New Years Resolutions

Post your New Years Resolutions!

I am still pondering mine (like everyone, eating better, losing weight and exercising are options).

Its almost 9 am here, and I am the only one up. I am using Scott's computer because my laptop bit the dust. We ordered a new one for me, but it won't be here for a week. The house could fall down, but I know with Scott, I'll always have a computer - he makes sure of that.

We took our tree down in the first five minutes we got back from the beach, but the ornaments and knick knacks have to be packed up neatly today.

I'm craving an Orange Julius, so maybe we'll take a road trip to get one - they have them at Potomac Mills.

Where are the truckers?

hey I got a new plug

thanks for telling me Joey.....I didn't know I forgot ...my precious pc plug...and
$103.83 cents for a new one...but we found one!
We are in Cinncinatti..now we are going to Maine! Keblers..hope we meets some elves with more cookies. Its rainy and about 40 degrees. Hope there is snow in ME.
Christmas was wonderful..only a little bit of drama. We are on diets now..no sausauge biscuits,or chocolate milkshakes and fries. Biddeford Me is the city in maine. Ok ..cute ..12 days of xmas.
Ok Mark is ready to roll..take care everyone
love
mark and jane

the AldenCaelenBailey/ChevalleyWhatever holiday!

Sing with me:

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
One family
Two dachsunds too many (sorry)
3 aging daughters
4 family feuds (not really)
5 original Aldens
6 grown up grandkids
7 pipes a piping!
8 maids...where were the damn maids.
9 mochatinis
10 tons of food
11 ribs on the roast
12
......

Can't think of 12, so maybe it's up to the loyal readers to adjust...

the AldenCaelenBailey/

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Copy and paste this link to watch (make sure your sound is on)..
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1773205958

Merry Christmas from Eric and Catherine!

Hi Catherine and Eric - good to see you posting here! I am looking forward to the big holiday as well and I think I have everything ready to go except for some last minute baking. I made a double batch of fudge yesterday - now if I can just keep from eating it! Tomorrow I will make a cheesecake (you all had better eat it!) and a pecan pie. I will make a lemon merangue pie at Jane's on Monday for Scott and Jamie! Can't transport a lemon pie safely!

I used my new crockpot cookbook yesterday to make a chicken dish. I thought it was very good, but Grampa wouldn't eat it! As usual, Sandi gobbled it up. Why do I bother. All he likes are spaghetti and hot dogs, not to mention the occasional peanut butter sandwich.

Speaking of Jane -- Hoping she and Mark will arrive back home tonite or tomorrow. We will be going to Virginia Beach on Sunday and will stay until Friday. We have to pick up our prescriptions at Fort Lee and they won't be ready until Friday. We save a ton of money getting our medicines there.

Have to get offline now -
Love to all and see you soon,
Gramma

Well, I have been procrastinating long enough..

Hello to everyone! I can't believe Christmas is in 5 days! I think I am ready for it to be over but Eric and I are excited to get to see everyone.

Eric and I started looking around at houses for us, Michael and Zsuzsi. Just wanted to see what was out there. I think it will be fun all of us living together.

Speaking of Michael and Zsuszi, we are about to go visit over there for a little bit. Mark and Jane-drive careful and we will see everyone in a few days!

Love,
Eric and Catherine

hey this is gonna be quick

We are getting ready to go to Pontiac IL.
ok bye everyone
love
jane

Hey from GA!

We are in Temple Ga, at a pilot truck stop, we have a load of aluminum cans for shasta beverage, cans are already labeled, just need to be filled with soda.

Let see I have decided to have the ham on the 23rd, turkey on the 24th, and we'll have the prime rib on christmas, I will also be making zucchini lazagna. I will have to make a shit load of rolls(all of the Bailey boys love the rolls)about 72 rolls.
We will have a big breakfast on christmas...and what ever anybody wants the other mornings. I know Christian will be over on the 26th, not sure of Jaida- I wanted Ellen to bring her ginger bread house kit and I have ginger bread men kit - I thought Jaida and Christian would have fun with that.
I have already been gaining wait..looks like more will be coming.
Oh ya ...the mochatini's too...godiva chocolate liquor, starbucks coffee liquor, and absolut vanilla cream, yummie!

