Can't believe all the things that happened in the last year. And now my son
is going to college next year, driving, working, going to be 19. My friend
Ellen still isn't in the house. It's built, it has water coming in all
around the insides. What a disaster. Will be 3 yrs now since her house
burned down.
Things are good here though. Real good.
We are in the middle of a blizzard this very moment lol. The beginning
anyway lol. should be fun I stocked up on things.

I cannot believe it's almost over. The kids just got done with summer
school, and hubby is on vacation at the same time for the next two weeks.
The rain made the garden a wonder, but weeds love it too (as do mosquitos).
Just two more weeks til school starts here. Hope everyone is enjoying
thiers too :)
me

My friend Ellens house burned down two years ago on March 1 (my bday) and
now finally her foundation for her new house is poured yay!!

All she needs is delivery of the modular home now and a few small things.
But it snowed!!! We have a foot of snow here and freezing temps. So it's
postponed yet again. I was so hoping it would be here this week for her.

Man! Guess the northeast isn't ready for those spring temps yet, but I sure
am loving it. Could do without the cracking in the house and twigs hitting
windows.


Ellen's foundation is going to be poured ...again...after many delays and
cancellations. Gee, maybe that house will get there by my bday, exactly 2
yrs after her house burned in a fire. I cannot believe it's been that long
already. Well, she's excited and so am I. She's asking for plants already,
she can't wait to get her garden going again. Yay Ellen!

I'm not a big tv watcher, but now with our new Direct tv and ditching
cable, I'm there. I do like the BBC America network and those cleaning
ladies, and that Gillian McKeith who goes into people's lives and cleans
out their diet successfully.

I love dog whisperer! We didn't get all the channels but we have our
history channel back and my boys and hubby are thrilled. I also like fit
tv. I haven't seen Gilad workout in years and was surprised to see his
workouts still around. I worked out with him after my kids were born to
lose weight without a gym membership like my mom did to Jack Lalanne when I
was young in the 60's. I've picked that up again here in the doldrums of
winter. Feels good.

On another note, my daughter and her girl scout troop are representing
Germany in the Nibblefest this year and I'm excited because I can cook some
of my grandma's recipes and my Pfeffernusse cookies which are always a hit
here. Yipee!

Why am I not surprised?

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/national_world&id=6603845

CPS takes Adolf Hitler and siblings from home

HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, NJ -- Three New Jersey siblings whose names have Nazi
connotations have been placed in state custody, police said.
[SIGN UP: Get headlines and breaking news sent to you]
The children, ranging in age from 3 to under 1, were removed from their
home Friday. They drew attention last month when a supermarket bakery
refused to put the name of the oldest -- Adolf Hitler Campbell -- on a
birthday cake.

State workers didn't tell police why the children were taken, police Sgt.
John Harris said.
A spokeswoman for the state Division of Youth and Family Services, Kate
Bernyk, said she would not comment on any specific case, but she said the
state would not remove children from a home simply because of their names.


A family court hearing is scheduled for Thursday. Court officials said the
matter is sealed and they could not release information about what might be
decided at the hearing.
The other two children, both girls, are JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell and
Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell.
The father, Heath Campbell, had no comment when contacted by The
Express-Times of Easton, Pa

but it did. Our local atm machine had some changes done but nothing major.
I also suspect the buttons must be super sensitive. It was supposed to
return a check to me, but it didn't come out. I complained, they will
investigate. Problem is, it's stuck in there and the tellers no longer
process the checks like we did when I worked in the bank. Now they hire
someone to come in and do it. So needless to say, my check is still in the
machine. In the past I could just let the tellers know and they'd go fish
it out. NOPE. There were three of us at the machine, one person I didn't
even know, and none of us saw the check come out. But we did hear the gears
grinding, then it just gave me my card back without my requesting the
transaction was finished.

So today I took a change to make another deposit against my hubby's advice.
What are the chances of another screw up? Has to be rare. Except today it
spit out $100 at me and I did not request it. When the money came out I was
afraid, I didn't even know how much I was going to get when it said please
take your cash. Even if I did request money, it normally asks how much you
would like and you have to press the quantity specifically. Well it didn't.
It just gave it to me, and popped out a receipt with it, debiting my
account for it. I have to wonder, how many others will have this problem
with that machine? And unfortunately, I now have this terrible distrust.
At least for this machine! Can't wait to explain this one to them on the
phone.

We just had our direct tv installed today and we got so sidetracked we
almost didn't see the ball drop. We realized 8 min before midnight and then
quickly changed the channels to see it, then outside some beautiful
fireworks went off in several areas so the new year came in with a bang!
Usually the kids fall asleep but this year they were up and hubby crashed!
Too funny.

Everyone have a great one, better than last!

I hope everyone celebrating today has a wonderful day! Stay safe and for
those on the west or anywhere getting all that snow I hope it's beautiful!

My friend Ellen who lost her house to a fire on March 1 in 2007, is having
her foundation poured this Monday if everything goes as planned. I almost
feel afraid to even say it and jinx it! Her modular house has been built
and waiting for that foundation, and is supposed to be delivered hopefully
by next week. She has invited us to come see the new house be placed on the
foundation and if my kids are out of school they will LOVE watching it! I'm
so excited for her and I hope that this time there are no more obstacles to
prevent this from happening, as there have been so many the last year for
her.

for $3!

Get your mind out of the gutter!

Got to restaurant.com and put in your zip code. Use online coupon ONLINE
for today and tomorrow only (Dec 10-11). A $25 restaurant gift certificate
will cost only $3. You print it out. A $10 one costs 90 cents. Have fun!

https://secure.consumersunion.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction
&id=1985

I started making my Christmas cards last January! I don't usually make them
but I was inspired last year so I did. And here we are just over two weeks
from Christmas and I'm glad to have them! It's been a busy few weeks and
it's time to get them out already. I'm heading out Monday with a friend to
do some quick shopping then lunch and hopefully be done with it.

My kids don't know what they want really. Except my oldest who wants
electronics, and for way more than I agreed to spend hehe. The toy catalogs
are just not that interesting for them anymore. So I agreed to renew xbox
for a year as one present for them so far.

My mother, my MIL and I are probably the same size for the first time ever
all at the same time and of course we are all basically the same height ha!
So that's going to be easy this year for clothing! I don't think I've ever
been able to share clothing with my mother but she lost 90 lbs, woo hoo
mom!

It's coming on us fast. Dinner is at their place, so we gotta get to baking
very soon. Somehow this holiday snuck up on us. I hope everyone is doing
well and enjoying their holidays too :)

with no shopping. Not even online! After Thanksgiving day, we just hung
out. My son and daughter had some friends come by. We all watched movies,
had leftovers. I made quite a bit of food,lots of things in small
quantities. Even corn on the cob! My son wanted that as his veggie on
Thanksgiving, kinda cute. They all got to pick something they wanted so
they felt included. My daughter made jello with cranberries in a heart
shaped cupcake pan. She was so proud of herself.

Anyhow, we don't usually go shopping on Black Friday but sometimes on the
weekend we've venture out. But not this year at all. We just stayed home.
One day it rained which made us all tired, so we slept in late too. Was
actually really nice! I rented some movies from the library earlier in the
week, so with those and the Christmas movies running on Saturday we watched
Annie, and a few others, had some coffee, I crocheted and we just had a
good quiet time.

Now hubby is at work, the kids are back at school and the sun is out. I
have a list of things to do and back to regular life! Shopping this year
will be a minimum or online. Crowds are just not fun.

