May 30, 2007

Just about the time we were getting ready to leave for church, the heavens opened and poured on us. The rain came so fast that the streets were unable to really drain properly. We had the camera and I am just going to let the picture speak! Till next time...

Summer Rain

This was the scene last night as we drove Tessa to church.

Summer Rain

Remember Me

I was sent this little you tube clip and it made me think. I know there is so much controversy about the war. This is about the troops and not the war.

May 29, 2007

Well, life goes back to normal today. It is always hard to have John gone after I have had him home for a few days. It was a weekend of family time, flower planting and watching to see if the hummingbirds would come to the new feeder. Tessa is very interested in this, she even wanted to make sure we had the right plants are around to attract them. We picked a bee balm plant and so I guess we will see. John and I moved the feeders around so that the hummingbird one was not on the other side of screen. He did see a hummingbird twice, but Tessa was not here and missed out.

Today was really a lovely day. Tessa was around the house most of the time. She did get to go swimming just before supper. I took as many of the new flowers as I could and then labeled them so to remember their proper names and color names. I know this really is not all that exciting. Tonight we all sat and watched that movie 'Walk the Line'. John and I enjoyed it. Mom, I know this is all repeat for you, as I talked to you earlier. Hope you are all having a great day! Till next time...

Email

A little boy goes to his father and asks

"Daddy, how was I born?" The father

Answers: "Well son, I guess one day

You will need to find out anyway! Your

Mom and I first got together in a chat

Room on Yahoo. Then I set up a date

Via e-mail with your Mom and we met

At a cyber-cafe. We sneaked into a

Secluded room, where your mother

Agreed to a download from my hard

Drive. As soon as I was ready to upload,

We discovered that neither one of us had

Used a firewall, and since it was too late

To hit the delete button, nine months later

A little Pop-Up appeared that said:

Scroll Down


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You got Male

May 28, 2007

Have you ever heard of 'Tales of the Criminally Stupid'? I am always entertained when I read these, or maybe I should say I am amazed by the stupidity! Here is a sample of one of the latest stories.

From Seminole, Florida, where stupid criminal Lance Kostas was running late for work. NOt being the kind of guy who likes to skip breakfast, he took his bowl of frosted flakes along with him as he drove. to work. Guess he didn't realize that breakfast foods and driving can be a dangerous combination. As he reached into his bowl for another spoonful of Tony the Tiger's best, he failed to notice the car in front of him and crashed into it. The situation went from bad to worse when he realized that he had crashed into a police cruiser. He's been charged with failure to yield. Till next time...

He is NOT scary!

This was the first time that John was in church since he shaved his head. The little lady that always sits behind us did not recognize him and was kind of quiet when he said hi. I sat down and she started to laugh. She thought I had a new 'boyfriend', I know she was surprised how much his lack of hair changed his appearance. We were picking up some plants and walked by this car. The guy in the car quickly locked his doors. I really did not think much about it. John noticed and made some offhand remark. I mean really, what did he think we were going to do. This afternoon really was lovely, especially after yesterdays nasty weather. I hope you are all enjoying your weekend. Till next time...

Friends

A friend is someone we turn to

when our spirits need a lift.

A friend is someone we treasure

for our friendship is a gift.

A friend is someone who fills our lives

with beauty, joy, and grace.

And makes the whole world we live in

a better and happier place.

-Jean Kyler McManus-

My Day

We had the pleasure of getting out of town and going to visit the parents and Julie. It was Mom's birthday today. She was at camp and so really did not see much of her, but I had a good time catching up with Juls. I did sit down with Mom and helped her set up her Multiply account. Can we say EXCITED! Yep, that was Mom after she realized what she could do with it. I had to smile when I got home and saw all the writing she had done since we had left.

Have you ever been so surprised that your mouth kind of drops to the floor? I found an email from someone that I thought was long gone from my ring of friends. He asked where I was and was I ok? Of course I am ok, I have not gone anywhere? I let him know that I thought he may have fallen of the edge of th earth!

The weather really sucked. There is no other way to put it. While driving to Mom's, the rain was coming down in buckets and when almost there, we had snow mixed in. I did NOT have a smile on the face. John was able to get a few photos of deer. There are so many hanging out in the shelter belt east of Dad's. The one next to the gravel belt. He also caught a deer right in the yard. He is a happy camper.

