Vitamix 5200

Today we needed to go to Costco to get groceries. In an interesting twist of fate we came upon a demo of the Vitamix 5200 Where you been all my life? I just love this machine.OMG Steve was so impressed very hard to do. We decided to give it to each other for Christmas. check it out at www.vitamix.com Oh, we got groceries too.

First Snow

Saturday was a perfect day for putting up the Christmas Tree. The snow was coming down in big flakes I made mulled cider and we played Christmas carols. It was just like when the kids were little. \We got 6 inches of snow. The half dollar size.
I worked all day on the purple sweater. I think I'll be able to finish it Sunday, I don't know if I want to. It's been a fun project.

payroll blues

I really hate feeling stupid,I feel so frustrated. Today, I tried to get my pay check on line so I can be more informed. I swear it took most of the day. By 3:30 I was in and registered. and able to look over my payroll info. Sweet relief. It's all about the small victories!

Not a happy return to Richmond

Steve and I drove Dan back to VCU it took 4hrs. to get there for a usual 2hr. trip. (One way) after a quick grocery trip Dan got a call from room mates that their house was broken into over the Thanksgiving weekend, several things were stolen. Dan's X-box and games.Others got a camera, laptop and food from the fridge and freezer stolen. Dan was really upset. Not a happy return. I'm really glad we took him back by car.

Mc Lean's for Thanksgivng

Saturday morning we headed to Ann's house in Yardley PA for an extended family celebration It was so good to have everyone together. We played a gift exchange game very fun. Everyone enjoyed it.
The meal was fantastic. Ann is a wonderful cook and the table was beautiful.
I'm so grateful we get along so well. My little niece is so adorable she went from sitting to walking! Can you believe it no crawling? Brilliant child!

Great Falls National Park

After a heavy meal yesterday, we needed to get out for a walk. Dan wanted to go to Great fall National park on the Potomac river. It was a lovely November day. The air was crisp and the water looked really cold and the clouds were a dark gray against a blue sky. Virginia's so beautiful.

We brought the binoculars hoping to see some interesting birds. There was only turkey vultures .
I've gotten alot of knitting done. I'm 3/4 finished with the Sapana Sweater designed by Elsebeth Lavold I'm making it in a lovely lavender.I hope I'm not speaking to soon I'm starting the hardest part on the sweater.Sleeves, shoulders, neck. Wish me luck!

Thanksgiving Family time

We had a nice day yesterday Steve and I and the kids did the traditional thanksgiving meal for the family. everyone but Adrienne and Patrick were home. They went to Elmira NY to visit Pats family. Andrea left after an early dinner to meet friends in Cortland NY and will go to Buffalo today for her friends wedding rehersal and wedding followed by a Bills vs Dolphans game on sunday.
Adrienne, Patrick and Andrea plan to meet up in Buffolo for the game. Elizabeth's friend Maryann joined us she brought a white and red wine both NY finger lake wines. David's girlfriend Tali joined us too. The dinner was a success and Elizabeth's first pumpkin pie was a hit.
Dan came home from college for the first time sence he left in August for his sophmore year at VCU. He was happy to have a home cooked meal.

Occaquan Va

Sunday Steve and I went the town of occaquan on river. It was a beautiful warm day, probably one of the lasts. We walked down the quaint streets. There are lovely shops and restarants up and down the Main St. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas. The shop owners were so friendly, and welcoming.
We took a walk down the boardwalk to see all the ducks and geese. We had a late lunch at the Virginia Grill we ordered chicken fried steak, service was slow but I think it's just the pace of the town. I read that the ladies room was haunted. Needless to say I stayed away.
I really liked the Irish shop there was a lovely brown and black wrap at the door laying in a wicker basket. I just loved It.It was such a great price $45 there were others that were priced $97 not sure why. I didn't buy it but I wish I had.
It's a beautiful place and worth a many more visits back to explore.

Home with H1N1

H1N1 seemed to have set in on Saturday I had fever and chills and body aches till Wednesday I'm still at home trying not to infect anyone else. I can rejoin society after Saturday. so for now I'm home. Dr. Tran put me on tamiflu for 10 day due to my asthma. He wants me home for 7 days. after my first symptoms.