Looks like we got out of the northeast just in time...with all the winter storms.
The restaurant is opening up on monday...horray!!!!!!!Bobby and Shannon are at my house, they have to go to Granny norges today..for her christmas thing.
Ok I will say by for now.
Love
Mark and Jane

christmas food

I'll make a trifle - but it has to be assembled on Christmas and you have the trifle dish mom. Bring it.

I'm also going to make a cheese ball and crackers, and veggies and dip.

Oh-- and I'll bring some Proseco and other wine.

I'm doing a marathon session of grading and laundry. Have errands to run later, then I am making goodies to give away as gifts at school. Chocolate dipped pretzel rods and biscotti. Saw that on Food TV - looks easy.

I do need to find a recipe for the trifle -- or I can make it up.

We were robbed on snow and ice, so it looks like a full week of school for me.

WELLLLLLLLLLLL? WHERE IS EVERYONE??????????????? I know you all were taught how to write!!!! I guess I will just have to read my own posts and respond to them!

It's cold and windy today but the sun has finally come out. Sandi and Fritz made their first foray outside a little while ago - if they see the back porch is damp they won't go out. All I can say is Sandi must have the world's biggest dog bladder! No doubt I will find little puddles around from Fritz!

Dad is watching football. I am online to look up recipes for Christmas cooking. I have a yen for penuche - has anyone ever had it? I haven't tasted it in about 50 years. If it's not too difficult I will try to make some. I am also making pecan pie, cheesecake, and I don't know what else. Ellen said she would make a chocolate trifle - yum. I found several recipes and maybe I will try to make it - need to buy a candy thermometer.

Okay guys, hope to see some posts from all of you.

love,
mom

Well here we are back home. Got home about noon yesterday - Sandi headed for my bed, Fritz for the den sofa, and only stirred long enough for dinner! They are still tired - will probably sleep most of today.

Wednesday I was a total wreck from lack of sleep so when Ellen, Dad, Nancy, Mike, and boys headed out to beach for brunch I decided it would be a perfect opportunity to grab a little shut eye - WRONG. Not wanting to leave 4 dogs running wild thru Jane's house I stretched out on sofa in den, whereupon Fritz and Brutus decided it was fun to have their wrestling match on top of me. No sleep. When the gang came back Ellen took me to the new Barnes and Noble at Lynnhaven Mall - SPECTACULAR! Had a grand time.

Mike cooked dinner for us all Wednesday night - the most beautiful salad I've ever seen, plus some excellent spaghetti and meatballs - wonderful meal! For dessert we had chocolate cake made by Zsuzsi - very, very good. After dinner Mike and Jamie assembled a car kit that Mike had bought. Mike also taught Jamie how to make meatballs! I crept up to bed before 8, fell asleep when my head hit the pillow and konked out for 9 hours. I moved into the bedroom Ellen had occupied so Fritzie could jump up and down by himself. Dad luxuriated in Jane and Mark's bed - loved it.

Zsuzsi and Michael took very good care of us - lots of goodies to eat and we didn't have to lift a finger. We had some good laughs together and political discussions without quarreling! A most enjoyable visit. Next birthday is Ellen's and then comes the old man! Hope he will be wearing his little thong - heh, heh.

Yahoo is acting up today - very, very slow!

Love to all
Mom

we are in oh

We are somewhere near Cinncinati, cold here but now snow. We hit lots of ice and snow,freezing rain and sleet today in NJ and PA.
I am glad everything went well for the big 50 birthday..Mark keeps saying what about my birthday.......he's a big baby.
How did dad like my bed? Might have been too high without the stairs on one side.
I miss everyone ...I will be happy to see everyone one at christmas.
Love Mark and Jane...still truckin in the muck and slush...

Am I really the big 5 0?

