Grrrrrls

An extended hiatus

2008-04-28T17:04:00.003-05:00

Grrrrrls is officially on an extended vacation.
I've started a business and my time for blogging grrrrrls is nil.
I'm happy to say business is off to a good start.

Summer is almost upon us and the Mink Island Blog will become more active. I'll be posting to my new business blog Smart Move Design Blog
and to my Photo Blog whenever I can.

Please stop by to any of the blogs above and say hello.
I will also try to visit my blogging pals more frequently, I miss you all!

Oil Gone

2008-04-03T15:14:00.003-05:00

Many dishwashing detergents contain petroleum products, an unnecessary use of oil. A vegetable-based dish soap is a greener alternative widely available in natural food stores and even many supermarkets.

do your part: If every American household replaced just one 28-ounce bottle of petroleum-based dishwashing liquid with a vegetable-based product, the savings would amount to 82,000 barrels of oil.

Seventh Generation Products has one, learn more about it here

Do the test!

2008-03-20T15:06:00.001-05:00

5 fun (Irish) facts for Friday

2008-03-14T06:41:00.005-05:00

Here are a few trivia facts related to the Irish. Make your best guess then scroll down to the bottom of the page and see how you did.

1. What is the major difference between Irish Whiskey and Scotch Whiskey?

2. What state has a higher proportion of residents of Irish descent than any other state?

3. How many cities/towns are named Shamrock in the US?

4.In what year did Irish Government allow it's first-ever divorce?

5. What is the claim to fame of Montgomery Street in Dublin?

Whiskey and Bread Pudding

2008-03-11T17:57:00.005-05:00

I went to an Irish whiskey and bread pudding tasting recently.
Five of us grrrrrls went and only one of us was a whiskey lover.
I personally just don't like it unless it is mixed with something.
BUT, we all did our little tasting quite nicely.
It consisted of Jamesons, Tullemore Dew, and Michael Collins.
Each of them served straight up and then again in mixed drinks.

Here is a little of what I learned about Irish Whiskey:

Whiskey is the anglicization of the ancient Gaelic term "visce beatha" translated as "water of life". Irish whiskey is believed to be one of the earliest distilled beverages in Europe, starting around the 12th century. The old Bushmills distillery is the oldest licensed distillery. It was licensed by James I in 1608.

There is a new Irish Whiskey out! I want to try it just so I can ask for it. Feckin Irish Whiskey -as the ad says -a whiskey for the rogue in all of us

Bread pudding recipe coming later this week. Mmm mmm good.

Keepin it Green Thursday

2008-03-06T07:52:00.004-05:00

This St. Patrick's day, resist the impulse to open the oven door and sneak a look—and then another—at how your corned beef and cabbage is doing. Every peek causes a 25- to 50-degree drop in temperature, which wastes energy as the oven struggles to regain its setting.

Walking into the bar, Mike said to Charlie the bartender, "Pour me a stiff one - just had another fight with the little woman."
"Oh yeah?" said Charlie, "And how did this one end?"
"When it was over," Mike replied, "She came to me on her hands and knees.
"Really," said Charles, "Now that's a switch! What did she say?"
She said, "Come out from under the bed, you little chicken."

An Irish Blessing

2008-03-04T13:31:00.002-05:00

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Cead Mile Failte!

2008-03-03T09:00:00.006-05:00

This month is always a favorite in our family. Lots of wearing of the green, eating of the corned beef and celebrating the Irish traditions with family and friends. And the fact that spring arrives this month only makes it that much better. So in honor of our favorite month I'll be posting Irish jokes and tidbits until St. Patrick's Day.

Enjoy....

Paddy was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important meeting and couldn't find a parking place. Looking up to heaven he said, "Lord take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of me life and give up me Irish Whiskey!"
Miraculously, a parking place appeared.
Paddy looked up again and said, "Never mind, I found one."

5 fun facts for friday

2008-02-29T06:40:00.003-05:00

How well do you know your alcohol trivia? Give it your best shot then scroll down to the bottom of the page to see how you scored.

1. Adding a miniature onion to a martini turns it into what?

2. What is the official spirit of the united states, by act of congress?

3. What non-alcoholic beverage can give a person a .02 BAC on a breathalyzer test?

4.What do Sandra Bullock, Tom Arnold, Chevy Chase, Bill Cosby, Kris Kristofferesen and Bruc Willis all have in common?

5. What does it mean if a young Tiriki man offers beer to a woman and she spits some of it into his mouth?

Uncorked!

2008-02-28T22:10:00.003-05:00

Yemm & Hart, a company that finds innovative uses for recycled products, is soliciting wine bottle corks for a unique initiative. When the company has amassed six tons, they’ll begin converting the corks into coasters, clipboards, and flooring. Contributors will be eligible for discounts on the finished products.

you can do your part: Mail wine and champagne corks to Wine Cork Recycling, Yemm & Hart Ltd., 610 S. Chamber Drive, Fredericktown, MO 63645

Blogging Break

2008-01-30T13:34:00.000-05:00

It's time for a blogging break.

I will still visit all my blogging buddies but am taking a hiatus from posting for an unknown length of time.

Happy blogging and see you soon!

"Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can,- there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did"

Five fun facts for Friday

2008-01-25T12:57:00.000-05:00

Test your knowledge of the color blue

Give it your best shot then scroll down to the bottom of the page for the answers.

1. In Australia someone with this color hair is often called blue. What color hair is it?

2. What does blue funk mean?

3. What country do Blue Mountain coffee beans come from?

4. Who composed the classical piece Blue Danube?

5. What makes blue cheese blue?

Did you know?

2008-01-24T08:42:00.000-05:00

Coffee was once grown mostly in shaded areas; today many growers are producing higher-yielding “sun coffee.” This practice requires extra pesticides and herbicides, can promote soil erosion, and reduces the habitat available to migratory songbirds including wood thrushes, tanagers, flycatchers, and Honduras orioles.

do your part: To support growers who use sound farming and harvesting practices, look for the USDA Organic and Bird Friendly symbols on the coffee package, or for a clear statement that the coffee is shade-grown.

Interested in more info? click here

P.S. Coffee is the second largest U.S. import after oil. Coffee drinkers have the potential to make a huge impact on the environment and economies of coffee growing nations.

An accident waiting to happen....

2008-01-22T10:54:00.000-05:00

are what these signs are!
what we have here is the stop sign symbol placed on a white flag.
then these flags are placed every 20 feet or so in a local strip mall parking lot.
I counted 4 in front of one store.
These flags are a good foot taller than the standard stop sign.
do you know how many cars I observed slamming on their brakes as they realized too late what they were? or those who didn't notice them at all?
somebody's going to get hurt.

