Wake me up at 6a.m.? photo Divide & Conquer

Okay this pic was posed, but they just got out of their rooms forty-five minutes apart. Wake me up on a weekend each day at six? Breakfast will be one child at a time while the other who was worse waits in his room until the first is finished. Then room time for one hour starts at different times which means they want to play together so bad/ly? they have to wait until the time balances out. I have also decided to do a small load of wash, and yes, maybe punishing me too, but that child can't go out until his clothes are dry.

They were going to have breakfast at the airport this morning and go to Borders, which now didn't and won't happen. No television, which they don't have much of anyway. But it is all about divide and conquer. Remember? We too did it as kids with out parents.

One parent says no, go to the other one. One child asks and gets a no, and sends the other one then they get a half hour earlier bedtime, lights out, divide and conquer. I also explain when they gripe one time, yes you will be treated different because you are different. Sitting down we have conversations about the differences because kids still feel it's unfair. If it becomes a battle, I drop it and wait until the next day. Now I can afford to do this as I am a stay at home old goat.

The next day arrives, Aha! One child gets up wants to eat later. I say no, today you are "Bobby" you will eat now. Soon after "Joey" comes out wants to eat no, I say later as today you are "Joey. I do a whole day of that and when bedtime comes, one child has to be in his room by a certain time, has half an hour of quiet play, the second half hour reading in his bed if he chooses, if not he can just lay there, but lights out after the second half hour. Also switching role, we switch ages, which in the end meant same bed time.

One boy was used to having stories read, I said okay and read to the other boy.

Also during that day we went out to eat one boy wanted something special, and I say no, you're as "Bobby, allergic to that. Oh what an amazing day. Remember when your child thinks he is being treated worse than the other, switch chores or assign chores. Treat them as the other is treated because of issues, personalities, gender and so on. Tell them the only thing you get the same is LOVE! That's just a fact of life. P.S. I Love You

Material Colors of The Week Picture

Just a small assortment of colors and materials I use to make kids blankets sets, bags and more with.

While talking to a little guy about his favorite color which is red, I decided to make a favorite color for each day, and so it goes like this:

Sunday is Yellow as the main color, and for an accessory, we could have white, green, brown hues, blues, well on and on that can go.

Monday is Orange. Some people would pick Blue, but Orange is a pick me-up color which we need at time on Mondays. Accessory colors are white,Brown and black.

Tuesday we have a variety of stripes, polka dots and prints in any colors.

Wednesday is Pink or Brown. The mid-week decision for men and women, pink tie, blouse, shirt, slacks or skirt.

Thursday is the fantastic PURPLE. Ahh, shades of purple, so moody, so eye inspiring.

Friday will be Green, that wonderful color which describes how "green" most people have become. Green is also Christmas, nature and a color for redheads.

Saturday is a color of this little guy who is visiting for the weekend, RED. Fire engines, Dresses, Christmas, a favorite shade of lipstick or nail polish, it ends here.

The latest in kitchen helpers-see photo

Okay so she's small, big deal. We all make adjustments. My only problem is wearing a jacket while at the stove. She can reach the toaster and a pot for soup, so what else does she need?

Do You Know These People?

They have been hanging around my house for over twenty-five years.

Slurping Food, What's The Problem?

It's too early for me to be up this Saturday morning. Right now it's seven fifty-two, but a little guy woke me at five -fifty. He's just a weekend guest. So of course during observing things and hearing things I hear a sluuurp. Oh that grates on my nerves. But once told and reminded it stops. Now this is a little kid with issues to begin with, but what most slurpers and people who drag their coffee into their mouth as if that have to work on a continuous sip?

Haven't you been taught any manners at all? I used to hear my mother slurp her coffee and every time I'd walk into another room. That went on for years, until one day she make her usual instant coffee in the Brownstone kitchen we lived in, in Brooklyn. My brother and I were the only kids home that day out of eight and as soon as my mother poured her coffee my brother went in the living room. I stayed in the kitchen until I heard the first slurp. My head went nuts inside. Why does she do that? I too went in the living room.
It wasn't long before my mother decided to join us. My brother and I looked at each other as she sat down and sluuurrp. No! Why does she have to continue that God-awful sound. I got up and left, back to the kitchen. It was only what seemed like a minute before she followed to make another cup and in turn I went back to the Living room where my brother and I were whispering about this latest coffee event.
Slippers followed again as she stood asking us what was funny and we just made something dumb up. This time I didn't sit down, worried she'd be back with her "cup of slurp". Yes indeed it happened again and I was like a bat out of hell out of there. But just as I turned away ,my mother said okay you two, what the hell is going on? You know, you hear that stuff when you know you're being kind of deceitful . My bother grinned while I said nothing. Again she asked, okay what is going on? I walk in you walk out, I go in the kitchen you come in here. My wonderful brother said, go ahead, tell her which implied of course we both knew and were in on something. That dirty rat!
So I warned her, stuttered and said, uh you're not going to like it and you'll get mad. Still holding that cup she tipped it up and another sluurrp came about. Standing almost face to face she waved her hand to me, saying well what is it? Do I have typhoid or something?
Here we go when baby brother said, yeah tell her, still grinning. I knew I would get it worse once I let her know, but I did. I said, well uh, mom, uh you uh kind of uh, slurp when you drink coffee. Her blue eyes got so big I thought they would pop out and bounce off the walls.

Son of a bitch ! she said. I can't even drink one F'n cup of coffee without being ridiculed. Again another son of a bitch, and a, I work all week and can't even enjoy a cup of coffee. On and on she went. I thought I would soften it with, mom, no one said you can't drink coffee it's just you slurp when you.... My brother looked at me like I was abut to be committed and my mother? Well she really went berserk. What the hell...who the hell do you think you are? I answered my name innocently enough as I never understood that question. Duh-I know who I am. Yeah put me away.
Well the end result was she wouldn't talk to us and had her coffee alone for a while. Hey, we were happy with that. A couple of weeks later I had to meet her at the restaurant next to where she worked. We sat down with a few of her friends. They all ordered coffee and my mother did a slurp. Everyone was busy talking and didn't hear it, but she did, and looked at me. I looked away. That day the slurping stopped.

If Hollywood is For It, Vote...

