~ Mystery Blogger Update ~

LMAO... you guys crack me up.  I so enjoyed reading the comments and guesses as did our mystery blogger.  It's not me in the picture, nor is it Neil Diamond.  We had a couple correct guesses....it is Mary from Just Mary.   Tough guess since most of us, if not all, have never seen her.  Now we see how gorgeous she is...  kinda fits with her entries, doesn't it?   I don't have any information on the guy other then it's someone in her life...........   thanks for playing along. 

hugs

~d

~ Beautiful ~

Beautiful day... beautiful place.  The weather was magnificent and a trip to Presque Isle was definitely in order.  I picked up my younger sister and we headed out.  The drive was uneventful, and took about an hour and a half.  

 

                    

 

Upon arriving we entered the park.  At the entrance there is a water park and amusement park.  We didn't go to either, but it was interesting to see a roller coaster go over the road.   We made our way around the park finding so many interesting things.  I really wanted to take the pontoon ride through the marshy area located in the center, but when we arrived all rides had already been booked for the day.  ::sigh:: maybe another time.  It is suppose to be an awesome tour with the an abundance of nature.   I was able to find other things to take pictures of.  LOL  Did you doubt that?

 

We stopped at the numerous beaches and explored.  On the outer side of there are stone break walls.  They were put in place to help stop the erosion.  It really didn't take away from the beauty, but rather added to it.   I had to take the picture of the camera and umbrella... tho it might look out of place to you, I saw what was really happening.  A man had set it up and put the timer on to get his family portrait at the beach. 

 

 

Picnic tables dot the entire area.  You can bet I will to back with every intention of spending more time and maybe having the entire family.  It was perfect!   So perfect in fact we witnessed a wedding on the beach near the Presque Isle Lighthouse.  I have pictures but didn't think it appropriate to post them here.  The lighthouse is set back off the shore and since it was built many a trees grew in front of it.   The trees are much higher then the 'light tower' and from some angles you can't even see it.  It is operating though, we noticed that as we walked the beach and around to the other side. 

 

             

 

The day was wonderful and relaxing.  On the way home we stopped off at the Outback for dinner and then to my parents.  Well, my sister still lives at home so I had no choice but to go there ::grin::  My niece and her family were there for a swim and dinner.   Of course the temps are soaring now that they have to go back to school.   It's 77 here as I type.   The sun is out and the sky is blue.  You can rest assured I will be lounging near the pool.... today.... tomorrow... and Tuesday...  they are calling for temps in the 80's.   Yeah baby...  I think I finally got it right with taking days off and not having it rain. 

 

 

I hope everyone has a marvelous holiday.........

 

               

 

hugs

~d

Tags: presque isle

~ Mystery Blogger ~

                    

Soooooooo here we have it.  A picture.. maybe not the best.. it shows a little age...  but it's of a blogger here in JLand.  A well known blogger, someone who has been around a bit.  Can you guess who it is?  Leave your guess and spread the word.  Let's see if JLand can guess one of it's own :::evil grin:::

~ Tag Request - Support the Troops ~

A friend asked that I make something along these lines.  I don't generally do requests, but this one I felt I should.   Not sure about this, but she loved it so I thought I'd share. 

 

Expires 8/31 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.

 

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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

~ Congrats to the City of Buffalo ~

Yes, once again the political red tape and bureaucratic bullshit has halted the growth of the city.  Now, I'm not saying I am for gambling or not, but I am for progression and for the city to move forward with some type of growth.  What seemed like a hundred years ago the Seneca Indians signed a deal to build 3 casino's.   One in Niagara Falls, one in Salamanca, and one in the city of Buffalo.  Well, Niagara Falls is done, open and getting a lot of traffic (picture above). 

 

The city of Buffalo?  Ohhh what a joke.  This is what we have, and what we get. 

 

 

Isn't pretty?  In the beginning every site that the Indians wanted to build on, the city fought.  'No, not there.'  After years of trying to negotiate a location they selected a spot in the suburbs near the airport.  The city?  Oh they fought it.  'Can't have it there, you have a contract and it has to be in the city!'   A site is finally agreed upon.  Old grain mills are torn down.  Precautions taken for asbestos and what not.  The Indians put up a temporary building and open for business as they start to build in the background.  All the while the Falls location was up and running. 

