‘Twas the Night Before Valentine’s
1 year ago
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Happy Halloween! aka The Moral of the Story
This post should really be titled, "The Disadvantages of Aging." I'm not yet ready to officially announce being old, but I will bite the bullet and admit that my memory is failing me...often to my disadvantage. I'll simply skip the story and announce the moral: Always keep sign-in information, including passwords, in a safe place. It's easy to forget them and can lead to no posting to blogs.
I doubt I can even begin to catch up, so I won't try. That said, we've moved out of summer here and into fall. Yesterday was beautiful, with the high temp of 76, but a bit windy. Those of us in Kansas understand windy. Then last night, the wind picked up, just about the time I ventured out for provisions, i.e. food, and the temps dropped dramatically. It was even worse an hour or so later when one of my daughters asked me to accompany her on a search for a new Halloween costume. Temp was in the upper 30's and wind gusts were close to 40 mph. The moral of that story: Don't go looking for a Halloween costume the night before Halloween--unless you're a child who isn't picky. And she's 24. Today we're eating Halloween cookies. My plans for the evening, while my own grown-up kids take their kids trick or treating, is to turn the lights out and veg out on old scary movies, accompanied by buttery popcorn.
So Happy Halloween, All Hallows Eve, and Samhein to all!! I hope it's an evening of delightful shudders. And Happy Birthday to Lisa Childs, the Ditzy Chix own Halloween girl!
I doubt I can even begin to catch up, so I won't try. That said, we've moved out of summer here and into fall. Yesterday was beautiful, with the high temp of 76, but a bit windy. Those of us in Kansas understand windy. Then last night, the wind picked up, just about the time I ventured out for provisions, i.e. food, and the temps dropped dramatically. It was even worse an hour or so later when one of my daughters asked me to accompany her on a search for a new Halloween costume. Temp was in the upper 30's and wind gusts were close to 40 mph. The moral of that story: Don't go looking for a Halloween costume the night before Halloween--unless you're a child who isn't picky. And she's 24. Today we're eating Halloween cookies. My plans for the evening, while my own grown-up kids take their kids trick or treating, is to turn the lights out and veg out on old scary movies, accompanied by buttery popcorn.
So Happy Halloween, All Hallows Eve, and Samhein to all!! I hope it's an evening of delightful shudders. And Happy Birthday to Lisa Childs, the Ditzy Chix own Halloween girl!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Another One Bites the Dust
That really isn't a fair title. The truth is, another Silhouette line is being closed. Silhouette Bombshell did not bite the dust. The authors of the many wonderful books in that line put their heart and soul into their stories, but because sales weren't as high as what the company had hoped for, they've (the guys in suits) have decided to discontinue the line. The last books will be on shelves in January '07.
I really liked this line. In fact, I liked it so much I even tried my hand at writing one. Sadly, it was rejected, but even in rejection I learn something. I may like the "kickass heroines" I read about in Bombshell, but I'm not a kickass heroine, myself. *grin* And that was okay, because I could still read the books. I won't be able to much longer.
If you were a Bombshell reader, drop your favorite author(s) a line and let her/them know. They'll really appreciate it, and you'll put a smile on their faces--something they really need right now.
I really liked this line. In fact, I liked it so much I even tried my hand at writing one. Sadly, it was rejected, but even in rejection I learn something. I may like the "kickass heroines" I read about in Bombshell, but I'm not a kickass heroine, myself. *grin* And that was okay, because I could still read the books. I won't be able to much longer.
If you were a Bombshell reader, drop your favorite author(s) a line and let her/them know. They'll really appreciate it, and you'll put a smile on their faces--something they really need right now.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Heat Wave
There's nothing like summer. School is out, vacation time is scheduled, and hotter days are the norm. But just what do most people consider hot around here? We found out this past week in Kansas just how hot "hot" can be.
