Coastal Comfort

Hey Y'all

2008-10-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Blog ID

2008-10-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

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).

2008-10-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

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.

A little Blogspot info...

2008-09-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

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..........

2008-09-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

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!!

Digesting......need Tums

2008-09-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

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.

I blew a gasket!

2008-09-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

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.

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?"

Court Update

2008-09-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

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?"

It's Illegal to Fart

2008-09-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-09-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

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.

Redneck in the Mall

2008-09-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

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....

2008-09-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

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!

Ike the tike!

2008-09-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

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......

2008-09-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

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.

10 Esses

2008-09-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

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!

Whatta Sissy Mary Thank GOD!

2008-09-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

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....

Heeeeeeere she comes!

2008-09-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

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.....

Hanna - nuff of Hurricane's

2008-09-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Happy Labor Day

2008-09-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

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!

Rotten Weekend #2

2008-08-31T20:24:00.000-07:00

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!

Summer

2008-08-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

Where did it go? This summer has flown.

Spoiled Rotten!

2008-08-24T20:00:00.000-07:00

I bitch and moan about alot of stuff but I've got to say that I am Queen!

Last Thursday I had the best lunch with my gal pal T! We ate at Red Robin, talked business and pleasure and pleasure and how men just don't always "do it" for us. We laughed and plotted .....can't tell you about that! She is so creative and upbeat and funny -- it does me good to be with her. We should make it a weekly date to have lunch together. What's stopping us?

I came home from work Thursday to get to Miss T's open house at Middle School and then went to my favorite sub and pizza joint. I sent a text to Roomie "max's?" and she called back saying she'd meet us.

It was a good dinner......just not long enough.

Y'all say a prayer or 2 for Miss T....she's a bit (a lot) nervous about going into Middle School...lots of "what if's" coming from her. She and I will go back up to the school Monday morning to feel it out again. There were so many people at Open House it was overwhelming to her.

Friday Miss T had solo practice at 4:30 and I met with an insurance man to sign papers for my parents policy. Then it was straight home. Miss T's friend came over for a sleep over.

I haven't left the house since then!

During the night my baby bro was "drunk texting" me.....and I had to laugh cause he said he'd met a lady identical to me and it freaked him out...but not in a bad way.

Wonder what THAT meant?

Saturday my bestestfriendinthewholewideworld Cindilouwho came over to swim and hang out.....then her daughter called and I said "come on over too" so she did and brought her 3 yr old daughter. That kid has NO FEAR....thank GOD I had water wings to put on her cause she LIVED in the pool. We all got in around noon 30; came out for hot dogs and back in. Mr Man had gone to the store and bought dogs, burgers, chips, chili, kraut, drinks........

I didn't come out until 7pm. Tom had already gotten a shower. I said "go turn the hot water on for me so I don't freeze" waiting for it to get from the heater to my shower. He did.

Then I finished reading my mystery "Murder at the Opera" by Margaret Truman. Love her mysteries.

Today Mr Man was up early, showered and headed to church ---- I was still asleep and had no idea he had left. Miss T woke me around 9 and we had breakfast; she got dressed for church and left with my Nanny.

Cindilouwho came over with her semi-defunct husband soon to be X husband. (He just doesn't get it) I never heard them hit the water....I looked out and she was skimming the pool!

(Seriously he's on his way out! Leaving soon to go back home to mommy and daddy.)

We enjoyed a dip from about noon 30 till 3 when some clouds rolled over all the while Tom is inside making Baked Ziti for me!

I like when he cooks, most of the time. He cleans up behind himself. Plus the food is great!

I can't believe I haven't left this house in over 48 hours for a change...ahhhh nothing pressing to do this weekend....nice!

Blowing Kisses

2008-08-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

Just messing around in PSP stuff.

I liked this one so I thought I would share it with y'all too.

Snag away!

Fay Go Away!

2008-08-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

I see by the latest Weather Underground map that my homies in the South West Florida area are gonna get a little wet.

Martha, Shelly & Robin and my FIL, BIL and gal pal and her daughter BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES and stay inside! I think my crew from Naples and Ft Meyers just went back home after the wedding showers to hurricane showers.

The gang in the Keys are going to have a slow ride north....that's a long drive on a 2 lane road!

Gas up! Load up on the snacks and batteries and flashlights and radios. Ice down those coolers and pack em full of drink. Ain't nothing like a good old fashion Hurricane Party.

My parents owned a large hardware store and I have spent many a storm sleeping there on a cot or lounge chair. After Miss T was born I wised up and got an air mattress and brought my own sheets....it gets cold sleeping that close to a concrete floor even in the summertime.

It was BYO -- piled high in the break room. Plenty of paper products, hand sanitizer, plastic forks etc, bread, chips, deli meats, peanut butter, jelly, donuts, honey buns, cheese, carrots, crackers, pop tarts, fruit, hot dogs, you name it, we had it.

One year Tom had just made some meatballs and sauce.....so I brought it out and we boiled up some noodles before the power went out. We all dined rather well....even had steak and pork on the gas grill out back in the large storeroom.

At times there were as many as 16 of us all hunkered down in the store. We knew that early the next morning we'd be up and helping customers as they needed it or we'd be working all day through the storm with or without power to get plywood, nails and such sold to the public.

We'd crank up the generator and power up one of the main servers to work the registers and run some fans. The longest we were ever without power was 5 days. It was on at my house within 3 days and that was Hurricane Fran back in 97 just 2 months before Miss T was born.

As food defrosted we'd cook it on the grill or at my Nanny's - she has a gas stove. We always hooked up her generator to keep her freezer running - didn't want to lose those garden veggies.

The "good" thing with Hurricane's is that you have some warning. Time to pack up important items like pictures and legal papers and gather supplies. I'd much rather be "overly prepared" than much sorry later.

Color Me Blue

2008-08-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

Your result for The Color Code Test ...

Color Code: BLUE: The Social Butterfly

29% Red, 43% Blue, 11% White and 17% Yellow!

Here is the basics: For a more in depth analysis, I suggest you look up the Color Code, and take a more intensive test.

BLUE MOTIVE: Intimacy

BLUE NEEDS: To be good (morally), To be understood, To be appreciated, Acceptance.

BLUE WANTS: To reveal insecurities, Quality, Autonomy, Secuirity.

SUMMARY: Blues are motivated by altruism. They love to do nice things for others. they look for opportunites to give up something in order to bring another person happiness. selflessness rather than selfishness is their guiding philosophy. Blues seek intimacy. They want to be loved and to love. A true blue will sacrifice a successful career to improve an important relationship. Blues crave being understood. They are gratified when they are listened to, when they feel understood and appreciated. Blues may have thier hearts broken more than most people, but they also spend much more time in love. Blues are directed by a strong moral conscience. They have a moral code that guides them in their decision making, their value judgements, and their leisure time. A blue would rather lose than cheat. Ethically, blues are people who should be in positions of power, but seldom are.

http://www.helloquizzy.com/tests/

To My Friends

2008-08-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

None of that Sissy Crap

Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems?

Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship. You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card-Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad --I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared -- we will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7. When you are sick --Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall -- I'll pick you up and dust you off.

9. This is my oath...I pledge it to the end.

'Why?' you may ask -- because you are my FRIEND!

Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.

I Do and I Do

2008-08-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh the weddings of the summer are done.

Yes, the first wedding. Walking over and on to the beach and a shot of the ring placement. You will see Larry the Lobster in the trash can if you look hard enough. I also included a picture of the "band" (juke box) and the wedding "cake" er pizza.

Then wedding 2 chimes in with starfish atop a cake. I made the peach colored candy seashells for this cake for decoration . (Patting self on the back) The rest were given out with each slice of cake. A church wedding, country club reception and DJ dance music ending with the happy couple parading through a line up of large sparklers and hopping into one of 2 limos.

It was a beautiful day for each wedding. Neither was too hot or humid (my hair stayed in place thanks to my Kenra hair spray). Each bride was glowing and radiant.

I wish many many happy years together for both couples.

To the chapel...again!

2008-08-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

Boy this summer has been filled with something to do. It seems I've not gotten a moments peace. It's either work or DH or dancing or weddings, showers, babies........

Today my bestestfriend Cindilouwho's daughter gets married.

I finished making the chocolate seashells for the cake. I really liked the yellow ones and the light peach colored ones me and Miss T came up with. We'll be picking up the cake today at 1pm and getting it set up....I'm sure to take some pictures of it once we're done.

Last weekend I made the chocolate ones and some swirled, some sand colored....

Why do I put myself in these positions?

I guess cause I love it! Glad I can help in some small way.

I'm emptying out my camera card and making sure I have a full battery. I'll be back with some pictures of both summer weddings....I hope.

I did get a chance to relax in my pool today....until the nephew dropped by. He decided to swim too and of course only "Aunt Sharon" can catch me. He's a dream!! And a schmoozer too.

Off to get my beauty rest....got a long day ahead of me.

Nite all!!

Surprised they don't lock me up!

2008-08-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

Me! Yes, me.

I got a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt.

So I'm sitting there in my car fuming! because how dare they stop ME for such a small infraction (I was saving my lunch which was sliding into the floorboard) when my DH is "allowed" to drive under the influence habitually!!!!!!

OK Greg, I know you're gonna say "It's the law" but geeeesh. Motorcycle cops (which this one was) don't wear seatbelts!

My wearing a seatbelt does not insure that I will NOT cross the line and run over someone as a drunk would.

So what did I do?

Promptly asked the cop "why?" .......

He says "we do our best"....

(Oh no he didn't just say that!)

I held my composure and just stared at him.

Got back in my car; wrote down Mr Man's info, driver's license etc and told him to do us all a favor and do their job by catching people like this!

Can you guess that I'm pissed off????

Angry is more like it.

Sharon needs.....

