Writing Strands Review

It's early in the year and it already looks like we have our first curriculum causality. I know, I know, you should always try something for a few weeks before you decided that it must go but I just have got to let this one go. So, farewell you hard to understand, suck any kind of desire you have to write, make me and my kids want to stick forks in our eye writing curriculum. You know who you are Writing Strands....you've pulled us down for too long so I'm cutting you free and I'm gonna toss you in the box going to the Hillbilly. Sigh...really, I had such high hopes for this curriculum but it's over....over and done.

Suggestions are now being taken for a good...and fun...writing curriculum...

My Dream Home...Found!

Well, folks….I have found my dream home! The only thing not so good about it is that I would have to move a long way away and I wouldn’t be able to get together with my buddies. I could always make new friends…I would have silver and gold friends then! You know…from that song “Make new friends but keep the old…some are silver and the others gold”.

Anyway, this is only one of the many homes in the Phoenix real estate market. There was another home that I liked really well but it was a little to big for us and I just love the few from this home…just beautiful! Don’t you think??




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Free Crochet Pattern

How could I have missed this free pattern?? I've been visiting Posie Gets Cosy for ages now and I just now noticed the free pattern link in the upper right hand corner! Click on it and you'll be taken to the Tiramisu Blanket pattern. This looks like a wonderful little crocheted blanket...I love the ribbon woven through...so nice.

I'm thinking this would make a wonderful Christmas present...and you know it's almost that time! lol!!

Neat!

Steam Cleaning Once a Year??

Ok, folks, so I know everyone's talking about how Leona Helmsley left her dog 12 million dollars but I want to focus on the instructions she left for her mausoleum. It is to be cleaned...steam cleaned once a year! Uh..is this really necessary...I mean come on! All I can think about is how all that money could feed a hungry, homeless child but noooooo it goes to her stinkin' dog and into a fund to keep her mausoleum clean...sheesh. She is such an ugly person...and in death she gets uglier.

Don't Eat the Worm...Nooooo!

When I think of tequila, I think about that scene in Urban Cowboy where “Wes” chews up the worm at the bottom of his tequila bottle. Ack…and another ack!! I mean really, that is so disgusting and is one of the main reasons I’ve never really been gung ho on tequila.

Recently, I’ve been reading about tequila over at The Tequila Guy and I’ve found some things that have made me start to change my mind about this drink. It’s not only the drink with the worm in the bottom or the drink that gives you a major hangover, it’s a drink that can be quite sophisticated. Of course, that caught my attention since I, myself, am so very sophisticated! Lol!!

Check out The Tequila Guy because I’m sure you’ll find out some neat things like I did!

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Where Is She?

Am I nuts? I just can't see this image of the Virgin Mary on the garage door...can you? I was able to see Jesus on the garage floor but this one is perplexing...I mean, really...can you see her? Help me out her because I'm not seeing anything...

Tampa Real Estate

Have you ever considered buying or selling real estate? Of course, there are many different places around the world that you can focus on to do this.

Pete and I have a friend in St. Petersburg, FL and he has told us about some really neat attractions, activities, restaurants and such in the Tampa Bay area. This seems to be a nice area with a ton of things to do…very family oriented from what I can tell.

If you are looking into buying or selling property, you should check out the Tampa real estate market. I would think that this area would be fantastic to buy or sell in since it’s close to Disney and the beaches….sounds like a really fun place to live!

Thursday Thirteen

Zip on over to the *NEW* Up the Hill Gang to see my current Thursday Thirteen. I've posted about art work that comes form the Art-o-Mat which is a refurbished cigarette machine. I was thrilled to find out that there is a machine within driving distance!! I've already got two gals lined up to take a road trip with me...now I just need to carve out some time. I think I can do for art...yep, art and coffee, I can find the time!!

This machine can be found in New Hope, PA. Neat!

Geo Caching

It’s been awhile since we’ve been letterboxing. In fact, I think we’ve found all the boxes in our area and that’s why I would like to move on to geo caching. But first, we need a good GPS and few other supplies.

There are a lot of places to visit when you’re shopping for a system, but make sure you stop by Tiger GPS because they have a lowest price guarantee and that is so neat! That means that if I find another GPS out there that is less expensive that a system at Tiger GPS then Tiger GPS will beat that price. I mean really, can you beat that kind of deal??

Now…I need to hang out at Tiger GPS and do some research so I can pick the best system for needs!

I Chickened Out!

So...remember when I said we were going to mummify a small roaster chicken? Well, I opted for an apple instead! I mean really, I just couldn't bring myself to buy that chicken knowing that it would be wasted...not that it was necessarily going to be a waste since it was for education....but I just kept thinking that someone who was really hungry would love to have that chicken! I know...you're saying the same thing about the apple, but it's different...it really is.

