Two Days Left

There are two days left in 2009, two days left in the decade. Ten years have passed so quickly that it seems like it has just been the year of 2009. Scores of things have happened over the past decade - some good (retirement almost three years ago and having regular lunches with former co-workers) and some bad (losing my parents, my husband, my mother-in-law and her sister, my brother-in-law and some former co-workers). I have become the "older generation" in my family and it is a sad thing. Nothing that I can do about it however, so I have decided to go forth gracefully, always accepting the fact that my hair keeps getting grayer and my reflexes get slower.

I have joined the 21st century by becoming a cyberspace junkie of sorts. I have Face Book, El Tigre on MyFamily.com, this blog and just plain e-mails. I have renewed old friendships, made new friends, and reconnected with family members. All of the time that I have spent on the computer, about two hours each day, has been worthwhile and very nice. It has kept me connected to the world and what is going on out there. It does not take the place of actual face-to-face contact, but it is a close second, especially when so many of the people I keep in touch with are scattered all over the country.

I have a couple of friends that I have to resort to snail mail and telephone to keep in touch with because they refuse to join the 21st century. We are all the same age, but I have chosen to move forward. I like the fact that if I am lucky it is almost like being in the same place at the same time when we communicate. I like keeping in touch via cyber space.

The next two days will speed by and before we know it 2010 will be here. I hope that the new year and the new decade are good to all and that we can continue to be in touch and swap stories about what is happening in our day to day lives. Take care everyone....

Mother Nature at her best

These are a few pictures showing the results of the snowstorm that we just had. The third largest in the history of December storms for Maryland. We usually get out big storms in late January through the end of February, with a smattering of smaller storms up until spring arrives. Mother Nature has just made sure that we get our fair share of the weather that has been going around.

The storm started late Friday night and lasted until the wee hours of Sunday morning. It took us (I should say Terry) most of the day to dig us out. Even with the help of the neighbors snow blower (half the size of ours, which was sitting on the back porch broken) it took most of the day. I helped as much as I could by cleaning off the vehicles and shoveling snow into the path of the snow blower. Terry did go to work today with a big load of snow in the back of the pickup. I figured that we could at least get rid of some of it that way.

Today it is sunny and looks rather nice outside and even though we are able to get out I have opted to stay home, bake some cookies for friends' Christmas presents and occupy myself in my "cyber" world of e-mails, blogs and other social networks. It is time to go get something to eat move on to the next project. Talk more later...

Winter Is HERE!!

Two days before winter is actually official and we are getting hit by a major snow event. So far the flakes are little and dry, but I just noticed that they are getting bigger, wetter and heavier. This is supposed to go on until the wee hours of Sunday morning. Terry and I will have to go out and shovel or snow blow some of the snow so that by the time that it ends the job will not be impossible.

Major snow means double digits - 18 plus inches is what they said earlier, but I am going to bet that it will be closer to two feet. Big UGH!!! I am so glad that I went out yesterday and stocked up on the essentials (bread, milk, eggs and of course T/P) and got the rest of my errands done so that all I have to do this weekend is watch it happen from my window. Of course, I will get out and help with the removal part - I just wish that I could remove it all the way, but the best that I will be able to do is clear off vehicles and make pathways to get around.

I will take some pics when we are out in it and after it is over and done with to post here and on the El Tigre page from MyFamily.com Several others have posted their winter woes on El Tigre so far, so I will join the club and post mine as well. This storm is going to end up being fed by a good old fashioned "Nor'easter" which is a type of storm that generates a lot of its power and moisture from the ocean. Looks like we may have our White Christmas after all.

Christmas is Getting Closer

Christmas is getting closer, and closer, and closer still. Won't be long and it will be at our door. I still have tons of stuff to do. I could have had it done by now if I had not been attacked by a case of "procrstinitis" (I started procrastinating and things are now falling behind). Oh well, I had good intentions.

Started out with good intentions this morning, but ended up going to lunch with some friends instead. We had a very nice lunch at an Italian restaurant in Catonsville called Chef Paolino. Food is good and prices are reasonable, plus it is centrally located for Anita, Linda and I.

I then had to come home and face the mess that I left behind for lunch. I finally got all the paperwork done, sorted some of my piles of papers into other piles and then returned to my computer to read e-mails, comment on Face Book and the El Tigre site on MyFamily.com and now I sit here composing this little diddy. Been a full day, but once again things have not gone as planned and things still need to get done pronto. I will never learn.

It's Snowing

Snow - the harbinger of winter - is 15 days early. It is still fall and that darn stuff is falling. This term was used by the weather people yesterday - holidayish - isn't even a word as far as I am concerned. It is big fluffy flakes and the grass is disappearing fast. Too fast!! According to the weather gurus - our area is going to get anywhere from one to three inches of this evil stuff. It is a good thing that I bought my supplies the other day when I was running errands because now I can sit in the coziness of my room and be warm. I just remembered - I don't have any snowboots at the moment - I gave them away because they were actually too small. Winter-style Crocs (the ones with no holes) are not going to cut it. Another good reason why I can't go out - Yea!!!!

Looks like the leaves all over my yard are going to have to wait until next spring to get cleaned up. I will have to find out Mike's address and send him what I owe for earlier mowings and the new drain box for my downspout out front. I was waiting for him to come and clean up leaves and mow one last time, see where that got me. Yucky leaves all over the place - gutters to I bet. He was supposed to install gutter guards for me this year - oh well, such is life in the fast lane.

Time to be moving on - have all sorts of "holidayish" projects to do, so I guess that I will take advantage of the fact that I am "hibernating" today. More later...

Sunday Again

Once again it is Sunday and I am sitting in front of my computer perusing my "social links" - getting in touch with the rest of the world. The sun is shining and there is a nice breeze blowing. If it were warmer outside I would have the window open so that I could hear my Mozart and Bach wind chimes singing. As it is I will be able to hear them when I move to the other end of the house to use my other computer.

It is time to compose my yearly Xmas letter and right at the moment I really do not know what I am going to be saying. I have managed to keep in touch with most of my family and friends via e-mail and "social networks" (i.e. Facebook and MyFamily.com) so everyone pretty much knows what I have been up to this past year. Basically the yearly missive is for those that refuse to use computers and rely on "snail mail". Wish me luck!!!

I am discovering that many of the people that are on "El Tigre" (the MyFamily.com site for alumni of Portola Junior Senior High School) are really scattered all over the country even though it sounds like they are all still right there in Portola. I am having fun connecting with people from home - most of whom I did not even associate with in school. Been very interesting and there have been some very nice "discussions" about past happenings, past acquaintances and memories dredged up from long ago forgotten recesses of my brain.

I am also "plugged" into my MP3 player. It has 400 plus of my favorite songs on it - now that is a fib. I have some of my favorites and some of Paul's favorites. My newest find has been Freddie Mercury. I am also going to be finding some songs by Lady Antebellum and Carrie Underwood and of course the latest release for the present day crooner Michael Buble (I like him because he sings songs that I can sing along with him).

Time to move to the other end of the house. Have a good day one and all.....more later (isn't my life just the most exciting thing ever she said facetiously)

Holiday Season Almost Here

Tomorrow marks the start of another Holiday Season and a time of the year which for some is very busy. Me, however, I like to take it slow and easy and this year I have made sure that I will be able to do that for the most part. I have 95% of my shopping done, now all I have to do is wrap and send or wrap and hide, whichever applies. Believe me - this is very unusual for me and something that I hope that I will be able to repeat in years to come.