Against it. That's what a friend recently told me. She then went into what sounded like common sense to me. Over coffee at her kitchen table we talked about voting, and why so many people stopped caring, statements even we have made like, they're all the same, Repeat offenders basically.
Going on with the why bother because they seem to only benefit the extremely poor or the wealthy. It's just Ike school. If you're a snot-nosed punk always in trouble, people are jumping through hoops to "help you" and if you're a brain, people are forever praising you.
What about everyone in the middle? So think about Hollywood, mostly Democrats, bleeding hearts who can afford to bleed, who can well afford the time they do give, as well as money. People Like George Clooney, Sean Penn, Harry Connic as well as may female actresses too. But they have what we don't, a platform, money, celebrity and of course supporters of the same genre. Do you think if they earned eighteen thousand a year, they would have the same feelings? So they do what ever they can and yes, it is very good, nice, decent, generous, but if Hollywood is for it, maybe we do need to be against it.
There's something else too. Look at the movies they make to attract kids, music they put out so kids will spend and imitate. Because they are celebrities, when they decide to "check-out" it becomes public. I don't know what the answer is, except maybe a little more giving to the generations here and now today who are so impressed with the "stars". Go to the cities, build schools, roller rinks, art centers, vocational centers, and have instructors available. Hire and put people back to work instead of saying, Hey vote for my guy, he'll put people back to work.
You celebrities who show, cameras every step of the way how you're helping other countries and supporting politicians here, how about help, really help this country and put our peopleback to work. Why not invest in companies that are closing down and going overseas, and support them to make it here. We are becoming the New China. Support America. After all, isn't it your country who put you where you are, that you have what you do?

David Morse, Bring him...Yum:) Slurp:)

Don't tell me you don't know David Morse. Yum with a capitol "Y" Like many men they just get better looking with age, but David Morse not only is better looking but has seasoned early in his acting years. Sure this is late to post this but honestly, it's never to late to say anything good about anyone, and don't you ever forget that. Back to Smorsey Morsey, Slurp!

I saw him with my daughter at the Booth theatre ( I think it was) in the Seafarer. Our seats were first row to the left and ya won't believe it, but we had the best seats in the house. Sure David was all over the small square stage but, and this but is important, he was so close I had to be warned!
My daughter heard me making mouth noises and talking under my breath, whispering, and simply telling her, I can reach him, I can touch his hand, I could even say something and he would hear me. My Daughter J. Just said though a smiled but gritted grin, mom mm, don't you dare, promise me, don't, no mom. Okay! okay! okay! I'm not going to do anything. I just want to. It was so tempting.
I remembered him on a hospital TV show with Howie Mandel, and he was delicious then, and of course on House, but before that he starred in The Seafarer. WHAT A MAN!
Here is what I saw as I watched him and the other players; yes I did watch them too, but mainly focused on David, my David who happens to be married to another woman. When you see an actor of his caliber, doing what he did in that play, The Seafarer, you almost forget he's an actor. As I sat so still in that left front row seat, David Morse got down on all fours, acting as if he was putting wood in the wood stove , then scrubbing the floor. His hands, his hands were so, oh so manly, so strong, so "worked" that you can just imagine...anything, and everything.
His face was sincere with words and actions twisting in anger, frustration of that life. His hair just right with touches of grey, waves curling at his neck, and his eyes, his eyes so blue, a person wants to keep
staring to make sure they are that blue. But the memory of his reddened strong hands and himself walking tall across the stage with a deliberate determination let's a lady hope, hope that David Morse will be back on Broadway again, so she can buy tickets for four this time. J. M. C. and me of course.
to succeed at anything he had to do, was simply memorable.

Ivanka Trump's Blue Sweater

Two weeks ago Ivanka was on The Apprentice as one of the observer judges with her younger brother. Don't want to leave him out and sorry I forgot his name, and before I get to Ivanka's sweater, I have to say the Trumpster has well spoken adult children. Okay you may say they should be look at the education they had. To that I say bull-kaka! How many adult kids have Good educations yet continue to talk as if they have marbles or worse in their mouths?
Now that blue sweater Ivanka wore-oow this is too bright. Let's try this blue...ahh, nicer. Well the sweater she wore was in between these blues and I only want to say how classy she looked, not that she isn't always classy looking as is the whole Trump family, but that sweater was different for her.
You go Ivanka!
P.S. Claim that money at the unclaimed property office in NY for Donald Trump, Gold st. Wall st. Trump International, financials and more. They don't call it green for nothing!

D. TRUMP U have $ NY Unclaimed Property

Donald Trump, The Trump Organization, Trump Wall Street and more Trump businesses, you have money listed at the NY unclaimed property site. You're not the only public figure who has money there.
About two years ago I sent copies of the claims I found to Regis Philbin who also had money, Maury Povich, Connie Chung and more, but right now can't remember them all, but you still have quite a few listings, so claim it please, or heck I could use a piece of it!
This isn't why I'm sending out a public notice, but making it public so someone tells you. NEW YORKERS!!!! Look your self up! I grew up in Brooklyn and have seen my old landlord and his wife who are now deceased, have a lot of money, securities and more. I can't claim it-wish I could and have tried to find their family, called a number who I thought was related but still see their names on Unclaimed property.
EVERYONE EVERYWHERE, LOOK YOURSELVES UP-IT'S YOUR MONEY! People move, get sick, retire, have old utility deposits, inheritances and so many more reasons for money to claim. In some cases you need a death certificate if the executor can't be found, and you have to prove who you are. It's worth it!
DONALD TRUMP, GO GET YOUR MONEY The state has enough of your taxes and more. Hey if you don't want it, I'm sure some charity would.

Yea! Donald Trump

She should have left a long time ago. Donald sometimes you're too generous with people who are as abrasive as she is, and no I won't even mention her name. Her statement that it's her personality, Bull-kaka! Just like that other one, and yes, some people like that "personality" but usually people just like themselves.
Abrasive is not the word, but OBNOXIOUS! Certainly not a person for the Trump Organization, so good riddance to rudeness, big mouth, loud,
harsh, unfeeling and what appears to be deception. We don't need that Trumpster!

The Closing of The Door-Before you yell at me-Late People

Okay yes, that's the title, but trying to condense while waiting for people to come to the house. Oh but guess what, it's no 2:03 and they are late!!! It takes a half an hour to get here from where they're coming from, so ya think they would leave in time to get here on time, as if my times doesn't matter?
No, they should be slapped in the head with clock! I have to leave by 2:50-These so important people better not expect much. I'll greet them with my Viking Helmet, maybe then they'll leave. Why is it so many people think their time is more important? From now On I am going to leave a note saying, you were to be here by... sorry, I had another appointment and want to be considerate as someone is waiting. Now for another GEORGE JONES RECORD! Yes, I said record, now get a life FREAK!

That Lonely Sound, George Jones

By George Jones, is a heart breaker, so if you're in the mood, nothing beats that sound. Somehow I think old George has become a different guy in his old age, yet I'll never think of him as old because of his music.

