augustgirl

Fence is in, yard is a mess

2011-11-24T14:40:00.003-05:00

The fence is installed. Love it! The installation did a number on the yard. Lots of mud and not as much grass left. It doesn't help that we just had serious rain, so the mud doesn't want to go away.

The cats are getting used to being confined, and so far only Elvis has escaped. I don't know how he is doing it, but I hope to find out. He can't climb it, can't jump it, and can't burrow under it. I think he is climbing a tree and launching himself over it. Hopefully I'll see him in action sometime this weekend.

Come spring I'll need to get some grading done where the new well was dug. When it rains I get a lake back there. Big drainage issues. For now I'm just happy the cats are in the yard and not running across the street, playing chicken with people who drive too fast.

I'll try to post pictures soon. I had to get a new digital camera and am still trying to figure it out.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Howdy neighbor! *

2011-10-15T18:42:00.002-04:00

* ode to Home Improvement, which this post is about...

Things have picked up since the well went dry in May. The lawn is almost back to normal, although I have several new low spots that I need to fill in. The area is already the natural low spot of the lawn, and with the weight of the rig it just compacted it even more. Since we have had record rainfall in August and September that area is just a mess. It rained a few days ago and it is soggy.

Finally got new gutters, with gutter guards! WOOOO!

Got the shed (which is HUGE) re-shingled. Thank goodness I did because there was a hole in the roof and I didn't know it. I don't go into the shed as all of the tools I use are kept in the garage - and it's icky and dark and spidery and I don't do icky and dark and spidery. All the plywood on the roof had to be replaced.

NEW BAY WINDOW! Finally replaced the old picture and side windows in the living room. It is gorgeous. Makes the living room look so much larger. I wish I had pictures to post but my camera died the day they were coming to install it. I went outside to take a "before" picture but the camera crapped out. I need to get a new one but am not sure what to get.

Signed the contract to get the privacy fence around the entire back yard. Cannot wait! It should be installed within a month. YAY! My cats will be able to stay outside all day and I won't have to worry about their safety. I also ordered a new sliding glass door from Champion Windows that has a pet door IN THE GLASS! And? It qualifies for a $500 energy tax credit. YAY again! Now they will be able to go in and out whenever they want.

Extra bonus! I can plant tulips again because the deer won't be able to get into my yard to eat them. So I'll have daffodils in the front, which the deer won't eat, and tulips in the back. HAPPY HAPPY!

125 heat index

2011-07-23T07:16:00.002-04:00

I love summer. LOVE IT! But this heat wave has been brutal. Yesterday the high was 103 degrees with a heat index of 125 degrees. In all my born days I have never felt this kind of heat.

Oppressive, hot, humid, heavy, wet and just darn HOT.

Makes me *almost* wish for February. But not really.

Today is supposed to be another 103 degree day. OY!

July update

2011-07-10T07:16:00.003-04:00

The yard is still a mess from the well drilling. It took 2 months to get a quote from a neighbor who owns a landscaping company. Keep in mind he stopped by the house on his own and offered to help. Now that I accepted his quote, I'm waiting on the work to get done. He's giving me a very good deal so I can't really be too demanding. I guess. Not really concerned about getting it done, but I really hate that my neighbor has to look at it every day.

Despite my best efforts I have gotten poison ivy rashes twice already this year. I wear gloves when I garden and it still got on my hands. Currently I have it between my fingers, and there is a spot on my right palm. Sheesh!

Work is okay. A bunch of changes, lots of training, but mostly I'm just tired of it. I need to reset my attitude and concentrate on the fact I have a good job. But I'd really REALLY like to be filthy rich with no need to work.

Bennie the cat had an eye infection that took weeks to clear up. We tired three different eye drops/salves. The last one finally worked. Luckily it didn't spread to his other eye, or the other cats.

Had my HS reunion last weekend. It always makes me kind of melancholy afterwards, remembering the "good ole days" - and were they really that good - and remembering the missed opportunties I had. There have been a few times in my life I wish I taken the other road, but can't go back and change it. I do know that I am where I'm supposed to be. No matter which fork in the road I would have taken in the past I always would have ended up back in Maryland taking care of my parents before they died. And you know? I'm totally cool with that. I am where I'm supposed to be.

And right now I need to be at Wal-Mart buying cat food. *grin*

May - updated with pictures

2011-05-03T10:39:00.004-04:00

The rig in place, after the magnolia got a massive trim.

The "stone dust" mess after two days of drilling. This stuff hardens like cement, and I have to get it removed.

The mess the rig made on the lawn after they left. The ruts are pretty deep. This is looking from the back yard towards the street.

May is my favorite month. The weather finally starts to get warm and stay warm. Winter is in the past, and everything is green.

It's a Tuesday and I'm home. Had to take the last two days off because my well ran dry. The well drillers are here, getting ready to drill for water. I am praying they hit the motherlode of water and soon. I'll post pictures once they are done. The lawn is a mess, several trees have gotten radical "haircuts" and once they start to drill it's going to get messier.

Monday morning stuff

2011-02-21T08:54:00.002-05:00

1. I think the two best TV themes ever are the ones from Bonanza and Hawaii 5-0. Tv show themes are a lost art these days.

2. What ever happened to the "No Call list"? I get more telemarketer calls than before. Of course I don't answer the phone due to the genius that is Caller ID.

3. I vow that as soon as the weather turns warm for good, I will scrub/clean/spiff up the back deck. It's nasty and dirty all over, and green in the northern facing areas. It will sparkle and shine when I am done with it. At this point I don't have plans to replace it, so I am going to enjoy it and the first step is to clean it good.

4. This weekend I am painting one bedroom. The next weekend I am painting the third bedroom and the hallway. After the paint dries I am getting carpet for both rooms. After my bank account recovers I am looking for a new bedroom furniture to include a new mattress set.

5. My plans in #4 might come to a crashing stop if the federal budget isn't passed and I get furlowed by Congress. Cuz, in case you didn't know I am one of those unnecessary federal workers who deserve to lose their jobs. And if I do, in the words of the House Speaker -- "So be it".

6. Why is it that every time I have the day off, Matt Lauer also takes the day off? I like Willie Geist, but he's no Matt Lauer.

Questions

2011-01-23T11:11:00.002-05:00

1. Why do I go grocery shopping when I'm starving?

2. Why do I bother to make a shopping list when I leave it on the kitchen counter 9 times out of 10?

3. Where are my spare pair of glasses?

4. Why do dog owners (not all, but a lot) think it's okay to test squeeze every single dog toy in the store before supposedly buying one -- I almost never stick around long enough to see them place a toy in the cart? And do they really let their dog play with a toy that is louder and more annoying than a jet engine?

5. Speaking of the word "supposedly" (see above), why does it make me crazy when people pronounce it SU-POSE-UB-BLY? Every single episode of Ghost Hunters Steve uses the word supposedly (as in "supposedly there is activity in this part of the room", or "the owner supposedly was touched by an unseen spirit") and he says it wrong every time. Makes me cringe! Why am I a word snob? I'm certainly not perfect and I don't point out to people when they pronounce something wrong, but it makes me cringe.

6. Isn't it good to see I am very comfortable with my sci-fi geekiness that I readily admit to watching Ghost Hunters every week? Um, more than once a week, probably. Actually.

7. Is it spring yet? Anytime soon? Some time this year? Maybe? I'm sick of cold and snow. And why does my nose run every time I am out in the cold? What's up with that? I look like a sick toddler with a constant stream of snot running down my face. And no one wants to see what I look like while shoveling the driveway. Disgusting.

8. Remember the Flip Wilson Show from the 70's? I loved it! "The devil made me do it" "What you see is what you get" That was good fun. Long live Geraldine!

9. Speaking of funny people from the 70's, remember Foster Brooks and his drunk guy act? I watched a You Tube clip of him singing the 12 days of Christmas and I laughed so hard I had to stop the clip a few times to compose myself. By the way, snot ran down my face then too.

10. Why can't I stop a list on an odd number? I didn't have anything else to add after #9 , but just couldn't leave it at an odd number. I think I'm an even number snob. My birth month, birth day and birth year are all even numbers so I think I'm drawn to even numbers. Or maybe I'm weird. Probably so. What do you think? Weird, normal or I probably need to stop asking such dumb questions?

Things that made me happy in 2010

2010-12-30T06:38:00.003-05:00

In no particular order...

1. I have a job, a roof over my head, and plenty of food to eat. Can't really ask for anything more, can we?

2. Very kind neighbors who helped dig me out of the 4 feet of snow dumped on us during the double blizzards in February.

3. My Keurig coffee machine. It's going on three years old and I adore it every single day.

4. My cats are all healthy and give me joy every day. Well, almost every day. We're currently dealing with one who has tummy issues and can't make it to the litter box fast enough. Been doing a lot of laundry and floor cleaning. Which leads me to...

5. My Haan steam floor cleaner. LOVE.IT. And my purple Dyson Animal Vacuum. LOVE.IT.

6. New music this year from Keith Urban, Vertical Horizon, Gin Blossoms, and a new Christmas album from Mariah Carey! *big happy sigh*

7. Cheesecake, chocolate, prime rib, italian food, chinese food, bacon, pizza...yum.

8. My family is healthy and doing well. Both nephews are in college and have jobs. My Aunt Virginia (Dad's twin sister) will be 87 years old in February. Aunt Jane (Mom's sister) just turned 87. Both are still as sharp as tacks.

9. George Clooney.

10. Good friends. And yes, that means you. *big hug*

Black Friday thoughts

2010-11-26T11:16:00.004-05:00

1. Going to Target at 5:30am did not result in getting any super deals. All the super deals were snatched up by all the crazies who stood in line at 4am.

2. Going to Home Depot at 6:15am resulted in a super deal. I got a shop vac for $29 (marked down from $99). I refuse to bring my beloved Dyson to the nasty basement so I really wanted a one. You have to wonder how can they sell a $99 shop vac for $29 and make any kind of profit. Makes me think the shop vac is really close to a $20 value...but I don't care! I got one and I'm happy. Errant kitty litter and basement debris be warned! I'm coming after you!!!

3. Shopping in pajamas. *rolls eyes* Seriously people. Is it too much to ask for you to put on street clothes to go shopping at 6am? We know you just rolled out of bed but put forth a tiny bit of effort. I really don't care to see your warn and tattered fuzzy Old Navy pajama bottoms. It is not cute...expecially for anyone older than 6. I think the only reason I didn't see people shopping in their fuzzy slippers is because it was raining this morning.

4. How much do I love shopping at BJ's Wholesale? THIS.MUCH *spreads arms wide* I got there right at 7am as the doors were opening, found my Black and Decker convection oven/toaster (with my $20 off coupon) and breezed through to the back of the store while everyone else was buying up the electronics in the front. The only bad thing is I went hungry, so I really bought more food stuff then I had intended. In fact the only food I needed to get was cat food. Oh well! I *heart* BJ's.

5. Next year? I will be sleeping in on Black Friday and not shopping. Not worth the effort. I'm sticking to the internet to do my Christmas shopping.

6. Next on the list -- decorating. But I'll wait until tomorrow for that. I'm tired and I need a nap.

7. One a side note -- today would have been my parents' 55th wedding anniversary. Love you, Mom and Dad!

New job!

2010-11-06T07:44:00.003-04:00

I have a new job. I asked to be reassigned to another department. My first boss with the government (who is a wonderful lady, not to mention exceptional supervisor) heads up a department within the same organization I have been in for the last 7 1/2 years. It was effective last Monday and while I am still busy and working hard, I am so happy to be with someone who cares about her employees and is honest and kind.

I never would have asked for the reassignment if the new boss at my old group wasn't psycho. Talk about a whackjob! Our most recent supervisor (another lovely lady who was a joy to work for) left in April and the senior staff (myself included) rotated the job of acting boss each week. It was hard, but we were able to keep the place running just fine. Everyone was happy, just a tad bit tired. New boss - who shall now be referred to as Whack-a-Doodle - came the second week of August. By the end of the first week we knew we were doomed.

She is suspicious, sneaky, paranoid, and completely unqualified for the position. She has never been a supervisor before, and while everyone has to start somewhere, the folks we service are very high profile with a lot of power and they are very demanding (think people who wear uniforms with more than one star on their lapels). She very quickly started "throwing people under the bus" and it hasn't just been with our group. She's doing it to our partner group who shares the same office. If our boss's boss worked in our building this wouldn't be an issue, but our Deputy Director and Director work in another state, 70 miles south. They aren't here every day and so Whack-a-Doodle feels she can do what she wants because no one is watching.