2008-08-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

This is one of those things that from time to time you need to do just to get a laugh....or a handle on life. GOOGLE your name with needs or wants behind it and write down the top 12 results.

Sharon needs….a new world. (Oh to be able to wave a magic wand and make everything perfect and happy)

Sharon needs…to be told to stop shooting and start talking. (I think they got this one backwards)

Sharon needs….our prayers. (AMEN)

Sharon needs….more time to work out peace policy. (ROFL - goes without saying)

Sharon needs….a friend. (Got em)

Sharon needs….to do succession planning. (Planning???? Come on....when I plan someone else fails.)

Sharon needs….a hand. (Please someone praise me for all my hard work!!)

Sharon needs….labor support. (So very true...I need some part time help in my office!)

Sharon needs….5 minutes of peace. (CALGON!)

Sharon needs….to do something simple. (A dip in the pool perhaps?)

Sharon needs….to get back together with Nick. (ROFL - OK I'll admit, he IS a hunk, so I'm game if he is!! Young and the Restless)

Sharon needs….a swimming suit. (Oh please, let's not even go there.....)

Dog Days....

2008-08-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

They're here.....the Dog Day's Of Summer.

It's friggin hot! Heat index to climb to 110!! Even the pool doesn't look inviting it's so hot.

Last Thursday they began replacing the air unit at the office. THANK GOD!

But....it was too late....I caught a cold. Guess it was due to the heat and the fans running, stirring up the dust etc.

So I've been miserable ever since Wed evening...sore throat, snotz, coughing. Heavily medicating, sleeping a lot. Made some candy seashells for my bestestfriendinthewholewideworld daughter's wedding cake on Friday.

I did manage to make it to church on Sunday. Miss T was receiving her Baptism certificate and Bible, but I was 5 minutes late and it was over with before I got there!!!

Had a baby shower to attend also that day. It was actually fun. But I was miserable with my head all stuffy. Back home and back to bed.

I stayed home from work on Monday. Needed the break....guess I'm spreading myself too thin, plus all the stress surrounding me is bound to be wearing me down.

Still need to make a few more candy seashells for this weekend's main event.

The wedding is Saturday. A couple of us are picking up the cake to take it over to the reception hall and set it up. Since I have the candy seashells (white chocolate) I get elected to "help" decorate.

I'm so proud of the bride and groom. They have both worked real hard to graduate local colleges and now go on to higher educations. They have both been accepted at a great college....hewants to be a Doc, she is going to be a Physician's Assistant...at least, that's the plans for now. They have a 3.5 yr old lil girl.

They are also paying for most of this shindig their selves. Whew! That's a lot!

Speaking of nuptials....I haven't heard from the July Bride and Groom but once. Seems all is well. No news is good news I'll say.

Hot Hot Hot

2008-07-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm talking about ME!!

Of course.....

The A/C is leaking at work and is beyond repair. I've had someone juice it up Monday and said come back Thurs morning. It's been completely out today and this fan is making my sinuses hurt and my nose is running.

I know, I know.... poor baby.

This Southern Belle does NOT like to glisten if it's not necessary. It's different if I'm at the beach or by the pool....that's intentional! But inside?!?! No way Hose A!!

I've got a guy coming to install a new unit here at the office....whew, but not until 4pm Thursday!!!!

Thank GOD I've already done payroll.

Clarifying....

2008-07-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

Selling jewelry is optional....not because I "need" the money. I just don't wear the stuff anymore. The only time I put on my engagement ring is for an event (wedding or shower, etc) so....as they're advertising, now is the time to sell "old gold".

Moving.......it's a thought. It would make my life easier and more convenient.

But......

There's a lot of leg work to be done and considered before I make that move.

Miss T would start a new school.

And NO if I made that move Tom wouldn't be a part of it. I've talked it over with a dear friend and my Mom. No one wants to see me leave my home and legally the best thing would be for Tom to leave....abandonment.

I have also decided that I will NOT go to E City with him in September. Let him face whatever it is alone. If he's incarcerated, I'll make arrangements to go pick up the vehicle.....again.

I have thought about alerting the DA there that he is "habitual" and deserves whatever they'll throw at him. What he needs is GOD, good counseling and an alcohol monitoring bracelet.

Thinking of .....

2008-07-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

......selling some of my jewelry.

Well, the gold stuff that is.

Especially one shell ring that I loved forever that finally broke 2 years ago at a dance competition - given to me by my first hubby.

I never wear my diamond ring anymore.........

Or that diamond heart necklace...........

One my Dad gave me has never been out of its box......

I'll keep my pearls.

And my wedding ring....it has 7 diamonds in it and you never know when it will come in handy ( out at night - alone ).

........moving.

Now there's a scarey concept.

Actually mentioned it to the boss this morning. Moving into town would get me closer to everything - work, dance, shopping. Gas is a killer. Miss T would have to start a new school, but hey, she's doing that anyway - it's MIDDLE SCHOOL YEAR! Plus most of her friends are dancer's anyway and in town.

Money..........ah, the dreaded evil partner that never seems to be there when you need / want it. Geesh, security deposit, first and last months rent, utilites, PACKING! Ugh, packing!

.........just thinking...........

Numb

2008-07-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

Went away for a few days, me and Miss T.....left Wed about 6pm to head to Myrtle...spend some time with my Mom and StepDad.

While we were gone....Tom had a confession (on Thursday eve) to doing "something stupid" which is his code for drugs.

Didn't talk with him on Friday......

Got home this morning, Saturday, around 9:30am; got him up to finish pressure washing the house. He did....but he's very quiet.

Miss T wanted to go over to a friend's house, so I dropped her off and headed over to have my nails done.

On a hunch, just decided to check the bank balance......

$ -850.00

Just how the hell does a bank allow that????

Looks like he "celebrated" his idiocy after his confession.

Do I see a "curb" in his future?

Sealed with a Kiss

2008-07-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

They did it! They actually got married.

I rushed home after grabbing 3 roses, 1 red for the bride, a pink one for Miss T and a Yellow one for me.

Once home I shoooo'd the groom OUT! Just go away - we'll see you there at 4! I figured that would give the bride a chance to roam around freely and not be stuck in her "old" room.

Miss T was already dressed....Tom was deciding which shirt to wear. I had to mow down the forest, change clothes and fix my hair and makeup.

First tragedy.....the zipper broke in her dress! Yes it did and there was no time to fix it. Luckily she had other dresses to choose from. We all decided against colors or print...go with the ivory and sheer cover.

Tom was the official chauf! He drove us to the Island to meet up with the groom and his best guy. We were about 15 mins early - not bad! But....the Magistrate was running 40 mins late!

OMG!

There we stand.......can't get into the building. Luckily there was a cool breeze (as cool as it can be in July). When he got there he was so sorry and all that yeah yeah yeah. We were not impressed with the "decor"; Best guy and I signed the license.

Then the Magistrate said "would you like to do this on the beach?" and I was thinking 'he read my mind'!! OF COURSE! Off we went across the street and over the public walk.

You could hear whispers from some of the sun bathers and their kids "looks like someone's getting married" and such.

I let them set up....Miss T by the Bride, Tom beside her (guess he was the "father of the bride") and I stood back and snapped pictures. It was a beautiful day!

Honestly, they really seem to be connected. They both wrote beautiful vows and the Bride cried.

After the ceremony and the handshakes, guess where we held the reception..............(come on Lanny....)

My favorite sub and pizza joint WOOO HOOO!!!!

Hey, we were all hungry and it was quick and easy.

The newlyweds arrived first, and we came in behind them saying "well the least we could do is throw you a reception!"....

$2 was put into the jukebox to play the couple's favorite tunes. When the pizza arrived I started singing "the bride cuts the cake, er, pizza......" so she stood up, he held the pie and she cut the first slice out!

ROFL!!!!

Hey, we had to make the most out of what we had!

I said to Tom "we throw a nice party"..... the restaurant was packed!

Applying for Social Security

2008-07-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's license to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.

The woman said, 'Unbutton your shirt'. So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair.

She said, 'That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me' and she processed my Social Security application.

When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office.

She said, 'you should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability, too.'

............And then the fight started.

Outer Banks Adventure

2008-07-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

"When something effects your quality of life, it time to make a change"

I stumbled upon this quote on a spoiler site, how true.

Did I find it by "accident"?

We were in E City last Friday for court.....it was put off again until Sept 26 due to the paperwork not being changed to reflect the "correct" charges.

Sigh....That made for a long day for basically nothing except that I said "let's go home by way of the Ferry's". Little did I know it would be a 3 hour drive to get to the first ferry (a 40 minute ride across Ocrakoke) and cross your fingers to make the 2nd ferry (a 2hr 15min ride across the Pamilco Sound). I had to book it down that island, passing everyone / thing in site! I mean 90 mph at one point! (Greg - let's just pretend it's a hypothetical situation)

The islands are beautiful....I was holding my camera out the window and snapping whatever I could. I said we should come back when we have time to explore. I would have really liked to have seen all of the lighthouses. As it was we only stopped in on the Bodie (pronouced Body) Lighthouse for a quick pic.

Miss T did not like the first ferry ride....it was a rough one and I hear it's normally that way. I guess that's because of all the yachting going on and the wake they make. The ferry rocked a bit and Miss T was apprehensive. Plus it was raining and that sucked big time!

If we had not made the 2nd ferry in time for the 5pm ride we only had 2 choices: 1) turn around and drive about 8 hours to get home or 2) wait till the 10pm ferry.

I had been driving since 4am. I did NOT want to miss that ferry! We were the last vehicle let on and as I parked they closed the back and tossed me the wheel block, tooted the horn and off we went. You can see in the picture Tom's relief at our arrival.

Miss T asked how long the 2nd ride would be and I (lied) said "oh not too long". Once we were on it, they announced our "Welcome Aboard" and for us to enjoy our "2 plus hour ride" across. Miss T's eyes widened up at me.........