Of course, I still have my annual Xmas missive to write, which is going to be a little bit more difficult this year because I have kept in touch with so many electronically this year, but I will give it the old college try one of these days.

This is a time of the year that I do a lot of reflecting, mostly about family and loved ones that are no longer with us. I then say thank you for the people that are still in my life and try to brighten my spirits. Sometimes this is a little hard to do because I suffer from S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and sometimes it gets in the way and I have to work harder to find the "bright things". This year I think that having reconnected with family and friends (all via the electronic highways and byways) will be a great help. I am having a grand time "socializing" and hope to continue for a long time to come.

Have a Happy Holiday season one and all........

TGIF (big time)

Friday - here it is again. Tropical storm IDA (formerly a hurricane) has been sitting off the coast and is causing all sorts of problems on the western side of Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern Shore (high tides made worse by winds etc. causing flooding). The beaches on the eastern shore are taking a beating to be sure from the waves and high winds. A great deal of the beach is expected to be gone when all is said and done - something Ocean City has dealt with many times. They had gotten almost 18 inches of rain as of last night and it was still coming down when I went to bed.

Raining here in Carroll County, but not all that hard. We are getting more wind than anything else. My wind chimes have been singing loudly the past couple of days (its a good thing they are pleasant sounding chimes).

I am going out to dinner with my Maryland sister-in-law tonight (UGH - this machine just deleted all that I had written). Bernie just started a new job as a bank teller and she is training at a branch close to my house. Her husband, my Paul's last remaining brother, died in May of this year after a very long battle with MS. They were married in June, 1986 and shortly thereafter Dave was diagnosed. Bernie stayed with Dave the entire time - she was all things to Dave (wife to nurse and everything in between) and it is only because of her that David lived as long as he did and as well as he did.

Well the time (as seen on my computer) says that it is time to find something to eat. Actually, my tum has been telling me that for the past hour or so, but I have been ignoring it. Can't anymore - it is really starting to talk.

Turkey Day Approaches

The approach of Thanksgiving is a sign that Christmas is not far behind. Where has the time gone. It seems like it was only yesterday that winter was ending and spring was springing. Now begins the arduous task of preparing for winter and Christmas, the best holiday from a child's point of view. From an adult's point of view - UGH! Time to think of that perfect gift that will put a smile on the faces of those closest to you.

But first things first - Thanksgiving. The day where we give thanks for all the things that have happened to us this year. Family, friends, and by the grace of God waking up each morning to live our lives with these people.

I am thankful for this blamed machine that I am using at the moment - for with it I have become closer to those that are important to me. I have renewed family ties, reunited with old friends and I have become acquainted with new friends. The age of technology is providing so much - it used to take hours to write letters, days for the letters to arrive and if I was lucky I got responses. Now all of that takes a matter minutes - seconds if you manage to get into a chat room at the same time.

Sometimes my communication consists of forwarding jokes, prayers and messages from others to people. Lazy I know, but everyone should know that when I do this I am thinking of them and letting them know that I am there for them if need be. So please do not be offended when I do that - I am sending you something to make you giggle or I am sending a prayer to keep you safe etc. I really try to limit myself to the best giggles and prayers, so that I don't inundate you all with nonsense.

Take care my lovelies, have a happy holiday and don't eat too much.

Halloween a dud in Maryland

Halloween was a dud in our area - it rained so there were no trick or treaters and we were left with all the candy that was bought to give out. Definitely did not need that. I eat it if it is around, otherwise I am a good girl and stay away from it. Eddie was a ninja and he did go trick or treating with the twins (they used to live next door to us and have maintained their friendship). I think they managed to beat the rain.

The local malls were the big draw this year. Kids hit the stores - not the same as far as I am concerned. Definitely takes something away from the atmosphere of the holiday. But the kids stayed dry, which is a good thing I guess.

My grand nieces and nephews all look swell in their costumes and I hope that they all had a good time. Some nice choices for costumes - I don't think that most kids would think of being a SWAT team member or a mexican-style wrestler (I suddenly drew a blank = old age creeping in one of the cracks I guess). Firemen, ballerina and fairy princesses are nice as well - especially if they reflect the interests of the kid wearing it.

Well, it is time for me to start my day. Breakfast is first (tummy growling) and then it is on to folding clothes and cleaning (those not so fun things that need to be done, but sometimes wait until the last minute to get done). I am a procrastinator and I come by it honestly - I inherited it from my father, along with two left feet and no sense of rythym (three claps in unison and then on to my own pace).

Party, Party, and Party some more

Friday night I attended a celebration of life so to speak. There were several people at my old job that celebrated their time on the job around the same time - most were celebrating 30 years on the job, but there was one 25 year and one 20 year celebration.

These are old school employees who take pride in their job and the "company" they work for. They are all looking forward to the day they can retire, but they are doing it with a tear in their eye. They will know when it is time to walk out the door and start the next phase of their life just like I knew. In the mean time - party on.

The setting was nice, the food was good, the program was very informative and it was nice to sit and talk with former co-workers. Best of all were the hugs that I collected along the way. I was not a hugger when I moved to Baltimore, but I have learned to be one and it is one of the nicest things that happened to me since moving here. It is nice to feel a warm heartfelt embrace from a friend or even from someone that you don't know all that well.

Anyway, congrats to all and may they live to retire and enjoy the next phase of what God has planned for them.

Ghastly Grey Days

It is another ghastly grey day - the harbinger of dark mornings and even darker evenings. Daylight savings time died for another year and I eagerly await its rebirth. My inner clock is whacked and will be for the next few days. Of the time changes this is the easiest to adjust to (gaining an extra hour of sleep is preferable to losing ong), but a pain none the less. I wish that they (whoever the powers that be are) would pick one and leave it alone - preferably Daylight Savings Time.

I could do with a little bit of blue to wake up to - I am running out of ways to describe the greyness of the morning hours. It is bad enough that winter is coming, it could at least be cheerful in its coming. That would make winter a little bit more appetizing.

Cooler Temps, Breezes and Falling Leaves

It is Monday morning and I am sitting here in my room looking out the window as I browse through all my social links (Facebook, El Tigre, family blogs etc.). It looks bright and sunny outside with a breeze, which is causing leaves to blow down. I am not looking forward to looking at bare trees, but I know that it (meaning winter and really cold temps) is coming.

It looks fairly warm outside, but I must be wrong because my room is feeling a little bit chilly at the moment. I have goosebumps, teeth would chatter a little bit if I were not clenching them, and my feet are getting cold (which for me is a very bad sign - cold feet, cold me). Maybe if I get up, move around and get a cup of coffe I can improve things.

I really should be folding some clothes and cleaning my room, but for the moment this computer is stealing my attention. Can't let it go on much longer though because it is getting late and I have things to do. I can feel it - it is going to be a slow day.

Just looked out my window and noticed a Cardinal sitting in my tree. They are such pretty birds. Yesterday it was blue jays. Small things make me appreciate God's wonders.

Living Vicariously

I am living vicariously through the lives of my two nieces. Between them there are 6 and 1/2 kids and their lives seem to be very full and always exciting. I did good raising one child - I managed to get him through a childhood rife with many stumbling blocks and raise a decent and caring human being. He is my greatest accomplishment.