To make matters worse we have within the office a typical ass kisser. He quickly determined Whack-a-Doodle was easily manipulated and he spends most of the day in her office spreading gossip and telling her information he has gathered from the floor. The sad part is everyone knows he is a weasel and has stopped talking to him. But that hasn't changed their behavior. What was once a really tight group of co-workers who liked each other has turned into a "hostile work environment" (which is a huge no no in the Federal government). People are talking about going to MER (Management/Employee Relations office) and filing complaints.

The final straw for me was when one of my co-workers came to me to and let me know that Whack-a-Doodle told her info about me. Complete lies. She told my co-worker that she had to counsel me for inappropriate behavior. I almost fell over in a faint when she told me that. Co-worker knew it was a lie, which is why she told me. The worst part? Even if it was true, a supervisor is not to divulge disciplinary information regarding one employee to another. She totally lied AND in telling the lie, violated employee confidentiality (even though it was all a lie!). Still following me?

So I did something I have never done before. When you work for the Federal government and especially for the Department of Defense, they insist on following the 'chain of command'. So I should have gone to Whack-a-Doodle first, then our Deputy Director if I didn't get any satisfaction, and then I would have gone to our Director. I totally went over both of them and called our Director from home. She was super nice, listened to everything I had to say, and then told me that I was not the first person to complain. She knew there was a problem and they were working on fixing it. I told her that even though I was going to a new job I was very worried about the folks who had to stay. They are all very unhappy (except for the Weasel - but the Director knows all about him and what he is doing - she was not surprised at all) and I am worried what this idiot can do to them and their careers. Hopefully Whack-a-Doodle will be removed soon and they'll get someone in there who can fix the damage.

New job is just as crazy busy and I've already worked 8 hours overtime in my first four days, but I'm so happy to be back with the best boss ever!

ACK!!!!

2010-10-08T13:15:00.002-04:00

I accidently smushed a stink bug when I closed the sliding glass door this morning. BLECH! Stupid buggers won't go away! It's really warm today so they've come out in full force.

In case anyone was confused, they're called stink bugs for good reason.

BLECH!!!

Stink bugs, Lucy, shopping confusion, and other stuff

2010-09-25T17:32:00.005-04:00

1. Stink bug invasion time - The beginning of fall means stink bugs try to get in your house. They're freaky looking and I do not like them. They're kind of clumsy, flying cockeyed and off balance. It looks like it's flying towards your knee, then it goes right for your head. ACK! One flew on my back the other night and hitched a ride in the house. Luckily I found it and put it back outside. Not sure if this is a North East pest or more widespread, so here is a link: http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/brown-marmorated-stink-bug

2. Had to take Lucy to the vet on Tuesday. Someone tried to take a bite out of her right hip and she's missing about a quarter size of skin, with a second puncture wound nearby. She's on antibiotics and can't go outside. Vet wants the wound to heal on it's own, so until it closes more than half way she stays inside. Can't risk flies laying eggs in the wound (sorry for the visual). Lucy was my Dad's cat and for the most part is a good little girl -- except for taking medicine. She acts like I'm trying to kill her. If I wasn't the one trying to get the dose inside her twice a day it'd be pretty funny. But I am, so its not.

Interesting side note about Lucy - she's a calico and the vet shaved around the wound. Where her fur is black, her skin is black. Where her fur is orange, her skin is orange. And white fur has white skin. I had no idea. I assumed she had one skin tone.

3. So happy football season is here, but it is bittersweet as my Dad loved football so much. I can't think of football without thinking of him. I miss him so much.

4. 3 months til Christmas. GAH!

5. What are people watching this new TV season? There is nothing new I want to spend my nights watching, or at least nothing that seems to have caught my fancy. I was thinking of "The Event" but missed the first episode. Anyone recommend it? Anything else worth watching? I am happy The Big Bang Theory has moved to 8pm.

6. My county just switched to single stream recycling. No more separating the plastics and glass from the paper; and then remembering which week was paper and which was plastics. I just dump it all into my nifty rolling bin and take it to the curb.

7. The local Wal-Mart is renovating AGAIN. This is the 3rd reno in 10 years. The last time was to add a grocery section. Now they are changing the entire layout of the store. I went yesterday to get cat food and the shelves were cleared out. The pet food is now where the shoes used to be - go figure. I just survived the Target getting completely renovated and changed (they too added a grocery section) and it still doesn't feel like the same store. When I'm in my local Target it feels like I'm in one on the other side of the country -- it just doesn't feel like my Target. I'm sure I'll cope, but you know how us oldtimers don't care for change.

8. I just got a spiffy new blender and I can't wait to make something yummy. The issue is clearing a space on my extremely limited countertop. If I keep the blender in a cabinet, I'll never use it. And I really want to make something yummy. Any recipes?

9. I walked right into the edge of the bathroom door this morning. My left cheek absorbed most of the blow. The door is fine. My cheek is fine. I was worried I'd get a bruise, but it looks like all is well. Who walks right into a door? How did I do that? And I wasn't drunk or asleep. I was leaving the bathroom after taking a shower. Sheesh.

Finally!

2010-09-19T17:34:00.002-04:00

Three shredders
Fifty one years of marriage
12 months of random shredding and I'm finally done!

This morning I shredded the final piece of paper sitting in the "to be shredded box". I never thought I would see the bottom of that dang box. My mom saved everything. She had credit card statements from the 70's, warranties for things that had been thrown away years ago, and sales receipts that were so old the ink was faded and I had no clue what had been purchased.

After I burned out the second shredder I invested in a serious heavy duty one (almost $100) and it has been worth every penny. It would shut down once it got overheated, but after a nice rest it was ready to go again. I am sure the cats will be grateful I am done with this very loud project.

To be fair, not all the paperwork I shredded was just my parents'...I had some things in there too. But I make this pledge today - I will never again let the "to be shredded box" overflow.

If there is one thing I know for sure...I will not be saving my Capital One statements for decades.

Victory!

2010-08-27T08:16:00.003-04:00

I had my annual physical with my family doctor yesterday. The dread I felt getting on that scale was very real. This past winter was rough (first winter/Christmas without Dad, and his birthday was in February, lots of snow -- back to back blizzards) and I really overdosed on my comfort foods (potatoes, ice cream, cheesecake, cupcakes).

I had gained 10 pounds since last year's checkup. This spring I decided to "get real" and cut out the carbs, refined sugar and to eat healthier. The final straw was not fitting into most of my spring slacks/trousers/work stuff. ACK!!!

So I stepped on the scale yesterday and I was down 2 pounds from last year! Not only did I lose the 10 I had gained, I also lost 2 additional. WOOOOOOO!!!!! I plan to continue to my healthy ways and would like to lose about 5 more. However, I do plan on having a nice steak and baked potato this weekend to give myself a reward. Haven't had a baked potato in ages. *drool*

One more thing. Dr is pretty sure I have a rotor cuff injury. I have been assigned exercises to do at home. If that doesn't help, the next step is physical therapy. After that -- surgery. I do not want any surgery so I will be doing my excercises. I've become rather disciplined in my chubby old age. *grin*

Also? Today is my brother's birthday.

Weekend update

2010-08-21T07:38:00.003-04:00

1. I'm seriously thinking about putting up a privacy fence in the backyard. 6' high, white vinyl -- beautiful, no maintenance and total privacy. Unfortunately, having a big back yard means a whole lot of fence. The quote I got was $14,600. Yikes.

2. This weekend I'm pet sitting for my neighbor/coworker Cindy. Her daughter is getting married today and my job is to stop by the house and feed the cats, fish and frogs. Everything went well yesterday evening, and I'm going to do the morning round shortly. I get so nervous doing this because I just would die if something happened on my watch.

3. Is it really almost September? What happened to the summer?

4. Not only have I gotten the new laptop, I finally replaced my old iPod with an iTouch. LOVE IT! I just can't seem to be able to connect it to my wireless network here at home. I'll work on that this weekend. If I have time, which brings me to ....

5. Chores for the weekend: grocery shopping, laundry, clean the basement (ACK!), and work on getting crap out of the attic (double ACK!), and figure out where to put the attic crap (basement or garage?). I want to get the attic cleared so I can get it insulated properly.

Tidbits and stuff

2010-07-24T18:09:00.002-04:00

1. Friskies has a new Party Mix flavor -- Cheezy Craze Crunch. So far it's a hit with everyone except for Mousie (which isn't surprising because she only eats Fancy Feast Seafood, Salmon, and maybe Chicken -- she turns her nose up at everything else).

2. HOT! This summer has been brutal. Today was another record for high temps. It is so humid out it's like walking out into a sauna. I do not look forward to getting the next electric bill.

3. Cell phones annoy me. Cell phone users annoy me more. Remember the good ole days when phone conversations were private because everyone had them in their home or in a enclosed phone booth? Not at the grocery store or standing in line at the bank?

4. Tomorrow I'm going to Best Buy and getting whatever Dell laptop they have in stock. I cannot take this PC anymore. It's 10 years old and slower than molasses in winter. I've given up on my dream of a Mac for now -- too pricey and I can't justify the cost. I like Dell and don't really feel like I'm "settling", I'm just being practical. Being practical sucks.

5. Summer injuries to date: Stepped on a bee, got poison ivy. Oh! I woke up at 3am earlier this week with a major charleyhorse. OUCH! I know that's not an injury, but it hurt bad. My leg is still sore.

6. That's all I've got. I was thinking of going outside to see if anything needed watering, and then coming back with more items, but I'm pretty sure I won't have anything more to add. Things are pretty calm and boring -- not that I'm complaining.

She's mine!

2010-07-05T07:10:00.002-04:00

Meet Daisy (aka Baby Girl). No one reported her missing, so after a 2 week waiting period she is mine. She is the sweetest thing ever and terribly spoiled (yes, she is laying on the table). She's going to the vet sometime this week, depending on when they can fit her in.

Some Daisy tidbits - she's a tortiseshell calico, she loves Hillshire Farms Oven roasted turkey and whatever her big sister Mousie is eating, and she loves to be brushed. Her favorite snack is any of the Friskies Party Mix flavors, and never met a lap she didn't want to lay in.

I'm a foster Mom!

2010-06-20T09:06:00.009-04:00

Look what showed up on my door. Well, it was my neighbor who showed up with her. Pretty little kitty followed neighbor Cindy and her hubby home from their morning walk. They own rottweilers, and in Cindy's words, they don't know "nothing about kittens". They knocked on many doors asking if anyone is missing a kitty. No takers.

Cindy knows I have cats and came here asking if I was missing one. I'm not, but that doesn't mean I wasn't curious. So I said I'd take a look at her (Lost Kitty was in a dog cage in the back of their van). Cindy opened the cage and this sweet girl almost leaped into my arms. She was filthy dirty, loaded with fleas and terribly skinny. As soon as I saw how bad she was I told Cindy I'd take her.

The plan is to canvas the neighborhood to find an owner (personally, I think someone dumped her hoping some smuck *points to self* would take her -- people have always dumped their unwanted pets in this neighborhood). I've already called the Humane Society to see if anyone reported her missing. No one has.

Right now she has a full belly, has been combed with the flea comb, had Frontline applied, and is sleeping on the bed. If I leave the room she howls until I come back. Clearly she has been around people and is not a feral cat.

I can't help but notice she came to me on Father's Day. I think my dad had something to do with this. Cindy knew my dad and when she found her Dad was probably whispering in her ear..."take her to Augie. Take her to Augie". My dad was the biggest softie in the universe.

She's been with me all afternoon and I love her already. I'm hoping no one claims her. Like I need another cat, but hey! What is one more? Her name is Baby Girl until I find her family or until I officially adopt her (which in my mind is when I take her to the vet).

2010-06-16T17:55:00.003-04:00

Small bed in the front of the house, to the right of the front door. It gets late afternoon sun so it's hard to find different things to plant. Last year I had lantana, so this year I thought I'd do sweet potato vines, petunias and snapdragons.

Close up of the vine and petunias.
More of the calla lillies. This is about 3 feet tall. The color is a lighter pink than the other one (posted below).

This one is not as tall, but the color is a deeper pink. Kim -- see how close they are to the house? If you plant yours just as close, in a sunny spot and mulch well I bet you won't have to dig them up each fall.