H1N1 2009 Waterfowel festivel disaster

We waited all year for this weekend we love to come to this quaint little town on the Chesapeake It's so hometown and cosy. We enjoy the ride from Reston, VA to Easton ,MD The first thing I do is go straight to the yarn shop and Steve to the cigar shop. I'm sorry to say we never should have gone. I felt strange, I slept all the way to Easton and went to the LYS with no interest at all. I just went through the motions. We meet Liz's friend Jessie. He seems like a nice guy, but i don't think I gave my best impression. I didn't know I was coming down with the H1N1 virus at the time i just felt really tired. I couldn't wait to get back to the car and go back to sleep. We went to the cigar store so Steve could get a cigar for the day. Thank god they were closed,I think cigar smoke would have sent me right over the edge. We meet up with Liz and Jessie and had a sandwich. We left shortly after that.

Rahobeth Beach DE

Sunday Nov. 8, 09 we decided to go to the beach it was in the 70's and sunny so a long car ride was just fine with me. We took Liz with us to the beach it was a 2hr ride. We got there late in the day around 3pm and got right to the beach .There were a few people on the beach and 2 went for a swim. They were members of the polar bear club. We sat and watched the water and visited with one of the swimmers and his family.
Liz was hungry for seafood so off we went to find a restaurant most were closed for the season, we stopped at the purple parrot on Main St. Steve and I ordered the prime rib Sunday night special $12.95. It was wonderful. Shortly after we arrived a transsexual sat down at the table next to us. That was curious. I tried not to look but I really wanted to. A few minutes later a group of several tall ,large transsexuals showed up. They ordered food and took photos of each other and complement and criticized each others outfits it was quite entertaining. That was really weird. I felt like we walked into the wrong restaurant. Liz just wanted to leave I wanted to order dessert.

Pt. Lookout Maryland

Sunday was a drab day we spent most the day at home. When the rain stopped we took off for Pt. Lookout MD Steve underestimated the distance it was 90 miles it took 1and 1/2 hrs. to get there.
I liked the drive ,but we need to leave earlier in the day. We didn't get there till dusk. We found an all night fishing peer, with facilities, picnic tables, grills and a great place to find shells. I think we should go there when the weather is warm.
I think the boys would love to fish there. John too. Nov 1st is not ideal time, too windy and cold. I'd like to explore this area more in the spring. We stopped at the lighthouse. It's haunted!

Halloween party

Saturday was a day to clean-up make cookies for the Halloween party finger cookies Check out http://www.allrecipes.com/ search spooky finger cookies very cool and it was a great tasting cookie recipe also. We had only one doorbell ring holloween night. I think it's because of the swine flu outbreak parents are keeping their kids close to home. We went to Dave Thomas party Steve dressed as a Priest and I as Mother Superior Liz went to as a mail order bride and looked fab.

Dinner at Merrakesh

Todays wednesday and I haven't told you about the weekend. Last Friday after work I went to Merrakesh with Steve, Dr. Judy, Mark and Dr. Ingham. I think its our5th time there. We met Mark and Judy at the metro and took the train into DC . It was a 7 course meal with 2 mixed drinks and a belly dancing show,it came to$63.40 each. It was $31.00 last year. I guess it's infation.That includes tip too.

Fall Follage

Saturday morning we tried the Vienna Inn for breakfast, what a mistake it was dirty and dirty what can I say. We won't eat there again ever! Took my CPR test on line and went to see Jan and Grace for the afternoon it was a perfect time for a visit. It was rainy. Steve and I went to Pasara a Thai restaurant in DC. Located at 1219 Connecticut Ave. NW and K St. parking's a challenge but the foods always good. Steve had the Drunken noodles and I had the Lad Na with chicken. It was a comfortable 76 Degrees probably one of the nicest evenings of Autumn.

