This and That

August 10, 2009 at 9:30 AM (Family Life, Friends, Muggins Q. Mouse, Television, The Ab-Cat, This and That)

Our Girls Week has begun. And we have begun enthusiastically. I should change that last word. We have begun slothfully.

That’s much better.

Mousey  left to go camping with her other family last Thurs, and the Men left for their annual “Fitching Fiesta” on Friday afternoon. That left The Ab-Cat and I to our own devices. We managed, admirably I might add.

I’m certain that after I picked her up from work around 1-ish, I had a nap. So I could be all rested and perky for our evening of entertainment.

After much discussion, and texting with LMNOP, it was ascertained that LMNOP would not be joining us. Because she had to work the entire part of the weekend that we were available. I should change that statement too. She was available before 11, which works for me, because I am a ridiculously early riser and have been up for at least 6 hours, or after 8 , I think. Which doesn’t work  as well for me. I turn into a pumpkin 2 and 1/2 hours later. Plus, I already have my jammies on, and the bra off. Not a good combo for going outside the house.

We told her we would catch her later in the week. I think her commitments at work are less involved.

On Friday evening around 4, The Ab-Cat and I decided to go and see a movie we have seen before. Because we like to do that. She took us out for dinner at Arby’s, to take advantage of their super duper special of 2 subs for 4 dollars. Scrum-tru-lescent! Then we headed over to a neighboring town to catch “Star Trek” again. We loved it, again. Mousey would have loved it as well, because she is all Chris Pine this and Chris Pine that. But we couldn’t sit around not doing ANYTHING until she came home Sunday afternoon! We had to do something!

Saturday started off with a bang. Or rather a clap, of thunder. It then proceeded to rain the entire day.

I read a book, “Catering to No One” by Diane Mott Davidson, that was pretty decent . I was on the computer for hours, and Ab and I started the first season of “ER”. Which she LOVED! I started watching “ER” from the very beginning, and was loyal for many, many years. I’m not too sure when I lost interest, but it was sometime after Mark Green died, and after it became the Abby Lockhart show. I never liked her.   I was surprised how many of the story lines I sort of  remembered.  

It’s a good thing we didn’t have to be anywhere, as I did not get out of my jammies all day. I was very calculating as well. I even planned to get the mail at around 8 p.m., so it would not seem odd at all for me to be in my jammies at that time. Oh, I would have  pulled the wool over someones eyes all right. If someone had been looking at me.

 S.L.O.T.H.

Sunday was better. I did  dress for church. We went to a yummy Arabic restaurant near our house and then hurried home so I could put the jammies back on. Evidently, the jammies and I are one.

We welcomed The Mouse-a-Lina home around 4. She was grumpy. We let her be.

Ab and I proceeded to watch very enlightening television about hurricanes, tornadoes and lightening, before we put in the second disc of “ER”.

Then the only real excitement came in the form of a beast of a storm, that blew out of nowhere. It was gone as quick as it came, leaving no damage in our yard, although it looked like out trees and bushes were doing yoga. There was a little minor damage. It blew off a pillar. I can handle that. RIP coleus.

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Today, we are getting together with our dear friends, The Hostlers. I guess I will have to dress.

 The sun is out. It’s going to be a glorious day!

 

 

 

2 Comments

Destination:Virginia, And Not in a Covered Wagon

July 30, 2009 at 4:24 AM (Friends, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Television, Trips, Whatever)

Seeing as how we didn’t do much in June, and August looks fairly empty, July has been a MADHOUSE!

To cap off the hectic month, Friday morning, the Michigan Capri’s (Deb and Patt and I)  are heading down to Virginia to visit the 4th Capri, Mrs. Schmenkman. Aka Capri Lis.  And this time, we are taking some daughters! Deb’s daughters, Steph and Jackie, and our Girls. Patt’s daughter could not work it out schedule wise. So no Erin :(  

It will be a whirlwind weekend. But, a whirlwind chock full of all of the things that I love! Eating, shopping, talking and old friends!

I was thinking about all of the driving that I have been doing lately, and I have had a recurring thought.

Pa Ingalls would have been supremely envious of my van.

 It is a great vehicle to travel in. And we all know how he loved to travel.

Now, I know that it might surprise you that I think about Pa Ingalls. But I do. I also think about Ma, Laura, Almanzo, Mary and occasionally Carrie. But not Grace. Oddly, I never think about Grace. Or Rose.

