm. Can you stand on your tippy toes and lean in a tad so we can get everything?" Fine, I answered.

I was freezing, bruised, and out of air, so why not use the remaining circulation in my legs and neck to finish me off? My body was in a holding pattern that defied gravity (with my other breast wedged
between those two 4 inch pieces of square glass) when I heard and felt a zap!

Complete darkness, the power was off!

Belinda said, "Uh-oh, maintenance is working, bet they hit a snag." Then she headed for the door.

"Excuse me! You're not leaving me in this vise alone are you?" I shouted.

Belinda kept going and said, "Oh, you fussy puppy...the door's wide open so you'll have the emergency hall lights. I'll be right back."

Before I could shout NOOOO! She disappeared. And that's exactly how Bubba and Earl, "maintenance men Extraordinaire" found me...half-naked with part of me dangling from the Jaws of Life and the other part smashed between glass!

After exchanging a polite Hi, how's it going type greeting, Bubba (or possibly Earl) asked, to my utter disbelief, if I knew the power was off.

Trying to disguise my hysteria, I replied with as much calmness as possible, "Uh, yes, I did but thanks anyway."

"OK, you take care now" Bubba replied and waved good-bye as though I'd been standing in the line at the grocery store.

Two hours later, Belinda breezes in wearing a sheepish grin. Making no attempt to suppress her amusement, she said, "Oh I am sooo sorry! The power came back on and I totally forgot about you! And silly me, I went to lunch. Are we upset?"

And that, Your Honor, is exactly how her head ended up between the clamps...."

The judge could hardly contain her laughter as she said "Case Dismissed!

Whooosh..

2011-02-18T07:48:00.002-05:00

That's the sound of time passing...
We've had some great things happen this week.
#1 was chosen to play Corny Collins in the high school's musical, Hairspray! He is thrilled and the part is absolutely perfect for him.
LLB is off to University of South Carolina for an Honor Band thing. She arrived there yesterday. She called and told me that she definitely did not make the top band as she had the most dreadful audition ever. Do we care? Heck, no! She is there to learn and have fun. (I just heard from her and it turns out that she got 2nd chair in the next band! Yippeee! She is very pleased!)
She texted me later and told me that she had the most delicious dinner at the Japanese Steak House. Of course she did! We told her that Mr. wanted the leftovers. Her response was, "LOL! I brought the leftovers home to have later tonight." That child can eat... I will say no more.

I had an adventure yesterday. I was on my way home from helping the Lions Club with their eye and ear screening at the high school. I had called Gram and asked her if she wanted a wrap from McDo. She said yes. Our local McDo is at a gas station - sounds gross, but the food is great!
I pulled into the drive thru lane, which is clearly marked on the pavement. The drive thru lane skirts the perimeter of the gas pumps and keeps things safe and orderly for the most part. I was behind another car. As it crept up toward the ordering location, I crept up.
I saw a car driven by an older gentleman out of the corner of my eye. He came off the road and straight through the pumps. (I find this utterly uncool and extremely unsafe.) He wanted to scootch in front of me. There was nobody behind me. I pretended I didn't see him. I was NOT letting him in front of me. It was late. I was hungry. AND, he did not follow the drive thru lane... he tried to cheat. So I ignored him. He beeped at me and then yelled at me. I told him I was sorry - even though I really wasn't. He yelled some more. He threw his car in reverse and then screeched around me.
As I pulled up to get my food, I saw the man ordering at the counter. Just think... if he had pulled in behind me, he would have gotten his food at the exact same time... Karma...

I have crocheted 4 hats! I knew you'd all be impressed. I'll take some pix this weekend and put them up with all those Disney pix I've promised...
Enjoy your Friday!

Lilly Mae Bags Review

2011-02-09T09:08:00.000-05:00

I was asked to review a Lillymae Fanny Pack/Purse.
Check it out:

It's ADORABLE! It's the perfect size for my iTouch and my phone as well as a few credit cards and some cash. It has two pockets inside, so I can stay organized and keep my things safe at the gym, at fundraisers, and any other place I don't want to carry my larger purse. This little fanny pack/purse can be worn as a fanny pack or as a cross body purse. I wear it around my waist with the purse at my hip. It's most comfortable there for me.

Here is what they say:
The LillyMae bag was designed initially for women, although men love the basic black fanny pack. We all need to carry our phone and other basics, but with our active life-styles big bulky bags get in the way. When you are working out keep your phone or mp3 on you, and have headphone access through the side eyelet. Have a young child with a cell phone for emergencies? Have them wear a LillyMae Bag, and keep the phone safe and on their person at all times. Our small strap size is perfect for a small person fanny pack.

Use a LillyMae Bag when you are shopping, exercising, working, traveling, and every activity imaginable. The easily adjustable strap allows the easy transition between fanny pack wear or purse wear.
If you would like a Lillymae, I have a discount coupon code for you: 15001

You've gotta get one! I got the black and white one. There are many colors to choose from! Go, take a look and order one! You won't be disappointed.

This post was written for Family Review Network & LillyMaeBags who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions

Thursday

2011-02-03T07:37:00.000-05:00

Today I was going to go back to bed and sleep.
Instead, I decided that I was out of time and I have to get all the tax information ready for the Taxman.
Since that job doesn't excited me one iota, I'm writing here... Okay, I'm procrastinating.

Today's schedule is pretty bizarre...
I need to be at school for 10:45 to sell chocolate lollipops for Valentine's Day...
I need to be back at school for 2:30 to get LLB and get her some dinner before I have to have her back at school for 4:00 to catch the shuttle to District Band.
I need to return to school at 9:45 to fetch her from the District Band shuttle.
I'm not sure how many times in between there I'll be returning home, but I can guarantee you that my car will need gas before the day is out.

I'd best get my tax info collected and in a folder so I can drop it off on my way.
Now doesn't that sound like a really fun way to start the day?
No - I don't think so either.

Time Flies Away!!

2011-02-02T10:51:00.000-05:00

Wow! I've not written in quite a while.
Did you miss me?

Let me catch you all up on my life...
We went to Disney World for Christmas - pictures to follow in a later post. It was a fun trip, albeit a cold trip. We saw Mickey and Minnie and all the other characters. The parades were amazing! The quality of the music and dancing was saw was simply phenomenal. The arts are alive and well in Disney World - it was refreshing.

I'm still fighting city hall trying to get our Performing Arts wing renovated. The school was built in 1963. The only wing not renovated at all since then is: You guessed it! The Performing Arts wing. This is a long and arduous fight, but it needs to be fought. The arts are important - just as important as sports, Math, English, and Science... ahem.. I'll step away from the soap box.

We've been skiing. A wonderful and blessedly injury free day was had by all! Yippee!!

I've had strep. The pills the doc prescribed taste terrible and I'm really glad I only have one left to take. When I take them, I just want to pull my tongue out and scrape the taste off... it's SO nasty! I've also been dealing with a nasty cold on top of the strep. Some silly seventh grader breathed on me when I was subbing a couple of weeks ago. I don't appreciate him sharing almost as much as I don't appreciate his mother sending a sick kid to school...

LLB was accepted to and attended an Honor Band Clinic at Shepherd University in West Virginia. She loved it and wants to go back next year.
LLB was accepted to and will attend an Honor Band Clinic at University of South Carolina this spring. She was one of 4 students selected to attend and the only one who isn't a senior. Yes, she is excited and yes, we are very proud of her accomplishments.
She also has District Band coming up this week. It's all trumpet all the time!

#1 will be receiving a scholarship or two from VMI. One for Chemistry and one for Band. Life is very good! We are hoping he gets enough to cover room and board. He is too, because it turns out he needs a new saxophone. Of course he does... We will be making a trip to Chuck Levin's in DC one of these days.
I've downloaded the list of the things #1 will need to take to VMI. It includes such things as 14 pair of black socks, 6 sets of white sheets - none fitted -- all flat, an alarm clock without a radio, 6 towels and six washcloths - must be white, 6 pair of black nylon knee highs to prevent blisters, 14 pair of WHITE underwear and at least 7 of them must be briefs (Talk about picky! They even control your undies!!)... the list goes on. I found it amusing - he found it "informative and overly exciting".
My favorite thing on the list was that electric razors, cell phones, radios, and iPods are not allowed until after break out - that would be late January or early February... Needless to say, I love structured places!

We've had a bunch of snow days here and I must tell you... I do love having the children at home. They make a mess. They hog the TV and the couch. They sleep until 10. They can and do help shovel the driveway - which is a big plus since the snow blower died the other day! But honestly, I just love hanging with them.

They are back to school today and the house seems rather empty. Not that I'm not enjoying the quiet, mind you. They have their last swim meet of the year tonight. I've got my name tags made, my sharpie, my stapler, and my other things all ready to go.

Rest? Tomorrow... maybe.

Just when I thought I'd heard it all...

2011-01-13T13:23:00.000-05:00

I was going to write about our Christmas trip to Disney World, but I need to share this with you instead. This is INSANE!