While most of his music tears you up, I'm sure many people can relate to his music. One song, A Picture of Me Without You, may have to do with Tammy Wynette. What a relationship and then there's The Grand Tour, about a lonely house that once was home sweet home. In that song he remembers and goes through how someone who loved him is now gone forever, and this old house will never be the same, how she did so much for him. There's her rings, all her things---as you leave you'll see the nursery, oh she left me without mercy..step right up, come on in.

George Jones was in my opinion a man with a deep sadness who had an almost impossible task of coming to terms with his life.( But what do I know)

Another song is We Can Make it, and isn't that how most of his songs go?

About either making it, trying to make it, or not making it at all? Those of us who loved him and his music, I doubt didn't like his life, but wished we were part of it, not really understanding past the glitter. I know I did. For years all I thought about was, would George Jones take some of my poetry and make them into a song, and felt a connection to his music, knowing he would understand my writings, or ramblings as some may think.

Now one song I know everyone relates to is, He Stopped Loving Today, so when you can, find it and listen to it. How many, uselessly hope your love will come back again? George Jones... play it again, and again.

My Big Marble Bag

http://doozybags.com Last weekend a friend of mine bought two child sets which included a blanket, small pillow and a big bag, which the pillow and blanket fits into. looking through things I've made she sees what looks like marbles. It was. It's my own giant marble bag, simply because of the print. I love marbles and now have only a little bit of that material left, and it's expensive, but strong.
At first my intention was to make abag big enough to carry all of the groceries, but I learned quickly that I didn't want to break my back. So my friend asked me what do I use it for, and I told her frozen foods. Like most of us we want all the frozen foods to go together. Having such a big bag makes it that much better. One swoop and in the house with it, in the freezer and the rest can wait a while. I will mentin that as I get a bit older,
it would be better to have two smaller sized bags. Not a problem here as that's what I do, make bags!

Hey BFF! Cougar Here

Wanna Dance? Talking to you my new BFF, you knoooo who you are.
Smokey soft brown eyes, baby butt complexion, perfectly manicured tresses aka, hair, closely cropped, well groomed, polite gentlemanly. The kind of guy any Cougar would be proud to hang out with.
Now this Cougar stuff, maybe more like a Grammy turtle with arthritis, sagging knees, chin touching the belly button, growing a beard, getting a bit bald, but hot eyes! Still has pizazz and some sizzle which really means, I still dream, don't you?

I'm No Longer dating Charlie Sheen

So Pathetic, just another Hollywood guy who doesn't appreciate just how fortunate he is. Almost 2 mill an episode? Who deserves that kind of money? I'll tell you who, parents who raise children to be decent, responsible, not greedy adults who contribute back in life, and the children who turn out to be that person, because we all know, at some point no matter how children are raised, they become who they want to be.

All that greed starts at the top. Our government, politicians, big businesses, banks, actors and actresses. Yes they're in the same category as you know those big guys and gals at the top are only actors and actresses in different roles. They at times, they'll get caught in who they really are, playing footsie in the bathroom, dating a college student while the wife is at home, trying to seduce young boys, doing a Clinton, over billing for lunches at taxpayers expense, flying to Aspen , again at our expense, gambling , boozing, and using hotel and flying as a write-off at, yes, our expense. So this is what our kids learn. Now Charlie.

As far as Charlie goes, how many of us watch him, tell our kids this is inappropriate for you, but they can hear it-guilty here! Well no more.
As of today Charlie Harper Sheen is not welcome in my house! We are through! It's official at 8:36 a.m. EST...Charlie Sheen at almost 2 mill, you are banned. I can think of better ways for that station to spend their money,
than on a guy who with two kids across the hall remains the same greedy kid he was years ago when we first got together. I think that was Breakfast Club. So long Charlie!

Cliton's Dingell? Dangall?

No I'm not talking Monica Lewinsky. She's just as bad as Old Lady Clinton who my daughter would say I don't like because she didn't leave him, and yes she's right. But to be fair that's her business and I don't give a freak, because that's just what they are FREAKS! Ya hear me people FREAKS!
So now that Billy boy is done with his Shenanigans, well he really isn't. He has a place in Harlem so he feels like one of the people, and tries with his old lady to have people think they're all the same. Look at the cars other people drive in Harlem, schools they attend, groceries they buy, outings they have, apartments they live in, furniture they buy and really look at two most important things. Look at the kind of health care and paychecks they have. So BILLY BOY, one of the people? Bull Crappy!
Now go grab your Dingall and listen to some good old fashioned advice.
Promote some younger people, not a guy with one foot in the grave, no offense old man, I'm not far behind, but just to fill a democrat seat? BULL COCKY!
Don't you have any younger minded, fair minded, honest minded, working minded to promote. We know, we know the dems are afraid to lose their seats, no pun intended, but look at the past two years with the dems running everything. It isn't about Republicans and Democraps to me, it about who will do what they say they're going to do. I made sure to register this year, wanting to be part of the idea, kick him/her out, start a new and fresh way of doing things. I am woman, hear me roar! or groan...

Don't ask, Don't Tell

That saying has had me confused for many years, and I live that way anyway so it was all normal for me, with the exception of going back and forth, who believes what. Who should or should tell, what will the consequences be and who will suffer? All parties suffer, no matter what the ending is.
Oh by the way I'm not talking about what you might think I'm talking about. I'm talking about people who cheat and shop in that secret way that no one is supposed to know. In the end people get caught.
Hide those receipts, cut the tags off, but how do you account for the balance in your account? Isn't it too much to bear? STOP! NOW! SAVE!
Now you cheaters, you....PIGS ALL... ALL PIGS. Why do you do it?
Money. Are you afraid to divorce then have to pay support of some kind? So you stay quiet, but your spouse knows or gf or bf. Yes they know, but dumbly are hoping you get over it. They should run as fast as they can. YOU who are tempted to cheat but haven't yet, talk to your spouse etc first, then a pastor, counselor, friend, anyone to clear your head and rethink it all. Then if you still want to cheat, go see a lawyer and get a divorce because if you don't then you really deserve everything you get, or lose.

Got an ITCH, A Big Hunka Love

People, hello there! Anyone home? How many people have an idea of what they want in a guy or gal? Most of us. I know I think a lot about- oow what a nice big guy, yet the person who I loved all my life was someone about my height even though I usually out weighed everyone. No it didn't work out. He was married, I was a kid with a crush, but his character was for sure the best kind of model for anyone. No one would ever or could ever measure up to him.
So next time you see someone who ya think is too big because he or she doesn't fit your ideal person, get to know them first, and look past the outline. All that shows is how shallow you are.

