Sunday, July 20, 2008

~ The View ~

            DsDesignsBeautifulView2008.jpg picture by 55hockeyfan

 

....  and I am not referring to the talk show :)   As I said last night, it was pretty hazy at the lake yesterday.  That, however, did not stop my nieces from sitting on the ledge and looking out at the water.   Listening to the waves lap the shore, see some folks swimming and playing, watching the boats and jet ski's go by.   Deep in thought, in conversation.  I wonder what those whispers would reveal.  The view is beautiful and the smell fabulous.......

 

DsDesignsCandLBeautiful.jpg picture by 55hockeyfan

 

Talking about beautiful....   my sisters girls.  Still sitting on the ledge but me at a different angle.  A huge water float behind them.  The one on the left will be the beautiful bride come October and her sister the 'Maid of Honor'....  what an honor it will be.

 

DsDesignsWalkontheBeach7-19-08.jpg picture by 55hockeyfan

 

Before dinner some went swimming, some took a walk on the beach.  The most interesting....   and the one that I have permission to post...  this little guy playing...  running and trying to beat the waves as they crashed.  

 

                     DsDesignsBeachFlowers2008.jpg picture by 55hockeyfan

 

I found these gorgeous flowers off at the edge of the beach.  I have no idea what they are, but it's a perfect backdrop for those bonfires on the beach.  I played around a bit and added texture for a different effect.

 

Dinner was served and eaten under two huge trees.  Out of the little sun we had and a nice breeze.   It was perfect... for without that breeze we'd have all been in the water!   Our host made the biggest pot of chicken cacciatore and pasta.  I brought a huge chef salad and bread to accompany...    As we ate the rain came.  It was a light drizzle that could only be felt if you walked away from the tables.  The massive limbs of the trees adorned with huge leaves protected us.  We finished eating and cleared the tables.  Just in the nick of time too!   As the rain came a bit harder we packed up our outdoor chairs and bags and headed to her back room.  The entire back of the house is an enclosed porch with windows on all three sides.  We sat and had desserts, yes plural, and coffee.  The rain splashed the windows and rolled endlessly down the glass.  Safe inside we could see the waves get a little larger and the horizon turn dark. 

 

DsDesignsBeautifulSunset7-19-08.jpg picture by 55hockeyfan

 

The rain did not last to long and when it stopped I went out to get sunset pictures.  In the middle of the yard, and the edge sits a covered gazebo.  Two sides holding benches and the center is large enough for a table if needed.  To the left, the chairs, looking out at the water.  The cushions were safe inside out of the rain.  I just couldn't resist.  How many nights are friends and/or lovers sitting watching the sun go down? 

 

DsDesignsAftertheRain7-19-08.jpg picture by 55hockeyfan

 

I happened to be in the gazebo at one point, and noticed the sunset reflecting on the railing, the water drops left on the buds, and the painted sky.  What a day..... what a view!

 

Today will be spent doing nothing!   LOL  it was raining this morning when I got up but the sun has since come out.  It's still overcast but the breeze is wonderful coming in the open windows.   The rain brought in cooler air and it is about 78 degrees.  Perfect for a lazy day of being alone, nothing but quiet....  aaaahhhhhh  Hoping everyone had a great weekend and a restful Sunday...

 

Hugs

~d


Tags:

Saturday, July 19, 2008

~ Tired ~

DsDesignsSailboat7-19-08.jpg picture by 55hockeyfan


..... or as my friend would say 'Tarred'...  ::giggle:: she's from Pittsburgh..  and I know some of you know exactly what I am saying...   she also says 'the Stillers'  LOL   Sound familiar to any of you?  Hmmm??  

 

The day was great...  it was warm, a bit humid, and extremely hazy.   The house we were at has this view all day long.  She sits above the lake but also has beach front, you go down about 15 steps to the beach.  It's a fabulous place.   The shore line of lake Erie has a number of bays.  Today in the bay to the right of her they had sailboat races.  As they came out from behind the point you could see them.  It was a distance away, and the haze made the view a little faint, you can barely see where the water ends and the sky begins.  On a clear day the color in those sails would pop!  There really was no 'sun' for the sunset, but the colors and pattern that came thru the clouds was magnificent.  I don't think the picture does it justice........... 

