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Tuesday, September 30, 2008
I'm a good talker!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
A Snake!
We try walk about 1-3 times in a weekend. Well in our typical weekend walk yesterday, in one of our local National Recreation Areas, dh was running ahead to catch up to little S, and M and I were walking enjoying the views. M was on my right, and out of the side of my eye I caught a glimpse of a long black stick...something in my strange brain triggered me to yank M to the left of me and I stepped weirdly to the left as well, in some strange fluid dance like motion! I paused and looked back and yelled "Hey did you see the dead snake?" To which dh and S came running back to look. Its body was all lumpy and bumpy which suggested to me it was newly dead.
M and I began to study it from a distance, using the things we had learned from other "Caged" snake encounters, and her Brownie Try it book. I looked for a rattle, and note-able danger markings, keeping far enough away from it ... M noted that it had a tiny "NON SPADE" like head which suggested it was non-venomous. We had no idea what kind of snake it was - it looked all black with no note-able markings. So I assumed it was a Black Rat Snake.
We stood looking at this funky looking snake that looked dead as its body had shriveled up and it was all lumpy - but again my brain said, 'wait a sec, its head is up... and there is no rock for it to rest on.... its not dead - its playing dead.' So I said that aloud and dh curiously agreed. We watched it for a sec, dh moved in for a closer look, camera in hand of course.... and we watched. Sure enough in a split second it flicked its tongue. Slowly the lumpy-bumpy -ness of the body smoothed out and it slowly slithered away into the underbrush of leaves and ground debris.
You can't really see in the above picture the details but we did get a close look at. Its body had large spots when it stretched out, a light underside. It was about 2-2.5 ft long, so it was still quite young. As M says a teen.
I discovered that it was likely a Black Rat Snake in its juvenile state as it still had the markings of a Gray Rat Snake.
It was an interesting life science lesson - that we hadn't even planned to have! LOL!
M and I began to study it from a distance, using the things we had learned from other "Caged" snake encounters, and her Brownie Try it book. I looked for a rattle, and note-able danger markings, keeping far enough away from it ... M noted that it had a tiny "NON SPADE" like head which suggested it was non-venomous. We had no idea what kind of snake it was - it looked all black with no note-able markings. So I assumed it was a Black Rat Snake.
We stood looking at this funky looking snake that looked dead as its body had shriveled up and it was all lumpy - but again my brain said, 'wait a sec, its head is up... and there is no rock for it to rest on.... its not dead - its playing dead.' So I said that aloud and dh curiously agreed. We watched it for a sec, dh moved in for a closer look, camera in hand of course.... and we watched. Sure enough in a split second it flicked its tongue. Slowly the lumpy-bumpy -ness of the body smoothed out and it slowly slithered away into the underbrush of leaves and ground debris.
You can't really see in the above picture the details but we did get a close look at. Its body had large spots when it stretched out, a light underside. It was about 2-2.5 ft long, so it was still quite young. As M says a teen.
I discovered that it was likely a Black Rat Snake in its juvenile state as it still had the markings of a Gray Rat Snake.
It was an interesting life science lesson - that we hadn't even planned to have! LOL!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Littlest said the other day in the car:
"Daddy you're not a person, you're just a man!"
Which would lead one to believe that men are not people! hee hee!
"Daddy you're not a person, you're just a man!"
Which would lead one to believe that men are not people! hee hee!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Another Year Old
Another year older, though next year I'll be celebrating the 1st anniversary of my last birthday.
Dh and the girls took me out for my birthday dinner last night! We had Greek.
It was good. M suggested it, and since I was at a loss for ideas - it was a good suggestion.
We came home they gave me my cards - as always dh gave me his Sympathy Card! LOL!
M made a card for me with a Neopet's Scorchio on it. It was beautiful!
All it all it was a good birthday!
Dh and the girls took me out for my birthday dinner last night! We had Greek.
It was good. M suggested it, and since I was at a loss for ideas - it was a good suggestion.
We came home they gave me my cards - as always dh gave me his Sympathy Card! LOL!
M made a card for me with a Neopet's Scorchio on it. It was beautiful!
All it all it was a good birthday!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Ballet Bun
Back about a month ago I posted about not knowing the first thing about Ballet or Ballet Buns! The photo to the right here was my first one and they have gotten better since, we've been doing them weekly! Sadly our little ballet class has only 2 kids in. My dd and another. They're hoping for a bigger influx of kids in the Winter session, but so far its like private lessons and the other kid is moody and un-cooperative most of the time.
What bugs me is in spite of the notice that they must be dressed according to a certain style, and they must wear a bun, neither the teacher nor the other kid is dressed by the "required standards." So M says "Well I don't have to wear my hair up, no one else does and I could get a pretty leotard like the other kid's Leotards." (the other kid has many!) But I keep telling her that she looks fabulous and like a real dancer so she buys into it and runs with it.
