Methinks I am a snob......

Tonight I surfed by several old bookmarked sites.... being nosey, wanting to know what was going on.
Nice work -- same work -- it all looks the same.
The artist is good.
But all of the items look the same -- just different color paletes.
The artist uses the same technique in each piece -- nothing changes.
Same design, over and over and over again.

Maybe that is why I struggle.....
I don't know.
but it is food for my thoughts tonight.

Good stuff, man !

I gots good stuff for Christmas, man !
Lots o' good stuff!

Wonderful Christmas

It has been a wonderful day with my family.
I love them so much.
My life would be incomplete with Van and Colleen in it.
They make me so happy.

The snow is melting !

Ahhhhhhhhh, the snow is melting ! Hurray Hurray !!

I think it is supposed to rain :(

BJP 2009

I worked on the last heart for the 2009 BJP while we were in the midst of the snowstorm.
There are times that I wish I beaded as fast as others.
Just is not going to happen.
I can't fling them on -- it is a whole process for me.
And I can't not cover the material.
Just to have some beads here, and some beads there makes me nuts.
NUTS I tell you !
It really does make me twitch.

I haven't picked out my shape for next year.
12 individuals?
1 large one?
I know they all have to be the same size.
I think they will be smaller than this year because there needs to be time for other items.
With work etc., I need to be able to make room for other pieces to work on.
There are so many ideas crashing around in my head and I have to experiment with those too!
Plus there is always the BFAC project that will come up in a few months!

More Snow for AC

Well, the weather INDEED is quite frightful -- for Atlantic City.
We don't get snow -- with the salt air of the ocean, snow accumulation is rare.

In the past 24 hours, we have over 15 inches -- closer to 18.
Now add in the wind gusts up to 25 and 30 mph and that gives drifts !

The street has been plowed (in our subdivision) by the landscaping company.
Several times.
No sidewalks are clear.
We can't even see the Christmas decorations in the front yard.

I cleared off the cars twice yesterday.
The second time was before the sleet started.
No matter how much He argued about doing it, I am glad I did -- at least it isn't snow/ice/more snow.
Uncovering the cars again will be a chore.
But that's ok.
It has to be done in prep for tomorrow for work.

And once again a path will have to be cleared in the back yard so that the dogs can "do their business".

It's pretty.
This much is rare for the Shore.
But I've enjoyed it.

I would have enjoyed getting down to the Boardwalk to take pictures of the snow on the Beach.
That isn't going to happen.
Maybe next time when we have a few inches less.

Colleen baked cookies all day yesterday.
I felt like my nose was turning in to a sugar detector.
Not sure how she stood it all day -- I would have been crazed at one point.
Cookies are not a "big thing" for me.
BUT, I was able to convince her to save the Butterscotch ones for MEEEEEEEEeeeeee !
That was the one I liked the best (oh I only tasted two of the nine-gazillion ones she baked).

I wasn't NEARLY as efficient as she was: I beaded and napped.

Snowing in Atlantic City !!

Whhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !!
About a half an inch right now -- and we lost power for about an hour and a half -- methinks due to the ice on the lines.
The three of us sat in the living room with flashlights, candle and the pets.
It was cosy.

Had a great - rainy and bizarre -- but great day today.
I got us lost when we went out on our big adventure.
Have been told that I am banned from directions.
(giggle -- like that is a bad thing !!!)

Thursday and Friday off !!

Wheeeeeeeeee.
Lord I needed today and tomorrow off.
Work is driving me NUTS !

Hair appointment today at 12:30.
Then must rush back to the house and begin getting ready to leave.

We have a party in Princeton tonight.
Annual party -- I have only missed two (2) of them in the past 11 years.
Methinks some Cosmo's are calling my name!

Tomorrow night I have to make an appearance at a party -- it's a work thing, and I didn't go last year so this year I must at least stop by.

I am thinking.........

a lot about the post Beki made about future retreats.
It would be less than honest for me to say I wish they would be closer -- the west coast is such a schelp for us right coasters. The time zone change really messes with the mind.

But...... there is nothing I can do about that.

On the other hand, I was thinking a lot about what teachers I would take repeat classes with.
There are a few.

And on the other hand -- and for the sake of politeness -- I will keep it to myself, there are those that I would not repeat with.
Just didn't enjoy, didn't get anything out of, or didn't mesh with them.


And on another similiar path --- I wish Sherry would teach her purse class somewhere close.
I doubt she will be back to Blanche's anytime soon to teach it.
I am wondering how much I could teach myself???

The abandoned house on old English Creek Road.

Presents

Be careful what you ask for ....... Birthdays can produce that!


Colleen smoked me and tricked me on a present.
When we were in Savannah in a little gift shop near "The Lady and Sons", I saw a pin that I liked.
It is a beautiful Hibiscus pin.
No price on it, we were in kind of a hurry, so I didn't ask.
She snuck back and bought the pin!
Whooo hooo !!! I was quite surprised!
And she got me an awesome fleur de lys shirt too !


He got me a new lens for my camera: Canon F/2 60mm.
I can't wait to experiment with it.
The ratings all say that it is a good portrait lens too.
This should be nice :)

Birthday was great -- I loved every minute of it !

Even the arguments re why I didn't want a cake -- to much sweets for me!!

Birthday day !

Birthday was awesome.
I spent the day with the family -- as it should be !

Colleen and I went out and ran a couple of errands early -- before the crowds got out.
I bought myself the new Bon Jovi cd while it was still on sale at BestBuy.
Stopped at Kohl's and grabbed some socks while I still had a discount card.
(For the record, socks are like Christmas lights to me........ you just can't have enough of them!).

A couple of other stops and we were home.
He got up and then off we went on our days adventure.

I opted for the local diner for brunch -- I had a craving for a Belgian waffle.

Lunch done and we headed out to the Noyes Museum.
They have an exhibit for photo's from Weird NJ magazine.
I was a bit disappointed -- some were good, a couple were REALLY good.
A lot were mediocre.
But we enjoyed it -- and Colleen and I took in the other exhibits as well.
(Noyes is very small -- very. But it is an enjoyable afternoon for a small price).
The gift shop has someone's beaded bracelets for sale -- nice, but nothing spectacular.
And the beaded Christmas ornaments were "ok" -- but then, I am not a basic beaded ornament person.
Show me something that rocks my socks off and I am impressed -- but basic netting over an ormanent?
Not gonna flip my switch.

After that we ran out the the Feed Store on English Creek road -- Colleen needed to get Frontline for the dogs. I mistakenly grabbed the coupon out of the local magazine -- $2 off your purchase over $30.
I failed to see the small fine print "not good on Frontline". Very small print.
The guy at the register was down right rude about it. He snipped at me. I took the coupon back, apologized, said that I did not see the fine print and I walked out of the store, leaving them to get their merchandise.
I will NOT go back there.
Probably no skin off if his nose, but they have lost a customer because of his rudeness.

Then we went driving... our "adventures" as we call them. Start out -- random turns, just being Lookie Lou's -- enjoying the day.
We ended up down a road that came out on the bay -- it had a marina but we couldn't get all the way down to it because of the big holes in the road. Had we had one of the CRV's it would have been ok, but Colleen's care is a bit lower to the ground so we didn't chance it.
As we came back up the street there was a great old abandoned house. I jumped out to take some pictures.
There is something about old buildings that I love.
Methinks part of the attraction is the element of danger, of being someplace I shouldn't be.

Home, leftovers, warmth (It was quite breezy and cold for me yesterday).
And presents !

Ok, OK I am up.......

I have been having HORRENDOUS big toe cramps lately.... it starts and before I can get out of the bed, my big toe is pointing straight up -- and it pulls and hurts and I whine.

So, here I am on a Saturday morning -- been up since about 5. I went and sat with the heating pad and that helped a little.

Tried to go back to sleep but someone was snoring..... so I got up and showered.
Coffee is brewing.
I did some research re the toe cramps -- could be a lot of things.. low on potassium (yes that IS a good answer), blood sugar higher than normal (yes that is a GOOD answer -- I have not been eatting correctly lately and I suspect that too) and a Vitamin D (?) deficiency.
Ok, back I go to the vitamins.

Lots to do today.
Sam's (I think he forgot to buy shampoo......).
A Charity craft show that has been going on in Somers Point for 62 years (they have a beaded pin tradition that I have been told that I "must" see).
ick -- the hardwood floors..... sigh.
beading (YEAH !!)
Need to establish an account so I can buy bags from my friend at her etsy shop.
Need to order presents !!

First time in a long time.....

.. that I do not want to go to work tomorrow.
In a long time --- since I've been in this job.

I just do not want to go.
But I have to..... meetings, etc.
sigh

Nor'Easter

Nor'Easter is finally gone.
Hallelujah !

AC beaches -- well, actually ALL the ones from Long Beach Island down to Cape May -- suffered real damage.
At many access points, the steps down to the beach are collapsed.
Erosion is horrendous.

Part of the lower boardwalk -- down past Showboat and the new casino - is torn up.

I'm just glad it has stopped raining.

It did however make me want weather gear for my camera. Those waves were phenomenal !

Friday the 13th

My day sucketh.
I am so tired that I can barely function.
This weather for 3 days is getting to us.
Nor'easter be damned.