For Kim...

2010-06-12T07:40:00.004-04:00

Kim asked for flower photos..

Calla lilies under the front picuture window. I have two bunches, and am thrilled that they keep coming back each spring. Calla lilies should be dug up each fall, but these are so close to the house that they survive the winter. Will plant a ton more this fall. Love them!

A view from the southeast corner of the house. This gets full on sun each day and the rose bush seems to do well. I planted it last summer in Dad's honor. He loved roses. Just behind the rose bush is my lavender that has been there forever. I don't even remember when it was planted (I think before I moved to Florida in 1996). Right in front of the rose is a japanese maple (it was a freebie! It just started growing from seed so I left it there -- might have to relocate it in a few years, but for now it likes this spot). You can see the back deck here. After the second blizzard in February the snow was piled above the top of the railing after I had shoveled all the snow off the deck. Not fond memories.

This is a close up of just to the left and below the rose bush. The japanese maple is to the right. The darker red plant is yarrow (LOVE yarrow! -- it blooms all summer long), and the yellow is tickseed. Just behind and between the tickseed and yarrow is my favorite flower of all time...lantana. This one is a yellow/orange/red combo. LOVE IT! You can also see a few sprigs of lavender popping up.

Another new rose bush. This is a climbing rose called "pinata". It starts out yellow/pink, then morphs into orange then red. It's gorgeous. I should have taken a picture when I planted it last month, but forgot to. Roses bloom better in cooler weather, so normally the first bloom in spring, then the last one in September have the best colors.

More of the pinata rose...

I planted orange/red lantana and a salmon/reddish small pansy right in front of the rose. This area is just to the left of the back deck, and just to the right of the lavender and yellow rose bush shown above.

My chore today is to mulch. Or maybe that will be tomorrow's chore. I've told Breezy the last three weekends I was going to mulch. LOL! I'm a big ole liar. Hopefully this weekend I'll be telling the truth. Maybe.

More pics to come!

Found!

2010-06-05T19:02:00.004-04:00

I found Mable! She was the daughter of my Dad's Uncle Hannagin and his wife Mary. She was born in 1907 in Oklahoma. The last record I have of her is from the 1920 census when her family lived in Texas. By then she had a little sister Lucille (I cannot find any pictures of Lucille). I have no idea what happened to her, but I'm determined to keep searching.

Meet Great Uncle Hannagin and Aunt Mary, Mable's parents. Hannagin was born in 1881 in Tennessee and died in 1969 in California. He was 89 years old. I don't have any other information on Aunt Mary other than she was born in Texas around 1883. Aren't they a nice looking family?

Part of the problem with researching family members is the earlier census were all handwritten and therefore misspelling can be rampant. In addition, many people gave nicknames to the census workers instead of their given names. In my Dad's family, most of his siblings all went by their middle names (Aunt Roberta - as I knew her - was actually Mary Roberta. Aunt Veola was Opal Veola. I never knew this about either of them until I joined ancestry.com).

Great Uncle Hannagin is a perfect example of name misspellings. In the first census he is listed in -1900 - his name is spelled "Hanagam". In the 1910 census his name is spelled "Hannagie". On both the Social Security and California death certficates, it is spelled Hannagin. The only reason I finally found him, Mary and Mable was by searching for all people born in Tennessee in 1881 with just his first initial and last name. About halfway through the search I found his California death certficate and I knew it was him. California lists the person's state of birth and mother's maiden name, and it was a perfect match. Finally! My very next search gave me the 1910 census with Mary and Mable! SUCCESS!

The picture I posted of him and Mary above has the inscription on the back "Mr. H.... AugiesLast Name and Mrs. Mary AugiesLastname". It was written in pencil and is faded, and I just could not read the first name. I thought it might be Uncle Hannagin, but at that time I was looking for Uncle Hanagam. And I wasn't sure his wife was Mary, so I didn't really know who they were. Once I found the census with Mary listed as his wife, I knew the picture was of them.

It's like being a detective. I love it. As of today, Ancestry.com does not have any census records later than 1930, so I am hoping once they get the 1940 and 1950 census records I can find out what happened to Mable. But for now I'm happy to know her place on the family tree.

Meet the family...

2010-05-30T15:19:00.003-04:00

From left - Great Aunt Lula, my grandmother Mary, Great Uncle Carl (my Mom's side of the family). Picture taken about 1906.

My Great Grandfather Charles - Houston, Texas circa 1946 (my dad's grandfather on his mom's side). He lived to be 90 years old. He was a school teacher.

Great Uncle Carl (that's also him in the first picture above) - he served in WWI and died at age 24 in 1920. He had been gassed in the war, came home and eventually died of his injuries. I have had this picture framed and displayed in my home since I graduated from college. His story makes me so sad, and I know my grandmother and Aunt Lula never really got over his death. My Dad and his twin sister Virginia, about 1930. I love this picture. It too has traveled with me for years. Aunt Virginia is the last sibling left.

My Great Uncle Hezekiah (my Dad's uncle). He was born in 1886. Apparently Hezekiah is an old family name...I've found 5 people in the family tree with this name. Uncle Hezekiah was Dad's favorite uncle. He died in 1947.
I still haven't found Mable (see a few posts below), but I haven't given up. I'll post more family pics later on.

Getting all grown up and stuff...

2010-05-20T17:49:00.003-04:00

I have offically grown up. I have my very own paid-in-full cemetary plot (next to Mom), vault, and plaque. The plaque will be ready to install in about a month. Nice Mr. Nixon at the memorial gardens will call me when the rendering is in, at which time I will go to the office and approve it. Upon approval, they will make it and install it. Not sure how I'll feel the first time I see the plaque in it's full glory, announcing to all my final resting place.

Since the plaque is paid off, I have now purchased my very own coffin, to include the interment fees (hey, they don't plant you in the ground for free folks!). I have to say the decision regarding which coffin to buy was simple. He showed me pictures of a few of them, I picked one type, then I had a choice between copper and silvertone. I picked copper. Pretty sure my comment to him was something along the lines of "Well, I don't really care since I won't be looking at it. But, I think I'll look good in cooper". Am I a dork, or what?

Easy payment plan, no interest...can't beat that with a stick. Once this is paid off, I will make my way to the funeral home and buy myself a funeral. Fun!

I'm hoping I don't have to use any of this any time soon, but I want to make sure my nephews don't get stuck with paying for my burial.

Pre-paid funeral costs: The gift that gives only when you are gone.

Looking for Mable

2010-05-08T10:07:00.005-04:00

I found this picture in a box in the attic. It had loads of old pictures my Dad had gotten from his mother's house when she died in 1964. Neither my brother or I had a clue the box was up there and if I had known it was there I would pulled it out years ago to go over with Dad. There are pictures of great aunts, great uncles, cousins once, twice, three times removed. Some have names on the back, others don't.

This picture of Mable has her name on the back, but no date. It simply states "Mable *insert Augie's last name*". I called my Dad's twin sister last weekend to see if she knew who Mable is/was and she didn't know. Unfortunately Aunt Virginia is 86 years old and is the last of Dad's siblings, so if she doesn't know I don't know who would.

Because of this box of photos I plunked down $145 to join Ancestry.com. I am completely and totally addicted to this website. I am having a blast reseaching my family. So far I haven't found Mable, and my fear is that she lived and died in between one of the census. The picture looks like it was taken around 1915 to maybe 1925. The database for the 1850 to 1930 census is pretty detailed, and I have found most of my Dad's family in each of them, but no Mable. I also am having trouble finding records for several of Dad's uncles and one Aunt.

I am hoping as more people join the website and input their families I'll get matches for them. But as of today I am searching for Mable, Lenia, Hezakiah, Hercias and their immediate families.

I've had much more luck with Mom's side. Her brother Norman had done extensive research years ago so I knew a lot going in. And since Mom's family basically immigrated to Pennsylvania and has stayed there, it's been easier getting connections from other members' trees. Dad's family immigrated to Philadelphia from England, then moved all over the south. We had originally thought Dad's side was from Tennessee, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. Imagine my surprise to find out we also have connections to Virginia, South Carolina, West Virginia, Alabama, and Texas.

The immigration information I've gotten has completely surprised me, too. We thought Dad's family was from Ireland (wrong...England), and Mom's was solely German. Well, we have a strong Irish link from Mom's side to include the German, and Dad's is the English and German. I have found greatgrandparents (many times removed) from Finland, Switzerland, France, Italy, Sweden, and Norway.

We knew we had Cherokee blood, but I've also found we are related to the Delaware Tribe (a great grandfather was Chief Big Thunder, born 1594 in Delaware). This is on my Mom's side. She would have loved to have know this! Chief Big Thunder's daughter (my great grandmother many times removed) was named Princess Bright Lightning. She married a Finnish immigrant named Hendrick Coleman, and their line eventually made it's way to my Mom's mom. How cool!

And? I'm related to Humphry Bogart!!! We share a great grandfather (9 times removed for me, 8 times removed for Humphry - his name was John *insert Augie's last name*). This great grandfathers' sons all immigrated to America. His son John *insert Augie's last name* Jr came to Philly and this lineage made it's way to me. Another son Simon *insert Augie's last name* also came to Philly and his lineage made it's way to Humphry. Humphry and I are distant cousins. My Aunt Virginia was thrilled to find this out. I am too. :-)

There is also evidence of links to German Dukes and Duchesses. Hopefully this information won't go to my head. I'll try not to start referring to myself as Princess/Duchess Augie, however if you'd like to call me Princess Augie feel free!

Be prepared to be bored with more details of my family's history as I find them. I also plan on posting more photos. I'm obsessed with all these old photos and it's been rewarding to find out the details of their lives.

Dandelions! Dang Dandelions!

2010-04-22T18:56:00.002-04:00

I hereby declare war on the freakin' buttload of dandelions that has implanted itself in my lawn.

FEAR ME YOU YELLOWBELLIED BASTARDS !!!!! FEAR.ME.

For some reason...

2010-04-03T08:02:00.002-04:00

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE 3/31/10

...this reminds me of someone. In a good way.

Dang it!

2010-03-29T15:16:00.002-04:00

My sump pump died this morning. Thankfully it was a very loud death or else I would not have realized it and gone to work. For those of you who do not have basements, a dead sump pump is a bad thing, especially when it's raining. Like today.

They installed a temporary one and will come back Wednesday to make it permanent. This will involve making the sump well larger as the current one is extremely insufficent. I'm told jackhammers will be involved. Yippee. I'm sure the cats will all need to be on valium by the time they are finished. Which is supposed to take all day.

*sigh*

More random crap you probably don't care about...

2010-03-19T17:08:00.003-04:00

1. My right knee has developed a new issue to go with the grinding of my floating patella...shooting hot pain when I kneel on it. I'm seriously falling apart. There might be one part of my body that isn't giving me trouble. Maybe.

2. The 6 artists currently residing in my car's CD changer:
~~Daughtry
~~P!nk
~~Kings of Leon
~~Lady Antebellum
~~Lady GaGa
~~Carolina Liar

3. The news of Sandra Bullock's husband cheating on her has me so incensed you'd think I was the one cheated on. I feel like going to California to kick his ass myself. How.Dare.He.

4. It's very apparent I need to remove several bushes and trees that did not fare well this winter. Not to state the obvious, but over 40 inches of snow in 5 days can really do a number on the landscape.

5. I am trying very hard to clip and use coupons in order to save on my grocery bill. Last Saturday $25 was taken off the total using coupons. Very exciting! I'm pretty sure that was a fluke, but I figure if I diligently clip coupons for items I use, I can probably save around $5 a week. Small amount, but it can add up.

6. Every day when I leave for work I tell one of the cats they are in charge. "Harry, you're in charge today. Everyone listen to Harry". I told someone at work about this and they asked me if I thought they understood. I said, no, they're cats, I'm pretty sure they don't speak English. I do it because it cracks me up (clearly I amuse myself and/or I'm nuts - or both), not because I think they understand. But can you imagine if they did? Harry, the grumpy one, would make everyone go in the basement and stay there until I got home. That way he'd be alone upstairs without anyone bothering him. Bennie, the big sweet lovey dovey: "Get on the bed everyone, let's cuddle until Mom gets home". Lucy, the prissy calico: "I don't care what anyone does, but if you make a mess you clean it up".

Good grief!!!!

