"Ten Dollars, Please"

I have been saying this phrase recently & boy does this make me happy!!! Less than $40.00 to fill the van...a road trip North is far more desirable...whether it be to CritterLiz's place in the Catskills or to visit with my mom in Syracuse.

Remember, years ago, we could say this at the gas station & not have to be back in a day or two?

I remember putting $5.00 in my Mom's car when I was growing up & would get well over 1/2 a tank of gas. And we drove a 2 door -man, those doors HEAVY :-) - Pontiac gas guzzler at that time. As a matter of fact, one of my sisters would always scooch down in the back seat while we were in town so none of her friends would see her in this car. Me, never mattered much to me..I was "in town"!

Anyhow - I can now afford to DRIVE to the grocery store...I just can't afford the groceries!! Go figure!

Although, I do wonder, with gas being so cheap again - will we still use public transporation, bike, do many errands while we are out, etc, etc. like we did when gas was almost 3 times this rate? I sure do hope so....

"Junk In The Trunk"

The "Junk In MLR's Trunk"

Our, (my place of work), annual "Holiday Party" was last week. My hubby & I really look forward to it every year. We are quite fortunate we are allowed to bring spouses. Some of my co-workers spouses are just some of the sweetest people & I only see them once a year.

We go the Meadow Lands Race Track for the evening!! We eat, drink - whiskey sours for me - and bet on the ponies for the evening. My boss gives everyone $20 to play with. So, that is $2 bet for every race, if you don't want to use your own money. Very generous of them, I think! The first year we went we made enough to pay the baby sitter!! Havent been so lucky in the past few years, though :-).



We especially enjoy this party because no one talks shop. We always talk about the ponies, "Did you bet?", "Did you win?", "Explain Daily Double?", etc. etc. "Why did you pick that horse?". Great conversation starters.

Someone asked me why I picked so & so horse the other night...my response...cause the Jockey's last name matched neighbors of mine as a kid... silly stuff like that. For a $2 bet who cares???

I spoke of meeting spouses earlier...you never know what one will learn from those spouses...for example...I met a girl whose Grand Dad used to play the horn to get the races started at a race track in the area & another spouse told me one can bet on the child's card game of War at a casino in CT... What the heck? "WAR?"



Well, in the first race there was was horse named "Junk In the Trunk". Anyone who knows me, knew I just had to bet on this horse! And gosh darn it and wouldn't you I doubled my money on her!!! BTW...I did bet more than $2 on her *wink wink*.

Never won another race til the last one & hubby & I made almost $40 on that race. But you know it's not about the money..we just have lots of laughs for the entire evening & any money won is just a pleasant side effect!



Now regarding the picture. That is the "Junk In The Trunk" of my vehicle. Yes, indeed, you are looking at pumpkins -crazy huh-. Bought them to make all different kinds of flavored pumpkin seeds...& you can see how well that went!!! LOL The frisbees we keep in the car for frisbee golf. The helmets are Christmas gifts for the boys. All in all my trunk looks pretty good for me! I think there are some Lock in Locks back there for a spur of the moment hide for a letterbox & some bark in case the hidey place needs some help. Some oil - the ole van is getting up there - but shhhhh dont tell her that ;-) - some window washer fluid. No sporting gear -shin guard, soccer ball, basket ball, ....or clothing - sox, goalie glove, jacket, shirts, etc...that is AMAZING -*patting self on back & nodding*



So, if you are looking for an enjoyable evening out with people you dont know very well... try the race tracks!!! But please remember it is all for FUN!!!



Public Service Announcement..."If you have a Gambling Problem...call 1-800-522-4700"

Yarning...Things Created, Things Learned

My newest project is pictured above. I had made them for my oldest son to wear as he walks to the bus, but he really did not like them. He wanted fingerless GLOVES!!! Fingerless Gloves are a little more complicated than the easy fingerless MITTENS pictured above. So the middle son has happily adopted these!

They did not take long to make, but I did make a terrible mistake very close to the end & had to wait to fix it til I saw my mom. I normally would just rip out the whole thing & begin again, but gosh darn it, I had 2/3 of it done when I made the error. So I took it with me when we visited Mom over Thanksgiving weekend. I was, of course, hoping she would fix it & off I would continue, but NO NO NO. She made me fix it my self. YUCK. Those mothers...do they ever run out of lessons? :-).

Now, whilst knitting the 2nd mitten, I was trying to watch TV. But soon discovered there was nothing on the 600 channels available to us that was keeping my interest. How can that be??? 600 channels & nothing to watch??? Is me or is it the Cable Company???

So, I resorted to other entertainment while knitting. I FORCED my 2 youngest boys to read some of the book, 39 Clues, aloud to me. I have heard good things about the series & picked it up while we were visiting Mom...figuring we'd need something to do on the 4 hour ride home ...which BTW turned into a 7 hour ride. Guess where I got to sit? Back seat...in the MIDDLE...had to keep the peace...OMG!!!! (Did not read the book as Dad picked up a DVD player & 2 movies for the ride home while we were in Syracuse).

Well, the youngest read first. My...that boy reads with passion! Stumbles over words he probably shouldn't, though, at his age. But the enthusiasm made up for that, at least in my eyes.

The other reader, read every word perfectly, but in m o n o t o n e. Now, I did take him away from computer game. Maybe that had something to do with the enthusiasm or lack of :-)

Funny, isn't it? The things that can be discovered while knitting a simple pair of mittens!!!

Reminds me of boxing & the adventures I always have whether it is a simple drive by (although if you Box with CritterLiz or Chef Lulu there really is no such thing as a "simple" drive by..LOL) or a 3 hour hike... all allowing me to spend time with some of the best people on earth!

Yarning Stylish...

NOT....NOT....NOT

Gosh these are about the ugliest styled slippers I have ever seen. (they are not be worn anywhere outside our house). They are actually square at the TOE! *huh?* The seam goes down the middle & across the bottom of foot. I chose this pattern because it was an easy crochet project. I do not feel that my knitting skills are up to socks // slippers patterns. But I guess I really need to try a knitted sock pattern out. How else will I ever get better??? LOL

So the other brothers are now requesting the same ugly slipper...the littlest brother says they are quite warm...so I am off to make one more pair of the uglies. This pattern will not fit the oldest son's foot...I may try to make the oldest with a larger hook...that may help.. & I will also crochet intentionally looser.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

My husband always had a special tradition begining October 1st (his birthday) & ending March 17th (St. Patricks Day). He grew a full beard during those months. Man...& he grew a nice full beard...I always loved it the 3rd week in...so nice & soft, if was. He kept it nicely trimmed & it filled his face right up to his cheeks. Also helped to keep his face warm in those cold, windy winter months. The last time he grew it there were streaks of white mixed in with the red. He didn't like it, but I still loved it! He shaved everything off St. Patricks Day. Now, understand before we met, St Patty's Day was a big drunk fest for him & his buddies...starting early in the morning & going for...well, I am not really sure for how long. To tell you the truth I am not really sure when he even shaved on the day during those years.... But I do know that after he shaved, he always looked so younger. Younger looking, few(?) beers, drunken college girls, soft, sweet talk..ummm... I am pretty sure he never went home alone on St Pat's Day unless it was his choice! He can no longer grow a beard due to the side effects of radiation treatments he received 5 years ago. We all do miss the beard.
Today was a special day for the youngest guy in the house AKA.. The Blonde Frogger.