Of course the little one has now gotten in on the bun thing too - and despite not having enough hair or time to do this stuff, we always make it on time and she is dressed for M's class too! LOL! Will post pics when I unload the camera again! LOL!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I am Japan
You Are Japan |
 You enjoy being part of a group. Having a good reputation is important to you. You get along well with others. You don't openly criticize or insult anyone. You like to co-operate, and conformity is fairly important to you. You love your culture and country. But when you're by yourself, you may have some very eccentric hobbies or interests! |
Grumpy's Reading list.
Who me on Jedi kick as M would say.... NAH! LOL!
Actually yes, I scored an Ebay set of ALL the Jedi Apprentice books (which introduce Obi-Wan as a 12 yr old before he became Qui Gon Jinn's apprentice.) After reading 2 of the Jedi Quest books (which star the young Anakin) I was hooked.... sold hook line and sinker and poor dh had no choice but to give in! LOL!
Hence the sudden need to save some pennies on the grocery list and menu planning! Grin (I'm kidding of course!) But must do something to save money so that I look like I'm earing my keep!
Actually yes, I scored an Ebay set of ALL the Jedi Apprentice books (which introduce Obi-Wan as a 12 yr old before he became Qui Gon Jinn's apprentice.) After reading 2 of the Jedi Quest books (which star the young Anakin) I was hooked.... sold hook line and sinker and poor dh had no choice but to give in! LOL!
Hence the sudden need to save some pennies on the grocery list and menu planning! Grin (I'm kidding of course!) But must do something to save money so that I look like I'm earing my keep!
Ridiculous - Gas Shortage.
Until now we've been relatively unaffected by the gas shortage. But now at 1/8 of a tank left, and a need to drive across town tomorrow for yet another class, I'm in a slow panic. I probably have enough to get there and back but what happens then?
I hate being confined to the house but if we have to we have to.
There are rumors out there that the gas shortages are nothing but a ploy on the part of politicians. I'm not sure what to think at this point.
Its rather amusing to me puny little mind that such things as the 1930's come to mind and the only thing I remember from grade 9 history class was the struggle buggies and great depressions. It kinda fits with the roaring 90's computer technology boom the subsequent stock market crash and now lay offs, mortgage crisis and other panics - and the gas shortages that come into play.
I'm not sure what my mind is driving at, as it runs on its own steam and tangents sometimes, but there is something in my mind (that I know.) And it keeps saying "This is Ridiculous!" But is it? Is it a political posturing manoeuvre? How could such political posturing really do the current government any good if it is hurting the economy more by making the people hurt more?
I remember my friend once talking about a book that suggested that the weather was controlled by the government... it sounded like a good book. Wouldn't it be a neat premise for yet another book, how the government kept the people down by stealing all the gas and making them think they were in crisis!? Hmmmmm
I'm rambling of course.... I'm just fed up with wondering when I'll get some gas... to the point that I want to buy a couple gas cans and store them in the garage in case we really do have a problem. I told the girls if it came down to it we'd siphon gas from daddy's little red car, using the frog's siphone tubes! LOL! The oldest was not impressed - "But mum won't that kill the frogs?" and "Oh mum that's disgusting - sucking gas from the tank... wouldn't it taste yucky!"
I hate being confined to the house but if we have to we have to.
There are rumors out there that the gas shortages are nothing but a ploy on the part of politicians. I'm not sure what to think at this point.
Its rather amusing to me puny little mind that such things as the 1930's come to mind and the only thing I remember from grade 9 history class was the struggle buggies and great depressions. It kinda fits with the roaring 90's computer technology boom the subsequent stock market crash and now lay offs, mortgage crisis and other panics - and the gas shortages that come into play.
I'm not sure what my mind is driving at, as it runs on its own steam and tangents sometimes, but there is something in my mind (that I know.) And it keeps saying "This is Ridiculous!" But is it? Is it a political posturing manoeuvre? How could such political posturing really do the current government any good if it is hurting the economy more by making the people hurt more?
I remember my friend once talking about a book that suggested that the weather was controlled by the government... it sounded like a good book. Wouldn't it be a neat premise for yet another book, how the government kept the people down by stealing all the gas and making them think they were in crisis!? Hmmmmm
I'm rambling of course.... I'm just fed up with wondering when I'll get some gas... to the point that I want to buy a couple gas cans and store them in the garage in case we really do have a problem. I told the girls if it came down to it we'd siphon gas from daddy's little red car, using the frog's siphone tubes! LOL! The oldest was not impressed - "But mum won't that kill the frogs?" and "Oh mum that's disgusting - sucking gas from the tank... wouldn't it taste yucky!"