If you are on food stamps, get free lunch, are on SSI, or Medicaid, you can get a free cell phone with free minutes and free texting paid for by the US Government. It's called the Obama Phone. This, unfortunately, is not a joke. You and I are paying for people on the dole to have a cell phone. We don't text because it's too expensive. BUT, if I were on welfare, I could - on YOUR dime.
There is something incredibly wrong with this picture!!

Don't believe me? Check it out: https://www.safelinkwireless.com/EnrollmentPublic/home.aspx

I got this email:
Just when you think you've heard it all, our illustrious Congress quietly comes up with a new zinger to put their hands in your pockets, and pick them while you aren't watching. Isn't this just wonderful ?

I was standing in line at the checkout counter at WalMart and as I looked at the line behind me, I saw a couple of people talking about what looked like identical new cell phones, bragging about the fact that their phones were free and so was the airtime.

The woman in line behind me had heard the same exchange and turned to the young man behind her and asked, 'Is that a new type of cell phone?' The young man replied, 'Yes, this is my new Obama phone. She asked him what an Obama phone was, and he went on to say that, 'Welfare recipients are now eligible to receive what he described as (1) a FREE new cell phone, and (2) approximately 70 FREE minutes of air time every month.'

Needless to say, I was a little skeptical about his answer, so when I got back home, I Googled it, and lo and behold, he was telling the truth. This was what I discovered:

SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers. In other words, your tax dollars are being distributed to a wireless phone provider to provide welfare recipients with free cell phones and airtime. I don't know about you, but as for me, enough is enough. We are $14 Trillion in debt, Congress is balking at continuing unemployment payments to those who want to work, and Congress is increasing the dole-out to dead beats.

The ship of State is sinking, and it's sinking fast. The old concept of getting ahead through hard work has flown out the window. It has been replaced by Obama's and Congress' idea of Hope and Change. The country has changed all right, changed to "Why should I work for it, when I can get it for free?"

I clicked on the link and typed in my zip code. Provided that I meet several criteria, I can get a free phone. Needless to say, I don't meet the criteria... My husband works very hard. We don't get free lunch - we brown bag it to save money. I pay for my own health insurance. We chop wood to heat our house. We pay our mortgage in full and on time every month. I'm beginning to wonder why we bother to be productive members of society...

I'm totally disgusted and enraged.

Build A Sign Review

2011-01-10T10:39:00.001-05:00

I was asked to create and review a banner from BuildASign.com.
I am a member of my school's band parents organization, and I thought that it would be great to make a banner for that group. I went to the website - which is very easy to understand and navigate. I registered and in less than 15 minutes I had designed my banner. I must tell you that it took me longer to choose the design than it took me to create the banner!

I uploaded the picture of the logo to the BuildASign.com website. FYI: You need a very high quality image because the banners are large.
My banner arrived in less than a week. I am SO excited!! It came packaged in a sturdy box which I can re-use for storage. The banner is made from heavy weight vinyl with grommets in each corner. The banner is perfect!! The fonts and size of the lettering is exactly the way I wanted it. It is better than I thought it would be!! This banner will last us a LONG time!!
If you need a banner - this is the place!! BuildASign.com

This is what they say about their company and I have to agree with every word:
We’ve made it simple for anyone to quickly and easily create high quality, custom signage. BuildASign.com’s™ customers run the gamut from sole proprietors, mom-and-pop businesses, and non-profit organizations to franchises and major corporations in virtually every industry. We serve real estate agents, developers, construction companies, and insurance agents; retailers, event and conference planners, church and school groups; students wishing to make a statement or residents who want to promote a yard sale, and more.
Our easy-to-use yet comprehensive online interface gives customers complete control of the design and ordering process from start to finish, including sign wording, colors, design elements, typefaces, and graphics. Customers can use our exclusive design templates and graphic elements to build a sign from scratch or they can upload their own existing graphics, photographs, and designs. Unlike most sign companies, BuildASign.com™ doesn’t charge a set up fee for artwork. Best of all, customers can choose from a wide range of sizes and top quality sign materials. All our signs are offered at affordable prices, whether the order is for a single sign – or dozens or hundreds of signs.

I like this banner so much that I've been telling anyone who will listen, to try them out!

This post was written for Family Review Network & BuildASign.com who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-20T13:09:00.000-05:00

So - it's a busy time of year and I'm out of time. Enjoy this picture that LLB took one morning on the way to ring bells... That's fog.
I'm up to my eyeballs in stuff. I'll see you all next week sometime, k?
Merry Christmas to all....
And to all, a good night.

Mrs. Butterworths Review and Give Away

2010-12-20T11:18:00.000-05:00

I was asked to try the Mrs. Butterworth's Syrup in the Limited Edition Holiday Bottle. It is so cute! Mrs. Butterworth is all dressed up! It sure beats that yellow apron she usually sports with her plain brown bottle. Not that there is anything wrong with her brown bottle, mind you.

Needless to say, we had a snow day and we ate pancakes and syrup for breakfast. The kids and I enjoyed the syrup very much! (We enjoyed them so much, that we forgot to take a picture!) It was nice and thick and buttery tasting. Just like I remember from when I was a kid and Mrs. Butterworth graced my breakfast table.

These bottles are collectible and only available for a limited time. If you happen to like Mrs. B and her new dress, you can win a bottle here! Just leave me a comment by December 27th.

This post was written for Family Review Network & Pinnacle Food Groups who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

Pledge Review and Give Away

2010-12-20T10:48:00.003-05:00

I was asked to review Pledge Lemon Clean.
I love the lemon scent of Pledge. It brings back memories of home -- my mother dusted with Pledge and so did my grandmother. There are actually two websites you can peruse that will tell you about Pledge - The regular Pledge.com site and this one: Mom it Forward. Check them both out. You'll be glad you did. I happen to really like the Mom it Forward site because it has interesting articles about family, school, and parenting.

The box arrived and this is what they sent:

I got a basket with a new red dishtowel, some photo coasters, a deck of cards and the Pledge. The coasters and the deck of cards are so we can sit around and play games with all the time we save using the pledge! The basket is for the pretzels we'll eat while we play the games and the dishtowel is to make my kitchen look festive. I love this little basket!!

Anyway, I had a party the other night, so this little gem arrived in the nick of time! I cleaned my fireplace surround with it. I cleaned my piano with it. I cleaned my wood furniture pieces with it. I even cleaned my TV with it. I will admit that I didn't clean the TV screen with it. I cleaned and dusted and I have to say, I'm impressed. I cleaned it all and only had to use one cleaner. It saved me a ton of time!!

I like how it cleaned everything and left that yummy lemon scent in the air.
The company says:

About Pledge®:

This holiday season Pledge® is empowering moms to put a new twist on their family’s tried and true traditions. One easy way to do that is to make all areas of your home shine. That’s right – that trusted yellow can under your kitchen sink can be used to dust, shine and protect a variety of household surfaces:

Leather
Stainless Steel
Granite
Marble
Laminate
Wood

I can give a can of Pledge away!! You want one?? I know you do!!
Leave me a comment before January 1st!

This post was written for Family Review Network & Pledge who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest review

Pure Silk

2010-12-18T11:22:00.000-05:00

When I was first asked to review Pure Silk, it was a lot warmer out and I was still wearing capris. Well, the Pure Silk arrived at my doorstep a few days ago... It is cold out and to be honest, shaving my legs in the winter is not something I worry about like I do in the summer months.

Fortunately for, you, my dear reader, and my family, I decided to try this stuff out. It is WONDERFUL!! It feels nice when you put it on. It feels nice when you shave. My legs felt smooth and silky after I finished. And I have to say, it smells nice, too!
When I was finished, I passed it on to LLB to try. She is on the swim team and her legs have been getting very dry and flaky lately. She was just as impressed as I was. She said her legs felt moisturized when she was done. AND she said that they stayed smooth and silky all day -- even after her time in the pool. Now THAT's sayin' somethin!!

So - if you've got dry hairy legs - this is your solution! Try Pure Silk. You'll be glad you did.

This post was written for Family Review Network & Pure Silk who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest review

Pecans in the Cemetary

2010-12-14T07:10:00.000-05:00

On the outskirts of a small town, there was a big, old pecan tree just inside the cemetery fence. One day, two boys filled up a bucketful of nuts and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts.
'One for you, one for me One for you, one for me,' said one boy.
Several dropped and rolled down toward the fence.
Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate.. Sure enough, he heard, 'One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me.'
He just knew what it was. He jumped back on his bike and rode off.
Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along.
'Come here quick,' said the boy, 'you won't believe what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls.'
The man said, 'Beat it kid, can't you see it's hard for me to walk.' When the boy insisted though, the man hobbled slowly to the cemetery.
Standing by the fence they heard, 'One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me.
The old man whispered, 'Boy, you've been tellin' me the truth. Let's see if we can see the Lord.'
Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable to see anything. The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of the Lord.
At last they heard, 'One for you, one for me. That's all. Now let's go get those nuts by the fence and we'll be done.'
They say the old man made it back to town a full 5 minutes ahead of the kid on the bike.