Yup, it was time to cut the hair & make his donation to the Locks For Love Program.

He looks so different to all of us. My oldest son is trying to get used to seeing him with short hair. He does look quite a bit younger. And tonight...we did NOT NOT NOT buy hair conditioner when we went to the grocery store!! LOL.

The back of his neck is so WHITE. Holy cow...that part of his body hasn't seen any sun in almost 2 years. It is almost disturbing to see. He has a cute hair cut that will be perfect for his first wrestling season which will start the begining of December.









I doubt The Blonde Frogger will grow his hair again for sometime.
It was not as easy to manage as he thought it was going to be.... brushing everyday, shampoo, conditioner, finding one... just one of the hundreds of head bands we have bought over the past year. (Obviously, soccer fields or maybe the Ref's just LOVE head bands, because we enter the field with one on, but by the time we reach our house, it has disappeared. Strange. Mighty strange). But the girls loved his hair. ummmm...

Following Directions

This is a story of a parent offering advice to a young teen boy & then wishing she'd just left well enough alone.

The players -- Maple Leaf Red -- the Mom & "Direction Giver"
-- Stewie -- the young teen boy

Place -- back yard & front yard at home

Time -- span of 4 days

Props -- leaves, leaf bags, rakes, shovels, youngest of Maple Leaf Red's offspring, rubber ball, porch steps, house & leaf blower

Day 1

Well, the front & back yards were covered in leaves. The boys had 2 days off of school. My only request -- "Please rake front & back yards before you go off galavanting with your friends. We don't ask you to do much around the house, so please be sure you do this for us."
I get home from work -- job well done by boys!!

Day 2

Rained overnite; need to do yards again. Stewie is now in charge of leaf blower in back yard - I am quite sure Big Brother was in control of it yesterday. Fine. Get going. Into the house I go & start a load of laundry, fold the load that is in the dryer, etc., etc. Outside I go 15 minutes later. Not really sure what happened in the 15 minutes I was gone. Well, I take that back...I can only guess.

1. Youngest brothers hair was blown all crazy like with leaf blower. How do I know this? I just do!!! Now please understand that child has lots of hair -- he is growing it to donate to "Locks For Love" program & it is just about ready to be cut. "Honey, please stop at store & get MORE hair conditioner on your way home!" not a phone call I wanted to make...cause then there are just questions I have to answer that I'd rather not..arggg.

2. Leaves have been blown around the yard but not in any kind of pile so we can bag them. arggg #2.

My suggestion to Stewie. Blow all the leaves toward the fence instead of trying to make a pile in the middle of the yard. That way the leaves have a place to stop. Make sense? Yes, leaf blower operator admits. Very good. We finally get all leaves bagged. BTW...Front yard we raked...far smaller area.

2 days later yards are full of leaves again. I hear leaf blower outside. **bells are thunderously ringing in my head & stomach is tightening & brain wondering where Pepto Bismol is** Young teen, Stewie, has decided to clean up front yard for us. I take a quick peek outside...all is going swell. Front yard is looking a lot less leaf cluttered. **bells just chiming now & stomach does not feel need for Pepto**

I am paged to the front door. "Mom, check this out. This is amazing." Leaf Blower Acrobat is performing quite a trick for me. He has found an old rubber ball & is keeping it the air with the leaf blower. That's quite a good trick son. NOW PLEASE STOP GOING UP & DOWN THE STAIRS WHILE PERFORMING!!! **back in house looking for Pepto & Pepcid & wine bottle opener**

All is quiet outside. I go check. Now this is when I just want to slap myself against the head & just duct tape my mouth shut forever. Hardly a leaf to be found on the front yard any where. Remember my advice about blowing leaves to the fence to stop them? Leaf Blower Operator actually filed away that thought, took it out & used it! Bravo, young teen. Good, right, you say? Wrong Wrong Wrong, I say! All the leaves are now against the house...wait there is more.... in the shrubs!!! OMG. Hubby is going to kill me. **forget the wine, where the h*ll is that whiskey?**

Yarning It Up

Well, it's been a while since I have written anything. Mostly finishing up soccer season & getting ready for cold weather & Christmas.

I've been dabbling with yarn over the last 2 months. Thought I'd show what I've made. All are easy basic items.

This is a cute easy little scarf. The second one of this type I made using red yarn. The first one I gave to Suzietoots for hosting a Gather we attended in October. I like this design because of the shell stitich edging. A nice finishing touch. I used 2 different kinds of yarn for this pattern. It is not holey & should keep neck of recipient quite warm over the next few months.

This is another scarf made of same pattern as the one above. Different yarn. Far softer to the touch and yet once again, will keep recipient quite warm while out in the cold.




This is a Popcorn pattern...at least in my eyes. There appear to be little balls throughout the pattern giving a nice texture to this scarf. I think if I make this one again, it will not be as wide. Aslo, for you better crocheters out there...yes I did drop a stitch, but was just tooo lazy to rip out, again!! :)

The picture at the top of the page is a book mark. It is about 6 inches long. It is made from Crochet thread & a very fine hook. I made it in less than a couple of hours one morning. It did not take long, but I think I really should make an appointment with the eye doctor, if I want to continue to do such delicate work!!! :-). It is really quite pretty & I sure do hope the recipient will use it!!



Someone on AQ talked about a yarny site located at http://www.ravelry.com/. Whoever that was, I should want to strangle you -- I have spent many hours combing over that site looking for patterns -- but instead I will thank you for showing me a great reference. There are some very talented people out there in this world. Most of the items on that site, I will never attempt to even try...whoa!! Very complicated patterns. But ohhhh so nice to look at!!!

More art eye candy for Maple Leaf Red.

Just We Weepers

This a picture from my place of work - My days always BEGIN nicely!

I mentioned a while back on one of my blogs, I like to read blogs where I can learn something new…I think I wrote about a tent for that one.
Well, here is another…inspired by a recent letterboxing experience..the LB expereince was quite uneventful except that I ran into a fellow town person riding his bike 10 miles from our home town. What are the chances? Sheeez. Of course, this is not quite my FAVORITE tree –how could it be with my name?..LOL…but it is 2nd!!!!

Willows are very cross-fertile and numerous hybrids occur, both naturally and in cultivation.

Willows are often planted on the borders of streams so that their interlacing roots may protect the bank against the action of the water. Soil depth for roots 24 inches minimum.

The leaves and bark of the willow tree have been mentioned in ancient texts for a remedy for aches and fever, and the Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates wrote about its medicinal properties in the 5th century BC. Native Americans across the American continent relied on it as a staple of their medical treatments. This is because they contain salicylic acid, the precursor to aspirin.