If there had been several children (as seems the case with both my nieces) I would have come out the other side of that experience more of a blithering idiot than I already am. I have never claimed to be sane and sometimes that is evident in my life. I have not always made the best decisions, but somehow everything has turned out for the best. I have always received what I needed when I needed it and for that I have been very grateful.

Both of my nieces have blogs and I enjoy browsing them on a daily basis to find out what is new and exciting in their lives. I feel privilaged to be able to be a part of their lives however vicarious it may be.

Gloomy Days

We have had rain for the past 4 days (not really complaining just observing) and this is by far the gloomiest of all those days. So far there has been no hint of sunshine like there was all the other days. The rain is steady. Rain can be depressing - not only for me but for my cat as well. She has been sleeping more lately (her favorite spot is my lap). She is my shadow most of the time.

I started her (Scooter) on a new eating regime because the vet said she was getting too fat and the prospects of diabetes was more and more real. Not going to let that happen - the thought of sticking her with a needle on a daily basis was daunting. I am a mass of scars now from when she gets mad at me - what do you think she would do to me when I am coming at her with a needle once a day. Anyway, not going to happen. Since the end of July she has lost three pounds (1/5 of her total body weight). All this happened because her dry food was changed to canned food (duck and green pea). Vet had told me that it would take awhile because cats lose weight slowly. Hopefully there is nothing else wrong that would have caused this. Have to take her back to the vet in a couple of weeks to monitor the weight loss (they are concerned that she lost it so fast) - we went yesterday because it was mani/pedi day. I do not attempt to cut her nails either.

Well, it is time for me to move on for the day. I have spent enough time on the computer today - have to eat, do some housework and then get ready for a memorial party honoring my brother-in-law David, who passed away earlier this year due to complications from MS. Diagnosed 1986 and lived his life to the fullest until 2009 all due to his loving wife Bernadette (who is having a hard time adjusting back into the "real world"). Her sole purpose for the past 23 years was to make sure that David had the best life possible - dealing with the day to day trials and tribulations of dealing with doctors, government agencies, and charitable groups to get what he needed. Because of that she is now in a position where she has to start over and focus on taking care of her future - going to be a daunting task. I have no doubt that she will succeed however.

Fall has sprung!!

It is cloudy, the humidity is low, the temps are low and the leaves are starting to turn colors. I guess it is safe to say that Fall has finally arrived in our neighborhood. Oh Joy!!! This means that winter cannot be far behind - YUCK!!!

As you can see I am not a big fan of the colder months of the year - makes me wish that I were a millionaire because I would be packing up for my annual trek to New Zealand, where the sun is shining and the temps are getting warmer and warmer (it is going into spring and then summer there). I would follow summer and warmth around the world or at least between the U.S. and New Zealand.

It won't be long before I will have to make sure the pantry is full of the staples (both food and paper products) so that when the really bad parts of winter hit I can stay at home, let mother nature dig out my vehicle etc. and watch it all from the comfort of the inside of my house. I hibernate like the bears do - I guess that is why I am such a fan of all my teddy bears.

Terry is home today - I guess he has a migraine again. They have been coming more and more often - I certainly hope that this is not a "peek at the future" for him. They have an idea as to what is causing them, but because he has no health insurance (like so many others in the country) he has to save up for whatever medical appointments and procedures are needed. I will have to talk to him in a little while to find out what he is doing - taking the whole day, or half a day, from work. He does not get paid when he is off like this either - so he is hit with a double whammy. Such is life in this economy.

Fall is the time of the year for open season for insurance. I have been trying to keep track of all the things that are being done by the government regarding health coverage but I am a little bit apprehensive because of all the talk about government employees and their health care coverage (this applies to retirees as well). The media makes it sound like we are getting so much (the senators etc. are getting really good stuff) but those of us that were and are "peons" pay for what we get - and it is no where near the priority treatment that the senators etc. get. Plus we have deductibles to meet - they don't. I hate being lumped in with them - I hate that the whole world thinks that government employees are "all rich and well off" - I would venture to say that the majority of the government jobs are at the GS5 to GS9 level and believe me they do not make the money with the government that they could make in the private industry. Governments saving grace - jobs with more stability and a good leave policy (vacation and sick days).

Ooops!!! I got on my soapbox - sorry about that. It happens ever once in a while. Don't mean to bore you - just have to say things ever once in a while. Time to go. I am getting hungry and I am tired of listening to Terry snore. Take care and have a good day everyone......

Hack, Hack, Cough and Cough Some More

It has been a couple of weeks since I last checked my blogs and e-mails. I have had no interest in sitting at my laptop and coughing away. I am battling an upper respiratory viral infection and am only now starting to feel better. At least after I hack away for the first hour the rest of the day is pretty calm, but getting through the first couple of hours is what tires me out. I am getting there - I guess that getting over things like this just take longer when you are older....Notice I said older and not old. I will never admit to being old.....

The weather has been great the past couple of weeks - some rain, but mostly lower temps and lower humidity. Would have liked to take better advantage of it but it did not work out that way. It is going to take a while for me to get my energy and my breath back. I try to do too much and I am knocked to the sidelines to recuperate. I will get there sooner or later.

Saw the pictures (ultrasounds) of my newest grandnephew. Going to be a cutie. Was very glad to hear that he is healthy and that mom is doing okay.

Time to move on - I must have a ton of e-mails to look through - things sure to have a tendency to pile up when you are incapacitated in one way or another. Take care everyone......

Great Aunt Again

I just found out that I am going to be a great aunt again and that my brother is going to be a grandpa of seven. Will wonders never cease. Bringing new life into the world is one of the greatest accomplishments there is and for this new life to be welcomed into such a loving family is truly wonderful. My prayers are out there for the mama to be - hope that all goes well during the remaining 169 days. I look forward to getting the news regarding his/her arrival.

It is a cool breezy sunshiny day in my neighborhood. It has been very pleasant sitting at my computer (which is located in front of my bedroom window) feeling the breezes and listening to the sounds of nature. I forwarded one of those e-mails that promised good news earlier this morning and I got it when I read Erin's blog later in the day. I got my good news.....

Sounds of nature have included a chattering pair of red birds (cardinals) that sounded like a little old couple bickering back and forth; a squirrel chattering at the birds and several different types of bugs making their presence known. It is nice to see and hear what can happen whey you take the time to pay attention. I guess Daddy was right - take the time to listen to the small things and put your faith in the good Lord and all is well with your world - that is certainly the case today.

Sunday Routine

I have just finished my Sunday routine - emails, facebook, "El Tigre" and viewing the blogs of family and friends. My particular favorite today was Lifespetals Photography by Bob Kaufman (www.lifespetalsphoto.blogspot.com). When it comes to talented photographers in my book this guy is right up at the top of my list. He does a lot of portrait work and weddings, but the final results are gorgeous. He must have a camera with him at all time because he takes a lot of pics when he travels as well. He is also a major contributor to "El Tigre", which goes a long way to making that site and huge success. Kudos to him.

It is a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, which is a pleasant change from all the rain that we had this week. Don't get me wrong, needed the rain to water the new grass that I have growing in my back yard - see back yard ballet. The sky is blue, the sun is shining and there is a really nice breeze blowing, which is making my wind chimes sing to me. I especially like my Mozart and Bach chimes - make me happy.