Just waiting on my parents here now. I did most of the preparing yesterday
and now just getting appetizers ready and cooking, is it. Going to watch
the parade and I hope everyone is having a great holiday today!

He is so excited. He even went and picked up his sister at her bus stop.
Here we thought he was not interested, then he started dating a girlfriend
who lives far away. She broke up with him JUST last week too. Too bad for
her hehe. They never even got a date! But I think it motivated him to want
to drive. And now he is so excited, he keeps calling his friends. (he is
telling them how easy it went)! So funny.

His father took him this morning for the test. After two trips back home
for forgetting some papers, he came back once again for more. Then he
passed, and went to get the actual license from another town. They needed
MORE ID. Bank statements. I wrote a letter to cover that he lives with both
parents at our address and provided a report card, since he has no student
ID which they wanted. They were ok with it, and it was a go after that.

I'm so happy for him!

Apparently you can call 1-800-walmart and now petition to bring back
layaway. Kmart still has layaway, and Sears is bringing it back. Guess
there were enough complaints for them to no longer ignore it.

President-Elect Obama has drafted comprehensive autism legislation,
including a section addressing a broad based federal autism insurance
mandate.

In his Presidential campaign statement on Autism Spectrum Disorders,
President-Elect Obama committed to bringing autism insurance reform to the
entire nation. The statement stated that Obama and Biden "will mandate
insurance coverage of autism treatment and will also continue to work with
parents, physicians, providers, researchers, and schools to create
opportunities and effective solutions for people with ASD." For the
complete campaign statement, and to read the draft legislation, go to
www.autismvotes.org, and be sure to sign up to receive action alerts
pertaining to this important initiative.

http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.3909853/

Yes, shampoo as in anything that has sodium lauryl sulfate or other
sulfates in it. It's detergent/surfactant that removes oil and can make you
lose your hair, or retard the growth of the hair follicle, postponing new
hair growth. Could this be what Pantene has too much of, in it's list of
ingredients, and why so many complaints? Guess what? Shampoo isn't
regulated by the same laws cosmetics are. Why did companies use this/these
surfactants? They create nice bubbles and lather, thicken the shampoo and
are super cheap. Shampoo manufacturers are not hurting in this recession
either. Humm... They use those ingredients in garage cleaners, engine
degreasers and so on. They strip oil, and then your body makes a ton more
to compensate. Supply and demand, very similar to what happens with milk
during breastfeeding.

I tried going shampoo free reluctantly, I'm washing with conditioner. Yep
surprised me too. There is enough in conditioner to CLEAN the hair, and
without stripping. I must say, my curls are no longer frizzy, my hair is
clean and isn't getting that end of the day oil anymore, smells better, and
my tresses are SHINEY!!! My hair is no longer flying away. The frizz is
going away. Had I not seen it for myself...

This chemical needs to go.

My daughter is a cheerleader. This is different as she's been wanting to be
witches the last few years. My boys, well, not sure they even know but my
oldest is too old but he still loves to go out, a bit later than the little
kids, and trick or treat. I dont think he ever wants to give up being a
kid! He comes home with way too much and isn't much of a candy eater. It's
all for the fun of it, but then he winds up with a big bag of candy that
lasts him for many months. Same with Easter, I learned to limit the candy
early on with him because he can make it last forever and it does
eventually go bad. Those chocolate bunnies get funky. Not to mention how
having the extra tortures the little ones? LOL
They're soo growing up. I'm glad and yet, it's strange not to have itty
ones anymore!

EDUCATION | October 20, 2008

With Free Bikes, Challenging Car Culture on Campus
By KATIE ZEZIMA

Free bikes or bike-sharing programs have cropped up on campuses nationwide,
aimed at reducing traffic and parking shortages on campus and improving
community building.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/20/education/20bikes.html?_r=1&ei=5070&emc=e
ta1&oref=slogin

are having a demolition party today. They're getting the pizza and me and
sibs & family are heading to spend the day taking apart their greenhouse
and other yard things to throw into this big dumpster they have on the
property right now, as they are also having their kitchen remodeled and
extended too.

My next door neighbors sold their house and took off to be permanent full
time RVers, only less than an hour ago. We wound up with some beautiful
things from them that they could not take with them. She worked in a craft
store in California for years so she created incredible wreaths and
beautiful mirrors. I can't wait to hang them up!

Happy Weekend everyone :)

I just dropped off my daughter at her girl scout camp for the afternoon. I
stayed a while and will go back again to hang out with her a bit.

Went to a yard sale around the corner, and saw a kiddie tent for $5 but in
my eyes its a mini greenhouse so I offered her $3 and she took it woo hoo!
Now we have to take the tarp stuff off that is in bad condition anyway, and
put plastic around the frame. It will fit on the porch I'm pretty sure!
It's up front. What a deal! If it doesn't fit on the porch maybe in front
of the garage door but I'd rather not keep it there. What luck! I've been
wanting one for the porch and we've been putting our heads together here to
figure out how to build this thing for my stuff. Now I don't have to yay!

I've got good weather here today, 66F! Indian summer :)

Leanne

especially since NJ is the highest in the nation for autism rates, one in
60 boys.

http://www.foxnews.com/video2/video08.html?maven_referralObject=3144881&mav
en_referralPlaylistId=&sRevUrl=http://www.foxnews.com/foxfriends//

Sinus infections for everyone!! We've spent the last few weeks getting the
kids antibiotics, then having them changed for my one son for not working.
He missed a week of school, daughter missed three days, hubby missed a few
days of work. The doc wished me well and to not get it. I said "don't say
that"! I'll get jinxed haha!

Just sent middle son to school today, and oldest child gets it and stays
home. But he isn't alone, my throat is killing me and I'm sooo tired. Darn
it, I got away without being sick for a loooong time!
Well when or if I see the doc with my son, I'll have to bust her chops
about it LOL.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27010657/

Justified or not?

They mention a spillover affect, but, OJ himself could be playing the
spillover affect for his own defense IMO.

1 Coffee mug
4 tablespoons flour (that's plain flour, not self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
small splash of vanilla essence

Oil (spray) your mug (inside).
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to share!)

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now you are only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of
the day or night!

My son came home from work and begged to stay over his friends house, who
is down here for the weekend visiting. I hesitated, made sure he remembered
to do everything, hand me his papers from his backpack, whatever I could
think of before saying yes. Afterall, I don't get to see him much anymore
now that he is working on weekends. So I said yes, and watched him ride
his bike around the corner with a homemade headlight on front which made
me crack up. Soooo him!

So here I am awakened at 5:30. Why? He has the LOUDEST alarm clock and
forgot to shut off the alarm, which BUILDS up volume lol. I unplugged it,
almost went back to sleep. It must be on a snooze setting, and have a
battery backup. So I hit a bunch of buttons and burried it in his bed, shut
his door and I hope it won't go off again lmao!!! But....I'm wide awake
now. For a bit lol. At least his computer is off :)

We put new flooring upstairs, took out the carpeting. At first we left the
walk in closet with carpet. Then I didn't like the way it looked. I want a
continual floor when I open the closet door. So out came that carpet too.
In the meantime, we had to take everything out. While it was stored in a
semi organized fashion, some things hadn't been moved in a while. We've
been here 17 yrs, and it went fast.

