Who knew? Cooperstown has a beverage trail, and I was on it! As anyone that knows me knows I love, love, LOVE Cooperstown. Old homes, country living at it's finest, cute shops, that lovely lake and history, and I will even forgive them for the whole baseball thing. Anyways, my dad had knee replecement surgery. I took him last week for the preop. and yesterday for the surgery. Well, what's a girl to do in Cooperstown with 5 hours on her hands? Head to Fly Creek for Apple Wine. While there, I sampled their new Apple Cherry Wine, and brought that home as well. Both are chilling in my 29 bottle wine chiller. They look so happy here.
So about the beverage trail. They gave me this magazine and it was all about the trail, from Bear Pond Wineries, to the Cider mill, to Ommegang and Cooperstown Brewery. I got a stamp at the cider mill and if I visit the others will get a free glass. Silly good fun, but now I want to visit. Bear Pond has cranberry wine, and I do love my cranberry wine! Had another NY Wineries cranberry with Thanksgiving last year, it was delightfully perfect with the turkey. Crisp, sweet, and lovely. Brian and I are now motivated to finish the trail I began yesterday. Good to know we still have goals!
My dad's birthday is today, and they will turn off the pain block and send him to therapy. It won't be such a good day, but I told him a year from today on his birthday, his knee will be working and pain free, for the first time in 20 years. Here's to that, Dad. You deserve it. He will get sprung from Bassett on Saturday, Hall of Fame Saturday. That should be fun. May need to stop for more wine.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Books, History, and POPT, Again
Books, well, I have just finished my two, I was reading them concurrently, and would read them based on my moods, but " A Girl of the Limberlost" won. What a great book. I will put this on my daughter's reading lists. The main character is everything I want my girls to be. She is hard working, honest as the day is long, and resilient. I have always said my girls don't need to be straight A students, but honest and hard working will get them anywhere they dream to go, and Elnora, from this book proves my theory. A good read, very good.
The Prision Diaries and Letters of Chester Gillett, not so much. I started to read out of curiousity, as I tend to gravitate towards regional authors of late. He seems to have been writing this for an audience. It seems "staged " to me, like he was writing hoping for an appeal and when the appeal came, they would present this diary as evidence that he was a well educated, compassionate, caring person, to shed doubt for the jury. He had to be writing with this intent. Oddly he never mentions Grace, but once just in passing reference. He hardly mentions his circumstance, but to refer it to his troubles. After I read this, I now feel that the diary was superficial, and that he never for a second believed he would be put to death. He thought there would be an appeal and he would be free. He seems arrogant. ( Another motive for the diary, he would hope to sell it for profit). I also now know he killed her. He made her travel seperatley from him as they headed to the "North Woods", they boarded the trains at different times and did not sit together. He registered them as assumed names into the various hotels ( what would real names have mattered? Who in Utica knew them, or Big Moose?) they stayed at and ran out on their bills. He had planned ahead by telling his family he was just heading north for some R and R. He had some things sent on to Old Forge. Never mentioned Grace or the fact that they would travel together. ( The entire time she was preggers, he cavorted with other girls without real cares). He rents them a boat and loads his suitcase into it, tennis racquett, and all his belongs for a lesiurly paddle in the Big Moose. Who takes all their stuff? Grace didn't.
The only thing I wonder, is what the hell was he telling her? How did he justify they travel seperate ( they didn't even sit together, which was premediated, so people wouldn't be able to testify that they saw them together). How did he justify the vacation, or the fact that he loaded his stiff into the Adirondack Canoe for a paddle? And why was she so guillable, so smitten with him she would believe his crap? They went to Utica first, the theory being he was looking for a boarding house for unwed mothers and she would stay there, have the baby and give it up, but if that were the case, why the seperate travelling arrangements? Nothing illegal there? I think that is just what he told her, knowing the entire time he had a plan. I would like to now read the letters she sent him. He sent her a few, but she sent him many. I am just curious what she believed what was the intention of their trip north? Romantic getaway?
In other news, I met up with my friend Karen, and he fater in law grew up in our house. I invited them over to see our projects, and it was cool having him here telling us what has changed, or how things were. He grew up here, we are the 4th owners since 1850, his parents were the second, so this house was pretty "original" when they lived here. I have them looking for old photos of the house, old black and whites. We would like to have some to display them. Funny, where I have my antique was stand, he said his mom did. Where I have the dining room buffet, he said his mom did. My wash basin and picture, he said his mom had one just the same! Mission accomplished! When I decorate, I try to take history into account, and although I want some modern things, I like to showcase the history of my house!
Finally, breaking news last night. Kids are fat. That was actually the story. Brian and I were laughing, because I have been saying this for a couple years. Working in school, I see 600 plus kids in my building. You wouldn't believe the overweight to healthy ratio. The norm is chubby. And somehow, the chubby girls still have self esteem to wear tank tops, low rise, short shorts, etc......( these are teens). They are addicted to technology instead of running around outside, they eat crap, drink sugar filled energy drinks ( Every AM at school, walk down the hall and see the kids drinking this crap for breakfast, or eating chips and soda for breakfast), and most probally don't sit down for dinner. Oneida Co. came into our school and did an survey, anonymous, on various helath and safety issues, less than 20% ( I think it was 16%) sit down and eat with their families.
Hope money wasn't spent on this new study that says kids are overweight.POTO again. Walk the halls of any school. It breaks my heart to see kids in what should be their health prime overweight. They will struggle their entire lives with health and weight.