Word Errors? Spell check whine

Okay this will be short-remember I have to shop and put on my carpenter jeans, minus the hammer-oow hammer time, this afternoon. This is for anyone who finds my word errors. I too see them after I post, yes duh, I said after.
Spell check does not always work and when I quickly reread my post, well I'm just too quick and miss things as in the last post, thrown should have been throw, so if you want to complain, join Cojo-he makes a lot of money at it. If you're down on your luck, start a complaing business. It makes others feel good. Back to spell check, I do know it isn't always about spell check, okay? Just too much in a hurry, excited to get dressed today. heee haaa!

Are you What You Wear? FREAKS ?

No ya big dummy! YOU are who you feel and know you to be. That's who you are. Don't listen to those freaks on television. Look at that guy Cojo? He has the nerve to tell anyone how to look-FREAK ALERT!
Now some of those fashionista's are nice in their critiques, BUT-Who died and made them FAshion God's? Then so many others get in on it too-oh so pathetic. Get a life you FREAKS!
Let me tell you my fashion sense for today. I'll be wearing the latest in carpenter jeans, about four years old with holes worn in the pockets about to split at any time. Then to accessorize I will thrown on my tee shirt top with a stain in the middle of my bosom as they all have stains. It's where my cup runneth over. My foot wear will be a pair of assics, minus socks, because I just don't freakin care. Oh The do...you know my hair. I love my hair, my best feature. So today I am pulling it back in a clip -minus a brush out.
Who freakin cares what I look like? Not me, not today. It's raining, and I'm shopping, cleaning, doing paperwork and other things. So No one to hold my umbrella, no one to help clean or shop as in carry and load the bags, and most definitely no one to do paperwork with me. So who is there to impress? GET A LIFE YOU FREAKS!
I know there will be people looking at my "style". FREAK THEM!
They are jealous. Why, you ask? Because they went through so much time and trouble this morning to put on someone else's face, fit into those stylish fifty-dollars a pair jeans, do the hair just right, and grab the umbrella, check make-up before leaving-yes women-(well most of them), and guess what? No one cares unless they're single and hoping to get picked up, looked at, receive a compliment and feed their ego. These same people are, shopping alone, carrying and loading their bags alone, hair is getting frizzy anyway, and best of all they're wearing heels and can't wait to get home and take them off.
So look at me with amazement if you will as I too, am amazed.

Pop Rocks , Bubble Gum and more CD

Thank you CD, I love em'! Trying to g to bed early and I put away my pop rocks, thinking I'll treat myself in a week or two. But while putting away dishes I saw them glaring me and saying, pop me, pop me! Oh I love Pop Rocks and what a way to seal a friendship.

Imagine just meeting someone and they hand you a favorite munchie which your daughter has been giving you every year, and knows how you love them. To share that? So KOOL. Thank You Both, Love ya

SHUT UP Puh leese -Endless ECHO

How many times do you want or need quiet, and people just won't shut up! Finally they do and you hear the endless chatter of neighbors, cars or trucks with engines roaring next door or even down the road.
Recently with a friend who lives in New York and invited me to stay at her apartment with her and her husband said she understood when I turned the invite down. I explained the echo of silence, how so wonderfully good it felt to close the door to my hotel room, looking at the order and cleanliness, but most of all, hear the quiet...ahhh, and ahhh again.

I lay down and once again, even on the second floor, my room on a corner in Brooklyn with a view, was silent. So very silent. If I didn't want to spend time with my friends so much, I would have remained there the whole time. But we agreed to meet at a diner for lunch and so I went.

Looking around as soon as I went in noticed the hectic pace, heard dishes and trays clanging, glasses clinking, silverware being dropped and people, people who never shut-up.

They never even took a breath. I sat waiting for the waitress with other friends and somehow got lost in thinking about the quiet waiting in my room back at the hotel. I had to be tapped twice, Are you going to order? huh? Oh yeah. I ordered a corned beef on rye and ginger ale, and started talking like the rest, but never fully involved.

I wondered, do they ever feel the same way? Do they finish work and just can't wait to get home to the quiet or are they greeted at the door by kids,a husband wanting supper or a wife complaining? How do you meet your house? How does your home greet you? Are you getting your share of quiet? Ahhhh

Theft by Politicians Argall vs. Holden

Argall excused his having an apartment closer to the white house because it's allowed as well as travel expenses, in addition to his big salary, and said He'll take advantage of that because it's such along trip. TOO FREAKING BAD!!! Argall against Holden, dump them both. Write in someone you know and trust, better than these greedy------

So we pay for him an any one else who has an apartment to do they work THEY CHOSE!!! They EARN(questionable) enough to pay their own way for an apartment and gas, and then write off a portion on taxes and if they can't write it off? TOO FREAKING BAD!!!
His biggest statement was we first need to FIRE PELOSI which he repeated after meeting local business people, older ladies in a senior center or some place like that and the last guy, well he never answered his question about unemployment, but repeated his answer to the prior question and once again say was, we first need to fire Pelosi. NO! We First need to put people in Office who won't take advantage if having a tax payer apartment, and a gas stipend. WHO ELSE GETS THESE KINDS OF BENEFITS???

Only politicians. There is one guy who makes a place in his office when he has to stay over, but we wonder why the US is in a mess. LOOK who's running things? GREEDY Politicians, so if they are our role models, and these are the people our kids read and learn about, hear at home, on TV-well they have only to strive to live up to that goal. Theft by Politician!!!

Sleep deprived? Solution, it's Easy

Oh sure it is, isn't everything when someone else tells you how easy things are? Let's start smacking people in the head who tell us how easy it is. Tell them, let's switch places.

Okay, so here's my easy solution, EXERCISE. I tried it once, and it works!

So now I'm back to it, and yeah it does work. I bet if you ask some of these hard core work out nuts, sorry, not nuts, but go gettters, you'll hear them say how well they sleep, unless-unless they work out before bed. Only my opinion. Now that's enough, I need a nap.

Blind Road Curves Kill

You'll see a picture in your mind as soon as you see the title. How many times have you driven around a curve to come upon stopped traffic and barely had time to stop?
Today on Oprah, there was a horror story about a lady who lost her three little babies, because a truck driver could not stop as he came around a curve and couldn't see stopped traffic ahead. Switching a moment here, she became pregnant a year later with triplets, two girls and a boy. She lost two girls and a boy.A Miracle? I think so. Prior to getting pregnant she and her husband no longer wanted to live, but a pregnancy changed all that, and to make this more unbelievable, they forgave the truck drive who had three kids of his own and has to carry that burden the rest of his life.
Now back to the issue, curvy roads. Please slow down when you approach a curve. You don't know what's around the bend. Years ago I was on a curve, and there was road construction. I had just had surgery, had to wait three months before I was allowed to drive again and there I sat on my way to visit my little brother. My little girl sat in the back seat, and my son was next to me, seat belts on.
Patiently we waited just past the curve for traffic to move, and because I just had surgery, I made sure there was plenty of room between the car in front of me and my car. Suddenly I looked in my read view mirror and saw a car coming so fast I thought she would fly over me. I had a big Chevy, beautiful, and said oh God, they're not stopping. It was a 1985 volkswagon Golf, faster and faster as I tried to pull away, off to the side of the road.

