itsJUSTme

So did the groundhog see his shadow or not?

2012-02-05T15:37:00.001-05:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING -
I am so confused. Is it that if he sees his shadow we have 6 more weeks of winter, or if he doesn't see his shadow we have 6 more weeks? And which was it this year? Do we have 6 more weeks of winter or not? Has anybody kept tract of the groundhog stats. Like how true is this, just how reliable is this groundhog at predicting the weather? Should I base my wardrobe for the next 6 weeks around this rats shadow?

TV -
American Idol!!!! - So this next week is Hollywood week. I love Hollywood week. Its one of my favorite weeks of the show. It is so dramatic! And you do get to know a few of the contestants a little better. I have a few singers picked out. So after this week I will tell you a few of my favorites.

KNITTING - Hats hats!

And thank you Hello Kitty for being my model.

Weight loss -
So what exactly are my goals anyway? I have never thought I was "fat", I never said or thought a size 12 was fat. Just like the book by Meg Cabot - "Size 12 is not Fat"

and I have never felt.... ok maybe a few times I have felt "fat" like when my size 12 jeans were getting tight and I didn't want to admit it. Or when my favorite shirt was showing bulges under it. I was very happy being a size 12, I was used to it. I have been a size 12 for about 10 years! And, yes, a size 12 is not BIG nor does it mean you are fat. But for me - it is too big and uncomfortable, I feel unhealthy, sluggish, tired, and slow.
Like Ashley said in her comments on the previous post -

"I always had this specific weight in my head that I knew I never wanted to reach. Then one day, I stepped on the scale and I weighed exactly that weight."

That is exactly what happened! I think prob. almost everyone has their breaking point. We all (or most of us) have "THAT weight" that we NEVER want to be, "THAT" weight that pushes us over the edge. I, one day stepped on the scale and realized that I was dangerously close to "THAT weight"

I am not "dieting" I am not eating diet food. I am just cutting out snacking, cutting out all high calorie food, cutting back on what I do eat, eating much healthier foods (more veggies).

An example of what I am having tonight - Shrimp saute'ed with onion and carrots in a tiny bit of olive oil over rice. (this is a LOT less in calories than Mac & cheese and 2 slices of bread loaded with butter, which I would not have given two thoughts about having before). It is all about the choices and making better and healthier choices.

Everyone has their ideal weight, their comfort zone. Even though I have been a size 12 for 10 yrs. I was not comfort at that weight. All my life I had been smaller. So what exactly do I expect?
Well, I certainly do not expect or even want to get back to a size 5! That is just totally unrealistic! I would, however love to get down to a size 8/9??? That would be nice. Even just loosing the 20+ lbs that I have makes me feel better, healthier and happier! My clothes fit better! I have more energy.
So I just want to get to a place where I look good - to me!

Progress -
Last year - lost 24 lbs.
Over the Holidays - gained back 4
Since 1/14/2012 - lost 6.2 lbs!
A total loss of - 26.2 lbs.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Losing weight... again!

2012-01-30T13:39:00.000-05:00

I am going to focus this post on losing weight. No I am not obsessed! I just haven't talked to you about it. Last year I lost a little over 20 lbs. This year I would like to loose another 20 (at least 15). This would put me at a good healthy weight.

A little bit of history about myself - I have always been "skinny" very much so! Just ask my mom! All through school I was a stick, but very healthy. That is just the way I was. When I was in my early 20's I weighed between 100 - 110 lbs. And was wearing a size 5 (most of the time). I had my baby when i was 27 and did gain some weight, but lost it just as fast. Before she was even a year old I was back down to a size 5 again! It has always been very easy for me to loose weight. I am very disciplined that way. Once I set my mind to something... Also I do not eat meat and I do tend to eat pretty healthy.
Then I married Glen - it all went down hill from there. I went up to a size 12. See the problem is my husbands favorite restaurant is Dunkin Donuts, LOL! While he can afford to eat donuts every day- I can not! My husband is built like a fine classic Mustang, with not an ounce of fat on him! Me, I eat one donut and I am working it off for weeks.

Just recently (last year) I stepped on the scale and said "This is enough!" I have got to loose some weight. So I stopped snacking and started exercising more (just on my own) and started eating healthier. and I lost 20 lbs! Yay! Go me!

Then just before Thanksgiving I kinda Plateaued and was staying the same weight for what seemed like forever. Now that the Holidays are over I would like to get back to working at it again.

I have found this program (an app.) for the nook that I downloaded. Its GREAT! You can sign up through the internet. Which is what my daughter has done. It is called - Lose it! - here is the link -
http://www.loseit.com

It really makes you accountable for everything you eat and every exercise you do! And it keeps track for you. It lets you know how much more you can eat that day. In the beginning it asks how old you are, what your current weight is, what you would like to be at, your height etc. and tells you what your caloric intake should be. You get credit for every little exercise you do, even house cleaning, and shoveling snow. And it is FREE!!!!!!!!! I am on my 3rd week now and I have lost 4 lbs! And I am down to a size 10. The key is signing in everyday (it only takes a few minutes everyday) and being honest. If you cheat - you are only cheating yourself!
I don't know if it is available for the Kindle - if you find out let me know!

Please check it out. If you are interested in joining let me know we can be "friends" and help each other. If you have any questions about it let me know. But so far I am telling you I love it! My daughter signed up through the internet and she texted me and said "I love this program!!!" She has lost a couple of lbs too!

Winter has finally arrived in Central NY

2012-01-15T10:37:00.002-05:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - We finally got some snow! School was cancelled on Fri. as was many many central NY schools. I think we got about a total of 8 - 9". I have heard though that it is suppose to be back up in the 40's next week. For those of you who live across the country (or another country) THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR NY!!! We are way under snowfall and way above ave. for temps. which does not bother me at all because I hate winter! If you live in another part of the world let me know how your winter has been so far.

The last time I saw the Hubby was 3 days after Christmas when I was down in PA with him. Hopefully he will be coming home next week for a while. I think he will be able to stay for at least 5 days. He really is enjoying what he is doing and it is good money so... can't really complain, this is exactly what we prayed for. I told him a few weeks back - "You know, this is exactly where we wanted to be, this is what we have strived for and prayed for. This is the job and the pay scale we have been working toward all our married lives! We are finally really comfortable." He really likes the new company he is with. They are good to him, treat him well and respect him and he has some really good friends already.

Here is a couple pics. of the Daughter opening Christmas gifts -
We always get her gum for her stocking (a years supply).

We got her a Steelers jacket - it is reversible! Satin on one side - flip it inside out and it turns into a sweatshirt! I think she liked it!

And of course her favorite food!

TV - Yay! I was chosen to do the "Nielson Ratings" again. I'm excited. It was fun last time and it is cool knowing that what I watch counts for something.
So I am ready for the new shows to begin! I am so done with re-runs!

KNITTING - I knitted my first pair of "convertible mitts" (mittens with a flap to expose the fingers. I also made a split in the thumb to expose that as well) Yes, they were pretty intense! Not hard just ... tedious. I did them "two-at-a-time" using the magic loop method. This was soooo much better! I think now that I have the hang of it I will be using this method every time I have to knit 2 of something.
These are great for today's technology with all the texting, cell phoning, ipods, ipads, just about anything. These turned out excellent and I am very proud of them. I still need to sew on the buttons to hold the flaps down. Sorry I do not rally have a pattern because I kinda made them up using several ideas from several patterns. Remember you can click on the pictures to get a close up.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

After Christmas recovery

2012-01-03T11:05:00.000-05:00

My mom got me this cookie stand, I don't think I will ever use it for cookies, but I love it for candles! What do you think?

This is a bracelet the Hubby got me. Let me explain... One time when we went to PA, I think it was in the late summer. We went to a huge Apple and Cheese festival! There were lots of venders with hand crafted items, all local. I fell in love with all this hand crafted glass and silver jewelry! Of course I loved the purple. Glen let me buy a ring, but the matching bracelet was very expensive! So I just settled for the ring. Well, you can imagine my surprise when I opened this gift! The first words out of my mouth were "How did you get this???!!!" Well we were with some other friends of ours and he sent "her" back to buy it while we were busy eating. These are one of a kind! No two alike! I love it!

I also got this awesome Steelers Jacket!

And this... is my new toy! It is the Ninja Kitchen system! If you google it, there are all kinds of videos! This thing is amazing! It is soo powerful! It will fully crush ice with just pulses!

The best part is - it comes with these 3 individual serving cups! You put your stuff (yogurt, fruit, ice, etc.) screw on the small blade and put it on the system and push down - take it off and screw on the to go lid - and you have and idiv. smoothie!!!!! It is so much fun! I have already used it 4 times. I am so looking forward to smoothies and froz. coffee drinks in the summer!
Tonight I am putting in tomatoes, onion, pepper, basil, and some pineapple, chop it up and stir fry it a little and put over rice! Yum! I think tomorrow I will make guacamole! The daughter is coming for dinner on Fri. I will make her a smoothie!

Other great gifts I got - Hello Kitty slippers (that look like uggs!), A purple down vest (so warm and comfy), a few pairs of earrings (I love earrings), The daughter got me a Vera Bradley coffee mug! (so pretty) and two books - Rob Lowe's Bio (yum! what a hunk!) and (sniffle) "The Time of my Life" by Patrick Swayze and his wife. This is going to be a very hard book for me to read! I have been wanting this book but been putting off buying it, I just couldn't bring myself to buy it! I needed to receive it as a gift. When I opened it I cried, I actually have tears in my eyes now. Now I just need someone to force me to read it! I know I will bawl all the way through! My daughter said "I knew you would cry mom" She knows me so well! I got so many nice things! It would be so hard to list everything!

While I was in PA I had a blast! I really did not want to come home! I have changed my mind. If I ever choose to live somewhere else, I would choose to live in Lewisburg! What a great city! It really reminds me a lot of Ithaca actually, being a college town (Bucknell U.) and having all the specialty shops and coffee shops!
On Christmas day the hubby and I opened gifts. One of my gifts to the hubby was a K-cup coffee maker! So we had fun playing with that! We tried all kinds of coffee! It was so nice on Christmas day (45) we went for a walk around the neighborhood, there are some GORGEOUS houses! That night we over to one of his co-workers' for turkey dinner. It was fun!
The day after Christmas (Mon.) I got together with my friend Jen (At Random) and went shopping for the day. It was so much fun and she showed me where all the good stores are - Kohl's, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Michael's, Target, we never made it to the mall, but I now know where it is! Thanks Jen, I had so much fun!
Then on Tues. I had lunch with another friend in a great restaurant! and just spent the rest of the day shopping by myself, Barnes & Noble and little gift shops in Lewisburg.
On Wed. I went to this HUGE great farmer's market! It is open every Wed. I tell you, if I lived there I would never shop at a grocery store again! It was all individual venders (farmers, Amish, Mennonite, etc.) they had a meat market, a fresh fish market, fresh made cheeses, fruits, veggies, grains, jellies, baked goods, and even books! It was amazing! Then I went to a local Museum "The Packwood House" (click on it to check it out), I love history so this was so interesting for me. And back to B&N (I practically lived there!)
I left to come back home Thurs. It was sad, I wanted to turn around and go back!

How was everyone's Christmas? Tell me some of your fav. gifts!
Next post I will post some pictures of the daughter and her opening her gifts!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Christmas is just around the corner!

2011-12-07T13:13:00.000-05:00

Our little Christmas tree - with the lights off and on -

Here are some special ornaments -
My basket of knitting

My Dunkin Donuts collection (from the hubby)

My Victorian Father Christmas (from my in-laws)

My Steelers Collection! (the nutcracker one was from my daughter, I believe last year)

My bird collection (on the far left is a glass hummingbird given to me by one of my best friends - I can't seem to get a good picture of it, sorry. It is really beautiful!)

And of course there has to be Hello Kitty!

WHAT'S HAPPENING - I finally have the house all decorated. The playroom has the kids little tree and snowmen, the livingroom with my tree and all my white and glass decorations, and the kitchen has the light up ceramic tree and light up snowman.
I have been in such a great mood for over a week now! I have been reading all Christmas books (and living it! I might just do this again next year) I am recording it all on my book blog. I have been listening to Christmas music -
I LOVE Christmas music! All kinds -
I love the Hymns (Oh Holy Night, Joy to the World, The First Noel)
I love more traditional songs (Let it Snow let it snow let it snow, Silver Bells, Winter Wonderland, Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and Sleigh ride!)
I also love Country and Pop Christmas songs - Alan Jacksons - Let it be Christmas, Faith Hills - Where are you Christmas, Amy Grants - Breath of Heaven (one of my favorite songs ever!!!)
Trains - Shake up Christmas, I even like stupid funny ones like the 12 pains of Christmas.

I have also been watching some Christmas movies on TV, The Hallmark channel and Lifetime have been showing tons of Christmas movies. These are some of the ones I've seen so far -
Dear Santa - about a little girl who writes a letter to Santa asking for a new mom. Cute, an OK movie
Road to Christmas - About a woman who needs to get to Vegas (hmmm maybe its not Vegas, can't remember) for her wedding and hitches a ride with a widow and his daughter. It stars Jennifer Gray and honestly I expected more from her, but this movie was just OK.
Undercover Christmas - About a woman who goes to stay with the family of an FBI agent because she is a witness he is protecting. She finds a lot more than protection! Staring Tyne Daly as "his Mother" she was great! I loved this movie - very cute and funny!
My favorite so far was - Comfort and Joy - Staring Nancy Mckeon (LOVE her!!!) I have been a fan of hers since "The Facts of Life" her character - Jo was my favorite!
It was about a woman who hates Christmas, gets into a car accident and wakes up married with children! She learns what being with a family on Christmas is all about. This is an awesome movie! Funny in parts but very heartwarming! The end gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes! If you get a chance - watch this one!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE nothing new this week, sorry
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books All Christmas, all month!

We turn the Thanksgiving corner and head towards Christmas!

2011-11-30T10:17:00.000-05:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - I hope everyone had as great a Thanksgiving as we did! This year it was my in-law's turn (we do every other year). So we all went over there. It was great, as usual! I took a fruit salad with whipped cream and marshmallows -

A Maple walnut pumpkin pie (which turned out great!) The hubby, who is not a huge fan of pumpkin pie, said it was the best pumpkin pie he ever had! And he had 2 big pieces! -

Here is a link to the recipe - HERE, it is not that hard and it is so good!

I also made the traditional, yearly candies yams, everybody loves those!
The daughter brought the squash. She scared me - she called me about 3 hrs. before dinner and said "Mom, we may have to do without the squash this year." All these thoughts started going through my head - "What? no squash???? Are you crazy?" and "What did she do, burn it?" and "Where can I go out and buy a couple squash at the last minute and do I have enough time to cook them?"
Then she told me - "It is sooo good I might eat it all up before dinner! Hahahahaha!" So not funny! give your poor old mom a squashed induced heart-attack!
The M-I-L made all the trad. foods - turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls and an apple pie.
Every thing was soooo yummy! I love thanksgiving, and this one did not disappoint!
Next year it'll be my turn!

Then I went "Black Friday" shopping!!!!! Yes, I know, I am crazy. but I love shopping, I live for shopping! I do think I love shopping more than the average woman!
I did not get up at any insane hour! I left the house at 8:30am and got home at 5:00pm-ish.
I did really well! I got lots of stuff. There were lots of great sales. I had lots of coupons. It really pays to do your homework ahead of time. I went on-line and researched all the local stores and what sales they were doing and printed off all the coupons. So I was very prepared! And I did enjoy it!