 

Now, well the Indians have halted everything.  Recently there was a court hearing and the result was it is illegal to have a casino in the city.  WTF!?!  Did no one look into it prior to the years of bull shit we went through?  The Indians are citing the economy, but I highly doubt it.  So now instead of falling down grain elevators we have steel beams stretching to the sky with no estimated time frame for anything to be built.   The city of Buffalo's idea of progress I guess.

 

Over 10 years and they still can't decide on the new bridge to replace the Peace Bridge going into Canada.  I have said for years I will not see the bridge, it won't happen in my lifetime.  I had hoped I was kidding, but the way our politicians and a good majority of people that live here think, or lack of thinking I'm afraid I am right.  Let's all stand by and watch our empty buildings collapse around us, and not replace or move forward.   GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

 

I love my city and want it to grow, but damn I am so tired of folks wanting to stay in the past.  So sick of the numerous politicians arguing and not coming to any type of compromise.  Instead lets fight over it and get nothing done. 

 

 

On a brighter note.  I'm good.  I took a few days off.  YEAH!!!   I had planned on going to Presque Isle today.  It's about an hour and half drive and located near Erie PA.  I took a day off earlier in the summer to make the trip to get pictures and it rained.   I woke up this morning and it was raining so I went back to bed.  Later in the morning it was cloudy and overcast and looked as though the sky would open up again so I delayed the trip again.  I plan to go tomorrow.  It's suppose to be sunny and fairly warm.  Keep your fingers crossed that the weather cooperates and I get some good pictures.

 

I don't go back to work until Wednesday afternoon.  :::doing happy dance:::  I am hoping to spend some time at my parents around the pool.  Can you believe that summer is over... or so they say as Labor Day approaches.  I'm hoping to squeeze out a few more hot sunny days.

 

School here starts on Wed and 'bug' will experience her first day.  You know I'll be there to get some pictures of her.  I can't wait.  Kudos' to all the teachers out there, having the patience of a saint to deal with a class full of 'bugs'.  OMG!!!   I'd be in stitches and unable to perform any teaching. 

 

'Nuff babbling today.. hope everyone is good and enjoying....

 

hugs

~d

Tags: red tape, politics, casino's, Presque Isle

~ Tag Request - Land of Make Believe ~

Expires 8/31 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. 

 

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hugs

~d

Tags: tag request

~ Tag Request - Relax ~ LOL

Expires 8/26 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

~ Always on my Mind ~

  

I couldn't let the day go by without acknowledging my beloved sisters birthday.  How many times I thought about picking up my phone to call and sing to her.  Tore my heart out.  She is always on mind and today she has been front and center.  I miss her more then anything in the world.  Her laugh, her smile, the strength she had her entire life.  I could call her for anything.... and I do mean anything!   Stop at a whim.  Instead today I had to be satisfied with visiting the cemetery. 

 

On my way the sky opened and a storm rolled in.  The rain pelted my car and my wipers were going a mile a minute.  As I pulled in and parked I fumbled to grab my umbrella.  Then like magic the rain stopped and the sun pierced the dark clouds.  I smiled as I knew she didn't want me to get wet.  Maybe she wanted me to visit for awhile.   Either way, I stayed a bit and talked, prayed, and cried.  I wished her a Happy Birthday.  I let her know how much I miss her.  I cried some more.  Happy Birthday Patty Ann.  Love you always and forever.

 

hugs

~d

~ Did You See This? ~

        

Well, most of you know I'm a jock at heart.  Sure hockey is my game, but when the Olympics are on I'm front and center.  I do sometimes cheer for the under dogs, but it's about my country, my home.  I like to see local boys and girls do good.  I still remember Miracle on Ice like it was yesterday.  I cried.  I never did actually see the entire movie that came out a few years back, I saw it the first time, the original.  Some day I'll watch, but I still want the 'real' memory. 

 

So last night I was watching the swimming.  Of course I'm cheering for Michael Phelps.  How can you not?  Well, the French can't.  Most may already know they did some smack talking regarding the 4 X 100 relay.  They were the favorites.  That was the event that caused concern in Phelps reaching his goal of 8 gold medals.  I sat on the end of my seat as the race began.  Yes, I was screaming in my living room.  LOL  By the time Lezak entered the pool the US was behind.  The pace was so fast and furious.  The World Record was on it's way to be shattered.  As the final turn was made I screamed.  My head whirling, 'oh  no he's not going to be able to do it.'  Then it happened.  You see him pulling closer and closer.  The touch on the wall was a photo finish for sure, but he did it.  He did not give up and swam with all he had.  Unbelievable, the boys from the US one the gold.   Bernard, from France, who made the bold prediction laid his head against the side of the pool.   The US celebrated.  I will admit I had tears as I watched Phelps pump his arms in the air, the veins in his neck protruding.  His quest is still on.  I don't get the smack talk, but I was proud of the boys.  Phelps went to the side of the pool and congratulated Bernard, shook his hand.  Class, such class and sportsmanship.   When the boys were asked by a reporter after the race 'who's talking now?' there was a few seconds of silence.  They did not play into that drama.  Made me proud.  What a race!  What a finish!  Another memory of the Olympics.