So....we mummified an apple instead of a chicken. Come check out our quick apple mummification over at the *NEW* Up the Hill Gang.

Looking For a Job?

Looking for a job or looking for people to hire for a job? Then let SixQ.biz help you out!

SixQ.biz is a staffing and placement service specializing in all professional fields. I checked out jobs available in several fields and there were quite a few listings. Of course, there were a lot for nursing positions so I checked out what jobs were available for a Wine Sommelier…and yep, there were also quite a few of those listings too.

I don’t know about you, but usually when I check job listings I come up with the worst opportunities ever…ones that are not seriously jobs that I would even consider. So, if you’re looking for a job be sure to go View jobs at SixQ.biz.

Remember too, that SixQ.biz also can help you with staffing if you are a company or business owner who needs a position filled.

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Back to School Time For Pete

Well, folks...Pete started back to school this week and I've been taking him to campus so he won't have to walk five miles to get to his classes. Really, parking was horrible when I was in school a gazillion years ago...it's much worse now. And the students....they just walk out between cars and don't even look to see if a car is coming! I swear, I've almost smooshed three of them so far!! Cross in the crosswalks....cross where ever you want when there is no car coming...just don't jump out in front of me...especially in the morning when my coffee IV hasn't kicked in yet...sheesh...

Karl Blog...Neat Find!

Random Acts of Kindness, quotes, factoids and more…..What a great blog Karl Moore has created!

I love bits of trivia and quotes…I’ve been collecting quotes since I was young. I even have a file folder of quotes written on notebook paper that has, over the years, yellowed! Yep…it’s been a long time!!

And what about all this talk of Random Acts of Kindness…how can you not be inspired to reach out and be kind? What a neat idea to randomly be kind….and how inspiring and encouraging we are being to each other when we participate in RAOK.

Upon my first visit to Karl's blog, I knew that I would be returning. Karl posts about RAOK on Mondays and Factoids on Fridays…..with lots of motivational and inspiring stuff on the days in between. I’ve added Karl’s blog to my reader and I think you should too!!

This Cracked Me Up!

I was reading to Belle this evening and look what Chapter 4 brought us! A pig and a big steamin'
pile of poo! lol!! Belle said, "I think it's a fire, mommy." Yep...I can see where she would think that but nope...it's poo! What a neat book!! Nothing like pigs and poo right before bedtime!! Be looking for Belle's full book review sometime next week....

SlingLing...Neat!

Oh my goodness, folks! Now I must have another baby soon so I can use this wonderful baby sling I received in the mail. I’ve passed it along to Sparkle’s mom and she loves it also. Let me tell you about it….

Here’s a photo of the sling itself. This fabric is a black and white toile stretch twill and has such a nice feel…it’s stretchy but not overly stretchy. I’d say stretchy with strength! The design is wonderful and is easy to wear. I love that you can go to the SlingLing site and figure out exactly what size you need.

Not only is it easy to figure out your size, there is a TON of info on this site about baby-carrying and baby slings.You’ll find tips and tricks, wearing instructions plus more. Sara, the head slingstress, has created a great product and a great site also.

I have several fabrics picked out….now I just need me a baby!

Why I Need a Laptop

I need a laptop...really, I do. It doesn't have to be the best of the best. I'm just ready to spread my wings and get outta the house and do my blogging, writing, creating....whatever.

Here lately, it has been nearly impossible to even think. Hear my heart, I love my family and I don't want to leave or anything drastic and crazy like that. It's just that I have words and stories floating around in my mind and if I don't get them out I'm going to go nuts! So...here's where the laptop would help....if I could just step outside onto the back deck for just a wee minute, I could type away and clear my noggin...I could then come back in and be a better person! lol!!

So...Dad...I want a laptop for Christmas. Thanks! I knew I could count on you since I'm featuring all your wonderful photos on Wordless Wednesday....

Love Handle...No?!

Gee Whiz! Doctoring a photo to take out a "love handle"....a not very big "love handle"...all I can do is shake my head. This reminds me of that video where the model goes in looking all haggish and by the end of the video she has been transformed into a beauty thanks to the magic of the computer. This is just nuts....if you have love handles...well, then you have love handles. Sometimes, even when you are as slender as slender can be, you still have a little bit o' love handles....that's life! Sheesh....this is disturbing....stepping off my soap box now....

Artificial Boulders

I have always wanted to have our yard landscaped. Right now, our yard is in such pitiful shape and it has absolutely no personality….or rather, curb appeal!

I’ve seen houses around here that have huge boulders in them with flowers and bushes at the base. What I like best is when the owners have used an uplight to bring focus to the boulder…. it looks so lovely after dark. I have also seen some rocks that have the house number on them. The number is nicely displayed and doesn’t draw attention away from the landscaping itself. We would do this since we’ve had people complain about not being able to see our house number!

