>Leanne<

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=66038
45

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=UserA
ction&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=eta1&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=314488
1&maven_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.h
tm?extid=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-confu
ses-ambulance-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-eatin
g-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_sen
sational_home

http://www.styledash.com/2008/06/08/crocs-now-selling-heels/?icid=1615
984945x1203970282x1200411478

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.

http://www.freetreesandplants.com/

You get free plants, help stop a huge waste, and workers with
disabilities get jobs. Everyone wins! Cheryl

http://www.thegoodbuygirl.net/coupons

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!

https://www.valuemags.com/freeoffer/countryhomerdc.asp

While supplies last. 2 yr subscription free.

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.

Can we come up with anything else to use for advertising purposes?
LOL

anyway, here is a free entree for you. Enjoy if you have this
restaurant in your area :)

http://www.stircrazy.com/mother/index.html

We had fun, and we are tired! Lots of fresh air and perfect weather.
We left on the fly Thursday morning, booked a campground in Cape May
and packed in two hours WOW! The only thing I forgot was syrup for my
daughters pancakes. Using wash baskets to load the camper instead of
suitcases, is MUCH quicker! I loaded up the fridge and freezer by
using one too. We had our own spot, on a grass site. It was nice! Oh
except the masses of poison ivy which I had them clear because I
wasn't going to deal with it later lmao. We just stayed away from
brushy areas. It was there for years judging by the thick stems 25 ft
up the trees yikes!

We saw a movie, they had a little beach and ice cream. We left
yesterday (and came back though) and took a drive to the boardwalk,
early in the season, no crowds but some places were open. We took
Muffie on the boards too. Went shopping and used up some gift cards we
had. A lot of nice stores down that way.

The second day there were many girl scout troops that had come in for
a scouting event. My daughter, jumped right in and made friends. They
set up tents all around us and had campfires, and we had our fire too
with marshmallows. It was so peaceful, and fun. More fresh air, no
computer (we could have had it but chose not to despite my son's
begging and bringing his entire set up hehe)but my son figured out our
cable and set up a tv outside lol. Too funny. Kids are so smart these
days. I wouldn't have missed it for just a few days.

Cooking and cleaning in a small space, compared to a house, is so much
easier. Someday I want a smaller house!

http://green.msn.com/Articles/article.aspx?aid=357>1=45002

and on that note my Dirt Devil Breeze vacuum is trying to die. The
belt and brush needs changing in addition to the filter. In parts, the
cost is half the original price. To buy it new, is the same reduced
price as parts. I love the vacuum. I want to keep it. What if I bought
new and it didn't work as well? Then I'd have two bad ones to toss or
repair. I am going to get the parts. The suction is incredible so why
toss it. My rugs are in a hairy situation right now heehee j/k.
Yikes!

is new at TGIFridays and I had this yesterday when I took the kiddies
out to lunch (they are home on spring break). It's FANTASTIC!!! I
highly recommend this salad. I ordered it without the nuts since I
don't eat them. This salad was wonderful, almost sweet yet not with
balsamic vinegrette. Great for WW! Yumm

turned 17 this past week and today he is taking his written driving
test to get his permit. I'm so excited for him!!

He had me concerned for a while because he had NO interest in it not
to long ago. But, he had a girlfriend for about three days and I
swear something changed his mind after that!

Got some photos developed last night. You know, those disposable
camera types? Took it on vacation last year. Forgot about them.
Picked them up, and saw some odd cloudy sunsets and realized, wow
these are from that fire last year. My girlfriend talked to her friend
about it too. Funny.

This afternoon now, we are once again, having a raging forest fire.
It's been burning for about five or more hours now. No smoke blowing
our way this time but it's in the same area as last year, same one.
Sirens all afternoon told me to call the police and ask. It makes me
nervous but as long as the air is clear we are good for now! Twelve
fire companies came out to help. Hopefully this time, they nip it out
fast. I still have papers packed from last year that I never took out.
I'll take that as good luck for now.

