Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Trying to lighten the mood

I am just sick to my stomach over what's happening down south and thought I'd try to put a little humor out there.   


I was over at John's place and thought this was appropriate to give at least a half way smile.  


Look at my piggy bank after I bought gas yesterday!!!  


                
     

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Answers to those questions :)

                                           


 



Well, this wasn't too bad.  I was worried I would get no questions, y'all had some good ones and I hope you're satisfied with the answers.  Thanks for asking!     


deveil



1.  Do you believe in love at first sight?
Absolutely!  There is nothing like it until you experience it, even if it isn't the 'love' you had hoped for.



2.  What is your greatest accomplishment?
My son!  Without a doubt :)  Raising him by myself and seeing how well he turned out.  I know I am not the only force that helped with that, but I am taking credit for some of it.



3.  What legacy about yourself would like like to live on through your childen?
Yikes!  I've thought and thought about this.  I just hope my son will live a good life, be happy, and be kind!  



jeroldssis


1)What was the worst day of your life? The day I was diagnosed with being sick, very sick.  Been in good health for 13 years- no worries :) (You will probably find an entry down the road about this, but at this point in time it is not appropriate to write about it, sorry)



2) what person have you hurt the most in your life and how? (tought one, I know)
Long story on that one, but I have to say my son and it was a little white lie.  We've both come to terms with it, but I know it hurt him.



3) What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
Running up the stairs at work to use the ladies room.  My heel caught my skirt, I landed face first on the stairs.  When I stood up my skirt was around my knees.  Thank God I had a slip on!  



my3gifts


1. If you had one thing in this life you could redo, what would it be and why. (yes I know 2 questions in one! LOL) I could actually have a list here :)  But I would have to say I'd have gone to college.  I always said I would go back and never did :(  Life got to hectic and now I'm too tired.


2. Have you ever lived outside of the country and if so, where? No


3. If you could retire today, what would you like to do? I would love to go back to school, or teach computer classes for those that need it.  



cinisoul


1: Are you a Buffalo Bills fan? ABSOLUTELY!!!  A bigger Sabres fan though- if you couldn't tell by the name of the journal :)



2:  Have you ever said anything that you meant with good intentions and it came out wrong or offended someone in someway? (I have)
Yes.  I sometimes I open my mouth and then wear the size 7.



3: How did you come to the decision of creating your Journal?
I use to journal in books, long ago.  When things changed in June and I had some time I decided to try it here.  I have to say I love it and have read some beautiful journals that keep me inspired.

Monday, August 29, 2005

A quick summer get away

      


Wow!  In my search of pictures I came across one that I have always loved.  Don't get me wrong, I knew I had it, but with changing computers, etc., it got 'lost' on a disc.  The picture is of my son and nephew on one of the many boats at the 'quick summer get away.'  Can you say, row, row, row, your boat?  :)  


My brother in laws family owns a fishing cottage in Ogdensburg, NY (near The 1000 Islands).  His parents grew up there, and the cottage on the St. Lawrence River became their summer home.  His Mom passed away, and his dad is a little old to spend the summers there by himself, but we do go up there quite a bit as a get away.  In recent years he has joined us.  What memories that man must hold of this little treasure.  


The cottage is definitely a fishing camp that is nestled on the banks and shore line of the river.  The majority of the house is held afloat by beams and railroad ties.  Surely there is more to it, but far be it from this non mechanical mind to know the details. The backside barely sits on land and after a few yards it goes up hill to a spot of land that runs to the road.  We park on top and have to descend down about 64 stairs to the 'camp.'  On one side there is a slip and the other a small beach.  Very small beach!  Their is a wooden deck along side the slip that wraps around the front of the house and also holds a 'portable pier.'  The pier is portable so it come out during the rough winter season. The deck is huge and is able to hold grills, several picnic tables, chairs and more chairs and still have enough room for the kids to fish right there in front of us.  No fear of being snagged by a fishing hook.  Ok, so only a little fear, but the smaller kids don't even have hooks :)  Now that 'our' kids are older they are more often than not out on the boat fishing.  


The cottage has one little bedroom, and a very large room upstairs filled with pretty much just beds.  Downstairs is the kitchen, living area with a wood burning stove, a bathroom, and a screened in porch that leads to the deck.  There is electricity and appliances as well as running water.  You can't drink the water as it comes direct from the river.  There is a hot water tank and filter for showers etc.  So there are some comforts of home.   


