Take Ipod Shuffle off my Christmas List

You will never believe this. Remember a few months back when I washed and dried my Ipod

Here's the deal. I was going to tell the great news, that I picked up the Ipod which I never had disposed of, plugged in Boy13's earphones, and voila, it was working. I then switched to another pair of earphones, and nothing happened. When I switched back to the other earphones, still nothing. So I was all disapponted and didn't feel like reporting all that.

Then I decided to charge up the Ipod, since maybe it just only had enough juice to play 1 1/3 songs. Today it is magically working again. I am so happy. I also have time to write since I finished my research paper today, and played about 100 games of Spider Solitaire. That's my new stress buster. I have only one the two suit game once! I often lose the easy game, which I heard is impossible (except for imbeciles like me).

So, for school I am down to two last classes, including going out to dinner on Monday after one hour of class, one final exam, and a 5-6 page paper I've started a little on and it will all be over December 12th. I'd forgotten what a great feeling the end of the semester is. I will have nothing hanging over my head. I did always remember that feeling of always having something to do, but truthfully, I am handling it a lot better than I did in college the first time around. I have never been really concerned about not completing assignments or doing well so far. I have felt overwhelmed and bewildered about how I would complete everything, if that makes sense. Once I write out a little plan for myself, it becomes do-able.



Okay, that's the only picture I could find on the desktop computer to post (amongst all the Jeter/A-rod,Grateful Dead/Wolfmother pictures the boys have collected). I have all my photos on the laptop. That's Boy13 over a year ago in an all-star game.

Saturday Night

We finished up our family weekend with dinner at my mom's house followed by games. Whoonu again. This is where the person who is it, gets a card from every other player with different words on it, and has to choose his favorite things in priority order. For example, Nephew8 might choose cotton candy, bubble gum, miniature golf, chocolate cake and ketchup in that order. The person who gave the card with the top honors, get the token with the most points and so on down the line. Cards move to the right, and the next person in line is it to choose their favorite. Anyway, it's very quick, easy and playable for all ages.




After a round of that won by Boy14, we switched to Apples to Apples and Boy14 won that, too. Then my sister showed me how (tried to) to play Sherlock on the computer. She called it a logic game, but I called it insanity. I came home to relax with a few games of Spider Solitaire (easy version, and no I don't win everytime, so that makes me either a real dummy or just impatient).

Madz, thanks again. Once I accomplished posting the YouTube video, I thought I'd try a different picture placement in html, and it worked! That picture is actually from Thanksgiving Night, but close enough to our game tonight.

Are You Magic?

Try finding a movie to please ages 8 to 46. I have to recommend a movie called "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" even though over half our party tonight didn't like it (all the teenage males plus Pat). Betsy, Nephew8 and I all liked it. Perhaps I liked it best. The theme was to believe in yourself and anything can happen. Also, to enjoy the little moments in life. Like looking down the row in the movie theater and seeing all my boys lined up. At dinner Boy13 asked Boy19 how long it had been since he went anywhere with us. He replied, "Seven years." I'm sorry to say it's quite possibly true. Well, we had tonight. It was magical.



The above is a picture on Thanksgiving evening of my Great Uncle Cal, sister Betsy, me and my mom. We were watching a hilarious movie the boys spent all day making about a European rock star named Ricky Merrciaeux who disses a young boy for an autograph and has to pay later on.

This is a Thanksgiving Game

Here's how it goes:

You have to guess the five differences in the two pictures above. There's also a bonus, that I don't think anyone will find.

I have to admit when I was looking at the table it was easier to see the differences. Sorry I'm not a better photographer, but I thought it would be fun. The chair in front is not part of the game, I just didn't set the camera up in the same spot.

My first idea was to photograph the table in gradual stages of preparation, but I got distracted with this find it game, and then the turkey button popped prematurely, and I had to make the gravy.

My first time

Madz, you are so fantastic, even I can follow your instructions to post a You Tube video clip! Now I'm going to have to find more amazing video clips to put up. Wow. I am so jacked up.

So, the story goes, Boy13 was invited by a friend to the White Sox game September 16th. The boy's father had bought a special package with great parking, tickets, and food at one of those charitable auctions. The night before, the boys decided to prepare the sign just in case Thome hit his 500th homerun. They knew they'd be sitting down close behind homeplate. They met Thome's father (with his pregnant wife who is crying in the clip), went up and introduced themselves.

The score is tied in the bottom of the ninth with one man on, and Thome hits a walk-off. I don't think it could have got more exciting. Unless, of course, Thome played for the Cubs.