The Prision Diaries and Letters of Chester Gillett, not so much. I started to read out of curiousity, as I tend to gravitate towards regional authors of late. He seems to have been writing this for an audience. It seems "staged " to me, like he was writing hoping for an appeal and when the appeal came, they would present this diary as evidence that he was a well educated, compassionate, caring person, to shed doubt for the jury. He had to be writing with this intent. Oddly he never mentions Grace, but once just in passing reference. He hardly mentions his circumstance, but to refer it to his troubles. After I read this, I now feel that the diary was superficial, and that he never for a second believed he would be put to death. He thought there would be an appeal and he would be free. He seems arrogant. ( Another motive for the diary, he would hope to sell it for profit). I also now know he killed her. He made her travel seperatley from him as they headed to the "North Woods", they boarded the trains at different times and did not sit together. He registered them as assumed names into the various hotels ( what would real names have mattered? Who in Utica knew them, or Big Moose?) they stayed at and ran out on their bills. He had planned ahead by telling his family he was just heading north for some R and R. He had some things sent on to Old Forge. Never mentioned Grace or the fact that they would travel together. ( The entire time she was preggers, he cavorted with other girls without real cares). He rents them a boat and loads his suitcase into it, tennis racquett, and all his belongs for a lesiurly paddle in the Big Moose. Who takes all their stuff? Grace didn't.
The only thing I wonder, is what the hell was he telling her? How did he justify they travel seperate ( they didn't even sit together, which was premediated, so people wouldn't be able to testify that they saw them together). How did he justify the vacation, or the fact that he loaded his stiff into the Adirondack Canoe for a paddle? And why was she so guillable, so smitten with him she would believe his crap? They went to Utica first, the theory being he was looking for a boarding house for unwed mothers and she would stay there, have the baby and give it up, but if that were the case, why the seperate travelling arrangements? Nothing illegal there? I think that is just what he told her, knowing the entire time he had a plan. I would like to now read the letters she sent him. He sent her a few, but she sent him many. I am just curious what she believed what was the intention of their trip north? Romantic getaway?
In other news, I met up with my friend Karen, and he fater in law grew up in our house. I invited them over to see our projects, and it was cool having him here telling us what has changed, or how things were. He grew up here, we are the 4th owners since 1850, his parents were the second, so this house was pretty "original" when they lived here. I have them looking for old photos of the house, old black and whites. We would like to have some to display them. Funny, where I have my antique was stand, he said his mom did. Where I have the dining room buffet, he said his mom did. My wash basin and picture, he said his mom had one just the same! Mission accomplished! When I decorate, I try to take history into account, and although I want some modern things, I like to showcase the history of my house!
Finally, breaking news last night. Kids are fat. That was actually the story. Brian and I were laughing, because I have been saying this for a couple years. Working in school, I see 600 plus kids in my building. You wouldn't believe the overweight to healthy ratio. The norm is chubby. And somehow, the chubby girls still have self esteem to wear tank tops, low rise, short shorts, etc......( these are teens). They are addicted to technology instead of running around outside, they eat crap, drink sugar filled energy drinks ( Every AM at school, walk down the hall and see the kids drinking this crap for breakfast, or eating chips and soda for breakfast), and most probally don't sit down for dinner. Oneida Co. came into our school and did an survey, anonymous, on various helath and safety issues, less than 20% ( I think it was 16%) sit down and eat with their families.
Hope money wasn't spent on this new study that says kids are overweight.POTO again. Walk the halls of any school. It breaks my heart to see kids in what should be their health prime overweight. They will struggle their entire lives with health and weight.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Chef Boy is She Cute!
Ava is Miranda's chef hat from girl scout camp. Had to share the cuteness that is Ava.
Island Girl
While I am showing off our projects, here is a view of the island Brian customized ( it was just base cabinets, the ones we got for the kitchen.). He wrapped it in beadboard wainscoating to match tne cabinets, added legs he made out of stair banisters, and we sanded down the butcher block we removed from the gutted out kitchen, and voila! I love it.
More Country Living
I worship "Country Living" magazine. You can take the girl out of the country, you can't take the country out of the girl. If you have glanced at this magazine, then you know my style. Not "country cute" like my friend Amy says ( Fake country,tacky country), but antiques, and a style that suits my 1854 village farm house. So, when the neighbors gave us their old playhouse, I couldn't just plop it in the yead, I had to make it match it's surroundings and to look, well, perfect. So I spent a week working on it, but here it is, before and after. ( Well, my before shot has 1 coat of blue paint on it, it was grey with green trim to match my neighbors house).
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Again, POTO People
So Obama makes some remarks yesterday that come up as, and this is funny, "Breaking News" on my internet home page. Headline news, bold print with links. Among other things, he said this: ``I have little doubt that we've moved into recession at this point, and the sooner we can get money into people's pockets, the sooner that we can stabilize the housing market, and the sooner that we can send a message to the markets that we're serious about creating an energy policy that will create greater energy efficiency over the next decade or so, I think the sooner we're going to get our fundamentals right,'' he said.
Well, at least he is admitting it, and not trying to dance arouond it, but don't people know this? The Republicans are trying to fake us all out by stimilus checks, but isn't the very notion that people needed a hand econimically basis for recession? Have not we as a nation been through times like this were the Feds have stepped in to lend a hand and we called it what it was, recession? Recession has to happen, after all. Recession, depression, and economic booms are a continuous pendulum that swings all the time. We are there folks. Even though I believe we have everything to do with it, we are there one way or another.
