I didn't do it!

                                  

I swear, I did not do it.  I did not make it snow again because I posted those graphics.  Do not blame me!  Blame mother nature, blame the weather man, blame the mid west, blame the lake, just don't blame me :)  

Yes, it snowed a bit today.  Nothing major on the ground really, but it did snow.  It had just started when I went to leave for work in the morning.  It was that 'weird' snow.  You know, the kind that looks like the fake stuff made out of little Styrofoam pieces.  It wasn't hail or sleet, it was snow, but it was ugly and did not compare to my snow, hell it couldn't hold a candle to it!  LOL  I was out of here before the roads got slick, but apparently they did.  I saw a news clip from an accident earlier in the day and the car slid off the road and into a little ditch.  In the summer the ditch is nothing.  It's all grass and really wouldn't do much damage to a car.  I've seen cars actually drive through that same ditch to do a U-turn.  But today, well the car was in water up to the windows.  ARGH!  I bet someone had a bad day today, and Jimmy thinks he is in a foul mood.  He didn't mention it was him.................... ya think?  Nah........ no way he lives that close to me.  

Work was ok today, at least my desk was cleared off and I was able to get my coffee and set it down BEFORE I had to work.  I need to thank that helper........ oh yeah, it was me.  :::reaching over my shoulder to pat myself on the back:::  It was a busy day after a few conference calls with clients but it made my day go faster.  Thanks for pointing that out Sam!  Now if I could only make the 23rd get here I'd be thrilled.  I'm on vacation after that until next year.  Hmmm... maybe I should get my shopping done firstbefore I wish the whole month away, eh?  

I did have some nice news today.  Our holiday card is coming together nicely, looks great.  I'm not thrilled with my picture, but what the hell.  I'm not happy with any picture! The marketing director had me animate a few pictures, she set up the main page to give to powers that be to decide today.  One of Niagara Falls, one of another small iced over falls, and then my moon picture that I added snow to.  The decision was made and it was decided they'd not only use my animation but my picture as well.  Can I just say I was very pleased and stunned at the same time.  :::pushing my chest out::  Oh my, what are those?  LMAO  

Good gawd, what the heck has gotten in to me?  Oh, I know I didn't do it.  I didn't type all that silly stuff in this entry!  Blame it on.................

Just a few :)

                   

         

Enjoy folks :)  If you decide to grag anything credit and a link back would be appreciated

Fast Moving and Cold

           

 

Fast moving, yes.  Cold, not really.  The temps were in the 60s today but it rained all day long!  Not a drizzle but a heavy downpour and that did give you a chill to the bone.   

My first day back to work since Wednesday, now that was fast moving.  I knew I'd come into a pile of work on my desk, voice mail and email.  Now y'all need to be proud because I did NOT ever look.  I waited until I got to work this morning.  I need a good 'ole pat on the back for that.  (do I hear animation there or what?) It's been years since I took time off and I didn't check in at work. Now if I'm out of town that is different.  YIPPEE I can do it.  LOL  Well I knew I could do it, but I hate doing it.  It's just as easy to whip through things mid afternoon on a day off then to be behind for an entire day when I get back.  Coverage while I'm out you ask, yeah right!  Some gets done but I swear anything that needs any type of thinking gets left for me.  I sometimes get frustrated with that, but then I also just have to fix it when I get back... so I will take the worse of two evils.  

I need to send a big thank you out to Betty at My Day, My Interests PhotoBlog.  She let me snag this beautiful picture out of her journal.  She has some awesome shots and I've been meaning to ask her about her pictures and then I saw this one and it could not wait any longer.  It spoke to me.  I think it said something like, 'I need to move, I need snow'  Thank you Betty your work is amazing!   

It's been a long day and I think I should call it a night. 

Shopping Elf

           

 

I extended my Holiday weekend by using a vacation day.  It was so wonderful having off Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Today!  I feel refreshed but I know I will pay for it tomorrow.  My desk will be covered and I will have voice mail and email up the ying yang.  Normally I would check while out of the office, but not this time.  I needed a few days away.... completely away!  I wonder if I will make it through the entire night and morning without checking.  LOL  

I slept in until about 9 today and it was great.  Made a fresh pot of coffee and logged on to check mail here.  YIKES!  You'd think I hadn't checked in days, over 150 pieces and only 2 were junk.  It was fun leisurely reading through mail as I sipped on my coffee.  I had some great comments from this journal and I do appreciate all the kind words, I do.  You can feel free to snag the graphics, I just ask that you let folks know where you got them :)   

It wasn't long before my quiet, peaceful, relaxing morning was interrupted with a bit of drama.  I won't bore you with details I will just say it concerns my nephews-brothers 21 and 24 telling each other how to live their lives, what is right and what is wrong.  All in my living room.  I sense a bit of stubbornness in that family.  Not mine of course!  LOL  

I had plans to get out and do some shopping today and the drama got my fanny in gear!   