Crash, she hit me in the left rear, flying over two more lanes. Glass went flying and her brand new car was demolished. My old boat? Thank You God for a couple reasons. My children were okay. Two, that's a couple and all that's important.

But she was traveling at a high rate of speed, and did not slow down coming around a curve which she didn't have any idea concerning what was on the other side. Slow down, on a hill, in the rain, around the curves. After all, there's nothing worse than a DEAD END.

Heartburn or attack? Aspirin risks!

Oh look at menu, and yes, I know you can't see it, but I did. No pasta for me.

Here is what I learned today and last week. Hearing Dr. Oz and a specialist about Acid reflux, heartburn and heart attacks, people don't take it serious enough, think, well I just ate something, or oh, coffee always gives me heartburn, I'll just take an antacid. Don't in my opinion as OZ said it only masks the pain. How many doctors tell us to take an aspiring a night or day. Well that leads to an upsetting acid in your stomach, up the esophagus, and actually burning the lining which can and has caused cancer. It's also about how and when and what you eat and drink.

I remember hearing Michael Douglas talk about his throat cancer. He said he drank alcohol for years and smoked too. What if you didn't do those things, but drank coffee and ate lots of pasta, are overweight, lay down after eating? Yes, alcohol is like poison on the throat and esophagus , but we never think those things when we're young. Then we think we'll live forever, but never think how we might live.

Pain killers? They too cause acid in the stomach. Dr. OZ gave a very clear picture on heart attacks, heartburn and acid reflux. Explaining the effects and how one leads to another let's me know that I did start on the right path last week. I read a two paragraph blog by a young man. It was simple, clear, and earth shattering. While my own doctor never told me what to avoid, this young man's article sure did. Now a friend of my daughter's just gave me a Starbucks Mug, GREEN, with individual coffee packets in it. I LOVE Coffee.

But now I have to think, well I know it doesn't love me and taking aspirin for a year had it effects too I'm sure. I still have two cups in the morning because I love it, and I know I won't be laying down so early, but I will also even soon do away with that and drink water as I've been doing a lot of this week. I can drink ginger ale which I love and the small amount of ginger helps.

I'm not one to want to expose my latest health prob. but if anyone ends up reading this and makes changes, that's what counts. Other symptoms are, sore throat, a feeling like food is stuck, hoarseness, deep breaths that hurt, heartburn more than twice a week,a burn feeling after eating or drinking are all signs not to put it off, but to to your doctor.

Now if money is an issue, explain that to whom ever you make the appointment with, and ya know if you get some self righteous crab who says anything about not getting until...just say, I wonder what the newspaper and the doctor will say about that, write him or her. office personal are hired to do what's right financially for the doctor. Most doctors are really there for you and will make time for you and a way to pay your bill. Some doctors will even adjust it if you ask them as hard as that may be.

Later everyone-Good Health to ya!

Johnny Mathis, My Example

Last night while bored with the usual same old news, I came across Johnny Mathis with Tavis Smiley, a late night talk show host who isn't like what many are used to viewing. I Left him and looked around but kept coming back to Johnny and finally settled on watching him before bed.
Johnny Mathis is seventy-five years in age. I can't say old, because he looks fabulous. Yes, sure he had on make-up, long sleeves, a wig, but screw all that, he looks better than many fifty-year olds, and here's why, he listened.

Unlike myself with a weight problem and a couple of other issues I have always been a poor patient, stubborn, and independent thinking that no matter what I'm too strong to have that, whatever it was at the time. Here is what he listened to.
While in his twenties, Johnny Mathis was on a golf course and an older man remarked about his body, how well he looked and what did he do. Johnny's comment was, I sing. The man said, no how do you keep fit?
He was a bit startled that the man thought this, but answered, well I just am. Johnny then listened to what the man said. He told him just as we all have heard before, but in fewer words, "take care of your body."

Johnny said he remembered that and made sure to do just that. He took care of his body. Hold on now, a little more. So another twenty years pass and again he finds himself somewhere after or before a show, and someone commented on how good he looks. Trying to think to last night's show, Johnny commented thank you, I take care of my body.
That second man told him to keep it up and it will keep you up, something to that effect. If those weren't his words, then they're mine!
Johnny's routine is, to work out five days a week, one and a half an hours' a day. He also didn't go into detail, but said he eats right, meditates, Spiritual time,works, still plays golf, and the next thing really amazed me about his successes.
Maybe this is why Johnny Mathis hasn't ever as I know been a subject of gossip. Tavis Smiley asked about competition. Johnny answered, I didn't see them as competition, but just nice guys. So he never let that get into his head, a negative for sure. That made sense to me, and with that and his take care of your body from an older and wiser man, I am going to change things here too.
I also remember someone saying something about business, maybe on the 700 club. Put God first, so that's how I will start my day every day. Today I am committed to lose twenty pounds by the twenty-first of November. Thank You Johnny Mathis! For those of you who know me and say, well yeah sure you will, I smile. For those of you who don't know me and think she's a nut! Well I am-smile.

TMJ-Easy Relief First Before & Teens

Many of you probably know this already, but if a dentist told you that you have TMJ and needs to fit you with a mouth appliance which is so costly, hold off. Some years ago I took a kid to the dentist, about fourteen years old having problems with what the dentists described at TMJ. This boy had so much mouth pain near the back of his mouth, and yes it ended up to be his molars. We didn't know that then, and I agreed to the mouthpiece not knowing anything.
It came back ill-fitted and the price was over six hundred dollars, half covered by insurance. I told the dentist I didn't want it since it came back not fitting him. Of course he didn't care, as he wanted that bill paid.
I wasn't paying it. Instead we went to a local store and I bought him a football mouth guard.
That did it! He put it in warm water, shaped it to his mouth and wallah! All was fine for a few years, then it started again, and then we found out it was his molars.
Here is another issue. Yes, experience. I was told a fourteen year old boy needed braces because he had a space between his teeth and in order to have them come together and not widen, braces were needed and we shouldn't wait too long to decide. I was not the mom, but my opinion was asked. I suggested we ask another dentist as braces were not covered on our insurance as it was more about esthetics according to teh insurance comapny. The second dentist? He said, why hurry, he's still growing, not hurting, and has a very wide mouth, molars still needed space to come in, sooo....everthing happened as he said. Eventually within a year, his gap closed up, then his molars started to come in. It wasn't long before be had to have more back teeth removed because he didn't have enough space!