Along with the "Living Large" Clinton years, people were economically healthy. They bough big houses, cars, toys, etc....When we applied for this home loan, the banks wanted to give us up to 75K more than we spent. We kind of said " are they nuts?" We don't want a loan this big. What happends if there are more health problems, a lay off, home repairs, etc, how would we handle it all? But Brian and I aren't really the norm, we think of these things and try to live conservatively. The norm would have purchased that living large home, that came with huge taxes, heating and cooling, and when oil prices shot up, they couldn't afford it all. Again, I think things are being learned by this mess, and perhaps lenders will lend more conservitively. Oil prices rose 40%. Who factored THAT into living expenses. We don't need housing reliefs and checks from the government. We need to reply on ourselves for stable energy sources like wind and solar. We would control the price of that, and not have to be at the mercy of anyone but mother nature. That then controls the price of well everything. The oild has risen 40%, and the price of all goods and servics have followed.
When we visited my sister in law in North Carolina, and saw all the sunshine, I couldn't believe every home in her new development didn'thave solar panels? That's crazy! That is a new development!!!! If people in general can't afford oil to heat their homes, gas their cars, think about business? Everyday businesses are going under, people are losing jobs. Who wouldn't have paid a little extra for a home with alternative heating and cooling energy if it meant helping to stabalize the economy, jobs, and our nation as a whole? Every new home should be built in a way to save people money and save resources.
Forget Obama, I am going to run for President. On the "We're Not Gonna Take It" ticket/party. Who wouldn't vote for me? We are re-visiting the 70's and sadly we didn't learn from history. A war we can't get out of/afford, energy crisis ( yes, I call 5.00/gallon gas a crisis, POTO people) , and recession. Here we go again......
Well, at least he is admitting it, and not trying to dance arouond it, but don't people know this? The Republicans are trying to fake us all out by stimilus checks, but isn't the very notion that people needed a hand econimically basis for recession? Have not we as a nation been through times like this were the Feds have stepped in to lend a hand and we called it what it was, recession? Recession has to happen, after all. Recession, depression, and economic booms are a continuous pendulum that swings all the time. We are there folks. Even though I believe we have everything to do with it, we are there one way or another.
Along with the "Living Large" Clinton years, people were economically healthy. They bough big houses, cars, toys, etc....When we applied for this home loan, the banks wanted to give us up to 75K more than we spent. We kind of said " are they nuts?" We don't want a loan this big. What happends if there are more health problems, a lay off, home repairs, etc, how would we handle it all? But Brian and I aren't really the norm, we think of these things and try to live conservatively. The norm would have purchased that living large home, that came with huge taxes, heating and cooling, and when oil prices shot up, they couldn't afford it all. Again, I think things are being learned by this mess, and perhaps lenders will lend more conservitively. Oil prices rose 40%. Who factored THAT into living expenses. We don't need housing reliefs and checks from the government. We need to reply on ourselves for stable energy sources like wind and solar. We would control the price of that, and not have to be at the mercy of anyone but mother nature. That then controls the price of well everything. The oild has risen 40%, and the price of all goods and servics have followed.
When we visited my sister in law in North Carolina, and saw all the sunshine, I couldn't believe every home in her new development didn'thave solar panels? That's crazy! That is a new development!!!! If people in general can't afford oil to heat their homes, gas their cars, think about business? Everyday businesses are going under, people are losing jobs. Who wouldn't have paid a little extra for a home with alternative heating and cooling energy if it meant helping to stabalize the economy, jobs, and our nation as a whole? Every new home should be built in a way to save people money and save resources.
Forget Obama, I am going to run for President. On the "We're Not Gonna Take It" ticket/party. Who wouldn't vote for me? We are re-visiting the 70's and sadly we didn't learn from history. A war we can't get out of/afford, energy crisis ( yes, I call 5.00/gallon gas a crisis, POTO people) , and recession. Here we go again......
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Book Worm
In the summer, while I go full speed ahead trying to catch up on life, parent and worry about my own kids ( instead of all the kids at work), and become "Project Girl". I become a book worm. During the school year, between working a stressful job, and all the girls activities, my own life and personal enjoyments come to a halt. Something has to give, and it's my hobbies. But during the summer? I head to the library and grab a stack! I am currently reading "A Girl of the Limberlost" by Gene Stratton Porter. Don't know how this escaped me as a kid? I read everything I could get my hands on and many American Classics. ( but sadly, didn't finish half the books we were supposed to read for AP Lit. Man, who picked those books! Our AP kids are reading much better selections) This book has got my attention. I will polish it off by weeks end.
Walked down to the library yesterday for the girls to get some books, no summer brain drain here, and got "Prision Diaries of Chester Gillett" Typically, I don't go for crime books, or even mysteries, but the tale of Chester has always intrigued me. PErhaps because he was tried in Herkimer Co, or because this happened in my precious Adirondacks, or just because I can't understand how murder becomes an option to someone just not wanting to face parenthood. It was turn of the century, before DNA, he could have just said " She is a tramp, a tartlet, the kid isn't mine." He was an upstanding man from an affluent family, she just a working girl. HE would have been believed. It's the same for Scott Peterson, divorce was always an option. So perhaps my read and curiosity is just to try and understand how someone arrived at that decision? I am not sure, but whatever the case, it looks like a good read.