Wood from willow trees are often used for the following products:
Boxes, brooms, cricket bats (grown from certain strains of white willow), cradle boards, chairs and other furniture, dolls, flutes, poles, sweat lodges, toys, tool handles, veneer, wands, & whistles.

Maximum Height 70 feet after 20 years – a short life span these trees have.

Flower color is yellow & fruit seed color is white. Leaves are not retained on tree each year.

A couple of stats that struck me odd they be mentioned at all…ready?




Fire Resistant – NO!!
Causes Livestock Bloating – NO!!


Willow trees are quite prevalent in folklore and myths.
Wisdom of the Willow Tree (Google this title – it’s a short enjoyable read!)
~Osage Tribe story --come now, google it- I know you want to, Go ahead, give it a read!
And more recently, of course, The Harry Potter Series…The Whomping Willow.

Stewie took this picture while we were boxing locally.

For years now, I have thought the Weeping Willow to be a lovely tree. I can always imagine myself under such a tree on a hot summers day with those feathery branches wisping about me while reading a book in an Adirondack chair (cushioned, of course), sipping a glass of sweet tea with a slice of lemon. However, you won’t catch me under one after dark!! Creepy, creepy, creepy!

I do like that mysterious natural look of the branches. If I were ever to make a “Coffee Table” book – you all know the ones I am talking about; you see them at Barnes & Noble on the clearance rack – I would do one of just Weeping Willows in their natural state. Of course, I’d need a better camera than I have now – Lisascenic might be able to help me out on that front - & I need way more time on my hands!!

I actually had to do research for this blog entry. It was kind of fun. My favorite piece of trivia - the medicinal aspects of the tree. And running across the story of The Wisdom Of The Willow Tree. I will also sleep better knowing this tree will not cause livestock to BLOAT!!!!

Think I will blog about my most favorite tree soon. Any guesses on what that may be?

Want to Play?

I have gotten myself mixed up in a little game with one of the teachers at our Elementary School. Something I am thoroughly enjoying, thanks to a Virtual by Mama Cache that came up on AQ last Autumn. BTW…I could not solve it…but it touched my soul!! Enough to the point where I actually enjoy these now…not all – I am quite choosy with my pickings. When I was in school, I shuddered, just shuddered, when ever any teacher mentioned this specific word//subject. I see now that those teachers were in teaching mode – how can I blame them? They after all, were just doing their job. But sometimes I feel teachers need to give the student a “Freebie”. A project or example that is easy to understand & figure out. Builds self esteem & may hit that addictiveness in all of our brains. Since most of you reading this are letterboxers, you know exactly what I mean when I use the term “addictive”…LOL.
Well, I’ve kept you in suspense long enough. Now after you see the subject manner to which I am referring to…please, please continue reading (none are very long – on purpose *nodding*) you will not be disappointed & please feel free to play along!!

I sent the teacher an email, asking her to use this on her web site…you see, she posts a new one each week. I sent her an invitation to come to:

October’s Party

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came —

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

The Chestnuts came in yellow,

The Oaks in crimson dressed;

The lovely Misses Maple

In scarlet looked their best;

All balanced to their partners,

And gaily fluttered by;

The sight was like a rainbow

New fallen from the sky.

Then, in the rustic hollow,

At hide-and-seek they played,

The party closed at sundown,

And everybody stayed.

Professor Wind played louder;

They flew along the ground;

And then the party ended

In jolly “hands around.”

- George Cooper

Yup, you guessed it. The subject matter is POETRY!!
Her response:

Invitation

If you are a dreamer, come in,
If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer....
If you're a pretender, come sit by my fire
For we have some flax-golden tales to spin.
Come in!
Come in!

Shel Silverstein

Now doesn’t that just make want you get out of your comfort zone & talk to anyone that is different than you? We all have something to share.

BTW – she accepted my invitation *grin*

My responses to her have been the following:

“I'd like to also invite....”

The Sunflower Fairy

Fields of yellow faces following the sun

Impossible to count them each and every one,

Waving gently in the breeze they make a sunny sigh.

Stretching up their heads they smile at passers by.

Lots of little fairy helpers for the sunflower’s needs

They are the hidden secret for scattering the seeds

Hiding amongst the petals opening at dawn

Working all day to scatter, so new flowers will be born

And weary from the day’s work, at dusk with failing light

They close the petal shutters to rest throughout the night.

Should you be a believer, next time you pass, please try

To spend some time alone, amongst the faces to the sky

You may be the lucky one, for a magic sight to share

A sunflower fairy’s smile is a ray of light so rare.

Myrea Pettit©2004

“You have no idea how many poems I've read, as this party is just getting started!! And I so love to gather with others!”

Then I sent this to her:

“Hopefully these guys will send their regrets - YIKES!!”

Betty Botter's Biting Beaver

Betty Botter bought a beaver.

But the beastly beaver bit her.

So she bought a biting badger.

And the badger bit the beaver.

Since the badger bit the beaver,

now the beaver will not bite her.

So 'twas better Betty Botter

bought a beaver-biting badger.

© 2002 by Bruce Lansky,

And here is the most recent:

“Maybe we could have some of these at some point...but only if all guests are going to heed the 2nd to last line:”

FIREWORKS

Fireworks go bang in the sky
There fire works bang up so high
There are lots of bangs and sparks
The fireworks go bang my dog barks

Watching them is like a dream
When they make a noise I sometimes scream
Fireworks you should never throw
But how they make a lovely show.


I have to apologize, I cant give the author credit for this one, as I found this among my scout stuff…something I was going to use at a Pack Night in June…one of those, ”Repeat After Me” fun things, that includes a safety message…something most Cub Masters feel is part of their “job” & are more than happy to oblige!

Now my middle son will want to invite the character described here, as they have something in common – You know – the old saying regarding, ”the one that got away”, they would enjoy swapping stories…this I know for a fact!


A BREAK IN THE LINE

I walk up to the river and in it I peer.

So soothing is the water and crystal clear.

A slight wind from the west awakens the trees.

I watch as they dance in this sweet cool breeze.

Tired is the sun as it sinks in the sky.

Little time left so my best I must try.

I reach back with my arm then bring it down like a hammer.

Releasing my line, in the most graceful of manner.

Through the air my lure soars, what seems like a mile.

Evoking from me, a most pleasurable smile.

A perfect cast, a wonderful shot.

I see my bait slip flawlessly into the best of spots.

Slowly I reel taking in slack.

Just then an explosion, a vicious attack.

Hard I pull back. Then from nowhere a snap.

The fish was gone to travel on.

An outing on the bank all gone wrong.

A 7 Dollar lure still in his lip.

I hang my head low holding my rod at my hip.

He got lucky this time, but not the next trip.

© RyanOS.OHarvey

Now, I admit, these poems are not the kind of poems that should be torn a part & studied, but gosh, they are fun to read, don’t you think?