My family is rather large.  I have 4 sisters and 2 brothers, the spouses, significant others, and the kids.  Several years ago we decided it was a waste to try and buy for everyone so we pick names.  We started out by doing 'snack baskets'.  Everyone brought a basket to my parents house on Christmas Eve.  Your basket would have 8 things, the same thing.  One would fill their basket with cheese and crackers (for 8), another 8 bottles of wine, etc.  Once we ate our dinner and the kids opened their gifts, we would retire to the family room and split our baskets.  We would all leave with a basket full. Taking one item from each basket and putting in our own thus having our own snack basket.  It was great.  Then we did theme baskets, picking a name or not.  Camping theme, bar b que, household, movie night, breakfast, so on. The decision and name picking is done on Thanksgiving Day so now I know who I have.  Since our kids are all young adults they pick names amongst themselves.  They set a dollar limit (as do we) and then everyone ends up with a really nice gift instead of........... well........... you know.  The 2 little ones, well they are spoiled rotten :)   

My great niece has been done.  She was so easy.  My sister K has been living with me for a little over a year and we decided to do joint gifts for the little ones this year.  For the 'Bug' we got her stuff for dress up.  A nice little 3 drawer sparkly cabinet.  Princess outfits, tiara's, shoes, gloves, ear rings, boa's, wedding dress, oh my as I write this I think we bought her a ton!  Her list goes on and on, but you get the idea.   

Her brother on the other hand, well we had nothing for him.  He's 6 and still to young to understand that his $45 video game and a few small gifts equals the same as all her little gifts.  We decided no video games and we'd go with a few other things.  What, we had no idea.  We figured something would jump at us and give us some ideas.  

Today walking through the store my 'shopping elf' must have been with me.  The trip was a success, and I was able to at least find a few things for him.  A few toys - mega block building kits, star wars toys, and some learning type things as well.  He has been into drawing lately and I think we will have to get something along that line too.   

I was able to get part of my basket theme for my other sister as well.  I decided to go with a pamper me theme.  I won't write what I got her as she sometimes reads this.... and well I don't want to spoil it!   

Anyway, I hope the shopping elf is in your path when you do your shopping this year.  Nothing better than having that silly guy wiggling his hips and winking at you as he leads you on your way to what you should be buying.  LOL

Popular Demand

I wanted to thank everyone for their wonderful words regarding my animated graphics.  I do appreciate it!  By popular demand, here are some more :)

                  

 

           

Embrace

                     

Football game wasn't what I thought it was going to be.  Sure our offensive line was like a sieve and let anything in, and our defensive line wasn't any better but we only lost 13-9 to a playoff team.  I feel horrible for JP as he gets the blame, but dang he gets no time what so ever!  It was a bit damp, but the rain did hold off.  Seats were heated so my butt was toasty and the food was great!  I guess we just have to embrace what the team is, hug it and hold it as there are a lot of cities out there don't have a team.  

My boys on the other hand are doing great.  I will embrace, hug, and snuggle with all of them any day of the week.  :)  

It's been a long day and I'm a bit tired so it's off to bed. 

Snow Scenes

                  

I was asked not to do any more snow scenes, like I am controlling the weather or something!  LOL  I just couldn't resist this one.  Had to make it and had to share it.

Saturday............

                               

We did end up getting a few inches of snow in my neck of the woods.  Nothing like last week but enough for the kids to play etc.  The bitter temps are gone and it is starting to warm up.  By Monday I would assume all the snow will be gone.  With any luck it will be fairly warm tomorrow.  I am going to the Bills game and unfortunately I'm not that enthusiastic about it.  I'm more excited about meeting up with a client from Batavia.  She is a great lady and we have such a good time when we do 'hook' up.  Usually it is for hockey, but football will have to do for now.  I can't get excited sitting in the cold (even if the seats are heated) to watch them get their butts handed to them.  Now, if it was hockey it could be below 0 and I'd be there with bells on.  Many many layers, but bells nonetheless!  

Today was just a lazy day.  I did some errands, picked up a few groceries, and made some blinkies.  If you aren't familiar with them, feel free to stop by my D's Design journal and take a look.  Snag anything you like :)  

With that said, the snowman is built........... and I gotcha!!!  :)                            

Just playing

Well, I decided to play around with some winter scenes as well as adding background to my journal.  Not sure I like the effect, but time will tell.  

I hope you enjoy the graphics :)

                   


                   

Hi Ho Santa!

                          

Today has been known as the biggest shopping day of the year.  Stores run specials for the early bird.  I've seen some unbelievable deals, but I am not getting up and standing in line at 3am when the store opens at 5am!  I'm sorry, but no deal is that good in my book.   

My friends and I tried it one year long ago.  We thought we would start a new tradition.  NOT!  It was cold and rainy the year we did it, and after standing outside in line listening to the gripes of others the doors finally opened.  It was like a stampede and no one cared if they knocked someone down, hell they didn't even give it a second glance let alone help the person back up.  Once in side it was horrible.  The arguments over who got what first.  The language!  Ummm isn't this the holiday season?  Signs of good cheer?  Not in this store!  At one point I was near a table of beautiful scarves.  Thousands of scarves, you name it there was one in that color.  There stood a little old lady, I would venture to say she was in her 90s.  I was thinking to myself how cute, almost like Mrs. Clause.  She moved a bit slower than others at the table and I wanted to help her search, but then to my amazement she opened her mouth.  She was cursing like a sailor, no worse than a sailor.  She wanted the scarf a woman across the table had found.  I stood there with my jaw hitting the floor and I think my eyes rolled to the back of my head.  I was shocked and disgusted at the same time.  These stores advertise items at rock bottom prices only to have 1 or 2 in stock with hopes that shoppers would purchase something else.  I disagree with the whole concept and have never done shopping on the day after Thanksgiving since.  I stay as far away from stores as I can.  

I have no idea if things have changed, and surely this event does not take place in all stores, but I won't ever know.  For those of you who do shop today, kudos'!  I don't mean to say anything against you, just that the scene of years ago stays etched in my brain.............     

            

Who needs words?

