Saturday, August 30, 2008

Sarah Palin

Awesome pick McCain!!! I was so excited yesterday waiting to hear who McCain's pick would be...when I heard it was Sarah Palin I was thrilled. Here is a woman who is a republican, wife, and mom. She is gutsy and is not afraid to say what she thinks. She was "an average woman" when she decided to get into politics...and when she did she shook things up! From everything I've read she is one tough cookie. The Dems would have everyone believe that she is not experienced enough to be VP. Give me a break! First they complain that they want "change" in Washington D.C. and then when change shows up, we hear...."she's not experienced enough", "she's another George Bush in female form", "she needs to be at home". People, she was a mayor and a governor! She's had to make executive decisions which is more then Obama can even say! Oh, wait! I forgot he was a community organizer. What exactly does that mean? He was only a senator for 140 some days----yet HE feels he's ready to be president. I think the Dems need to not even put the experience thing on the table...besides if they want to compare they should compare McCain and Obama......the experience isn't even a contest!!!
Speaking of a contest.....there is NO contest between Hillary and Sarah. Sure, they are both female, but other then that they have nothing in common. Sarah is the complete opposite of everything Hillary stands for and that is why I love her!!!! She is a person I can respect and be proud of.
I think the rest of the days leading up to the election are going to be exciting! This is going to be one of the most interesting races there has ever been.
McCain- Palin '08 !!!!!!!

Llama, what?

We have a farm across the road from our property in Ohio. The farm has llamas. I being the silly ex-school teacher that I am was reminded of a book in my school's library. It was a child's book about llamas. So, I get the idea to make a game out of naming our friendly neighborhood llamas.

Here is what the family has come up with so far......
What do you call a mother llama? Mama llama
What do you call a llama who likes lounge wear? Pajama llama
What do you call a political llama? Obama llama
What do you call a terrorist llama? Osama llama
What do you call a llama that is into meditation? Dali Lama llama
What do you call a llama who uses excellent punctuation? Comma llama
What do you call a llama who has a desire to act? Drama llama
What do you call a llama who marries a bull? A Brahma llama
What do you call a llama that has been injured? Trauma llama
What do you call a llama that looks good in bowling shoes? Bowl-a-rama llama

I'm sure we will think of more llama names as we go along..... Maybe you can help us....But beware---It's kind of addictive once you start.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Little Bunnie Foo Foo

Awww....... When Scott and I were out at the house site yesterday we were walking around looking at what had been done. We walked back towards our van when Scott looked down and saw some teeny tiny little wriggling things in the grass. He told me to come look. I thought he was going to show me a snake or something. I slowly moved to where he was pointing.....and cautiously peered down into the cut grass. Lo and behold there were four little babies. I'm pretty sure they are baby rabbits. They are getting their fur, but their eyes aren't opened yet. They were so cute. Longer ears, and longer hind legs.....that is why I'm pretty sure they are rabbits. We didn't see mama bunny anywhere around. We didn't touch them as we didn't want to leave our scent on them.....but they were just so cute. They were well hidden in the grass, and I hope no wild animals find them. I hope mama comes back and feeds them. They were making sucking motions with their little mouths....like they were hungry. When we head back to the house site today to watch the concrete being poured, I'm going to go check on "our babies".

Monday, August 25, 2008

Farmers Almanac

I just got the new Farmers Almanac tonight. I wanted to see what the weather would be like after we move into our new house. According to the FA the weather in Ohio is supposed to be frigid and snowy this winter. This was met with cheers after I made this prophetic announcement to the children. The truth is, they've seen snow before, but really not that much.....nothing to amount to anything really. They've lived in the south all of their young lives and let's face it, if we get a 1/2 inch here everyone goes crazy. The grocery stores are swamped with people looking for bread and milk so they can hunker down for the big blizzard that is just sure to descend on the city. Now Scott grew up in upstate New York, went to college very near the Canada/U.S border. He knows what REAL snow looks like. I grew up in Maryland. I remember snow and drifting so high that as a child I was able to make tunnels in the snow. I remember my mom bundling me up to walk to the bus stop. Snow blowing.....and all one could see of me was my eyes. Of course those were the days of coat closets. On cold days all us kids would take the layers off when we got to school and we'd look like we lost a good 10 lbs after shedding the winter duds.
So, as for me.....I'd love some good snows. As long as I know it's coming and have plenty of food, a good stash of hot chocolate, and some munchies I'm set to go! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....