And that is the lesson I learned last Autumn on AQ. I so thank, Mama Cache, a fellow boxer for changing my attitude & connotations about the word “POETRY” that has followed me around for many many years until last Fall!!! Oh, and by the way, for those AQer's..did you happen to notice the graphic that goes with this virtual *nodding* just makes Maple Leaf Red grin ear to ear - I just can't help myself *wink wink*

Want to play? A party has many different facets to it. Do you know a poem that should be included? Come on, now, I dare you... post it NOW so all can enjoy!!!

This one just came in.

I have read the way this person uses the words of the English language many times before - *sigh* some just have true gift!! A direct quote from the author - "I am in favor of a good party, but I am also in favor of keeping everything in perspective and understanding the need we have to gather together."

The Party List

The Bible calls us “craftsmanship.”

We are God’s pride and joy.

He takes each of us seriously

because we aren’t a toy.

He fashions and creates us

just the way He thinks is best.

Then adds a bit of His Spirit

to help us pass each test.

He sees us in a different light

and knows our full potential.

He loves us all the way He does

never weighing our credentials.

Paul tells us in Ephesians

that God puts His heart in us.

In Greek it’s called “Poima”

and all He asks for is our trust.

So when you throw a party

invite the maker of all things.

For since we are His poetry

it’s because of Him, we sing.

Wendell Jones 2008

LB Cedar Hill Cemetery CT

We saw an Event listed that we knew we would have a grand time at. A Scavenger Hunt in a cemetery. *nodding* Cedar Hill Cemetery in CT to be exact, to be hosted by the ever so sweet Brandy. A beautiful cemetery, just beautiful & so well landscaped! This was especially sweet for me as I have relatives 1/2 an hour away & gave us a chance to spend the weekend together!

The picture above is just one of the lovely markers found here.

There are many famous people resting here.

This is the marker for Samuel Colt ... Colt as in the Colt 45 pistol - not the beer, folks -

Katherine Hepburn also rests here with her family. I will not show her marker, however. Let's just say it was elegantly simple, as one would expect. I also hope that maybe you are interested enough to go for yourself.
Back to the Scavenger hunt, my team came in DEAD last! Although, I really did try to misdirect CritterLiz & her team, but they would have nothing to do with my "advice". We also did not solve the mystery correctly, either. *sigh, but not surprised*
We had such a lovely time wandering about exchanging with other LBer's, dumping & receiving cooties & collecting some great carved stamps at other markers, after the hunt ended.


Did get a few boxes outside the cemetery as well. My cuzin, a noxer & CT State Trooper, was kind enough to escort us around. On the way to one box we saw a simple cardboard sign on the road -- MISSING CHAINSAW PLEASE CALL 555-555-5555 IF FOUND" - my cuzin mutters under his breathe, as only he can do - "ohhh you fool, it's not "missing", it's been stolen, good luck to you getting it back."
The next two boxes we got were at a park. I know my cuzin understands why we box after he watched my boys in action that morning - 1st there was the game of "only walk on the stones- don't touch the earth or you are out"; then there was first one to the top of that boulder is King-Of-The-Mountain; then look for a turtle, see any fish?; Aunt Andrea watch out for that spider - etc. etc.
The strangest part for my sister & I was when a guy walked by us with a pistol out in the open on his hip. Both of our mouths just dropped! Sister says to Cuzin "Aren't you going to do something?" His response, "Nope, he has a permit, don't worry. We worry more about the concealed weapons." I should mention my sister did not see Cuzin take his gun & bullets out of his safe at home before we left the house that morning. It is just a world unfamiliar to us...we did not grow up with any guns in our house; our dad was not a hunter.

Brandy - Thank you so much for giving us a chance to create the great memories we did over the weekend - time with family & boxing! Hope you can arrange for us to do it all over again next summer!

Elusive Mango Fruit

Now, just so you all know - I have a background in Food. I went to college for Restaurant Management & doubled in Hotel Technology. I had worked in a local (Northern New York) restaurant doing dishes & worked my way up to cook & assisted the owner with managerial duties before I left my hometown. Then I went to Maine for a summer - had the best Chocoate cake ever there (soaked in Grande Marne) & the best Lobster Bisque; then to Marco Island in Florida for some time & then got pulled in Jersey. The latter part of my career in Food was spent in Garde Mange - loved working with cold food - making beautiful "eye candy" platters of fruit, cheese, meat, canapes, finger sandwiches, etc. - You all know you DO really eat with your EYES not your stomach, right? *wink wink*
Well, The Blonde Frogger has been on a mango kick. He went to soccer camp for 3 weeks & the first week he was there one of the other kids had mango. It was "DEEEElicios" according to Blonde Frogger. So what is a loving mom to do, but try to please child by sending him with his favorite foods - especially fruit - for lunch during soccer camp.
HOLY MOLY!!! I have to say as a food handler...mango would not be one of my favorites!!! Not sure how to handle this fruit. NEVER EVER was it in any grocery store in NNY while I was growing up & it was not in Florida while I working there, either - (yup, probably dating myself now). So I've had to learn to deal with this fruit on my own & not very successfully, either, IMHO.
I don't know - there just seems to be a lot of waste associated with this fruit or I am just serving it wrong - not sure. First I peel the skin with a potato peeler; after that I am lost. I tried cutting it half & trying to take the core out - can someone please tell me where the heck the core IS? Then I went to the "cut the sides off & hope you don't get any "core" (?) within the slices" style. Lots of wasted fruit that way.
Now, I can cut apples, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, kiwi, pineapple, strawberries (my friends look at me like I am crazy because they have never seen a mom cut fruit the way I do - well, let me tell you if they had worked for the same Chef I did in Marco, they'd all cut fruit the way I do - as he allowed no waste what so ever :-)) & have hardly any waste of fruit, but this mango is really getting to me! Arggg!!
Open for suggestions. How do you serve this fruit?

Thanks for any input...

Maple Leaf Red

Golf

Golf

If we had more disposable income, I would have my boys playing this as often as they could. The sport teaches many life lessons. Being true to yourself, learning how to network, patience, etc. My Dad used to take me with him when he played. I took lessons one summer. But for now, my boys must settle for miniature golf. Now mind you, the course we play on is FREE. It is in a little park in the next town over. You must bring your own putter (One year Santa brought 3 to the house & never a window broken in all these years - well, not with a golf club, anyway) & ball. It's not really kept up very well. Sticks & stones on the greens...always proving to be challenging, usually at just the WRONG moment!

Here is The Blonde Frogger "Teeing Off" at the first hole.



Here I am. Check out that great form...LOL. Blonde Frogger took this picture of me. My sisters will swear that is our mom, not me, especially since there is no head in the shot(?). I look very much like my mom when she was my age. Everyone always says its going to happen. I have noticed for years now that I have her hands.



AHHHHH...now, this is just so not RIGHT! *Shaking head* Yup, this is the ball...but somehow it found itself off the course & into the "rough". I once purchased golf balls at a garage sale in an egg carton & they were labeled "Experienced" rather than "Used"...struck me as funny - This ball, too, was "experienced" & had been thru the course before - was hoping that it would stay on course, but as you can plainly see, experience was of little help at times that day.

