Sometimes I really hate you--

You dogs-- you!!! GRRR!!!  Why must you constantly dig under the fence, break through the bottom of the fence, find any 'semi-open' gap or weak point in the fence and squeeze through it  like little moles??!!!   It's a beautiful day outside- high 40's.  A bit too warm for me, this is Jersey and January folks-  waiting for snow here.  It's a great day for some dog fun -outside.  I leave you out-- and if I neglect to check on you say, every 4 stinkin' minutes- You've found a way out!  Free, freedom, to romp through the woods, chase squirrels, terrorize the dogs down the driveway, run through neighboring yards, I've never actually have seen you down in the neighboring court-- but being there's a big yellow lab down there, with an invisible fence... well- i bet you harass the hell out of him, as well. 

I give you love, food, shelter, a nice couch to lay on-- [how this became, I'm not sure-- I guess I became a 'bit soft' with all the renovation going on- and didn't nip this one in the bud] . You get chew treats, 'babies' bones and you have lots of buddies.  I just don't get it???   Then when I realize you are missing- it's ME- I'm the one out there calling your names, searching, hoping nothing bad has happened to you. You little doggies may give me gray hair before the kids do.  

the 'other' b-day gift~

For my 38th birthday- I received the wonderful light [bare bulb post] from my husband- and $$ from my parents.  This past Saturday, my mom and I went to one of my favorite haunts and found this chair:) as well as a bunch of other things I would have loved- but with tight-funds, they're still there [hopefully] waiting for me.  10 years ago- I never would have thought I'd be so happy and lucky to receive a wonderful light for my b-day- nor would I never [and i mean- NEVER EVER] buy a 100something old [used] chair with extra money.  Normally- it would have gone to the new spring-bag fund [to be used at Coach].  My how lives change.... mine, especially. 

How can a day start bad......

....when it begins with a pink coffee machine?  I love waking up to my Hello Kitty coffee pot:) I have a whole assortment of Kitty things-- toaster oven, toaster [burns her face into the toast], popcorn machine, waffle maker [little H.Kitty HEADS!!!], milkshake maker, telephone- get the picture???  The only thing- to this day I have not successfully poured a cup of coffee from this thing- w/out spilling it!!?? Why???? It just like dribbles out the side and whatnot.  I try so hard, all slow, carefully, over the sink--- spillage. 

It's yucky, gray and rainy outside today:( After the school bus- I feed the birds- then made my way into the woods to check on the stray cat food situation.  I just wish I knew for sure if it was mama stray eating or other things?  In the old coop there were a lot of little birds all dancing and singing around outside-- maybe they're eating the food in there?  In the old stables- the water bowl is ALWAYS empty- it's a large bowl- and the food was half eaten- and a bunch from the bag was spilled out.  Someone ripped into the bag of food- when I didn't feed for 3 days- out of laziness and it being cold.  Could a raccoon or skunk be eating that?  Ground hog?  I just wish I could catch that mama cat- get her fixed- no more babies...  Every time I gain her trust- then set up a trap- GONE!  I lose her for a while.  A no win situation.  

I may do multiple posts today-  partly because I'm a Loser [w/ a big L] and partly because I have a few photos I want to put up- and the other part is the fact that I'm 'IN' today.  Studying, laundry, a quick trip to the grocery shop, running kids, changing a bed.  Exciting junk.  I'm not a TV person-  no 'the view' or corny crap like that.  So now and then a short break at the computer- read the latest murders and badshit that goes on in the world around. nice. 

Bare Bulbed for 60+

Upstairs- we have a grand front hall...THEN the 'back hall'. The whole 'servants' thing going on.  Back stairs leading to the 1st floor- and back stairs leading to the 3rd floor.  The main stairs- in the front hall- go from 1st to 3rd floor. In the back hall- this plaster light has been hanging since at least early 1940.  However- I'm still not entirely sure. It may have arrived earlier in time.  It's just that in 1941- the second family to own our home bought the house and did a lot of restoration. The home was lost to the bank during the Great Depression and sat empty for a while [until 1941].  I read somewhere [restoration catalogue] that a homeowner would rather leave a plain ol' light bulb hanging from the ceiling that put up any old lighting fixture.  This made me laugh- because this is very true in the case of out house.  We've had many naked bulbs hanging around.  We still have one remaining- a naked bulb- in our bedroom.  