It is now time to start the rest of my day. I am getting hungry, I have to make my bed and I have laundry to finish - exciting stuff huh? Such is a day in my life. I also hear a football game playing in the living room. My son is once again involved in Fantasy football so watching games will be a regular activity from now until Super Bowl Sunday.....more later.

Backyard Ballet

No one appreciates watching an artist at work more than I. This artist, however, was not using a brush or a pen, he was using his backhoe. That's right - he is what I am calling a blue collar artist. He is one with his machine and watching him work was a joy. He takes pride in his work and he had the trust of his young helper (Dan). They worked together well as a team and proved to me that there is "beauty" in the simplest of things.



Then came the "mack daddy" of the crew. He has accomplished something that no other driver would attempt. He backed his single axle dump truck into my backyard. The overhang from my roof did not bother him at all - along with the guidance from the others he backed in, dumped his load (right in front of my small shed) and drove out without scratching the house. Left ruts, however, because the ground was wet. Another "artist" displaying his talents.



Shed survived each time (six in all) stone was dumped - a total of 55 tons of them and they all disappeared into the trench that they dug in my back yard - nine foot deep and 55 feet long. The stone filled up 6 foot of the trench by the time they were done.



They collapsed my dry well and filled it in (using the dirt they dug out from the trench) and then they smoothed everything out - making sure that all the rocks were picked up and the ruts from the dump truck were filled up. They planted grass and covered it with hay. Most of my back yard and a small portion of my front yard is now hay covered, but that is okay. It is going to be in much better shape than before this job was started. No more uneven ground or small dips to trip in. An expensive way to get landscaping done, but will be worth it in the long run.

My thanks and appreciation go out to these "true blue collar artists" - without whom I would be in deep *&%$ as the saying goes.

The only mishap during this whole procedure was when they picked up a piece of cast iron pipe laying in the backyard (they are going to recycle it). They found out the hard way that bees had claimed it as a home and were not too happy with the fact that their home was suddenly mobile. They were not happy campers. The pipe was dropped when Dan realized what was happening (by this time he was almost out of the backyard) and my "backhoe artist" promptly covered it with a big load of dirt. It was later recovered and taken away without any further incident.

One Day Left

It is Sunday August 30, 2009 and there is only one more day left in August. Where has the year gone? I have done very little constructive this month - other than running errands, going out to lunch with friends several times and sitting at my computer keeping in touch with family and friends. I have even managed to dream up a couple of projects to do, but I am not quite sure how I am going to accomplish them - I want to start journalizing (I don't think that is a word, but will use it anyway) the past of my family, starting with my parents and moving forward. I haven't decided if I want to start another blog or do something on my family.com I am going to have to think about this some more.

I have been laying awake every morning this week with family memories and family trees running through my head faster than what my fingers would be able to keep up. I have to find a way to slow the brain down so that I can do their story justice. My mind racing has kept me from sleeping. Hopefully I will be able to slow things down if I start writing.

There is also another website called TogetherWeServed that is devoted to individuals who served in the military - past and present. I have already started a page on this site for my husband, he was in the Navy and served during the Vietnam War. Maybe this is the place to put my dad's military history. Will have to think on that one as well. Whatever I decide I will let the family know so that they can keep track of my progress etc. I have a few questions that I want to ask my one remaining uncle - maybe my brother will be able to help me with that........

Time to move on - it is noon and I have been sitting at this machine for a couple of hours already, catching up with the news, old schoolmates and family. Besides my stomach is reminding me big time that it is time to eat. Have a good week (or whatever) and take care of your world and the world around you....................

Another Weekend Comes and Goes

Spent Saturday watching the weather thru my window - had all sorts of things to watch out for - rain, spectacular lightening shows and tornadoes (which did not come our way thankfully). The lightening meant that it was a noisy day as well. We survived tho - thought that we would wash away a couple of times it rained so hard, but we survived that as well.

Spent Sunday on a shopping spree - the whole gang went to Hanover and Gettysburg, PA to hit the Shoe Store (only place where Terry can find shoes and new school shoes for Eddie) and The Outlets (school clothes for Eddie and some odds and ends for the rest of us). We had a nice meal at a place called Damons. I had a soup and salad combo - the soup (Tomato Florentine) out of this world and because it was on the menu as Endless Soup and Salad I took advantage and had two bowls of soup. It can be an expensive day if you arn't careful, but the ride is nice - just long enough to keep you interested, but not bored.

School starts tomorrow - hip hip hooray. It is not going to be a fun day for Eddie. First day in 6th grade in a brand new school and he has no idea who his teachers are, where his room is or what his schedule is going to be. He knows that his bus stop is just up the road, but as to when the bus comes ??????? His mom let orientation day come and go - such is life in the fast lane in this household. I do not envy the boy at all. Good thing that he is a fast learner and can think "on his feet" if he wants to. He is going to have a hard time adjusting as well - his schedule for the past few weeks has been up till all hours of the night playing games on the computer and sleeping all day. It is almost noon and he just got up and he is grumpy as all get out. I think that I will close my bedroom door and cover up my head in the a.m. - it is not going to be a pretty sight. So much for the immediate future in our household.

Well, I have a project to do on the computer. I have to attempt to locate some info for Terry, so I will get to it so that I can then eat and move on to other things. Take care everyone.....

New Picture/Pennsylvania Trip

Decided that it was time to update the picture in my profile. I have my pic taken with my friend at her retirement party the end of July. So I cropped it and here I am - not the best in the west (or should I say east) but it will do for now. One day I will have someone take an actual close up pic of me that I will then use.

This past weekend (8/15-16/09) we drove up to the Pittsburgh area for a family reunion for the Hudak side of the family. It turned out that except for one person it was all "second and third generation" people there. All of the aunts and uncles have passed on. The one uncle left was married to one of the sisters (there were 13 siblings in all). I expected that there were going to be a lot more people there because with so many aunts and uncles there were lots of kids, but this was not the case. I knew Paul's cousins Butch, Gladys, Joyce and Theresa and that was it. We stayed for a few hours and then drove home. The trip home was much quicker than the trip there because Terry fell in with a fast crowd and took full advantage of the situation. I took some nice pictures, but have not downloaded them to my computer yet. When I do I will post the pics.

This was kind of a mini-vacation for Terry and I. It was fun and we both needed to get away from good ole Baltimore - - even if it was only a few hours.

Another Week

It is the beginning of another week. Time flies when you are having fun and I had some of that last week. Went out to lunch with some friends and had a really nice time. Friday night I went to a retirement party for a friend from work. It was supposed to be a wedding reception, but that fell through. The hall was paid for etc. so the gal decided to use it to celebrate her retirement. It was the nicest party that I had been too in a very long time. There was quite a turnout - about half were from work and the rest were her family and non-work friends. The food was good (a sit down dinner) - stuffed chicken breast, mashed taters w/gravy and collard greens (my very first time ever eating them - not bad, but not one of my favorite things in the food world). I can now at least say that I have tried them.

Will be spending this week getting ready to travel to the Hudak family reunion in Pittsburgh next weeken (8/16/09). Only know a few of Paul's relatives so decided that it was time that we saw them again. It has been a long time since I have seen any of them. Terry is going with me - hopefully it will be a good time. I will let you know. The cousins that live in Florida are always asking me to come down - hopefully this will appease them for awhile. Driving to Florida is a major trip - three days at least for me alone. I just may do it one time though, with a stop in Savannah, GA on my way back home. I want to eat at Lady and Sons - the restaurant owned by Paula Deen from the Food Network.