So the last few days have been a walk down memory lane. Like our entire
lives are before us, in photos of things, the kids, the christenings, the
backyard before we cut trees down or before the oaks grew taller than the
house, and the kids drawings, little graduation caps and greeting cards.
Here I always worried I was throwing too many of their things away when it
came home in their back packs because I only saved a few of only the better
things here and there as to avoid clutter. Well there is plenty of
wonderful things! Even pics of hubby when he was in his college years with
a full head of dark hair. The kids didn't recognize him which surprised
me! That was funny heehee.

Anyhow, it's been a lot of fun and I'm not done yet. I'm sorting,
reorganizing. But hey, the closet floor looks fantastic!

outside our small neighborhood. He crossed the median. It's a small median,
has plants on it that our local garden club planted. Grass was too long,he
was most likely not visible, he crossed with his bike. My husband and I
came upon it right after it happened, he was laying on the shoulder but he
was thrown, his helmet and bike were far away from him. Nobody was rushing
around. That's what really bothered me and made me have to look. The
ambulance took a half hour to take him to the hospital, and they drove
slowly. We saw it pass when we were up the road. I was absolutely sick
about it. A man shook his head in disbelief, he was helping out. I was a
bit shaken from it. I kept thinking about my own kids. My oldest takes the
sidewalk there, but it doesn't matter how careful you are. The boy had to
be 9 or 10.

The kids lately have been riding a lot of bikes across intersections here,
it's a new thing and they are not watching. A few days ago a small boy was
in front of me in the neighborhood street, as if he were entitled to the
road like a car. I honked at him to move, and he threw his hand up to me,
as if to say "hey lady, this is MY road and I have rights ya know so you
better not hit me". I was shocked. I can't help but wonder.......

On our way back from the accident though, they were investigating the area,
and we knew. Then my son's teacher said today that she saw a sheet over
the boy so she must have been there right after we were.

Anyway, this hasn't left my mind. It's really hitting me. NOTHING in the
paper about this. Very sad.

or were they gone? I remember them as a kid but forgot them. Along came the
oreo. Remember Hydrox?

Anyway, I saw them in the supermarket this week and got a package. I had
forgotten how much better they are than oreos and the kids liked them too.
They are celebrating their 100th anniversary and I'm wondering if they
disappeared and are only coming back for the anniversary or what?

Even in a Cape May candy store we visited on our trip we saw Zotz. Remember
those? I had them in high school. It was so exciting sharing them with the
kids. And razzles, the gum? That was fun.

Now if they can only bring back........I wonder, what else there was?

http://www.hancockfabrics.com/College-Bags_stcVVcatId538861VVviewcat.htm?ex
tid=HAN_EML_20080902_CT_catchthefeversale

and they're off!

While I loved this summer and having them home, I love having my house
back too. Spent the whole morning sorting, cleaning and throwing things
out.

And it's already time to go pick one of them up, half days this week!

Leanne

It's been the best one in years. It just kept going on this year that
way.

Just got back from camping and the weather was fantastic, cool nights and
the smell of campfires and sounds of summer. The campground was nice and
quiet, there were plenty of families there and yet it wasn't crowded.

We went to a library that was having a book sale and we hit half price day.
Half of 10 cents and 25 cents woohoo!!! I paid a buck for two bags of
books. After I read them I'll sell them at my yard and plant sale next
spring for 50 cents or something. Too funny.

Did some shopping, saw some unique things on Cape May Boardwalk. Bought a
small grill and tiny crockpot to use too. Was fun.

We also went to a landscape place. GORGEOUSLY laid out plants, trees and
shrubs. I want a holly that grows tall and thin and an aucoba(sp) which is
for shade and shiny yellow big leaves. They had fig trees too. My fig tree
cuttings have grown roots while I was away yay! They needed me to stop
staring at them every day like a pot of boiling water or something!

There was a pool there, the kids went to every day, even after the beaches
and boardwalks. Then a movie screen, huge by the pool. We watched Nims
Island one night. Then did a campfire.

I hope we can sneak another trip in again soon. But no wonder I'm tired
lol.

My brother in law and a 12 yr old nephew stayed with us since Saturday.
Originally it was planned for one night but BIL was helping install our
upstairs flooring and it turned into a few days. We had fun though, had a
campfire in the backyard, toasted marshmallows and the weather was perfect
for it. I dug up some plants for him to take home and gave him a haircut. I
threw together a stew in the crockpot which he was crazy about and wanted
(continually asked me for) the recipe. Well oops I didn't write it down.
After he made such a fuss I went through by backtracking memory what I did
and wrote it down because it sounds like he will want this again sometime.
A can of crushed tomatoes, mild salsa, goya,thyme, and hot sauce plus
water, throw in some chicken wings and breasts. That was it!!! Cracked me
up. He even threw it on rice and the london broil I made a day later.

He hadn't come by in so many years, he confessed, because he thought we
were close to a brother he doesn't speak to. He was surprised to find out
we aren't and we were surprised to find this out in the first place! Funny
how that kind of thing happens. We had such a great time. He may come back
and do our stairs now after we figure out how we want them to be carpeted
(with a runner, paint or what).

This summer has had the best surprises.

That's the question that my kids have been asked this entire week. Problem
is, their last day of summer school was just this past Tuesday! My doctor
hit them with that question this morning and my kids are just actually
starting their summer vacation for the next three weeks, so this is making
them insane lol. I feel for them too, because I'm doing my best to manage
their time and make it a fantastic summer, paying more attention to little
issues that set off problems (like too much time at the same things,
computer games, siblings haha). They even got asked by the cashier lady at
the store this morning. I am cringing in empathy for them but chuckling at
the same time. Bad me heehee! I'm avoiding shopping for stationery items
too. At least for another few days haha!

for summer. It feels like September, a bittoo early. It will be fantastic
if it stays this way for our upcomming trip.

Boy did we have a huge thunderstorm with a lot of pea sized hail this
weekend. It bounced off the lawn in quantity. The kids were impressed lol.
It brought heavy rain which came in the top of our livingroom window. Times
like these I'm glad there is no carpet, as the floor got wet. Then in the
paper they said there were four funnel spouts in the bay near us. Whoa!

Took a drive south,, gas is $3.59, wow! That's way lower than up here. So
glad it's coming down. Had to.

I found out my bank's atm deposits on Friday til 8pm are credited for
Friday's date before 3pm. What a great way around that weekend deposit
curse that some letter writers sometimes have problems with when trying to
access their funds. I tried it out,haven't done an atm deposit in years.
Things changed. They no longer need a deposit slip or envelope, the check
itself is photographed, shown on the screen (a bit too large for privacy if
someone is standing behind you) but then a copy of the check prints out on
the atm receipt. Neat! I suppose this is to encourage atm deposit
confidence as people are afraid to make them.

And, today is the last day of my kid's summer school. Now it's vacation
time woo hoo!

https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx

Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009

Need more information? Go to www.DTV2009.gov

To assist consumers with making the switch from analog to digital
television, U.S. Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. This
allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons (each television will
require its own converter box), each worth $40 that can be applied to the
cost of eligible converter boxes.

The most cost effective option for analog-television owners is a TV
converter box. This is a new product which is available now. This is a
one-time purchase that costs between $40 and $70. A television that is
connected to cable, satellite or another paid TV service does not require a
converter.

and now it's supposed to thunderstorm, the concert is outdoors. So.... We
are just going to wing it. I really like her so if they don't cancel it,
then the rain poncho and everything I'm bringing should be fine. I should
be used to rain ponchos by now, we always wind up using them on vacations!
LOL

Anyway, she's an excellent performer, and we can't wait. :)

been so busy this summer. My garden needs tending and it's very relaxing
out there. The kids are busy, one with his job and learning to drive, got
his 6 hr certificate too which will give him insurance discounts plus he's
a straight A student and that counts. The other two little ones are still
in ESY for a few more weeks and I think the "I'm bored" hasn't yet been
overly repeated, but I should not say that too soon either. Soon they'll
be home for a few weeks before school starts up in the fall again. Vacation
time yay!