I think about The Ingalls Family regularly.  I often wonder what they would think about this newfangled thing, or how that has fallen by the wayside. Mostly, I wonder what they would think about the life we now lead here in these United States, if they were plopped back here for the week. Wouldn’t that be an interesting conversation to overhear?

All that to say, wouldn’t it be funny to see The Ingalls’  driving across the prairie in my high top conversion van? With the comfy leather seats. Stopping at rest stops to pull out the old spider cooking thing to make up a batch of  jonnycake or corn pone? Crossing rivers using bridges, instead of taking their lives in their hands. Putting their little tin cups in the cupholders.  Watching “I Love Lucy” and “Laverne and Shirley” , “American Idol” and “STAR WARS”  on the DVD and VCR!!!!!!!  I have more thoughts about this. Perhaps I will save them for another  time. You’re welcome.

Thinking about it amuses me enormously!

We’ll be back next week. I’m sure there will be something to tell you all about.

Enjoy the dregs of July. August is coming full speed ahead.

2 Comments

RIP

June 27, 2009 at 4:37 AM (Friends, Lists, Television, Whatever)

I am pretty sure that everyone now knows that Michael Jackson has died. Anyone who has watched TV since yesterday, would have caught that from the All Michael, All the Time, television coverage.

We watched some of it, because our Girls were shocked. I remember feeling the same way when Elvis and Princess Diana died. I wasn’t a huge fan or anything, it was just shocking.

About three weeks ago, Mousey had checked out a  Thriller  cd from the library. We listened to it on the way home. The Girls were asking all kids of questions about him, and his videos, and then, all the weirdness. I told them some of my recollections.

Since I am all about the list lately, I will continue that format. I am a firm believer that if it isn’t broke, I’m sure not going to fix it.

1. My first memory of him was on American Bandstand when I was very young. We happened to be “down home” in Tennessee at my Aunt Lottie’s house. My cousins Tammy and Joan were yelling “come quick, you have to see this”, and there were, the Jackson 5, in all their groovy 70’s clothing, huge Afros, harmonious singing and awesome dancing, glory. I’m pretty sure they sang ABC. I remember thinking that Michael was so little and cute and MAN, could those guys dance! At our school, you either liked The Jackson 5 or The Osmond’s. I never caught that Osmond fever. To tell you the truth, I was really more of a Partridge Family kind of girl.

2. Suzanne Suzanna Danna and I watched the Motown anniversary special together. We actually said that we KNEW we were witnessing  history when he moon walked across the stage singing Billie Jean. It was a moment, my friends.

3. I don’t remember hearing too much about him until Thriller EXPLODED onto the scene. OH, how my friends,  Suzie and Dawn and I loved that album! We must have worn the grooves off it.

4. I remember hurrying to a friend house, in the middle of the day, to see the WORLD PREMIER of the Thriller video and being ever so impressed! We had never seen anything like that before!

5. Back in the car, on the way home from the library, I told the Girls that “Beat It” will always be, in my personal opinion, the perfect song from my 80’s experience. I.LOVED.THAT.SONG.

Unfortunately, for me, it was pretty much downhill after that. He then morphed into Mr. Wack-A-Doodle, and I assumed the stance of a person watching a train wreck, complete with look of horror on my face every time I saw a new picture of him. I pray his children will land in a safe, loving, sane, place.

After the awesome  ”Beat It”, I think my favorite songs were “I’ll Be There” ,”I Want You Back”, “PYT”  and “Black and White”.           How about you?

5 Comments

This and That

June 16, 2009 at 4:39 AM (Family Life, Honey, Lists, Our Boy, Television, The Ab-Cat, This and That)

1. I have a feeling I am going to be warm this summer. Today was a beautiful day, and the temperature went up in the 80’s. No humidity, just hot sun. The house was nice and cool, the ceiling fans were on, and I had an ice water on hand. But MAN, I was warm. It seems that my core temperature has risen about 10 degrees this past year! Not having hot flashes. Just hot ALL THE TIME.  Thank you perimenopause!

2. We are loving “The Big Bang Theory” . Who knew nerds could be SO funny?

3. Honey has also discovered a new show. “King of Queens”. It has replaced “Everybody Loves Raymond” for the time being. But I am having a hard time believing that he has quit The Barones. He loves them so.