I hope this brought a smile to your face. I found it in my email this morning and just had to share...

Cheese, Grommit!

2010-12-10T12:18:00.001-05:00

We LOVE cheese - Almost as much as Wallace and Grommit!

I was asked to review the newest Cracker Barrel Limited Edition Holiday Reserve Cheddar Cheese.
It arrived on my porch early yesterday morning. I was SOOO excited! (I know - it doesn't take much.)

It took all the willpower I had to hold off until 11:30am. I opened the Limited Edition White Cheddar (which is labeled very very sharp), sliced off a piece, and popped it into my mouth. It was pure heaven. The taste is phenomenal! It is smooth and sweet, but not too sweet. So many cheeses these days taste like soap, but not this... this is awesome! It's a nice sharp cheese and has a bit of a bite to it - just the way I like it. Oh my! You don't even need a cracker - it's that good.

If I were to serve this to a crowd, I would pair it with a yummy peppercorn cracker or flat bread and some green seedless grapes. I'd serve it with a lovely white wine... ooohh that sounds really good. (I wonder if I have any grapes and wine in my fridge... let me check...) I didn't find any wine or grapes, but I did come across that cheese and had to have another piece... okay so I had 2... alright... 3 pieces.

They also sent me the Limited Edition Cheddar which is only very sharp. I loved that, too! I'd pair that with a yummy cracker and maybe some red wine. You know, just to be different. It would look great on a holiday table with some red grapes or purple grapes and some really yummy white peppercorn crackers. So festive... so yummy!

There is only one thing that I don't like about this cheese: It is only available until January 1st.

What they said:
Cracker Barrel Limited Edition Holiday Reserve features flavors to please any palette– from the most notorious cheese snob to the least adventurous eater. No other cheddar cheese within the Cracker Barrel portfolio uses the same unique cultures as
Limited Edition Holiday Reserve.

Cheese is a no fuss way to round out a holiday party’s menu. Cracker Barrel Holiday Reserve Aged Cheddar Cheese is delicious and unique enough to serve on its own – or to pair with crackers and accoutrements like dried fruits, chocolate and nuts.

I really wish this cheese were available all year, as it would be a perfect cheese for polo. It would go very nicely with my champagne... I'm not kidding... I'm serious!!

We have a Christmas Party to attend this weekend. I am going to purchase a block of this to take to the party. I am going to slice it nice and thin - because cheese (and cold cuts for that matter) always tastes best when thin. I'm sure that there will only be crumbs left on the plate. The first person that tries it will tell their companion how wonderful it is and then... the rest of the guests will be like vultures and when they finally step away from the plate mere seconds later, there will be nothing left.

Maybe I should buy 2 blocks...

This post was written for Family Review Network & Kraft Cracker Barrel who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

The Christmas Letter

2010-12-08T21:27:00.000-05:00

Here is the Christmas letter I wrote to send out this year. So -- if you want to know what's going on around here, read this. If you don't want to know - stop reading now.

Hello!

I thought I’d fill you in on our family life this year. Since there is so much to tell and I’m too lazy to write it all down in each and every Christmas card with a pen, you’re getting this note.

#1 is now 18 and is a high school senior. How time flies! And no, I’m not old enough to have a high school senior. #1’s hard work in school has paid off! He has received a 4-year Army ROTC Scholarship to his first choice school, Virginia Military Institute. He got one to Virginia Tech, as well. (He would really prefer to serve with the Navy or the Air Force, so he is waiting to hear from them in early 2011 about their ROTC Scholarships. Keep your fingers crossed!) He has also been accepted to The Citadel and to Norwich – complete with scholarship monies. It’s really fun to open a letter from a college and discover that 1 – they want you and 2 – they are giving you money.

#1 was one of two saxophones selected for The Music Educators National Conference Honor Band in June. He spent a week under the direction of nationally recognized conductors and he met a lot of really great and talented kids from across the nation. The week culminated with a performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. It was a phenomenal experience.

#1 continues to play in the Marching Band at school and is the Woodwind Captain again this year. He is also involved in the Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Sax Ensemble, and more. I suspect that #1 will continue to play his Sax in college. There are jazz bands and marching bands at every school he is interested in attending.

LLB is 15 and is a sophomore. How do they grow up so fast?! LLB continues to play the trumpet. She is in Marching Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, the Pit Orchestra, and more. She was one of 3 students and the only freshman from our high school to make the District Band last spring – this is quite an accomplishment. This coming January she will be playing at the Shepherd University Honor Ensemble at Shepherd in West Virginia.

Trumpet is not LLB’s only instrument. She learned how to play the marimba – a xylophone-like instrument – last winter. She really enjoys it and will continue to play it in Percussion Ensemble this year. LLB also continues to ring handbells. She rings 4 in hand like a pro and can switch to the bass line in the blink of an eye. Ahhh – youth!

LLB is also doing very well in school. Her favorite classes are Math and Music Theory. She has doubled up on the Math this year and loves it. (I find that a bit scary, myself.) LLB continues to be a voracious reader. She and her friends swap books like we used to trade lunches.

We all like to ski and this year we discovered that our county has a ski club. Who knew?! #1 and LLB enjoy their time on the slopes even though the vertical here in Virginia does not compare to the vertical in New England. In late March, Mr insisted that they hit the slopes on a beautiful 75^o day. Spring skiing is not something we get much of here, and they just had to take advantage of the day. There were a few bloody knees thanks to tumbles in the pebble-textured snow, but it was a great time!!

There is so much more to tell, but I’m running out of space…

Mr is still at his long time company doing whatever it is he does there. He enjoys sawing fallen trees with his chain saw and mowing our acreage with his tractor in his spare time. Once a month, he plays bass guitar in the Church Folk and Gospel band. I direct a handbell choir at a local church and do some substitute teaching at the local middle school. Mr and I are involved in our Band Parents Organization as well as the Parent Advisory Council and a half dozen other volunteer committees. Basically, we keep busy.

If you’re ever in the DC area, shoot us an email. ladybugxing at gmail.com. We’d love to see you. You can also find me on Facebook - LadyBug Crossing.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

He made it!

2010-12-06T12:42:00.002-05:00

#1 received his Virginia Military Institute acceptance certificate and letter on Saturday.
We are so proud and he is thrilled!
Now we wait on Navy...
It's all good and as we said before - the boy has options.
Options are great.

Hickory Farms Picnic Basket

2010-12-05T20:52:00.000-05:00

I got this lovely Hickory Farms Picnic basket to review. The basket itself is terrific! It is a Peterboro basket which is an excellent basket. I am currently using the basket to hold some Christmas hostess gifts, but I'll definitely be using this basket for polo in the summer.

When I opened the basket, this is what I saw:

The goodies inside were plenty! There were 3 summer sausages, 2 cheeses, 2 jars of mustard, a box of yummy pepper flat bread, a box of peanut brittle, some mint melt-aways, and some hard candies. I couldn't believe how much yummy goodness they stuffed in there.

We ate one of the summer sausages and the cheese and crackers at Thanksgiving as our appetizer. The summer sausage was phenomenal - we ate the beef and pork sausage. We topped it with the mustards - one was a honey mustard and the other was a sweet - hot mustard. The consensus of opinion was: They are both terrific. The combination of the two in the basket was perfect because you make everyone happy. They sent a Swiss cheese and a Monterey Jack cheese. Those who like a cheese with a little sharp will enjoy the Swiss and those who like a mild cheese will enjoy the Jack. See? Something for everyone. The pepper flat bread made the experience simply phenomenal! We would get the basket again just to get that flat bread!!

I took the beef sausage to a friend's house as an appetizer last week. I sliced it very thin and brought some pepper crackers and some cheese along to see what they thought of the sausage. Everyone loved it!! It is really yummy. I think one of the people who tried it went on-line and bought some after our get-together...

I have one sausage left, the Turkey. I've not eaten it yet, but if it is anything like the other two, it's simply awesome!

As for the peanut brittle and the mint melt-aways, they are awesome. Mr. and Grandpa loved the peanut brittle. Both commented that it was delicious and just sweet enough to let the salty through. I happen to be a mint melt-away fan from way back and these simply melted in my mouth with just enough soft minty goodness. I have to say I'll never eat another melt-away that doesn't come from Hickory Farms!!

If you are looking for a great gift to send some special people in your life, this is it! There is something for everyone. If the picnic basket isn't your thing, fear not! Hickory Farms has many gift boxes to choose from. The prices range from $16 - $100 - so again, something for everyone in every price range! Once again this holiday season, Hickory Farms will donate $5 from each Party Planner Gift Box sold to Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign, a national nonprofit that is ending childhood hunger in America.

Hickory Farms provides free military shipping to military APO/FPO addresses on select products, allowing our troops across the globe to share in holiday traditions.