Mom - nice blog, I couldn't have said it better. The only one thing that would have made the night even better would have been if Jane and Mark were here to celebrate too. I miss ya guys. The cake was fabulous- and you guys outdid yourselfs. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart to the top. All is quiet here...boys are sleeping, as is Mike. At least he isn't snoring now. Brutus saw Mike and started barking away at midnight..had to shhh him an number of times. Anyway, I think today we will all be tired too and my time is short with Mike here. But think we will take a stroll on the beach and have breakfast, brunch, lunch too---whatever works. Anyway...again thank you Ellen, and Mom. Love ya guys

It's early Wednesday morning - Michael just left for work - everyone else is still in bed. Max is outside barking his head off, Fritz is in kitchen, barking his head off, and Sandi is snoozing in hallway oblivious to all. JANE, YOUR BED IS SOOOOOOOOO COMFORTABLE - I LOVE IT!!! Only problem - Fritz can't jump that high (is he "white-blooded?) and doesn't want to be picked up so this old lady had to chase him around the bed for half an hour chasing him before bedding down. Then - Dad got up at 3:30 for a potty run and of course Fritz jumped off bed to follow. After much coaxing and chasing I gave up and got up. Yuck - I will be a wreck today.

Now for the party report: Mike's plane was delayed 3 hours in Dallas due to heavy rain, wind squalls, etc. We got thru dinner and then Ellen left for airport to pick him up. We told Nancy that dinner had disagreed with her and she was thowing up. Anyhow, we all came back to house, Ellen arrived from airport (no Mike in sight) and when we all gathered to sing Happy Birthday, in walked Mike! Nancy was very happy to see him - but don't know how surprised. We then had cake (50 candles - hah).

Everyone came except Katie - she had finals yesterday and couldn't get here in time - and I think they all enjoyed themselves. They (Marianne and Catherine offered $$$ to pay for Nancy and boys, but I refused. Michael gave Grampa $$$ - but I will pay him back. Marianne gave her money to Ellen, and Ellen gave it to Christian who looked VERY pleased to get it. She told him to buy a present for Mom and Dad (Marianne and James) and then buy himself a dinosaur - and then he looked VERY VERY pleased. - lol. He is adorable. After Eric, Catherine, Marianne, James and Christian left, Ellen, me, Nancy and Mike sat around talking until almost midnight -Joey and Jamie fell asleep on sofas. Nancy, Mike, and boys are coming over for dinner today and I told them they had to cook!

Ellen wants to go to beach this morning - she is going home later today. It's supposed to be in the high 70's!! It is foggy here and very, very muggy. I spied the new Barnes and Noble (huge) near Lynnhaven mall so that's where I want to go. You will laugh at this - Suzi, Michael, and I rode to restaurant with Ellen with Michael giving directions. He had Ellen turn too soon, turning left and right in parking lots, up and down back streets, thru back alleys, and finally arriving at restaurant. We all thought it was hilarious.

Hope you are both safe in all the ice up there - and will be headed south soon.

typing with 1 finger!!

hand is a little better,swelling is dwn a little and redness has gone away alittle.
They changed our load in Wheeling WV-sent us to greensboro nc,and thats where we are right now. They are trying to give us a load with just 150 miles..Mark is pissed off about it....me too! I will make this real short(cause of the hand) I talked to
Shannon yesterday...they still have no word on the restaurant...everyone keep your fingers crossed that they get good news on monday.
Zsuzsi has done all the Christmas decorating,and Michael helped with the tree, he is supposed to put up the lights outside today(had to get new ones again-Mark thru out the one's I bought last year)
ok I will try and post again soon.
Love
Mark and Jane

don't show dad....

http://www.scroogeyourself.com/?id=1237280910

effin elfin

click the link - I hope it works!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1237004997

Good Saturday to ya ...

Good Morning........ok, who are the stinkers who are voting no for animal stockedings? You need to go back and change your vote to YES!!!! Next item to bring up is guess who get's to go into the dmv and play wait to be called to get her license renewed b/c she forgot to SIGN the f'ing form when she sent it in initally. And, now there isn't enough time to sign and resend in the mail........me,ugh.

And, lastly ---who has a BIRTHDAY tomorrow!!!!!! Ms. KATIE - that's who...Katie --if you read this blog ===Joey, Jamie and I are singing you happy birthday greetings and many more. I hope you day is a good one, and be good!!!

Here is a laugh -if i was still married to you know who - today would have been our 28th wedding anniversary --that's a very scary thought. Today is my 12 yr as a single women ----and that will probably be forever too...

ok, love you guys and gals...Jane you need to blog w/your left hand. Ellen you need to blog some more funny stuff. And, Mom --well don't have to say anything --you're ahead of us when it comes to blogging!!