2010-03-09T17:19:00.003-05:00

Did you see George Clooney at the Oscars on Sunday? More specifically, did you see his hair? His hair was shaggy, lifeless and sadly in need of a trim.

And he looked pretty sour through most of the ceremony (or what I saw). That Italian bimbo is ruining my George. He needs to wise up and call me. Seriously.

Augie's secrets

2010-02-27T07:55:00.003-05:00

Things you might not know about AugustGirl *

1. In September I was given the Commander's Award for Civilian Service from the activity I am assigned to at work. It's given by the Department of Defense to civilian employees. Not a lot of people receive it -- you get a medal and a certificate (which both are now professionally framed and hanging in the house). I have to say (very humbly) it's a pretty big deal. I didn't tell any of you because it was just so bittersweet. My father would have been so proud and would have just grinned for days and days. If only I could have received it before he died.

2. Most super sweet, sappy commericals make me cry. I'm a huge crybaby. If you cry, I cry. If the lady on the Kleenex commerical cries, I cry. It's pretty embarassing.

3. It's becoming very clear that I am developing arthritis in my hands. Both my Mom and maternal Grandmother had it. (no old jokes, please)

4. I am very brand loyal. It takes a lot for me to switch brands after I find something I like. Usually if I do buy something new (for whatever reason: coupon, recommendation, etc) I almost always switch back. Some favorites: Ford, Tide, Kleenex, Cottonelle, Glad Forceflex, Pilot P-500 pens, Sharpie markers, Tom's of Maine toothpaste

5. I am lactose intolerate.

6. My second toes are longer than the big toe. It has a name: "Morton's toe".

7. My arms are my favorite part of my body.

8. In 2003 my doctor thought I had Hodgkin's Disease, so they biopsied a lymph node on my neck. No cancer, but now I have an almost 2 inch long scar on my neck.

9. I collect ceramic teapots; however I'm not much of a tea drinker. I prefer coffee.

10. I want to retire to a beach house somewhere far away from snow and cold (this probably doesn't suprise anyone of you).

* who, despite having a blog, is rather a private person

Word snob?

2010-02-23T18:33:00.003-05:00

TOY-O-DA

In my world, that is the way one pronounces the name of the big car company named TOYOTA.

So far this week I have heard the following:

"TEA-O-TA" -- this from a European business correspondent on MSNBC (I think she is Swiss)

"TIE-O-DA" -- CNN reporter (he is definitely North American)

Considering the amount of trouble they are in, I'm sure there will be other opportunities for me to cringe at an odd pronounciation or two, or three.

It shouldn't bug me, but it does. But not as much as Bush's "nucular". Or a former co-worker calling the first meal of the day "breff-fass".

I think I'm a word snob. Is that a bad thing?

Happy Birthday Dad

2010-02-15T09:06:00.002-05:00

I still can't wrap my head around the fact you are gone, even though it has been 10 months. I miss you terribly, but I know you are with Mom and are very happy. Love you.

So sick of it...

2010-02-10T06:48:00.009-05:00

Snow. *sigh*
For those who don't know, I live in the Mid-atlantic region, smack dab in the middle of the Washington-Baltimore-Philadelphia corridor.
Two feet of snow last Saturday.
6" the prior Saturday, 4" last Tuesday.
20" forecast for today.
December was snowy and cold.
January was very cold.
I am very tired of winter.

Breezy and I are moving to Aruba. Anyone care to join us?

Pics from 2/06/10:

View of the back yard last Saturday. You can see where the snow that had accumulated on the top right railing had fallen over (not to the right and on the ground, but to the left back onto the deck where I had to shovel it -- dang it!). By the way, I REALLY need to power wash the deck, but that has to wait until spring.

View from my bedroom window in the front of the house. You shouldn't be able to see the neighbor's house but my 10 foot tall cedar was flat on the ground, covered in snow. I cleared it off, but I am worried about its survival. This new snow is not going to help matters.

Next two: 02/07/10

Pic 1: Driveway Sunday morning before I could shovel.

Pic 2: After an hour of shoveling I was about a 1/3rd of the way done.

Please note my neighbor had already cleared his driveway with the snow blower late Saturday night. Please also note I do not have a snow blower. Yet.

Overrated...

2010-02-02T18:04:00.002-05:00

Beyonce - Her voice is torture to my ears. Yes, she can shake her booty, but at best she should be a back up dancer for Jamie Foxx (and as a singer Jamie is rather overrated too). But 6 Grammys? You have GOT to be kidding. OVER.RATED.

Brad Pitt - I just don't get it. Plus his association with creepy Angelina is doubly disturbing. Angie <---also overrated. And throw in Jessica Alba and Megan Fox in that pile.

Healthy eating - If I want to eat an entire triple cheese pizza for breakfast, or have 8 huge Snickers bars for lunch, who's business is it? Well, besides mine and my almost too small black dress pants? Damn that stupid healthy eating pyramid. The high fat crap needs to be at the widest part (and I'm not talking about my ass -- well, actually I kinda am talking about my ass).

Exercise - see above. Sheesh! Being Lazy? So not overrated.

Stupid weather forecasters!

2010-01-31T09:35:00.002-05:00

I'm heading out to shovel 6 inches of snow off the driveway, sidewalk and back deck. The storm that was supposed to stay way south of us yesterday *waves to Boo* and perhaps give us snow flurries actually dumped at least 6 inches over my area of Maryland (Baltimore area).

As late as yesterday morning they (Weather Channel, local newscasts) all said we'd get snow flurries in the late afternoon and might have one inch by Sunday morning. It started snowing at 11am and didn't stop until around 8pm. At 11am I headed out to Target to get a prescription refilled, then wanted to stop at the grocery store for my normal weekend excursion.

I spent 5 minutes at Target and drove across the street to the grocery store. Spent about 20 minutes at the grocery store and when I walked outside it was snowing so hard you couldn't see 20 feet in front of you. In 20 minutes we had gotten the one inch total they had predicted for the entire day. It took me 30 minutes to drive 3 miles home, then when I got to my street they were not letting people into my neighborhood.

To get on my street you have to take a right turn from the main road, then you immediately drive up a very twisty, steep hill. If the hill has not been salted it becomes a slip-n-slide of terror. In the many years my family has lived here I have seen countless cars spin, twist, and pummel each other trying to drive up or down that hill. When a snow storm is predicted my county is very good about pre-salting most roads, but since this one was totally blown by everyone, the salt trucks were not out.

Since I have a four wheel drive vehicle, I asked the nice police officer if I could try to get up the hill. I had waited at the bottom for about 10 minutes and the salt truck wasn't there yet. He told me I could try if I wanted, but I knew if I took out the Kirby's mailbox he wasn't going to be too pleased (not to mention the Kirbys). Off I went. Not one bit of trouble! I love my Ford Escape.

Home at last. Now I have to shovel. Ugh.

Is it spring yet?

Assorted thoughts and stuff

2010-01-18T08:16:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since my last post and I'm got some things to get off my chest.

1) I think next Christmas I'll either book a room in a tropical resort *waves to Swami* or stay home. Traveling in December sucks, especially when you fly after some idiot lights his underwear on fire on an international flight. And if I'm going to travel, it is going to be for sunshine and palm trees, not for Columbus, Georgia.

2) Who in their right mind would have new windows installed in January? Me!!!! All the bedroom windows, a bathroom window, and a new garden window in the kitchen. Took them all day, and to say it was cold in the house is putting it mildly. But well worth it.

3) Season premiere of 24 last night! YAY! I love Jack Bauer. Two weeks til Lost! YAY!

4) New favorite artist -- Lady Gaga. Love.Her.

5) I bought a Wii. I've gained 10 pounds since Dad died, and this is on top of the weight I've gained since I moved back to Maryland in 2002. I have got to "unfluff" (as Breezy puts it). I refuse to buy clothes in a higher size, and will wear the same old crap to work until I take this weight off.

6) Saw the cast lineup of the next Survivor and am seriously considering going off my self imposed Survivor ban. Fireman Tom! Colby! *drool* Oh yeah...I think I need to check it out.

7) Seven. If I told you I had seven cats would you think that was too many? That this makes me the crazy cat lady? Just asking.

8) New SyFy series starts Friday! Caprica, the Battlestar Galactica prequel. Two words ladies...Esai Morales. Oh yeah!

9) Ikea doesn't serve their Ligonberry juice in the cafeteria anymore. DANG IT! I love that stuff.

10) I can't stop watching the coverage of Haiti. So heartbreaking.

11) Speaking of Haiti -- Pat Robertson, Rush Limbaugh and their ilk can burn in hell. I'm ashamed of them, that they call themselves Americans, that Robertson labels himself a Christian, that Limbaugh tells his followers not to give to the Red Cross.

12) Because of Limbaugh, I purposely went to the White House website, clicked on the link to the American Red Cross, and made a donation. Take that, you idiot asshole!

13) Is anyone still watching Heroes? I stopped after the second season because I just lost interest...has it gotten better? Should I wait for the full series to go on DVD or just chalk it up to a good idea gone bad?

14) Biggest pet peeve of 2010 (so far) --- fools who text while driving. Unbelievable.

15) Robert Downey Jr is one beautiful man.

Snow, Shovel, Sore

2009-12-20T14:39:00.002-05:00

Snow - 18 inches total

Shovel - Two hours to shovel the driveway

Sore - Every part of my body. OW!

I really want to take a nap, but I fear I won't be able to get up again. OW!

It's time to buy a snow blower. Of course once I do get one we won't get any measurable snow ever again. But at least my knees will thank me.

Fort Hood victims

2009-11-09T17:44:00.002-05:00

If you can believe it, one of the soldiers killed at Fort Hood last week lived in my town. She had just gone to Fort Hood as the last step before being redeployed to Iraq. Read about her, Juanita Warman, and the other victims here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/nation/fort-hood-victims.html

These people did not deserve this. Such a terrible thing. As an Army daughter, an Army sister, Army aunt, and a civilian employee of the Department of Army who works on an Army base, I have lots of thoughts and opinions but I'll save those for another day -- maybe. Suffice it to say, I'm saddened and angry.

And further more...

2009-10-30T19:28:00.002-04:00

Just booked my flights to/from Georgia for Christmas. Also booked the cats for boarding at a kennel during the same time. I haven't told them yet, but boy are they gonna be pissed when they find out. Try to keep it on the down low so they don't find out, okay? Living with pissed off cats sucks.

Probably not going to put up a Christmas tree this year, but I will decorate the outside of the house. I think having a tree will be just too sad with Dad gone. Next year I'm sure I'll do the whole house decorating thing, but this year I just need to be a party pooper and be sad about Dad. Besides, going to my brother's house for Christmas kind of gets me out of having to put one up.

Ordered custom blinds for the bedrooms, kitchen and the master bath. It's my first foray into blinds instead of curtains (the cheapo blinds that come in apartments don't count). Can't wait for them to be installed.

I've decided to replace my PC with an iMac. If I hadn't ordered the blinds I'd be at the Apple Store in Towson this weekend, but once I squirrel away the cash I will be going MAC. In addition I will be replacing my iPod with an iTouch *waves to breezy*. YAY!

I am praying the weather holds up this weekend as I have a ton of bulbs to plant. The last three weekends have been rainy and I couldn't get out to plant. I think this will be my last chance so cross your fingers I get at least one good day to dig, plant and mulch.

Still hanging in with FastForward, um, er, FLASHForward. *grin* *waves to swami and kim* I'm not real happy with the introduction of Charlie from Lost (can't remember his name). Didn't care for him on Lost, pretty sure I'll hate him here, too. I hate to admit it but he looks like a troll or elf or something like that and I just can't get past it. Yes, I'm shallow.

New favorite CD -- Leave This Town by Daughtry. LOVE.IT.

The new Sue Grafton comes out in December. Can't wait. It'll be "U is for Undertow". YAY! I'm hoping when she completes the alphabet she won't retire. Maybe she'll start a new series with numbers. Or maybe the greek alphabet. Kinsey Millhone rules!

I cannot believe we are at the end of October. Unreal. Where did the year go?

On the bright side, we are that much closer to the return of Lost in 2010! YAY!

Random thoughts and stuff

2009-10-06T18:40:00.000-04:00

I've been neglectful of my little blog. Sorry, little blog!

1. Ben & Jerry's Key Lime Pie ice cream (Limited Batch) is DA BOMB!

2. So happy we have a new season of the Amazing Race. I'm hoping the engaged couple stays a bit longer because they are just so darn stupid and it's entertaining -- however I'm not sure my ears can take too much more of her shrieking. Holy Cow, her voice is awful; especially when she is upset and/or excited. Which seems to be always. Ow!

