Friday, December 23, 2011
I think I can, I think I can...
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
It's driving me insane!
Ya' Just Never Know
Thursday, December 8, 2011
This is not meant to make anyone feel guilty.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Am I Insane?
Photo poached from some nice lady's blog |
ETA: No elbows were thrown at JoAnn Fabrics, but I really wanted to slap the elderly, wheezing lady in front of me in line. As usual, there were 10 people in line and one register open. The sales associate was doing great, moving right along, but Weezy in front of me kept muttering under her (emphysemic) breath about how slow it was. Finally she got up to the register with her one item, the associate gave her the total and Weezy exclaimed "That much, for one pillow? Well I don't want it then!" And she promptly left.
Monday, November 28, 2011
I'm not ready for this!
I thank God every day that she is not built like me.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
It's The Most Wonderful Time....
Many times, we don't even know what has been ordered, so it's like Christmas when a shipment comes. Or sometimes, we have the name of a few products, but we don't know what they are. This year is a bit different because the buyer (the owner of the store) had knee surgery, so she's been working from home. We've been having lengthy phone calls going over what we have in stock, what sold well, what should we stock. So, we have a better idea about what's coming. Yesterday, it was about an hour's worth of conversation about playmobil. These were the toys I always wanted as a kid, but never got. Now I buy them for Katrina so I can play with them too.
I can't wait to see the "Indiana Jones Treasure Hunter" set in person! |
Friday, November 11, 2011
It's a mess
My "contractor on retainer" (aka my dad) concurred with Karl that the entire wall does not need to come out, only the bottom couple of feet. So, Karl took today off and will be doing just that.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
This really sucks!
I made my way downstairs to the office to check my email. When I stepped off the bottom step, there was a "sploosh." Not good. I turned on the light and there was a literal river making it's way across the basement floor: out of the office, across the family room and toward the laundry room. I played Lewis and Clark, and followed it upstream to find the source. Across the family room, into the office, and back into the closet - that same closet I was going to clean out on Thursday because it was starting to look like some hoarder's stash.
Back upstairs to put on some waterproof footwear (the wellies were closest) and grab some towels. By the time I got back downstairs, it occurred to me that 1) It's a good thing I just cleaned the laundry room, because that's where the water was headed, and 2) I need to make sure the shop vac is empty before I start sucking up water.
Once I started with the shop vac, it was quick work until I got to the closet. The water was still coming full speed ahead! So I kept sucking, and sucking. After about an hour it has slowed enough to where I could take a break, send a quick email to Karl, and breathe a sigh a relief that the water didn't get to the computer. A little detective work ensued to find the cause, as it was not really raining that hard. Sure enough, the gutter was clogged with leaves ("Oh, I guess I need to clean the gutters." says Karl), so there was a waterfall complete with a pool below, right at the source of our basement river.
There was nothing I could do (I'm too short to get the ladder down from the garage wall) except hope the rain would turn to snow sooner rather than later. My prayer was soon answered, but the puddle remained, and the water continued to flow. After two and a half hours of sucking (hee-hee, I said sucking again), it slowed enough to where I could take a shower and get ready for work. I was 45 minutes late getting to work, but no-one seemed to be out shopping anyway.
Karl came home from work early, cleaned the gutter (at least in that spot anyway), took everything out of the closet, vacuumed up any remaining water, and started the fan and dehumidifier. I have my work cut out for me tomorrow!
Thursday update: Karl tells me that two giant maple leaves somehow made their way under the gutter-guard and were blocking the downspout. TWO friggin leaves! I blame the squirrels.
Friday, November 4, 2011
xmas FO #2
I'm glad I started early, because today I got notified that I've been selected to test knit a pattern for an upcoming book. I don't even know what the project will be, but I'm super excited. I have to keep it a secret until the book is released and that will be hard!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Late to the party
Monday, October 31, 2011
Easy- Peasy!
1) Hand knits are not the cheap way out - quality yarn costs money. I have shelled out $50 for 2 skeins of Baby Alpaca for a scarf (I kept that one for myself). It's like wearing a cloud...
2) Knitting takes time. I started knitting Christmas Gifts in August. I have a sweater and 3/4 of a pair of socks finished, a vest and 2 1/4 pairs of socks to go.
3) There are a bajillion knitting patterns out there. It can take me hours to find just the right pattern for your gift, then select just the right yarn. I make those selections with you in mind, nothing is random.
4) I give away most of my knitting because I am just that kind of person. I just enjoy giving.