The day did indeed sucketh.
But just like Scarlett sez.... Tomorrow IS another day.

so I must sucketh it upeth.

27

It is 27 freakin' degrees this morning.
I am looking outside the window -- the grass is all frosted over.

Sigh.
I am not ready for this........

but on the OTHER hand............... :)

Carrabas Blackberry Sangria

Ok, so I am hooked on sangria again.
I love the Carrabas blackberry sangria -- not so much their food -- I think it is too salty.
But I love the sangria.
It seems it uses a liqueor called Tuaca -- I've located THAT.
There is also a mix called Monin Blackberry Sangria mix. Can't find that. Hmmmm.
I can buy it from Amazon -- but that sort of defeats instant gratification.....

what to do what to do.

Breederc Cup

Short afternoon of racing yesterday.
I was proud of myself -- picked two winners and one second place.
That's better than I did when we actually WENT to BC a couple of years ago.

Races start today at 1. I'll be parked in the living room, with my beads and muchies and diet coke (maybe coffee because it is 27 degrees here this morning !).

At any rate, I am concerned about the Classic -- Zenyatta is racing there instead of in yesterdays Ladys Classic.
I hope she runs well. It will break my heart if anything happens to her -- and I would hate to see them break her spirit.
All the jocks will be gunning for her -- to keep her from winning. Hey, that's the nature of the race.

sigh

Me.......

I can't live without: those I love, horses, music, diet coke, beading, reading, Dunkin Donut coffee (extra cream, some splenda),

My bead philosophy is: just keep working at it. Do what makes ME happy and try not to conform to what I think others want me to do.


I always: think the best of people, even when I disappoint myself with them/their actions.


I'd describe my life as: good, very good; for the most part very happy; blessed and lucky.

I have a crush on: Jon Bon Jovi.

I think: Ashley Judd is so beautiful.

I struggle with: my weight, my patience, certain forms of beadwork.

Rules I try to live by: Be on time, give them another chance, be patient, and try not to be a smart ass.

At home, you can find me: beading, playing the stupid game on the computer, reading.

I wish: I had enough money to buy a house either a LBI, NJ (right on the water so I could have a room to bead in -- facing the surf), or at Big Sur -- on an overlook.

New things..

New governor -- big whoop. Like that will make things change.

New Jim Butcher book: MAJOR excitement.

My world, welcome to it.

So, I've been singing it wrong...

Carrie-Anne -- by the Hollies.

OOPS -- it is supposed to be:

"Hey, Carrie-Anne, what's your game now?
Can anybody play?"

Not...
"hey, Carrie-Anne, what's your game now?
Not that anybody plays......."

LOLOL

Memories............

I was driving home from my pedicure and the radio began playing "Just Got Paid Today" -- by ZZ Top.

Wowser, I haven't heard that in years and years.
Takes me back to Spiro's (bar) and hearing Skip's band play it.
Last set of the night (about 1:30 a.m.).
Jeb was wasted -- the slide guitar solo was no where NEAR the original.

Lastly, Jeb takes a step and he misses the edge of the stage and falls off.

We all laughed until we damn near "Pirates of Penzance" .......

What a smile today!

Ok -- I am revitalized......

I've spent some time looking at other art.
Maybe I am ready to JUMP back and be who I know I am and can be.
Sheesh!

Breeders' Cup

I'm pretty anxious for next Saturday to get here -- Breeder's Cup !

Been watching Zenyatta's workouts -- she had an amazing one yesterday.
No decision has been made yet -- Lady's Classic race vs The Classic (against the boys).

Part of me wants her to run against the boys and beat the snot out of them.
Part of me doesn't want her to -- were she to lose, it would break her spirit.

I am surprised that the owners have kept her on the track this long.
It could have an adverse reaction when they take her to the breeding shed.
I wonder how long it will take her to work the track, the chemicals, etc., out of her system so that she can settle down and be a mommy.
She might never be able to have a foal.
That would be sad..... she is such a wonderful horse.

Getting Back on Track

I'm still struggling since returning from Tahoe.
Not sure what happened.
Well, I have an idea ---- and I am keeping it to myself.
Something "put me off my feed", as we would say about horses.
SomeONE.
Why I let myself be intimidated, I don't know.

NO --- I intimidated myself with this person.
She could care less about me, or the art I have -- in fact, that was pretty darned obvious.
I'm like a terrier with a ragtoy -- I have not been willing to let go of my feelings.
I keep telling myself to "Feel the feeling and let it go.
nope -- not working.
I seem more inclined to feel it, leave it alone, pick the scab off and torture myself with MY pain again and again and again.

SIGH -- maybe if I go out in the car and yell really loud I will feel better!

I have been struggling for two weeks to get back in to my art.
Last night I took a baby step.
That helped.
I will do more today.
and make myself, every day this week.

Next week is Breeder's Cup Saturday.
We'll hunker down for the day -- horseracing, beading, and munchies - a great time will be had by all.

Kicking and screamin

Damned Blogger - -ate my post.

Looks like I am going to have to drag the muse back -- kicking and screaming.

I am headed to the living room to MAKE myself bead.
maybe watch some tube and check the baseball score out.

Muse has left the building.....

My muse has left the building.

Ever since we returned from Tahoe I have not really been interested in my beads.
I can't put my fingers on what it is, but I am just not interested.

Forcing it won't work, but I'm hoping things come back soon.....

Fundraiser update

I haven't gotten an official total but the UNofficial total is around $7,000.

That works for me !!

Fundraiser

I've been working hard on the fundraiser for my co-worker, Kathy.
It all comes together on Friday at the Ducktown Tavern.
Our committee has been so diligent in getting prizes, asking for donations and getting it all ready.
The other members of the committee have been ab-fab to work with.
Just wonderful people !

Ducktown is donating the food too !

My co-workers have accused me of strong-arming people for donations.
The current favorite line is: "I can commit you to ten tickets, can't I ? "
The person on the other end of the line stutters and says yes.
(only 1 has been standoff-ish)

I email them the list of prizes for the drawings and that seems to make it better :)
Eagles tickets,
Fliers tickets (in corporate boxes with food and drink),
gift baskets,
food,
wine,
golf thingies (2-somes, 4-somes, and memberships),
spa type treatments.
you name it, we probably have it.

Friday will be a long LONG night, but it will all be worth it.
I am hoping we raise lots of money for her!

Tahoe Retreat

I'm still thinking a lot about the retreat.
It was good - it was beneficial.
There were a couple of personal issues that I have not gotten my hands around yet.

Perhaps as Colleen says, I think too much.
Perahps as Colleen says, I am too sensitive.

Not sure.
I just know that there are things I still am hashing about in my giant pea brain.

Nor' Easter continues today!

We've had a mild nor'Easter this weekend.
Cold and windy and rainy.
It could have been worse.

Tides are way up -- some of the turnarounds on Rt 30 in to AC were closed off.
The police were out with scrapers (normally used for snow) last night -- to clean debris off 30 where the high tides are pushing the back bay up over the road.

This morning I woke up to high wind and rain. Got up, went to the bathroom -- opened the window so I could listen to the rain from the bedroom. It was so soothing. And right back to sleep I went.

It IS chilly out!
I've been busy since I got up.
Finally got my suitcase back up on the topshelf in the closet.
Pulled a box down and forced myself to cull the herd. Stuff I have not looked at/worn/done anything with in 2 years. It made some trash, some saves and some to the charity box.
(I keep a charity box in the bedroom. Every so often, something gets in it. When it is full, out to the garage it goes.)

I'm on the second load of clothes.
One more load, then sheets and towels.
THEN I have to vacuum in the bedroom.
Am I up to bathroom cleaning today?
maybe not -- My hands have still not recovered from the dryness of Tahoe.

Ahhh, and I have bead sorting and putting up to do also.

I scanned the AmEx and other credit card bill -- damages have come in from Reno.
Not bad.
Not bad at all.
Dinner for all of us the first day -- very reasonable for that Mexican restaurant!
The motel in Reno was the worst.

Another Saturday night.....

Well, THIS one was different.

As a surprise for her upcoming birthday, I wanted to take Colleen to see Ron ("... they call me Tater Salad...") White.
I've had the tickets since JULY -- she really did not have a clue.
In her defense, she thought something was up because we were being bizarre -- more so than usual.

But the surprise was pulled off and we had a wonderful time!

Laughter is good -- and it FELT good.

A late dinner and the Greek diner afterwards - home and in bed by 11:30.
Slept really well, too !

Weather

It's cold -- I am not ready yet.
Seems like it was green when we left and now the leaves are changing.

And with these hot flashes, I can't seem to dress correctly.
It will get better.

Word to the wise from Maia -- and I'm trying to cut down on caffeine.
Not that I have so much to start with:
1 large coffee in the morning
1 20 oz bottle of diet coke during the day.

But the weather is changing - and now it is time for tea.

Tahoe -- driveby update

I'll weigh in on the Retreat reviews.

For the most part, I had a wonderful time.

I'm going to type as a I think -- randomly.

I didn't enjoy the elevation -- had a nose bleed several times. But I knew that was a possibility when I got there -- esp with my allergies.