Monday, September 22, 2008
Menu Plans
I suck at Menu planning! LOL! But I grocery shopped yesterday and so the plan is set, now i just have to stick with it.
Dinners
1 – Lemon Basil Pork Chops w/Baked Sweet Potatoes
2 – Club Sandwich w Carrots and Dressing
3 – Pecan Crusted Flounder & Corn
4 – Mummy’s Birthday Choice!
5 – Chicken Pot Pie & Jello
6 – Greek Chicken & Pasta
7 – Stuffed French Toast & Pears
Lunches
1 - out just too much running (joys of last minuting)
2 - salad and fruit, and meat and cheese (Afternoon snack necessary)
3 - pita bits, with veggies and hummus dip
4 - left overs
5 - dinner leftovers from birthday night
6 - Club Sandwich fixings
7 - every person for themselves! LOL! (leftovers!)
I signed up with a meal planning service.... for a month trial - because I suddenly feel the need to be more frugal, more financially responsible, and less driving around so I'm more environmentally friendly too - plus less food will go to waste (and the waist. hee hee!)
I figure its time to teach the girls a little more about healthy eating and healthy living so we're going to try and walk more, eat out for lunch less, and simply spend less. I say this often but this time it is important. I feel like pooo and I need to fix that.
I'm not posting this on MPM, just because it isn't my own menu. But its here.... more for me than anything and so dh can look up dinner on line.
Dinners
1 – Lemon Basil Pork Chops w/Baked Sweet Potatoes
2 – Club Sandwich w Carrots and Dressing
3 – Pecan Crusted Flounder & Corn
4 – Mummy’s Birthday Choice!
5 – Chicken Pot Pie & Jello
6 – Greek Chicken & Pasta
7 – Stuffed French Toast & Pears
Lunches
1 - out just too much running (joys of last minuting)
2 - salad and fruit, and meat and cheese (Afternoon snack necessary)
3 - pita bits, with veggies and hummus dip
4 - left overs
5 - dinner leftovers from birthday night
6 - Club Sandwich fixings
7 - every person for themselves! LOL! (leftovers!)
I signed up with a meal planning service.... for a month trial - because I suddenly feel the need to be more frugal, more financially responsible, and less driving around so I'm more environmentally friendly too - plus less food will go to waste (and the waist. hee hee!)
I figure its time to teach the girls a little more about healthy eating and healthy living so we're going to try and walk more, eat out for lunch less, and simply spend less. I say this often but this time it is important. I feel like pooo and I need to fix that.
I'm not posting this on MPM, just because it isn't my own menu. But its here.... more for me than anything and so dh can look up dinner on line.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
A Little Help??
If I were 7 yrs old. And I needed to do a small service project for Brownies. What should I do?
Something that will make the world a better place. (I might need to do 2 or 3 different things.)
Something that will make the world a better place. (I might need to do 2 or 3 different things.)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Menu Plans
So I'm finding I have neither the time nor the patience to do menu planning and grocery shopping but my family and my health need me to. Over the years I have frequented different menu planning websites and am slowly collecting a list! :)
I've used
http://savingdinner.com/
http://menus4moms.com/
and have now signed up (however temporary) with
http://e-mealz.com/index.shtml
I will let you know over the coming weeks what I think of it.
My Goals are to reduce our budget some as the economy slows, tighten the belt a little, cinch it tighter so we eat less! LOL! are the old cliches that come to mind! Not that I'm worried right now but I figure teaching the kids something I don't remember from my childhood would be a useful skill - make them frugal (or cheap! hee hee!) One never knows what will happen with the local jobs and at least if we've managed to scale things down a bit we'll be in better shoes - should something bad happen.
I think I'm going to encourage / hire my 7 yr old to clip coupons, and she will get 50% of the savings, the other 50% will go towards the menu planning or fun stuff for school! Of that 50% that she earns 25% will go to savings.
Now lets see how it works! LOL!
I've used
http://savingdinner.com/
http://menus4moms.com/
and have now signed up (however temporary) with
http://e-mealz.com/index.shtml
I will let you know over the coming weeks what I think of it.
My Goals are to reduce our budget some as the economy slows, tighten the belt a little, cinch it tighter so we eat less! LOL! are the old cliches that come to mind! Not that I'm worried right now but I figure teaching the kids something I don't remember from my childhood would be a useful skill - make them frugal (or cheap! hee hee!) One never knows what will happen with the local jobs and at least if we've managed to scale things down a bit we'll be in better shoes - should something bad happen.
I think I'm going to encourage / hire my 7 yr old to clip coupons, and she will get 50% of the savings, the other 50% will go towards the menu planning or fun stuff for school! Of that 50% that she earns 25% will go to savings.