Sunday Steve made omelets for breakfast.We headed to Front Royal VA to the Shenandoah Mountains up Skyline Dr. at 10 mph. we only drove about 6miles and then turned around to drive back home at 12mph down hill. It was bumper to bumper both ways but very beautiful. We stopped at the Apple House for BBQ and Donuts for home.We shared a Pumpkin Sunday with gram crackers crushed on the bottom and pumpkin Ice Cream with Carmel sauce and whip cream. I'd stop there again .

Vacation improvements

Next year I think we should bring a white board to keep track of cell phone numbers, meal times, menu, and maybe a lost and found box. Make sure the house has a elevator! (sore knee)more outdoor games, bring a larger coffee pot.

Whinning

We've been home now for a few days(sigh) It's freaking freezing here! You can see your breath. That's like, the low 40's maybe the high 30's? OBX seems faraway it was 87degrees. It doesn't seem like a few days ago. I could have used another week on the beach.

Migraine Monday

Woke up at 4:30AM with a Migraine. It was relentless. It lasted most the day , to spite Relpax, coffee, and Excedrin migraine. I get sensitivity to light, sound with nausea and dizziness. It seems to attack me neurologically, recall, memory, balance, slurred speech. It looks like a stroke. What was the trigger? The only thing out of the ordinary that I ate was Hardees. I googled it and it has MSG in everything.

Sorry to leave OBX

Up at 7am no coffee. pack, laundry, dishes, clean, then coffee (thank God) out by 10. Not happy. We did pause for a family photo.
The only thing that made it easier to leave, was the rough seas and cold wind this morning. picked up Jake from the spa in West point Va http://www.haurandkennels.com/ Jake was unmoved by our return. so I know he had a great time. He got a glowing report card! We stopped to See Daniel in Richmond took him to lunch and quickly got back on the road to Reston Va. We got home around 6pm. Jake slept the whole way home.

Roanoke island

After a hardy breakfast we took off to Manteo on Roanoke Island we took Mom to the yarn shop. Steve and I walked the waterfront and admired the boats. I showed him where the kids will get married. We took lots of pictures. it was a hot 87degrees this morning.

We continued on to the area called The Lost Colony. Around dusk we drove to The Oregon Inlet to watch the fishing boats come in. There were a lot of fish caught today. I think it was the rain. There was a blue fin tuna weighing 180-200lbs.

Ventured North today

We had big breakfast provided by Mr. Kellam .Sausage ,fried potato's,and omelets.Yum!
We drive up the Outerbanks North to corolla for a nature walk.We took a board walk self guided tour through the maritime forest to the Currituck Sound. It was serine and beautiful. then a visit to Currituck Lighthouse. Steve climbed the lighthouse.While I checked out the gift shop.It's my favorite shop in the Outerbanks.
On the screened in porch in the wicker chairs, swings and gliders Jess and I had our own stitch and bitch Mrs. Kellam and Steve's Mom joined us. we both worked on our new sweater project working towards getting gauge. Mom was well on her way with her light pink cotton sweater.mrs.Kellam worked on a scarf made from a blue homespun . There was a nice cool breeze. Just enough to keep it comfortable on this unusually hot October evening.
Dave treated all 17 of us to dinner at Captain George's for a feast of seafood the likes I've never seen before. It was wonderful.Our waiter Branden was exceptional.

Outlet Mall here we come

Finally a cloudless sunrise.
Today was shopping day! Time to buy t shirts, souvenirs,school cloths for David and post cards to send to friends.We searched for "The Fudgery" in Kill Devil Hills we found it but it was closed, and there we're no hours on the door oddly enough. The sun was shining all day so after a late lunch we hung out on the pool house deck to get some sun.

Driving down the coast to Ocracoke

We took a drive down the coast and took the ferry to Ocracoke Island. We has lunch at Jason's (we had fresh fish sandwiches and seafood gumbo soup). The prices were very reasonable and the food was good. Mandy the waitress was funny. We drove back and stopped at the house that was the setting for the movie "Nights in Rodanthe". Very cool! it's the first house on the left as we came into the Rodanthe (heading south). I spotted it right away. Steve pulled over a little to far into the sand and got us stuck. That was not my fault!

manies/pedies and yarn.