Time to go, have things to do today....take care everyone.....

Zypher Winds

A week ago yesterday we had a huge storm go through our area. It brought along a zypher wind (straight line winds with tornado strengths), which can be very devastating. Personally we got off a lot easier than many of our neighbors. For awhile I did think that I was going to end up in Kansas - made my house shake a little bit. The trees in my back yard have fewer branches in them. One tree is in need of some tender loving care from a tree expert. If mother nature continues to trim it her way there will be very little of it left. The other trees in my yard did okay, but they are fifty plus years old, very tall and one is getting sick. We are going to have to address this problem soon.

A Zypher wind is quick and destructive. Trees went down all over the area - there were even a couple of deaths due to a tree falling on a car - sadly they were kids. We lost our electricity (tree down on the lines and a transformer up the road "blowing"). We were lucky though repairs were quick and it came back on at five a.m. the next morning. A hugh cheer from the rest of the house - meant the air conditioner came back on - me, i did not miss it all that much. I just opened the window and turned up my ceiling fan. Some people did not get their electricity back for 4 to 5 days because of all the cleanup work that had to be done before the electric lines etc. could be replaced.

We have to count our blessinigs though because of all the storms that have gone through Maryland this summer this is the first that has caused any significant damage in our area. Today is sunny, hot and humid -- typical Maryland weather for this time of the year.

For the most part the storm is a mere memory - fewer trees in the area, but we have survived and I am counting my blessings.

Infamous Reservoir

Finally learned how to upload pictures from my camera to my computer - hip hip hooray!!! I am coming closer and closer to entering the 21st century all the time. My house is located in the area to the left end of the bridge depicted in the upper left corner - less than 1/2 a mile away - probably closer to .3 of a mile.

The reservoir is beautiful when it is full - as shown in these pics - but it can be very worrisome very early in the spring when the water levels are as much as 10 plus feet lower than what they need to be. This is one of the major water supplies for Baltimore City. Those of us that live close do get to "stick our toes in the water" so to speak. It is our source of water as well as we are on the city water system. This is something that was worked out many moons ago when the dam was put in and the town of Oakland was flooded.

If I were a scuba driver it might be fun to do an underwater tour of the area just to see how much of the original town was still there. There are reportedly some pretty good sized fish in "the pond" as well. It is a favorite boating site - that is as long as you have an electric motor - no gas motors allowed.

It is hard to believe that this only ten miles from Baltimore, MD. This is why I like my area so much. All of the comforts of city life close at hand, but the serenity of country living right here. It is quiet, we have wildlife in the front yard and neighbors at a respectable distance so that we know they are there, but not right in our living rooms.

The sun has finally decided to show itself. I can see the trees and bushes moving so the breezes are blowing as well, but I am not ready to open the window to let them in. It is supposed to be fairly warm out, but the humidity is what is through the roof. I get "soggy" just thinking about it. Not my "cup of tea"........

TGIF

TGIF everyone....it is early in the morning. I am not used to being up this early in the a.m., but I could not go back to sleep so here I sit writing away. It is gloomy outside - hot, but gloomy. I am waiting for another series of thunderstorms to roll through. It got a little loud overnight and the lights flickered a few times, but we made it through.

The week has flown by - I have been busy running errands and doing work on the computer (lots of googling, shopping and paying bills). I have re-established communications with some schoolmates. Several people have posted pictures from the last reunion (45th from high school) on the El Tigre page. All these pictures have brought back a lot of memories - both good and bad. High school was not my favorite time - not the highlight of my life so to speak, but memorable nonetheless. There were some good friends and some good times - very good times in fact - but my college days were far more fun. Maybe I will regale you with college days escapades some day.

I am going out to lunch with friends today. The one activity of my retirement that has brought me the most joy so far. It gets me out of the house and keeps me in touch with what is going on at work. All I will say about that is "I picked the right time to retire".

Hopefully the rain will hold off until I get home - I have to stop at the grocery store on the way home as well - my cat needs her creature comforts (food and litter), which also keeps me happy. A happy cat is a cat that is not attacking my feet every time she wants food put in her bowl. Don't ever tell me that animals are dumb or can't communicate - my Scooter is very good at letting me know what she wants and gets her "point" (or I should say points - nails) across very effectively.

Well, I have a couple of projects to get done before I get ready to leave for lunch. Have a good day everyone - blessings to all.

It's Sunday

It is Sunday morning. I have been up for awhile. The sun is shining and it looks like there might be a breeze blowing (I have my computer set up so that I can look out my window). May be worth the time to open the door and find out what the temp is outside. If nice enough will warrant opening windows to air things out.

I am hooked up to my MP3 player - listening to country music as I sit here writing, so if there are some mistakes that I do not catch you will know the reason. I finally figured out how to download music to my MP3 and I also discovered today that I could record music from the radio if I wanted. Will wonders never cease. Technology is amazing.

I have also spent some time on the "El Tigre" page on MyFamily.com. There were all sorts of pictures from the 45th reunion of the class of 64. Talk about making a person feel old - I looked at at those pics and did not recognize very many of the people. A couple of people have faces that I have not changed all that much, but others = WOW!!!!!! I would have passed most of those people on the street and never recognized them. By the same token they probably would not recognize me either. Like I told one classmate - the only thing that has not changed is the fact that I have blue eyes. Hair is now short and grey; I have to wear glasses all the time (a casualty of working with computers for 20 plus years) and there is now enough of me to make two of me in 1964. There were even a couple of people that had white hair, which is the opposite of the black hair they had in school.

My son just got up so it is time to move around and get things done. Besides, my tummy is telling me that it is time to eat something.

OOPS!!!!! the sun just went away, so I guess that the possibility of some sprinkles may just come to pass. Take care family......more later.........

Fourth of July, 2009 Two

The pyrotechnic people in the neighborhood came through last night. We had fireworks all around us. It was really nice. The people up the street must have had quite a crowd in their backyard. Lots of cheering and chants for more. The show in the back was not quite as spectacular but nice just the same. It is nice to have such accommodating neighbors - didn't have to leave home to see a nice show.

The lightening bugs enjoyed the show as well. All the sparkles in the sky really must have excited them because they provided a "fireworks" show of their own afterward. Did not realize that we had so many lightening bugs in our yard.

The bugs brought back many, many childhood memories of spending warm summer nights catching them - only to let them go later in the evening. The cousins would have contests about who could catch the most. It was always fun to play with the cousins.

Hope that your shows were as nice as ours........

Fourth of July, 2009

Here it is - Fourth of July, 2009. Where has the time gone? I am sitting here looking out my open window (sunshine off and on/cool breezes blowing - not very summer like for this area) and listening to music on my MP3 player. I added new music the other day. New in that it's new to my MP3, but old when it comes to when the music first came out. Freddy Mercury of Queen, Cass Elliot and five of Michael Jackson's older songs. Was never really a fan of these people way back when, but decided to broaden my horizons so to speak. All this as a result of watching the biography channel and the news, who would have known?

Anyway, it is going to be a very quiet holiday. Eddie has gone to the beach with friends, I am sitting here writing this, Terry is in the shower and Liz is still asleep. That is going to give you some idea as to how this day is going to go. Hopefully our neighborhood pyrotechnic guy will regale us with a fireworks display tonight - that would put a good ending on the day.

