Hey Y'all

Did ya know it's Domestic Violence month?  One of my favorites because I can get away with anything....it says so!

Therefore, I started cleaning out Miss T's room...whatta mess.   Violence to ME I guess LOL.

The other Violent thing going on in my house is this possessed computer.  It will NOT log into my separate AOL Icon...I'm having to do this through Firefox (which is a pain!) ... oh yeah, I've reset, restarted, rebooted and it REFUSED to cooperate.

More violence was that today I made Miss T go to the airport (didn't tell her we were going)....I wanted her to ride in a real live airplane just to see that it's OK.  My SIL's Dad has a lil plane and he was out there anyway and said we could go.

Once she figured it out she was ADAMANT about not getting in that plane.  She got in.....buckled up....unbuckled and got out.
Nephew, his mom and her dad took off for about a 10 minute ride and came back.  All the while I'm showing Miss T how well the plane is balanced and smooth and not sputtering etc....do you think she bought it?  Well,  yeah a little.

They got back and she got back in!!  They taxi'd a bit and then they were done....they couldn't take off this time because they were having radio burps....he said once he got them fixed we were welcome to come try it again.

Miss T was so proud of herself!  Kept repeating "I got in a plane" over and over.

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_1

Blog ID

AOL suggested we NOT name our new blog with the same name as we have it here....but I did.  Upon learning this I added "II" behind mine.

Some have asked about it  "Can't find you...."

Here I am.......Coastal Comfort II

http://coastalcomfortii.blogspot.com/

 

Love you ALL!!

 

from Magic Smoke

Please refer to Magic Smoke ...... they trying to help.

Here's a copy from them:

In case you haven't been reading my comments..

Some of my responses to users comments

To Paul, yes a copy of your journal will be made on Blogger. Your journal will still be available till Nov 1st. Also, the migration will be opened up to Journals users starting on or after Oct. 7th. We will be using this week to iron out any kinks in the process.

To Sherri - I would not worry about the migration too much. It should be fairly straightforward. Blogger will also have a helpdesk that you can send email to, if you have any issues and a live real person will respond and help out. So, all efforts have been made to minimize the pain.

To Yasmin (cayasm) and everybody else - Your journals will be copied over in its ENTIRETY (entries, comments, about me). So, anything else you hear is not true.

And no, your email account is not affected by this at all as some have been suggesting.

I understand that people are upset and that is okay. However, I request you to be patient and understanding as we work thru this process.

Vish

Trying out Blogger

I know a lot of you are trying out Blogger by creating blogs. So, when you create a test blog over there, call it something other than the name you want to use for your journal.

The reason I say that is because during the migration (read:copy) process, it will ask you for a blog name on Blogger into which to copy your journal. At which point you might not get the name that you wanted, because you have used it up on the test blog.

Of course, like everything in life there is a way around this, but I do not want to complicate your life any more than it is now. If you are savvy with Blogger then feel free to go and grab a name of your choice. I will show you a way to use that name to migrate your journal later.

The best thing you can do ahead of the actual migration is to create a gmail or blogger account.

Vish
p.s I created a blog on Blogger called jlandhub.blogspot.com as a placeholder for magic smoke(sadly i could not get magicsmoke.blogspot.com).

Shelly had a good point........what if AOL can't merge our journals because that name's already taken????

So I just added II behind mine!  Cross your fingers .....

http://coastalcomfortii.blogspot.com/

Blogspot Screen Shots

I am only "clicking on crap" as an instructor once told me, so that I can feel my way around our new home.  You can't hurt anything unless you hit SAVE by accident.  I'm running into boxes and tripping, but I am learning a few things along the way.  Here's somethings I hope will help....yes the RED marks are the blood from my boo boo's of moving ROFL!

Homepage.....has NEW POST and CUSTOMIZE

Settings / Comments

Comments......enter YOUR email addy where you want your comments sent to.

You can chose your background;  In here you can MOVE those boxes around too.

DASHBOARD....nice place to see your blog in its condensed version.  You can EDIT here; it lists your FOLLOWED blogs and their recent updates too.  I'm told we'd have to subscribe to FEEDBLITZ to get any kind of entry alerts.....the jury is still out on that one.

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_5

A little Blogspot info...

 Go to CUSTOMIZE

 

SETTINGS....see all those tabs?  archiving, site feed etc

 

FORMATTING....I turned OFF my thingie that makes you type in the code.

 

Comments....allows you to hide, etc.....

 

 

EMAIL....this is where I listed my AOL and GMAIL accounts!!!!

 

Now where do I get the setting for alerts on YOUR entries????