Colleen and I got there a day early -- at the same time Dot and Cyn did -- we all arrived at the Village at the same time. I found the staff there to be nothing but professional -- courteous and ready to help!
It was different to be in a hotel that depended on the environment to cool the rooms -- after the first day, we figured out the window situation, the fans and how to keep the room cool. At night it was downright COLD !
The rooms were wonderful -- full kitchen, full services, fireplaces.... and I was content !
Great little Mexican restaurant down out of the Village!

Grace came in on Wednesday and Dot and Cyn decided to have us wait at the hotel while they picked her up at the airport -- a move that I appreciated -- it let me catch up on some sleep!
We greeted and meeted and hugged and off we went in the van to travel around the lake. It was gorgeous and I was astounded at the colors of the water.
And then there was the great science discovery -- Katus Clownus Maximus --- film at eleven -- a picture WILL be posted!

Pam and her crew (names all escape me now -- but darlings Joanna and Kelly were too cute to forget) went out of their way to make us feel at home! Naomi with the wonderful wine!

Thursday classes???
I'm in awe of Laura Timmons -- BOUNDLESS energy -- and she made the wire crochet so easy -- as I told her -- now I'm HOOKED on it (she is such an enabler!).
I wouldn't have tried it before.
The resin class was fantastic -- something new to experiment with and I can't wait.

The desert social -- yes, I would have changed a bit -- not sold kits at the beginning.
I'd have made more time for the teachers.
The deserts were fantastic -- and I'm not a big sweet eater. Yes, I did fill up on fruit and marshmallows.

Friday was Sherri's class -- I loved it. She's a sweetie and an inspiration.
Wouldn't have it any other way. I still want to do her purse class.

Friday night was the PJ party -- or as my sweetie called it -- "katie, where is the klown kar that you should be getting out of? does the klown know you stole his pants??".
It was fun -- even when the other hotel guests stared at us.
I don't much remember lunch that day -- so it must have been ok.

Have to say that they did a wonderful job at moving us AWAY from the Omm-pah bands on Saturday!

Saturday was Marcia's class -- I intimidated myself with her and the class. Yes, I had a few rough moments when I almost snatched up my things and left at lunch. Rarely do I work from patterns and when I do, I become so frustrated with myself. But I got though the class -- and yes, I WILL finish the bracelet.
Lunch was slow -- and a bit frustrating.

Saturday night was the Ugly Bead contest.
I won.
Ok - just so you know -- Ugly is not easy. Yes, I worked hard to get that piece ugly. And it was. And it took time to get it together. Just so you know -- before the contest was announced, Colleen and I had come up with this idea to make something hideous to take to show and tell -- JUST to watch people's reactions. So BU beat me to it :)

Sunday -- cold and it snowed.
Beki's class was like coming home.
Beki and Sherri were both a bit under the weather that morning.
Joanna (from BU) was too -- she had a bit of elevation sickness.
My eyes were bothering me and that prevented me from finishing anything other than one sparkle wheel.
Didn't say anything to anyone, but I kept futzing around until the frustration made me stop.
I took some nice snow pictures that I will post up on my blog.
Lunch was wonderful -- the Ald Dubliner food was fantastic.

Shawn is Shawn -- he always rises to the occasion and makes me happy to see him !
And besides that --what's a few Tastee Cakes among friends!

The end -- I was sorry to see it end, but glad to be headed home to my bed, my cats and my stuff.

Dot and Cyn drove us down the mountain to Reno for the night -- and it was like driving in a wonderland of beautifully flocked white Christmas trees.

Things I would change?
Well, first of all, I would acknowledge that this was BU's first retreat. Things happen. They will learn.
Just as everyone else has.

Yes, I'd have a designated photographer there.
Yes, I'd take more bead pictures.

A clearer supply list -- most didn't know to bring needle and thread to Sherry's class -- but we ended up ok.
Nor did we know to bring Wildfire to Marcia's class -- but beaders are pretty darned generous.

Less is more:
Less food in the breakrooms -- basic granola type bars (one brand), fresh fruit, coffee and water.
No pop,. no juice, no nuts, etc.
Yes, I am still trying to find out the brand name of the mango tea bags that they had -- YUMMY !
The fresh baked cookies? A perk -- I don't eat hot chocolate chip cookies, so it was easy for me to resist.
Good thing there was no peanut butter or oatmeal raisin!

Mid day meals ? if it was somewhere else, I would have looked in to box lunches, buffets brought in and set up in a room for the attendee's.
Hospitality suite: perhaps I would have combined the 3 classrooms into the hospitality suite.
And then used the 3 hospitality suites for the classrooms.

Giveaways: The tote bags were jammed with goodies and the free classes were GENEROUS with supplies,including crystals !
The drawings all looked like fair drawings to me so I can't complain.
Yes some people got bigger prizes than others.
That happens no matter where you are.

Would I do it again?
We waited all this time after the FIRST retreat in Vegas.
Yup ! In a heartbeat ! In a NY/NJ minute -- we'd be there -- line up teachers I'm interested in and I will find a way !

I know all you west (left) coasters have all the luck.
You have all the bead stores. You have all the retreats.
We get very few here on the east coast (umm, the RIGHT coast).
We have BeadFest in Philly -- and this year there was some retreat in Georgia (I wasn't really interested in going....).
It would be nice to be a little closer to this coast. How about even Vegas again -- we can get cheaper flights there !
New Mexico would be nice -- haven't ever been there !

Or even out ON the coast (up or down makes no difference to me) -- it's cheaper to fly all the way out than to change to get to Reno. I'm not complaining -- it's another place I've seen.

Yes, mistakes were made. It happens. We learn from them.

Oh, and I left out meeting wonderful people -- Maia and Grace and Karen and Arline (in person at last).
Hayley was a hoot !
I know I have left people out and I'm sorry -- now I am tired of typing because it is cold and my hands are cold.

Tahoe part 1 (or the end)

Dot and Cyn dropped us off at the Holiday Inn Express on Sunday night.
The trip off the mountain was good -- the trees looked like they all were personally flocked by the snow princess.
A lovely sight indeed!

We had Colleen's old time favorite pizza -- Mountain Mike's.
It was good -- but had some serious garlic!

Up at 4.
Out of the hotel by 5.
Saw Cyn at the airport -- air hugs and kisses.
Had to pay for an extra box to be shipped home --- guess that is a sign of all the goodies we brought home (and this was AFTER giving up the 4 boxes of taffy and 2 boxes of Tastee Cakes).
I packed up dirty clothes in a box, duct taped it, addressed it and paid the price.
The lady at the counter cracked up when I admitted what was in it.
She asked ..... I was honest !!

I snoozed part of the way to Salt Lake City.
Snoozed a LOT all the way back.
Colleen couldn't sleep -- but man, I did.

Got in to Philly and it took forever to get the luggage. That's nothing new for Philly and just another reason I hate flying out of Philly.
We were happy to be welcomed home.
Stopped on the way to grab a bite to eat because except for junk, we had had nothing nurishing all day. Time was too close in SLC to grab something.

A joyous reunion at home with the animals --- well, Beau ignored me for at least 4 hours.
He finally realized that he was glad his Human Bean was home again!
After that, I couldn't pry him off of me -- and didn't want to either.

Colleen had to work yesterday.
I lucked out -- stayed home and did laundry ALL day -- hers, mine and ours.
I did check my work email from home.
That was good.

I'm sorting all my beads and getting stuff where it has to go -- yeah, right, do you believe THAT??

Now to get back in the swing and continue beading.

I want to finish Marcia's bracelet -- and I need to count crystals to find out how many I need to buy.
Was hit with a brainstorm on the way home -- I think I want to make one in pinks for my friend Rose.

All in all, a great time.
But I was glad to be home in MY bed :)

Attention Doris !!

Grace and I have been comparing DORIS bags and talking about how much we like them !!

A Good Day

We had a wonderful day around the lake today !
Took some beautiful pictures, had a great lunch shared lots of laughter.

Got back to the hotel just in time to make pre-registration!

I had a wonderful pear and gorgonzola salad for dinner. It just hit the spot.

I am anxious for these classes to begin -- I want to learn more !

Pictures!

Green Heart

Kissie and the Red Heart

Moose in the Black Collar

Pookie and my beaded heart palm tree

Leaving on a jet plane

Heading out to Tahoe on Tuesday.
No I am NOT ready.
So much to do today.

MUST take photo's to post.
Buy stuff.
Wash clothes
pack
set up new mouse for the laptop.

I am NOT ready

Back from Tampa/Lakeland

Back last night -- now to UNpack and begin packing for Tahoe !
Wheeeeeee !

Going to Tampa next week.....

I have to zip down to Tampa next week -- out on Wednesday, back on Thursday.
Quick trip - and I am hoping it will be fruitful.

If all goes well, it will make work a bit easier!

Finally too !

The pendant is finished for the collar.
I'll be posting pictures of it.

I have 8 hearts completed for BJP -- AND I'll be posting those too.
Tomorrow is picture day!

I'm working on number 9.
And on the ugly piece.
So much to do!

FINALLY

I got to play with the new laptop!
It's sweet !

Now it is back to the mouse discussion!

Duuuudddde

The DELL is here !!