Visited my brother and wound up with 18 fig tree cuttings. We have never
grown these before, so rooting them will be an adventure. Fun stuff. Love
it. Can't wait to see how they do.

Hope everybody is having a great summer.

USA Today: Flying Can Be A Rough Ride For Autistic Children, Families

By Rebecca Kaplan, USA Today. tinyurl.com/5gvglh

With heightened security regulations and frequent delays, airplane
travel can be an unpleasant ordeal for anyone.
For a child who becomes anxious in close quarters, may have trouble
communicating and is sensitive to loud noises, it can be terrifying.
Those are common characteristics of autism, a developmental
disability that affects about one in every 150 American children and one in
every 94 boys, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
The condition has been getting more attention in the past five years
through advocacy groups such as Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of
America. But it still gets negative attention: Last week, syndicated talk
radio host Michael Savage said on his show that 99% of the time, a child
with autism was just "a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out." The
comment drew protests from the advocacy groups.
His comments probably refer to the behavior autistic children can
exhibit when they feel anxious, particularly in unfamiliar situations they
can have meltdowns that involve crying, screaming or kicking. Last month,
Janice Farrell of Cary, N.C., and her 2-year-old autistic son, Jarret, were
removed from their American Eagle flight after Jarret began crying and
screaming uncontrollably. (The airline says Farrell also refused to stow
her bag in the proper place, which she denies.) Airline travel, which is a
necessity for many families, has many characteristics that can trigger such
meltdowns. In addition to the break in the normal routine which many
autistic children find stressful because they have trouble anticipating
what will happen airplane travel involves sitting still for long periods
and being surrounded by crowds, says Rebecca Landa, director of the Center
for Autism at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore.
"Take all the issues (normal adults) have with flying, magnify that
by 100, and put that into a child's body," Landa says.
James Gillespie of Philadelphia, whose 14-year-old son, Brendan, has
autism, says: "You will run into any number of well-intentioned people who
just look at you as if you're a bad parent. There was a time that I was
pretty defensive about it."
Both Landa and Kelly Ernsperger, who counsels families in the greater
Indianapolis area who are coping with autism, recommend preparing children
in the days leading up to the trip by making sure they know exactly what to
expect.
"I encourage families to go online and try to get pictures of the
airport terminals and planes and destination," Ernsperger says. These
pictures, along with conversations about what the child will be doing, help
families create "social stories" so children are better able to anticipate
exactly what will happen to them.
Landa also recommends letting the child make some choices such as
choosing his seat to defray some of the anxiety and creating simple rules
to define the social situation. Gillespie made such a rule for Brendan to
let him know what topics were off-limits on airplanes: terrorists, crashing
and dying.
He and other parents say snacks and earphones for a child's favorite
music or movies are also a must.
It's important to let the airlines know about the situation so they
can accommodate the family as well. Many airlines have taken steps to make
sure that flight attendants and airport employees are trained to assist
customers with disabilities.
"A lot of it is just being forthright and making sure you prepare
your child, and you prepare those people who are going to come in contact
with your child," says Peter Bell, executive vice president for Autism
Speaks.
The public can help too, Landa says. Her No. 1 rule: Don't judge.
"It's best to think, 'How can I be helpful?' " she says, whether that
is refraining from making a critical remark or offering to hold something
for the family.

Autism Researchers, Groups Find Common Ground in Condemning Radio Jock

By Dan Childs, ABC News.
tinyurl.com/68zt2b

NOTE: See transcript of Savage radio show following this piece. -ed

As autism organizations and medical professionals alike voice their
outrage at inflammatory comments made by controversial talk radio host
Michael Savage, about most autistic children simply being "brats," the head
of the network that employs him appears to be taking measures to pull out
of a public relations tailspin.
Savage, who in the past, has taken aim at the legitimacy of attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral disorders,
called autism a "fraud" and a "racket" during his July 16 broadcast, adding
that "[i]n 99 percent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut
the act out."
In light of strong public reaction to his statements, Savage issued a
statement, further explaining his comments.
"My comments about autism were meant to boldly awaken parents and
children to the medical community's attempt to label too many children or
adults as 'autistic'," the statement read.
"Just as some drug companies have over-diagnosed 'ADD' and 'ADHD' to
peddle dangerous speed-like drugs to children as young as 4 years of age,
this cartel of doctors and drug companies is now creating a national panic
by over-diagnosing 'autism,' for which there is no definitive medical
diagnosis!"
In a response to ABC News' request for comment, Mark Masters, the CEO
of Talk Radio Network, sent the same statement that had been posted on
Savage's Web site.
The statement has done little to blunt reactions to his strong
comments, which have forged an unlikely alliance between a number of autism
groups that claim doctors are overlooking the true causes of the disorder,
and autism researchers in the mainstream medical community.
"I would say it is the lowest form of attention-seeking, and the best
response is silence," said Dr. Nancy Minshew, director of the Center for
Excellence in Autism Research (CeFAR) at the University of Pittsburgh.
"Tune out and his sponsors will turn him off. Declare a day of mourning for
those who suffer and a day of prayer for those who care by not calling or
responding."
"I think we're seeing a trend within talk radio -- anger toward
people with autism," said Kim Stagliano, managing editor of the popular
blog Age of Autism. "As we learn more about autism, there seems to be an
acceptable level of tolerance within society, but within talk radio, the
sympathy has turned into scorn."
And Rebecca Esteep, national manager of the autism advocacy group
Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) says Masters has e-mailed her organization
and invited them, along with the National Autism Association, to be guests
on Savage's show to "make amends with the autism community."
But it is unclear whether the autism community is ready to bury the
hatchet.
"Michael Savage is spectacularly uninformed about this major national
health crisis," Esteep said. "His comments were beyond insulting and are
tantamount to blaming parents for their child's cancer.
"Perhaps 99 percent of his listeners should stop tuning in."

Groups Differ on Appropriate Response
Autism experts say Savage's statements threaten to alter the public's
understanding of the disorder.
"It is unfortunate that, just as the public is beginning to be better
informed about autism and related disorders, a prominent individual in the
media with a wide audience should spread misinformation," said Katherine
Loveland, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and pediatrics at
the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. "Although it's his right
to believe and to say what he wishes, his statements should not go
un-challenged by the medical, scientific and advocacy communities."
But, while those in the autism community overwhelmingly disagree with
Savage's viewpoint, there is as yet no consensus as to what action, if any,
should be taken.
Some say that ignoring the comments is the best approach.
"Mr. Savage is obviously a complete ignoramus, who knows not the
first thing about autism," said Deborah Fein, autism researcher and
professor of psychology at the University of Connecticut. "However, I doubt
he believes what he said; he is obviously just trying to get media and
public attention, which he has succeeded in doing."
"The less attention given to Mr. Savage, the better," agreed
Marguerite Kirst Colston, spokeswoman for the Autism Society of America.
But, the nation's other major autism groups have suggested that a
stronger response is needed. In a statement issued today, the National
Autism Association said that representatives from the organization have
agreed to be on a panel on Savage's show to respond.
"We've asked for an apology, a retraction, and a chance to get to our
side on this issue," the statement read. "We don't want to respond with an
attack, we want to educate him and his listeners."
The advocacy group Autism Speaks urged a response in the interest of
further educating the public about the nature of autism.
"One important goal of increasing awareness about autism is to foster
a greater level of acceptance and understanding of the very real and
significant challenges it poses to individuals with the disorder and their
families," read a statement issued today by Autism Speaks. "[T]here are
those who are apparently incapable of feeling compassion. They deserve our
pity, not our scorn."
Stagliano disagreed: "We don't need to 'pity' Mr. Savage, like Autism
Speaks suggests; we need to educate him."