How many dentists wants to put braces on your kids because their teeth don't look so pretty. Okay sounds harsh yes, but all I'm really saying is when kids are pre-teen and in the lower teens years, don't be so quick to"FIX IT"unless it's a health issue. Ask the dentist if that situation will change in the next couple of years. SMILE:) Then get a second opinion if you don't like what he's telling you. After all it's your money, your insurance and most important, your child's health, not the dentist.

Church,In or Out, What's important?

What's in a church and why go in the first place? Do you have church at home? Some people have small services at homes. Yes services, including tithes and music, seems more personal that way, less clicky. Are needs met more that way? I don't know. I guess it's such an individual thing. So many things to weigh and measure.
Growing up I thought my church was the perfect, most important place to be, better than home to be sure so I looked forward to going anytime I was allowed. One time my father made us go to another church because the janitor made my sister and i remove our boots. He just cleaned the halls, it was snowing and out feet were wet. MY sister wouldn't hear of it, became indignant while I thought what's wrong with that. It's Gods house, we were always to be respectful which is how we were taught-by someone. So the in charge sister and I went home. My father made a call saying we wouldn't be back and the following Saturday we went to a church called Incarnation, two blocks away.
It was my first year to start confirmation classes and I did not want to be in that church! I went to ZION. Even the name was better! So after a few Saturdays with me sitting in the last seat, arms crossed and angry face, that pastor called my father saying it was useless to make me continue you. YEA!!! Back to ZION!
I didn't just love Zion because of the most handsome pastor in the whole world. I loved it because "I felt" it loved me back.

When people talk about a relationship with Jesus or God, that's something you have to feel. Now this is my opinion only. You know same as in a marriage, you can feel that love. If you go into your church and "feel nothing special" keep searching, don't give up.
Those smaller churches are great when you live in a community where many people know one another, but if you've never been part of that community, how do you get invited into the community of that church?
I'm not talking about getting invited to church. That's easy. But who is inviting you to really be a part of that church. I know, this stuff can make you nuts, it does me. Not everyone wants to commit to things, but how does anyone know unless asked. Who gets asked? The people who are friends of people, the connections, the co-workers, the buddies. Would anyone know in that church you died unless they read it in the paper? Does the caring extend only to meet and greet, collection and see ya next Sunday? Oh yeah the handshakes too, which make me uneasy. Who knows what people have or if they washed their hands with SOAP? Look at them in front of you with their hands all over the spouse, or wiping somewhere, scratching, picking, digging in their scalp, then oow, let's shake...yuck!

I can still go back to Zion where people are ancient now, like me, and still get that feeling, but to be honest, I think it's more the memories of that feeling.
Living in Oregon once, I was invited to a Presbyterian church, and ended up going quite a lot. It was a pretty big church, but that feeling of love was felt. I felt it. That's the kind of feeling that makes a person never ever want to miss church again, ever. As a stranger with a baby son, I was invited first to a dinner, a big dinner. Lots and lots of tables. I said sure. The guy and his wife John and...forgot his wife's name, Osborne, and two kids, me and my son would all sit together. as I turned after a thanks, he shouted out, oh bring a dish! Wha... a dish? Are you collecting plates?
No he said, a covered dish as in a salad, stew, macaroni etc. Out table will share he said. Ohhhhhh.... I walked away FEELING like I was as good and I counted,as they did, that it was just as important for me to give as all the rest. Yes, I do know who ever may read this that some churches don't want people to feel indebted, as if conditional. But no one ever says bypass the collection plate, their new. About that. I think the collection plate s should be kept in back of the church. What if people really, really can't afford to tithe? But are so embarrassed by a plate passing in front of them and of course nosey people watching. Do I sound bitter? I'm not. I just feel as if i look and listen at what goes on in churches.You see them stare.
A couple of months ago I was invited to church because someone knew I loved this one lady singer. Oh that voice. I would pay to hear her, anytime, anytime at all. It was Christmas three years ago, and I so much enjoyed the Christmas Eve service, telling my daughter and her friend that this young man was going to paint and we couldn't miss it. She knew she better go or else.(kidding) So we sat, we listened, we watched, and then, then this lady sang. As I write this I am a little misty. Shh-just thinking how I felt. I felt her feeling withing her music. When I left church that night it was just as if I was back at Zion, loved surrounded.

McColganphoto.com BRIDES

Yes, back to this topic. Mike McColgan will be here in the York area Nov. 6&7 He's racing in Elkton Md. a cyclocross race.
Well I still just had to get this out there, as there are weddings being planned now for the Spring and summer. He has also done Christenings-yup, go look at those BABY FEET-again. If you celebrate it, he'll shoot it. Black & White or Color-maybe a mix. Easy to talk to, you won't be disappointed. Planning now is the thing to do, then sit back and relax, and he travels just about anywhere. http://McColganphoto.com

Those Baby Feet -Please Look

I wish I could show you the baby feet on this guys web site. If you need a Happy Feeling right now go see Those Baby feet. I think they're shown under weddings pics.
Should you need a photographer, this is the guy. Look at the Bride's photo, just one of those, "wow" feelings. Don't worry that's he's in Omaha. He visits here in Pennsylvania a few time s a year, does Bike racing, has done sports photo journalism, a few cage fights, and his photography has opened up a whole new world of artistic talent. At least that's how I see it. He has climbed Mt. Baker for Kids at Risk and with his wife has done fundraising for Cancer among other such fundraisers. Give him a try: http://McColganphoto.com You won't be sorry, Thanks

Counting The Hourshttp://McColganphoto.com

Who said you can't go home again? Well if someone else lives there now, you can't. But for me, there's nothing like a midnight ride to anyplace. It doesn't matter if you're sleeping on a friends couch, staying at a hotel or just going for lunch, but it matters that you go.
A couple of days ago my friend called and said, well you're not dead! Then offered me the sofa. I almost said yes, but decided it's been so long since I've treated myself, I needed the hotel stay, and I always sleep so very good. Waking up there is a hotel breakfast which is pretty decent, juices, cereals, bagels, coffee and tea's and fruits. Can't beat that for free.

Then there's the ocean close by. A walk about five blocks away, it's always a satisfying feeling. Not far from that is Coney Island. Good for a walk on the boardwalk, fries and a hot dog or knish at Nathan's and if it's cold they serve great coffee.
I know this seems like a foodie item, but it just all goes hand in hand.
Think about where you come from, foods you loved growing up, streets, signs, corners you may have hung out on, buildings, ice cream parlors, area hang-outs where you and friends used to sit and chat, roads, churches, schools and all in all the memories that made your life what it is.
http://McColganphoto.com So I'll be taking off soon, which means any times it hits me. Ahh Freedom.

