~ Tuck me in and turn out the lights ~

I hope someone will tuck this journal in and turn out the lights...    I think I've been strung along by the powers that be at both AOL and Blogger and they have no intention of my journal moving.  Since the day after the migration link was published I expressed my issues and concerns.  Never was I given a straight answer, and to this day I've still not gotten one.  I guess they just want me to go away.  :::sigh:::  Tomorrow they have their wish.   This and that, and hockey! will be gone......

I do want to thank each of you that have followed my trials and tribulations.  All the good times, the laughs, the jokes, the fun..  Those of you that gave your shoulder for me to cry on.. or to lean on.  Those that spoke words of wisdom to help get me through the darkest days.  Most of all thank you for the love and support you gave me as I watched my sister move on to a better place.   That entry and the 160+ comments left more has been saved in word.  All 36 pages.  I will never ever forget you for the love you poured out.  It's to bad we are the only ones that see what this community brought.  The money hungry bastards just want to move on and toss us aside like yesterdays paper.  Not I... I will carry each of you with me.

I know some have followed me to blogger and I do appreciate it.  Ds Designs and Other Things will be my home for now.  Stop in and say hi.. let me know you're there, become part of my life.. and let me become part of yours. 

Love you all...... and sending hugs your way

hugs

~d 

PS don't forget to turn out the lights.....

 

Tags: thank you, end of aol journals, turn out the lights,

~ Lies ~

Remember throughout the years as folks lost journals .. either they just disappeared or were deleted in error?  Remember how they were told there was nothing AOL could do?  LIES!  Not that it matters now, but low and behold during this transfer to blogger they've now been able to restore deleted journals, restore lost comments.  How is that?  Because it was always available but the techs or powers that be could care less or were to damn lazy. 

 

I am thrilled that so many were able to move their journals without issues.  I'm even thrilled that those that had issues over and over could finally move them.  Mine and lots and lots of other large journals are being hung out to dry.  Literally I'm afraid.  In two weeks this community will gone and so many journals will go poof along with it.  I've been told for 3 days they are working on it.  AOL nor Blogger can seem to fix the issue.  How is that this issue wasn't tested in the past months as they decided to do this?  In my opinion.. no one cared.  They figured several would move and folks would be happy.  They'd have empathy for those that it didn't work for but in a few days it would all be forgotten.  AOL and blogger did wondrous things to try and make it work for all.  :::cough cough:::  I don't buy it.  I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but damn what did they use to test the system? 

 

Ya know, I was only going to use this as an archive anyway so I guess no one really cares.  My issue now is what size limit is there at blogger?  I've got roughly 1900 entries here, and lots of graphics.  In the transfer I can't get half way.  Believe me I tried.  I let it sit there doing nothing for over 5 hours.  Nothing changed, nothing happened, nothing went to blogger.  Does that mean at 800 entries in blogger I will be done?   We will be done?  Will I not be able to put in graphics, will you not be able to?  I'm not familiar enough with it, but seems to me if there is no limit both large and small journals should make the move easily.  Not happening and they know it.

 

Speaking out will not help my cause, I know.  But WTF!?!?!  They need to do something for those that have their lives on their journal.   The count down has begun...........  

~ Waving ~

Hi folks.  As you can see I haven't posted here, but that doesn't mean I'm not posting.  :)  You can't keep a good group down.  I'm settling into my new home, as are so many others.  I have links on my sidebar there to find others.  Surely I don't have everyone yet, but I'm trying. 

 

'Cmon over...... D's Designs and Other Things

 

I suppose this will be my last entry here...  but I hope you'll join us over at blogger.  Thanks for all the fun times JLand.

 

hugs

~d

 

PS  OMG this was so freaking slow.  Took forever for my journal to open then again to add an entry.  AOL staff is asleep......... oh wait they have been for years!!!

Tags: new home

~ Mystery Blogger IX ~

Mystery Blogger has moved

http://dsdesignsandotherthings.blogspot.com/

~ Mystery Blogger Update ~

You all crack me up.  I was a bit disappointed so many thought the mystery blogger picture looked like bug.  Not because she isn't adorable but I thought I was unique...  damn!  So nope it is not me!  LOL  But I do see 'bug' there too.   Our Mystery Blogger this time is Winivere from the Glass Box...  she is a doll then and now!   I don't think I have a blogger link for her so please stop by her journal here and say hi. 

 

The rest of the Mystery Bloggers will be done over at my new home...  Ds Designs and other things

If you've sent me your picture please send me the URL to your new blog so I have it.  Sorry but I haven't gotten completely organized with them there yet.  If you don't want your picture going up there let me know. 

 

I did add a subscribe option there which should send you alerts.  Just fill in your email and then verify...   hopefully it will do what it says :)

 

Hugs

~d

Tags: mystery blogger, new blog spot

~ Ohhhhhh One Thing ~

I still have several pictures for Mystery Blogger...  should I do them here or there?   Please advise I don't want to assume if you sent a picture you won't mind it being there.  If you'd rather pass now let me know.

d

~ I'm Out of Here ~

Hi folks...  I had a rant all planned and decided screw it.  AOL and the journal staff (if you can even call them that) acted in the most unprofessional manner.  To wake up to a few entries with the news and to see a freakin ad banner telling us they were closing shop.  Cowards!!  The ones we depended on most turned their backs and decided to let a select few in on the secret moments before it happened even though they knew for months.   Thanks AOL I'm so glad I haven't given you a penny in the past few years.  I'd rather wipe my a$$ with my hard earned cash then give it to a company that treats its supporters as you did. 