4. The Boy and LMNOP have christened the pool, it’s open for the season. They have taken the honor away from The Ab-Cat and Beeve, who have had it for the last couple of summers. They said it was 70 and  cold. Ya think?

5. The kids are all working at VBS this week. I went up just before it ended today with Little Goomba, so he could see the kids singing and dancing. I think he liked it. He clapped all the way out to the van!

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Nuggets of Nothingness

May 19, 2009 at 2:39 PM (Around Our House, Family Life, Friends, Honey, Television, Whatever)

I feel like a broken record.

I am leaving for Mrs. Schmenkmans in 2 days. WOO HOO!!!!

Just trying to get the house in order before I leave. Because Honey cannot relax if the house is not in order.

Little Goomba is under the weather, so he has not been hanging out over here. I hope he feels better soon, because under the weather children are so pitiful. They don’t understand these things.

So I have been using my extra time to get the house in order. For Honey to relax in.

Yesterday, that involved vacuuming and laundry. The Ab-Cat and I also visited one of her favorite places in the world. The Scholastic Book Warehouse.Where you can buy everything 1/2 price. She’s a Reader and likes to own books. I think I gave her that gene.

I then went on over to Miss Polly’s, the sweetest 90 something lady I know, to give her a cut and curl. The thing that amazes me about Miss Polly? She fell and broke her hip in January, had to have surgery, spent quite a bit of time in rehab, and she is getting around just like it never happened! I want to be like Miss Polly when I grow up! She said talking helped pass the time in an uncomfortable chair. So I asked her to tell me about her favorite vacations. She said Hawaii, The Grand Canyon, and The Grand Old Opry. She liked to travel.

Abby and I watched the season finale of “24″ last night. All I can say is DO NOT mess with Jack Bauer. Because he can kick more booty, even when he is dying from some sort of weaponized bio pathogen, than than anyone else on the planet! If you think he can’t? Then you don’t know JACK! Personally, my favorite part was when the President’s evil daughter, Olivia, was caught red handed with incriminating evidence. Because this season? We were all wishing hateful stuff on her. And we LOVE Aaron Pierce for ratting her out! If I ever have need of a bodyguard, I will tell you I would choose Aaron Pierce. No one else would do. He is just so decent!

Today, I am going to finish getting the house in order, so Honey can relax more efficiently, and my deepest desire is to go to the chiropractor. Because there are 4 or 20 annoying thingy’s going on there.

Then, I suppose I should pack. But not much. Because, did I mention that I am heading down to Mrs. Schmenkman’s in 2 days to shop until we drop? And I will surely find something new to wear.

4 Comments

This and That

May 16, 2009 at 4:36 PM (Around Our House, Family Life, Friends, Honey, Television, The Ab-Cat, This and That)

It seems like my life  falls into that category this week! Some good things, some fun things, some disappointing and some mundane.

1. My monstrosity of a headache finally left me after 3 days. THANK YOU LORD.

2. On Tuesday night, Honey and I spent 3 HOURS watching the finale of Biggest Loser. Because we are all about watching weight loss shows while eating our dessert. That show is so dang inspiring! We watched it for several years, and then, for some unknown reason, stopped. So this was our welcome back season, and we were glad to be back!

Although, I must say that the winner was not our choice. We were not fans of Helen. We thought she was kind of a double crossing, back stabbing, two faced, it’s all about her, throw her obese daughter under the bus, kind of woman. She did lose a LOT of weight though. We thought she looked a tad scary and she definitely needed to stop waving her arms around.

We wanted either Mike or Tara. But my true favorites were not in the running, having been already voted off. Kristin was my choice, because she was the biggest woman and wanted to start a family, and for pure entertainment, I would have picked the Tonga cousins, Sione and Filipe. Because they did “the Tonga dance” and that always made me laugh.

3. The disappointment continued on Wednesday when my boy, Danny Gokey, was voted off American Idol. A moment of silence for the Gokey.

4. Thursday was my last class day for BSF, I have now completed my 9th year!

When I began, I was a weary, thirsty, dried up, been through the wringer Mama, who just needed to sit there in the pew and soak up God’s words. I am so thankful  for the teaching I have received and for the many, many things I have learned about God’s truths and His promises. And the friendships have just been a kiss on the cheek from God!

5. I was able to go out to lunch TWICE this week! It just so happens that two of my dear friends share the same birthday. So on Wednesday, I went with Suzanne Suzanna Danna, and on Friday I went with The Peanuts Champ. They were both WONDERFUL!