She survived. We actually saw some lovely dolphin jumping. I barely had time to capture one with the camera....gotta play with the picture to bring it out. This ride was smooth and very pleasant....not too hot, not too noisy.

We stopped in a sandwich shop in Morehead City - starved! Even Miss T asked for more!

It was such a joy to drive into my yard even if it was 11pm.

H is for Happy, Horse & Hatteras ABC Photo Challenge

2008-07-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

H.....I kept saying to myself.....

Then I remembered "Mr Happy" along the highway in front of a nursery and I'd been meaning to snap his picture...not easy at 50mph.

Then there was the trip to E City and the ride home via the Outer Banks Islands. I have NEVER been to Hatteras nor seen the lighthouse before.

It was raining and we were in a hurry so this is all I got that was "H" worthy.

Horses under a Hut

Hatteras Ferry and Hatteras Boat n Bait

Have a great week!

Going to the chapel......

2008-07-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

Roomie's getting married!

For real!

Shocked me....for this wasn't the guy I would have picked. But, she says he's "touched her heart" and that's all that matters.

Tuesday, July 22nd at 4pm.

I had been teasing her about getting married July 11th to a friend up near where we were going for Tom's court appearance. Guess the boyfriend heard me and decided to get while the gettin was good.

It's been interesting having her for this past year. Someone to bounce things off of; someone to help with homework and child pick up and cook and clean and laugh with and cry with ....

HEY!

Wait a minute!

Who's gonna keep Tom in line? Who's gonna be there to say YES, Sharon is RIGHT!

ROFL

Well, she semi-officially moved out. At least she's been carting off stuff and staying overnight at the "honeymoon suite" boyfriend's house.

But I'm in possession of the dress hehehehehe.

Gradually her room is getting cleaned out.

That means I'll get some storage space back (yay) and I can begin to reorganize.

Right now I have photos scattered all over my living room floor. I can't believe I haven't updated an album since 2002. Blame it on the age of digital! This should be the LAST project on my list, but noooo, I'm in head first.

Best wishes to the Bride and Groom!!

Postcard Virus????

2008-07-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hmmmmm

I received this in an email and ya never know....tis better to be safe than sorry.

SNOPES HAS CONFIRMD - BIG VIRUS COMING !!! PLEASE READ &
FORWARD ! !!
( http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/postcard.asp)
Hi All, I checked with Norton Anti-Virus, and they are
gearing up for this virus!
I checked Snopes (URL above: ), and it is for real!!
Get this E-mail message sent around to your contacts ASAP.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS , FAMILY AND CONTACTS!
You should be alert during the next few days . Do not open
any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD FROM HALLMARK,' regardless of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C of your computer. This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address in his/her contact list. This is the reason why you need to send this e-mail to all your contacts It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it.
If you receive a mail called' POSTCARD,' even though sent to
you by a friend, do not open it! Shut down your computer immediately ..
This is the worst virus announced by CNN. It has been
classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever. This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus. This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept.
COPY THIS E- MAIL, AND SEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS. REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US

Monday Morning ? With Krissy er Val

2008-07-07T14:21:00.000-07:00

If you were to grill out this weekend, name four foods and a drink you would bring along?

Chicken marinated in a pineapple mango glaze

Homemade Cole Slaw with apples and almonds

Triple Chocolate Chunk Brownies

Corn on the Cob and lots of butter

Fresh fruits

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Happy 43 to me and THANKS!!

2008-07-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

Wow.....43.

(And I never did like Richard Petty much.)

We rode downtown last night to soak up the fireworks. Had a great view from the riverwalk, basically front row seats!! The weather was perfect, a light breeze, and good people around us...not the obnoxious kind I've experienced in the past. Then it was off to Dairy Queen for an ice cream.

My birthday has been great....up early; my nephew came over (with his Mom and baby sister) to swim in the pool. He's soooooo funny.

After about an hour a dark cloud came around so I had to get us all out of the pool.

Then TnT and I set off for town to get my nails filled and one fixed. (Missie, you KNOW our nails have to be perfect!) After that accomplishment Tom said "we need to go to the mall and get you a gift" ......

I couldn't think of a thing I wanted.

But I needed a new pocketbook and Belk's was having a sale. Found one I liked. Proceeded to clothing and ran Tom away (I hate clothes shopping with him, especially now that I've gained so much weight).

Right now a lot of stuff has been marked down at least twice! I got 2 pair of capri's and a shirt and a pair of black shorts. Miss T found 3 shirts.

Then it was off to Olive Garden to meet Mom, StepDad, SIL, nephew niece, baby brother and have dinner complete with cake! They sang to me twice. Parents gave me some money - the best gift, one size fits all!

THANK YOU to everyone! for all the great birthday wishes. I love you all! Yes, LJ, Tom did good this year....actually bought a card a couple of days BEFORE my birthday.

I've received so many snail mail cards, e cards, email siggy's and calls and such...I'm just overwhelmed by the love!! Wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that I go around singing and reminding everyone that it's my birthday now would it??????

The beach house is empty for a couple of days....I think we're all going over there tomorrow afternoon to hang out and walk along the shore. I started to go over there tonight, but I was just too tired to pack up and go.

Nite all! Have a great Sunday!

It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To

2008-07-03T15:59:00.000-07:00

'Tis my Friday and the day before the July 4th holiday which is the official start to my BIRTHDAY!!

Normally I would be singing and reminding EVERYONE that it's my day. I'm just not into that this year...come to think of it I probably wasn't last year either.

Is it the "40's"???? Do I have the Forty-Funk? I didn't want to. Cause before long it will be the OTHER F word.....then what will I be thinking?

This week has started off decent. My Nanny had ordered me a dress and it came in. My frist card came on Monday from Tom's niece! Then a couple on Tuesday; one on Wednesday. Today I got one from my father in law and a gift card and one from dear, sweet Lisa Jo (thank you darlin!!). They are all displayed on my kitchen wall just as if it were Christmas again!!

Also today my friend "T" took me out to lunch and gave me a card and gift certificate (love you T). She is very special to me....always makes me laugh.

That's IT!

I'm not surrounding myself with my friends anymore........no fun in my life. Man I gotta get out more often!

I go to work; dance; home, repeat........Boring!

Then Tom isn't in the mood to "do anything" because he's in constant pain and depression. (Throwing my hands up)

We don't have anything special planned for the 4th. It is my "birthday tradition" to go to the local fireworks display downtown. Probably end up in the pool, some burg's n dog's on the grill. Tom mentioned a Carvel Ice Cream cake for me for Saturday.....My parents are taking me out to eat Sunday.

That's about it........

Except that I have set a date for Roomie's wedding! July 11th whether she likes it or not. I've already contacted the Groom and informed him that we will be in his immediate area and just meet us at the courthouse. He thinks I'm kidding.........NOT!

Y'all be safe!!

67 days later.......

2008-06-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

It was a good 67 days give or take a few.

Thursday, June 26th Tom had a Dr appt and came by the office to discuss a new camera with me. He was all excited about getting a "good deal". The "good deal" turned out to be that my Mom was offering to pay for 1/2 of a new camera.

So we looked over a few and I selected some to compare later.

Once he got home and delivered Miss T's lunch to her (she was with Roomie) he took off for some lunch of his own.

And had a glass of wine with the best friend's wife which lead to a stop at the liquor store for a couple of mini bottles.

I called him in the middle of the afternoon and noticed a "change" in his voice.....light and excited. I asked if there was anything he'd like to "confess" or "tell me" and of course the answer was NO.

We discussed money a bit because there was an issue in the bank account and he says "by the way, you'll be getting a delivery of flowers this afternoon for our Anniversary".

I said thank you, then without much thought said, "Why today? Esp since we're leaving on Fri and not coming back till late Sunday? Why not wait till Monday?"

Seemed logical to me. But he said Monday would have been one day too late and he'd be in the dog house. So he figured this was a good thing. It was.

Then I called him back about 5 after I left work. He asked if I received a delivery and I said "yes, thank you that was sweet" and he said "good I'm glad I did something nice" for a change in the same old light, funny voice and I just let him talk. Finally I asked again and he admitted to "a glass of wine".

Once I got home he became obnoxious.

Told me I was ungrateful -- (because I made the comment about getting the flowers when we were going out of town).

Asked me "where would you be without me?" (yes, I'm rolling my eyes)

Then he started in on HIS money (which he said he would never do again) and words began to exchange. He went back in the bedroom to lay down.

He really hurt my feelings.

And then low and behold my home filled up -- with people. Miss T's friend and her mom showed up, so the girls got in the pool; the Mom and I sat on the deck. She knew I was ill. Tom came outside, roomie came outside, roomie's new beau showed up. Then my Mom, StepDad and Nanny.

Did someone call the army too?

Funny how several people could "smell" the situation.

Interesting that it didn't take long for them to leave either. Except Roomie's new beau. We all got in the pool and left grumpy frumpy to his misery. I believe I could have slept in that pool all night.

The one good thing about this (and only one)??

The roomie's new beau is a recovering alky and said that seeing Tom this way just emphasized why he became and will remain sober.

So SALUTE TO TOM for keeping one man on the straight path.

A-Z "G" Gaggle & Golden

2008-06-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of Geeeee pictures. Gee, I didn't know what to show or what to look for. Did find a grasshopper, but he wasn't anything special.

Near my home there is a field that was flourishing with Golden Blooms (wildflowers probably black eye susan's) and what really set it off to me was the old rusty silo and run down storage house that was in the background. For a week I tried to get the perfect sundown picture of it because the sky colors would have really set it off. But couldn't find time to get to that spot at the right time - maybe next Spring. LOL

Golden Field:

Then, this weekend we were in Charleston SC and wandering around the famous King Street shopping district I ran across the cutest display of Geese in Rain Gear.