Blue Monday

2008-01-21T11:14:00.000-05:00

Today is the most depressing day of the year.

That is according to Dr Cliff Arnall who was a researcher at the University of Cardiff. He determined this date using many factors, including: weather conditions, debt level (the difference between debt accumulated and our ability to pay), time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and feeling of a need to take action. This date typically falls on the Monday of the last full week of January. This would make today, January 21, the Blue Monday of 2008.

Dr Arnall has also calculated the happiest day of the year. This year it will be June 21, 2008. For this he used a formula which uses factors including: the outdoors, nature, social interaction, childhood summers and positive memories, temperature and holidays.

No blues for me though. The sun is shining here and only 59 days remain 'til spring.

Five Fun Facts for Friday

2008-01-18T06:55:00.000-05:00

all about the color yellow

give it your best shot then scroll down to the bottom of the page and see the answers.

1.What college has sports teams nicknamed "The Yellow Jackets"?

2. According to the 1967 Beatles hit, "Yellow Submarine", what was the color of the sea that it sailed into?

3. In what country would you find the Yellow River?

4. In the Navy and as a part of International maritime law, colored flags are used to send messages to and from the ships. Each flag represents a letter of the alphabet as well as a specific message. What message is represented by a yellow flag?

5. What does the color yellow mean in Egypt?

Tap those savings

2008-01-17T07:26:00.000-05:00

There’s no benefit in letting the water run while you shave, brush your teeth, or wash your hands. Turn off the tap when you don’t need the water and save ten gallons or more each morning.

Leaking faucets as small as 1/16 inch can drip away one hundred gallons very quickly. Replace worn washers and valve seals.

AND, if you keep your shower under five minutes you can save up to one thousand gallons a month. (Hey if you keep it under 5 mins and shower with a friend you've just doubled your savings and your fun.)

2008-01-16T07:47:00.000-05:00

No Evil Spirits here!

2008-01-15T08:50:00.000-05:00

This is a favorite gift from the Christmas season and hangs in a window at home. Called a Witch Ball, it is Kitras handblown art glass from Canada.

Witch's Balls were very popular in 18th century England, but their actual origin is thought to be much older. The witch's ball is hung in windows to ward off witch's spells, evil spirits and ill fortune.

Hanging these decorative balls in the window is thought to tantalize evil spirits which may be threatening a home's tranquility. The evil spirit is mesmerized by the ball's reflective beauty. When the spirit touches the sphere it is pulled through the hole on the side of the glass and trapped inside the ball.

I now pronounce you.....

2008-01-14T10:45:00.000-05:00

brother and sister!

Twins who were separated at birth got married without realizing they were brother and sister, a lawmaker said, urging more information be provided on birth certificates for adopted children.

A court annulled the British couple's union after they discovered their true relationship, Lord David Alton said.

"They were never told that they were twins. They met later in life and felt an inevitable attraction, and the judge had to deal with the consequences of the marriage that they entered into and all the issues of their separation."

"Everyone has a right to knowledge about their lineage, genealogy and identity. And if they don't, then it will lead to cases of incest," Alton told The Associated Press during a telephone interview today.

From the Houston Chronicle, Jan. 12

and what about sperm donor babies? seems like there would be potential for similar stories down the road...

5 fun facts for Friday

2008-01-11T09:57:00.000-05:00

all about the color Red

give it your best shot then scroll down to the bottom of the page and see the answers.

1. Where would you find The Great Red Spot?

2. What is a Red Admiral?

3. What was Little Red Riding Hood carrying in her basket to give to her Grandmother?

4. What is a Redshank?

5. Who was voice of Clifford in the animated series "Clifford the Big Red Dog"?

Plastic or Paper?

2008-01-10T09:35:00.000-05:00

bag that question
Duck the decision altogether by bringing your own reusable basket or mesh bags to the supermarket. If you go grocery shopping once a week, in five years you’ll have kept anywhere from 250 to 1,000 grocery bags out of our landfills.
check out these bags from envirosax

Finish Every Day

2008-01-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

Read this and liked it.

Finish Every Day
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities
no doubt have crept in;
forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day;
begin it well and serenely
and with too high a spirit
to be cumbered with
your old nonsense.

This day is all that is
good and fair.
It is too dear,
with its hopes and invitations,
to waste a moment on yesterdays.

12 Lords a Leaping!

2007-12-27T08:54:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite holiday traditions is exchanging gifts with Richard. For the past few years I have sent him giftsto open each night of Hanukkah and he has sent me gifts to open for the 12 days of Christmas. The 12 days of Christmas usually begin AFTER Christmas but seeing as that is way too long to wait to open presents, I get to open one each day for 11 days prior to Christmas and end the last gift on Christmas day.

This year he outdid himself on the fun and creativity scale.

Here are the 12 days received:

Day 1: a partridge and pear ornament

Day 2: Turtle candies and Dove raspberry chocolates

Day 3: a flock of chicks from Heifer.org

Day 4: a cd of calling birds

Day 5: 5 golden napkin rings

Day 6: down filled slippers

Day 7: a giant inflatable swan for riding on the river and 3 baby swans

Day 8: chocolate milk powder from Max Brenner

Day 9: a drum from Indonesia

Day 10: 10 frosting tips and piping bags

Day 11: a cd of 11 dance songs from divas

Day 12: 12 Lords (frogs) a leapin! (as seen above)

Thanks Richard! I am already looking forward to next year :-)

Merry, Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T12:20:00.000-05:00

Five fun facts for the holidays!

1. Who was the first president to decorate the White House Christmas tree?

2. In Mexico, what should you wear on New Year's Eve to bring new love in the upcoming year?

3. What was the first state to officially recognize the Christmas holiday?

4. What Christmas plant is poisonous?

5. What do you have in December that you don't have in any other month?

scroll down to the bottom of the page for the answers....

Snowflakes

2007-12-12T13:15:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again!

How creative can you be?

Try your hand at making some virtual snowflakes.

Click here to make a snowflake

Optical Illusion?

2007-12-11T09:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I took some photos of a christmas spider ornament hanging on our tree. This morning, as I am looking through my photos to find a photo for my photoblog, I see this.

Two shots of the spider, next to the moon ornament. But look at the moon ornament. In one shot the moon appears to be awake, in the other shot the moon appears to be sleeping.

I think it's a little freaky.