Anna got a stack of books, as did "the professor" I took the liberity of grabbing a coupld for Peep, as she is at camp. She isn't crazy about books, but the other two? They get me and they get books! We'll have to head for the playhouse for a good read today.
Walked down to the library yesterday for the girls to get some books, no summer brain drain here, and got "Prision Diaries of Chester Gillett" Typically, I don't go for crime books, or even mysteries, but the tale of Chester has always intrigued me. PErhaps because he was tried in Herkimer Co, or because this happened in my precious Adirondacks, or just because I can't understand how murder becomes an option to someone just not wanting to face parenthood. It was turn of the century, before DNA, he could have just said " She is a tramp, a tartlet, the kid isn't mine." He was an upstanding man from an affluent family, she just a working girl. HE would have been believed. It's the same for Scott Peterson, divorce was always an option. So perhaps my read and curiosity is just to try and understand how someone arrived at that decision? I am not sure, but whatever the case, it looks like a good read.
Anna got a stack of books, as did "the professor" I took the liberity of grabbing a coupld for Peep, as she is at camp. She isn't crazy about books, but the other two? They get me and they get books! We'll have to head for the playhouse for a good read today.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Captains Log
Summer vacation, day 2, and did I get some things done! Put a first coat of paint on the play house ( left over paint in the cellar, left for us from the last owners!), went to the playground, swam for 3 hours with the girls ( I swam laps as they played), made a nice home made dinner, moved the crib out of Ava's room, moved in Miranda's old bed for her, and cleaned out the dress up box and under Miranda's bed. Ready for the loft to be built in her bedroom. Mulched around the trees, and moved out plant boxes I am using in the playhouse project.
Look at me go! Also, as I was cleaning out the vitamins, I found some Papaya Enzyme not yet opened. I asked Brian about it and he said he wasn't taking it anymore. Me " What will it do"? Him " It's for energy". Damn! Why didn't you say so. Who needs more energy than me. So I popped the recommended dose. I figure I will give it 3 weeks and see if I have more energy. Cracked myself up, I was recalling Amy in high school when she kept that list in Chem. of the chemicals and elements. She would ask the teacher what a certain chemical would do if you put it in your mouth. He would answer, she recorded that, and then tasted it to see what the reaction was.
Here's to another busy day! I want to finish the blue paint on the playhouse, and fill the planters with dirt, maybe even get some plant for it. Embrace the day! and here's hoping my papaya will kick in!
Look at me go! Also, as I was cleaning out the vitamins, I found some Papaya Enzyme not yet opened. I asked Brian about it and he said he wasn't taking it anymore. Me " What will it do"? Him " It's for energy". Damn! Why didn't you say so. Who needs more energy than me. So I popped the recommended dose. I figure I will give it 3 weeks and see if I have more energy. Cracked myself up, I was recalling Amy in high school when she kept that list in Chem. of the chemicals and elements. She would ask the teacher what a certain chemical would do if you put it in your mouth. He would answer, she recorded that, and then tasted it to see what the reaction was.
Here's to another busy day! I want to finish the blue paint on the playhouse, and fill the planters with dirt, maybe even get some plant for it. Embrace the day! and here's hoping my papaya will kick in!
POTO
POTO, pointing out the obvious......I have been saying for the past, I don't know, YEAR, that we got ourselves into this oil mess. Blame government all you want, but how many people are driving around in gas guzzling monsters? How many people with kids "needed a big car" and drive cars half the size of my house? How many guys drive trucks and never actually put anything in the truck bed? MANY. It's simple economics folks, lower demand, increase supply, lower the price. Learned that in high school. The solution has ALWAYS been that we need to make changes as a society. We need to trade in vehicles for hybrids, we need to move closer to work and commute less or car pool. We need to combine errands and drive less period. We need to heat our homes with renewable resources. We need to harness the wind! Why in hell would you put a power line through my beautiful upstate NY for energy going to NYC, when you could put a wind farm in the Catskills, or closer to the city??????? It is so obvious, yet governments response is that in 10 years time maybe there will be vehicles mass produced and available and affordable, and that they should lower the speed limit to force people to save gas??? Are you freaking kidding me? Force legislation down our throats? People should be making the changes on their own.
So yesterday, some old oil tycoon from Texas comes on TV and says what I have been saying all year. That we created it, we need to get ourselves out of it. His backdrop for the news conference? Wind turbines, beautiful clean wind turbines. ( you know, ones that don't even require man power to run them?). The networks lead with this story last night. Maybe people will now take notice and make changes????
Don't blame me. I live in the village I work in, although I have 3 kids and according to society, I "qualify" to drive a small house, I drive a Volvo wagon, fits 7, 28mpg. Could be better, but not bad overall for the small amount of driving I do. We actually use the truck we own to haul stuff, move stuff, and for my husbands home inspection biz. We are purchasing a furnace to burn pellets. No more oil heat here, and thatsavings will be hundreds of gallons a year.
I also blame the Clinton years. Times were good. We forgot to save for a rainy day and we became gluttonous consumers. We could afford super size everything. I think times have to be tough right now so we slow down, and make positive changes for ourselves, and for our planet.
I will continue to raise girls that are aware, that are not sucked into consumerism, and that reuse, reduce, and recycle. It's up to me to help, and I can make a difference. We all can, and in the end, it will benefit us all and generations to come.