 

         
 

 

 

I do cheer for my country, always will, but the face of the winners says it all.  No matter who wins.  The anthem being played in medal ceremony.  The hard work paid off, their dreams fulfilled.  How can you not be happy for them?   I wish all the participants good luck in the quest, but it won't stop me from chanting USA! 

 

Yes, the tag is snaggable.   As with all my tags and snags a link back to my journal when used is much appreciated.

 

Hugs

~d

Tags: olympics, phelps, swimming

~ Shower ~

Well, it wasn't a shower, it was a downpour.  Monsoon if you will.  As I left my house to head out to the shower, it looked as though we were in midst of a hurricane.  The rain pelted the ground in buckets.   It didn't slow us down one bit :)  Our work yesterday paid off.  The hall looked adorable.  I grabbed some shots of the favors and the door prizes.  The door prizes were packed into little sand pails, but don't let it kid you.  They were jam packed with goodies.  Instead of having the lei's in the glasses for the favors my niece decided to put them around her guests as she greeted them on their way in.

 

Everyone who was expected, arrived safe and sound.  The rain outside did not dampen anyone's spirit.  The food was marvelous.  Between the smell of food and summery surroundings we forgot for a few hours that it was pouring out.   Pulled pork, brisket, smoked turkey.  Potato salad, mac and cheese, along with a tomato, zucchini, cheese salad.  Fruit kabobs.  Yum!!

 

 

My niece got so many wonderful gifts.  I think she got just about all she asked for, plus some.  As she opened her gifts she selected winners for the door prizes.  She had her guests address the envelope for her thank you's and used them to draw from.  Worked like a charm!!

 

At one point there was a break in the rain and it appeared as though the sun would come out.  I grabbed the girls and had them pose in a nearby gazebo.  Yes, a large wedding party indeed.  They are all beautiful, don't you think?  I sure do!

 

 

 

The day was beautiful and very memorable.  I'm exhausted and thrilled I took off tomorrow.  I will need the day to regroup.  LOL  Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend.

 

Hugs

~d

Tags: bridal shower

~ Tag Request - I So Rock ~

   

Expires 8/11 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.

 

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hugs

~d

Tags: tag request

~ Tag Request - Fading Memories ~

  

Expires 8/10 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.

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hugs

~d

Tags: tag request

~ Hey, Hey, Hey ~

                           

It's Friday afternoon and I'm home!  Wuuuuuuu Huuuuuuuuuu Nothing like having a long weekend.  I really had nothing planned today, just be a lazy ass.  The weather forecast was not the best for today, but it was about not having to work.  Last night we had some wild storms roll through.  I was in the middle of an email and when it started and as the thunder roared and lightening lit up the sky I decided it best to shut down.  So I sat and watched some TV and after about an hour it appeared it was over.  I booted back up only to have it start again.  Ohhhh great... so I just shut down for the night.  This morning it's a bit chilly and earlier it was overcast.  The sun is trying to come out but I swear the sky changes each time I look.  One it minute it's vibrant blue, the next it looks as though the rain will come any second. 

 

The week at work was ok.  Better then last week, but walking on egg shells for 8 hours a day is tiresome.   This long weekend should revitalize me if nothing else.  My nieces shower is Sunday and this morning I printed out the little thank you's to attach to the favors.  Tomorrow we will go to the hall and set up.  It works out perfect as we have access to the room and nothing is happening prior to our event on Sunday.  Yes, of course, I will be taking a ton of pictures.  Hopefully they will come out better then my other nieces a couple years ago.  Those were nothing but blur.  GRRRRRRR

 

The shower is a beach/summer/Hawaiian theme.  Fat Bob's will be catering his famous Barbecue, ok famous here :)   The favors will include nice silky leis LMAO so everyone will be laid on Sunday!  Vibrant colored margarita glasses filled to the brim with goodies.   I will definitely grab a shot of them.  