A letter arrived this week that said one of the photos he had entered on this website was being put in a book. Everyone asked if he had to buy the book for it to be published. It appears that he does not have to. It was a photo of an eagle in flight while hunting the Red this spring before the trees were all leafed out. Time to end this entry. Hope you are all having a good weekend! Till next time...

John must have read my words, as he sent me this. He was a busy boy tonight! Catch you all later!

MOM

COOL MySpace Comments I know you will see me before you see this.

I kind of like when John messes around with photos and makes these collages. Now to make a more current one. Have a GREAT MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

Strawberry Deluxe Cake

1 package white cake mix 2/3 cup cooking oil

3 Tbsp flour 1 3ounce package strawberry Jell-o

4 eggs 1/2 package frozen strawberries, (10 ounces)

1/2 cup water

Mix cake mix, flour and gelatin. Add eggs, one at a time and beat well. Add oil and beat. Add water and strawberries and beat. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

FROSTING:

2 cup powdered sugar 1/2 package strawberries

2 tsp. butter

Mix well and frost cake.

This is my most favorite cake. I think this is the first time that I have actually made it, as Mom usually makes this for me. Enjoy!!

Last day of School

This day went much to fast. I kept thinking how my time home alone was going to be over for a few months. Alicia and I went our for lunch and enjoyed having that time to ourselves. I was getting ready to order more photos as I have almost put all I have in the books and realized that I had missed a few from the month before. I hate having my photos out of order and so I was kind of frustrated by it. It is just one of my many quirks. I am really hoping that this nasty cold that has been hanging on will find somewhere else to go real soon. I am kind of tired of sleeping on the couch. I find it easier to sleep kind of sitting in an upright position. Mom, if I stay the way I have been, I don't think we will be staying overnight on Saturday. Nights have been the most miserable for me. I would rather be at home and be miserable.

I really wish it would warm up so that I could plant my flowers. It is hard to believe it is soon going to be June and the temp in the morning is supposed to be 36 degrees. Time to get off here and put supper away. John put in a late day and is just done. It will be nice for him to have the weekend off. Till next time...

What color green are you?

I think I must have answered a question wrong to get these results!

You Are Grass Green

Down to earth and a bit of a hippie, you are very into nature and the outdoors. You accept the world and people as they are. You don't try to change things. You are also very comfortable with yourself, flaws and all. Optimistic about the future, you feel like life is always getting better.

What Color Green Are You?

I came across this photo while looking for some of Nakita. I really do NOT know what Brenna was helping Tessa with, but I have to assume it was homework. There is such a look of patience there. I see love when I see this photo, even though Tessa would NOT agree. John, see, I did write a little bit. It is all I can manage today.

The special occasion napkins

Just a little silliness to start your day.
THE GOOD NAPKINS...ahhhhh...the joys of having Girls...

My mother taught me to read when I was four years old (her first
mistake). One day, I was in the bathroom and noticed One of the cabinet
doors was ajar.

I read the box in the cabinet. I then asked my mother why she Was
keeping 'napkins' in the bathroom. Didn't they belong In the kitchen?

Not wanting to burden me with unnecessary facts, she Told me that those
were for "special occasions" (her second Mistake).

Now fast forward a few months....It's Thanksgiving Day, and My folks
are
leaving to pick up my uncle and his wife for dinner.
Mom had assignments for all of us while they were gone.

Mine was to set the table.

When they returned, my uncle came in first and immediately Burst into
laughter. Next came his wife who gasped, then began Giggling. Next came
my father, who roared with laughter.

Then came Mom, who almost died of embarrassment when She saw each place
setting on the table with a "special occasion" Kotex Napkin at each
plate, with the fork carefully arranged on top. I had even Tucked the
little tail in so they didn't hang off the edge!!

My mother asked me why I used these and, of course, my response sent The
other adults into further fits of laughter.

"But, Mom, you said they were for special occasions!!!"

May 19, 2007

I have been entertaining myself by googling names or should I say email addresses. It is really interesting to see what you can bring up. John's did NOT bring up anything. My oldest address brought up more. Then I moved onto others that have crossed my path. I feel you can learn alot about a person by what they write. Can anyone tell how easily entertained I can be? I just wish I did not get so disappointed when I see another side to others. I just wish that I was not so trusting. How does someone ever get to the point where they are not sucked into the lies?