Manic Monday Ornament

2007-12-10T07:58:00.001-05:00

These little critters came to mind when I saw the Manic Monday word for today - ornament.

The Legend of the Christmas Spiders

Many years ago, on the night before Christmas, a woman prepared for the next day's celebration. She cleaned and scrubbed her home, making sure every nook and cranny sparkled. To escape her broom, the household spiders fled to the attic. They listened to the excitement below as the family decorated the Christmas tree. After everyone went to sleep, and the house grew quiet, the spiders crept back downstairs and saw the beautiful tree. They were amazed and crawled along every branch admiring each ornament. Soon the whole tree was covered with their webs. Father Christmas arrived that night and he smiled as he looked at the webs the spiders had spun. He knew, however, the woman would be upset when she saw the mess completely covering her tree. With one touch, he turned the webs into strands of silver and gold. Now the Christmas tree sparkled and shimmered even more beautifully than before. Thus began the tradition of hanging tinsel, and a spider ornament, while trimming the tree.

You can get your very own Christmas Spider made to order. Just email Bev or Bren at lil_somethin_or_others@yahoo.com
Send them the colors you like and away they go! They make awesome gifts!

check out the other ornament posts at Mo's It's blog eat blog world

5 Fun (Snowy) Facts for Friday

2007-12-07T12:18:00.000-05:00

Make your best guess!

1. How many cars would equal the weight of one loaded snowplow?

2. What was the coldest temperature ever recorded in North America?

3. What's a snowblink?

4. What's a musher?

5. What do these three things have in common? Champagne Powder, Mashed Potatoes, and Corduroy.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page for answers.

The dentist

2007-12-06T07:58:00.000-05:00

I love my dentist. well, not really my dentist (although he is kinda cute) but my dentist's office and they way they do things there. Here are the top 10 reasons I now enjoy going to the dentist.

1. They greet you when you walk in the door "HEY, Lisa's here!" Just like in Cheers, everyone knows your name.

2. They serve coffee, tea, and hot cocoa. This is especially nice at 7:30 am on a cold, snowy morning.

3. They show funny dentist related movies on a flat screen tv while you're waiting. Yes, funny and dentist in the same sentence and without laughing gas! WC Fields and Three Stooges funny.

4. They give you headphones and music so you don't have to hear those big ol nasty drill sounds.

5. They let you hold their hand when the foot long needle makes an appearance and let you squeeze the hand until their fingers go numb.

6. They never tell you "oh it's fine you big baby"

7. They accept a payment plan. Hey 4 kids had braces, there better be a payment plan.

8. They don't say "tsk tsk" when your 15 year old loses his retainer for the 3rd time. They call him into the office and say "do you think your mom and dad's money grows on trees? do NOT lose this retainer again or we will install it permanently in your mouth"

9. They do pro bono work when you ask if they could provide a Bosnian refuge with dental work.

10. Bottom line? They give great customer service.

and it's worth every penny of the beautiful corvette convertible my dentist now drives.

The 12 Days of Christmas

2007-12-05T08:26:00.000-05:00

My friend Roby sent this over. Enjoy!

Manic Monday - Ship

2007-12-03T10:18:00.000-05:00

Manic Monday word for today is ship.

One thing and one thing only comes to mind when I see the word ship. All the ships we see on the St. Lawrence River each summer. The 1000 Island region is an amazing place. We can see the shipping channel from our cottage. It's fun to spot a ship and get close enough to find out where it's coming from.

This one is from Amsterdam:

This one is from Lake Michigan:

and this one?

This one is from Chippewa Bay:

Named "Ship of Fools", it's a 1973 pontoon boat that came with our cottage. It is the oldest pontoon boat in the bay, virtually indestructable, great for carting stuff to and from the island, and on many occasions lives up to it's name.

Go visit Mo at It's a Blog Eat Blog World to see more Manic Monday posts.

What was this?

2007-11-28T17:59:00.001-05:00

When we were in Cancun we got the tail end of Hurricane Noel. No major storm or bad weather, just huge waves that crashed onto shore and caused the red flag to fly. Those waves brought in some wood pieces as shown above. The question is, what was this? What were these pieces used for? Was it handmade fencing from a home, grabbed by the storm? or was it, sadly, a raft being used by illegal immigrants coming over from Cuba? Our Mexican compadres thought so. There are times I wish I knew the whole story and this is one of them.

Destiny USA

2007-11-27T08:15:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, these bright balloons called me up to the top floor of our local Carousel Mall. On the 6th floor I found great views of the city, but I also found plans and drawings for the mall expansion. Destiny USA

Here's what I already knew:

Plans began in 1997 and were released to the public in 2000.

After many stalled starts, legal issues, controversy and debate, ground breaking took place in April and phase one (an 850 sq ft expansion) is under construction.

Our current mall has already converted to green energy.

Here's what I learned:

Destiny will showcase sustainability. The complex will have its own renewable-energy power plant, enabling it to operate independently of fossil fuels.

A horizontal elevator system will transport people around the car-free mini-city, and a monorail will connect it to Syracuse's airport and downtown.

Phase two and phase three plans for the 75 million square foot Destiny USA are to include:
80,000 hotel rooms, an indoor aquarium, a water park, convention center, an indoor re-creation of the Erie Canal, a stadium and performing arts center, a research and development park, a putt and chip golf course, a 150 acre glass-enclosed indoor park and a 20 acre artificial lake.

(click on photo for closer look)

Manic Monday Rank

2007-11-26T10:21:00.000-05:00

Manic Monday word for today is rank.

I hope this Thanksgiving had special meaning for you and ranked high. After two very hectic weeks I was grateful for time to relax.

By Thursday afternoon our table looked like this (sans food)

a few hours later the turkey looked like this

not this

(2005 turkey)

and family and friends were together under one roof.

This year, Thanksgiving ranked high on my list of special Thanksgivings.

Happy MM and a very happy start to the holiday season.

Visit Mo at It's a Blog Eat Blog World to see more Manic Monday postings.

An unintended hiatus.

2007-11-16T00:17:00.000-05:00

This week got away from me in a big way.
Without boring you with the details, it's been one thing after another. Still one more day of busy day hell to go through and then aaaaaahhhh, it will be the weekend.

I would like to go back in time to two weeks ago.
This was taken from the hotel room in Cancun.
See those little lounge chairs in front of the tiki hut?
You can lay on them in the water.

Oh bartender, another margarita please.....

Merry Christmas! NO not yet.

2007-11-08T12:38:00.000-05:00

For heaven's sake, it is November 8.
Why do I have to hear Christmas music when I turn on the radio?
I love the holidays, but this is overkill.