I have spent the morning reading blogs and face book entries. I have arrived in the 21st century and hope to keep improving my skills. My next project is take some pics and put the software on my laptop so that I can download them - I am getting there, please be patient. I am going to update my picture on Bip's World as well. I have cut my hair and I look a lot better than the pic there now (it was taken at my retirement party). People also tell me that I look younger and far more rested - but then what else could they think when I have spent the last two years since retirement "resting".

Time to go, I am getting hungry and when that happens my brain and fingers start to fight with each other. Brain works faster than the fingers can go and I get to use my favorite key - the backspace - to make corrections. HAVE A NICE HOLIDAY -ENJOY YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Music to my ears

I watched two programs on the biography channel tonight - one was about Freddy Mercury of Queen and the other was about Mama Cass Elliot. Now you would think that at my age I would be familiar with both of these entities, but that is not the case. So I spent some time tonight downloading some of their music to my MP3 player. Don't know quite how I did it, but I succeeded.

I learned that Freddy Mercury was enamored by the voice of an opera star (Montserrat) and that the last album he made before he died was with this person. It was called Barcelona. It was very good and quite the thing for a rock and roller to collaborate with an opera diva to make some beautiful music.

I always liked the Mamas and Papas (the group Cass was in for awhile) but I was not aware that she did so much on her own. She was likened to a modern day Kate Smith in her day. Very true - a voice that was and is very easy to listen to. So here I sit typing and listening to my MP3. I am slowly but surely joining the 21st century technologically speaking. I will never be a expert I am sure, but will at least I will be able to add and delete music from the MP3, post on my blog and hopefully master my site on facebook which is proving to be very interesting. It is going to take awhile to master this one.

An exciting way to spend a Saturday night right? It is for me. Now it is time to go for the night. Take care my lovelies and enjoy the music of your life.......

Not so sunny Saturday

It is 12:45 p.m. on Saturday afternoon and I have been on the computer for almost two hours already. Between making plans to take a trip to Pennsylvania so that Terry and I can attend an upcoming Hudak family reunion, reading my e-mails and now posting on my blog I have been fairly productive in that time period. I really should be thinking about going outside and doing some much needed yard work. It just keeps raining and the weeds etc. just keep coming. I do believe that I am waging in a losing battle.

I thought about blogging in the middle of the night one day last week - I woke up in my recliner in the middle of the night (which reminded me of daddy) and wanting to stay up getting something accomplished (which reminded me of mama). Mama was a night owl-type person, as everyone knew. She liked doing her housework etc. in the middle of the night because she could get done without being interrupted.

She would get us up in the a.m. (after sleeping a couple of hours at most), make us breakfast and then go back to bed to sleep. Heaven help the person who called the house before noon. Family and friends learned over the years that this was a big "no no" and patiently waited until the afternoon to call. In later years she established an "in and/or out box" system by the back door so that typing work for the church could be dropped off or picked up without bothering her. That's my mom.

It is funny how certain things happening trigger memories. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my parents or my grandma Sievert - they all played a big role in how I have lived my life for 60 plus years. They taught me to love God and family and to live as moral a life as possible. I am not an avid churchgoer, but I do try to live my life according to the Ten Commandments and the "do unto others" rule. They have worked pretty well for me.

Well the sun is attempting to shine through the clouds and my stomach is telling me that I need to satisfy the empty pit that it is. Hunger has a way of cutting things short.

Footloose and Fancy Free

Hip hip hooray!!!!!! I am free of "das boot" and once again can rejoin the regular world. That thing had a hobbling effect and kept me from moving around easily. I guess it did it's job.

I am once again free to work in my yard. There has been quite a bit of rain in the past weeks and the weeds have taken full advantage of the situation. They are going to be fun to try and pull out, but it needs to be done desperately. I fully admit that if it were not for weeds and very small varieties of wild flowers that my lawn would not be green. Grass has very little to do in my yard. One advantage is that when everyone else's yard is turning brown from heat and lack of rain later in the summer, mine is green and growing. However, weeds in with my flowers cannot be tolerated. They choke them and don't allow them to bloom and I do like my flowers to be visible and vibrant.

I went to lunch with a bunch of friends from the job yesterday and had a chance to catch up with their lives and how their families are doing. I also learned about the going away party for another friend that has transferred to Columbus, Ohio (their gain is our loss big time). I will be going to there on Thursday afternoon. He is a good agent and they will miss him. He was responsible for some serious wins against corrupt politicians in the area. One thing that happens when you work public corruption-type cases is that you become very jaded and have very little faith in any politician. There are good ones out there, just very few and far between.

Well, I have to go - take care my family. Keep up the good works and treasure the little ones.....

Meet Eddie

Meet Eddie Hanson, my surrogate grandson so to speak. The only "grandson" that I will ever have. He is 11 years old, in the fifth grade (about to graduate 6th in a few weeks) and the one that keeps life interesting around here. Never a dull moment as far as he is concerned.

He is an avid video game player - both hand held and on the computer. He reads a lot and has been since he was five when he was reading books that adults would read. He is quite intelligent and if he applied himself all the time he could go far; however, he is a typical boy and sometimes fun can get in the way. Fun can also get him into trouble at times because he would rather have fun than do his chores, but then I guess that is the way that it is with most kids his age.

He is also involved in karate - one step below the first level of black belt. He has moved up the ranks quickly and with much ease. He has the advantage of being very agile (oh to be young again).

He has a knack for making friends with girls rather than boys. The twins that used to live next door still keep in touch on a regular basis and one of them even considers herself to be Eddie's girlfriend. His newest friend is his skateboard buddy Alexis who is also 11 and lives up the street. Alexis is a nice little gal - she visited with me yesterday while she was waiting for Eddie to come back from running an errand with his mother.

I have the feeling that he is going to be the envy of many a guy because of all of his gal pals.

Sunsets

this picture of the marvelous sunset at the top of my blog as of this date (5/27/09) was taken soon after I left Loyalton after one of my visits to Daddy. I could not pass up the opportunity to stop and make sure that I saved that moment in time. It is something that my dad would have done. He was a great one for stopping and smelling the roses as the saying goes. He appreciated the grand and glorious vistas that God created for our viewing pleasure. Every time that I look at it so many wonderful memories and thoughts flood through my mind.

It is grey and gloomy today - but not anywhere near what I would call cool (in the 80s and very humid). It has even rained a few drops here and there. Not really conducive to bright and cheery thoughts - hence the trip to my blog to revel in my glorious sunset.

A friend from work is retiring as of tomorrow (5/28) and I took her out to lunch today to welcome her to retirement. She is going to do just fine. She has a noble plan for her immediate future and that is to help battered and abused women get a grip on their lives and to let them know that they are not alone in this world. This gal as survived two abusive relationships and finally realized that she tends to gravitate towards abusers and is doing something about it. She is going to use her experiences as an example to others and hopefully help them start new and safer lives. I admire her very much and wish her much success in her endeavors.

Time to move on - get my foot back in "das boot" (only one more week to go - hopefully) and get it propped up.