So yesterday, some old oil tycoon from Texas comes on TV and says what I have been saying all year. That we created it, we need to get ourselves out of it. His backdrop for the news conference? Wind turbines, beautiful clean wind turbines. ( you know, ones that don't even require man power to run them?). The networks lead with this story last night. Maybe people will now take notice and make changes????
Don't blame me. I live in the village I work in, although I have 3 kids and according to society, I "qualify" to drive a small house, I drive a Volvo wagon, fits 7, 28mpg. Could be better, but not bad overall for the small amount of driving I do. We actually use the truck we own to haul stuff, move stuff, and for my husbands home inspection biz. We are purchasing a furnace to burn pellets. No more oil heat here, and thatsavings will be hundreds of gallons a year.
I also blame the Clinton years. Times were good. We forgot to save for a rainy day and we became gluttonous consumers. We could afford super size everything. I think times have to be tough right now so we slow down, and make positive changes for ourselves, and for our planet.
I will continue to raise girls that are aware, that are not sucked into consumerism, and that reuse, reduce, and recycle. It's up to me to help, and I can make a difference. We all can, and in the end, it will benefit us all and generations to come.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
An Ode to Google
Google, Google, how I love thee!
I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner, this way, I can be busy all day and not have to stop and think, 'cause who wants to think on a vacation day in July? So, I googled some things I have in my pantry and freezer to see what I could make. I googled "sausage and cornmeal", two things I have in plenty and that are gluten free. Came up with a recipe for a cornmeal sausage casserole. Awesome. We are sick of the same old same old gluten free fare, so this will really shake thinks up, and use what I have in stock!
Enjoy this gorgous sunny day. I am going to paint the "new" play house to match the house ( the neighbor's kids are too big for it, so they gave us their sweet little custome made playhouse, that currently matches their great old house), Ava wants to go to the playground, swimming is a must on this hot day ( pool is actually a steamy 70 degrees), and who knows what other tasks I can come up with, the day is young! Embrace it! And remember, Google kicks ass!
I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner, this way, I can be busy all day and not have to stop and think, 'cause who wants to think on a vacation day in July? So, I googled some things I have in my pantry and freezer to see what I could make. I googled "sausage and cornmeal", two things I have in plenty and that are gluten free. Came up with a recipe for a cornmeal sausage casserole. Awesome. We are sick of the same old same old gluten free fare, so this will really shake thinks up, and use what I have in stock!
Enjoy this gorgous sunny day. I am going to paint the "new" play house to match the house ( the neighbor's kids are too big for it, so they gave us their sweet little custome made playhouse, that currently matches their great old house), Ava wants to go to the playground, swimming is a must on this hot day ( pool is actually a steamy 70 degrees), and who knows what other tasks I can come up with, the day is young! Embrace it! And remember, Google kicks ass!
Monday, July 07, 2008
I've Got a Mule Her Name is Sal
It was 15 miles to Erie Canal Village! What am all American 4th of July we had. Went to the drive in Friday night to see Wally-E. The movie actually depressed me, I'll post that another time. Saturday, for the 4th we went to Erie Canal Village ( free admission) and explored life in the 1800's for the afternoon. We had a picnic lunch there, and then came home to play, swim in the pool, cook out, and shoot off our "Contraband" fireworks from Pennsylvania. For a State I don't really like, that is REALLY boring to drive through, they make up for it all by selling me fireworks. Had a bunch of silly fun, and I will always remember and never forget little Ava driving the power wheels around and around the pool and under the deck at FULL SPEED. She is crazy, we were calling her "Danica".
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Summer's Here!
As I skipped down the school hall singing " The most wonderful time of the year" Summer arrived. Here, I am still working another week ( Guidance Counselor, we close the place), but the girls and I have started on our way to summer fun. We have Kayaked in Boonville ( free), had a little good bye pool party for a moving neighborhood girl ( cost me 98 cents for the cake mix), and today Brian is taking the girls fishing on the NY State free fishing weekend ( no liscense needed). I am signing them up for FREE swimming lessons, and we have plans to do summer reading at the library, heading to Old Forge to meet a favorite children's author, and many other fun free local things.
With the economy so shaky, Brian and I are saving for a new furnace, the kind you can burn bio mass in ( pellets, or corn), so my summer theme to help us save is " Free and Fun Local Fun!" Looking forward to hanging out with my girls this summer and makig our own fun.
With the economy so shaky, Brian and I are saving for a new furnace, the kind you can burn bio mass in ( pellets, or corn), so my summer theme to help us save is " Free and Fun Local Fun!" Looking forward to hanging out with my girls this summer and makig our own fun.
Hey Doug!
Ummmm, to the Guy named Doug, or sometimes "Dougie", or he has been referred to as "Kevin's friend" and even "Cuz", get a freaking clue!! You gave out your new cell phone number and it's not your number you are giving, it' mine rocket scientiest. I have taken so many calls for you that when I find you, after I slap you, I am going to bill you.
And your freinds? Besides sounding like thugs, they are not very smart. They hear my answering machine message, which CLEARLY says " Hey, you have reached the "D" family, also home of Prespective Home Inspection, we are unable to take your call, blah blah blah" It's educated sounded, it sounds like you have reached a family, and we clearly identify ourselves. Why would your friends, the rocket scientists, keep leaving freaking messages??????? Next time today that I talk to one of them, I think some threats need to happen. I think I need to get your number, Doug, Dougie, Cuz, "Kevin's Friend" and then give it out to my friends to harass you. I'm not in a good mood today, just be warned, Dougie old boy.