A week or weekend at the cottage is so relaxing.  Early in the season it might get a bit cool at night and you can see the fog roll in off the river.  During the day the shag flies can be a bit much, but the boys love it as it is great fishing weather.  The only part they don't like in the early season is going in the water to hook up the water hose to the house.  Someone has to get in and under the house to hook things up and that water is COLD!  Summer it is wonderful!  The sunsets on the river are fabulous and full of such colors.  The reds, oranges, and yellows mixing together with clouds in a serene setting, as the picture shows.  That is more the common sunset then not.  The river lapping on the deck and shore makes for the soothing sound of restfulness.  Early morning you can find barges running up and down the river.  You don't hear them unless they blow their horns but their massive size is amazing to watch.  Cranes can be found along the shores dipping their heads into the water, surely looking for breakfast.  Yes, we are generally up early enough to witness as we cook breakfast on the deck as the boys get ready to head out for their morning 'fish.'  Maybe the smell of bacon & eggs bring the cranes closer, but they are usually there.  At night as you lay in bed you can hear the water rustle on shore, the light breeze blows through the trees at the top of the hill and you feel an ever so slight sway in the house.  Funny you don't notice it during the day but at night it lulls you to sleep.  Or would that be all the fresh air?  Either way it's not enough to 'move you,' and would never cause motion sickness, but if you sit real still and close your eyes you can feel it.  Maybe, just maybe, it isn't feeling it at all but the rest of the sounds making you think you feel it.   


In town there is a few things to do, but we never go with 'a plan,' other than hanging out, resting and enjoying each others company.  So we spend time fishing, swimming, eating, and drinking.  What better place then to do all of those things?  Many a rainy day we visited Ottawa CN that is one of the most beautiful and clean cities I've ever seen!  


Aaaah, summer on the river.  It can't be beat for a quick get away!  The last hurrah this season will be Labor Day weekend.  Time to close things up and prepare it for winter.  I personally won't be there then as I have other plans.  Sad thing, I didn't get up there at all this year :(  Gawd I missed out!

THE BRICK

I got this in mail today.  I've seen it several times before, but thought it was worth an entry today.  


A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?" The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister..please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop..." With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. "It's my brother, "he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up." Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me." Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. "Thank you and may God bless you," the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy! push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home. It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: "Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!" God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Back to School

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Back to School


 



 


Well, school doesn't start for kids in the North east officially until after Labor Day, and since my son decided to not go to college this semester (a rant for another day), I had to go to the archives for this one.  Not only is this the first day of school, it is the FIRST day of school.  Welcome to kindergarten!  He had no fear as he got on the bus.  He had no idea my heart was breaking with worry, and no way in hell knows that I ran for my car keys after the bus left and followed it to school wiping tears away, 'my baby is growing up.'  What he does know is that I met up with my Mom and 4 sisters for our 'Yeah Day' luncheon, a tradition that lasted for years.

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Some more playing...........

Well, I didn't get the laundry done like I was supposed to.  I was a bad bad girl!  I played with the program to see what I could come up with.  Let me tell you, I found ways to add to pictures I never thought about.  I was told if I posted my family here in that way they'd kill me, so you will all just have to imagine.  Those I can share I will.  


I was telling my younger sister that she would love working with tubes and making her own tags for her scrap booking.  The girls on the log was just a sample I made to show her.  Not too awful bad for a first try.  I did find out that PSP 9 comes with an animation feature, which I just might have to get :)  That may be the selling point!   Not that you can print the animation, but I love fooling around with pictures for the net.   After playing I went to my sisters for a steak dinner.  It was delicious!  It got a bit silly with my other sisters and family members there.  Nothing like being around family and being absolutely goofy.  We laughed, we cried, we snorted.  Oh, yeah, that is a family trait, yet no one wants to take credit.  My sister K is the winner in that department though.  Once she gets going there is no stopping her.  Ever see the hallmark commercial where the girls pass around the card?  Well, K is in it.  LOL   


I have some great pictures of family members posing with this flower, but this is the one I decided to post.  I want to live another day even if I have to work in the morning!   Off to read some journals and get caught up on things.  Night all..........  


 


The day after.........

I'm having a tough time getting moving this morning.  Doesn't seem to matter how many cups of coffee I have, it isn't helping.  I don't think an IV with the strongest 'bean juice' would help today.  I feel like I was hit by a Mac truck.  Call it old age, but I am whipped.  For those of you going directly to the gutter, I don't mean by a nice soft mink whip!  :)~  


Party last night was fun.  The 'bug' turned 2 and she got so many cute gifts.  Her brother is 6, and though it appears they have every toy imaginable most are his.  It was nice to her smile as she opened her girly girl things.  Frilly jammies, cute outfits, tea party set, baby dolls, Barbie dolls, a new little pink bike with a basket.  She loves the frills and enjoys dress up, heels, boa's, silly hats, and jewels.  She is all girl!  When bed time rolled around she had a helluva time deciding which new jammies she would wear.  I would not be at all surprised if she woke up later and decided to change.   


I mentioned yesterday about the cards I made her.  She absolutely loved seeing herself on the cards.  She even gave herself a little kiss.  Definitely made it worth while and wanting to learn all I can.  Not one comment about the programs though :(   I've seen so many wonderful journals out there and tons of work, I can't believe not one of you has ideas, thoughts, or suggestions.  'Cmon, help a gal out here.  And, no more teasing about being creative in the next entry ::grin::  


Going to sign off for the morning and get laundry and grocery shopping done but, before I go here is the cover of the card I made yesterday.