That Uncomfortable Subject

Predators, a word we all hate. But still every once in a while we all need to be reminded to check out Megan's Law in your area. It isn't always up to date as predators don't always report to the police and give a new address as soon as they leave prison.
Protect not only your children, but any kid you know as best as you can.
Ask questions about school, church, the neighbor, parents when a child starts a conversation about that subject, ask, but don't lead, don't suggest as some kids do make up those stories, but not many.
Sometimes, and I know you know this, the people we trust the most with our kids are those we should trust the least, so how do you know? Even though they may be a friend ask if they would do a background check? Ask if both spouses would do a background check and if they have grown children in their homes, ask if they too would mind a criminal check.
When I moved to where I now live I was told about a man around the corner who played Santa every year. Before he lived around the corner he lived in a mobile home park where he hurt a child, was caught, but the parents didn't want any thing public to come out, so the man agreed to move and all would say nothing. Nice. He's dead now.
Then the same woman who told me about him told me about her own close relative who also hurt a female child and worked as a volunteer in the fire department. When I knew that I froze and let her know if she didn't make him quit, I would tell. He quit. The lady has moved and I don't know what happened with her son, where he went, what he is or isn't doing and never knew his name. We have to continue to be vigilant, over protective, a mom, a dad a protector most of all.

Grand Central Station photo

Can be seen and happy to send you more sign pics if requested. Just a few things I do, sew, make bags, sets of comforters and bags for kids, benches, and memory boxes.

Most can be seen at http://doozybags.com

DVG- Delicate Vintage Gloves

http://doozybags.com

These delicate gloves are made for small hands, very small. They belonged to a family member who was about a size one. I can't even imagine that size. But these gloves are all in fantastic condition having been preserved since given to me many years ago. They can also be viewed on my web site above.

You Old Bag! Knit Vintage

Is it just another old bag or a vintage bag? What's the difference? Well I guess it's simply one makes money and the other is just an old bag not worth a dime. This bag has a sister in a darker brown, almost black and you can see them here http://doozybags.com

My prices are very reasonable, so take a look and see the just about new condition. These bags have been in my family for over forty years. Wish I could date more exactly, also glasses and an awesortment of ladies small gloves. See in next post

Guess Baby's Weight From These

My son Mike in the Navy suit was about eight months old, and his sister Jenny was about one month when these were taken, so given Mike's birth weight 9 lb 14oz, 21.5 inches long, and his sister's birth weight, 9lb 13 oz.. and 21 inches long, and guesses on Mike and Kelly's baby to be?

Boy were they wonderful to hold! Still are.

Best Dressed Baby Boy Mike n' Plaid

This photo was when my baby boy Mike was about fourteen months old. We were at the airport leaving for Oregon. He wore his red plaid suit, shoes to match, red shirt and a sweet, but sad smile. That little guy was always the best dressed little boy in the neighborhood and all the new parents wanted his hand me downs. Wish I had some now for his new baby to be. Then there he is at fifteen shoveling our drive-way, a long way to go. Like becoming a man, joining the Army, and later moving, and then marriage.

Come Spring that little boy, will have his own little b..uh b....baby. I do still have one set of Mike's old clothes. With permission I can cut down his old Army uniform. Well Mike?

Willie Nelson Fans-Hippie Bags

Angels Flying Too Close To The Ground-Willie Nelson is not just a hippie if he even describes himself as such, but he is who he is without trying to be anyone else. Always on My Mind, Last Thing I Needed The First Thing this Morning are just a few great Willie songs , and then there's Waylon Jennings. I saw him in Oregon. Nah, not really, just an impersonator. But those guys who sang such heartfelt songs, like Johnny Cash, and Ray Price.

Look at how they can be interpreted into spiritual songs. I also loved George Jones, but in trying to set a good example for my kids growing up I promised not to play his music anymore and I kept that promise. Oow I'm so goody goody, but I am back playing him recently because his songs are like, okay relational. We all can relate to whatever music we listen to. Isn't that the purpose after all? But George, wow, George when he sang, Why Me Lord? Don't we all think that at times? How about this oldie, He Stopped Loving Her Today...The Grand Tour and The Door. Okay , enough Country

Now think about Jerry Vale, my favorite, Don't Tell my Heart To Stop Loving You. What a voice, not to mention the ease of Perry Como. Those were the days my friends...

http://doozybags.com/ Back to Willie and his music. I have an album, a record album that is of his with a blue cover, wearing a bandanna of greenish blue and two gold stripes-wait, now I have to find it. That's the cover in the corner. tomorrow I'll be playing those old albums and old 45's.

BTW the bags are 15. & 17. Each has a zipper pocker, one is reversible an dteh one with the outsie pocker zipper also zips close.

M&M Maxwell & Materials, what's's it all about

Hey remember that song. What's it all about, Alfie? For me and yes, I'll get off it, it's about coffee, and materials to make plaid bags, which I found today in my sewing room. Now all I need is a table large enough to make a cape for someone I promised last Spring. I never forgot, just didn't have a big enough area. Oh the guilt! Talking it over with a friend, I'll be using her church tables one of these days to cut it out, yea!!! Not converting, just cutting.

MAXWELL HOUSE, Give a girl a BREAK

Okay so I'm not a girl. I called Maxwell house today to ask about instant coffee. The small local convenience store does not carry it anymore as I was told. The larger stores, one I don't shop and the other, Giant tells me they carry it, don't order a lot and probably run out fast. That was a year ago. Since then I have been back of course many times. No Maxwell house instant coffee regular, and Giant keeps in on the bottom shelf, I suppose to push their own brand, and the regular cans.

Here is the response I get from Maxwell House this afternoon. The first person, a guy says hello. Hello? Is this Maxwell house? Yes. I'm calling about your instant coffee....click, hang up. I call back, get a gal, nice who lets me know yes, they still carry it and which stores carry it. NOW twice I went to Giant just to buy the small jar, none there, so of course I asked about a freebie.

I am still in doubt they make it, per my experience this past year. I like to have a pot of hot water on for tea, coffee, and oatmeal, a strong Viking here. Her reply was to laugh(silly me) and to say, oh no we can't do that, but ca I have your e mail and address so we can send you promotions. My reply? Oh no, I can't do that.