And your freinds? Besides sounding like thugs, they are not very smart. They hear my answering machine message, which CLEARLY says " Hey, you have reached the "D" family, also home of Prespective Home Inspection, we are unable to take your call, blah blah blah" It's educated sounded, it sounds like you have reached a family, and we clearly identify ourselves. Why would your friends, the rocket scientists, keep leaving freaking messages??????? Next time today that I talk to one of them, I think some threats need to happen. I think I need to get your number, Doug, Dougie, Cuz, "Kevin's Friend" and then give it out to my friends to harass you. I'm not in a good mood today, just be warned, Dougie old boy.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Having a Moment
Ever have one of those days where you just need to have a moment to cry and then get on with what you were doing? We were at my parents house Friday, stopped in for Father's day, and to pick up some large items to bring to our recycling center. Anyways, Miranda was helping my mom organize old photo's and came accross slides. Slides that have never been made into prints. So I just looked at them all and they are photos I have never seen. There are some of my grandparents holding Kim as a baby, some of my aunts and uncles in younger days horsing around, and one of my uncle Kevin as a little boy on his bike. They all made me emotional, but that one of Kevin.......life just isn't fair is it? I wonder what he would be doing now in life, who he would have married, how many more cousins would I have had? Who would he have grown to be? I don't think about him very often, but that picture got me. My mom was so close to him, she practically raised him, she lost it when he died. I was small, but I remember the grief. Profound grief. I miss who he would have been.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Green Weekend
My weekend actually started on Friday, with a day off. Grocery shopped, cleaned, and finally got all the girls summer clothes out and situated. All closets 100% done! Been wanting to get that done before Memorial day and before we leave for NC.
Saturday, a day to run around! I did some yard work weeding and such early. then, loaded the truck up with green waste from the yard and headed for recycling center. Dumped greens, and got the guy on the big tractor to dump a load of FREE mulched up evergreens in my truck. HUGE load of free mulch. Took Miranda to ballet, and then we were off to the "Wood Energy Day" at New England Pellets in Schuyler. Talked to a few dealers about the pellet furnace, and took a tour of the plant. Cool! Talked to an engineer of one of the furnaces, the "Farenheit", and we are pretty excited about this one. Big enough to heat the house with pellets. Hook it up to exsisting duct work and get rid of evil oil companies FOREVER!
Sunday, after we survived a Tornato watch Saturday PM ( and warmed up the house with a nice fire), we mulched the entire yard, set up bird feeders, back patio furniture, hung patio lights, planted some seeds I already had and moved some existing plants to back garden plot, and got the yard looking fabulous! IT really looks great! All in all a nice weekend spent, very little money spent, and time spent with my family. Perfect.
Saturday, a day to run around! I did some yard work weeding and such early. then, loaded the truck up with green waste from the yard and headed for recycling center. Dumped greens, and got the guy on the big tractor to dump a load of FREE mulched up evergreens in my truck. HUGE load of free mulch. Took Miranda to ballet, and then we were off to the "Wood Energy Day" at New England Pellets in Schuyler. Talked to a few dealers about the pellet furnace, and took a tour of the plant. Cool! Talked to an engineer of one of the furnaces, the "Farenheit", and we are pretty excited about this one. Big enough to heat the house with pellets. Hook it up to exsisting duct work and get rid of evil oil companies FOREVER!
Sunday, after we survived a Tornato watch Saturday PM ( and warmed up the house with a nice fire), we mulched the entire yard, set up bird feeders, back patio furniture, hung patio lights, planted some seeds I already had and moved some existing plants to back garden plot, and got the yard looking fabulous! IT really looks great! All in all a nice weekend spent, very little money spent, and time spent with my family. Perfect.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Pass me a drink PLEASE!
What a week! Glad it's almost over. Started off with a almost 300.00 doctor bill in the mail. Knowing I have pretty good insurance, I had to make some calls to get it fixed. Turns out the referal was not done properly by my docs for Ava's specialist. Time lost on the phone that I won't ever get back. Then, I am trying to pay bills online on Wednesday. They won't go through. I panic, but only for a moment because kids at school are all off the wall. Get home, and in the mailbox is a letter from my bank stating there was a breach of security at a retail or online vendor I do biz at and my DEBIT card info may have been exposed. They have canceled my DEBIT card and are sending a new one with a new PIN and I should have it in a few days. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can't call me in person to tell me this? It's my freaking DEBIT card the one that basically runs my life. That sucker is tied into all my online bill payments, it get's me gas, groceries, etc. SO, another phone call. Girl at bank says 1200 people were possibly affected, they can't call us all, so they sent a letter. Due to an ongoing investigation, they can't tell me which vendor. Or if they will ever tell me what vendor. They tell me to watch my accounts so I will know if anyone tries to take my money. That same money that pretty much runs my life. UGH! I have used a Debit card for a decade, use it everywhere, online, offline, you name it. I guess this was bound to happen, but what a pain in the ass. More time lost on the phone that I won't get back.
Today, in the mailbox ( I really do have to stop going to the mailbox. There is never anything good in there) I get a new projected budget amount for my heating oil. I always spread it out over 10 months. When I moved here in 2005, it was 140.00 a month. Last year it went up yo 200.00 a month. They have been pretty accurate. THIS YEAR? 423.00 a month. They are projecting the price of oil to DOUBLE? Again, WTF????? Who can afford this? That's an additional 2230.00. And I only get a 3.5 % raise every year, and between the rise in food and gas, I was screwed as it was. Now this. Guess we will be shopping for a wood or pellet stove. No way am I spending that much and just taking it from the huge oil companies. They can bite me. I'd rather stack wood all summer. Better for the environment, better for my wallet, and makes me less reliable on countries for oil, right?