Time to blog, but what to blog about. I got my flu shot last week and my arm finally stopped aching. I usually get one every year, since work pays for it, though I'm not sure that is a good reason, after reading Ragged's blog comments. I don't think I've had the flu since Boy19 was two years old. I'm not sure what the flu is exactly, especially the one I was vaccinated for, but that spring in March I got sick, missing work at the bakery I was temporarily working at, which is unusual for me. I felt like I didn't recovery for 2-3 weeks. It was scary, not knowing when or if I would ever be back to normal. I have missed the shot from time to time when supplies were limited to the elderly, infirm, etc.

Speaking of flu, I want to see that movie Something something in the Time of Cholera. I don't know what it's about exactly, but it looks good, one of those period pieces I imagine like Pride and Prejudice. Never mind that I didn't see that one and it was probably exceedingly boring.

Note to self: add Ocean's 13 to my Christmas list. I don't think I saw it, but I think I know the plot. That brings me to People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive. Finally, they got the right guy. Did anyone notice, though, they have completely airbrushed his face for the cover? All of his perfectly human imperfections have been removed. So sad. In responding to the honor, he reveals more about his personal life than ever, in trying to defend how he's not going to talk about his personal life. Interesting. I'll forgive him that. One thing I like is his commitment to privacy.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

I thought I would try this new recipe my aunt sent me this year.

You Tube

I don't know how to post a You Tube video (and am not in the mood to learn) but we finally got Boy13 posted on You Tube when he was on TV for Jim Thome's 500th homerun back in September. It takes a while to get to the end, but you will see him in a yellow LSU shirt jumping up and down if you are patient.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLFpkxlhbU8

Darkening the House for Green Week

Pat and I finally got around to hanging the new drapes for the living room that came from JC Penney Oct. 16. There are very ahh, comprehensive. The idea was to get thermal coverage and warm up the house for the winter. Figured out one piece of the valance for the big window was the missing component. I had received a letter saying one part was not shipped. So I took the shaped valances back to the local store for shipping, and re-ordered scalloped valances for all the windows. They should be easy to put up, now that all the rods are in place. There was a minimum of swearing and frantic looking for the drill bits, etc. He has also put plastic up on several of the draftier West windows which should help.

Regarding the make-up. I told Boy13 I was going to put my make-up on today (since I bought $40 worth) and he gave such a petrified look, I know he thinks I look like Tammy Faye Baker, even though he doesn't actually know who she is.

My nephew8 told his mom that he had eaten Chocolate Lucky Charms at my house and thrown up one time. Is there such a thing as Chocolate Lucky's? I don't think this happened, Bets.

Cold November

The cooler weather has set in, and I'm none too happy about it. The wind has died done so it is not so bad.



Last night I gorged on a free dinner provided by the School of Social Work which was billed as a 'social' and getting to know the new students joining our cohort in January. It failed on the social account, because there were no formal introductions, and people sat wherever and only mingled with the small group at their table, if that. But the food was fantastic- pasta dish must've had MSG in it because I couldn't stop eating it. Key Lime pie for dessert, very sweet. I had a stomach ache all night.

Today I got nervey and stopped at the Clinique counter for a makeover. Wow, now I know why they call it "putting on my face" in the morning. It looked like someone else had taken over my head. Boy13 hid his eyes and said, "You're scaring me." Well, it was a drastic change. I do think it is time to start wearing some degree of make-up, however. It helps with the dark circles, age spots and other inconsistencies of old age.

It's time to get some work done on my next paper due December 3rd. Substance abuse in adolescents.

A Little More Mack

Since I don't have much else going on right now I will share a couple more pics from beautiful Michigan and Mackinac Island.

From the top we have a golf course belonging to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Below that Terri and me in front the hotel. I believe it cost $12 to go in and look around the hotel which obviously we didn't do. After 6pm Gents must wear coat and tie, and Ladies, no slacks. With rooms starting at $367 this was not our kind of place.

The large abode is Brenda and Roger's place in Ithaca. The white chairs are set up for the wedding ceremony. Below that, the lovely trees and pond that the house overlooks to the West. A really nice spot. I see why she left this area. The Canadian folks were saying that people are either Mountain, Ocean or Flatlanders. I guess that makes me a flatlander, though it doesn't sound real flattering.

Last of Soccer

Pictures won't upload. grrr

One week later, the boys are getting ready to form a wall, to block the penalty kick. #3 Orange kicked it over the goal anyway.

Above that, Boy13 gets some action.

Final games of the year: Tie 2-2, Won 1-0 on October 29, 2007. Boy13 and I had a nice time riding up to the games together and eating at Perkins on the way home.