      

No need to use words to describe dinner today, the picture says it all!  My great niece enjoying the whipped cream from the pie.   

My day was wonderful.  Nothing like spending the day with good friends, family, and great food.  Everything went without a hitch, but then again it always does when Mom puts it together.  And even if it hadn't, who cares?  It was a day to be thankful for what we have and we were all together.  There was football games, good conversation and lots to eat.  Snacks before dinner, our family tradition of whiskey sours, a 2 & 6 year old for additional entertainment.  Turkey - regular and smoked, stuffing, potatoes, green bean casserole, squash, rolls, a full relish tray, cranberries & raspberries - a homemade mix.  Lets not forget all the desserts.  Apple, pumpkin, and chocolate pie.  A cheesecake to die for.  Pumpkin cheesecake with a pecan maple glaze.  Who could ask for more?  I am thankful and FULL!  

It hasn't snowed here like they predicted.  It is snowing a bit further south and the dark sky in that direction all day was evidence of that.  With the winds we are getting I can only imagine it must be like blizzard conditions with snow falling.  The lake has waves like the ocean.  There is still a chance it could move to my neck of the woods, but I am good.  I am off until Tuesday!  Yeehaaw!  I will tell you this, it is bitter out there!  

I hope everyone's day was wonderful no matter how you spent it or how you celebrated.

Good Morning!

              

I am not busy getting ready for the 'big dinner,' I will be going to my parents along with the rest of the family.  Mom cooks and we all bring the side dishes, so we get off easy.  Thanks Mom!  :)

Some of you may have noticed the lighthouse on my sidebar.  A few days ago Sam at Dock Lines and I had a conversation about keeping the homelight burning.  I, of course, had to make a graphic.  He says it best in a comment below.  "I just had to come back and comment on how much I like the "Home light" in you sidebar.  I'm referring to the lighthouse, of course.  I think it's a beautiful way to express to all of our friends who left AOL Journals that those of us that remained have lit a beacon so they can find their way back whenever they want, whether to read our posts or to blog here again, too."   It would be impossible for me to get this to anyone who was interested in adding it to their journals so I thought I'd leave it here for snagging.  Feel free to grab it and post your support to those who have left, but to also let them know they are not forgotten and always welcome.  

UPDATE:  Save the picture as a gif to keep the animation :)

                                             

If you stop by Sam's journal you will also notice I snagged his picture.  Well, I asked permission and he emailed it to me.  His pictures are always so beautiful.  There are so many that I've wanted to grab and add something to them (LOL Like that wasn't already obvious!) . Not that they need enhancement, but because I love to animate things and his 'starting' pictures speak to me, maybe it's the combination of his words and the pictures.  Either way, Thanks Sam for letting my animate this graphic!  

Happy Thanksgiving all

Happy Thanksgiving!

                        

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.  I hope your loved ones are close by, in person, spirit, soul, or in your heart.  Have a great holiday and stay safe!

Hugs to you all!

 

Stalker........????.............

                  

Tonight I made complete sure I was home by 7 PM and in front of the TV.  My boys were playing the NY Rangers this evening but that is not the only reason I HAD to be home.  They were retiring jersey #18, Danny Gare's jersey.   

Danny Gare was drafted by the Sabres in the 1974 draft and played in Buffalo until the '81-'82 season when he was traded to Detroit, and then in '86 he was traded to Edmonton where his career ended.  In his career he had 354 goals and while with Buffalo he was a force to be reckoned with.  For being only 5'9" and 175 pounds (small in hockey standards) he walked away from no one.   

When he arrived in Buffalo I was already addicted to the game and it didn't take me long to become addicted to him.  By today's standards I would be a stalker.  I attended a lot of games back then and after each game we would wait by the locker room for him to exit.  Always getting his picture and or autograph.  Embarrassing as it is, if I had to leave before he came out I would actually get upset.  Not bawl, but I would be a bit teary eyed.  There were even times we would stand outside the garage door for the underground parking area waiting for his yellow corvette to make it's exit.  Any PR event he was at, I was at.  If there was a chance for me to see him, I did.  At all costs!  Everyone knew my addiction and 'lust' for him.  Not one person teased me, but looking back they had to be so irritated!  Friends would get pictures, keep scrapbooks (that I have to this day) and give me anything related to him.  One or more of my friends would be with me at all these events and stand tall beside me as we waited for me to get a glimpse.   

Of course I grew up, but there has always been a place in my heart for that man.  Years later.  I mean years!  My son was about 3 or 4 my entire family attended a benefit for a friend of my Mom's.  It was a spaghetti dinner and there were tons of giveaways.  Danny Gare had long since been retired from hockey but actually made his home in the area.  He owned a restaurant south of the city.  And, yes, you guessed it, he was at the benefit.  He stopped at our table as he made the rounds around the room and my brother in law took upon himself to comment on my 'stalking' back in the day.  I wanted to die and I know my son wanted to slide under the table.  We all had a few laughs and that was that.  It was so many years prior there was no possible way he could or would remember, but it was funny just the same.  

Shortly after that dinner I started my job at the local cable company in the sales department.  I worked the 1-9 shift managing the inside sales force.  Um.. yes those pesky telemarketers that try to sell you additional channels.  Like you need more.  You already have 175 channels and there isn't crap on, you don't need one more to find that out.  Anyway, there was a sports talk show that was filmed right in the building I worked in and Gare was part of the staff.  On more than one occasion I would pass him in the hall and as soon as we saw each other we would laugh.  Cracked up the first time, actually.  He did remember me then, and affectionately called me stalker.   