This coffee is VULGAR -uhch%#@*kaka

Okay this is just my opinion. I love coffee but recently think I needed to cut back. Today I went to a local grocery store and very much wanted Maxwell house instant, regular with that little red lid, but all Maxwell has on the shelf is decaffeinated, the blue lid. So I decide to get the store brand as I know usually the store brand in most things is just as good if not better that the brand name.
I am now ready at this time 5:45 p.m. Eastern time for a cup of regular instant coffee. Oh I could have bought a large jar of another brand, but hate to feel as if I have to buy such a huge jar, plus I like the glass jars. Pouring water , the cup blackens, I add milk and sip-oh save me!!! horrible, awful, disgusting coffee, oh wait I didn't add sugar. That should make it better. In I add one small packet of regular. Sipping again I expected better. Oh someone slap me hard, harder! This stuff PUKES !!! Now I'm out of regular good ol Lipton tea and good coffee-I know where I'll be tomorrow, buying coffee that I know is good to the last drop.
http://maggieshelpcenter.com

Adoption, What's wrong with this picture?

Most people who know me know I want to adopt a child, an older child about fifteen or sixteen. That age suits me better at my age. I have a lot of mental health experience, worked with kids, have a college degree, have done foster care and guess what? Big Deal. None of that prepares you for what's to be expected if you might want to adopt. If I knew a long time ago how to, what to do, who to see, what adoption site was better, how agencies work for the good of each other, as in let's get this kid adopted, I would have done so many things differently a long time ago.

Now this is hypothetical of course. If you had a child who, I can't even describe without typing about a dozen pages, has so many issues, explosive, and no one wants to do respite with that child, how do you ever get a break, or think about adoption. So along comes a fact finder, learns about a wonderful adoption site, free, has older children, may who want to be adopted even at eighteen, but what if you were told you can't adopt a different child until you adopt this one-or give notice and we'll move this child on. There is such a thing as legal guardianship, but the county doesn't want that. They are afraid, hypothetically of course. I remember one day hearing about a children and youth worker and an adoption family prep person saying, two down two to go; No longer people but numbers.

There are good reasons to be afraid, but why punish other kids from being adopted because of hypothetically only wanting legal guardianship with the younger child. A world of difference between the two. Reimbursement goes way down, the county hardly ever pops in and the adult parent makes all decisions. With adoption, everything is final, and you still haven't learned about the child as he or she has not entered in the hormonal years combined with the fears you were told about might come due to history. So agencies won't accept kids from other agencies, but not all. The agency who has the child up for adoption will gladly send the child, transfer, let him or her do weekends, but once they talk to children and youth, and C&Y talks to your agency, everything comes to an abrupt halt.

Why do they cooperate with one another? Business. It's a kid business but who really has the best interest in the kids?

Norwegian's Christmas

Well it might be a little early for Christmas, but in a snap it will be here, so get ready, now go. No wait, not yet. When we talk about our favorite Christmas', what is it that makes them so good? Is it going to church? My kids always said that was a first when they were younger, looking forward to going to Christmas Eve services. The photo is my back yard/field last winter.

When I grew up and even in later years I wondered how Norwegians do it in Norway. So I found out by asking a cousin and my mother who was born there. Both had different stories, but not by much as my mother came to the states when she was eight. My cousin said they start baking and preparing weeks before, and cleaning, decorating and arranging time.

They do have Christmas Eve services but also before and after, visit homes. In the morning, Christmas morning, gifts aren't opened until after a big breakfast which consists of fish, eggs, struedel with berries, coffee and so many other fresh baked goods brought by family. A lot of family time is spent celebrating the reason for the season. Many gifts are handmade, like mine will be this year. That means, not made in China.

I have two huge Norway Spruce tress outside my house. In a million years I never knew how big they would get. Last year I wanted to finally put lights on them until I found out how much it would cost. Given two estimates of twelve hundred, I decided that's now what I would be doing after all.

Check out Norwegian sweaters sometime. I love them and a cousin made one for me once, but it was too short, and just didn't quite fit right. My daughter loved it and she wore it for a while, but it was too itchy. The only reason I don't buy and wear one is they are too warm for me. Still, I want one, my heritage and I claim that part more than the plaid side, much more. Well up late last night, off to nap a bit, grocery shop at a close by market and think about making a big Norwegian Christmas next year.

What time zone are you in? A Blizzard.

This was last winter at the side of my house, jeep covered in snow, and my Norwegian spruce heavy with branches weighted in white. Oh the jeep went on fire a few months later as I drove up a road close to home. No insurance as it was over two hundred thousand miles. Now I am in the Eastern time zone and right now it's 6:59 p.m.

I love having four seasons, and look forward to winter every year. A couple of years ago my son, daughter and I were going to go to NY to celebrate mine and my son's birthday's, both in February. It started to snow. At the time she lived in Enola and decided by the time I got to her house she wasn't going. A blizzard was reported to be on the way. Well then I hesitated too, thinking I have a foster child and may not get back if we do get a blizzard, although I didn't really care since I needed a long break.

My son saw and heard me hesitate. Mom he said, if we don't go I'm going back to Omaha. I came here so we, you and me and Jen could go to New York, and since when do you let snow stop you? That was all he needed to say. It was as if I was getting chicken. Picking up his bag , in the trunk and off we went. We had so much fun.

Mike and I joined other New Yorkers shoveling. Yes, he too is Brooklyn born. Taking my shovels from my trunk we first started helping people close to the hotel. I did little compared to him. But walking around the streets, cars buried in white trying to get out, just so they could get out, the noise of shovels could be heard on the top floor of the hotel. I grabbed my sweatshirt and gloves and Mike his winter jacket. Off we walked then to my friends house a few blocks away, well about twelve blocks, We trudged through, over and in snow.

Arriving at Sandy 's house, I rang the bell, and then we yelled, sandy! sandy! Opening the door on the outside porch of their second floor apartment, her husband Dick comes out. Looking down all he says, is what the hell are you doing here? That's just the way Dick is, a lovable ol'guy-well at times.

Mike and I played, threw shovels of snow at each other , and after went up stairs to Sandy's. She made a home made meat and potatoes kind of old fashioned meal. Mike seemed like he couldn't get enough. It was heart warming being with friends, eating, laughing and making more memories.

We took a can back to the hotel, relaxed and again went out for a walk in the winter cold, picked up a few snacks, and then in for the night. The next morning as we were ready to leave, we decided to take our time, get some hotel breakfast and then check-out. But we were in for a big surprise. The turnpike was closed as were some of the other roads home. No, I didn't want to pay for another night. Again good news. The hotel was paying for that extra night.

Mike decided to go to the gym and work out. I went for a walk and enjoyed every second. Paths were shoveled out by landlords, home owners and the hotel. Slush was forming in streets from traffic. Yes, people will get out no matter what. For me, just to be there, it was like the winters we had years ago. Barely nothing closes down, we walk though piles of snow, slipping, falling, grabbing onto one another, a car or whatever is handy.

But we make it, we always make it.