 

            

 

:::sigh::: Last night I thought I had so much to say, today I can't remember any of it.  LOL  Sign of old age I guess.  I hope everyone is doing well.

 

hugs

~d 

Tags: bridal shower

~ Tag Request - Butterfly ~

 

Expires 8/6 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.

 

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

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hugs

~d

Tags: tag request

~ A Little Magic ~

:::giggle::: one of the things I learned while I was off the PC was a magic trick.   Pick a number 1-15.  Obviously don't tell me the number but let me know which group or groups it is in.  Of course you have to leave it in comment form :)    I will then tell you the number you picked.  You'll have to remember so you can tell me I'm right.     So say you pick the number 10.  Leave a comment telling me it is in group B & D.  I will leave my choice in a comment form on this entry so come back and tell me I'm right :)

LMAO.   'Cmon, have some fun.

 

hugs

~d

 

PS you have to include all the groups your number is in :)~

Tags: magic trick, silly

~ JLand Photo Shoot #138 - Photographer's Choice ~

The subject for this photo shoot is ~

 

 

Photographer's Choice

 

You can choose anything you want to photograph.  It could be a barn, a flower, a cow, or your paperweight collection!  It doesn't matter, just go and shoot!  Click here to play along or see other entries.

 

 

Grabbed these shots today while at my sister's.  She had the grand kids and I just couldn't resist.  Can you believe this precious girl will be starting school in September?  OMG!!  Talk about time flying by. 

Tags: JLand Photo Shoot #138 - Photographer's Choice

~ Tag Request - If the Crown Fits ~

    

Expires 8/5 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.

 

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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 Challenge-SUMMER FUN! ~

The Challenge for August is "SUMMER FUN"

Capture a summer scene that shows fun, could be sports, BBQs, get-togethers, fun at the beach.......Summer Fun photo challenge will be due by the 27th of AUGUST.  Play along here.

 

 

I was out and about yesterday and saw several guys out on the water wind surfing.  It looked to be so much fun.  I grabbed this shot with the city in the background.  It's a good 25-30 miles away and had the day been clearer I bet it would have added so much to the picture.  Either way I thought it fit the theme well. 

 

hugs

~d

Tags: AOL Community Challenge

~ Summer Dayz ~

What a week!!   Work had a few rough days, and that is saying nothing about the 'dicks' I work with...  some literally.   By the time I got home the last thing I wanted to do was get on the computer.  Some days I didn't.  I tried to keep up with the sporadic alerts I got, but even reading and commenting was taking a toll.   Thanks for all the inquiries, but I am fine.  Maybe a bit of PC burnout. 

 

There were a few announcements at work, but not enough to post and make sense, so I will give you all the news at once.  Things are moving slowly, but they appear to be moving.  We'll see.   There was a little flip flop riot on Friday.  Apparently several folks got tired of a certain few being allowed to wear them over and over with no action being taken.  It was pretty comical if you ask me.  I don't wear them often, and when I do they are definitely flip flops!  I have Fred Flintstone feet and they are rather wide.  Those dressy leather type do nothing but cut into my feet leaving me sore and miserable.  No thanks.  I have to think there were a good 15-20 folks with them on Friday.   I will venture to say we'll get another email on Monday,  ya know they're so effective.  NOT!

 

The weather around here has been bizarre.  One day beautiful, hot, and sunny.  The next rain, the next wild storms.. and then next again hail.  Hail in freakin July!?!  I know I've been in the sun and at the pool a bit, but it just doesn't feel like we've had much of a summer.  It always seems to be overcast.  It will probably be in the 90's in Sept and Oct, and then wild snowstorms.  GRRRRRRR

 

Time has flown by.  Next weekend is my niece's bridal shower.  I can't believe it's here already!!   Things have fallen into place rather nicely.   I will be picking up the last item that will be used in the favors on Thursday.   All set there, but that is the earliest I can get there to pick them up.   I'm using some time this week and will be leaving work early on Thursday, off Friday and off again on Monday.

Let's hope the weather is nice.

 

I'm typing away here knowing damn well no one will even know or comment.  AOL alerts appear to be off again on again.  I've gotten a few but not even close to what I normally get.  GRRRRRRRRR  I wish they could just make things right.  They have a great community that is getting pissed off, at the very least.  

 

Well, I won't bore you any longer.... again thanks for the inquiries.   You might be sorry now.  LMAO

Hope everyone is doing well.

 

Hugs

~d

Tags: summer days