They did a beautiful tribute for him this evening and I watched with tears in my eyes.  As he started talking, my phone rang.  I was stunned, and couldn't help answering the phone with 'You have a lot of nerve!'  I didn't know who was on the other end, but it did not matter.  Anyone who knows me should have known better.  As it turned out it was my brother calling to tell me to turn it on.  DUH!  How did he not know I was already on it????  He is so deserving of having his jersey hang from the rafters at the arena and I was thrilled to remember each and every highlight they showed.  Congrats Danny!  

On another note, please say a prayer for Jiri Fischer of the Detroit Red Wings.  Jiri collapsed on the bench last night during the game having a seizure.  His heart stopped and they had to use a defibrillator to bring him back.  Reports today say he is doing great, and still testing to see what happened.  Even so, a few extra prayers won't hurt.

Happy Anniversary!

                                    

 

My parents will be married 54 years on Thursday and I just wanted to wish them a very happy anniversary!  

Thank you so much for all the good things you've given me.  The great childhood memories, the adult memories, the yearly summer vacation, the lessons of life, the subtle teachings, and the not so subtle. The help when I needed it, the shoulder to lean on when I needed a crutch.  Thank you for all things I was to in a hurry to thank you for.  Thank you for being you and being there for me, ALWAYS.  I love you! 

The light of a new day

I was up pretty late last night playing around with animation, did you expect something different?  I had a long day of running, errands and chores during the day.  I watched the boys beat the Boston Bruins, and as hard as it may seem I find working on 'my projects' relaxing.  It's addicting, but it does relax me.  

I woke up this morning to learn my sister was on her way over to borrow my computer.  Cable connections are good for a lot of things :)  It was only a few minutes after she had arrived her daughter stopped with the kids.  I am so glad I got my first cup of coffee down!  I am not sure I could handle all that without Java.  One of the first things my niece asked is if I had gotten the picture she sent of the sunrise at her house this morning.  Of course I hadn't, but I looked forward to it.   

I had a bit of running today and decided since the Bills were getting their asses kicked by San Diego it didn't much matter if I left.  When I got home and finally had a minute to sit at my computer I got my nieces picture.  When it opened I sat in awe.  A light went on and it glowed.  As much as I hate the ads forced on our journals, I made a decision to stay.  I tried a couple of other spots but couldn't get the animation going when I published and the folks I asked about it ignored my requests.  So, another sign that I should stay put.  I will fight this battle another way, but I am not running.  I will continue here and start up D's Designs again.   

I've read several places that all the Vivi winners left, I beg to differ with them.  Surely, the award icon will be delayed if not forgotten about as a lot of the promoters did move on, but that was their choice and they have a right.  It matters not that I don't have that icon, I know and so do my visitors.  With that said I will avoid commenting here on the ads, I've had enough of it and I'm tired.  On to happier thoughts and to the picture that showed me the light.  I addedthe snow as it seemed fitting and only a matter of days before another winter storm heads our way.  

 

    

Changes........

                          

Ironic that it wasn't that long ago that I made an entry about change and choices, and here we are.  This week has been full of choices and changes.   

It's been extremely quiet and as I read journals, I see some have gone, some have not decided, and some have decided to stay (here or in the UK).  It saddens me to think that the ads are ripping the community apart.   

Tilly had it right in her journal, yet I hear so many have drawn lines in the sand.  I've read about emails and comments going out to those that have decided to stay.  Nasty, nasty, to those that they called friends before.  It is truly sad, and breaks my heart as well.   

I hope emotions towards the members of this community will settle down a bit and everyone will let everyone live with the choices made and continue the friendships that have begun.   

Even with the changes and the choices we are only a click away.

Wanna Skate?

                             

No, the roads are not icy!  I want to qualify my entry from yesterday and let you know the roads were cleared rather quickly even though we got so much snow.  Sure there were smaller developments whose streets did not get cleared immediately, but the majority were clear of snow and we have what is called salt that gets dumped to help melt the ice.  Hence, that is why you don't buy a used car from a Yankee who drove the car up north :)  

We really didn't get anymore snow, but the temps stayed rather cold.  Any standing water that wasn't deep quickly turned to ice.  As a matter of fact, I did a little skate action in the parking lot at work.  We have a few low lying spots that iced over and I was too busy yacking and not watching what I was doing or where I was going.  I didn't fall, but it was pretty comical watching me try to catch myself.  My arms flapped like I was trying to fly and I dropped my bag and purse.  I am just thrilled I didn't drop on my butt!  Then I slid right on to dry pavement and screeched to a halt jerking, like, well, a jerk!   

I do remember, however, growing up and loving when the street I lived on iced over.  Mind you I didn't drive back then so I had no concerns.  We had a shallow pond at the end of our street.  In the summers we would 'hunt' for polly wogs and in the winter when it froze we used it as a skating rink.  All the kids in the neighborhood hung out and as soon as we got home from school we would make our way there.  If the street was iced over, we would put our skates on and carry our boots.  We would skate to the end.  It was always a blast as the street had a hill and you would get the ride of your life on a good day.  In a matter of seconds you were at the bottom and ready to go.  The trick was not to hit any dry patches!  I should ask my Mom exactly how many pair of skates I ruined because I would hit that patch.  Not once did I get hurt, but I did tumble on more than one occasion.  