By the way, the packaging was great. The recycled cardboard box made a great fire starter. The inner fill inside the basket was a brown paper fill that I also used as kindling in my wood stove. Very eco-friendly and it didn't get everywhere like those starch peanuts seem to do.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Hickory Farms and received a signature gift box from Hickory Farms to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Time Keeps On Ticking...

2010-12-02T08:45:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe it's already December 2nd.
Time sure does fly! Oh, look at that... I still haven't fixed the date on my watch. I'll get to that - eventually.

We've had so many good things going on around here, but I haven't really had a chance to tell you all about them.

#1 has received a 4 year Army ROTC Scholarship to his first choice school - Virginia Military Institute. We are waiting to hear from them as to whether or not he has been accepted. (I called on Monday and they assured me that he will probably know before Christmas.)
#1 has been accepted to The Citadel and Norwich - both excellent military schools - one in the South where it's warm... The other in the North where it's down right cold. Norwich has come through with an academic scholarship so that's kinda cool. They want #1 to visit, so we are thinking that a trip in January might be just the ticket. He'll probably know where he stands with VMI by then.

#1 also got a 4 year Army ROTC Scholarship to Virginia Tech - we haven't heard from them yet, either. Tech is a huge school, so I would prefer he choose one of the other smaller institutions, you know? He does not need to be distracted by all the great things to do and see (ahem) at a large University...
#1 has been interviewed by our State Rep's office for an appointment to the USNA. This is a stretch - he's academically and medically qualified, but he is not a top notch athlete. (You can't be good at everything!) Let's see if the State Rep thinks he is a good candidate or not. Either way, our boy has options.

LLB was accepted to the Shepherd University Honor Band for a weekend January. She will spend a few days at the college playing her trumpet and learning new stuff. I'm not sure who else tried out, but she is very excited to be going. She is hoping to make the District Band again this year. I'm sure I'll be hearing a LOT of trumpet this week and next as she gets ready for the audition next weekend.

Marching season is over except for this weekend's Christmas Parades, and Swim season has started. The first meet is next Friday. The kids have been swimming and running and getting fit. Although, I have to say that to have the kids running for 45 minutes after swimming for an hour does not thrill me. It is cold out and it's getting dark earlier every day. I'm SURE someone will turn an ankle in the fields before the season is over. I can only hope that the coach stops this running foolishness before someone gets hurt. That said, #1 found out yesterday that if he can shave 3 seconds off of his backstroke time, he can break the school record. I think all those push-ups he's been doing to get ready for military service are beginning to pay off. Maybe he IS an athlete after all...

Percussion Ensemble - also known as Indoor Drum Line or IDL - started this week. LLB wants to play the marimba again and #1 wants to play the tenors - 4 or 5 drums all connected. I am sure he has forgotten that he will have to carry them and they are not light. LLB's choice was smart - the marimba is on wheels! We will have Indoor Competitions with this group, but the key word with this is Indoor. It will be the first time since #1 was a freshman that this group has been able to do any competitions. It will be fun!! Exhausting, I'm sure, but fun.

Christmas is right around the corner. If you are in the neighborhood on December 18th, please stop in to our annual Christmas Pot Luck. The party starts around 6:30 or so. Bring a dish to share and your instrument if you play one. We will be resurrecting the Ladybug Crossing Christmas Band for Christmas caroling at it's absolute best. If you don't play, bring your voice - we always need carolers.

Swag Soft Sedo Dog Pic Pic App Review

2010-12-01T09:22:00.000-05:00

I was asked to try out the Sedo Pic Pic App on my iTouch.

This is what the company says about the app: Sedo Pic Pic is based on Sedo Dog, a brand new 3D cartoon series (coming soon) about a pack of adorable dogs with super powers fighting in the name of justice. This series has also been licensed to Japan mobile phone companies as interactive mobile mascots! Doodle in different shapes and colors and conveniently resize stamps and photo props with the tips of your fingers.

Features

-  Ultra uber cute cartoon dogs and Aha the devious cat!
- Over 150 different Sedo stamps and picture frames!
-  Add your own drawings!
-  Add your own customized text!
-  Upload your pictures to Facebook!

All I can say is: It is fun and it's adorable! I LOVE it!!!

It's like this: You take your photographs that are stored in your iTouch or your iPhone and make them even more unique! You can add frames and stamps to them. You can add words in many different fonts. You can share them on Facebook or Twitter with the touch of a button!

So - you want to know what I've done. Well, since I don't post pictures of my family on the internet I had to get creative. I found this little gem and played with it to make it all mine! I just love this!

I also played with this one of Zeb. He doesn't like the camera at all, but I think this is adorable!

There are so many fun things you can do with Sedo Dog Pic Pic!! It's really fun. The interface is intuitive and easy to use. If you make a mistake, you can always delete the item or move it around after you choose it.

I will say that when I first downloaded it, I had some crashes. I updated the iTunes software on my iTouch and I've not had a problem since. I just love this little app.

Heck, it's 99 cents on iTunes. Get it! It's a bargain and it's fun!

This post was written for Family Review Network & Swag Soft who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

Terro Ant and Spider Killer -- Review and Giveaway!

2010-12-01T07:52:00.001-05:00

Fall is the time of year I start to see more spiders and other insect type critters trying to get in to my house. I don't like spiders or other creepy crawlies in my house at any time of year, so when I was asked to review the Terro Ant and Spider killers, I was more than happy to try it all out. I'd like you all to remember that I live out in the country, so bugs and stuff are the norm around here. I'm not saying I like them, I'm saying that ants and spiders happen -- especially out here.

The Ant Killer is in granule form. You just sprinkle it around the perimeter of the house and amazingly enough, the ants go away. I had a terrible time with ants this year, so the fact that they are gone is a huge relief. I'm not sure how it works, but I don't much care. They are gone and I am a happy camper. I've got some left to use in the spring when those nasty sugar ants come back... I can't wait! They won't know what hit 'em! Bwahahahaha!!!

The spider killer comes in spray form. You can either spray the spiders directly or you can spray in any cracks and crevices in which you believe said spiders may be partying with the included crevice straw thingy. The spray is long lasting and residual up to 12 weeks. I sprayed the garage - yes, pretty much the whole thing as it was a party stop for all kinds of the 8 legged critters. I found that once I sprayed, the number of spiders diminished to the point that I only see one or two now - as opposed to the much larger number I used to have. Oh and the one or two I see, aren't looking particularly healthy.

So - if you need to get rid of Ants and or Spiders - Try Terro. It works.

They are letting me give away some of this miraculous stuff. If you live in the continental US and you'd like to try this, leave me a comment by Dec. 10th. I'll pick a name out of a hat. You will receive the product directly from the manufacturer.

This post was written for Family Review Network & Terro who provided the complimentary product for review and giveaway in exchange for my honest review.

Silly Dog

2010-11-19T07:53:00.000-05:00

Zeb forgets that his legs are short and that he is - in effect - a small dog.
In his mind, he is a grehound/doberman/shepherd cross...
In reality, he is a corgi - a small corgi.
Zeb is a pretty fast runner and an excellent herder.
In his mind he is faster Secretariat.
In reality, he's not that fast.
Zeb is not fast enough to catch a deer.
You think he would have figured that out by now...
Today he chased one across the yard and into the woods.
He returned 20 minutes later -- sans deer.
Maybe it's the chase he likes.
Maybe it's the exercise -- nah -- he is currently curled up, happily snoring in his crate.
He's probably dreaming about catching that deer.

Little Star

2010-11-18T09:19:00.002-05:00

I received the book, Little Star, by Anthony DeStefano to review.
It is a children's Christmas story. We collect Christmas books and put them out during the season for all to read. I find that my children - now high schoolers - still read the stories while they sit by the tree.

When Little Star arrived in the mail, you would have thought it was a new video game. They both got very excited about this new book for our collection. They both read the story and LOVED it! The story is sweet - it's about the littlest star in the sky and how he becomes Jesus' star. This story will bring a tear to your eye - like all awesome stories. I'm not going to tell you why, because I want you all to go out and buy this sweet book.

The illustrations are phenomenal! The kids told me that this book was an excellent addition to our collection. They are picky about what goes in it - the stories have to be wonderful and the pictures have to be great. This book fits the bill!

This book is certain to become a Christmas classic. It already has in our house!

This post was written for Family Review Network & Little Star who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

Deer

2010-11-13T05:53:00.002-05:00

Deer are so graceful.
Even when they stand and watch you as you open the back door.
They are just amazing animals.
Zeb just chased one across the back 40.
She leaped, effortlessly, over a pile of brush...
It was awesome... it was beautiful...
I just wish the deer wouldn't eat all of my plants.

I just heard a gunshot.
Someone will have venison for dinner.

Shoppin'

2010-11-12T07:53:00.000-05:00

I went shopping with LLB yesterday. We were looking for bedding for my bed, tennies, and a few other goodies. We found some great things - no bedding - but I did get myself some new tennies. LLB got a couple of sweaters, some new black pants, and a new hat - very stylish and super cute.
The best part? We saved well over $100 between sale prices and a 30% off my entire purchase coupon!
That is the only way to shop!