3 of 5 days this past week topped out at 109. We really aren't used to those kind of temps here. Hot, yes. 100 to maybe 105 for a few days, yes. But 3 straight days of 109? Yikes! And to top that, the fourth day was 112! The AC ran. And ran. Even during the night, when the lows were in the 80's. You know that when it's 3 a.m. and the thermometer reads 89 degrees, that it must be a heat wave. I don't know how I could've survived without that AC, but I'm sure going to hate to see that cooling bill when it arrives next month. Double yikes!
But it wasn't just Kansas with the high temps. I heard people from all around the country and into Canada say that temps were high. There was even a power loss in California last night that affected Yahoo.
Personally, I'm eagerly looking forward to September. Or maybe October, even more. Then again, I've noticed that, over the years, we are losing our 4 seasons. The question now is, will I be happy when autumn rolls around, or will we still be experiencing these weird temps?
How has YOUR weather been this summer?
3 of 5 days this past week topped out at 109. We really aren't used to those kind of temps here. Hot, yes. 100 to maybe 105 for a few days, yes. But 3 straight days of 109? Yikes! And to top that, the fourth day was 112! The AC ran. And ran. Even during the night, when the lows were in the 80's. You know that when it's 3 a.m. and the thermometer reads 89 degrees, that it must be a heat wave. I don't know how I could've survived without that AC, but I'm sure going to hate to see that cooling bill when it arrives next month. Double yikes!
But it wasn't just Kansas with the high temps. I heard people from all around the country and into Canada say that temps were high. There was even a power loss in California last night that affected Yahoo.
Personally, I'm eagerly looking forward to September. Or maybe October, even more. Then again, I've noticed that, over the years, we are losing our 4 seasons. The question now is, will I be happy when autumn rolls around, or will we still be experiencing these weird temps?
How has YOUR weather been this summer?
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Meet BJ
Earlier, I'd written about and included a photo of Jules, the new half-Lab puppy in the family. Jules is full of vim and vinegar and tends to be a little over-energetic with the two small humans she lives with, so I suggested to my daughter that a playmate of her own kind might help. In the past, our family dogs mainly consisted of Basset Hounds and Chow-Chows, and my daughters are especially fond of both breeds. After a quick search on the Internet, I found an adorable Basset puppy for sale about a two hour drive away, and off my daughter and her hubby and his mother went to adopt it.
Meet BJ. She is adorable, and both she and Jules are enjoying each other to the fullest. They're very close to the same age, so in spite of Jules being the taller of the two, they can both hold their own while playing with each other.
Now my youngest daughter is crying for a Basset of her own, but, alas, we aren't allowed to have pets where we live. Maybe someday, I tell her. In the meantime, we get to enjoy both BJ and Jules, without the responsibility of ownership. I kinda like that.
By the way, BJ IS smiling.
Meet BJ. She is adorable, and both she and Jules are enjoying each other to the fullest. They're very close to the same age, so in spite of Jules being the taller of the two, they can both hold their own while playing with each other.
Now my youngest daughter is crying for a Basset of her own, but, alas, we aren't allowed to have pets where we live. Maybe someday, I tell her. In the meantime, we get to enjoy both BJ and Jules, without the responsibility of ownership. I kinda like that.
By the way, BJ IS smiling.
Monday, July 10, 2006
It's Always Something...
Is it ever! A few weeks ago, the server where many of the websites I've designed and maintain suddenly crashed. Or something. It took most of 3 days for the server guru to get everything running again, but he did. (Bless you, Charlie!) At first glance everything was fine, but I soon received emails with comments of, "My new page is missing!" and "What happened to the photos?" Several days and emails later, not to mention a few hours along the way, everything was back to normal. But it did throw off the schedule I was trying to make a habit of. That's life, though, and peace (or something that slightly resembles it) has returned. I am sooooo grateful. *grin*
I hope everyone had a terrific 4th of July! Me? Well, I stayed home, sans fireworks, and to be honest, I didn't miss them all that much. There were plenty of pops and cracks going on in my neighborhood, so it wasn't like I completely missed the sounds of celebration. Although there was once in my life that I almost did miss it.