Friday, August 22, 2008

No Dingos, Just Coyotes

Do you remember years ago the story about the woman in Australia that said, " a dingo stole my baby!" I don't know that the truth ever came out about that....but for a long while the media talked about dingos (wild dogs in Australia). Hmmm.....with that in mind.........
Well, yesterday I read an article in our local newspaper about our coyote population here in Knoxville, Tennessee. Now I don't know about you but I always thought about coyotes being in the west and southwest. You know, baying at the moon and all. I didn't think of them lurking around our city. Sure enough they are not only here, but they are flourishing in urban America. There was a story of a woman in a subdivision not far from my house. She had two Pekingnese dogs. She made the mistake of letting them out in her back yard. When she came out to check on them, um.......she found the remains of one of them on her deck and saw a coyote absconding with the other one. She threw something at the coyote to make him drop the dog, but alas, coyotes are fast creatures and he evidently was hungry and wanted a little Peking duck, uh, I mean dog. Some have been spotted near our local Walmart and others behind an apartment complex.
I did a little research on the coyote in Tennessee. The state wildlife site said that coyotes are now all over the country. They are thriving in urban areas. They prefer to eat fresh kill, but will scavenge in trash cans etc. if need be. They don't really like to be around humans (unless they are sick and acting erratically) but are sneaky and are not afraid to go after small pets if they are left outside. This gave me a start as one of our cats is an outdoor cat. I don't like to think of Salem as a tasty treat for some scavenging coyote. Who knew it would ever come to that?!
So, I've come to a decision. I'm calling up the ACME company to see if they have any anvils for sale. They always used to work for the Road Runner.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Deadly Day At Central

I woke up this morning and checked the local online newspaper as I always do. I was saddened to see that one of my city's local high schools had a deadly shooting this morning shortly after school started.
Two young men in the school cafeteria commons got into a fight. One boy pulled a gun and shot the other boy in the chest. Now a 16 year old boy is dead and another in custody.
What is the matter with people? I feel like I ask that question a lot...Just a little over a month ago we had the church shooting, now this.
In most of these incidences the shooters are male. Now, I know that men tend to be more aggressive, testosterone and all, but why the extreme violence? Whatever happened to men "duking it out" when they had a beef with each other? Whatever happened to "let's take it outside"? At least then all the kids might have ended up with is a bloody nose or a black eye. I doubt anyone would have died. Not that I'm a fan of violent behavior, but if I had to choose between the two I'd go for the bloody nose over being dead.
Of course, kids aren't allowed to fight in school either....or they'll be suspended from school per the zero tolerance policy. The thing is that these kids need some sort of outlet or emotions become a pressure cooker just waiting to explode. Unfortunately, this explosion ended in a death.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Let The Games Begin

No, I'm not talking about the Olympics. I've got more important fish to fry. I'm talking about the beginning of soccer season. The coach called me last night. Kendrick and Breanna are to report "to duty" on Saturday evening at 6 pm. That will be their first practice of the season. It doesn't matter that it's still hot enough to fry an egg on the the sidewalk. (not that I would ever really try that, but it's fun to say it):) I will have to make sure they have plenty of water...seriously, it is still hot here in the South and I don't want my kids dehydrated and passing out on me. I can't wait for it to cool down.... On a positive note, at least they get to wear shorts, and their equipment (cleats and shin guards) is not heavy. On the subject of shin guards....I have already informed my kiddos that, if they want to take their shin guards off, they will do so before getting in the car. Let me explain. My son, Kendrick, has been playing soccer for 8 years. He used to take his sweaty socks and shin guards off on the way home. Now, that doesn't sound so bad right? WRONG. It never failed...the stinky sock/sweat combo would get in front of the air conditioning vent and the next thing you know I am turning green and starting to swoon from the stench. I made the mistake of saying something to him about the fact that he wanted to knock me out from the stink and he found that totally hilarious---making sure to wave his sweaty socks around just to mock me. I think it is a boy thing. I don't recall Breanna trying this. What is it with boys and their stinky sports equipment? Is it some badge of honor or something? His job is to get the uniform to the washing machine---either that or it will walk there itself!