A Gaggle of Geese:

And of course, a traditional Gazebo in the Park.

Geee, I guess that's my "G" entry!

Ta ta for now!

Sharon

Going with the flow...

2008-06-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

I probably irritated the bossman yesterday when he wanted me to "push" my way to the front of the line at a local government office.

I said NO. Told him that I wasn't going to have them talking bad about me like they did the co-worker (that left in Dec for TX) and we were just going to have to wait our turn like everyone else.

He retreated to his office.

Sorry dude, but you're nothing special and I'm not gonna make enemies just because you think you're different - that's my thinking.

Next!

Went home yesterday after work and fell into the pool. Stayed there until 8:45! Perfect temperatures!

My Mom had come over earlier and spent 2 hours in the "refreshing" water. Nephew had come over on Tuesday!

Miss T has had several overnight guests. Hoping for one more tonight as we head down to Charleston SC for the national dance competition. I told this kid she could ride down with us (cause she doesn't want to ride with her mom and that "other" lady) and I would take her to see Rainbow Row and the Battery.

I want to leave no later than 9:30am; maybe stop at a store just South of Myrtle Beach and grab a bite of lunch before heading on. That makes a good stopping point to PEE and stretch the legs. It's a good 4 hour drive so they'll watch movies.

Miss T dances twice and they're within a 45 minute window of each other so most of the weekend can be spent like a mini vacation.

Besides, Sunday is my wedding anniversary....

Obama

2008-06-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

As emailed to me........

Coincidence? Slip of the tongue? I doubt it.........

You are aware, probably, that Barack Obama lost his bearings recently and said that he was going to campaign in all 57 states. You heard this? And everybody chalked it up to, "Well, he's tired."

Barack Obama says he's gonna go out and campaign in 57 states, he was just tired, you know, it's been such a long campaign, he's been so many places, he probably thinks there are 57 states. Well, I have here a printout from a website called the International Humanist and Ethical Union. And here is how the second paragraph of an article on that website begins. "Every year from 1999 to 2005 the organization of the Islamic conference representing the 57 Islamic states presented a resolution to the United Nations commission on human rights called combating." And the title of the piece here is, "How the Islamic states dominate the UN human rights council," and there are 57 of them.

Obama said he's going to campaign in 57 states, and it turns out that there are 57 Islamic states. There are 57 Islamic states. So did Obama just lose his bearings, or was this a more telling slip, ladies and gentlemen?

DO ALL AMERICANS A FAVOR AND FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE ON YOUR EMAIL LIST.....

Bad Me......????

2008-06-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

First I will remind myself and others that I did not ask for an alcoholic Father. I didn't select this man to give me life, this man that is totally unable to own up to being a father.

He was never around when I was growing up - well he was rarely around. As a union electrician he felt it best to work out of town because that's where the money was.

But his family didn't see much of that at all. If it had not been for my Papa and Nanny we would have been starving and naked.

In a few weeks I will be 43.

I have not talked with my Father since late Feb/early March when we were making plans to attend an out of town dance competition. That was fine with me.

At that time he was about to have a court date. Seems one of his latest "girlfriend's" fell and broke a wrist and of course they arrested him for assault / resisting arrest and who knows what.

I just figured he was in jail.

Until 3 days ago. He called and I ignored the phone because at first I didn't recognize the number.

Then I told Miss T who it was and she answered it...talked then gave me the phone.

He had obviously had a couple of drinks.

(YAWN)

This man is uncapable of being a "father".

The conversation is always more of a joke....lots of jokes. He is not concerned with our welfare or life. He just checks in every once and a while to "look good".

Last night his number popped up on my caller ID....Miss T said "who is it?" and when I told her, even she wouldn't answer the phone. He rang my cell 2x....then my Mom called to say he had called her house "because it's important".....yeah right. I turned off the cell.

It's usually "someone is after" him; or he's sad and lonely living in the past, "boo hoo I lost your Momma" BS. They've been divorced for over 30 years GET OVER IT and stop whining to me about it I DON'T CARE!!

How horrible.

I don't care. I really don't. It wouldn't hurt my feelings one bit if he never called again. Is that so terrible?

Once upon a time I would have given anything to be Daddy's girl; I think I actually had some fantasy idol imagry of him.

But not anymore.

It's a part of my life that is soooooooo in the past that I don't care much to dig it up.

My father doesn't have any children that will have a relationship with him. My brother was adopted by my stepDad and his 2 kids will NEVER know my Father; my oldest brother (which I never found out about until I was 22) doesn't have a relationship with him either nor does his daughter.

So he's basically "alone" in this world except for a sister and an aunt and her family that puts up with him.

From time to time I have family historical questions I'd like answered but there is only one person left on that side of my family that might could answer those. My great-grandfather was of Indian descent somehow....that's the questions I'd like the answer to. His only living daughter has the family Bible. Guess I could call her before she expires. Once her kids get it, I'll never get the information.

I have not seen my Father's sister in years. Last time I laid eyes on her, we were both going into the same store and I made sure she was in way before me and I stayed on the opposite side at all times.

I didn't want to hear it or get into it with her.

She doesn't bother to contact me and I didn't want to be chastized for "you never call me".

Well the shoe fits both feet ladies and gentlemen! And way back when you would drive PAST my house to take MY GRANDMOTHER somewhere and NEVER STOP still sticks in my mind.

Forgive and forget? I have for the most part. I just don't have any desire to be a part of that side of the family.

Long Day

2008-06-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Up about 9am and headed to the grocery store to get some items for breakfast. Miss T had a friend sleep over and she mentioned wanted an omlet with bacon. Wouldn't you know I didn't have any bacon.

Roomie chastised the girls for running and jumping onto pool floats. Tom got a bit miffed about it and was in a bad mood all afternoon.

I must agree, sometimes she can be a bit overboard with her analysis. The kids were only diving onto the floats to skim across the pool.

It was a bit cooler today ..... rained and hailed some, but in between drops the girls enjoyed their dips in the pool.

My neck has hurt for 2 days now....I can't seem to get the kink out of it. So today I hooked up to my tens unit for about 30 minutes then used a heat pack. Finally Miss T grabbed under my head and pulled a couple of times and it relaxed a bit. I thought that massage chair at the nail salon would have done the trick, but noooooo.

Speaking of Miss T.......Sunday is her Baptism. I'm so proud of her making this decision all on her own....well, not ALL on her own. My Nanny takes her to church and I'm sure she and my Mom have had a lot to do with that. No, I'm not leaving myself out....I know I've raised her properly. But I'm not a great example of one who attends services on a regular basis anymore. Tom has started back, thankfully.

Well, TMI but I gotta pee.....

A Real Entry?

2008-06-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

It would be about time!

Life goes on around here.

Last week was awful hot and this week is actually pleasant.

Gas went up and gas came down - and gas went up again and seems to be on the way down again.

The most I've seen around here was $4.05 and that was at the thieve's store. The normal guys are at $3.94 to $3.99. Costco was $3.88 on Sunday.

The only reason I know that is because I met my parents at the Olive Garden for Father's Day and it's beside Costco. It rained all day.

Just wait till they "think" a hurricane is coming our way and BAM! gas will skyrocket. Thieves!

Last Friday I spent the entire afternoon in the pool.....just lounging - not splashing or swimming. Floating, relaxing. Boy did I need that!

Saturday I spent the entire day on my feet. 3 recital shows and Miss T was in each of them with the 2nd show being "her" show. The first one was for the toddlers and the 3rd was older kids. Each had some of our competition dances mixed in and the production number at the end.....Miss T was pretty relaxed all day. Basically it went pretty easy. The dance owner decided on ALL BUNS instead of worrying about hair changes, so once I got the makeup on Miss T could handle the rest.

I actually got to sit down and watch the 3rd show without worrying about costume / lipstick / hair changes.

Tom's court date for last Friday was put off till July so we didn't have to go. Glad of that! He had a liver biopsy this past Monday to see how his Hep C has progressed over the last 15 years. Won't know about that till July 2nd.

At the risk of jinxing a winning streak....Mr Man is still "free". No alky no nothing since April 22. Too bad he couldn't have done this all along this past year (or longer) ---- he could have had so much more, so much more fun. He could have been leaving next week for the cruise.

Hard lesson to learn.

My new niece does nothing but sleep and eat so says her Daddy. She is so quiet - doesn't wake up when you pick her up. I wish I could sleep like that. Her Big Brother still "lubs" her and says "she's fine" when you ask him about her. He was over this evening for about 20 minutes to jump on the trampoline. He said he'd come over Friday and swim with me.

Speaking of brothers....mine was over with my nephew, playing, and hailed a ball...........right into the side of my head!

It's only the 2nd time he's EVER been able to get in a punch. He's just lucky our kids were out there with us or I'd have.........

A-Z Photo Challenge "F"

2008-06-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

I looked and looked but nothing would "jump" out at me, nothing that said F ......... so I dug through my pics and came up with these.

Fountain at Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach:

Miss T helped me line up the sun in that one so I'll give her the credit for it.

Fountain in a local park:

Just needing to be snapping pictures one day so I decided to stroll through a park in the early spring.

Fishie at the Bass Pro Shop Aquarium:

I wanted frollic or fungus or something fun - it just hasn't been an "F" kinda week. Could have posted "fat" but y'all didn't wanna see that either!

But....it is my Friday so that's an official "F".

Enjoy your weekend. Mine will be dancing!

HELLO!

2008-06-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

Can you hear me now????

Are the alerts working yet????

Somebody...............

anybody...............??

6th Grader in da house!

2008-06-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

Yay! Miss T has graduated from 5th grade. Now it's on to middle school.

Who knew that a 5th grade grade ceremony could be so emotional? But it was. The teachers really become attached to the kids and what an awesome group of teachers we have at our school. We have been listed as a School of Excellence for several years now.