Back from Cancun and it was awesome.
Will be posting pics from the trip soon.

In the meantime, I am having serious fun playing scrabulous on facebook.

Love it!

for those on facebook, check it out.
and if you're not on facebook yet, you should be, it's fun.

A little business, a little pleasure...

2007-10-30T13:08:00.000-05:00

It's been a busy non blogging few days.
Hope all is well with my buddies in bloggerland.
I will be away for the next 6 days and 5 nights.
Going to Cancun, Mexico.
Wanna come? Tequila on the beach!

5 fun facts for friday

2007-10-26T06:50:00.000-05:00

1. if you combine wintergreen, vanilla, and cassia (a form of cinnamon) what well known flavor will you come up with?

2. which U.S. president stood only 5' 4" tall and weighed less than 100 pounds?

3. what story has been made into a movie more times than any other?

4. Director Alan Smithee has a claim to fame, what is it?

5. Can you tell the temperature by listening to the chirping of a cricket?

scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the answers.
how'd you do?

New Camera

2007-10-25T12:23:00.000-05:00

Got it and love it!
I haven't learned all the features yet but I'm working on it.
I promise not to bore you with umpteen photos (except these) cause I have a photoblog for that. :-)

These were taken from the field across the road near where we live. There are big commercial "for sale" signs on the property. I'll be sad if they build here, it's such a beautiful sight to see every day, every season.

Child prodigy

2007-10-24T09:39:00.000-05:00

When you have time, check out this story about 5 year old Kyle LoGrasso. It's a little long, but a good story.

5 fun facts for friday

2007-10-19T06:15:00.000-05:00

1. Ben & Jerry's send the leftover waste from making icecream to local pig farmers. What is the only flavor the pigs won't eat?

2. What is samhainophobia?

3. Speaking of phobias. What did Sigmund Freud have a morbid fear of?

4. Who is the most recognized figure around the world? And who is the second most recognized?

5. Clint Eastwood and I are allergic to the same thing. What it is!?

make your guesses then scroll down to the bottom of the blog to see the answers. how many did you get right?

Freebies

2007-10-18T11:53:00.001-05:00

It is a beautiful day here in upstate NY!

The fog was thick this morning but it quickly burned off to bright sunshine.

The day started at Panera having coffee with a friend.

That's always a good way to start the day.

Cause it's a great place to sit and chat, and they have free wifi and good caramel lattes.

The dishwasher and refrigerator (the icemaker to be exact) are getting fixed today.

For an unGodly, ridiculous amount of $$$$.

Things come in threes right? so.... dishwasher, refrigerator,

and ______? what's next?

Found this handy dandy little site for coupons.

It's not one of those lame "free coupon" sites that have worthless coupons, there are some pretty decent grocery store coupons here.
So for any coupon cutters, here you go.
Free Coupons

Enjoy your day.

I am lost....

2007-10-16T19:40:00.000-05:00

without a camera.

Life just doesn't feel right.

Been doing the research and this will be the new camera:

the Nikon D40x wih the 55-200mm zoom lens.

It's a good starter digital SLR. Light and easy to handle.

and I've been saving my change for almost 11 months so tonight, I'm rolling it up. I also have a little hoard set aside from the new job.

Here's hoping it's enough!

Manic Monday

2007-10-15T11:50:00.000-05:00

Mo's manic monday word for today is "bat".

Halloween is coming and Halloween makes me think of bats.

and bats make me think of Vampires.
and Vampires make me think of Vampire wine.
(yep, I can always draw a correlation to wine)

Vampire wine is very good,
if you haven't had some, give it a try.
They have merlot, cabernet sauvignon,
syrah, zinfandel and pinot noir for reds.

We served it at a "How to Host a Murder" party a couple years ago and now we buy some every year. How to Host a Murder parties are great fun! The games can be purchased online and their website gives you all the tools for your party. We went with a Halloween theme but there are lots of themes available. Check them out here .

"care for another glass of vampire wine, Count?"

so....party=wine=vampire=BAT

check out the other Manic Monday bat posts at Mo's place

Happy Birthday Punkin Head!

2007-10-10T11:19:00.000-05:00

Our #1 Ryan child turns 23 today.
BIG birthday wishes for Jenna!
Hope your birthday is wonderful and the upcoming year exceeds your expectations.

and may the luck of the blarney stone always be with you....

Tell ten people....

2007-10-09T18:49:00.001-05:00

to tell ten more.

It doesn't cost a thing.

Just click on the "tell ten people" link above and help women in need get a free mammogram.

Then tell 10 more to do the same and have them pass it on to ten more and so on.

Click daily.

If the breast cancer site gets 500 clicks in October their sponsor will fund 150 additional mammograms.

Then do it in the rest of the year too.

and next year...

thanks :-)

No five fun facts for friday

2007-10-05T09:43:00.000-05:00

more anagrams instead!

GEORGE BUSH becomes HE BUGS GORE
THE EYES becomes THEY SEE
PRESBYTERIAN becomes BEST IN PRAYER
ELECTION RESULTS becomes LIES - LET'S RECOUNT
DESPERATION becomes A ROPE ENDS IT

want to see what anagrams you can make of your name? click here

(original "no five fun facts for friday" post here)

So what's the deal here?

2007-10-03T05:28:00.000-05:00

Forgive the length of this post but I thought this might be of interest.

One of the boys came home last week and told me about a new drug going around school. Not your typical snort it, smoke it, swallow it kind of drug. Instead, a digital drug.

What are those you ask? I asked the same and he wasn't quite sure. "Some kind of sound thing you listen to and it makes you feel like you're on drugs"

Hmmm, so I did a little research and here is what I found -

Mind alteration through combinations of binaural beats and tones.
Based on a scientifc theory that's been around since 1839 and has been used for meditation, relaxation, or self-hypnosis.

There are many articles about binaural beats and you can get the basics here but what it boils down to is this - when two different tones are played in opposite ears, a beating sensation is created in the brain. This beating sensation is the effect of the conflicting electrical signals in your brain’s wiring. Stereo headphones are a necessity when trying to experience binaural beats because they allow a different frequency to be played in each ear. In experiments over the last century, binaural beats have been shown to create different states of consciousness within an individual. These states of consciousness are the result of different brain waves that can be induced in a person’s psyche through the beats.

I've gathered, through brief research on the net, there are those that support this theory and those that say it is bunk and has just a "placebo" effect.