 

Did I say I wasn't going to rant?  LOL  Well I'm done here.  I probably won't post in this journal again.  I will fill the tag requests and leave my alerts on until AOL decides to shut them down.  If you decide to move please either leave your link in an entry or email me.  I hate the thought of losing such good friends.  I opened shop over at blogger, feel free to stop by.  I left followers up so if you add yourself I can find you there too.  Please take a second to do so.  Until I figure out entry alerts I will be using that as my key.  Good gawd... so much dust at the other place and I barely scratched the surface.  So much to learn!!  I'm going to be screaming for help in no time.  At least I figured out how to get animation to work.  That would totally suck if I hadn't!!

 

I want to say thank you to all those that have visited over the years I so appreciated your company and the support.  I only wish those that stopped and did not leave a comment would have done so.. there is still the chance tho ::grin::  Hugs to all of you and I do hope I continue to see you around.

 

love ya

~d

 

http://dsdesignsandotherthings.blogspot.com/

~ Update ~

I've gotten several emails and alerts stating that hometown shutting down will in fact include journals.  It's a shame those in charge of keeping us informed sent emails to a select few and left the rest of us to fend for ourselves wondering about it.  Wouldn't it have been great if we had a journal that could be used as a point of contact so this information could have been announced to the community?  Say a Magic Smoke or something?   Cripes... the WTH?!?!  Journals Editor.. what the hell is being edited?  Sorry Vish, but that is and was unacceptable.  The announcement for hometown shutdown was on Aug 4.  Read it here.  We as a community aren't even important enough to warrant an entry or announcement?  We get a freakin banner added to our journals stating hometown will shutdown and the link to show us how to save things goes to an empty page.  Impressive!  NOT!!!  Typical AOL.  If I'm not mistaken, that save process will only save the graphics, songs, etc on a page not the actual words.  I will look into more when I get home from work. 

For those of you going to another site please leave links in your journals so we can find you.  I do NOT want to lose the friends I've made.

Tags: Jland closing shop

~ LOOK UP ~

If you are still wondering if it is true... look up at the banner on the top of journals.  More later.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRR

~ Tag Request - Colors of Autumn ~

     

I stopped at a local park/golf course on my way home and took a couple pictures.  Not sure anyone will want this as a tag, but I was playing around and ... well you know :)

 

Expires 10/1 at noon EST

any requests after that time will be ignored.

 

If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment letting me know.  Please make sure your email is open to receive mail from me and is a legitimate address if it is not AOL..AOL allows 1000+ pieces of mail to be in your mailbox.  Check yours.  I've gotten far to many requests that can't be sent because your mailbox is full. 

 

Do not alter tags  No resizing, stopping animation, cutting or ripping to add your name, signature, or any other text. 

 

Limit 1. 

 

Graphics are to be used for personal use only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit. Thank you for following these terms. 

 

hugs

~d

Tags: tag request

~ Tag Request - My Pleasure - SAC ~

Expires 9/30 at noon EST

any requests after that time will be ignored.

 

If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment letting me know.  Please make sure your email is open to receive mail from me and is a legitimate address if it is not AOL..AOL allows 1000+ pieces of mail to be in your mailbox.  Check yours.  I've gotten far to many requests that can't be sent because your mailbox is full. 

 

Do not alter tags  No resizing, stopping animation, cutting or ripping to add your name, signature, or any other text. I pay for the right to use licensed material, if you need help finding information on such just ask. 

 

Using tags in AOL journals will need an outside storage such as Photobucket to keep animation.  Please see Animation Entry for help.

 

Limit 1. 

 

Graphics are to be used for personal use only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit.

Thank you for following these terms. 

 

hugs

~d

Tags: tag request

~ Hear the Roar ~

::grin:: and yes we did hear them loud and clear.  Not the ones that so nicely posed for us but the ones inside eating.  As I took the picture of the Tiger I was disappointed that he was tight up against the wall and behind the branches of the tree.  When I got it on the computer I actually loved the way the green eyes peered above the leaves.  The angle is right so you can't actually tell it's a building next to him. 

 

The Lions were gorgeous.  After playing and wrestling they jumped up on the stoop and posed for the crowd.   I wasn't lucky enough to get the building out of this shot, but I am still very pleased with it.  I thought about editing out the 'window' but then decided to leave it as is.  The colors, faces, and eyes draw you away from it.  Or at least for me :)

 

 

The Buffalo Bills did a little roaring today too.  After being down to the Rams 14-6 at half time, they came back and won 31-14.  For the first time in 16 years they've started the season 4-0.  Now I will continue to be cautious as they've not really played a winning squad, or one that had a roster not riddled with injuries.  No doubt I will take it.  The name of the game, but lets see what happens as the season shakes out.