 

I'm still looking..............

 

How To..........

GGGrrrrrrrr

 

Download files

http://www.peopleconnectionblog.com/2008/09/03/how-to-download-your-hometown-files/

Download pics

http://journals.aol.com/journalseditor/magicsmoke/entries/2008/09/30/start-now---pictures/4065 

Blogspot

http://coastalcomfort.blogspot.com/

It's under my tommygirl971@gmail account.

There are others that I know who have a prior blogspot association.  I'm going to give it a try.  Not so sure I like it yet, but I'm still learning.  I know Sugar is there and Tracie....anyone else?  Come on John.....jump in.

Or another site to consider??

Boo Hoo To You AOL

Attention AOL Journals Users -- United States

Posted on Sep 30th 2008 9:00AM by Kelly Wilson

Dear AOL Journals user,

We're sorry to inform you that on Oct. 31, 2008, AOL® Journals will be shut down permanently. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

It is very important that you save your Journals content before the shutdown. We're working on a way to easily move your Journal to another blogging service -- you can expect an email within the next week with more details about how to do it. We want the transition to go as smoothly as possible for you, so you'll have two choices. You can either save your information manually and find another place to blog on your own, or let us handle the migration for you and automatically transfer your Journal to a different blogging service.

In the meantime, please bookmark the People Connection Blog, where you can find out more about AOL Journals. You can also subscribe to the People Connection Blog RSS feed to stay informed about any changes. We'll be updating the People Connection Blog often, so please check it regularly.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make this transition. We look forward to getting your blog settled into its new home.

Sincerely,

The AOL Journals Team

Tags: KEEP AOL JOURNALS AVAILABLE ;AOL JOURNALS

ABC CatchUp IJKLMN

With so much going on I didn't feel very creative and I really didn't "see" anything too special.  Nevertheless here's my Catch Up entry.

I = Island Time

J= Japanese Garden

K= Kite

L = Lily pad

M= Mushroom

N= Nest

 

Whew!  Yes, these are actual pictures I took....that lilypad almost looks like Monet!!

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_6

Digesting......need Tums

 

Poor Tom (rofl).

He's was excited about the verdict and possibility of a winning appeal.

Then he sat around thinking.

And of course I've lent my 2 cents worth.

He says "I didn't even get a defense - the atty didn't cross examime the cop."

I agreed.  I'd be willing to bet if the cop had been asked about the CAR he would not have been able to identify it - he never seen it, and he never saw Tom driving.

"So whatta ya gonna do?" I ask and of course he's not sure. 

The atty says he can win this....I said "that's what he said about the first one".... "remember he's out to make money on suckers like you who'll believe him.  Might as well take what you got."

I also said to him "9 of 10 people agree you got what you deserved" and his idiotic reply was "THEY WON'T SAY THAT TO MY FACE!"

Last night and into the wee hours he was so ill...up and down; smoking, grumbling, plotting, swearing...

Just like a kid caught with his hand in a candy jar.

Of course he says "when this is all over with we're selling and moving from this God forsaken state!  I never got into trouble before I came here!"

(It's never his fault you know.)

And me and my mouth said "you've just never been caught before."

I reminded him that his dear Florida was worse than NC when it comes to breaking the law.

So today he's home nursing a bad headache and nausea.  He's litterally making himself sick.

And I'm just telling it like it is.

 

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_3

I blew a gasket!

It wasn't pretty.  It's been building up for some time.

Miss T had been invited to go ice skating - she's always wanted to go.  I told her she would need a bath first etc.

"What do I wear?"

Jeans of course, in case she falls, plus it's cold.

She comes out with thin long cotton pants.

NO

But Mom

I SAID JEANS!

Then it was "will you dry my hair?".

She didn't like the way I was doing it and copped an attitude.

I'd had enough.  Between Tom's mess and her whining......

In my meanest Mommy voice I said "I've had it!  I'm tired of all of you people yelling ME ME ME....help ME, fix ME."

"WHEN IS IT TIME FOR ME TO HAVE ME TIME????"

Tom tried to get out the back door and I said "Oh no...you come back in and hear me out too!"

It was on!

Basically I was sick and tired of being the only person they depend on.  He's 56....tired of him acting like a 10 year old.   She's almost 12.  A kid I can understand and I'm not griping about brushing her hair etc, cause God knows I'll miss that one day.

I'm griping about:

1) What do I wear?   No I don't like that.
2)  Where are my ______?
3)  How am I going to afford this trip to court?  (How did you afford the drinks that got you there in the first place?)
4) How am I going to pay an attorney?  (See answer above)
5) What's for dinner?  (Excuse me?  Tom is home all day)
6) Are you coming to the studio after work?  (Can't I go home and be alone or check emails or .......?)