5) I often ignore my housework so I can knit. My house is a mess.
If I give you a hand knit gift, I would love to see photos of you wearing that item.
If you'd like to learn how to knit, I would love to teach you.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Yeah, that's bad!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Recovery
Sunday was Karl's cyclocross race. I had to bribe Katrina with doughnuts so she'd come along quietly. She did have fun, so did I. I'm not sure if Karl would say it was fun. Is he smiling, or grimacing?
Katrina decided it was time to go, and just as we got to the car, it started to rain. Excellent timing! Back home, I relaxed for a few, then tackled the laundry before passing out at about 9:15.
Wish me luck on staying awake. Tea will only get me so far.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Almost!
Time for a shower, then I'm off and running!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Update
Karl folded some of the laundry, the cold sore meds are working, and sleepwalking was at 9:25 (earlier than usual).
The morning has gone smoothly so far, let's hope it continues.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Spiraling
That's when it all started going down hill. Three baskets of laundry needed to be folded, but it was time to pick up Katrina and her cello. Got to school, she got her stuff, and we were on our way out when I asked if she had emptied her mailbox. Nope, so back inside, where we find a yellow "warning" slip from an incident at recess (to make long story short -she hit a kid with her shoe). Discussion in the car. Home for a quick snack, quick mix up the meatballs and throw the squash in the oven, then race off to my haircut appointment. Katrina joins me to see if she can sell any cookies while she waits (and there won't be time to go home before her piano lesson). My haircut was not with my usual stylist because I had a coupon. No big deal. The haircut looks fine, but she toasted my scalp with the dryer. Ouch!
Made it out of the salon just in time for piano. I wondered what possessed me to schedule my haircut so close to Katrina's lesson? It's close to the salon, so no big deal (except having to cross the highway during "rush hour"). I drop off Katrina and realize the car is running on empty, but my brain switches to autopilot on the way home and I forget to stop for gas. There's a message on the machine when I get home - "Mom, come get my, I'm half an hour early for my lesson." Aargh! Back to Mrs. Benson's. On the way, I discover I'm getting a huge cold sore on my lip. Bad news when you're a trumpet player! But I remembered to stop for gas. 15 minutes at home, then back to Mrs. Benson's for real this time. On the way home, I forget to stop at Walgreens for cold sore stuff.
Now I can finish making dinner. I take the squash out of the oven, and put the meatballs in. Scoop out the squash, and start heating up the sauce. Bah! I forgot to start the timer for the meatballs! I estimate, and instruct Karl to check if they're done when the (re-set) timer goes off. Trip number 3 to piano lessons. I remember to stop at Walgreens, where I not only get cold sore stuff (it must be good because it's stings like the dickens!), but also a nice big bag of fun size Milky Way bars to help me through the next week.
Since dinner, things have improved, I set the timer (and started it) so I will remember to run my final errand of the day. Only an hour and a half to go, then I'm crawling in to bed with fat kitty, and not getting out until morning (or until 9:45 when Katrina sleepwalks)
Monday, October 10, 2011
All the news
We got a hamster. His name is Mr. Nibbles. |
Karl and his friend went mountain biking. Karl crashed. This is how his bike ended up. Neither the bike nor Karl are worse for the wear. |
I have to work today, am off tomorrow, then have a 7 day marathon while my boss gets a much-needed vacation. I've stocked up on coffee and chocolate, so I should be fine.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Make it official
Despite what my husband says, I am going to remodel my kitchen. Soon. I am going to set aside my LMS and flower money to pay for a new floor and a new countertop. I will save my pennies for a new dishwasher, new stove, and new refrigerator. I will follow my plan of moving the pantry and thereby creating a new linen closet too.
I will also purchase an new attic vent fan, then "hire" my dad to install the fan. He comes cheap, I just have to bake for him.
Perhaps this means I won't be able to go to Greenville or Colorado in 2012. That makes me very sad, but those events are for just a few days, I have to look at my crappy kitchen every day.
You all heard me say it. Now, let's go price flooring!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Weekend recap
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Gonna be a long one
Saturday -
Sunday -
Shift #2 at the cyclocross race 1pm - 4pm, grab a bite to eat somewhere, then off to LMS rehearsal from 6pm - 8pm. I hope I'm not too stinky - we rehearse in a small room.
Through all of this, Karl is responsible for taking Katrina to a Star Wars thing at the library, then getting her to my parent's house as well as picking her up on sunday.