This year the 5th grader's scored over 90% on their end of year tests! That has never been accomplished here before. Also an overall straight "A" year had never been accomplished in 5th grade in the history of this school (it's only about 9 years old) until this year and one girl was the proud recipient and a fellow dancer friend of Miss T's.

5th Grade has been an awesome year. I have noticed the changes....she's not a baby anymore. I would have LOVED to have had teachers like the one's they have now. The children have more confidence and are made to feel important and that counts for a lot.

5th grade has been sad too....2 of Miss T's classmates lost their father's to cancer this year. One of the Dad's was a friend of my brother's from his school days. They also, er, we also lost a dear lady to cancer too...the devoted librarian with a heart of gold and great love of children. A known icon in the community. The 5th graders gave a gift of a garden bench in her honor.

They composed a DVD slide show of the year and are making it available to all students. It was over 30 minutes of pictures taken throughout the year of student life....in class, on field trips and such.

Can you find the graduate?? Hint: between the ballons and with yellow flowers.

Incompetency Bowel Syndrome

2008-06-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

Let's pretend it's a Lion Pouncing!

IBS That's what I have right now!

Incompetency irritates me to no end! Especially when the incompetent one is an educated person ie Attorney or Manager.

I have been fighting for 2 weeks to get a Map reviewed, approved and recorded in the City system. Finally today all was accomplished.

I can forgive the one guy for he is undergoing chemotherapy.

The one that really grinds my @ss is the attorney. A simple proration of a monthly amount........and she asks me "how do you do that?"

I actually said to her in a tough tone to begin with "Excuse me....you need to...." because she was trying to talk OVER me.

ME! She wants MY help and it is beyond me that she cannot comprehend a simple task.

I think that I shall start submitting an invoice to these people that I have to hold hands with to get their job done.

Esp the Bossman.....

Get this. We have a CBU (cluster box unit) mailbox outside the office. We DON'T get mail here, we get it at the PO. These boxes are about, what? 5x5 square for each tenant?

So he says.....

"Will you check the outside box to see if they mailed the car tag here instead of the PO?"

(Are you with me so far?)

I looked at him as serious as can be and said.........."I know it is NOT out there because #1 it WILL NOT FIT and #2 we don't receive mail out there per our request."

He says without missing a beat, "well maybe they sent it here anyway"....

I kid you not!

I also have DH at home who says to me....

"How much money do I have in my account? I don't know how much I've spent."

Ran Out of Gas - a little off color

2008-05-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

A little girl asked her Mom, 'Mom, may I take the dog for a
walk around the block?' Mom replies, 'No, because she is in heat.'

'What's that mean?' asked the child.

'Go ask your father. I think he's in the garage.'

The little girl goes to the garage and says, 'Dad, may I take
Belle for a walk around the block? I asked Mom, but she said
the dog was in heat, and to come to you.'

Dad said, 'Bring Belle over here.' He took a rag, soaked it
with gasoline, and scrubbed the dog's backside with it to
disguise the scent, and said 'OK, you can go now, but keep
Belle on the leash and only go one time round the block..'

The little girl left and returned a few minutes later with no
dog on the leash. Surprised, Dad asked, 'Where's Belle?'

( YOU'RE GONNA LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!! )

The little girl said, 'She ran out of gas about halfway down
the block, so another dog is pushing her home.'

If you ain't laffin'...
You ain't livin'

STIMULUS CHECK

2008-05-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

As you may have heard, each of us will be getting a tax rebate check to stimulate the economy.

If we spend that money at most stores, all the money will go to China. If we spend it on gasoline it will go to the Arabs. If we purchase a computer it will go to India. If we purchase fruits and vegetables it will go to Honduras, and Guatemala. If we purchase a good car it will go to Japan. If we purchase useless stuff it will go to Taiwan and none of it will help the American economy.

We need to keep that money here in America. The only way to keep that money here at home is to spend it at yard sales, since those are the only businesses left owned by Americans !!

PASS IT ON !!!!

A Southern Topsail Stroll

2008-05-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

I was home alone most all day Monday...unless you count these guys.

Mr Man headed out early (3:30am) to go fishing some 60 miles out with a friend from dance. Mahi fishing.....they caught barracuda and a couple dolphins.

He had a blast. Told me on his way home (8pm) that he hurt his already hurt knee...the replaced one...when the boat landed hard out of a wave.

Mom, Miss T and my nephew came over for about 45 mins - long enough for them to jump on the trampoline and wear him out for his nap.

So, I'm in the house thinking to myself....

"Self?"

"Why aren't we at the beach?"

With no real excuse, I grabbed my camera and phone and headed over to the Island.

The water was a beautiful green and blue.

I strolled along the south end of the island, near the inlet.

The breeze was perfect and the sun was just right.

Trouble is on this end the shells are not ripe for picking....not like they are up at the North end.

I needed this cleansing stroll.

On the way home I called in a sub order at my favorite sub/pizza joint (Lanny!!) and I'm glad I did....they were packed and the steak and cheese sub with banana peppers, lettuce, tomato, and special house oil was delicious!

Miss T was at Mom's so I swung by there to get her.

It's gonna be a great short work week!!

A-Z Photo Challenge - Exfoliate

2008-05-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

E....eeeez not as eeeezy as it seems.

Elephant, ears, eggs....

I wanted electricity...lightening in the sky type, but here's what I have.

ex·fo·li·ate (ks-fl-t)

1. To remove (a layer of bark or skin, for example) in flakes or scales; peel.

I was going to use Escarole....but nahhhhh.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhhh, we're all loving the extra long weekend. Me? I'm not doing much of anything. Cleaning up around the house, and waiting anxiously for my new niece to arrive.

I've had my nephew over for a while the last 2 days...he calls up (only 2 3/4 yrs old) "Aunt Sharon? Is Tahwa home? Is the trampoline dry?"

He's just toooooooo cute.

He brings over all these little balls and puts them in the trampoline and they bounce with him....only they pile up at my feet and get under my feet....I can't jump!

Last night he was here while his mommy and daddy went out to eat before the new baby arrives. We jumped, then dangled our feet in the pool and watched the new strobe lights dance.

Today it rained most of the day. Luckily the pool temps stayed the same. Hopefully Sunday and Monday will be POOL DAYS around here. Mom keeps asking if we're going to cook out at my house (since I have the deck and pool.......hmmmmm) and I said "dunno". Really makes no difference to me, they're all welcome anytime.

Tom is making baked ziti tomorrow and my SIL will surely be here for dinner...unless baby has other plans of course. If baby waits till Monday, that's my Papa's birthday.

Speaking of Tom, his license were delivered promptly to him by FedX on Friday. His 30 days of revocation are up. Now it's up to the Judge. We go back to court June 13....(sigh).

I have been saving all the forwards from the PSP group. Soon I'll break into the program and surely become addicted. There are so many cute everything's out there to work with.

Roomie is still with the current guy friend. Must be working out pretty good. I half expect that she'll come for her things soon. Nice having my home again. But I do miss her.

I've taken some pictures this week, I'll share them soon. I've been rattling my brain on the A-Z Challenge of "E"...I think I have an E picture....to be posted tomorrow.

Nite all!

Drunk Spiders and Mish Mash

2008-05-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

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

Interesting video.........sent to me from Cindilouwho. She's cutting our hair tomorrow (me and Miss T). I need it!

Seems she's not in marital bliss anymore. Sigh... anyone else but me see that one coming?

Today is Tom's Dad's birthday. Da big EIGHT-OH. Mailed him a card n cash.

My pool has been uncovered for a month. Just when the water temp breaks 72 we have a cool night that dips it back to about 68. Just a weeee bit too chilly for me. Plus it's been raining every other day.

I broke down and got Miss T a cell phone. Figure she can get acquanted with it over the summer prior to entering MIDDLE school next year.

She's ready for POINTE shoes this coming dance year. She's very excited and has already had a fitting for them.

I also let her drive my car around the neighborhood. WOW.

Where did the time go? Just yesterday she was a cute 3 year old. Next week she'll be married.

Mr Man is still moping around....tomorrow is the end of his 30 day license revocation. I mailed off a whopping $100 and a FedX envelope for them to return his license. I'm sure not gonna drive 4 hours one way to get them.

Not with gas at $3.81.

Anyone remember when minimum wage was $3.81? Damn it puts a different perspective on it when you think of it like that. I remember working for $5 an hour and thinking that was great!

Speaking of work....it's getting busy. I knew it would since we started a 7 unit townhouse building. Don't know how much longer I can remain a "one man band" in that office.

Roomie is trying on a new boyfriend. She's been "gone" now for almost 2 weeks. Seems she's liking this guy a lot...having fun and all.

Hmmmmmmm.........

I got the 2nd computer back up and running. Maybe I'll be able to stick that PSP stuff on it and "practice". I'm sure I'll turn into a junkie once I start.

Still waiting on the new baby "little itty bitty" to show up (my new niece). Bet she comes this weekend being that the 26th was my Papa's birthday and all.

Tom says we're having the traditional Burgers N Dogs this weekend. I bought a new American Flag today to replace the old battered one we had.

Still waiting for my Stimulus payment. Not sure if it will be here this weekend or June 13th. Why not? Well, not sure if I put my name/SS# first or Tom's when I filed. If mine, then it won't be here till June. Gonna (hopefully) sink it in the bank. Can't be giving it back to good old Unc Sam.

Made our reservations in Charleston for the dance comp - just happens to fall on our Anniversary weekend. A 2-fer. I do love Charleston. Beautiful, historical city. And Andolini's Pizza YUM!

Well, that's it for my boring week so far. Told you it was nothing but mish mash.

Love me anyway!! ROFL!!

Walk Thru The Arboretum

2008-05-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

Across from my work is the county Arboretum full of any and all kinds of local foliage. It was a lovely day so I decided to take a tour. There was a school group there on a "scavenger hunt" and I could hear the teacher yelling for them to remember to be able to name the plants they find.