We are heading for some really tough economic times. Not just us, I mean the US. If the cost to heat your house is expected to double this year, there will be people in serious financial dire straits. Brian and I will come up with a plan, we don't like to large here, but for people just making it now, they won't be making it by next winter.
Pass me a Cosmo, make it a double. Keep the cubes.
Today, in the mailbox ( I really do have to stop going to the mailbox. There is never anything good in there) I get a new projected budget amount for my heating oil. I always spread it out over 10 months. When I moved here in 2005, it was 140.00 a month. Last year it went up yo 200.00 a month. They have been pretty accurate. THIS YEAR? 423.00 a month. They are projecting the price of oil to DOUBLE? Again, WTF????? Who can afford this? That's an additional 2230.00. And I only get a 3.5 % raise every year, and between the rise in food and gas, I was screwed as it was. Now this. Guess we will be shopping for a wood or pellet stove. No way am I spending that much and just taking it from the huge oil companies. They can bite me. I'd rather stack wood all summer. Better for the environment, better for my wallet, and makes me less reliable on countries for oil, right?
We are heading for some really tough economic times. Not just us, I mean the US. If the cost to heat your house is expected to double this year, there will be people in serious financial dire straits. Brian and I will come up with a plan, we don't like to large here, but for people just making it now, they won't be making it by next winter.
Pass me a Cosmo, make it a double. Keep the cubes.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Country Living Design
I have a beautiful side porch on the circ 1836 Victorian Farmhouse. We put the swing out there and I have been decorating it for outdoor living little by little each summer. I visualize this cover for "Country Living" magazine in my head. Leafy green ferns hanging down, pillows and old quilts tossed accross my swing, little tables filled with books and lemonade, and candles to light it by night. I am happy to say, I am part way there. This weekend, I painted my wicker chair ( rescued from curb last spring, rehabbed with spray paint I already had and a cushion I made out of this perfect yellow toile fabric I bought waiting for the perfect project). Next to it is a old picnic basket I also rescued from a curb, and on top of that sits my old porch light we replaced last spring, of which I gutted, painted, and turned into a candle lantern. Lovely, not a dime spent, and items were saved from the landfill. Green and free, even better. By summer's end, I hope to have the fern and more old cozy linens to add to the swing and chair.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Rescue Me
Stopped at a garage sale on my way home from dance with Miranda yesterday. Couldn't believe my finds, and all for less than 5.00! Battleship, mint condition for a very excited Miranda. ( love that my kids will play board games. They are "off the grid kids". No "gamers" here.....) I was in the market for a storage facility of some sort for her room. She has her play clothes living in her vanity, and no room for her "girly" stuff. I found a 3 drawer plastic organizer, and hauled it out happily, very happily.
But the big find? Best of all, I got a "Beauty Box". A retro chrome bread box for a buck. Yes one dollar ladies and gentlemen. I wanted one for my pantry organization project. Didn't want a new one, wanted an old one. It probally could have been an east 20.00 at an antique store or more, but there is was dull and a little rusty. What I know is that retro chrome and steele wool? Shines up nice. So I hauled it home, steel wooled it last night, replaced the little lever with this PERFECT glass knob Brian had, and viola! It now occupys a shelf in my pantry for bread, of the gluten and non gluten variety.
Good weekend so far. Went to the Grand March for Prom last night. Our kids had a "Old Hollywood" theme, and I was so happy to see elegant long full dresses. Very little hoochie mama present. My neighbor girl, the one who babysits and I think the world of? Stunning. Can't believe she didn't have a date. Well, in college, the guys will beat a trail to her. What fun. Made me feel old, though.
But the big find? Best of all, I got a "Beauty Box". A retro chrome bread box for a buck. Yes one dollar ladies and gentlemen. I wanted one for my pantry organization project. Didn't want a new one, wanted an old one. It probally could have been an east 20.00 at an antique store or more, but there is was dull and a little rusty. What I know is that retro chrome and steele wool? Shines up nice. So I hauled it home, steel wooled it last night, replaced the little lever with this PERFECT glass knob Brian had, and viola! It now occupys a shelf in my pantry for bread, of the gluten and non gluten variety.
Good weekend so far. Went to the Grand March for Prom last night. Our kids had a "Old Hollywood" theme, and I was so happy to see elegant long full dresses. Very little hoochie mama present. My neighbor girl, the one who babysits and I think the world of? Stunning. Can't believe she didn't have a date. Well, in college, the guys will beat a trail to her. What fun. Made me feel old, though.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Tainted Food
For the most part, I have learned this past week that our food supply is tainted. Not just the all too frequent recalls of infested meat, but in general, the food we eat is filled with crap. Crap our bodies don't need, and can not handle.
In addition to spring cleaning, organizing, and yard work ( I worked like Wonder Woman this week), I researched Celiac Disease. Ava has been diagnosed with it, and I needed to know all about it. I have also had to read every label of everything I fed or made her. Crap. Our food is filled with crap. Maltodexrin, for example, I had to look this up, as she can't have Malt. Maltodexrin is a starch, sometimes a wheat starch. Did we need another added starch? Do we even NEED starch of anyform? Grains, yes, from time to time, but our food is pumped with starch, modified food starch, corn starch, modified corn starch, and this isn't even the half of it.