Now lets see how it works! LOL!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Questing for Better Homemade Brownies
So I've decided to try my hand at better eating, or at least home-made eating when those chocolate cravings hit! Midnight Milky Ways, M&Ms and all those other dark chocolate candies can't be good for you, so I'm questing for a better option - and I'm starting with Brownies.
I've been craving brownies - especially the 2 bite brownies you get in the bakery at the Grocery store. Figuring there must be a ton of bad things for me in them, I decided to make my own. I'm sure over time we'll fine tune the recipe adding what we want and taking away the things that don't work for us or replacing the things that are bad for us... but here is the recipe I used! They just came out of the oven so the verdict isn't in yet! I'm also looking at a RAW brownie recipe, and working up the never to go for it! :)
I've been craving brownies - especially the 2 bite brownies you get in the bakery at the Grocery store. Figuring there must be a ton of bad things for me in them, I decided to make my own. I'm sure over time we'll fine tune the recipe adding what we want and taking away the things that don't work for us or replacing the things that are bad for us... but here is the recipe I used! They just came out of the oven so the verdict isn't in yet! I'm also looking at a RAW brownie recipe, and working up the never to go for it! :)
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Literally sick of it
Yet another Z-pak, yet another round of steroids.
All for Allergies that are bordering infected. CRUD! And a chest wheeze. GGGGRRR
Did I mention that during Fay we got a little wind, and that weekend we unsuspectingly walked through a Ragweed patch and again this weekend - before I identified it?
I think the Weed did us in - because it wasn't just me it was Little S, M and I, and good ole DH! But I'm the only one not getting better.
If y'all know of a better way to hold off allergies I'm all ears!
All for Allergies that are bordering infected. CRUD! And a chest wheeze. GGGGRRR
Did I mention that during Fay we got a little wind, and that weekend we unsuspectingly walked through a Ragweed patch and again this weekend - before I identified it?
I think the Weed did us in - because it wasn't just me it was Little S, M and I, and good ole DH! But I'm the only one not getting better.
If y'all know of a better way to hold off allergies I'm all ears!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Star Halloween Wars
So the charming dh introduced the girls to Star Wars this summer and gah.... they have fallen madly deeply in love with all 6 videos - when your child asks for Dora - 100 times, mine are asking for Star Wars. They fell in love first with young Anakin, then Padme, then older Anakin, then Darth Maul (yes Maul) and on up through the works. Oddly neither girl likes Leia.
M is starting Ballet soon. Dh jokes that she will do a Ballet rendition of the Imperial March - heavens I can truly see it! S knows the tune - so I can just see her belting it out at the top of her lungs while M dances away - S will try to dance too and copy M's movements in a less graceful way - if grace is something to be had! - but they will be up there dancing away together and very happy!! LOL! (vivid images there!)
So technically it is September first and I should have started costumes months ago! When asked the girls are demanding to be Darth Maul... with M encouraging her little sister to be Vader or Anakin - so that she can be the only Maul. I want one of them to be Padme or Queen Amidala - but neither will have it. There will be a fight... a full drawn out fight if they both can't be it. This should be interesting. I have a couple months to practice the paint on the older one. Between that and the Ballet braids I'll be a make-up expert in no time!
Maybe I can convince the little one to be Sharp-Tooth from Land before time or Chomper.... we shall see, all I know is I've got my work cut out for me.
(yes I know there are Maul masks out ther but being claustrophobic, I have this thing about those rubber masks.... them give me the willies.... so I'd rather futz around with make-up than put my kids in one of those!)
M is starting Ballet soon. Dh jokes that she will do a Ballet rendition of the Imperial March - heavens I can truly see it! S knows the tune - so I can just see her belting it out at the top of her lungs while M dances away - S will try to dance too and copy M's movements in a less graceful way - if grace is something to be had! - but they will be up there dancing away together and very happy!! LOL! (vivid images there!)
So technically it is September first and I should have started costumes months ago! When asked the girls are demanding to be Darth Maul... with M encouraging her little sister to be Vader or Anakin - so that she can be the only Maul. I want one of them to be Padme or Queen Amidala - but neither will have it. There will be a fight... a full drawn out fight if they both can't be it. This should be interesting. I have a couple months to practice the paint on the older one. Between that and the Ballet braids I'll be a make-up expert in no time!
Maybe I can convince the little one to be Sharp-Tooth from Land before time or Chomper.... we shall see, all I know is I've got my work cut out for me.
(yes I know there are Maul masks out ther but being claustrophobic, I have this thing about those rubber masks.... them give me the willies.... so I'd rather futz around with make-up than put my kids in one of those!)
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