Let the battery charging begin !!

Labor Day weekend part 2

Not much going on.
It's been a cloudy, very breezy day at the Shore.
I am sure that the weekender's have been very disappointed.

Got the shopping done early.
Then we hit Staples so that Colleen could get a memory card for her new camera !
And I had to buy pens --- of course.
Good lord, I am a pen whore.
But a descriminating one -- it MUST be fine point only!

I haven't done much else -- what slug. Did some cleaning up.
Worked on the edges for #3.
That makes 4 done.
3 more to edge.
One in process.
Which makes 8 of my BJP's done.
Yup, I'll be late, but at least I am plugging away at them.

Tomorrow I must finish performance reviews.
Sigh -- I really do NOT want to do any work, but I must.
S'ok.

I will bead, watch tv.
Must check to see what is open -- need to go to Dick's for new tennie's.

Labor Day Weekend part 1

It hasn't been a thrilla -- just somewhat average.
We are in the middle of Ragweed season, with NJ's predicted higher than normal.
That explains my headache yesterday.
And I am thinking it explains the raging nosebleed that I have had for the last two (2) evenings.
ICK.

Friday night we went out to dinner -- to Fishtales -- and remarkably, we were not hit with the Labor Day shore crowd.
Yesterday morning Colleen and I hit Target and the bakery -- essentials and fresh bread.
I was disappointed that there was no Muligrain. I much prefer that to the Asiago Herb.
But, such is life. If I am desperate, I guess I COULD drive over today......

We spent the rest of the afternoon working on beading issues -- and then ran over to Los Escondidos II for a quick dish of mexican. This is totally authentic -- no tex mex here.

Back to the old beading table for the evening.
I have 3 of my hearts edged. Hopefully will get 2 more done today (if I work quickly).
Once the finished ones are completed, I will take pictures.
Then must work on the pendant part of my choker. And take pictures.

I also have the Ugly necklace piece -- for the bead retreat -- to work on.

And in my spare time, I picked my Kumihomo back up to finish the piece on there.

We watched The Woodward race yesterday -- with Rachel Alexandra. What a spectacular race!
more later.

Today?
Colleen has to get a card for her new camera.
I will buy pens at Staples (why??? because we are going there... fine points are on sale.... and because I LIKE pens).
so there !

and back to the edging.....

Duuuddeeeee

I bought a Dell.

All I want (right now)...

..... is to buy a laptop.
Money is NOT an issue.

Good grief --- this comparing back and forth is about to drive me insane !

Catching Up

1. We didn't win the lottery -- boo hoo. Looks like my trip to the Dubai World Cup is put off for yet another year.

2. We've had lots of rain Friday and Saturday. Good for the plants -- bad for the tomatoes.

3. I started working on my Ugly thing for the Tahoe retreat. I'm having more fun with this than I should..........

4. Over the weekend I cranked out the Beaded Embellishment book -- old standby. No, that is NOT the correct title. I will look it up at some point.
Good to browse. There are things I have forgotten!

5. Ahh the last full week of summer: it will be nuts here at the Shore now that the shobies and the Benny's will want one more week.

Life is good for me.

I have 8 of my BJP's -- well, not exactly done.
1 completely done.
Tonight Colleen sat with me and helped me with the backing on the other 8.

I'll let the glue dry tonight and then tomorrow I will start trimming the ultrasuede.
Once that is done, I will begin the edging.

There is one in progress -- unfinished but I am determined to complete it.
I let Colleen place the large stones on it for me.
What a challenge !!
I am so far out of my comfort zone that it is not funny!
But I will get through it!

Once I am done with this group, I will post pictures.

Beadfest Philly, part 1

We started the day early, our annual trip to Philly BeadFest.
And this year, we went on Friday, instead of Saturday.
What a difference a day made! For the first time, we had NO traffic problems on the way.

Before we were barely past the admission counter, we ran in to Nikia -- good hugs and laughs. And dammnit, we failed to get back to her booth -- someone was a bit whiny and He was ready to go home.

Shopping was good -- minimal on floor one.
I bought 2 lampworked beads from GraceBeads ( Gracebeads.com ) .
Some hand dyed silk cord from another booth.
Picked up some small yellow flowers (to use for embellishment) and a couple of charms from Hye on Beads.

There are several cards that I picked up -- in particular, I am giving Him a card (as a direct hint for either birthday or Christmas) for a vendor that had a wonderful bronze metal clay palmtree pendant.

I had a nice conversation with the rep at Soft-flex. I learned a new knot but still have not felt comfortable using their ultra fine wire yet. He said I could get samples from the website -- guess I'll be doing that!

A small set of small polymer clay leaves was ALMOST purchased, to use for embellishment, but I wasn't comfortable as to their durability.

As a whim, I picked up a small bottle of resin -- to do some experiments with. That will be fun to play with !

Grace's lampworked beads were the only ones I bought -- they look like the ocean and I will set them up for myself somehow.
I must be one of the few who do not like round bumpy beads. They are boring to me... just are not my bag.

One vendor has some of the most unique clasps I have ever seen. I saved her card and will maybe order ONE for me.

I fell in to the Swarovski crystal pit -- tiny flower crystals, tiny button like sequins. S'ok -- I love them!

Speaking of clasps, Colleen and I were seeing ones that we LOVED but lamented that we would prefer them to be a focal part of a piece, rather than hidden behind our necks. Weird it is we are!

No cabs this year -- although I was prepared to buy one until the vendor whisked the tray out and took it to someone else. I was saying that I thought I wanted one and he said something to the effect that, "well, I have to show this lady first, she came here specifically for these......".
I said, ok -- and moved on.

My biggest peeve with the show was that, at some booths, there were no prices on things. If I have to ask you, then it's a bit annoying. I'm not saying put prices on every single thing -- but if you have trays of items -- at lease put a little sign: $5 tray, $15 tray, etc.

Colleen was on a search for a particular pearl chip and I think we found them! Hurray!
She and I both bought some.

Once again I ended the day on a wild spree at BeyondBeadery !
Many laughs and good feelings from seeing Betcey, Mark and Starr !
got my sead bead fix AND scooped up many of the elusive 6 mm Cosmo jet Swarovski crystals! They are discontinued and I am hot for them!
I also treated myself to a tube of metal beads -- a rare splurge but I want to try them!
This trip I picked up lots of small beads for embellishments.
My 11's have colors that I normally wouldn't try -- mustards and odd green's etc. ok ok OK -- I did buy 3 tubes of blue -- just couldn't help myself!
The one thing I forgot was my tubes of 3's -- I need those for embellishment and managed to walk away with out them (at this point my knee was hurting and just wasn't in the mood!).

Somehow I managed to leave without my pin backs AND the tube clasps that I wanted.
arrgh !! and I DID have a list !

The Eagles and Michael Vick

I was stunned to hear that the Eagles had signed Michael Vick.
In fact, I'm still trying to wrap my hands and my thoughts around it.

What he did was wrong.
What he did was evil.
Has he been punished?
Yes, he has taken his punishment.

Do I think that had he not been caught, he would have continued?
yes.
Do I think he is truely sorry?
not really.
There is no way to really know if he is sorry.

Michael Vick's actions and consequences remind me of several lines from "Gone With The Wind" -- (paraphasing here....) Rhett tells Scarlett that she is like the thief who isn't sorry for what he has done until he gets caught -- and then he is terribly, terribly sorry.

He served his time, paid his fines, and basically almost lost his career -- just for acting stupid. Now he is allowed a second chance.
I believe everyone deserves a second chance to prove that they have become a better person. Mike Tyson didn't.
Steve Howe didn't.
And there is some football player in Florida that may be on the same road too -- I don't know his name but I beileve the facts are that he was DUI and killed a child while driving - got one year probation from the NFL.He deserves another chance.

The Eagles Coach, Andy Reid, says that MIchael Vick deserves another chance.
Ok -- the court of public opinion has given his children multiple chances -- oh yes, one, I believe is in jail for driving while under the influence of heroin.

Vick is being "sponsored" or "mentored" by Tony Dungey -- a well respected coach.
I look at Dungey as a spin doctor -- pure and simple.

Maybe Dungey sees something in Vick that I do not.

When reading this clip from the Orlando Sentinental, it just makes me wonder ----
"I was wrong for what I did," Vick said in a standing-room-only news conference at the team's headquarters. "Everything that happened at that point in time in my life was wrong and unnecessary. And, for the life of me to this day, I can't understand why I was involved in such a pointless activity, and why I risked so much at the pinnacle of my career."

We'll see.

Ultrasuede

Ahhh, beware the ultrasuede sellers.
The market in Louisville dried up.

I purchased from someone online -- called her store, talked to her.
And when it came, it was thicker than it was represented.
I should have returned it, but didn't.
So I was lazy about it.

It can still be used -- but I would have preferred the completely light form.

Tonight I sat and cut out pieces for my pin backing.
but was a bit stressed out and couldn't do the pins.
Just wasn't in the frame of mind to complete steady work.
I'll work on that tomorrow -- the marking, the gluing and then the trimming.

SNORT !

"due to extreme weather conditions, the USPS will not ship until October 15, 2009".

I can not order my ants until then.