Endless hours of fancy figure skating and even playing hockey.  Yes, I played.  LOL  I wasn't any good, but I knew the rules and I could skate.  After Christmas we would make the run for the discarded trees.  We would drag them to a spot near the pond and at night we would burn them and have a great bonfire.  A wonderful treat on those cold nights.   OMG!  As I write this I remember the little old couple that lived about 5 doors from the pond.  They didn't care about the fires, but it was like a game each year to see if we could snag their tree.  For some reason they didn't want us to take it.  They wanted the garbage men, and only the garbage men to take it.  Several years the little old man would run out the door as someone tried to grab it off his front lawn and he would scream and shake his fist.  I wish I grew up before they moved on, I'd love to know why.  We never asked we just yelled back and moved on to another tree.  

Aaahhh the memories of winter and skating!  

I stole this entry

Ok, so I am lazy today.  I have a right to be.  LOL

UPDATE: and as you can see copying and pasting graphics from someone elses journal does not work.  LMAO!  I knew that, but like I said I was lazy!  If you need the graphics feel free to go to Jimmy's journal.  I will more than likely remove this whole entry in a couple of days.

Got this off  TheStupidSheetGuy  I tried this and Bingo!  Yehaw he rocks!

I saw that a few people had been spreading this little tip around...

In case anyone hadn't seen how to do this, you can aty least block yourself from seeing the ads that are currently displaying on top of the Journals. They can put them there, but that doesn't mean we have to look at 'em.

This won't block every single ad, only the ones that are "animated", but what the heck, one less banner means one less second of aggravation, right?

Look on the bottom of a screen where you're viewing a Journal

click on that ^

 

you'll see a menu pop up:

Click on the Block Animated Media from aol.com line

 

Remember to "refresh" the current page to see it work. It'll be something like this:

 before

 

after

Bragging rights?

I stopped by John's journal and got the biggest chuckle out of his post http://journals.aol.com/johnmscalzi/bytheway/entries/5080

I thought to myself, John you have no business bragging about your snow!!  LOL  

If you stopped by last night you saw my picture that showed the snow coming down.  Well, the weather folks here were right.  I woke up this morning to blinding snow and about 12-13 inches on the ground.  ARGH!  As I got ready for work and watched TV they announced schools south of the city being closed.  They had a reporter downtown and the sky was blue and there wasn't even as much snow that John shows in his journal.  Keep in mind downtown is about 10 miles from me, that's it.  

That is the danger of lake effect, it can be snowing like mad in one area and just like going through a door it can be sunny and dry across the street.  After getting my car cleared, the driveway somewhat cleared, and my son pushing me up the hill I was headed on to work.  The snow was still falling like mad for about 2 miles, then it was just a flake here and a flake there.  In a matter of minutes it wasn't snowing at all and as I looked towards downtown the sun was shining and the sky was blue.  In my rear view mirror it was black.  Heavy thick black clouds.   

I didn't have time to take pictures before I left, but I grabbed my camera for shots later.  Of course, since the snow was heavy and wet by the time I got home it had settled, but I would say we got about 18 inches in all.  

These are shots I took from the parking lot at work.  You can see over the Lake and north the sky is blue.  I turned to the left and you can see the line.  Then you see the black, yep, that is right over my house!  South of the city.  

All the way home I could see this sunset in my rearview mirror.  Just the opposite of going into work.  You can see the clouds have moved further north and they are calling for the band of snow to move north and then back south again.  Yipee!  That means more snow by morning.      

                         

Now you see my front lawn.  Almost the exact spot from last night.  This is my uncle's car in the driveway to show you some perspective.  He actually left for Texas yesterday, so he is in nice warm temps as we freeze!  And no, we didn't clear his car off!  LOL  It will melt before he gets back :)    

 

   

So John, to answer your question, YES we got snow!!

The Real Thing........

Wow!  I am so saddened by AOL and the choices they are making.  I can't believe with all the change and complaints from paying members they continue........  I avoided making an entry last evening because I am at a loss, not because I couldn't.  Apparently, I was one of the few that had no problems there.  I DO have a problem with the ad banner, and I am sifting my options through my head and trying to make an intelligent decision.  I hate that so many are leaving and I am trying to make sure I grab everyone's new site.  Argh!  My head hurts!

With that said I did want to post this picture I took this evening.  Standing on my front porch looking across the street.  The angle is a bit different then the moon shot from the other night that I animated.  I needed to turn to avoid the street light (which is what is causing the orange glow) but I couldn't avoid it completely.  Now there is no animation here, this is the real thing!  Live!   It is actually coming down much harder now and visibility is horrible.  My son just walked in cursing.  They are calling for about 2-4 inches with more further south in ski country, but I think we have almost 2 inches now.  The drive to work in the morning should be fun!  YIKES!  They couldn't drive in rain a few weeks ago, this should be fun.  NOT!

Well, I do hope everyone will keep in touch.  Hugs!

Turkey Moon?

    

 

            

NO!  I did NOT add feathers to the moon to animate it :)~  

Well, the snow hasn't come yet, but the temps have been steadily dropping all day and according the 'weather' guys it will be a messy commute on Tues. & Wed.  I put weather in quotes because I often think they give a 50-50 forecast for the week and wait until the day is actually here to tell you what the weather is.  Like we didn't already know!?  I want to be able to plan for the days to come!  Like what do I have to wash, iron, lay out???  

On my way home from work today the moon was amazing.  It was almost full, very low, huge, and surrounded by rings of color.  By the time I got home and to my camera it had gotten a bit dark out but I grabbed pictures anyway.  This is from my driveway looking across the street.  I wasn't sure I'd be happy with the results, but when I got them on the computer I really thought they came out pretty good.  