We had a girls day out. We got our manis and pedis done. Went to lunch at Adriannas with the future bride and groom. stopped at 2 yarn shops and checked out the wedding destination in Manteo on Roanoke island. Lov'in this place! Very romantic.

October skies in OBX

It beautiful here. Adrienne and Patrick found a wedding local and were off to see it today.I'll post the site when they are sure.
Steve, Dave, John and Liz are off fishing.
Stacy Chris and the kids are on the beach.
The rest of us are going to see the wedding place. Getting our nails done and hitting the yarn shop in Manteo.

Crab Festival West point Va

The crab festival was awesome. I finally saw Jess in action,selling her scarves she makes for dogs. There where all kinds of vender's there. and lots of food too. The best food was at the Kellam's house. Mr. Kellam's a great cook. The weather was lovely too. Jake has 4 new scarves for the upcoming seasons and holidays.

It's time for our long awaited vacation!

We leave tomorrow for West Point we'll meet John and Jess and Mom there. We're going to the Crab Festival tomorrow and we'll stay overnight at the Comfort Inn with Adrienne and Patrick.
Jessica has been selling her dog scarves for several years now. It will be fun to go see what it's all about.

My 47th Birthday

I have to tell you about my birthday, before to much time passes. My computer has been acting up lately. Steve spends a lot of time fiddling with it,I forget what I wanted it for. Oh, yea my blog. Anyway, I worked on my birthday with Dr. Judy and Dr. Shah. We have a fun room. Judy always makes the day move along with great music and lots of laughs.
Steve took me out to Maggiano's for dinner. It was lovely just the 2 of us. Our waiter brought me a cookie platter with a candle in it. So cool.
Adrienne got me a Ice cream football cake. Liz got me flowers. Beautiful white roses with red edges. Union Station in DC has the nicest roses, always fresh.

Happy and Sad News

From what I have seen on facebook it looks like John is feeling better. He's in his own room now. He up and walking around and texting on his phone. Steve talked to him and he's looking forward to vacation next weekend. Nine days but who's counting. I don't think John will be fishing this vacation, but If anyone could find a way he would.

On a sad note our Land Lord Val Sellers passed away. We are shocked and saddened ,we didn't know him well but we did know he was a very likeable and genuine fellow.

On the road to recovery

John will be moved into a regular room after being in ICU overnight. After a CAT scan this morning it was determined that he will not need surgery. Thank God, it sounds like the worst is over Dislocated finger, and shoulder. also a broken hand.That all I know at this point.
We'll continue to send our love and prayers for his speedy recovery.

John's in the hospital

Ann called and said John fell from his cement truck. We're waiting to hear more. I hate waiting. I want to give Jess and mom time to get to the Hospital.All I know is that they will keep him overnight. Hopefully it's just a precaution. I'll write more as I hear from the family.

John was medavaced to the hospital with a fractured skull. Mom and Jess will stay overnight Ann will be there tomorrow.

Preseason Hockey Game

This is another first experience.Adrienne wanted to go to a preseasoned hockey game at the Verizon center. Adrienne got Steve and I ticket for 7pm section 119 row F we were 2 rows from the glass, for $25 I really like hockey. It's fast ,lots of action. It's easier to follow than other sports. Anyway, the Buffalo Sabers won 2-1 .Very cool. I'd go again if she wanted to.

Happy Birthday Patrick

Patrick has to work on his birthday on Tuesday so we gave him his gift today.We gave him a St. Patrick's metal. Adrienne mentioned that he has wanted one for a while now. April 24 we went shopping at the catholic store for Maddie's baptism gift. and we found it.
It was hard to hold on to it for so long but, It taught me Patience. I'm not convinced Adrienne was able to keep it quiet. I think he really loves it. He put it on right away. Sorry I didn't get it Engraved but I think he will remember we gave it to him.