 

Brett Favre did a little roaring of his own.  Six touchdown passes, first time in his career as the Jets beat Arizona 56-35.  What a high scoring game that was.  More like basketball!!!  Kansas City and Washington roared too.   Kansas City won their first game of the season upsetting Denver and Washington shocked the Cowboy fans by beating their team.   Aaahhh a good week in football :)

 

Last but not least I'm doing a little roaring.  Ok, not me, my stomach.  We spent the day at my sisters for the game.  Snacks galore, shrimp, taco dip, chicken wing dip.  Dinner was Bar-b-que pulled pork, pasta wish sauce, jambalaya,  bread butter, and who knows what else.  I can't remember.   What I do remember is I ate like a freaking slob and came home with the worst case of indigestion.   A mixture of baking soda and warm water relieved some of the pressure, but I feel as though I need to let out a few more roaring belches.   Ohhhhhhhh there's one... LOL  my monitor even moved.  A couple more should do it.  You'd think I'd know better. 

 

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  The weather here has been beautiful.  More and more leaves are changing and I am hoping to get some foliage shots this week.  We'll see how it goes.  

 

hugs

~d

Tags: lions, tigers, zoo, buffalo bills

~ It's a Zoo Out There ~

:::giggle::: or in there...   however you want to say it... we took a trip to the zoo today.   A Rainforest Exhibit had recently opened and I wanted to check it out.  So this morning we packed up the kids and headed over.  My son and his girlfriend took Gage.  Bug drove with her mother, me and grandma.  They called for a chance of rain, but we didn't see any.  It actually got pretty nice out.

 

                                                     

 

The Rainforest exhibit was unreal.   The waterfall is part of it.  Hot and humid inside but not a great place for pictures.  To much netting and fencing to get clear shots.  There was a bird exhibit that you bought food for and they actually came right to you to eat.  Bug was hoot.  She talked to the birds to make sure they had enough.  Gage enjoyed that part to, until the bird ripped the cup from his hand.  LOL  Little piggies they were!!!

 

 

As I took pictures of the Elephant, Ellie decided to show off.  She was doing a little dance of sorts.  It was hysterical.  For such a large animal the sense of balance was awesome.  Ahhhh and the Mountain Goat.  He came right over and gave me a smile.

 

                                      

 

 

I got a ton more pictures but I'll save them for later.  Don't want to bore you to death.  The day was good and we spent a good 4 hours walking around.  Bug then exclaimed, 'I can't walk anymore.'   Steve, my son, carried her a bit here and there but it was definitely time to call it a day. 

 

                                                     

 

 

All that fresh air and walking took a toll on me too.  I'm exhausted.  As I sit my eyes are watering and I'm yawning up a storm.  Hmmmmmmmm..........   I'll take my own hint.   Hope everyone had a great Saturday!

 

hugs

~d

Tags: zoo

~ Mystery Blogger VIII ~

 

Our next mystery blogger.  How precious our communion girl is.  Or is she the bride?  Do you know her?  I bet you do.   Take a guess.

 

             

 

* I taught myself how to cook when I could barely read.

* I earned my first paycheck when I was six.

* As a child, people would ask me to come work for them.

* In my youth, I was able to lift over 200 lbs.

* I am a survivor of everything.

Tags: mystery blogger

~ Time to Vote ~

The Photo Challenge poll is up.  Click on the graphic and vote for your favorite, there are some great entries.  I hope you'll all consider joining in next time.   If you have already stopped by all the entries you can see all their links here

Tags: photo challenge

~ Mystery Blogger VII Update ~

Whuuu huuuuu  first comment got it right....   as did others.  Great guesses and I'm thrilled you played along.   Our mystery blogger was none other then Joyce over at My Extremely Simple Life.   I adore that picture as well as the lady!!   Stop by and give her some love

Tags: mystery blogger

~ Tag Request - Autumn Dayz ~

Expires 9/27 at noon EST

any requests after that time will be ignored.

 

If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment letting me know.  Please make sure your email is open to receive mail from me and is a legitimate address if it is not AOL..AOL allows 1000+ pieces of mail to be in your mailbox.  Check yours.  I've gotten far to many requests that can't be sent because your mailbox is full. 

 

Do not alter tags  No resizing, stopping animation, cutting or ripping to add your name, signature, or any other text. I pay for the right to use licensed material, if you need help finding information on such just ask. 

 

Using tags in AOL journals will need an outside storage such as Photobucket to keep animation.  Please see Animation Entry for help.

 

Limit 1. 

 

Graphics are to be used for personal use only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit.

Thank you for following these terms. 

 

hugs

~d

Tags: tag request

~ Thursday.... in my backyard ~

:::holding smelling salts for anyone who needs them:::  Yeap, two actual entries two days in a row.  Imagine that.  LOL   Today was better.  The hole I left in the wall yesterday from getting out of bed on the wrong side softened the blow this morning :)~   Naaaaaahhh I'm being a smart ass.  I didn't smack into the wall either day.   Just that saying, ya know?  