Tax Cuts Explained

2010-11-11T07:39:00.001-05:00

If I hear that tired mantra - "Tax cuts for the rich" - one more time,I'm going to probably drop dead from "the big one". If you can't make a liberal understand tax cuts using this example, just walk away, and save yourself the grief.

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar everyday and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day theowner threw them a curve ball.

"Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20. Drinks for the ten now cost just $80."

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes. So the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free, but what about the other six men, the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his fair share?'

They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33, but if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.
So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.

And so the fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings)
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33% savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28% savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 ( 22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before, and the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.

"I only got a dollar out of the $20," declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man, proclaiming,
"But he got $10!"

"Yeah, that's right!" exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too!
It's unfair that he got ten times more than I did!"

"That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only two?
The wealthy get all the breaks !"

"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison"
We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up. The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important: They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill !

And that, boys and girls, journalists, politicians both corrupt and straight (OK...not many straight, but it's for them all), moaners, gloom and doom merchants, political activists with their heads up their butts, and college professors - this is how the tax system works:

The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction...It's simple, basic Math.

Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier - an event that would have a devastating impact on every other sector of the economy.

For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

Mousing Around

2010-11-08T13:12:00.000-05:00

I got a new mouse to try and one to give away!
It's called the ErgoMotion Laser Mouse by Smartfish.
I was skeptical. I use my computer and my mouse all the time. I don't do change well, but I thought I'd give this little guy at try. I've had shoulder pain and all kinds of wrist issues over the years, so... if I could find a mouse that helped me alleviate some of that, it would be great!
The ErgoMotion Laser Mouse is a mouse on a pedestal. It's a little larger than the mouse that came with my mac. It rocks on the pedestal. The pedestal and the rocking motion are what make this mouse so incredibly comfortable. It's the little things...
I really like this mouse. It's far more comfortable to use. It's raised up just enough so that my shoulder doesn't ache after I use it. It doesn't weigh much and it absolutely glides across the mouse pad - that surprised me -- I don't know why, but it did.
The mouse is very comfortable in my hand. I like the roller wheel on top much better than the ball in my other mouse. It's just the right size and is in just the right place.
The only thing I'm not used to is the right click button. This is because I have a Mac and my right click buttons are on the side of my old mouse. (And, I never use them...)
I love this mouse. I'll be using it exclusively from now on.
My Mac mouse is currently set aside on my desk - I think I'll use it as a paperweight.

You can win an ErgoMotion Laser Mouse by leaving me a comment by Saturday. I'll be pulling names out of a hat. The Mouse will come directly from the manufacturer. Remember, if you don't win this mouse, you can always ask Santa to bring you one.

This post was written for Family Review Network & ErgoMotion Laser Mouse who provided the complimentary product for review & giveaway in exchange for my honest opinions.

Spin and Go Mop

2010-11-03T08:12:00.001-04:00

I got a Spin and Go Mop to review.
I will tell you it was quite late in arriving, so my floors - which I'd waited to wash specifically for this mop - were filthy. As in disgustingly filthy. As in my husband was wondering if I'd lost my mind filthy.
I took the mop and bucket out of the box. (I was so excited that I forgot to take pictures, so the picture from the Spin and Go website will have to do this time...)
The bucket has a "salad spinner" at one end that works when you press the lever with your foot.
The mop handle screws together and is very sturdy.
The mop head clicks into the handle with the press of your foot. You don't even have to touch it! I love that!
I filled the bucket with hot water. (I have hardwood floors, so I use very little soap if any.)
I dunked the microfiber mop head into the water and swished.
Then, I took it out of the water and put it into the basket. I pressed it down to the notches, held the handle gently, and pushed the foot pedal. I'll be darned if that thing didn't spin that mop head to the perfect wet/not too wet/not too dry consistency. I'm very fussy about the wetness of my mop because all of my floors are hardwood. Did you notice that my hands did not touch the mop head at all?? Yay!!
I drew the mop across the floor and saw - to my great relief - a clean streak! Now, my floors were awful and I washed them twice because they were so awful. I went through 4 buckets of water. That mop took every last little bit of grime off of my floors. I did the kitchen, family room, and breakfast areas. The whole thing took me 30 minutes tops. The best part? I didn't have to touch the mop head at all. I could have washed the floor in my good clothes. I didn't get splashed. I didn't get wet. I didn't have wrinkly hands when I was finished. You see, I usually wash my floors on my hands and knees. It usually takes me well over an hour to get done. I did my floors twice and I did far more at one time than I normally do. (I usually do the kitchen/breakfast nook one day and the rest another day.)
The spin and go mop is my new favorite! I LOVE it.
As a matter of fact, I'm going to wash my floors again, today!! It's quick. It's easy. And best of all, it works! This is by far the best mop I've ever used!!

They say I can give one of these away. You want one? Leave me a comment.

"This post was written for Family Review Network & Spin & Go who provided the complimentary product for review and giveaway in exchange for my honest review"

What side of the fence?

2010-10-28T08:55:00.000-04:00

If you ever wondered what side of the fence you sit on, this is a great test!

If a conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one.
If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.

If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat.
If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.

If a conservative is homosexual, he quietly leads his life.
If a liberal is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.

If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation.
A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.

If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels.
Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down.

If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church.
A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced. (Unless it's a foreign religion, of course!)

If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it.
A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.

If a conservative reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh.
A liberal will delete it because he's "offended."

Well, I forwarded it to you.

Gettin' The Run Around

2010-10-26T07:56:00.001-04:00

The school system wants to put a $25 million addition on our high school. At first glance that sounds great, doesn't it?
Well, the net gain is one - as in 1 - classroom. It is a lovely energy efficient building, with breakout areas for the kids. If they were college kids, then breakout areas would be fine, but they are high school students who aren't allowed to be anywhere without adult supervision. There is a huge lobby area and new administrative offices. You see why they are doing this, right? Lobby areas affect learning? Sure.
The other issue with this addition is that they have completely neglected the 40 year old - never ever been renovated - Performing Arts Wing. The wing was completed in 1963. They have had 3 coats of paint since then. No sound proofing. No acoustical improvements. They have a spotlight that isn't strong enough to reach the stage. The whole wing is not ADA compliant. There is no ramp access to the stage - all the large instruments have to be hauled up and down stairs that are too narrow. There are outlets that spark when the kids in the pit orchestra plug in their stand lights. The return for the HVAC is in the pit area, and when they turn the air on in the spring during rehearsals, it spews dust and smoke and God knows what else. That said, the list of other safety issues is as long as my arm.
A group of parents went to the school board and told them that the money would be better spent down in the Performing Arts Wing. We explained our reasons. We wrote letters. We talked to the newspaper. My last email from the Superintendent told me that the Performing Arts Department was included in the planning. (Really? I think not. Because if it were, we'd have a whole new music wing, thankyouverymuch.) He also told me I needed to speak with my principal. Really? H knows what I need and he told me to go to the School Board and the Superintendent. Mr. Superintendent, I do NOT appreciate getting the run around.
Over a year ago, word came down from on high that they were going to renovate the high school. We were told that the main reason for doing the renovation was to update and improve the Performing Arts wing, update the science rooms that are at the top of that wing, and make the whole thing ADA compliant. It's there in black and white. Somewhere along the way, the architects decided that the Performing Arts wing was too expensive to do at the same time as the classroom building. What got cut? Yes - the Performing Arts Wing.
Now they want us to believe that there will be money left after the building is complete. They will renovate the PA wing with whatever is left. Leftovers? Again?
We won't be having leftovers!
They have messed with the wrong parents.
Neither of my children will be there to reap the benefits of this long and arduous fight. But we must pay it forward. If we don't try to get what the kids need now, they'll never get it.

How to explain it so they understand...

2010-10-26T05:10:00.003-04:00

A young woman was about to finish her first year of college. Like so many others her age, she considered herself to be very liberal, and among other liberal ideals, was very much in favor of higher taxes to support more government programs, in other words redistribution of wealth.

She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch conservative, a feeling she openly expressed. Based on the lectures that she had participated in, and the occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his.

One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the need for more government programs.

The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father. He responded by asking how she was doing in school.

Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn't even have time for a boyfriend, and didn't really have many college friends because she spent all her time studying.

Her father listened and then asked, “How is your friend Audrey doing?”

She replied, “Audrey is barely getting by. All she takes are easy classes, she never studies and she barely has a 2.0 GPA. She is so popular on campus; college for her is a blast. She's always invited to all the parties and lots of times she doesn't even show up for classes because she's too hung over.”

Her wise father asked his daughter, “Why don't you go to the Dean's office and ask him to deduct 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. That way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and certainly that would be a fair and equal distribution of GPA.”