Part of the area is being rennovated so I couldn't tour the entire site. I did catch a honey bee diving for goodies.

The rose garden was in full bloom, but most of the blooms were faded making way for new ones.

Later in the year they have a Camellia Showing complete with blue ribbons and such.

Wish Pearl Pictures

2008-05-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

Last night Miss T and I opened the "Wish Pearl" package and began the process of finding my fortune!

It came packaged in a "can" with a clear top and the pull tab bottom. It said it was full of alcohol and to drain it into a container in case the pearl had become loose.

Put the mollusk in the baggie and break the edges and open with the enclosed spatula.

Find the pearl in the meat and rinse it off. Place it in the pendant.

What a neat project for Mother and Daughter!

$3.71 this morning

2008-05-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

..........and it's not even Memorial Day yet.

$3.71 -- went up yesterday - Happy Mother's Day huh?

Bet it's $4 for my birthday -- July!

When do we get a break?

Happy Mothers' Day GOLD

2008-05-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

What a crazy weekend.

First, Friday Miss T had the DARE graduation; then the DARE dance which I was informed I was helping to chaperone.

Lots of screaming kids....just yelling in each other's faces, what's up with that these days????

We left early Saturday morning to ease on down to Myrtle Beach, stopping for lunch when we got there.

Once inside, they (our staff, not the competition people) were trying to rush us all....to accommodate solo's with group awards and vicey versey. I said NO do not rush my kid...she already is suffering lately with anxiety attacks and I will not add to it.

She did a beautiful job. GOLD trophy and a medal on her solo .....(wishing it was REAL gold). GOLD on the groups Saturday and PLATINUM on the production today.

What better way to spend Mother's Day for me than watching my baby dancing beautifully.....none.

Miss T and I went out to the Olive Garden Saturday night, just us. On Sunday we met at a burger joint for a "surprise" birthday lunch for one of her dance friends.

On the way home we stopped at the Outdoor World. We found a "Wish Pearl" Necklace kit.

Wish Pearl -- A Wish Waiting To Come True

It is an actual mollusk sealed in a container of water and a necklace. Inside the mollusk shell is a pearl of one of 5 colors. You open the container, make a wish and open it up. Whatever color you have is equaled to a "good luck" saying like health, or wealth.

She bought it for me.....I haven't opened it yet, I think we'll do it together - with pictures, of course. That should be real special.

Wonder what I'll wish for??????

Lunch & Weekend

2008-05-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

TGIF to me!

It is always great to have lunch with friends, truly awesome friends.

Today was that day with my gal pal T and her hubby. Love love love em.

I'm still struggling with a name for the photo scene. I'm loving all your suggestions and have them saved for tossing around...it's just hard to decide. For now I still just use my initials and year and that's ok by me. But if I were do become famous and need a gallery.......

DUH! Photo Scene!!

I just re-read this and DUH. ROFLMAO!!

OK OK stop laughing at me....I'll keep thinking. Angie I'm still liking the Photo 65 idea.

What's on tap for me this weekend? Dance competition of course....the last one before the Nationals in June.

We'll be in sunny Myrtle Beach (Haha Greg!) early Saturday morning and into late Sunday. Yes, it's Mother's Day but that's OK. I wouldn't wanna be anywhere else but with my Miss T.

I hear it's going to rain, though, I may not be able to get in my game of golf...Putt Putt that is.

Friday is the D.A.R.E graduation and dance at Miss T's school....I'll be there of course. Just a few more days till the dreaded EOG's and then SUMMER VACATION.

WOW.....that's close! About 3.5 more weeks.

Crabby answers

2008-05-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

First lemme say that I'm still not sure what's in that crab hole. I've emailed the pic to a science teacher. Roomie says that it appears to be a large anemone that a crab has conquered for snacking on.

That's gotta be one big crab by now! I'm just glad I wasn't digging in the sand and found it....I would have pee'd myself for sure!!

On the way home last night from dance, Miss T wanted a Subway sandwich and wanted the LO's for lunch. So we go in and I order a foot long ham n cheese toasted with the lettuce, pickles, banana peppers, oregano and STOP!

Only put mayo and the oil/vinegar on one half please and cut it and wrap that one separately. Yes, this is to go, thank you.

I had my eye on the 1/2 that had the mayo on it only the cashier grabbed one or the other and was shoving them into a bag as the prep guy was telling her "this is a foot long not 2 halves".

So she's shoved these in the little plastic bag and I look her dead in the eye and say "which one has the mayo?".

Get this: she says "how should I know I didn't make them he did".

I say "I know, and that's why I asked for them to be wrapped separately."

She rambled about how someone should tell the prep guy to write on it.......

I just stood there in a dead silent glare letting her know that I was NOT HAPPY.

(Geeesh it had the beginnings of a LISA JO story, but not quite as good.)

I'm sure by the look on my face (disgust and disdain) and the fact that I tossed down my $10 she got my point. No, it wasn't her fault, but her cackling "how should I know" was uncalled for.

Don't I have enough of my own drama without others adding to it?

Speaking of my drama.........

Did I tell you that I was up Friday morning and out the door at 5am with Tom to head to E.City for his 9:30am court appearance?

Attorney talked to DA and said "the cop charged him in error...he's not habitual and I have the papers proving it"....so the charges were reduced to a regular DUI and is pending the next court date of June 13th.

Yes, Friday, June 13th.

Am I letting up on him?

No friggin way!

Just today I watched as he did something....and I said "sad how no one trusts you anymore".

I had Miss T at the docs on Monday due to her panic attacks. It's the same story of course - home drama i.e. Tom.

I called him to say "it'sthe same old story you've heard for several years now" and his reply was "OK".

OK?

OK what?

That's the same thing you said 2 yrs ago when we met with the lady counselor.

So it's NOT OK. It never IS. And it has to stop.

He's been sitting around reflecting on all the people he has affected......feeling the poor me's.

Credit: Yesterday Tom called to say he wanted to go to the ABC store and drink till he fell asleep (pity party over what I said about Miss T's panic) BUT he said "I am fighting it and winning this time".

I said GREAT.

Today, same thing.....so instead of spending his last $6 on booze he went into Wendy's for a burger. That's when I watched him till he drove away....and said

"gotta be sad that no one can trust you".

Calling the Marine Biologists!

2008-05-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

Can someone tell me what this is? It was in a crab hole on the beach and I thought WTH?

I'm always finding weird stuff or weird shapes.

Miss T found a "nose" rock.

It's fun, someone has to do it.

Friday Fun on Saturday

2008-05-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

Friday Photo Fun

Do you have a photo(s) this week that would go along with a Friday theme -- Freaky Friday, Fun Friday, Famous, Funky or just plain Friday Favorite?

No rules here as usual, and if you don't post in time to make it a Friday photo how about a Silly Saturday photo? If you're really pushing it, how about a Serene Sunday or a Sunday Sunset? You get the drift -- you can make almost anything fit. Come on and play along!

Again playing along with Martha ...............Perception - Martha

MY UNDER THE PIER SHOT! Oh what fun it is to be on the beach on a Friday.....I'm thinking I'll go over today - just run away.

A-Z Photo Challenge "D"

2008-05-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Martha's Perception - Martha quest to Discover the alphabet leaDs me to post a "D" picture.

Hmmmmmm, whatever shoulD it be?

I've searcheD......can't quite put a finger on any one specific "D".

Downtown Riverfront Docks in Wilmington:

Docks in Elizabeth City:

So there you have it...you choose.

Dat's all for now, folks!

I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing...

2008-05-01T14:07:00.000-07:00

I was reading Lisa's blog Damaged Goods Three (private)today about the teenagers who committed suicide....

Because of online bullies. Because of "fear" of reaching out to someone. Because their "peers" started so called "rumors" about them.

What horrible heartbreak the parents and other family members must be feeling.

Looking around the funeral home, we always see a room full of people that "loved" the deceased.

Where were these loved ones? Why did these children feel so isolated from their own family and friends?

The old song "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony" came to mind.

Why can't we all live in perfect harmony?

Do unto others as you would have them do to you? If we'd all live by that one golden rule WOW what a difference!!

I've always told Miss T that she can come to me with ANYTHING no matter what it is or how embarrassing or silly.

I'm the type of Mom that would jump in feet first where these bullies are and kick some bully butt. I'm also the type of Mom to push and pull until I find out what's going on.

Wanna meet me in the parking lot? Don't think so.

Go over to LJ's site and read today's entry. Go home and love your children and tell them that they can always count on you no matter what! I know I will.

Photo Challenge Black N White

2008-04-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

AOL Community Challenge•Landscapes in Black & White•JUDGED

JUDGED Category

Take a Landscape photo in B & W or transform a photo into B & W.
You can sepia tone the image, frame it, but keep in mind when framing, not to take
away from the image.

First photo in the entry is what will be judged in our JUDGED Category. You may enter in both categories, but only once in each. They also must be different photos, not the same image.
All entries need to be posted by Friday, May 2nd, 7 PM EST.

Please follow our guidelines & leave a link back to our challenge journal. Also, leave your permalink, which the instructions are on the sidebar

Well here goes:

Gazebo

Just milling around one afternoon at the local park. The ducks wanted to be fed and the azaleas were beginning to bloom.

I wanna play too!!

2008-04-30T09:54:00.000-07:00

This weather is just perfect this week in my neck of the woods. I wanna go outside and play. I need to be home, doing something for myself.

Instead I'm stuck here in this office, with mounds of paperwork to file and process....it IS the end of the month. I'm still a one man band at work....boss hasn't even thought about hiring any help since co-worker left for Texas in December.

Plus I have Mr Man with me. He had a GI appointment this morning, so I am the Taxi service.