::: stamping feet :::

Saturday -- Ocean City

Yesterday Colleen and I took a ride down to Ocean City.
I wanted to go to the Surf Art exhibit.
Logically it SHOULD have opened at 10 a.m.
Ohhhh nooooooooo that would have been too smart.
It opened at noon.

Ocean City was packed.
We had breakfast at this great little spot: The Ocean City Surf Cafe.
I LOVED it !!
And the food was good too!

We walked up and down the boardwalk a bit -- looking at the sellers......... didn't see much that I liked.
Stopped in a small jewelry store and I bought a cheap pair of earrings.
And a fleur de lys pendant. Not sure exactly HOW I am going to wear it, but it is nice.
It is such a struggle for me to spend money on myself.
I literally have to force myself and then it is stressful.
Sounds weird, I know.
No, I can NOT build a bridge and get over it.
No, I will NOT spend on you......

We sat under in the pavilions for about an hour -- waiting for it to open.
Got to see at least four or five pods of dolphins off of Ocean City beach!

The exhibit was much smaller than I expected .
There was a wonderful 3D piece of art that I was ready to buy.
Problem? could not locate a soul to take my money
That stank -- I wanted it, and wanted to support local artist.
sigh.

Colleen bought world famous Johnson's Carmel Corn.
::: burp :::

I got fresh tomatoes -- yummm, 'mater sammies!!

Friday started out great !
Warm, sunny, filled with promise.

The first warning sign should have been that we could nto figure out what to do for breakfast.

Warning sign number 2: about 2 miles in to the drive, we realized that "I" forgot the beach tags.
Ummm, when did it become MY sole responsibility to remember the tags?

Decided to go to AC beach (because it is free) rather than drive back to the house.

Found a FREE parking spot on the street (Warning sign number 3).
We parked, walked up the boardwalk, over the dune and were greeted with the most god-awful stench (Warning sign number 4).
The stench is the result of a HUGE abnormal wave of mussels being washed ashore all along the beaches.
The local marine experts can not explain the enormous amounts of "baby" mussels that have been washed ashore. They suspect it was a storm at sea.
At any rate, it stinks.
But the seagulls love it-- it's like a free casino buffett -- all day/all free.
We normally go to Margate/Ventnor City (where the aforementioned tags are from). The stench there was present during the week before. It seems to be working it's way down the coast line.

If you were down wind, and for the most part, if you were lucky, it wasn't TOO bad. Thank god we all had beach shoes/water shoes. The crunch crunch crunch of walking across the shells to get to the water was awful.

We used our new umbrella.
We saw lots of dolphins -- and the lifeguards were moving folks AWAY from them -- the lifeguard boat even rowed over towards them to separate them from the swimmers (umm, hmmm, yeah, that works).
It was a lovely day.

da-dum
da-dum
da-dum da-dum da-dum da-dum (insert Jaws music).

Crisis approaches.

We pack up our stuff and head back to the car.
As always, I trail the pack.

Final Warning sign:
They are both standing by the car as I approach with my bags etc.
Key is missing.
Not the key chain -- only ONE key is missing.
The car key.
Somehow it wiggled off the key chain.
They trace our steps back and forth.
I look up and down the boardwalk ramps etc.
No luck.
Oh, and did I mention, we ALL forgot our cell phones?

Good sign: if we can get in the car, there is a set of keys, including house keys that are in the glove box.

Car service is called.
We put out chairs BACK up and sit on the sidewalk, much to the stares of passersby.
An hour later, here comes the truck.
In 5 minutes we are in the car and on the way home.

After much laughter and cleaning up, we headed to Red Lobster for dinner (it's my week).
Great talipia -- just a tad too much salt in their blackening spices, though

3 Day Weekend !!

Friday, Friday, Friday -- and I do not have to go to work.
We randomly picked a Friday for a possible water park or beach day.
I wanted waterpark because I love drifting in the tubes.
In the interest of stretching money (quarters for the parking lot vs $$$ for admission), I postponed the waterpark adventure.
Temp is expected to be 84 degrees with ZERO chance of rain.
We'll be packing our beach tags, towels, chairs, sunscreen, umbrella, books, tiny cooler, snacks and His metal detector and off to Margate/Ventnor City beach(es) we will go.

Colleen and I counted the hours all week -- just waiting for today.

Work has been good this week -- a bit frantic, but good. We had a claims meeting --went well. The other unit had a layoff last week.
This week the main part of the office chose to layoff the receiptionist and consolidate duties with others. That was somewhat uncomfortable. My area is just next as you pass the reception area -- I had no clue but she was boxing like crazy and not saying a word.
FINALLY found out what had happened. She'd been there 7 years.
This stinks -- this economy -- it just stinks.

Not much else. I'm reading at night before bed -- seems the only time I have.

The beading takes a priority ! So I can do that while I watch tv and if I have the needle/beads in my hand, I am less likely to want to put ANYthing in my mouth. It works for me !

Vote for Pookie

One of my photo's is up on line at the AC Press:

http://contests.pressofatlanticcity.com/bin/Rate?image_id=1007200134&search=314


It's the Pookie Pug.

I'd appreciate a vote if anyone is so inclined -- only ONE vote, per email address, per ANY photo in the contest.
So if you vote for one, then vote for another, the first one is cancelled out.

Oh -- and you have to roll your mouse over the photo to see the entire photo.

:)

Yard work

I worked really hard this morning after I read the paper and drank my coffee..........

Pookie

Pookie gets annoyed with the camera......... but I love this picture.

Health

At my age, I think I am now past menapause.
Well, I am not sure.
Years ago, I was "pre".
Then things stopped.

Now they've started again.
I'm always hot when no one else is.
And the spotting started.
I have cramps today.
And I've been a bit blue since Thursday night.

The search is on for a new OB-GYN down here in AC.
I hate this.
I hate going to the doctor.
And a new one to boot.
But I think I need to do it.
Maybe the weirdness is what is contributing to my blue period.

Saturday at the Shore

Nice morning.
No humidity to speak of, a little breezy.
I got up early because I was having nightmares about Colleen bringing a walrus into the house.

We did the library run.
And then on to Formica Brothers bakery -- I wanted some whole grain bread.

A quick stop at the garden store and I bought 2 plants for the front yard.
Would have bought some peppers but the woman kept warning me away from them because they were hot -- hello ! I can read. But I wanted them. She kept it up and I put the plant down and walked away.

Not sure why I bought the plants -- felt a little down (maybe more than a little....) and felt the need to spend money.

On the way home we crossed over the AC Expressway.
Good lord.
Three lanes of a parking lot.
Saturday mornings during the summer are light that.
Everyone heads to the shore.

A nice afternoon was spent working on a freeform bracelet.
Good dinner and then we watched "Mama Mia".

Reno tickets booked

Tickets (and seats) are finalized for Tahoe.

I do not know why it stresses me out so badly to do the tickets.
But at least it is DONE !

Boot form

A while back I made a boot form for a doll form trade.
Methinks I might just drag that back out and do some work on it again.
It was entirely MY form and I'd like to work it.

but good golly, I have no time now!

BFAC -- another body pic

Slightly different view

BFAC pics 2009

2 of mine........... ( I am going to let Colleen post her's).

The photo's were a struggle because the face printed lighter than I planned.

Mine was a struggle.

I constructed the doll body without a formal pattern .

Then couldn't figure out how to attach the arms (thank you Dot !!).

And then there was the bosom issue........

And the butt -- how do you make a shapely butt?

But I learned SO much from this.

I have a new respect for doll makers.

And my new goal is to do a series of Self Portraits.

One of the struggles was actually putting my face ON the doll.

It was an enlightenment for me.

With all that faldarol .... I give you the first in a series:

Katie in the Eighties (complete with mullett)

:

Trip Thoughts Part 3

I forgot that I had not finished this.
So.. .I'm slow.
Yup, and honest too.S
avannah was really nice and I would have enjoyed it more had the temp's not been so extreme.
The hotel was nice -- not spectacular, but nice. Centrally located. That was helpful.

In no certain order: we ate at The Old Pink House -- phenomenal. I had a salad with goat cheese that was superb. It was probably the best (with goat cheese) that I have ever eatten. The house is said to be haunted also. (Hell, where in Savannah, isn't supposed to be haunted).

Ghosts and Graveyards tour: we took the 10:30 tour -- much better, the temps had come down SOME, but not much.
From the webstie:
"Join our GHOST TOUR that takes you into a HAUNTED HOUSE! Come aboard if you dare, for an evening excursion through the darker side of America's Most Haunted City.
Our "Frightseeing"sm experience, Ghosts & Gravestones, will include entry into the Sorrel Weed House, a real antebellum mansion which was recently featured on SCIFI Channel's GHOST HUNTERS!
The Ghost Hunter staff uncovered a veritable cauldron of supernatural activity in the house, including ghostly handprints on a wall, invisible to the naked eye and a frantic communication from the other side.
Savannah is often referred to as "America's Most Haunted City!" Her turbulent history has unleashed a fascination with the supernatural. Old Town Trolley Tours® of Savannah presents an unforgettable "FRIGHTSEEINGsm" experience aboard the Ghosts & Gravestoness Tour. Step aboard the "Trolley of the Doomed" as we share tales of murder and mayhem, ghosts, ghouls and other mysterious happenings and phenomena. Let us take you to the secret haunts that only the gravediggers know INCLUDING ENTRY INTO THE SORREL WEED HOUSE".
The guide was a hoot and made it really interesting.