OK so it's typical mother/wife stuff but dammit!

I put my tennis shoes in the car last Monday, I was going to walk.......the intentions were good at least.

I have a nail that cracked and they all need to be filled.....still.

I have a house full of chores to do.

I ran away.  I told them DO NOT CALL ME UNLESS SOMETHING IS BROKEN OR LEAKING!  I ran away at 1pm to Cindilouwho's house with a 6 pack of Mick Ultra........planned to show her some photo stuff and then hit the beach for solitude. 

As soon as I'd gotten there my mom called......Miss T had called her crying saying "tell my Mommy....." and I said "well tell my daughter...."

Cindilouwho fixed us Quesadilla's and we talked and talked and I cleaned up her computer.  At 7:30 I was on my way home.  Never made it over to the beach.

In the meantime, bout 2 hours later, Miss T called me....."where are you?" and "I'm sorry.......... can I have $20?"

 

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_2

Court Update

 

An early morning phone call says that the Atty is going to have Tom plead Not Guilty.  He says "we have a good sentencing judge and if they find you guilty you might get 7 days; but we'll appeal".

The Judge listens to testimony and makes a decision.

14 days active jail time; 1 year supervised probation; lose license for 1 year and attend assessment classes.

They appealled to Supreme Court and will go to a Jury Trial sometime after the first of the year.  Supreme court only meets 3 times a year.

IF Tom wins that appeal, this all goes away including $$$$ for the attorney to handle that case and the wasted time in travel.  The attorney says they can win that case.

IF he loses it, the original charges will stick.

I'm angry.

Why?

Leave it up to Tommy to continue the tommydrama; more money spent; more time wasted.  I say keep the current sentencing and be done with it.

We've been down this road before and I reminded him of that and said "do you see where habitual comes from now?"

I know he heard the ill tone of my voice. 

The recent hospitalization of my suicide-attempting friend brought out words of "she should dump the loser" even out of Tom's mouth.  I remind him often "do you know how many people have told me the same thing about YOU?"

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_2

It's Illegal to Fart

Man charged after allegedly passing gas toward copThe Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 9:52 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 9:52 p.m.

A West Virginia man who police said passed gas and fanned it toward a patrolman has been charged with battery on a police officer.

Jose A. Cruz, 34, of Clarksburg, was pulled over early Tuesday for driving without headlights, police said. According to the criminal complaint, Cruz smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and failed three field sobriety tests before he was handcuffed and taken to a police station for a breathalyzer test.

As Patrolman T.E. Parsons prepared the machine, Cruz scooted his chair toward Parsons, lifted his leg and "passed gas loudly," the complaint said.

Cruz, according to complaint, then fanned the gas toward the officer.

"The gas was very odorous and created contact of an insulting or provoking nature with Patrolman Parsons," the complaint alleged.

He was also charged with driving under the influence, driving without headlights and two counts of obstruction.

Cruz acknowledged passing gas, but said he didn't move his chair toward the officer nor aim gas at the patrolman. He said he had an upset stomach at the time, but police denied his request to go to the bathroom when he first arrived at the station.

"I couldn't hold it no more," he said.

He also denied being drunk and uncooperative as the police complaint alleged. He added he was upset at being prepared for a breathalyzer test while having an asthma attack. The police statement said he later resisted being secured for a trip to a hospital that he requested for asthma treatment.

Cruz said the officers thought the gas incident was funny when it happened and laughed about it with him.

"This is ridiculous," he said. "I could be facing time."

Coastal Dis-Comfort

Thursday: Very windy with thundershowers this afternoon following a period of morning rain. High 68F. Winds N at 35 to 50 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Additional rainfall around a half an inch.
Thursday night: Windy with rain showers. Low 64F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.
Friday: Showers early becoming less numerous later in the day. High 76F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Friday night: Rain showers in the evening becoming more intermittent overnight. Low 64F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

So Saturday is looking like the best day.  This is weird.  Hanna was a Tropical Storm...I'm not sure this thing has been determined yet, but we're getting decent wind and steady rain.  Nothing backbending or drenching, but steady.  The weather guy was right.....no thunderstorms associated with this storm.

That's the worst thing about a hurricane or TS is the thunderstorms / tornado activity.

This really isn't so bad....just a decent rain.

Tom's gonna have a rough ride up to E City today ---- wind and rain.  He didn't sleep well at all last night.  Of course he's obsessing over the court date.  He does that....it's his normal thing to over analyze everything.