I found a few websites who offer CDs of binaural beats as sleep aids, stress relief, and smoking cessation aids.

and then there is I-Doser

I-Doser markets these binaural beats and tones as "drugs"

To name a few-
Anesthesia
Cocaine
Crystal Meth
Ecstasy
Heroin
Marijuana

And there are other, non drug related, beats available-
lucid dreaming
french roast
orgasm

You purchase and download your "high" of choice from I-Doser.
You can also purchase CDs of multiple doses.
Grab your MP3 or CD player, plug in your headphones and listen to the binaural beats/tones, supposedly getting "high" from whatever "drug" you are listening to.

I-Doser lets their users know (on their FAQ page) that "I-Doser has received many emails from users who have had great experiences enhancing their recreational drug taking with doses supplied with I-Doser"

GREAT.

they also tell you how to make your "high" last longer and how to intensify the effects.

AND they provide testimonials:

"play the demerol just before bed, it writes you off!! fire alarm went off for about a hour and i couldnt move amazin experience, just paralyses me to the bed! word of warning to everyone else be careful when your on it"

YIKES! not what I'd want my teenager experiencing.

So does anyone have any thoughts, feedback or insight into this?

Is this just hype or is it something parents should be concerned about?

I'm still digging.

Manic Monday

2007-10-01T09:43:00.001-05:00

The manic monday word for today is "Orange"
This was an easy one for me as I grew up near Syracuse, NY and worked at Syracuse University for 9 years. SU's team colors are blue and orange and our school mascot is "the orange"

But I thought, that's too easy.

So I chose something else to post about today.
What I visulize when I think of orange.

The Gates at Central Park.
An installation by Christo and Jean Claude.

It was February of 2005 and I tooke our 3 boys to NYC for the first time. It was a wonderful weekend and a great visual experience. Here are two photos from that weekend.

click on the photos for a closer look.

For more manic monday posts visit Mo at It's a Blog Eat Blog World

5 fun facts for friday

2007-09-28T11:42:00.000-05:00

Posed as questions, with answers at the end of the page.
How many did you get right?

1. Is Kermit the frog right or left handed?

2. Who shoplifts more, men or women?

3. What color was coca cola originally?

4. What animal can go upstairs but not downstairs?

5. There are just 3 major fruits native to North America. Can you name them?

A freebie: The Kingdom

2007-09-27T08:27:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't love freebies?
Check out Volition.com, scroll down, and sign up to be notified of free movie screenings in your area.

I registered a few weeks ago and last week I received 4 free passes in the mail to The Kingdom.

We went and saw the advance screening last night.
Intense, action packed, at times disturbing, and very violent - it had me on the edge of my seat throughout.

Not appropriate for the faint hearted or for the 10 year old girl sitting two seats down who, by the end of the movie, was curled up in a ball crying. WHAT goes through some parents' minds?

On this Harvest Moon...

2007-09-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

But theres a full moon risin
Lets go dancin in the light
We know where the music's playin
Lets go out and feel the night.

Take a look up in the sky tonight and check out the harvest moon.
My favorite time of year, when the full moon rises during the autumnal equinox.
It's time for the annual harvest moon party.
It's time for the harvest moon playlist.
Attached HERE if you're interested.

Baba Wawa Day

2007-09-25T17:18:00.001-05:00

Today is Baba Wawa day.
Barbara Walters turns 78.
Born September 25, 1929
Happy Birthday Baba Wawa.

Manic Monday

2007-09-24T06:22:00.000-05:00

The manic monday word for today is "kit".

I thought of these handy dandy little kits I gave as gifts a few years ago.

They are perfect to throw in a backpack, boat, car, rv, purse, motorcycle, bike, etc.
Light and little.
AND look what is inside:

25 survival items in a genuine air-tight, waterproof, crushproof sardine can... acetaminophen, adhesive bandage, alcohol prep, antibiotic ointment, book matches, tea bag, chewing gum, compass, sugar, whistle, salt packet, energy nugget, duct tape, fire starter cube, wire clip, first aid instructions, fish hook & line, note paper, pencil, razor blade, safety pin, signal mirror, waterproof bag, and the can may be used to boil water.

know someone who would like one? here ya go

5 fun facts for friday

2007-09-21T06:37:00.000-05:00

Did you know.......??

1. Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning.

2. Porcupines float in water.

3. Clinophobia is the fear of going to bed.

4. President George Washington owned foxhounds named DRUNKARD, TIPLER and TIPSY

5. The average person over fifty will have spent 5 years waiting in lines

2007-09-20T11:38:00.000-05:00

Jean, Sue, Peggy, Joi

These are my 4 best friends from high school.
Posted so Matt-man can ogle them.

Click on the "friends" above and you'll see it's made out of sand dollars. aren't they cool? we collected almost 100.

Sad

2007-09-19T19:58:00.000-05:00

My camera broke.
It's not the batteries.
It's dead.
Bummer.

I want to smell like Hawaiian Tropic all year

2007-09-18T10:25:00.000-05:00

Back from Siesta Key. What a gorgeous place.
Had an unbelievable time with 4 wonderful friends.
I don't want to wash the sand off my flipflops.
I don't want to wash the suntan lotion smell out of my clothes.

I want to smell like Hawaiian Tropic all year.
I want to keep the blonde highlights in my hair and pull it back windblown and curly from the humidity.
I want to ride a bike with a bell and basket to the store everyday.
and I don't want to put away my white skirts and sandals for winter.
Catching up on work and home now, will post pics and visit my blogging pals soon.

Vacation in September?

2007-09-12T06:07:00.000-05:00

Vacation in September!
I am heading to Siesta Key tomorrow.
Meeting up with my 4 bestest friends from highschool.(woooo hoooo)
For the next 4 days our backyard will be the beach.
Siesta Key is a barrier island, eight miles long, just offshore of Sarasota, FL directly on the Gulf of Mexico. It's known for it's white sand beaches and sunsets. This is where we will be staying.

mygooddeed.org

2007-09-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

My sister-in-law sent this today. (thanks Laura)
Something good always comes of something bad.
Click the link below to join and make a difference.

My Good Deed

Manic Monday -Clue

2007-09-10T10:59:00.000-05:00

Manic Monday word for today is "clue".
Want a clue as to how small and insignificant we really are?

Humbling isn't it?

Check out all the other Manic Monday posts at Morgen's place

Saturday funny

2007-09-08T10:47:00.000-05:00

as seen on funny hub

It's been a crazy week!