In addition to the Doc, we went over to the finance place to get the $$ for the Attorney against my car loan. I'd rather do that than pull it from other sources. Seemed cheaper than fees and penalties etc. The car was 4 payments from payoff, so we basically just extended it for a year. That's ok....it was quick and easy. In and out in 10 minutes.

When I head out to take him home, I'll grab a bite to eat and I have to stop by boss's brother's office to help him with an accounting problem. He really needs someone in his office 3-4 hours a day.

Then head back HERE to grind away. Oh yeah...I still gotta go yell at the inspections department too!

Miss T has dance pictures this week. Monday was our longest day for pics; Tuesday was only one picture and today we get a reprieve until Thursday.

I feel like I've been running for 3 weeks......I probably have, with Miss T's dance schedule and Tom's escapades and now taxi service for both.

Where is the ME time?

Roomie has a couple new men vieing for her attention. Maybe one of them will turn out to be "Mr Right" and she can get her life back on track.

Then I can do some serious house orgainizing. I can concentrate on my photos and family and ME for a change.

Can you tell I'm tired of all the drama?

I think Tom has figured that out too....he keeps apologizing and telling me he loves me.

Will he ever learn?

Saved $3,000 - maybe

2008-04-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

......by attorney shopping.

I went online and found an attorney up there and Tom faxed him the info on the case and this guy wanted $5000!!!

HELLO!

So Tom spent today letting his fingers do the walking and came upon another attorney who he really liked when he talked to him.

Said "$2,000 and see you on May 2nd" - the date for the Probable Cause Hearing. The attorney was surprised at the charges (habitual and felony) when clearly Tom did not have 3 prior DUI's....just one back in 2003.

I'm guessing the $3,000 savings will be eat up by gas and fines getting to and from Elizabeth City for this mess.

Nevertheless ........ this guy made Tom feel better about going to court.

I gotta say, last night Mr Man was a sad sack. Reality sinking in to him......saying "I have to accept whatever happens".

True, so true.

He's also saying that he'll probably never see his Dad again -- that's because he knows he's disappointed the family by his actions. Of course Tom is just spouting off the "poor me's".

His Dad cancelled the family cruise. After talking to me on Wednesday afternoon, I can just imagine him throwing his hands up, with a F*&^ it all attitude. Now Tom is of course feeling bad about that.

Oh well, his Dad didn't have to cancel - that was his own doing. Luckily we can get our deposit back.

Now I'm the only thing Tom has left in this world........ sigh.

Isn't that just like a "poor me" mentality.

I know that Tom was thinking innocently that night......a couple of beer with a burger; he left out the part about the shots of vodka. He would have never messed up meeting his old friend for anything.

Yet, that's what alcohol does to the brain. It tells the rest of your body that you are invincible; like superman; it throws out all rationale.

I'll give Tom credit....last week he actually stopped in at a local AA place to get a list of meetings and places. He was considering it and that means a lot!!

Moving forward.......bit by bit.

Monday Photo Shoot #17 - Fuzzy

2008-04-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

http://outmavarin.blogspot.com/2008/04/monday-photo-shoot-17-fur-sure.html#links

New Monday Photo Shoot #17: photograph something furry or fuzzy, whether it's a textured fabric, an animal (real or otherwise), a beard, a piece of fruit, or something else. All I ask is that the photograph concentrate on whatever it is that's furry or fuzzy, and ignore other features (such as eyes and noses) as much as possible.

Interesting because today I took a picture of a dandelion....I took several shots before getting these:

Hmmmmmmm? Fuzzy??

Part 3 Day 3 (technically)

2008-04-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

On the way home, into Friday morning now, we are grilling Tom.

"Why did you drive so far?" I was sightseeing.

"In the dark?!" Yeah.

"Why didn't you just go to the atm and back to the room?" I dunno, I was just pumped up.

"Who sight see's in the dark in the middle of the night?"

"How do you get stuck making a U-turn in a Nissan Altima on a 2 lane road?" I was raining and muddy.

Later we found out that the back tires were on the line.

HUH???? That's not a u-turn. That's an ooops! No wonder someone dialed 9-1-1 and a wrecker came and the 2 police officers.

All the way home we beat up on him terribly about how stupid this was and what he could be facing.

We arrived home at 2:45am.

Added Post Post:

I just asked Tom about the tires on the line...he said the back tires were in the road, the nose was about 18-24 inches over the outside line. Reminded him that's not what he said.

He's hating life right now, trust me!! :)

Part 2 Day 2

2008-04-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

On day 2 of my quest:

Called bailbondsmen to inquire about bailing Tom out - something I told him I'd never do again.

On a $1,000 bond they want the obligatory 15% ($150) - no sweat. Unitl they learn where we live and then they're nervous about him showing up for the court date so the price goes up to $500.

This amount was from all that I called. Finally one fellow was hem hawwing around about it and I said "Look, are you going to accept $150 or do you want $500 because I have no problem leaving him here until May 2nd."

I'm sure that shocked the fellow. I further said "I've done my duty by getting him his medication and finding my car so I have no reason to stay."

He said "I'd have to have the $500" and with that I said thank you and headed home without remorse.

EXCEPT for all the money I'D had to spend already. The car was empty - $50 fill up; tow $260; food; fill ups in the truck when it got to the 1/2 mark $100 not counting that I started out with a full tank in BOTH vehicles (hmmm that would be ....80+40 = 120); 2 hotel rooms for one night - Tom didn't sleep in the one ($66) we did ($95). AND add the charges to my cell phone if any.

About 45 miles from home Tom called me asking what I was doing to attempt his release and I explained it to him....nothing. I'll call an attorney on Thursday morning. It was too late now on Wednesday afternoon and I didn't want to talk to a lawyer while driving.

Then his Dad called me (Tom had called there to let him know he was in jail). I had to explain. Dad wondered why I didn't just drop the $500 to bail him out.

HA!

Then he says (get this) "I guess it's safe to say that Tom won't be going on the cruise" and I agreed with him there. He probably won't be allowed out of the state much less the country.

Are you wondering where Miss T was during all this???? With my Mom. Thank GOD for my family. I shuffled her off to Grammy's for Tuesday night and Mom got her from school Tues, to school on Wednesday. Nanny picked her up Wednesday.

Thursday I made it to work about 8:30am after running to the post office first. Tom called (collect of course) complaining that they were not giving him his meds right; they were making him, an arthritic overweight man, sleep on the floor and said he was trying to behave cause it wasn't their fault he was in there.

First good thing he'd said yet. He called back at noon to see if I'd received his motor vehicle report from the insurance company yet.

They were charging him with "Habitual Driving Under The Influence - Felony" and he said "that can't be right because I've only been convicted of one DUI - back in 2003".

I didn't hear from him again until 5pm. He called to say they were letting him out --- had a bond hearing and convinced the Clerk he was not a flight risk so she bonded him out unsecured.

ROAD TRIP!

Leave work at 6pm; go home get Miss T and Roomie; drop T off with Grammy and head out. Roomie drove for about an hour and I sat with my eyes shut just to rest them....I knew I'd be driving before long and the whole leg back. Stopped for coffee and energy drink and Chic-fil-a with fruit!!

Told Tom to cash the check the jail gave him (the cash he had on him when he got there) and go to the Days Inn to shower and rest till we got there and get something to eat in the meantime.....we arrived at 11:15pm.

.........to be continued.

The winner is.........

2008-04-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

........(drum roll please).......

ROBIN!!!!

Great answers came through and I know most of you wanted to be positive even though the subject was Tom.

Robin wrote:

My guess is he got lost, arrested and drunk.

Helen - 2nd place with

I am thinking he got a little tipsy while he was gone.

3rd place is Lynn - jail !

Honorable mention:

Phil the Thrill

Tom got drunk, drove drunk, was late meeting you or your daughter and offered lame excuses. Am I close? If not then he was an outstanding citizen that reminded you of a boy scout walking an old lady across the street, he took you out to dinner, was very romantic, and made sweet love to you all night. My guess is still the former but the latter does sound much more exciting and fun doesn't it? LOL

wow....I would have LOVED Phil's rendition of the "romantic". Phil you come the closest with some details.......

Ready for the story?

Once upon a time...........

Wrong story line.

Ahem. Tom is packed and takes off on a 4.5 hour journey up to Nags Head (Outer Banks). Secures a motel room about 8:30pm; unloads the car. Calls to say "Honey I'm here" and heads out for a "burger or something".

Calls me around 10:45pm saying he's in the room, but that he lost his ATM card. "Where were you?" I say and "what have you been drinking?" (His reply was "a beer"....later on " a couple beer")

He said "I took some $$$ out" and I said "go back to that atm and see if it's laying around". Me thinking that on an island such as this, the atm cannot be too far away. Since it was dark, he wouldn't be able to give a good look in the car in case it dropped between the seat and the console.

Fast forward to 5:30am:

My cell phone wakes me and it's Tom.

They're arresting me. He said "I tried to make a U-turn and got the front wheels stuck in the mud."

ME: They don't arrest you for bad U-turns

Tom: No....you know. ME: No?

Tom: DUI

ARRRRRGH.

The tow truck was there, then came a lady to try to help pull him out; then a deputy and then a state trooper. It was the trooper who administered the breathalyser...... point 12.

He asked "where are you taking me?" and an officer said "Albemarle...........something".

After getting Miss T off to school, I came home and said to roomie....wanna hear something funny? and proceeded to tell her the story followed by

ROAD TRIP!

We jumped in the family truckster; stopped for snacks and took off. 5 hrs later we were in Nags Head at the motel getting Tom's luggage and drugs and toiletries.

We spent the next 2 hours trying to find out where the jails were. Manteo: Nope not there.

I asked "Is there an Albemarle something???" and she said yes and gave me the number. We called; verified that Tom had "checked in" and asked for directions.