Snopes says it's true.

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/ups.asp

vacation coming up and we may go back to Cape May because it was so nice
there last time. I have all these free night coupons to campgrounds (stay
one night get one free) so we may try a few days here and a few days there
so to speak. I think I'm still tired from Florida! This will be closer to
home though, and so much to do and see here anyway especially for the kids.

Who needs an alarm clock?

http://www.urlesque.com/2008/07/11/black-bird-sings-like-a-siren-confuses-a
mbulance-chasers/

Both just opened here. So I decided to compare. I used to be a member of
BJ's in another town. I noticed this new one doesn't seem as large and
isn't carrying some things I used to get.

Then I went to Costco. It's so much bigger and they have their own gas
station. It's better stocked, neater, and carrys so many more items,
including furniture, bikes, and the store is so large I ached before I saw
the whole thing. I think I like Costco better despite it being so HUGE
inside. I also heard that many people chose Costco as the place to spend
their stimulus check. Interesting! Their prices were good, some items way
less than our local grocery store, even with coupons. Now I'm tired!
They did have some flooring too, and since I just ripped up my bedroom
carpeting, I'm going to see just how they compare to other places. :)

Mom vows action after family of autistic girl kicked out of restaurant
Rosemary Westwood, The Edmonton Journal
Published: Sunday, July 06
The mother of an autistic girl is calling for "some sort of repercussions"
after her family was kicked out of a local restaurant Saturday.

Sarah Seymour said her family often eats at the west end Smitty's Family
Restaurant when they come to Edmonton from Wainwright for her daughter's
autism treatment a few times a year.

Seymour said her five-year-old daughter, Eowyn, became upset when the meal
she wanted to order wasn't available. Seymour and her husband were calming
their daughter down when the manager asked the family to leave.

"We tried to explain to the manager that she has autism and would be calm
very shortly," said Seymour. "She can't help it.

"This is what happens; it's part of the disorder."

Seymour said the manager indicated that if Eowyn's behaviour was part of
her disorder, the family should not take her out in public.

"I will be contacting higher up management," said Seymour. "If I don't work
to make the world more tolerant for (Eowyn) who will?"

The restaurant declined to comment on the incident.

Autism effects one in every 150 to 160 people, according to Health Canada.

Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms often include "repetitive behaviour and
difficulties with social interaction, communication and learning."

rwestwood@thejournal.canwest.com

I do. For years now too. I was working out in the yard like I always do
and the mosquitos were pretty heavily attacking me like they love to do. So
I put on something I bought from Walmart, a typical brand name repellant
and the mosquitos were gone. Ahhh. Not soon later, the flies were all over
me. They bite hard, and hurt much more than mosquitos do. My legs have
welts all over them. However, I did not apply it to my arms. I applied
listerine. Yep. No fly bites on my arms. I havent purchased this repellant
in years, and now I remember why. All I have to say tonight is ouch! I
need some benedryl gel.

I hope everyone enjoys the day!

We are heading to my parents with hot wings, and not sure about fireworks
yet. It looks like thunderboomer storms are coming anyway :)

We had a really great time.

Got there Sunday night, went to Dennys near midnight. Monday we went to
Publix to get supplies and to Ponderosa for breakfast. Then we went to
Seaworld and spent the day.

Tuesday we were wiped already so we wandered in Downtown Disney. I really
enjoyed the soap store there. There was a Ghirardelli chocolate store
where we got some things to munch. The kids loved the lego store, and my
son found one of those water squirt things where it shoots from the ground.
He loves drenching himself. Great time to grab a bench and take videos,
which we did. It was so nice.

Wednesday we did Universal and got caught in a severe thunderstorm right as
we went into the Twister show. Was sunny going in and pouring coming out.
Talk about special effects! haha. My kids really enjoyed this park more
than I did. But I was amazed to see so many people visiting from Ireland. I
spoke to several who told me their dollar is real strong against ours right
now so they are here buying things. Interesting. I told them they'd love
Mexico right now then as our dollar is 10 x's as strong as theirs.

Thursday we went to Cypress gardens and for me that was the best. I got
some great photos. There was a water ski show, incredible plantation
garden, butterfly conservatory (loved it) and water park/rides. After
several hours, severe storms closed this park (luckily the kids got out of
the wave pool in time with all the lightning).

Friday we shopped at some stores, a flea market where we got some great
deals and professional haircutting scissors, which I shipped home to
myself. Hubby and the kids got themselves some things too. Afterwards the
kids spent hours in the hotel pool.

Saturday we checked out of the hotel early, went over to Tampa and went to
Dinosaur world AND the Museum of Science and Industry. The kids LOVED that
museum. I highly recommend it.

We ate at places we don't have here, just for fun. Chick fil A was one,
Florida pizza is nothing like our NJ pizza, blech! There are tons of
buffets in Florida. Hubby had to have KFC lol. Plus we avoided Waffle
houses which were EVERYWHERE, thanks to the complaints on PFB.

I was sad to hear that George Carlin passed. I wound up watching him every
night on HBO after everyone went to sleep in the hotel. I really liked
him.

Back to real life now *sigh*

I'm also very sad to discover one of my friend's husband passed away while
I was gone, and also my neighbor's father. My condolenses go out to them.
It's not easy to come back to this kind of news after having a good time.
:(

http://news.aol.com/health/story/_a/virginia-man-sheds-80-pounds-eating-at/
n20080620142709990009

QUINTON, Va. (AP) - A Virginia man lost about 80 pounds in six months by
eating nearly every meal at McDonald's. Not Big Macs, french fries and
chocolate shakes. Mostly salads, wraps and apple dippers without the
caramel sauce.

Chris Coleson tipped the scales at 278 pounds in December. The 5-foot-8
Coleson now weighs 199 pounds and his waist size has dropped from 50 to
36.

The 42-year-old businessman from Quinton says he chose McDonald's because
it's convenient.

His inspiration came from his two children and from the story of a blind
war veteran who rode a tandem bicycle cross-country.

Coleson says his goal is to get back to the 185 pounds he weighed when he
married Tricia Summer. Their 10th anniversary is Saturday.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

**************
Well, I suppose it goes to show that it's all about better choices and
portion control, however, McDonald's food has A LOT of sodium in some of
their menu items. And after about three days, I'd be real sick of it! lol.
But if you think about it, you could do subway one day, McDonalds salad
another day, there are so many choices today. (I admit I LOVE the southwest
salad)! Congrats to him, he is an inspiration though, proving it can be
done even with fast food!

today, having my little one's bday party. So glad the weather is good so
far! They are so psyched. This is one time they don't grumble over chores
hehe.

