Stay Safe And Have Fun Tonight!

See you in 2009!

He's A Climber!

This is our tomcat "Thomas." He's adjusting pretty well to the new house, but there isn't a window ledge wide enough for him to sit on to watch the goings-on outside. Until I can manage a couple of kitty window seats, he's made do with my floss cabinet and photo album. He's rotten...

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! :)

My Computer Died...*Sob*

Our computer took it's last gasping breath a few days ago. We came home to a loud buzzing airplane-ish like sound and now it won't even turn on. It did have a good run, though, and I'm so sorry to see it go. Hopefully I'll be getting a new one soon, but until then I have to check in on my lunch break at work.

Things are going well right now for Miss M and I. She had her 5th grade play last night and danced with a top hat and cane, and was very cute. She sure is growing up!

Here is the phone I bought for my country kitchen. It's it the coolest?

Have a great day, everyone!

What Would You Put...

In this basket? I need some ideas.

Fleeting Fall

I went on a roadtrip with a friend this past Saturday to Waynesboro and we stopped on Afton Mountain to get some pictures of the gorgeous Fall scenery. The leaves had already started to fall, but look how pretty the valley was...


Our Country surely is a beautiful place. :)

Introducing My New Little Nephew

Isn't he handsome?

This is my friend Lynne's new furbaby. He doesn't have a name yet, but I got to meet him on Saturday and just fell head over heels for him. He's such a sweetheart!

And just like all toddler boys, he thinks he can fly!!! LOL

Have a great day, everyone!

A New Day, A New President!

What a historic day! Please take the time today to exercise your right to...

It's rainy here today. No school for Miss M so I'm going to go in to work early to get some things done. I've been absolutely swamped trying to help the boss get the fiscal year closed out. Every year at this time I come home exhausted.

I got my flu shot on Friday, so I should be good for the season. Have you gotten yours yet?

Sick & Tired

Every year I get sick about this time. It's always right before the flu shots are given at work, too. EVERY year. I was down and out this past weekend with a severe sinus infection. Just how much mucus is in an average sized adult head anyway? But other than still sounding like a man when I talk I'm feeling MUCH better.

Miss M is looking forward to Friday night trick-or-treating. She still hasn't completely decided what she's going to dress up as, but it looks like it's going to have to be something warm. The nights are really chilly lately.

Hopefully tonight we'll get to carve the Jack-o-lanterns and roast some pumpkin seeds. Yum.

Spooky!

This is our Spooky Village this year.

I love decorating the house for the holidays. Growing up my Mom would completely transform the house around each holiday, and it just made everything so much more special. I hope my kids will have fond holiday memories, too.

My Country Kitchen

It's still a Work-In-Progress, but I love my kitchen so far...

I think it's fate that the kitchen is yellow since that's what I just painted my former kitchen. This house was meant to be!

Thanks for visiting, and have a great Thursday!

Scattergories

I was invited to play "Scattergories" by Miss Trina so here I go...

The rules:

Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following questions.
They have to be real places, names, things. Nothing made up!
You can’t use your name for the boy/girl name question.
Tag at least 5 people to play along.

1. What is your name? Shirl
2. A 4 Letter Word: Sing
3. A Boys Name: Scott
4. A Girls Name: Sherry
5. An Occupation: Sailor
6. A Color: Salmon
7. Something you wear: Shoes
8. A Beverage: Sprite
9. A Food: Spareribs
10. Something found in the bathroom: Shampoo
11. A place: Sweden
12. A Reason for being late: Slept Late
13. Something you shout: SHUT UP!
14. Now tag five others: Please play if you'd like! It's fun!

The Pumpkin Festival

Oh, we had such a great time on Sunday!

We Went On A Hayride

Picked Out Our Pumpkins

Mined for Gems

And Visited Sally Scarecrow!

I tried to get Sally to come sit on my porch for the Season but for some reason she didn't want to do that. Oh, well.

It was a wonderful Fall day with my family.

Little By Little

This is my bedroom so far...

I still need my nightstand and dresser, but the bed is set up and the curtains are hung. I slept like a baby last night.

Yesterday Miss M, her Dad, Patrick, his girlfriend Danielle and I went to the Village Fair at Maddy's school. The only game she would play this year was the cake walk. Last year she was SO into everything and wanted to do everything twice. This year, she's a 5th grader and apparently all the games are for "babies." My little girl is growing up. :(

Today we're heading out to the Pumpkin Festival at the Berry Farm. We'll get to pick our pumpkin from the vine, so it should be lots of fun. Hopefully Miss M won't find these activities too babyish!

Have a great Sunday, everyone!