Monday, August 18, 2008

In Remembrance

My husband, Scott, and I were both widowed in our thirties. He at 39 and I at 32 years of age. It's a club that no one really wants to be a member of...not that one has a choice. Life happens....and so does death....and death comes when it feels like it. It doesn't matter whether you're ready. Death doesn't care about your plans. Death is selfish that way. This week marks the 5th anniversary since Nancy passed away. It is a time to think...and a time to remember. Now, you might think it odd that I, as Scott's second wife, would be blogging about Nancy. I don't really think so. I am intimately involved in the grieving of her passing as well as the celebration of her life. No, I never met Nancy while she was here on earth. We didn't know each other. We lived hundreds of miles apart and our lives never intersected. I didn't even know who she was until years after she was gone. How was I to know that God in His sovereignty would bring Nancy and I together? Two separate, very different women yet still alike in so many ways. I found that out last summer when cleaning the house in Texas. Going through Nancy's earthly possessions was not easy for me. When I came across things that she owned that were similar to things that I myself had I couldn't help but cry. Although that was a difficult time, it was also for me a picture of a loving God. He had me there for a reason.
So what do I know about Nancy? Well.......
I see Nancy in the faces of her children. I hear Nancy in the stories that are told to me. Sometimes I cry with the person that shares those dear memories. Sometimes I laugh so hard that my stomach hurts! I feel the responsibility of being a surrogate mother to her children. I think Nancy would approve of most of my decisions--because she'd know that my decisions come from my heart. I've tasted the grief that comes from living with those she left behind. I know how hard it is when my dear husband visits the grave of his first wife. Placing flowers and touching the cool smooth stone that marks her life--and her death is a difficult thing... Perhaps because it is a reminder to us all of how brief our lives are. Scripture reminds us that our lives are but a vapor and none of us are promised a tomorrow.
Endings are always sad and many times painful, but instead of concentrating on Nancy's death we can celebrate her life.... Because of a decision that Nancy made, death couldn't hold her in the grave. She's not there. She is with her Lord....and really she is more alive today then the rest of us left here. I'll meet her one day and she and I can sit down and have a good long chat....and I'm sure we'll spend a lot of time laughing.

Russia

I watched a news documentary this past weekend on Russia. The documentary said what I've been thinking for quite awhile. Putin is old school KGB and wants Russia to be a certain way....and will make sure it is HIS way. Sure, Putin is not the NAME in charge anymore, but everyone knows he is the one in control. If a person crosses him or says something (in the media) that is not what he wants to hear....then you might "mysteriously" end up dead. Various journalists and reporters have met an early demise. One female journalist lost her husband to a sudden and mysterious "accident". She said that about 30 media people die a year....and it's always the media that disagree with the current political trend. Interesting, wouldn't you say?
Now this military thing with the country of Georgia....it is scary. Russia sounds to me like the bear that is waking up from it's time of hibernation. A bear that is hungry.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Showdown At Saddleback

I didn't get to see the whole question/answer session last night at Saddleback Church. I was out, or I would have watched the whole thing. I did catch some of the replay and the commentary afterwards.
I agree with Charles Krauthammer that this was one of the best --honest answers to real questions--in a controlled atmosphere. I think that it was very interesting how both Obama and McCain answered the questions. One more decisive, the other more philosophical. The differences between the two men were very obvious. I really wish we could have more question answer sessions like this instead of the televised "fake" debates that no one really learns anything from.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