TV -
Survivor - I am still "team Coach" and still so not "team Ozzy". Tonight's will be interesting! But then, aren't they all?
DWTS - So glad JR won, he deserved it! He seems like such a nice guy.
Amazing Race - It was sad to see Bill & Cathy go home. They did a great job considering how much older they were than they other players! And they were very nice people! I am still "team snowboarders"!
Love, love, love - Heart of Dixie - OMG, seriously, Wade, you have got to tell your heart to Zoe! You are killing me with sadness! Come on cute little red-neck boy you can marry my daughter!

Once Upon a Time - Wow, one of the most orig. shows evah!!!! I am soo addicted! It is so fun trying to figuring out who all the players are. One of my favs is - Ruby/little red riding hood, she's such a slut! Hahaha

KNITTING -
Here is the "Guess what this is" from last time -
Cute cute cute!

Now I need to decide what button to use.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-17T12:45:00.001-05:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - I can't wait for Thanksgiving! I don't start celebrating Christmas at all till after Thanksgiving because I think we as a nation tend to overlook Thanksgiving, the poor holiday gets the snub because of early Christmas celebrators! Are you one of those??? I love Thanksgiving! I always have. What other Holiday is totally about cooking together, eating a huge meal (guilt free) and getting together with family? There are no presents to buy, no eggs to color, no fireworks to light, no trick or treats (well except for the pies!) not even any cards to buy! Just eating and relaxing! I love it!
Then the day after Thanksgiving (after shopping of course!) I get out the Christmas music!
And that brings up another point - Do you shop on Black Friday? Of course I do!!!!!! Its hysterically fun! I am a glutton for punishment. I probably will not post again till after the holiday - soooo Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov. 1st was Hello Kitty's Biorthday! So of couorse we had to celebrate, being the fan that I am.

Also I never did show you the spiders we made for Halloween - its made out of a tootsie pop, isn't it cute?

TV - Survivor - I have to comment on what a jerk I think Ozzy has become! When did this happen? Did stardom go to his head? He thinks he is just a little too much all that! I really still like Coach. He has become such a nice guy. I hope he doesn't become like Ozzy and let it go to his head.
DWTS - I still like this show, but not as into this one. I'm not really gaga (did I just say gaga?, yuck!) over anyone this season. I do "like" JR and Ricki Lake. So finals next week!
Amazing Race - I love the Snowboarders! They are cool, nice guys, and they are Christians!!!! How much better can you get? I am rooting for them to win!

Still love - Hart of Dixie - need I say more? LOL

Also loving the new show - Once Upon a Time!!!!! Awesome!

KNITTING - Can you guess what this is? Will be revealed next week.

A little dress for my future grandchild, (NO!!! its not in the making yet! Calm down! I'm just getting a head start! She's not even married! Jeez!) This pattern comes from my TN friend - Leedra. Here is a link where you can purchase the pattern - HERE

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Gorgeous fall weather!

2011-11-08T10:29:00.000-05:00

It has been in the 60's or close to it for a week now! Its wonderful!

WHAT'S HAPPENING - A new church for us?? maybe, we hope! This past Sunday we visited a new church. It is a very small country Presbyterian church in Hector.

What we liked about it -
1. Its small and quaint (only 2 rows of 7 pews).
2. The Pastors are a Husband and Wife team (I love this!!!) they both took turns preaching and reading from the Bible.
3. They greeted us right away, and also came to say goodbye at the end.
4. They seem very nice! Even during the service they were smiling and laughing, they were not all stiff and formal.
5. I love the building. It's cute, very country, all while inside with shutters on the windows. Carpeting all throughout (which makes it quiet! No echoing when kids drop stuff, LOL).
6. The organist was a young man (maybe 30 ish) and very good.
7. It starts at 9:30 (which is perfect for us!).
8. Only a 15 min drive, and after the service - only another 10 - 15 min to Dunkin Donuts LOL!
I came away with a very good feeling and so did the hubby! I am looking forward to going back.
So wish us luck and pray that we have found a good fit!

KNITTING - Get your socks on!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Making jelly

2011-10-28T10:13:00.000-04:00

I finally decided to make wild grape jelly.
First you have to find a brave adventurous soul to help spend hours climbing into the "pucky weeks" and prickers to pick the grapes. You have to pick at least 3 lbs of the little suckers! Then wash them a hundred times to get out all spiders, ants, and other assorted yuckies. Then put them into bags to store them until ready to use.

Then you pick them off the stems which takes another 2 hours. Wash them again. Then mash and strain them.

It takes over 3lbs of grapes, making 3 cups of juice, 3 cups of water, 4 1/2 cups of sugar, pectin and lots of cooking and pouring to make 4 jars of jelly! I top them off with hot melted paraffin to store them. It is a LOT of work.

But it is the best tasting grape jelly EVER! I told my handy assistant that we have to pick double next year!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

PA, our 2nd home

2011-10-12T11:29:00.000-04:00

A walk through Towanda, PA. I love this town. It is very historical and quaint. Lots of nice little gift shops and cafe's.

I love this! Captain Jacks Pub with all the motorcycles out front.

And of course you have you "Drive-through Beer" I kid you not! It is a drive through beer store!

This is the little diner we had breakfast at. If you click on the picture to make it bigger you will notice the sign above the door - "Ladies Invited" otherwise we couldn't have gone in!
Actually this was not the cleanest place in the world, and I had to send my omelet back to be re-cooked, it was raw on the inside. I don't think we will be going back there.

TV - I am not into TV as much as i thought I would be this year.
DWTS - My fav - Chynna Phillips got kicked off. Now I just don't care!
Survivor - Still a coach fan. And I don't get why everyone is ragging on Edna??? I still like her.
Amazing Race - Still watch but after Ethan and Jenna went home - who cares?? Don't even know who I am for now.
Loving - Hart of Dixie!, Parenthood, Harry's Law, and The Good Wife. The New Girl is just OK, not as good as I wanted it to be.

KNITTING -This yarn is called "Mini Mochi" and it is about the softest sock yarn I had ever used! I am loving it! I really would like to buy some more. I can't remember where I bought it. I almost think I got it in TN.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Visitors and Visiting

2011-10-05T09:51:00.001-04:00

Last week my friend Jen from AtRandom and her hubby cam to NY for a few days. We got together and did the wineries -

I like this picture of Jen and I.

Jen and her hubby.

I did not even realize that I caught the hubby in this picture till I got home and loaded the pictures. I was taking a picture of all the awards they won.

We also went and saw the local waterfalls, there are many!

We bought a few bottles of wine!

This weekend The daughter and I went to PA with the hubby.
This is a gas drill site at night.

Daughter and her father went on the Gator.

We had a great time! We went back to "The Oldest House", they had a little festival going on. We met a lot of really nice people. We went out to dinner and out to breakfast. On Sunday we went to a huge Apple and Cheese Festival. That was a lot of fun! There was a great band playing, lots local handcrafts, lots of food, and lots of cheese! We ending up buying quite a few things. We were having so much fun, I didn't want to leave! But we had to get back to NY.

TV -
DWTS -The Model goes home and last night the Reality star (can't remember her name) goes home! YAY, didn't like either one!
Glee - Don't know why, but I don't think this season is as good :-(
Survivor - I am really not liking Russel's nephew, he is just strange! And he needs to learn to keep his mouth shut!
Amazing Race - UUUGGGHHH!!!!! Ethan and Jenna go home! I can not believe it!!! I am so mad! They are better than this.
Hart of Dixie - Still loving it!!!

KNITTING -
Socks I have been working on -

I got a knitting book out of the library with just basic patterns. It looked real good, like something you would want to have on hand. You can follow the basic pattern and add all your bells and whistles (cables, lace patterns, etc.) So I thought I should try one of the patterns first, before thinking about buying it. This is the basic mitten pattern - and I changed it into fingerless mitts. It does seem like a good pattern, it fits well, easy directions.

And this, is from the latest issue of Interweave knits. Isn't it GORGEOUS?!?! I would love to try to make it. I read through ALL the directions and it seems pretty difficult! I don't know...

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

2011-09-27T09:23:00.002-04:00

Ready for the game against the Colts! We won of course! It was tied and we won with a field goal with 4 seconds left in the game!

We had a belated Birthday party for The daughter because The husband was MIA (working in PA).

She decided she wanted muffins for her party. So we had a "Muffin Party!!!"
These are blueberry crumb top muffins from the Trisha Yearwood cookbook (I added the crumb top) They were very good.

Happy Birthday to you! 23 years old! Yikes!

WHAT'S HAPPENING - The fall weather has been great! A few rain showers but lots of nice warm days.
My friend Jen from "At Random" and her husband are visiting from PA. So next week I will post some good pictures on here as well as my book blog.

TV - YAAAAAAAY! Here's what I've been watching -
DWTS - I like Chynna Phillips! She is prob. my fav. So glad, so glad that idiot B-ball player went home!
Glee - Addicted!
New Girl - funny funny! Zooey Deschanel is adorable!!!!! Love her!
Parenthood - watch with the daughter.
Survivor - I like Coach and Edna, my 2 favs.
Harry's Law - Who the heck are all these new people? And where did they get the 2nd floor? I am confused!
The Good Wife- Love it!!!!!! Very good show, Oh the Drama!
Amazing Race!!! - Yay! My favorite reality show! Anyone who watches this - Ethan and Jenna!!!! Am I right? They have to be everyone's favs.!!!! Everytime they did something right we cheered, the daughter said "Do you think we are a little one sided?" I said "Yep!"
Hart of Dixie - Probably the cutest show on right now!!!!! Its on CW Mon. at 9:00 LOVE it!

What's on your TV?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT -
I got a bill in the mail the other day from Sunoco (I have a Sunoco gas card) and the balance was 00.00, because I haven't used the card lately. And on the bill was an advertisement for paying online, saving trees. Why do they send me a bill for $00.00 if they are so interested in saving trees? Think how many trees they would save if they didn't send all these needless bills! This really irks me!
AND... in with the bill was a tri-fold, on heavy paper, an ad. for something totally unrelated to Sun. How many more trees would they save if they didn't include those??

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Happy "Talk like a Pirate Day"! Arrrggg!

2011-09-19T05:40:00.000-04:00

Ahoy Matties! Welcome t' me blog, come celebrate with me - "Talk like a Pirate day"
This day is dedicated to me daughter! Me daughter is a lubber of t' "Pirates o' t' Caribbean" movie series. She be in love with Johnny Depp.
So put up your Jolly Roger, grab your cup o' coffee or your glass o' grog and join us in talkin' like a pirate! Don't be a Scallywag and be ignorin' t' day. Just make aye not t' be pickin' up any bad habits like stealin' any doubloons or makin' anyone walk t' plank! Yo-ho-ho!
Here is the Original "Talk like a Pirate Day" website - HERE

WHAT'S HAPPENING -One of the things I did for "The Daughter's" Birthday was tie dye her some chair covers. I bought some plain white chair covers at a yard sale - $10. for 4 of them. But then thought, ugh, I really don't want to giver her white chair covers. They will get stained so fast and she will forever be bleaching them.
Then all of the sudden it hit me - "I'll tie die them to match her Apt."!
Well this is no easy and quick undertaking! I am an experienced dyer, but what took so long was - there were 4 of them, they were big, and they were like a canvas material so heavy and thick.
Here is the step by step process -

This is the "before" picture - the plain white covers.

It took at least 15 min. to rubberband each cover (so about 1 hr.)

Then I had to mix the dye (2 colors, so 20 min.) and put the covers in the dye for about 1 hr. (2 colors, so 2 hrs.)

Then comes the rinsing! You have to rinse about 20 times, until the water is almost clear again. This is about half hr. for each color (so 1 hr.)

Then cut the bands off and rinse again - about 10 min. for each cover (40 min.)
Put them through the washer (about 30 min.) and dryer (about 40 min.)

And this is how they turned out!

Even Martina loved them! And so did Ashley!

TV - Shows I've watched so far -
Parenthood - I always record this on DVR and watch it with the daughter. The Season opener was great! It felt so good to be back with them again, LOL.
Survivor - Wow, there are already some people I really like and really don't like!
I have always loved "Coach" as quirky as he is! This season he really seems like he has a chance. He is much nicer and has calmed down. Ozzie, on the other hand - i always liked, but do not like him as much this season, he has to prove himself to me.
Albert - Wow! the Bod!
Jim - let's just call him "Jim the Jerk"
John "the geek" - are you serious? You will never survive!
Rick - bad attitude
The others I have yet to form an opinion - stay tuned for next weeks evaluation.

KNITTING - Everyone seemed to love the tomato! Thanks. The stem and leaves have not been sewed on yet. That is the worst part for me. Finishing!
My plan is to knit lots of veggies - eggplant, onion, garlic, carrot, squash etc. and ten felt a bowl to put them in as a gift for my Mom-in-law! Hopefully for Christmas.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT -
The only things cold weather is good for -
The food! good winter foods -
Soup! I love soup but can not eat it in the summer, too hot.
Oatmeal, yum, and healthy too.
Chili, I love Chili, meatless, of course! (tomatoes, onions, peppers, 2 kinds of beans, chilli powder, serve over rice with melted cheese on top!)
Spanish Rice - I make it with V8 juice! One of my fav. winter meals.
Hot tea instead of iced tea. I love herbal teas and love having a cup in the evening.
And - ice cream! Well you didn't actually think I would give up ice cream over the winter, did you?

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

A walk around the ol' barn

2011-09-14T06:38:00.002-04:00

Plug your nose, hold your breath, don't sneeze! I know, like everyone in the country is allergic to this.

Milkweed pods

Lots of purple wildflowers. I just love wildflowers!

Can you tell I love purple?

We have tons of wild grapes on our property! They are so pretty and perfect. I am thinking of picking some and maybe trying to do some grape jelly. I said "maybe" and "think of"!

WHAT'S HAPPENING -
Well the Steelers lost their first game against the Ravens. This is not good! We play them again later in the season, we'll get 'em next time???

First week of school went off without a hitch. The kids are great and its good to have them back.

My daughter's Birthday is tomorrow - Thur. She is turning 23! Phew! Did I just say I have a 23 yr. old? Wasn't she just born like last year?

We managed to escape all of the flooding! A lot of the towns near us had flooding, many of the towns I know very well and even had lived in some. So much of PA is flooded. The hubby has been working where there is no flooding right now, but... where he normally stays in central PA it is flooded all around! Bridges and roads are totally out.
And then there is the wildfires in TX. Can we just ship them our water to put out the fires? My best friend D. lives north west of Houston, just 30 mi. from one of the big fires! I have been praying for them and their house. It is just all so scary. She said it is now 60% contained. 60%??? I am holding out for 100% before I stop worrying about them.

TV - YAAAY! The regular TV season starts this week! Here's what I'll be watching -
Parenthood - I record and watch it with the daughter.
Survivor
DWTS
Glee
New Girl
Raising Hope
Harry's Law
Charlie's Angels - we'll see about this one.
The Good Wife
Amazing Race
What are you watching this season?

KNITTING - My friend, Leedra needed some knitting pictures, she said they inspired her! This is the best I can do Leedra for now.

Here's what I am working on -
I can't explain because they are Christmas gifts.

Yes, this is a tomato! I am knitting veggies these days! Its fun. I got this new book and it has a whole chapter on knitting veggies!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

The end of Summer vacation

2011-09-06T10:08:00.001-04:00

The Hubby and I went to PA for the weekend. We had a great time! I love it down there. Everytime we go I tell my husband - "I could very easily live down here." "You know it would be alright with me if we moved to PA.". But don't get all excited - there is no move in the plans yet! It is just so beautiful, there is lots to do, and I feel so comfortable there!
These are pictures of the livingroom where The Hubby stays. I did some cleaning and sorting and rearranging for him.