 

DsDesignsSunset7-19-08.jpg picture by 55hockeyfan

 

The fresh air was fabulous, but right now I am tired... just wanted to share a couple shots.   I will do another entry tomorrow.  I plan on nothing tomorrow... other then waking up :)   Hope you all had a great Saturday!

 

Hugs

~d

~ Flippin Old ~

Oh yes, I definitely feel the effects of my age............   Yesterday was a grand day.  I got to work before 8:30 am and for being a half day it was the longest day of the week!!   I thought noon would never get there.   On a side note, guess who wore flip flops......... again!?!   Very few people in management were in the office but let me tell you it did not go unnoticed.  :::sigh::: 

 

On to better things......    I left work and picked up my niece and the kids.  Her husband had their car as he waits for the company vehicle he will be getting.  With temps in the 90's I hated to think they were stuck.  I pulled in to her driveway and Gage was out the door in a flash.  Not far behind him 'bug' ran out already in her swimsuit and ready to go.  Arriving at my parents and in a matter of seconds the two of them were in the pool.  What a hoot!   Both diving in and swimming like the guppies they are.  My niece was right behind them wanting to get a swim before she had to go to work.  Me... well I had to go in the house and find my suit and put it on.  How refreshing to change with a/c.  I don't have it at home and let me tell you the sticky feeling of putting on clothes in this heat was not missed!!! 

 

              

 

Finally, all of us in the pool splashing and laughing.  Swimming, jumping, and of course diving.  The deep end is about 12 feet.  It's perfect for being silly.  Of course, we regularly remind the kids that all pools are not that deep and caution needs to be taken.  My niece and I got out of the pool to dry off as she had to be to work at 3, and I was driving her.  My younger sister and my brother (cabana boy) took their shift.  My brother has the strength to lift both kids (one at a time) and throw them into the deep end.  They love it, 'bug' more then Gage............  

 

Off to work I took my niece.  I cheated big time.  I throw shorts on over my suit but since I had no intentions of getting out of the car I just went with my bathing suit top as a 'tank-top.'  Got some looks at the stop lights, but with temps in the 90's I did not care.  When I got back it took me only a few seconds to jump back into the pool.  I was in and out but the kids stayed in for hours.  I mean HOURS!  Can you say raisin feet and hands!?!  They got out long enough to eat lunch and dinner and rest a bit to let their meals digest.  You know the 1/2 hour rule, right?  Myth or not, we abide by it. 

 

Mom made goulash for dinner.  Chef salad and bread.  It was yummy and really hit the spot.  Something other then hot dogs, burgers, or chicken.  We can't afford to eat steak every night.......... and the a/c allows her to turn on the oven  LOL   Mike, the kids Dad got out of work and joined us about 5ish.  He giggled as he saw his daughter doing flips.  No fear bug!

              

 

It was an extremely long day and I was beat when I got home.  It was off to bed and asleep before the 11 o'clock news.   I'm flippin old!  I remember the day that I could go 24 hours straight...  I'll never see that again!

 

 Today we will be going out to the beach.  There is a reunion of sorts with the folks my sister worked with for years.  You may remember when her and her family stayed at her friends cottage out at the lake last year.  I visited often and shared a few pictures......   the weather then wasn't great but my seeester will be looking down on us today to make sure the day is perfect.  My parents will be driving with us so I doubt it will be a late night but it should be fun.  Batteries are charging as I type so expect... well something.  LOL   The kids won't be there, this is an adult get together.........   

 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend and enjoying some nice weather.

 

Hugs

~d

Friday, July 18, 2008

~ Diving In ~

Temps have been in the high 80's - 90's... humidity off and on.  Guess where I've been?  Ohh yeah, at my parents by the pool, and they thought I moved out!  LOL  Stopping on my way home from work and taking a dip has helped beat the heat.  I'm not the only one that has been there either.  Only thing wrong with stopping.....   by the time I finally get home I'm exhausted.  Up before 6 am, out the door before 8 am, and then not home again until after 9 pm makes d one tired girl.  I don't feel it as it's happening, but damn, I've been in bed awful early these days.  Bill.. you'd be proud.  LOL 

 

                

 

The last two days have been spent teaching Gage and 'Bug' to dive.  Lots of belly flops, but in the end Gage had great success and finally mastered the art.  He's now moved on to doing flips.  Bug on the other hand, has no fear but is still trying to get it.  She has had success, but more often then not she....

well you'll get the picture.  She hasn't given up though.