Late Night Review

It is one o'clock in the A.M. on Saturday 5/23/09. I just finished checking the blogs for family members and saw the notice for a wedding anniversary. Nine years for Nate and Erica - good for you. I wish that you have many many more years of happiness and peace. You guys have had some very busy times in the past few months and I hope that the trip to Disneyland that was alluded to is a good one. I always liked going there - The Pirates of the Caribbean and the Hall of the Presidents were my two favorite places in the park. But it has probably changed a great deal since I was there in the late sixties.

Spring has finally decided that it is going to dry out. A robin has built a nest on a rafter of my new porch cover and is currently sitting on some eggs. I am looking forward to the birth of the little ones, but their impending arrival has put a halt on a project that I was going to do under the new roof. Can't disturb them and won't complete my project until the family has moved on.

I am also slightly laid up at the moment. I pulled a typical "Hudak blunder" on Mother's Day and ended up with a hairline fracture of a bone in my right foot. I have a big boot that I have to wear until 6/2/09 at least. Maybe longer it the bone heals slowly - I hope not, this thing has slowed me down. Not to mention the fact that my knees and some other joints are complaining about the restrictions created by "das boot". All I did was walk across a perfectly flat paved parking lot - goes to show what happens as you get older - never a dull moment that is for sure.

I lost my last remaining brother-in-law on 5/14/09. He was 45 years old. He has been sick a very long time and he finally let go. Multiplesclerosis (SP?????) is a mean disease. It takes everything from you except your ability to think. He was a gentle soul and will be missed. He was greatly loved and tended to by his wife of 23 years. Due to God's good graces and Bernie's tender care David lived far longer than he would have if she had not been around. In the end he was completely bed ridden and unable to communicate except for the blinking of his eyes. He and Bernie seemed to be on the same wavelength and communicated in a way that only they understood.

Well, it is time for me to go out to the living room to turn off the t.v., turn off the lights and crawl into bed - hopefully to sleep soundly.

Out My Bedroom Window

I just finished reading all of the blogs for the family, checking out the El Tigre page on MyFamily.com, and sifting through my e-mails. I looked up and one of the cats was intently staring out of the window. I could not capture exactly what he was looking at (probably a bird in the tree or a squirrel on the ground) but I noticed that the trees and bushes were greening up nicely, that there is a nice little breeze blowing and most important of all -- the sun is shining very brightly.

It has been almost two weeks since we have seen it this bright. It has been grey, gloomy and damp. It has been raining off and on for the past two weeks. Yesterday was my first time out for a while, it was grey, gloomy an damp, but it fit the bill so to speak. I went to a funeral for a friend's mother. Mother nature shed tears for her in the form of rain. She was a sweet lady and will be greatly missed. I am so glad that the sun chose to shine today - it is God's way of saying she is home, she is happy and sporting a smile big enough to brighten this day.

I have decided to set up a small space in my bedroom for my laptop so that I can concentrate on what I am doing and will not be distracted by the television - my main nemisis in life. It has been a downfall of mine since I was a small child and introduced to the blasted machine by my grandfather, much to my mother's dismay. My bedroom has become my haven from all the chaos in the rest of the house. The cats come in here as well knowing that they too will be safe from the turmoil in the rest of the house. This is the one place that Eddie is not allowed to come without first being invited.

I am being seranaded by the birds so I think that I will stop and take the time to listen to them and smell the coming of spring.........

Tax money

This is where my tax money went - all of it and then some. The old porch cover was aluminum/ripple metal that was put on the house literally decades ago. Was really starting to look bad and was becoming a haven for wasps and other flying critters. It was time for it to go. This is a wooden addition that covers the entire cement pad and has shingles that match the rest of the roof. Only drawback is that it does not qualify for a tax deduction - DARN!!!!!

This picture was taken just a few short minutes ago - it shows the clear blue skies. Too bad that it can't show the warmer temps, which will be going down as night falls. All I have to do now is put my wind chimes back up. I do love the music they make and they go most of the time because there is usually enough of a breeze to move them. One day I will take pictures of all the chimes that I have - they sound nice. Don't know what the neighbors must think and to be truthful it doesn't really matter. No one has complained in all the years that we have lived here - 23 this year - so they must not mind........

Spring has sprung

You know its spring when the grass gets cut for the first time and the dandelions appear (pretty yellow flowers, but a big pain). Mike and his crew came today and did just that. The rain that we had at the beginning of the week made the grass grow and get very green indeed. We no longer have a lawn mower of our own so I hired Mike and his crew to do it for us. They can get the whole yard done in 15 minutes - that includes mowing and weed whacking. Amazing.........

It is still a little on the cool side, but by the end of the month it should be getting warmer. I can't wait - I like spring (until it gets really hot and muggy) because I open the windows and let the breezes blow. I am so looking forward to that.

Dancing with the Stars

I have watched this show ever since it started 8 seasons ago. I guess that I like it because it is a chance for me to live vicariously through other people. I would love to be able to dance, but having two left feet makes that impossible. I have to be satisfied voting for the dancers of my choice - this year I am voting for Gilles Marini - who I did not know before. He has been great since week one. There are, however, a few others that are hot on his heels or have improved greatly since week one. Ty Murray - a rodeo bull rider - is getting better and better each week. Chuck Wicks is another one that is up and coming.

Two left feet and no sense of rhythem (not spelled right I know, but I have never been able to spell this word for some reason) - I inherited both from daddy. He could square dance but only because they told him what to do - so he said anyway. I try to clap in unison and by the fifth clap I am out of sync and messing things up. It sucks sometimes. I have to be satisfied with watching other people dance and listening to music. Both of which I enjoy to the max.

Dear daddy, I have been thinking about him a lot here lately. Now that spring is around the corner I remember him sitting by my sliding glass door early in the morning watching the chipmunks cavorting around my back yard. I never new we had chipmunks until he visited - I was always in too much of a hurry in the early morning getting ready for work during the week and sleeping in during the weekend. He taught me to stop and enjoy that little things - just take the time to be aware of all the wonderful things that God has put on this earth for us to enjoy.

Boy - it's amazing what Dancing with the Stars can lead to.............

FACEBOOK 2

I have been on Facebook a matter of hours and already I have four friends signed up. It is interesting to say the least and I hope to get more proficient. I have been sitting here sending messages, watching Dancing With the Stars (my favorite show) and paying bills - big whoop. Another exciting evening in the Hudak household. Terry is out, Liz and Eddie are at the other end of the house and here I sit having fun with my electronic toy. I am enjoying myself believe it or not .

It has been nice to get in touch with friends that I have truly not seen or heard from in a very long time. Computers can be the boon to mankind in many ways, but they are also a lifeline to say the least. I am loving getting in touch with everyone.......

FACEBOOK

I am expanding my electronic prowess. I have put up a profile on Facebook. Don't really know what I am doing just yet, but I guess that I will learn over time. Don't really know just how much I will use it, but one of my friends invited me to take part and I decided why not. Linda is a member of my work family - she has become a good friend since I retired. She has been asking me all sorts of questions about retirement - she has decided that it is time for her to retire as well. It will be nice to have a retiree to pal around with - we have a couple of activities in common that we can share once she retires, flea marketing being the best.

I can't wait to have someone to go flea marketing with - there are many in this area and some of the carnivals run by the local fire departments have flea markets as well. The one that I really want to go to is one that covers at least three states. There are flea markets galore along one stretch of road that goes through three states. It will mean driving about 250 miles from the beginning to the end and will require a long weekend to complete, but it will be worth it.