CAUTION!! You Have Entered The Kitchen

As most of my blog readers know, I am in the process of packing up the family's worldly possessions and with the help of my dear husband, hauling them up to Ohio. Now, I don't think packing is anyone's all time favorite thing to do---but I am really having a struggle. I am currently sitting at the kitchen table to blog. I have cookbooks and groceries piled up on either side of me. Yesterday afternoon I started cleaning what I could out of the kitchen....There is so much stuff that I think I could get lost in here and no one would know. They wouldn't be able to find me! While cleaning out cabinets I found some canned vegetables in the back that I'd say have probably been there since the turn of the century. The back of cabinets are scary places......normally I'm a fairly organized person, but I must have bought more cans of stuff thinking I didn't have any and they umm.......accumulated. I had to toss a lot of stuff because the cans were well past their expiration date. I also just want to say that I love Tupperware, but I truly believe that it multiplies! One thinks that she only has a few pieces of Tupperware, but then she gets to digging around in the storage cupboard and lo and behold there are at least 30 trillion pieces wedged in there. I'm not giving any of it away either. After all I might need that doo-hickey, thing a muh-bobber one day.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Change What?

Last night I was listening to Sean Hannity on the radio. He was doing a "man on the street" type of call with people. These young people called in (between the ages of 18-24). He asked them if they were planning on voting this year? They all said yes. So he asked who they were voting for? He wasn't mean or offensive---nothing like that at all. He just asked who was their man? Each of the young people said Obama. So he asked what about Obama is the deciding factor for them? Not one of these people could give a solid, intelligent answer. There was a lot of hemming and hawing around. One listener (a 22 yr.old college grad) just didn't know how to answer, she talked in circles, so she handed the phone off to a friend......another 18 yr. old girl is a political science major in college. She is excited that she can vote this year. All she was able to say was that Obama was for change. So he says, "okay. What change are you interested in? What change will happen?" She just kept saying, "we need change. He tells me that he can bring change. Change is important." Okay. So what does that mean? I don't think she herself knew. He asked things like, "What do you know about Obama's economic policy? What is his plan on energy conservation? What is his foreign policy? Do you agree with it? Can you name some things that Obama has accomplished to qualify him for the office of president? You know what one of the young men said? Obama is over 35 years old and he is a citizen of the United States. That's all he could come up with! When the rubber meets the road, does Obama really have the strength and integrity needed to be the leader of this country? I don't believe so. My husband made an excellent observation last night.....he said that if Obama had applied for any other high level government job he would have had to have background clearance. The mere fact that he had a relationship with William Ayers would have thrown up a red flag. He probably wouldn't have gotten high level clearance because of that fact. Yet, he is running for president??!!! How does that make sense?
I have serious concerns about Obama's character. Here is a man who has had a questionable relationship with a known terrorist, was a member of a church whose pastor spews hate, and seemed bent on being a "rock star" on his tour of Europe. His wife appears to be a separatist. Some of the papers she has written are truly scary. I think Obama is a slick politician. I think he is a charismatic orator. I think that people are caught up in this "we will change the world" phenomena. The thing is change isn't easy. Change is hard work. Change is painful sometimes. Change might make us unpopular. I don't think Obama has what it takes to make REAL change.....not just a catch word in one of his eloquent speeches.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Bigfoot On Ice