The summer before my senior year in high school, I joined a cousin who was in my class and 19 other Kansas high-schoolers for a church group trip to Mexico. We stayed on a garlic farm, about 200 miles from Mexico City, so it was no border trip for us! We worked for most of the two weeks, painting the inside and outside of the dormitories. During the winter, the farm hosted a school there, and many of the students lived on the farm while they studied.
As the 4th of July drew nearer, we realized that we would have no way to celebrate it in traditional American style. We were disappointed, to say the least. We'd been gone just long enough to have become the tiniest bit homesick, especially because the holiday was approaching quickly. We talked about it, and finally decided to do what we could with the little American-style resources we had and have a barbecue, of sorts. There was no refrigeration on the farm, so we had to go to the nearby village each day to purchase the food for our meals. If I remember, we had hamburgers and what would pass for buns on the 4th. We also had fireworks! Well, not the type we were accustomed to, but it happened to be a Feast Day in the village, so we were able to get Mexican fireworks. I still have the one "sparkler" that I brought home with me. It looks like a kitchen safety match, but when scratch on a rough surface, it sends out sparks, much like our own sparklers here. Just those small touches made everything right for us.
The 4th was also the birthday of one of two young Mennonite men who were doing their CO service in Mexico, driving around that country and helping teach farming methods. We all became friends with Wayne and Steve. They were great guys, and we were so pleased that we could share our little celebration with them and honor Wayne's birthday at the same time.
I'd do it all again, if I had the chance, but I do like being here in the States for this particular holiday.
I hope everyone had a terrific 4th of July! Me? Well, I stayed home, sans fireworks, and to be honest, I didn't miss them all that much. There were plenty of pops and cracks going on in my neighborhood, so it wasn't like I completely missed the sounds of celebration. Although there was once in my life that I almost did miss it.
The summer before my senior year in high school, I joined a cousin who was in my class and 19 other Kansas high-schoolers for a church group trip to Mexico. We stayed on a garlic farm, about 200 miles from Mexico City, so it was no border trip for us! We worked for most of the two weeks, painting the inside and outside of the dormitories. During the winter, the farm hosted a school there, and many of the students lived on the farm while they studied.
As the 4th of July drew nearer, we realized that we would have no way to celebrate it in traditional American style. We were disappointed, to say the least. We'd been gone just long enough to have become the tiniest bit homesick, especially because the holiday was approaching quickly. We talked about it, and finally decided to do what we could with the little American-style resources we had and have a barbecue, of sorts. There was no refrigeration on the farm, so we had to go to the nearby village each day to purchase the food for our meals. If I remember, we had hamburgers and what would pass for buns on the 4th. We also had fireworks! Well, not the type we were accustomed to, but it happened to be a Feast Day in the village, so we were able to get Mexican fireworks. I still have the one "sparkler" that I brought home with me. It looks like a kitchen safety match, but when scratch on a rough surface, it sends out sparks, much like our own sparklers here. Just those small touches made everything right for us.
The 4th was also the birthday of one of two young Mennonite men who were doing their CO service in Mexico, driving around that country and helping teach farming methods. We all became friends with Wayne and Steve. They were great guys, and we were so pleased that we could share our little celebration with them and honor Wayne's birthday at the same time.
I'd do it all again, if I had the chance, but I do like being here in the States for this particular holiday.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Summertime, summertime
My post yesterday got me thinking of the summers of my childhood. Add that to a recent comment on a local newspaper blog about what it was like when my generation were kids and Kristi Gold's aforementioned memory on her website, and today's topic was born.
The world has changed since we Baby Boomers were kids. We had pretty much the run of the neighborhood, my childhood friends and I. That neighborhood encompassed our block, including both sides of the street. As we grew a little older, it included the block behind, but we used that mostly for riding bicycles, because the street there ended in a circular deadend. We spent a lot of time on our bikes, racing, riding with no hands, sometimes pretending they were our loyal steeds.