For my birthday- Larry completely surprised me with a 'new' old light for the naked bulb hallway.  I saw it online a while ago. I showed it to him- told him the history of the company that made it.   Acorn Brass Co. from Chicago- went out of business during the great depression. How this would be the perfect light for that hall way- plus it was affordable!   Since one day I truly intend to have a Cornelius and Baker gasolier in the downstairs hall- this is what the 'going back to school=JOB' thing is all about.  Anyway- about 2 days after I saw the below light online- I went to view it again-->GONE!  First thought:  hmmm... Larry bought it for my b-day? Nah-- he wouldn't think of that.  so time passed, I never mentioned the light again.  I was super surprised on my birthday when I opened this baby up:)   I don't need fancy clothes or jewelry to make me happy~ a hundred year old light will do just perfect.

Welcome Home new light.  We'll be happy to have you around for another 100 years or so.....

nervous? scared? excited? a whole bunch of...

Tomorrow is the day- I go back to college.  I feel like a dork- I'm not mocking higher education- but I just feel like a dork.  I turn 38 this week. I will have a class on my birthday, in the evening.  I guess no B-day dinner will be taking place on my B-day. For a girl who has attended many different colleges/universities- always changing my major- changing my mind [location].  I really have zero to show for it- except I had to pay back a lot of student loans. I have some cool bits of pieces- of-knowledge from an assortment of classes [I LOVED catastrophic geology] and some wild memories from past friends and boyfriends.  Okay- It DEFINITELY requires college and some Canadian friends to decide a weekend road trip to Toronto. It also requires a young college student [me- at the time] to come up with the wonderful lie that you are spending the weekend at your friend's Fathers' Shore House AND that you are not really going to Canada.  Toronto is definitely NOT the Jersey shore- but Labatt's taste the same in both areas.  It was just the fact that in one location- I could legally buy it.. and in the other location Well.... the fake Canadian ID came in handy. 

As I'm getting older [pushing 40! Yikes!!!] I realized I need a career/job/some earning of money activity. Since all the 'forgotten' past college majors never panned out... A professional Photographer for Surfer Magazine, a Meteorologist for the TV news or a Special Education teacher.  I thought about different things I'd like to do- different careers- and then it hit me--> nursing school. I'm going to become a nurse. It takes a while to get use to.  Taking me a while to get use to hearing it... saying it... thinking it. Through our community college and the huge monopoly hospital system here-  I can accomplish this goal in 2-3 years time.  I will become an RN and work at the hospital- and be all ER-ish. I'm not mocking it-- I know it's serious stuff. I actually would prefer to work in a hospital- vs. a doctors office or a school [hell no!  I do not want to be a school nurse].  I like the idea of the whole 'working in the middle of night- not knowing who will walk through the hospitals doors next' kind of thing. If there is a bit of mockery/humor here it's because I'm nervous and okay, I'm scared.  Just when I went to register I felt odd/nerdy/weird/OLD!!!  I'll also admit-  I did rule out one nursing program because of the uniform.  Okay- it's a Catholic hospital and the class pictures- for each graduating year- were taken in front of this Jesus picture.  I'm not a Jesus-person. I'm not a religious person- at all!  But that's not reason for the ruling out. It was the uniforms. They honestly wore White shirts, white SKIRTS with white stockings and little WHITE NURSING CAPS. It's like borderline bad Porn outfit or re-visiting the 50's.  It frightened me~ seriously.  This should be interesting....

Cat Call-

This photo was taken this summer.  It's the front of an old chicken coop-/ old living quarters-/ old 'another project that I wish we had the funds for'.

Recently I discovered Mama Stray Cat- AKA Oliver's Mom- has been passing through here.  One cold morning- on a trek to it, I have to pass through our old falling down stable [again: another 'wishing we had the funds for projects'] . Coming into the stables armed with big bag of cat food, bowls, water bottles, blankey, cat house-thing... I spot a grayish kitten in the stables.  He a seems to me as though he is one of Mama Strays- being I raised 6 of her kittens and found them all nice homes.  Including Oliver: Ollie-  who lives here, the life of luxury!  I've never been able to catch Mama Stray.  I need to have her neutered.  It's driving me slightly nuts that I am unable to capture her.  I constantly try to regain her trust. I've watched her at the end of the driveway- stalk rabbits in the brush.  It makes me very sad to think of her out there- when it's bitter cold, or pouring rain.  

It's 26 out now.  It was pretty cold on my face when I just made my way out there to check the food status.  I'm pretty determined.  I will catch Mama Stray.  If dreams and visions could become reality in a moments notice- The old chicken coop/living quarters would be rockin'... all fixed up.  A cool little outside office.  Mama Stray Cat could live there, have plenty of food and warmth.  It would be an amazing place.  I really think it will be one day, provided it can remain standing a few more seasons. Visions and dreams - I MAKE them realities... it just takes some time, funds and patience. 