 

Work was work... it was a long day.  With the few days off, a couple of travel days, and meetings, I've fallen a bit behind.  Not saying anything about the added duties the past couple of weeks.   I just need to get on roll.  In a routine.  Get caught up.

 

I had an interesting thing happen.  Pissed me right the #@%$ off.  My sister is changing from a dish service back to cable.  She let me know she will be getting cable for the TV, Internet, and phone service.  Her monthly charge?  Less then what I pay for basic cable and Internet.  How can that be?  A promotion right?   Wrong!  I thought she might have misunderstood.  Didn't make sense.  She has a better cable package and an additional service and it was less $$, just sounded so wrong.   So....... I call the cable company.   Low and behold since the new cable company took over completely they came up with 'packages'... they call it price locking.  A two year commitment gets you a better rate.  WTF!?!?!  They tell new customers on the ads, with lots of small print (that I assumed said it was for a certain period of time), but do not notify their existing customers of the change.  Let me tell you, I had smoke coming out of my ears when I heard the commitment would save me $40 a month.  I wanted a credit, but was not getting it because it is advertised....  for new customers.  Damn I guess I should freeze frame the TV commercials and get a magnifying glass so I could read the 10 lines of small print they flash across the TV.  :::heavy sigh:::  Needless to say I changed my package.  I upgraded the cable package.  So now I have freakin 4000 channels and still have nothing to watch.  LOL  But I did get the NHL Network ::big ass grin::  The sister that lives with me......... oh she is thrilled.  LMAO!!!  So, more cable channels, movie channels, sports channels, digital, and all for less then what I was paying before.  Damn straight I stopped on my way home, got the digital box and signed up.  Let me just say call your cable company and check.  With all the deregulations and allowing of phone services to get into the cable industry prices are changing.  You know these idiots are not going to call or send you a flyer to notify you that you could be paying less, but they are offering more and more for less (imagine that) to keep you as a customer. 

 

Ohhhhhhhhh the camera software was a bust today :(  My co-worker was in meetings all day.  I had hoped I could catch him before his lunch.  He lives only a couple blocks away and I know he'd have gone home to get it for me.  Needless to say I will take his camera back tomorrow as he has a photo shoot planned this weekend but he will bring all I need back next week so I can play around.  Whuuu huuu

 

The pictures in today's entry are with my own camera.  I took them this evening in my backyard.  The trees in the woods behind my house are slowly changing, but you'll also notice some of the trees are bare already or dead.  I loved that red right in the middle.  I used a photo aging filter on the picture and really like the way it faded out the edges.  Might be me, but I thought it added depth. 

 

 

After dinner I was cleaning up the kitchen and caught the colors in the sky.  I had to go back out and just grab a shot.  I wish I had time to drive to the lake, or get something other then the woods in the foreground, but it would have been gone.   I loved the colors!!

 

Hope everyone is doing good.  I will let you know when I get to actually post pictures from the other camera.  LOL  like I wouldn't, eh?   Have a great evening all...

 

hugs

~d

Tags: fall, backyard, sunset, cable

~ Quickie ~

Just wanted to drop in and say hi!  ::waving::  I hope everyone is doing well.   I'm doing good, tired but good.   Today was the day from hell from the minute I woke up.  I say I got out of bed on the wrong side and since the wall is on that side you can only imagine.  LOL   It went down hill.  I won't get into all my frustrations, but it wasn't pretty.  After work my sister and I went shopping to find something for my nieces wedding.  GRRRRRRRR  I found nothing!!! 

 

About mid day a co-worker made my day.  He is selling his SLR camera and let me bring it home today to play with to see what I thought.   It's a Canon Rebel.  He gave me lenses etc and all will go in the selling package.  We both thought I'd be able to take pictures and transfer them but low and behold tonight I tried.  No dice.  I will need to get the software from him tomorrow and load it before I can see the shots I took.  To say the least that was frustrating as well.  The pictures were of nothing but I wanted to see the difference on my PC.  I'm not that 'photographer' but I do see some pictures and can't help but wonder if mine would look as crisp with a better camera.  I'll have to wait..................

 

The picture in the entry is with my camera from the other day.  Just messing around near the woods.   I've also been spending time watching the boys.  They have not won either preseason game, but I'm ok with it.  The regulars barely play.  It's to see what the others have to offer.  It's exciting to see the young blood.  

 

Ok, I said quick and I kid you not when I say I'm tired...  my eye lids are closing and wanting to stay closed.   Be good everyone...

 

Hugs

~d

~ Tag Request - Gorjuss Runaway ~

Expires 9/24 at noon EST

any requests after that time will be ignored.

 

If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment letting me know.  Please make sure your email is open to receive mail from me and is a legitimate address if it is not AOL..AOL allows 1000+ pieces of mail to be in your mailbox.  Check yours.  I've gotten far to many requests that can't be sent because your mailbox is full. 

 

Do not alter tags  No resizing, stopping animation, cutting or ripping to add your name, signature, or any other text. I pay for the right to use licensed material, if you need help finding information on such just ask. 

 

Using tags in AOL journals will need an outside storage such as Photobucket to keep animation.  Please see Animation Entry for help.

 

Limit 1. 