Don't Let His Looks Fool You

This guy is SHARP! (As in he is NOT happy to be in a new place!)

We had a time trying to get Mr. Thomas into the new house. Miss M had to tackle him, then I rushed over and grabbed him by the nap of the neck. He threw his back paws up and gave me a good 3" scratch on the inside of my arm. OUCH! I think he's STILL under the bed. He's such a wimp. On the other hand, Miss Sable came in like she owns the place and is very comfortable. Girls are SO much better than boys! LOL

We're still moving, but we don't have very much left to go. Maddy is adjusting really well and seems to be so happy in her new house. So is Mommy. :)

Hopefully I'll have some pics to share this weekend.

Tonight's The Night

DS's and I are moving the beds this evening, so Miss M and I will be spending tonight at the new place. I got tickled at her last night because I was unpacking the kitchen stuff and she asked if we could stay there and sleep on the floor. HA! I told her if I laid on that floor all night I'd still be there a week from now! LOL

A big heartfelt "THANK YOU" to everyone who has left a comment of support. I really appreciate your kind words and friendship more than you know.

Have a great Wednesday! :)

I Get My Key TODAY

I am SO excited!

She Who Shall NOT Be Ignored

Every time Maddy put her down, Miss Sable would hop right back up there. I think someone wanted some attention, huh?

Speaking of Miss M, she's not feeling well today, so I'm home with her. She was a little off her mark yesterday, just laying around and not doing much, then today she's complaining of nausea and a tummy ache. I've got her tucked in with some hot chocolate and the remote, and she's fine for now. I hate it when she's sick. :(

Have a wonderful Monday, you guys!

Packing & Sorting

The packing is coming right along. I brought up a couple of boxes from the basement last night and found some things I'd forgotten I had. It was like Christmas! LOL

I found my Febreze Scent Stories. Do they still make cartridges for these?


I also found my cut glass cake plate that I bought in Germany.

AND, a brand new set of flannel sheets still in the package! Nice new sheets for a new home.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Please Think Pink This Month

Bison - Who Knew?

DS worked at a restaurant that went out of business, and they gave what food they had in stock to the employees on the last night. DS brought home 6 pounds of ground bison. I was skeptical as I don't like "wild game," but I caved and tried it. OMG, it's DELICIOUS! And, apparently better for you than beef...


"Buffalo (American Bison) meat is sweeter in flavor and leaner than beef. Bison meat is also healthier than skinless chicken, pork, lamb and even some fish, especially if you consider the mercury levels in fish nowadays. There is little shrinkage in bison meat, and because there is less fat to insulate the bison meat, it cooks faster than beef. Furthermore, in comparison to grain-fed beef, buffalo meat contains 69% more iron and higher levels of vitamins, minerals and omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, which help promote a healthy metabolism."

I wonder why it's not more readily available to the public?

Phone Calls, Address Changes, Transfers

Isn't it fun transferring all the utilities and doing address changes when you move? *rolls eyes*

I spent my lunch break yesterday talking to 15 different people at Verizon just to get them to transfer my service. I was beginning to think that the "right department" was a figment of their imagination! But I finally got everything settled and we're a go for October 9th. Of course I have to be there "between 8 and 12" and they'll show up at 3. I know that drill.

Luckily the electric and trash service were easy. Now all that's left is the water.

New Season - New Beginning

This is my exit...

I knew it was coming. So hard to face, but it's the best thing to do. I'm leaving my home with my daughter and starting a new life.

I'm in a very unhealthy relationship with her father. I'm so glad we never remarried.

I found a very cute and cozy little home about 2 blocks from her school. We start moving next week.

Onward and upward!!!

My Goofy Girl

Miss M went to a birthday party this past Saturday. Her brother took her so I could get some things done. He told me that when they first got there, she was downright unsociable. Imagine that...MY daughter unsociable!? Then he offered this as proof...


Doesn't she just look thrilled to be there? LOL Luckily she pulled out of the blahs and ended up having a wonderful time. She's so fickle...

Happy Fall Y'all!

It's Here! We Made It!

I was actually starting to wonder if Richmond would EVER cool off, but it looks like we've arrived. It's amazing to me how it can be 95 here one day and 74 the next. *rolls eyes*




I'm hoping to get some work done in the yard in the coming weeks. I'd like to get it raked and cleaned of debris before the leaves start falling to make it easier when they do. I sure am looking forward to all the pretty colors!

Just A Swingin'

When I bought this house I asked our Realtor to see if the seller would consider leaving the wonderful backyard swing, and he did. I just love its patina and country feel.