Final Record: 6-5-1

Okay, they are playing with the big boys, not bad.

That's a Pastie

That picture below is the world famous Pastie. It's a little meat pie with chopped meat, potato, rutabaga and ?? Terri and I split this for a snack after having had a very filling lunch on Mackinac Island. It was quite perfect actually. The crust was delicious. Reminds me of the Nebraska sensation, the Runza, though the Runza is a little meat pie, stronger on onion. Boy19 really likes those. They are sold at a Runza chain, whereas pasties are sold at small roadside stands and gas stations, uncommercialized. One worker where we didn't buy a pastie said she didn't know how they came to be named, but they were brought over by the Cornish or Fins depending on who you talk to. Let me look that up and I'll be right back.

Wikipedia states the pastie is from Northern Ireland, but the information is a stub (look that one up!). Isn't Northern Ireland called Wales, which is the same as Cornish. Oh please correct me someone.

I thought this was really cute. The Uppers (Yoopers) called those from the Lower Peninsula Trolls (because they live under the bridge) and the tourists are called Fudgies because they are always in the fudge shops.

Taste Sensations

1. Name that Michigan taste treat pictured above for 25 Cents.

2. Beef/Elk/Venison Jerky - very big in Michigan, more of a moist variety, rated A-

3. Kettle Corn- sweet popcorn like we get at home, but lighter and crisper, rated A

4. Honey Crisp apples- juicy, sweet, crispy and priced better in Michigan, therefore rated A+

5. Pickled bologna- never heard of this one, but I tried it while cutting it up for the wedding and I liked it, though I don't meet too many foods I don't like, rated B

Mackinac Island

Ok, this is going to be out of order because I will tell you about the wedding day later. I am right now in what I thought was extinct, an Internet Cafe with computers, in Mackinac Island. I guess everyone else thinks a laptop is too heavy to carry around. Anyways...

We took the ferry over this morning and rented bikes almost immediately. We took a breathtaking 8 mile ride around the island. On the right was the crystal clear Lake ?? (Michigan or Huron). On the left was cliffs of forest and lots of hiking trails. We thought 8 miles riding was enough exercise, but next time I'm here, I'll save energy because there are tons of hiking trails out here. Only 7 bucks for the two hours. Not only was the water pristine, the air is so clean and crisp. The temperature is perfect, I'm guessing around 65 degrees. This is an awesome time to be in this resort area. Very little tourism and they're trying to get rid of all the merchandise cheap before winter.

I'm sorry I don't have pictures yet, because I can't download onto this computer, although I could probably find some on the Internet, but it's already costing $2.50 per 15 minutes.

We found out Saturday afternoon we weren't going to make it onto the Island last night. The last ferry left at 7:30 p.m. That would mean leaving the wedding at 4:30. The ceremony was at 2:00 but the official reception started at 5:00. Kind of rude for the Maid of Honor (Terri) to run out before the reception, besides the food was smelling really good, roasters full of pork, baked beans, salads, corn, green beans. It was yummy.

So, we ended up leaving Ithaca around 6:00 and it was 3 hours to Mackinaw City. Don't ask me why one is Mackinac and one is Mackinaw. We got a really nice Holiday Inn Express for $79 (off season). Their pillows are the bomb!

Got up at 7:30 in time to eat, cross the Mackinac Bridge (celebrating 50 years incidentally), and get on the ferry in St. Ignace at 9:00. It was too cold to ride up top. Everything has been perfect. I've almost got my souvenir shopping done. I had wanted a Michigan t-shirt for Boy13, but I missed out. Up here everything says Mackinac Island, very touristy. We had to stuff our buys into a locker because it was getting too heavy to carry. M.I. reportedly has the best fudge. I got two half pounds and I better not get my paws into it, because it's for my parents and Pat. Terri bought 5 half pounds. We chose some place that starts with M where the guys make the fudge in the window. What's with all the flipping it around that seems to be required?

Oh yea, you probably know there are no vehicles on the Island. Well, the horses are crapping all over the street. One guy is expected to walk around scooping it up, and he can't possibly keep up. We have not seen the Grand Hotel yet, except from the ferry on the way in. That will have to happen after lunch. Our return is 3:00. Then we are off across the Upper Peninsula (UP). You know they call them Uppers- I say uppers like the pills, but apparently you are laughed at for saying that because it's really You-ppers. I love the little language/pronunciation variations even within our country. Pasties.

I couldn't get my laptop connected at the hotel last night, and the desk clerks seemed to think I was an imbecile, because they just saw some little kid using his in the lobby. Thus, no pictures and wedding story, yet.