I was watching the news this morning when I saw a story about some men (aka "Bigfoot Hunters") that shot Bigfoot and now have him on ice in a freezer. They showed pictures of this big furry man-like thing in a freezer. Hmm.... Hoax? Or for real? Wouldn't that be a hoot if after all these years of people discussing the Bigfoot legend that there really is a furry man-like creature that roams around the mountainous parts of our great country? They are supposedly going to have him scientifically checked out later this week. Interesting.....yet, I am skeptical. It's one of those things that I'd have to be there...and touch it to believe it. Hmmm.....again. Isn't it kind of fun to think about though? Who wouldn't want a big, scary furry creature running around in the woods?
I was watching something the other day on cable about snakes. Now, I must admit I've NEVER been a fan of the reptilian family. Sorry to the snake lovers out there----but hey, I think they are scary and why anyone would want one for a pet is beyond me.....it's not like you can pet and cuddle a snake....but to each his own. So anyway, they showed footage of this HUGE python snake. It was so thick it hardly even looked snake like. Since I'm speaking of "legends" today, I wonder if the Loch Ness Monster isn't some monstrous snake? I know Scotland has mostly cooler climates, but maybe this snake is like some sort of freaky mutant or something. Hey, I'm just saying......I'm no scientist, I'm just free thinking here.
Yesterday on FOX they had a story about the Chupokabra (I don't think I spelled that correctly). The monster dog-like thing that roams around and sucks the blood of goats. (or maybe anyone else that happens upon him) Someone killed it. (or at least one of them) It looked weird if you ask me. I know you didn't really ask, but since when has that ever stopped me from "offering" my opinion? Some mutant dog? Yet another legend.......
Anyone going to Romania anytime soon? I'd really like to know if Dracula exists. I'll pay you a pretty penny if you can get some good video footage. None of that grainy stuff either. That doesn't count. No second hand accounts either. That won't work. You'd actually have to sit down and do a for real interview with Dracula. Tell him we could make him a celebrity, maybe do a little reality TV.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

A Dizzy Blonde

No, I'm not slamming blondes. (As I am one you know.) I really mean dizzy. I woke up this morning and literally stumbled out of bed. I was so dizzy and I don't know why. I thought a little breakfast might help if it was a blood sugar issue. Breakfast didn't really help all that much. I don't know what my deal is this morning. All I know is that I look really pathetic this morning. (the look of someone who did not sleep very well) Not my usual perky self. :) Of course, my kids don't understand that there can be days when mom doesn't feel at her best. I don't think that they know that mom is indeed human....and she can have bad days too. I'm supposed to be indestruct-o mom...able to leap laundry baskets in a single bound, able to scale obstacle courses of kids junk without losing a step, and be able to whip together a nutritious dinner out of whatever happens to be in the refrigerator. Sometimes even Super Mom has days where she is hit by the Kryponite. (come on...you know the thing that deters Superman.....don't you all read comics?)

Monday, August 11, 2008

Getting Back Into The Swing Of Things

Now, my husband and I home school our three children so the whole "first day back to school" thing doesn't really effect us like it does other families...but it is a marker. School starts. Fall sports games begin. Friday night football. Saturday afternoon soccer. I usually take a moment at this time each year for personal evaluation. It's at this time, more then at New Years, when I do my reflection.
--This is the beginning of my second year "out". School is starting for the second time without me. As a former elementary special education teacher, I spent a good portion of my adult life as a formal teacher. I was literally in school from the time I started my own personal journey at age 5 until I resigned from my teaching gig at age 39. Whew! That's a lot of years in school. I enjoy being at home and love the freedom and flexibility that comes with schooling at home.....but yes, I do admit, I get a little nostalgic when I see the school buses driving around town and see the schools have come out of their summer slumber and now resemble buzzing bee hives. New backpacks, fresh boxes of Crayolas, and the latest school fashions.
Soccer Clinic is tonight. Hundreds of children between the ages of 5-14 will descend on the soccer field for their try outs. For me this is the beginning of Fall. I don't care that the temperature is still in the low 90's, the air is thick enough to cut, and I'm sweating enough to lose a good 10 lbs. in water weight. Doesn't matter. Soccer is starting! Before long I'll be chilled sitting on the bleachers. I'll need a jacket, and I will get myself a cup of hot chocolate to enjoy while watching the game.
It makes me think.....do you realize that Labor Day is just a few short weeks away? That Halloween is right around the corner....then we are in a fast slide towards Thanksgiving, and whoa(!) it's Christmas before we know it! This time of the year is, hands down, my most favorite. There is a lot going on and yes I do stay busy, but I enjoy all that Fall brings with it.
My Arbonne business will be taking off this Fall with the new Holiday Line coming out on September 1st. Having presentations will keep me busy too.....as I show people all the wonderful products that will make their Christmas extra special.
This year we have the added excitement of a presidential election. This might drive us all a little nutty before it's over with, but it is one more thing to think about this Fall. For me and my family there is also the whole packing to move into our new house--hopefully late November,maybe early December. Honestly, as I was mulling over the upcoming events in my life I had a human tendency to desire to just blink my eyes and wish that all the work was done and we were already in our new house. But you know what? I really don't want that. I want to savor my time. I don't want to wish my life away. Even though I know that the next several months will be a struggle with all that is going on---it will be a time of memories. Moments that I don't want to miss. So for now, I'm the soccer mom, chauffeur, home school teacher, packer, mover, wife, mom,and business woman. That's enough for now....and you know what? That's just perfect for me.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Shopping For Soccer Shoes And Other Traumatic Experiences