This is before -

This is After -

All the boxes and stuff in the back ground does not belong to him, it all belongs to the people who own the trailer. I just moved it all to make more room for a little table and chair. I think it looks so much better and Glen loves it!

These are some nature pictures taken at our barn property -

The daughter came over as usual, LOL. Can't seem to get rid of her, thank goodness!
She had broken one of my pretty wine glasses (fortunately one I got at a yard sale, but pretty!) I teased her about it, telling her - "It's plastic for you from now on!"
When my mom and I went to the wineries while she was visiting I found these pretty plastic wine glasses! There was one in red, one of her favorite colors so I couldn't resist! I told her I had a present for her. I told her it was a special glass just for her!

Awww a new wine gla...

wait a minute!...

What is this? Plastic?

Oh well, it is wine after all, Cheers!

School starts on Wed. (tomorrow!) so I will be back to work (so to speak) watching kids before and after school. I have had such a great summer vacation and traveled so much that I am really looking forward to seeing the kids again and getting back to normal life.

TV - UGH! I can't wait for the regular TV season to start!
The season finale of "Nine Lives of Chloe King" Wow wow wow wow! I can't even imagine what the first show of the season will be like (but that starts late because it runs over the summer).
I have to be honest - I am not really looking forward to DWTS this year. There is no one I am interested in watching! Of course I will watch it but at this point I have no favorites.
I am still really really mad about "Off The Map" being canceled!
Looking forward to a few new shows!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

TN visitors and Garlic pizza

2011-08-23T12:21:00.002-04:00

Part 1 - Visitors!
My mom and Step-dad came for a visit for a few days.
My mom and I got to spend 2 days together - We went shopping at all the little gift shops in Watkins. We went to Schaefer's yarn Co. which is just around the corner from us! She got to meet Sheryl Schaefer. We both bought some yarn. We also went to Fingerlakes Fibers in Watkins and Cabin View Alpaca's.
We went to 4 wineries (my mom bought enough wine to last them a year!). We had fun, my mom said she had a great time!
The husband got home for one day! So he went out to dinner with us and to breakfast the next morning before he had to go back to PA that night.

The playroom converted into a bedroom, with help of an air mattress.

My mom and I had wine with cheese and crackers on the porch.

I think this is a great picture of my mom! Of course, she is drinking wine, LOL!

I think all the wine and shopping did her in!

Part 2 - Making Pizza

The daughter came over last night and we made a garlic pizza. She had never done fresh garlic before so I taught her how. The pizza was excellent!!! I will try to explain how to make it so you can try.
1. Peel and chop 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic. Chop 1 small onion (or about 1/4 cup) saute both in about 3-4 tablespoons olive oil.
2. Very thinly slice 2 small tomatoes.
3. When garlic and onion just start to brown, spread on already made pizza crust
4. Place tomatoes around pizza on top of garlic mixture -

5. Spread Moz. cheese on top of that -

6. Sprinkle Basil over cheese -

Now that's Italian!

7. Put in oven for 15-20 min. at 425.

It should look like this -

Cut and serve! This will be the best pizza you've ever had!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

More front porch sittin'

2011-08-16T15:16:00.001-04:00

I was a beautiful sunny morning about 70 degrees. How could I resist sitting on the porch reading drinking coffee.

Nice shadows, don't you think?

My Wisteria was getting a little unruly.
So I got up and chopped it all off! Now its all nice and trim.

Whenever I am on the porch, Martina's not far. Here she is sitting in the front porch window. She will stay there till I go in.

WHAT'S HAPPENING - My mom and Step-dad will be coming for a visit starting Thur (Aug 18) - Mon (Aug. 22). We will go out to dinner and go shopping. I plan on taking my mom to Sheryl Schaefer's of Schaefer Yarn Co., and introducing her. They live just around the corner from us and she has a little outlet shop where the yarns are up to 50% off!

I will also take her to Watkins Glen for some shopping at gift shops that are unique to that area. Then on the way home if there is time we might stop at a couple of my favorite wineries.
We will also go out to dinner, probably O'Malley's on the Lake or Little Venice.

The hubby has to go back to PA for work so I do not even know if he will be around that weekend.

TV -
SYTYCD - I was so glad to see both Melanie and Sasha in the top 2! I loved them both right from the start. I really think Melanie deserved to win! YAY!
DESIGN STAR - Finally!!!! Cathy gets kicked off!!!! She was soo full of herself. I could hardly stand to watch her. I was really upset last week to see Tyler go home, I really liked him. My favorites are - Mark, Kellie, and Leslie.
Still watching - Nine Lives of Chloe King (addicted!), The Glades (addicted to Jim!!) Combat Hospital (great show!).
I just found out - thank you Jen@Random!!! (I personally blame you) that "Off the Map" has been canceled!!! I am so upset! So many of my favorite shows get canceled! That was a great show!

KNITTING - Working on Christmas gifts (getting a head start! Haha!) so no pictures :-(

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

A Day at the Daughter's

2011-08-08T14:30:00.000-04:00

I went over to my daughter's apt. and spent the afternoon. We had wine on the deck and then cooked dinner together. Here's how it went (in pictures).
Here we are drinking wine (one of our favorite things to do) and this is actually not such a bad picture of me (must be the wine, LOL) the daughter, of course, is the pretty one!

Picking a bug out of the wine!

Drinking the same wine.

Yum!

What? I got the bug out!

Hmmm since mom's not drinking hers...

Guess I'll have them both!

EEWW, glad that wasn't in my wine glass.

Then we picked some peaches from her peach tree. Don't they look yummy?

Here we are cooking dinner together. Notice she gives me the dirty work of chopping the veggies while she just stands at the stove holding the spoon!

Dinner...

is...

served! Deee-lish!

Then she entertained me with her guitar playing and singing. Yes, she can do that!

Mother and daughter. I honestly don't know where she gets her good looks from, its not me!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Vacationing in PA

2011-08-03T18:33:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I went to PA to visit the hubby.
Reminder - The hubby works in the "Oil field" in PA, (its really natural gas but they still call it the oil field). We live in NY. So I only get to see him once every week or two! So i decided to go visit him this time.

This is his room and kitchen that he rents in a trailer. Its pretty nice actually, better than I thought

This is the view out his front door -

This is to the right -

This is to the left (this is actually the house of the people who own the land).

And this is the view out the back door -

The first day I was there, Glen got called in to work. Nancy, the wife of the property owner took me under her wing for the day. I ended up having a great time with her! She took me to all these little unique shops, she took me out to lunch, blueberry picking, to a plant shop/green house, and even met her mother (who was a very sweet woman). That evening when Glen and her husband both got home we all went out to dinner.

The next day Glen was off so he took me around sight seeing -
This is a drill rig -

These are some of the area views, its beautiful down there!

Here are some real country churches!

And here's a sign you don't see everyday!

This was at a pull off on the road so you could look out at the views. I loved these little buildings.
Yes, that's the hubby inside.

And here is the view from that place -

Then we went to a place called "The oldest House" in Laceyville. It is the oldest house (built in 1781) in four counties (Wyoming, Bradford, Sullivan, and Susquehanna).
Here is a link to the description -
http://www.laceyville.com/Laceyville-Attractions/attractions.htm

Then it was time to come home. I hope to go back down at least one more time.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Now - this is summer!

2011-07-26T08:46:00.001-04:00

As I was sitting on my front porch this morning drinking coffee and reading on my nook, I realized what beautiful little scenes there were all around the porch. The sun was shining here and there making shadows. The potted flowers were shining. The dew on the grass looked like diamonds.
YES! It was just coffee I was drinking! I can appreciate God's handiwork now and then.

WHAT'S HAPPENING - I am trying to enjoy all the rest of the summer vacation I have left. I have been getting together with the daughter, doing alot of reading, doing alot of knitting, and today I am going shopping! Nothing exciting, I need some new bras. I hate bra shopping. I hate trying on bras. Its kinda in the same realm as swim suits. They either look terrible trying them on, or they look good trying them on until the first time you try to wear them. Then you think "What was I thinking? Did this actually look good in the dressing room? Did this actually fit these?" But never-the-less it has to be done, just like laundry. So I am going bra shopping!

I haven't seen my husband since the first day I got home. We talk on the phone everyday sometimes twice a day, sometimes three times a day (if the reception is bad and we have to hang up and call back). I think he is coming home any day now, maybe tomorrow! I am thinking of going back to PA with him and staying for a couple of days.

TV -
SYTYCD - Here are my favorites - 2 of my girls are left and 2 of my guys are left.
Girls - Melanie Moore, ~~Ryan Ramirez~~, Sasha Mallory, ~~Ashley Rich~~
Guys - Jess Leprotto, Marko Germar, ~~Robert Taylor Jr.~~, ~~Wadi Jones~~
DESIGN STAR - I love this HGTV show. I was so excited that it was starting up again.
Here are my favs. - Leslie Ezelle, Mark Diaz, Tyler Wisler, and I used to like Cathy, but after last night I have changes my mind. Now I am taking her off and adding Kellie Clements.
Also watching - The Glades (yummy, eye candy), Combat Hospital (new show - excellent!), The Nine Lives of Chloe King (hmm not sure how I feel about this but I am giving it season),

Some new shows coming in the fall that I might look into - Charlie's Angels (Theirrrr baaack!!! Yes!), New Girl (looks hilarious!), The River (takes place in the Amazon)
Shows I am looking forward to coming back!!! - Parenthood, Off the Map, The Good Wife, and Harry's Law.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT - Spam mail. We all get it. Dozens of it everyday. We all know how ridiculous it is, does anyone really fall for these. And yet they keep trying, relentlessly sending them to us everyday! Here are some lines from my spam folder - who are they trying to kid?

I am special Agent John Edward from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) intelligence unit; (even the FBI is sending me spam?)

I am Al-Suhaybi Abdullah Saleh the third son of Ali Abdullah Saleh the president of Yemen. (Oh well if you're the President of Yemen)

Immediate transfer of $23.5 Million Dollars to you (Woo hoo, I'm a winner!)

Please I need advice from you, you can call me immediately. (Yeah I'm picking up the phone now.)

HOW ARE YOU DOING? (hahahaha how original!)

PLANO DE SAÚDE EMPRESARIAL A PARTIR DE 1 TITULAR E 1 DEPENDENTE(Do they know I don't speak spanish?)

RE: confirmation letter from BMW (Ha! I wish!)

Dr.Frank,Can I Trust You?? (Obviously you have me confused with someone else)

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Hi honey, I'm Home!

2011-07-20T10:18:00.000-04:00

I went "down south" for 2 weeks. Two weeks is a looong time to be away from home. I don't think I can do 2 weeks again next year. It is also a lot of responsibility for those who are coming to my house to take care of everything. Although those people do know how much I appreciate it. Also there is so much to catch up on when I get home. My table was covered with mail. It took me an hour to pay bills and sort through it all. I think I will be catching up for the rest of the summer.

One of the things I did while on vaca. was go to the TN Aquarium in Chattanooga. This was awesome! Definitely a place you want to take the whole day doing, not just a few hrs like we did. I told my mom I would like to go back and not feel rushed because of closing time. One of my favorite things was the butterfly house. I know! I go to an amazing aquarium and I like the butterflies??? But seriously, this was awesome. It was a large greenhouse type room filled with all kinds of exotic butterflies flying all around you. They even land on you and you can get within a foot, no, inches of them! I could have stayed in there all day.

The pictures did not turn out great because it was very dark. I tried to doctor them up when I got home and downloaded them. So here are a few.

These were real penguins behind glass. I love penguins!

And this is a real shark! They were in this large tank and would swim by you. It was real intimidating! Even though you knew they were behind the glass.

These were the coolest little things! They are called "upside down Jelly fish"!

And isn't this jelly fish beautiful?

Little white seahorse.

Huge fat starfish, maybe the biggest I've seen!

Lots of little poison frogs. Aren't they so cute? Don't you just wanna hold them? DON'T!

Alligators, a little one...

And a big one! This one was probably 10' long.

This Sea Turtle was so sweet, just lying his head there. I think this was one of my favorite pictures! I just wanted to take him home. Sea turtles are very big by the way! He might just barely fit in my bath tub.

Is this the ugliest thing you have ever seen in your life?

And are these the strangest things you have ever seen? They are "Side necked Turtles".

This one is pretty scary! Hahahahaha, no! that's just my mom! I actually really like this picture of her. And that's a sea turtle next to her.

I love this fountain! I want to make one for my front yard. How cool would that be?

We also went and toured "Mayfield Dairy" if you have never heard of this, its because they only serve 7 southern states. Their ice cream is delicious!

This is my mom and step-dad.

And I got to kiss a cow!

I had a great time and thank you everyone!

Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Vacation!!! Summer!!! YAAAY!!!

2011-06-24T08:06:00.002-04:00

Roses, they are just the palest pink, very pretty.

Giant Hostas take over the World!!!! Or at least my side porch steps.

Mushroom by the side of my house.

We went to Watkins Glen on Sunday for breakfast and walked around by the pier.
This is what happens to Baaaad husbands! So husbands beware!

Looking off the pier at all the geese and boats.

Baby!

ARGH Matey! Pirates attack Watkins Glen - news story at 6:00.

Random yellow flowers growing between rocks.

WHAT'S HAPPENING -
School is over. I am all done with kids till September (after today). Yay! Its been a good year. But I am ready for summer and some fun! If you drive by and see me sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, honk and wave! Or better yet, stop by and maybe I'll give you a cup or glass too!

Tomorrow, Saturday, is our 17th Wedding Anniversary!!!
We are just going out to dinner to one of our favorite places. We like to celebrate quietly.

I don't think I will be talking to you again for at least 2 weeks. I am going on vacation for a while, down south to visit relatives. I hope to have lots of stories and pictures to share when I get back. Please pray for safe travel! I got some really good flights for some really good prices, so I was happy with that!

TV -
SYTYCD - Well I was very very sad to see Wadi go home :-( I really liked him.
But then when they did the girls I was texting my daughter, not paying attention, knowing for sure that Ryan was going home... then heard they were going to save - RYAN!!! My head popped up, Ryan? Oh my gosh! They are keeping Ryan! Yay!
My top favs -
Girls - Melanie Moore, Ryan Ramirez, Sasha Mallory, Ashley Rich
Guys - Jess Leprotto, Marko Germar, Robert Taylor Jr., ~~Wadi Jones~~

KNITTING - My socks that I designed! Yay! They fit good, they look good, and they are soft and comfy! (click on picture to see close-up)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT - The daughter being... herself.
You could click on the pictures for a close-up, but that could be scary!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Summer vacation - a week away!

2011-06-17T06:10:00.001-04:00

What a good little squirrel on the ground and not in the bird feeder.

What? Did someone just say bird feeder?

Poker Plant -

Roses getting ready to bloom.

WHAT'S HAPPENING -
One more week of school left!!!!!! I feel like the kids, being so excited for summer vacation. Next week will be very busy for me though. Wed. and Thur. are both half days, so I will have kids from 12:30 on, and Fri. is no school but I will have kids all day. Friday being the last day of school. I am hoping to do something fun that day like go to a park or something.

The hubby was home for a whole week this time because work was slow in PA. He just got called back and left at 4:30 am. He did get a lot of work done around here, did some work around the house, lawns mowed, and started painting his parents house.

I feel like I am having less and less to tell. But life in a small northern town is pretty hum drum. Not that I am complaining!!! I love hum drum! The weather has been good, upper 70's and lower 80's a couple showers here and there, perfect in my book!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! to all you dad's out there. I'm not even sure my hubby will even be home for Father's day.