2007-09-07T23:26:00.000-05:00

One son off to college.
Two sons back to high school
One daughter settled in grad school.
One son with a fractured hand.
3 dentist appts.
2 surgeon appts.
school clothes shopping
school supply shopping
starting a new business
working the regular job
one house in dire need of cleaning

Two for Tuesday -Sunflowers

2007-09-04T10:15:00.001-05:00

Sunday we drove Ryan child #2 (David) to college.

On the way, we spotted gorgeous fields of yellow from the Thruway.

On the return trip we took a detour so we could get a look, up close and personal.

We've seen fields of corn and fields of wheat but never fields of sunflowers.

5 Fun Facts for Friday

2007-08-31T07:28:00.000-05:00

Did you know?

1. Gilligan of Gilligan's Island had a first name that was only used once, on the never-aired pilot show. His first name was Willy.

2. Louis Pasteur (the discoverer of penicillin) wrote in his laboratory notes, "This damned mold keeps destroying my cultures."

3. In 1952 Mr. Potato Head began as a set of eyes, ears and a few noses and mouths. The original Mr. Potato Head did not come with a "potato body" so parents supplied their own potatoes.

4. It takes 32 glasses of water to flush the acid from 1 can of soda pop out of your system.

5. In Chinese, the Kentucky Fried Chicken slogan 'finger-lickin' good' came out as 'eat your fingers off.'

Scene on the River Part lll

2007-08-30T08:16:00.000-05:00

Chase, David, and Laurelle enjoying last Sunday afternoon.

Wednesday's Weird News

2007-08-29T08:02:00.000-05:00

Grrrrrls with attitude.

A 12-year-old girl was sentenced in Perth, Australia, in July to two months' detention for stealing a car and leading police on a harrowing high-speed chase. According to court records, she has already been convicted of more than SIXTY crimes. Good Lord, she's only 12. Read more...

A 7-year-old named Alisha told reporters in Reidsville, N.C., in August that she was just being a good daughter when she challenged the man who tried to rob her mom (a convenience store clerk). "I was pushing on him and telling him to 'back away, back away, man.'" Her aggressiveness foiled the robbery, but the man got away.
Said Alisha, "He should be locked up by his gills and towed to the police."
Check out this little spitfire telling the tale here

Two for Tuesday

2007-08-28T08:32:00.000-05:00

Two water lilies found while kayaking.

The $50,000 Question Meme

2007-08-24T07:50:00.000-05:00

The $50,000 Question

Travis tagged me for this meme. While I am not a big fan of memes, I am a big fan of Trav's Thoughts (and especially his writing) so here it is.

A philanthropist awards you $50,000 with the stipulation that you may use half of it for yourself and the other half you must use for the benefit of others. By “benefit of others” it can mean anything really, buying a gift for a family member or donating to a charity. (Based on the questions below I think I might need much more than $50,000)

A. How do you spend the money on yourself?
3 years ago we bought a camp/cottage up north. It was finished inside to studs and insulation but no interior walls. We've been finishing each room and have the great room and kitchen left. I would use the money for that.

B. How do you use the money for others?
Divide it between local organizations I've been involved with. $5000 each to the village food pantry, Literacy volunteers, Ronald McDonald House, Vera House, Rape Crisis Center.

C. If you were to spend part of your money to have a performer do a show for you, who would it be and why? Andrea Bocelli. His singing moves me to tears. And I even have the perfect venue. Boldt Castle on Heart Island.

D. If you were to use it on a new vehicle for yourself, what kind? I drive an older model (1993) Saab convertible that I love and would use the money to buy a new top and maybe some new seats for it. Oh and a new muffler. Cause that just went.

E. If you spent part of it to go to a “fantasy” camp, what type would you choose? Spa baby. Preferably in Switzerland.

F. If you were to use it to buy season tickets for a sports team, what team would it be? SU season tickets! Go 'Cuse!

G. If you were to use it to go on a cruise (assuming you like cruises) where would you cruise to?
I'd love to visit the Greek Islands.

H. If you were to use it to go to NYC to see a show (or shows) what would you see? Young Frankenstein (especially with Megan Mullaly in it) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

I. Totally off subject (but since Fall is coming) what is your favorite carnival food.
This is easy since our NYState Fair started here yesterday! I love the fair. In the horticulture building you can get hot baked potatoes (with butter,sour cream, and cheese) for a buck! You can also get freshly made hot apple crisp there too. Mmmm mmmm good.

Thanks Trav for the tag! I am tagging Vanessa so that maybe she will start blogging again. She hasn't blogged since March and I miss her fun posts! Go visit her at The Broken Junk Drawer and tell her Lisa sent you.

Two for Tuesday

2007-08-21T16:31:00.000-05:00

This little guy, dubbed Rocky, has been making an appearance after dinner on occasion. Granted, he wasn't invited, but we really didn't mind 'cause he's pretty darn cute.

Manic Monday - deal

2007-08-20T16:32:00.000-05:00

Manic Monday word for the day is deal.
This is what I had to deal with today.

The Toothache Blues
(insert "da DA da da DAH" after each line of verse)

Developed a toothache just last Friday night.
Up North at the River, no dentist in sight.
I worked at the pain with both whiskey and wine
Just hopin' my ache would soon ease over time.
but came home last night with my tooth all a swellin
woke up this morning my cheek like a melon

Oh I got the toothache blues
hutin so badly I can't even snooze
don't think I can handle anymore booze
Oh yeah I got the toothache blues.

I went to the dentist just begging for ease
He reached for my hand and he gave it a squeeze.
Took out his needles and took out his drill
Looked at me sideways and said "now lie still"
Stretched my mouth open, so wider than wide
A river of drool running down on the side

Oh I got the toothache blues
hutin so badly I can't even snooze
don't think I can handle anymore booze
Oh yeah I got the toothache blues.

My lips are all numb and my smile is all crooked
my tongue feels real big and I ain't nice to look at
but the pain is all gone and I got me some pills
got me a tv, warm blanket for chills.
I know by tomorrow my mouth will be swell
and I'll have survived this toothache from hell.

Oh I got the toothache blues
hutin so badly I can't even snooze
don't think I can handle anymore booze
Oh yeah I got the toothache blues.

How's your Monday?

To see the rest of the manic monday posts go visit Mo here

5 fun facts for friday with a spin

2007-08-17T08:41:00.000-05:00

I'll provide the facts, after you try to guess the answers!

Let's talk toys.....

1. The game of Twister didn't start out named "Twister". Can you guess it's original name?

2. This toy was created in ancient Greece more than 3000 years ago.

3.Every second, 3 (three) of this toy is sold around the world. What is it?