ME?  Whatever happens happens.  Do I think he deserves punishment?  Yes you betcha.  He says "I'm not habitual" and I say "Oh yes you are" which irritates him - but I come right back with "Excuse me, but do you or do you not consume and drive?" and of course he has to say that I'm right.

Well DUH of course I'm Right!

Do I think jail time is the right punishment?  Hmmmm 50/50..... it will make him mad.  It won't do any good for his health.  Miss T and I will do just fine if that's the sentence. 

I would personally like to see him wear an alcohol anklet.  It determines the amount of alk in the system, date and time.  Sure, it would probably be expensive, but then again so are these legal fees etc. 

If he is ordered to abstain and he gets this anklet and it shows substance, then it's jail time.

Knowing his dumb luck they'll dismiss these charges.........and he'll have beat the system again.  OR he'll get a suspended sentence with orders to attend an alcohol assessment class WHICH BY THE WAY is a joke!

I'm just glad that I'm holding on tight to the purse string and only allowing him to have what is necessary.  How sad to have to babysit a 56 yr old man.  But if that's what it takes to keep all safe.............

Jim Cantore's here!! Oh No!

 

North Carolina coastal storm may become Subtropical Storm Kyle

A subtropical storm (one with characteristics of both a tropical and an extratropical storm) has developed off the coast of North Carolina today. This storm is being referred to as 94L by NHC. Visible satellite loops show that some heavy thunderstorm activity has developed near the center, which is characteristic of tropical storms.

I made Tom come and look at the weather channel.  Jim Cantore is at Topsail Island.  "See?  I told you so" was my comment to him....

When I got home this evening the patio umbrella was still up and his remark was "so?" and me, of course, shaking my head says "why don't you just listen to me?".

So at 10:30pm he believes me.

Look, when Jim's here, you know it's rough.

Now Tom is driving the gas guzzling truck to E City due to the high winds and heavy rains with potential flooding.  Better safe than rich, er, sorry.

Seriously.....what is wrong with men?

He really had no clue that this "disturbance" was out there......and NO he's not blonde.

Ya think Jim would come over and hang out with me before he leaves NC?  Tom's gonna be gone and ..............

What Hurricane?

Wednesday: Windy. A mix of clouds and sun early followed by a few showers this afternoon. High 73F. Winds N at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
Wednesday night: Showers early, becoming a steady rain overnight. Windy. Low 62F. Winds N at 25 to 35 mph. Rainfall around a half an inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
Thursday: Windy. A steady rain early with showers and perhaps a rumble of thunder developing in the afternoon. High 68F. Winds N at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall may reach one inch.

 

So we had Hanna come through a couple weeks ago like she never existed.  Today we have a "disturbance" off our coast and it feels like the beginnings of a landfall outside. 

Windy....very windy and steady.  Rain to come.

Told Mr Man to be sure and take down the patio umbrella's and the flags out front......why do I have to tell him these things?  Shouldn't the lightbulb come on and ...........hmmmm...duh!

Seriously....when I left home this morning it was windy and I told him last night there was to be heavy gusts today and rain.......he was still in bed when I left at 9am.  HELLO!  Get up and secure the fortress!

It wasn't like he hadn't already been out in it....he took Miss T to school this morning because the bus didn't stop and wait for her since she wasn't outside.

Sigh..........

I would blame it on his upcoming court date of FRIDAY, but it's always like this....me reminding him.

Friday, yes....D day supposedly.  THE day and last day for his day in court for the DUI mess in E City.

He's going up Thursday afternoon ALONE to spend the night and be bright eyed and on time for court on Friday.  Remember?  It's a 4 hour drive.

So what happens if he's found guilty?

Jail???? 

Who knows.....these judges surprise me sometimes.  They'll find you guilty, then suspend the sentence based on your being on probation for X months and being a good citizen.

He, of course, is hoping to be found "not guilty" based on the fact that neither cop has any evidence.  Seriously, they did not see him in a vehicle nor did they see him driving....so....how do you make an assumed arrest?  (Help me here Greg)

If he's found guilty and gets jail time (which I've been teasing him about all week) then it's "Road Trip" again for me to retrieve vehicle.

I'm not going with him to court this time....that may seem ugly or as if I don't care ( ! ) but, I didn't create this mess.  If he's gonna play without me, then he can finish the game alone.  Bad wifey!

See?  There's always a bag of wind going on in NC.