I took the two younger kids to get some soccer cleats for the upcoming season. They really did need them, as their feet continue to grow each year.:) Go figure. So, being the loving and dedicated mother that I am, I told them I'd take them this afternoon. ( I must confess that I had put it off as long as I could considering their soccer clinic is this Monday.) I drove through traffic as thick as fleas on an ol' hound dog. (Don't you love those quaint southern expressions?) Stop. Start. Stop. Start. That is west Knoxville traffic for you on a Saturday afternoon. As I approach the destination I begin to resemble a Kamikaze pilot circling around, and around the parking lot until I spy an open spot. I'm going in!!! A Suburban is moving in on me,fast! He looks at the spot. Oh no you don't! My little Camry is not scared of your big Suburban.....besides, I can squeeze into that space better than you can! At this point it is a showdown and (the crowd's cheer!) Dawn wins the coveted spot. Chalk one up for the crazy soccer mom on a mission!
The kids and I got out of the car and made our way into the sporting goods store. It was jammed packed with frenzied parents shopping for equipment for the upcoming Fall sports season. The parents were a case study in how to lose one's sanity in 1 hour or less. The moment I stepped over the threshold I too was one of those parents with the glazed over eyes asking for different sizes of shoes for my kids to try on. One of the young men working in the shoe section went to the back room to retrieve the shoes in the sizes we needed.....he was gone for so long I thought maybe he had passed out back there or something.....that maybe I needed to send someone in for a search and rescue. Just as I was seriously starting to worry, he emerged with shoes in hand. He said, "it's a mess back there, sorry it took so long." I felt for the guy. He had the glazed look. I patted him on the shoulder....then I pointed at another parent waiting for shoes. He heaved a sigh. I said, "ya gotta go back in. Sorry."
After a good hour or so of trying on shoes, walking around in them, squeezing to see where their toes were at, lacing and re-lacing, we escaped the store with goods in hand. A little poorer mind you for the struggle, but victorious none the less. Wait.......is that theme music from the ROCKY movie that I hear??? Or is that just the music I hear in my head occasionally?

Friday, August 8, 2008

What To Say

I've mentioned in previous blogs that I like to read self help books. Last night my sister in law reminded me about this book by Shad Helmstetter. It's called WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOU TALK TO YOURSELF. No, it's not a book on mental illness or hearing voices. It's a book about our INTERNAL voice. You know what I mean....that voice that everyone has...the voice that tells you whether you are good enough, whether you have what it takes, whether you are smart or not, whether you are capable and on and on. Even those of us that grew up in positive family environments and have pretty good self esteem, still have the voice. Whenever it is time to attempt something new we wonder if we can be successful at it....or whether we'll fall flat on our face. It's scary....but you know what? That's life. We all have choices to make about the kind of life we will lead. In order to grow it takes courage. Courage to push out of your comfort zone, courage to try something new and unknown, courage to want more then you're currently getting in life. The truth is that this is the only life you've got...and it truly is up to you to make it what you'd like for it to be. Sure, we all have obstacles. We all have people that might be standing in the way of our dreams. (maybe on purpose, maybe not) But ultimately it's up to YOU. I for one am not going to look back on my life and wonder "what if?" I'm taking the responsibility to make my changes now, while I still have the chance.
Sure, I might fail in some things, but so what? At least I made the effort and am better for it.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Autumn.....