I haven't had the time this year to devote to sprucing up that corner of the yard, but I plan to add some pretty flowers and comfy pillows in the Spring. It has so much potential!

Where A Blank Wall Once Was

This was my project for yesterday. The boys and I got the upper cabinet hung in the kitchen!

I am SO pleased with the way it looks! Patrick and I carried it upstairs and I strained my back pulling on it, so we waited for Randy to get home to hang it. Getting old is for the birds. I could've carried it by myself 20 years ago! LOL

Little by little the kitchen is coming together. :)

Barking...All That Barking!

I kept hearing a squirrel barking incessantly outside and I wondered what was upsetting him. With camera in hand I tracked him down. He's young, but he sure has a set of lungs!


He didn't seem to mind having his picture taken, the little prince. And as I turned to come back inside I figured out what was upsetting him...

Miss Sable was on the prowl! She looked at me so innocently, too. Ah, my critters...

911 Math Help

I went to Miss M's Back-to-School night last night and her Math teacher played this cute video for us...

I'm so impressed with the way the officer handled the call. Too cute!

Have a great day, everyone, and SMILE!!!

It's RAINING!

And I'm HOME! That NEVER happens! LOL Ah, sitting here in a quiet house with a cuppa coffee, reading blogs, and listening to it rain. Does it GET any BETTER?

Yesterday I was tagged by my friend Jeanette to post 7 Facts about me. I enjoyed reading hers, and hope to read more fascinating tidbits as I pass the Tag along! Here goes...

7 Facts About Me

1. I was born with blonde hair and blue eyes.
2. I was a majorette in high school.
3. I'm a Star Trek fan.
4. I'm a Ford girl.
5. My favorite color is green.
6. I LOVE to cross stitch.
7. My favorite song is "In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins.

Now, I get to tag some of my friends to play along! I tag...

* Lola at AnSewOn
* Missy at Que Sera Sera
* Trina at Embarking Upon A New Horizon
* Shari at Shari's Sharings

Can't wait to see what interesting facts I can learn about you all!

Fairy Houses

It's amazing what you can find in your yard if you look closely. Aren't these cool?

They're gone now. Such fragile things that only last a little while, but are just simply magical. OK, I'm cheesy today, what can I say? :)

I Made It!

It's FRIDAY! WooHoo! And you know what the best part is? I'm OFF NEXT WEEK!!!

I haven't had any time off since my surgery last July, so I'm very much looking forward to staying home and getting some things done around the house. My goal is to get the den painted. Or sit and watch Law & Order marathons all day. HHhhhmmmm, decisions...decisions! LOL

God Bless America!

We will never forget...

*****************************************************************************************

Yesterday Pam found my blog because I mentioned my heart throb Scott Bakula. I had the priviledge of meeting him when he starred in "Shenandoah" at the Ford Theatre in Washington DC. I even got a hug and an autograph! I'll remember that night the rest of my life. Sigh...

Open Letter To The Idiot Riding My Bumper This Morning

Dear Idiot,

I realize traffic was heavy this morning, you were obviously late for work, and it's a Wednesday, but I feel I need to let you in on a few secrets about our commute this morning...

1. I cannot go any faster than the car in front of me. I have no control over the fact that the moron is reading the morning paper, dialing his cellphone, and having his morning coffee while trying to maintain a speed of 45 MPH.

2. If the moron spills coffee on the slacks he was just ironing and stops suddenly, I'm braking. If a squirrel, a child, or Scott Bakula runs out onto the road in front of me, I'm braking. If God Almighty decides to send down a lightning bolt opening a chasm 50 ft wide in front of me to make me appreciate the fact that I'm alive today, I'm braking.

You're a 40-year old suburban businessman. What makes you think you have the reflexes to stop your vehicle in any of the above scenarios in time to prevent plowing my trunk into my dashboard? Are you wearing your super hero boxers today?

3. We are both going to arrive at the next stoplight at the same time. You're not getting through the red light until I do. Accept that.

Oh, and I'm sorry about the brake check right before I turned off. Hope the knot on your head doesn't hurt too badly. :)

Sincerely,

License Plate #RLX 8834
(Which you could read if you'd BACK OFF!)

7 Quirky Things

Jennifer over at Running With Scissors posted "7 Quirky Things" about herself that I really enjoyed reading. So, following her lead, I challenged myself to come up with 7 things about myself that most people would consider totally weird. (Trust me, I found MANY more, but these are the ones I could share in public...LOL)

7 Quirky Things About Me

1. I have to hold my nose when I go underwater. Let me tell you, I look like a real pro jumping off the diving board!

2. I don't wear a seatbelt (unless I'm riding with someone who MAKES me). I would rather be ejected from a car and take my chances than to be pinned in and trapped. I guess it's a phobia?