5 things

The 5 List

5 things you collect = snowpeople, Willow Tree, crosses, clocks and shot glasses

5 things about your hair = medium length, blonde by choice, thick, slight wave, always perfect :)

5 things about your pets = don't have one, don't want one, glad I don't have any, don't send me one and just say NO 

5 things in your junk drawer = screws, floral wire, paper, magic markers, screwdriver

5 things you love to eat in summer = fruit, salads, fresh garden tomatoes corn and butterbeans, watermelon.

Your turn

J-lander mourning

 

A tough battle was fought this week and ultimately the Heaven's welcomed John's my brain is in pain Mom, Flo, into the arms of the Angels.

As he had told us, she slipped into a coma; He made one of the toughest decisions a child could in taking her off life support.

She died this morning at 1am with a Smile on her face.

How awesome.....what a great memory.  I'll bet she was seeing someone on the "other side" that was beckoning her home.

Still our buddy and pal Jumpin Johnny will need our support of prayers and love.....

Let's not forget the lovely MsJumpinJohnny jingles6721 either, Deb we know you're feeling the loss too dear.

Lots of love coming your way my friend.

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_3

Redneck in the Mall

A redneck family from the hills was visiting the city and they were in a mall for the first time in their lives. The father and son were strolling around while the wife shopped. They were amazed by almost everything they saw, but especially by two shiny, silver walls that could move apart and then slide back together again.
The boy asked, 'Paw,  what's at?' The father (never having seen an elevator) responded, 'Son, I dunno. I ain't never seen nuthin like  that in my entire life, I ain't got no idea'r what it is.'
 While the boy and his father were watching with amazement, a fat old lady in a wheel chair rolled up to the moving walls and pressed a button. The walls opened and the lady rolled between them into a small room. The walls closed and the boy and his father watched the small circular number above the walls light up sequentially. They continued to watch until it reached the last number and then the numbers began to light in the reverse order. Then the walls opened up again and a gorgeous, voluptuous 24 year-old blonde woman stepped out.
The father, not taking his eyes off the young woman, said quietly to his son, 'Boy..................go gitcha Momma.............

Update on Friend

Grrrrrrr comes to mind.

The hubby of friend is still being a jerk.

I think he's trying to isolate her from everyone - make her feel guilty like it's ALL her fault.

He growled at cindilouwho last night (she brought friend some reading material) and she told him in front of our friend that he needed to "can the attitude" in her bestest growl.

What a class act he is!

I phoned friend today and talked in my most cheery voice "hey - how are you? do you need me to bring you anything? magazines? ice cream? pretend umbrella drinks?"  She sounded good.  She's weepy and that's to be expected.  Said she had to get her "mental and emotional" side on track.

I said "Mental first....the emotional can wait a bit" and she kinda agreed.

According to her, they are going to try and move her to a regular room today - GREAT NEWS!

So I said "that's great!" and that I would try to go by tomorrow once she's settled in....I'll go during the day while jerk is at work - girl talk time.  I don't want to be pushy......this is probably very embarassing for her as well as touchy.  Someone (else) needs to make her see that she doesn't deserve to give her love to this jerk.

I told Tom on the way home.....women (like me) need to keep a fine distance with men...not allowing their heart to be totally given over to nor controled by a man.  I wonder if he got the point?

There is definately a wall between us.  It has been put there to protect my heart.  Sometimes I wonder just how much love there is for him.  We may have just reached a comfort zone that neither one of us want to give up....familiarity.

Sad.

 

Prayers Needed & Gonna Kick some....

The day was going good.....I was in a creative mood and wanted to cook.  I was thinking Chicken Pot Pie or marinating a london broil.

After dropping Mr Man off to watch football I went grocery shopping.  I've been wanting homemade biscuits so I picked up some buttermilk and came home to make a panful....yep!  I ate 2 hot with butter. mmmmm good stuff.

I sat down to watch "I pronounce you Chuck and Larry" - hillarious movie!! 

My phone rang......it was Cindilouwho telling me that a mutual friend had tried to commit suicide and that they're at the hospital!

WHAT?!?!

This lady had found out that her DH had been carrying on with another woman, found out who and all & he had said (finally) that he wanted a divorce.

(I noticed his behavior a year ago and even mentioned it - seems this isn't his first rodeo.)

Friend has been not quite herself for a while and decided to cash in her chips......  Thank GOD for putting the right people in the right place in time to get her to the hospital.  She just made it!

She'll be OK... just gotta let the meds do their thing.

I hope she comes to her senses and lets this lying cheating B*@#! go ahead with a divorce and takes him for all he's got and gets hers back.  He even was ugly to me tonight at the hospital....told me to "get the F out of here".  When she found out, she was upset, saying he had no right to say such things to anyone.  He wouldn't speak to anyone but his mommie, and when I simply asked "is she good? is she coherant?" that's the comment I got. 