TV -
SYTYCD - This was the first week of the real show, 20 people, 10 couples.
Here are my favs. -
Girls - Melanie Moore, Ryan Ramirez, Sasha Mallory, Ashley Rich
Guys - Jess Leprotto, Marko Germar, Robert Taylor Jr., Wadi Jones

Another show I have just started watching - The Nine Lives of Chloe King - cute show, not very good acting, but good for summer, we'll see how it goes.

KNITTING - Still knitting socks, hopefully next week I will be showing pictures of finished ones!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE this is a good one
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

It's almost summer, it's almost summer, it's almost summer!!!

2011-06-09T12:46:00.001-04:00

More little baby tomatoes!

My dogwood trees are just full of flowers this year.

Don't know what these are called, but - little pinkish flowers from my garden.

Rose buds.

WHAT'S HAPPENING - Two more weeks of school! Then I am kid free for 2 months! You would think, from hearing me talk, that I don't like kids. I actually love kids, especially "My kids" (the ones I take care of), I just also love summer vacation when my time is my own. I am planning a few trips, one big vacation (2 weeks) and a few mini vacations. I will tell more about them in the future.

I think I mentioned a couple weeks ago??? That the daughter has a new shift at work, she is not the overnights anymore!!! YAY! She is now on Mornings. This is very exciting, she is really liking it. She works in a private Alzheimer's Care Facility. She does very well there and likes it a lot. I think I'll stick to working with kids!

Lets talk about the weather, shall we? It has been gorgeous! A few hot days (in the 90's) a few short showers, a few coolish days, I'd call that just about perfect! For such a crappy early spring, we are having a great late spring/early summer.

TV -
Vegas week starts this week on SYTYCD! Fun fun fun! In another week or two I will list my favorites. Is anyone else loving the judges as much as I am? Isn't Nigel funnier and more candid this year? Isn't Tyce hotter this year? Can't wait to see some of the others.

YAY! "The Glades" is back. Talk about "Hott" -

Mmm Hmm you're gonna start watching it now aren't ya?

KNITTING - These are socks I am working on. I made the pattern up myself! I love it when you make a pattern and actually like the results! Click on the picture to see a bigger version.

This is the yarn I am using - Bamboo, wool, and silk, very light and soft, good for summer.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE sorry no new post this week
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Too cold, No too hot! Make up my mind.

2011-06-02T12:31:00.000-04:00

Do you see what I see? Baby tomatoes on my tomato plant!

I am so glad that my daughter and my husband are not too old to play!

WHAT'S HAPPENING - Huge weather changes! Two days in a row it was in the 90's! We have had tornado threats, T-storms, high winds, even hail. And now it is in the 60's!
And still it is not the end of the world! LOL

I saw this on a book site I belong to and thought it was hilarious!

INSTALLING RAPTURE.
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TV -
Totally into SYTYCD mode! Ya know... I think I love the judges just as much as the dancers. I think this show has the best judges of any reality show! I love them all, none of them annoy me. I also love Cat Deeley, the host, and again I think she is the best host of all the reality shows.

During "The Amazing Race" they were advertizing a special limited time Amazing Race Snapple. Being a huge AR fan. I went on a search. It took my a few weeks but...
Found it!!!!

I bought one of each and will rinse them out after I drink them and save them along with the boxes.

KNITTING - Here is a shrug I made for the daughter -

The yarn is a wool blend. I won it at the last Fingerlakes Fiber Big Sale Day. It was a real nice easy pattern I found on Ravelry. She has already put in orders for more in different colors. I think she kinda loves it!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT - A sure sign I am getting older. I used to be a Sun Goddess. The hotter the better. When I was in my teens and twenty's I loved summer and would sit or lay out in the sun even when it was 90 or hotter. Now I can't stand it! If it is over 85 it is too hot for me. I can honestly say, I never saw this coming! Years ago I said "That will never happen to me. I love it hot" Well... It happened to me! Today it is only 65 and I am loving it! I don't even know when this happened, I think sometime in the past two years. I wish there was a state in the US where it was in the 70's all year round. I would so live there!
I still love summer! I just don't like it so hot!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

HELLO!

2011-05-27T06:41:00.000-04:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - My birthday was last week. The above pictures were from my little party I had with my daycare kids. The hubby was here and The Daughter came over. We had cookies and icecream. Any reason to celebrate, right?

The weather here has been a real mix. It will be sunny and in the 80's then get dark and storm... everyday! We had tornado warnings again yesterday, but nothing. I could hear a T-storm in the distance but not here.

The best news - The daughter, who works overnights at a home for Alzheimer residents, has just been moved to the morning shift! Yay, welcome to the real world honey! You will actually be sleeping when other people are sleeping and working when other people are working! Strange huh? She has explained to me that this is the best shift and the one everyone wants. So I am real happy for her.

TV -
Survivor - YAAAAAAAY!!!!!! Boston Rob wins! He was my pick from the beginning. I am real happy.
Dancing with the Stars - again YAAAAAY!!!!! Hines Ward wins! Again my pick from the beginning! I was very happy with the top three, they were my 3 favorites. It was amazing how much weight Kirstie lost, she is about half the size she was! i just hope she can keep the weight off. i know that has been hard for her in the past.
American Idol - UUUGGGHHH! Oh well I was 2 for 3. Scotty wins. I know he does have a good singing voice and I know he will do well and will have a following, but he is just not my type. He is more "old school" country and I am new country. I really think Lauren will do well and will probably have a CD out soon (which I will be buying).

Just starting - So you think you can dance (SYTYCD) - The daughter came over last night to watch the first show. Fun fun! Bot they are gonna have some real good dancers this year. I already have some favorites!

Also starting soon - The Glades will be starting in June. And this new show I will be watching for - The New Girl.

KNITTING - These are socks I am working on for the hubby. I am using Schaefer - Anne yarn, it is a nice slate blue. Notice the simple cables, I hope he is ok with this. Plain ribbing gets boring sock after sock!

These are the summer socks I made for my self - they are also Schaefer yarn. Very bright and pretty.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Somebody's birthday is this week!

2011-05-15T10:15:00.000-04:00

Cherry blossoms at the barn!

First time mowing this year.

WHAT'S HAPPENING - My birthday's coming up this week, the 19th! Happy birthday to me!
The daughter and her boyfriend are taking me out to dinner Wed. night for my birthday. I am really looking forward to that. The hubby, who works weeks at a time in PA, said "You know I probably won't be back for your birthday" I said - "Well we will just do a lot of celebrating when you get home!"

My Mom-in-law just had hip replacement surgery. She is still in the hospital but doing well. She is sitting up and doing a little walking. Hoping to come home early this week. My Father-in-law and I went out to breakfast this morning.
The Daughter and I will be going to visit her this afternoon, then maybe for coffee. That's what we do - go for coffee.

My oldest niece is 5 months preg. with her second child. The last time she was here visiting we were all teasing her about having another girl because there are no boys born into this family. The only males in this family is through marriage. She said "No it feels different, I really think it might be a boy" We all said nope sorry its a girl, there are no boys in this family. She said "I know, I know but I really think this one might be a boy."
Well surprise, surprise! Its a GIRL!!!! Hahahaha I told her I was glad cause I love baby girls anyway. I wouldn't even know how to buy for a baby boy.

TV - Well a lot of these reality shows are coming to an end.
Amazing Race - winners - Sisters Jen and LaKisha Hoffman
Survivor - The finale is tonight!!!!!!! Will Boston Rob take it all? I was kinda disappointed that they voted off Grant. I could tell that Rob really felt bad though, I think he really liked him.
DWTS - Romeo goes home. My top 3 are still in it! Kirstie, Hines, and Chelsea, any one of them could win and I would be happy.
American Idol - I don't even want to talk about this show! The only one left that I really like is Lauren, and I have liked her from the start. Where are people's heads this year. Its kinda like - let's just vote off the best. The final 3 - Scotty, Lauren, Haley. Haley would be my second choice at this point.

KNITTING -
These are socks that I knit for my mother for her birthday. Notice the cable detail running all the way up the side.

These are socks that I am knitting for myself. And yes, they really are that bright! I thought they would be fun for summer.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Adirondacks!

2011-04-28T08:57:00.001-04:00

This is our trip to our cabin in the Adirondack last week -
Remember you can click on the pictures to get a closer look, then just hit the back button.

I have no idea what these 3 ducks are, they took off as soon as I got there with my camera (of course). Good action shot though huh? If you can identify them please let me know!

At least the Mallards stuck around, good old faithful -

Mountains from Lake Pleasant. This is about 20 min from our cabin. We come here a lot, its one of my favorite lakes.

We went on a couple of hikes and found some nice views -

This is our car, notice the snow!

A lot of the hikes in the Adirondacks have a sign in place, just in case you come up missing - they know where to look! Good thing we didn't come up missing!

This is the hike into Augar Falls. This was a pretty tricky walk, only because of all the ice and snow still in the woods.

It is kinda hard to tell in these few pictures but when you get close to the falls, it gets treacherous. It is very steep and very slippery. The falls are big and roaring! If you fell over you would be dead. It is not like the cute little state parks with railings to hold you back, you are on your own. We were holding on trees with every step and I kept yelling at Glen "Get back here, don't get any closer!". At one point we were about 15 feet away from each other and I yelled at Glen and he couldn't hear me, that's how loud it was.

When we visited our friends in Indian Lake the next day they told us earlier this year someone did go over the edge and died because they were trying to take a picture!!!

I love big rocks!

It was 49 that day and I ended up taking my jacket off, too hot to hike.

This was on our way to visit our friends in Indian Lake. We stopped to eat our packed lunch. We ate at a camp site overlooking Indian Lk.

This is our friend's driveway! And the next is a picture of their cabin. See how much snow they have!

Spring Break (looks more like winter break)

2011-04-19T07:45:00.002-04:00

Some NY flowers -

Lilacs starting to leaf out -

Some NY Pussy-willows (I love pussy-willows) -

And this would be some NY hail!!! -

Daycare Easter project -

WHAT'S HAPPENING - The hubby and I are going to the cabin for a few days! So I will not be here to wish you all a wonderful Easter. I hope you enjoy the day and remember the true meaning. That the Lord Jesus paid for our sins and rose again so we could all be saved! Happy Easter!

TV -
American Idol - NNNOOOOOOOOO! I hate American Idol! Well I don't really, I am just so stinkin mad that Paul went home! I won't be able to look at his pretty face and beautiful smile anymore.

Survivor - This was a great one! Rob at work again - He rules! Both Mike and David go to Red. Island. This week should be interesting. I don't know how much longer Rob can hold on the the lead but I am enjoying it for now! And Grant... Wow! need I say more? I think all his shirts should just mysteriously disappear!

DWTS - Sorry Sugar Ray had to go home, he was a sweetie. But my how Hines Ward Rocks!!!!! Last night he got all 9's and is now the sole leader! I also love Kirstie Ally and Chelsea Cain.

Amazing Race - Whew, whew, whew! My little cutie - Mallory and her Dad came in last but it was a non-illumination round!

KNITTING -
Some gorgeous Schaefer yarn I bought, perfect for some bright spring socks!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Martina would really like some visitors! She puts a lot of work into this blog, you have no idea how hard it is being pretty all the time!

Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books
Remember to check for giveaways (also posted on the right are other bloggers giveaways).

Its here! Its here! Its here! Spring!

2011-04-11T13:20:00.002-04:00

Ashley and I did the Read-a-thon this past weekend. Hop on over to my book blog to check out how we did. Notice we are sitting on the front porch.

I don't think Ashley's reading here, what do you think?

WHAT'S HAPPENING - The weather is slowly changing! Today it is 70! but suppose to have T-storms later. It is suppose to be nice-ish all week. Things are starting to green up and flowers are starting to appear. God didn't leave us off the Spring list after all! The Hubby's coming home today. Don't know for how long. He is going to take off most of the week before Easter (next week) so we can go up to the cabin. I will take my camera with me so hopefully I will post some good Adirondack pictures in a couple weeks.

TV -
American Idol - Pia goes home! Sorry but I was never a big fan of hers. She had a good singing voice but just didn't like her. And it just means Paul, Casey and Lauren get to sing another week!

Survivor - Whew! I really thought Rob or Grant was going home. I feel bad that Matt was sent back to Red. Is. but seriously! Matt you need to get your game on! It was his own fault. He is a real nice guy buy don't they say nice guys finish last?

DWTS - Wendy W. goes home and Hines was at the top of the leader board!!!!!!! Woot woot! I am so glad he can dance, we all know he can play football!

Amazing Race - So sorry Ron and Christina. I like Christina very much! But her dad had little to be desired. And I think he was really holding her back.

KNITTING - Sock one of my gorgeous socks finished!

This is sock 2 of my gorgeous socks.

Take a closer look at the cable detail - you can click on the picture to make it bigger.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Signs of Spring - finally!

2011-04-03T20:49:00.001-04:00

Daffodils coming up -

Wild Strawberries -

English Primrose -

Tree buds -

WHAT'S HAPPENING - Well as you can see we are a little behind the rest of the world with the exception of maybe Canada, Alaska and Antarctica! But I do think it is finally here. On Saturday and Sunday it was 50. Monday we will have rain all day.
We did have a nice April 1st though - Leave it to NY to snow on April Fools Day! No joke we had snow.

On Sat. I took my daughter out to breakfast at Mano's in Ithaca. Then we went to Micheal's and bought lots of scrap booking stuff on mega sale! I also got an Easter craft for the kids.

With the good weather comes Spring cleaning! I actually like doing this. I like re-organizing and sorting and getting rid of things. Making room for new things of course! On Sat. I re-organized Glen's closet and then mine. I bought those hangers that hold several hangers at a time and collapse to make more room in your closet. Do you know what I mean? Anyway... those things are amazing!!!! I bought one box of 10, then went back the next day and bought 3 more boxes!!! I did both our closets, and I love it! I feel like a commercial but seriously, they are great!

TV-
American Idol - I was real sad to see Naima go home but I was so glad to see Paul saved!!!!! I did a major WHEW!!!!! Sorry but didn't care about Thia, too boring, she has about as much personality as my front door! I thought the Elton John night was great!!!! I am a huge fan of his, love his music. My favorite song being "Danial" (sung by boring Thia), and "Your Song" - by Casey!

Survivor - Its the "Rob and Grant show" again! Oh my gosh could they be anymore awesome?????
Sarita goes home. And Matt rules Redemption Island again!!! OK so now I am a little worried for next week.

DWTS - "Psycho Mike" goes home. Too bad, he was nice eye candy! But couldn't dance. So the favorites are - Duh - Hines Ward - he's a Steeler (need I say more)!!! Chelsea Kane - she is so adorable!!! and Kirstie Alley - she is hysterical!! I love her.

Amazing Race - not on this week - watching the"Academy of Country Music Awards"!!! Awesome.

KNITTING - I started a new pair of socks with some of the new yarn I bought. The colors are gorgeous and it is soooooo soft!

Tell me if this has ever happened to you before. I bought all this yarn for my sweater. I bought it all at the same time, but it is hand painted yarn so there are variations. I expect that. But now after knitting with it - there is one skein that is very different from the others. There is almost no white making it so much darker than the others. You don't notice it till you knit it up. So I had to rip it out. and now I have to wait till I can get there again to see if they have some left and if there are any with more white than that one. UGH!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT -
In the song "Owner of a Lonely Heart" by Yes - The lyrics go-
"Owner of a lonely heart is much better than the owner of a broken heart"
but there is also the saying -
"It is better to have loved and lost then to have never loved at all"

What are your thoughts, which one do you agree with?