Happy Birthday to you both!

6. I was especially happy to lounge on the couch last night watching a disc of “The Big Bang Theory” with Honey and The Ab-Cat. Because those Nerds are stinkin’ hilarious.

7. I am going to a baby shower this afternoon! My prayer warrior friend Vickie is going to be  a grandmother! And she couldn’t be happier, because it is a little girl, and she had boys!!! And she has that little girl covered in prayer, already!

8. I am considering what to have Schmenky do with my hair. A haircut, for certain. But I am considering highlights, so I can ultimately get my hair to a lighter color. Light enough that my glaring grey won’t be as noticeable. Just a heads up, Schmenk.

Have a wonderful weekend!

2 Comments

Cooking Shows

March 7, 2009 at 12:20 AM (Honey, Television)

I believe I may have mentioned that I don’t like to cook. I do it, but not well or enthusiastically. Honey, on the other hand, loves  to cook. He probably cooks for us 60% of the time. I have already informed him that when he retires, he gets the other 40%. Immediately. And I will be his helper chef.

I am probably going to get a comment from him contesting my contribution of 40%. Whatever.

Honey’s very favorite television channel is The Food Network. He will watch almost anything . Because we are married and supposed to do everything together, I watch it as well. It has not helped my skillz.

At the moment, Honey’s favorite shows are:

1. Anne Burrell- Secrets of a Restaurant Chef          we just call her The Cookie Monster Because she has this deep growly voice she uses when she especially likes something.  She says things like “brown food is good “,  and “I’m a fan of ….” and “we’re going to add a little more salt”, she is a heavy salter, and she uses the “thanks for coming bowl” to throw her garbage in. She is a dancy thing as well. Honey’s fave at the moment.

2. Iron Chef          Honey and Abby actually DVR this every week to watch the first 15 minutes. They like the faces that the dramatic host makes, especially when he announces the special ingredient. They rewind that over and over. So they can laugh anew.  Honey also just figured out why he thought The Cookie Monster looked so familiar. She was Malto Mario’s helper chef! Or Molto Mario. Or Balto Mario. I just don’t know.

3. The elaborate cake making show.  Don’t know the name of this one. He watches this one quite frequently. And seems to rope in whoever happens to walk within sight of the TV as well. Always interesting and we always make some sort of noise when they are moving the cakes from the kitchens to the display table. Why do they have to move the cakes? Who invented that part of the show? Why can’t they build the cakes ON the display tables? Just wondering.

4. Everyday Italian with Giada. Or as we call her, BoobyGirl. His old  favorite. She does cook good simple Italian fare. We like to imitate her by flashing a super cheesy, many toothed smile and saying “PERFECT” as she is prone to do. Maybe my cooking would improve if I wore low cut tops.

5. Pauler Dean.  We didn’t know her name for a while, so we called her “Spatulur Lady”. Everything she makes looks scrum-tru-lescent. Loads of butter will do that. And sugar, and chocolate, and……   

6. Rachel Ray 30 Minute Meals   I know she is a lightening rod. You either love her or can’t stand her, but we like to watch her. I can’t say we have ever made any of her recipes, but I like to watch her cook. Really, I like to watch anyone else cook. I also like to see how many ingredients she can carry to her work space.

We don’t watch any regularly, except we do DVR the Cookie Monster on Saturday morning. Because Honey isn’t up then. We catch them on occasion. After the show is over, I feel like I should be able to cook. It just never transfers to the actual cooking.

2 Comments

This and That

February 27, 2009 at 4:08 PM (Family Life, Honey, Television, This and That)

I feel very boring today. So I apologize right up front.

Just some tidbits floating around. How I do love The List format.

1. The Dunkin’ Donut/Baskin Robbins in our town has suddenly closed. Honey is concerned. He stops in there frequently on his way to work. Because he says they have the best coffee and cream. He stopped to read the sign they have posted. It says it is temporary, but they put up paper on the windows. What can this mean? Sold, remodeling, health code violations ? His other option is Tim Horton coffee. Which failed miserably. He is now making his coffee at home. :(

2. This morning,  I hit the very center of my knee cap SO hard on the hand controls of The Ab-Cats van, that I thought I was going to throw up. I haven’t done anything like that in a long time. I am totally fine now. Except for the memory.

3. I would be very happy if I could fast forward through March, right to Easter break! I would like to go to Florida next week, and leave cold, dreary, rainy, snowy, brown Michigan in my rear view window.