 

Graphics are to be used for personal use only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit.

Thank you for following these terms. 

 

hugs

~d

Tags: tag request

AOL Community Photo Challenge

AOL Community Photo Challenge for this week is........September!

Nothing says September more then football - to me anyway.  I was going to say school but so many areas start much earlier.  Besides, there was already something along those lines.  I did take this picture last September when the Bills played the NY Jets here in Buffalo.  Final score of that game 17-14. 

 

 

Make sure you check out the rest of the entries by clicking on the above September graphic.  Voting for the entries begins on Friday so set your alerts.

Tags: AOL Community Photo Challenge

~ Mystery Blogger VII ~

I love this picture!!!   It's priceless in my book.  This lady makes the rounds in JLand regularly.

 

She says, 'I've lived a lot of places, once wore a uniform, and love to read.'

 

Give your best guess folks :)

 

                                 

Tags: mystery blogger

~ On the Road Again ~

            

Had another business trip this week.  Off to Rochester to visit a client and friend.  I met her through business but over the years we've become very good friends.  She is moving on to another job so I went to meet the new person and go over some things.  We went to a nice bar and grill for lunch.  I grabbed some pictures of us before leaving and I couldn't resist the tree stump that stood off to the side.  I thought it looked so out of place, yet so in place if that makes sense.  I did do a little editing.  I decided to layer it and make the picture black and white with the exception of the stump and ivy.   The original colors were not too far off, but I still had to play.  LOL

 

I am feeling better, but only after a rough week.  It seemed to take days to get my strength back and feel as tho I could eat what I wanted.   Whatever that bug was it wasn't pretty.   I have heard several other folks have come down with it too.  GRRRRRRR  I better not get it back!!

 

Guess what I did this morning?   Go ahead, guess.  LOL  I watched hockey on the Internet.  It wasn't a game but rather my boys practicing.  They also unveiled their new alternate jersey.  They won't wear it full time, but damn I wish they would!   It's an edited/updated version of our original jersey.  The blue is much darker then the original to match the blue now.  I love it and will be purchasing one in no time, count on it!  It was amazing to watch them play and got me so excited about the upcoming season.   The team was tweaked a bit in the off season and I have high hopes.   Thursday we got the news that Jason Pominville was resigned for 5 years.  Whuuuuuuu Huuuuuuuuu  so the core is in place.  No distractions going into the season.   First preseason game is Monday, though some other teams started today.  What a great feeling to go to nhl.com and get scores.   They don't mean anything yet, but just the same it was great!

 

 

I've been trying to keep with journals and visits, but I haven't been on here as much.  Just things here and there.   Nothing urgent, nothing wrong.   No doubt when the weather turns we will all be here more.  Speaking of weather, today it was in the high 70's.  I stopped at my parents for a bit.  The kids were there too, and in the pool.   OMG!!   Swimming at the end of Sept in Buffalo, who'd of thunk it?!?!  They were in and out as the water was cold.   Hell we had frost warnings only a couple days ago.   They didn't seem to mind.   The last hurrah so to speak, the cover goes on this week. 

 

Hope everyone is doing well.  I'm off to catch the news and then to bed.

 

Hugs

~d

Tags: business trip, swimming, nhl, buffalo sabres, jason pominville

~ Mystery Blogger VI Update ~

Like I said in my original entry on Mystery Blogger VI, he was the only guy to send his picture in.  I suppose I was a bit 'mean' when I mentioned the clothes, but it was not intended.  It was most definitely the era and I know had he sent a class picture most would be dressed the same.   Gawd brought back some memories and I couldn't resist using that one.  My son would die if that was the style these days.  LOL

 

We did have several correct answers.  The Mystery Blogger is Sam from Docklines.   Drop by and raz him a bit.  Tell him to get to 'revving up that journal' like he said.  :)~ 

 

Thanks again for playing. 

 

hugs

~d

Tags: mystery blogger

~Tag Request - Gorjuss Fall Garden ~

Expires 9/22 at noon EST

any requests after that time will be ignored.

 

If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment letting me know.  Please make sure your email is open to receive mail from me and is a legitimate address if it is not AOL..AOL allows 1000+ pieces of mail to be in your mailbox.  Check yours.  I've gotten far to many requests that can't be sent because your mailbox is full. 

 

Do not alter tags  No resizing, stopping animation, cutting or ripping to add your name, signature, or any other text. I pay for the right to use licensed material, if you need help finding information on such just ask. 

 

Using tags in AOL journals will need an outside storage such as Photobucket to keep animation.  Please see Animation Entry for help.

 

Limit 1. 

 

Graphics are to be used for personal use only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit.

Thank you for following these terms. 

 

hugs

~d

Tags: tag request

~ Tag Request - Autumn in the Air ~

  

Expires 9/18 at noon EST

any requests after that time will be ignored.

 

If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment letting me know.  Please make sure your email is open to receive mail from me and is a legitimate address if it is not AOL..AOL allows 1000+ pieces of mail to be in your mailbox.  Check yours.  I've gotten far to many requests that can't be sent because your mailbox is full. 