3. So, I couldn't figure out the correct spelling of "shrieking" (nothing looked right) so I tried to go to dictionary.com for help. How pathetic is it that I mispelled "dictionary" in my google attempt to find out how to spell something? Ironic, yes?

4. I'm not sure if I'm going to continue to watch FastForward. Can't quite put my finger on it, but I don't seem to be warming up to it. I like the premise of the show and I love a good mystery with sci fi thrown in, but I guess I'm just not really connecting to any of the characters. Maybe I'll wait until the whole thing comes out on DVD. I'll give it a few more weeks before I give up completely.

4a. On the opposite side, totally psyched about the newest Stargate series: Stargate Universe. The premiere was this past Friday and can't wait for the next episode.

4b. Thursday night: The Office: Pam and Jim get married! YA HOOOOOO!

4c. Not happy they moved The Big Bang Theory to 9:30. I cannot stay awake that late (waits for all the snickering to die down -- hey, I get up at 4:30am for work). DVD here we come.

5. Things that make me go "Really?":
-- Hollywood types defending Roman Polanski. I think they would have a different opinion of the matter if it was their 13 year old daughter he had plied with booze and drugs, and then raped (and apparently other vile things). He pleaded GUILTY, for GOD'S sake, then he FLED the country. Really, Debra Winger? You want to defend him? Really?
-- Jon Gosselin. He gets axed from the show, then immediatley demands they stop filming because it's "bad for the kids". I'm thinking his behavior this year (23 year old girlfriend, party hopping between Vegas, LA and NY, and current unemployed status) is a lot more damaging to his kids then a film crew following them around. Get a job and support your children, you jerk. What a douchebag.
-- Rubber testicles hanging from the back bumpers of vehicles (in my area it's mostly pickup trucks). I've seen about three vehicles with this in the last few months, the most recent during my drive home this afternoon. I'm hoping it doesn't catch on. Gross!
-- The three Kardashian sisters. Really? I seriously need to stay away from the E! channel.

6. I have to book my flight to Georgia for Christmas. Don't really want to go, but if I don't want to be alone on December 25th I have to. I hate traveling during the holidays. I did it every year I lived in Tampa...*sigh*

7. It's time to replace both my computer and my iPod. Yikes! Not sure which one is going to hold out longer. Any suggestions for the computer? I'm going laptop this time.

8. I am going to spend my holiday weekend (YAY for Columbus DAY!) painting. I hate painting. I got some special tools at Home Depot that are supposed to make it painless (yeah, right) so I'm hoping this time it is less painful. Stay tuned...

9/12 Happy Birthday Mom

2009-09-12T09:33:00.004-04:00

I have a feeling you and Dad are having a fantastic party wherever you two are. He missed you terribly the last 2 plus years and now that he is with you I am sure you both are "in heaven". I miss you, Mom.

This is Mom and my brother -- taken somewhere along a Maryland beach in June 1957.

My new animal

2009-09-08T08:46:00.003-04:00

I brought home a new member of the family this weekend. His name is Dyson:

He is already my favorite. *swoon*

Team Kate, Cheesecake, Flip flops, and other stuff

2009-08-11T18:28:00.000-04:00

1. After much deliberation, I have decided I am on Team Kate (as in Jon & Kate Plus 8). She was on the Today Show yesterday and I really felt sorry for her. Yes, as a viewer of the show I know she can be a shrew, a nag, a pill. But it was always directed at Jon, and who really knows what he is like to live with? I mean, he never seemed to hold a job and always had to be told what to do. That could really wear on a person, especially with 8 kids to raise. And this whole "I'm with Hailey, now I'm with Kate 2.0., nevermind -- I'm back with Hailey" is just plain junior high. So, I'm Team Kate. Who's with me?

2. There is a brand new beautiful cheesecake waiting for me in the fridge. I got it for my birthday -- actually, I bought it for myself as my birthday cake, I didn't receive it as a birthday present. I was going to have a piece yesterday (which was my birthday) but I was so stuffed from lunch I couldn't eat anything. And now I have stuffed my face again and I'm not sure I can eat anything more tonight. Is it still considered a birthday cake if you don't eat it until two days after? What are the rules/protocol for birthday cakes?

3. Did you know you can throw your LL Bean flip flops in the washing machine and they come out all shiney and sparkly and almost new looking? Well, you can, and they do, and it's awesome.

4. I'm still not on Facebook, I still don't have a tattoo, but I did finally get a cell phone. My brother badgered me enough about it that I finally gave in. The fact that BJ's had a special too good to turn down didn't hurt either. Free phone, no activation fee, and a sale on the car charger kit.

5. A brand spanking new Panera's is going up less than a mile from my house! *JOY* The closest one to me now is about 15 miles away and I really never make it to that area. When I lived in Tampa there were two in my area. One about a mile south, and one about a mile north of my apartment. Heaven! I get my Panera's back (I have to wait a few more weeks, but it will be worth it!).

6. The cheesecake in the fridge is calling my name. Perhaps I should go check on it to see if it's okay...

Lantana mania

2009-07-19T07:32:00.008-04:00

I am officially obsessed with lantanas. If you can get them in your area I highly recommend you plant them in your yard.

Small flower bed to the right of the front door -- pink/yellow lantana with pansies behind it.

Flower bed to the left of the front door -- yellow/orange lantana with impatiens and pansies.

Back of the house - pink/yellow lantana. I have lavender in between the plants but didn't take a picture of the lavender as it's not very big yet.

South side of the house -- hot pink/yellow lantanas

South side of the house -- hot pink/orange/yellow

For a change of pace, here is part of a planter I have at the front door. I love the mixture of the lime green sweet potato vine, bright purple petunias, and the pink geranium. The other plant in the container is a purple fountain grass. The geranium is in a separate container. It's three years old. I bring the geranium in when the weather gets cold. Geraniums are considered annuals, but if you don't let them freeze they should live for a while.
Along the back deck -- purple liatris and black eyed susansBlack eyed susans -- the official flower of the state of Maryland

Father's Day

2009-06-21T06:04:00.006-04:00

Happy Father's Day, Dad. It's only been two months since you died. In some ways it seems like it happened just yesterday, and in other ways it seems like it happened a long time ago. I still can't believe you are gone. I miss you terribly.

Friends, if you are lucky enough to still have your father, give him an extra hug for me today, okay?

And? Check out my brother's cool red shoes. :-)

The greatest generation

2009-06-06T07:04:00.003-04:00

If you have the opportunity please thank a vet today.

My father served in the Army for 20 years. He was one of the greatest generation, fighting in the Pacific theater during WWII. He was also one of the lucky ones who came home and lived a good, long life. Many, many did not. If you are not part of the military family, or do not live near a military installation, it can be easy to forget (or overlook) the sacrifice those who served, and who currently serve, make to protect us.

If Dad was still alive he would be watching the Normandy services. He wouldn't talk about it because he never really talked about WWII, but he would silently honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Thank you, veterans. Thank you, Dad.

The best Dad in the world

2009-05-14T18:00:00.006-04:00

My Dad died Friday April 24th. It was unexpected -- as much as the death of an 85 year old can be, I guess. Even though he had the stroke last March he really had been doing so much better and had even gotten back to his old chipper self.

He died at home, which can be a good thing for the person doing the dying, but not so much for the person who finds him hours after he died. It was absolutely the most horrifying moment of my life, and it's been hard to get it out of my mind. I try to tell myself that if my Dad had a choice in the matter I would have been the last person on earth he would have wanted to find him, but most people do not have a choice in where or how they die. Most people anyway.

So, I need to focus on how he lived, not the last moment of his life. And to help me with this I wanted to tell you all about him. While I may be a tad bit biased, I can say for sure that he was well respected and very much loved by this community. In the two plus weeks he has been gone I have been stopped in the grocery store by people I do not know who wanted to talk to me about him. I have received phone calls and letters from people who moved away who heard about Dad and wanted to honor him. Every single one of my cousins (and I have more than 35 cousins -- my Dad was one of 8, my Mom was one of 10), either in person, on the phone, or in a letter said that Dad was their favorite Uncle. And I know they were not just saying that -- it was the truth.

He proudly served his country for 20 years. He was part of the greatest generation and fought in WWII.
He worked another 23 years after retiring from the Army.
He was so proud to be a husband, father, and grandfather.

My parents stood by each other for 51 years. Through good and bad, rich and poor, sickness and health. It wasn't always easy for them, but they took their vows seriously.
He was devoted to my Mother as much on the last day of her life as he was on the first day of their marriage.

His heart was huge.
He was always calm, cool, never got rattled, never got angry.
He always saw the good in situations. He always looked for the silver lining.

He always had a smile on his face and joke at the ready.
He loved to hug and kiss the ladies, and they loved to be hugged and kissed by him.

He never said a bad word about anybody. He truly was the nicest person you could ever hope to meet.

He lit up a room when he walked into it. He really truly did.

He loved football, baseball, boxing.
He loved the Dallas Cowboys, Oklahoma Sooners, and the Baltimore Orioles.
He loved to garden and always grew tomatoes, corn, peppers, cucumbers, etc in the back yard.
He took pride in his lawn and one of his prized possessions was his John Deere tractor.

He was a farmer at heart, a soldier in spirit, and one of the kindest souls who ever walked the earth.

He received full military honors at his funeral and he would have been so proud.

They played Taps for him and it is absolutely the saddest sound in the world.

I am truly heartbroken, but it gives me great comfort to know he is now with Mom and other loved ones who have gone before. I can just picture him walking around Heaven, hand in hand with Mom, greeting friends and family -- kissing the girls, telling jokes, lighting up the room.

He is happy now.
He is with Mom.
He earned his reward.

I've tried to find a picture of him and me, preferably when I was little, but can't find the photo albums from the early years. I did find this picture taken at my brother's house Christmas of 1997. He's wearing a Santa hat my nephew gave him.

This picture was taken around late 2006 - right before my Mom died. I think it shows his serene, kind essence.
He was a great guy. And I'm not just saying that.

If you made it this far in the post -- thank you for taking the time to read about my sweet Dad.

Opening Day!

2009-04-06T17:16:00.002-04:00

Spring has officially arrived when we make it to opening day!

Go O's!

Uncle! Uncle!

2009-03-28T06:14:00.003-04:00

I call "Uncle" -- as in "I give up". I surrender! I'm done.

Some nice young man my coworker recommended is coming over this weekend to give me an estimate on lawn services for the summer. The mere thought of having to trim, mow, edge, and rake our yard every week until late October has me exhausted. As much as I love gardening, I HATE the maintenance part. And mowing over a half acre in the middle of July in Maryland is torture.

I really don't care what the estimate is, how much he says it will cost each week, I'm going to sign the contract. Thank the Lord I am at a point where I can afford it. And since I won't be spending one day out of each weekend doing the maintenance I will be spending more time on the fun stuff -- the flower beds. I also have a few projects in mind, and I am hoping to get my Dad's vegetable garden back in shape. I am hoping he will take interest in it again. Last year I couldn't even get him outside to look at the few tomato plants I put in (that the deer ate anyway). They even ate a jalapano pepper plant I put out.

On second thought, the vegetable garden probably isn't a good idea considering all the deer around here. One day last week I saw at least 15 deer trotting through the back yard. At last inspection not one tulip bulb I have planted will be blooming this spring. They have all been nibble down to the dirt -- even the ones planted right next to the house. *sigh* I know the deer have to eat but I love tulips. Oh well.

First true sign of Spring

2009-03-22T18:14:00.004-04:00

I spent $60 at Home Depot on Saturday and I was only there for maybe 10 minutes. Let the planting begin!

Pansies - $12
Mulch - $ 6
Assorted shurbs - $40
Saying "hello" to Spring? - PRICELESS!

March?

2009-03-02T08:26:00.002-05:00

Can kiss my ass.

Worse snow storm of the season hit us late yesterday, through today. I'm waiting for the snow to stop so I can clear off the sidewalks and driveway. Winds are gusting up to 30 MPH and the high temps are predicted to be 25 degrees -- so I'm sure you can tell I can't wait to get outside and sling snow around.

March sucks. Winter sucks. Spring better get here fast, that's all I'm saying.

One down...