Love and Beauty-in shiny things

This Radiator- is my love, my most awesome 'find'. My favorite heat source!  I know it sounds really superficial to have a true feeling of love- for a cast iron object-  BUT- to admire this,  to think of its age, the home it graced, the people it kept warm... changes things?  We went to a salvage yard- I frequent- about  a year ago. I found the 'mate' to one of the radiators in the dining room. I needed to replace a leaky one [that rusted through the bottom] and don't you know... i found an identical match!  I found it online- they still had in the salvage yard so we sent out for our 50 minute journey.  Once there- I began looking around and this radiator- complete with lions and cherubs- was laying on the ground, muddy and yucky. The affection began at that moment.  I knew I wanted it in our home- had no clue where.  

The kitchen!  We had an old 'hot water-converted to steam' plain-jane radiator near the table.  The once nice thing about the ol' plain-jane radiator was, its height. It was short- a perfect height for sitting on.  To warm ones' ass.... or perhaps get 3rd degree burns.  As much as I do miss the ass-burnings, I love looking at the lions and cherub heads more:)  It throws off amazing heat- and when the sun hits the wall just right you see the heat waves rise and the smoke from the steam.  It may be one of my favorite 20 things in this house?  I have a lot of favorite things here.  I'm thankful for the  home that once 'housed' this fine heating element.  I have given it a wonderful home now. I hope for it to stay here for the rest of my existence and maybe longer.  

Diet Time for Mom & Jack-

I'm on a diet- Jack is on a diet.  We're both large.  Jack- is now 130 lbs. Not good:(  He should be around 100-105.  He was up to 128, then at his next 'weigh-in' he was 125!  He was just at the Vet this past week....130:(  Nightly walks have been happening and cutting back on snacks and treats.  We don't give him people food.  He runs around the yard like a nut- with Lucy and Chloe.  We have a huge part of our yard fenced in, plenty of room to run. In the summer he swims- every day!!   He has a routine.  He goes out in the morning- does his 'thing' [pee] then goes in the pool for 2 laps, sits on the pool steps for a few- then gets out.  He swims about 5 times a day during the summer.  This sometimes can be very frustrating.  When we're about to head out- and he decides to swim.

Me-- I've just chunked out!  I became lazy- and stopped running/walking.  I've started this weekend, along with watching what I eat.  Not that I'm a huge eater-  I'm just good at eating the WRONG things. [I like Cake, very much!]  I'd like to get back into Kickboxing.  I was totally in great shape a few years ago.  I had the confidence that if I were to get into a bar-fight I would clearly kick the other chicks ass.  Ok-- I don't hang out in bars... Nor have I ever really gotten into a bar-fight, so to say.... But just the thought that I'd be Ok- if this should ever be the situation- we'll it was a cool feeling.  So- we'll see what happens.  

Where'd you go Winter????

For the past 2 weekends- the girls have been able to go snowboarding. This past week- after watching a highly-education MTV program [MADE]-  [joking here, people!] Anna has now decided, she too- would like to snowboard.  Which I was very happy about.  Basically because the girl has done tae kwon do for 2 years, her balance is amazing, she has strong legs, but most importantly- she now has the D's.  Drive, Desire and Determination. Now all the girls can do it.  My girls - along with my sisters' girls - do a lot together.  Beach, swimming, skim boarding together in the summer. All of our crazy day-outtings that we always seem to come up with.  Now- the last is to join the snowboarding clan.  My 2 older nieces drive- they usually head up there every weekend to snowboard.  Alex tags along. Now with  Anna joining the Mix- Larry will have to go, as well.  Since he LOVES to snowboard- this really shouldn't be a problem. The only real issue here is--- WEHRE THE HELL DID WINTER GO???

It's been like 50-60 degrees this past week.  I've been outside doing 'stuff' that usually takes place in the spring.  It's January. It's suppose to be like 20 out.  It's been nice- a few warmer days, raking leaves that should have been taken care of 2 months ago.  Seeing the pansy's looking amazing!  Growing and in full bloom in their pots- on the porch.  But seriously- it is January, quickly approaching February. Ski season here.  The girls are suppose to be snowboarding- and missing school from the rare 'snow day'.  This is all just a bit messed up. Let's hope Mr. Winter is coming soon.

Tonite- I'm taking a bunch of teens to be dropped off to see Juno.  Except- another mom is going with me.  Once we drop them off- we will park.  Hang out a few- then we will also go see Juno.  It's this whole- 'embarrassment' thing- if we go to the same movie as they do.  I really really really want to see the Kite Runner.  It was one of my favorite books.  I know the  movie will not do the book justice.  I just love K.Hosseini's writting style.  It has a very romantic flow to it.  Like a song.  However- if you would think these 2 movies would ever remotely play NEAR the same time--- Well- you're wrong.  Juno also looks good.  We'll settle on that- but I still have to make sure I see the Kite Runner.  Okay- hair appointment soon. There goes a whole flippin' afternoon!!!! sucks:(

Spring is in the air-- January????