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

MIA - Spring, if found please send to NY!

2011-03-28T14:23:00.002-04:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - Oh my word!!! Seriously! Could NY get some Spring please! We got yet ANOTHER snow storm this past week. This is just not funny anymore!
It has been 20's and up to 30 all weekend and will continue all this week. I AM SO SICK OF THIS!!!

I have no other news.

TV -
American Idol - Motown week, Awesome! I thought everyone did great, even the people I don't care for. BUT... seriously, people! Casey????? He's the best singer they have! Thank you Lord you gave the judges more brains than the rest of America! The judges used their one save to keep Casey. He was sooo blown away it brought tears to my eyes! What a TV moment.

Survivor - Rob and Grant rule again!!! Did you guys see how Grant owned that challenge? And personally I was not too sorry to see the shirt ripped off him, LOL! Can't even remember the name of the girl who was voted off, that's how insignificant she is. Lets just hope Matt can hold on to "Red. Island."

DWTS - I thought Hines Ward did great! I am so glad, now I can actually vote for him based on his dancing not just cause I like him. Round 2 coming up.

Amazing Race - AWWW so sad - Luke and Margie go home. I liked them. Oh well my little cutie, Mallory, is still in.

KNITTING - Alpaca socks - done!

Summer socks that I started about 6 months ago - working on.

Went to "Fingerlakes Fiber" in Watkins this weekend. I bought this gorgeous new sock yarn! Doesn't sock yarn come in the prettiest colors? The boring blue is for Glen of course!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Vote for Hines Ward!

2011-03-21T18:21:00.001-04:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - I had a great idea come to me the other day I thought I would share with you.
While shopping with The Hubby at Walmart, I came across a couple things I would have liked for my birthday (May by-the-way) and told him so. Then said "Why am i telling you this now, you'll just forget by the time my birthday comes" If I were to write a list, he would just loose it! Or, more likely, I would forget to write the list or loose it myself, LOL! So... (Here's the great idea part) I said "Hey, how 'bout I take a picture of it with my phone! Then I will just send it to you before my birthday!" Isn't that a great idea? This could also work equally great the other way around. When he mentions something he wants - I just "click" take a picture and save it. Voila! No more paper list to loose!

The Daughter and I went to "Ladies Day" at the Buttonwood Grove Winery on Sat. we had a good time. They had wine tasting, which we did partake in of course. Cheese tasting, jellies and slasas, massages, Jewelry, and pottery. We bought a few bottles and schmoozed with the owners (who happen to be friends of ours).

TV -**********SPOILERS**********

Survivor - UGH, what is her name anyway? hmmm well anyway, blond that did not matter, went home.
Rob and Grant are running the show! I love it! Have you taken a good at Grant by-the-way???? He's pretty hot! Also, please note that Matt is pretty much ruling Redemption Island! Go Matt!

Grant Mattos - Ex - NFL player (Chargers, Broncos, and Titans)

American Idol - AAAWWWWWW - Karen goes home! I liked her! Oh Phoo!
I thought this past week on Idol pretty much sucked! Even my favorites did not do very well. I was holding my breath when Paul was up and finally breathed when he was safe! He had a bad cold and laryngitis last week. Another one of my favs - Naima was saved even thought she did not do well. I thought Lauren (another fav.) was great, as was Casey.

Amazing Race - The redhead cheerleaders went home, which is ok with me!

Guess what starts tonight (Mon)????? - Dancing with the Stars! OK everybody, listen up! Pittsburgh Steelers star Wide Receiver - Hines Ward is on!!!!! He's a four-time Pro Bowler, three-time Super Bowl participant, two-time Super Bowl champ, and the Super Bowl XL MVP.
OK now - I want everyone to vote for him, every week, regardless of how he is dancing! Got it? I'm gonna be checking back every week to see if you all voted. Don't let me down!

KNITTING - Still working on Glen's socks.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT - Temperature is temperature is temperature.... NOT!
Why is it - when it is 50 - 60 outside , 70 in the house feels warm. But when it is 30 outside - 70 in the house is freezing? Just last week I was so cold I could swear the furnace wasn't working. I got up and checked it, nope - 69 just as usual. Then why am I freezing, just a few days ago when it was warm outside I was so warm and cozy in here and it was the same exact temp.???? and if it was 69 outside it would be downright hot!
AND... when it gets up about 45 outside we think it is sooo warm, off go the jackets and on go the t-shirts. BUT, if it ever got down to even 50 in the house we would be making an emergency call to the Heating guy to please come fix the furnace!!! Boy how the mind plays tricks on us!
Plus if there is snow on the ground it just feels colder, but if it was sunny and bright outside at the same exact temp. it would just feel warmer.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Just when you thought it was over.

2011-03-14T09:10:00.000-04:00

What's all this white stuff?

I thought winter was done!

Aren't you guys getting sick of seeing snow pictures?

Send a little sunshine my way, will ya?

WHAT'S HAPPENING - The hubby came home for a day this weekend. And with him. he brought "sick germs"!!!! EWWW! I told him not to be bringing home any of those sick germs. I have had a cold for a while now but I really do not want to be sick. Well I think I sent him back to work a little healthier. About the extent of our excitement this weekend was going out to breakfast and going to walmart.

On the other had - Last week, The daughter came over for dinner. She got ready to leave around 9ish (so it was dark). She went out the back door, screamed, and ran back in again slamming the door behind her. With mouth open, and "Doe in the headlights" eyes, she said "I think there is a skunk out there! I saw something run. It ran that way" So I grabbed my camera and ran to the side door and flipped on the porch light.
"OOHH, there's your Skunk!"

I think after finding out it was a possum Ashley wanted to take it home.

TV -
Survivor - Russel goes home!!! HA HA HA HA! I really really did not like him! And...I am also glad that Matt gets to live for another challenge.
American Idol - Goodbye to Ashthon! She was a really cutie but she just didn't have the pipes. Sorry girl.
Amazing Race - No one goes home this week. So my fav. Mallory and her dad are still in and doing well!

If anyone is watching "Off the Map", boy we have had some real tear jerkers with that one! This is turning out just like ER where every show makes me cry!

KNITTING -

I have put the sweater on hold for a week so I could work on the hubby's socks. They are Alpaca.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Like I said - Another day another snowstorm!

2011-03-06T15:47:00.000-05:00

In case you aren't sick of the snow pictures yet!

This is what should be the front sidewalk -

This is our driveway -

And this is the Hubby getting ready to go shovel -

WHAT'S HAPPENING - One again we are being blanketed with a fresh coat of snow. Just when you though you were done with the shovels, the snowblower, the ice scraper, the boots, and everything else, you get even more snow. The Hubby was home this weekend so we decided to go to Watkins for breakfast and Walmart, and a winery. On the way there it snowed, and snowed, and snowed! And this was on top of the sleet we got in the early morning. It was very slow going all the way to Watkins. We had a great breakfast, as usual. Stopped at Walmart for a few things. Then on the way home stopped at one of the many wineries.

We ended up buying 7 bottles!!! We have no willpower. If you buy 6 bottles you get one free so we got 7 bottles for about $75 which is real good.

The Iditarod starts today! I will update you next week. Of course I will be rooting for Lance Mackey again.

TV -
American Idol - 2 of my fav. guys didn't make it to the top 13 (Robbie and Tim). All my fav. girls made it.

So here's who's in, and what I think of them (click on their name to take you to their page).
Ashton Jones - Very cute, sweet, but not good enough!
Casey Abrams - #1 fav. guy!!! Very good voice, needs to start picking good songs.
Haley Reinhart - Cute, sweet, like her, good voice.
Jacob Lusk - Very good voice, just annoys me, way toooo over the top.
James Durbin - Good singer... sometimes. Very inconsistent. I like him though, he is very likable.
Karen Rodriguez - Love her, My #2 fav. girl. Funny, great voice, full of spunk!
Lauren Alaina - My #3 fav. girl. Very pretty, needs to stay consistent, and choose good songs.
Naima Adepapo - Love love love her! My #1 fav. girl. Love her personality, very good voice.
Paul McDonald - Woo Hoo!!!! Cute!!! My #2 fav. guy singer (#1 for hotness!) need I say more? A link to his website - HERE
Pia Toscano - Very nice voice, but for some reason I just don't care for her.
Scotty McCreery - Like him, not a fav. though, very inconsistent!!! Needs to practice.
Stefano Langone - Real sweet guy, just not good enough a singer!
Thia Megia - Real good singer, just boring as heck! so shy and quiet.
So there you have it! My 2cents worth on everyone.

KNITTING - Sweater back - done, Right front - done, Left front - done, now working on the sleeves.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Another day, another snow storm!

2011-02-28T08:48:00.001-05:00

Just when you think you've found your sidewalk...

The front yard covered with yet another layer of new snow.

The hubby snowblowing.

WHAT'S HAPPENING - Saturday another snow storm blew over us, leaving us with another 8" of snow. OK, this is getting old. Ready for spring now!
On Sunday it was in the high 30's so some of the snow started to melt. On Monday morning it was already 37 with promises to be in the 50's, pouring rain and flood watches. A day in the life of a NYer.
Was I fooled into thinking that was our last snow? No way!

The hubby was home this weekend - he got home on Thur. and will be leaving Mon. afternoon. We had a good weekend together. Took the daughter out to breakfast. Went for coffee at Tim Horton's, got groceries. Snow blowed and shoveled. Watched TV together. Great times!

Last night, Sunday, The daughter and the boyfriend came over for dinner (stuffed shells, garlic bread, salad, and blueberry cake!) Love the boyfriend... love the daughter too!

TV -
Survivor - Are they idiots? I know I love Boston Rob, but that was a very dumb idea to vote off Matt.
Amazing Race - OK I've decided - Mallory and her dad are my favorites! She is just such a cutie. I love it when she laughs and gets so excited. I will not miss Amanda and Kris, I didn't like them the last time they played.
I think Dancing with he stars will be starting soon. I will have to check the schedule.
American Idol - Final 24! Here are my favorites -
Girls- Naima Adedapo, Lauren Alaina, Karen Rodriguez
Guys- Tim Helperin, Robbie Rosen, Paul McDonald, Casey Abrams
I might change my mind after this week, we'll see.

KNITTING - Sorry no new pictures. I have been working on the Alpaca socks and my sweater. I am 2/3 done with one sock and 1/2 done with the right front of the sweater. Pictures next week.

LIST-O-MANIA - Things I am forward to in the spring-
1. Duh, no more snow!
2. Warmer weather
3. Not cleaning off the car everytime I want to go anywhere
4. Not having to put on so much clothes everytime I want to go anywhere (coat boots hat gloves)
5. Not Scrapping ice off car
6. Not hearing my daughter say "MOM, I'm stuck in the snow!"
7. Flowers
8. Regular sheets on the bed (instead of flannel sheets)
9. Going for walks
10. Opening the windows

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out wall-to-wall books for reviews and giveaways.

A short lived spring

2011-02-21T07:52:00.001-05:00

Valentine flowers from my hubby -

WHAT'S HAPPENING -
We started out last week with temps in the 40's and in the 50's Thur. and Fri. On Friday it got up to 57! But all this was ripped from us on Sat. when we got a little blizzard. With temps back down to 18, snow and wind gusts up to 36 mph. I knew we still had some winter to go yet. We were wildly brought back to NY reality. It is a well known fact that we get snow storms in the middle of March, so what was I thinking, being so excited on Thur. and Fri. going out with no coat on. I was actually smiling and singing, rejoicing in our short lived "Spring". Oh well it was fun while it lasted. Living in NY, we will take all the "Spring" we can get.

Between Sunday and Monday we now have a fresh new layer of snow! About 6" worth, or maybe more.
You can't tell where the driveway is or sidewalks. My hubby said there is over a foot in parts of PA. He was suppose to work today but it was called off because of the snow. That doesn't happen very often.

Missing: Driveway, sidewalk, the ground - if found please contact this blog.

TV -
How did I seem to miss the first show of Survivor????? I didn't even know it was on. I was randomly flipping through the channels at 8:45 and happened upon it "Whoa! Survivor! What the heck is this doing on? How did I not know about this?" and other similar thoughts went through my head. I didn't even see any previews. Well you better believe I won't miss any more.

Well I did manage to catch the first show of "The Amazing Race" this is an all-star version, YAY! All our favorite players! I don't even know who to root for. I'll let you know next week.

On the days that none of my shows are on that I watch I scour the channels for movies. I love movies, old and new. I am a sucker for Lifetime movies and Hallmark and TCM, AMC etc etc. It is amazing how many great movies you can find in the evenings. The latest 2 great movies I watched were -

"The Goodbye Girl" Yay! This is one of my favorite movies. From 1977 staring Marcia Mason and Richard Dreyfus (love him, so funny), and Quinn Cummings as Lucy.

And - "P.S. I Love You" - 2007 starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler. I told my daughter that this was the best ending of the worst beginning of a movie I have ever seen - huh? I hated the first half hour! I actually turned it over, couldn't find anything better so flipped it back. I ended up loving it and literally cried my way through the rest of the movie! What a heartbreaking/heartwarming movie!

KNITTING -
Alpaca socks for the hubby.

My sweater, so far back - done, left front - done, starting on right front.

LIST-O-MANIA - TV shows I watched throughout my childhood.
1. The Partridge Family
2. The Brady Bunch
3. Starsky and Hutch
4. The Dukes of Hazard
5. The Rockford Files
6. The Mod Squad
7. Sonny and Cher
8. Emergency!
9. Three's Company
10. Mork and Mindy
11. Happy Days
12. Laverne and Shirley
13. CHiPs
14. Six Million Dollar Man
15. The Bionic Woman
16. Charlie's Angels
17. Welcome Back Kotter
18. My sister informed me I forgot M*A*S*H!!! I was a huge fan of that show! Sorry I forgot!
Do these bring back some memories?

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
And - wall-to-wall Books

I've got the winter blues

2011-02-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

My Hubby (who is working in PA) texted me first thing this morning (5:00am) to tell me "Happy V Day, I love you!" all together now... AWWWWW!

Happy Valentines Day!

This picture shows my state of mind these days. I answered the phone in the kitchen around 4:00, hung it up in the Livingroom (no, they are not compatible) Finally sat down for the evening in the Livingroom around 7:30. I usually put the phone next to me so I don't have to get up to answer it (I know, but after a day with kids I am allowed to be lazy!) so I glanced over at the phone cradle and this is what I saw - 3 1/2 hrs. later! I just burst out laughing. I am so glad that I can still make myself laugh.

I hope the residents of this condo went to FL for the winter -

WHAT'S HAPPENING - It was a warm 43 degrees on Sunday! I went out walking around in sneakers and no coat, because this is what NYers do. Over 40 is a heat wave to us! And I have to admit, it really did feel warm. When I went back inside I looked at the temp - 43 and thought - well no wonder, it is warm! The snow was getting a little mushy.

I've started doing some sorting, throwing away, and cleaning. See is really is over 40 - Spring cleaning! I sorted through my towels and got rid of a bunch of towels that really had no business still being in there. There is no way I would have pulled out any of those towels and actually used them. Yuck! So I have lots of room on my towel shelves now, and it is nice and neat.

I watched a pretty bad scary (not) movie on LMN called "The Haunting of Sorority Row" It was so low budget it was funny and the acting was pretty bad too. You know winter is getting to you when you are actually watching bad movies on TV.