108th Cook Family Reunion

We drove from No.VA to Erwinna Pa. Early Saturday morning. It was a 4hr. drive. We had the reunion at the Tinicum Park Polo Club.Philadelphia Mag. rated it #1 among the the best things to do in Bucks County http://www.tinicumpolo.org/
Cousins Jay and Cathy Cooke with an "e" It's a long story. They were both wonderful hosts of the 108th reunion and gave us badly needed shade and a quick lesson on the game of polo. We enjoyed a lot of great food.
Honorable mention goes to Ann for her yellow water melon yes, really. I didn't get a pic but it was tasty. We talked and laughed all afternoon. This was Miss Maddie's first of many reunions.( photo's to follow) She was dress to kill in a lovely pink and white outfit with a sweet pink floppy sun hat. Love.... it!!!
We stomped divots at half time. Liz looked like Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman". We did forget the Champagne, crystal stemware and our porcelain cake platter. I'll know now for next time. I can check this off my list as being one of the "things to do before I die" Very Cool indeed!

Last minute reunion plans

Dave came home from school exhausted. We took him to the Dr.s for his first med check.Then went out to dinner.Adrienne and Patrick came over to discuss tomorrows reunion events in Phillie Pa.I'm spending my night cooking. No my evening but my night we just figured out what we wanted to bring . I thought chili and corn bread would be good. my sister-in-law Ann decided to be an over achiever and make pasta salad, cake and watermelon. I couldn't let her make it all. although it crossed my mind.LOL.
I don't know what Jess and Mom are bringing, probably something yummy too. I considered copping out after my accident at work. I slid on a non slip mat, can you believe it? It was an almost split. I couldn't even do one as a Kid. The floor got wet under the mat and one foot stayed on the floor and the other on a moving mat. everything in my body tightened, especially my back. I reported it to Angel the head nurse but she couldn't find the forms for an accident. I'll do it Monday when Joy gets back from California.

School supplies

David's teacher called and gave us a list of supplies and expectations for the school year.
Dave will be in a work program at Nova community college where he will work doing yard work on the campus for part of the day. He takes the bus and needs to make 4 transfers. And he does it well! Maybe next semester he will start classes there as well.
List of supplies? work gloves ,hearing protection, goggles ,rain slicker with pants. Of course pack his lunch. He will also be working on his permit and taking drivers test soon.He's excited about his school year and so are we.

Christopher's Birthday

Chris came over tonight for a visit. We gave him AAA membership I said it was just what he needed. (That's a first) He's a hard guy to buy for. I love getting him something he really can use.I feel very cleaver. It's hard to believe he's 23 yrs. old. We had Reston kabob for dinner.Yum! They just disappeared. I think to the back porch for a cigar. bet ya!

The Exorcist House

Steve found the Exorcist house on google earth. Last night after work Steve and I went for a ride. We went to George Town to see the exorcist house on prospect street. It was a scary looking house especially at night. Actually, the entire street is spookyThe stairs the priest fell down was scarier. I kept my distance.

French embassy

We went to the French Embassy garden party today There was lots of delicious french food and I has a mimosa. Several of the acts from yesterdays Kennedy Center were there too. I got to see the unicycle lady, the TV faces and the Tony's again. It was very hot and sunny, so it got uncomfortable fast. We spent much of the time inside.Patrick and Adrienne joined us Andrea and Liz came with us.

Kennedy Center open house

We had a wonderful day at the Kennedy Center's open house. We drove the new car to DC, it handled very well in traffic. We sawstrolling proformers like "The Toney's" half man half puppet very cool," Macadam panio"(piano on wheels). In the Eisenhower Theater we saw the L'Arsenal `a Musique The Ark it ws a fasinating show . I've never seen a show like it. I'd love to see more entertainment like it.
We stopped at a little coffee shop next to the north plaza called Cupa Cupa they had great sandwiches. Steve has the Italian sub I has the turkey and cranberrry sub. They has a Indian sub with a mango chutney and turkey. I thought of Andrea.
Park on the north side of building thats the rightside. parking is $10.00, instead if $18.00 in the Kennedy Center parking garage. Tomorrow off the the French embassy for a day of entertainment and good food.

Dan back in Richmond @vuc

We took Dan back to college after a long long summer. He worked at Cosi and did some lifeguarding, saved every cent. He's renting a house on Lakeside Dr. near Bryant park in Richmond. He's sharing the house with 4 other guys from school. The house is beautiful. Dan is very excited. He'll be looking for a job right away.