I've been working on the Holiday card for work most of the evening and I think things are coming along rather nice.  I think the Marketing Director really wants to go with an animated falls shot.  Time will tell.  While I was it, my sister saw the pictures of the moon and thought it would look great with a little snow falling, so of course I jumped all over it :)     

 

                   

Last Nice Day?

                    

The forecast is that today was the last nice day for a while.  The winds have kicked up this evening and it will blow all the warm air out.  Behind it is a cold front that will have the temperatures drop some 30 degrees.  Fun wow!?  By late tomorrow afternoon they are calling for snow to fall.  Yeap, they've said it before and we got none, but somehow I feel this time they will be on the mark.  With any luck it won't be a repeat of Thanksgiving week a couple years ago.  

It was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and about mid morning the flakes began to fall.  I don't mean the flakes I work with either! :)  At first it was a beautiful snowfall.  The thick heavy flakes that stuck to everything as they landed.  The bare branches of the trees were glistening as the white slowly attached to them in all the right places.  By lunch time we already had several inches, and now it wasn't so pretty.  Mixed with the leaves that had still been scattered over the landscape it made a very sloppy mess.  It was even thundering and lightening.  Shortly before 3 a couple of us walked outside to get a good look.  Our office is on Main Street and traffic was moving very slowly.  Plows had been by earlier, but there was little that would make that visible now.  The snow had now piled about half way up the tires on a car parked near by.  When we entered back into the office it was announced we would be closing at 3 so we could get home safe.  I called my son to let him know and he was amazed.  "Why are they closing Mom?"  Living about 20 minutes from the office (highway time) it was not snowing at my house.  I let him know it would be coming and I would be home soon.   

I shut down my computer and gathered my belongings.  As I headed to the parking lot to clear my car, it was a disaster.  The snow was to my knees and the pile on my car was a good foot and a half.  As I cleared my car I heard tires spin and people curse.  The guys started helping and pushed us out of the lot.  Our lot had not been plowed at all during the day and we all thought once we got on the streets it would be easy going.  Since I was pretty close to the entrance, I was one of the first pushed out.  I skidded as I turned on the street, blew kisses and tooted my horn.  "Yeah, I am on my way!"  After I turned off the back road it took me about half an hour to get a block.  There weren't many cars on the path I chose so I had no thoughts of turning back.  I WAS going home!  I slowly made my way, and slowly is not understating it.  At 7:30 PM I had only gone a short distance, something that would normally take me maybe 20 minutes.  I hadn't moved in a good hour, no one had.  Apparently, up the road a bus had skidded and was blocking both lanes of the street.  I was glad to hear no one had gotten hurt.  

So now, it's been over 4 hours since I left work, and my bladder was calling.  No, it wasn't calling, at this point it was screaming.  I was contemplating opening both the front and back door on the passenger side and squatting right there.  I was not going in my car, and I really wasn't sure I had any other options.  All the houses in the area were dark and looked to be locked up tight.  I prayed, I laughed, I worried about my son.  Surely it had started snowing at my house, I should have been home long ago and I had no phone to call him.  Just then an Angel appeared.  A woman walked out her front door to survey her street.  I turned off my car and grabbed my keys (I have no idea why, it wasn't like anyone could steal it and go anyplace), but I ran to her ready to beg.  Not necessary at all.  She opened her door without a second thought and would not even let me take my boots off.  She offered her phone, some food, and a drink.  My Angel for sure!  I thanked her and made sure I got her address as I walked down her steps back to my car.  I got in my car and wrote the information down so not to forget it.  

At this point several cars had been able to maneuver and get turned around to go back the way they came.  It was my opening and I did the same thing.  Thank God for small cars!  I got moving and made my way down another street.  It was now about 8 in the evening.  I only went about 5 more blocks and the snow had stopped.  Actually, it had never started there.  The roads were clear, the sky was clear and stars were shinning. I went from going about 5 mph to about 40 in a matter of seconds.  It was so clear I even stopped at the grocery store for a few things as I really did think it would come my way before the night was over.  I also grabbed a Thank You card to send to my Angel with no name.  

So, I left work at 3 that day and got home at 9.  I was one of the lucky ones, I GOT home.  Some coworkers didn't even make it out of the parking lot.  Others made it a block or two and went back (either with their car or walking).  Others were stranded on the roadside for the night.  Some were lucky and found a bar or restaurant open were they could hang out.  I think the city ended up with 3 feet of snow in a matter of a few hours.  Because everyone was trying to get out at the same time it caused a major grid lock.     

I've lived here the majority of my life and this is not the norm, contrary to what some media wants you to believe.  Normally things are cleared in a short period of time, but with all the cars on the roads it took a bit longer.  I'm more prepared for things like this now.  I have some necessities in my car, and extra food in my desk at work.  It will probably be another 20 years before it happens again, but with all the wild weather and natural disasters we have been seeing I am taking no chances!

Rise & Shine

                               

Well, it isn't morning anymore and it seems it doesn't matter how much Java I suck up, I can't wake up!  Surely this cold has something to do with it, but I slept until after 10.  Sure, I was up past 2, but that is not like me at all.  Usually my house has a hustle and bustle to it and I would hear the noise and get up.  Today, I think everyone was sleeping in or not up to the challenge of moving around early.  