Tessa is excited to be going to a birthday party tomorrow. John is not sure if he has to work, and I know I am not going anywhere. All I seem to do is sneeze and cough now. UGH! It was so nice of John to get our lawn mowed. He is trying to figure out what he wants to do on the east side of the house where that big tree is. Hope you all had a great weekend! Till next time...

Baptist Dog?

A Baptist preacher and his wife decided to get a new dog.
Ever mindful of the congregation, they knew the dog must also be a Baptist. They visited kennel after kennel and explained their needs.
Finally, they found a kennel whose owner assured them he had just the dog they wanted. The owner brought the dog to meet the pastor and his wife.. "Fetch the Bible," he commanded.

The dog bounded to the bookshelf, scrutinized the books, located the Bible, and brought it to the owner. "Now find Psalm 23," he commanded. The dog dropped the Bible to the floor, and showing marvelous dexterity with his paws, leafed through and finding the correct passage, pointed to it with his paw. The pastor and his wife were very impressed and purchased the dog.

That evening, a group of church members came to visit. The pastor and his wife began to show off the dog, having him locate several Bible verses. The visitors were very impressed.

One man asked, "Can he do regular dog tricks, too?"

"I haven't tried yet," the pastor replied. He pointed his finger at
the dog. "HEEL!" the pastor commanded.

The dog immediately jumped on a chair, placed one paw on the
pastor's forehead and began to howl.

The pastor looked at his wife in shock and said, "Good Lord! He's Pentecostal!"

John calls me to the bathroom last night. I was expecting something to be wrong. I never expected to walk in and see him bald. Yep, he shaved his head and needed me to touch up the back. I just had to laugh once the shock wore off. I showed Tessa the photos this morning and she ended up crying for a half hour. She thinks her daddy is ugly now. I am sure she will get over this and adjust. Till next time...

Seasons

Each season has it's own beauty. I prefer spring with the scent of Lilac, but what is it about a new covering about snow that is so exciting to the senses? Till next time...

I need to do a bit of venting, and this is my second attempt to write what I am feeling. I am having trouble expressing what I want to as I am always afraid that someone will read themselves into my words and take it all personally. I simply write to clear the thoughts out of my head. I do keep trying to understand why people treat me as they do. I guess I feel that words do not mean much when actions are screaming something else.

Mom, I know you get frustrated when you try to call and can not get reception where you are at. I had a quiet day, working on these blessed photos that I am so far behind on. Alicia was here on her lunch break and I also got to talk to Brenna on the phone. Tonight Tessa has church, John and I will take advantage of having some time to ourselves.

I picked some lilacs so that I could enjoy the scent in the house. It seems little visitors hitched a ride, teeny, tiny bugs. I don't think I will be letting Tessa know that. Right now, I wish I had someone to do the cooking as I have no idea what to make for supper. Any ideas? Till next time...

Creamy Lemon Squares

Prep: 25 minutes | Total: 2 hours 48 minutes (including refrigerating)

20 Reduced Fat Nilla Wafers, finely crushed

1/2 cup flour

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

1 package (8 ounces) Philadelphia Neufchatel Cheese, 1/2 Less Fat than Cream Cheese, Softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

2 Tbsp. flour

3 Tbsp. grated lemon peel

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp. Calumet Baking Powder

2 tsp. powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 8-inch square baking pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan; set aside. Combine wafer crumbs, 1/2 cup flour and brown sugar in medium bowl. Cut in margarine with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; press firmly onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat Neufchatel cheese and granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs and 2 Tbsp. flour; mix well. Blend in 1 Tbsp. of the lemon peel, lemon juice and baking powder; pour over crust.

Bake 25 to 28 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with remaining grated lemon peel, if desired, just before cutting into squares to serve. Store leftover squares in refrigerator.

Makes 16 servings, 1 square each.

Tessa had asked me to makes this for weeks. It was found in the Kraft Magazine. Enjoy!!

The Blonde Joke to end all Blonde Jokes

A blonde calls her boyfriend and says, "Please come over here and help me. I have a killer jigsaw puzzle, and I can't figure out how to get it started."

Her boyfriend asks, "What is it supposed to be when it's finished?"

The blonde says, "According to the picture on the box, it's a tiger."

Her boyfriend decides to go over and help with the puzzle. She lets him in and shows him where she has the puzzle spread all over the table.

He studies the pieces for a moment, then looks at the box, then turns to her and says, "First of all, no matter what we do, we're not going to be able to assemble these pieces into anything resembling a tiger."

He takes her hand and says, "Second, I want you to relax.