I did manage to get 2 "Hole In One"s that day. Blonde Frogger did pretty good that day, as well. No more than 5 shots for any of the holes & a couple he got in 2 strokes!

It's all in the touch. Keep practicing my little Frogger!

Boxing with Lightnin' Bug & Indigo Vulture

Whilst we were at Hickory Run Gather, I received an invitation to go boxing with Lightnin' Bug & Indigo Vulture in a couple of days as they were going to hunt in my neck of the woods. I said I'd love to if that pesky work thing did not interfere. Lucky, (well that is still to be determined...LOL) for me, the mail was light & I took the day off to go boxing with those PA boys.
We were to meet mid morning at the Visitor Station. I called to see how they were doing. They were about 20 minutes out. I blurted out good, that'll give me plenty of time to find the right bloody park...as of course & no surprise to CritterLiz, my hubby or hers...that I could not find the entrance to the park. I can only imagine the conversation in LB's car after I hung up. A LBer lost before we even get into the woods. Oh boy.
Did get to park entrance & they pulled in not 10 minutes later. Perfect timing. Indigo Vulture went to put on hiking boots & immediately discovered a cootie...not from me, my friend...hahaha.
Off we go, we arent even 3 minutes into our hike, just starting to get to know each other a little better & BAM!!! Twigs are breaking heavily in the short distance. We spot a Bear. Not the big black mommy one, either. Nope, we were watching the big black mommy one's BABY! We watched him scrounge around & move right along. Dont think baby even noticed us. We, on the hand, were very well aware Mommy wasnt probably too far away. We couldn't spot her, but I think we all heightened our senses to the next notch for quite awhile. We get to first box & that is where I discovered IV likes fresh blueberries. I like them, too, but prefer them to be sweet. Not the case with IV as I discovered later. Stamp in & move along to next few boxes.
We ate lunch walking along the trail, being especially careful not to eat while stamping in or anywhere near the planted boxes. OK - here comes the climb. We climbed & climbed & climbed. When I know I have a GOOD, HARD climb a head of me, I look, but once for the top & if can't be seen, never look again til I am at the top. I think that was Whale Head Rock we were getting to at that time. Found box & moved on towards next one.
Now here is where we might have been able to shave a little time off our hike. We pass thru Blueberry bushes & sure enough Indigo Vulture is scrappin' for berries. Get to the other side of bushes & all of a sudden, "We may have missed a box", says IV. Back thru the berry bushes we go & yup, that Vulture is grabbin' more berries. So we back & forth we go a few more times, meanwhile each time we pass those berry bushes...well, Do I really have to say it again? Yes, IV still snacking & grabbin'. IV finally realized we had not gone far enough & did had not missed the box...but I think that was only after his stomach was full of berries. BTW, IV - if your bowel movements are a pretty blue & purplish color today...there really is no need to call the DOCTOR..it is normal for anyone who ate as many berries as you did!!! LOL. God love ya!
We finally did get all the boxes on that side of the mountain. Yup, there are more on the other side & probably more berry bushes as well for our friend IV. That will be a hike for another day, as LB as time constraints...something about a chili cook off at Scout camp. Now can I tell you, that is nowhere where Maple Leaf Red would want to be...boy scouts, dads, & chili...a deadly combination if there ever was. Ohhh... the tunes that must have heard around the campfire that evening!
The last box we go for is in the area is called The Tourne. Stupid me did not read clues & did not realize this was a heavy elevation climb. Left my walking stick in the car. We are part way up & FINALLY, Indigo Vulture says something about sweat pouring out of every single pore in his body. What the heck? LB & myself have been drenched for hours & both of us looking mighty fine...*nodding*. You knowI'm kidding, right?! Not only did I lose all the beer I drank the night before, but probably all that I had consumed over the weekend!
As far as pictures from our time together. You see the one at the top? That's the only one I had time to take. And that is not even from Pyramid Mountain. Took that at a box we got on the way to Tourne.
Honestly, we all had a great time together & so hope to do it again real soon!! But we'd better go soon or the Blueberries will be gone!!

A Favorite

Well, I've decided that I like to read Blogs. All sorts, those that are humorous, those that talk about life experiences & mostly those where I can add a little knowledge that this world has to offer. So in this entry, I am going to talk about my FAVORITE tent of all times.
Now, mind you, my husband has been working in the Outdoor Retail business for over 20 years & his specialty was 2 things. Repairs & tents. (These days, purchasing tents). Now, Repairs included using a sewing machine to repair tents, screen houses, tarps, custom made whatevers anyone had special needs for, etc. He also fixed zippers on many a tent and many a sleeping bag. Just because the zipper no long zips, does not mean you need a new tent or sleeping bag. He also repaired stoves, lanterns, stuff with propane - I never felt comfortable knowing he was playing with gas...but he seemed to know what he was doing & never was there a fire in the building. (whew!)
Well, anyway, when a hubby deals with tents for his livlihood, you as the spouse does, also. Over the years we have set up many tents in the backyard. Of course, setting them up also requires taking them down, folding them correctly so they somehow fit back into that friggin' teeny, weeny, tiny tent bag. Can hear the angst? (Reminds me of trying to fold a map the exact way it came to you when you bought it -- oooo the torture). That is always the hardest part for me. Getting everything back in that little bag & being able to close the bag. That's the key, right there! CLOSING THE BAG. Oh, I had no trouble getting some of those tents back in the bag, just the bag would not close. Many of time, hubby would send me with a tent that was "easy" to set up & tell me not to worry about getting it back into the bag... He was pretty confident I'd get the tent home, somewhat stuffed in its bag - not stuffed in a garbage bag - but not quite folded so it could be properly stored. I rarely failed his expectations.
A couple of years a go, DH brought home a Zeus tent. A 2 person tent. (Now, you all know when a retailer says 2 person tent, they mean 1 person comfortably, same for a 4 person tent 2 to 3 people comfortably, right?)

I like this tent. It is easy to set up & take down. Perfect for 2 kids, one adult, or 2 adults who dont mind getting "cozy" with each other. The vestibule in the front provides space for gear & rain protection.

Not sure how well you can all see the clips, (OK - biners - technical term), used on this tent, I find them most manageable to use & my boys do as well. As for the other picture...2 words..STUPID ROCKS! Cant be sure if damage occured at Hickory Run or NoBE (local Boy Scout Camp - which IMHO - is a cow pasture, but I hear they serve great food during summer camp..LOL).



Looking like it going to fit right into the tent bag...yes indeed!!

Oh, well done, once again, Maple Leaf Red!!! *nodding*

This is a great tent for scouts & young campers!

We used the Aurora 4 for years. Took that tent on our honeymoon down to Florida. Love that tent. But could never manage to set it up by myself or get it back in bag without help. Then we used "The Condo", (10 x 20) for a couple of years. (The boys were still quite young & we wanted them in the tent with us; we knew when they awoke in the mornings, they would be heading right towards the river to frog. Imagine! 3 boys under 10 wanting to catch BIG Bull Frogs as soon as they woke up. They probably dreamed about them all night). Now the "Condo" actually had "rooms" in it. 3 to be precise. So much room! Plenty of room for a queen size air matress & 3 twin mattress's. These days we use The Pine Lodge Tent, AKA by Maple Leaf Red, The Fan Door Tent. Plenty large enough for just the 2 of us.