It never crossed my mind that these boulders may be artificial! I know that some probably are real, but I bet the majority of these boulders are fake rocks. I also never knew that these artificial rocks are used to conceal things like pumps and faucets. That makes perfect sense but it never crossed my mind!

I think artificial boulders is a great idea. Not only do they bring character to landscaping, they also are not near as heavy as the real boulders. We know first hand the difficulties in wrangling a real boulder!!

This was last year when our local Winn Dixie had closed and a new developer was giving away the rocks. The boys found a boulder with a rope wrap around it so they thought it would be wise to lug the thing over to the van. Of course, they didn’t move the rock even a smidge! Lol!! I think it would be much easier to just order a fake boulder from Artificial Rocks Factory. Certainly wouldn’t need to work so much!

Menu Plan Monday

I've decided to start planning our meals again....let's see how long I can last! If I can stick with the plan for a month then I will feel very accomplished...

You can see my current menu plans over at the *NEW* Up the Hill Gang...I've made the jump to my own domain! Scary but very do-able! lol!!

Velvety Goodness!

I’ve been talking to Pete about tossing my crappy clothes and replacing them with more stylish pieces. He thinks that’s a great idea…I guess because he’s tired of seeing my in bleach-stained t-shirts! Lol! I thought he like the bleach stained look since he loves Bleach! Those of you who know Pete know that one of his favorite things on earth is bleach…bleach takes care of everything. Got a dead possum in your backyard? Throw some bleach on it! Need gas for the car? Use bleach! Well…just kidding on that one but you get my drift!

But I digress….back to the clothing issue…

So, I’ve just been visiting a site that sells velvet clothing. Yep, velvet clothing….and it’s really nice! I think the last time I wore velvet was when I was young…very young. I don’t really recall having ever seen velvet clothing for adults…it’s probably been around and I’ve just not paid attention because I thought velvet apparel would not be appealing to me.

Wrong! I love this white top….it looks so comfortable yet so nice. I just wonder if I can keep my kiddos peanut butter and jelly hands off of my white velvet clothes?? Maybe I should check to see if there is another color…..

Teen Choice Awards...Ack!

So...I sat down to watch the Teen Choice Awards with my boys. Sheesh-A-Moley, folks!! I cannot believe the shows and people who were nominated...even the language and phrases that were used. I mean really, I expect that kind of stuff in adult programming but for our teens??? I know, I know...the bad words and phrases were censored but you could still figure out what was being said. And yes, I know that kids say things....but I just thought this awards show was just an unfortunate mess....no neat!

Note to My Sister

Dear Younger Sister,

Mom told me about your Wonder Woman message you recorded for your answering machine. I think it’s wonderfully funny…especially where you are going to strangle a boy with your golden lasso!! I came across this Wonder Woman costume I think you need. I know you may not be into sexy costumes but I figured since you are skinny enough, it would work!!

Love,
Your Older Sister

Well This Stinks!

Pete and I watched a good movie the other night...The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio. I wasn't really sure that I wanted to watch the movie because I had not read the book yet...the book that has been sitting in my bookshelf for awhile now. Since I have a gazillion books to read for reviews, I decided to go ahead and watch the movie....I don't like to do this folks because the book is ALWAYS better than the movie and then you have all the spoilers...sigh....but then I realized that I am only one person and I just can't real all the books in the world...so I caved!

The movie started out ok...Pete said he didnt' like it all. He had only given it around a minute...who in the world can tell if they like a movie in that amount of time? Apparently not Pete because after the movie was over, he said it was pretty good. Ha!

I liked it alot...and I would recommend it. The dad is an alcoholic and at times drops several bad-word bombs. He is also abusive. Having said all of that...my heart was broken for him. Go figure! So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that this movie is probably not one you want to share with the kiddos!

I do have quite a bit more to say about this movie and book but you'll have to come read those thoughts over at the other Up the Hill Gang!

So...I almost forgot the part that stinks...sheesh! I was checking out the author's site because I was going to write and let her know how much I enjoyed the movie and how I was looking forward to reading the book....plus a few more gazillion things because I talk to much. This is what I found on the front page:

Dear Readers: After a long bout with cancer, Terry Ryan died peacefully at home on May 16, 2007. She had been buoyed throughout her illness by notes and calls from readers who had just finished reading the book or watching the movie, and couldn't wait to tell her how much they enjoyed it. More than anything, Tuffy Ryan loved to hear people's comments about her prize-winning mother, Evelyn, whose sense of humor and indomitable spirit surfaced so often in Terry's own response to life. After the shock of hearing her diagnosis in November of 2004, for example, Tuff said pensively, "Well, my old life is over, and my new life is just beginning." This is a legacy her fans have the privilege of carrying on every day.

This is the second author that I have planned on writing only to find out that they had died recently. That makes me sad...I would have liked to encourage her...sigh...

Paris, France...I Want to Go!