The daughter and her Beau came over on Sat. for coffee. On Sunday I went to breakfast with my in-laws, yum! I got a 30% off coupon for Kohls in the mail, so guess where I am going next week?

TV -
American Idol - The start of Hollywood week (my favorite) Well right away I am pissed off after just the first day! One of my favorite people (Nick Fink) he was part of the cute couple that sang together in college. I actually liked him better than his girlfriend and he was cut!

There were a few others I didn't really like, like the girl with the stars on her "ahem" I thought was terrible and she stayed! I don't get their reasoning.

KNITTING -
This is the back of the sweater with cat -

This is the back of the sweater without cat -

This is the yarn for sweater, it is a wool blend, it is fine like a sock weight and you use 2 strands together -

This is the beginning of a pair of Alpaca socks for hubby -

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out - wall-to-wall Books (for book reviews and giveaways)

Steelers loose, but still proud!

2011-02-08T10:03:00.002-05:00

Some lovely snow pictures. We got another 3 inches overnight, and getting some more today. We have a little over a foot now I think. Still real cold! 20 this morning.

Out my kitchen door -

Our shed, hubby's truck and yes, that's a hand pump.

Standing on my front porch -

Celebrating before the big game! Of course we didn't do much celebrating after the game.

TV - Well, the votes are in.. da da da da! Favorite show so far - "Off the Map"
Sorry "Cape" still love you dearly, you are still hot, just - "Off the Map" squeaks by for the win.

American Idol -I am amazed at 2 things - How much I am loving JoLo! What a sweetie! She couldn't be more adorable if she was paid, ah hem! Oh yeah, she is paid, but still.
And second - What a jerk Stephen Tyler is! He couldn't be more of a jerk if he was p... well you get my point. And I am an Aerosmith fan, I can't imagine what people who do not like Aerosmith think of him! He needs to seriously STOP singing with EVERYBODY!!!!! and STOP hitting on ALL the girls!

KNITTING - This is the sweater I am working on.

This is the back so far, but it is hard to see the pattern in this picture. I promise to post better pictures as I go along. Really pretty colors though.

And for your reading pleasure -
COLD IS A RELATIVE THING

65 above zero:
Floridians turn on the heat.
People in Upstate New York plant gardens.

60 above zero:
Californians shiver uncontrollably.
People in Upstate New York sunbathe.

50 above zero:
Italian & English cars won't start.
People in Upstate New York drive with the windows down.

40 above zero:
Georgians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, and wool hats.
People in Upstate New York throw on a flannel shirt.

35 above zero:
New York city landlords finally turn up the heat.
People in Upstate New York have the last cookout before it gets cold.

20 above Zero:
People in Miami all die.
Upstate New Yorkers close the windows.

Zero:
Californians fly away to Mexico.
People in Upstate New York get out their winter coats.

10 below zero:
Hollywood disintegrates.
The Girl Scouts in Upstate New York are selling cookies door to door.

20 below zero:
Washington DC runs out of hot air.
People in Upstate New York let the dogs sleep indoors.

30 below zero:
Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
Upstate New Yorkers get upset because they can't start the snow-mobile.

40 below zero:
ALL atomic motion stops.
People in Upstate New York start saying...'cold enough fer ya?'

50 below zero:
Hell freezes over.
Upstate New York public schools will open 2 hours late.

You guys who are not from NY seriously don't know how true this is! Just this past week. My hubby and I went shopping (When he was home) we got out of the car and both said - "Wow, it is really warm out now!" "Yeah, I'm gonna take my coat off, its too hot with it on." We looked at the temp - it was 31! This is a true story! I guess heat and cold is all relative depending on where you live. When it has been in the teens for 3 weeks, 31 feels warm!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
And check out - wall-to-wall Books

Super Bowl Sunday, comin' up

2011-02-03T10:31:00.000-05:00

I like the way they put the Steelers on top! LOL

WHAT'S HAPPENING - We got a little snow. The were predicting this big snowstorm and we only ended getting a few inches. All these schools closed for nothing. We got 4-5" the day before the "big storm" and only 3" during the storm, they said we would get 10-15" more. They said it would snow till afternoon and it stopped at 9:00 am. Boy were they off a little! We already had about 8" so the few on top of that gives us some nice (depends on who you ask) snow.

My neighbor does my snow removal for me. He does a great job and even does the sidewalks. Of course I watch his kid!

TV -
I have watched a few of the American Idols but I am just not that into it as before, i can take it or leave it. And I am tending to leave it more often. Maybe when it gets really underway I will start watching again.
Does anyone know when "The Glades" will start again - Mom?
Glee starts next week, I think. A Lady Antebellum song will be featured, Need you Now, I think.
Watching - Parenthood, The Good Wife, Harry's Law, SVU, and Off the Map

KNITTING -
I made this hat and scarf for my daughter. It is made out of the same real soft yarn that I made my pink hat and scarf. I started a sweater. I will put up some pictures next week.

Martina is being featured on a website!!! It is called floppycats.com here is the link, come check out Martina's story!
Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
And Wall-to-wall Books

The Steelers are going to the Superbowl!

2011-01-24T19:20:00.000-05:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - The biggest news is that the Steelers beat The Jets and are on their way to the Superbowl. There they will face the Green Bay Packers, I'm not scared.

Don't you just love all this yellow and Black?

My hubby starts his new job on Tues. He left Mon. night for 2 weeks. I think he is a mixture of excitement and nerves. I think it is a good move for him, and us. I am looking forward to having my husband home for 4 days in a row even if it does mean not seeing him for two weeks in between.

Lets talk about the weather for a second ... ITS FREAKIN COLD!!!!!!!! There, got that out of my system!
It was -9 when I got up this morning. What are the temps where you live?

I have had a cold for about a week. The whole stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, headache, not sleeping thing. I do finally feel like I might be getting better - almost no headache today and slept kinda better for 2 nights.

TV - Two more great shows to add to the list -
Off The Map - Awesome! It is about a medical center run by Americans in the Amazon of South America.
Harry's Law - Funny! Kathy Bates is great.

American Idol started and I love Aerosmith, but.... If Stephen Tyler doesn't shut up and stop singing with all the contestants I am going to reach into the TV and slap him up side the head!

KNITTING - This is the hat and scarf set I made to match my new coat.

LIST-O-MANIA- My favorite HGTV shows -
1. House Hunters
2. House Hunters International (especially the Beach shows)
3. Bang for Your Buck
4. Color Splash
5. Property Virgins
6. Selling NY!!!! One of my favs.
7. Design Star (when its on)
8. My First Place
9. What you get for the money (I don't even know if this is on anymore)
10. Yard Crashers

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Wall-to-wall Books

Out with the old, In with the new!

2011-01-18T11:27:00.000-05:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - A new year brings changes right? (Happy new year by-the-way!) So far this new year is bringing lots of changes!
1. My daughter has a new boyfriend!!!!!! He's wonderful! I LOVE him! LOVE him! He is mature, kind, funny, sweet, responsible, cute, Christian, and he loves my daughter (and me! LOL) I am so happy for her (and him).

2. My hubby has a new job!!! Doing the same kind of thing, still working for the Natural Gas companies. He is working for a different company now - more money per hour, paying less for the same insurance, more money in his per diam check (this is for living expenses while on the job), they will pay for a place for him to stay while in PA, he will have a nice pick-up to drive back and forth to work (a work truck, not his personal truck), and he will be working 14 - 16 days on and 4 - 6 days off, this means when he is working in PA he will be gone for a full 2 weeks at a time but... when he is home he will be home for a full 4 - 6 days! Not just a day or 2 at a time. He starts next week and is very excited!

3. And I haven't mentioned this before because I was afraid to jinx it. I have been loosing weight! Last year I decided it was time to loose all those extra pounds from being married and from getting old. I used to be very fit, very thin, and in great shape.Last year, starting in the spring, I started exercising more and eating healthier (which was easier with my hubby being gone a lot). Last year I lost a total of 25 lbs! And I have gone down almost 2 pants sizes. Now that was over a whole year, a little at a time. My daughter and I are going to be working on this together now. I would like to loose another 10 - 20 lbs. this year and then maintain. If you would like to do this with us, comment here and we can all keep track on our blogs.

TV -
I am loving "The Cape" new favorite show!!! If you haven't seen this show, watch it!
American Idol starts Wed.!!!!!!!
I recorded this other show "Off the Map" which looked real good, but haven't watched it yet. Also recorded "Harry's Law".

KNITTING - Look at this GORGEOUS yarn!!!!! When I opened the box, I gasped out loud, that is how gorgeous it is! I am knitting myself a new hat and matching scarf to my new coat. The green was on sale due to Christmas , so I will make Ash. a hat out of it.

LIST-O-MANIA - Groups named after animals -
1. The Eagles
2. The Byrds
3. The Monkees
4. The Partrich Family
5. Cat Stevens (one of my favs!)
5. Owl City
6. Def Leppard (another one of my favs!)
7. Flock of Seagulls
8. The Animals
9. The Beatles
10. Black Crowes
11. Seal
12. Stray Cats
13 Phish
Oh my word, there are so many! Can you name a few?

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Wall-to-wall Books

The Family Christmas or "Surprise! you're on Wendy's Blog"

2011-01-11T09:32:00.000-05:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - This past weekend we had our family Christmas bash with my side of the family (excluding my parents, since they don't live anywhere near here). We had 12 total (my daughter's boyfriend couldn't come and my niece's husband couldn't come). It always seems kind of crazy, only because of getting that many people together. BUT... it actually seemed a little less crazy this year. Maybe it was because the kids are getting older??? Maybe I am just getting real good at doing this, LOL. Here are a few pictures -

Of course there was wine! That always help things go a little smoother.

These are the felted clogs that I made everyone. By now you have to know that if you come to my house, you might end up on my blog!

This is my hubby and what he does for a living! -

KNITTING - Felted clogs! I still have to make a pair for my daughter and mom sometime.

Just starting a blanket (gift for a friend in the fall), pattern from Lion Brand.

Here are the "toe-up, two at a time" socks I was working on. Well I won't be making those again anytime soon! Not my favorite way of doing socks. They fit nice but not any better than the other way. I think I will stick with top-down and maybe try two at a time, see how that goes.

TV - Finally TV will be starting up again!
So I got to watch the 2 hr pilot of "The Cape", one word - AWESOME!!!!!! I was literally on the edge of my chair the whole time, I never sat back. It was so exciting. This is gonna be a great show.

"The Good Wife" and "Parenthood" have started back up, and "Glee" will be starting as well as "American Idol" Who will be watching AI this season? Its gonna be different alright! With no Simon, Kara or Paula (thank God, can't stand her!) I will miss Simon and Kara.

LIST-O-MANIA - Groups with a family type in their name -
1. Mamas and the Papas
2. Twisted Sister
3. Sister Sledge
4. Jonas Brothers
5. Doobie Brothers
6. Everly Brothers
7. Sister Hazel
8. Pointer Sisters
9. Sons of Silvia
10. Sons of the Desert
11. Thompson Twins
12. Uncle Kracker
It looks like the sisters have it! Yea! Any more you can think of?

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Wall-to-wall books

An Adirondack New Year!

2011-01-03T12:43:00.000-05:00

One of the best Adirondack Mt. pictures! I made my hubby pull over to the side of the road so I could get this one.

Ice fishing, you will not catch me doing this!

This is me, not on the ice! (that's my new coat I got for Christmas)

That's my hubby, also not on the ice.

Another beautiful mountain picture.

This is called "the causeway" at Indian lake.It is basically a bridge with water on both sides. It used to be just a road going through with no railings etc. but they recently rebuilt it so now it is more like a bridge.

This is my hubby... ON THE ICE! Of course I told him go out there on the ice so I can get a picture of you, and he did, men are so gullible.

This is me on the causeway bridge. I just thought it was a cool picture.

A really nice house, not our house, LOL I wish!

A rock peeking up through the ice.

More mountains, there are lots of these up there!

More ice fishing. There are lots of these up there too!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Please visit my book blog - wall-to-wall Books

Christmas is over... now what?

2010-12-28T08:15:00.000-05:00

All the presents under the tree. Ashley came over right after work. Christmas day it was just the 3 of us, nice, low key, fun.

On Christmas eve Glen and I went to Panera Bread and bought these for breakfast - A danish ring (apple, cherry, and cheese) and a Holiday bread, which is stuffed with yummy fruit. Both were delish!

Martina was right there with us the whole day! Notice teddy is there too!

This is one of the most worth while gifts I bought! It was just for fun but she ended up loving it. It is called a Port-a-Pug. I told her it was because she wants a dog but her Apt. is too small and they don't allow dogs.

WHAT'S HAPPENING -
Glen, Ashley and I went "Day after Christmas" shopping on Sunday. We went to Kohl's, Walmart, Glen went to Home Depot, we went to Panera Bread for coffee (can you guess by now that this is our favorite place). Then we dropped Ashley off at home so she could sleep (she works the overnights) and Glen and I went to Watkins Glen for more shopping!
On the way home we stopped at one of the wineries to do a tasting and ended up buying 5 bottles! We went to "Penguin Bay Winery". Glen had never been to this one and I had been there once. We liked a lot of their wines! Oh those wineries are fun! If anyone wants to visit here and go wine tasting, just let me know!

Glen went back to work on Mon.
I am kidless all week! Yea! I got alot done on Mon. Laundry, Took down the tree in the playroom and packed away the Christmas stuff, and just general clean up.
Mon. evening I went over to my in-laws for dessert. Glen's brother, his wife, son and one of the daughters were there visiting from MI. I hadn't seen them in about a year. So that was fun (should have taken my camera).

TV - I am not looking forward to all the re-runs that are on this next week.
It looks like there are some good shows starting in Jan though. One of my favorites on HGTV is back - "Selling NY" if you have never seen this, it is awesome! Prob. especially if you are not a NYer. They show these multi million dollar condos. Its fun! First show is Jan. 6.
But the Show I most excited about is "The Cape"! Who else is waiting for this show? With Australian hottie - David Lyons. He played on ER for a short stretch. This one starts Jan. 9.

KNITTING -
Oh I am so excited to do some knitting for myself! I got a new coat for Christmas, so I want to knit a scarf and matching hat. I also have a sweater picked out that I want to try.

LIST-O-MANIA - Music groups with numbers in their name -
1. U2
2. 3 Doors Down
3. 4 Non Blonds
4. Maroon 5
5. 9 Inch Nails
6. B-52's
7. 38 Special
8. Matchbox 20
9. 10,000 Maniacs
10.UB-40
There are soooo many more - can you name some? (I can think of 6 more right now).

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall books

Ahhhh Christmas is almost here!

2010-12-19T15:46:00.003-05:00

Our Christmas stockings, Glen's, Mine, Ashley's, and Martina's.

This is my favorite picture of Ashley with Santa, she was 1 yr. old here. They are just checking each other out. It reminds me of that M&M commercial, where the M&M and Santa meet and they say "He does exist!" "They do exist!"

Stupid squirrel just sitting there waiting. What does he think this is a condo, he can just move in?

Ha ha! He's got snow on his beak! Looks like he's been rooting around in the snow for some seeds.

WHAT'S HAPPENING - I am so excited for Christmas this year. Alright, alright I guess I am so excited for Christmas every year. I have my shopping done and all my gifts are wrapped! Yep, you read that right. I am officially ready for Christmas. On Christmas eve we go to my in-laws for dinner and opening gifts. I think my daughter will have to work Christmas eve (she works the overnight shift), if she didn't I would invite her to spend the night. She can just come over first thing in the morning. I have something special planned for breakfast! Hopefully, that is. I have it planned, if I can pull it off is another story.