Thanks, Eureka, for all those great tent designs!

Hickory Run

HICKORY RUN


My family & I went to Hickory Run Park in PA this weekend for The O Boxer Where Art Thou” Gathering. This was based on an Orienteering Course. The last Orienteering Course I did, well, let’s just say, it was a good thing my husband was with me. This course was far easier to navigate. I could have probably managed to get thru this one on my own. And Lightnin’ Bug had said he’d be around on the course, if anyone was in need of help. But, I was glad to have hubby with me, this time , too.

We set up camp Friday evening, went out to eat – A&W and Long John Silver’s. A treat for us since neither of those fast food restaurants are in our home area. We knew there was a chance of scattered thunderstorms for the day. We rarely cancel plans with weather forecasted such as that. Well, let me just say, that front stalled right over our camp site!!! Over 2 hours of thunderstorms!! Luckily we had our gear set up. Not so lucky we skimped on some of set up technique. (no ground cloth under one of the three tents). 2 wet air mattress’s & 2 wet sleeping bags, & 2 wet tents.

If you look closely at this tent, you will notice it is not like most you see. This is one of the first of this kind given to my husband to use & to make comments regarding its design. We got it last year. The door it quite different. It is of a fan design. No zippers here. It actually slides open from the bottom to the top. It was designed in mind for those using wheel chairs. It is a rather large tent, as well, we probably did not need something this big for a quick weekend jaunt, but we do like it & the design.




We got to Gather, did a few exchanges and headed off to the Orienteering Course. We knew we would run into the Frisbee Golf Course along the way, so the boys brought their frisbee’s along as well. Found 1st 2 markers & boxes quite easily. Next marker found, but had lots of trouble with clue to box. Did find it, finally, well Hubby found it whilst being bombarded by off target Frisbee throws. We ran into Pete and Wanda at this marker & an old friend of theirs’, Randy. We tottled around a little bit longer to let Pete, Wanda & Randy get a head of us.
Sure enough on the way to the next check point, we found ourselves walking thru the Frisbee Golf Course. Needless to say, that was where the 3 boys stayed & played 11 holes while hubby & I continued on the course. Once again, we ran into Pete, Wanda & Randy a couple of check points later. On our last point, we finally ran into a dear friend and her party – Lotus & her dad & Celtic Cat. I was really hoping to run into her & her dad at this Gather. We met last fall at Tyler Park for dinner, conversation & ummm...well, let’s just say there were a few (a lunch bag (?) full) cooties exchanged by all!
Back to Gather for a few more exchanges & conversation.
Back at our campsite, we remade beds before dew set in. A beauty of a day on Saturday. Everything was dry when we got back from Gather. WHEW!! No company in our tent for the evening. Made a quick platter of Nacho’s & an apple & cheese plate to take to the “HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST” – Pink Panther - after party gather. Can I tell you, she is a most gracious hostess. Always a smile on her face! The Blonde Frogger & I walked down to introduce ourselves the evening before, in between downpours. Very bubbly & immediately likable! We did a little night boxing on a course set up by Pink Panther & Scout. Boy oh boy, Scout has done some awesome carvings! Thanks for sharing, Scout. We met a few new boxers, so very nice & full of questions, all which were graciously answered by all of us there. Enjoyed conversations with boxers we have previously met, as well.
The kids & my husband thoroughly enjoyed themselves at Pink Panthers that evening. How could you not with all the great people there?
We wanted to leave by 1:00, so we knew we’d be busy packing up in the morning, but of course, Mother Nature was to get in our way once again. More thunderstorms early that morning. All tents & canopy were taken home wet & will have to be set up again this week to dry out. We left sight at 12:05. One more stop before hitting the Highway for Home. Boulder Field. Holy cow. You all need to go there if you are in the area! All the boys could not get their shoes on quick enough to get scampering into the “field”. Stewie, man oh man, that boy was RUNNING across those boulders! Amazing. I made it almost half way across. My pace was far slower. My oldest had recorded my staggering pace on the boulders. If he shows the video to ANYONE he is in BIG, BIG trouble. That 15 year old will never be able to say “I Love You Mommy” in front of his friends enough to make up for my potential embarrassment!!! The boys were happy for that little detour to Boulder Field.

The girl is this picture did the entire field in BARE feet!!!



I once read, not too long ago, that camping and Gathering is the way to go. (Bull Dawg quote, I believe). I so agree. It is so very nice to see everyone after the Gather & come & go to each other’s sites & converse about whatever topic may come up – camping gear, boxing stories, music, food (my personal favorite!), sports, new places to visit, etc. It is all good!
My many thanks to our gracious hosts for the weekend Pink Panther, Lightnin’ Bug & Indigo Vulture. And also thanks to all who carved the beautiful stamps we had the pleasure to find.
All of my boys made sacrifices this weekend to come with me to this Gather & I truly thank them for being such good sports so their Mom could have some good simple fun.

A New Family

My oldest son was Confirmed today at our Church. He really did not want to go through the process from the beginning, but as “good” parents, we have always tried to expose the boys to all we can. One never knows where one’s “calling” may be. His biggest problem – not Church related – the other kids. We do not live in the same town where we attend Church. All the kids would get together & talk about this teacher, that class, that event in that town so on & so forth & unfortunately my son could not really relate to any of those things. Hence, boring! I can see his point, yet he still went, did all homework, wrote all papers, went on trip to LA to work for Habit For Humanity for a week. OMG…you’d think I’d sentenced him to prison for the week. He so did not want to go. “My Spring Break spent with a bunch of kids I don’t know very well who are going to talk about hometown issues & I can’t spend the week with any of MY friends!” Ooooo…the daggers I received the morning of the flight! I had already told him, you have to go at least once, if you really hate it, I won’t force you to go your Junior year – they go every other year. I have never worried about this son going away without us. He is a pretty responsible kid, knows right from wrong – well most of the time J - can carry on conversations with others knowing them well or not. But boy, this time I was quite concerned because he was so mad! He was always in my mind while I was attending BABE. Well, to make a long story short, he had a great time & can’t wait to go back his Junior year. Oh and surprise, the classes after the trip were far different! He was more comfortable with his Confirmation Classmates. *wiping sweat from my brow & patting self – for sticking to my guns - & the adult chaperones – for steering conversations away from school & home town doings while in LA - from trip, on the back*

Well, in order to be “Confirmed”, the kids must write 4 Credo papers. I read them, was appalled & told “Confrimand To Be” so. “You’d better not be handing that kind of stuff in at school” – misspellings, lack of punctuation, etc. “You really did not pull your answer together with good examples.” *pointing finger, shaking head, stomping feet, Blah, blah, blah.* Finally he said…”Mom, it’s my paper, leave it alone!” Well, with that being said, he was right & I did have to grant his wish as that is how I have tried to bring him up. So I left it as it was –well not exactly – so I changed the word “weather” to “whether” without him knowing – I just couldn’t help my self!
Today 2 of the Elders that read his papers thought they were something else. They both waited to read his papers last. And one said, he could truly see my son’s true self & was very touched by what he said about family & relating that to the Church family. The other thought he was quite strong in his opinions & she understood exactly what he was getting at. Did they read the same papers I did? Ummmm… I guess I need to go back & reread them with different eyes tomorrow or maybe later tonight.