Have you ever been to France?

I would love for Pete and I to take a trip to Paris. Of course we’d check out the Eiffel Tower and look for a tower souvenir. I’ve always wanted to have a little collection of Eiffel Tower models so I think my first one should come from the actual tower. Then we’d head on over to the Louvre to see all the magnificent pieces of art. I’m sure somewhere in the mix there will be yummy food at a café.

After a fun-filled day of seeing the sites, we’d head to our hotel. There are many Hotels in Paris so we would have picked one that is just lovely and will serve as a nice place for us to relax and refresh before we head out to experience the night life! There are quite a few Paris Hotels that are close to the sites we want to see so this makes for nice walks.

We will have planned several different things for each of the nights we are in Paris. On the agenda will be walking on the Champs Elyssées, visiting all three levels at the La Locomotive and checking out the Montmartre. I’ve heard the Montmartre is a wonderful place to visit…lots of diversity and wonderful music and food. I’ve also heard that the Sacre Coeur is just beautiful at night and that we’ll have a great view of Paris. Ahhhh….sounds like a plan to me!

If you are traveling to Paris, you’ll want to also check out these places and you’ll also want to check into all the Hôtels en Paris. There are many great deals for two or more people even if you are planning a spur of the moment trip.

Best Opening Lyrics

Ok...so, maybe this is sad but apparently there are a lot of others out there who are sad like me because this has been Digged...Dugged...whatevered like a gazillion times!!

I should saved this for Thursday Thirteen but I just don't think I can hold it for that long...too many memories and laughs! lol! So, here's a few of my faves....

"You were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar"
--Human League's 'Don't You Want Me'

"I was dreaming when I wrote this"
--Prince's '1999'

"Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?"
--The Carpenters' 'Close to You'

and of course #1 is:
"She's a very kinky girl"
--Rick James' 'Superfreak'


ok...this post has to end now because I just noticed that this site has a list of the "worst lyrics", "saddest songs", "killer b-sides" and more....yowsie!! This is my new favorite site ever and I must now spend the rest of the afternoon reading the lists and reminiscing! lol!!

Traveling in Germany and Austria

I love to travel. Unfortunately, Pete’s current work and school schedule doesn’t allow for travels more than 50 miles away! Lol! I’m finding that online traveling is the only way I’m going to see the world over the next little bit…now this is nice, but I can’t wait to actually travel…you know, pack, board a plane, sight see, buying gifts…all those things. Until then, I’m going to share some sites and deals I’ve come across.

Visiting Germany and then flying between Berlin and Vienna is something that can be done even on a tight budget if you know where to look. You would first need to check out the Hotels in Berlin. Once you’ve picked your hotel in Berlin, then you can look into flights to Vienna, Austria. Lufthansa has special web deals and they also host a “Happy Hour” where you can bid on different flights. Make sure you check the Lufthansa website even at the last minute because you may be able to get a lower price on your tickets.

After you’ve secured your flight to Austria, you’ll want to check out the Hotels in Vienna. Now flying back to Germany should be just as inexpensive as flying to Austria. Air Berlin has direct flights from this area back into Berlin.

So, now you know where to check for Hotels in Berlin and also for Hotels in Vienna. You also know where to look for those killer flight deals. Now, just remember who shared these tips with you…I’m available for travel at any moment…really, just call and I’ll be ready to go…I’ll just leave Pete behind with his school books! Lol!!

Gold Star Mom

I was really saddened to hear the news this morning...the news that a mother in California had lost another son in the war. She is now a double "American Golden Star Mother". How completely and totally sad. My heart is heavy for her and her family and I will be remembering them in my prayers...and I will also be remembering all those other Golden Star Mothers who have lost a child...and of course, all of us who have lost a child to disease and sickness. Sigh....it makes me sad to think of all the grieving....

Question About Protein Drinks

I’m not a body-builder. I knew one in college and I was always amazed at the care she took in the food she ate, didn’t eat, how she exercised and how she looked right before a competition. She was really quite impressive.

Of course, since my friend was a body-builder, she had plenty of protein drinks and shakes on hand. I was surprised to find that these drinks were quite tasty! I guess I figured they would be gritty with a bland taste.

Now, I have a question. Are protein drinks like muscle milk just for body-builders or could something like this be used to help with maintaining your sugar level throughout the day? I know that basically, body-builders use these drinks to help their muscles grow and bounce back after exercise…but could these drinks be used by people who are not body-builders…or is that just stupid?? I'd like some advice here. Lol!!

Tinkerbelle

The Tinkerbell lives at the sea. She lives with six children and a guy named Peter Pan. Once a girl flew there with Peter Pan. The little girl her name was Isabelle. She was wearing a pretty dress. These pirates came once and Peter Pan went on the ship. He flew up on the rope. He almost got killed. One more thing before I leave I want to tell you "arhhh matey".