Mind you, I was not in anyone's way....this AHole is just pissed off that everyone now knows what a scumbag he really is. 

Her kids came (they hate this guy - not their father) and are vowing that HE will not control this situation any longer.  I just hope their Mom cooperates with them and doesn't allow hubby to have her committed so he can do as he pleases and take her for all she has....she's put a lot into this relationship ($$$$) and doesn't need to be the loser.

He's the loser!

Cindilouwho and I got in some jabs with the mommie....she was playing all innocent saying "he's not having an affair" then admitted to knowing it just seconds later - but only after making her confess with some truths that were known that she couldn't deny.  He's one of those who has to "work" long and after hours and on weekends (NOT) and mommie mentioned him working and I jabbed "no one has to work 7 days a week" (especially in his position).

I think mommie has been egging him on........grrrrr.

Snakes!

Well things will certainly change now.  We'll make sure of this.  The kids aren't gonna let this go without a fight; neither will the girls! 

It's on!

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_3

Ike the tike!

And what a big boy he was.....

The Texans are OK!  YAY!!  Got a text from them - thankful to be dry and have a generator.  They are just north of Galveston...no power.  I'm sure we'll hear more as the days go on and clean up is underway.

I just sat in awe watching this massive storm.....how deep red the interior was.  When I heard that Jim Cantore was in Galveston I said "Oh no" cause we all know he goes to where the worst is expected. 

These are dangerous, yet beautiful storms....just like me to like the bad boys!  My x-coworker moved to Dallas after Christmas....bet she didn't think she was going to have to take along her Hurricane Survival Kit all the way there!

I went up to Mom's beach house to see what was on the island, yes Lanny, after a Pizza at my fave joint.  Seaweed trashed all along the coast line from Hanna.  The moon is just about full and the reflection was beautiful!  Monday is the official FULL MOON....maybe I'll slip over to mom's backyard tomorrow or Monday night...better charge up the battery and grab the tripod this time.

XRoomie's hubby has been in the hospital for 2 days...they did a cath on his heart, ballooned, roto-rooted and put in a stent.  Doesn't look real good for him.  She says she doesn't see them celebrating a 1st anniversary.  Sad.  No, she didn't know he was sick at all before saying I DO....don't think she would have gone that far if she did.

Well, I think I'll play around with some pictures tonight before I turn in.  Gotta crack the whip with Miss T....she wants to stay up all night...that makes for an ill puss extraordinaire!!

Nite nite

 

IKE!

Rhymes with Yike!

Making a bee-line for the Houston TX area.  Please keep my 2 nephews and BIL,SIL in your prayers.  They have not evacuated and don't plan too.  I just IM'd him and all is well (11:30pm their time) - just waiting it out safe and sound at home.

A Cat 2 storm is dangerous, but do-able.  It's those 3 and above that scare me.  This is such a large storm with a huge eye that is looking pretty ugly.

Gas jumped from $3.55 to $4.17 today!  What a rip off.  Can't they wait until the rigs are destroyed before they pillage my pockets?

On other Hurricane news, our Carolina Hurricanes signed Eric Staal for 7 more years Woooooo Hoooooo! 

Our Panthers made a beautiful game winning touchdown last Sunday.  My guy pals are going to the game this Sunday....let's hope for a win for them!  Miss T is upset she's not going.

My Yankees are doing a double on Saturday with Tampa Bay a team that is first in the East standing right now.....what's up with that?  I'll blame it on a season without Joe.  And Jeter is up for man of the year????

I was hoping to visit Yankee Stadium before the big move..........

Remembering......

It started out as an ordinary work day full of the usual pushing of papers.  Then the phone call saying "go upstairs and turn on CNN".  

I watched in horror the events of that morning 7 years ago feeling in the very pit of my stomach a sickness not like any other.

Scared.......I was scared.  Even though that was NY and I'm in NC my thoughts said "I'm smack dab in the middle of 3 military bases" and we're dealing with the unknown.  Who knows what/where/when the next strike will be?

John, you heard it coming....in PA.  You were probably the last person to see that plane before it's firey end.

You know NY wasn't expecting a second.

Pentagon?  Well, that's always been a target, but one behind the other?  Wow!  What's next?

The phone calls.

Hubby is a native NY'r and spoke with his daughter that night.  This retired NYPD cop was literally shaking at the though of "his city" under attack.

The call to the daughter brought more terrible news....a neighborhood kid that had grown up with her and spent many days in and out of their home was a firefighter that braved the Trade Center that day.