I just had to get a fix when I saw the Internet Cafe sign and actually saw computers set up inside. I'm the only one in here, BTW. And I thought those college girls were bad. Hmm. This is a real addiction. I hope I've said everything I wanted to, because I am not coming back in here. We are eating lunch in about a half hour, though I probably have enough sustenance to hold me for 3 days.

Last Evening

These are some friends of Roger from Canada. Keith has been all over the world on oil rigs (Turkey, Iran, Norway, Nova Scotia, Williston, ND). He and Roger told old stories around the fire last night about their adventures drillling for oil in North Dakota. The winter of 1980 was the coldest ever: -40 degrees and -123 windchill. Yow. I put that part in for my parents who are natives of ND, but were long gone by 1980. Anyway, Keith is a funny guy, ends most sentences with eh? We had a long discussion about Tim Horton's donuts (something I haven't seen since Buffalo, but there's one about 20 miles from here in Mt. Pleasant). The girls googled West Edmonton Mall which beats our Mall of America, in size anyway.

I'm looking out over a gorgeous field to the west this morning with trees in the background. The house has wonderful views and great big windows to see them from (more photos later). Last night was really comfortable. We all sat around watching The Family Guy, chosen by the under 25 crowd. Roger has two teenage boys as well. We all got a chuckle out of different things. I heard one of the girls comment, "This is a really nice evening." Brenda and Roger are very good hosts. Roger summed up most men's feelings about Chelsea Handler when we were watching her stand up routine, "She's nasty. My mother wouldn't like her."

There are going to be about 15 showers here this morning so I better get moving. I should be in Mackinac Island tonight. Ta-ta for now.

Brenda got a kick out of our quest for pasties (we pronounced it paste-ee). She corrected us before we embarrassed ourselves, it's pronounced past-ee. Pasties are like pot pies, not things you use to cover your breasts.

First Pic

Brenda showed us around her house and this is what we found in the closet??

Brenda's girls (college age) are arguing about which is better: Survivor Man or Man vs. Wild, and something about when one of them (Bear or S.M.) got naked and the blur spot was too small or too big.

Travelblog

I am now blogging my way to Michigan (Ginnie's stomping ground). My companion is my friend Terri who went on the East Coast trip with me last year. She is driving and that means it is daytime and not a metropolitan area. We only started about an hour late (9:30 am).

As we got near Galesburg, the trees started be those beautiful fall colors, so Michigan should be absolutely fabulous. My one mission which should be easy is to find a nice refrigerator magnet to bring back for someone.

Now at 8:41 Eastern time I am wireless in Terri's friend Brenda's home in Ithaca, MI. Brenda is from Illinois but recently moved here and is marrying Roger (Tom Selleck) tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. More on the great home (photos) later, when there's sunlight!

Oh, gotta run. There's a bonfire and marshmallows calling me...

Embarrassing Moment #2

First, I wanted to share this cute cartoon I saw in a college newspaper this week. Apparently, word has gotten around about our raccoon breaking in, and this is how he did it. We couldn't figure out how he got into that particular window, but now the mystery is solved.

My second embarrassing moment of the week (after having a chair pulled out from under me at school and falling to the floor) was when I stopped into McDonalds on Friday for an early lunch. I saw the old principal of our high school and was saying hello on my way to the restroom to wash my hands. I just pushed right into the bathroom and then as I was standing at the sink, I realized I hadn't really looked at the sign on the door, and sure enough when I looked to my right, there were urinals there. Luckily, no one was standing there. When I came out Mr. Sartore was politely ignoring me, but another gentleman that I know was smiling and had seen what I did. I thought it was pretty funny also.

Jokers

Here is Toke and Boy14 on their last evening together. I am up now (5:49 am) to get him off to the train for Chicago Monday morning. At 2:30 am I was sleeping lightly due to being on call for work, and I got up to change beds and there is Boy19, 14 and Toke making pancakes along with a large mess in the kitchen. My kids don't have school today, but Toke had to get up at 5:00. He's going to be killed!

Sunday seemed like kind of a down day for the boys. They were working on a movie, which has yet to debut. There was homemade skateboard jumps in the parking lot next door. They skipped another "party" that one of the Danish hosts was having. Toke seemed happy to hang out here most of the time. I heard Boy13 tell Toke he would possibly be over to Denmark in a couple of years. This cultural exchange has really worked out wonderfully. I couldn't have dreamed of a better experience for us all.

I'm thinking maybe I will take the video footage they made and edit it into something nice for them. I'll need to get access to the lab at the University that has Final Cut Pro in order to do it, but it is fun work.