EDUCATION

Boy Dies After Teacher Wraps Him In Blanket

By Brett Bundale, The Gazette tinyurl.com/6r4vjl

A coroner's report released today revealed suffocation as the
probable cause of the death of a nine-year-old autistic boy.
The boy's parents described the reports findings as a "shock" because
the school told them he had passed away "naturally and calmly."
The boy, Gabriel Poirier, attended a specialized school in
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, in the Montrgie region of Quebec.
On April 17, Gabriel began to disturb his class with loud sounds.
After being told repeatedly to calm down by a teacher, he was rolled in a
weighted blanket. With his arms by his side, he was left on his stomach for
over 20 minutes with only his toes exposed.
When the teacher went to check on him, he was "listless and blue in
the face," the Coroner's report said. The teacher called 911 but the boy
was already in a deep coma and passed away the next day in the
Sainte-Justine hospital.
"He was a very gentle boy. Sometimes he was loud, but he was never
aggressive or violent," Gilles Poirier, the boy's father, said today.
The parents' lawyer, Jean-Pierre Mnard, said vulnerable children like
Gabriel need better protection.
"We're asking Minister Courchesne to implement a legal framework to
regulate how these children are handled," Mnard said.
Weighted blankets are custom-made blankets filled with a specific
material that gives the blanket added weight. They are considered an
effective tool for helping calm down high-energy children, especially
autistic children who respond well to sensory therapy.
"They have a therapeutic use and can be relaxing," said Kathleen
Provost, executive director of the Autism Society of Canada.
But occupational therapists have developed a set of rules and
protocols that must be followed when using a weighted blanket, Provost
said.
*********

My son used to get rolled between two beanbag chairs and laid on to calm
him down at the Childrens Hospital we went to for his occupational therapy.
I just can't imagine this because maybe someone wasn't watching to see if
this was too heavy. This really bothers me to read about it.

I hope all the dads out there enjoy their day with their kids!

and almost a full moon too. But it's sunny and nice out (which is a good
thing) and according to Oprahs show yesterday talking about positive
thinking and the law of attraction you can bring about good things to
oneself.

Ok, so I don't need to cross my fingers then? hehe

They talked about lists of things you want to happen in your life and as
long as it isn't coming from a superficial way of thinking, you set things
in motion to actually come true. I make tons of lists, but not necessarily
for that reason. Mostly so I don't forget things. So if I don't forget,
then it does come true anyway! No Karma in that. Or is it?

Some of my different lists include plans. I even have an unfinished object
list (UFO's) of things I don't want to forget that need to be done. Then
there is the travel list of places to go. Can't forget the weight loss
lists, and now even seriously considering going for my Master Gardener
certification which hadn't been calling me before, but now life has opened
up that possibility and an interest. For about 8 yrs I had considered it
but raising kids with needs was more important, and I didn't have the
volunteer time to put in.

So I'm wondering, is the law of attraction true? Or were we meant to do
those things anyway when we were put on this earth with a plan?

http://www.walgreens.com/dmi/sensational/default.html?ban=mar_coty_sensatio
nal_home

http://www.styledash.com/2008/06/08/crocs-now-selling-heels/?icid=161598494
5x1203970282x1200411478

Not as bad as I thought they'd look. My son has to wear the regular ones.
Has to.

I don't know though, any time you tilt up like that, and even a few pounds
overweight, it still has to hurt no? Have to admit I'm curious.

for the a/c! I am sooo looking forward to tonight's storms cooling things
down whew! Gardening was really rough yesterday. I was surprised to see
just how unevenly red my face was and it wasn't sunburn. My kids had
headaches so I made them drink more fluids. I took it upon myself to cancel
my daughters canoe trip just in case since everything else was cancelled
around here. Advised hubby to drink his gatorade BEFORE he gets spent, as
he had planned to use it for recovering lol. Even Florida was cooler
yesterday than here in NJ and my kids checked, since we are looking forward
to our trip there. Many of the schools here are closed for the day due to
lack of air conditioning. I find that amazing that in todays world so many
public schools do not have it.

Dreaming of tomorrow..........

Boy's death highlights a hidden danger: Dry drowning
10-year-old died more than an hour after getting out of swimming pool

By Mike Celizic
TODAYShow.com contributor
updated 9:58 a.m. ET, Thurs., June. 5, 2008
The tragic death of a South Carolina 10-year-old more than an hour after he
had gone swimming has focused a spotlight on the little-known phenomenon
called "dry drowning" and warning signs that every parent should be aware
of.

"I've never known a child could walk around, talk, speak and their lungs be
filled with water," Cassandra Jackson told NBC News in a story broadcast
Thursday on TODAY.

On Sunday, Jackson had taken her son, Johnny, to a pool near their home in
Goose Creek, S.C. It was the first time he'd ever gone swimming and,
tragically, it would be his last.

The rest of the article is here :

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24982210

***************************
I had never heard of this. Very frightening to have to worry after your
child has been swimming if they have water in their lungs. Even with
bathing a baby you could accidentally get too much water in their lungs.
Wow. This is so sad for this family.

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You get free plants, help stop a huge waste, and workers with disabilities
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Yesterday, not only did we have our 2nd tornado warning this week, but a
driver of large truck that crushes cars underestimated it's height and
didn't fully retract the crane. It crashed into an overpass on the parkway.
He hit a support beam, then spilled diesel fuel, anti freeze and something
else all over the road. The parkway closed for nine hours. My kids were
stuck on their bus and rerouted. It took them 2 1/4 hrs to get home. Hubby,
who took an 8 hr day so we could go out for our anniversary wound up in
that mess for 3 hrs. Needless to say, he didn't get home til late. The kids
were hungry so we met my friend Joan and her kids after 8pm for pizza hut,
coupons in hand.

The nuclear plant has been testing their sirens this week so you aren't
sure if there is a fire or what. If there was a terrorist attack there
would be no way to get outta here out on a regular day, let alone this
parkway mess. We need more access roads, because there is just too much
traffic here.

There was a lockdown at my daughters school this week too. Someone with a
gun threat. The teachers told her there was a wild dog running loose
outside. Cute. Guess it kept them calm? When I told her what it was for,
she argued that I was wrong. Wild dog Mom. Had to giggle on that one.
Forget that it was in the paper. Daughter has spoken.

I am sooo hoping things go better for the rest of this week. My daughter
has her field trip today. It's raining. It's already a reschedule LOL.
*crosses fingers*

By Fred Simmonds

Researchers secretly tracked the locations of 100,000 people outside the
United States through cell phone use and concluded that most people rarely
stray more than a few miles from home.

Yes, the project by Northeastern University raised privacy and ethical
questions for the monitoring methods, which would be illegal in the United
States.

But it revealed how little at least the people in the study move around in
their daily lives. Nearly three-quarters of them mainly stayed within a
20-mile-wide circle for half a year.

The scientists would not say where the study was done, only describing the
location as an industrialized nation.

Knowing people's travel patterns can help design better transportation
systems and give doctors guidance in fighting the spread of contagious
diseases, study co-author Cesar Hidalgo said in an Associated Press story.

The results also tell us something new about ourselves, including that we
tend to go to the same places repeatedly, Hidalgo said.

We need a study for this? Didn't we know this already?

While these patterns of behavior may seem obvious, said Albert-Lazlo
Barabasi, also a study co-author, there isn't really much hard data on how
individual humans move around.

"The problem with answering this question is that people normally are not
tracked -- but today we are tracked thanks to the phones we carry with us,"
Barabasi said in an article in the journal Nature online.

You can see why the issue of what is called locational privacy is raised.
(How many of you have a cell phone and E-ZPass?)

Hidalgo said he understands why folks stay close to home: "There's a lot of
people who don't like hectic lives. Travel is such a hassle." (But you knew
that already, too.)