3. I like cornbread crumbled into an ice cold glass of milk.

4. I ate the ends off matches when I was little. And raw bacon. And lived!

5. I'm a true blue Coal Miner's Daughter.

6. I LOVE storage items. Hat boxes, steamer trunks, old chests, decorative boxes, bags, etc. It's a sickness, really.

7. I adore storms. Rainy days make me very happy.

Well, there you have it. I warned you I'm weird! LOL

Have a great Monday, everyone!

Fall In Fifteen Days!

The temps here are still so very hot, and Hanna made it so unbearably humid the past few days that it's just been miserable. But relief is coming, and I can hardly wait!

Speaking of Hanna, we had some pretty serious rain on Friday night and early yesterday. The wind knocked down a few branches here and there, but luckily our power stayed on.

Yesterday I woke up with a migraine from hell and ended up trying to sleep most of the day. Thankfully it's gone now, but what a way to spend a Saturday! NOT!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

Well, We Lost...

But it was a good game! I really enjoyed that 'ole familiar feeling of butterflies when the game got down to the wire and the anticipation of the next play. 16-7 is nothing to be ashamed of considering we were playing the Superbowl Champs. Onward to next week!

Hanna is on her way, and there are warnings in place for strong storms tonight and tomorrow. They even rescheduled and played some of the area high school football games last night, which I think is a good move. I'm keeping fingers crossed that everyone stays safe and she blows in and out without any damage.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Are You Ready For Some FOOTBALL???

Tonight's the night...it's gonna be alright...(oops, sorry Rod! LOL) I'm SO EXCITED about the season FINALLY starting! It feels like it's been forever. Win or lose, I'm just glad my boys are back on the field.

Hurricane Hanna is heading for the SC shore tomorrow and will work her way up the Coast over the weekend. They're predicting lots of rain and wind for us on Saturday. I just hope the power doesn't go out. I hate it when that happens!

First Day & A Relief

Here she is, my sweet 5th grader. Where has my baby gone???


It did my heart good to see her so excited this morning. She was up at 6:30! I know it'll fizzle after a few days, but I'm enjoying it while it lasts. LOL

As far as my test results, BENIGN CYSTS! Radiologist told me they were absolutely nothing to worry about. Whew, what a relief. I'm good for another year! Thank you to everyone who sent up a little prayer for me. (((HUGS)))

Last Blast of Summer!

I hope everyone is having

a great

Labor Day weekend!

School starts tomorrow for Miss M. She's as ready as she'll be, and very excited to get started. I'll have the traditional "first day" picture to share tomorrow. I also go tomorrow morning for the mamo retake and ultrasound. Can't wait to hear the word "benign" so I can just get on with it.



The Holiday Grand Plan started yesterday, and I'm in the mood to start planning for Christmas this year. Not really sure where I'll be when the holidays roll around, but it's nice to think about being organized and completely finished so I can just sit back and enjoy them. I so love Christmas.

Marley Is Miffed

Does she look to you like she's still a little miffed with me?

Last night she was so dopey and just wanted to be around me for support. The doc said they usually don't have to put in stitches, but Miss Marley had to have a couple, and they're really bothering her.

Hendrix is trying to be supportive...

She's not impressed.

I'm With Garfield!

SO ready for the weekend! How about you?

Lynne is coming over tonight to stitch, and I'm going to make spaghetti for dinner. I'm looking forward to some down time and visiting with a friend. I know she needs a break from all her unpacking as well.

Our puppy, Miss Marley, is being fixed today *shudder* so she's going to need extra TLC this weekend. Pour baby, I hope she recovers quickly and has an easy time of it. She's so innocent and sweet. I hate the thought of her going under the knife, so please send up a little prayer for her today.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Three Stores...

and $68 later Miss M finally has all her school supplies! I feel so badly for parents buying for more than one child! Things are so expensive, and the teachers (whom I respect greatly) sometimes don't realize that having to buy "gel" glue sticks or "plastic" pocket folders can be somewhat of a challenge when you live payday to payday. I'm just glad it's over for another year, other than the occasional pencil or filler paper.

We've had rain the past two days and I'm ecstatic! I just hope it continues through the evening because I don't have to go anywhere and can sit and enjoy it. (LOVE the rain!)

So...

What'cha doin'?

It's Tuesday...SMILE!

Not a lot happening in my corner of the world today. Gotta pick up school supplies this evening after work. I hope we find everything at one place. Last year we went to 3 stores just to find filler paper! I guess that's what I get for procrastinating, but I work better under pressure. LOL

Have a great day!