Let's have a nice cup of tea, and then...."

He sighed.............."Let's put all the Frosted Flakes back in the box.."

Guestbook

Another Monday

My lack of intelligence left me not able to use the therapy pool. I was not about to find out how much all the chlorine would sting on my very RED skin. Yes, you got it. I fried myself two days in a row. Tessa decided to lean on me during church and pulled back right away. "Mom, you are hot!" I had to smile, yes I am. She, of course, was referring to my toasting arm.

I received Brenna's card and really had to smile. Alicia had also given me the exact same card. I was going to give that card to my mother but had decided against it. Great minds think alike!

The rest of my day was spent hanging out at home doing what all good women are supposed to be doing. CLEANING! Tessa finally got what she wanted tonight. I made her the lemon bars she as been begging me to make for days. She thinks it is a keeper. Till next time...

Mother's Day

Another great day where I am too tired to really write much right now. I was able to spend part of the day with two of my daughters and received a call from the other. It is all I need to put a smile on my face. This day was so beautiful out. Tessa thought it was too hot without any wind. You should have seen her rosy little face after running around the park with Mariah. John was there with a camera and of course, TOO MANY PHOTOS with me in them. John was just in here telling me that he was trying to write and just could not get the words to come out right.

I just received a call from a friend, who gets to move away. Tessa just realized that she is going to loose another friend at church and thinks it has been too many already. I wish she could understand that life is like this and we have to get used to saying good bye. I just had to sit here and smile. She is so young and still has so much to learn.

I feel that I am getting back something I had lost this past few months. I have reconnected with a friend, who may be much younger but still full of wisdom. Age does not really mean much when there is this connection and common experience. I am just so grateful to have this friend in my life. Till next time...

Saturday

Visit to the country

I am very tired from to much sun to really write much tonight. We had a great afternoon out at my daughter's home. I just love the quiet of country, the sound of the birds and the feeling that you are alone. John tried to do some work on her flower beds. It will take a few years to really get them the way she wants, but you have to start somewhere. Mariah and Tessa tried to fly a kite but also played with their Bratz Dolls. Hope all is well with everyone. Happy Mother's Day! Till next time...

Here is a pretty for you Mom. Love You!!

Sexy & Romantic glitter graphics from Sexi Luv.com

Now I Lay Me

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my shape to keep.

Please no wrinkles, please no bags,

and please lift my butt before it sags.

Please no age spots, please no gray,

and as for my belly, please take it away.

Please keep me healthy, please keep me young,

and thank you dear Lord, for all that you've done.

May 10, 2007

The last few days I have really not felt like putting any of my thoughts into words. I have so enjoyed some of the emails that I have gotten from friends that I decided to just share some of them. John and I were able to go see Tessa play in another little concert with her violin. She really does not like it and I have no idea how much longer she will continue with it.

John continues to try and capture the eagles doing more than just sit in their nest. It does give us a chance to just go for a little ride every Wednesday while Tessa is in church. I just enjoy that little bit of time we have to ourselves every week. Last night I dragged him into Michaels to look at the new Martha Steward stuff they are starting to sell there. I am constantly looking for new ideas with scrapbooking. I enjoy doing it, but I don't think I will ever catch up. I am still 2 years behind.

The look on John's face when he got home clearing screamed, GIVE ME SPACE! I let him just veg and eat his supper. I was so surprised to here how well my sister was doing. Nice to know she was back home and getting back to her usual self. My mind can not really think of anything else to say right now. Till next time...

The flowers I get to watch grow in my yard.

New Life

Tessa came out of Missionettes with this Rose. Her teacher works at All Season's and has access to these beautiful blooms. I sure wish we could grow these in our beds. Till next time...

Real Newspaper Ads

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GEORGIA WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE.
WORN ONCE BY MISTAKE.
Call Stephanie.

FSBO: Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica, 45 volumes. Excellent Condition.
$1,000 or best offer. No longer needed, got married last month. Wife Knows everything.

A tiny bit of humor

An elderly couple was attending church services.
About halfway through, she leans over and says,
"I just let out a silent fart. What do you think I
should do?"
He replies, "Put a new battery in your hearing aid."

Can't help but smile!

Just a few of the beauties that grace my flowerbeds!

I am now really irritated. I had just gotten done with this entry when I lost the whole thing. I now have to try and totally recall what I had said. GRRRR! I know how easy it is to take something I have written personally. Please don't! My words aren't about anyone specifically. I just draw from my experience and my impressions.