I became proficient at hopscotch and could beat everybody on the block. It took me some time, but I mastered jacks and the multiple ways to play them. I had a pair of stilts and could walk up and down the porch steps on them. And I loved my roller skates! My favorite make-believe with them was to be a girl who lived in the frozen north, and they were my skis. I even had sticks, at times, for my ski poles and raced down the long driveway that sloped to the street. We played with cars and trucks in the dirt around a huge old tree and carved out towns and roads. And we learned to hang from our knees like circus performers, from the top bar of our swingless swingsets.
As long as our parents knew who we were with, they were happy. As long as we kept within the boundaries of the neighborhood, everything was okay. As long as we came home before dark, they weren't concerned. Our world was safe. We were happy. And at night, we fell into our beds, exhausted but smiling.
There were no Nintendos or X-Boxes. We'd never heard of a computer. We had board games, like Monopoly, Go To the Head of the Class, and Life, but they were saved for rainy, indoor days or winter. We watched old Shirley Temple movies on our black and white TVs when the afternoons were too hot to bear in our non-air conditioned homes. A few times each summer, we'd walk to the neighborhood pool, but it was crowded and noisy and filled with kids we didn't know. We read books and I wrote plays.
I hope some of my memories bring back happy memories for you.
The world has changed since we Baby Boomers were kids. We had pretty much the run of the neighborhood, my childhood friends and I. That neighborhood encompassed our block, including both sides of the street. As we grew a little older, it included the block behind, but we used that mostly for riding bicycles, because the street there ended in a circular deadend. We spent a lot of time on our bikes, racing, riding with no hands, sometimes pretending they were our loyal steeds.
I became proficient at hopscotch and could beat everybody on the block. It took me some time, but I mastered jacks and the multiple ways to play them. I had a pair of stilts and could walk up and down the porch steps on them. And I loved my roller skates! My favorite make-believe with them was to be a girl who lived in the frozen north, and they were my skis. I even had sticks, at times, for my ski poles and raced down the long driveway that sloped to the street. We played with cars and trucks in the dirt around a huge old tree and carved out towns and roads. And we learned to hang from our knees like circus performers, from the top bar of our swingless swingsets.
As long as our parents knew who we were with, they were happy. As long as we kept within the boundaries of the neighborhood, everything was okay. As long as we came home before dark, they weren't concerned. Our world was safe. We were happy. And at night, we fell into our beds, exhausted but smiling.
There were no Nintendos or X-Boxes. We'd never heard of a computer. We had board games, like Monopoly, Go To the Head of the Class, and Life, but they were saved for rainy, indoor days or winter. We watched old Shirley Temple movies on our black and white TVs when the afternoons were too hot to bear in our non-air conditioned homes. A few times each summer, we'd walk to the neighborhood pool, but it was crowded and noisy and filled with kids we didn't know. We read books and I wrote plays.
I hope some of my memories bring back happy memories for you.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Happy Flag Day
I'm sure the majority of people don't know what day Flag Day falls on, and some may not even realize there is such a thing, but because I share my birthday with the flag, I remember it every year. I'll admit that, as I get older, I'd often like to forget about it. Once past that 40 mark (and that has been a while ago for me), birthdays are just another reminder that life isn't the carefree days of fun it was when we were kids, and responsibility is the key word.
Kristi Gold shared her memories of summer on her website, so I'll take a page from her book, so to speak, and share a memory of birthday and flags.
When I was about 7 or 8, I was hoping for a wading pool for my birthday. It was a quiet day, that particular June 14, and as our the custom, a flag was hanging near our porch, celebrating the holiday and our great country. I was standing just inside the doorway, watching the red, white, and blue wave in the summer breeze and wondering what glories the day would bring me. Hey, at that age, it's definitely all about ME, right? A big truck pulled up, with SEARS on the side. Oh, that had to be something for me! Sure enough, it was my wading pool, and it was a doozy! Rectangular in shape, it had triangle shaped metal seats in the four corners. It lasted through neighbor kids and me for several years, but what has lasted more is watching that flag, even though I wasn't aware of the true meaning of it and what it stood for.