Time for the Homily during service. This one started out about The Peanuts Gang. Lucy & Charlie Brown were out on the deck & talking about deck chairs. Lucy asked Charlie Brown how he likes to place his deck chair because everyone is different in that regard. Some place it facing so they are looking to where they have been, some place it facing where they are now & some place it looking forward. Well, Charlie Brown answers, “Lucy, I can’t even get my deck chair open!”
Now, years ago, Doug (Minister), used this example in a Homily. It so touched me, I actually sat down and penned him a letter. (I have penned him only one other time – when Timothy McVeigh was put to death & he read the letter to the entire congregation…what! Me just a stay-at-home middle class mom & you’re reading my letter aloud to a whole bunch of UPPER Class families…Holy Moly!)
Anyway, I digress…In my letter, I told Doug, that I, too, am having trouble getting my dang Deck Chair open, of course, at that time I had 3 boys under the age of 5. Some days were just overwhelming, but I always got through the day & was able to get through many more…mostly thanks to a most understanding loving husband & the inspiring homilies & music at Church each week. When the Doug began the Homily today, I was thrilled!! I knew exactly where he was going & couldn’t be happier for all the Confirmands, knowing they would get oh so much out of it! Then, it hit me, did Doug remember the letter I sent him years ago? Was this just a coincidence? One will never know. Then Doug mentions, the book “Watership Down” which is about a COMMUNITY of bunnies, for those who have never read the book – a great read, I recommend to all to read this at some point during your life time. The name of our Church is Upper Ridgewood COMMUNITY Church, (our Church is located at the top of a hill). & YIKES…I just finished this book last summer!! *Cue Twilight Zone music*
So I asked the newest member of our Church - in our family - what he thought of the Homily today. He said what do you mean? I said could you relate to it? He said, yes especially regarding the Deck Chair. I then told him I had written to Doug years ago regarding that subject. He said “Really? What did you say?” I told him. His response “ I KNOW where my Deck chair will be placed…looking forward, but gosh, Mom, I can seem to get it opened only half way, cause I can’t follow all of the directions!” How much do I love that kid?! “Son, that’s great! ‘Cause that is exactly where you should be at this very moment in time!”

Oh…just in case you’re interested…I finally have my Deck Chair open…sheeez; lots of hard work…..I just place it different directions these days depending on my mood. J

How about you all? Still trying to get that Deck Chair open or trying to place it? Whichever the case may be…please know that you are loved, for whatever or wherever you may be right now at this time & place, forever.

May God Bless…

THE PLAN

Leave NJ to head towards Red Hook, NY to box and meet up with local boxers & 4GC, who was visiting from the South, for exchanges & laughs - as we know any boxer from the South is always fun!! We were only 1 ½ hours away. We’ll leave around 10:30 – 11:00 and would call 3 Blind Mice when we arrive & hopefully meet up. Well, of course, that really wasn’t what happened at all. There was lots of traffic on the Thru Way….later we find the ever so interesting site that was slowing us down…a car jacked up with a flat tire…dang Rubber Neckers! Come on people get a life!

Anyway, we get to Rhinebeck, NY. A quaint little town. At this point, we really needed to get the boys out of the car, so we decided to do a small hike rather than a drive – by first. So to the newest Fire Tower erected in NYS we go. I figured I’d reach out to 3 Blind Mice after we got off that trail & find out the scoop. What a beauty of day we had temperature wise. Perfect for hiking. So off we go, find the first box on the trail. Ahhh shucks, 4GC has already been here…yesterday! No chance of meeting them on this trail today. Go to next box…4GC had not logged in. Well, maybe they were in hurry or weather may not have been agreeable & they just stamped the image into their logbook & moved on.

On to the Fire Tower we go. Boy, those things are mighty tall. Maple Leaf Red knew there was no way she was going to make it up & if she did how in the world would she ever make it back down? I had sweaty hands earlier that day crossing a bridge in the van over the Hudson River. Well, of course, 3 of the 4 kids wanted to go up & had to have an adult go with them. “Go a head, my friend CritterLiz, I’ll find the box down here. Have Fun.” Blonde Frogger heads back down after 3 stories high & Stewie heads down after 6. Tom Grill & CritterLiz made it all the way to the top. Later saw some mighty fine pictures that were taken from the top. I just might have to try to conquer that fear to see the view for myself! All are finally back down safe & sound.

We start to head back down to car. We are hungry! The boys are all ahead of us – they are hungry, too!

Now the magical part. There are people sitting on the ground right in front of the LB 4GC hadn’t logged into. “Maple Leaf Red?” I hear. “Yes, indeed!” I reply. It’s them! How exciting to meet people on the trail!! We introduced ourselves, chatted for a bit & I gave my special “MLR Spring Trail Gift” stamp to all. A special stamp I give only to people I meet on the trail. I am always so excited to share that stamp. It’s not the greatest carve, believe me, but it is always so neat to meet LBer’s on the trail & share something special with them.

The boys had been entertaining themselves by playing “Tarzan” on the hanging vines, (later saw pix of other LBer’s doing the same that day…LOL). After one almost “Tarzanned” into a tree, we headed back down the trail. They are running to the van to fill those bellies that are only full for about 30 minutes at a time. sheeez. Yup, CritterLiz, that’s MY car alarm going off. "Boys, can you wait 1 1/2 minutes? Holy Cow! We are right behind you.

We get to the parking lot & 2 vehicles are just pulling in. Stewie asks if they know “Which way is North?” Heck that worked just 15 minutes ago with people on the trail, why not try again? Sure enough…4 more LBer’s. One of our favorite boxers from CT was among them. So some stamps were handed out, off to the trail they went & we finally managed to tame the hunger beasts in the boys! Though, we did manage to leave a few extra special “critters” on & in the cars for our fellow LBing friends before we left the scene.

We did a few more drive – by’s. And headed on over towards Red Hook to pick up a couple of boxes before we would once again hook up for exchanges & ice cream later that evening. On the way, we saw the most curious vehicle parked in a church parking lot. Funny, there was also a box in the cemetery there as well. CritterLiz headed for the stamp while we spoke to the driver of said vehicle. Turns out he is a “Storm Chaser”! Very neat stuff in that vehicle. The boys were digging it & the weather lesson as well.

We got a few more drive-by’s & headed over for ice cream. Right away, one of the crew of 3 Blind Mice greets me & asks if I am going to have some ice cream. I said I sure hope too! Well, little did I know, there were things being dropped in my backpack during our brief conversation! After much stamping & conversation, we called it a day. I took home 5 cooties (only 1 of which I saw dropped – ohhhh…you girls are GOOD!!!), some awesome stamps carved by 3 Blind Mice, Dr’s B and other carvers in the area as well, one tick & great memories!