 

Do not alter tags  No resizing, stopping animation, cutting or ripping to add your name, signature, or any other text. I pay for the right to use licensed material, if you need help finding information on such just ask. 

 

Using tags in AOL journals will need an outside storage such as Photobucket to keep animation.  Please see Animation Entry for help.

 

Limit 1. 

 

Graphics are to be used for personal use only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit.

Thank you for following these terms. 

 

hugs

~d

Tags: tag request

~ Words ~

Words, words, everywhere.  That's kind of how this entry will be...   but I found this site that will search your blog and pull in words to make a neat tag.  Or so I thought anyway :)   Wordle is real simple to use.  Just go, select create your own, plug in your URL and it does the work.  You can edit colors and the direction the text goes. 

 

The last few days have been up and down.  Last Thursday I had a business trip to Syracuse.  It went really well.   Later that evening I was just exhausted.  On Friday I felt ill.  My body ached, my head hurt, and my stomach wasn't up to par at all.  I did go to work and fought through it.  I was a bit pissed too.  For days prior others in my department came in sick.  Coughing up their lungs and bragging about having a fever.  'Damn it go home!'   Why do folks think it's ok to come to work with a fever?   I wasn't feeling great but I did not have a fever, nor was I coughing.   After work I went with the family went out to dinner.  My sister Martha Karen had her birthday this weekend.  It was a blast!  Sixteen of us to dinner then a beer tent fall fest that had a band playing.  I wasn't much in the mood, but had to go for her.   I was glad I did as I ran into friends that I haven't seen in years.   I did pay for it Saturday.  I felt like I was hit by bus.  No, by a semi!  I laid on the couch the entire day.  Each time I stood I felt like I was going to toss oats.   Imagine that and I didn't even drink. 

 

 

Sunday I got up and felt so much better.  The sun was shining and it was warm out.  I decided to go to a local park and get some pictures.  I was thinking it might be a nice place for my niece to go and get wedding pictures.   She agrees.  A fall wedding with trees decorated with colored leaves and a water fall in the background.  I like it.  Even if the leaves are gone, I do think it would be a nice shot.    The park is the site of an old Mill that is now open in fall as an apple cider store.  It wasn't open the day I was there, and the outside could use some grooming and a definite paint job, but it looks like they may be working on it.  The run off falls near the main one was just as pretty but my shot is not the greatest.  Not sure if was the setting or the lighting.  I will definitely go back later in the fall to give it another try. 

 

                        

 

The rest of Sunday was spent watching football.  YEAH Bills... they beat Jacksonville.   Jacksonville had some injuries but are still a playoff caliber team.  It's nice to be 2-0 to start the season.  I can't remember the last time that happened.   This Sunday it's Oakland.  Can they go 3-0?  Would be nice!

 

I got an email congratulating me on my counter hitting over 100,000.  I know site meter had been down off and on over the course of the past several weeks because of upgrades but I didn't believe the count was correct.   I emailed them and they assured me it was.  Even though the counter may have disappeared or even the actual icon, I was still linked up and the stat's are correct.   They did have issues and didn't roll out the new and improved with all that anyway.   Ahhhh so it's not only AOL that tries to improve what is not broke.  GRRRRRR why do companies do that?  With that I wanted to say thanks to all my visitors.  I appreciate the one second fly bys as well those that hang out for a few minutes.  Thank you!  Thanks also to those who noticed the quick snap shots on my sidebar.  LMAO  They aren't the greatest but I fooled around a bit and thought I'd add 'em for a bit anyway. 

 

                   

 

Guess what this Friday is?  Can you guess?  Ok, ok I will just tell you.  Training camp starts!  Whuuu huuuu my boys will be back!!   This week is rookie training camp and then Friday the guys roll in.  Our alternate jersey will be revealed on Saturday.  They tried to keep it secret, but there are sites out there displaying a leak.  Is it true?  I have no idea, but I do know I like the idea.  It's the original logo with the new blue color.  If it is in fact the alternate jersey you can rest assured I will be going to Jochen Hecht's... 'what the hecht, you must be jochen.'   No, no I'm not.  LOL   So are you ready for some hockey????  

 

Well, enough words for one day...  probably too many.  Hope everyone is doing ok and has recovered from the storms in your area.  Seems Ike has hit just about everyone.  Here we had wild winds and some rain.  Homes are still without power, but nothing compared to the devastation elsewhere.

 

hugs

~d

Tags: wordle, water falls, football, hockey

~ Mystery Blogger VI ~

Just had to do a graphic for these entries

 

Ahhhh this 'mystery blogger' gave me the choice of photo's.  Mistake!  LOL  I had to use this one.  The shoes, the slacks, the vest..  says volumes ::giggle::  He is pretty well known and he has shared his skill of playing the guitar before.  Don't let the outfit fool you, he is a really cool dude.  He's also the only guy to date that had the knads to send his picture!

 

Leave your guess and let the person know you guessed them so they can join the fun if they haven't already.

 

 

                                             

Tags: mystery blogger

~ Mystery Blogger V Update ~

Whu huuuuuuuuu again a couple correct answers.   Congrats to all and thanks for playing.  The 'mystery blogger' is Val from There is a Season.   Stop by and let Val know you saw this adorable shot :)

 

I have a few more 'bloggers' who sent over pictures, thanks for your help in keeping this going.  Maybe when you guess you can let person know you guessed them and that will get more folks involved.