Winter, Spring and Daylight Savings Time

In the span of one week - yep seven days - we had a snow storm that put about four inches of snow on the ground, temperatures were in the 70s by the end of the week and the final weekend brought us daylight savings time. My weather forecasters (arthritic knees and formerly broken bones) and my internal clock were all out of whack. It always takes a while for my body to adjust to the time change, but coming so close behind a snow storm really had my system in a stat of flux. I hate that the time changes at all - wish that they would just leave it at daylight savings time.

Needless to say, the snow did not last very long. Temps in the 70s melted it quickly, luckily it did not create any major problems for our immediate area. There were some parts of Maryland that did not fare as well. There were some nasty winds that came along with the snow.

Welcome

Imagine my surprise when I read the blogs sites of Nathan and Erica. I have a new grandniece and she is beautiful. I honestly thought that I had a little while longer before Alicia Amy arrived in the world. I hope to be able to meet her one day - maybe this year if things work out okay. I enjoyed looking at all of the pictures that were taken - everyone looked very happy.

I have to feel a little bit sorry for Asher however, poor guy is so outnumbered by females and is going to learn about girls and all of their ups and downs very early in life. Come to think about it maybe it will make him wiser than most guys of his time. He will have every opportunity to learn how to treat a lady and maybe become an inspiration to his peers on the proper way to love the ladies in their lives.

Once again, welcome to the newest member of the family - Alicia Amy.

Superbowl Sunday

Not a holiday I know, but by the accounts of many it should be. It is probably the only football game that I will actually watch during the year. So here I sit writing away and watching the game - the Cardinals just had to kick the ball away.

The Steelers are ahead at the moment, which makes Terry happy. He is a Steelers fan, has been for years through thick or thin. I really don't know why - Baltimore had a good team when the Colts were still here, even then it was Steelers all the way for Terry. Maybe somewhere down deep it is because his father is from the Pittsburgh area (born there). I have never really asked him - I just know that he takes a lot of flak from his co-workers and friends because they are all Ravens fans. If the Steelers win today there will be a lot of his co-workers very unhappy. Terry could "rake them over the coals" (like they rake Terry over the coals), but he won't - Terry keeps it cool. Terry likes to see his team win but by the same token he knows that it is just a game and nothing to get nasty about.

This is going to be a good game. I think that it is time to watch it for real - so.........more later.

A new winter sport

I am announcing the existence of the newest "Xtreme" winter sport - Skateboarding on snow. Yep, you heard me correctly - skateboarding on snow. Last week was a weird week weatherwise. We started out with snow, about four inches. Snow was followed by rain which compacted the snow down to two inches. This mess froze solid overnight and turned the yard into a skating rink literally. Eddie decided that he was going to have some fun and started using his skateboard to go down the slight incline in the back yard. The snow was frozen hard enough that he could do it thus the new sport. Think that it could catch on?

It was strange to see the moon (or any other source of light) reflecting off the yard. It looked pretty, but dangerous to walk on. As a result I did not stick my nose out the door - I was not going to tempt fate. Terry was the only one to leave the house all week - he had to work. Eddie was off from school for two days for the weather (they panic as the first snowflake hits the roads and close schools) so he did not go out. I relied on the sun to clear the snow and ice from my car.

Last night was the first time I had left the house in a week. We all went out to dinner - my treat. We went to the Japanese hibachi restaurant to celebrate Terry's birthday. My "baby" is 35 years old - it does not seem possible - it was only a short time ago that he was a little boy playing out in the yard with complete abandonment. Time flies when you are having fun.

"Cool" chick

Check out the "cool chick" perched on the
ice cream maker. That's me alright. We
(meaning the gals in Home EC) were making a dinner for our parents. We were having homemade ice cream for dessert. Some yahoo decided it was a good photo op and it made it into the year book for my freshman year.

Jimmy Joy was recruited to turn the handle and Jewel Weaver was the alternate sitter. She was relieved that the picture was taken prior to her turn on the maker. Lucky her. What some kids won't do for their parents.

This one of the many many pictures on the El Tigre page on MyFamily.com, however, this is not the page that has my actual class picture on it. Can't say much for the quality of the picture though.

These are some of the people that will be celebrating a 45th reunion in July, 2009. It does not seem possible--I don't feel much older than I did when I graduated from high school. Better make that college - I spent two years in Susanville, CA attending Lassen Junior College. It was what I call "a one haller" - it was a single building (walk in the front door, walk down the hall and walk out the back door) located next to the high school building on the main drag. There were 300 guys and 50 gals - talk about the deck being stacked in my favor. Most of the students were in the Forestry, Agriculture or Gunsmithing programs; however, this is where I learned my secretarial skills - typing, shorthand, business machines, business math in addition to the regular classes i.e. English, history etc. I have an AA Degree in Secretarial Arts - not really all that grand sounding but it got me started in my career with the Federal Government.

The ratio of guys and gals was great from my standpoint - I had quite a few "guy" friends, but no real boyfriend. Managed to find a soul mate of sorts in that we were both born during the early morning hours (approximately 6:30 a.m.) of August 6th - me in Iowa, him in California. Now I ask you - how often does that happen? His name is Alexander "Sandy" Dancy. Wonder what he is doing and where he is now. I do know that mom was not all that impressed the weekend that I came home on the back of his Harley motorcycle. He was a big teddy bear and a good friend. I had a grand time - it was quite an experience and one that I would not mind having again. It was a thrill to say the least and a great way to travel when you are young and carefree. A nice memory to close with...........

2009 and shine

2009 slid in here at the Hudak household. I watched the ball fall in NYC, said happy new year to Terry and then went to bed. Got up a few hours later to watch the Rose Parade - a yearly ritual. Afterwards just wiled away the rest of the day trying to find something to watch on t.v. besides football (not my favorite sport). A very quiet way to spend a holiday. I also started to read a novel by Nora Roberts called The Pagan Stone, which is the third book in a trilogy. Had read the first two earlier in 2008 and finally got the third one to read. All were great - I will be looking for more of her books to read.

well my brother beat me to the draw.....he was the first to put photos in the Hemping Album on the El Tigre page on MyFamily.com. He chose some good ones - I guess that now it is going to be my turn to dig into my supply of photos and put some in. I have been enjoying going to the El Tigre page and seeing who is doing what and how they are doing and taking a look at times gone by.

Yep, it is 2009 and just how much it is going to shine remains to be seen. Sounds good though. I have myself parked in my recliner making use of my laptop which is being protected by the "cooler" board underneath. I burned up my last laptop by literally using it as a laptop with nothing underneath to allow it to "breathe". My son decided to make sure that doesn't happen again and gave me the "cooler" for Christmas. I have cleared all my e-mails (263) as well. It has been a busy day on the computer.

One shining moment will happen in 60 days - I am going to be a great aunt once again. Another little girl who is going to become a very welcome member of her family. I am sure that she is going to be another "blond beauty" in the family. I look forward to saying welcome to Alicia and hope to be able to see her this summer. I am hoping to be in the fair state of California during July. My highschool class is having it 45 reunion - yep you hear right - 45 WOW.

We dodged another bullet weatherwise this week. It could have gotten very nasty at the homefront. Ice was predicted and it happened within miles of the domicile but never made it to my front door. I am glad - I am not a winter person. Don't know just how many more times that the bullet will be dodged - have been lucky so far, but it is going to catch up with me sooner or later.