So enjoy this little holiday! I sure intend to. *grin*
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
A Quick Post...
...because that's what I have time for today.
I wanted to mention that I've made posting comments easier, so feel free to add something, whether in agreement, disagreement, or just to say HI.
I wanted to mention that I've made posting comments easier, so feel free to add something, whether in agreement, disagreement, or just to say HI.
Monday, June 12, 2006
A Little Peace and Quiet
Now that my oldest daughter's wedding is over, and I'm catching up on all the things that had to be put aside because of it and other important things, it's time to make some new (good) habits.
It's kind of funny that I post regularly on a local newspaper blog, but I don't seem to find the time to post here. That's a Shame-on-Me thing, for sure, and I'm going to try, try, again to do better. But if I should fail again, there's always a new blog I'll direct your attention to. I mean, after all, I have posted there a time or two in the past week. Give Kristi Gold's Kristi's Koffee Chat a visit and tell her HI. You won't be disappointed. :)
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Things We Seldom Think Of
(copied from a local neighborhood newsletter)
1. At least 5 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. If not for you, someone may not be living.
8. You are special and unique.
9. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
12. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.
13. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
14. Always tell someone how you feel about them. You will fell much better when they know.
15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
1. At least 5 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. If not for you, someone may not be living.
8. You are special and unique.
9. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
12. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.
13. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
14. Always tell someone how you feel about them. You will fell much better when they know.
15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The Newest Addition to the Family
I can't believe another month and a half has gone by since I've posted here, but life has been busy and the things I want to do take precedence to the things I have to do. I'll definitely try to do better, as the "have-to" list is growing shorter.
My #2 daughter and her hubby bought a new house last month, and we're all very happy and excited for them. Yesterday, they had a big surprise for their two kids--Jules, a part-Labrador 8-week-old puppy. The kids are ecstatic over the new edition. Their part-Siamese cat, Daisy, is not, and has taken to hissing and growling at my son-in-law. After all, he's the one who brought the intruder into the house, so he's the bad guy. I have a feeling Daisy will, eventually, begin to forgive him and begin to at least tolerate the new addition. We, on the other hand, have fallen in love with Jules.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Happy First Day of Spring!
Happy First Day of Spring!
Now, if only it felt like spring out there... We're welcoming in the new season under a winter storm watch. But I expect that by the end of the week, it will be much more spring-like. We just have to get through this nasty part first. After all, March did come in like a lamb here, so Old Man Winter is giving his last shout.
It's been some time since I've posted, but I've been busy. Besides writing, I also design websites, and I've been wrapped up in a few of those. Pennwriters, Inc., a Pennsylvania group of writers, now has a newly designed home on the web. Elizabeth Sinclair's website also had a brand new look. Look for more in the future for Kristi Gold and Heather Waters.
Back in January, Carol Stephenson tagged me for a 7 item meme that I haven't had time to complete. I've put it on my list of things to do this week, so with a little luck, it'll be posted here soon.
Until later, Happy Spring!
Now, if only it felt like spring out there... We're welcoming in the new season under a winter storm watch. But I expect that by the end of the week, it will be much more spring-like. We just have to get through this nasty part first. After all, March did come in like a lamb here, so Old Man Winter is giving his last shout.
It's been some time since I've posted, but I've been busy. Besides writing, I also design websites, and I've been wrapped up in a few of those. Pennwriters, Inc., a Pennsylvania group of writers, now has a newly designed home on the web. Elizabeth Sinclair's website also had a brand new look. Look for more in the future for Kristi Gold and Heather Waters.
Back in January, Carol Stephenson tagged me for a 7 item meme that I haven't had time to complete. I've put it on my list of things to do this week, so with a little luck, it'll be posted here soon.
Until later, Happy Spring!
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