So, doing what any good OCD mom would do, I purged the pantry, and spent an insane amount of money replacing my products with products that are gluten free, and organic. With products that have no more than three ingredients, and that are as close to natural as I can get them. We have all gone gluten free here, as I see gluten linked to many many health complications. Many. So many it made me crazy.
My week has also made me second guess Brian's diag of Fibromyalgia again. See, his dad has Celiac Disease, and 97 % of the people that get it carry the gene, as it's genetic. I don't have any digestive or autoimmune issues, so I blame this on Brian. If that is so, he carries the gene. He had the antibidy test done in 2004, but this test, if one hasn't had much gluten, can be a false negative. Celiac Disease is autoimmune. It can lead to extreme joint pain, fatigue, IBS, lactose intolerance, anemia, thyroid issues, high CK levels ( liver issues), ALL the things Brian has. I am convinced he has this and not Fibro. I asked him to give me a month of gluten free diet to see if he feels better. Ava is doing OK, Brian? Not so much. He can't have a beer, or even hard liqour. Not that the man drinks a lot, but on a hot summer day like today, after working hard, he likes a chilled beer. I hope he survives his month, and I hope I am right about all this. Celiac has a cure, just don't eat anything with Gluten in it and you feel ok. Fibro? Nothing has made him feel better.
Ava and I are off to Syracuse on Tuesday to see the pediatric specialist. Thank god. I have a zillion questions. She seems hypoglycemic as well, which goes with this, and doesn't sleep through the night, another symptom, but don't ask me why? Kids with celiac have night terrors. She wakes up SCREAMING. Every night. And I am tired.
In addition to spring cleaning, organizing, and yard work ( I worked like Wonder Woman this week), I researched Celiac Disease. Ava has been diagnosed with it, and I needed to know all about it. I have also had to read every label of everything I fed or made her. Crap. Our food is filled with crap. Maltodexrin, for example, I had to look this up, as she can't have Malt. Maltodexrin is a starch, sometimes a wheat starch. Did we need another added starch? Do we even NEED starch of anyform? Grains, yes, from time to time, but our food is pumped with starch, modified food starch, corn starch, modified corn starch, and this isn't even the half of it.
So, doing what any good OCD mom would do, I purged the pantry, and spent an insane amount of money replacing my products with products that are gluten free, and organic. With products that have no more than three ingredients, and that are as close to natural as I can get them. We have all gone gluten free here, as I see gluten linked to many many health complications. Many. So many it made me crazy.
My week has also made me second guess Brian's diag of Fibromyalgia again. See, his dad has Celiac Disease, and 97 % of the people that get it carry the gene, as it's genetic. I don't have any digestive or autoimmune issues, so I blame this on Brian. If that is so, he carries the gene. He had the antibidy test done in 2004, but this test, if one hasn't had much gluten, can be a false negative. Celiac Disease is autoimmune. It can lead to extreme joint pain, fatigue, IBS, lactose intolerance, anemia, thyroid issues, high CK levels ( liver issues), ALL the things Brian has. I am convinced he has this and not Fibro. I asked him to give me a month of gluten free diet to see if he feels better. Ava is doing OK, Brian? Not so much. He can't have a beer, or even hard liqour. Not that the man drinks a lot, but on a hot summer day like today, after working hard, he likes a chilled beer. I hope he survives his month, and I hope I am right about all this. Celiac has a cure, just don't eat anything with Gluten in it and you feel ok. Fibro? Nothing has made him feel better.
Ava and I are off to Syracuse on Tuesday to see the pediatric specialist. Thank god. I have a zillion questions. She seems hypoglycemic as well, which goes with this, and doesn't sleep through the night, another symptom, but don't ask me why? Kids with celiac have night terrors. She wakes up SCREAMING. Every night. And I am tired.
Friday, April 11, 2008
April Showers
April showers actually bring on spring cleaning here! A day in means a day to clean and organize. First, I have to say Happy Birthday to Miranda. 10 today. Double digits. Not sure how that is possible since I am still 30 ( Shhh), but it is what it is. I have her presents stashed, and a nice family dinner planned. In the summer, when it's warm, she is having a High School Musical ( OMG, I love Troy!) sleep over/pool party, and my neighbor allegedly ( he's an engineer, has all sorts of technology) has a projector we can use with a big sheet hanging on the back of the carriage house for an out door viewing of HSM 1 and 2.
For today? More of yesterday, cleaning house, cleaning up yard, mucking out closets, getting organized, etc....One teacher asked me what I was doing over vacation. When I told her this, she said, " If the girls are bored, they can come over." Funny, this is my idea of a perfect vacation! Who would think my girls will be bored spring cleaning? ( however, she is a musher, and has sled dogs, I am thinking of calling her. In their world, she is a rock star!)
Happy Spring Cleaning!
For today? More of yesterday, cleaning house, cleaning up yard, mucking out closets, getting organized, etc....One teacher asked me what I was doing over vacation. When I told her this, she said, " If the girls are bored, they can come over." Funny, this is my idea of a perfect vacation! Who would think my girls will be bored spring cleaning? ( however, she is a musher, and has sled dogs, I am thinking of calling her. In their world, she is a rock star!)
Happy Spring Cleaning!
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