This will be my last post before Christmas. So I want to wish all my family, friends, and Blogger friends a Very Merry Christmas! Please remember the reason for this holiday. On this day our savior Jesus Christ was born!

"God made himself a man through the birth from a virgin girl named Mary and she named him Jesus. He was born so that he could be like us, but he was not like us. He was pure and did not sin. He came to die for our sins, but he also came to teach us to spread his word."

List-o-mania - Favorite Christmas songs
1. O Holy Night
2. Angels we have heard on high
3. Let it be Christmas
4. Sleigh Ride
5. Winter Wonderland
6. Christmas is the time to say I love you
7. Do you Hear what I Hear?
8. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
9. Carol of the Bells
10. Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog - wall-to-wall books

Walkin in a Winter Wonderland

2010-12-13T21:31:00.002-05:00

The only thing I like about the winter is the birds!

WHAT'S HAPPENING - We are awaiting the arrival of a snowstorm (lake effect) by tomorrow morning ( I am writing this on Mon. night). We may get 5 - 10". Update - We only got a covering of snow, maybe we will get more through the day, but I am glad school's not canceled! For me, it means Kids all day! On Sunday it was 52!!!! Like summer! Then today, Mon. it was 19, with a wind chill of 9. I am hating this already.

I have been so busy Christmas shopping and having very good luck. So far I have found everything I have been looking for either shopping around or on the internet. I also love shopping for stocking stuffers. Little candies, gum, all those cute little inexpensive items. It is fun to see how many cute little things I can get for so little, like a game.

Glen was home for the weekend. We went shopping together all day Sunday. We actually had a really good time, but he said he didn't have as much luck as I was having. We went to Panera Bread for lunch, then again later for coffee and goodies! Love that place. It is one of our favorite places to go in Ithaca.

TV -
Survivor - Hmmm, Benry goes home. I don't get it. I totally don't know why they voted him off and it was a surprise to me. I can honestly tell you, I really don't care who wins.
Amazing Race - Yea!!!! The Dr.s win. They were my second favorite pair, and my favs., the Shopping Net. hosts came in 2nd. So I am happy with the turnout.
Still watching - Raising Hope - Hilarious! Parenthood - Love it!, Glee - Addictive! SVU - Hot! (Oops, sorry that's Elliot that's hot) Watch Castle once in a while - Also Hot!

List-O-Mania - Singing groups with double words (or letters) in their name
1. Was not was
2. The the
3. Mr. Mister
4. Duran Duran
5. The Go-go's
6. The Goo Goo Dolls
7. Soul II Soul
8. Talk talk
9. Bow wow wow
10. ZZ Top
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs
LL Cool J
Lady GaGa
(from Ashley)
I dare you to come up with more!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
And my Book Blog - Wall-to-wall Books

Its the Christmas season!

2010-12-06T06:12:00.002-05:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - The day after Thanksgiving, my husband and I were getting ready to go out shopping. We were putting on our coats and shoes when all of the sudden... it hit me! I yelled (and I can yell pretty loud) "Oh - my - gosh!" Glen is looking all around to see what it could be that I was yelling about. I said "Oh I am so excited!!" "It is the after Thanksgiving!!!! Do you know what that means????!!!" He voiced a very small "Yes" Astonished, I said, not really believing him "You do???" He said in a very depressing voice "You get to play Christmas music" I shouted "YES!!!! Wait.. the amazing part is that you knew! How did you know that was what I was thinking?" He answered "We've been married forever, of course I knew!" Hahaha, that's why I love him! Then he actually let me take Christmas music in the car.

Everything is all decorated for Christmas! I put up our little dollar store tree. I hung the lights on the porch. I got out all the Christmas music (I am listening to it right now, as a matter of fact!) I love Christmas music!

TV -
I have to catch you up -
DWTS - Yea! Jennifer Gray won, as she should have! She cried, I cried, everyone was happy.
Amazing Race - Nick & Vicki went home (team tattoo) so, the final 3 - The Doctors, the shopping channel girls (my favs, but I like the Dr.s too) and Jill & Thomas (blech).
Survivor - Quitters!!!!!! I mean I didn't really care for either of them but seriously! It is so not fair that Marty gets voted off, then they wise up to Brenda, she gets voted off the next week then two of them just quit! So not fair, I think they should let Marty back on.
My daughter think I like Marty just because he looks like an older Phil Vassar -

I just like Marty for Marty!!! -

Can you blame me? Just put a bow on him and put him under my tree! Of course I'll take Phil Vassar too.

Has anyone been watching Sarah Palin's Alaska? Its fabulous! I know, I know, I'm a hard core Democrat but I just love her!

The Steelers beat the Ravens and are now the AFC North champions! Whoot whoot!

LISTOMANIA-
Groups named after places (cities, states, countries).
1. Chicago
2.Alabama
3. Boston
4. Little Texas
5. Asia
6. Kansas
7.America
8. Europe
9. Georgia Satallites
10. Berlin

Check out my Book Blog - Wall-to-wall Books
Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE

Some Thanksgiving pictures.

2010-11-28T12:07:00.000-05:00

My first time making a pumpkin roll - Recipe from my Trish Yearwood cookbook that Ashley gave me for my birthday! I love Trisha Yearwood! Her cookbooks are fantastic, I have them both.

The pumpkin roll turned out great, everyone loved it!

Making homemade stuffing. I love stuffing, especially mine! What's in it? you ask... secret recipe!

Here is the Thanksgiving table, ended up only having 5.

Ashley did the squash -

And Glen carved the turkey -

16 lb. turkey, yum!

It was a great day and we all had a great time!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
Check out my book blog "wall-to-wall books" - HERE

Those Darn socks!

2010-11-21T09:41:00.002-05:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - At the end of each post there will be a link for my book blog - wall-to-wall books and a link for Martina's blog - i AM a princess kitty, that way you can just jump from blog to blog with out having to lift a finger LOL well you will have to lift it a little. You will want to check out my book blog on a reg. basis, I will be doing lots of giveaways.

The weather here has been pretty fantastic this past week (except for the little wind storm we had). It has been in the 40's and 50's everyday! For Nov. in NY this is incredible! I am used to seeing some of that white stuff by now. NOT COMPLAINING! On Wed. we had quite a wind storm. Upstate NY was having from 30 - 60 mph winds. Here where I live there winds of up to 43!!!! Our power went out for about 30 seconds in the evening. I kept my candles on all evening, that's why they didn't go out again. They were loosing power all over NY though! There were thousands of people without power because of downed lines. Fun fun! At least its not s**w, you know that nasty "white" word. After writing this... we did have some flurries on Fri. morning, but didn't amount to anything.

I didn't really do much this week, laundry, pick up the house, read, knit, you know - the usual stuff. I always tell people "I love my boring life!" No excitement is just fine with me.
The Hubby came home on Fri. night woot woot! Sat. we went to Watkins for breakfast, shopping etc. My favorite yarn shop moved around the corner and I had not been in the new location yet. It is really nice, a little more room, lots of yarn and the girl working that day was great. I bought a few skeins, of course!

I have done some Christmas shopping online. Where are you doing most of your shopping? In stores or online? I have to admit, I do a lot of my Christmas shopping online. I can always find exactly what I want and it is easy to compare prices without running all over the place.

TV - ************ SPOILERS************

I HATE REALITY TV!!!!! Well, not really, but this past week I did!
First Marty gets voted off Survivor, I loved Marty, I think I had a little crush on him. Well at least he is on the Jury so I get to see him all cleaned up few a min. every week, LOL.
Thank you! Finally Brenda got voted off! Its just too bad it wasn't her instead of Marty last week.

Then on DWTS - Travesty, travesty, travesty!!!!! This is the biggest upset ever!!! Brandy? Going home? Are you kidding me?!!! The best dancer goes home, yeah, that makes sense! I like Bristol Palin, but she should NOT still be there! And - Kyle who????? They get some child actor from Disney and he is still there instead of Brandy? CAN YOU TELL I AM MAD????? It sooooo should have been Jennifer Gray and Brandy in the finals!

KNITTING -
A hat I am working on as a gift.

I am trying the "magic loop" way of knitting socks with a circular needle instead of double pointed needles. If it looks confusing, IT IS! I like trying new things and this is fun for "once in a while" but it will not replace the good double needle way for me!

This a flip flop sock I am working on as a gift. One down, one to go. I think i am going to call them "Lobster socks" from now on! Don't they look like lobster claws?

The only problem with making people nice hand knitted socks, is that when they get holes, they don't want to throw them away! So I have taken up "sock darning 101" I think it turned out really well for my first time! There are lost of tutorials online if you are interested. I just googled "sock darning".

LISTMANIA - I have decided to call this section - listmania since it isn't really a top 5 anymore.
Music groups that are very well known for their anagrams rather than their whole name.
1. ELO - Electric Light Orchestra
2. BOC - Blue Oyster Cult
3. BTO - Bachaman, Turner Overdrive
4. CCR - Creedence Clearwater Revival
5. ELP - Emerson, Lake, and Palmer
6. BS&T - Blood , Sweat and Tears
7. OMD - Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark
8. STP - Stone Temple Pilots
9. INXS - in excess (this is kind of cheating)
10. POD - Payable on Death

I would do REM, but I think that is the actual band name, not the initials they are know by, so that would be cheating..(they are not - rapid eye movement - they are REM)
Ok I'm all out. Any others???

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE
And wall-to-wall books - HERE

Latte's and a sunrise.

2010-11-15T10:10:00.000-05:00

Sunrise across the road. We are so lucky that we get such a nice view of the sunrise every morning. This is just a sample of what I get to see everyday.

WHAT'S HAPPENING -
The Steelers lost to the Patriots 39 - 26, but the Ravens lost too, so we are both at 6 wins and 3 losses.

If you read my daughter's blog - Diagonally Parked in a Parallel Universe you will have read that she and her boyfriend are "taking a break" (tech. they have broken up with hopes of getting back together). They have decided to work on their own lives as separate people for a while before working on a life together. I think this was a very difficult but necessary decision. Whatever happens in their lives, either together or apart, it needs to be God's plan. I wish the best for both of them.

We had a good week last week - lots of sunshine and some warm weather. This week it is suppose to start out in the 50's and end up in the 40's and a few showers. Not really all that bad for Nov. in NY!

One of my very favorite kitchen items is my Cappuccino/Latte' maker! I got the idea from visiting my mom in TN, she has had one for years. When I saw hers I had to have one! I highly suggest that if you like coffee at all - you ask for one of these for Christmas!

This is the Mukka Express (you can get it on Amazon - HERE)

First you put in the water and coffee.

You screw it together and pour in the milk.

Cook it on the stove top for a few min.

And Voila' Yummy Latte's!

Add your fav. flavored syrup and pour into a large cup and enjoy!

TV - **********SPOILERS************

DWTS - Hmmm can't even remember his name, Oh well, the football player, he went home, no tears shed on my part.
Amazing Race - The Father and Daughter duo went home, sad, they were so cute together. I really liked her, she was adorable. I will miss her.
Survivor - UGH!!!!! I knew it! I knew it would happen, Marty's gone! Now who do I like? No one! This is going to be a case of the wrong person winning.

If you watch "Ice Road Truckers" have you been watching - "IRT Deadliest Roads"? It is where 3 of the drivers have gone over to India (I think) to drive on some of the mountain rds. Well they made a HUGE mistake editing this last show! They showed Lisa driving where it is know to have rock slides. Then the rocks started falling and suddenly Lisa was wearing a different shirt! LOL then after the rock slide she was back to the other shirt! If you are going to edit it that much you should at least make sure they are wearing the same clothes!

KNITTING - More socks!

BOOKS - Check out my book blog - Wall-to-wall books

TOP 10 -
Singers that go by their first name only -
1. Madonna
2. Sting
3. Cher
4. Jewel
5. Brandy
6. Sade
7. Pink (even tho it is not her real name, well sting either)
8. Beyonce
9. Enya (love her!)
10. Prince
See how many others you can come up with.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE

First post since the blog divorce!

2010-11-08T08:38:00.001-05:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - My hubby's birthday is Tues. so we celebrated it over the weekend. The big surprise was that his brother was here visiting from WI and came to the party! We haven't seen him in a long time. It was really great seeing him again, even if he was wearing a GB Packers sweatshirt! I told him I thought he would look better in black and gold. My husband got some nice gifts and cards. I gave him the 2 pair of socks I knitted for him. He loved them! He loves the socks I knit him, he keeps asking for more. I also made him a fold out collage of pictures to take with him to PA. I told him it was so he wouldn't forget me.

Two and a half weeks till Thanksgiving! Starting to make a list and check it twice, a food list that is. I got great news that a good friend of mine, Diane, will also be joining us for dinner that day. I am so glad. To me that is what Thanksgiving is all about, being with family and friends and sharing the love... and food!

The Steelers play tonight! Yea, Monday night football. So far they are 5 - 2. Tonight they play the Bengals (yuck!) We better win this one!

TV -
Survivor - Oh my gosh! Marty lives another day!!!! I can't believe he is so lucky. Can he talk his way through to the end? He needs to just calm down and let other people dig themselves a hole and get voted out.
Amazing Race - My girl teams are still in the race! My two favs - the Dr.s and the Shopping channel hosts. This time the Father and Son, Asian duo was last and went home. I liked them but I thought the son was a little hard on his Dad a lot of the time.
DWTS - Rick goes home, he's the basketball player, right? My favs are still in - Jenn. Gray and Brandy. The big question is how far will Bristol Palin go?

KNITTING - Made myself a quick little hat. Need to get working on Christmas gifts again!

I made this baby out of yarn I bought at "The Knitting Nest" when I went to TN. Great yarn shop, very quaint and homey feeling. The owner was great too. This yarn is sooooo soft. I wore it today for the first time, cozy!

Please check out my new book blog - HERE
I am going to be fiddling with it and fine tuning it for a while so don't be surprised by the changes. I am having a great contest. But I am also experiencing tech difficulties with the follow button. Just bare with me I am trying to fix it.

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE

New book blog

2010-11-05T09:33:00.000-04:00

Introducing a new book blog!

I am separating my blogs. I will still have a personal blog here and will now have a new book review blog, here - wall-to-wall-books
I will be doing a weekly book review along with lots of giveaways.

Hop on over right now and check out my Grand Opening and awesome giveaway!!!

Dogwood in full color

2010-11-01T10:00:00.001-04:00

Look at those colors on my Dogwood. I think is the prettiest it has ever been.

WHAT'S HAPPENING - My Mom-in-Law is out of the hospital. And she is so happy! She is still on a clear liquid diet for a couple days, then she can slowly start adding foods. She says she is in no real pain, just uncomfortable and gets tired (which is to be expected). Thank you all for your concern and prayers.

I am so glad to get Halloween out of the way. You all know that is not my favorite (non)-holiday. I call it a non-holiday because I don't think it should considered a real holiday. Now - can we get on to Thanksgiving please! I love Thanksgiving and I don't think enough emphasis is put on that Holiday. It is a real Holiday. And did you know it is the only Holiday that is solely celebrated by America? Oops I better not say that too loud or the gov. will try to take that away from us too! You know, we might be offending someone.
So lets hear some Thanksgiving plans. What do you do for Thanksgiving? Do you cook, do you go away, do you cook and take it somewhere?
My MIL and I take turns and this year it is my turn, so I will host it at my house and I will be cooking all the "big stuff" the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. And the MIL will be bringing the extras - squash, rolls, pie, relish tray, cranberry sauce, corn, etc. It is a good system for us, it works.

The cold weather has settled in, I needed to wear my heavy coat, hat and gloves today.

