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.