The daughter, visibly shocked by her father's suggestion, angrily fired back, “That's a crazy idea, how would that be fair! I've worked really hard for my grades! I've invested a lot of time, and a lot of hard work! Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree. She played while I worked my tail off!”

The father slowly smiled, winked and said gently, “Welcome to the conservative side of the fence.”

We made it!

2010-10-25T07:53:00.000-04:00

We survived the weekend.
The Homecoming festivities were all attended and all participants from The Crossing had a marvelous time. The parade down Main Street to the school was fun. The game was great - Our team won! The dance was Saturday. See how great they look?

LLB made quite an impression with her date, J. His eyes practically popped out of his head when she got out of the car. It was very sweet. (She does clean up pretty well.) They must have had a great time at the dance because J asked her to be his girl. (Let me just remind all of you that if he breaks her heart, I'm sending #1 after him and there will be little mercy. It's the mama bear thing... Ahem...)
Speaking of #1, he turned 18 yesterday! He received a video game and a new guitar for his birthday. He is thrilled with both, but the guitar is amazing. It plays effortlessly and sounds phenomenal.
FYI: The old hunk of junk guitar went back to Mr. who would rather use it for firewood than play it.
It was a good weekend all around.
Now, I'll take a deep breath and jump into this week...
After I have a cup of tea... and a piece of birthday cake.

It's Homecoming!

2010-10-22T08:06:00.001-04:00

It's the weekend! This means that it's homecoming - Parade and game today, dance tomorrow.
I've made chocolate covered marshmallows for the band kids. A huge thank you goes out to Bloom and Giant for their generous donations of sprinkles. Here are the marshmallows. They are contained... briefly! I've got to curl the ribbons and then make pretty displays. They are HUGE marshmallows! (That measuring cup in the picture is a 1/4 cup measure.)

As you know, my #1 son wanted to celebrate his birthday with his friends at tonight's game. This means that I needed cake. The only time I could get the cake was yesterday. Of course one wouldn't be enough, so I had to get two. And of course they needed to be refrigerated.
This is what my fridge looks like - you need to be VERY careful when you open it because you just don't know what might try to jump out or escape or simply fall on your foot. The milk is wedged in there. The rest of the shelves were full before I started, so I did some "creative fridge shelf stacking" yesterday. I think it's a sport worthy of an Olympic sanction -- or at the very least, it should be a required Mensa test.

So - it's going to be a busy, but fun weekend around here. My house, which is currently upside down, will eventually be righted and everything put back to normal. But until then - if you come to visit, push a pile aside, have a seat and enjoy the chaos!

It's what day?

2010-10-20T07:46:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been busy around here.
I've been working on getting some renovations on the docket for our high school music wing. We've only had 3 coats of paint since 1963. The back wall of the auditorium is crumbling and needs to be repaired before it falls away. The wing itself is not handicapped accessible. They have broken fixtures in the bathrooms. The spotlight in the auditorium is undersized and the light doesn't even reach the stage. The electrical outlets in the orchestra pit spark when you plug anything in to them. The list goes on. It's Fine Arts' turn to get, you know?
In the mean time, it's marching season. We've done competitions all over the state and although it's been really really fun, the parents are getting tired. (Riding in school buses got really old really quick - like way back in September.) We've got one more parade, two more competitions, and three more football games before the first weekend in November. (Hey, is that all?)
Homecoming is this weekend and we've got tons of fun things going this week. It's Spirit Week - this means that they need to dress up in different outfits every day. They did Around the World day on Monday, Wild West day yesterday, and today is Wacky Wednesday. Today I just watched them walk out the door in outfits they would have put together to wear to pre-school. It wasn't pretty...
Speaking of Homecoming they have a parade and a game on Friday, and a dance on Saturday. LLB has a date to the dance with a very nice young man - a trumpet player who moved here from out west. He and LLB have a lot of things in common including their instrument, their love of marching band, and their favorite food (spaghetti with sauce and cheese). FYI: LLB's dress is adorable. She's got cute shoes and the perfect necklace and earrings to go with it. (Fear not, I will take a picture or 50 and be sure to share with you.) #1 has a date with a lovely young lady who is active in Theater. They've been friends since middle school when they were in a play together.
Homecoming is quite an event around here. The kids have made reservations for a group of 16 to have dinner at one of the local eateries before they head off to the dance. These kids know how to make a time of it, that's for sure!

Crossword Cubes Game

2010-10-19T21:28:00.000-04:00

Crossword Cubes is a new game and I LOVE it!
You can play it alone or with friends.

It is easy to learn and fun to play -- there are 13 letter cubes.
You shake 'em up in the cup and dump 'em out.
Then you create a crossword with your cubes.
Add up the score using the numbers on the letters - just like scrabble...
The person with the highest score wins. See? Simple!

I spent quite some time playing this game by myself. It's perfect for when you're waiting for an appointment or for dinner to get done. I keep it on my kitchen counter so I can play it any time. I do play it often...
Mr. and I really enjoyed this game. It was fast and fun. We decided that since it's so portable, we'd take it pretty much anywhere we might have to wait. We also thought it would make a great game for Family Game Night.
Mr and I simply LOVE word games. Crossword Cubes is now one of our most favorite games.

"This post was written for Family Review Network & Marina Games who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest review"

Halls Cough Drops and Give Away

2010-10-12T08:21:00.000-04:00

Halls is the name you think of when you have a cold and you are coughing your head off. I know this. I usually cough from December until May with some form of bronchitis or another... This year, though, I've started coughing now. These arrived at the perfect time!
I don't have allergies, but Ragweed and hay fever are just starting to grip down on the country’s sinuses. HALLS can help relieve those horrible allergy-related symptoms.

Halls is terrific for all kinds of coughs. It can quiet a cough and open your sinuses in less than 10 seconds.

I happen to like the Halls in the bag -- I keep them in the car, in my purse, in my band bag, in my cupboard, and even in my nightstand. I like the zipper closure.

I think almost everyone I know has a halls cough drop (or10) in their purse.
They can quiet a cough in church, in school, in meetings, on the bus, in the car... anywhere!

You can win some Halls!

All you have to do is leave a comment by Oct. 15th, and I'll draw a name out of a hat. If you win, you will receive your 10 sticks of Halls cough drops directly from the manufacturer.

This post was written for Family Review Network and HALLS who provided the complimentary product for review and giveaway in exchange for my honest review.

Want Free Candles?

2010-10-07T08:12:00.002-04:00

Glade Scented Oil Candles

2010-10-05T08:55:00.005-04:00

I was asked to review and GIVE AWAY Glade Scented Oil Candles.
When it arrived and I took it out of the box, the scent was extremely strong. I got the Vanilla Lavender scented one to review. I'll be honest -- I had my doubts! The scent was almost too much, but since I promised a review, I continued and I am really glad I did. (I was so excited to light it that I forgot to take pictures...)

The glass holder is really nice. It's wider than most votive holders. The holder comes with a metal plate in the bottom. The candle itself is magnetized - actually it's the wick holder portion of the candle that is magnetized -- a very ingenious design. You don't have to worry that the wick is going to fall over and snuff itself out!
Speaking of the holder, you can design your own and if it's chosen, you can win $10,000 and see your design in stores! Check it out: HERE You only have until October 31st to create your design, so hop to it! I made one - snowflakes... only because I couldn't find a ladybug. I hope they pick it, but if they don't, it's okay because maybe they picked yours.
I lit the candle and the smell was very nice -- not too strong at all. As a matter of fact it was lovely! (Yes, I was very surprised!!) I set it in my entryway to see how far the scent would travel. I could catch a hint of it in my kitchen, but since it wasn't super strong even in the entry way, it was perfect.
I liked the way it melted - it turned into a little liquid puddle. The wick put itself out after all of the wax/oil was gone - it took a few hours. The candle burned completely and very clean - no smoky flame, no soot on the glass, no soot anywhere for that matter. See:

The glass holder did not get particularly hot on the bottom - I think this is because of the metal liner. It would be safe for any kind of furniture. (I put it on a stone trivet because I wasn't sure how hot it would get.)
So - if you are looking for a great way to smell up your house - try the Glade Scented Oil Candles! They are awesome! You can win one of these beauties! Just leave a comment by Oct. 8th and I'll pick a winner out of a hat. The candle will come directly from the manufacturer.

This post was written for Family Review Network and SC Johnson who provided the complimentary product for review and giveaway in exchange for my honest review.

Time Flies

2010-09-30T08:38:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that the last time I posted was last Friday!

It's a gray and rainy day here. The kind of day when you just want to curl up and sleep the day away like the cat who is currently ensconced on the couch. Well, actually she's perched on the arm, but she's sleeping... That counts, right?

Things we've accomplished this week? Hmm...

#1's headlight was out of kilter due to his run in with the deer and one of his brake lights wasn't working quite right. We thought we'd send the car in for an oil change a little early and get those two items looked at while it was there. Mr. called the fixit place and they told him it would be $50 to look at the tail light and $60 to look at the headlight. Not to fix those items, mind you... to LOOK at them. (The oil change is $19.99 with a coupon.)