Whatever Elfinmark is - I can't bring it up on my computer.

Jane is still have a problem with her hand - went to Emergency Room yesterday morning - had xrays, etc., could find nothing wrong, and precribed tylenol with codeine and a splint. Sounds like it is very painful. Talked to her last evening and she said it was still just as swollen, but didn't hurt as much - probably the tylenol. Will check with her again today. They are headed for Winchester, Virginia! Should we all go stand by the side of the road and wave?

Dad is going to Buckinghan this morning to help with the Buckingham Branch Train. I will just fiddle around the house - probably get some things together for our trip to Virginia Beach on Tuesday.

It seems to be warmer here today - think it is in the 40's. Got my mulcher back so maybe if it's warm enough we can finish that job tomorrow. Supposed to be in the 60's.

XXXX

Talked to Jane a little while ago - she can't type - her right hand is painful and swollen - doesn't know why. She was going to get some aspirin to see if that would help. They are still in Illinois - lots of snow - making stops at Home Depots.

My adorable little Fritzie took a whiz on my bed this morning!!!! Had to wash everything - right down to the bed pad. Am now waiting for electric blanket to dry to put the whole thing back together. Good thing he is so cute! He did get scolded but I don't think it penetrated!

I am playing a game of literati now. It's funny how I lose, lose, lose, win, lose, win, lose, and then win, win, win. If I'm on a winning streak, I play much more than on a losing streak. I just won my game - so now I'll play another. lol

Gave up reading the book I went to the signing for. What a disappointment. Am now reading 'The First Wives Club". It's what I call "brain candy" - a good trashy read. Anyhow, she holds my interest - something happens on every page. I had never read anything by her until she died - 52 years old - in for a facelift and died from the anesthetic. Such a shame and according to her picture in the book, she was very beautiful. Sad.

love to all
mom

update

Snow day!!!!!!!!!! I guess they got more snow in Woodbridge, because its only a light dusting here. It is very crunchy though, more ice, so that could be the reason. I'm going to finish the decorating, dust, vacuum, laundry, clean the closets, steam clean the floors, clean the fridge, read my book, play literati, watch tv, go for a walk, clean the car, go to the dry cleaners, and make dinner.



Yeah, right. HA. Maybe I'll do 2 or 3 of those things.

hi

Scott is easy...he likes food and geek toys. There is a website called www.thinkgeek.com that has tshirts and junk. And, food is his #1 love in life.

I'm not doing my shopping just yet, but I'm pretty sure what I'm getting.

Hope you get to make a snowball! Our snow is mostly ice and not very much fun. (no snowday :(

hi everybody

I will make this short as we are driving down the road, just saw toledo on one of those green signs. We are headed for Morton Grove IL, we hit lots of snow in PA and OH, it's not coming down right now so maybe the snow is over. We have to deliver this load of Avon crap by midnight and Mark hates to drive at night, but anything is better than driving in NJ or NY city, the people are rude there too, hard to beleive mom and dad are from NJ, I guess not all the people are rude-but most.
Hmmmm 10 things I hate...I will have to give it some thought..I will do it tomorrow hopefully. Ellen what kinda stuff does Scott like- I am helping the person who drew his name. And Nancy how about you ....what would like, or what kind of stuff, I am helping for yours too.
Ok the computer is making me mad now
love
mark and jane

stinky brussel sprouts

IN Response ---why are nasty, ugly, stinky brussels sprouts such a issue ---i hatem, and that won't ever change...may you be stranded on a desert island and have to eat them....then you'll change your opinion of those things..i'll die first!!!!

And, Mom --whoever got your name knows what to get you for xmas ---Chocolate, maybe a book, but CHOCOLATE comes first....$50 bucks worth....

JANE your turn to do the 10 hated things - and make sure Mark drives safely ...

I am making senate bean soup today and it smells wonderful! I love making soup in cold weather - just one problem, tho - Dad complains if I serve it twice. Now if I lived near Shannon and Bobby I could make soup every day and they could serve it in the restaurant. Soup and sandwich - great lunch! Now I can't help but think about Jane and Mark and all that cold weather. Headed down to Woodbridge, New Jersey - that's just beyond Rahway.