ELIZABETH CITY????!!!!!

For crying out loud that was 58 miles from the hotel.

We had to go from the base of this island, to the top and over back into the mainland.

Finally we got the state trooper to call me with info. Then the deputy called me with info. Gave me the name and number of the tow truck.

Called the tow truck guy......he gave me directions to my car. But first we needed to eat and get money. $260 to get the car outta hock.

Picked up the car at 7:30pm. Were told where it was towed from.

Seems Tom took a joy ride - sightseeing - in the dark.

Tried to U-turn because, as he said "this is stupid - I need to turn around and go back to my room". Got front wheels stuck. Someone stopped; someone dialed 9-1-1. And the rest is cop related.

After retrieving my car it was late and I was tired as you can imagine. It was raining and I needed to rest and think so Roomie and I took a room at the Holiday Inn........in front of the jail of all places.

Oh it was safe...in a business district.

The next morning she brought me breakfast in bed....my coffee and some pastries. I went through the phone book; called the clerk of court to find out Tom's next court date - May 2nd.

Sent her on home with the car with strict instructions to call if necessary while I went to the jail. Got some numbers of bail bondsmen and began calling.

...............................................

..........to be continued.

Bet you're wondering........

2008-04-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

.............about Tom.

And his trip.

Leave me comments about what YOU think happened on his trip to Nags Head Monday. I'll post the winning comment on Sunday.

JLand Photo - SPRING

2008-04-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

This week's JLand Photo Shoot will begin today (Tuesday) and will be due on Saturday, April 26, at 11 PM Eastern Time. That's Saturday, almost midnight, an hour before Sunday, for those of you who are getting confused!

Our subject for this photo shoot is:

Spring

This is a Cherry Tree in my parent's yard.

We know it is spring here in SE NC when the Red Buds, Pear Trees and Cherry Trees begin to show off.

Here are my Pear Blossoms:

Hubby's friend is here!

2008-04-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

Tom is going to be in "hawg heaven" as we say in the south. When I say that to him he just looks at me funny.

When he got married and one of his best friends got married they switched positions.....by that I mean each was each other's best man.

The friend just emailed me that they are HERE! and will give Tom a call today! I know he's going to be so happy to see him.

I just wish I was getting a present from this deal.......yes it's always all about me DUH!.

Ya see the friend is none other than the awesome artist Dan Pollera danielpollera | coastal landscape artist who just happens to produce a favorite setting of mine - the BEACH!!!

A local pottery sells some of his prints and I'm tempted to go get one...........and.......hehehehehehe! Better yet, I'll give him some of my photos and he can recreate.

OR I'll take him to MOM'S and he can become invisioned!!!

Ooooh see??? nVisions was what I wanted to name my photo stuff BUT that name is already taken.

Can you tell I'm getting excited??????

One Word

2008-04-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

One word

You can only type a ONE Word response.

Not as easy as you might think.

It's really hard to only use one word answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? bedroom

2. Your significant other? Tom

3. Your hair? blonde

4. Your mother? Wise

5. Your father? Alcoholic

6. Your favorite thing? music

7. Your dream last night? weird

8. Your favorite drink? Sundrop

9. Your dream/goal? Happiness

10. The room you're in? Hall (is that a room??)

11. Your ex? deceased (for real!)

12. Fear? death

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Florida

14. Where were you last night? competition

15. What you're not? boring

16. Muffins? blueberry

17. One of your wish list items? skinny

18. Where you grew up? NC

19. The last thing you did? shower

20. What are you wearing? capri's

21. Your TV? LARGE

22. Your pets? none

23. Your computer? humming

24. Your life? busy

25 Your Mood? calm

26. Missing someone? Papa

27. Your car? Jap

28 Something you are not wearing? socks

29. Favorite Store? Bealls

30. Your summer? humid

31. Like someone? lots

32. Your favorite color? RED

33. When is the last time you laughed? today

34. Last time you cried? March

A-Z photos

2008-04-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

I need a challenge.

So I'm thinking that I'm gonna jump into Martha's A-Z Photo Challenge and try one a week. But I'm going to have to play catch up...I think she's already done A, B, & C......

My first picture I'm calling

A.......ARCHWAY.

While in Williamsburg. Miss T said she imagined that the bride walked through this on her wedding day.

B....hmmmm

Well of course due to my location what would my B be?

And now....lemme Ceeeeeeeeeee.......

Oh Yeah! I know!!

Canyon Sun!! Woooo Hoooo!!

I had to plug that one in!!

For real....C = CYPRESS

Lovin it! So that's it for a Jump In....I'll work harder on my "D" selection for you......hmmmmm, D..... dumb.... dumbo....

Just Pictures by ME of course

2008-04-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

I had really better archive these pics before I lose them. One day I'll sit down and make a portfolio of sorts. Maybe I'll make postcards or 4x6 / 5x7's.

Maybe one day I can travel the world and snap all I want!

(SLAP)

OK I'm awake now.

Enjoy!

Whassup?

2008-04-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

My Natural View.........of course. I've been on hiatus a bit. We've been busy going and coming. Since Easter it's been busy.

Busy at work trying to get those 20 permits released.

Busy at home trying to keep my pre-teen from freaking herself out about "growing up" (no more signs of dear aunt flo, whew). We're having the "attitude" and there will probably be an "adjustment" in the near future.

She is hating her solo routine.......I admit it. It is NOT her style. But I am glad she is sticking it out. Only 2 more competitions (one this weekend) and she's done with it. Miss T has let me know under no circumstances that she is going to have it her way next year IF there is a solo.

Tom. Hmmmmmm he's hit n miss as always. I've told him that with his extra curricular activities, and not saving for this cruise, I don't see him going nor deserving to go. I did get his cabin (his sister is rooming with him) changed today to a lesser grade. Brings his total due to about $770 since we'd already put down the $300 when I booked it. His sis is adamant she's not paying anymore than her original $700. Hmph.

Yes, extra curriculars. You know what gets me? The "drunk thunk".

The drunk thinks that "as long as I keep it between the lines and 55 I'm OK" or that "I can handle it". I am going to insist he go to AA whether he quits drinking or not. I also think I will go and take Miss T too. Can't hurt.

Now when? Fit it in to my schedule........yeah.

This weekend was the Azalea Festival in the City. I dread going down there. Miss T had to dance on Sunday so, ya gotta go. Glad it's over with.

This coming weekend is another dance comp in dear old Supply or as we call it "middle of no where". I remember back to this same competition last year. Tom had pulled a doozie the night before and I cried the entire day of the comp.

I've been puttering around, taking pictures, laughing at my nephew. I've uploaded some pics for you to enjoy, I hope. A note about the pics. My "Daddy's Boat" and "Bridge" is a story from my childhood.

My Dad is an electrician and when I was a baby and until about 3-4 yrs old he worked on the Boat first, wiring it to get it ready for display. Then they built that bridge and ditto for the electric wiring. So as a youngster it was always "My Daddy's Bridge or Boat" which ever fit.

Ignore the dates on Miss T's camera pics....I didn't set it for her!

Nite all!

Photog-wannabe

2008-04-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

I have always enjoyed pictures.........

Pictures on the wall. I look at the subject, the colors, the depth, the feel. Look for its balance or purpose.

I "see" things in pictures (like the 1/2 naked lady Ang).

I even found a rock in Nokomis with a monkey face on it.

Photographs - I have always taken pictures. Rarely am I without my camera.

When Miss T was ONE my Canon quit working. I was out of work - no funds - no replacement for a long time. That camera was awesome for what it was. A Sure Shot - 35mm - my Dad gave it to me when I was 19. WOW it lasted some 14 years.

I think I have a decent eye. I'm sure I could "sell" to our tourists some of my local shots. I even have a couple of my pics on a website face page (www.pendercountynorthcarolina.com) and I've had a picture posted in a local bank - many years ago.

Where am I going with this?

I need a name.

I have tagged "tstpix" before - playing on our initials. But I don't like it. Normally I just use my initials SLN and the '00 year mark. If my web friend is going to host some of my shots, I'd like a better line.

Something like:

Photo Sixty Five --- too long?? Photo65

SharonArt -- sounds like a pottery class.

Can't use Coastal.

See my quandry?

Tagged a second try

2008-04-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

SECOND ATTEMPT

Here are the rules:

1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

QUESTIONS:

1) What was I doing 10 yrs ago?

In 1998, April to be exact, Tom moved in with me, a single out of work mom. Seemed the easiest thing to do since there's no need to pay for 2 households.

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):

1. Clean my bathroom.

2. Unpack

3. Do Nanny's taxes

4. Work on photographs

5. Strip my bed

3) Snacks I enjoy:

Popcorn, chocolate, cashews, chocolate, Chex Mix

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

Give to charity, save some, buy a new car, travel, buy a home in FL between my Shelly & Martha!!

5) Five of my bad habits:

Ooooooh a hard one...

Sundrop

Not exercising

Not cleaning

Unorganized

Even numbers

6) 5 places I have lived:

VA for a summer when I was 10

Does several vacations to FL count?

I am a local native..........born n raised. Not many around here can still say that. Guess I'm in a rut.

7) 5 jobs I have had:

Paralegal, Secretary/Bookkeeper/Receptionist, Cashier/Sales Clerk, mom, church clerk/secretary (non paying)

5 people I'll tag:

I can't choose only 5 so if you are reading this, you are tagged. I will challenge LANNY to do one though!!

AOHell ate last night's entry

2008-04-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

All nice and typed up with "can't believe it's been over a week since I posted" and "been to Williamsburg VA" and just got home to a surprise package "thank you Angie" and will post a new entry tomorrow..........

VANISHED.

Never saved.

Could be my DSL....all was rather sllllloooooowwww last night.

Here I sit, smelly, dirty....been planting 2 new rose bushes and moved the daffodil's.....gonna shower and come back.