 

d

Tags: mystery blogger

~ Time to Vote ~

Take a peek at the photo's and cast your vote (click on the graphic).  I know there are some technical difficulties with the polls, and sometimes simply going back to the journal will fix it.  If not you can email the votes in.  See the choices..... make your pick..... and vote just once of course :)  Great photo's to pick from.

 

Thanks for participating.

Tags: photo challenge

~ Tag Request - Gorjuss Deer ~

Expires 9/13 at noon EST

any requests after that time will be ignored.

 

If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment letting me know.  Please make sure your email is open to receive mail from me and is a legitimate address if it is not AOL..AOL allows 1000+ pieces of mail to be in your mailbox.  Check yours.  I've gotten far to many requests that can't be sent because your mailbox is full. 

 

Do not alter tags  No resizing, stopping animation, cutting or ripping to add your name, signature, or any other text. I pay for the right to use licensed material, if you need help finding information on such just ask. 

 

Using tags in AOL journals will need an outside storage such as Photobucket to keep animation.  Please see Animation Entry for help.

 

Limit 1. 

 

Graphics are to be used for personal use only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit.

Thank you for following these terms. 

 

hugs

~d

Tags: tag request

~ Mystery Blogger V ~

                                          

                                                     

Whu huuuuuuuu another well known JLander not to scared to give up an old photo.  On to the hints...

 

I come from family of six siblings (that's why I am chopped out here.)

I love my two kitty cats.

I have two grandchildren, but still feel young! 

 

'Cmon folks play along... don't say 'I don't know'..  most of us don't...  give up a name and have a laugh or two.  No one will be offended if you guess wrong... it's about fun. 

 

A great way to spread the word would be to email the person you guess a link to the entry.  I surely don't know all of JLand.........  and this might just get more folks involved. :)

 

hugs

~d

Tags: mystery blogger

~ A Winner ~

I'm stoked.  Several of the guilds that sell the artist tubes have contests with the prizes being free tubes from the guild.   I don't enter all of them, but if I think I have a good idea or something that will fit with the theme they've given I will make an attempt.  This theme was 5 circles.  I loved the scrap kit and came up with this.  I won second place.  Whuuuu huuu

 

I'm offering this up even though it's definitely summer.  The expiration date for requests is 9/12 at noon.  Just leave a comment with your name if you'd like one. 

 

Must be my lucky week...   this morning I also got an email with a gift certificate for free gorjuss tubes.  One of my regulars purchased it for me as a thank you for the tags I've done for her.  How sweet is that???  Thank you again my friend ... like I said not necessary but so appreciated.

 

hugs

~d

~ Tag Request - Gorjuss Fall ~

  

Expires 9/11 at noon EST

any requests after that time will be ignored.

 

If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment letting me know.  Please make sure your email is open to receive mail from me and is a legitimate address if it is not AOL..AOL allows 1000+ pieces of mail to be in your mailbox.  Check yours.  I've gotten far to many requests that can't be sent because your mailbox is full. 

 

Do not alter tags  No resizing, stopping animation, cutting or ripping to add your name, signature, or any other text. I pay for the right to use licensed material, if you need help finding information on such just ask. 

 

Using tags in AOL journals will need an outside storage such as Photobucket to keep animation.  Please see Animation Entry for help.

 

Limit 1. 

 

Graphics are to be used for personal use only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit.

Thank you for following these terms. 

 

hugs

~d

Tags: tag request

~ Mystery Blogger IV Update ~

Thank you all for playing.  We've had several correct guesses this time.. congrats!!!   I was going to hold off another day or two before revealing but it doesn't appear there will be any more guesses soooooo I won't keep you in suspense any longer.   Our Mystery Blogger is Linda of Linda's World.  Stop by and give some love...  tell her how cute she is...  and don't forget to let her know of the items you found to be unsafe ::giggle::  That comment cracked me up!!!   

 

I will post another Mystery Blogger in a couple of days........ so stayed tune.  Don't forget to play along.  Send in your picture with some clues and a link to your journal......

 

hugs

~d

Tags: mystery blogger

~ I am a Freak ~

Some of you may remember on numerous occasions I put a 'blurb' in an entry how my son calls me a freak because of the way I take pictures, what I take pictures of, how I will drive for hours (or use to before the price of gas went sky high) to get a picture.   Well, today it was confirmed I AM A FREAK! 

 

I was asked to bring my camera to work today to take a picture of a co-worker to be used in a presentation.  Of course, I complied.   I went in and got the picture.   On my walk in I noticed a puddle that I've noticed a million times after it had rained.  It was still raining so I walked right in but it gnawed at me.  In the past when I passed that puddle I wondered what it would look like if I took a picture.  Hmmmmmmm

 

By lunch time the rain had stopped.  I grabbed my camera and went to the parking lot.  There was the puddle looking at me.  The reflection of trees and a partial building could be seen.  The sky had started to turn blue in between the clouds.  I took the camera out of the case and started snapping.  Several co-workers were outside and wondered what the hell I was doing.  One had the balls to ask 'are you taking a picture of that puddle?  And why?'  I turned, 'yeap I am, because I'm a freak'   Everyone laughed and I turned and took a couple more.   I previewed what I had and was happy with the results.  I hoped I'd still like them when I downloaded on to the computer. 