*******************
Does this seem like big brother at all? Plus I think if people are out of
the country or hiding, they may avoid using cell phones so they aren't
tracked too! Not to mention those roaming fees? Do they still charge
those?

this morning from hubby for our 20 yr anniversary :)

If it wasn't raining it would be planted already! He's going to take an 8
hr day today so he can come home earlier and we are going out. He seems a
lot more excited than in past years, maybe because the big 20? Too funny.
Time sure flies :)

I had mentioned my hubby being offered to do a survey where they collect
his spit for data about 911.

He got the kit last night. Has a spit cup and another with preservative. I
had wondered how they were going to do that. They also enclosed $2 cash in
the envelope. He was laughing on his way to work. He's going to drop it off
in the mail. Strangest survey I think he's ever done. I wasn't sure he was
going to do it, but he did!

in NJ! (not normal for this area,not prepared at all but who is)?

Today is my daughter's recital, all day. Two shows starting in a little
while until later on tonight, going to be a LOOONG day. But a tornado.
Yikes. Of course if I bring my umbrella and can be Mary Poppins. haha
yeah. Needless to say, Im a bit nervous today!

http://lesailes.hermes.com/us/en/

Kinda cute, great for the little gals too.

http://plasticjungle.com/

You can sell them on this site to other people and there is supposed to be
an option for quick cash. Sounds interesting to me. I still have some from
Christmas so I'm going to give this a look!

(not so little anymore though) to see Indiana Jones last night. It was so
good! They loved it. (me too) For my son to be saying what a great movie it
is, you know it's good lol.

That Harrison Ford.......is just getting better with age! MMMM MMMM My
daughter thought he was SO OLD. Too funny!

My hubby got a letter in the mail from a place he did surveys with on a
webtv, that he recently stopped bothering with.

This letter states that he participated in a study on responses to 911
terrorist attacks. They now want to do a follow up study to understand how
individual differences may influence responses to high stress events in
individuals around the country.

It involves spitting in a container they are providing at their expense, to
analyze genes in saliva and says its completely anonymous. In return they
will send a $75 check. They've always been good about sending the money but
this one is VERY weird!
(not very anonymous if they are matching the genes with the survey and have
a check to cash as a paper trail)! Just my opinion. He's decided to go
ahead. Why are friends telling me to get the dog's spit? lmao Bad. Bad.

drivers test in NJ that is.

My son went a few weeks ago to take his written driving test. He did not
pass, the computer shut down right away after only a few questions. He was
stumped, because his teacher had been testing him for weeks and he got 100%
every time. Humm....

He was beyond disappointed but then decided he didn't need to drive.
Uhh.......no.

He has Dyslexia with his Aspergers, but we didn't think, being he did so
well and is now an A student on all subjects in school, that it would be a
problem. Our son has a reading comprehension problem that isn't so bad
anymore, but his listening comprehension is advanced and at a college
level. So, we let the tester know and she was able to give him earphones as
an accomodation to taking his drivers exam. With a little more reviewing
the test we found online and the headphones, he passed, first try. Yay!!!
Sometimes intelligence isn't measured in typical ways.

Boy oh boy, but now,,,,, for a kid who didn't want to drive, he keeps
begging to use the car. What a grin he is wearing on that face of his. It's
so funny!

Practice practice :)

www.gaspricewatch.com

www.gasbuddy.com

www.fuelmeup.com

www.gasbuddytogo.com (for mobilephones)

I got gas yesterday here in NJ and was saying to the attendant that I'm
only getting $30 right now, so he nodded and chuckled. I told him the last
time I filled my tank it was a buck cheaper a gallon and got me for $70. He
said not to worry, that on a credit card you can only get $75 worth of gas
by law. Humm I didn't know that. I wonder if that is true for other states?

I hope everyone has a good one.

The weather here is supposed to be wonderful and warm. Finally stopped
raining this week.

My brother Jeff invited us to his house tomorrow. His wife just got out of
the hospital with back surgery, had a rod put in her back after a previous
surgery that didn't help. So we are bringing goodies and also celebrating
her birthday. She LOVES candles, so that's an easy gift! I never saw
anyone burn so many candles but she really loves them (more than I do)!

I'm going to bring mixed fruit in a big bowl and shrimp. Everyone else is
bringing food too. My sis in law wont have to lift a finger.

I feel like Mike Delfino is coming over. hehe. Not really but it's kinda
funny.

We have our water spicket for outside in the garage. Dumb place for a
builder to put it. It leaks, sprays etc and the garage floor is always wet
so we keep a bucket there. Not to mention putting vinyl on the wall, they
put it in sheetrock. Dumb.

After hubby washed our three vehicles a few weeks back, and wasn't paying
attention that the hose was a bit loose.........the garage wall started
coming apart. Wet sheetrock. Yikes. Fell apart, off the wall. I'm afraid
of holes in walls. That might mean mice. Don't want that!

We've already had our dryer vent rerouted, the builder put that vent across
the garage ceiling and 30 ft out until a bird made a huge nest and the vent
collected 10 lbs of water. Yeah......

So the new pipe will be adjacent to the new dryer vent and under the
stairs, through to the front of the house near the garage. If it drips it
will water part of my garden hehe oh happy day *snort*. Mr. Plumber says
it wont leak. Mr. plumber is an ex of mine from 27 yrs ago. Boy does that
make me feel old.

Speaking of old. We rented "Mad Money" and I watched it twice. Was pretty
cute! I love how those women got away with what they did. What a dream it
would be. Such fiction! haha........and....Ted Danson has the whitest hair.
I remember him so much younger. He sure got old. But that made me
think........the only way I could know that is if I got old too! Oh shoot!


I'm not grey though. Yet. lol Shhhhh!

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Not sure why I love Florida so much for vacationing. Bet I'd hate actually
living there though. It's so hot! But that is where we decided to go for
the first vacation, and we are flying. We'll be moving around there, using
two airports so we can see more. Hubby has a need to see Universal,
daughter wants to swim with the dolphins. I want some yummy oranges lol.
Can't wait to go.

You know how you are in the middle of doing something and you try to pull
some foil out and the roll comes out of the box?

Well, I would like to share this with you. A friend shared it with me too.

On the end of the box it says, "Press here to lock end". It's small and
easy to see why many people never notice it. It's a tab to lock the roll
in place like a paper towel holder effect. The generic brand of aluminum
foil and plastic wraps have one too. I love it!

And here I thought I had it down well where I used my thumb to hold it in
place. Neato! hehe

All this flower talk got me thinking. I got a big petunia plant from hubby
this weekend for Mothers day and was taken out by my family for an
afternoon dinner to celebrate too. Was soo nice, and it left me no time to
see my own mom. My MIL has shingles so she didn't want anyone near her. So
I'm taking Mom out to lunch hopefully Friday.

This week we had one heck of a storm with winds reaching 78 mph and I lost
some siding on the house which I didn't realize was the cause of the loud
banging upstairs. I thought someone invaded the house while I went to the
bus and was robbing us upstairs! My friend Joan came over and helped me
figure it out and is tall enough to reach out the upstairs window and
grabbed the long peice of siding for me so it would stop smacking the house
and windows.

Then today, we get this incredible day with weather. We are left with a lot
of branches on the ground, and a lot of trees split around town. But what a
day. You want to bottle this kind of day. After I saw my doc today and got
good news, I stopped by the fruit/veggie stand/market. I was thrilled to
discover they had added greenhouses out back and saw three huge rose bushes
that I've dreamed of getting for years and just never did, right there, in
front of me. UH OH..... I said I wasn't goona do it again! But yep, they
got themselves bought ha! On the way home, all I could think of was how
THIS is what makes me happy. Silly thing but yes. I was sooo glad with no
regret and how happy I was, I can't put into words. It was right. I got out
in the yard and planted one and a bunch of other plants too. I moved some
things around and it looks so good out there! I had to stop to take my son
to work but I would have been out there all day until my back went out lol.