Speaking of Java, do you have a Tim Horton's near you?  I don't particularly like their coffee, but others say it is wonderful.  I've heard it has some addictive 'touch' to it. I often wonder.  It seems all the Tim Horton's in this area are in the worse possible spot.  The drive-in is usually over crowded and the line extends well into the main flow of traffic on a main street.  Yet, there they are, in line to get their morning shot.  In droves they flock to the place not caring that the back end of their car is sticking out into traffic, not caring that they are stopped in the middle of the road.  They wait and wait for their turn, day in and day out.  That is addictive in itself.  

No major plans today.  I took care of all the tag requests from my other journal, D's Designs.  It seems to be going well.  I've gotten requests, but not so many that I can't keep up.  Of course at some point today I will play around with more graphics.  The Bills play and I will probably hang out at some point to watch them get their butts kicked by KC.  I need to get to my parents to install an animation program on my Dad's computer.  Both he and my younger sister have become pretty addicted to editing photo's.  Hmmm, who got it from who?  ::giggle:: 

Seeing into the future?

                         

Ever feel like you could see into the future?  With a dream? A feeling?  Anything?  

Several years back I had a dream over and over again.  I was driving along a road and a car came out of side street and hit my car knocking me into the creek I was driving parallel with.  My car quickly sank.  I was able to get out, but my son was in the back seat snugly wrapped in his car seat.  I would scream and scream to those on the bank for help and no one would move.  I would scream so loud I would wake myself up.  I'd be in tears and sweaty from panic.  I had this dream over and over.  Not just once or twice.  It got to the point where I would not even drive that stretch of road.  I would go out of my way not to.  I didn't care if I was late for something or not.  I was not going to be there for any reason.  This went on for months and months.  I told a few people and they all looked at me like I was nuts.   

Then one day, about 6-7 months into this dream a good friend called me at work.  She wanted me to be sitting and proceeded to tell me a car went into the creek at the exact same point.  I immediately started to sob as my gut feeling told me there was a baby in that car.  They were looking as the woman driving was out of it and couldn't respond to questions.  Divers could make out a car seat in the back but could not tell if anyone was in it or in the car.  Turns out she was the only one in the vehicle but it was a spooky turn of events.  

What brought this back for me?  Well, hockey.  Yep, hockey!  Rick Jeanneret is the Sabres play by play announcer.  He visits a local radio station before each game and they discuss a few things about the team.  Yeah, my team, you know the one I said I would talk about and haven't.  The one that started out so good and then the number one goalie got hurt and they went on a losing streak, yeah that one!    

Well, back on Nov 2 the boys would be playing the Senators.  Rick said to watch out for Havlet.  He was returning from a 4 game suspension and would be hot to trot.  Uh huh, you got it, he did score.  Not once, not twice, but FOUR times!  Yes, my boys looked like crap!  Then on Nov 9, Rick brought up our rookie Vanek.  Vanek had been struggling to find the back of the net.  I won't take anything away from him because he is amazing.  He sees the ice and plays develop and has something like 10 assists, but we do need him to score.  Rick states, Vanek is the guy to watch.  Low and behold, Vanek scores twice and has an assist.  Then last night.  Rick decides to pick Christopher (Drury) and you got it he does score last night.    

I think Rick needs to tell me the numbers for the Lottery!

Trapped?

                

I talked to a good friend of mine who has been feeling trapped.  Trapped to the extent of feeling suffocated.  She feels as though her life is going no where and she has no choices.  No choice about her job, where she lives, what she does.  My heart goes out to her.  

We talked about the fact that we always have choices, it's whether we can live with them or not.  Neither one of us lives life looking through rose colored glasses, we know better.  We also know we need to change what we can and learn to accept those we things we can't.  That doesn't mean it makes things easy.  Life is hard and it sure as hell isn't fair.   

Sure she will be limited with what changes she can make immediately, but she does have choices and needs to make a few and move on.  Her lease at her apartment is not up for a few months so she has to stick that out.  She can start looking for work now and be a bit picky as to what she looks at or accepts.  She is employed and can stick things out for a bit.  It won't be easy but she can't just up and quit.  I will, of course, help her where I can.  

We make choices in life.  Good or bad, we make them.  It doesn't mean things can't change down the line and it doesn't make you're less of a person if you do change.  Don't ever feel trapped!   You can always make changes, big, little, or subtle ones.  You have to do what is right for you. 

A Little Rant

                    

I was given a free pass to be a crab for 24 hours, and I decided I was going to take full advantage.  Thank you Sam!  LOL   I've often wondered what possesses people to talk out of both sides of their mouth. Is it total insecurity?  Immaturity?  What?  Over the past several days it was brought to light with me again and it totally amazes me.  How insulting for people to think that others do not see threw their web of lies.  I for one have not just fallen of a turnip truck and generally it only takes a minute or two for me to figure things out.   

Life is just too short to play games with emotions and feelings.  If telling the truth or being upfront is going to hurt someone, imagine how much the deception will hurt.  We all make mistakes and personally I think when one owns up to the mistake or their true feelings it makes a relationship stronger, the bond tighter.  Relationships are built on foundations of trust, loyalty, and honesty with ones self and others.  When the foundation starts to crumble, even with the smallest of things, the entire structure more than likely comes tumbling down.   

I just don't get what is accomplished by playing both sides of the fence.  Are people afraid of what others may think?  Do they not feel comfortable in their convictions?  Do they feel better about themselves with the deception?  What is it?  

Surely there is not an answer and surely it will never stop but I wish people would give me, at least, more credit! 