Happy Happy Fathers Day Dad

wow,......Rita was right I have neglected the blog. So sorry o mighty blog I'll try to write more now that I know someone actually reads what i write. well, last weekend was fathers day weekend and we celebrated in fine style. Sat- Jazz concert in Reston town center Sun- brunch followed by a cigar at gravelly point near Regan International airport. home for a quick sandwich then off the Imax for the last showing of the new star trek movie. the last suprise was Chris made a wonderful dinner with dessert. What a great day.

Busy Day

It's been a busy day today as a whole. I worked recovery,spent an hr. at the gym and colored& cut my hair for the Easter weekend. I had my nails done then came home to make shepherd's pie for dinner.I'm finished! I think I'll get into my PJ's and knit 'till bed.

Cherryblosom festival 2009 a bust!

We decided to drive to DC only ten miles or so to the feastival. Why take the metro train? It's a beautiful day for a ride. ( last sunday) What a mistake! It took just as long by car, parking was almost nonexistant. We drove around DC for 2 plus hrs. looking for a parking spot. We never found one! We gave up and went back to Reston and went out for dinner. Next time and everytime we'll take the metro.

Adrienne and Patrick at the Sabres game in DC

Adrienne and Patrick went to the hockey game lastnight in DC. Their beloved Sabres took on the Washington Capitals, and won! They got to sit 4 rows from the glass and where in front of all the action. They were so excited when the games ended in a tie and went into overtime! The Sabres ended up winning!!

Rental car vandilized

Steve's on a business trip in Ohio. Last night someone smashed the glass on the passengers side window and stole our GPS. No one Else's car was vandalized,just Steves. Whoever stole it is in for a big surprise, It sucks! It will get you lost. We needed a new one anyway.

Aunt Rita's 90th

We went to Aunt Rita 90th birthday on Saturday we has a nice time she looks wonderful. Her sisterin law was there too. she's 100 yrs old . I told Jess that we'll be like them some day. I got to spend some time with Maddy my new niece and goddaughter shes so beautiful. I just know we'll have a great relationship. Some spoiling is in order.It feels right to have a little one in the family again.

Set aside

Well I didn't frog. i carefully slid the needles out and stashed it in a bag, just in case my new attempt is worse. It can't be,.... right? I'll just make believe I never started the project. This will be my first attempt.
yeah,.............. that's it......... I never started.

To frog or not to frog that is the Question

I'm being such a slug! I've been surfing the net all morning and have been avoiding my sweater project. I have to many stitches on my needles and I still need to put in one more button hole. I'm not to happy with my increases either.
I'm at a standstill should I start over or rip back? What to do, what to do. I've been staring at it all morning. Maybe if I throw it across the room I'll feel better.

66 degrees in Febuary

Gorgeous day! We had a leisurely morning at breakfast and introducing Jake to the back balcony. He loves to be in the sun. With all his energy today and yesterday the dog park was first on the list of things to do. Jake took on a 175lb er named Mo I swear Jake thinks he's a big dog too. Mo's the biggest dog I have ever seen. Adrienne and Pat came to the park with Steve and me and Drea came over for a while too. It was great to visit with other dog parents.
Pat starts his job back at the plant, in the morning, good luck Patrick...... Your in my prayers.
We went to panera bakery so Steve could test his computer, we had a nice lunch. Andrea showed up so of course we went window shopping. Chis met up with us for Little while. Only because he was at Starbucks right across from the store we were in. Too funny Chris. Steve and I hung out at town Center until the sun went down. I LOVE WEEKENDS.

Speding the day with Dera

Steve Drea and I had a nice breakfast together at Silver Diner we dropped Steve off at home depot to meet up with Adrienne and Pat. We took off to Salvo to find treasures and that we did. It was fun, we haven't been there in quite a while. It's gotten crowded. It's prob due to the economy. Then off to dairy Queen for an Icecream and pick up buns for drea's portabella mushroom burger. We had the afternoon to talk that was really over due.