Dad is having a snooze in his chair. He goes to dentist in a few minutes. Something cute about Fritz - when I sit down on couch he will jump up on my lap (take a flying leap to my lap is more like it) immediately jump down, run away only to return in a few seconds with his rawhide. He also does that when he goes outside - takes 3 or 4 steps, runs back in and gets his rawhide to take out. So cute. He has also found Sandi's hiding place for her milk bones - the ivy patch. He always checks that out and disappears in the ivy munching away. Sandi appears not to give a dam.

I am now reading the book I went to the signing at Barnes & Noble for. It's not what I expected - I read the reviews - all good. It's about a murder/suicide - hot dawg - right up my alley but it's not living up to expectations. Hope it gets better.

Jane and Mark - hope you are warm enough and not slipping and sliding all over the road.

Luv ya
Mom

FREEZING HERE IN NY

We are at Adirondack beverages- I don't know what the temp is ...fucking cold...last night we walked into a truck stop in Fultonville, it's right by a river (don't know which river)- coldest I have been in my life..I had coat and gloves on too. It's snowy and very windy. Not a whole lot of snow. We missed a turn and went through a charming residential area..little victorians with christmas lights ...and the snow...then there was the hill...covered with snow and ice, it was a challenge...had to say come on baby come on baby to the truck..we made it!!!!! Just another thrill.
We are going to Woodbridge NJ its about 180 miles from here, don't know what the weather is there, but bound to be a little bit warmer.
Nancy just called me and said Mom is worried cause she hasn't heard from us...we are warm and toasty in our truck.
I will update after we drop off this soda in NJ.
Love
Jane and Mark

In Defense of Brussel Sprouts

Okay - so I bought 3 packages of frozen brussel sprouts by mistake and I don't like to waste food, so we are eating them. So far, we have used to packages, one more to go. Since I think it's important to have at least one vegetable with each dinner meal, and there is nothing else in the freezer right now, they are coming in handy, even if we each only eat 2 or 3 of them. Next time I buy vegetables I will look more closely at what I am throwing in the cart. Of course, when Dad shops alone, there is no telling what he will bring home no matter what I tell him.

Now onto other matters - I used to play Lotto faithfully until I got tired of being a loser! Once, in all those years I won %50. Big fnnnnnnn deal. Plus it was always a pain in the neck to stop and buy the stupid thing.

I don't care if people talk about me behind my back -- I am such a wonderful person that no one could ever say anything bad about me! I don't discuss, spend or carry money - it's credit cards all the way. If people (Dad) want to talk about money I just turn a deaf ear. Now, what else? How about some things I like:

1. Chocolate
2. Browsing in bookstores
3. chocolate
4. ice cream
6. Ben & Jerry
7. dogs
8. chocolate
9. gardening
10.Harry S. Truman
11.chocolate
12.touring England
14.chocolate

Okay - over and out.

in response

1. In defense of brussels sprouts: I had some last week that were sold still on the stalk with a tag from Castroville. I steamed them, poured some melted butter on them and they were awesome. I think you have to have them prepared well to enjoy them.

2. If people are talking about me, behind my back, it is wonderful! It means I am so interesting that they are taking time from their own lives to talk about little old me! for some reason, I have lost all care about this one.

3. I also hate liars, cheaters, misleaders and exaggerators (I think that covers all of our exhusbands). Tight clothes - yuck.

4. Money. I hate it. I can count hundreds of fights, arguments, unslept nights, etc. just over fucking money. No matter how much we make, we spend more.
...
and just general responding..
single moms can be and are helped just by seeing others make it - I made it, your'e making it, that is enough...
lotto - schmlotto - aint gonna win it, and if any of us did it wouldn't make things better - ok, maybe we'd have more fun, but...well ok it would be awesome - but

eating without gaining is possible if you (and I) become marathon runners

college degree - in a nutshell a bachelors degree makes you realize how little you really know. without one, you don't know how much you don't know...its kind of like 'ignorance is bliss"...however, you can always learn and teach yourself stuff, just read - go to the library and read....everything and anything.

oh, and start thinking....next blog topic will be christmas memories past......

Jane - Please keep us informed about the weather conditions where you are! I hear that there is a winter storm where you are going and we get scared. I know that interstates are kept relatively clear, but know that you have to travel some back roads to get where you are going.