I was surprised to find that the statue made famous from "Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil" is no longer out on public display -- it is now in a museum. Bummer.
While on the trolley tour we passed the home of the main character.

Foodie info:
We went to 'Back in the Day" Bakery (-"Slow Down and Taste the Sweet Life") -- it is quaint little bakery -- not in such a great neighborhood, but worth it. I had the most fabulous red velvet cupcake. Colleen was in love with the cupcakes they had that day. We ate too many.

Colleen's favorite place was on River Street -- "River Street Sweets" -- she is HOOKED on pralines. I did like the glazed pecans. http://www.riverstreetsweets.com/

The Lady and Sons: Paula Dean -- need I say any more?
We lucked in to being able to make reservations for Fathers' Day Brunch.
It was everything it should have been and then some. (Well, MY fried fresh corn is better than the restaurants -- but I have to give them credit, they are cooking for masses!
We were the first for our area -- the buffett was untouched and we ate like pigs.

Lots of history.
A Latin festival while we were there.
We walked River Street and enjoyed the pirate tales/water stories and watching the ships coming in.

Updates

Yesterday we stopped at a neighbor's house -- well, the people live all the way down at the other end of the complex -- to look at their patio.
See, the Homeowner's Assoc has rules about what you can and can not do.
Gotta love those rules.
I had wished that our patio "slab" was bigger.
These folks had someone come in and expand with paving stones.
It is absolutely beautiful !
I have the name and will be calling tomorrow !

WEATHER:
man, did we have a monster thunderstorm this morning!
At 3 a.m., there was brief lightening and then the skies opened up!
A major downpour which was welcomed because we need the rain for the lawn.

BEADING:
My BFAC is finished -- pictures today and it gets shipped tomorrow.
I'm working on another BJP and have an idea for the next one.

MUST start forcing myself to work on/learn RAW.
I have to be much more comfortable with it by the time we go to Tahoe.

BFAC is DONE !!

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee !

I am taking pictures AND shipping this weekend!

Pictures will be up later this weekend!

Now on to work on BJP !

Musings......

The weather has been fabO for the last 2 days.
I have come home from work, sat out on the patio and just enjoyed !
Today it was just a bit too bright -- the sun bothered my eyes and I was not going back around the house to the car and get my sunglasses.

Sunny, breezy, warm, NOT humid and relaxing.

I was content to sit and listen to the breeze.

On another note, Colleen tried to make pralines tonight -- they are really good if you like eatting them with a spoon.
My fault ....... the recipe I gave her was old.........

Housekeeping etc.....

We had a small sweet pickled sweet pepper slices disaster in the kitchen.
Large full jar meets hardwood floor.
Out came the hardwood cleaner -- much better now.

Today I made cold spaghetti salad -- can't wait for it to get cold and all the seasonings soak in.
I love that stuff and will probably founder on it!

Must call ob-gyn and make appt -- I HATE going to a new doctor.
oh wait, I hate going to the doctor period.

And then there is the over-50, must schedule colonoscopy....... I hate being old.

And the long weekend begins....

Office let us out at 2 yesterday.
A quick trip to BJ's for regular stuff ($141 worth ick).
Then home to wait for Colleen.
I fed all the animals so we could leave as soon as she got home.
Off to the restaurant -- that was the first time I had ever been in a Glatt Kosher restaurant.
Food was good --- EXPENSIVE !!
Ran by Walmart on the way home. Good god, I won't go back in this weekend if I can avoid that. There are too many "bennies" or "Shobies" down for the holiday weekend!
Italian ice at Rita's and then home.
I was still up at 11:30.
I've been reading Cloth Paper Scissors Studio magazine in hopes for ideas for better organization of my beads. (thanks Dot, for creating a monster!)
I have some idea's. Must sort today.

And I have to get daring and start working with the sewing machine.

There is a nail appt this afternoon.
I need to photograph both Colleen's and my charity piece for next year. They have to be shipped by the first of the week.

Big old Moosie Cat just let hold him (3 times !) for a bit. And almost cuddle him -- big goof :)

More and more is revealed and I am beginning to understand it is not my fault -- but rather that fault is not the right word, but that the other person shares the responsibility in what is not right. (what a great runon sentence THAT was !!! )

Dancin' in Philly this week !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfG9mA6y_S8

Savannah

Colleen fell in love with Savannah.
I understand -- I was that way with New Orleans.

She is already talking about wanting to go back.

Sunday Ramblings

It's been so cool and rainy that we haven't been able to use the beach tags yet this year.
Beach tags ......... never heard of them when I lived in Florida.
You wanted to go to the beach? You went.
Here in south Jersey, you have to buy a beach tag for each town if you want to use their beach.
We really like Ventnor City and Margate.
Luckily they share tags.
One tag = access to two beaches!

This morning Colleen and I got up early and went to the beach.
Water temp was 68 degrees.
It was a bit chilly when I first got my feet wet, but they acclimated pretty quickly.
No one was swimming.
There were 2 surfers out trying to catch a wave.
The beach patrols were out practicing further out.

Not many shells either -- maybe we came at high tide.

We parked at our favorite little lot and crossed in to the beach (yes you have to pay to park -- this is Jersey, what more do you expect???).
We walked down to the pier and back (a little over a mile) -- barefoot on the beach in the water, etc.
Yes, my knee is screaming.
but it was good for it.

Came home, did the grocery store thing.
Put a small roast in the crock pot.
Brunch.
Lazy for a bit.

Out to Micheals for me to get the hanging thingie for my BFAC.
Back home.
Showers.
Dinner.
OMG the roast is sooooo good.

Now I am waiting while an experiment with blackberries plays out -- my first attempt at some kind of sauce type stuff.

Then to the living toom - beads and True Blood.

I think I am spoiled now by Summer.
I do NOT want to go to work tomorrow.

Travel part 2

Once we got off the plane, we headed straight downtown to The Varsity.

Late Thursday afternoon and it wasn't crowded -- not like a Friday night or after a football game.

Walking across the parking lot, I was withered by the heat dancing off of the asphalt.

My nose started twitching as soon as we walked in.
It was as if I was alone. All I could think about was my chili slaw dog and a hot fried peach pie. Oh, and some onion rings too!

We got our orders and made our way to a table.
I was told that I was making little "umm" noises.
This was the first time that anyone could remember that "I" did that.

My chili slaw dogs (2) were fantastic. And the onion rings were outstanding!

The hot fried peach pie left a bit to be desired. It was greasier than I remembered.
But all in all, the meal was great! (and I really wish I could have had more before we left!).

We stayed at a motel right across the street from Turner Field (new home to the Braves).
I'm old fashioned, I still remember Atlanta Fulton County Stadium.
Luckily, the Braves were NOT in town.

Dinner that night was a visit to the Waffle House (it's a southern thing).
We didn't eat big, but I had eggs and an order of "scattered and smothered".
Good !

Friday morning we were up and out to Cyclorama.
Colleen had been teasing the entire time about how badly she did NOT want to go.
In the end, she enjoyed it too.

Stone Mountain would have been interesting too.
But, time and the heat did not allow for that.

We left there and I stopped to take some pics of old signs.
It was NOT a good neighborhood, but still I had Colleen out of the car with me and He kept the motor running.

On the road now to Savannah.
Friday afternoon and we are tooling down I-75.
A crudely handpainted sign alerted me to my culinary mission.
I finally got my boiled peanuts.
"do you want the 5 dollah cup or the 10 dollah bag?"
I went with the 5 dollah cup.
Lucky for me, they both tried ONE peanut and then said they were all mine.
I ate almost all of them.
Almost as good as I remembered -- should have been cooked in an old black battered pot, under a tent, on the side of the road, by a withered old black man -- but they were still good.

We stopped at a truckstop to get gas and a cold drink.
OMG what a redneck truck stop it was.
In the ladies room there was a machine on the wall that I could not resist.
Yes, I spent 50 cents.
I must take a picture and make a separate post of what I got for my big fifty cents.

And then we got to Savannah.

The South

"The Deep South has the friendliest people in the world. They will do anything for you. They also want to know what's going on and won't hesitate to ask questions."
-- John Grisham

I "AM" a delicate southern flower

Good LORD !!
how do you people in Savannah stand this oppressive heat wave?
98, 99, 100 degrees BEFORE the heat index !!
And HUMID.

I swear I think I sweated off everything I ate.... well, I hope I did !!

gosh I am glad to be back in cloudy NJ !

'em R 'Maters .......

Colleen has a bumper crop of tomatoes !
It is amazing how many she has on 3 plants.
I hope they all survive while we are in Savannah!

Memories

I'm reading "The American Wife" and really enjoying it.
Amazing when a different style of writing hooks you and keeps you interested.
Supposedly it is to be compared to Laura and George Bush, but not in Texas.
umm hmm, yeah.