4. What toy originally entered the market as a wallpaper cleaner?

5. What game is found in one out of three American homes?

bonus question: Kites in Hawaii originally had a specific purpose. What were they used for?

Play by leaving your guesses in the comments section or scroll down and look at the answers at the end of the page.

Grrrrrls Weekend

2007-08-13T19:06:00.000-05:00

It was that time again.....

14 wonderful grrrrrl friends

a mega supply of cocktails

food to die for

boat rides

swimming

sunbathing

floating

star watching - it was the perseids - lots of shooting stars

pajama parties

early mornings

late nights

and lots and lots and lots of laughing

I am supremely and happily exhausted.

Back to bloggin tomorrow. Hope all my bloggin pals are good.

Scene on the River (Part II)

2007-08-06T06:16:00.000-05:00

I am driving my mom to Florida today and won't be back til the end of the week. Hope you all have a great week! I'll leave you with some photos from our river jaunts past weekend.

Rockport, Ontario

The river's smallest bridge from Canada to the USA.

Two light houses

The progression

2007-08-02T11:56:00.000-05:00

From "deck" party to deck party.
It took us 4 years to put a deck on but now we have it!

Two for Tuesday - Sparklers!

2007-07-31T07:24:00.000-05:00

This past weekend saw the 2nd annual Harrington/Hart reunion

many, many, highlights:
Lake of the Isles

Boat Rides

The Riff
Oh Canada vs The Star Spangled Banner
Bonfire and fireworks on Rita Rock
Full moon on the river
Blue skies
Swimming
Apples to Apples
Harry Potter interludes (5 copies of the book present with numerous family members sneaking off to read)

Saturday night italian feast
Kayaking
Fishing
Waiting in line for the bathroom

Henway

Ship of fools

Tiki torches

Kate's volvo penta

lowlights - 5 family members weren't there to join in the fun!

click HERE to see additional photos

(warning: family members will find of interest, the rest of you, not so much.)

Grrrrrls top DVD pick for the week

2007-07-25T07:11:00.000-05:00

Haven't gotten into any of the summer tv shows this season.

Been catching up on last year's films instead.

Last night we watched one that is worth a mention

it has dramatic intensity, an unpredictable plot, and great acting

Efter brylluppet (After the Wedding)
"Champagne is poured, secrets are spilled."

A danish film with english subtitles

Nominated for an Academy Award

Nominated for 15 others with 6 wins.

one of the actors is Mads Mikkelsen (he's the guy that weeps blood tears in Casino Royale)

Co-written and directed by Susanne Bier

Beaver Lake

2007-07-24T08:01:00.000-05:00

About 15 minutes from our home we have Beaver Lake Nature Center. Trails that wind through the woods and around a lake. It is open year round for hiking, observing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, etc.

To the river....

2007-07-18T19:40:00.000-05:00

Heading to camp tomorrow.
Childless!!

No towering teenagers to cook for
or pick up after
or take tubing
or say "be careful with those spears you made! why can't you just use fishing poles?"
or "who ate that package of 24 rice krispie treats that was here an hour ago?"
or "do NOT try to catch the chipmunks with that net"

hmmm, although, I prefer saying any of those things instead of "get off your computer" or "turn off the television"
but still, an adult weekend is something to look forward to.

so I want to bring a cheese/fruit platter to a dinner party Saturday night, what kind of cheese goes good with grapes and strawberries? (besides cheddar)

and that big yellow boat? saw it last weekend and it is by far the prettiest tanker I've seen on the river yet. and check it out, it's from Amsterdam.

Two for Tuesday

2007-07-17T12:50:00.000-05:00

Two things you may not know about July 17.

1. It is the 198th day of the year with 167 days left.
2. There are 29 days of "the dog days of summer" left.

speaking of dog days, I had no idea why they were called that so here is what I found out-

wikipedia says they were named by the ancient romans after Sirius "the dog star"
the dog days are usually the hottest days during the summer months and ancients believed that the dog star was the cause of all the hot, sultry weather.

believed to be an evil time "when the seas boiled, wine turned sour, dogs grew mad, and all creatures became languid, causing to man burning fevers, hysterics, and phrensies.

hmmmm, I don't think it sounds evil to go languish in the sun with some wine. and what the heck does phrensies mean? if anyone knows, please enlighten me.

manic monday

2007-07-16T13:07:00.001-05:00

manic monday word for today? marble

a while back, I took photos and manipulated them into marbles on my paint shop program.
I wish they were real, they'd make good shooters!

if you click on them, you can see them better.

check out all manic monday marble posts at Mo's

ps. these are the photos that were manipulated.

another bird post, of sorts.

2007-07-14T13:30:00.000-05:00

I had been looking for some way to cover this old concrete slab we have at camp. I guess, before we bought the place 3 years ago, the pump house used to sit on it but was then moved. It was an eyesore and just a little dangerous as it has 4 huge nasty bolts sticking up out of it which could defintely wreck some havoc on bare feet.

This week I came up with a solution, and today, I created it.

A river rock birdbath and painted flower pots. Voila!

Speaking of birds and their mates.....

2007-07-12T10:54:00.000-05:00

this little birdie is looking for something, or someone. she has been sitting outside my office window at home for 2 weeks now. she alternates between the hanging pot to the small tree outside my window. she leaves her perches to knock on my window starting early in the morning and ends at twilight. she detects any movement and won't let me get near enough for a close up shot. she's a beautiful wild canary - maybe looking for her mate? cause I haven't seen him around at all.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, make me a match

2007-07-11T07:25:00.000-05:00

A dating service for parrots? uh huh.

A German ornithologist who started a dating agency for parrots has just brought her 2,000th pair together.

Rita Oenhauser, 34, who runs a bird sanctuary at Schoenefeld just outside Berlin, said: "I realised there was a gap in the market because I had so many people asking me about finding a partner for their birds.

"Unlike a regular dating agency my work is very satisfying, as parrots, like swans, will mate for life and remain faithful - parrot pairs stay together until the end.

"It is really sweet to watch, they spend every minute of every day together, the male looking after the female and feeding her and sitting together on their perches."

She added: "I don't have to do much other than make the introductions, some birds experience love at first sight, while others make a really careful choice before entering a relationship and need to be talked into it with a complicated courtship.

"It can take up to three months of being given the best bird seed or even building an elaborate nest to entice a reluctant partner."

Manic Monday

2007-07-09T06:25:00.001-05:00

Manic Monday word for the day?