2009-01-29T17:51:00.002-05:00

Two to go. I'm talking about the months of winter. Buh-bye January.

February? Bring it on, you puny little punk month with your puny little 28 days. You'll be out of here in the blink of an eye.

March? You think you're all big and bad with your 31 days, but I know I can survive your evil because sweet little April is standing right behind you.

I hate winter.

Come on spring!

Countdown is off...

2009-01-19T16:41:00.003-05:00

Sorry folks, but the Bush countdown counter *points left* is off. If you click on the link www.backwardsbush.com the front page of the site lists the correct countdown, but the blogger code they provide has the wrong time.

I have reloaded the code numerous times, but it still is off. I figure this is not going to prevent Bush from leaving, so it's all good.

BuhBYE Bush! Good Riddance!

Answer for Swami

2009-01-10T07:01:00.003-05:00

Swami asked a question in the last post, so I thought I'd answer it in a new one.

Regarding my Bush Countdown counter *points left*...Swami asks:

"So on Day 0, Hour 0, Minute 0 and Second 0 what does your blog do?"

I'm glad you asked, Swami. At zero hour, my blog will dance with joy, as I'm sure a majority of Americans will dance with joy. 8 long, horrible, inept years finally behind us.

Lord help Mr. Obama as he tries to get us out of the awful mess Bush has left him.

Goodbye Mr. Bush. Don't let the door of the White House hit your incompetent, arrogant, elitist, insipid, bumbling ass on the way out.

Random stuff and such

2008-12-28T09:05:00.004-05:00

-- I might not watch CBS' Sunday Morning at all during the year, but I never miss it on the last Sunday. Love their "Hail and Farewell" segment. They don't just feature "stars" that we have lost during the year, but people who have made a contribution - perhaps the guy who invented Silly Putty or the lady who gave us the theme song for The Partridge Family. I always get weepy.

-- My new favorite thing:

http://www.keurig.com/b60.asp?mscsid=2HUV8BHJVHLR9GB4PN5PD8SCMAHS6ME7

QVC had it on special last month so I got one. Love it! So far my favorite flavors are Caribou Coffee's Daybreak Morning Blend, Green Mountain's Harvest Autumn Blend, and Heifer Hope Blend by Green Mountain. Dad likes Newman's Own Extra Bold Special Blend. The K-cups are rather pricey compared to a can of coffee, but there is no waste as I make one cup at a time. Ooooo! You can also make tea and hot chocolate. Highly recommend the Gloria Jean Pomegrante Berry tea. {rachael ray voice} YUM-O!

-- Retail Therapy: Raise your hand if you spent more money the day after Christmas than you did the entire period leading up to Christmas. *raises hand* There were a few items I saw in the Sundance Catalog that I was tempted to get. My little voice told me to wait until after the 25th. I am so glad I listened to my little voice. I got a gorgeous sweater, a gorgeous leather handbag, and three lovely glass ornaments for less than the handbag was originally. Plus I found an online coupon that gave me an additional 10% off the items. That covered the cost of shipping. *big happy shopping grin*

-- Love Actually <------ My new "must watch" during the Christmas season movie. Love it!

-- I don't go back to work until Monday the 5th. There is a list of things to do whilst on vacation, and most of them involve cleaning products and organization. Too bad I've already misplaced the list. *innocent look*

-- CNN.com had a Quick Vote poll yesterday:
Will you miss President Bush? I voted about 750 times for NO! *grin* The last time I looked it was about 80% no. My question is who are the 20% who will miss him? Seriously people...other than comedy writers and late night talk show hosts, who could possibly miss this complete disaster?

-- New Year's Eve plans? Me? Staying home and eating junk food. You?

Irony

2008-12-20T16:31:00.002-05:00

The personalized license plate of the woman who--while driving the same route to work that I do--speeds, tailgates, cuts people off, and is generally a hazard, not to mention a royal pain?

"EZ DUZ IT"

The fact her license plate is telling the world to chill out and calm down, all the while driving like a lunatic, hyper Tasmanian devil is more infuriating than her reckless ways.

Really?

2008-12-06T07:54:00.003-05:00

"I didn't know what I was doing was illegal."

You stormed into someone else's hotel room with a bunch of goons, pulled a gun on them, threatened them, and said they couldn't leave -- and you didn't know it was illegal? I guess someone who got away scot free with a double murder 13 years ago does have a skewed view of legal vs illegal.

The judge who sentenced you said you were arrogant and ignorant. I think ignorant only applies to the fact you continue to think the law does not apply to you. The term I have heard in reference to you (and I think fits to a tee) is sociopath.

15 years in prison. Couldn't have happened to a more deserving person.

I do feel bad for your children, who once again have to face the public humiliation of having OJ Simpson for a father.

Thank you, America!

2008-11-05T05:17:00.005-05:00

Thank you Senator Obama, for giving me real hope. Real hope. After 8 years I finally and truly have hope for our nation and our future.

Thank you Senator McCain, for your dedicated service to our country, and to your gracious, healing and sincere concession speech.

Big Fat Harry - Neighborhood Bad Ass

2008-11-01T08:14:00.003-04:00

I caught Big Fat Harry brawling in the street with a neighbor's cat. This happened Wednesday morning as I was leaving for work. I leave the house in the morning around 6:10 - 6:15 and this time of year it is still dark out.

We live in a development and our street is the only way in or out. The speed limit is 25 MPH, but most of the folks who live further back don't seem to think it applies to them and fly down the road. I live 7 houses away from the entrance, so my journey to get out is not long. Wednesday morning I pulled out of the driveway and got halfway to the entrance when I noticed movement in the street. At first I thought it was two rabbits making their way across the street, but realized it was two cats fighting. I stopped and both of them turned and looked at me.

Imagine my horror when I realized one of the fighters highlighted by my headlights was Harry. WTF??!?!?!

Really? Harry? WTF?? And they didn't move. I had to honk my horn to get both of them out of that crazy, wild-eyed "I'm gonna kick your furry ass" mode. When I honked they both headed back to their respective sides of the street.

I have never seen Harry venture further than one house on either side of us, and he has certainly never crossed the road. He's too fat and lazy for that. But there he was, smackdab in the middle of the road brawling with Chloe. Chloe lives 5 houses down across the street. According to Cindy (who is not only my neighbor - 6 houses down - but also my co-worker) Chloe is a terror who is always coming into Cindy's yard to taunt Cindy's Tigerlily.

My theory is Harry was minding his own business in our yard, doing his morning thing (you know: pooping, peeing, sniffing anything and everything) when Chloe came looking for trouble. Well she found it. Harry may be fat and lazy, but he does not back down. I've seen him stare down gnarly looking feral tomcats (which there are several around here) and the tomcats run. I've mentioned before he is grumpy, and I wasn't kidding.

Chloe came into Harry's turf looking to taunt, and Harry chased her back to her yard. Luckily they didn't get squashed by the crazy people who fly down the road. I called Dad later that morning to make sure Harry came home, and when I got home Harry was sleeping on my bed, acting all innocent and saintly.

However I know the truth:

Big Fat Harry - Neighborhood Bad Ass

Numbers

2008-10-27T18:36:00.002-04:00

1 - painful right knee. me thinks my knee will be the first thing to go bad and will need to be replaced. i can't walk up stairs without terrible sharp pains. owie.

2.39 - price of regular unleaded this afternoon (it was 2.99 two weeks ago!)

3 - months until the new Lost season.

4 - weeks until Thanksgiving...where did the year go?

5 - my favorite number :-)

7 - days until the election! i'm trying to stay cool and not think about a win, but...*excited*

Woo Hoo !!!!!! A list of good stuff

2008-10-12T12:15:00.004-04:00

1. Look at that! *points left*

When I first added the Bush Countdown link it was somewhere around 800 days until the end of his (excruciatingly long) term. Today we finally busted into two digits! 99 days and counting.

2. I bought gas this morning at $2.99 a gallon!

3. The powers that be finally re-released the first season of Farscape. I am one season away from a complete Farscape series and unlimited access to enjoy my Ben Browder obsession. My love for Ben is deep and wide. Oh yeah. Ben is uber sexy.

4. RE: #1 above -- I had to use dictionary.com to check my spelling of excruciatingly because it just didn't look right (I had thrown in an extra "t"). The automatic ads that the website generated for excruicating were: Hemmorroids, Ann Coulter, and Leg Pain. I actually laughed out loud. I for one do associate hemmorroids with Ann Coulter, however I think hemmorroids are more preferable and definitely much more attractive.

5. I got new license plates for my car and the numbers on it (1013) add up to 5. I love the number 5. For those who are into numerology, 5 is my life number (my full birthdate condenses into 5, as does my full birth name!). Check out your numbers here: http://www.paulsadowski.com/birthday.asp

The queen bees at work are...

2008-10-08T17:57:00.002-04:00

total bitches. Total, complete, horrible bitches. I really, really, really dislike them.

However, it does give me great joy to be nice to them because I know it pisses them off. It kills them when I come in and say "good morning, Queen Bee 1 and Queen Bee 2" because then they have to acknowledge my existance, and that really pains them.

Today in a meeting, they actually rolled their eyes at a suggestion I made to improve a work process. A suggestion that the boss really liked, by the way. I don't care. They're bitches and unpleasant and I am not. People like me. People smile when they see me. People actually talk to me about things other than work. Not so the Queen Bees. People do not like them and avoid them at all costs.

So you know what that means? I win!

PBS Palin Poll

2008-09-28T11:04:00.004-04:00

Say that three times fast!

http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html

PBS Poll Question:

Do you think Sarah Palin is qualified to serve as Vice President of the United States?

My dear friend Lydia sent this to me last week. Rumor has it the right wing is organizing to get the masses to vote "yes" for her. When I voted a week ago it was 50% voted yes, 49% voted no. Today it is 49% yes, 49% no.

I'm curious to see what it says after the VP debate. *manical laughter*

End of summer pictures

2008-09-14T09:23:00.004-04:00

I've been negligent in posting pictures this summer. Truth is with taking care of Dad I've been pretty much focused on him and not the yard. But, I have managed to do a little bit and the yard is not too embarassing. So here you go...

Blackeyed Susans and Purple Liatris (pay no attention to the hideous ugly fence in the background...that belongs to the hideous ugly neighbor).
Lantana - I am seriously in love with Lantana and next year will plant tons of them everywhere.
Purple verbena and White vinca
Petunias! Who doesn't love petunias?
The obgliatory pictures of my Big Fat Harry. Here he is at the very back of the backyard, underneath a tree. The grass in that section of the yard is super soft and yummy (as opposed to the horrible crabgrass everywhere else *shame*) and the whole area is pretty shady, so during this summer he has gone back there for the most of the day, then relocates to the front yard when the sun goes down (the front of the house faces the West). I'm also happy to report he has slimed down some and I am very curious to see what he weighs when he has his yearly Vet visit in a few weeks.
This is his "I'm totally pissed off because you woke me up" look. He has this look a lot.
Ahh, the life of a spoiled pet. Doesn't get any better than this.

Things that make me happy (in no particular order)

2008-08-03T17:58:00.005-04:00

--Real Simple Magazine
--my family
--Fritos
--the beach
--Esai Morales
--my morning cup of coffee
--shoes
--pistachos
--Mike Rowe (host of Dirty Jobs)
--Battlestar Galactica (2004 edition)
--flip flops
--Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream
--BJ's Warehouse
--Lost (do I really have to wait until 2009 for new episodes???)
--etsy.com
--cheesecake
--George Clooney
--IKEA
--gardening
--fireflies
--Summer
--The Big Bang Theory (CBS Monday nights - makes me laugh out loud)
--watermelon
--painted toenails
--reading
--Harry & David's Moose Munch
--Target
--naps

What makes you happy?

Lustful thoughts

2008-07-27T18:11:00.003-04:00

I want this.

I want the washer and the pedestal.

And I want the matching dryer with the dryer's pedestal.

The only problem is deciding if I want them in navy or red. Or perhaps green.

I am lusting after a washer and dryer. Lord help me.

Friday stuff...

2008-07-18T08:59:00.005-04:00

-- Why do the Today Show folks talk over each other? When they are interviewing and even when they are doing the chat before and after a segment, they all talk over each other. I used to think Campbell Brown was the worst (and FTR I am very glad she has left NBC for late night CNN - I do not miss her), but I have noticed my beloved Ann Curry does it also. I hate overtalking. It's rude.