But of course, no sleeping in on Monday - I have to get Katrina up for school, then ride to the school where I'll be biking in the neighborhood with her PE class. Only then, can I come home and nap!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Woosh! (that's the sound of time flying by)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
the score
Raccoons - 2 (two raccoons trapped & released)
Possums - 2 (two possums trapped and released)
Becky - 4 (four less critters to eat my tomatoes)
But I think my Mom wants her trap back, as last night some raccoons were on the deck looking at her through the window. I think she forgot that she lives in the middle of the woods, because this surprised her! She thinks she's going to trap all the coons in Jefferson county.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
OK after all
I think she'll be happy there - there's a lake. She'll make coon-friends. She seemed excited. |
Yesterday, we ventured just south of our little town to the Rock River Thresheree - a fair of sorts, celebrating antique farm equipment and methods. I bought some cornmeal and buckwheat flour, both ground using steam power. There was a tractor parade. I'm pretty sure I was born about 50 years too late, and that I'm a farm girl at heart.
The huge steam tractors are my favorite, even if they are a little scary |
So it's back to the routine today. It's warmed up enough so I can put on some shorts and go for a run.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Wet, wet, wet
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Random Wednesday - a raccoon heavy post
1. The Epic Paper Mâchè project is almost finished, and it is, in fact, a dead/bloated raccoon. As the story goes, Karl and Mark needed a team name for an upcoming MTB race, and as they were riding one hot afternoon, the came across a dead, bloated raccoon that inspired Mark "How about Team Raccoon Balloon?" and thus, the team was born. So, all that is left to do is some finishing touches to the face: some white accents and an X over each eye, then he'll be ready for photos.
2. I was invited to join Team Space Ghost and run a 5K in the Literacy Network Run/Walk in Madison. I'm hoping there will be more run than walk. I'm excited about being on the team. I have 6 weeks to get ready. Today I ran 1 mile in 13 minutes.
3. I trapped one of the raccoons (a baby!) that has been stealing tomatoes out of my garden. I know there is one more (the mama) because I saw it run across the yard, but I think there are additional siblings at large as well. I'll keep you updated.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Phase 1: parts
It's day 2 of my epic paper mache project. All the pieces are finished. On to the assembly!
Can you guess what it's going to be?
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
No Comment?
And here's a little hint: Karl and his friend are once again doing the 12 Hours of Pitch Black Singletrack race, and I am once again the support crew. I have enough time to make them a mascot. Their team name is the same (they're defending champs in their division - which is "old guy duo"). Katrina and I have an epic paper mache project planned for thursday.
Monday, August 22, 2011
51, 39, 80, 178: Hike!
Then, we wanted to go to Wildcat Canyon, but since there are no bathrooms on the trail, and Katrina's bladder is the smallest, we had to turn back. We did stop at the Beehive Overlook (no bees though)
Hey, I'm looking at myself! |
There was a "cave" (and people walking through my picture) |
Because they are sandstone rocks, there was a lot of sand! |
Ottawa Canyon |
Kaskaskia Canyon - 360° view! |
Holy cow! I forgot about the spider! We stopped at a rest area and saw the BIGGEST spider I have ever seen outside a zoo! It was at least the length of my thumb. |
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
A whole lot of random thoughts
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Caution: Pictures Ahead
Here's what we did:
We hiked at Natural Bridge State Park, |
We saw some wildlife. Katrina thought these 2 centipedes were earthworms. Karl's size 11's for size reference! |
Karl pretended to be a monkey. |
We hiked all the way to the top of the bluff to see the "smelting house" |
Then we hiked all the way back down and around to see the shot tunnel. |
We enjoyed a delicious campfire-cooked dinner. |
The next day, we went canoeing. Katrina wanted to paddle, so I go to relax for about 2/3 of the trip! |
When canoeing on the Wisconsin River, you are required to stop on at least one sandbar. Karl and Katrina decided to walk over to the next one. |
No Karl, don't do it! You've go so much to live for! |
Oh, right. It's only ankle deep right here. |
See the bits of white in the center? It's Katrina's proudest moment of the weekend! She got to pee in the bushes! |
We're almost there! Just past the railroad bridge is our landing. Note the ziploc bag for camera protection. Little did we know the bag had a hole! Camera survived, luckily! |
The view of the very same shot tower we visited the day before, only from the other side. Just to the left of center. |
Friday, August 5, 2011
Thievery!
Anyway, you can now give me your reaction to each post by checking a box below the post. For example this post is "educational"
Knock yourselves out!!