Seven

today my thoughts went to the "7 habits of highly effective people" an excellent read by Stephen R. Covey. It's a keeper.

In short, here are the 7 habits:

1. Be proactive in life (not reactive)

2. Begin with the end in mind (set goals)

3. Put first things first (prioritize)

4. Think win/win (search out mutually beneficial solutions)

5.Seek first to understand, then be understood. (empathize)

6. Synergize (collaborate, value differences)

7. Sharpen the Saw (balance self-renewal)

he has another book (that I haven't read yet) called the 8th habit: from Effectiveness to Greatness. In this he lists the 6 "cancers" that inhibit peoples greatness.

They are:
Cynicism
Criticism
Comparing
Competing
Complaining
Contending

anyone read it?

be sure to check out the rest of the manic monday posts at Mo's place

Happy Manic Monday!

(ps. on 7/7/7 my friends Nancy and Mark got married. may they have 7x7 wonderful years)

And the winner of Five Fun Facts for Friday is.....

2007-07-08T19:12:00.000-05:00

Travis of Travsthoughts
Travis went 5 for 5 (plus the bonus) on the american twist.
Nice win Travis!

Trav's prize?

A bottle of dinosaur bbq sauce made right here in upstate NY.
It is yummy.
Trav, you have your choice of sensuous slathering sauce, roasted garlic honey, wango tango habenero or cajun foreplay spice rub.

Travis, email me here and I will send this east coast prize off to the west coast!

(Thanks to all who played! answers are given on the original post below)

5 fun facts for friday with an american twist

2007-07-06T09:15:00.000-05:00

1. where is the only place the flag is not flown at half mast?

2. what animal did Ben Franklin prefer over the bald eagle as the official national animal?

3. what is a vexillologist?

4. How many people signed the declaration of independence on July 4, 1776?

5. What was the first state to allow women to vote?

bonus question: What famous Confederate escaped capture during the Civil War by dressing in his wife's clothes?

Thanks for playing!

1. the moon

2. the turkey

3. one who studies flags

4. two. the rest signed on August 2 (they were John Hancock and Charles Thomson)

5. Wyoming

bonus: Jefferson Davis

Scene on the river.....

2007-07-04T08:34:00.000-05:00

Some photos from our boat ride yesterday.

Two for Tuesday

2007-07-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

Two flags a flyin.

The flags at camp were finally put up yesterday and with a brisk wind it was perfect flag flappin weather.

5 fun facts for friday with a twist

2007-06-29T07:44:00.000-05:00

1. Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested?
2. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"?
3. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
4. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?
5. What is the only food that doesn't spoil?

Thanks to all who played!
answers are below:
1. Obsession
2. One thousand
3. Their birthplace
4. All invented by women
5. Honey

congrats to Julie who had the most correct answers at 3. :-)

Back Bloggin

2007-06-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

It was a lovely (busy) break.

I flew to Florida to drive my mom back here for the summer.

Picked up some kick a$$ fireworks in PA.

Graduated Ryan child #2 from highschool.

Threw a wicked graduation party.

Had a funtastic time with family and friends.

Picked 20 pounds of strawberries.

Made umpteen jars of freezer jam.

(ok well mom made umpteen jars of freezer jam)

Got Ryan child #2 registered for college.

and am now heading to the river for a week of R&R.

(hope to post while at the river)

A bloggin break

2007-06-12T09:54:00.000-05:00

Dear Blogger Friends,
I am taking a wee bit of a bloggin break. Too much goin on these days (all good) and I could use a short hiatus. I'll still be checking in on all my bloggin buddies and I'll be back bloggin in a couple of weeks! Hope you are enjoying summer so far, it has been gorgeous here in upstate NY!

take care,

Lisa

5 fun facts for friday

2007-06-08T12:10:00.000-05:00

1. One plain milk chocolate candy bar has more protein than a banana.

2. On average women say 7,000 words per day. Men manage just over 2000.

3. Mosquitos dislike citronella because it irritates their feet.

4. The chemical n-acetyl-cysteine found in raw eggs is proven to help hangovers.

5. By age sixty, most people have lost half of their taste buds.

Senior Daze for David

2007-06-07T06:35:00.001-05:00

Senior ball, camping trip with friends, crew banquet, varsity letters awarded, finals, graduation parties.

A time for David to shine and have fun!

A time for me to be happy and sad simultaneously.

A few pictures to share of he and Kate the night of Senior Ball.

Peace

2007-06-04T07:59:00.000-05:00

Words to live by from Mother Teresa.

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."
"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."
"Peace begins with a smile."

The manic monday word for today is"Peace".
I imagined how people would spell "peace" based on their actions or reactions to those around them.
There is much done in this world in the name of "Peace"
How do you spell Peace?

Pain
Evil
Anger
Control
Ego

Politics
Endanger
Animosity
Chaos
Enmity

Passive
Enduring
Apathy
Clueless
Eyeless

Persuasive
Energy
Action
Caring
Empowerment

Protection
Empathy
Agreement
Cooperation
Equality

To see other Manic Monday posts visit Mo at It's a Blog Eat Blog World

It's mind bender Friday

2007-06-01T00:59:00.000-05:00

answers have been posted at the end of the page.

1. Say the colors the words are written in :

RED YELLOW BLUE

BLUE YELLOW BLACK

RED RED BLUE

GREEN BLUE WHITE

RED YELLOW BLUE

Not so easy is it?

2. How many times can you subtract 2 from 21?

3. What meaning do the following letters have?

G G E

G E G

E G G

4. In the olden days, a man rode into town on his horse. He arrived on Monday, spent six days in town and left on Friday. How is that possible?

5. What is the meaning behind this group of letters?
o_ er_ t_ o_

"Awwwww" news for today

2007-05-31T13:56:00.001-05:00

A Chinese mutt named Huani nurses her own puppy and three newborn tigers at the Jinan Paomaling Wild Animal World in Eastern China. The baby tigers were rejected by their mother. Huani will nurse the cubs for about a month.

Full story here

Two for Tuesday - the old and the new

2007-05-29T20:39:00.000-05:00

The old: over 100 year old peonies taken from my brother's 5 acres and transplanted last fall. They made it through the winter, can't wait to see if they bloom.

The new: plantings from brand spankin new seeds. So far there is green in all of the pots.

Gardening makes me think of "What you sow, so shall you reap". (Galatians 6.7)
Let's sow good things daily.

Gone fishin!

2007-05-25T11:43:00.000-05:00

and swimming, and sunbathing, and boating, and kibitzing, and sleeping, and reading.....

Have a great memorial day weekend!