I love the Fall. I received one of my country magazines yesterday in the mail. It showed that Summer is winding down and Fall is right around the corner. I love this time of year. I always have! I was always the kid who couldn't wait for going back to school.....of course it wasn't so much for the academics as it was for wearing my new Fall sweaters, and attending Friday night football games! As a soccer mom, Fall brings a new season of soccer games and cheering from the sidelines. I love when the weather turns cool and one can start wearing thick, warm socks and heavy sweaters. I love warm apple pies, and pumpkin (anything, yum!) in the Fall. I love the smell of wood smoke in the air when people start using their fireplaces and wood stoves for another season. I love going to October fest or on long drives to see the leaves changing colors. Even when the sky turns a steely gray and the sun begins to set earlier--- I just love it! It's time for candles in the windows and warm throw blankets. I can't forget a nice hot mug of coffee or hot chocolate, and settling down with a good book in the evening. The other day I saw some geese flying overhead in a V. A sign that the season will soon be changing. (It's still hot here in the south, but I know it's coming....I know it's on it's way....I know Autumn will arrive before I know it!)
It's even more exciting this year because of our house being built. One more thing for me to love about the Fall. I know the Autumn weather will be a lot different in Ohio then it is here in Tennessee...but I'm fine with that. I'm ready. I'm excited. I'm waiting...........

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Justice...At Last

Well, he got what he so rightly deserved. He was executed last night in Texas. The "he" that I am talking about is the Mexican, illegal immigrant that murdered two young teenage girls after he sexually assaulted and tortured them. Texas took care of their own and made sure this animal was not going to be prowling around anymore. I blogged about this story when it made news earlier this year. I think the death of these two innocent young girls was overshadowed by this man's "rights" to talk to the Mexican consulate. The thing is this man didn't even ask about that until 4 years into his sentence. (He was 18 when the murders occurred and 33 when he died.) Hey Mister, don't senselessly kill people and you won't have to worry about having rights on death row!

This is the article from USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-08-03-medellin-execution_N.htm?csp=34/

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

If It's Small and Furry I'll Get It!

The other day I went downstairs to the laundry room and noticed that one of the throw rugs was sopping wet. You know it's not a good thing when one's feet make squishy noises. Oh great! I go about pulling any boxes, or other junk that we have stacked up downstairs out of the pool of water. I called Scott (even though he is hundreds of miles away in Ohio). He tried to console me as best he could. He ended up talking with Bradley to get his help. Bless Bradley's 16 year old heart. He helped his mom to fix whatever was backing up the air conditioner and causing moisture to condense. (Give me a break I don't understand how the AC works---just THAT it works!) So I used the shop vac to vacuum the downstairs and got towels to get up the rest of the water off the floor. Now, picture this.......
I'm down on my hands and knees trying to vacuum back in the corner.....I have the vac in one hand and am scooting the box with the other when all the sudden I spy a furry thing behind the box. It didn't move. I was wary. It looked like a mouse, but it couldn't be a mouse! I've NEVER had mice in my house for all the years I've lived here! (Well, except for the one time when a field mouse got in the garage.....but believe me I tracked that little thing down like a mafia hit man. It didn't even have a chance. I caught him in a glue trap after only a couple of days....and he never made it into the house.) So anyway, back to the story...... I'm eyeball to fur ball with this thing, when it dawns on me that it is a mouse....BUT not a live one----it's a cat toy. I had just been ready to bonk it over the head with the shop vac when I came to the realization that it meant me no harm.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Soap Is Cheap