He didn't make it out.

http://home.mchsi.com/~jennworl/911.html

So today, Joey Henry, your extended families and friends remember you fondly with great memories and love.  Thank you for giving your all in a profession that you loved so well.

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_2

10 Esses

Try this one on for size:

List 10 things about yourself that begin with the first letter of your name.

1.  Silly

2.  Smart

3.  Self-reliant

4.  Super Mom

5.  Sentimental

6.  Sensible

7.  Scented

8.  Sister

9.  Skeptical

10.  Soprano

It's not as easy as you'd think!  I did cheat a little and peak in a dictionary.  Post a link to your answers!

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_1

Whatta Sissy Mary Thank GOD!

All hyped up and pffffft!

She was nothing more than a rain cloud.

I was awake until oh, 12:30am or so and Miss T asked me to sleep with her so I did.....I kept waiting and waiting but all I could hear was a gust here and there.

Some rain, not the torrential downpour that I'm used to with these things, and some gusts.

This morning we've had sunshine and as I've looked out the back door, only minor amounts of leaves fell.

All in all pretty good.

Nanny just came in and said one of her gutters came loose, but that's already fixed and she had some twigs and leaves too.

Now she and Miss T are heading to the grocery store.

So very glad that Hanna was all show and no blow!

Not worried!

At 6pm I called my Nanny and said "wanna go to Walmart?" and she said sure.  Would you believe that they were CLOSED!!  Not letting anyone in.  Sheeeesh it was only 6:30pm.

Tom said "you ALWAYS leave the house just as the storm is coming in" so he wasn't surprised when I announced I was leaving.

Target WAS open, they said they would "play it by ear".  Come on people!  There's no WIND yet and only scattered showers.

I needed conditioner for my hair.

OK so I really was just tired of being in the house and realizing I'd be cooped up in here probably most of Saturday too.  And I wanted an ice cream cone from McDon's.

Gas was $3.58 at Wally's gas station....$3.52 at Sam's yesterday.

Speaking of worry....Tom....funny.  He's all antsy and even made me put the photo albums in one of those plastic boxes with lids and get the home movies too!  Not a bad idea, since I do have that little roof leak.  If the storm causes any trouble there at least the priceless goodies are safe.

Now I'm off to fill up the tub with some water, just in case the power goes out and we need to "flush" or take a bird bath.

I doubt we'll lose any power at all.....now the satellite, that's in and out as the dark clouds hover........

Mmmmmmmm popcorn!  Miss T just brought me a bowl of fresh popcorn.  Gotta eat while the eatin's good!

Thanks for the well wishes and prayers for my NC....wet n soggy and signing out!

Nite all....

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_1

Heeeeeeere she comes!

Hanna is about 24 hours away.  They've already cancelled schools in our 3 coastal counties - even UNCW is closed on Friday.

Looking at the radar it looks like the EYE will come in right over Wilmington, Hurricane Central.

Mr Man has the trampoline upside down; we'll take in the other stuff tonight like flags, plants, etc.  It will be pool clean up day on Sunday - I'm sure it will get a lot of debris and bugs.

She's just a tropical storm now....that's good.  No more than a big bag of wind...that's easy.  It's the rain that I'm worried about.  My roof is leaking just a bit.  Hmmmmm, better buy some buckets eh?

But LOOOOOOK at I-K-E !!

Ike rhymes with YIKE! 

If he keeps up the way he's going, I'M GOING.  He's a Cat 4 now way out there...if he comes in here at a Cat 4 or more - you'll be seeing my tail lights.

Lisa move over - I'm coming to Tenn!!

OK, so before I leave work I should make sure all the electronics are safe in case the window breaks and the rain comes in.....can you say trash bags??

Tah tah for now.....

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_3

Hanna - nuff of Hurricane's

Ah yes, tis the height of Hurricane season and it is in full swing.  September is the busy month for the "bowling balls" from Africa.

Hanna is eyeballing our coastline.  Ike is behind her, but I think he's nothing more than hot air.  Now, Josephine...hmmmmm she's looking like she has potential.

Not to worry....I shall go shopping for the essentials.  Batteries, bungee cords (for the outdoor furniture and swing) bread, water, ice, cold cuts and some fruit.  Round up my flashlights, and check on candles.  Should get another bottle of hand sanitizer too just in case we lose power.  I imagine we'll just have a lot of rain...maybe not too much wind.  She seems mild, so far.  Nevertheless, women ARE unpredictable.