We had a talk with Joy about the ecomony and we agree it's bad. As she says we don't live in a bubble at GCV. Our pt. numbers at down by 10% compaird to other January's over the past 5yrs.Dr.s are worried and so is the Admin. staff. Linen and supplies have been cut. And we leave after the work is done for the day, which is not always at3:30 sometimes its 2:30 or even 1:30.
Steve, Adrienne and Patrick are going to the autoshow today in DC.

I went to the foot dr.s today for my plantar facitis and the dr. ordered physical therapy and made forms for orthotic's for my shoes. Hopefully these will keep the problem from reoccurring

TGIF

Friday!!!!!!!! I'm so glad to be home in my chair.It was a tough friday at work. I washed 38 scopes in 7and1/2 hrs.

Time to go back to work

I went back to work today, I think I rushed it a Little. I felt feverish in the morning. I guess that flu really knocked me for a loop. I worked in the scope room so I had a chance to sit between loading scopes I did mailings, and after I changed the OPA in both machines .I pulled charts for Angel. I finally went to the store to get grocery's. We really needed to restock. I made jambalaya for dinner with shrimp. Yum....... We got snow today, like 2 inches of snow that is sticking to the ground. It's the first time this winter we've had a real snow fall.

still not well

Here I am home sick on a work day. I called out. I hate doing that,back when I was a manager nothing tangled up the day like an employee calling out sick.

I've been napping and sipping tea all day with jake on my lap,both of us cuddled in blankets.

Sick all weekend

I've spent the entire weekend in bed sick a type of flu I would guess. I had big plans. Saturday was the day I was to meet Madeline Grace McLean I went to bed feeling sick Friday night. I woke up took my shower in hopes of shaking it off. I had to be honest, I wasn't feeling any better. Maybe a little worse. I just couldn't risk getting the family ill. Any other weekend would have been fine,week before ,week after,(ooops, sorry I took a little nap there) I'm sad I missed Maddie's debut,we've waited along time to welcome her to the family.

A day to organize

Life is good. Patrick and Jake went to the dog park. Jake played for 2 plus hrs. He came home and collapsed. Work was busy I got alot of paper work organized in the cubby and scope room. I'd like to organize the pt. and scope records .They need to be reorganized by date, just to keep it neat. Searching for pt. scope numbers , I noticed most was out of order. I won't have the time or energy tomorrow .I have 13 pt. with Dr. Blosser.

January nites

I'm enjoying the evening in my big chair with my feet up, surfing the net with Jake on my lap and classical music playing in the background. Steve's in the recliner next to me working on work stuff. I think a nice cup of tea sound good.
Can life be anymore perfect? I think not.

Sunday at the dog park

Adrienne and I took Jake to the dog park around noon to play after the first half hr. Adrienne went to get starbucks its a little cold at the park . Jake played well with the other dogs. We decided to go over the fence to the large dog park. Jake held his own and played like he was as big as the big dogs.Then the mastiff arrived and picked poor Jake up by the neck Jake went limp.b I think it was a submissive move. I decided to intervene the second time just to be safe. One good shake and he would have broken poor Jakes neck.We decided to play it safe and stay in the small dog area.
We stoped at petsmart to pick up some toothpaste for Jakes bad breath.
He slept from2:30 to 7pm he was all tuckered out.

To cold for Virginia

It's been a cold, no unusually frigid day here in the Reston area .we lay ed around all morning and watched TV. Steve and I went to the movies for a matinee at Reston town center it was packed.We saw Slumdog Millionaire good movie, and went to Carrabia's for dinner.It was a fun afternoon but we didn't dress warm enough for11 degree weather.It looks like inauguration festivities are underway. The buses are lined up at Town Center picking up folks from the hotel.
We're expecting 4 plus million people in the area and there are 7 thousand port-a-potty's on the mall. this will be a very interesting week.No, we will not be going into DC all bridges will be closed and many roads too. Just tour buses, limmos most people have to take the metro into D.C. to move 4 million people by metro it will take 8 hrs. I wonder how that's going to work out? You can park outside the city limits but its a 7 mile hike to the mall no coolers backpacks or strollers. Good God! The restaurants can't even stock what they need to feed 4 million people.
NO, WE'RE STAYING HOME EVEN THOUGH WE LIVE 10 MILES AWAY

Friday off .