 

                

 

With all the visiting and swimming I found myself a bit behind on the tag requests.  I know I have a few to get out yet, and I will get to them.  Promise!   Last night I tried to visit journals but AOL was acting up big time.  I couldn't get journals to open.  They appeared to be open but not one thing was there.  The first couple attempts on one journal had me worried.  I thought AOL ate the entire thing.  Entry link, journal link, and the link in my favorites all produced the same thing.  NOTHING!  Oh wait.... I get the freakin ad and nothing else!!  The next was the same, and then the next.  GRRRRRRRR  definitely a glitch...  I was too tired to fight it so I just logged off and went to bed.  I will be by tho... 

 

I'm taking a half day today.  Once again it will be in the  90's.. they are warning us again on the air quality.  No worries, my suit is still at my parent's from last night and I will be there in time for lunch.  Oh they joy, eh?  Not only do they get to feed me dinner, today they get lunch too.  LMAO!!  Good thing they love me :)

 

I hope everyone is having a great week and finding a way to beat the heat in your neck of the woods. 

 

Hugs

~d

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

~ Tag Request - Pink Lemonade - Gorjuss ~

       DsDesignsPinkLemonadebecky.gif picture by 55hockeyfan



Expires 7/17 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 personaluse only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit.




Thank you for following these terms. 

 

hugs

~d

Sunday, July 13, 2008

~ Tag Request - I'm so Dizzy ~

DsDesignsImsoDizzycarolina.gif picture by 55hockeyfan



After this one I am dizzy... LMAO.  It's not the cleanest animation but I laughed so I figured what the hell..

 

Expires 7/15 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 personaluse only. They are not to be used for advertisements or for profit.




Thank you for following these terms. 

 

hugs

~d

~ Getting to Know You ~

DsDesignsGettingtoknowyou.jpg picture by 55hockeyfan


I got this several times and loved reading the answers.  Instead of sending it out a bunch thought I'd just do it here.  Hope you'll play along.............

 


1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?  I'm sure I was :)

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? I cry at silly sweet commercials, but about 15 minutes ago when I was gathering pictures of my sister for my other sister to do her scrapbook.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? When I can read it.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I have to say ham

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, many ( I count nieces, nephews, greats, the Buffalo Sabres LOL) but only 1 is biological.  Twenty two year old son.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Good gawd I hope so.  I'd hate to think I was a bitch or somefin
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? never

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS Yeah they are wiggling and jiggling back there

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I doubt it.  A little fearful of heights.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Coffee... I don't usually eat breakfast. 
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Ummm.. nope

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?  Not physically, but I use to think emotionally... I question that often now.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Soooooooo very many.. Butter Pecan with butterscotch topping.  LMAO!

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Eyes... they tell a story and truly are the windows to your soul.

15. RED OR PINK? Red

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Weight

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST My sister... big time and every day!

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Hope some will do an entry, yes

19. WHAT COLOR  SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? barefoot and fancy free right now!

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Steak dinner, baked potato and peas

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? America's Got Talent... lol my sister is watching

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?  Blue

23. FAVORITE SMELL?  Fall, the air after the rain

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My son, about 2 hours ago

25. FAMOUS PERSON YOU WOULD LIKE TO MEET?  Graham Nash
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?  Of course, all of them ::grin::
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?  Hellooooooooooooooooooo... hockey of course.  I am looking forward to the Olympics too
27. HAIR COLOR? Brunette
28. EYE COLOR? Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No, but when I went thru my midlife crisis at 40 I did get green ones.  I'm near sighted so they drove me nuts and caused headaches wearing them all the time. 
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Italian

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings 
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Good gawd... Steele Magnolia's was on earlier, does that count?  Hit Weazy!

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Sabres T-Shirt, blue and gold  LOL

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Honestly I like both

35. HUGS OR KISSES? ditto... both!

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Apple Pie with canned milk

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I hope to see lots

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?  Refer to #37
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? LOL I read my check book earlier..

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Besides my mouse, a wizard

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? It wasn't on

42. FAVORITE SOUND? 'I love you', but I also love the sound of falling rain

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Stones

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?  California

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? A few, but if you think I'm writing them here you're nuts!  LOL  Actually maybe my graphics/photography could be considered talent

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? NY

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?  All of them :)