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
I've been making pickles. Really garlicky, spicy pickles. I'm quite satisfied with the results (thanks Uncle Danny B), and as soon as it's a bit cooler in the kitchen, I'll put those spears into jars and seal 'em up! I also made some seedless raspberry jam. Do you know how hard it is to get every single stinking seed out of a raspberry? But it's worth the effort. I have enough berries for a few more batches. The garden tomatillos have failed, so no fresh salsa verde (sob!). I suppose we could get some at the farmer's market. That's the next best solution.
This time of year also brings in the beginning of school shopping. New jeans (which she can't wear until October because it will be too hot), pencils, markers - but no crayons. Fifth graders do not use crayons. Bummer. I love the smell of a new box of crayons. Maybe I'll buy myself a box - the 64 pack with built in sharpener.
I've started planning my Christmas knitting. I'm hoping to have the big projects done early.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Withdrawl
In other news, there's not really any other news other than we have a bumper crop of raspberries, so expect a jar of jam in your christmas card. That's thursday's project. Hmm, maybe some raspberry and hot pepper jam?
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Broken!
If you want to leave me a comment, please email me until further notice. I'll see if I can get it straightened out.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Half Full
Meanwhile, I'm deep in Tour de France mode. Please, no calls from 7-10am or pm, as that's when I'm glued to the TV. I'm also deep in Tour de France knitting mode, knitting along with a bunch of knitters who are also cycling fans. We've also started a new tradition: the weekend TdF drinking game. Last sunday, it was every mention of Edvald Boasson Hagen I did not join in that time, as it was only 7am, while my competitors are in England, where it was mid-afternoon. This sunday, I believe we're going with any mention of Andy or Frank Schleck. (aka "Frandy") The time difference makes it difficult (plus I have to play for a church service, then go directly to work), so hopefully, more Americans have joined in to the pm coverage version. I believe I'm competing in the"lightweight" division (because I am one!) and I'll be sipping a nice Pinot. Knitting is definitely not recommended during this game.
I am also participating in a cycling challenge during the Tour - riding my bike every day during the race. The distance isn't important (on friday, all I could squeeze in was my 3/4 mile commute!). So far, so good. Hopefully, it will be come more of a habit, and my butt will shrink to match my new little boobs!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
BHS
I guess it all comes down to the fact that my life lacks excitement. I need something to spice things up a bit. Any ideas? I have a few, but a) those things are frowned upon by mainstream society, and b) there's nobody close by. Let's just say that in my mind, I'm a wild woman, but in real life, I'm just the nice lady that knits and works at the toy store. HELP!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Fine (in the musical sense)
I went back to the DS and reached the Coda. Now I get to play to the end of the piece. Yes, the repeat being another surgery, and the coda being the completion of the whole reconstruction process. Normally, I hate playing codas - I can never move my eyes across the page fast enough and I miss a measure or two. But this one isn't so bad, I only missed a beat. I'm back to work, back to knitting, and hopefully I'll be back on my bike in a week or so. Kind of like Bombasto - one of my favorite marches to play, even though the trumpets have barely 3 beats of rest in the entire piece (I'm always a little dizzy by the end) -no rest, no sitting still.
And I'm sure you're wondering how do I like the new girls? Well, there's still some swelling, and they're not quite their final shape yet, but they are little and perky! I'll let you know in a few days.
Monday, June 20, 2011
One More Time!
I'm certainly not sitting around waiting either: Four performances (with 2 different bands) in the last 6 days have kept my mind (and lips) occupied. I just got home from #4, which was fun (as usual). I have a whole week off until my next gig! Whatever will I do with myself? I'm thinking I may do some knitting, maybe read a book or four.
Since it's getting near bedtime, I need a snack. No food after midnight, you know. I believe there's a big bowl of ice cream with my name on it.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
That long?
- School ended
- I weeded the garden a few times
- I went to work
- I did laundry (a lot)
- I cooked (a lot)
- I kept Katrina entertained
- We went to the zoo
- I did more laundry
- I played my trumpet on several occasions
- I went to Menards, hauled mulch
The next week is a busy one: three LMS performances, including our annual Hangar Dance; a City Band performance, and my last surgery. Hooray, more surgery. This one is supposed to be a piece of cake, just a day surgery. I'm really looking forward to being done (and buying new bras - new, little bras).
Our pictures are up from our wonderful biking trip. You can see them Here. Leave a comment by your favorite!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
It goes by quickly
Yes, that is my hand |
We narrowly missed some hail outside of Knoxville. We came through just a couple of minutes after it fell. We stopped for gas and this was what we found.