We are not car people. We are not particularly handy people. We can do some stuff, but other things like anything having to do with a car is generally out of our league. But when $110 is at stake, we research before we throw in the towel.
I googled and surfed. Mr. went to the store and got new tail light bulbs.
We figured out how to look at and fix both of those items.
We drove to the high school where the car was parked. One of the new tail light bulbs was defective - how can one attempt to be handy when the newly purchased bulb is defective?? But we persevered. We wiggled and jiggled and guess what? We fixed both items. Yes, my friends. We saved ourselves $110.
The oil change - it's going to wait until he rolls over that magic number that is written on the sticker...

I take hundreds of pictures of the band during each competition - as you know. This past weekend we had a parade and a competition. The shutter on my camera got a really good workout! I spent 3 mornings uploading all of those little lovelies to Snapfish - I have to do it before 7am when the band width speed is quicker than that of a sloth. It took me 3 mornings, but they are done! Woo hoo! Now I just have to figure out which of the 290 I uploaded, I want for the scrapbook...
Yes, uploading was the easy part...

My sister was here visiting. Unfortunately, she had a terrible cold. But, when you're sick, there's no place better to be than at Mom's.

Our week is winding down.
We've got another competition this weekend and the weather is supposed to be perfect!
My couch and my cat are calling me. I've got a snuggly blanket, a cup of tea, and my TV clicker.
Life is good.

Why is it?

2010-09-24T14:41:00.000-04:00

That we cram a football game, a parade, and a band competition into less than 24 hours?
Why can we not spread it out?
That would be too easy... Besides, what would we talk about?

Good Things...

2010-09-23T07:06:00.000-04:00

Are happening here at The Crossing.
You all know that #1 is a senior in high school.
He has had some great things happen in the past couple of weeks.
He's been accepted to The Citadel.
He's been accepted to Norwich.
He is 2 for 2 so far.
His first choice is VMI. He applied there on September 7th when the on-line application became live.
He checked his application status last week - everything has been received.
He had his interview in August.
He did the Chemistry Camp in July.
He absolutely loves it there. He is comfortable and relaxed on campus.
He says it's homey there.
He met the Band Director - a really great guy who loves his kids and his program. #1 wants to play in the Jazz Band and Sax Ensemble.
#1's school is VMI...
But, he has to be patient and wait.
He is waiting.
He is hoping.

I'll let you know how it goes, but for now - it's going pretty well.
He has options and they are all good.

A Funny

2010-09-22T07:52:00.000-04:00

I got this in my email and found it tickled my funny bone... I hope it tickles yours. If it doesn't, please click the red x and close the window.

Today's word is....... Fluctuations
I was at my bank today; there was a short line.
There was just one lady in front of me, an Asian lady who was trying to exchange yen for dollars.
It was obvious she was a little irritated . . .

She asked the teller, "Why it change?
Yesterday, I get two hunat dolla fo yen. Today I only get hunat eighty? Why it change?"
The teller shrugged his shoulders and said, "Fluctuations."
The Asian lady says, "Fluc you white people too".

Win some plastic...

2010-09-18T12:38:00.001-04:00

See the Ziploc post -- leave a comment and win some Ziploc goodness.

Me me me meeee!

2010-09-18T12:32:00.000-04:00

1.. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My middle name - I was named after my mother's best friend.
3.. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
No - that's why I type
4.. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
I like it all...
5.. HAVE KIDS?
Yes - two
6.. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Sure - Although some people think I'm mean and nasty until they get to know me... Then they realize I'm not all that bad.
7.. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Who me?
8.. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes, as a matter of fact, I do... They aren't very pretty, though.
9.. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
No
10.. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
11.. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES BEFORE YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Heck, no.
13.. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM
Bunny Tracks
14.. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Eyes
15.. RED OR PINK?
Red
16.. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
The pain in my neck...
17.. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST ?
My Gram
18.. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
No... I don't want my email box filled with junk, thanks.
19.. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
I'm not wearing shoes
20.. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
A hot dog and some cheezits.
21.. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Football
22.. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Blue
23.. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Mr's cooking
24.. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Mr.
25.. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Sure
26.. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Men's diving
27.. Hair Color?
Brown with splashes of gray.
28… EYE COLOR?
Blue
29.. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No - I wear glasses.
30.. FAVORITE FOOD?
I like it all... except for liver and lima beans and peas
31.. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings.
32.. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Inception
33.. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Red
32. SUMMER or WINTER?
Winter
35.. HUGS OR KISSES?
Yes
37.. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Your guess is as good as mine
38.. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
See number 37
39.. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? I'm between books at the moment
40.. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Crumbs...
41.. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST. The Closer
42.. FAVORITE SOUND? My children laughing
43.. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles
44.. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? The Middle East
45.. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I can fit high school students into band uniforms with little to no alterations needed. Oh, and I can ring handbells.
46.. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Boston, MA
47.. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? See number 37.

Lost and Found

2010-09-15T08:28:00.000-04:00

We had a family wedding this weekend in Canada.
We flew Jet Blue from Washington, Dulles to JFK to Burlington, Vermont.
Our wake up time on Saturday morning was approximately 2:30am. Yes, that's mighty early. But, we had to be at the airport by 4am. You know, security and all.
We arrived at the airport, flew through security, and arrived at the gate in plenty of time to sit and wait.
While we waited, LLB and I changed our iTouches to Airplane Mode - so that the wi-fi is off.
I put mine back in my suitcase pocket.
She thought she put hers back in her small pink backpack.
They called our flight.
We boarded.
We took off.
We watched a little airplane TV.
She looked for her iTouch. (The one she'd purchased with her babysitting money.)
It was not there.
She freaked -- just a little bit.
She breathed.
We called the flight attendant. He took all of her information and her boarding pass.
He returned and told us to speak with the person at the desk as we exited the plane at JFK.
We thanked him.
When we left the plane, we did find the person at the desk. She told us we needed to see the people in baggage. We had less than 25 min. between flights. That was NOT going to work. She told us to do it in Burlington.
When we arrived in Burlington, we went right to the Jet Blue desk and explained our plight. They were wonderful! They took LLB's information. They put it into the system. They also gave us the direct phone number to lost and found at Dulles.
While Mr. was securing our rental car, we called the phone number. The people on the other end were terrific!! They asked us what gate. They asked where we were sitting. They asked us what it looked like -- we described a basic iTouch and told them that her name was engraved on the back and that it was in a clear case.
They told us to hold on for a minute.
They made some calls...
They did some searching...
The woman came back on the line and said, "Ma'am, we have it."
They FOUND the iTouch.
Yes, they found it!
We thanked her profusely and told her when our flight was due in.
She told us to go to baggage and to look for the little office behind the carousel.
When we arrived back at Dulles - the next afternoon - we did exactly what she'd told us to do.
The people in the office were very kind.
They went to the back room and got it.
My LLB was jumping up and down with excitement!
My LLB is a very happy girl.
She will be writing thank you notes.
As for me - My faith in humanity is restored.

Thanks again, Jet Blue! Your staff went above and beyond and we really really appreciate it.

Ziploc Baggies and More

2010-09-15T06:37:00.001-04:00

I received a bunch of Ziploc bags and containers to try out. I visited the Ziploc website and I think you'd really enjoy it. They have recipes, craft ideas, storage ideas and more! Go ahead... Click the button... I'll wait.

See? I told you it was worth the click!

I got some new Ziploc quart sized storage bags with smart zip and an expandable bottom. These are awesome! My kids like to take "sub" sized sandwiches -- you know, on a hoagie roll -- to school. I do cut the subs in half, but the sandwich bags kinda smoosh the rolls when I zip them up. These new bags with the expandable bottoms are perfect for those sandwiches!! No more smooshed rolls at lunch time. The kids actually noticed and said something like, "Mom, those new baggies you got -- they don't smoosh the sandwiches. You gotta get those, k?" (Hey, it's the little things!) It just happened that my bagel bag got a hole in it so, rather than having the last 2 bagels go stale, I put them in one of these and, Voila!! They fit perfectly... (see picture below)

I also got the Ziploc sandwich bags - which I love. I put their regular sized sandwiches - you know, the ones on plain old sliced bread or hot dog rolls - in those bags. I also use them for their grapes, their cookies (those of you who use snack bags for cookies -- my kids take many cookies and share with their friends), pretzels and more. Heck, I don't just use 'em for food. I use them for travel purposes -- I put my mini shampoo and such in there so that if they leak, it doesn't get all over my stuff. Now that I think of it, I use them for something in almost every room in my house!They are indispensible!

The Ziploc expandable bottom freezer bags have been another terrific little item around here. We tend to buy in bulk. Those particular bags are perfect for chicken breast, hamburger, and even pork chops. We can put enough for a meal or individual in each bag and drop it right into the freezer. It's perfect!! You can see my frozen chicken breast in the photo below... I knew you'd love it!