Stay warm,
Mom

10 things i don't like, but could say more than 10..

Ok--here's my list in no particular order.........

1. brussel sprouts, 2. cleaning 3. talkling about my problems 4. being talked about behind my back -ha ha. 5. tight clothes on me and unless you have the body for tight clothes - i always ask myself how can they stand the tightness. 6. liers, misleaders, exagerators. 7. not never having enough money, i'm a paycheck to paycheck person and it stinks. 8. not owning my own home- if i would just budget and do from my budget i might - i think it's like drinking. 9. i like to work - but hate having to conform my life around a job - i would like to be a free spirit and do my own thing. 10. fights - they stink.

ok, now let me write about 10 things on my dream list....

1. winning the lotto. 2. having my own home (custom made if i could) 3. not working for someone else. 4. the $ to help another single mother who is in the same shoes i am - and would like to give her a smack trac and pay for her insurance for a entire year. 5. being able to take more trips - want to see alaksa, and europe. 6. a maid, chef, and chaffeur to drive me around 7. being able to live as long as you want and not reaching major milestones for centuries vs decades. 8. eating what you please w/out gaining a pound. 9. no medical problems 10. having a college degree in my lifetime.

wait...10 things....

Just ten random things about you - doesn't to be ten things you don't like.....but, I do like that topic.

Ten things I don't like.

1. dishonesty
2. cat shit stink
3. mondays
4. negative attitudes
5. bush and company
6. most of the current legislators in both parties
7. people who have no desire to learn new things
8. grit in the bed
9. hair on soap
10. cork bits in wine


wow, that was easy.

Well, we got a Christmas tree. We went to Michaels to buy a table top artificial tree. Scott didn't like them. I had him decide if we'd get a real one or not, he decided real. But, then he didn't want to get it today. Next weekend is booked (Kaiti's birthday), and then he goes out of town for 10 days. It was today or nothing. We got a fucking tree. It is beautiful, but not yet decorated. I'll get to that later. I found my Christmas books - mostly kids books - and found every school project Kaiit has ever made, so I spent some nostalgia time in the attic.
I got unbreakable ornaments and candy canes for the tree, and we put it up with nothing on it, so after some initial excitement, the cats don't seem to care.

I also got 11 mini stockings and wrote each animal's name on them. So cute! I hung them on the mantle and will take a picture. Perhaps that will be our Christmas card?

Anywho - think positive. Keep on truckin.
-Ellen

Jane - consider yourself TAGGED!!!!!!!!

how do you tell if you are tagged?

We got loaded(finally) in Huntsville and we are now in TN, headed for Amsterdam NY.
I looked it up on the weather channel, it's snowing there now and is 16 degrees. More snow there tomorrow night. We will probably get there sometime tomorrow. We have to check our delivery appointment, it may not be till tuesday.
My kids....you are supposed to be blogging........so if you are reading this -blog-
Mark and Jane....still keep truckin....remember: trucks bring just about everything.

I will name 10 things 1 don't like:

1. Velvet and cotton balls - can't bear to touch.
2. Raisins - mince meat pie looks like a lot of dead flies.
3. Prunes and prune whip.
4. Oatmeal, cream of wheat, grits.
5. Hillbilly accents.
6. Country/western music.
7. Science and fantasy fiction.
8. Driving.
9. Fox TV.
10. Pit bulls.

And NOW, I tag..........


Nancy Paine Alden Caelen

10 random things

"Once you have been tagged, you have to write a blog w/ 10 weird, random things, facts, habits or goals about yourself. At the end choose 10 people to be tagged, listing their names and why you chose them. Don't forget to leave them a comment ("You're It") and to read your blog. You can't tag the person who tagged you. Since you can't tag me back, let me know when you've posted your blog so I can see your answers!" - from a blog I read.