But we made it to Greenville unscathed.
It was a "whirlwind" kind of trip, it seemed a lot shorter than it looked on the calendar because two whole days were spent in the car. We had one day to explore the city - it was a chilly and rainy day.
The next three days were filled with biking of all sorts: biking by me on a time trial, watching the pros race in two separate races, Karl and I riding our charity ride. I brought just as much bike clothing as I did regular clothes - and it all got worn.
Karl and I made it to the finish of the Stars and Stripes Challenge. |
He is Ted King. |
After all the biking was done, we packed up the car and headed back to the land of cheese. Another long drive. A drive I hope we will make again.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Catch-up
Monday, May 9, 2011
Everyone's Norwegian!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day
I have a kick-ass cowbell! I believe it was worn by an actual cow.
After the race, we went for a late lunch/early dinner at Pizzeria Uno, where I enjoyed my favorite dish: Chicken Spinoccoli. One more stop at Culver's for sundaes, and we were home.
I relaxed for a bit, then jumped on my bike for a nice 15 mile ride. It was a little windy, and the only wildlife I saw today were cows and a weiner dog.
All in all, I'd say it was the best Mother's Day so far!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Almost there!
I'm hoping for a peaceful Mother's Day weekend. I'm planning to sleep in, do some cycling, watch some cycling on TV, and maybe live as well. Cap it off with a little Chinese food, and I'll be a happy mom.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Just checking in
I'm working the "mother's day rush" at my flower job, plus my regular job and a little LMS action thrown in for good measure. The flower job is more volume than beauty. Ya' know those flowers you can get at Walgreens or the gas station? That's what we do. Today we did 2 roses in a vase with a small teddy bear hanging off the vase. All day. I personally did 42 boxes of 4 vases. Tomorrow - single roses in a sleeve, 50 to a bucket, average 2 buckets an hour. With that kind of volume, it makes me glad the flowers don't have any fragrance. If they did, I'd have on heck of a headache!
So now it's time to say goodnight. I'm tired and I have to get up early so I can be back doing flowers at 7:45am.
Three more weeks until vacation!!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
If I can stay awake...
I think I've been busy, but I really couldn't give you any details because my brain is not exactly 100% functional right now. It's weird how seven hours straight of a repetitive task can addle your brain. Yes, it's almost Mother's Day, so I'm working at the flower place. Today was 3 carnations in a vase, for the whole day. I really hate carnations.
On the knitting front, I started a pair of socks for myself, then I volunteered to test-knit a sock pattern (kind of like proofreading, but with yarn), so my socks got set aside for a while. I dyed some yarn with Easter Egg dye. That was fun.
We had a good Easter. Mom and I played 2 duets in church. She was nervous, but I wasn't. Both pieces went just fine. Then we went to Mom and Dad's house, where we ate, napped, and had an egg hunt. The egg hunt scared up a snake, so of course the poor snake had to be "humanely euthanized." Why is Mom so surprised when she sees a snake in the yard? They live in the woods for goodness sake!
So it's back to business as usual. Well, except for the extra job on days when I'm not at the store. But that only lasts a short while.
And now it's time to give the cat her bath.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The Proverbial Fork
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Weird, huh?
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Welcome Home
The birds!
- The sparrows are constantly on the kitchen windowsill doin' the nasty!
- Yesterday, when we were walking to the bus stop, there was a pair of mallards up in a tree!
- Today, there was a trio of turkey vultures circling the park where the bus stops!
- We've been watching an eaglecam and the eggs have hatched. (OK, that's not crazy, but it is pretty cool)
Hopefully, the sparrows won't start attacking their reflections in the car window when it's parked in the driveway - that happened last year.
Maybe I'll take a walk down the river trail to see if the ospreys are back at their nest.
Friday, April 1, 2011
April fool update
April Fool - blech!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Good Morning to You!
- I never have to worry about High-Beams again
- A legitimate reason to ask people if my boobs look good in this shirt
- I can go braless for the first time since 3rd grade
- I can play the "survivor" card when I'm fundraising - and its working!
- Now I have to update my wardrobe
Of course, there are a few negatives
- Pain
- Long-term discomfort
- Missing work
But the most noticeable negative is that my cat can't "make biscuits" on my boobs anymore because they're no longer squishy. Maybe the permanent implants will be less firm, but right now, poor Braxton doesn't know what to do! Poor kitty.