 

When I was walking back to my desk my boss looked at me quizzically because I had the camera in tow.  He thought the picture of the co-worker didn't work.  I let him know, 'No, I'm a freak'  The eyebrow went up and explained about my son.  I then turned the camera on to show him.   He held the camera and looked.  'I see the obvious, a puddle.. a reflection.....'  He had a little pause as he examined the picture more closely.  I laughed, 'that's it.  Nothing else.  I'm a freak'  He chuckled and disagreed and then said he liked it.  He went to hand the camera back and then pulled it back.  He flipped the camera over in his hand and looked at it upside down.  'I love it this way he said, almost looks as though you are looking out a misshapen window.'  I examined it that way and thought maybe he was right.  It was then another co-worker walked over to see what we were looking at.  'OMG, that is awesome it looks like you're in a cave looking out,' she said.  We all agreed she was somewhat right. 

 

Throughout the day several others came to my desk to see 'the picture.'  They all had their own impression/perspective.   So many asked what made me even think to take a picture of a puddle.  I saw, I liked, I took a shot (pun intended)...  besides I'm a freak.   LOL

 

The picture is actually upside down.  Not sure I feel the same way now regarding the cave, or the window, but for some reason I do like it.  See, I told you... I'm a freak :)

 

hugs

~d

Tags: reflection, photography, freak

~ Tag Request - Fall Frenzy ~

    

Expires 9/9 at noon EST

any requests after that time will be ignored.

 

If you'd like your name on this please leave a comment letting me know.  Please make sure your email is open to receive mail from me and is a legitimate address if it is not AOL..AOL allows 1000+ pieces of mail to be in your mailbox.  Check yours.  I've gotten far to many requests that can't be sent because your mailbox is full. 

 

Do not alter tags  No resizing, stopping animation, cutting or ripping to add your name, signature, or any other text. I pay for the right to use licensed material, if you need help finding information on such just ask. 

 

Using tags in AOL journals will need an outside storage such as Photobucket to keep animation.  Please see Animation Entry for help.

 

Limit 1. 

 

Graphics are to be used for personal use only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit.

Thank you for following these terms. 

 

hugs

~d

Tags: tag request

~ Timing is Everything ~

Yeap, it is :)   I got over to my sisters about 12:30 or so.  Had time to slice cheese and get the platter of crackers and pepperoni together.  Chips and dip.  A drink and a comfy seat.  Then it was kick off time.   The game started a bit slow, but the rain was coming down.  Lightly at first but off and on throughout the game it poured.  The weathermen sure as hell got that wrong.  It wasn't suppose to start until after the game.   It looked like it might be a boring game with both teams having to punt several times.  With 4 minutes left in the first quarter the Bills scored a touchdown.  Up 7-0.   The second quarter wasn't much more exciting.  More punts.  The Bills kicked two field goals and remnants of last season snuck in.  Until of course we ran a punt back for a touchdown.  Whuuu huuuu Roscoe Parrish!!  The Seahawks scored a TD and the half ended 21-7. 

 

During half time Kevin Everett received the George Halas Award.  The award is given to a player who overcomes adversity.  You may remember Everett was hurt in the home opener last year and there was fear he'd never walk again.  It took awhile, but he is walking but will never play the game again.  He still has a long way to go, but it could have been much much worse.   The sun also came out here and there between the mountainous clouds. 

 

The second half proved to a bit more exciting.  Maybe it was the fake field goal that lead to a touchdown.  Maybe it was the fact that the Bills scored 34 and they haven't done that in years.  Either way it was a good game, and a good time.   Of course, no lack of food either.  My brother in law made chicken parm, and there were ribs too.  Always food... and yes we did graze all day!!

 

 

 

All the excitement of opening weekend and the news seems to be all about Tom Brady.  Adam Schefter is reporting he is done for the season.  He hurt his knee in today's game and I've not heard anything definite about how serious except for this article.  We'll have to wait and see what the team reports later.  Though it would/could help my Bills I hate to see anyone get injured, let alone be injured and out of for the season.  

 

 

 

I wasn't home long and I got up to go the 'powder room.'  Staring me in face was the most beautiful scene.  Ahhhh that bathroom window has done me justice this year for sure.  I just went and got my camera and took several pictures.  I didn't want it to disappear.  How unreal to have the sunset glowing on the clouds.. or would that be making the clouds glow.... have the moon, and blue sky.   My sister pointed out the face in the clouds on the first one.  Off to the right, can you see it?  Red sky at night...........

 

 

 

Well all in all it was a good day and a good weekend.  I can't believe it's back to work tomorrow.  GRRR  I hate Monday's!!!   I hope everyone had a good one.

 

Hugs

~d

Tags: NFL, Buffalo Bills, Kevin Everett, Tom Brady, Sunset