I've spent it planting new seeds, putting in some hollyhocks and
bulbs. I put some poppies and four o'clocks by the new shed, moved
some of my daylily seedlings that have matured to blooming size, dug
out a weed rose bush and holly tree, and re-edged the garden beds and
weeded. Who needs weight lifting with this stuff? My body is soooo
sore today! To the chiropractor later for sure! Ouch lol.

A friend stopped by and gave me a housewarming gift for the camper. A
gorgeous set of dishes and cups. I am so excited! That was so much
fun. So we hung out in the camper with Muffie and yakked for a bit. I
showed her the new "door" I added to make the bedroom more private.
Now I'm crocheting a blanket to match the colors in there too.

Spring break next week, we are taking it out for a ride. Pray that I
don't crash the thing lmao!

http://www.itsevansville.com/2008/04/10/fed-ex-rap/

This is cute. Had to send it to my hubby the UPS guy hehe

http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2358


Oh my lol

I started up my walking again yesterday. I'm not very consistent with
it in winter, I'm a hybernator and like warm weather.

Well, it felt great to be out there again. The weekend was pretty
nice. I even walked a bit today.

But.......why when you start back up with anything does it get you
instantly sick? I haven't stopped coughing all day and it's upper
respiratory stuff so it's starting to hurt. Ack!

http://www.tulsaworld.com/common/printerfriendlystory.aspx?articleID=2
0080410_238_A1_hBack27460

Also:

Father Pushes For Autism Insurance Coverage

By John Koys GateHouse News Service tinyurl.com/3jvd5p

Lemont, IL - Four-year-old Gaetano Maniscalo has not played
catch with his father. He struggles to communicate his desires to his
parents. He often is by himself when his schoolmates and friends are
playing together.
Gaetano has autism.
His father, Guy, of Lemont, said when his son was diagnosed with
autism just before he turned 3, it was "a shot in the gut."
"Communication is first and foremost," Maniscalo said of the
primary difficulty Gaetano has as a result of autism. "He can't tell
you how sick he is."
His son has trouble communicating with words, Maniscalo said.
He will withdraw socially, and "he doesn't always like paying
with kids," Maniscalo said.
Potty training is difficult, he said.
Missing in the relationship between parent and son is "the
interaction you generally have with a child," he said.
"My wife bears the brunt of it," Maniscalo said.
The couple have three girls in addition to Gaetano.
Gaetano goes to speech therapy and occupational therapy, and the
expenses for his treatment are mounting.
"Autism is a complex developmental disability," according to the
Autism Society of America, "that typically appears during the first
three years of life and affects a person's ability to communicate and
interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors
and is a 'spectrum disorder' that affects individuals differently and
to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism."
According to a 2007 report by The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in 150
American children, and 1 in 94 American boys.
According to the book "Understanding Autism: From Basic
Neuroscience to Treatment," by Michael Ganz, it can cost $3.2 million
to take care of an autistic person over a lifetime.
Caring for all Americans with autism over their lifetime will
cost an estimated $35 billion per year, according to the Autism
Society of America.
"We're heading for a disaster," Maniscalo said.
State Sen. James DeLeo, D-10th District, is the chief sponsor of
Senate Bill 1900, which would mandate family health insurance plans to
recognize autism and autism spectrum disorders as a condition to be
covered.
It was sponsored in the House by Rep. Angelo "Skip" Saviano,
R-77th District, Elmwood Park.
Maniscalo testified before the Senate Health Committee regarding
the bill.
Insurance companies would be required under the measure to
provide psychiatric, psychological, therapeutic and pharmacological
care. Applied Behavioral Analysis also would be covered, along with
care and treatment deemed necessary as determined by the Department of
Health Care and Family Services, according to the bill.
The bill caps payouts to $36,000 per year.
The bill was written by Peter DiCianni, past president of the
Elmhurst Children's Assistance Foundation. He has a a 4-year-old child
was suffers from autism spectrum disorder.
A lobbying day for parents and organizations supporting Senate
Bill 1900 is scheduled for Tuesday in Springfield.