Mr Man gets a bit (who am I kidding - a lot) frantic.  Wants a "get away plan"......ok, if it were going to be a Cat 4 or 5 - YES I'm outta here.  And if that happens, then I'll cover my piano with a comforter and then a plastic tarp, pack clothes, toiletries and Rx, grab my computer, toss the important photos and papers etc in a laundry basket and in the family truckster they go.

 

The weather is actually nice....it has been around 62 or 65 for the last 2 nights.  The day temps in the 80's.  Hopefully the cool air will deter the storm too.  It just means my pool may be cooler than I'd like.  Gotta get some of those solar circles darnnit!  The days here are too nice not to enjoy the pool a while longer.

After this storm, I should hit the beach to see what treasures the sea tossed up.  I might find lots of unique shells and such.

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_3

Happy Labor Day

The day started with a text from my Sis-in-law wanting to know if the pool was open.  Of course, I said YES. 

I then called my Mom to let her know the kids were coming over.  I thought they'd come on earlier than they did, but I guess with a 3 month old you go by their schedule.

My Mom picked up my nephew and came on over...my bigger little brother came too.  Seems his wife was waiting on the baby to wake up so the boys came without them.

They had lunch poolside then the splashing began about hi-noon.  We talked lil mr man into wearing swimmies on his arms.  I coaxed him by saying that he was going to have to and learn how to swim because he would have to teach his lil sister next year.

Reluctantly he wore them ---- the entire time.  And even allowed his Daddy to let go of him (he didn't know it happened) and he swam over to me!

He was so proud of himself.  We all were!  Especially Princess Ducky.

Now, Princess Ducky is just that....she is a bath toy, wearing a crown, robe and holding her scepter.  It belongs to his sissy, but he's taking care of it until she can play with it.  Hey, he's only 3.

I haven't been able to find a duck just like this one.  But here's a picture of one just like it.

 

I actually caught myself talking to this damn duck after lil mr man had gone inside.  Too much sun?

They all left before 3pm.....

I can hardly believe that this is the last official weekend of summer...not for us in the south, though, because our temps keep us on the beach for at least another month.

HANNA..........I am SOOOOOOOOOO hoping she either keeps well to the south of us or turns out to sea and blows away.  I am feeling so bad for the New Orleans area with Gustov blowing in...at least he is diminishing and not as devastating as Katrina was.

(YAWN)  Too much leisure time this weekend...tomorrow is back to the grindstone.  At least it's only for 3 days this week!

 

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_3

Rotten Weekend #2

Yes, indeedie....I spent this weekend ditto to last!  

My bestestfriendinthewholewideworld Cindilouwho needed me to rescue her day on Saturday.  I volunteered to pick up a friend of her DH at the airport after my nail appointment.  (Missie would you believe it had been 4 weeks?!?!)

The friend was here to drive her DH BACK to his home state of Illinois.  Yes, friends, it was a short 8 month marriage.  Lasted longer than my predicion of 6 months.

  After her DH was packed and on his way, she came over to my house, oh around 3pm for a pool/slumber party.  We quickly jumped into our suits and the pool.  Pool Boy aka Mr Man was waiter/bartender/DJ for the evening. 

         

I had picked up goodies for the weekend festivities and began making Chicken Tetrazinni for our Saturday dinner....made it early so I wouldn't be bothered. 

XRoomie showed up with her DH to get some more of her things out.  Then they dove in the pool.

       

Speaking of diving.........Pool Boy brought our first rounds of Pina Colada's to the poolside and promptly dumped them over...into the pool.               

(This brought back memories of a previous slumber party at cindilouwho's home several years back -- a hot tub full of women, and Tom...Cindilouwho coming in with pitcher # 3 or 4 and tossed one leg over the hot tub, lost her balance and dumped the libations.)

               

Try #2.....2 drinks spill on the deck.  Roomie has the first drink.  And believe it or not Tom was sober!!  He was failing miserably at being our waiter/bartender at this point.

Try #3...third time's a charm.  Keep em coming.  Oh no we're out of RUM! 

                 

Sending pool boy to the alphabet store for more.

Finally by 9pm we've had enough and we head in to bathe, do our toe's and put on "Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins".

In the meantime, Pool Boy sneaks out of the house........sneaks!  Just like a teenager!  Comes back around 1:30am....had gone to the bar.  Guess he couldn't handle us gals having a goodtime without him.

Hmmmmmmmm

Sunday was 10:30am pool time until 4pm.  Nothing but floating my cares away.  Mr Man was Chef du jour for the afternoon snackages and he set up the Jimmy Buffet CD's to shuffle! 

Easy Livin!

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_11

Summer

Where did it go?  This summer has flown.

 

 

 

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_4