***SATURDAY UPDATE*** I'm watching the Weekend Today show, and am happy to report Lester Holt is NOT an overtalker. I really adore Lester.

-- My new mostest favorite show is Battlestar Galactica (the newer edition, not the 1978 edition, however I must confess to you all here my massive lurve for Richard Hatch -- the actor, not the slimey Survivior Borneo winner). In the course of the last month I have watched every episode of BG through season 3. The first part of season 4, which aired this past spring, is not available yet. I am not sure I can wait until it is. I am going through withdrawl. FRAK! <--- the BG curse word that I have adopted because you can say it on TV without getting bleeped. FRAK!

-- Lately is has become clearly obvious I am out of the loop. Who are LC, Audrina, Spenser, Heidi, and the like? When I remember to turn on E!News Daily I am given lengthy reports on their current doings. Who are they? Seriously, who the FRAK *grin* are they? Actors? They look like they would have been on One Tree Hill or perhaps The OC, but I never watched either of those shows so I don't know. Why are they famous? Why do people need to know what they are doing? Is this another example of the Paris Hilton Syndrome -- being famous for being famous? If so, then I wouldn't mind seeing Matt and Ann and crew overtalk them.

-- Been trying to cut down on red meat and have discovered the joy that is Morningstar Veggie Burgers, specifically the Prime Grillers. YUM! I stick those babies on my George Foreman grill and life is good.

-- Today it's going to be in the mid 90's with the humidity just as high. Summer! I love it. I need to do a huge grocery shopping excursion today, and I have added Orange Creamsicles to my list -- the ultimate summer ice cream treat.

Sunday? Sunday?!?

2008-07-07T19:11:00.002-04:00

Nicole Kidman gives birth this morning to the daughter of one of the planet's finest menfolk, and the best name they could come up with is "Sunday Rose"?

Why not just Rose? That's a nice name.

But Sunday? Why? I can just hear it..."We met on a Sunday, got engaged on a Sunday, conceived on a Sunday...etc". No kid needs to know this. Look at how Paris Hilton turned out. Her parents admit she was conceived on a trip to Paris, hench the name. *shudder*

Hey, it could be worse, right? *cough*Apple*cough*

Yes, it's just sour grapes. I'm sure the name has a special meaning to both of them. *rolls eyes* I guess this is the day I really need to come to terms with the fact that Keith is taken. *sigh*

Now, I wonder what that rascal George Clooney is doing right now? Certainly not thinking of lame names for a kid.

Happy Summer!

2008-06-20T06:49:00.003-04:00

Summer solstice, baby!
This is where I wish I was right now...the Hurricane Restaurant at Passe-a-Grille beach in St Petersburg, Florida.
If I can't be there, I'd like to be at George Clooney's Italian villa. George? Are you listening?

I know you would have thought the same thing...

2008-06-03T18:36:00.002-04:00

The phone rings today at work. I answer it, and the guy on the other end says "May I speak with Miss Peacock?".

It took all my willpower --and I truly mean ALL my willpower-- to not say to him "She's not here right now. She's in the library with the candlestick."

I know you would have thought the same thing. All of you. Ya bunch of smartasses. :-)

Update

2008-05-18T16:56:00.002-04:00

At last an update:

But first, a big thank you to everyone who posted notes of support and concern. You people rock. *smooch*

Dad is doing much better. He still gets tired very easily, but according to the literature they gave me this is common for stroke victims. He is definitely not back to normal and I'm not really sure he will ever be the dad he was before the stroke, but as long as he feels better that is all I care about.

We had a follow-up appointment with the neurologist May 9th and he told us if the stroke had moved 1 millimeter further his entire left side would have been affected. If that had happened Dad would probably be in a nursing home (or at least a rehab center). Very lucky man, my dad.

My life has been a series of doctor's appointments, work, chauferring Dad all over the place, chores around the house, chores outside the house (meaning mowing, weed whacking, garbage toting, recycling, etc). I did manage to plant some flowers this weekend (YAY!) but yard work for me this spring has been strickly the not fun icky stuff - the aforementioned mowing, weed whacking, etc.). To prove my point, it's not even June and I have already gotten poison ivy on both arms. Stupid poison ivy!

Other stuff:

LOST has been so awesome this year. Kristen at E!Online states the finale will be a huge shocker, even better than last year's fast forward jaw dropper. On one hand I can't wait, and on the other hand I don't want it to be over because we have to wait until next year. Stupid writers' strike! Such a weird television season this year.

Anyone else watch Ghosthunters on SCIFI? I don't know why, but I love that show. I prefer the shows that do not feature Brian Harnois (he's a total dillweed), but I watch even when he is on (only because I know Jason will yell at him, which is a good thing).

Well, I thought I had other things to comment on, but I'm drawing a blank. This usually happens when I sit down to make a blog post. When I'm not at my computer I think of a zillion things I want to say in my blog, but when I'm actually doing a post I can't think of squat. Does this happen to you? *looks over at you* Or you? *points over there* No. Not you. * points to Bravie*

Stroke

2008-04-06T13:21:00.002-04:00

So, my dad had a stroke. He spent a week in the hospital, and is now home. We're not sure exactly when it happened, but it was sometime during the week of March 17th. I've been trying to manage his care and go to work, but it's not been easy (and no one ever said being a caretaker was easy, right?).

It affected mostly his left arm. His speech is fine, his walking is fine -- he just gets very tired. His doctor doesn't want him driving (and neither does the rest of the world - trust me!) so I've had to hide the keys already. He's pretty reasonable about it, but I can't take the chance of him getting a wild hair one day while I'm at work and driving to Baltimore or points further west/south/north. I figure if he drives east it's not that far to the ocean so I could probably find him. Or not.

So, I'm pretty overwhelmed right now, and am trying hard to cope. The only good thing is this did not happen while I was on the cruise because I am not sure what would have happened to him if he had been alone. I try not to think about that too much.

Getting old is not for sissies, people. Neither is caring for an aging parent.

Cruisin' pics

2008-03-03T19:06:00.007-05:00

Monday, February 25th - Port Everglades Leaving the Port
Looking towards Ft Lauderdale beach
First night sunset
Wednesday, February 27th - Cozumel, Mexico:
Beach at the Mayan ruins in Tulum (this first pic is "screen saver worthy")
Mayan ruins in TulumTemple of the Descending Gods - the winter and summer solstices shine straight through the middle of the window :
Thursday, February 27th - Belize City, Belize

Belize rainforest: This is the view from the platform right before I tried ziplining! FUN!

All strapped in and ready to go. This is when he tells you to "now jump". Yikes!

On the Ship - The Royal Promenade has lots of shopping. More fun!:Look who stowed away! Gus the Monkey!Horton stowed away too.

Saturday, March 1st - Last view of the ship. This was standing in line waiting for a taxi to the airport.

Cruisin'

2008-02-23T18:20:00.003-05:00

That's where I am...Cruisin' on the Navigator of the Seas!

Royal Caribbean, baby!

*packs suncreen*

*packs shorts*

*packs flip flops*

I'll be back in March. *hops*

Numbers for my nephew Lucas

2008-02-14T07:19:00.005-05:00

23 - years old
15 - number of months in Iraq this time
3 - number of deployments to Iraq
1 - number of days until he is home
0 - number of times he has to go back

We are driving down today to welcome him back home. He and his fellow soldiers should be landing ("boots on the ground" in military speak) before noon tomorrow. YAY!

I'm hoping to post pictures when I get back. Stay tuned.

Sam 1993 - 2008

2008-01-24T16:38:00.000-05:00

Sam and I said goodbye on Tuesday. We spent 14 years together, and he was my very special little guy.

I've done this before, lost pets, but this one was hard. Very hard.

Thank you, Sam.

Thank you for choosing me as your mom.

Thank you for being my little buddy who moved with me to Florida in 1995, and came back with me to Maryland in 2002.

Thank you for watching over me, following me around the house, making sure I didn't get lost in the bathroom. I already miss your frantic scratching at the bathroom door when I "accidently" closed it without you being in there too.

Thank you for being such a gentle, kind, sweet soul.

I know we'll be together again, one day. I can't wait.

(I've turned off the comment section because I just really still can't talk about this. I know those of you who read my blog will be sending kind thoughts and hugs my way. I truly appreciate it. I just needed to let you all know about my little guy and how special he was. Thank you for reading.)

2008

2008-01-06T08:06:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!

Good news:

-- I am the sole winner of the SBOT Yahoo Football Pickem league! Bravie came in second. We beat the boys! Girl power! *raises fist in victory*

-- My nephew is coming back from Iraq NEXT MONTH! He should be "boots on the ground" no later than February 16th. He's been there 18 months. 18 months, people. 18 months in a war zone. How on earth I survived the stress I don't know.

-- I got two new fancy purses for Christmas. For those who care, one Coach and one Dooney & Bourke. For those who don't care, move along. :-)

-- I'm going on a cruise at the end of February. YAY!

-- Lost is back at the end of the month, and Jericho is coming back in February! YIPPEE!!!

Bad news:

-- No bad news. I have my family, my health, my sweet cats, a home, food in my belly, a paycheck, money left over to buy shoes and purses (like I need more *snort*), and cable TV. I have health insurance, including dental and vision. I have yummy lush stuff to take a shower or bath with whenever I want, including hot water and clean towels. I have fabulous flannel sheets and a very comfy bed. I've got more clothes than I need, more shoes than I need, and more sparkly baubles than I need. I get paid to go on vacation, I get paid if I am sick and need off of work. I'm FINALLY seeing my 401k grow after the disaster that was WorldCom, and I am beginning to believe I can retire at an age where I still can enjoy my life. I have fabulous friends, both "real" and "virtual". I may not visit as much as before, but I still think of everyone. I've sworn off OT, but that doesn't mean I've sworn off you. I truly hope this year is the best one yet, for all of us.

*big squeezy hug*

November thoughts

2007-11-11T14:36:00.000-05:00

November has never been one of my favorite months. It's usually cold, dreary, and rainy and is--in my mind--the precursor to winter (we had snow flurries yesterday morning! ACK!). The only reason November is not my least favorite month (which is actually March) is because 1) my nephew Jeremiah was born on Nov 9th 2) Thanksgiving and 3) my parents were married in November. Only because of these three facts is November spared the title of My Least Favorite Month.

If my mom were still here my parents would celebrate their 52nd anniversary on the 26th. In this world of instant marriage and quickie divorce a la Britney Spears, it just boggles my mind people can stay married for that long. Kudos to my parents and those of their kind who took their vows of "for better or worse" seriously.

Helpful hint: If you go to Goggle with the intent of finding a susposedly wicked funny blog about the evils of the Croc shoe, try to remember that Croc is spelled "croc" and not "crock". And when you mistakenly type in "crock" please remember to add the "r" because "crock" spelled without the "r" gives you a VERY BAD GOGGLE RESULT. Trust me on this.

My two favorite new shows of the season are Journeyman and Pushing Daisies. Love them both. I've missed the last two episodes of Heroes and it hasn't bothered me in the least. Have not enjoyed this second season of Heroes at all. Hope it improves soon.

I'm not watching Survivor this season and I don't miss it at all. After the fiasco that was Big Brother this summer I think my tolerance for voluntarily watching people being cruel to each other has ended. I did watch the first episode of The Amazing Race last week and plan to watch it again. The Amazing Race is still my favorite reality show, so I'm hoping I don't start to hate it too.

My nephew Lucas is still in Iraq. They were supposed to come home the first week of December, but they got extended to the full 15 months and won't be home until March. We are beyond disappointed, as he is, but the reality is we have no choice but to deal with it. If you are the praying kind, please pray for all our men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and think good thoughts that they all will be home soon, safe and healthy.

Christmas is 43 days away. How the frack did that happen?

I'm contemplating retiring this blog, retiring "augie". My time on the internet is getting limited (by choice). I don't feel I have anything interesting to say, or share, and even my garden failed me this year so I didn't even post that many pictures. I think "augie" has served her purpose and needs to be put away, like a well worn doll or stuffed animal.

In the future if you see me posting on your blogs I'll be "yvonne", not "augie". For now I'll keep this blog open but am really leaning towards tossing it into the big internet void called "delete". I'll let you all know when the time has come to end it, to remove me from your shortcuts.