They also sent the Ziploc smart snap square containers - medium size. These arrived at the right time. Mr. had just made spaghetti sauce. We filled the containers - which have measurements on the side so you know exactly how much you are putting in each one. They seal nice and tight. We put those right into the freezer as well. Mr. also used one to take his salad to work in the other day. He loves the size -- it's just enough. AND, they wash in the top rack of the dishwasher.

The best part about all of this is that you can win your own bunch of Ziploc goodness!! Leave me a comment by Sept 18th - US addresses only. I'll pull a name out of a hat. Ziploc will send it directly to you. How cool is that??

"This post was written for Family Review Network & SC Johnson who provided the complimentary product for review and giveaway in exchange for my honest opinions."

Soy Joy

2010-09-14T08:46:00.000-04:00

Years ago a new product called SoyJoy hit the market. It was a bar made of soy and all natural stuff. It was healthy and was supposed to taste good. It was healthy...
Fast forward to last week. Soy Joy asked if we would try their product again. You know, give it a second chance. I want a second chance sometimes, so I was more than happy to do that! Besides, I'm always looking for an easy snack for Mr and the kids.
They said that the new SOYJOY nutritional bar is more delicately baked to be fruitier, moister and better than before. I think they are right!
I received 3 bars - a banana, a strawberry, and a blueberry.
When I opened each package, the smell was divine! The banana bar smells JUST LIKE banana bread. The blueberry smelled like blueberry muffins.
We tried them.
My Mr. LOVES them. He went out and bought some to keep in his desk at work. The carb count isn't very high and the ingredients are such that he can eat this without it affecting his blood sugar. This is a very good thing for someone who needs to eat often. My Mr. is not a big banana person, but he really liked the banana flavor. His favorite, though, is the blueberry. He likes the fact that they are a soft bar -- more cookie like than granola like. He can swill one down between meetings and be content. The best thing is that they are made with all natural ingredients -- no junk.
Grandpa liked them very much. He likes everything, so this was no surprise. He did say that he liked the strawberry the best.
Gram and I thought they were okay. I think I expected them to be more like banana bread and "sweeter" than they were. They tasted good, but the consistency is not what I expected. They are definitely better than they were the first time I tried them years ago...
So - if you are looking for an afternoon snack and you want to stay away from the sweet stuff, SoyJoy just might be what you are looking for.
Oh and you can win $1000, too!!
SoyJoy is doing a Second Chance contest on Face Book:

In the spirit of second chances, SOYJOY is hosting the Second Chances Contest. Share your story about a time you did not make the best first impression, but with a second chance, turned it into a joyous ending! You'll have a chance to win one of three $1,000 prizes. Entries can be submitted in the form of a 30-second video or a 100-word written story. Don't wait! The submission period ends October 3.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of SOYJOY and received samples of their nutritional bars to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Oh Deer...

2010-09-09T07:33:00.000-04:00

The neighborhood buck stopped Mr. on his walk with Zeb yesterday. Mr. clapped his hands, threw sticks, made noise - the buck didn't move. He just stood and watched the crazy man with the dog...
Eventually, Mr. found a metal sign which he flapped enough to make it make some loud noises. The buck didn't like those noises and ran off. I know what you are thinking - the dog... Didn't the dog bark or something? Unfortunately, our dog is a wee bit on the ditzy side and goes into a "walkie high" when he's on a leash... he's happy... he's sniffing dead things... he's walking... life is great!! He never saw or smelled the buck... Some watch dog/protector he turned out to be, huh?

Not only did Mr. have a run in with the deer yesterday, #1's car almost had one, too.
He was coming home after swim team and was slowly rounding the corner into the development - about a mile from home. He saw something out of the corner of his eye and stopped the car. (Very smart!) A deer ran into the street, bumped his headlight, stumbled a bit, and ran off. #1 hopped out and checked for dents -- not one! Phew! He was a little shaken, but is just fine.
Life lesson #35...
Pay attention - deer come out of nowhere and try to attack your car.

Best Email Ever!!

2010-09-07T21:07:00.001-04:00

My friend, Miss J, sent me this today.
I absolutely have to share it with you!

And it came to pass in the Age of Insanity that the people of the land called America , having lost their morals, their initiative, and their will to defend their liberties, chose as their Supreme Leader that person known as "The One."

He emerged from the vapors with a message that had no meaning; but He hypnotized the people telling them, "I am sent to save you." My lack of experience, my questionable ethics, my monstrous ego, and my association with evil doers are of no consequence. I shall save you with hope and Change. Go, therefore, and proclaim throughout the land that he who proceeded me is evil, that he has defiled the nation, and that all he has built must be destroyed. And the people rejoiced, for even though they knew not what "The One" would do, he had promised that it was good; and they believed. And "The One" said " We live in the greatest country in the world. Help me change everything about it!"

And the people said, "Hallelujah! Change is good!"

Then He said, "We are going to tax the rich fat-cats." And the people said "Sock it to them!" "And redistribute their wealth." And the people said, "Show us the money!" And then he said, "redistribution of wealth is good for everybody..."

And Joe the plumber asked, " Are you kidding me? You're going to steal my money and give it to the deadbeats??" And "The One" ridiculed and taunted him, and Joe's personal records were hacked and publicized.

One lone reporter asked, "Isn't that Marxist policy?" And she was banished from the kingdom.

Then a citizen asked, "With no foreign relations experience and having zero military experience or knowledge, how will you deal with radical terrorists?" And "The One" said, "Simple. I shall sit with them and talk with them and show them how nice we really are; and they will forget that they ever wanted to kill us all!" And the people said, "Hallelujah!! We are safe at last, and we can beat our weapons into free cars for the people!"

Then "The One" said "I shall give 95% of you lower taxes." And one, lone voice said, "But 40% of us don't pay ANY taxes." So "The One" said, "Then I shall give you some of the taxes the fat-cats pay!" And the people said, "Hallelujah! Show us the money!"

Then "The One" said, "I shall tax your Capital Gains when you sell your homes!" And the people yawned and the slumping housing market collapsed. And He said. "I shall mandate employer-funded health care for every worker and raise the minimum wage. And I shall give every person unlimited healthcare and medicine and transportation to the clinics." And the people said, "Give me some of that!" Then he said, "I shall penalize employers who ship jobs overseas." And the people said, "Where's my rebate check?"

Then "The One" said, "I shall bankrupt the coal industry and electricity rates will skyrocket!" And the people said, "Coal is dirty, coal is evil, no more coal! But we don't care for that part about higher electric rates." So "The One" said, Not to worry. If your rebate isn't enough to cover your expenses, we shall bail you out. Just sign up with the ACORN and you troubles are over!"

Then He said, "Illegal immigrants feel scorned and slighted. Let's grant them amnesty, Social Security, free education, free lunches, free medical care, bi-lingual signs and guaranteed housing..." And the people said, "Hallelujah!" and they made him king!

And so it came to pass that employers, facing spiraling costs and ever-higher taxes, raised their prices and laid off workers. Others simply gave up and went out of business and the economy sank like unto a rock dropped from a cliff. The banking industry was destroyed. Manufacturing slowed to a crawl. And more of the people were without a means of support.

Then "The One" said, "I am the "the One"- The Messiah - and I'm here to save you! We shall just print more money so everyone will have enough!" But our foreign trading partners said unto Him. "Wait a minute. Your dollar is not worth a pile of camel dung! You will have to pay more... And "The One" said, "Wait a minute. That is unfair!!" And the world said, "Neither are these other idiotic programs you have embraced. Lo, you have become a Socialist state and a second-rate power. Now you shall play by our rules!"

And the people cried out, "Alas, alas!! What have we done?" But yea verily, it was too late. The people set upon The One and spat upon him and stoned him, and his name was dung. And the once mighty nation was no more; and the once proud people were without sustenance or shelter or hope. And the Change "The One" had given them was as like unto a poison that had destroyed them and like a whirlwind that consumed all that they had built.

And the people beat their chests in despair and cried out in anguish,
"give us back our nation and our pride and our hope!!" But it was too
late, and their homeland was no more.

You may think this a fairy tale, but it's not.
It's happening RIGHT NOW

A good one!

2010-09-05T05:47:00.003-04:00

This is for Mrs. Who who will appreciate this more than most! I got this in an email and I HAD to share!! I'm still chuckling...

One day a fourth-grade teacher asked the children what their fathers did for a living.. All the typical answers came up -- fireman, mechanic, businessman, salesman, doctor, lawyer, and so forth.

However, little Justin was being uncharacteristically quiet, so when the teacher prodded him about his father, he finally replied,

'Okay...my father's an exotic dancer in a Gay cabaret and takes off all his clothes in front of other men and they put money in his underwear. Sometimes, if the offer is really good, he will go home with some guy and stay with him all night for money.'

The teacher, obviously shaken by this statement, hurriedly set the other children to work on some exercises and then took little Justin aside to ask him, "Is that really true about your father?"

'No', the boy said, 'He actually works for the Democratic National Committee and helped get Barack Obama elected President last year, but I was too embarrassed to say that in front of the class."