4. I am so happy that Hosea won Big Top Chef !!!!! I would have been just as happy if Carla  had won!!! So basically, it was anyone  but Stefan.

I am very sad that the Guy who sang Coldplay did not get through on American Idol. I thought he was one of the best singers in the competition, although I agree that he was HORRID on Wednesday night. There is always the Wildcard.  SIGH. I need to state for the record that while I was not surprised  that Mr. Satisfaction made it, he is just a bit too frantic  for me. And I don’t think he is all that suchy muchy.

5. We are having homemade pizza sometime this weekend. WOO HOO!!!!  As soon as our children can get their schedules coordinated.

Have a good day.

4 Comments

A Little Crowd Participation Please

February 19, 2009 at 3:19 AM (Our Boy, Television, Whatever)

The Boy has offered to guest post for me again. WOO HOO!!!

 But he doesn’t know what to talk about. So we have decided to ask you Guys.

What should Mr. Jiggy Fly share? Any burning questions out there? Suggestions? Topics of interest? Please don’t let the deafening sound of crickets be ALL that we hear!

In other news, we had egg rolls again for dinner. Since we need 2 packages of egg roll wrappers, and there was only 1 package left at the store, we bought some wonton wrappers. And they made the cutest little egg rolls you ever did see!

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And so tasty too!

Honey and I went to another estate sale today. To see a painting that a friend of ours painted.We wandered around  the areas that weren’t roped off and saw nothing but stuff I wouldn’t have under any circumstances. On the way out the door, we asked the woman who lived there about the painting. She said it was gone. I asked how much it went for and she said they decided not to sell it! It was on the website and it was the only reason we went!!! Can you say false advertising? And can I just say that her ENTIRE house smelled like a DOG? A wet dog. A stinking wet hound of a dog? I really wanted to let her know that. I didn’t.

I am anxiously waiting to see who is going to get through on American Idol. My picks are Danny Gokey, Anoop-Dog and the Little Blonde Girl with the pink spots that I can’t recall the name of. I’m hoping that the oil rigger will be the Wildcard. He seems like such a nice guy. If that Tatianna makes it, I may have to have Syler, from ”Heroes”,  do his little trick and remove my brain to dull the pain.

7 Comments

Honey’s On a Mission

February 6, 2009 at 11:54 AM (Confessions, Honey, Television)

Around Christmas time, Honey told me he had a goal. He wanted to use up all of the little bottles of stuff and samples we seem to accumulate. You know, little bottles of shampoo and conditioner, mouthwash and packages of soap from hotels?  We also have a very generous dental hygienist who keeps us well stocked with travel sized toothpaste and floss.

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I love the floss. Those who know me well could tell you that. I even have some in my purse. Because when you have teeth like mine, a little piece of something stuck in your choppers can ruin your day. I come from a long line of extended family who favor the toothpick. My Father and Brother included. But I am a Floss Girl.

Back to Honey. He decided that he was going to be efficient and actually use all of the little bottles and tubes.

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 I have a confession to make. I don’t use them. I don’t take them, therefore I feel no obligation to use them. Hotel soap makes me itchy, and, I am a bit of a shampoo and conditioner snob. I blame it on the fact that I am a professional hairdresser. I like to know what I am putting on my head.

As I mentioned, I do use the floss, and I have used the toothpaste on vacation. Because I like the handy little trial size. But to be perfectly honest, even then, I sometimes don’t. It’s because I have “cracked tooth syndrome”. Doesn’t that sound all impressive and serious ? All it really means is my teeth are old and filled to bursting with fillings. I am in serious danger of having all of my teeth crowned. 

I use Aquafresh for sensitive teeth. I have found that deviating from this regimen causes me undue distress. When drinking hot or cold liquids, or eating food of any temperature. Or breathing air. VERY sensitive. V.E.R.Y. sensi-tive.

So, Honey is now on his second month of , as he says, “bathing for free”.  He is very proud of himself. It’s good to have goals.

On a side note, anyone watching American Idol? Was anyone else doing the happy dance when Bikini Girl got the axe??!! But HOW could they have put that Crazy Laughing Girl through? I was sorry that the Osmond didn’t make it, I thought he was way better than a lot of them. I was happy to see Danny Goeke made it. He was the one who lost his wife. I want him to win the whole thing. And it would not be a sympathy vote. That Boy can SING.

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