I took today off just cause I had PTO time and I couldn't get the 20th off for inauguration day.Steve has that day off due to the crazyness expected that day here in the DC metro area, so I tried to co-ordienate the two of us being home together. Joy my boss offered the 16 of jan. so I took it.
I spent the day knitting ,napping and getting caught up on DVR's that I haven't gotten to in a while. Patrick came over to take Jake to Adrienne's work to show him off. Ofcourse everyone thinks he's adorable. They were back home very quickly it was so fridgid out. Not fit for man nor beast as they say. That's rare for Virginia.

Birthday Sunday

yes, the traffic was as bad as I thought.We stopped by Cracker barrel for dinner.I love that little store. The rocking chairs are the best. Luckily we got to VCU when it wasn't very crowded, and Dan was allover it, when he came to the van with a trolley for his stuff. Smart kid.
Steve and I had a nice quiet ride home. We had a chance to get caught up, and not be interrupted. It was good to talk about everything and nothing special. While we were gone to Richmond Adrienne and Patrick to Jake to the Dog park. They called to tell us that he loved it, not only did he love it he played with all the dogs! big and small and it was cold and pouring rain. and still Jake was in his glory.
We took him on Sunday too, he played so hard he slept most of the day. Just this evening we had to get him up to play or he would have slept even longer.
We're having a little Birthday celebration for Adrienne and Andrea's 26th Mac and cheese and green beans, shrimp curry.Oh, and of course cake!

Taking Dan back to VCU

This afternoon Steve and I will take Fanith back to school. Enough vacation for him back to hitting the books. It's a 2 and 1/2 hr to Richmond. I think the traffic will be bad. Everyone will be taking their kids back this weekend. I think I'll take Jake too. He needs to get use to car rides.
Jake went to the Vets for a well puppy visit Friday, the vet says he's 6 and 1/2 months old not 5 months old. He's healthy and is due for some shots. I forgot to mention to the Vet he licks his paws a lot after he eats I hope he's not allergic to his food (science diet). Loka read something on it. Time will tell.

his name is Jake

Jake is taking his time settling in to his new home. He has been sleeping in his crate at night, and sleeps all night. He does his business outside. He has spirts of energy playing for a bit then cuddling with one of us for a nap. He's very mellow. He even watches TV.
Jake doesn't like walks or his leash very much. That could be because its been raining eversence he came home with us. I'm making him a sweater out of an adult sweater sleeve. He gets cold very easily.

Our niece is here!

Oh, my gosh my sister in law gave birth to a baby girl early this morning her name is Madeliyn Grace Mclean 7lbs I haven't gotten details yet. It wil be fun to meet her.

Our new addition to the Family

h

Well, after several weeks of petsmart visits we found our perfect pet. He is 5 Months old a Beagle terrier mix puppy. He's a sweet little guy and very calm. He came with the name Jerome but so far the family likes the name Jake. Andrea volunteered for puppy duty.He slept through the night just fine, but the rest of us couldn't sleep we were all to excited.
He had a great day today it was like having an infant again I called Dan every two hr. to check to see if he peed and pooped and where. Lucky for us it was in the right place.

loving the sunset

Adrienne and I love this sunset..

 

Happy New year 2008

My planter fasciitis in my right foot has been acting up. Someone who shall remain unnamed tossed out my insoles with my old shoes. Ouch! The insoles cost more than the sneakers, but they are well worth it. If you have high arches painful arches I recommend Spenco ploysorb brand full length insoles.
Dan Carvoll came over to take Liz out and brought us some NY state cheese for Christmas. He tried to find cuba cheese but with no luck. Thanks Dan for trying. Adrienne and Pat came over for the evening and we watched TV and had some snacks. Just a low key kind if evening.It's always a great time spending time with family. By 11:15 we were all fading fast,Found my way to bed. We're all just party animals. New Years hour came and went while I slept.
Looking forward to a happy,healthy and prosperous New Year.