And Gosh, it was so nice to meet 4GC as we missed each other at BABE (imagine that!). Even more special to meet her on Memorial Day weekend & thank her in person for all she does for us!

If any one comes to area, I hope you reach out to 3 Blind Mice, you will not be disappointed! Such a nice family.

And we need to get back up there as well, because wouldn’t you know it…we, (CritterLiz & Maple Leaf Red), never did get ice cream!…Do you think they have Maple flavored ice cream? Hmmmmm…

Thru The Park

Finally got to ride my bike again today, first time this week.
Always an adventure when going thru the Park, if one is observant.

Part of a conversation I caught today had me chuckling. It went like this, "He stuck his head on the ground & came up with the longest worm I have ever seen in his mouth." Boy what the mind's eye can do with that phrase. I am really really hoping the woman was talking about a pet of some kind. My boys can get pretty earthy, but gosh I don't think they ever did that. If they did, I thankfully wasn't around to witness it!

The baby geese are still looking a little green & have grown quite a bit in size. One kept moving in front of my bike whichever way I turned. Almost had to get off for fear of running into him. Maybe when the green leaves him, maybe the Radar will be better. A fair trade.

Nearing The End

Well, last night was my last Committee Meeting for Cub Scouts. I will be quite busy this week, preparing for my last Graduation Ceremonies. We are doing a Painted Faces Ceremony this year. I have never done the same ceremony twice in my 7 years as Cub Master, but since this is my last one & my all time favorite, I have chosen to do it again. With about 55 faces to paint, I want this to move along as we treat ourselves to Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundaes at the end & what fun is melted ice cream? So, I just printed off ceremonies from web. Now I need to draw the painted face pattern from each rank & decide what I will take from each rank to put on my face and draw that out. Need the colored markers & I can begin. And I know right where they are...in my LBing bag, of course!
Then the arrows need to be decorated for the Arrow of Light Recipients. Of course...I need to purchase them & the colored electrical tape before I can begin that little project.
Need to find a ceremony to induct new Cub Master.

Hopefully, hubby, (he will be at a make up Soccer game we had to reschedule from April...BABE weekend if I am not mistaken), will get to ceremonies before they end as I really would like to publicly Thank him for all he has done over the past 7 years... "Can you help me load the van?" "Can you help me unload the van?" "Hun...this is what I'd like to do...can you help me?" "Can you prepare the gutters for the Rain Gutter Regatta?" "It's Pinewood Derby time...can you make the Pace Car me?" etc. etc. Down to the shop he'd go...the saw, the drill, the hammer & whatever else he has stowed away down there - would all be used to their full potential... & he always came back with exactly what I had in mind, but with improvements. :-).

And of course I also need to pick & print off 30 or so clues for our boxing adventure planned for Saturday, so we can get our usual 1/3 of them! LOL.

Yup, looks to be a very busy week for MLR & yet she will be enjoying every minute of it! Life is Grand.

Keeping It Simple

Well, I have finally started riding my bike to work. Last week I managed to ride 3 times. This week I am hoping for at least 2 days. It's about a 20 minute ride each way, through the County Park. A little chilly on the hands & ears last week during the morning commute. Not so bad today. A great 20 minutes spent to let my mind wonder, get focused for the day, or enjoy my surroundings. Each day is different.

The Geese are out with their young un's, now. Those young ones are still furry & look to me as they have been bathing in pea soup. I am sure by next week, that coloring will be mostly gone.

The birds are singing beautifully & loudly just for me (well I like to think so anyway... :-) ) just as I have 2 minutes left in my ride. Just thinking about the lovely "music" at the end of my ride makes the ride go quite quickly.

The trees & shrubs are all blooming & it sure does appear that winter is over in the Park for now.

BTW...I did save a bit of gas or so it seemed last week. It didn't feel like I was always at the gas station. What a nice feeling that was!

BINGO!

Well, we went to visit my mom up in Syracuse a couple of weekends ago. She had planned a special time out for us (mom & daughter) with a friend of hers on Sunday. We went to play BINGO. Now I have been to BINGO's before, straight BINGO's to win & throw a few "special patterns" (like 2) in for fun...fundraisers for school. Very casual and fun. A few beers, snacks, a 50/50, a basket or two to win and conversation among friends. So I was ok with going...who can't play BINGO right?
Mom gets her BINGO bag, (Mom you have a BINGO BAG?), ready to go. Daubers - yep know what those are for; ink pens - Mom, you've got enough daubers here to last a life time yours & mine- I don't think you'll need to ever "daub" your card with an ink pen...anyway...who am I question MOM (a life lesson most daughters should learn early in life); life savers - yep know what those are for; scotch tape - why on earth do you need this? Well, we are ready and all inventory is accounted for...except the Chocolate...come on Mom...you forgot to get the chocolate?...sheeez.
So we arrive an hour before the first pull. Mom says "Come on we have work to do." What? It's BINGO for Pete's sake!...numbers are called, mark your card and hopefully call "BINGO" win a couple of $$$. Well off we go to purchase our boards. I usually play with 2 or 3 at the fundraisers I have been to..depending on who I am sitting with & if yakky crowd. Well, Mom buys NINE boards and her friend buys 12! Holy Moly...what am I in for? I cant let Mom stand me up...so of course, I purchase 9 boards as well. We also pick up a piece of paper with cute little designs on it. Hearts...clovers...different letters...you get the idea...these are what I referred to ealier as "Specials". Back to our table we go.
The flurry of activity that started as soon as we sat down...still blows my mind. The "ink pen" comes out, the scotch tape comes out, the daubers are on table. And that paper with cute little designs is all of a sudden more precious than gold! What is going on? Well, its easier if you mark your cards now while you have time says Mom. Mark your cards? They haven't even called a number yet...I can marrk the Free Space" as we go. See this pattern - referring to the paper with the cute little designs - it is easier if your mark the design with ink and then you only daub the boxes with ink and dont have to waste time looking for numbers all over the board. OMG...OMG...OMG...It was then I realized every game was a "Special" game...there were no straight BINGO's here. Holy cow...I'd better get busy! So now I join the flurry of marking my NINE boards for each game. Now sometimes it is easier to mark the pattern itself -hence the use of the ink pen & others it is easier to mark the boxes you wont be needing - those you use a dauber for. Ok...I have all the games marked. Whew! I can only pray I have marked the patterns correctly.
Now the scotch tape has it's roll in this whole experience. We start taping all the sheets together for each game. This is not so bad, except I need mine perfectly lined up and exactly 3 three pieces of tape on each sheet...Can someone say MONK?
Ok, it's 5:45...let's get something to drink. Finally. What would you like? Soda, coffee, tea or water? Excuse me? No beer or wine? -insert chuckle from Mom & her friend- Well, I "ordered" a Sprite & a hotdog. Mom & her friend got water & a donut / brownie. We are back at our table. 5:57 PM.