Okay....I'm going to warn you this is another one of those blogs that might cause some people to get mad at me. I just can't help it. I had to go to the Social Security office today to get some paperwork straightened out. (paperwork that has to do with the kids getting their survivor benefits since they had a parent to die...but that is beside the point...just explains why I was there.) So anyway, I walk in get my number and wait. The entire place is full...not one seat. So I stand. I'm a people watcher, so I covertly observe people while waiting. There were a disproportionate number of young women there. Women with MANY children. I overheard one woman tell a lady sitting near where I was standing, that she had 5 kids...then I heard her tell another girl that she turns 25 next month. She wasn't married. Then another young woman came up to me and said, "Do you know how the @#5$! I can find out if my number was called when I was out smoking?" I just stared at her at first. I couldn't believe that she would have thought that was appropriate to talk to me like that! I think she assumed I worked there since I was standing and was dressed nicely. IF she thought I worked there, she certainly didn't know how to be respectful. Another lady plopped down and cussed out the security guard for telling her what she needed to do. It just made me think that people who resort to crass language as a way of communication make themselves look unintelligent. It's just a fact. Sprinkling ones sentences with curse words makes them look like they have a very small vocabulary to work from. In the meantime the security guard is having it out with a young man about not using his cell phone in the building. The guy gave him attitude. The security guard told him this is a federal building and he would be escorted out if he didn't shut his mouth. The guy, I guess, decided it would be better for him to just shut his mouth than be arrested. Finally, I will end my observations today with this thought: It does not take a lot of money to buy soap and shampoo. People can be poor and still be clean. I don't care how much money a person makes, or where they live. I don't care how educated (or uneducated) they are or what circumstances they live in. Being clean, having a smile, and speaking kindly to others is a choice.

And Again!

The rogue woodpecker strikes again! This morning it was at 7:18am. Yesterday my sister sent me something that she read from the Audubon Society. Turns out that this isn't such as unusual thing. My male woodpecker is attempting to woo the ladies. Male woodpeckers will find the nearest thing around that makes the loudest noise to attract the females. Come to find out downspouts are often a first choice for their noisy pecking. I just happen to be the lucky female that gets to listen to it each day. Now, if I were a female woodpecker I'd probably find this feathery guy a real catch.....but unfortunately for him I just find him annoying. The article my sister read suggested putting something shiny in the area the male is attracted too. They don't like the shine, I guess, and go elsewhere. I've got some advertisement CD's in the mail. Maybe I'll go out on the deck and string up a couple of shiny CD's. MAYBE that will work. The lengths I will go to get this Romeo to stop........

Sunday, August 3, 2008

It Happened Again!!

This morning it was 6:42! The bird is driving me nuts. If anyone cares about my sanity you'll give me some advice on how to get this crazy bird to stop! And WHY is he on the downspout early in the morning???? Why not mid afternoon when it wouldn't be so annoying? This would be funny if it didn't drive me absolutely berserk! AAGGGHHH! I feel like I'm a character in the movie GROUND HOG Day....where the same day keeps happening over and over and over again.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Rambo Ain't Got Nuthin' On Me

It had been a long week packed with activities and by last night I was exhausted. I looked forward to getting to sleep in a little later then usual this morning. It was not to be. My feathered foe was back. At 7am this morning he started pecking away at the downspout. I woke to a sound that resembled a metallic Uzi. I shoved the pillow over my head willing the bird to stop his noise. I felt like the man in Edgar Allen Poe's THE TELL TALE HEART. The sound of the beating heart drove the man in the story mad. The sound I was dealing with was a beak on metal and it was driving me just as nuts.
After several minutes of this I started to snap. I threw my bed covers back and sat straight up in bed. That's it! I've had it! I stomped into the bathroom and looked out the small window to see if I could get a visual on my enemy. I didn't see him from my angle, but I knew he was lurking just outside my line of vision. Now, most of the time I think of myself as your typical girl....you know sugar and spice (with a kick of cayenne!) and everything nice. BUT not this morning. This morning I was having Rambo-esque thoughts. I was considering grabbing my son's air soft gun, slinging ammo over my shoulder and marching out onto the back deck in a blaze of glory. Now, I apologize to the faithful members of the Audubon society, but with that said I still wanted to nail my feathery little friend and bury his body in the flower bed.
To drive me even battier was the fact that my back yard/woods was full of birds this morning. Lots of twitters, chirps and warbles were going on. I think it might be a conspiracy amongst the feathered flock. I'll keep you posted on what happens.....or maybe you'll see me on the evening news. "Soccer Mom Goes On Wild Rampage. She Was Found Walking Around Her Backyard Mumbling Something About Woodpeckers. She Was Suspiciously Covered With What Appeared To Be Feathers."