Today was freakishly warm- AGAIN!  This would be ok- if it was like March.  It's January.  We haven't even had winter yet!  So these warm days mean- time outside doing 'pre-spring' stuff- meaning.... stuff that was never finished in the fall.  This means the never ending raking of the leaves.  I raked and hauled wheelbarrow- after wheelbarrow full of leaves into the woods for 3 hours.  I have  a big pull car for the mower- but it wouldn't start:( It needs to be 'jumped' and it needs service- oil change, etc...   No- i do not know how to 'jump' a vehicle.  I'm really dumb in that department.  Plus- it's pulled into the barn straight-forward, so it would require me to push it out.  There are some jobs I'm not ashamed  to 'hand-over' to the husband.  Getting the John Deere started will be one of them. 

The above is a picture of the old work-shop in the top of our barn.  The barn needs desperate help!  I need desperate money!  Raking  in front of it today- then every time I'd 'wheel' past it, I would look, survey,think, wonder, dream, convince myself- It Can Be Done!  Larry and I will have to restore this barn- alone and together.  We don't have the finances to hire people.  We don't really have the finances to do it ourselves.  We'll just have to do it a bit at a time. We've all ready have thought about it-- in steps.  What needs to be done now to preserve it before any more damage occurs.  I guess we'll just have be patient - something I'm not very good at...at all.

This past weekend I went with 2 girlfriends, 3 kids and 3 teenagers to see Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus in Atlantic City.  It was fun:)  It was a first concert for my youngest- which yeah-- duh- she's 9! She was beyond excited!  It was fun watching the teenagers- because they were bopping , singing, dancing, having fun!  A bit different than how they act than say---seeing Cobra Starship.  They had fun:)  

On Sunday- My sisters and I took Mom to see Rent.  Part of her Christmas gift.  I'm never sure how these events are 'gifts'.  We've done: Singing in the Rain- in Atlantic City.  Barry Manilow- at the Garden. And I'm sure a bunch of other events that I've blocked out.  These events are not 'gifts'. They are hell.  In the end it's always about THE FOOD.  Whatever place I suggest- my younger sister is like:  I'm not eating there!  blah, blah- and all this other crap.  The inner me wants to naturally- punch her in the face.  The grown-up me, thinks of another place and grunts. The last outing [December] we had a bit of a blow in a restaurant, after a holiday house tour.  It got so ugly- she told me, 'Shut Up'!!!  I calmly said [okay, maybe a bit loud] "Fuck You!" Well--- talk about 2 teenagers almost pissing their pants!  That would have been my daughter and my niece.  They enjoyed the show- the table next to us were fearful of our mental state.  There's always an issue when you get us all together. Hopefully no more sisters/mom outings for a while-  at least until Spring.  As for Rent- it was 'ok'.  Just ok.  I mean, I thought the actors were great- their voices amazing! I just wasn't thrilled with the whole story. It's kind of like how The Real World represents every ethnic group, sexual preference, and problem facing society.  The story made sure it had all of that.  It was annoying!  yeah- I complain a lot.  Can't help it. 

On the hunt for-

Today I'm searching for Purple transferware - with a diamond mark, so i can date it.

I'm wishing for good thing:)

You served us well-

You served us well- Mr. Christmas Tree.  You looked so pretty with all your lights and memories of ornaments old and young. I watered you- day and night! The presents looked lovely. Ollie Kitten didn't even climb you, much to my surprise. I faithfully took Claritin the whole month- I felt GREAT!  In fact, I felt so wonderful that I wasn't so 'faithful' and forgot to take it for 3 days.  My eyes are now bulging out of my head, snot running down my face and dripping down the back of my throat.  Not sleeping the past few nights- horrid sore throat.  All I want to do is drink hot tea! [preferably starbucks chi-  at a disgusting, yet yummy $4.23 a pop....]  Today, Tonight, I work on dismantling you so that you may be free. again. outside. on the curb. away from my stuffed-up allergic to self.

I found out I was allergic last year- after suffering from one sinus infection after the other- for a whole flippin' month and a half!  I didn't have the heart [or $$$] this year to buy a fake one.  I'm not ready to go there yet.  The fake tree.  Sure I own fake tree's-  white ones. But not for 'the Tree'.  The Santa Tree, present tree, gather around tree.   It was a pretty tree- though.  Still is.  It just hurts to be near it.  :(   Sorry Mr. Tree, you were kind to us.  A Christmas photo back-drop, a light source, a place to hang our memories.    He was dead to begin with- that's the pretty fucked up part.  

Hope everyone's holiday was Merry!  Let's all hope for some snow now.  Peace for 2008.