PS who watched the CMA awards last Wednesday and said to themselves "Keith Urban should dump that skinny ho bag Nicole and hook up with Augie"? *raises hand*

A few pictures

2007-09-02T07:30:00.000-04:00

This summer was not one of my better ones for gardening. It has been hot, dry, and deer infested. I'll head to Home Depot today to get the fall plants -- mums, asters, sedums, etc. Before I start making changes I took a few pictures of what has survived. Thank the gardening Gods for hardy plants like petunias, vincas, stock, etc. If it weren't for them I'd have nothing to show.

Purple and white petunias, red stock, lavender:

Purple Angelonia and red stock:

This is a mixture of three different containers by the front door. White geraniums, hot pink petunias, pink and yellow lantana, and cute little blue flowers (cannot remember the name): Orange and yellow lantana:
Hostas eaten by the hungry deer. Notice they didn't touch the liriope right next to them. Guess the hostas must be extra tasty.
Impatiens -- these are in a fairly shady part of the yard. They cannot take constant summer sun without tons of water. Wilted impatiens are a sorry sad sight.

Keith!

2007-08-19T08:02:00.000-04:00

I was in DC Friday night. Went to the Verizon Center. Any ideas as to who I saw in concert?

disclaimer: these are not my pictures. they were posted at the forum on keithurban.net by a member who also attended the DC concert.

Not surprised at all

2007-08-17T05:48:00.000-04:00

Got a call last Friday from one of my oldest friends. She lives in Tampa, but I first met her right after I graduated from the University of Maryland. Our friendship has spanned well over half my life. We've been roommates three times (both in Maryland and Florida). I've lived through her three marriages (not to mention her two divorces), and various trauma dramas which almost all have belonged to her. She thrives on drama and chaos. I don't.

Even though this latest phone call was supposed to be about me -- it was my birthday after all -- she spent the first hour talking about herself, her latest issues, her this, her that, etc. You get the idea, right?

Her second question after asking how my day was going was "tell me about your Mom".
My mom? WTF? What I wanted to say was "well, she's still dead" but instead the conversation went thusly:

Me: What do you mean?
Her: --very very long pause--
Me: --not saying anything--
Her: --more silence-- then -- Oh my God. I am so sorry. I am such an idiot.

Um, yeah, you're an idiot. You've known me for a very long time. You knew my mom personally, yet you couldn't be bothered to remember for even one day (my freakin' BIRTHDAY) that my mom was gone, that this was my first birthday without her. Again I say WTF!

Sadly, I wasn't surprised and neither was my dad. When I told him he laughed. Actually we both laughed. How sad is it that I have such low expectations for someone who calls me her "best friend"? And fyi -- I haven't referred to her as my BFF in about 10 years. No wonder, huh?

ahem

2007-08-10T05:23:00.000-04:00

The rumors that I have reached my 50th birthday are totally and completely FALSE!

*glares at breezy*

EDITED TO ADD:

I got a drunk phone call this morning from a certain someone in Vegas. Any guesses as to who that was? Does anyone need a hint?

augiePoll

2007-07-21T13:34:00.000-04:00

Would you buy this?

http://www.buymirabella.com/

Ran across the infomerical this morning and now I want one. 80% of the floors in the house (not counting the basement which is 100% tile) are hardwood and tile. I hate the bucket/mop routine. This looks like a better and easier method to cleaning floors.

Would you buy this if you had 80% tile/hardwood?

Does it look like it's worth $60 plus s/h?

Would you laugh at me if I did buy it?

WWBD? *

* what would bravie do as she is the queen of household gadgets? or at least kitchen gadgets.

I'm not kidding.

2007-07-19T19:58:00.000-04:00

If Evil Dick is evicted from Big Brother tonight I'm going to stop watching. He is by far the most interesting houseguest in a long time, and he makes it worth watching.

The rest of those people are boring. But I do admit I enjoy laughing at Amber when she cries. Which is a lot. And boy is she an Ugly Crier. I'm calling her Wahmber from now on.

I haven't been able to figure Jen out yet. Either she truly is a bubblehead nimcompoop, or she is playing these people big time and is a genius. Or is that Jenius?

Eureka!

2007-07-07T14:31:00.000-04:00

I got the first season of Eureka today. I'm going to watch it this weekend in preparation for the second season premier Tuesday night.

*secret confession time*

I love sci fi. Most of the shows I really love have come from either the mind of Gene Roddenberry, the SCI FI channel, or Britain.

For example:

The entire Star Trek legacy, but I do have to admit I loved Voyager and Enterprise the most.
Firefly
Farscape (Ben Browder!)
Stargate -- SG-1 and Atlantis
Babylon 5
Red Dwarf (British show that is hi-freakin-larious. if you like Monty Python, you'll like Red Dwarf)
X-Files (Mulder!)
Dead Zone

Current network shows include:
Lost
Heroes
Jericho

I caught a few episodes of Dead Like Me on Sci Fi this past week and now have another DVD set to add to my Amazon "wish list".

Hey! hands on hips

2007-07-06T07:56:00.000-04:00

Who broke RTVW?

Not only is OT broken, but can't even access the front page.

Do you think the premier of Big Brother finally did Webby in?

It was probably the over the top drama of Joe and his gonorrhea that did it.

While we're talking about Big Brother, I'd like to put a plug in for Dingo's Hamsterwatch. Excellent site for daily updates of those crazy hamsters. It's usually the first place I go in the morning. *sigh* Yes, Big Brother is my summer indulgence. I'm so ashamed. I feel dirty.

http://www.hamsterwatch.com/

Happy 4th of July!

2007-07-04T07:19:00.000-04:00

Have a safe and fun day, everyone.

Busted!

2007-07-01T19:06:00.000-04:00

I captured some catnip shenanigans out on the back deck yesterday. Shameful stuff.

Big Fat Harry-- look at his glassy eyed stare. If this picture doesn't say "stoner" I don't know what does. Jeff Spicoli has nothing on Harry.

Mousie--she rolls around all in it... it's on her from head to tail. She is truly a catnip ho.

An intervention is being planned. I fear that rehab is in their future.

To answer Glow's cat poop question--

2007-06-28T18:07:00.000-04:00

I googled "cat poop in compost/as fertilizer" and this is what I found:

A tremendously bad idea. Domestic animal feces contain a lot of organisms and parasites that can be harmful to humans -- think the bevy of worms that you vaccinate your dog/cats for alone. Specifically with cat feces, there's always a chance of Toxoplasmosis, which can cause birth defects in pregnant women. And this can be transferred if you put it on grass, use it in flower or vegetable gardens or consume the produce of said gardens.In fact, cat feces should be flushed, or disposed of in a tied up plastic bag, away from possible human contact. You really don't want it hanging around even in the litter box.

So now I am officially grossed out by both my flower garden and the cats' litter box.

ICK!

Why?

2007-06-26T16:52:00.000-04:00

--Why are the DVDs for Farscape priced so high? The complete first season is averaging about $100 (Amazon, Target, eBay, etc). The next three seasons are just as high. In comparison I just bought the complete second season of 24 for my nephew for $28.

--Why can't I remember to take my vitamins?

--Why won't Paris Hilton go away?

--Why do the cats keep using one specific flower bed as a giant litterbox? Why do they mock my gardening ability with their smelly cat turds?

--What has got you puzzled?

It's Summer!

2007-06-21T05:23:00.001-04:00

Word up

2007-06-18T18:29:00.000-04:00

Figured it was time to do this one (and I was tired of being made fun of for my hair wax mishap *points down* so I needed to push it down the page)

1. Where is your cell phone? nowhere
2. You're single/taken? free
3. Your hair? short
4. Your mother? missed
5. Your father? awesome
6. Your favorite thing? contentment
7. Your dream last night? forgotten
8. Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream car? paidinfull
10. The room you're in? bedroom
11. Your ex? stupid
12. Your fear? loneliness
13. Where were you last night? home
14. what you're not? complicated
15. Muffins? cupcakes!
16. One of your wish list items? earlyretirement
17. The last thing you did? satinchair
18.What are you wearing? casual
19. Your pet or pets? cats
20. Your computer? Dell
21. Your life? sane
22. Your mood? upbeat
23. Missing some one? Mom
24. Your car? SUV
25. Your work? crazy
26.Like someone? oodles
27. Your favorite color? purple
28. When is the last time you laughed real hard? yesterday
29. Crush's first name? Keith
30. Dream job? earlyretirement

Note to self

2007-06-16T14:19:00.000-04:00

When using the Pantene Pro-V Texturize! Moussing Foam wax? Half a palmful is way too much.

WAY too much. My hair is clean, yet looks very dirty and feels dirty. Not the look I was going for at all.

Help

2007-06-15T18:00:00.000-04:00

How the heck do I turn this picture:

into an avatar?

Why have I all of a sudden gotten stupid regarding such a seemingly simple process?

I need a hosting site, right? I don't remember where I found this picture, must have been a while ago. Thought it would make a nice summer avatar.

Not that I don't enjoy my Keith avatar, but a girl needs to change up her accessories once in a while, ya know?

Why me?

2007-06-08T18:31:00.000-04:00

I had to kick a nun's ass today because she cut me off in traffic after I flipped her the bird when I saw the Raider's bumper sticker on her PAMF car. Now I'm going to hell because the nun made me kick her ass. She ought to be lucky I didn't have a 5lb can of coffee in my car. Anyway, it wasn't my fault. And? I'm out of boxed wine.

*grin* I wanted to join in the fun.

I got tagged

2007-06-02T09:16:00.000-04:00

8 Random things:

1. I just had a Dannon Fit & Lite Blackberry yogurt. Very yummy.

2. I'm going on a cruise in February.

3. I'm trying to find really cool cruise worthy clothes and am not having much luck.

4. I have to get a new bathing suit (see # 2) and I'm scared.

5. My tickets for the Keith Urban concert in August arrived yesterday.

6. I have to move two bushes from the front of the house because they are getting too much sun.

7. I won a spelling bee at my school when I was in the 5th grade.

8. My middle name is Elizabeth.

I tag YOU!

Closeups

2007-05-27T07:18:00.000-04:00

Since it is too early for the flower beds to be lush and full of glory, thought I'd do a few closeups.

Petunias: These are in a container next to the front door.
Rhododendron: This bush is huge -- must be at least 15 feet tall in the back yard. I got it for my mom one Mother's Day about 25 years ago.
More petunias: Love petunias--they can take full sun and just seem to thrive all summer.
Pansies: Such happy faces. These little guys keep Keebler company by the front door.

10 glorious days...

2007-05-20T14:56:00.000-04:00

until I go back to work. 10 days with no committments, no alarm clocks, no "have to's", no nothing!

I'm not going anywhere, I'm not planning anything--except to work in a few afternoon naps. I'm just going to chill out, catch up on my reading (or not), catch up on my DVD watching (or not), do some gardening, relax and recharge.

Last night I soaked in a Lush bathbomb and bath melt (Dream On BB and Dreamtime bath melt). Loved it! And I finished S is for Silence, so I'm all caught up with the Sue Grafton series. Hmmm, wonder when "T" comes out?

As a bonus, I can watch the season finales of 24 and Lost in real time this week and not have to worry about being a zombie at work the next day because I only got 4 or 5 hours of sleep (if that much)!

Man, this is going to be the most perfect week!

Edited to add Keebler - he's happy too! He is surrounded by flowers and not icky ice and snow.

5 points to the first person who can spot the cat in the picture.

I'm a Lush!

2007-05-16T18:39:00.000-04:00

The Lush package arrived! I will be bath bombing this weekend.

It all smells so divine that I'm ready to place another order without trying any of it.

I fear I could go crazy here and become truly addicted.

Hold me, people. I'm scared. :-)

Stuff...

2007-05-11T18:17:00.000-04:00

-- Today was hair appt day! Cut and color! Boy howdy was it time for a cut and color.

-- I went to Home Depot after my hair appt and did not buy one flowering plant. Not one. I think that is a record for me.

-- For lunch I got a Fish Sandwhich at Burger King and did not enjoy it at all. It was kinda blechy. From now on I will stick to the Whopper Jr.

-- Tomorrow I am going back to Home Depot and WILL buy some flowers for the front yard. This you can count on.

-- My Lush package has not arrived yet, so it looks like there will be no bath bombs this weekend. Oh well.

-- This is going to be a rough weekend for me, but I did want to wish all the bloggy moms out there a Happy Mother's Day. And for those who still have their Mothers with them, if you give them a hug, please give an extra squeeze for me. Cherish your moms, folks. They can be gone much too soon.