ANYWAY ! In the beginning of the book, the main character discovers that her grandmother is gay. This sparked a memory that had been buried for years.
My second cousin, Marie, left her husband and family for her lesbian lover.
Now in the late 60's and early 70's, you didn't say gay.
And being raised as a southern baptist, you didn't say lesbian.
I believe my grandparents called the lover "THAT woman".
AMAZING what one memory can do. I began to remember Marie's family, the kids, the summers we spent on the beach.

There are so many things that I just do not remember -- all blocked out -- I wonder what if this will spark more memories.

BFAC

Still plugging away but the end is in sight.
Finish the section I am on -- figure out how to use the last 3 different kinds of beads.
Finish the top. Make the bottom.
And viola !

I will be finished !
Hallaleujah !

Whooohoooo !

I made gravy today -- for biscuits and gravy for breakfast -- for the first time in 6 or 7 years.
FROM SCRATCH !!

Truth be told, it needed more salt and pepper.
But it was edible.
And I was stunned that I could still do it!

Guilty as charged

I'm guilty of not posting any of the pictures of my BJP.
I have 6 or 7 done.

In my defense, I have been so involved in the BFAC project.
There are only 30 days left -- and I have much left to do.
Once I am finished, back I go !

Footsie's

New business in my building offered free 20 minute massages this week.
Ok, I bit for it --- I did the reflexology !
Nummy nummy my feet feel yummy!

I would have scheduled another but they were pushing PUSHING the membership.
And right now I just can't do $60 per month.

::: sigh :::

but I did tip him !

A good Saturday

Colleen and I went to the library this morning and then I zipped in to the office to check a file. Back to the house to gather things and off we went.
Destination was Wall Township to this little dive that had been shown on Food Network.
Circus Drivein.
Not bad. Then we started back weaving in and out over by the shoreline.
I'm a bit sunburned on my right side -- could NOT convince C to let me switch seats in the car! But that's ok!
We had a wonderful day.
Got home, ordered pizza to go with our salad (and the new yummo celery seed dressing that she whipped up).
Watched some tv and I beaded that damned doll (film at eleven) that must be finished by 7/15.

Travel Plans

Today I printed off the forms to order a certified copy of my birth certificate.
A trip to Puerto Rico might be in order next year.
It looks like a beautiful place -- and I think I would like to go.
Actually, I would rather do Hawaii -- but the plane trip will kill me !! too long!
And I want to do Paradise Island the Bahamas, but the jury is still out there.
So this might work!

And our tour guide book came today for Savannah.
We've got the spots in Atlanta picked out for the first day.
Then off to Savannah for 2.5 days.
It will be a whirlwind long weekend, but so worth it!

Memorial Day Weekend

Ahhhh, a three day weekend!
Made even better with getting out of work an hour early on Friday!

Memorial Day weekend starts the summer madness at the Jersey Shore.
The traffic, the crazy people from NY, PA and north Jersey.

I had given thought to driving down to Wildwood early this morning to check out the kite festival -- what a great photo op that would be.
http://www.wildwoodsnj.com/calendar.cfm?Mode=Results&coe_id=963&KEYWORD=&ANYALL=PHRASE&MonthYearCat=5_2009

But it's a well known fact that the traffic would be bumper to bumper on the parkway, so that was eliminated.
I am still toying with the thought for tomorrow morning -- the "Bennies" (slang for peple from Bayonne, Elizabeth, Newark and NY) , "Shoobie's" (slang for beach visitors) should all be here by now and if they are driving, they should be considering going north.
It's worth a thought.

We did some running around today. Not much, but some.
Colleen and I always differ on the temperature.
82 and I am roasting.
82 and she is just fine!

Came home and worked on my BFAC project for next year.
Wish I hadn't picked such a time consuming project.
Wish I hadn't sat for almost 3 weeks staring at it and trying to figure out where to go.
Wish I hadn't started over on one part.
But if wishes were horses, all men would ride.

Us

My family tells me that I am naive and gullible, too trusting.
Maybe I am.

I do know that I am constantly amazed at the cruelty in the world that I live in.
People are mean and hurtful.
Deliberately.

I care too much about those I love to be evil.
Hell, I've TRIED to be mean and end up feeling more wretched about the situation than the person I thought I was being mean to.

Right now my heart is breaking for someone I love.
And there is not a damned thing I can do to ease the pain.

Sometimes, just sometimes, I want to crawl in a hole and pull the hole in behind me.
I want to stop trusting people and letting them close to me and the people I love.

But when I think this way, I pause to remember that there are good people in my life.
And I am a better person for those people.

A Day off !

A glorious day off !
We have big plans today.

We are going to lunch at the culinary school of arts.
$8 -- and I have heard that the food is very good.
Colleen and I are off to a short trip to the Atlantic City Race Course.
They only race 6 days-- on the turf only.
And no big names, no stakes.
But it is LIVE and it is horses!

In it's heyday, ACRC was a happenin' place.
Now it is like the old maid auntie who lives on SS and cat food.
Should make for some interesting photo's (I hope).

AND she and I are driving over to Margate to pick up beach tags for the summer !
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

and I will still have 2 days off !

Tahoe Bead Retreat

Last night we committed ourselves to the art retreat in Tahoe.
Due to unforeseen circumstances here lately, it was a stretch to get ourselves set financially.
But this was something we wanted to do, we are saving, so we are jumping in.
The registration is paid for.
We are working on the flights.
Hotel is reserved.
I just hate hate HATE that long flight back!

MMmmmmmmmmmmmm

Yummmm
Thunderstorms.
We've had huge storms for the past hour.
I love thunderstorms and listening to it all.

Things have calmed down a bit.
I shall take my shower and then lay in the bed and watch it storm!

Ovation TV

Ovation TV

now that we have DirectTV, Colleen and I have discovered Ovation TV.
What a wonderful channel !

The specials on photographers inspire me daily!

North Jersey Saturday

Had a wonderful day yesterday -- well except for ONE thing.... and I am not going in to that.

Weather was fantastic -- 74 degrees !
Sunny !

hopped in the little vehicle -- stopped at Formica Brothers for bread to take.
Grabbed some DD coffee and off I went.

Got up to North Jersey -- stopped and bought cereal at the Stop & Shop (yes I am addicted to their store brand Bran flakes).
Did the errand. ::: sigh :::

Then on to my gal pals for the quarterly luncheon.
Oh my god we had the best time.
Ate like pigs and just laughed and talked and enjoyed ourselves!
Seems like the time goes so quickly now that we set a specific time !

A grand time was had by all !!

The trip home was good. Got home about 8:30 -- a solid 12 hour day.
A gazillion bug guts on the windshield -- cleaned it as best as I could -- but will hit the carwash today

Today's adventure

Today is adventure day.
We all have the day off.
We'll probably hit Home Depot first to grab a shovel and some weed killer.
Then the adventure begins.
We have 2 prime destinations.
The last being the Heavenly Ham store in Marlton by 6:30 -- to pick up our honey baked ham for the holiday (which won't wait til Sunday, but that's ok !!).

Lunch is in Collingswood at The Pop Shop.
Bobby Flay did a "throw down" with them so I am intrigued enough to make a road-trip.
They have 36 different kinds of grilled cheese -- and that is what the throw down was.

Wish I was sleeping better.
Up every 2 hours or so.
The house is so air tight that I get so dry and thirsty.
First I drink some water .
Then I get up and pee.
Two hours later the cycle begins again.
Methinks I need to get a humidifier.

I also want to go to either GNC or The Vitamin Store -- want to give the Omega 3's a chance.

ouchies !

I was teaching Colleen how to use UTEE .

I burned my finger.
Looks like I won't be beading for a bit.
Not long -- but not tonight.

Quiet day

Quiet rainy drizzly day.
Read some.
Beaded some.
Ran an errand, went to the library.

Quiet evening.
I made Monkey Bread -- but should have used real brown sugar instead of Splenda Brown sugar.
Oh well, lesson learned.

We watched the "Sex and the City" movie.
Cute.
I'll probably be getting the soundtrack from iTunes -- simply because there were a couple of songs I really liked -- and you can't buy them individually.

Other than that -- a quiet day.

Taking a day off

I'm taking tomorrow off as a Mental Health day.
There are vacation days that I must use before 6/30.
Granted there are days we have committed to racing, and a trip.
But that still leaves days.

So tomorrow is MY day.
To do what ?
whatever I want to.
Sleep in.
Read.
Bead.
Need to run to Borders to try to find Beadwork.
Walmart (I have to find something to use as a muse).
Might stop and get a salad for lunch -- I have a free salad at Saladworks.
Maybe by Avenue or Lane Large (g) to look for clothes.
I have a $50 gift card to use at Target -- but I promised that for MarioKart for our Wii.

Temps are supposed to be near 60.
No rain til tomorrow night or Thursday morning.
That will be good.

Work is good, but I need a day.

I had thought about running down to the other Honda dealer.
But I swear I am talking myself out of this.
It's JUST a car.
Does it matter that much?
Or would I rather save the extra 40 to 60 bucks per month for something else?
Same dilemma, same batchannel tomorrow.
Who knows.

BFAC

My "piece" is up for auction this week on the BFAC auction.
It is always a nailbiter for me.
Not sure why.
Well, yes, I do know.
I lack confidence.
But it looks good.
And I am enjoying it.