Time to make dinner. It's cloudy out now. I hope tomorrow is sunny again, I
got a lot to plant *smile*

--lots of the usual complaint letters about deliveries not happening.

This past week I noticed beautiful flowers and plenty of them in the
supermarket. So much easier if you ask me.

I have none. Just sat through some of the lectures a few times and swore
never to again.

I had mentioned a friend loaning us hers, who gave us the online link and
her password. Apparently there is a $227 fee per year for her. She has
never used it, as she stated to us.

Here is the funny part. I narrowed it down to a few places. Then I looked
some of them up separate from the site. There were some with a good amount
of complaints. One condo, you bring your own sheets and toilet paper. Well,
I can do that in a cabin or camping too. Why should I do it at a time
share?

The best kicker was, I went to book one. There was a satisfactory few in
Marco Island. (beautiful actually) For several weeks it was on the site.
Until, and right up until, I tried to book it. Isn't that amazing, how it
can suddently disappear though? Hummm. Took all of five seconds. Poof,
gone. I kept my mind open and enjoyed navigating around the site, but I
think we are going to pass on this. It sounds like it could be a problem.
Since our friend hasn't actually booked or enjoyed her own week in this
time share ever, she couldn't offer us any advice either. She just gave us
the keys, so to speak, and said we could drive it.

We are going to stick with regular vacationing for now. :)

At my WW meeting the past few weeks a recipe discussion came up for WW
Brownies. It sounded gross to tell you the truth. I haven't yet made it
but plan to soon now. At the more recent meetings, those who tried it said
it was better than a regular recipe for Brownies. Here it is:
************
One pkg of Ghirardelli Brownie mix
One can black beans

Empty entire can in mix, don't rinse beans. Bake as instructed.

Brownies are 2 WW points each.
************

It was noticed that the beans picked up the chocolate flavor and when the
texture of the beans was noticed, people thought they were delicious
chocolate chips. Hummm

Shop rite is having a sale this week on that brownie mix, so I'm going to
see about getting it :)

Today I am going to a Mother's Day Tea with my daughter and the Girl
Scouts, like we did last year. I'm bringing pastries and drinks. It was
good last year so I'm looking forward to it. There were so many
activities, games, and pictures of mom and daughter were taken. The girls
made mothers day pins to give and did games with their moms which was
really nice last year. Should be good again. :)

Hope all the moms out there have a Happy Mother's Day!

Free colgate, on a myspace site with things to do and vote on.

http://www.myspace.com/colgatemaxfresh

And this one had some interesting information, plus some free tree seeds
today to help out by being more green. Does anyone else hear Kermit singing
that darn song when thinking of being green? lmao. It's ok, as long as it
doesn't get stuck in my head for the rest of the day hehe

WalletPop.com

Of all things. First the rice goes up, the milk, the eggs, and I don't have
to mention the gas. But pasta? What happened to 50cents a box or sales for
less? (I'm sounding old but I'm not THAT old haha)! Potatoes haven't gone
up too much but shhhh! I don't want to pay $3 a box for wheat pasta. I
think that is nuts. I was in the store today and had passed up on buying
it. I'm going to wait to see a better deal. Sheesh! I'm afraid to ask what
next.

and a lot of confusion. And no, not a food issue hehe :) That might
actually be easier.

My hubby has 3 vacation weeks coming up, not all together though, and
fairly soon. We now have this RV which we planned on using for many of our
next trips. But guess what happened? A friend of ours has offered us her
time share at a rate that would be foolish to ignore. She hasn't used eight
weeks, and it's costing her money to not use them, but she'd rather fly to
Poland to visit her relatives. She gave us her time share link with
password,said pick what we want and how many, and of course, I'm on here
for hours looking at all the places we can go and getting sidetracked
(overwhelmed). It would be easier to throw darts on a map and I'm just
about ready to do that.

Last year we had considered Williamsburg, but never got there. That's one
option. Camping in Hershey is another. Destin Florida, Marco Island
florida, are two other options or anyplace fun for the kids (Busch gardens,
not sure about Disney so soon again) Puerto Rico? We prefer to stay in the
US and keep airfare to a minimum, so we can do more trips. One big bash of
a vacation, or lots of little ones? close or far? Fly, or drive? Camp too?
All or nothing? lol

Yeah. Feast or famine! The next few weeks will be interesting to say the
least.

Watch, my van will need some big repair and this will be all just a dream
ha!

Feed me Seymour!!!!

I got that song from Little Shop of Horrors stuck in my head over this
weekend. I'm not sure where I heard it, but my kids were scratching their
heads and laughing listening to me sing it lol. So I wound up having to
sit watching some youtube clips of the movie online with them which were
dark and hard to see. I had to explain about that big plant, it was pretty
hysterical. I can't believe how long it's been since that movie first came
out. Time flies!

Anyway, now I have to find this movie in full because my kids are more than
curious (dying to see it) to see this giant hungry plant eat. lmao!

Yep. I got one of those crazy emails today from a friend. I looked it up
thinking I'd be sending her proof it was just a rumor.

It's not a rumor. It's true, according to snopes.
This is creepy.

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/cellgun.asp

A week ago, Lukoil and Wawa gas stations had contaminated gasoline with
water in it. They had to fix that problem but it must have hurt their
business, after having to repair the damage to the cars. They are running
sales on gas at $3.39 gal. Just last week it was $3.17 gallon on the
parkway which usually runs higher priced, and the lines were like those in
the gas shortage of the 70's.

This week, I saw $3.41 and yesterday paid $3.51 gallon. NJ is less
expensive for gas for some reason than the rest of the nation. However, we
are pretty pricey on everything else here.

I did get eggs at Aldis for $1.55 yesterday too, they are running about
$2.79 plus elsewhere for large.

I wonder how far it will go, while houses stagnate in sales?

Leanne

http://f.chtah.com/i/9/381647815/KMC_042708.pdf

http://www.mypeepeebottle.com/

Yeah and a coffee can is less likely to spill or miss if they are in the
car, plus...it doesn't look like lemonade to grandma who's sitting in the
back and looking to sneak a sip on a hot day. Ok ok, that's totally gross
and not likely (but kinda funny)! But if you are storing this thing and
someone doesn't know any better, it may wind up in the fridge if someone
isn't paying attention. Yuck.

A good idea,in one respect, but more like something someone can profit on
and make more socially acceptable than the old coffee can or porto potty in
the car. (truck drivers have been doing this for years btw, luckily not
mine haha)
What will they think of next?

I guess it will be here soon and I know there is a way to check. I'll just
be happy is all. That, and a 5th payday this month, plus an accidental
error in my checkbook to our favor = MORE VACATION FUN!! haah That's about
all we want to use it for right now, and maybe new carpet up the stairs.

Actually, if I say that too loud,and get too happy, my van will break
down,my fridge will die, and many other mighty money stealers will happen,
then bye bye to it all! So I'm going to hush on that heehee.

Hubby is already spending some of it though. He's charging stuff. He's so
opposite of me that way. I don't like to count chickens before they hatch.


Anyway, just dreaming of a few things here. But I know I'll just sock it
away like usual lol.