I'm Alive :)

            

Thanks for all the well wishes, I'm feeling a little better today.  At least my head isn't pounding like a heavy metal band is playing in there.  No guitar smashing on the sinuses, and no trampoline affect at the base of my skull.  I'm still stuffed up, and my nose is running non stop, but I can deal with that somewhat, I'm just crabby!  

Work was the absolute pits today.  It's hard enough to go to work when you don't feel well, but it truly bites when the sky is dark and it is raining like hell.  The rumble of thunder and the ews and ahs with the lightening did not make me feel any better.  I was thankful for the lightening though, it at least looked like daylight at that point.  What I wasn't thankful for was the closed roads due to flooding and the idiots who do not know how to drive!  

I got home from work and promptly laid on the couch and fell asleep.  I hate that!  I think I slept for about 3 hours and now I am wide awake!  Five thirty will come early and the little nap this evening will not help one bit when I have to move in am.  Cripes, I hate being sick!  I hate crappie weather!   

I didn't even turn on my computer 'til late.  I wanted to wait for this lovely weather to take a break.  To top it off, they are calling for the temperatures to drop and snow!?  Yes, you heard it right, snow!  I am not ready!  I have to get a bit dressed up tomorrow for pictures.  We'll be using pictures of each associate in the holiday card we send. Argh!  Just what I want.  My picture taken with my nose bright red, eyes bloodshot, and chapped lips.  Fun wow!  Hmmm.. maybe they will let me bring it home and edit it.   

I told you I was crabby!  Aren't you glad you stopped by today?  I am :)  

Argh........... feeling ill

                 

The cold, the weekend outside at the benefit, staying up a bit later than I should, and now I feel like crap!  I woke up this morning with no voice.  To some that may be a great thing, but for my job it is not.  I ended up staying home today and sleeping the day away.  My head is spinning off and on and my throat is scratching and raw.  Argh!  I guess this isn't going to go away on it's own and I will need to get in to see the Doc.  I thought I was getting better......

Shocked!

       

I am not sure at this point if I more shocked over winning the Vivi for best use of animation or over the weather that blew in here this morning.  

Again, I want to thank everyone for their support and for the 'staff' that put the whole event together.  It was a magnificent event and for the most part brought J-Land closer together.  A few negative comments regarding some of the winners, but only a few.  I for one found a whole other 'stash' of great journals to read and met some great people along the way.  Since I've only been doing my journal since June I hardly thought I had enough of a following to even be considered let alone win.   

I actually missed most of the gala last evening :(  A young, 24 year old man from the neighborhood was a passenger in a drunk driving accident a month or so ago.  He has a serious spinal injury and has a very hard long road ahead of him.  There was a benefit last evening to help raise money for his medical expenses as well as assist with his 5 year old daughter.  Knowing this young man in a round about way compelled me to attend and give what I could.  I really thought I'd be home before 9, but it didn't work out that way.  There had to 1000's there and the generosity in donations was overwhelming.  There was a Chinese Auction with over 150 baskets to give away.  Since I wasn't smart enough to put my name and number on the tickets I dropped in for the baskets I HAD to stay and wait out the drawings.  I came home with two baskets and figured it was consolation prize for the Vivi Award.  Imagine how surprised I was to log on when I got home to have comments and emails of congratulations.  I tried to get in the room, but aaah it was full.  So I posted my thank you rather quickly and tried again to get in.  I was able to get in for a moment and than AOL played it's nasty little trick on me, 'good bye.'  I then went to the secondary room for a bit to see and experience some of the excitement.  It was pretty late and the last announcement was over so off to bed I went. I do want to congratulate everyone.  Contrary to some, everyone is a winner!  

This morning I got up with the hopes of logging on and seeing the winners list in its entirety.  I got on for a bit, then Mother Nature began her tricks.  The power flickered and shut my computer down.  Of course it started to reboot and again, power flickered, and cut the boot up off.  The power flickered so often that I actually had to 'hard' shut down my computer because there wasn't enough time to do it correctly.  The winds picked up to about 50 mph and the leaves on the ground hit my windows with the force of little pebbles.  Hard to believe something so beautiful and what appears to be soft could cause that much noise as it slams into glass.  It rained a bit, but nothing major other than the wind.  I left my computer off for a couple hours and once it appeared to settle down outside I made my rounds around J-Land to give my congrats.  The wind gusts hit 67 mph in my area according to the news.  No wonder the power went out!  I can still hear it howling from time to time, but it is no whereas bad as it was earlier in the day.

Thank You!

           

Thank You

I am completely stunned, but extremely happy.  Thank you everyone for your support, it is appreciated.  The competition was unbelievable so I know the votes had to be close.   Thanks again!                              

2005 AOL/AIM Journals Peer Recognition Awards

It's been decided the winners of The Vivi Awards will be announced in chat on Saturday, Nov 5 from 9-11 pm ET.  Get details from Betty at My Day, My Interests  It should be a fun event and I am sure the turnout will be great!  I have been tearing through my closet and just can't seem to find anything to wear.  I have this 'ole outfit, but I think I need something new.  Off to the stores in the am!  LMAO! 

                               Good Luck everyone!!  

                                            

I did it!

   

I did it!  Yep, I did!  I created a journal to add graphics for tagging.  I am not sure how this is going to work out at this point, but I thought I'd try it and see how it goes.  I'm not even sure anyone is really interested, time will tell :) Will range from all different styles so please don't be offended if there is sensual/sexual content.

D's Designs

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

                        

I got this today in mail I couldn't resist, I had to share. 

When things in your lives seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else---the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked."

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."