Here is the link.

http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=beadingforacure

Mine is the Freeform Bracelet.

Good day !!

This morning I went in to worked and gave it a good solid 4 hours. Seems with helping the team I haven't had a chance to work on my work.
Blasted the radio, drank TWO cups of DD coffee !
And it was productive!

The weather has improved so much! 65 degrees today and almost all of the snow is melting.
It was wonderful to be out in ONLY a t-shirt.

Colleen and I ran around a bit this afternoon.
We found a new little bead store.
Little is the operative word.
It is so small you can barely turn around.
But we both made small purchases - you know, stimulate the local economy.
I bought a little gray stone -- I'll use it as a cab.

Afterwards we stopped by the local Honda dealership.
Why oh why are men so condescending in these situations.
"your monthly payment would be $580."
Do you think that I can't do the math?

If they want my business badly enough, he'll call back.
I am in no rush.

Snow guilt

I'm feeling Snow Guilt.

My boss closed the office due to the weather.
We got about 7 inches of snow already -- in/around Atlantic City where it NEVER accumulates.

Colleen has to go in.
I offered to drive her and pick her up, but she is trudging on......
so me and the pug and the cats and the poodle have snow guilt because we are home and she had to go to work......

There is a pot of Dunkin' Donuts coffee on -- and I just popped a small pan of cornbread in to the oven.

As soon as the coffee is done, I will make a big cup and go to the living room with the paper.

I need to work on my new BFAC project.
The only problem with that is for some reason I am having terrible wrist pains after working on this portion of it. I am sure once I get to the straight out beading it will be better.
But for now, I just popped 2 advils AND got out the Mineral Ice. (and now have to avoid the cats -- good lord, they love the smell of it !!)

SNOW !

Predictions for tonight are 3 to 5 inches.
And then sleet, then more heavy snow.
Possibly another 4 inches.

Atlantic City just really is not prepared to deal with that kind of snow.

Can't wait to see what the morning brings.

Being creative......

......... is harder than people think.
I am working on next year's BFAC.
Material is not working with me.
I have now started part of it the 2nd time.

My plan had seemed pretty darned easy.
Now I know the "take 'em down a peg theory".
I'm down, I found my peg.

Ok, I can only hope that this part that I am working on will work.

I need to win the Mega Million lottery jackpot (was over 171 million last night). It would be nice to quit my job and be able to bead all the things I have to do.
And then I could also just open my own store and take what I want when I want.

Ultrasuede

I lucked into a sale of ultrasuede.
No black -- darn it.
But I picked up dark brown, some lighter brown, ivy and violin (dark rich purple).

Good prices for the lot.

The vendor is restocking for April -- her service was fast.
I will go back to buy more!

BFAC

1 box came.
The other hasn't .

Colleen and I are hoping for Monday.

If it doesn't come, one of is screwed.

I am beginning to seriously dislike the postal system.
AND they want a rate hike.

Weather

Well, Blogspot just ate my post about weather.
I am not doing it again.

Post called on account of weatherblog.

But it IS cold.

I've got MAIL !

Wheee !!
I was excited to reach into the mailbox and pull out a package from Doris.
My bead was here!

AND not only was the bead here, it was in the most divine little bag !
I LOVE it !!

Doris - did make the tag too ??
Thank you so much!!

Dang !

It is 52 degrees right now!
And I am enjoying the weather so much -- SUNSHINE!

And by tomorrow we are predicted to have up to 3 inches of snow.

Yesterday was wonderful -- mid 50's -- and I was loving that!

Cracks me up!

Shore Weather

Much of the Philly region is snow and ice covered.
Another reason I am glad I am no longer commuting back and forth.
South Jersey got some snow but it should go straight to rain.
And rain today and tonight.
He said there were lots of wrecks, due to the ice, on his way home last night (after midnight).

Weather is such fun.

A friend keeps bugging me for pictures of "snow on the sand". I would have tried to get some pic's of the snow at the actual beach, but nope, I'm not braving the weather.

It must......

. be the end of the world as we know it.

Temps back above freezing.

South Jersey (aka Atlantic City area) has about an inch of snow on the ground.

And....
the Eagles lost.

but the Steelers won.......

Reunions

A wonderful day, in north Jersey, spent with wonderful women whom I worked with previously.
We started out with 4, expanded to 5, now we are at 6.

Mostly it is strickly no husbands -- but they do make an appearance on the fringes. And it is good to see them interact with all of us. Most times they seem glad to see this group descend upon their home.

I am lucky.
Since I drive, they don't make me bring anything with me.
But methinks that the next trip will have me bearing items.

A varied group we are:
all of us are a bit wacky.
All of us are caring and thoughtful.

One is known for her sarcasm, love of animals and children.
One is known for her passion for finding a cure for breast cancer.
One is known for her love of decorating and antiques.
One is known for her patience and ability to put up with the mostly former boss of all of us.
One is known for her patience, good business sense and wicked sense of humor. This one has almost convinved me that I need to set up a Facebook account (for networking/business, etc) -- but I am just not sure yet.

And then there is me. 'Nuff said.

We laugh, talk over each other, spend the time eatting and gossiping, giggling.

We eat -- good lord, yesterday was a smorgasboard of delights (wings, ziti, antipasto, stuffed bread, salad, chips/dip, cheese, wine, coffee, delictable deserts (including my FAVORITE homemade crumb cake-- that I get tons to bring home with me).

It is a wonderful time to catch up on everyone -- folks who have wandered out of our lives -- ones that we miss and have invited to join our little group (but haven't made it yet).

Yes, we gossip. About work -- about people.
And there have been times we've cried -- over family issues, people we know and miss, etc.

But the laughter.
And the hugs and kisses from these other five wonderful women in my life.
I'm not sure how I would get by if they were not a viable part of my life.

DANG !!

It is cold.
It is BEYOND cold -- it is cold cold COLD.
The wind chill this morning is -3.

There is NO reason for it to be this cold at the Jersey Shore.

I have to drive to north Jersey today -- I'll be toasty in the car but it is the getting in and out at various places.
GRRRRRR I do so hate the cold.

The extreme temps are bothering my left foot -- the pad at the base of my toes is painful.
Not sure why -- I decided last night that I had a Morton's neuroma.
(I'm dangerous with the medical dictionary at work..........)

Springsteen music

Sometimes I am reminded just how beautiful some of the piano licks are in Bruce Springsteen's work.
I hear a song and just relish the melody.

Wish I could find JUST the piano tracks.

New Years foodie post

Ok -- so tradition says must have Black Eyed Peas on New Years.
And cabbage.
Got the cabbage.

Due to the willingness and KINDNESS of one of my co-workers, I have a supply of Luck's blackeyed peas and pinto beans!
He went south for Christmas -- I begged for a care package.
Not only did he come back with 10 cans of each, he also brought me a small bag of Martha White hot rize cornmeal mix.
What a goodie box from the Food Lion !!

At any rate, I have a pan of cornbread in the oven right now. Just wish I still had a good seasoned iron skillet.
But that's ok -- I will make do.

Will fix the BEP's later and will do a small thing of cabbage!!

Good luck should abound!

And if nothing else, it will be WARM on this sunny, frigid day (currently 24 with wind chill of 11)!

Weather blurb: last night we had wind gusts of up to 50 mph -- and we were without power for about an hour. Colleen and I entertained ourselves with flashlights (what can I say, we are easy).

New Years !

New year.
New start.

Well, I can still be the same grump I can be (at times).

No resolutions -- just plans to alter myself.

More photo's -- must use camera MORE.
More beading. I must get the hang of Right Angle Weave. Why can I not keep my tension tight ??

Less snacking.
More exercise.

More patience with those that irritate the snot right out of me.

New beads

I've had to order some Aiko beads to work the beaded spheres.....
yes, another different kind -- more beads.
Have I lost my mind????

no answers needed !

Christmas was good....

and my family was wonderful to me!

We had a wonderful day. Too much of everything, but a wonderful day !

They spoiled me (gbig grin !!):

- a new high tech camera bag (or as the commercial says: "a tricked out one" ,
- new tripod,
- Judy Walker's book on Beaded Sphere's,
- special electric cutters for my material/paper,
- agate cabochons,
- a fan thingie for my car (don't ask..... ),
- gift cards,
- Ceiling Cat t-shirt (yeah !!),
- Flying Monkeys t-shirt,
- thermal shirt
- pashina scarf,
- a most excellent book on the art of Dale Chihuly,
- note cards with Dale Chihuly artwork on them,
- an ANT FARM !!! ,
- fleur de lys pedestals for use in the library,
- a desk calendar for my office
- wonderful vanilla cream bath scrubbie stuff !!!! ,
- socks,
- a hand bubbly thingie (glass that heats up when you hold it -- yes, I DID want it !! I like toys), - lottery scratchoffs (no I didn't win),
- some beads.

They take good care of me and I love them.

All in all we had a great holiday!

BJP

::: sigh :::
I AM working on my items.
Heck, I have 4 done!!
hurray.
And I am working on the 5th.

My problem is that I have just don't have time or desire to keep checking 3 different blogs.
Too time consuming.
So I know I am missing out on things.

My loss, I know.