If a tree falls...

This big tree fell during a big storm we had a couple of days ago. It's the neighbor's tree, but we don't mind because we consider this free firewood!  The tree doesn't look that big until you  check it out in the next picture. The neighbor's barn is in the background...

I stood on the tree (in the middle of the tree) to take this picture... That's one big old honkin' tree! 

This is the end of the tree - you can see the root system - or lack thereof. Check out the fence. Doesn't it look tiny compared to the tree trunk?  The fence is 4 feet tall...  That gives you a little perspective on the size of this tree.

There is no way to get the whole tree in one picture.  It's one big old fallen down tree...

Executive Gift Shoppe

I was asked by The Family Review Network to review an item from The Executive Gift Shoppe.

The package arrived and the box was wrapped in brown butcher paper so it wouldn't get damaged. I was immediately impressed. I could have slid the box out of the packaging and wrapped it up for someone special. The box is extremely classy.  It's black with the company logo tastefully embossed in silver on the bottom right hand corner of the cover. It was just enough and makes quite the presentation!!

I chose to review the Executive Leather Deluxe Passport Case with removable neck strap in black.
It is better than the picture!

The Case is a high quality leather tri-fold style case with a fold over flap to keep everything in place. The strap can be adjusted and worn over the shoulder or across the body. It's exactly what I was looking for!  We do travel internationally to visit family and keeping track of the passports is one of those jobs that I find extremely stressful. This will eliminate that stress, for sure!
The case holds everything! As a matter of fact, you could probably leave your purse at home and just carry this while you are on travel. If you don't like to be without your purse, you could absolutely pack that in your carryon and survive the air travel/train travel with just this little gem around your neck or on your shoulder.  It could even be worn under a jacket and not a soul would know where your valuables are - nice and safe and close to your body.
It has a place for everything. It has a slot for your boarding pass. It has a coin purse. It has credit card slots. It has a billfold - one big enough for European currency - and it has a divider in there so you can carry more than one type of currency in there without it getting all mixed up. It has a great slot for an ID or a license.  It has extra pockets for all the goodies we need to carry.  It's amazing!
When you arrive at your destination, you can remove the neck strap and use the case as your wallet. It's the perfect size!!

So - if you are going to be doing any traveling - try this case. If you need a gift for someone special, check out the website! The item I chose is very high quality and I have to assume that the rest of the items on the site are just as lovely. The best part about this website? They will personalize almost any item!  I love that!


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

Popcorn Question

We were at the movies yesterday.
There was a bunch of teenaged girls who came in and sat a few rows in front of us.
One of the girls took a popcorn bucket out of her purse and unfolded it with a pop.
We watched in awe...
She then proceeded to go to the popcorn counter and ask for a refill - if you purchase a bucket, you get free refills.  When she returned she proudly presented her friends with a full bucket of free popcorn.
Tell me, my gentle readers, is this considered stealing or smart?

SAM-e Winner

Mrs. Who!
Send me your address so I can send it to the company!

Vacations??

I'm all for family vacations - even though we don't normally take them.
We are a frugal, one salary family.
Yes, that is our choice. Every time the children ask for something we can't provide, we tell them that they can have that but that I'll need to go back to work. Their answer has always been, "No, that's okay. We want you to stay home."
We work hard all year to save money so that we can send our kids to the camp they love and hope that it's enough for them. They get a scholarship every year - and for that I'm more than thankful.  Their camp experience has given them the chance to grow and change and become the people they are.  They have fun with kids just like them. They worship. They sing. They act. They give back to the community. It's an all around great way to spend a few weeks each summer.
How you spend your summer is your choice and if you go to the beach or the mountains or both - that's great! I am happy for you - just come back and tell me all about it over lunch, k? Because I live vicariously through you and the Travel Channel.

I read THIS this morning... I'm NOT happy.
Why, pray tell, is it okay for Michelle Obama to spend our hard earned cash to head to Spain for vacation? Didn't she just spend a week in Maine? Didn't she tell us to head to the Gulf Coast for our vacations? What's up with that? She can't vacation closer to home? She has to take 40 of her closest friends and 70 secret service agents to a ritzy hotel in SPAIN??
I'm sorry - she's wicked two faced and I find her irritating.
Tell the little people to vacation in one place and she goes someplace else at My Expense...
(Don't tell me she paid her own way -- we - you and me -- our tax dollar paid for the aircraft, the fuel, the secret service, etc...)
I'm not liking her kind of change...

Today

is Wednesday.
I have to have everyone packed by Sunday.
"We need light colored shirts and tank tops because we'll be in the hot sun all day."
"Ok. Go get them and bring them down. Can I just repack these shorts?"
"No! Those aren't the right ones!"
"Fine - you only have 12 pair of shorts - just get me 7 or 8 so I can pack them."
"Yeah... in a minute..."
That was 3 days ago.
I'm still waiting.
They might end up at camp with 3 pair of shoes, plenty of socks and underwear, but no clothes.
Won't they be a sight!?
At least they'll be able to shower - their towels have been laundered and repacked. The ability to shower is important... very important.

PDA

PDA - Public Displays of Affection...
I am not into PDA. Let me clarify: a quick kiss on the cheek, a gentle hug, holding hands... that's all good. Anything more simply not appropriate.

I don't believe that you need to hang all over each other at the mall. The mall is for shopping not for shagging. The same is true for the high school hallways and bus ramps. Tonsil hockey is not a sanctioned sport -- for a reason. I also don't believe you need to feel each other up while blocking the view of the people behind you at a polo match. That's not the kind of wild ride we came to see.

There are many ways to show affection without letting it all hang out, so to speak. A wink, a glance from across the room, the brush of an arm, the refilling of the mimosa glass - those say so much more and it keeps the intimacy private between those who love each other.

The rest of the world does not need to be involved...
You know?