While driving home from another session at Rehab, I started to think about what kind of a friend am I? Do I come off as a klingon, a listener, a companion? I have become very insecure in my ability to be a friend to anyone. I do have to say that after this very long, miserable winter I feel more like my old self. Who knows why, could be the weather, the sun, the flowers starting to grow, prayers of my mother, or is it a combination off it all?

I had to smile when I checked in to see what my sister had blogged on. The breaking up of friends and all the drama that can go with that. It is more messy when it involves the opposite sex, but painful no matter what. I have had the experience of watching too many friends move away. That is life, but I do wish it wasn't so easy to loose track of these 'friends'. I am not pouting, just stating facts. Gone are the days of real letters in the mail. I have one friend that has to mail cards and postcards though, as she refuses to go electronic and get a computer. Can you believe she does NOT even have a cell phone.

I had another conversation with a family member about the feeling that a friendship was changing. What could I say, but yes this does happen. You meet so many, but so few really stay with you for the long haul. Is there anything more fun than to reminisce about the good old days with such a friend. I have a friend that can remember so many details from my time at LRJC, I just have to shake my head.

Brenna is now in Bismarck. I have to be patient and wait for her to call me as she does NOT have access to internet where she is. All of you know how I am not patient. I am relieved she got that cell phone so we can get a hold of her in case of emergency. I wonder how many emergencies I can think of? Seriously, you know I am just kidding. I guess I need to quit rambling now and give John some attention. He really likes that, and I laugh as I say that. (I have this bad habit of asking to many questions!) How is everyone? Till next time...

The weather was so much better than we expected. The missionaries in church today were so interesting. They are serving in Sudan. It made John kind of smile since he works with so many at Conte Luna. The service was almost over and then I just about got the giggles. I do NOT know why, but this little video clip that I had found yesterday popped into my mind and I could NOT stop myself from smiling!

John, Tessa and I enjoyed a great meal at lunch. She really did NOT want to share ice cream with John and I, but it was the only way she was going to get some. I was given a very pleasant surprise of John mowing our lawn. I had to commemorate the occasion with a photo. Tessa played with her neighborhood friend. They drew this really long hop scotch.

I made a fresh strawberry pie. I think that is going to be my supper tonight. I really am not hungry for anything else. Are you ready to face a new week? The jury is out on that one for me yet! Till next time...

The Value of a Woman

I do NOT know if this is true, but I like these words. I found this on the net somewhere.

This is written in the Hebrew Talmud, It says:

"Be very careful if you make a woman cry, because God counts her tears.

The woman came out of a man's rib.
Not from his feet to be walked on.
Not from his head to be superior.
But from the side to be equal.
Under the arm to be protected,
and next to the heart to be loved."

Myspace Graphics

It may be a raining weekend, but I am just so happy to see this rain. The plants seem to be getting fuller by the minute. I just wish that we could keep the rabbits from my tulips. They have eaten off so many heads that I will not get to enjoy the flowers. A weekend like this takes the pressure off feeling like you have to get all this yard work done. We can just enjoy being in the house getting word done here. Tessa was upstairs working in her room. Progress has been made, but it is NOT perfection yet.

This afternoon I went to the annual Tea that our church puts on. I was volunteered to help with the ticket table. The minute I got there was well to say the least confusing. It always turns out in the end. They food they put out was great. I just need to get some of the recipes. My friend let me feel her baby move. It brings back such memories of when I was pregnant with my girls. The feeling of movement was always so exciting! The fashion show was great, but all the clothes were definitely for skinny women.

Tessa had gone to a friends house, so John and I had some time to ourselves. This is one day that makes me a bit nervous to be out driving around. Here in Grand Forks it was 'Spring Fest'. The day when the UND students get drunk and well stupid. I missed out on seeing the girl walk by our house in a fat suit. John could not tell if she had much on under it. We saw this young man walking down the sidewalk in this neon orange suit. We both wished we would have had our cameras for that one. A stop at Arby's meant putting up with some drunk and extremely LOUD young men. I am glad that Tessa was not there to hear the words coming out of their mouths. I know that when they left, I could hear an audible sigh come out of an elderly woman in a booth close to them.

I am now looking forward to an evening of watching a cheesy Sci Fi movie. I took of my brace and am totally enjoying the freedom of sitting without it. I hope you have all had a great day. TIll next time...