1. I like being lazy. But I can't do it unless the house is somewhat clean.
2. I read catalogs and pick out gifts for people that I never buy. I always think I'll at least cut out the pictures of the things and give that, but when it comes to actually buying things, I stink and always think I bought the wrong thing.
3. My newest addiction is starbucks gingerbread latte. Scott brought one home for me today after he got the car inspected.
4. With number 3, we may actually have all our cars up to date and legally on the road.
5. I am eternally optimistic, yet Scott is eternally, morbidly pessimistic. He actually thinks the world is ending on 12/12/2012.
6. I sometimes wish I was Jewish.
7. I compulsively read blogs and check email.
8. I like babies, but not little children, weddings but not marriage, traveling but not going home.
9. I hold grudges.
10. This was hard to do.

Now, everyone else is tagged.

Wow Nancy - what a sweet kid Jamie is! Glad you had such a nice breakfast.

Was out raking leaves all morning and then when dad tried to start mulcher we found that gasoline had leaked out all over the motor. Evidently when it was repaired ($200 smackeroos!) they neglected to put back all the nuts and screws. They are coming to pick it up on Tuesday. Pisses me off BIG TIME - I have 4 HUGE piles of leaves ready to be mulched!

And if that weren't enough - Fritz got into something (smells like......from Sandi probably) all over his cute little back and now he needs a bath. Talk about mission impossible! Will fill kitchen sink and try to dunk him in and hope that he'll hold still long enough to get clean. Hate to do it - he will avoid me for a few hours afterwards - not trust me again for a while.

I am losing all my literati games. When I am ahead, I get booted. Otherwise I just plain lose. Oh well, it's just a game!

Enjoy your Saturday everyone!

Mom

Breakfast in bed...........

Guess what guys...Jamie mentioned something that is done in the Jewish community--giveing parents breakfast in bed in the month of Decemeber. Don't know if it's something he made up, or true. Nevertheless, Jamie made me a wonderful breakfast and made me get back in bed to eat it. I was served delious hot chocalate w/a splash of orange-yes he got that at starbucks. Then, while i was enjoying the hot chocolate and watching the news, he made me scrambled eggs..perfect too. However he used 4 eggs - so Bruti got a feast of leftover eggs and do did the cook. And, lastly he made me an english muffin- perfectly too. Then, he said i could snooze in bed a little while longer. It was wonderful. Now the little cook is outside playing and i'm left w/a dirty kitchen. I'll have to tell the cook i will expect this next mother's day too.

We bought our first artifical tree and will put it up on top of the tv cabinet. I'm afraid to get a real tree as i know you know who will have a feast with playing with it. Jamie has already put it up--but the middle has a gap in it, so i have to take it down and reassemble it. And, of course Joey managed to get up-warm something for his gut and is now back in bed.

I finished playing my second game of good ole literati--won em both!! about time.
And, i suppose i should now get up a do a few things, but will go read my book..actually mom's book...about Scott and Laci Peterson-he's a kniving sneak!!

toodles to you all and may you readers blog.......Ellen, i think we should have a poll created --who votes to have the animals have mini stockings made by mom!!! After all, it's a family tradition.

It's 7 A.M. Saturday morning and I'm drinking my first cup of coffee while I play a game of literati! I mailed the names to be drawn for Christmas Gift exchange to Michael and Szuszi yesterday. Also told them to invite Eric, Katherine, and Adam to Nancy's birthday party - I don't have their email addresses.

this will give you a chuckle - Nancy called last night and asked me to knit stockings for the dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then Ellen said if I did that I had to knit stockings for her 10 cats! NO WAY, JOSE.

It seems to have gotten much colder overnight - have a fire going in the fireplace now. We have been mulching leaves - hope to finish up today or tomorrow. I am going to make beef barley soup today - the recipe is on the package of barley. Ellen told me about it and said it was good. No doubt your father will take one taste and then eat a peanut butter sandwich.

Katie went off to Drexel Institute in Philadelphia this weekend to attend an SDS convention (that's Students for a Democratic Society). You all are probably all too young to remember that group but it has an interesting history. She met up with a group at George Washington U. and from there they had a chartered bus. Should be an interesting weekend.

We got "The Namesake" from netflix yesterday and will probably watch it today. I read the book - it was lovely so hope we like the movie. Went to the book signing the other evening - the author read some of her book too. She was very good but I think I will avoid readings in the future. Seemed to take away some of the excitement of reading the book for myself.

Dad is rattling around in the kitchem making his breakfast. Sandi is in the den munching her milkbone and Fritz is on my lap!

Drive carefully - love everyone

Mom