TV -
Amaz. Race - non-elimination round, no one goes home.
Survivor - Whoa Marty - you are one lucky dude! According to the previews, this week is the merge. So maybe Marty will luck again and not go home.
DWTS - Audrina goes home.
The Good Wife is getting really "good"! anybody else watch this show? It is a courtroom drama type show with family drama and politics thrown in.

KNITTING - I think I am going to knit my self a new hat. I am finishing up the hubby's socks, should be done by his birthday (Nov. 9th).

BOOKS - I forgot to mention the winner of "An Amish Christmas" is -

Shelley, from "Building a Log Cabin"

Shelley, please contact me with your mailing address so I can get this book out to you.

Read "The Year of Wonders" by Geraldine Brooks (4 stars), This is a Historical fiction based on fact. It takes place during the 1600's in England during the year of the Plague! Slow in some spots, but very good in most of it. Very graphic, not for people who are squeamish. I love that kind of stuff and I even went "eeew" in spots.

Read "Turtle Moon" by Alice Hoffman. Great book 4 1/2 stars! This book was about so many things.
It was about a murdered woman and a missing baby.
It was about a 12 yr old boy who saved the baby and ran away with her, but also witnessed the murder.
It was about Lucy, the boys mother, who tries to find the murderer to clear her son's name.
It was about Julian, the cop who is assigned to the case (he has a past! don't they all?)
It was about Miss Giles who takes in the boy and baby to protect them from the bad guy (she has a past too).
It was about Bobby, Julian's cousin who died in an accident when they were teenagers and who is now a ghost "The Angel" and can't leave the tree where the accident happened.
It was about Shannon, a teenager who "The Angel" falls in love with.
And it was about a town in FL that goes kind of crazy every May. When the turtles come out to find their way to the ocean, all kinds of strange things happen.

CONTESTS -
A Sea of Books - "Oogy, the dog only a family could love" by Larry Levin, this is an Audiobook (2 copies).
A Sea of Books - "The Brave" by Nicholas Evans, 2 copies - Audiobooks

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE

Illness, leaves and wineries

2010-10-26T09:21:00.000-04:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - My husband's mom has been in the hospital. She had an Ulcer that ruptured and caused infection. She is on IVs for nutrition and antibiotics and she has an NG tube to keep things out of her stomach etc. so hopefully it will all heal on its own. She is not really in much pain now, it is all just a "pain in the neck" if you know what I mean. She is miserable because of everything that is happening and very uncomfortable. She just wants to get well, get all those tubes out and get out of there. I've been trying to get there every other day to visit and call her as much as I can. It is about a 35 min. drive so not too far.

Sunday a guy that my hubby works with and his wife came up from PA and we went to the wineries. It was a real nice day except for a couple sprinkles. We went to 7 wineries! Including a couple I had never been to. Then we went to dinner at O'Malley's on the lake. We all had a great time. I can't wait to open 1 of the 5 bottles of wine I bought!

Autumn is in full force, I guess you would say we are at "peak" right now. There is not too much green left, most of the trees are in full color.

Our house -

TV -
DWTS - Only 7 left! My 2 favorites - Jenn Gray and Brandy are both still in it!
Amazing Race - Also only 7 couples left! My favorites are - Brooke and Clair (they are so funny), and Nat and Kat (the Dr.s) and the Father and daughter - Gary and Mallory.
Survivor - Still love Marty, but he better start being careful! He needs to start laying low, there are people who know how smart he is and want him gone.
Also still loving - The Good Wife, SVU, Raising Hope and Glee. "The Glades" is over for the season - :-(. and I have kinda started watching "Castle", I couldn't resist, he is too cute! I found myself turning it over for a few seconds just to look at him anyway so I figured what the heck, might as well just watch it!

KNITTING - Here are some socks I am working on for Glen, they are really comfy and are gonna fit real nice! -

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE

Book winners

2010-10-21T08:50:00.000-04:00

!!!!!WINNERS!!!!!

The winner of the book "The Waiting" by Suzanne Woods Fisher is -

Elyssa

The winner of the book "Code Triage" by Candace Calvert is -

Heather

Emails have been sent. If they don't respond within 48 hrs. I will choose other winners. Congrats!

Women's Rights, where would we be today ?

2010-10-18T06:00:00.001-04:00

WHAT'S HAPPENING - I haven't written a regular blog post in such a long time I'm not sure I remember how. I have had so many book reviews to catch up on and then the Read-a-thon, and more book reviews. While the read-a-thon is fun to do, it is also very wearing on the body! It takes several days before I am up to speed again. The whole next day I can't even see straight, and can't sleep because I am so over tired. You may ask - Is it really worth it? - YES! It is such a sense of accomplishment.

Women's Rights -
Last Wed. Ashley went to Seneca Falls to spend the day. First we went to breakfast at Jeremy's. Then walked up and down the sidewalks in town. We went to the Women's Rights Nat. Historical Park. Some of you may not know this but Seneca Falls is the site of the first woman's rights convention to discuss expanding the role of women in America in 1848. It is because of these meetings that women have the rights we have today, including the right to vote.
This building is the actual site where the meeting took place. You can see the different bricks, the old brick is the actual brick from the old building.

The wall behind me has water running over it, like a waterfall. On it is written "The Declaration of Sentiments"

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one portion of the family of man to assume among the people of the earth a position different from that which they have hitherto occupied, but one to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes that impel them to such a course.
We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of those who suffer from it to refuse allegiance to it, and to insist upon the institution of a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly, all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves, by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their duty to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of the women under this government, and such is now the necessity which constrains them to demand the equal station to which they are entitled.
The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman, having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over her. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has never permitted her to exercise her inalienable right to the elective franchise.
He has compelled her to submit to laws, in the formation of which she had no voice.
He has withheld from her rights which are given to the most ignorant and degraded men - both natives and foreigners.
Having deprived her of this first right of a citizen, the elective franchise, thereby leaving her without representation in the halls of legislation, he has oppressed her on all sides.
He has made her, if married, in the eye of the law, civilly dead.
He has taken from her all right in property, even to the wages she earns.
He has made her, morally, an irresponsible being, as she can commit many crimes, with impunity, provided they be done in the presence of her husband. In the covenant of marriage, she is compelled to promise obedience to her husband, he becoming, to all intents and purposes, her master - the law giving him power to deprive her of her liberty, and to administer chastisement.
He has so framed the laws of divorce, as to what shall be the proper causes of divorce; in case of separation, to whom the guardianship of the children shall be given, as to be wholly regardless of the happiness of women - the law, in all cases, going upon the false supposition of the supremacy of man, and giving all power into his hands.
After depriving her of all rights as a married woman, if single and the owner of property, he has taxed her to support a government which recognizes her only when her property can be made profitable to it.
He has monopolized nearly all the profitable employments, and from those she is permitted to follow, she receives but a scanty remuneration.
He closes against her all the avenues to wealth and distinction, which he considers most honorable to himself. As a teacher of theology, medicine, or law, she is not known.
He has denied her the facilities for obtaining a thorough education - all colleges being closed against her.
He allows her in Church as well as State, but a subordinate position, claiming Apostolic authority for her exclusion from the ministry, and with some exceptions, from any public participation in the affairs of the Church.
He has created a false public sentiment, by giving to the world a different code of morals for men and women, by which moral delinquencies which exclude women from society, are not only tolerated but deemed of little account in man.
He has usurped the prerogative of Jehovah himself, claiming it as his right to assign for her a sphere of action, when that belongs to her conscience and her God.
He has endeavored, in every way that he could to destroy her confidence in her own powers, to lessen her self-respect, and to make her willing to lead a dependent and abject life.
Now, in view of this entire disfranchisement of one-half the people of this country, their social and religious degradation, - in view of the unjust laws above mentioned, and because women do feel themselves aggrieved, oppressed, and fraudulently deprived of their most sacred rights, we insist that they have immediate admission to all the rights and privileges which belong to them as citizens of these United States.
In entering upon the great work before us, we anticipate no small amount of misconception, misrepresentation, and ridicule; but we shall use every instrumentality within our power to effect our object. We shall employ agents, circulate tracts, petition the State and national Legislatures, and endeavor to enlist the pulpit and the press in our behalf. We hope this Convention will be followed by a series of Conventions, embracing every part of the country.

As Ashley was reading this aloud, it brought tears to my eyes. I said to my daughter "Do realize what this means to women today? Just think what it would be like for us if none of this had never happened. And here we are at the very spot where the meetings took place! There are so many people, women, who will never get to see this first hand, and here we live just 1/2 hr away and can come here anytime we want. And what is even sadder is that there are women that don't even know about it or even care!"

If you are ever in this part of NY please go see this very important part of our history, and please think it is a big deal, because it is!

BOOKS - I had the great pleasure to finally read - "I'll Have Who She's Having" by Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke. I have been wanting to read this book since it first came out. This is a very funny book! I give it 4 stars!

It is about 2 sisters - Kelly, married and not so sure she is happy, and Kate, desperately seeking a boyfriend and husband. Kate is so set on getting the hot volleyball coach, Tim (who seems to have the hots for Kelly) that she can't see that there may be a better match right in front of her, Mark. By the time she finally realizes she may have made a mistake, it might be too late, the perfect man may have left for good. Will Kate ever get married? Will Kelly ever realize she has the perfect marriage after all?
One of the things I really loved about this book is that the chapters switch back and forth between the sisters, each telling their point of view. And once in a while there is a chapter by one of the other characters - the liqueur store owner, Kelly's husband, Tim, Mark, and others. I loved these chapters best! Definitely a worth while read!
Liz and Lisa also have a GREAT Blog - "Chick-Lit is not dead" Go visit and tell them I sent you!

Don't forget to check out Martina's Blog - HERE

An Amish Christmas, by Cynthia Keller - Review and Giveaway!

2010-10-13T17:40:00.003-04:00

About the book (from Amazon) -
     Meg Hobart has everything: a happy marriage to a handsome, successful husband, a beautiful home in Charlotte, North Carolina, and three wonderful children. But it all comes crashing down around her the day she learns that her husband, James, has been living a lie—and has brought the family to financial ruin. Penniless and homeless, the Hobarts pack up what little they still possess and leave behind their golden life for good. But it’s not the material things Meg finds herself mourning. Instead, she misses the certainty that she should remain married to James, who has betrayed her trust so thoughtlessly. Worse, she is suddenly very aware of just how spoiled her children have become. Meg wonders what her family has really sacrificed in their pursuit of the American dream.
     A frightening twist of fate forces the Hobarts to take refuge with a kind Amish family in Pennsylvania, where they find themselves in a home with no computers, no cell phones, nothing the children consider fashionable or fun. Her uncooperative brood confined to the Amish world of hard work and tradition, their futures entirely uncertain, Meg fears she can never make her family whole again.
     Celebrating life’s simplest but most essential values, packed with laughter and tears, this is a story of forgiveness and the power of love. You will never forget the special moment in time that is An Amish Christmas.

My Review -
Let me start by saying this was not like any of the other Amish fiction books I have read. This is a very sad story of a very modern average family loosing everything, and by everything I mean all their money, their cars (except for the one that is paid for) and even their home. The husband, James looses his job (and neglects to tell his wife) and then proceeds to invest and loose all their money, again without telling her. After telling the kids, who think they are gonna die! They plan to go stay with Meg's parents in upstate NY. On the way (with only what they can fit in their small car) they have an accident almost running into an Amish buggy. The Amish family, The Lutz's, being a very kind and loving family invite them to stay with them until their car is fixed. What this turns out to be is - A very rude awaking for everyone!
     There is great character development all throughout the book, so good in fact that I wanted to slap the two oldest teens several times! And let me tell you! - if my husband ever did this to me he'd be alone on the highway and I'd be with my parents! I loved the Amish family, I loved Meg (the mom) she was great through the whole thing, trying to keep her family together. And when she tells her 2 oldest teens off about their rude behavior, I literally yelled out loud "Go Mom!". I loved the way the Author portrayed the the older kids as snobby spoiled brats, and youngest as very loving and accepting. It was very believable, today's teens would totally act like that, unfortunately. It would be the younger ones to be the first to fit in, there is innocence in youth. I liked the bonding between Meg and the Amish women. Meg was looking for something, she needed to belong, and feel special after everything that had happened.

This was a great book that could be enjoyed by any age group. Thank you Library Thing Early Reviewers for sending me this book to review!

I am giving away this "ARC" (advance reader's copy) to one lucky blog viewer!
Simply comment here or email me at - forevereading at gmail dot com
Please be a resident of either Canada or the US.
If you are new please tell me where you found out about this giveaway.
A winner will be chosen on Oct 28th.

Winner!!!!

The winner of

"The Way Home" DVD is....

"Ashley Amanda"

she was lucky #7

Remember to check out Martina's Blog - HERE

READ-A-THON GRAND FINALE

2010-10-10T13:08:00.003-04:00

After a wonderful breakfast out with my hubby and a long much needed nap with my kitty.....

Drum Roll Please!!!

Total time spent reading- 19.5 hrs

Total time spent reading Blogs and posting - 3 hrs. 10 min.

Total Break time (I prob. over estimated but wanted to be fair) - 1 hr. 20 min.

Total number of pages - 1,124 (UGH! Less than last time!)

Books read -
"An Amish Christmas" by Cynthia Keller - Great book - 4 1/2 stars - I'll be writing a review and doing a giveaway for this next week! - 129 pages

"Hex Hall" by Rachel Hawkins - GREAT book!!! 5 stars! Loved it! Every bit comparable to "Casting Spells" and "Laced with Magic" only with teens! Can't wait to read the 2nd one! - 323 pages

"For Keeps" by Natasha Friend Good book only a little slow in spots - 4 stars - 267 pages

"The Heart is not a Size" by Beth Kephart, only read 2 pages, it seemed like it would take more concentration than I could handle at that time in the R-A-T!!! So I will go back and read it sometime when my "heart" is more in it!

"Freak Magnet" by Andrew Auseon, hmmm liked parts didn't like parts BUT not sure if it is a fair evaluation being soooo tired, only give it 3 stars, but admitting that I don't really remember 1/2 of it! - 293 pages

The "End of Event Survey"

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?
between 3 - 5am, had a real hard time keeping my eyes open! walked around alot, washed my face, brushed my teeth, any trick!
2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
"Hex Hall" definitely!!!Fast paced, fun, exciting, easy reading, GREAT book!
3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
No, loved it, loved, it, loved it! Well yeah actually, there could be someone right by my side at all times keeping me awake!
4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
Having my daughter here for 1/2 the time! It so helps to do it in pairs or a group. Only wish she could be here for the whole thing.
5. How many books did you read? 4
6. What were the names of the books you read?
An Amish Christmas, Hex Hall, For Keeps, Freak Magnet
7. Which book did you enjoy most?
Tie between - An Amish Christmas and Hex Hall (2 totally different books! LOL)
8. Which did you enjoy least?
Freak Magnet, but in all honesty it was the last one I read and therefore was the most tired.
9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? NA
10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? Yeah BABY!!!! What role would you be likely to take next time? Reader

Oh!!!! Also... I want to give a HUGE "High Five" to my new Bloggy friend - Sherry Ann,
This was her first time and she did great! And she was right there by my side all the way! She commented on my posts more than anyone! So this is a personal Thanks to Sherry Ann for being there and keeping me awake! Hope we can stay friends!

READ-A-THON

2010-10-10T06:02:00.000-04:00

So
hard
to stay
awake!

It is 6:00am, I barely even remember what I am reading.
I switched books. I am now reading "Freak Magnet" it seemed easier to read that the other one.

So far -
pages read - 1061